Recipe for my award winning chili just in time for the Super Bowl.

Years ago I was talked into entering my chili into a Chili cook off. There were 26 contestants in the amateur category   who have done this for a while. Since I felt there was no chance of me winning I had a great time with out the stress. You should of seen my face when they called my name. Getting the trophy was great ,but the best part was the great time I had.
Heidi http://mysimplecountryliving.blogspot.com/ has been trying to get me to post the recipe for years. I made a batch for the guys at my husbands work since then people have been wanting the recipe .  I thought the Super Bowl was a great time to finally post it. This makes a big batch ,that you can cut in half.

 Tail Gate Chili

 
2 pounds of hamburger
1 pound of Italian sausage. You can also use regular sausage,Don't use breakfast sausage.
4 (15 oz) cans of bushes chili beans. Don't drain
2 (28 oz) can of fire roasted tomatoes with juice.
1 (6) can of tomato paste
1 large yellow onion chopped
3 celery stalks chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 red pepper chopped
3 Ortega Chilis chopped
4 cubes beef bouilion
A bottle of beer. I use Bud
1 tablespoon of chipolata chili powder. If you use regular chili powder you may need to add more. You will also have less of the smoky flavor.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 to 3 splashes of green Tabasco
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon sugar

 Cook your burger and sausage till done.Put everything in a big pot and simmer for 2 hours. Let set in frig over night so flavors can blend. You can eat it that night, but its so much better the next day. Serve with chips and shred cheese.Add a dab of sour cream if you like.

Who knew I would become a Rooster Wrangler.

 So begins  my  tell of a run away rooster. I had just turned on my street when I saw a white rooster cross the road(insert joke here) into the neighbors yard. As soon as I turned into my drive I yelled for my daughter to grab her shoes and coat and come help me. While she did that I grabbed the big dog carrier that we keep near the coop and a jar of chicken scratch. By the time I got back to the street it had disappeared. We slowly walked down the street till we spotted the bird. I do want to point out that we have had no rain or cold weather all winter till today. Yes I have that kind of luck. We found him in a field with no plans of leaving it. So began the game of chase the rooster. Which he was winning.
Suddenly the light blub in the dark recesses of my brain kicked on.  I got him close to the carrier then made a small trail of scratch to the door with a big pile of it in the middle of the carrier. My daughter and I stayed on either side of the carrier to make sure he at least stayed in the area. We waited patiently  and sure enough he walked right into the carrier.
  The next hour was spend going around the neighborhood and stopping at ever house that had a coop in the back yard. I finally found the owner of the rooster. After fighting to get the rooster in the carrier, we couldn't get him out! We even turn it upside down and he still wouldn't come out.  How he was able to stay in there I don't know. We finally had to bang on the side of the carrier so he would fall out.  The rooster is now home safe and I  now carry the title of a official Rooster Wrangler.

Hamburger Buns from Pinterest

 These turned out really good. They were so easy to make and fast.

I still need to work on my hogi shaping skills.

This recipe came from the Joey and Rory show on RFD TV. If you love homemade buns this is the recipe to try. My husband is going to love lunch tomorrow. I will be serving hamburgers on these buns along with homemade french fries that I have in the freezer. By the way, these freeze great. The recipe is under bread on my pinterest account. If you get RFD this  show is worth watching. I don't miss a Friday.

No fruit this year

Because of the unusually warm weather we are having this year my apple trees have bloomed. The only problem is that now they are calling for cold weather. Which means my blooms will die,hints    no fruit.

Great ideas for making coop cleaning a breeze.

 While cleaning the hen house today I realized that this set up was a great idea. I wanted to share it just in case someone else may like some of the ideas. It would make a great summer project.

  My husband made a box over the nesting boxes then filled it full of sand. He then added a roosting bar. So every morning all I have to do is scoop out the box with a cat scooper. It makes daily clean up so much easier. Plus a lot less on the ground to walk on.

  He put in a nipple watering system so that they always had clean water . We can add med or apple juice right to the bucket. Add installation and heat tape and we are set for winter.

Our chicken coop is really a shed with double doors so one side is used for storage and the other for chickens. See the box under the nesting boxes  I have to say I love this thing. I just open the door place in under the lip of the shed and sweep everything into it. He put handles on it so I can carry it to the compost to dump it. Everything works together to make clean up a breeze for me.

Hand Soap from Pinterest

Sorry I am late on this weeks pinterest project. It was been a crazy week. Because of the warm weather we been having , my potatoes have decided to try to spout. Which means I had 75 pounds of potatoes to  process. I will post more on that later. My friend Heidi gave me some of this soap about a year ago. I have been wanting to make it for a while now but couldn't find the recipe. Amy was kind enough to send me the recipe. I then found it on pinterest. The recipe was so easy that I decided to add it to my post this week.

1 gallon of distilled water
1 bar of soap ( Of your choice.)
2 tablespoons of glycerin.
1 gallon container

Pour 4 cup of your water in to a pan and get hot. Grate your bar of soap then add it to the pan. Stir till all the soap is dissolved. Take from heat add the glycerin and stir. Pour into a one gallon container. Add the rest of your water and shake. Leave over night then shake really good the next morning. (Soap will be thick before shaking. ) Pour into bottle of choice.

NOTE:   If your soap is a glycerin bar  only add 1 tablespoon glycerin or skip this step all together

UPDATE:  I had to pour some out and add water. It was to thick. Next time I will only add a couple teaspoons of glycerin then add more if needed.

Kitty Apron

I know Christmas is over. But I had to share this apron my husband got me. Those that have followed my blog know I am a cat person.The running joke in my house is that if it wasn't for my husband I would be the crazy cat lady. I was able to talk him into 4 cats. Not only is the fact that the cats make this apron great. But it is also vintage. Can you tell I love it. Now he just needs to find one like it that I can wear all year. LOL

Soap making recipe from Pinterest

This week I tried one of my soap recipes from my Pinterest account. I did double the recipe since it only made a small batch. I am really proud of my self . I have make it three week doing one project from my Pinterest each week. I know three weeks isn't much,but for my attention span this is good. Now if I can just stay on this roll.

My new ( old) pedal sewing machine.

My friend Jackie afford me her machine for 50 dollars. That was a offer I couldn't refuse. I had one years ago. But never tried using it. I hope to be able to use this one.

If you look close you can see the draws are different. But that ok with me. I think it adds to the charm of the piece. I love the design on the foot pedal .

These are the pieces that came with it. I am going to have to do some research on them and how they work.

This is its new home for now. I don't have room in my quilt room for it. Which is a good thing because I love it in this spot. I think Cleo agrees

Dolly's Cocnut pie from Pintrest

This weeks  pinterest post is one I have made several times. But it is so good I had to share it. You can find it at http://dollyiscooking.blogspot.com or On my pinterest board ( Recipe from my blogger friends ). This is one recipe everyone should try. Ever time I have made it someone has always asked for the recipe.

Dot’s Coconut Pie

This makes 2 small pies or 1 deep dish pie

Bake pie shells at 400 degrees  until very lightly browned.

Set oven temp. to 350 degrees

4 eggs

1 stick butter melted

1 cup sugar

½ cup buttermilk

½ cup coconut (you may use more if you love coconut like we do)

1 tsp. vanilla

 Mix all together

stir in coconut

pour into pie shell or shells

Bake 350  for 30 minutes or until lightly browned

If you get the chance please check out her blog. As well as great recipes she has a lot of great post. And try this pie! It has become one of my family's favorite.

Mexican Pork Casserole

My mom called me the other day telling me about this great pork dish she made. It sounded so good I had to give it a try. The only problem was she used a   spice packet she got from a home show. Which  a course I didn't have.  So this recipe is part my mom's and part off the top of my head.  Don't worry it turned out delicious.

Recipe..

1 pork roast

2 cans green chiles with tomatoes

1 onion chopped.

1 jar of salsa (I like Herdez salsa )

1/2 cup water 

2 teaspoon of chile powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon taco mix

 1  teaspoon oragano

Cheese

Corn tortillas

Black olives

 

First divide all your spices in half except the taco powder.

Place your pork in crock pot. Add the first four ingredients. Then add half of your spices and the taco mix. You will want to cook this all day on low. You should be able to shred this easily with a fork. About an hour  before it's done add the rest of the spices.

Once it is able to be shredded take it out of the crock pot and shred. Place the sauce from the crock pot in a sauce pan and add enough cornstarch to thicken it up just a little.( it should be the consistence of a canned enchilada sauce.).  Spray a casserole  pan with cooking spray add some of the sauce  to the bottom of the pan. Add a layer of your corn tortillas to the pan then add some of your pork. Spoon some sauce over the pork then add a light layer of cheese. Repeat layering until your pan is full. Then pour what's left of the sauce over it till you about an inch and a half up the sides of the pan.This helps keep it moist. Add cheese to the top and your sliced black olives. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

 I had left over pork and sauce which I used  in tamales. The pork went inside and the sauce was added to the Masa. They turned out delicious.

This recipe is easy to put your own twist on it. Have fun with it. Next time I am going to try the pork in a tamale pie with corn and black beans.

Make Your Own Simmering Potpourri

I go on Pinterest all the time . I am always pinning this or that. I decided it was time to start making some of the stuff I have been saving . So once a week I will try to pick one post to do for that week. Fair warning I had the attention span of a Nat so we'll see how this gos.  I promise to give it my best shot. No, I do not have crossed fingers behind my back.

recipe:
2 oranges slice thin and dehydrated
2 apples sliced thin and dehydrated
2 jars of Cinnamon sticks ( Note: Use cinnamon sticks from the Hispanic section of the store. It's a lot cheaper. )
1 jar of bay leaves
1 jar of whole cloves
1/2 jar of dried rosemary

Mix items in a bowl ,then place in a plastic bag or air tight container. 
When ready to use place a hand full or two in just enough water to cover it two to three inches. Simmer on the stove over very small heat. ( you don't want to boil this). Don't forget to check your water once in a while. This would be great to sit on top of your wood stove.

If you don't have a dehydrator  place your fruit in single layers on the pan. Leaving space between them. Set oven to 200 degrees. Leave in oven till completely dry. Oranges should be very dry. If they feel moist or sticky they are not ready. Apples should be brown and feel like leather.

The picture was taken after I used some  and gave one bag away. It makes about 6 to 7 plastic sandwich bags full.
The house smells so good! I have had it simmering on low for the pass four hours. I wonder how this would do in a candle warmer?    .

Supplies:

• Two oranges-sliced and dried
• Two apples-sliced and dried
• 2 jars of cinnamon sticks
• 1 jar of bay leaves
• 1 jar of whole cloves
• 1/2 jar of dried rosemary
• Decorative canister
• Ribbon
• Gift tag

Take a peek at the gallery below to learn how to make your own potpourri including how to dry your own apples and oranges:
- See more at: http://www.hgtvgardens.com/crafts/garden-gift-simmering-potpourri#sthash.ez5Xq3NH.dpuf

Supplies:

• Two oranges-sliced and dried
• Two apples-sliced and dried
• 2 jars of cinnamon sticks
• 1 jar of bay leaves
• 1 jar of whole cloves
• 1/2 jar of dried rosemary
• Decorative canister
• Ribbon
• Gift tag

Take a peek at the gallery below to learn how to make your own potpourri including how to dry your own apples and oranges:
- See more at: http://www.hgtvgardens.com/crafts/garden-gift-simmering-potpourri#sthash.ez5Xq3NH.dpuf

Supplies:

• Two oranges-sliced and dried
• Two apples-sliced and dried
• 2 jars of cinnamon sticks
• 1 jar of bay leaves
• 1 jar of whole cloves
• 1/2 jar of dried rosemary
• Decorative canister
• Ribbon
• Gift tag

Take a peek at the gallery below to learn how to make your own potpourri including how to dry your own apples and oranges:
- See more at: http://www.hgtvgardens.com/crafts/garden-gift-simmering-potpourri#sthash.ez5Xq3NH.dpuf

Supplies:

• Two oranges-sliced and dried
• Two apples-sliced and dried
• 2 jars of cinnamon sticks
• 1 jar of bay leaves
• 1 jar of whole cloves
• 1/2 jar of dried rosemary
• Decorative canister
• Ribbon
• Gift tag

Take a peek at the gallery below to learn how to make your own potpourri including how to dry your own apples and oranges:
- See more at: http://www.hgtvgardens.com/crafts/garden-gift-simmering-potpourri#sthash.ez5Xq3NH.dpuf

Supplies:

• Two oranges-sliced and dried
• Two apples-sliced and dried
• 2 jars of cinnamon sticks
• 1 jar of bay leaves
• 1 jar of whole cloves
• 1/2 jar of dried rosemary
• Decorative canister
• Ribbon
• Gift tag

Take a peek at the gallery below to learn how to make your own potpourri including how to dry your own apples and oranges:
- See more at: http://www.hgtvgardens.com/crafts/garden-gift-simmering-potpourri#sthash.ez5Xq3NH.dpuf

Supplies:

• Two oranges-sliced and dried
• Two apples-sliced and dried
• 2 jars of cinnamon sticks
• 1 jar of bay leaves
• 1 jar of whole cloves
• 1/2 jar of dried rosemary
• Decorative canister
• Ribbon
• Gift tag

Take a peek at the gallery below to learn how to make your own potpourri including how to dry your own apples and oranges:
- See more at: http://www.hgtvgardens.com/crafts/garden-gift-simmering-potpourri#sthash.ez5Xq3NH.dpuf

Supplies:

• Two oranges-sliced and dried
• Two apples-sliced and dried
• 2 jars of cinnamon sticks
• 1 jar of bay leaves
• 1 jar of whole cloves
• 1/2 jar of dried rosemary
• Decorative canister
• Ribbon
• Gift tag

Take a peek at the gallery below to learn how to make your own potpourri including how to dry your own apples and oranges:
- See more at: http://www.hgtvgardens.com/crafts/garden-gift-simmering-potpourri#sthash.Ajc0NzQ5.dpuf

Supplies:

• Two oranges-sliced and dried
• Two apples-sliced and dried
• 2 jars of cinnamon sticks
• 1 jar of bay leaves
• 1 jar of whole cloves
• 1/2 jar of dried rosemary
• Decorative canister
• Ribbon
• Gift tag

Take a peek at the gallery below to learn how to make your own potpourri including how to dry your own apples and oranges:
- See more at: http://www.hgtvgardens.com/crafts/garden-gift-simmering-potpourri#sthash.Ajc0NzQ5.dpuf

Go away.

I don't care if Santa is here. The sign said Do Not Disturb !!!

Merry Christmas

May your day be full with love and wonderful memories..

Mini German Pancakes made in muffin tins

 Mini German Pancakes made in muffin tins. So easy,  This makes for a fabulous breakfast when you have company or a special treat for your family)! Note: Depending on the size of your muffin tin, recipe yields 12-18 muffins. And NO WHINING about the number of eggs! It's less than one egg per pancake. :-)
 1 cup milk
 6 eggs 
1 cup (all-purpose) flour 
1/2 tsp. salt 
1 tsp. vanilla 
1/4 cup butter, melted
 Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Blend first five ingredients in a blender. Be sure to smooth out any flour lumps. -Blend in butter a little at a time. -Grease muffin tins well and fill slightly less than half-full. -Bake for 15 minutes, or until puffy and golden on top. The crater will form on its own. if not just push down with a spoon while warm. -Add your favorite pie filling or jam.. And a dusting of powdered sugar.
 These are not a sweet pancake so use a sweet compost and the powdered sugar for a sweeter taste. 
Source: This recipe came from realmomkitchen.com, 
I fill mine with peaches, dust with powdered sugar then add syrup drizzled over the top.  YUM !

Christmas tour in pictures

My quilt for the Christmas party .

 This was my quilt for Suzie. She loves outdoors stuff and cats. My kind of person.

 Cleo was my little helper. She making sure the quilt is safe.

Don't you love that look. She is upset because she got in trouble for attacking my thread as I tried to sew the binding on.

 It got so late she gave up on me and took a cat nap.

 It is my trash basket ,but she has claimed it as hers.

 I was so happy Suzie liked it. I think the bears and the lights were her favorite part.

This is the one Peggy made for me. We draw names every year. I am so glad she drew mine. I LOVE THIS QUILT!!!!!!

Microwave Peanut Brittle

My family loves peanut brittle and I make it often.  This is the only way to go. Make it in the microwave!  Turns out great every time and is so good. Makes a great Christmas gift, too.

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

Dash of salt

1 to 1 1/2 cups shelled raw peanuts

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

 

Spray a baking sheet generously.  Combine sugar, corn syrup and salt in a 3 quart microwave bowl.  Stir in peanuts and microwave on high until light brown. (About 9 to 10 minutes.) Stir twice while cooking.(This gets very hot, so be careful not to get burned and I use a glass casserole dish. Don’t use tupperware. It will melt.)   Stir in remaining ingredients.  Mixture should be light and foamy.  Quickly spread as thin as possible on greased baking sheet.  Let cool and break into pieces. Makes about 1 pound of peanut brittle.  Enjoy!

 

Please be very careful stirring this. I turned to say something to my daughter and dripped some on my wrist. I ended up with 2 degree burns.

Can you say BRRRRRRRR

He just wasn't thinking.

This morning my husband asked me what I had to do for the day. I told him that I didn't have errands to run which made it an easy day. That I would probably spend the day cleaning house and catching up on the wash. His reply and I quote " That shouldn't take you to long."
I know, I looked like a deer caught in the head lights. I just couldn't believe he said that. After I came out of my state of shock I asked him when was the last time he cleaned house. A course he couldn't answer that one. But he did one better. And again I quote " As clean as it is you shouldn't have a lot to do. This time my look was more like you got to be kidding .
" And how do you think it got this clean, Fairies ?" They just love moping , vacuuming,and washing dishes.  Oh, I didn't tell you about the elves  I hired to cook and don't get me started on the wash. It was now his turn to look like a deer caught in the head lights.