Recently while searching the Web, I came across this Link: www.my.goodoldayswantads.com While there I found a section that requested that people shower Shut Ins and Elderly People they know with Cards.  I thought this was a great idea! Thus I consider this to be a Link Worth Mentioning.   Here is an example:  of one of the pages at their Forum.

Received this in the mail years ago ... a Company was attempting to get me to join their Recipe Club.  Those who are interested in making and filling a non traditional Easter Basket this year may find these Scanned Recipes Ideas a good starting point .... and a fun Family Project over the Spring Break. Wonder how other Cookie Cutters would work? Might come up with some interesting designs.  If anyone makes these, send me your photos and I will show them.



Enjoy!

Enough Recipes for now... Will be starting another Topic in next Blog.

Those interested in filling Easter Baskets with Homemade Items may want to consider this tasty Recipe. Children will enjoy helping you make these Chocolate Covered Pretzels any time of the year, This is also a good way to use up left over sprinkles from Christmas Baking.

• 2-6 Hazelnut Chocolate Bars *
• Bag of thin Pretzels
• Wax Paper

*OR if you prefer you can use the Chocolate Bar of your choice adding in your own crushed and ground Hazelnuts or the nut of your choice. Can be made without nuts, with sprinkles or other candies substituted.   Melted peanut butter, caramel or marshmallow cream can be drizzled over them for those who are adventurous. A half of a cup of Crunchy Peanut Butter can be added for every 3 Bars of plain Chocolate.

Melt Chocolate Bars in double boiler or with a homemade double boiler or a heavy botton pot with a diffuser stirring frequently.  If using a diffuser, after the chocolate is melted, you must keep it melted by placing the sauce pot in hot water.  Do not allow hot water to overflow into the pot!

Using appetizer tongs, dip pretzels into melted chocolate then place on wax paper to dry.  Sprinkle with additional nuts or fun topping of choice if desired.  If in a hurry, place wax paper on a platter and place in freezer or refrigerator.

This makes a great Gift Idea for any time of the year.  I especially enjoy making them to give to our Neighbors during the Christmas and New Year Holiday Season.

~~ The Resource Links added here are predominately for the benefit of those who are new or adventurous cooks ... some of these items can be found in your local Grocer, Discount or WalMart type of store for those who want to be frugal. ~~

Enjoy!  Happy Cooking

Below is a Recipe for Heather who just had her first baby ... "Brodie". It's a Boy! Congratulations Sweetie... you sure have grown up since we first met at Listening Heart Farm Bed and Breakfast.

Heather has requested a Toffee Syrup Cookie Recipe made with left over crackers she tasted when she was a Guest at Listening Heart Farm Bed and Breakfast. Children and Adults both like this unique Recipe.  This Recipe was originally served to me by Toby, the wife of  Michael...  The Pastor of Lion of Judah Messianic Church, back in the 1980's.

• Enough Saltines Cracker to fill a Foil Lined Cookie Sheet *about 40
• 1 Cup Sugar (white or brown)
• 1/4 Cup Water
• 2 Sticks Butter (use one stick for cruncher cookies)
• Small Bag Chocolate Chips

Preheat Oven To 425 degrees.  Lay out the Crackers on a Foil Lined Cookie Sheet, back to back.  The Cookie Sheet will need to have a rim. A Jelly Roll Pan will work too. Bring Sugar, Water and Butter to a boil and stirring continually, boil about 5 minutes.  Slowly pour hot syrup mixture over Crackers which are laid out on the Foil lined Cookie Sheet, covering them evenly.  Bake 5 Minutes. Remove from Oven ... immediately sprinkle Chocolate Chips on top, smearing them over the Cookies as they melt with a Spatula or the back of a spoon.  Refrigerate or freeze till hard, about 15 minutes. When cold, break them into pieces like Peanut Brittle. If the Chocolate does not melt all of the way, you can put the tray back in Oven for a minute or so to help in this process.

Options, sprinkle crushed nuts over melted chocolate, I prefer Hazelnuts. You can vary the Recipe by using the left over Crackers of your choice; Graham Crackers will make this cookie even sweeter. Personally I find it sweet enough without the Graham Cracker ... but would suggest if you use Graham Crackers, that you try making them similar to Smores by drizzling melted Marshmallow Creme on top.  This is also a good way to use up Stale Crackers as once they are baked, the heat and moisture freshens them.

