The Sewing Mom

Well, I completely missed doing this one last week. It was July 4, so I took that day off from blogging and the computer in general, to spend time with my family. I am here today, barely. I’m getting ready for our trip to Tennessee and so I’m running around like a chicken with my head cut off! I’m not sure I’ll have access to the internet next Friday, so I wanted to be sure to get this done today. There is no way I could miss doing my favorite meme 3 weeks in a row!

So, here it is. If you’d like to participate in this fun weekly meme, head on over to Fun, Crafts and Recipes and let Valmg know you’re playing along.

This weeks questions and my answers:

#1. Cake. Buttercream, whipped cream or ice cream? Oh! I love all three!! One of our favorites though is the frozen custard cake from Culvers.

#2. When entertaining do you use real, paper, plastic or styrofoam dishes? That really depends. For birthdays and outdoor parties, it’s usually paper. I don’t use styrofoam anytime, it doesn’t recycle too well.

#3. When hosting a party do you cook, have it catered or go to a restaurant? I usually cook, although, this past weekend we brought in food and it was wonderful. It even came with all the plastic serving utensils and saved me a ton of work.

#4. Share a recipe that you frequently serve when having a party. We don’t party too much, but I would have to say that in the summer, I do tend to serve deviled eggs more frequently than any other time. Everybody makes fun of deviled eggs, but they sure do disappear in a hurry.

Boil eggs, cool under running water and peel. (Doing this right away helps keep the shell from stick to the cooked egg). Remove yoke into a bowl. Using a fork, break apart cooked yokes. Add tablespoon of mustard, 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, a pinch of salt, 1/4 tsp. of celery salt, and a dash of pepper. Mix. Adjust all amount to your liking. Taste. If satisfied, drop by spoonfuls into cooked egg whites. Sprinkle lightly with paprika. Serve.

It’s Friday! This week seemed to go by very quickly for me. Perhaps it is because I have so many things I’m trying to get done and I’ve stayed very busy this week. One thing I love about Friday is doing this meme sponsored by Valmg at Fun, Crafts and Recipes. If you’d like to play along, head on over to her site for the rules and questions and leave her a comment to let her know you’ve participated.

So, here are this week’s questions and my answers.

#1. Name one cookbook, cooking website or food blog that you frequently use. I actually use 2 cookbooks on a regular basis, one is for crockpot cooking, the other Betty Crocker’s Cookbook, is an old standard. I’m not even sure how long I’ve had this one, I may have received it as a wedding present, but it’s got the most basic recipes and uses the most basic ingredients. I wouldn’t want to be without it.

#2. Do you watch any cooking shows on tv? Which ones? I watch a couple of shows where they cook, Top Chef and Hell’s Kitchen, but I’m not learning how to cook from them. I do learn how to scream, yell and cuss in the kitchen though!

#3. Are you in a cooking rut? Name a food or dish that you’d like to find a recipe for. I’m not really in a rut lately, although I’ve been there in the past! I see them cooking this dish on t.v. a lot and wonder how it’s done, so I’ll say Beef Wellington.

#4. Share a recipe created by somebody else that you haven’t tried but would like to. This is a recipe from my mom and I’m really not sure why I’ve never tried it. Maybe I’ll get my daughter in the kitchen today and we’ll make it together.

Lemon Pudding Cake for 2

1 egg (separated)
2 T flour
1/2 c. sugar
2 T lemon juice
1/3 c. milk
1/2 tsp. salt

In mixing bowl, beat egg yolks. Add sugar, milk, flour, lemon juice, and salt; beat until smooth. Beat egg white until stiff peaks form; gently fold into lemon mixture. Pour into 2 ungreased 6 oz. custard cups. Place cups in baking pan and pour boiling water into pan up to 1 inch. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Recipe may be doubled for 4.

It’s my favorite day of the week. I’m torn today between heading down south for a quilt show (that would cost gas money and an entrance fee) or staying home and making a new tote bag. I’d really like to just stay out in our pool and have margaritas delivered pool side, but since I don’t have a cabana boy to provide that service, I’m not sure what I’m going to do today!

One thing I do know is that it’s time for my favorite meme, Four Foods on Friday. If you would like to participate, head over to Fun, Crafts and Recipes to leave Valmg a comment under this weeks questions.

Without further ado, here are this weeks questions and my answers.

1. What is one food that is grown, produced or made near where you live. It’s funny that this is a question this week. As we were driving to my daughter’s softball practice last night, I commented how it seems so odd to see fields of planted corn here in North Texas, especially after living in Illinois, one of this country’s primary corn growing states.

2. What is one food from another location that you haven’t had anything like anywhere else. Many years ago, I traveled with my family to Switzerland and I’ve always remembered the wonderful pastries from the local bakeries. Many of them were filled with the most delicious Bavarian cream I’ve ever had.

3. What is your favorite food from somewhere else? One of my absolute favorites is the clam chowder from a restaurant in Seattle. It is absolutely the best I’ve had anywhere, very rich and creamy.

