Todays Ezekiel flour

lentils
green split peas
barley
rice
pinto beans
kidney beans
garbanzo beans
navy beans
black beans
popcorn
oatmeal
I ground all of these twice, once on coarse and then on fine. I then added rye flour and spelt flour.
I always forget how messy grinding flour is. That is why I grind large batches at each grinding.

IT snowed last night

It snowed last night an inch or two. I think it snowed one other time this winter but we were in Branson and missed it. I can hear the water dripping outside my window so its already on its way out. We haven't had a good snow to sled in for a long time.

There is suppose to be a special moon tonight. Be sure to look at it.

My feta cheese is still dripping so I will let it hang until it quits and then finish it. I already got 1/2 gallon of whey from it.

The wheat grass is looking good. It should be ready to use in a week or so.

The pinto beans are cooking in the crock pot.

The kefir is doing great. I had left it in the fridge for about three months and I just rinsed it. Put some milk on it, covered it and let it sit, I did this twice discarding the liquid. I think it is awake and ready to go now. It looks good and creamy. I am ready to make smoothies with it.

We have been invited out for supper tonight. So when we go to town I would like to stop by the store and buy some cabbage to start fermenting some kraut.

An ambulance went by a while ago, I guess there was a wreck on down the road east of us. If it came back by it wasn't with lights and sirens so hopefully that means all is well.

The girls are all spending the night with a friend whose sister has twin baby girls so I am sure there will be plenty of baby love going on.

I am hoping to get some starter from a friend so I can try making Candy's amazing bread. It looks dense and healthy.

More tragedy

Edit: Aparently the son is not dead. He is in very bad shape though, sorry for the misinformation.

Wow, too much for this little town to take.
Now there has been a murder and I guess you would call it a suicide. A young man shot and killed his step father and then turned the gun on himself. The man died instantly and the step son is dead now too. That is three deaths in one day here.
Mollie babysits for the sister of the murdered man. Pray please for the families affected by these tragedy's today.

Getting ready to walk on treadmill

I just finished spreading the sprouted wheat berries over my sterilized manure. I had enough left over to start a batch of reguvalac. I don't know how that will taste but I will find out in a couple of days.

The black beans are cooking. Tonight before bed I will package them for the freezer and then put the pinto beans on to soak. When they are cooked I will have navy beans, black beans and pinto beans in the freezer for ease of use. It is much cheaper doing it this way than to buy cans of beans.

I need to make some milk up from the non instant powdered milk so I can maybe make the feta cheese tomorrow. I don't think I will get it done today.

Tragedy

A young husband and father fell asleep this morning on his way to work. Its reported that he rolled his vehicle and died at the scene. This 32 year old was a local rancher and his wife is the ag teacher at the high school. They have an adorable daughter who is about two years old. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Justin Kolbe passed 12-30-09

Wednesday Menu

Breakfast: soaked oatmeal with honey and butter or brown sugar and butter

Lunch: Lentil Soup
by Crystal Miller
1 small or ½ large onion, chopped
2 T olive oil
3 cups of lentils
1 T. salt
12 cups water
1 can Rotel Tomatoes
Sauté chopped onion in olive oil. When onion is soft add lentils, salt and water. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until lentils are soft. Add Rotel Tomatoes. This dish is spicy and tastes good when served with a dollop of sour cream in each serving.

Supper: Salmon patties Made with 1 can of salmon, 2 eggs and crackers, fried in Olive oil
steamed veggies
rice

Today I sterilized manure?????

I am sprouting wheat so I can grow it for wheat juicing. One of the places I read on how to do this said to sterilize my soil in the oven. I guess the potting soil I bought has a high percentage of manure in it so I now have sterilized manure if there is such a thing. Hannah filled my roaster with potting soil and we put it in the oven at 275 for an hour or so. The oven then smelled like manure. I thought oh great. When I went to cook my chicken tonight I was afraid it would still stink but luckily it didn't.
The seeds should be sprouting in a couple of days and then I will plant them in a big plastic tray I have. You don't really plant them as in cover them with soil you mainly just put them on top of the soil and they dig their roots down into a pretty complex system very quickly. You are suppose to be able to make three harvests from the wheat grass, that way you can get the next batch started in time so that there is not a long period between grass to harvest. It will be interesting to see how this works out.
I do love juicing. I like to drink a small glass of juice a few times a day. My counter has kefir, wheat berries sprouting, black beans soaking and kombucha making on it. I wish I had a cabinet where I could stow this so it didn't sit out on my counter.
Oh and there is oatmeal soaking in a pan on the stove for breakfast tomorrow. I am trying to remember to soak my grains. We had rice for supper and I didnt even think of soaking it so I still have some re-learning to do.

The erasable Bible

Check out the new erasable bible:http://www.eadshome.com/flashanimations/erasablebiblegospel.swf

I am writing an e-book

I know of folks who write e-books and make a little money from them. We each have certain knowledge about different things and its a way to share that knowledge with others.

I have a tendency to stab myself in the foot because I give away too much and when I need to make money no one buys because I've already given them more than they can use. That has happened to me recently. I need to learn moderation.

This will actually be my second e-book, the first one customers will receive as a free download when they purchase my soap. It was so much fun to write that I decided to try writing a larger piece of work and charge for it. Of course it will still be a nominal fee.

My first e-book the free download with purchase one is about making and using Ezekiel flour.
The e-book I am writing now is about food storage. Folks who know me in real life know that I know a few things about that.

Wow. Merry Christmas to you too.

Arrow Long Haul Truck Drivers Wake to Nightmare before Christmas
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009 –
On Tuesday, as many as 1,400 truck drivers for Arrow Trucking Co., based out of Tulsa, OK, have been frantically trying to figure out their next moves as the company unexpectedly announced it was "suspending all operations" that day.
Truckers started calling in to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and Land Line after they were awakened with phone calls from their dispatchers alerting them to the grim news that the company was shutting its doors and that their instructions were to turn in their trucks to the nearest Freightliner dealership. However, no instructions were given for drivers of International trucks. Drivers have been instructed to drop their vehicles off at the nearest Freightliner dealership and to leave their keys with an attendant there or at a truck stop if they are out of fuel.