~~ The Resource Links added here are predominately for the benefit of those who are new or adventurous cooks ... some of these items can be found in your local Grocer, Discount or WalMart type of store for those who want to be frugal. ~~

Next:  Recipes for those looking to fill non traditional Easter Baskets.

Enjoy and Happy Baking!

After reading my 'Mississippi Mud' Recipe, a long time friend Brenda asked for one of My Favorite 'No Bake Cookie' Recipe. Can't remember where this Recipe came from:

When I was an Inn Keeper and Chef at Listening Heart Farm Bed and Breakfast... and Guests asked me to bake them something special; 'Death by Chocolate' was usually in their descriptions of what they wanted. Below is a Recipe given to me by my long time friend Randue back in the 1980's that always fit the bill. I am posting it at the request of a newer friend, Gordon. He says when he's depressed he uses Chocolate as a pick me up ... Gordon is battling with Prostate Cancer... and wants to thank anyone in advance who would say a prayer in his behalf.  If you would include Urba, Walter, Barb, Sherry and Laurie ... all those in such a battle, I know they are hoping to be cancer survivors too! Father we ask and thank You for the gift of a Miracle according to Your Will and Timing.



Randues' Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

• 1 Box Pillsbury Plus Devils Food Cake
• 8 Ounce Cream Cheese
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Egg
• 1 Tsp Vanilla
• 12 Ounce Bag Chocolate Chips

Mix Cake according to directions on box. Blend the rest of the ingredients together.  Fold in Cream Cheese Mixture. Bake 30-40 Minutes til top firm.  Cool on a cooling rack before Frosting.

Randues' Mississippi Mud Frosting

• 2 Packages Dream Whip
• 1 1/2 Cup Milk 
• 1 Pack Fudge Instant Pudding 

Mix together well.

Option: 1 cup of chopped Walnuts can be added to cake or frosting or both.

ADDED TREAT: Here is an excerpt of a Blog with another Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe, that one is made from Scratch, just discovered it while looking for an Image to post. If anyone tries it or has other's to recommend, do leave a comment.

A Muddy Cake Story.

Today, July 13^th

I discovered that today is the anniversary in 1832 of the source of the Mississippi River, for which we must all be very grateful, as otherwise we might not have Mississippi Mud Cake. Thank you Mr. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft.

Recipes are never actually invented, they evolve over time. The Mud Cake is a fairly new species which seems to have sprung off the American parental tree in the early 1970’s, along with its cousin, The Mud Pie. Its ancestors are the Brownie (a mud cake is a more sensible sized brownie, that is all) and Fudge, but there must be a few rogue genes in there too, as the early 1970’s recipes for Mud Cake also contain marshmallow.

This particular type of Mud Cake either never migrated to region Australia, or when it did, the marshmallow was removed, for all of the Aussie Mud Cakes I have met are entirely marshmallow-free (which makes them purer and better, to my mind, but you may disagree.

Every family has its black sheep, and at some time after the birth of the Mud Cake there sprang up something called Dirt Cake. I have never come across a live specimen, but in the interests of culinary history, sought out a recipe for you. It has an ingredient called ‘chocolate pudding mix’ in it, as well as broken up commercial biscuits (Oreos, which I believe are quite revered in their homeland), and I confess I could go no further. I am not sure what ‘chocolate pudding mix’ is, but I am pretty sure I wouldn’t like it, and I am very sure it has no place in a cake. Call me a purist. Call me a snob. Just don’t call me to the table and make me eat chocolate pudding made from a mix.

I would, however, be more than willing to sample this recipe....."

For the Recipe please check out this link worth mentioning The Old Foodie 

Enjoy ... Happy Baking!

UPDATE: Since creating this Blog I have been asked to post my Favorite No Bake Cookie Recipe by a Friend who tasted it while visiting our home. Plan to do so in about 3-4 blogs from now... as to do so sooner will interrupt the flow of its spiritual continuity. Thanks for your patience my Friend......

My 18 month old Grand Daughter really enjoyed reading Tickle the Duck by Ethan Long with me.  We laughed together as she tickled the various fabrics used on this Board Book. I thought this was a very creative way to play while reading.  Ethan Long has other books such as 'Stop Kissing Me' and 'Duck's Not Afraid of the Dark', as well.



She especially enjoyed reading Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth, illustrated by Laura Huliska-beith. Not only did she like reading this Board Book with me, she carried it around and read it over and over alone.  The  Ladybugs used in this book are made of hard plastic and the pictures are very colorful. The Book begins with 10 little lady bugs inside of a hole and as the child turns the page, they count down until there is only one ladybug in a hole. She liked touching them and trying to pick them up.

