Albuquerque, NM

We are looking forward to out upcoming trip to Albuquerque, NM in April. Details to come.....

Jasmine's 13th Birthday

Jasmine wanted to go bowling for her Birthday

She invited two friends, Kate and Ronnie

JJ's 1st Birthday

JJ was so cute he touched the candle immediately with his fingers.

He really got into it!

Jasmine and I

Christmas Cookies

I have been busy making cookies for Christmas.

I have made Oreo Truffles, Peanut Clusters, Buckeyes, Dream Bars, Fudge (Jazzy's version), Snickerdoodles, Crunchies and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Whoa!

Oreo Truffles This year I made them with Mint Oreos.
Peanut Clusters These I made in the Crock Pot. They were very easy it only took 3 hours and they were ready to drop on wax paper. I do think I'll use parchment paper if I make these again.
Buckeyes I dip them all the way in melted chocolate.
Fudge Jazzy's friend gave her this recipe so I made her make it. We didn't use any nuts. I think I would use walnuts next time.
Crunchies I had these at work. Joanne brought them in for our Holiday Party and I wanted make them also. So easy.

I've spent most of today baking. I did make the Oreo Truffles last week because I needed 6 dozen for a cookie exchange that got cancelled due to weather. Oh well, I'll just give them away and I know they will get eaten.

Christmas Shopping in Branson

I am finally getting around to writing about my trip!

I kinda stalled on posting about this trip because I only took a couple pictures and one of them had my niece Alyssa's Christmas present front and center in the picture. So, I didn't want to give away any of the upcoming surprises.

I was only home for 3 days from Thanksgiving in Missouri to turn around again and fly back out to Kansas City, MO. I flew in Thursday December 4 in the afternoon.

I had a blast with my 4 Sister-in-laws and my Mother-in-law. We were able to see two shows and do tons of shopping! I was the newbie to their annual trip, I learned really quickly what happens on this Girls Shopping weekend. Basically, they "shopped til they dropped", ate well, and saw great entertainment!

I brought and extra suitcase and it was filled with only gifts to take home.

The Pineapple Cheese Casserole

The Pineapple Cheese Casserole was hit at Thanksgiving. I wasn't sure everyone would like it. They did! I think I'll make it again at Christmas to share it with my Brother and Sisters and their families.

Thanksgiving in Missouri

We had a quick trip as usual. We drove out to Kansas City, MO on Wednesday November 26th. Jasmine got to (I'm not sure she thought of it that way, she missed a party) miss a half day of scheduled school on Wednesday. In the past we have left after Jasmine is out of school on Wednesday so, it was nice to get a little of a head start this year.

We had a great time as usual seeing the family. Thanksgiving day was filled with Food, Fun and Family!

Table

We finally got it! It is beautiful and Keith took it to the bus a couple weeks ago now.

I was very impressed with it when it arrived at the house. They also sent a spice rack and paper towel holder made of maple.

I have been a horrible wife, I haven't been down to the bus in so long, I have yet to see it in the bus. Keith says it looks good. I will post pictures soon.

Homemade Mixes

I went looking for a way to make the Pot Roast I posted without using the packets. I am trying to get away from packets because of the sodium and other preservatives in there, I can't even pronounce some of these things. So, when I make the Three-Packet Roast I will probably substitute all the packets. Who knows if it will taste the same, we'll see.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
From Momadvice blog

Ingredients:
½ cup dry buttermilk
1 tbsp dried parsley, crushed
1 tsp dried dill weed
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried onion flakes
1 tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp ground pepper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in your food processor and grind until it becomes a fine powder. Store in an airtight container. To prepare the dressing: Combine one tablespoon mix with one cup of mayonnaise and one cup milk.

Homemade Italian Seasoning Mix
From busycooks.about.com

1/3 cup dried oregano leaves
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. onion salt
1/3 cup dried basil leaves
2 Tbsp. rosemary leaves, ground down to 1 tsp.
1/4 cup dried thyme leaves
Preparation:

Combine all ingredients and store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry place.

Brown Gravy Recipe
From cdkitchen.com

Ingredients:
1/4 cup Soy sauce
1 tablespoon Cornstarch
1 tablespoon Sugar
1 tablespoon Sesame oil
1/2 cup White wine

Directions:

Blend all ingredients and cook until slightly thickened.

Three-Packet Roast

This recipe is from Everyday Cheapskate

Here is yet another recipe that I haven't tried yet. I will try it soon although, I think I'll tweak it slightly by putting in vegetables.

I know it seems crazy to post without trying it, but this blog has been a good place to save things. Let me know if you try it and leave a comment.

1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
1 packet dry brown gravy mix
1 beef roast

Place the roast in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry mixes over the roast. Pour 1 cup water into bottom. Cover. Cook on low for 7 hours.