What I've accomplished so far today

So far today I have made 5 gallons Pink Monkey hand cleaner and
4 /30ct. batches of Pink Monkey bar soap in oatmeal milk and honey.

I am working on making my bar soap available via Internet. I will be adding other fragrances as well as the hand cleaner once I get the system figured out.

I am blessed to have a friend help me with this process. She is experienced with the process.

Listen Carefully-My how things have changed.

Red and the pledge:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPbIls0iOnI&feature=related

John Wayne:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jf3MQpffBc&NR=1

This is what I am making for supper tonight

The trick to a great French onion soup is starting with good stock. French onion soup is usually made with beef stock. I've made delicious soup with stock from the leftover rib and chine bones of a rib roast. Another important element is the proper caramelization of the onions. Caramelizing onions take at least thirty minutes of slow cooking the onions over medium high heat. The browning, or caramelizing, of the onions brings out the sweetness in them.

French Onion Soup Recipe

Ingredients
6 large red or yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced.
Olive oil
1/4 teaspoon of sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups of beef stock, chicken stock, or a combination of the two (traditionally the soup is made with beef stock)
1/2 cup of dry vermouth or dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon of dry thyme
Salt and pepper
8 slices of toasted French bread
1 1/2 cups of grated Swiss Gruyere with a little grated Parmesan cheese
Method
1 In a large saucepan, sauté the onions in the olive oil on medium high heat until well browned, but not burned, about 30-40 minutes (or longer). Add the sugar about 10 minutes into the process to help with the carmelization.
2 Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the stock, vermouth or wine, bay leaf, and thyme. Cover partially and simmer until the flavors are well blended, about 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Discard the bay leaf.
3 To serve you can either use individual oven-proof soup bowls or one large casserole dish. Ladle the soup into the bowls or casserole dish. Cover with the toast and sprinkle with cheese. Put into the broiler for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F, or until the cheese bubbles and is slightly browned. Serve immediately.
Serves 4-6.

Soups I want to try with recipes

Lentil Soup with Bacon
CDKitchen
http://www.cdkitchen.com
Serves/Makes: 6 Difficulty Level: 3 Ready In: 1-2 hrs
Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1 slice bacon, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
7 cups (or more) canned low-salt chicken stock
2 cups dried lentils
2 large sprigs fresh thyme
OR1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
Directions:
Combine onion, celery, carrot, bacon, and garlic in a heavy, large Dutch oven. Stir over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover and cook until veggies are tender, about 7 minutes. Uncover and add 7 cups broth, lentils, thyme and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.
Discard thyme and bay leaf.
Transfer 1/2 of soup to a food processor, cool slightly. Puree until smooth. Return puree to Dutch oven.
(Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Bring soup to a simmer, thinning with more broth, if disired. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. Combine parsley and chives in a small bowl. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle the mixture over and serve.

Soups I want to try with recipes

Taco Bean Soup
CDKitchen
http://www.cdkitchen.comS
erves/Makes: 6 Difficulty Level: 3 Ready In: 2-5 hrs
Ingredients:
1 can black beans, undrained
1 can pinto beans, undrained
1 can northern beans, undrained
1 can garbanzo beans, undrained
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can diced green chiles
1/2 pack taco seasoning
1 pack Ranch dressing mix
3 shakes garlic powder and onion powder
Directions:
Add all ingredients to crockpot. Cook on low till heated through, 4-8 hours. This soup is very forgiving so if you need to cook it longer it's ok. Serve with tortilla chips, grated cheese, sour cream and/or salsa.

Soups I want to try with recipes

Bean Barley and Sausage Soup
CDKitchen
http://www.cdkitchen.com
Serves/Makes: 8 Difficulty Level: 3 Ready In: > 5 hrs
Ingredients
:1 pound dried kidney beans, rinsed
1 pound smoked Polish sausage -- sliced
7 cups water
1 cup barley
2 cloves garlic -- peeled
3 bay leaves
Directions:
Soak beans overnight. Drain and add to crockpot with all ingredients. Cover; cook on high for 4-6 hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Soups I want to try with recipes

Baked Bean And Wiener Soup
CDKitchen http://www.cdkitchen.com
Serves/Makes: 8 Difficulty Level: 3 Ready In: 30-60 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 pound frankfurters -- sliced diagonally
1 clove garlic -- minced
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
2 cups tomato juice1 cup water
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 can (21 oz) baked beansshredded cheddar cheese -- as desired
Directions:
In large pan saute onion, wieners and garlic in margarine until onion is tender. Stir in flour and mustard. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in tomato juice, water, Worcestershire sauce and baked beans; cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish each serving with cheese.
(I also add a little A-1 sauce sometimes, or use V-8 juice instead of tomato--whatever's handy!)

Amish bean soup recipe

Amish Bean Soup
CDKitchen http://www.cdkitchen.com
Serves/Makes: 6 Difficulty Level: 3 Ready In: > 2 hrs
Ingredients:
1 pound navy beans
3 quarts water
1 teaspoon salt1
pinch baking soda
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1 cup chopped celery
2 medium onions, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 pound ham meatHam bonesLeftover ham drippings
1 cup mashed boiled potato
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme,
optional2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions:In a large soup kettle, combine the beans, water, salt and baking soda. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, skim off foam, re-cover, and let stand for 2 hour. (The beans can also be soaked overnight if you prefer.)
Add the remaining ingredients except the parsley and simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Watch beans, for the cooking time will vary and the beans should not get mushy. Remove the ham bone and dice any overly large pieces of meat and return to the soup. Add the parsley just before serving. This soup freezes very well.
NOTE: In every Amish and Mennonite restaurant, you will find bean soup on the menu, though in their homes it is eaten mostly in the winter. At some tables, a cruet of vinegar is passed to sprinkle on the soup. Cornbread is the perfect accompaniment.

Soups I want to try with recipes

Porcini Mushroom Soup
Not everyone loves giant slurpy pieces of mushrooms, if this is you, simply chop the larger porcini into smaller pieces before soaking them. I should mention I decided to add some oven-roasted chestnuts* to this soup as well - totally optional, although they add an unexpected dense, sweetness, and are a traditional pairing with porcini. I also like this soup with a couple handfuls of cooked brown rice or farro or wheat berries thrown in. And most important -getting the salt right in this soup makes all the difference in the world. If you under-salt the soup it will be flat and the mushroom flavor will not come into focus, so be mindful of this. And lastly, when you go to reheat any leftovers, you may need to add a bit of water, and readjust the seasoning again.

