Happy Thanks-Living Day to you!

Just a note to say I am thankful for you...my readers and supporters...and

am wishing you a blessed Thanks-Living Day with those beloved

folks in your life. 

Enjoy all that yummy food and fellowship!

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Thanks and So Long for Now....

As the end of the year comes, so do changes in our lives. 

Sometimes, they're hard decisions, and other times they're easier. 

I'm cutting back on time at my blog in the new year. 

That was the easy decision...

TRUTH IS...MY FAMILY NEEDS ME. And I gotta keep

FIRST THINGS FIRST! 

Since I have over 1600 recipes/posts here, I will not just be walking away. 

I'm just going into S-L-O-W mode! And my blog will remain 'up'. 

I'll never be able to thank all of you for your awesome support over the years. I had NO clue what I was getting into when I began blogging.  

I have learned and grown and been stretched in ways I couldn't have ever imagined...and I THANK YOU!!!  For your support, and love, emails and comments..for everything you've done to enrich my life! 

I won't be sharing weekly recipes, but hope to post randomly.

I do hope you'll watch for my "Flashback Friday" posts sharing recipe links,
after taking a big break in January.  

I will still be sharing links at Facebook and Twitter. 

AND...I need more time to work on Cookbook #3 - hoping to publish it 

in the early fall of 2017.  I'd love for you to watch for that....

I'm really dreading the 'hole' in my heart I'll have from missing all the interaction in this amazing blogging community. That's definitely the hard part.

I never imagined how much I would love and care for so many that I've never met in person, but seem to know so well.  And depend on! 

So thank you from the bottom of my heart...though for each of you, there

is no bottom to my heart. 

I'll be seeing you around....

Thanks for your prayers for me and mine, as I remember to thank God for you. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!

Thanks so much to all of you who have been so wonderful to support my blog this year! 

I never would have imagined SO many folks being interested in what I whip up in the kitchen!

Y'ALL ROCK! 

Wishing you all a Very Merry CHRISTmas week and New Year too. 

I do believe that JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! 

WOW!  How'd we get so old so fast huh????

I'm going to take a break from my blog for a few weeks. Not only to enjoy the holidays, but we are getting ready to head to Florida - for 3 months! We've never been gone that long before and it's taking me some time to sort and pack. There are some things I just don't want to live without that long!

And sometimes...we just need a break! 

I like to choose a "Word of the Year"...through God's leading. 

In years past, I've chosen JOY, RESTORATION, and PEACE.

This year God has directed me to the word REFRESHED! 

And He gave me this verse to emphasize it to me....

ROMANS 15:32 - THAT I MAY COME UNTO YOU WITH JOY BY THE WILL OF GOD, AND MAY WITH YOU BE REFRESHED! 

So for now, I will say 'so long'...I will continue to publish

"Blast from the Past" at my blog on Wednesdays, to share old blog posts at my social media pages and to participate in Weekend Potluck parties on Fridays, but hope you'll hang with me and be ready for some new recipe ideas come February. 

May you enjoy some R & R after a busy busy month too!

Product Review: Island-Ware Half Sheet Jelly Roll Pan

I was so excited to be sent a lovely Half Sheet Pan by Island Warein exchange for a review. It is very high quality, excellent for baking and far surpasses other sheet pans I've used over the years. It's heavier and thicker, so it won't ever warp. And one of my favorite things about this lovely pan - it's made in the USA!!

(prepared pan prior to baking sheet cake)

I am a grandma to 8, food blogger, newspaper columnist and author of 2 cookbooks, so I have done plenty of baking in my lifetime. 

The first thing I baked was a sheet cake.  It baked perfectly even and I was impressed with the results. I've had other pans that warp while baking, but this pan is too strong for that. I also baked cookies and they turned out great. 

Be aware that the pan holds heat longer and therefore, baking requires a shorter time, by a few minutes. The pan also cleans up very nicely.

I like that it has no seams, which tend to collect water...and rust. 

I also appreciate the oversized ends that are like handles, which makes it easier to move to and from the oven. 

