Time

Honestly I haven't had much time for anything but as I look back and forward, I want to start to accomplish more in life so I will start posting more in this blog.  Keep your fingers crossed!!  :)

Day Two: Soft Sugar Cookies

Day Two:

So glad that I found this recipe.  My husband LOVES these and can eat them all in one day.  He really likes them without frosting so I haven't tried them with frosting yet.  I use a cookie scoop to put them on the cookie sheets so that they come out in a nice round shape and come out perfect.  They're not like any other sugar cookie I've had.  You'll love them too.

Soft Sugar Cookies

Makes 36 

Prep Time: 30 mins         Cook Time: 10 mins per batch + cooling time

Ingredients


1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

FROSTING:

1/4 cup butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 to 4 tablespoons hot water
Food coloring, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and almond extract. Combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until light brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

For frosting, in a large bowl, combine the butter, confectioners' sugar, almond extract and enough water to achieve desired consistency. Tint with food coloring if desired. Frost cookies. Yield: about 6 dozen.

 
 
 
Recipe from Tasteofhome.com, I have a best loved cookies and candies 2010 book with this recipe in.  How I first found it.

Pastry of the day: Banana Bread

Day One:

The first pastry that I baked was a Banana Bread.  Banana Bread is a favorite of my family.  My son loves it and eats it like candy.  This is my go to bread, easy and bananas are cheap most of the time. This is a heavy bread so eating to much at a time won't happen.  My mother loves this recipe but makes it with no salt and less sugar.  She also adds other fruits into in.  No matter what she does, it comes out great.  I would keep this recipe as a go to recipe.

Banana Bread Recipe

Prep time: 5 minutes                    Cook time: 1 hour

Ingredients
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.


Yield: Makes one loaf.






Recipe From SimpleRecipes.com

History of Bread

Grown in Mesopotamia and Egypt, wheat was likely first merely chewed. Later it was discovered that it could be pulverized and made into a paste. Set over a fire, the paste hardened into a flat bread that kept for several days. It did not take much of a leap to discover leavened (raised) bread when yeast was accidentally introduced to the paste.
Instead of waiting for fortuitous circumstances to leaven their bread, people found that they could save a piece of dough from a batch of bread to put into the next day's dough. This was the origin of sour-dough, a process still used today.
In Egypt, around 1000 BC, inquiring minds isolated yeast and were able to introduce the culture directly to their breads. Also a new strain of wheat was developed that allowed for refined white bread. This was the first truly modern bread. Up to thirty varieties of bread may have been popular in ancient Egypt.

It was also during this time that bread beer was developed. The bread was soaked in water and sweetened and the foamy liquor run off. Beer was as popular in ancient Egypt as it is in America today.

The Greeks picked up the technology for making bread from the Egyptians; from Greece the practice spread over the rest of Europe. Bread and wheat were especially important in Rome where it was thought more vital than meat. Soldiers felt slighted if they were not given their allotment. The Roman welfare state was based on the distribution of grain to people living in Rome. Later the government even baked the bread.

Through much of history, a person's social station could be discerned by the color of bread they consumed. The darker the bread, the lower the social station. This was because whiter flours were more expensive and harder for millers to adulterate with other products. Today, we have seen a reversal of this trend when darker breads are more expensive and highly prized for their taste as well as their nutritional value.

In the middle ages bread was commonly baked in the ovens of the lord of the manor for a price. It was one of the few foods that sustained the poor through the dark age.
Bread continued to be important through history as bread riots during the French Revolution attest. The famous quotation attributed to Marie Antoinette that if the poor could not get bread for their table then "let them eat cake," became a famous illustration of how royalty had become ignorant of the plight of the lower classes. Actually, Marie Antoinette never said this and was merely being slandered by her detractors.

Still thought of as the "staff of life", for centuries bread has been used in religious ceremonies. Even the lord's prayer requests of God to "Give us this day our daily bread" - meaning not merely loaves, but moral sustenance.

Today, even with the competition of a growing variety of foods, bread remains important to our diet and our psyche. It has a prominent place in at the local market, in our cupboards, and even in our language. The word "bread" is commonly used as a slang term for money. It connotes importance as when we say that some aspect of our work is "our bread and butter". In many households bread is still served with every meal.

Bread has a long history for a reason. It is a healthy and nutritious food that fills the stomach as well as the soul.

Whether it is done by hand or a machine try some of the bread recipes at this site and discover the magic that is in the very taste and smell of fresh baked bread!



Thanks, BreadInfo.

Me thinking about baking......

Baking Challenge

I have spent the last couple weeks reading through websites and blog about baking that my brain is about to explode.  There is so much out there and so much that is need to bake that you kind of get overwhelmed.  I think that just jumping in and starting on one topic is best. 

One of the best sites that I found was Pastry Chef Online.  She has sections for basic and advanced pastries, which make deciding on what to start with easy. 



After reading through the site and thinking about what would be easiest to start with I have decided that I will do a little of everything.  There is a lot out there so I'll find what I like fisrt then move onto things that require me to learn something.  Basic cakes, cookies and quick breads are things that I know how to do so those are the first to show up.

