Easter Nests

Making Easter Nests for Easter is a family tradition in my home.  As a kid, my brothers and sister waited impatiently for our pre-Easter sample...and to "lick" the bowl.  My Mother would always make a ton of the nests because all the kids in the neighbourhood would line up for a nest on Easter. 

This is a very simple recipe and is actually semi-good for you....that is if you count chocolate and jelly beans as being good for you.  Two of my favourite things!!!



Ingredients:
2 - 24oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 - 15oz box of Shredded Wheat (big biscuits - 18 in box)
2 - 9oz packages of mixed jelly beans (I use spice ones)
1 - 18oz Cadbury Mini Eggs (optional - you can use jelly beans)
1 - package pastel muffin cups.  You may need two packages.

Crush all 18 biscuits of Shredded Wheat in a bowl - get all the chunks out - you want it fairly even.  You'll find it easier to use the big biscuits versus the mini shredded wheat.

Melt the chocolate in a heavy enamel or steel pot.  Keep the stove on the lowest setting so that the chocolate does not burn.  You can also melt the chocolate in a microwave if you wish.

Fold the crushed shredded wheat into the melted chocolate.  Mix until all shredded wheat is covered with chocolate.

Use a tablespoon to spoon enough of the chocolate shredded wheat into each muffin cup to make a "nest".  Once one tray is completed, place the jelly beans (or birds eggs) into each nest.  Don't wait too long or the chocolate will harden and your eggs won't stay put.

Set aside to harden.   That's it - very simple.  Note:  These can be a little messy for small children if they don't eat the whole thing quickly.

Makes approximately 76 nests.  If you make the nest part thinner, you will have more nests. These do not need to be refrigerated and will keep for a week plus after Easter....that is if you have any left!  Enjoy.

Weather Emergency Kit

It's springtime in the South and that means tornado weather.  We've seen a few of them pass through already and we are just beginning.  And, of course, following tornadoes, we have hurricanes or at least "tails" of hurricanes.   No matter where you live, you will always be faced with some sort of weather that may challenge you at some point in time.

Having lived in both tornado and hurricane country, the one thing that I have learned to do is to have a "Survival Kit" available at all times.  With today's social media, most of us are not "lost" in a disaster for very long...however, there is always that off chance that noone will be able to reach you imminently.  It's better to be prepared for the long haul than to be unprepared for a day.   You can also buy existing survival kits online - they will have your essentials albeit, maybe not as many as I've listed below. Either way - you should have one in your home.

For my survival kit, I used a rolling duffel bag.  It holds everything that I need except the sleeping bags.  You can always use two duffels and stuff the sleeping bags in the 2nd one.  If you can find waterproof duffels, it's even better.  Mine are somewhat waterproof but I doubt that they could survive in water for very long.  I have covered each of them with a garbage bag and sealed the garbage bag as tight as I can (use ziplock ties after twisting the bag several times).  So far, I've not needed to test the floating aspect of the bags.

If you have a basement in your house, store the duffel(s) bag there and make sure your family knows where it is.  If no basement, you may want to keep it in a closet or any room that you would need to escape to from weather.

So, what should you include?  There are some basic essentials and there are the "would be nice to haves".  I've listed quite a few items and you are free to adapt it to your own family needs.  I have dogs and a cat so I wanted to make sure my furry friends were taken care of as well.  Essentials are listed first, followed by the "nice to haves". 

You will need a duffel bag - preferably a rolling duffel - 24".  A second duffel could house your sleeping bags/survival blankets.  Look for a waterproof one if available. 

Checklist of items you have in the duffel(s) - create this as you gather your supplies and keep it updated.

Essentials:

1. Water - fill three to four gallon milk jugs (or store bought spring water).  Designate which jugs are drinking water and which will be used for sanitation.  Add a gallon jug if you have pets.
2. First Aid Kit - buy a complete first aid kit or stock a snap-lock container with the following items:
   - 2 prs latex gloves, bandaids, adhesive tape, heat/cold pads, Salon Pas pads, adhesive bandages, sterile dressings, soap, antibiotic wipes, neosporin, burn ointment, eye wash, thermometer, scissors, tweezers, petroleum jelly, aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever, stomach analgesics (ie., Tums or Pepto-Bismal), benadryl pen or pills.
3. Food - Try to pull together at least 3 days of food.  There are several websites that will provide "survival food" that lasts 30 days or more (survivalistfood.com, rei.com).  Use a painters bucket (with lid) to store your food - this will keep it dry and free of bugs (may not fit in your duffel).  Pull together items like:  crackers, sealed hard cheese blocks, tuna fish packages, vienna type sausages, peanut butter, energy bars, breakfast bars, trail mix, canned nuts, candy bars, meal-in-a-minute containers, summer sausage, etc.  It needs to be food that won't spoil quickly and still somewhat palatable.  Make sure you keep the bucket in a cool dry place.
4. Sanitation/Hygiene Supplies - One or two packages of moist towelettes (can get flip seal), paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags (large and kitchen size), sandwich and gallon zipper lock bags, bag of travel size shampoos, conditioners, soaps (hotel size), toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, plastic cups, combs, brushes.
5. Gear - some very important items for this section.  Buy a hand-crank portable weather radio and a hand-crank flashlight.  Have at least one of each.  Add a fire extinguisher to your gear - you may not need it but it sure is handy if you do.  Get some waterproof matches and some tealight candles.  Tealight candles are a little safer than the long candles but, be careful keeping too many candles lit if the power goes out.  You can also get emergency candles in a can - put a couple of those in the duffel.
   
   Add the following to your gear:  Duct tape, bungee cords, dust masks, some sort of loud whistle, a crowbar, a hand-saw, ziplock ties, a hand can opener, hunting-type knife, bag of batteries (AA, AAA, C, D and transistor) and a complete tool kit (Home Depot sells them for less than $10.00 - includes pliers, hammer, scissors, wrenches, etc.).  If you don't buy a complete tool kit, at least make sure you have a pair of needle nose pliers, regular pliers, hammer and screw driver.
6. Clothing/Sleeping - put in at least one complete change of clothes for each family member.  Include solid shoes (no flip flops) and a waterproof jacket (with hood).  Pick up one survival blanket per family member (REI sells them).  Need as many sleeping bags as you need to accommodate your family. Store all of these items in that 2nd duffel.  Add a folding large tarp in this duffel - will keep the weather out and can be made into a tent.
7. Personal Items - have at least $100.00 in cash (small bills) in your kit.   If you have your family personal identification items in one place (such as a portable safe), you may want to add that to your emergency location.  Do make sure you have your wallet, etc. on you when you have to retreat to your emergency location (grab the car keys too).  If you can, take your cell phone charger (in case you have access to power) or at least an extra battery for your cell. If appropriate, make sure you have any medication that you take, in a place where you can grab it quickly.  Make sure your children bring their favourite stuffed animal.
8. Pets - Dry food (and canned if you want) for at least 3 days.  Store it in a sealed plastic bag.  Folding water/food dish for each animal (fairly cheap at Walmart).  Dog treats in a sealed plastic bag.

Nice to Haves:Since you have designated a space for your emergency gathering, you may also want to add some of the following to your area.

1. Folding canvas chairs or stools
2. Games for the kids - keep them simple with few moving parts.
3. Camera - stick to a point and shoot small pocket-size camera
4. Portable TV - some can run on batteries
5. Camp cots
6. Your favourite beverage with plastic glasses
7. Pup tent or two, depending upon your family size
8. Sleeping bag pads
9. Any of your social media devices - just in case you have access to power.

Get your family involved in pulling your Survival Kit together.  You may have to limit some items going into the space but you can make it a fun project.  I hope you NEVER have to use this kit.  Some pics of the items listed above.  You can find many of them at Walmart, REI and online. 

Corned Beef & Cabbage (with a twist) - St. Patricks Day

Happy St. Patricks Day !!!

Corned Beef and Cabbage isn't for everyone.  The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this meal is the smell.  For some reason that cooked cabbage smell seems to linger long after the meal has been enjoyed.  You may want to sprinkle some cinnamon, pumpkin or cloves into a pot of water and simmer it on your stove - makes the kitchen smell great and a good combat to the odors.  Candles also help - give the kitchen a great ambiance.  If you can find "smokers" candles, they work best to combat odor.

One other tip to combat the cabbage smell - throw in a couple of celery sticks (cut to about 2 inches in length).  It doesn't change the flavouring but does help to keep the smell somewhat at bay.

