Hot Off The Stove

Gammy's Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

2010-11-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

Right now, there's an abundance of "Foodie Sites" that are sharing their favorite Thanksgiving Recipes. Since this is the time of the year for giving thanks, I thought I'd share our favorites, some of which I got from family and friends...of who I am so tremendously grateful for. Enjoy!

Favorite Thanksgiving Recipe - on the web

Epicurious- 21 top-rated Thanksgiving recipes

Top 20 Thanksgiving Recipes from Allrecipes.com

Martha Stewart's Favorite Holiday Turkey Recipes

iVillage Best Thanksgiving Recipes Ever

Southern Living - Top 5 Thanksgiving Recipes

Paula Deen's Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

Food & Wine's Top Recipes for the Ultimate Celebration

Better Recipes- Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

Gourmet- Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

Bon Appetit's Top 26 Thanksgiving Menus

Recipe.com's Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes from the Food Network Chefs

Good Housekeeping's Thanksgiving Family Favorites

CopyKat's Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

Our Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

For Breakfast:

Cappuccino Muffins

Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins
Thanksgiving Dinner:

Appetizers-

Gammy's Sweet Deviled Eggs

Baked Brie

Main Dish-

Texas Deep-Fried Turkey- Yep, we fry everything in Texas!

Sides-

Bourbon-Cranberry Compote- Yummo!

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon- Not a Brussel Sprouts lover, but love this!

Gammy's Candied Yams

Piccadilly Carrot Soufflé

Mrs. Scida's Stuffed Artichokes

Dessert-

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Spicy Caramel Apple Sauce

Chocolate Candy Bar Pie

Gammy's Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

Autumn Pumpkin Bread with Orange Glaze

Caramel Apple Pie

...and my all time FAVORITE Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe!!!

TURKEY RECIPE

I thought this sounded good! Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of popcorn as a stuffing ingredient -- imagine that. When I found this recipe, I thought it was perfect for people like me, who just are not sure how to tell when turkey is thoroughly cooked, but not dried out. Give this a try.

Ingredients:

1 - 15 lb. turkey
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is Good)
1 cup un-popped popcorn (ORVILLE REDENBACHER'S LOW FAT IS BEST)
Salt/pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with melted butter, salt, and pepper.
Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan making sure the neck end is toward the front of the oven, not the back.

After about 4 hours listen for the popping sounds.

When the turkey's ass blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the room,.... it's done. And, you thought I didn't cook (Thanks Leslie)

See More Thanksgiving Day Recipes at Gammy's House

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes. They are continually updated.

The Art of Eating Healthy??

2010-11-19T11:36:00.000-08:00

Wow, what will they come up with next??!!

VegeUSA states on their website that they are a "gourmet meat alternative" company that "combine premier-quality ingredients, essential nutrients and deliciously satisfying flavors in a convenient frozen packaged product"

Their latest and (popular) offer is a Lifelike Vegetarian Turkey, but don't eat it if your allergic to soy.

http://www.vegeusa.com/VegeUSA/recipes/rec_vegan_turkey.html

Another popular fare is their vegan shrimp. Check out the ingredients list here loaded with preservatives.

VegeUSA's tagline "THE ART OF EATING HEALTHY". I'm not allergic to soy (that I know of), but I wouldn't touch the stuff! Decide for yourself...

According to Hsieh Ting-hung, deputy director of the DOH Bureau of Food Safety, said "Curdlan Gum - the generic name for a Beta-(1,3)-D-glucan produced by agrobacterium biobar, a non-pathogenic bacteria and approved as a food additive in 1996 — is tasteless and produces retortable, freezable elastic gels in food."

WOULD YOU EAT IT??

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all of my wonderful recipes. They are continually updated.

Sourdough Starter

2010-11-17T04:48:00.000-08:00

Are you a "starter" at learning how to bake SOURDOUGH bread and other sourdough goodies? Well, if you're like me, you'll be excited over this Fabulous Free Find! Teresa, at Northwest Sourdough, has just released her free e-book. It's in 3 Parts with over 400 pages long! I've downloaded mine! The link is here... You're welcome :}

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all of my wonderful recipes. They are continually updated.