Wish me luck  :)

Vegetables

Spring is in the air!!!  The warm weather is coming!!  I got my seeds!!

OK nothing for you to be excited about but I am.  I plan or am hoping to have a vegetable garden this year.  Since we are only renting right now, putting in a garden is out of the question so a container garden is probably the only way I can make that happen. 

While out shopping today, hubby and I picked up so seeds for vegetables.  Now I just have to figure out what containers i'm going to use and where i'm going to put them.

I like these containers.  We'll have to see what comes on sale soon.

Chocolate!!

Took a class last night that was all about chocolate.  Whats better then making chocolate caramels, chocolate marshmallows and bon bons then eating them?!?!  We learned to make caramel, marshmallow, ganache, dipping chocolates and bon bons.  The caramels and marshmallows were dipped in the dipping chocolate ans the instructor brought strawberries to dip too.  The bon bon shells were already made for us so making them were really easy.  I'll post recipes when I'm able to type them up and more details then too.

Book Review: The Great Gatsby

Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald


Fitzgerald writes the novel as if Nick Carraway is writing it.  Nick writes as he sees it.  Gatsby is a man of wealth, who tries to win back the heart of his long lost girl.  The heart does things only the heart knows why.  Fitzgerald does a great job of hooking you in with the plot and holding your attention.  I would go into more detail but I think you should read it for yourself.
Considered a classic novel by many and now by me. Now go get the book.

Book Review: First Lady of the Confederacy: Varina Davis's Civil War

Written by Joan E. Cashin

Varina Davis was the First Lady of the Confederacy and Joan did a very good job of telling her story.  Married to the President of the Confederacy, which I didn't know, Varina led a life in the public eye for most of her years.  A lady who tried to follow the demands her husband made of her and conform to the way life was lead in the 1800's bur wasn't always successful.  Varina had a strong will that was easily expressed by her easy way of talking and making almost everyone feel at easy. 

Joan was able to bring Varina Davis back to life with this book, which would have made Varina proud. 

Baking

Baking has been a passion for me for a couple years now and I find myself wanting to do it more and more.  I currently have set a goal to become an expert at baking and am taking you along for the journey. 

I plan to do a series, no set days, on baking.  The essentials, tools, techniques, recipes, book reviews or just plan information.

The first things I'm going to be tackling are cookies.  I have a couple recipes that I would love to master, and which are part of my resolutions, and I will post them along with photos. 

I'm really excited to start on this.....

All My Favorite Farway Deals 3/9-3/15


**I'm just posting the items that I think are great deals.  Since I'm new to the area and don't have my price book really set up yet, if it's better then Aldi then I think it's a good deal. To see all the deals please go HERE.

Tuna Sun in water- $0.39

Fareway pasta- $0.99

Hunt's Ketchup- $0.99
- $1/2 Hunt's Ketchup, Any 24 oz +, exp 3-27-11 (ConAgra Foods- Enjoy More Moments Together Booklet)
=$0.49

Boneless, Babyback- $2.99/lb
- In Ad Coupon

Corned Beef Brisket- $1.69/lb

Large Eggs- $0.99

Fareway Cottage Cheese- $1.69

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese- $0.66
- $0.55/1 Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, any, exp. 3-31-11 (Peelie on product)
=$0.11


(Thanks, MoneySavinDiva)

My Favorite Things from Wags 3/6-3/12

Here are My Favorite Things at Walgreen's this week.
You can go here to see all the deals.

**Sorry it's a little late but family is more important :)

PediaCare, $5.99-$6.99
- $5/1 In-Ad Coupon
- $3/2 PediaCare Product printable (coupons.com) Gone
- $1/1 PediaCare Product, exp. 3-31-11 (SS 01/23/11)
- $2/1 PediaCare Product printable (coupons.com) Hurry if you want to print it, the good ones go fast!!
= As low as FREE after coupons

Tampax, $2.99, Get $2 in Register Rewards
- $1/1 Tampax Product, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
- $1/1 Tampax Product, exp. 4-30-11 (P&G Everyday Savings Book)
= FREE after coupon and RR

Always Pads or Always Liners , $2.99, Get $2 in Register Rewards
- $0.50/1 Select Always Items, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
- $1/1 Always Infinity Pads, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
- $0.50/1 Always Pantiliners, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
- $1/1 Always Product, exp. 4-30-11 (P&G Everyday Savings Book)
= As low as FREE after coupon and RR

Venus ProSkin, $7.99, Get $4 in Register Rewards
- $2/1 Gillette ProSeries Skin Care, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
- $5/1 Gillette ProSeries Skin Care, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
= As low as FREE after coupons and RR

Monthly Deals
(Thanks, Wild for Wags)

Reach Toothbrushes
Buy 2, Get $1 RR
Buy 3, Get $2 RR
Buy 4, Get $3 RR
Run till 3/29

-$1/1 Reach Toothbrush or Floss PRINT

-$1/1 Reach Dental Floss, Access Flosser or Toothbrush – 10-10-10 RP x4/30
-B1G1 Reach Total Care + Whitening Toothbrush – 10-10-10 RP – to $4.99 x4/30
-$1/1 ; $.50/1 Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash 500 mL+ or Reach Toothbrush, Floss or Access Flosser – 01-09-11 SS x12/31
-$3/3 Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash 500 mL+ and Reach Toothbrush, Floss or Access Flosser – 01-09-11 SS x12/31

Cottonelle Fresh Wipes, $.99 (travel size)
Buy 2, Get $1.50 RR
=$1.98 or
=$.24 each after RR

Things to look for

Walgreen's calender- full of coupons and marked down

Helping by Donation....Part 1

Living in a big city sometimes has its advantages.  Shopping, activities, people, clubs groups and services.  There are many programs and services in the QC area that would benefit from donations. 