2 ounces of dried porcini mushrooms
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 shallots, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds small new potatoes, cut into 1/3-inch pieces
3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 cups water1 1/2 - 2 teaspoons salt
Extra toppings (optional) freshly grated Parmesan,
chopped sun-dried tomatoes,
fresh chives or fresh thyme.
Soak the porcini mushrooms in 2 cups of hot water for about 15 minutes, or until they are soft. Set aside.

Heat a splash of the olive oil in a large thick-bottomed pot, saute the shallots for a couple of minutes, then stir in the rosemary and potatoes. Add the remaining olive oil and cook for about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, the porcini along with the soaking liquid, the 4 cups of water, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for ten minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Taste. If the broth is too intense, you may want to add more water a bit at a time. And take care to get the salt right as well, it's important in a simple soup like this.
Serve as is or topped with any number of the ingredients I listed up above.
Serves 4-6.
*To oven-roast chestnuts, heat the oven to 400F. Prepare the chestnuts by setting them flat-side down. Now carefully cut a small 'x' into the round side of each chestnut - to allow steam to escape as they are roasting in the oven. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake cut side up, for about 20 minutes or until fragrant and the edges of the 'x' cuts begin to peel back a bit. Remove from oven, let cool, peel, and cut into quarters. I always roast a few extra chestnuts while I'm at it in case there are a couple that are off or moldy when you go to peel them.

Some soups I want to try

6-8 corn tortillas,

cut in half and then into matchstick-thin strips

a big splash of extra virgin olive oil

fine grain sea salt
20 small yellow or red cherry tomatoes
another splash of extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 large white onion, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon cayenne or other spicy red chili powder

1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes

6 cups vegetable broth (or water)
a few sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup of goat cheese, crumbled
Gently toss the tortilla strips with a glug of olive oil and salt. Turn them out onto a baking sheet, arrange them across the pan and bake in a 350F degree oven for 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Halve (or quarter) the tomatoes lengthwise and put them in a small roasting pan, oven proof dish, or rimmed baking sheet. Toss with a bit of olive oil and a pinch or two of salt. Bake in a 350F degree oven for 40-45 minutes (less time if you use smaller cherry tomatoes), or until the tomatoes are shrunken and golden around the edges. The tomatoes keep nicely in a jar for days (refrigerated), so you can do this part in advance if you like. Set aside.

Now for the soup itself - in a big pot over medium-high heat cook the garlic and onions in a splash of olive oil along with a couple pinches of salt for just a minute or so. Stir in the spices and then the tomatoes. Cook down for about five minutes or so, it should thicken a bit. Remove from heat, add one cup of the broth and puree with a hand blender (or puree in a traditional blender). Add the remaining 5 cups of broth and puree until smooth. Bring the soup back up to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes.

Serve the individual bowls topped with plenty of tortilla strips, the roasted and sun-dried tomatoes, and some crumbled goat cheese. Alternately, as I mention up above, you can finish with sliced avocado, cilantro, white onions, and a squeeze of lime. If you like a creamier soup base add a splash of half and half, or stir in some extra goat cheese.
Makes about 6 servings

2 cups black beluga lentils (or green French lentils), picked over and rinsed

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

2 cups water

3 cups of a big leafy green (chard, kale, etc), rinsed well, deveined, finely chopped
Saffron Yogurt

a pinch of saffron (30-40 threads)

1 tablespoon boiling water

two pinches of salt

1/2 cup 2% Greek Yogurt
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan, add the lentils, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
While the lentils are cooking, make the saffron yogurt by combining the saffron threads and boiling water in a tiny cup. Let the saffron steep for a few minutes. Now stir the saffron along with the liquid into the yogurt. Mix in the salt and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy soup pot over medium heat, then add the onion and salt and saute until tender, a couple minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, lentils, and water and continue cooking for a few more minutes, letting the soup come back up to a simmer. Stir in the chopped greens, and wait another minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning if need be. Ladle into bowls, and serve with a dollop of the saffron yogurt.
Serves 6 to 8

Family History revised

Caroline Coon Sonday married a man named Cullep. He was aunt Dot's dad. He left her when aunt Dot was very small. Caroline then went to dress making school to be able to earn a living and support herself and her daughter.
She later met and married Joaeph Samuel Sonday at Brewster Kansas I think.
They moved to Cope co. where they homesteaded and lived in a dug out. It was in this dug out that Roy Edward Sonday was born in Feb. 1910.
They lost the farm and moved back to Kansas. Ralph Andrew Sonday was born in a sod house.
Carolines husband Joe raised registered quarter horses and farmed with a team named Opal and Maude.
They moved to the town of Sharon Springs Kansas when my mother Vera Lucille Sonday was 5 years old.
In town they had two lots where the house was and 1/2 block across the street where they kept their horses, cows and chickens.
One lot was used for a garden.
On the other lot was a two room house with a basement. There was no running water or plumbing. We had a privy (outhouse). The basement door was outside.
I (Vera)went to live with my grandparents the summer before I was to enter the fourth grade. That was when grandpa was running the ice house which he owned.
In 1947 about October grandpa was closing the ice house for the winter. That was when he turned the wrong valve and got ammonia in his lungs.
We took care of him at home until he died Dec. 14. 1947.
My parents moved back to Sharon Springs from Hays to run the ice house. Vera's parents were Roy Edward Sonday and Vera Blanche Butler. My dad continued to drive a truck and mom ran the ice house.
We all lived with grandma in the two room house. We finally got a room built on and had running water. Cold running water. Uncle Louie Sonday came from Nebraska to help get the room and water in the house.
Uncle Ralph lived in Oklahoma and was a major in the Army and an engineer for the State Highway Dept.
Grandma Sonday later moved to Muskogee Oklahoma to work at a motel. That is where Uncle Ralph lived.
When she came back to Kansas to live she was able to get social security. at first she got $17.00 per month. She sewed for other people and lived in Brewster. She lived in Brewster for several years babysitting and sewing to make ends meet.
Aunt Dot and Uncle Rudolph moved to California but grandma remained in Brewster for several years. She later moved to Dodge City Kansas where Roy and Blanche lived.
This account was written by Vera L. Miller daughter of Roy and Blanche Sonday. Granddaughter of Caroline and Joseph Sonday.