The only negative thing I can think to say about this pan, 1" in depth, is that I wish it was just a little deeper. Otherwise, it's perfect for me and will be used often and I know it will last for my lifetime too. Makes for a great serving tray also. 

*Disclosure:  I received this pan for the purpose of providing a product review.  I promise I will only provide my honest review on this blog.  This post includes my amazon affiliate links. You are not obligated to purchase, but when you do through one of my links, I will make a small percentage on the sale. Thank you for supporting my site.

To order your own pan, click the image below:

 

A Thank You & Some Fav's from The Country Cook

We interrupt our regularly scheduled "Blast from the Past" post to bring you some of my favorite recipes of a favorite blogger & friend...
Brandie AKA - The Country Cook

Brandie and I have been blogging buds for several years now and I just wanted to honor and thank her, for all the ways she's helped me to grow my blog and Facebook page!  She's increased my traffic and LIKES by leaps & bounds!

We are honored to be co-hostesses at our weekly Weekend Potluck linky parties. 

She has a 'boatload' of awesome recipes and it was very difficult to share just a few here, but these are definitely among my favorites at her blog.  I love her simple and easy recipes - "Getting dinner on the table and spending time together is more important than WHAT you fix" attitude...

If you're not acquainted with Brandie (It's hard to imagine you're not, but...)
please be sure to spend some time there checking out her beautiful photos and delicious recipes.  She has a great sense of humor...and quickly makes you feel like you're one of the family. 

Hope you enjoy this 'taste' of HOME from Brandie's kitchen. 



Just gotta LOVE these easy meatballs...your family will love them any time too. 

Crockpot Party Meatballs

Brandie is known...far and wide...for her poke cakes. 
Simply can't go wrong doctoring up a carrot cake mix! 

Pudding Poke Carrot Cake

These 'sammies' are made with Hawaiian rolls...make a few...make a lot!
YES PLEASE! 

Inside Out Grilled Cheese

This recipe makes me giddy...so pretty...so easy...soo delicious.  YUMMERS! 

Cherry Cheesecake Dip

My mouth absolutely waters to look at this photo!  I need to be feeding a crowd when I make it so I don't eat the whole thing myself....WOWOWOW!! 

Pecan Praline French Toast

Thanks Brandie for being such a dear friend in my life!
I have learned more from you than you'll ever know. 
Thanks for being such an awesome example for so many who are learning to cook, and for those of us who want quick dishes!! 
YOU ROCK GIRLFRIEND!! 

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Most Popular Posts for 2014

Just thought I'd share these few popular posts for this year...

This has remained my #1 post for the past few years..proof that it is VERY GOOD! It is definitely the most popular on my Pinterest pages too. 

Dreamsicle Salad (Sugar Free Option)

Just what they say they are...and they are mighty tasty too!

Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Biscuits

This cake is so moist and delicious.  Use sugar free pudding and jello 

to cut back on calories/sugar.  This is a special treat any time of year!

Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

Mix together cream cheese, bacon, canned chili, shredded cheese & onions for a fabulous and tasty baked dip! 

White Trash Dip

These 3-ingredient 'wonders' are fabulous....very popular..and LOWFAT!! 

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

2-Ingredient Nutella Brownies (Gluten Free) & A Giveaway!

*GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*

You're gonna love me for sharing this simple recipe...

And am offering a jar of organic nutella (or hazelnut spread with cocoa and milk) from Nocciolata USA too...so you can make your own!

I was so tickled to be contacted by this great company. They not only offered to send me samples, they're willing to give a jar away to one of my readers!! 

Hurrah!! 

From their website...

 Nocciolata (SRP: $4.99; 9.5oz) is crafted using carefully selected ingredients such as dark chocolate from the Antillean Islands, Italian hazelnuts (16%), brown sugar, skim milk and Bourbon vanilla extract.

This deliciously smooth spread is gluten-free, kosher and has no palm oil, hydrogenated fat, artificial flavors or artificial colors or aromas. Nocciolata can be enjoyed on toast or croissants and is also a great ingredient for enhancing the flavor of any cake, cookie or muffin recipe.