Duck and Goose, How are you Feeling? by Tad Hills is an excellent beginners book on teaching your Toddler about 'feelings'. It has bright and colorful pictures which illustrates with body language feelings, such as happy and sad, loving and scared and more.... it's a great book to help a little one identify feelings.  I checked this one out of the Library with the intention of reading it to my Grand Daughter over SKYPE (she lives an hour and half away), something we both enjoy. 


Although these are Board Books they can be read by different age children as the subject matter will span over several age groups and can also be used to teach 'first words' so eventually an older sibling can read to a younger one.   Good gift ideas too!

I not only made it as a Loaf, but I also added Chocolate Chips and a little extra Banana and made this Recipe into Muffins. If you decide to use extra Banana, nuts and Chocolate Chips in your Banana Bread, you will need to use two small Loaf Pans or one extra large Loaf Pan or it will over flow when it Bakes.


Banana Bread or Muffins

• 1/2 cup Butter
• 1 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 cup mashed ripe Bananas
• 2 Eggs
• 2 cups Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 c chopped Nuts or more to taste (optional)
• small bag Chocolate Chips or more to taste (optional)

TIP:  Ripe Banana's can be frozen in their skin or peeled first and placed in a baggie.  When they defrost they will be mushy, perfect for use in baking, puddings and smoothies.

~~ The Resource Links added here are predominately for the benefit of those who are new or adventurous cooks ... some of these items can be found in your local Grocer, Discount or WalMart type of store for those who want to be frugal. ~~

Enjoy and Happy Baking!

As one of the Servers of "Feed My Sheep" a Local Community of Volunteers who help those in need, one of my Roles is to help people find potential Resources.  A Community Group I refer others to is 'Angel Food Ministry', a Nationwide Group which hopes to help save on the cost of Groceries.  This Service is Available to Anyone ... and you can Order with others in mind.  Check around to see if your Local Community has a Branch and if not ... perhaps you could bring Angel Food Ministry to the attention of Local Volunteer Groups, as they may be delighted to become a Host Site.  If Angel Food Ministry is not in your area, 'Great Food For All'  a similar Ministry may have a Host Site nearby. UPDATE: A Reader suggested this Link: www.FoodShareAmerica.com  


Have you seen this editorial in the New York Times? Hunger in America is growing. 37 million people, about one in eight Americans, knocked on a door of a hunger relief organization ? that?s 46 % higher than three years ago. In an article in Thursday?s Times, it talks of the stigma of SNAP (Food Stamps) being lifted, and people who once would not seek them, now rely heavily on the resource.

Why is this important? America needs help. we need an answer for the vexing problems facing our own ? and government has yet to offer to the solutions. Yet, for 15 years, Angel Food Ministries has found a way to help people buy wholesome food for far less than they?d pay elsewhere, and it has also pumped needed funds ? some $26 million ? back into local home-grown organizations in over 6000 communities across 44 states.

It feeds people for less; gives money back and never seeks donations itself ? that is the model of a hunger relief organization on the cutting edge, ready to take on the challenges to meet the demands for those 37 million Americans seeking help.

Take a look at Angel Food Ministries; review our February menu; order for yourself or order for someone you know today.

Signature Box Balanced nutrition and variety with enough food to assist in feeding a family of four for a week. 1.5 lb. Top Sirloin Steaks (4 x 6 oz.) 1.5 lb. Boneless Pork Roast 2 lb. IQF Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast 2 lb. Lasagna with Meat Sauce 1.5 lb. Fully Cooked Boneless Chicken Drumsticks (Brand New Item! Exclusive to AFM) 1 lb. Lean Ground Beef 1 lb. Frozen Baby Limas 1 lb. Frozen Green Beans 1 lb. Broccoli Florets 1 lb. Rice 1 lb. Pasta 28 oz. Pasta Sauce 1 lb. Fresh Carrots 4 ct. Large Baking Potatoes 32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk Dozen Eggs Dessert 5 LB. ALLERGEN-FREE FOOD BOX Processed to eliminate the eight top serious allergens: Peanuts, Soybeans, Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacea, Tree Nuts and Gluten (wheat, rye and barley). Great for children and adults! 1 lb. Breaded Chicken Fillet Patties 1 lb. Breaded Chicken Tenders 1 lb. Breaded Chicken Nuggets 1 lb. Breaded Steak Fingers 1 lb. Breaded Chicken Wings Battered/Breaded with water, white rice, brown rice, modified tapioca starch, flax seed, sugar, salt, spices, dehydrated garlic, spice extractives and oleoresin paprika. Breading is pre-browned in Canola oil.