4. Share a family, ethnic or international recipe. The one thing that I think of whenever my mom comes to visit is her beef stew. I’ve tried to duplicate it, but it doesn’t come out the same. Mine is quite good, we had it last night in fact, but my mom’s is true comfort food and I enjoy it so much more when she makes it. Now, I could share the recipe with you, but it’s top secret and then I’d have to kill you!

I have to say it, thank goodness it’s Friday! It has been incredibly busy around our house the last couple of weeks, not to mention hot, so I’m ready for a day with no plans and some time to relax. To kick it off, I’m very happy to do Four Foods on Friday, my favorite meme. If you’d like to join in, please visit Fun, Crafts and Recipes for all of the instructions and to leave Valmg a comment.

This week is a little different, instead of questions, it’s posting recipes or menu ideas for the following items:

A - asparagus, applesauce

B - balsamic vinegar, bread

C - chicken, cinnamon

D - dressing, dumpling

Asparagus is very simple, I love it plain and simply steamed with butter and a touch of seasoning on it. As for applesauce, I’ve never made this before, but I love applesauce cake for dessert. It’s also quite tasty for breakfast!

The only thing that comes to mind for balsamic vinegar is salad dressing, sorry, not too creative. As for bread? I haven’t used my breadmaker in a number of years, but one of my favorites was a recipe that called for half wheat flour and half white flour. It made it not so dry and a bit healthier than all white bread.

I think I’ve all ready shared most of my chicken recipes, so I love cinnamon and right now, with it being so early, I’m thinking cinnamon toast. Toast your bread, smear with butter, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

I love mixing dressing with chicken and baking it like a casserole. Use chicken broth to add moisture before baking. I’m not originally from the south and am no expert on dumplings. The only ones I know how to make are from Bisquick and are dropped in for the last two minutes of cooking a chicken stew.

Now that my brain is on the food track, I think I’ll go make myself some cinnamon toast!

Oh my goodness, Friday is almost over and I’m just now getting to sit down at my computer for the first time today. I almost missed doing my favorite meme and I just can’t do that!

This weeks questions:

#1. What snacks do you eat at the movies? Do you buy them there or bring your own? I love a big box of Milk Duds at the movies I do bring my own, but I buy my popcorn and a soda at the show.

#2. What’s your favorite food movie, or movie that shows a lot of food? That would have to be Mystic Pizza and Chocolate.

#3. What food or meal do you wish was available at the movies and why? I think there is plenty available all ready.

#4. What’s your most favorite way to make popcorn? Hot, cold, buttered, air, microwave, chocolate, caramel, you get it. We’ve found a small mom & pop popcorn shop and they have so many different flavors, my favorite is still carmel corn and they make a really good one!

If you’d like to participate in Four Foods on Friday, click here to visit Valmg and leave her a comment.

My favorite day of the week? Friday. My favorite meme? Four Foods on Friday

This is a weekly meme and if you’d like to participate, head over and give Valmg a shout out!

This week’s questions:

#1. What is your favorite food that is cooked on the barbeque? I love bbq ribs. I start mine out in the crock pot and finish them on the grill, I think that counts!

#2. What veggies, if any, do you cook on the barbeque? I’ve done corn on the cob, baked potatoes, red potatoes, and of course, grilled onions and peppers.

#3. Tell us a little about your barbeque habits. Who grills, how often, what months, etc. We use our grill all year long. When we have company, my husband does the grilling. If it’s just us, I’m usually doing the grilling. We use the grill at least once a week and more in the summer, it keeps the heat out of the house!

#4. Share a barbeque recipe. This is one of my favorite steak marinades.

Soak tenderized steaks in 1 cup Jack Daniels whiskey, preferably 8-10 hours. Place carefully on pre-heated grill. The alcohol may cause flare up, so be careful! A few minutes before the steaks are done, slather bbq sauce on them and finish grilling. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.

It’s my favorite day of the week, Friday! Today is even better because it’s leading into a three day weekend and I’m hoping to get some flowers planted, although, I do wish it would rain, I’ll have to turn my sprinklers on if it doesn’t!

This is really my favorite meme, put on by Fun Crafts and Recipes and if you’d like to participate, head on over there and give Valmg a shout out.

This weeks questions are:

#1. What’s your favorite white beverage? If you don’t have one, what’s your favorite beverage with something white in it? I’m definitely going to say White Zinfandel wine. If I can’t have that then I’ll go with Sprite or Sierra Mist.

#2. What’s your favorite white gravy, sauce, condiment, dressing or topping? I have to say I almost always go with ranch dressing on my salads, but my favorite gravy is cream gravy, like the kind that goes over chicken fried steak!

#3. What’s your favorite white item from the refrigerated section? In the refrigerated section, I am always stocking up on International Delight French Vanilla coffee creamer. I prefer the no-fat version, but it’s getting harder to find, so I do sometimes get the sugar free version. I almost can’t drink coffee without it. My husband has been know to bring it along when we take extended road trips.

#4. Share a recipe for something white. This is the recipe for Chicken and sour cream enchiladas.