------------------------------

The same day I decided to hunt online for a recipe to use my beloved jar of creamy chocolate, this recipe seemed to find me, and I simply couldn't resist! 

TWO Ingredients you ask?  Yep...that's it! 

You beat the fire out of eggs - then add the jar (or 1 cup) chocolate hazelnut nutella spread, and that's it!

They are fudgey and fabulous.  We like nuts on top, but that isn't necessary.  You can just sprinkle powdered sugar over the top if you prefer....or not. 

Thank you to Katerina at Diethood for perfecting this recipe...and just in case you're wondering...

NO...hers is NOT a dieting type blog. *-* Would love for you to stop over and visit her. 

2-INGREDIENT NUTELLA BROWNIES 

4 large eggs

1 c. nutella

nuts or powdered sugar, optional

Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8" X 8" pan with parchment paper (no need to grease); set aside.

Place eggs in medium mixing bowl; with an electric mixer, beat for 7 - 10 minutes, or until eggs have tripled in size. 

Heat nutella in microwave for 45 - 55 seconds. 

(depending on power of your M/W) 

You want it to be pourable, but not hot. Remove from microwave and stir. 

Slowly pour the warm nutella over the eggs, beating until smooth. 

Pour into prepared pan and bake 30 - 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. 

(If using nuts, sprinkle over the top before baking - they'll get toasted and so yum!)

Remove and allow to cool to room temp before cutting. Dust with powdered sugar. Cut and serve. 

You're welcome! 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

The WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY IS COMMENT #2 - 
Kitty Penrod!  Congrats to you!!

Now...onto the giveaway! 

1 -  I'm asking you to do is tell me your favorite thing to do with nutella 

2 - You can get a second entry by liking Nicciolata USA at Facebook

(click on link above), then come back and tell me you did. 

3 - Get a third entry by liking MY Facebook page at The Better Baker Blog and Cookbooks (or let me know if you already have) 

(LEAVE EACH COMMENT SEPARATELY TO COUNT FOR MORE THAN ONE) 

Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. 

Send over your friends and family too so they can join the fun.

And if you don't happen to win, you can always purchase a jar of this 

lovely organic chocolate spread here

*SORRY - USA entries ONLY*

Ready....Set...Go!

Contest closes on Sunday, June 29th at 9 PM

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How can I begin to say Thanks?

My heart has been greatly blessed by all the prayer coverage, support and love extended to me and my family over the loss of our special and oldest granddaughter, Ashtyn McCrae, age 19. She suffered severe brain trauma in a fatal auto accident.  (No broken bones and only one little bruise on her forehead!)

This is the photo I used to announce her 17th birthday on my blog. 
(My heart flutters to see those natural red curls!)

I can't find the words (& that's a rare thing!) to thank you all for the kindness & thoughtfulness you've extended to me.  I read every single comment left for me at Facebook, and soaked each of them in.  What a comfort to know we're not alone in these dark times. 

We have a strong faith...I sure wouldn't want to face uncertain days without Christ.  HIS strength is made perfect in our weakness. And HIS grace is amazing beyond measure! We rejoice in knowing we'll see her again. 

And we are especially blessed because Ashtyn was an organ donor and 4 others get to live because of her!!  So thrilled over that! 

Whatever you have done to reach out to me - thank you. I've read and reread the cards & notes and they have ministered to me greatly, bringing cleansing tears. 

I wanted to thank some very special ladies...blogging buds...who took time to make me feel so very beloved in my sorrow.  They not only sent a gorgeous peace lily houseplant, they also sent a card with food gift cards...to us, AND my children!  

CAUSE THEY WANTED TO COOK FOR ME, AND SINCE THEY COULDN'T...

Bless their sweet sweet hearts! 

Sending a BIG slobbery sweet 

to each of you precious friends...

Lark - Lark's Country Heart

Tonya - 4 little Fergusons

Tabitha - Frugal Family Favorites

Brandie - The Country Cook

Debi - Recipes for my Boys

Veronica - My Catholic Kitchen

SO very thankful I can feel beloved and know I'm not alone in my sorrow. 

May God richly return to all of you the special blessing you are to me now! 