We made it home

We are safely home now. It was a long drive and we are tired.

When we checked the mail we were surprised to find a check from a church way down in Alvin Texas for a Christmas gift. How nice. When we delivered the pastors 5th wheel they also gave us a check then to help with the gas. I am amazed that they still remembered us and that Jeff is still unemployed. I am so thankful to them. What precious souls to think of us.

Should Christians have a Christmas tree?

Should Christians have a Christmas tree? This is a subject I have been studying.

Merry Christmas to all

May you all have a blessed Christmas. May God bless you and your's. Christ is born.

Stretchy Pants

I am cracking up. All the men are putting on their stretchy pants in preparation for eating and watching Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation. They all want to be comfortable. We talked about going out to eat for Jeff's birthday but we decided to stay home and watch movies and eat horsd'oeuvres. The house smells great. What fun.

Happy Birthday Jeff

Today is my love's birthday. Happy birthday Jeff. I love you. Today is your day for the first time since we've been married. I hope you enjoy it.
I love you.

Full House

It's going to be a fun time around here. It looks like there will be 13 people sleeping here. What fun, it reminds me of family church camp. I hope we get to go again this year.

I made a bunch of cinnamon rolls. I will warm them up and frost them tomorrow.

Tomorrow is Jeff's birthday. Then the next day we celebrate Jesus's birthday.

Its almost Christmas

We leave tomorrow for Branson for a few days with our daughter and new son in law. It's a long drive but it will be worth it to spend time with them. My son in law is working out of town most of this winter guiding duck hunting and such. So my daughter is spending much of her first months being married, alone. It is a good thing she is an independent sort. She misses him terribly when he is gone. This past week my college daughter has spent with her helping her get ready for guests. Joy will then come home with us for a few days before again returning to college.

The kids sure grow up fast.
Mollie and Hannah are already planning our new annual girls camp out for next year. Everything cant be the same but seasons change, people change and move and so things and traditions have to change to or rearrange.

For instance, My oldest daughter can not spend the holidays with us so we met her and Shelby and my parents in a parking lot and visited and exchanged gifts. I guess that's one way to have Christmas. I am hoping that one doesn't turn into a tradition. lol

I love my family and am so proud of them.

I hope all of you have the very best, most wonderful blessed Christmas ever this year.

Go Dockers

New Dockers ad.....check it out...
Man i festo
http://www.us.dockers.com/season/landing.aspx

I got another one

I thought of another rhyme.

The place to shop
The place to be
Is 5 miles east of Hardesty

Jeff asked "where did my wife go?"
I am having too much fun with this one.

Remember the shaving cream signs?

Did you ever see any of the shaving cream signs along the road? I always loved reading them.
Sooo I got to thinking that I want to make some leading up to my home store.
Here are a couple I've come up with so far. If you have any ideas send them on.
Country Store just ahead
turn left at corner
or miss out instead
or
Soap and Crafts
for you to buy
turn right at corner
or wonder why.
These are just first ideas. I want something that gets attention. Luckily I am friends with neighbors on both sides of my corner on the hi way so they would probably let me put up the signs.
I am open to any ideas.

German braid by Shelley

Today I have a guest post by Shelley on making German Braid2/3 cup Sugar
2 tsp. salt
4 1/2 tsp. yeast (2 packages yeast)
2 eggs
2 sticks softened butter
1 cup water
1 cup milk
8 1/2 cups flour
3 TBSP oil
Filling ~1 stick butter melted
1 cup sugar
3 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Icing ~
1 stick melted butter
1/2 bag powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp milk (can add more if needed)
2 tbsp pecans
3 cherries

Combine Sugar, salt and yeast in a bowl. In a microwave safe bowl combine butter, water and milk. Heat for 2 minutes. Test this by sticking your finger in it. If it is too hot for you finger then it is too hot for the yeast. Mix liquid ingredients with the dry. Add to eggs and mix well. Since I mix this by hand I add 6 cups of flour and mix well. This will give you an extremely sticky dough. Now add 2 1/2 cups of flour. (I always put some of the flour on my hands) Knead the flour into the dough. Your dough will come together and still be sticky. You are going to want it sticky. If you have too much flour it will be too heavy. Remove dough from bowl and wipe out the bowl and pour in 3 tbsp oil.

Roll your dough in the oil and cover the bowl with a hand towel. Let rise until double in size. (roughly 2 to 3 hours)

Punch dough down and let rise again until doubled in size.

Seperate into 2 sections.

Take one section and split into 3 pieces. Roll out each section with a very small amount of flour. Pour a little of melted butter onto dough and spread out evenly over the dough.

Now sprinkle your sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg over the dough. Don't go too heavy this mixture will need to go on all the dough to make two braids.

Roll up your dough. If you want to make these into cinnamon rolls now is the time.

Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces and put into a pan. Otherwise you need to lay this long piece of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Continue to do the other two pieces and then braid together.

Let this rise at least 45 minutes.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Once the braid is done and cooled top with Icing and pecans and 3 cherries!

Honey Mustard Recipe

1 C Yellow Mustard
1/2 C Honey (Local Preffered)
1/3 C Garlic in Olive Oil
1 Tsp Sesame Oil
Lagre pinch Salt
1 Tablespoon Grains of Paradise (a fruits peppery like herb )
1 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Chili Pepper
1 1/2 Brown Cane Sugar
1 Tablespoon Onion Flake
Heat and garlic in oil , crush garlic , heat again , strain out garlic (can be kept for-another meal if desires) , that leaves the essence of garlic in the oil , which is what you want. (I do the oil process IN the bowl I will mix the mustard so as to loose as little oil as possible and preserve the flavor. , Mix heat lightly (i microwave) to break up and mix honey and sugar evenly , taste , add honey to desired taste
This recipe was from the Happy Hermit blog, Thanks Happy Hermit.
http://happy-hermit.blogspot.com/2009/12/hermit-honey-mustard.html

FIREARMS REFRESHER COURSE
1. "Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not." ~Thomas Jefferson

2. Those who trade liberty for security have neither. ~John Adams

3. Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.