Many of things that we get for free by shopping deals and using coupons are also wanted by these programs and shelters.  If you have a few extra items or more then enough in your stockpile consider donating some items.

Family Resources Inc. provides help to many different people in many different situation, from adults to infants.  They are located in Davenport and are ALWAYS looking for items.  They have a list on their website here.  It's towards the bottom.    They would love for you to volunteer your time if not so of your stockpile. 

A volunteer opportunity is perfect for my daughter so I think i'm goinng to call tomorrow and see what there is for a 7 year old to do.

Busy Slacker....

I'm a slacker!!  I admit it.  I have been busy with things but I admit that I could have found time to post if I really felt like it.  This week has been a little downer for me. (Being stuck at home with two young kids without my husband or anyone to help can be rough on me)  This week I tried to get stuff together for my 22 month old and we started working on his colors- YELLOW (that the color we started this week).  My 9 month old is very attachable.  He likes to be held or played with ALL the time and still isn't sleeping through the night. 

With all this I needed some much needed Mommy time so I stepped out of the house and took a break (for 90 mins at least) from all the duties of the household.  I hope the weather starts warming up so we can take walks and get out more. 

I promise to post more starting tomorrow :)  I didn't see that good of deals at Walgreen's or CVS but I'll post what there is.

Hy-Vee freezers are on sale.  This is a good deal if you want to pick one up and didn't get one of the Jewels freezers. 

Already!?!?

Where did the first two months of the year go??  As the third month of the year starts I started reviewing my resolutions for the year.  With the move to Iowa, I barley have had a month to work on my list.  Which got me thinking that I should really just do a bucket list instead of resolutions.

I have determined that I will start a bucket list instead of resolutions.  I really don't like the term bucket list but something inspirational isn't coming to mind.  I'll post pictures of my journal when I get working on it.  I hope within the next week or so. 

What coupons??

Hey, I didn't get that coupon!!

Sunday Coupon Preview tells you what coupons should appear in your newspaper.  Though not all newspapers get the same coupons.  The bigger newspapers, Chicago Tribune, give better coupons then smaller ones, QC Times.  Sunday Coupon Preview offers a detailed list with what amounts the coupon will be. 

***Coupons and Values might differ depending on region and newspaper***

Book Review: The Pink Lady: The Many Lives of Helen Gahagan Douglas

Helen Doulgas rubbed elbows with many famous people in her life and lead an amazing live as actress, politician, humanitarian and many other things.  Sally Denton lets you not only into Helen's life but the world of everyone else she encountered and charmed.  Though not as long as one would assume, it was a great incite into Helen's life.  I would suggest it to any one interested in Helen Gahagan Douglas' life.

Frezer Sale!!

In the market for a freezer?  Thinking about buying one but not sure?

Jewel and He-vee are both having deals on freezers coming up. 

Jewel's freezer sale starts this Sunday (2/27) and only have about 50 per store.  They are 5.3 cubic feet Igloo freezer.  They will be $159 and comes with a coupon book worth $160.  The coupon book comes with a lot of free items and you'll be able to stack with B1G1 to get both items free.  More information is here. 

Hy-vee's freezer is going to be $199 with $199 worth of coupons.  I think it's for 5.0 cubic feet CF freezer but don't know that much more about it yet.  The deal is to start next week (2/3). When I hear more about it, you'll be the first to know.  :)

Debt Free

My husband and I have decided to get rid of all out debt and go with the envelope system.

I use to listen to Dave Ramsey and kept trying to get my husband to listen to him and read his books.  On one of our trips to see his parents he finally ran across his show (while looking for sports :)  ).  We listened to him every chance we got on our drive to Iowa and finally got his book from the library to read.  My husband was the one who checked it out but I stole it and read it at night.  We decided that we wanted to be debt free and provide for more for our children. 

It's only been a month but we have paid off the American Express Card, Best Buy, and this month we plan on paying off the last our the credit card we were using.  We have stopped using credit cards all together and have set up a budget this month.  We have one more major bill then it's just car payments and student loans. 

According to our budget we should be able to put about $400 in savings and make two car payments in March.  We are hoping to be done with the car payment next year and then just start working on the student loans. 

If you are struggling with debt or are tired of being stressed out about it I recommend Dave Ramsey.  Listen to him and you will see what I mean.  Read his book and you will be wanting to do it too.