Cooking Tip- How to Sterilize Canning Jars

2010-11-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

Sterilizing Canning Jars

Canning vegetables and homemade goodies for your family is much easier today than back in the day of our grandmothers. We live in a new age that makes this once tedious chore a breeze. Try one of the following easy methods.

Jars:

Run the jars through a short cycle on your dishwasher. (My favorite method)

Place them in a large pot (12 quart) of water on top of a steaming rack (so they don't touch the bottom of the pan), and bring the water to a boil for 10 minutes.

Homemade Recipe- Baking Powder

2010-11-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

Make your own mixes...it's super simple.

How to:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup cream of tarter + 2 tablespoons baking soda. (that's it!)

Directions:

Sift all of the ingredients together 3 times, and transfer to a clean, tight sealing jar. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight, for up to 6 weeks. Use the same amount of this recipe in place of store bought baking powder.

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Special Dark Picnic Cake

2010-10-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

My good friend Missy shared this fantastic chocolate cake recipe from Hershey. Thanks so much Missy!! I'll send you a piece in the mail. [smile] xoxo

Special Dark Picnic Cake- Hershey

12 to 15 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

1-1/3 cups boiling water

2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup dairy sour cream

2 eggs

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

SPECIAL DARK FROSTING (recipe follows)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

2. Combine chocolate chips, butter and water in large mixer bowl; stir with spoon until chocolate is melted and mixture is blended. Gradually add flour, sugar, sour cream, eggs, baking soda, salt and vanilla; beat on low speed of electric mixer until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Frost with SPECIAL DARK FROSTING.

SPECIAL DARK FROSTING

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

1 cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips

1-1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place butter and chocolate chips in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, milk and vanilla, beating until smooth. If necessary, refrigerate 5 to 10 minutes or until of desired spreading consistency. About 1-2/3 cups frosting.

VARIATION: For a stronger chocolate flavored cake, decrease flour to 2 cups and add 1/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa.

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Butter vs Margarine

2010-10-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back.

It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you like it? They have come out with some clever new flavorings…

DO YOU KNOW.. The difference between margarine and butter?

Read on to the end…gets very interesting!

•Both have the same amount of calories.
•Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams; compared to 5 grams for margarine.
•Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.
•Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.
•Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few and
•only because they are added!
•Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods.
•Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years .
And now, for Margarine..

•Very High in Trans fatty acids.
•Triples risk of coronary heart disease .
•Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)
•Increases the risk of cancers up to five times..
•Lowers quality of breast milk.
•Decreases immune response.
•Decreases insulin response.
•And here's the most disturbing fact…. HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING!
•Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC… and shares 27 ingredients with PAINT

These facts alone were enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance).

You can try this yourself:

Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it open in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will notice a couple of things:

•no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something)
•it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value ;
•nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not a find a home to grow. Why? Because it is nearly plastic . Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast?

Share This With Your Friends…..(If you want to butter them up')!

(received this in an email the other day. Check it out on Snopes.

You might jump over to Pierce Whole Nutrition to get a nutritionist's view and then Make The Switch you can even Make Your Own!

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Leftover Halloween Candy Recipes

2010-10-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

My kids are all grown up with children of their own now, but back in the day when my children combed the neighborhood for their trick-or-treat goodies, they brought buckets of candy home. After a month or so of eating what they could, or should I say...what I let them eat, we were faced with what to do with all of the left over candy. We usually just threw it out, and I hate throwing away...[smile], so I decided to come up with ways to use as much as possible. The following recipes are a collection of great dishes I've collected over the years to use up all that leftover candy.

Use your extra candy to brew up some fantastic goodies for your family this Halloween. Enjoy!

