Yummy Lemon Garlic Chix Dish

I prepared this chix dish Sunday. Was yummy!!!
Hope this makes sense to you all as I am NOT a professional cook or food writer!!!
I seldom 'cook' with a recipe per say, always do my own thing.
DH keeps telling me ..YOU BETTER WRITE THIS ONE DOWN, every time I do a good one. Ha!!

Okay I used 2 small flash frozen chix breasts, all de-boned and skinned.
Could use the chix tenders as well or turkey tenderlion or cutlets.
In a pie plate mixed me up some lemon juice, about 1/4 cp or so, one big clove of garlic (pressed) , kosher salt, (to taste) , couple grinds of black pepper, and a small 'dash' of Mrs. Dash chix grilling seasoning. ;-)
Chopped up some fresh parsley , drizzled maybe 2 tblsp olive oil in , whisked well. Just eye ball it all and taste as you go.

Put all into a glass baking dish over chix in pre-heated oven on 400 degrees for about 20 min...(don't take long as the meat is not thick)...put up on 500 broil for like 5 min to lightly brown.
Took out oven, removed chix to small serving dish per person....added to the hot liquid 1 tblsp cornstarch mixed with tblsp brown sugar.
Pour over your chix in dish ...serve.

I served with angel hair pasta and asparagus, could go with so many sides.

I am thinking you could also add some Italian cheese also right after you take from under broil....will try that next time.

Maybe this could also be used for a mariande for grilling of chix/turkey, kabobs or pork chops or pork tenderloin .
Add some dill and use on a broiled fish, baked or grilled.
I bought some grouper to try it on this week!! ;-)

Today in a WHIRL...

Whew! All the house chores and laundry are done.
I am finishing up an early lunch, then off to market!
Back home to do DH his fav comfort meal.
I will be ready to hit the hay very early tonight with DH.
Very wore out! Hope sleep will come easy.
Good thing as we have to BOTH be up early , get ready and be at hospital at 7:45 AM!!!

Dr. Payne is to begin procedure at 9:45 AM.
No idea when we will be back home.
It is about 45 min trip there but I am sure coming home will be slow.
I am packin a nice KEEP LOLA BUSY AND NOT WORRYING BAG...;-).
Have my book, snacks, water and some needlework.
Thanks to all for the thoughtful encouraging emails and prayers for us!!

Monday.. Monday and BD gal Pic

Remember this one by The Mamas and The Papas?????
1966 #1 Hit

Monday Monday, so good to me,

Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be

Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee

That Monday evening you would still be here with me.

Every other day, every other day,

Every other day of the week is fine, yeah

But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes

You can find me cryin' all of the time

Monday Monday, ...

Here we are on this rainy Monday.
No time for much today have to go to big city for Aunt's doctor appt.
Hope this rain will let up, oh well will go at a safe speed and let the others fly by...;-)
Have lots to do this week to get ready for DH surgery Wed on his shoulder.
Don't want to have to be doing loads of home chores while he is trying to rest and recover.
So want all the cleaning and other things out of the way.
Will be a slow bloggin week for me.

Well here is a pic of the lil grand niece in her BD apron.
She is a doll. So cute.
Her Daddy is our nephew and in these pics I can see him in her face!!;-)
So here ya go for those been asking me for a pic and how she liked the goodies!
She enjoys cooking and baking and really knows a lot for her age.
Humm maybe I can get her and her Granny to make me up some of those delicious brownies they do.
Will tell them Unc 'needs' them for his recovery...(wink-wink) yeah right! HAAAAAAAAA!!

Here is a site with 56 FREE Apron Patterns!
Check it out.
http://tipnut.com/56-free-apron-patterns-you-can-make/

Apron Dress/Apron

Here is a sweet little project I did a while back.
I do love toile and so made this from some left over I had.
The color is the dark red I like.
Called an Oven Dress/ Apron.

You use the towel bottom to wipe your hands on.
I also made these pot holders to go with it.
I need more so will do some one day.
I also made a couple sets as gifts .
They were well received.

Here is where to get some basic instructions and pattern free for the oven dress.
http://www.craftsayings.com/projects/small_gifts/oven_door_dress/index.shtml

You can use whatever trims and fabric you wish to make them "YOU"..;-)

I used a nice hand towel, not kitchen one, that I caught on sale at dept store.

Seems to hold up better.

When I master the art of making a tuturial...will show you how to do the pot holders my way...easy !
Stay tuned!!

Rise and Shine

We can do more then we THINK we can..... as long as we THINK we can!
ANONYMOUS

I tell ya old Anonymous is a wise person.
I play mind games with myself all the time to get motivated or just to get done in a day what needs doing!!


Sadly yes I am not like I used to be..up early ,rise and shine an they say.
I would pop out of bed to greet the day as a bright shinny new one... new start!
Oh yeah those were the days.
Now it is crawl outta bed drag myself to coffee to jump start my body!!
Then maybe by noonish I may be ready to go.
I know so sad.
Hey I like to think I may have burnt myself out all those years of rising and shining!!
Oh well I think I can go get in shower and think I can go do what needs doing today...think I can.... think I can.........



Click on http://www.quilttownusa.com/mom/ssblock.htm for a great free quilt block for a beautiful Rising Sun Block.


Rise and shine
Meaning:
Get out of bed and prepare for work.
Orgin:
The earliest use of 'rise and shine' in print are references to the sun, as in this example from Maryland paper The Torch Light And Public Advertiser, February 1824:
Courage, child of Washington,Though thy fate disastrous stems,We have seen the setting sunRise and shine with brighter beams.


We don't get the phrase from such straightforward literal uses, but from its use as a wake up call for soldiers. In that context 'rise' just means 'rouse yourself' and 'shine' derives from the shining of boots that soldiers were expected to do each morning. When used in the British Army 'rise and shine' was, and still is, preceded by 'wakey-wakey'. The naval equivalent is "shake a leg". The term may not have originated in the British Army though - the first citation of its use that I can find is from America. That's in the 1916 U.S. Marine Corps Recruiters' Bulletin:
"He rapped at the door and in stentorian tones cried,'‘Rise and shine... Wiggle a toe.'"

Frosty Morn...

Well today is another cool one...frosty one too.
Sure hope nothing has been 'nipped in the bud' as they say. Will know in a couple days.
If has will set it all back a ways.
Loads of stuff was coming up and buddin out... from the fig bush to peonies and cannas along with gladiolus.
Makes me wish I had been keepin a garden /weather journal so I could look up years past weather to compare. Ha!!
Oh well what ever will be ...will be.

I have been wondering about ANNIES. If they are as popular as they were a few years ago.
I have made quite a few different ones over the years.
Still think they are such fun.
My favs were the Pilla Annies, see above in header, I did and the Wreath Annies.
I had an Annie Christmas tree one year with all kinds on it.
I have looked and looked for a pic of the Annie quilt I made for a gal and can not find it.
Will see if I have still got my design.
Shoot with this cold may need to re-visit SNOW FELLAS! ;-)


Supper...humm maybe I need to visit the 'winter/fall recipes' for a cold day one!
Maybe this one:

Spicy Tortilla Stew

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 ½ pounds chicken breast, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 small green pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chopped cabbage
3 cups water
1 can (14.5 ounces) low sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
3 cups diced red new potatoes
1 can (15.25 ounces) corn, drained
1 can (16 ounces) chili beans
1 can (7 ounces) diced green chilies
4 corn tortillas cut into strips
Directions:
1. Spray a large Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray. Cook
chicken over medium heat approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, green pepper, garlic and cabbage, cook an additional
5-7 minutes or until onions are translucent.
3. Add water, chicken broth, tomatoes and potatoes. Bring to a
boil and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in remaining ingredients, allow to simmer 15-20 minutes.

Cold Snap Here...Again

Well now seems our Spring weather has decided to leave and Winter is back!!!
At least no snow came back with it as some in other places have.
We have such cold temps for this time of year compared to a week ago, was some 80's days.
Down in 30's at night and early morn, high only 50ish!!!! North wind blowing today too.

Heaters just keep click'in on and $$ just keeps pouring out to the elec/gas company!!
Of course this is AFTER I took the pineapple plant out and the hibiscus, along with the spider hangers.
Just on porch mind you but still I am sure was a super shock to their systems to get so cold in a few days!!
Not much sun yesterday so maybe more today.
Suppose to warm up as week goes on. Will it really..hummm.
Just last Sat we were at the garden centers and nursery lookin at plants!
Was thinking what annuals I wanted in the side beds and pots.
Just can't quite bring myself to garden in 'long johns'.......well yes for me I would have to wear them, so very cold! ;-)

Cute Lil Goodies

Here are the two projects I worked on to be done by Saturday.
A cute little purse and a frilly Garden Pea Apron.
Both for cute lil grand niece Erica...;-)
Did not get a pic of her in her apron as I wanted...she was napping.;-(
Was worn out from all her celebrating of turning 5!
Now on to some other things I HAVE to get done !!!

We also were treated to a wonderful dinner by sweeties nephew Paul ,his wife Diana and Hollyanne Sunday.
Was a belated BD gift for DH...yes 60 is still being celebrated! Ha!!!
Yummy good foods and so nicely presented!
Dessert was delish..brownie pie..oh my so rich.
Will have to get her to share the recipe.

We had a great weekend...well all but the finishing up taxes !!! UGH!!! Oh well they are done for another year so that is something to celebrate I reckon!!!

WE HAVE A WINNER....again..;-)

Okay put all the comment numbs in a bowl that had a way of contact.

Dug in.......Pulled one out!!!

WOW.. NUMBER 1...so cool..!!!

So Mel you are the new proud owner of one of only 2 Ham Bone Bags in the world !!!!!.

CONGRATS MEL!!!!Standing Ovation!!!!! CLAP CLAP!!!CLAP!!!!!!

Email me your snail mail info and we are good to go!!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I have mine.

Let me tell ya , no one's a stranger when you wear it...they will look and say oh neat how cool is that where did you get it???? ha!!

So stay tuned for another give away in a few weeks or so!!!

Woe is me....

Well now yesterday was not as productive as I had planned.
While preparing our supper, early ...veggie & beef soup...I cut my finger.
Yes sadly did a dumb thing ...well kinda/sorta...put my hand out to catch a falling KNIFE..yes seems brain was not all in gear, was more a reflex thing.
Not as bad as it feels . Small, clean cut, no jags, DH keeps all the knives here very sharp.
Was a bleeder though ...finally got it stopped with tight bandage.
Sore now I mean to tell ya!
Woe is me.... woe is me..;-(

Here is pic of the sewing projects under way. Maybe can pick up later today .
Going grocery shopp'in with Aunt Dot this morning as today is Senior discount day at a local market.
Same market that gives ya 5 cents off for every 'green bag' you use...;-)

Oh the Drama of it all..

This is what I have decided to do about the FREE Ham Bone Bag Drawing .
If the #12 comment gal, Malinda, has not posted or contacted me by this coming Friday 7AM April 11, 2008, I am pulling a NEW # out of a bowl!!
Will only put those into the drawing that have a way to be contacted!!

It was brought to my attention that maybe she only has a pc at work or other so give her time to see the post.

I am learning as I go here... this is Lesson 4.( won't go into the other 3) Make sure you post on next freebie drawing that if you have no contact info you can't play!!

Thanks everyone for being so sweet about all this!!!
You are all dolls!!!!

Sewing and Birthday Gifts

Well since this is a '....and sew on' blog need to show more of the 'sew' of it less of the 'on' ...ha!
I made some pretty lavender sachets, so sweet, made for a BD gift so wanted to wait to post till after gift was received.
I used reg cotton fabrics, added old vintage jewelry , old pearls, etc, lace and trims, smell lovely!
Shame to hid them away in drawers.. ha!!!

I also made a purse..fun lil bag, goes together easily and fast... used the wooden handles this time and love that look.
Nice crisp Spring like fabbie... sort of conservative for the birthday gal!! Ha!!
Has a pocket on outside an one inside too, nice firm bag, used heavier lining.

Now this week have more to work on and finish up....GOT to get busy!!!!!
Some I can show, some I can't till after the gifts arrive to their recipients! You know who you are!!Ha!!
I do love doing pressies for my family an sweet pals...;-)
Wishing all a Happy Day!!!

Makin a Mess

Is it just me or is everyone else as MESSY as I am when I get to doing something!!
Be it paper, fabric, dirt and pots or COOKIN!
I am sure it is NOT everyone as there are these folks who are SOOOO good at never makin messes.
As you can see I will never be in that category!
Now this mess came from makin just one pot of soup.
I had already cleaned up from the first part of it, this is just adding the cabbage!!
At least I do clean as I go ..... most of the time!!
Picture if you will me preparing a meal for 12 or more !! Ha!!!!
Scarey ain't it!!!
Well it happens ....I will spread it out though over the few days till serving time ....;-)
Plenty of time to make a few cookin messes and cleanin 'em up.
So only YOU an I will know that I really am a messy person!!!

We have a WINNER!!!!

Yes we do!!!
Today being DH's OVER THE HILL BD but you get the pressie!!!
He called NUMBER 12 so step right up and receive your HAM BONE BAG!!!



Anonymous said...
What a clever idea...and greener too...:)Malinda
April 1, 2008 10:26 PM

Malinda I need you to email me your snail mail info so can get it out to you!!
primthreads@yahoo.com

This was such fun and I thank all who posted comments. Has been fun getting to know you all and swappin some blogger links!!
(REMIND SELF!!Got to get my links updated..)
I do hope all will keep coming back to see what else maybe poppin up around here ya never know!!!!