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An Update and a Chat

I just wanted to remind and review a few bloggy things with you so we can keep in touch better...

Facebook has been making a lot...A LOT...of changes! 

If you follow my site on Facebook, you may not be seeing all my posts. Facebook has cut way back on showing posts to the people who “Like” our pages.  They are trying to make us pay for advertising. =( I try to add a Facebook recipe post, or two, during each weekday, but sometimes it tells me only '30' see it??  Wassup with that??? I have over 9500 Likes!!??   

If you just “Like” my page on Facebook, there is no guarantee you will see my posts any more.  To keep me active in your news feed, you need to be active on the Facebook page. Here's what I'd love for you to do...

Please click “Like” under each new post, hit the “share” button and make a “comment” even if you just say “Yes” or post a smiley face to keep me in your news feed. Thank you so much for your help in this matter.  I love interacting with you on the blog and Facebook and would love to interact with you more in the months ahead.

If you follow my blog, but don't follow me at Facebook, you're missing some 'extra' posts....

If you are searching for a certain recipe on my blog, feel free to use the search engine (white box) at the top left of my page. Type in what you're looking for and click on the 'magnifying glass'.  I use it all the time. 

If you want to follow me at Pinterest, click here. Please be aware that I've added a pin button to every photo on my blog, so you can easily pin whatever recipe you choose. (Exception to that rule is for Weekend Potluck parties, then you want to go to each blog to pin the recipe, otherwise it will be more difficult for you when you're ready to look at it in Pinterest). 
When you point the cursor over the photo, a little red "P" appears in the upper left hand corner. 

Please feel free to let me know if you'd like to see anything in particular on my blog and I'll do what I can to accommodate you. I love suggestions, just so long as they are kind. *-*

Many thanks to everyone for being supportive. I appreciate all of you who are subscribed to my blog and/or are Facebook friends! Every comment means a lot and every time you try one of my recipes, I am elated!  You all make this site worthwhile for me. Thank you! Thank you! I hope this will help you to be able to better navigate the blog and understand why you are not seeing all my posts on Facebook, too.  

                      

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Guest Post - Low Carb Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Nancy Fox (Skinny Kitchen) {WW Points}

Thanks a million to my good friend, Nancy Fox, author of  Skinny Kitchen  blog.

This is the second guest post she's been willing to do for me while I'm out of town. I LOVE her 'skinny' recipes and make them often.  YUUMM!

She willingly gave into my request to share this Low Carb recipe...

I present to you...Nancy...Take it away...

Nancy Fox is no stranger to the food industry. She founded Mrs. Beasley's, a gift-basket company featuring baskets full of decadent baked goods. It became the "hot" gift to give among the Hollywood community. 

Nancy later opened 2 low fat restaurants called Nancy’s Healthy Kitchen. Her line of reduced-fat cookies were featured on "Oprah's Favorites" gift show.

Continuing her passion for cooking and baking Nancy created a recipe website called 

Skinny Kitchen. Each week she shares skinny recipes, cooking and kitchen tips, food finds and the healthy benefits of many recipes. There’s also nutritional facts and Weight Watchers POINTS on each recipe.

LOW CARB CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS

Each wrap has only 62 calories, 2 grams of fat and 2 Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS. Enjoy 3 of them for dinner at 186 calories, 6 grams of fat and 5 Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS. I’ve compared mine to P.F. Chang’s Chicken in Soothing Lettuce Wraps which contains 153 calories and 7 grams of fat. This recipe’s a real keeper!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients for Wraps:

1 pound ground chicken or ground turkey

8 scallions, white and green part chopped

1 (8oz) can water chestnuts, drained, rinsed and chopped fine

1 red bell pepper, chopped fine

¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

2½ tablespoons hoisin sauce, see shopping tips

1 tablespoon ginger (from a jar) or fresh grated ginger

1 tablespoon water

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 large head butter lettuce, wash, dried and leaves separated

Ingredients for Dipping Sauce:

¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

½ tablespoon ginger (from a jar) or fresh minced ginger

1 teaspoon sesame oil

½ teaspoon garlic (from a jar) or fresh minced garlic

Instructions

1. In a large pan, brown the ground chicken over medium-high heat, breaking up the pieces.  Pour into a colander, in the sink and drain fat.  Return chicken to pan.  When cool enough to handle, break up the chicken pieces until minced.