Leftover Candy Recipe

Candy Bar Cookies

Caramel Apple Salad

Snicker Bar Pie

Toffee Angel Food Dessert

Chocolate Candy Bar Pie

Mini Reese's Cheesecakes

Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies

Haunting Party Recipes

Freshly Dug Worms & Moldy Cheese Sauce

Pumpkin Cake With Orange Glaze

Still have leftover? Try these ideas...

1. Make a "Sonic Blizzard" at home by chopping up your favorite candy and blend with your favorite ice cream.

2. Substitute chopped up candy bars in your favorite recipes that require chocolate chips.

3. Melt chocolate bars and a few shavings of baking wax. Dip half of your favorite cookie, strawberries, or candy. Try

Buckeye Candy.

4. Melt leftover chocolate candy and pour over your favorite ice cream or drizzle over pancakes for a special treat.

5. Remember Rice Krispie Treats? Stir mini M&M into your mix before molding into those yummy treats.

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Molecular Cooking (molecular gastronomy)

2010-10-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

While watching my favorite foodie TV show one day, I became intrigued with some of the newest cooking techniques and wondered... How did they do that?

I set out to learn about molecular cooking techniques, derived from the studies of French physical chemist, Hervé This, who coined the phrase "Molecular Gastronomy" not to be confused with "Molecular Cooking", applied practices and techniques of scientific Molecular Gastronomy to the culinary arts.

Ferran Adrià, head chef of the world renowned Spanish restaurant, El Bulli (which will be closing), who refers to his cooking style as deconstructivist, is a leader in the movement of Molecular Cooking. For a few years now these new techniques are revolutionizing the way modern day chefs create their culinary masterpieces.

I first became interested in creating fruit "caviar", but being a food "naturalist" and concerned with laboratory additives and chemicals added to our "store bought" food already... I quickly lost interest after discovering that it involved combing manufactured chemicals with fruit juice.

Fruit Caviar- created with chemicals

Grapefruit Caviar- created with chemicals

My conclusion? I'll just stick to my favorite fruit "pearls" for garnishes!

Lime Caviar- Natural

Pomegranate Seeds- Natural

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Sharing In The Kitchen- Decorative Pie Crusts

2010-08-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for decorative pie crust ideas. found this one the other day, and thought I'd share.

Decorative Pie Crusts

To make this pretty flower pie:

Using a paring knife, cut pie dough into strips of various size. A 2 or 3 inch round cookie cutter will make the center of the flower.

Lay the strips on top of the pie, sporadically overlapping the strips. Top with round center in the middle.

Adhere strips together by dabbing with water, or brush egg wash over the finished pie.

Sprinkle with coarse sugar and bake.

How-to Videos

Video: How to Make a Decorative Pie Crust

Adding decorative crust edges to your pies makes them look extra-special.

Video: How to Make a Lattice-Topped Pie Crust

Your mother or grandmother may have made lattice-topped fruit pies. You can serve this old-fashioned treat, too.

Video: Protect Your Pie Crust

Do the edges of your pie brown too quickly? Prevent over-browning with this quick tip.

source-TasteOfHome.com

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Please Excuse Our Mess....

2010-08-25T08:00:00.001-07:00

...while we do a little remodeling.

Hey everyone...I'm sure you've notices quite a few changes over at GammysHouse.com. I'm doing a little sprucing up.

Gammy's blog, Hot Off The Stove (family happenings at GammysHouse.com) has undergone some changes too. All the blogs previously posted at HotOffTheStove.blogspot.com can now be found at GammysHouseBlog.blogspot.com

Hot Off The Stove will stay active, and will now be used to chat about strictly "foodie" fares, (e.g., recipes, kitchen tips, cleaning tips, cooking information), so if you're a fan of Hot Off The Stove, please jump on over to Gammy's House Blog to find more of the same uplifting videos, good people doing good things, craft posts, garden goodies and more on our family life at Gammy's House Blog.

If you love finding and trying out great recipes for your family, then stick close to Gammy's stove to grab the first bite coming out of the oven

...get it while it's hot!

Coffffeeee!

2010-08-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Flaky Pie Crust Secrets

2010-08-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Many people have asked me over the years...how i get my pie crust so flaky. The secret really isn't a secret at all. I learned from my grandmother years ago.

1. Handle the pie crust as little as possible

2. Chill your supplies if possible prior to making your crust

3. Use curdled milk or buttermilk instead of water. (curdled milk is regular milk to which vinegar has been added to cause it to curdle).

Flaky Pie Crust

That's it really... give it a try.

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I've made many pie crusts with different recipes over the years, but this is my favorite.

Old Fashioned Flaky Pie Crust Recipe

Makes 2 10 inch crusts, or 3 8-9 inch crusts.

Ingredients:

3 cups flour

1 cup butter (use the real thing, it isn’t the same without real butter)

2 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1/2 Tbsp white vinegar

1/2 cup milk

Directions:

· Mix the vinegar into the milk and set aside.

· Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

· Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter until it resembles small, course peas.

· Slowly add the curdled milk until the correct consistency is reached–just moist enough to work the crust into a ball.

· Try to work the crust as little as possible. Just until flour comes together. Don’t worry about small crumbs.

· Roll out with rolling pin.

· Crimp or pinch edges of pie crust as seen in illustrations.

· Bake according to pie directions.

(If using for a pot pie or other un-sweet recipe, reduce the sugar to 2 tsp)

Crimping Pie Edges:

And there ya have it! You're welcome. [smile]

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Paneer Recipe

2010-08-19T15:37:00.001-07:00

Paneer (Soft Asian Un-aged Cheese) by- Katie Irani

Ingredients:
1 quart whole milk (softer and tastier than skimmed)
*2-1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice, seeds removed

Directions:
Bring milk to boil, stirring to prevent skin from forming. As soon as it begins to bubble, add lemon juice. Stir once and remove from heat. Let stand for 15 minutes.

Strain the curds through 3 layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much whey as you easily can. Tie up the curds in the cheesecloth and place in a rectangular dish. Place a heavy weight on the curds for a couple of hours. (Pressing for a shorter time (approximately 20 minutes), results in a softer, fluffier cheese.)

After it's pressed, it should be about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick. Dip in chilled water for 2-3 hours to give it a good texture and appearance. Cut into cubes.

And that's it! It's really pretty easy.

**White vinegar may be substituted, but lemon juice is preferred method. Additionally, 1 cup yogurt may be used if no lemon juice or vinegar is available.

History:
Paneer is a fresh cheese common in South Asian cuisine It is an unaged, acid-set, non-melting farmer cheese made by curdling heated milk with lemon juice or other food acid.
Unlike most cheeses in the world, the making of Paneer does not involve rennet as the coagulation agent, thus making it completely lacto-vegetarian and providing a source of protein for vegetarians.

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Kitchen Tip- Easy Measuring

2010-08-17T08:06:00.001-07:00

Kitchen Tip

Easy Measuring

Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill the cup with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Fantastic Fruit Dip Recipe

2010-08-07T12:18:00.001-07:00

This year I joined a special friend for the 4th of July weekend. What a great time! The weekend's meals that she prepared were as spectacular as the fireworks display. Here is one of the fabulous dishes she prepared for our special weekend!

Fantastic Fruit Dip

This year I joined a special friend for the 4^th of July weekend. What a great time! The weekend's meals that she prepared were as spectacular as the fireworks display. Here is one of the fabulous dishes she prepared for our special weekend! I bet you can't eat just one!!

Ingredients:

1- 8 oz pkg of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, chilled

1- small jar of marshmallow cream

Strawberries, cleaned and hulled

Directions:

With a hand beater, beat together cream cheese and marshmallow cream, leaving small "chunks" of cream cheese. Chill 30 minutes and serve.

Just dip strawberries and enjoy.

Thanks so very much for a wonderful weekend Cheryl. Love you!!!

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Cleaning Tip

2010-08-04T03:53:00.001-07:00

Cleaning Tip

Here is a GREAT time saving tip for a sparkling toilet...and it's so EASY! Enjoy

Download PDF

Thanks Leslie!

Kitchen Tip- Uses for Baking Soda

2010-07-26T02:50:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Tip

This is nothing new to me, but thought I'd provide a list of uses for cleaning with baking soda that perhaps some of you aren't aware of. Enjoy!

Download PDF

She's baaaack!

2010-06-05T11:01:00.001-07:00

Today marks the first post of the rest of my life.

At 51 years old, I find myself starting over, really starting over. And that's OK. The trade off was worth it.

I was sitting on the front porch this morning sipping a cup of coffee and taking in the beauty of a new day rising, entertained by two squirrels running circles 'round a massive trunk of an old oak tree, a momma cottontail and her 2 babies on a journey to someplace great (I'm sure), a cardinal landing in some bushes right in front of me...calling to her little ones

and realized….

I was smiling.

No matter what awful things others do to you... they can NOT take away what truly matters.

-things that make me happy-

I'm so tremendously fortunate.
.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO:
Smellin' Coffee

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Mother's Day Menu and Recipes

2010-05-04T02:22:00.001-07:00

Great Mother's Day Menu and Recipes

Are you looking for great Mother's Day recipes to make a fabulous meal for your Mom this year? Try these scrumptious recipes. I promise Mom will love it.

Strawberry Cantaloupe Soup
Baked Lemon Chicken
Fresh Garden Salad with
Poppyseed Salad Dressing or
Easy Orangy Fruit Salad
Stuffed Artichokes
Buttermilk Pie
Lavender Cookies

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Strawberry Cooler Recipe

2010-04-15T03:36:00.001-07:00

Strawberry Cooler- Yields 4 servings

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups liquid sweet and sour lemon mix
2-1/2 cups frozen (unthawed) unsweetened strawberries
2 tbsp powdered sugar30 ml powdered sugar
Mint sprigs (garnish)

Preparation:
1. Pour the mix into the blender.
2. Break the strawberries into medium-sized chunks, and add to the blender. Add the powdered sugar.
3. Process on medium-high to high speed until the mixture is thick and creamy. Divide among 4 tall chilled glasses, and serve immediately, garnishing each serving with a sprig of mint.

Thanks so much for sharing Missy!

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Tammy's Drunken Beans Recipe

2010-04-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Tammy's Drunken Beans

I had a request for this recipe recently. I generally serve them with my holiday meals. If you decide to try them, be prepared to put a few of your guests up for the night.

Ingredients
1 large can of Pork-n-Beans
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
2 tsp powdered mustard
1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup bourbon (I use Jack Daniels)

Preparation

1. Drain all but about 3Tbls of liquid from pork-n-beans.
2. Combine all ingredients plus reserved bean liquid in a glass casserole bowl.
3. Mix well and bake in a 350 degree oven until beans are hot and bubbly and liquid has reduced to a thick consistency.
For dryer beans, just bake longer.

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Gammy's New Favorite- Kitchen Gadget

2010-04-04T02:55:00.001-07:00

Kitchen Gadget

Anolon Jar Opener

I love this jar opener. This is where I bought mine.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J5N1V6

Homemade Easter Peeps

2010-03-06T03:25:00.001-08:00

Homemade Easter Peeps

Psssst.

Did you know that Easter is right around the corner. >smile<

Have you planned your Easter meal yet. If not, why don't you check out my Easter recipes in Gammy's recipe box above. I even have a recipe to make your own "PEEPS", thanks to Martha. (Stewart)

You can find the recipe here: Homemade Easter Peeps

Don't forget to check out my other great recipes in Gammy's Recipe Box!

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all my other great recipes.

They are continually updated.

Gammy's New Favorite- Kitchen Tip

2010-03-01T03:42:00.000-08:00

Kitchen Tip

This Easter try dying your eggs organically.

Use food to produce the following colors.

Pink or red eggs- use beets
Yellow eggs- use saffron or turmeric
Purple eggs- use red wine
Blue eggs- use blueberries
Brown eggs- use coffee
Orange eggs- use yellow onion skins

Gammy's New Favorite- Cooking Tip

2010-02-12T03:55:00.001-08:00

Cooking Tip

Peeling Tomatoes

Ever wonder how they get all those tomatoes peeled in a can of tomatoes? Peel your own and save bundles!

How To:
Cut an X around the tomato as indicated in the photo. Simply grab each point and peal.

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes. They are continually updated.

You can also check out the latest recipe uploads. Another Gammy's House blog where I post all the latest recipes served "Hot Off The Stove".

2010-01-17T19:32:00.001-08:00

yep....

I'm here.

Just going through a rough bump in the road.

I'm looking forward to what 2010 will bring...

I'll try to post again soon.

Come visit me at Gammy's House!http://www.gammyshouse.com/
.

Sugar Rush

2009-12-18T21:00:00.002-08:00

OK...I'm adding more homemade goodies in my Christmas baskets. I love to bake sweets, but I don't really eat much. Well, that's probably because I taste everything while I'm making them. I've already gained 5 lbs just from taste testing!!!

Snickerdoodles
Applebutter Mini Muffins
Holiday Lace Cookies
Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Reeses Cookies
.

It's a Holly Jolly Christmas...

2009-12-17T12:35:00.001-08:00

This year, as it has been for many years now, I'm making gift baskets filled with homemade goodies for my family, friends and neighbors...and my baking is in full swing. Right this very moment, my home is filled with Christmas music playing softly in the background, the smell of yummy cookies baking in the oven and the garland surrounding my windows with little twinkling lights are shining brightly as if to say...look at this house filled with love! It's my favorite time of the year.

What I'm baking this year: (always homemade, even my crackers!)

Chocolate Covered Cherries (daddy's favorite)
Creamy Chocolate Fudge
Oatmeal Cookies
Buckeye Candy
Spiced Nuts
Homemade Gingersnap Cookies
Oatmeal Butterscotch Cranberry Cookies
Borsin Cheese Spread w/ Multi-grain Crackers
Banana Bread
Chewy Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies
Coco Mix & Homemade Marshmallows
Blueberry Gems (little muffins made with the blueberries my neighbor gave me this year)
Peanut Butter Cookies
Caramel Krispies
Crumble Top Cranberry Bars

...and whatever else I have time for. >smile<

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO:
Kenny G- Chestnuts Roasting
.

Gammy's Garden Goodies- Natural Rooting Hormone

2009-12-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

Natural Rooting Hormone

Raw honey is a good substitute for rooting hormone powder. In fact, many people think it's better. When taking cuttings for propagating plants, dip the cut surface in the honey and it speeds up root formation and hinders fungal growth.

Just Makes Ya Feel Good

2009-11-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

Are women born this way?

http://www.snotr.com/video.2630

Gammy's New Favorite- Kitchen Gadget

2009-08-10T11:05:00.001-07:00

Kitchen Gadget

Rival Smart Pot Slow Cooker
I sold my old crock-pot that I've owned since the 70's in my recent garage sale....and bought this one. I love it!

Ooooh, I feel it! It's gonna be...

2009-08-08T12:00:00.003-07:00

...another Lovin' Life Day!

I't has started off fantastic! I got my favorite junk food at the "Taste of Addison".

Faire Food!! Yum

click on image to enlarge

One of my favorites....tornado potatoes!

Ooooh, I feel it! It's gonna be...

2009-07-02T05:14:00.002-07:00

... another Lovin' Life Day!!!

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO:

Smellin' Coffee

Mud Bugs! Yum!

