Saturday, October 16, 2010

Homemade - Part 3

One of my most favorite "seasonal foods that I eat all year round" is acorn squash! Seriously, it is so delish and easy to make! I add a little butter and brown sugar to mine, and am in heaven!
I think the seeds are just as good as the delightful fruit of the squash...I just rinse, dry, season and bake on high for about 20 minutes. Such a crunchy and yummy snack. Of course they are devoured in about .003 seconds...Darrin doesn't like squash, but he loves the seeds! For my seasoning I sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and Lawry's...and then top with a light drizzle of oil.
 I don't have a picture of them when they are done, but they shrink up a bit and turn a nice golden brown. Enjoy!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Happy Weekend!

Just some thoughts...

- On Monday, one of my friends sisters was in a bad car accident and died. It was quite a shock, and really got me thinking about my friends and family...when someone dies, even if you aren't that close to them, it really messes up the normal, and gets you thinking...I hurt for the family, but am so happy to know that she is in the arms of her savior, in a place we all wish to be...heaven!
- On Tuesday, I reconnected with 2 of my friends from high school, that was fun...but I was sad to say I wouldn't be home until May! We won't make it home for Christmas because of baby making its debut, and my sister graduates in May, so that's when we are planning to go back! I cringed at the thought of not seeing most of my family till then, and missing my favorite weekend...Ponca. But I was ok! God has really blessed us,  I love living here with Darrin, and I know God will provide all our needs for baby.
- On Wednesday, Darrin came home and told me to check my email...in it, I found my flight itinerary for Wednesday, October 20th! I cried...because I am pregnant. Because I haven't for a long time. Because I get to see my family. Because I don't want to leave him for 9 days. Because I felt so happy!
-On Thursday, Anna told me about some last minute planning she, Dar and my moms had done. I couldn't be happier and feel more loved. And then I talked to Bentley and we already have lots of things planned together.
- Today Darrin got up early to play basketball, I slept in. We ate lunch and watched a really dumb movie (The Killers) and then did a little shopping...then we both made a huge dish of Apple Crisp for small group tonight...I am really starting to look forward to my pizza and pop on Friday nights!
- Tomorrow we will go to Simpsonville and Greenville...and then watch (hopefully) the Huskers dominate Texas. Ahhh...what a lovely week!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Homemade - Part 2

So you know I have been addicted to baking soda, right? Well, I have found many uses for it...brushing my teeth, unclogging the drain, washing off the stove, and my most recent...scrubbing my face! Thanks to my mom, I have a great stash of Mary - Kay face products...but nothing to exfoliate!  So I did a little home remedie and came up with this...
Mary's Homemade Face Scrub
Equal parts ( I did 1/4 cup) of:
- Baking Soda
- Sugar
- Honey
- Oatmeal
- Warm Water
Mix together and there you go! It separates over time, so just mix it up. I put a table spoon in one hand, and used the other to spread it over my face...let it sit for a few minutes and then message in and rinse off! I think it is gentle enough to use everyday...I have been, and my skin looks and feels great! It smells very natural...It may be my pregnancy smell, but the oats really remind me of my old farm days.
For some reason I feel like this outs me on having too much time on my hands...but seriously, it is magical...plus I know whats in it!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Homemade - Part 1

Ever since I moved away from Nebraska, I have been wanting to make one of my most favorite things in the whole world...Runza's! Now that I say the word out loud, the name sounds a little ridiculous...but these hot sandwiches are far from it! I found the recipe online, and you MUST make it! Even if you or someone says they don't like cabbage...they will love it in here! After all these years of thinking he wouldn't like these, my husband is in love. 

 
This isn't my made-up recipe, I found it online...I did season the meat more than it called for, and added cheese...these are the best! The bread is so delicious, I think I will now use it for pizza crust. These little guys are so diverse, you could literally put anything in them! Pizza fillings, ham and cheese, veggies, whatever! I froze over half of mine, and they were just as good microwaved for 2 minutes! I am super excited about that, because with baby coming, I am trying to find good recipes that I can make ahead of time and freeze.
Ingredients:
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup sugar
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
FILLING:
1 pound lean ground beef
2 small onions, chopped
4 cups chopped cabbage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, place 1-3/4 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Heat milk, water and shortening to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Pour over flour mixture; add the eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low until blended. Beat 3 additional minutes on high. Stir in the remaining flour; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes Place dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, brown beef and onions in a skillet. Add the cabbage, salt and pepper; cook until cabbage is wilted. Punch dough down; roll into 12/6-in. squares. Top each square with 1/3 cup meat mixture. Fold into triangles. Pinch edges tightly to seal and place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Baby D

Today we had our ultra sound...click here to find out what baby is!