SENIOR & CONVENIENCE MEALS For Seniors or People on the Go! Ten perfectly seasoned, nutritionally balanced, fully cooked meals?just heat and serve. Each meal has been developed with the dietary needs of senior citizens in mind, and contains 3 oz. of protein, a starch & two vegetables or fruit. Chicken Parmesan with Brussels sprouts & zucchini Charbroiled Beef Patty with mashed potatoes, carrots & corn blend Macaroni & Beef with noodles, carrots & zucchini blend Lemon Pepper Fish with rice, peas & zucchini blend Mesquite Chicken with rice, carrots & green beans Spaghetti & Meatballs with corn, peas & carrots Boneless Pork Patty with roasted sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas & broccoli/cauliflower Cheese Manicotti with green beans, peas & carrots Chicken & Rice with Mushroom Sauce, green beans, corn blend Macaroni & Cheese with broccoli & lima beans Desserts: Assorted Cookies, Mixed Fruit Cup, Fig Bar, Strawberry Applesauce, Grape Juice, Apple Juice 6 LB. PREMIUM SEAFOOD VARIETY BOX Six pounds of the finest quality seafood assortment available. 2 lbs. Alaskan Snow Crab Legs 1 lb. Large EZ Peel Shrimp 2 lbs. Oven Ready Popcorn Shrimp 1 lb. Stuffed Crab in Natural Shell (8 ct.)

FEBRUARY SPECIAL #1    $23.00 6.5 lb. Assorted Meat Grill Box 1.5 lb. T-Bone Steaks (2 x 12 oz.) 2 lb. Boneless Pork Chops (4 x 8 oz.) 1.5 lb. Lean Hamburger Patties (4 x 6 oz.) 1.5 lb. Mild Italian Sausage Links with Cheese FEBRUARY SPECIAL #2    $22.00 5 lb. Assorted Meat & Chicken Combo 1.5 lb. Kansas City Strips (2 x 12 oz.) 1.5 lb. Prime Rib Steak (2 x 12 oz.) 2 lb. Gourmet Flavored Boneless Chicken Breast Mesquite (4 x 4 oz.) & Lemon Herb (4 x 4 oz.) FEBRUARY SPECIAL #3    $18.00 Stuffed Chicken Variety Pack $18.00 1.5 lb. Chicken Cordon Bleu (4 x 6 oz.) 1.5 lb. Broccoli & Cheese (4 x 6 oz.) 1.5 lb. Chicken Kiev (4 x 6 oz.)

FEBRUARY SPECIAL #4    $21.00 Super Value Fajita Kit (5+ lbs.) 2 lb. Steak Fajita Strip Packs (2 x 1 lb.) 2 lb. Chicken Breast Fajita Strip Packs (2 x 1 lb.) 1 lb. Onions & Bell Peppers 20 ct. 8? Flour Tortillas FEBRUARY SPECIAL #5    $22.00 Premium Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box 3 lbs. Tree-Ripened Oranges 2 lbs. Premium Red Delicious Apples 1 lb. New Crop Chilean Plums 4 Washington State Anjou Pears 4 Washington State Fuji Apples 4 Tree Ripened Tangerines 2 Tree Ripened Red Grapefruit 6 pack 1 oz. Boxes Premium Sun Dried Raisins 3 lbs. Premium Red A-Size Potatoes 2 lbs. Premium Yellow Onions 1 head Premium Leafy Green Cabbage

3 lbs. Tree-Ripened Oranges 2 lbs. Premium Red Delicious Apples 1 lb. New Crop Chilean Plums 4 Washington State Anjou Pears 4 Washington State Fuji Apples 4 Tree Ripened Tangerines 2 Tree Ripened Red Grapefruit 6 pack 1 oz. Boxes Premium Sun Dried Raisins 3 lbs. Premium Red A-Size Potatoes 2 lbs. Premium Yellow Onions 1 head Premium Leafy Green Cabbage 1 lb. Premium Whole-Peeled Baby Carrots 1 lb. Dried Pinto Beans

FOOD STAMPS ACCEPTED   AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE