Blessing Mix

Bugles corn snacks as the cornucopia, horn of plenty.
Pretzels for arms folded in thanks and prayer.
Candy corn for the five kernels of corn that
The Pilgrims were each allotted during the winter.
Dried fruits for the celebration of the harvest. 
Peanuts represent the seeds of a bountiful harvest
for the next season if they are planted and well tended. 
Add other ingredients such as dry cereals, candies, 
Or marshmallows can also be added.

Make this mix as a family and eat while discussing each ingredient and how it relates to Thanksgiving.

Gramsy's Apple Dumplings

2 cups flour

3 tsp baking powder

½  tsp salt                 

1/3 cup shortening

1 cup milk

4 - 5 apples, peeled, cored, thick slices                    

Mix dry ingredients.  Cut in shortening.  Add milk to form dough.  Roll out to 12 x 9 on floured surface.  Fill center with a row of sliced apples.  Roll into a tube and cut into slices about 1 inch wide.  Place dumplings beside each other in 9 x 13 pan. Prepare sauce.

SAUCE TO POUR OVER:

1/2 cup flour                                                

1 tsp cinnamon                                           

1 cup apple cider or apple juice

1 cup sugar

2 TBSP butter

Bring cider to boil in sauce pan.  Mix flour and sugar together in small bowl then add to cider.  Add butter.  Stir until thick. Pour over dumplings.  BAKE 350° for 50 - 60 minutes.

                                                                   

Chocolate Candy

Best Banana Bread

Whenever I have a few ripe bananas I like to make this recipe for my family.

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs

1/2 cup sour milk (milk & 2 TBSP cider vinegar)

1 tsp baking soda

2-1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

3 bananas, mashed with a pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts
sprinkle love on top

Mix ingredients in the order listed.  Pour into 2 medium greased bread pans.  Bake at 350 for 40 to 50 minutes.

Chili Mac

1 - 2 lbs. ground beef

1 green & red pepper, chopped

1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 large can tomato sauce

2 - 14 oz Italian stewed tomatoes
salt & pepper to taste
1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 cups macaroni, uncooked

Brown ground beef, with green & red peppers, onion and garlic, salt, pepper.
Drain fat from meat.

Add tomato sauce and stewed tomatoes and brown sugar. Simmer 30 minutes. Cook 2 cups macaroni according to directions. Drain. Add macaroni to chili.  Let set for 5 minutes. Optional:  top with shredded cheese.

Teddy Bear Quilt

When I found this flannel teddy bear fabric I knew this would be my second quilt just in time for Valentine's Day, 2009. Richard helped me calculate and measure the pattern pieces. It was constructed with diagonal strips and quick to put together.

Frog Quilt

December 2008
In the fall of 2008 I attended a craft show and  fell in love with a flannel quilt. It became a family favorite and used often. I remember laying with that quilt over me as I studied the construction. I pulled and separated the layers and discovered batting in between the flannel top and fleece backing. It had  a machine top stitch  through the first 2 layers. The squares were simple and the border pulled everything together.  I decided to try making my first quilt.

My sister Heather collected frogs for years and I couldn't resist this sweet frog flannel fabric with green fleece backing.  I attached cute little frog buttons and made a matching pillow case. I didn't know about using a walking foot to prevent puckering on such thick layers. One of many lessons in my quilting creations.