4. An armed man is a citizen.. An unarmed man is a subject..

5. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.

6. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.

7. You only have the rights you are willing to fight for.

8. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.

9. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.

10. Assault is a behavior, not a device.

11. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.

12. The United States Constitution (c) 1791. All Rights Reserved.

13. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.

14. What part of 'shall not be infringed' do you NOT understand?

15. Guns have only two enemies; rust and politicians.

16. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.

17. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.

This came from Barbara mom of 12's site:http://mommylife.net/

Extra large aprons

I got into the sewing mood so I went to the sewing room and whipped up two extra large aprons. They have a larger coverage area over the bust as well as a little extra length and width.
I will be bringing them and any more I get made to the craft sale on Saturday. I will also be offering these for sale in my shop at my home.
They are the butcher style apron.
I want to embroider on the bibs of some of them. Things like Give thanks and Bless this food and say grace.
I also made another warm blanket skirt. They are the most comfy and warm skirts I have ever worn.

Carrot pulp bread

Jeff just made juice with carrots, apples, spinach, celery and beets. I asked him to save the pulp which just goes to the compost pile.
I then used the carrot mix pulp to make carrot cinnamon bread. I ended up having to add 1 1/2 c. water because it was so dry. Later Jeff said I should have added some of the juice he had made, oh well, next time.
The bread is in the oven for one hour. I will let you know how it worked out.
Of course I added Ezekiel flour and whole wheat flour along with the white flour.
If this bread is good then I may make some more to freeze for gifts or to use later.
Here is my recipe for two loaves.
Cinnamon Carrot Bread
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar (packed)
1 1/2 c. oil
1/2 c. Ezekiel flour
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
3 c. flour
4 t. baking powder
2 t. baking soda
2 t. cinnamon
4 eggs
1 t. salt
2 c. carrot pulp
1 t. real vanilla
1 1/2 c. water

I sprinkled cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Mix and divide into two greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 min,
My verdict: I changed the baking time from one hour to 30-35 min. My bread was a tiny bit burned on the bottom. I like it but I may add more sugar and cinnamon next time. It is a keeper. I was a bit dry so adding some of the juice of the carrot may be just the ticket. Always experimenting. Let me know if what you think I should add to make it moister.

Guest Post tomorrow maybe?

My friend and kin somewhere down the line is working on a guest post for my blog as I write. Shelly is young but is a baker extraordinaire. She agreed to make her famous German bread that is similar to stolen and photograph each step to share with my blog reader (s). I am looking foreword to her post.

Tupperware replacements

It seems like I always have lids that crack or peel or what have you with my Tupperware.
Yesterday I decided to look on the Internet about how to get replacements. I found an official Tupperware site with an 800 number to call to get free replacements. I called and of course everything I have is discontinued, but no problem, they will send me something similar, I get to choose the color and such. I had to pay $5.75 shipping. I think if I had many items or one item the shipping would be the same.
I decided to look it up because every time I see a Tupperware lady I don't have my broken items or they act like they either don't know how to take care of it or its a pain for them. I don't even have to send the old stuff back, when I get the new stuff, I will just toss the old.

Oh wow, make my own honey mustard?

I got a comment from Happy Hermit and so I was at her blog looking around and I came across this recipe. Make your own honey mustard. I am so excited. I just need to figure out what some of the ingredients are, ie grains of Paradise.
http://happy-hermit.blogspot.com/2009/12/hermit-honey-mustard.html
Jeff loves honey mustard so as soon as I figure out what it is and where to get it I will make some. Yumm.

Jar recipes

HOT SPICED TEA
2 cups Tang
1 package Wylers instant lemonade
2/3 cup lemon flavored instant tea
3 cups sugar
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp cinnamon
Mix together in large container and distribute into jars. Instructions attached to jar should read “Mix 3-4 heaping spoonfuls in a mug of hot water.”

Packaging these drink mixes is a snap. You can, of course, buy some cute packaging at a craft store, though I’ve found simple mason jars to be just as lovely (and reusable by the recipient). Look for small mason jars at your grocer (usually well under a dollar apiece), or scope out your favorite thrift store.

Fill each jar with the drink mix of your choosing. Cut a small square of holiday fabric (NO sewing required!) and cover the jar lid. Tie it with ribbon or raffia, attach a cute tag with mixing instructions, and maybe even slip a plastic spoon in the band of ribbon around the lid.


Corny Snack Mix


It's hard to stop munching this yummy snack mix! Melted vanilla chips make a delightful coating for the crisp corn chips, cereal and popcorn. This snack mix is quick and easy to toss together. I40 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 25 min.
Ingredients
3 quarts popped popcorn
1 package (15 ounces) Corn Pops
1 package (15 ounces) corn chips
2 packages (10 to 12 ounces each) vanilla or white chips

Directions
In several large bowls, combine the popcorn, Corn Pops and corn
chips.
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt chips; stir until
smooth. Pour over popcorn mixture and toss to coat.

Spread onto two 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans. Cool. Store in
airtight containers. Yield: 7-1/2 quarts.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (3/4 cup) equals 155 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 1 mg cholesterol, 116 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein.

A warm blanket=a warm skirt

This morning I made a warm skirt out of a new fleece blanket I bought for $4.00 at Wal Mart. It is like having a blanket wrapped around you all the time.
I had to think about it for a day or so before I figured out how to do it but it ended up being easy peasey. With fleece you don't have to finish seams. How cool is that? I figured out how to make the skirt leaving the blanket stitch it came with along the bottom. I wanted to make a sort of wrap around skirt but I am too fat. It would work for most everyone else to do it that way though.
I think it would be cute with a pair of boots like Mollie has. I don't wear boots because I would be sweating like a crazy woman.
I also want to make a broomstick skirt. One of the places I was online looking for free patterns said to use an old sheet. Can't get much cheaper than that. Plus I would know if I had the right size.
I also need to mend the quilt that is on our bed and put a new backing on it. It is a quilt I bought off ebay a few years ago. It is not well made but I think with some help it will work for a few more years.