Let's get cooking.   I tried this recipe for the first time last year (from Slow Cooker cookbook) and my family thoroughly enjoyed it.  You will need a 6 quart crock pot.  Now...for the "twist" ... this version of the recipe contains Riesling wine (German sweet wine).  You may want to consider setting aside a portion of the ingredients for children before you add the wine, however, the wine will cook down.  You can also use chicken broth instead of the wine.  

Ingredients:

12 small potatoes (I've used golden potatoes or dutch potatoes)

2 cups baby carrots (one small bag)

3 medium sweet onions (Vidalias are best) - coarsely chopped

2 cups Riesling Wine (feel free to sample the wine while you are cooking!!)
    (try Stout instead of Riesling Wine - might give it a completely different flavour)

1/2 cup whole-grain mustard

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

4 whole black peppercorns

2 bay leaves

3-1/2 to 4 lb corned beef (rinse and trim any fat)

1 head green cabbage (cut in half, core and thickly slice) See NOTE below...

Directions:

1. Layer potatoes, carrots and onions in the bottom of the cooker.
2. Whisk the mustards, sugar and Riesling in a large bowl. Add peppercorns and bay leaves.
3. Place brisket on top of the veggies in the crock pot.
4. Pour the Riesling mixture over the brisket evenly.
5. Place the cabbage leaves evenly over brisket and veggies.
6. Slow cook on low for about 8 to 10 hours.
7. NOTE: If you intend to do cabbage chunks versus thick leaves, add the chunks about 2 hours before cooking time is done.
8. When time is done, remove the brisket and cover tightly with foil - allow it to rest for about 20 minutes.  Keep veggies on warm.
9. After about 20 minutes, arrange the veggies on a platter.
10. Slice the brisket across the grain and arrange over the veggies. 
11. Strain some of the liquid out of the crock pot and ladle over the meat and veggies.

Serve the platter immediately - Soda Bread and Ale goes very well with this meal.   Dance a little jig !!!

Slow Cooker Dubliner Stew - St. Patricks Day

Happy St. Patricks Day !!! 

Even if you aren't Irish, you can't go through St. Patrick's Day without having an Irish meal.  And....that hearty meal will end up being a good base for all that stout, guinness or irish whiskey that might also find its way to your stomach.   Here is a terrific recipe that I've used in the past from the Slow Cooker cookbook. Great hearty stew and loaded with flavour.

You will need a 6-7 quart crockpot.

Ingredients:

12 to 14 baby carrots (small package should do)

14 to 16 small potatoes (dutch or yellow baby potatoes will work)

1/4 cup olive oil

3 lbs Beef or Lamb (use sirloin beef - trim any fat....or use lamb shoulder - trim fat)
  -- cut the beef or lamb into 1 inch chunks

1-1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher or sea salt)

1/2 tsp black pepper (fresh grind is best)

2 cups pearl onions (can be frozen).  (If no pearl onions, cut 2 medium onions into small chunks)

1-1/2 cups chicken broth

1 cup beef broth

1 tsp dried thyme

2 cups frozen peas (defrost in bag)

2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

2 tbsp all purpose flour

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Sprinkle beef or lamb with salt and pepper and brown on all sides - adding pieces at a time.  Save the skillet.
2. Put carrots and potatoes in the bottom of the crock pot and add your browned meat on top.
3. Add your onions to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes - just until the onions begin to change colour.  Add chicken broth to the onions and scrape any brown parts (those are the best parts).  Add contents of the skillet to the crock pot.
4. Add beef broth and thyme.
5. Cover and cook for 7 to 8 hours on low.  If you are in a hurry, you can do it for 3-4 hours on high (note: meat will be a little tougher).
6. Once your time is up, skim any fat off the top of the mixture in the crock pot.  Stir in the peas. 
7. Mix your butter and floor until it is a smooth paste and add a bit at a time into the stew.
8. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes on high - until the sauce is thickened.
9. Serve with Irish Soda Bread or a dipping bread of your choice.

Chicken Salad - Best Ever!! (At least in my house)

Let me start out by saying that I got very, very sick from chicken salad when I was a kid and virtually stayed away from it for more years than I can count.  However, I'm all grown up now and decided that it was time I tried this little puppy again.  I've experimented with various ingredients such as cut-up apples, celery, grapes, cranberries, onions, etc. and even tried it plain.  I've added a LOT of mayo and I've added very little mayo.  Even tried spicing the chicken before I cooked it and then cut it into chuncks.   Bottomline, nothing tasted WOW.  So...after much experimenting, here is what I've come up with and I really like it - just the right amount of crunch and not overwhelming flavour.  I even tested this on some of the ladies at church and got the a-okay !!