2. Add the scallions, water chestnuts, red pepper, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, water and sesame oil.  Cook for a few minutes until the scallions and red pepper are soft.  Keep warm.

3.In a small bowl, add all the dipping sauce ingredients and mix well.

4.To assemble each chicken wrap: Spoon about ⅓ cup of chicken filling onto one lettuce leaf and roll it up, if desired. Serve with dipping sauce on the side.  This sauce is quite strong.  You’ll only need 1 teaspoon of sauce per wrap.  You can also set up the components on individual plates and serve family style.  Let everyone make their own wrap.

Makes about 16 lettuce wraps

Thanks so much Dear Nancy for sharing another luscious dish from your creative kitchen!

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Guest Post - Storing Ground Beef - (My Five Men)

I am ecstatic and delighted to share my friend, Betsy, with you all today!

I have been following her blog, My Five Men, for several years.  We connected right away because she lives in Ohio too. I hope this is the year we get to meet face to face!! She's the kind of gal who sees the cup half full, and is an inspiration to many as she deals with her special needs triplets.  She shares humorous events in her household, her love of animals, the bargains she's blessed with...and more.  I talk about her often, especially to my non-blogging friends. 
Because she really is a Wonder Woman!

Betsy shares a lot of cool tips for doing things easier, and so today she's sharing thoughts for buying and storing ground beef.  

It's all yours Miz Betsy.....

I'm excited to do a guest post for Marsha!

Not only is she a wonderful baker, but she is a sweetheart

and is such an encouraging person.  The blogging community

is better off having sweet ladies like Marsha and I'm happy

to have the opportunity to do a post for her!

First off, my name is Betsy.  I live in Ohio, USA.

I'm married and have four grown sons.

The oldest, Taylor, 22 yrs old, is married and off on his own and

the other three live with us since they have

autism and still need care and supervision.
(The triplets are 20).

I love to cook, decorate and create.

My blog, My Five Men, is about my adventurous life.

I have a home based gift basket business and work

part time for an auctioneer.  I'm the neighborhood

crazy cat lady and bird watcher. And I have

 a little Etsy shop, Song Sparrow Treasures. 

Stop by and say hello!

Marsha asked if I would share one of my favorite

tips for staying organized.  The first one to pop into my mind was

how I buy and store ground beef to create quick and easy meals.

I buy ground beef in bulk from Sam's Club.

I buy the 90% lean in a large package, about 6-8 lbs.

And it's always an extra bonus if you can find one 

marked down for clearance!

When I get home, I form enough burger patties to feed our

family one meal.  I wrap each separately in plastic wrap and

put all the patties in a Ziplock freezer bag.  Into the freezer they go.

The day we want to grill burgers, I unwrap each and place them 

all on a plate and microwave on the defrost setting about 4-5

minutes, turning over once.  Don't overdo or you'll start to

cook them!  They can still be just a little frozen in the centers.

After forming burger patties, I take the rest of the beef and

brown it in a large stock pot.  I drain it in a collander and rinse it

with hot water to remove any lingering fat.  Then I separate it

into 1 lb portions in Ziplock freezer bags.  Now it's ready to

quickly microwave to thaw (about 2 minutes) you can create a

 meal of spaghetti, tacos, sloppy joes, chili, casseroles...anything

in a fraction of the time it would take to start with frozen raw meat.

This is such a time saver!

I hope you'll try it!

Thanks again Marsha!

And thanks, readers, for letting me share!

♥

What a sweet dear she is!  Honestly, I didn't pay her to say such nice things about me! ;-}
Thanks and thanks again Betsy for sharing with us. 
I do hope you'll take time to pop over and visit Betsy's beautiful blog. I love how attractive and user-friendly her website is.  She does the designing herself! You don't have to read much to know she's a very interesting gal, so head on over there.  My Five Men

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