I also need to make lavender and eucalyptus soaps today.

Amazing awesome God

These are actual photographs of real snowflakes. Isn't God amazing? Who could look at these a doubt creation by God? I stand amazed.

Joy is taking finals this week at Bible college

Joy is taking finals this week at Bible college. She called a bit ago to tell me she got a 100% on one and ninety something on the next one. I am so proud of her. Her grades are 100% or above. She is the youngest in the college and is either at the top of her class or next to it.
I knew she would do well there.
Most 16 year olds are not able to do as well. She has since turned 17.
When she gets all her finals done I will post her grades.

Fend for yourself

After over four months of joblessness I have come to the conclusion that we must find a way to bring an income in from home. We must manufacture a product/s or do some kind of labor that is needed in these times. What would that be? I don't know but I'm thinking about it. If you know of a way to make a living from home building or making something please let me know. I am open to ideas.
What have I done to help myself so far?
1. Always working on the Pink Monkey Soap Company products.
2. Opening a store in my home selling soap and taking consignment crafts.
3. Working on building up the manufactured stone business.
4. Planning on growing a big garden again and selling produce. I did pretty good the first year we moved here and I did this. So I will try it again.
5. Bought and buying food in bulk to avoid rising prices.
6. Ideas????

People are so creative

Have you ever heard of rain gutter gardening? Me neither. Here are some photos that will give you an idea what its about. It just shows that even in extremely limited yards or lack thereof folks can still grow food. Neato.

Make your own gift bows from magazine pages

Click on the link below for a great tutorial on making your own gift bows out of magazine pages.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4747612_gift-bow-recycled-materials.html

Holly cookies

Holly Cookies
These are very easy (so easy you could have your kids to most of the work-who doesn’t love that?!), very impressive looking, and will stand out in a crowd of other cookies.
1/2 c. butter

8 oz. mini marshmallows (or 30 large marshmallows)

1/2 t. green food coloring

1 t. vanilla

3 1/2 c. corn flakes
Melt butter and marshmallows in microwave safe bowl for about 2 minutes or until it is melted together, stirring after each minute in the microwave. Add vanilla and green food coloring to marshmallow mixture and stir until well blended. Then add in the cornflakes and stir. Drop by fork onto wax paper. Press 3 red hot candies while into cookie while still sticky.

recipe from:http://everydayfoodstorage.net/

You are invited and so am I

I have been invited to participate in the Baubles, Rinkydinks and Stuff Craft Sale on Friday Dec. 18th 2-6pm and Saturday Dec. 19th 9am-5pm
At the Adams club house in the park there at Adams Oklahoma.
I am excited to have yet another place to show my product as well as find out what Baubles, Rinkydinks and Stuff are.

The flyer says they specilize in unique, hand crafted home decor items, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, and more. Emily and Katie will be selling farm-fresh eggs.

You are invited to attend as well.
If you have craft items you would like to show call Beverly Richards at 580-253-6549 for directions or information.

Baby its cold outside

The temperature is zero degrees. Burrrr. Thankfully Jeff got the gas line thawed out yesterday so we have heat. What a blessing. I think he may have to do some more thawing today I am not sure.
I have four batches of soap to cut today and I think I may make four more batches.
I am working on getting my soap for sale online so I want to be prepared when orders start coming in.

This is the best one I've heard in a long time

A fire started in a pasture near a farm in eastern North Carolina. The fire department from a nearby city was called to put out the fire. The fire proved to be more than the city fire department could handle, so someone suggested that a rural volunteer fire department be called. Though there was doubt they could be of any assistance, the call was made.
Five minutes later, the volunteer fire department arrived in a dilapidated old fire truck. They drove straight towards the fire and stopped in the middle of the flames. The volunteer firemen jumped off the truck and frantically started spraying water in all directions. Soon, they had snuffed out the center of the fire, breaking the blaze into two, easily controllable parts.
The farmer was impressed with the volunteer fire department's work and so grateful that his farm had been spared. The next day he presented the volunteer fire department with a check for $1000.
A local news reporter asked the volunteer fire captain what the department planned to do with the funds. "That should be obvious," responded the captain. "The first thing we're gonna do is get the brakes fixed on that there fire truck."

Another funny email

Note To All You Hunters Out There
This is from a San Francisco newspaper!

Folks, just remember as you read this, this person probably drives AND votes! And, may have already reproduced!

Pink Monkey Store

I have decided to open a Pink Monkey Soap Company store in my home. I have sold vegetables, and assorted other items from my home so now I am selling Pink Monkey. I need some more shelving and or display things. But I will work on it as I go along.
Now to get a sign put out by the road. People always want to see my house so now they can buy soap and get a glimpse.
It will be open anytime I am at home.

I made a Pink Monkey button for my blog

I somehow figured out how to make a Pink Monkey soap blog button. I was just messing around and figured it out. To go to my Pink Monkey blog all you have to do is click on the pink monkey picture. Pretty cool.

Maybe I will remember how to put a video on my blog again. I did it last week but this week I cant remember how. Life...sigh

Easy oven cleaning

I don't enjoy cleaning my oven although I do enjoy a clean oven. I accidentally happened on a very easy way to clean your oven.
A while back I bought a pumice stone in the kitchen isle at walmart to use on my feet. For some reason I read the box this time. It said you could use the pumice stone to clean the oven. You don't heat it, it doesn't stink, its just gritty. I tried it. It is so easy to keep my oven clean now.
It worked so good on the oven, I began to use it for other cleaning in the kitchen. It is great to clean the bottoms of pans for instance.
I can get my stove so much cleaner too. I actually can get the round burner trays clean for once. Its great.
Try it and see what you think.

Blog noise

I guess I'm getting old because it really bugs me when I look at blogs and all of a sudden music starts blaring. So I scroll around looking for the thingy so I can turn it off. If the blog isn't that interesting I just leave. Why do we have to have noise blaring all the time? What is wrong with quiet? I prefer quiet over noise. If I am in a crowd sometimes the noise gets to me. It's hard for me to hear people talking when there is too much background noise.
If there is noise all the time when can you hear God? I like the quiet. I like to hear nature and God.
Guess I'm old. Oh well. That's life.