Couple of tips:  You can add Crazens to the mix - gives it a great colour but be aware that they get pretty limp by the next day and a little chewy.  Chicken salad on the next day has more flavouring - a day really helps to get the flavours mixed thoroughly.  Be sure to cover the bowl tightly or put it into an airtight container before refrigerating overnight.

One thing you should be aware of - it involves nuts - roasted pecans.  If you have allergies, stop reading before you have a reaction!

Ingredients:  (recipe is geared for salad for 4 or a few sandwiches)

2 chicken breasts (cooked thoroughly in a little orange juice and chopped)
1/2 cup celery (chopped small)
1/2 cup roasted pecans (chopped into bits or pounded) (I use a sandwich bag & a wooden hammer)
1 tsp Lemon Pepper
1/2 tsp Cracked Black Pepper
1 tsp Dry Mustard
Pinches of Kosher Salt
Pinch of Ground Coriander
1/2 cup Mayo (guage the mayo to your taste - about 1/2 cup keeps chicken pieces together)



 Mix the chicken pieces with mayo in a big bowl - get all pieces covered.  Add celery and mix.  Add lemon pepper, dry mustard, pepper and salt and mix together.  Put a few pinches of coriander in bowl and add the pecans.  Mix.  Once it's all thoroughly mixed, try a little and start adding spices to your taste, ie., a little more lemon pepper, or pepper or dry mustard.  Limit the amount of coriander - it will take over if too much.  You can also reduce the amount of celery or pecans if you don't want it as crunchy.  Add crazens (if you desire) at the end.  Refrigerate until use.  Hope you like it as much as we do.  Enjoy.

WOW - Peanut Butter?

I've always loved peanut butter - in cookies, on toast, on celery, with bacon on a sandwich, with banana on a sandwich, and of course, peanut butter and jelly sandwich - the all-time comfort food.   You can buy peanut butter in a little jar, a big jar, even in a tub for large families.  I personally like the individual plastic cups that I can throw into my suitcase when travelling.  Peanut Butter can be a great pick-me-up and will squelch those tummy rumblings when you can't eat right away.  BUT....did you know that Peanut Butter has some very interesting uses other than satisfying your palette and tummy?

Sticky Labels
Want to remove those sticky labels from pottery or glass without having to put it into the dishwasher more than once to remove all that gummy stuff?   Put a blob of peanut butter on the label - let it sit for a while so that the oils can sink in.  After a few minutes, wipe the peanut butter AND the label off.

Mouse Watch
That elusive mouse may have just met his/her match with peanut butter.  If you do mousetraps, instead of putting cheese in the trap, try a blob of peanut butter.  Mice love it and they can't easily snatch that blob off the trap.

Kids and Gum
I've never met a child who did not have gum in their hair at some point in their lives.  And, how many times have you looked at that tangled messy blob and thought about how odd that poor child will look when you cut out the blob.  Peanut Butter to the rescue !!!  Put a blob of peanut butter on the gummy hair and gently knead it into the hair and rub for a while.  Eventually, all of the gum will come out.  Hair won't look so great but that's what shampoo is for !

Leather Chairs and Sofas
Instead of buying those expensive leather cleaners, think about using a little peanut butter on that chair or sofa.  Rub some peanut butter onto the leather with a soft cloth and buff to take out any residue.  Your chair or sofa will have a lovely shine and it will be clean again.  Be sure to buff well...otherwise, you may slide off the sofa when you sit....

Lawn Mowers, Saw Blades
If your lawn mower blade or saw blades look a little rusty and sound a little creaky...try smearing some peanut butter on there and wipe off.   They will look and feel like new again and turn smoothly. 

Garden Tools
We usually allow our garden tools to go dormant in the winter and even if we make sure they are pristine clean before the "big sleep", they still seem to turn up a little rusty in the spring.  Find an old shoe box or other box and use it as your "sleep" box for your tools.  Before putting them into the box, cover the metal part of the tool with peanut butter.  It will protect the tools from rusting during their sleep.