2009-05-10T04:20:00.000-07:00

If you can get past their appearance, these little creatures are delicious.

I've never been to a crawfish boil before, but I'm already seeking out a great recipe so that I can throw a crawfish boil gathering myself!

Great food, great friends, great fun!

Sharing in the Kitchen- Grocery Guide

2009-04-22T06:18:00.001-07:00

Grocery List

Grocery Guide provides you the fastest and easiest way to compare and shop the sales at your local grocery stores.

Simply enter your zip code and you're on your way to saving big bucks at the grocery store.

Grocery Guide.com

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Don't forget to check out my recipe box in the Kitchen at Gammy's House for all Gammy's great recipes. They are continually updated.

You can also check out the latest recipe uploads. Another Gammy's House blog where I post all the latest recipes served "Hot Off The Stove".

Easter is Cancelled...

2009-04-09T09:40:00.001-07:00

I'm so bummed. It's supposed to rain here on Sunday. I love rainy days, but not when it interferes with plans for my annual Easter picnic with my family and friend.. The Easter celebration at Lee Park has been cancelled.

I guess I'm supposed to be someplace else on Sunday...now, I wonder were that could be?

Easter Picnic

2009-04-05T07:27:00.002-07:00

I love to cook and Easter has always been a holiday that I have enjoyed entertaining.

For many years, our my family and friends have gathered together to celebrate Easter at Lee Park.

Celebrating its 24th anniversary this year, Easter in the Park, located at Turtle Creek Boulevard and Lemmon Avenue, is slated for Sunday, April 12, 2009, from 12:45 p.m. - 5 p.m. If you decide to join Dallasites at this fun event, I promise you'll have a fantastic time.

I usually start planning our Easter event a few weeks ahead. Great food, great friends and great times!

Here is a sampling of the food that I'll be "creating" again this year.

Pictured above: Gift Bunny Basket, Chocolate Dipped
Strawberries, Assorted Finger Sandwiches, Vegetable
Flower Basket, Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes, Lemon
Bars, Easter Egg Chicken Salad.

Since I've always believed that grown ups enjoy getting Easter baskets as well as children, I've either made personalized individual baskets for my friends or this particular year, cute Bunny Gift Bags.

Wanna make them too? You can find the pattern in my Studio (bottom drawer in the craft bureau) at GammysHouse.com.

Family and Friends

2009-03-12T03:14:00.002-07:00

My son-in-law added a new feature to their family blog. Links to "Loved Ones' Blogs". Good Idea!

To my family & friends...if you would like me to add your blog link... just let me know.

Ya Gotta Love It!!

2009-03-08T07:08:00.001-07:00

Follow Your Dreams...

I ran across this website the other day and thought I'd share it. I love their motto!

"Our goal has been to make a life rather than make a living."

[click on the picture to visit their website http://www.hardtocomeby.com/]

Ken & Sharron's home was built in the 70's by hand with no electricity or running water. They used wood from their property or repurposed materials. They have make modifications as needed, but their darling home has appeared to have retained its charm. Ken and Sharron's story is an inspiration of how you can make something wonderful with very little...if you just dare to follow your dreams.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

2009-03-03T05:26:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy that I haven't had time to share a few of the pictures from my Mexico trip. Even though I'm an Air Force Brat and lived in many states in our country, with the exception of less than 10 miles inside the Mexican (Progresso, Mexico) and Canadian borders, I've never traveled outside of the United States...until recently.

Tropical Iberistar Tucan Resort

Tucan Resort

Food was phenomenal at the resort!

Ate at Carlos n Charlie's

The food...not so good, the atmosphere... was so much fun!

Well, I can say I've been there, done that.

Gammy's Favorite New Website- Blurb

2009-01-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

This site isn't really to use in my business, but if all goes well, I'll create and order a couple copies of the children's book that I'm writing and illustrating. Thanks Ankou of 43 Things.