Tuesday

I think I may be coming down with a UTI so Jeff is chopping the garlic. Ugh. He is taking some too so he can stand me. LOL
Mollie is still sleeping and its 10:15am. She has the flu.
When she gets up we will treat her to some too. She will be thrilled. Ha

I cut the 4 batches of soap into bars. They will cure for 3 weeks and then they can be used.

My big task today is to clean the kitchen. I clean it all the time but sometimes I just have to really clean it.

The vanilla looks so pretty. It's fun to watch as everyday the color darkens. In a couple of months it will be wonderful vanilla.

I am thinking about gifts. I think I need to stop by the thrift store and pick up some baskets to begin making gift baskets. I think I will buy a package of wash cloths and put some of them and some soap and some surprises in the baskets.

My trash can

If you looked in my trash can today you might wonder what I have been up to. There are 4 empty lye bottles and 3 large empty vodka bottles. Nope I don't make drugs and nope I don't drink. Welllll...

I made 4 batches of soap today ---the lye bottles

I made 3 huge jugs of vanilla today----the empty vodka bottles

I learned a few months ago how to make real vanilla and I purchased my vanilla beans from eBay. Not knowing how much I would end up with I bought 2 pounds. I believe in all I will be able to make 7 or 8 large bottles of vanilla with them, thus 7 or 8 large bottles of vodka.

I looked at the vanilla at walmart and they had 3 beans for 9.99 and I bought a pound for that much.

Do you stay the same?

I was reading the comments over on Candy's blog and a lady commented on Candy's picture. How she used to always etch her photos and such and this one is quite clear. I began to think about how often I change my mind about things like that but that God is never changing. I change in my growth in God and the like. My basic belief and commitment stay the same. But in everyday things I change. I change my rooms around in my home. I change the way I garden. I change the menu.
I am constantly changing.
I liked Candy's comment about her reason for changing her photo. She said, "I changed my mind." It made me think about how often I change my mind and the the old saying a woman's prerogative is to change her mind.
I am really glad that God never changes.

Raised bed gardening

This is how I want to start gardening this year. I want to start making raised beds. Mine will probably be more like the middle one using discarded wood instead of the pretty pictures above and below.

Chicken Coop

This is the kind of chicken coop I want to build this year. I figured it will hold 10 chickens so I will probably want to build two of them.

I like the idea that it can be moved around. Jeff will have to figure out the wheel part. It has a door on the back for egg collection. I really like it.

Jobs---Ideas----Plans

Jeff is going to try to get back on at Seaboard even if he has to work in another department. He figures he will end up working nights, so that will be a change for us.
I am wanting to start getting the garden ready for next season. I want to try using the raised bed method. I think I will be planting herbs around the house since I haven't managed to plant any flowers there. Maybe some eatable flowers. I have been inspired by the Path to Freedom blog where the folks use their whole yard to grow their food.
I know I can get wonderful manure from Kirby. I just have to start saving for the boards for the raised beds.
Jeff said if he works at night then he would be here to help make stone. We can then grow that business as well as the Pink Monkey Soap business and we should be able to get by.
It would be great to work together more with Jeff, the girls and I work together all the time.
Then I can get chickens again. I will try to build a better chicken coop this time though. I also want to get back into goats but this time I may try the miniature goats. They give milk and take up even less space.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we get to stay here? We really like living here its just hard with Jeff not having a job. Maybe it will work out.

Thanks for the fudge recipe Becky

Here is the recipe Becky gave me for fudge using cocoa instead of chocolate chips.
3 c. sugar
3 T. cocoa
1 1/2 c. whipping cream
3 T. Light Karo
1 t. vanilla

Cook to soft ball stage. Beat until just right. Pour into pan. Cool, cut, eat.

Thanks for the recipe Becky, I am still interested in other recipes if you have them.

I think I will use this whipped cream substitute recipe. I am trying to use food I have on hand.
Whipped Cream Substitute
1/2 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 pound butter or margarine softened
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cook flour and milk until thick; cool. Cream butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Beat in flour mixture
Recipe from 1974 Family Circle Cookbook

Fudge

Does anyone have a good recipe for fudge using cocoa instead of chocolate chips? If you do would you share with me?
I am hankering to make some fudge but want to make it without those expensive chocolate chips.

How often do you talk to others about God?

How often do you talk to others about God? How often do you let an opportunity to witness go by? I am not even close to getting it right but I do get a chance to talk about God quite a bit. I think it is because He is such a big part of my life. He is my life. I had the chance and took it three times today. I don't usually get to talk to that many folks in one day about the Lord.
I have heard others say they are afraid. Of what? I have heard others say they don't know what to say. I just talk about my friend, my savior. I have heard others say they don't feel the timing is right. When is the right time, is there ever a right time, whose time are you referring to, yours or Gods?
I have heard folks say they will next time. Or maybe the next time.
When you stand before God and he asks you why you didn't talk about Him, what will you say?
I hope He says, you did good girl. You are a good and faithful servant.
Is God a big and important part of your life? I hope so. He's awesome.
You can take this whole world, just give me Jesus.

I asked my daughters the other day if they would take Jesus before me and they said yes. Praise God.
The know God is number one to me.
Tomorrow morning, get up, get dressed and attend church and tell God how awesome He is. We were made to worship Him. Give him His due.

Off to Spearman to sell Pink Monkey

Today we go to Spearman Texas to sell Pink Monkey. I got a call at 6:30am from the cheese plant, asking if I could run their booth as well. So I am up and getting ready to get things organized.
We moved our booth away from the front door so we are not next to the cheese booth, so I have to figure out how to run both booths. I am thinking of taking some craft items to sell this month as well as the Soap. I should have extra space.
I will not be in Greensburg tomorrow as I never got a hold of anyone to find out about it.

Pizza Crust

Pizza Crust
adapted from moneysavingmom.com
1 Tbsp. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F.)
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups flour
Mix warm water, yeast, sugar and salt in a bowl and let sit for five minutes. When bubbly, mix in oil and flour. Knead or mix until you have a smooth dough. Roll out into two thin-crust pizzas onto your baking sheets. Top with sauce and toppings and bake at your oven's highest temperature for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and blistering.