2 c. chopped cooked chicken
1 c. thick & chunky salsa
1 c. sour cream
1 1/2 c. shredded colby & monterey jack cheese
1 tsp. ground cumin
2 T. cilantro (I don’t like this, so I leave it out)
10 flour tortillas
1 c. shredded lettuce
1 chopped tomato

Mix chicken, sour cream, 1 c. of cheese, 1/4 c. salsa, cilantro and cumin until well blended.
Spoon about 1/4 c. of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla, roll up. Place, seam sides down, in a 13×9 inch baking dish. Top with memaining 3/4 cup salsa, cover.
Bake 30 minutes in a 350 preheated oven. Sprinkle with 1/2 c. cheese. Bake an additional 5 minutes to melt cheese.
Top with lettuce and tomato just before serving.

This is not only my favorite meme, but this week, the questions revolve around one of my favorite foods, chocolate. I can’t go wrong with this one! If you’d like to participate in this meme, be sure to visit Fun, Crafts and Recipes and get in on the fun!

Here are this week’s questions:

#1. What’s your favorite beverage containing chocolate or chocolate flavoring? I love the chocolate and strawberry side-by-side milkshake at Steak and Shake. If I’m really treating myself, I’ll take a mudslide any day of the week!

#2. What’s your favorite chocolate bar? OR Share a pic of your favorite candy, chocolate or otherwise. Give me a Cadbury Caramello bar and I’m soooo happy! My husband just brought me a whole back of mini bite size caramellos and it’s all I can do to not eat the entire bag!

#3. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten that had chocolate in it? I really can’t think of anything, I don’t tend to order or make foods that are too unusual. I’m sure that if I keep watching Top Chef though, I’ll no doubt see chocolate used in some unusual way.

#4. Share a recipe using chocolate. I’m going to share a crockpot Hot Fudge Sundae Cake recipe.

Spray crock pot with cooking spray.
Mix 1 c. flour, 1/2 c. sugar, 2 T baking cocoa, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. salt in medium bowl. Stir in 1/2 c. milk, 2 T vegetable oil, 1 tsp. vanilla. Spread this batter evenly in the bottom of the crock pot.
Mix 3/4 c. brown sugar and 1/4 c. baking cocoa in a small bowl. Stir in 1 1/2 c. hot water until smooth. Pour evenly over batter in the crock pot.
Cover and cook on high heat for 2 - 2 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Turn off cooker. Let stand uncovered for 30-40 minutes before serving. Spoon cake into serving dish and spoon sauce over the top. This can definitely be served with ice cream!

I missed this meme last week and I don’t want to miss it again, even if I have to do it on dial-up! I love Val’s Four Foods on Friday meme. This week, being away from home, I’m not eating well and eating too much fast food I’m sure, so it’s nice to remind myself of my regular eating habits and what I’m missing!

Remember, if you’d like to participate, head over to Fun, Crafts and Recipes for instructions!

This weeks questions are:

#1. How do you make chicken salad? I don’t make this myself, but I do order it occassionally at a restaurant or cafe. I like it with mayo and chunky chicken and celery.

#2. Fast food chicken. What fast food restaurant makes the best chicken? KFC and Church’s. Either way, you have to catch it when it’s fresh or else it can be just a pile of grease on a bone.

#3. What’s your favorite way to eat chicken? I love fried chicken, hot and fresh. I particularly like the dark meat.

#4. Share a recipe using chicken or take a picture of a chicken dish. I’d provide a picture, but I’m not at home, so let me think of a recipe. Use cream of chicken soup, Stove Top stuffing mix, 3 chicken breast boiled and cut up and 1/2 stick of butter. Make stuffing according to package directions. Melt butter a large baking dish. Layer stuffing then cubed chicken and pour soup mixed with half a soup can of milk on top. Sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

I missed this meme last week, but I’m not letting that happen again! Posting Four Foods on Friday means my weekend is just about to officially begin. This week has been rather busy for all of us, so I’m glad it’s Friday. This is a great meme, if you’d like to participate, give Valmg a visit!

This week’s questions:

#1. When going out to dinner what items do your order? Appetizers, soup, salad, dinner, dessert. I usually will have soup or a salad and dinner. There are certain restaurants that I look forward to ordering desert, but that doesn’t happen too frequently.

#2. How predictable are you when eating out? Do you usually order a meal that you’ve had before or do you like to try new things? That too depends on where we go. Some restaurants I tend to order the same thing, particularly Italian or Mexican. Others, I tend to order something different every time I go in.

#3. When eating at a restaurant, what beverage do you like to order with your meal? Most of the time I just get water or ice tea, but, depending on my mood, sometimes I’ll order a glass of wine. I’m cheap and don’t like paying the price of alcoholic beverages that I can have or make at home!

#4. Name a meal that you ate at a restaurant that you liked so much you tried to recreate it, as well as the name of the restaurant and the recipe. I don’t have a meal that I’ve tried to recreate, but I did try to recreate the bread pudding that our local KFC used to have on their buffet. I’ve never been successful at making it though, so really don’t have a recipe to share. However, if anyone knows a good, sweet bread pudding recipe, I’d love it if you’d share it with me. In fact, I’ll post it here if you share it!