CONGRATS MALINDA!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!

Today my sweetie is 60 big ones...oh my my.
Time flies as they say even if it is not all fun. Ha!
We have been together over half his life....WOW...seems longer... NOOO, just teas'in!! ;-)
Been some good, some bad but hey that is living right!!!
I think I like us at this place in time though, really, we are more laid back with each other , stuff that used to be important seems not so much anymore.
Just makin everyday count and put those sweet memories in the memory bank for later, when one of us will be left behind for a lil while.

Anyway all I got to say is "the 60's" will take on new meaning to us now... haaaaaaa!
So happy he has went ahead of me so I can just 'walk in his path'...after all will be a few years before his 'child bride' turns 60...as my niece says I am 39.95 with shipp'in and handl'in... ;-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE PIE!!
..but I Love You ..MORE!! ;-)
SB

Flour Sack Towels

My pal Jana of http://sewgoodfriends.blogspot.com/ ( a wonderful blog, check it out, loads of fun stuff) has been doing these neat flour sack towels.

Just so cute and creative. Got me to thinking I wanna do some too and knew I had some flour sack towels somewhere.
In the process of looking for them I came across these vintage Aunt Martha transfers.
Picked up at a thrift or flea somewhere.

I have decided I just have to do the cute Animated Dish Motifs ones!!
Are they not so KUUUTE!
I did find 2 of the large flour sack towels in cream ...but I still have a package of white ones somewhere unopened....back to the hunt!!
Always a 'hunt' of some kind goin on here!!

Country Hams

Today I am writing about hams as in the HAM BONE BAGS...;-)

These ham bags are from old fashioned style Country Smoke Dry Cured Hams.
Seems some are not too familiar with these kinds of hams.
So maybe this will enlighten you some what , but I am no expert.
They are put in salt then smoked to cure, some places use sugar more in Tennessee.
They are not put in refrigerators.

Can read about it here : http://www.vapeanuts.com/virginia-ham-faq.html

So not a fresh ham you see in most grocery stores.
All gourmet stores will have some form of them. Look for some to be sliced in deli's also.
The most famous ones around here are the Smithfield Hams.
Paula Deen and Emeril Lagasse love these hams.

Paula Deen is now spokes person for Smithfield Foods.
http://www.smithfieldhams.com/category/4?gclid=CJ3SsMzavJICFQVYxgod1jAr2w

These bags are from 2 Felt's Hams from Ivor, in South Hampton County.


We buy them locally here.
http://www.southsbest.com/catalog/10570001.html

Red Eyes are good ones to http://www.smithfieldcollection.com/product/250/4

Edwards out of Surry County are too.
http://virginiatraditions.com/article.asp_Q_ai_E_213

We used to only have ones from the Wells Farm smoke house .
Alas no more hogs on farm, which is sold anyway and Aunt Dot stopped doing the hams a long time ago.
Sure miss those, as we feel none of the ones we buy ever quite capture that flavor.
That being said these are a good yummy second!

We have to soak them 24 hrs then cook..below.


I have a ham cooker/boiler I prepare them in...below.

Some use the oven method but I do it the old time way and feel they are better and not as dry.
We only fix one about twice a year...Christmas and Easter.
Slap a pc on to a hot home made biscuit with some butter...LOOOOORD MAMA!
Not something you NEED a lot of but so worth it!
Ham Biscuits are a tradition here , always on the party buffet or special occasions.
Along with fresh peanuts , fried or roasted.
Make up some good corn puddin from fresh Silver Queen corn, bake up some sweet taters, sliced ham, biscuits hot out of oven...wooo doggies ya got a true southern Virginia meal...sweet ice tea of course and fig preserves for the 'desert biscuit'.

Darn I am hungry now..humm ...leftover ham with a scrambled egg would make a mighty fine lunch... see ya!

Good Morn'in

Yes it is a good one here ...so far!!!

Up early and have already got a lot done around the old home stead!!;-)

I see some folks have posted comments on the Ham Bone Bags..Thanks gals!!!

All are in the running for the drawing this Friday!! YIPPEROONIE!!!

Love this stuff!!! May have to do again!!!

Come on now you know you want to have a chance at this very unique item!!!

Only 2 in the whole world...so far anyway... ha!!!

I have to get busy in kitchen workin on some 'special things' for some special gals who I will see later today!!

Wishin you all have a smashin day!!!