Pumpkin dinner rolls

Mollie ended up wanting to make the pumpkin dinner rolls. So I said go for it. We rolled the last up into cinnamon rolls. That should taste good, pumpkin cinnamon rolls. She ended up having to knead them by hand because the recipe is too big for my kitchen aid mixer. Next time I will cut it in half. Its looking good. Its on its second rising now. Can't wait to try them.

Don't these look yummy?

Christmas Cutout Cookies:

3 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup butter (only use real butter)

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

2 Tbls milk

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg, milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Combine dry ingredients and gradually add. Chill 1 hour. Roll 1/2 inch thick and cut into shapes.
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet 400 degrees for 5-8 minutes. Don't let them get brown.
Frost when cool.

Frosting: 3 cups powdered sugar creamed with 2 Tbls butter. Add just enough milk and vanilla to achieve a smooth spreading consistency. These cookies freeze well (unfrosted) and you can double or triple the recipe with great results.

Recipe from:http://www.wiseanticsoflife.blogspot.com/

Thursday

Today we went to Guymon so Mollie could buy the Ipod touch she has been saving for.

Hannah got a hair cut, 6 inches and she looks so cute.

I stopped by United and picked up about 2 1/2 pounds of jalapenos.
When we got home I cleaned the jalapenos and put them in the dehydrator. I can then use them later for candied jalapenos or jalapeno jelly. Or use them in cooking.

My friend Lori dried some and then ground them into powder and put it in a salt shaker and gave it to me. Its really good on chili and such as that. A little goes a long ways though.
Later I will finish the mexican chili beans.

For supper I think we will have hash with fried potatoes, hamburger, eggs and cheese. We can eat this on flour tortillas.

I also picked up a bunch of frosting buckets so I have been washing buckets like crazy. I got 7--- 2-2 1/2 gal and 2--- 5 gal buckets. They come in handy for so many things. I did learn to wash them as soon as I can because they become harder to wash the longer they sit.

I like Shelly Correll's idea of making the cinnamon rolls for Christmas now and freezing them. I may do that.

Kaleena wants me to bring rolls for christmas dinner so maybe I will make them ahead too.

Pumpkin dinner rolls from Tammy's recipes

Another yummy looking recipe I want to try. This one from Tammy's recipes. Photo courtesy of Tammy's recipes.

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Picture:
Description:
A soft yellow dinner roll... so tender and delicious! These are our traditional every-year Thanksgiving dinner rolls!
Yield:
4 Dozen Rolls
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar

1/2 cup warm water

2 cups warm milk

¼ cup butter, softened or melted (I warm it with the milk above)

2 cups mashed cooked pumpkin

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup wheat germ or whole wheat flour

10-12 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour

7 teaspoons dry yeast
Instructions:
1. In large mixing bowl, combine sugar, water, milk, butter, pumpkin, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add wheat germ, 7-8 cups of the flour, and yeast. Mix, and then continue adding flour and kneading until dough is elastic and not sticky.
3. Place dough in greased bowl; grease top of dough, cover with a towel, and set in a warm place until doubled (about 60-90 minutes).
4. Punch dough down and divide into thirds. Divide each third into 16 pieces and shape into balls.
5. Place on greased baking sheets, and grease tops. (I use two 11x15-inch baking sheets, and put 24 rolls on each.) Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until tops are golden. Remove to wire racks and cover with a towel. Brush tops with butter if desired, as soon as rolls are removed to the wire racks. Serve warm with butter.
Additional Notes:
Re-warm leftover rolls by wrapping securely in foil and placing in a 325 degree oven for 15 minutes. Just as good as fresh! :)
Preparation Time:
40 minutes
Cooking Time:
15-20 minutes
Tammy's Review:
We absolutely love these tasty dinner rolls! I originally made them because I had pumpkin to use up. Now I continue making them because they're so yummy! I like to make a batch to take to family gatherings; they're always a popular item. I have been asked for the recipe so many times! The leftover rolls don't last long when I warm them and serve with another meal.
Edited to add: We've been making these rolls every year at Thanksgiving for 5+ years... a beautiful and delicious seasonal dinner roll! :)
My rating: 10/10

Brown sugar biscuit twists

I just saw this recipe for brown sugar biscuit twists at money saving mom's. I think I will make a batch tomorrow.
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/

I have decided not to make loaves of bread so much anymore because its hard to make sandwiches with it. I will just make rolls from now on so they can be used for sandwiches and also rolls.

I put the cream cheese I made into a Tupperware container. The batch was a very large one so I have cream cheese like crazy. I will have to look up recipes using cream cheese.

Homemade marshmallows

Here is a tutorial to make homemade marshmallows. They look good, I will have to try it sometime.
http://notwithoutsalt.com/2008/10/09/pieces-of-heaven/

Low ink on printer-get cheap refills

I am so glad that walgreens refills ink cartridges. I just had 4 black ones refilled for 9.99 each. That is way cheaper than buying new ones. The refilled ones last longer as well.

My yogurt turned out great and is draining now to make cream cheese. I ended up not having any yogurt to start a batch with and had some thin yogurt from the last batch so I used that and it worked great.

Jeff actually seems to be on the mend. I hesitate to say that because every time I thought he was getting better he would get worse again.

I can hear the girls in the other room doing their grammar. I love to hear them working on their school work together.

Mollie takes care of a cute little boy named Jace. He will not take a nap for anyone except me so I have to lay down with him and he goes right to sleep. Problem is I fall asleep too. I try to only sleep for 20-30 min. and get up or I cant sleep at night.

Baking today

The two batches of salt soap bars looks good.
The two loaves of bread are good today.
I will start my yogurt at about 3pm today. Yesterday was just a fluke. Things are going much better today.
When I make my yogurt I use Candy's crock pot recipe. Its the easiest and you don't need a yogurt maker.
I will then make cream cheese.

I am so excited about this

I received a letter from my mom today. She had sat down and wrote some family history about my great grandmother. I knew much of it but there was quite a bit I didn't know and some I had forgotten. I called her to thank her and ask her to write about my grandparents next.
I am so thrilled to be able to record this about my great grandparents. When I have a bit of time I will blog what she wrote.

Pink Monkey logo

This didnt transfer too well. The monkey is really brown not orange and so is the writing. But you get the picture. It's as cute as can be.