Thought you "foodies" might want to know about it if you're putting together your "family" cookbooks. Just thought I'd share.

visit Blurb.com

Gammy's Garden Goodies- Squirrel Away

2008-10-26T23:07:00.000-07:00

I live in an urban residential area and grow my own organic herbs to cook with. A big problem a lot of gardeners face is battling squirrels for their kitchen garden plants.

To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle them with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

No cayenne in your cupboard? Try Tabasco!

Mix 2 T Tabasco to 1 gallon water. Fill a sprayer and spray the plants the squirrels won't leave alone.

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Remember…pesticides are poisons, even organic pesticides, and should be used as a last resort. Before using pesticides, weigh the benefits and detriments of using pesticides.

The Middle Part of the Story- Dane Cervine

2008-08-02T09:16:00.001-07:00

(enduring love)

"...Walking down the street in the warm air,
watching other couples do the same-
some holding hands, some not-
I wonder which of these
romantic pairs
are just beginning, or about to end,
or are in the middle of their own stories.
I think

this is where the real work is done,
where marriage is made or lost.

taking her hand in mine, gripping it tightly,
we walk quietly, firmly, passionately back

into the middle part of our lives."

Woo Hoo... Free Stuff!!

2008-04-15T10:36:00.001-07:00

Free Icecream

Click on the sign to find a participating
Ben & Jerry's store near you!

You're Welcome!

Ya Gotta Love It!!

2008-01-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

Carol Wilson Fine Arts

Carol Wilson's fine arts is one of the cutest
sites I've ever run across. Hope you enjoy it too.

This is just one of the darling cards my sweet Mom has sent to me over the years. I love this collection and thought I'd share it with my family and friends.

Gammy's Favorite New Website- Fly Lady

2007-10-29T13:03:00.001-07:00

The Fly Lady weaves housecleaning tips with homespun humor and daily musings about life. She has a no-nonsense approach to getting your house and your life in order. She mixes housekeeping advice with insights about life and love and anything else that is on her mind.

Another Great Texas Fair

2007-10-20T00:11:00.002-07:00

Well, the Texas state fair in Dallas is officially over. I've been working so hard to get my business going, that I almost forgot about it. With only a few days left before it ended I asked my son and a couple of my friends if they wanted to go. Nobody was free (in all fairness, it was a last minute invitation)

Oh, no! But I go EVERY year (!)...and just because no one else wanted to go wasn't going to stop me. I was on a mission! So....I donned my little fanny pack and headed to the fair all my myself.

Once again it was fantastic! While I love the whole Fair atmosphere, If I'm going to be honest (and I always am) I really go for the FOOD(!) EVERY year... as soon as I fork over my $14.00 bucks to enter the gates, I head straight for the potato curls! If you haven't tried them...well, you just haven't lived.

Next stop on my list is a stand that sells the best cheese steak sandwich on the planet! I don't know what they put in that special sauce, but it's to DIE for! The only problem is that you feel like you're going to die after you eat it. hehe When you only get them once a year, it's worth the heartburn! Maybe next year I change my routine and try the deep fried snickers bars and HoHos that our Texas state fair is famous for. Nahhh.....

ooooh I Feel It...It's gonna be...

2007-09-21T22:44:00.002-07:00

...another Lovin' Life Day!

Day of Celebrations!!!!!

There is so much to be thankful for!
Congratulations to......

Amber..now a legal driver!
Rod..fantastic test scores!
Me..important goals accomplished today! Yeah!!!

Guess who's coming to dinner?

2007-07-24T15:01:00.001-07:00

Lynnette & Elias are coming for a visit!!! I'm so excited to see my grandbaby for the first time. I'll be sure to take some pictures and post them for those who are interested.

Recipes coming soon...

2007-07-07T14:02:00.002-07:00

I have a new Googlemail account. Now I can try to get all those recipes saved to PDF form and filed away in my recipe box like I've been promising everyone. Look for them soon.

You can find the recipes here: Gammy's House- recipe box