A LITTLE THIS AND THAT

                  Here are a few "tips" for you to think about.

               Adding a sheet of fabric softener with clean  towels, sheets,any bedding
          helps keep them fresh and clean smelling.

               Place a sheet of fabric softener among garments that are stored
          for fall, winter or spring, summer they stay fresher  smelling and also keeps
          the  pesky little spiders away.

                Did you know....any food that doesn't grow in/on the ground,
           come from the waters [ocean] or comes from nature,
           should not be on our menu...[..I embarrassingly  say  that eliminates
           a lot of my daily intake!.]

               Use of a whisk helps put more air into your scrambled egg or omelet,
          resulting in a fluffier egg.

               When the flour or brown sugar you want to use has "lumps" in it
         using  your whisk  will take care of them.

               That is all for today friend, this is Jenny



         I will be gone , away from the SNOW, for a few  days. Have a good weekend

         everyone.Stay safe.








     


               

SHOULD BE A WINTER STAPLE ....GINGERBREAD CAKE !!

                                GINGERBREAD CAKE  is usually made around the holidays.
                      I find it difficult to go through the chilly winter months without making
                     GINGERBREAD CAKE again. It is ssssooo good! Here is the
                      recipe I use. It is very moist and simple to make. I can almost taste
                      and smell it cooking, as I write  the recipe!

                                                    GINGERBREAD CAKE

                       Pre  heat oven to 350*
                       Line a 9 inch  spring form pan or a 9 inch round cake pan with
                      a circle of parchment paper that you have previously cut.

                     2 teaspoons Ginger
                     1 cup molasses
                     1 cup sugar
                     1 cup vegetable oil
                     2 + 1/2 cups flour
                     1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
                     1/2 teaspoon cloves
                     1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper  [ enhances the ginger flavor]
                     1 cup water
                     1 teaspoon baking soda
                      2 eggs, at room temperature

                       Mix molasses, sugar, and oil. In another bowl sift together the flour,
                       cinnamon, cloves, ginger and pepper.
                       Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, stir in the baking soda,
                       then add  the hot water into the molasses mixture.
                       Gradually, stir the dry ingredients into the batter. Add the eggs,
                       and continue mixing until everything is thoroughly combined.
                        Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
                        Bake 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
           
                       Cool cake for at least 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of
                       the cake to loosen it from the pan. Remove cake from pan onto platter.
                       Serve with whipped cream, or ice cream.

                       I first came upon this recipe in an issue of the "Oprah" magazine,
                       it was listed under her favorite things. I like it. Hope you'll try it.

                     That is all for today friend, this is Jenny




                

ONE OF GRANDMAS' FAVORITE

                    A change from the popular oatmeal cookie, this recipe is good and
           has ingredients that are good for you too. Whether  its an after school snack,
           a dessert, or evening snack with a cup of  tea or glass of milk, these cookies will
           "hit-the -spot"  !

                                                        RAISIN MOLASSES GEMS
     
                   3/4 cup of shortening
                   1 cup of sugar
                   1/4 cup of molasses
                   1 egg
                   2 cups all-purpose flour
                   2 teaspoons baking soda
                   1 teaspoon cinnamon
                   1/2 teaspoon cloves
                   1/2 teaspoon ginger
                   1/4 teaspoon salt
                   1 cup RAISINS
                    Sugar

                   Beat shortening  and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses
                   and egg; beat well. Combine flour, soda, cinnamon, cloves, & salt.
                   Add the molasses mixture: mix well.  Stir in RAISINS. Cover and
                   refrigerate until  chilled, about 1 hour.
                   Shape into 1 inch balls; roll each in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on
                   greased cookie sheets [ or line with parchment paper.]
                   Bake at 350* oven for 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute on
                   cookie sheet; transfer to cooling racks.
                   Makes 3 dozen --melt in mouth cookies.

                   Try this recipe. The cookies are really good,  keep and freeze well too.

                  That is all for today friend, this is Jenny

REQUEST......BIRTHDAY PIE !!

                         Birthdays were always celebrated in the Breton house. Seven children, but no
               special request. Not till our youngest daughter  decide she didn't want cake,
               instead a Birthday Pie!.  Her favorite .One I usually made around the holidays,
               but,  I made  an exception. This Pie remains her favorite, and I still make it every
               time she comes  home to Maine. She and her family live in Georgia.

                                                 BANANA  FUDGE  PIE

            1 pie shell [ ready made or your own recipe]
            1/3 cup of chocolate bits [ I used Ghirardelli, but you can use any brand]
            1  8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed
            2 eggs, beaten
            1/4 cup of sugar
            1 medium banana

            Heat oven to 350*
            Melt chocolate bits [ I use a microwave safe measuring cup, 2 cup size  ]
            Stir into melted bits 1 cup of the Cool Whip, eggs and sugar. Mix well.
            Pour into pie shell. Bake 25-30 minutes, [will look like brownies]
            When cooled, top with sliced banana and remaining  Cool Whip.
            Refrigerate till flavors meld and you are ready to serve [ at least 1 hour]

           The first time I made this pie, I used a store brand chocolate bits.
         . The chocolate does  taste better using a better grade of chocolate.

           Easy to make, hope you will give it a try.


           That is all for today  friend , this is Jenny      
         

OATMEAL IN CAKE ???!!

               Here is a recipe I have made over and over for my family. It is really moist,
       delicious and easy to make. One would never know it  was made with OATMEAL.
       It could become one of your favorites. Perfect for a child's school lunch, bring to
       a pot-luck, or with the beverage of your choice, as a snack or dessert.

                                                  OATMEAL  CAKE

               Preheat oven to 350*       Grease [ or non stick spray ] a 9 x 13 pan
               1 +1/4  cups boiling water
               1 cup OLD FASHIONED OATS, uncooked
               1/2 cup of butter
               3/4 cup sugar
               1/2 cup brown sugar, packed firmly
               2 eggs
               1 teaspoon vanilla
               1+1/2 cups all purpose flour
               1 teaspoon baking soda
               3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
               1/2 teaspoon salt
               1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
                1. Pour  boiling water over OATMEAL. Stir to mix, set aside 20 minutes.
                2. Cream butter and sugars, add eggs. Beat well.
                3. Add vanilla and oatmeal mixture.
                4. Add flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon. Mix well.
                5.  Pour into greased 9 X 13 pan. Bake 30 minutes.

                 While cake is baking, cream 1/2 cup butter, 2 cups coconut, 1 cup nuts,
                 finely chopped, 1 + 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed, and 8 - 10 Tablespoons
                 evaporated milk. Mixing  together to make a frosting.

                 Frost cake immediately when it comes out of the oven.
                 Place under broiler until top is brown and bubbly. { WATCH CAREFULLY
                 NOT TO BURN }Let cool slightly  before cutting.  Serve from pan.    Enjoy. !

                This makes a big cake. Serves at least 9, depending on size, as many as 12.

                We were 9 in my family, so having any  left- over was  not common!

                That is all for today  friend,. this is Jenny
                     





                    

D -Y -N -A -M -I -T- E SAUCE !!

             This is a recipe I made for my family many times.It makes a big batch,
        can be reheated and freezes well to.

                                                         DYNAMITE SAUCE

            In a large soup pot or[kettle] cook these vegetables until tender
                1 pkg. celery, diced
                2 or 2 green peppers, diced
                4 medium sized onions, diced
                1 large can of tomatoes
                1 can of tomato paste
                1 can of tomato soup

             In large skillet brown 2 pounds of ground beef [ or gr. turkey ]
             Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
             When beef is browned add to vegetable pot.
             Bring to a simmer. Add 1/2.teaspoon ground black pepper
             Add RED pepper to taste [ option] , 1/4 teaspoon salt
             Simmer for 20 minutes.    To thicken sauce....1 Tablespoon
             brown sugar mixed with 3 Tablespoons cornstarch and a dash
             of Tabasco sauce  . This can be made medium HOT , to taste.

            I served this Dynamite Sauce over warm hamburger buns,
            it is equally good over mashed potatoes or white rice.

            Give this a try.

           I bought this recipe book at a church fundraiser in the '60 's

           That is all  for today, friend, this  is Jenny

             

FEBRUARY 14TH !!

               I want to wish everyone of you readers a very HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

       I hope you all take a few minutes, [ or more ] to show your significant other some 

      LOVE !! Today is set aside for that. Enjoy the day. Make it a SPECIAL one.

     That is all for today, friend, this is Jenny

TOMATO SOUP----A NEW WAY

                       Tomato soup is not my favorite. When I saw this recipe, I had to share.
               It is not the regular Tomato soup. White beans, bacon, cheese,  with a
               "kick",  is sure to change your opinion of the Tomato soup you
                might have had as a youngster at Mom or Grandmas' house.

                                         BACON, TOMATO, & WHITE BEAN SOUP

                        1 Tablespoon olive oil
                        1/3 pound of smoky bacon, chopped
                        2 red or white onions, finely chopped
                        3-4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
                        1 Fresno Chile pepper, sliced very thin, [ a jalepeno or serrano pepper
                        2 large bay leaves                                              can be substituted]
                        2 Tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
                                            Salt and Pepper
                        1 can of tomatoes [28-32 ounces, petite diced]
                        2 cups of tomato puree
                        2 cups chicken stock
                        1 can cannelloni   [ white beans] drained
                     
                        Grated Pecorino-Romano , for sprinkling

                        Crusty bread for "mopping" [ garlic bread works]

                  1. In a medium dutch oven [ soup pot] heat the oil, over medium -high
                      heat. Add bacon and cook til browned, about 5 minutes
                      Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain off all but 3 Tablespoons of the fat.

                   2. Add the onions, garlic, chile, bay leaves, thyme, salt and lots of pepper.
                       Partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes.
                       Stir in the tomatoes, tomato puree, and chicken stock.
                       Stir in the beans bring to a  simmer. Simmer  for 15 minutes.

                    3. Serve the soup in shallow bowls. Top with the cooked bacon.
                        Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the cheese.
                        Serve with the bread. This recipe serves 4.
                        Hope you give this one a try.....enjoy.
                     [  This recipe is from an issue of  Everyday with Rachael Ray ]

                   That is all for today,  friend,. this is Jenny
  .

ONE OF BERTHA'S RECIPES

                My Mom was a super woman. She cooked, baked, canned, did a lot of
     gardening..all this and raised 7 children [4 of these were boys] dating back to 1930 s.
    She did not  have all the conveniences available to her that we have now.
    She baked most of the recipes  from memory, and when she                                                                            .    was asked for one of her recipes, her response was always...    
                 " a little this, and a little that".
     Here is one recipe that she made often, and  always in quantity.

                                BROWN  SUGAR  PUDDING

                 1 cup brown sugar
                 1 1/2 cups water
                 2 Tablespoons butter  ........mix all 3  together and set aside

                 1 1/2 cups flour
                 3/4 cup of sugar
                 2 teaspoons baking powder
                 3/4 cup milk
                 1 cup of raisins

                       Stir together., will resemble a biscuit dough.
                Spray pan [8 x 8] with non stick spray. Put pudding dough in pan. Pour
               sauce [above] over top. Bake at 375* for 30-40 minutes.
               Serve warm with a scoop of  ice cream.

              I have made this several times. I sometimes have used raspberries or blueberries,
            [ substituting white sugar for the brown sugar,] and even on occasion
               used 1 cup chopped  apple, adding 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the sauce.

            Very easy, quick recipe, and inexpensive too.Can be doubled.  Enjoy!!

             That is all for today friend,  this is Jennny

PRIZE FRIES !!

         
                        I love fries...oven fries. Used to love fast food fries, but too much salt,
               just don't go that route any more. People do and that is their choice.
               Kids of all ages love fries!! They are addicting.... the saying goes
              "can't eat just one" !
                         54 different oven fries were taste tested, here are the top 5
                  that were   found  to be the "tastiest". Get out the ketchup !!

                    1.  BEST  THIN-CUT....Ore-Ida  Extra Crispy  Fast Food Fries
                         With a crisp coating and salty goodness, these fries had the
                         same taste as your favorite drive-through.....in a good way.
                         Cost..$3.59 for 26 ounces....$ .41 per 3 ounce  serving.

                    2. BEST CRINKLE-CUT.....Wylwood Crinkle Cut Fries
                         Lots of deep groves and a crisp texture in every bite.
                        Golden and lightly salted, these have the perfect balance
                        of crunchy outside and tender inside.
                        Cost..$ 1.99 for 32 ounces...$  .18  for 3 ounce serving.

                    3. BEST SWEET POTATO..Ian's All Natural Sweet Potato Fries
                        A healthier alternative to the white- potato kind, and the
                        highest scoring among the panel. The caramelized, tempura-like
                        bites are  sweet.
                        Cost..$3.99 for 15 ounces....$  .79 for 3 ounce serving.

                    4. BEST SEASONED....Alexia Parmesan Lemon Waffle Fries
                        A sprinkle of nutty Parmesan  and bright lemon gives these fries
                        so much flavor, you won't need to any dip.
                       Cost..$3.49 for 20 ounces....$  .52 for 3 ounce serving.

                   5. BEST STEAK FRIES...McCain All Natural Steak Cut Fries
                       The earthy flavor makes these  fries delicious. The thick-cut can hold
                       sauce or dip without drooping.
                       Cost $3.99 for 28 ounces....$  .42 for 3 ounce serving

               I  am always amazed when shopping, the variety of products available
               to all of us...no wonder it takes me sssoo long  ...too many to choose from!

               I hope you will try some of these FRIES and decide for yourself.
               This is an article in a recent issue of EVERYDAY.

               That is all for today, friend. This is Jenny

              P.S. If you are experiencing a snow storm....be safe.

  .
         
             .
                         

MAKING SALT SENSE !

                    Today's post is all about  SALT .There are many different types of salt.
            Salt contains iodine and sodium, which we need in our daily diets, however
            we should  keep our intake  to 6 grams, or 1 teaspoon of salt every day.
                   Here are 6 easy to find varieties, with some info about each one.

                1.  KOSHER SALT....formed in large  crystals. Ideal for curing meat.
                      Cooks like KOSHER salt, its roughness makes it easy to "pinch"
                      the perfect amount. It dissolves fast, chefs recommend it for
                      marinating meats to putting it on popcorn. It is slightly higher in
                       sodium and  is also know as a COARSE SALT.

                2 .SEA SALT....is obtained from sea water. It is not processed
                     therefore retains some of its nutrients. Used to compliment anything
                     from a fresh salad to a salmon fillet.

                3. TABLE SALT......is made from salt deposits, then is processed to
                     give it a fine texture. It also dissolves fast. but contains less sodium
                      than SEA salt.

                4. PICKLING SALT...like table salt, pickling salt may come from the
                    earth or the sea, but it isn't fortified with iodine and does not contain
                    anti-caking chemicals, both of which would turn pickles an unappetizing
                    color. It is the purest of salts, 100 percent sodium chloride.
   
                5. FLEUR de SEL...a special occasion table salt. Sprinkled over food just
                    before eating has a delicate flavor and the right hint of saltiness for sliced
                    tomatoes and melons . In France  it is known as the caviar of sea salt.
                    Hand harvested, the right amounts of sun and water are needed..
                    FLEUR de SEL blooms like a flower on the surface of the water in France.
                    Found in specialty stores and on the Internet.

               6. ROCK SALT...has large, chunky, crystals with .nonuniform shapes.
                   Minerals and other harmless impurities give it a grayish color.
                   One can use it to regulate the temperature when making ice cream with
                   the old-fashioned hand crank ice cream maker It is not used directly.
                   on food. Used to de-ice driveways and sidewalks in the winter months.

        That is all for today, friend  This is Jenny...welcome back.




            

NEW BUYS IN YOUR SUPERMARKET

                             Check these out next time you are shopping in the supermarket.
                 All of the items will be in your area this year, or may already be there
                 and are worth at least a try.

            1. Frankly Fresh Hummus Cocktails...brings Hummus into bar territory
               with flavors like  Bloody Mary and Dirty Martini [ $4.99 each]

            2. PROGRESSO RECIPE STARTERS..offering flavorful bases--like
                three cheese--most everything for speedy sauces and soups. [$2.49]

            3. BOLD ORGANICS PIZZAS.. are gluten and dairy free. The crunchy
                brown -rice flour crust is sprinkled with veggie mozzarella.[$7.99]
   
            4. BLUE MOON CARAMEL APPLE SPICED ALE..is crafted with
                toasty malts, cinnamon, and apple juice {$15.99 for a 12 pack]

            5. NECTREESE..is a zero-calorie sugar substitute made from the extract
               of monk fruit, a small Asian melon. [$3.99 for 40 packets]

            6. Q KOALA..is all-natural cola taken up a notch with a spicy-sweet
                mix of cloves, coriander and citrus.[$7.99 for a 4 pack]

            7. CEDARLEAN SOUPS AND WRAPS..frozen entrees pair a soup---
                like lentil veggie with a healthy, globally-inspired wrap.[$5.99]

            8. HEINZ TOMATO KETCHUP..blended with balsamic vinegar offers a
                 fancy twist on the original-so good on steaks ![$2.49]

            9.  JIF MOCHA CAPPUCCINO HAZELNUT SPREAD..is an inexpensive
                 hazelnut option. Beware it can be addictive ! [ $3.99 ]

           10. BOOMCHICKAPOP SEA SALT POPCORN..made with sunflower
                  oil and sea salt, is super tasty and only 35 calories per cup. [3.99]

               These  brand new buys come from an issue of   Everyday with Rachel Ray.

            That is all for today friend, this is Jenny . Thanks for visiting, come again

"SUPER BOWL" HALF - TIME SNACKS

        Well SUPER BOWL Sunday is almost here .I am a lover of football, and a big
  Patriots fan, but I will be watching the BIG GAME even if my team isn't  playing!
           Chili,  All American Chili,  Chicken Wings and Pizza ,BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA
   are "the" biggest food items that will be eaten before or during the BIG GAME!
   However, on the East coast, the game wont start until almost 8:00, so come
   half-time we  will want snacks. I know chip and dip, and nachos are the most popular.
            I did posted different recipes a while back that you might want to try, they are;
   SUPER BOWL SNACK IDEAS,  ,MORE RECIPES, AND  MORE OF THIS \
  Click on any/or all of these links for more ideas.

           I am hoping everyone enjoys the game. Being a fan of football, this game
    brings the season to a definite end in my book!!! .

That is all for today friend, this is Jenny