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If you don't know where you are going any road will take you there.




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Fabulous Food Fridays - Soup

My family absolutely LOVES ♥♥♥ soup of almost any kind. 

Today, I am sharing soups that I've saved.
Click on the name under the image to view the recipe.



Tortellini and White Bean Soup

Taco Soup

Cha-Cha Corn Chowder

 

Mexican Meatball Stew

White Bean and Chicken Chili

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Tipful Tuesday - Teapots

Shall we have a Spot of Twine? J

To keep a ball of string knot-free and close at hand, store it in an old teapot that you no longer use.  Thread the string through the spout, then cut off a piece whenever you need it.     

My hubby found this wonderful old teapot (similar to the one above) for me...I'm not sure if he was at a yard sale, the antique store or an auction.  Anyhoo; it didn't cost it more than $2.00 and I know have a wonderful place to store my twine. 

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Today is.....

....Earth Day 

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Fabulous Food Friday - Peanut Butter Bars

Packed with peanut butter and chocolate chips, what's not to like!  J

Peanut Butter Cake Bars

(source)

24 Servings

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (11 1/2 ounces) milk chocolate chips

Directions:

• In a large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, sugar and brown sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in vanilla.  Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture.  Stir in chocolate chips.
• Spread into greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool on a wire rack.  Cut in bars. 

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Tipful Tuesday - Nutrition for Plants

Some of the best sources of nutrients for your plants, both indoor and out, are the leftovers from your own meals. 

 

Just a few of the possibilities that I've found that work well with my plants.

• The leaves from leftover tea bags or loose tea.  These contain nitrogen, which is just what your plant needs.  Spread them over the soil and work them in a bit for the best effect.
• Club Soda - didn't finish that opened bottle and now it's flat? Don't pour what's left down the drain.  Instead, pour it over your plants.  The minerals in the soda will be good for them.
• Cooking water from pasta or potatoes.  It has nutrients your plants can use, and the starches will give them an extra boost.
• Doing dishes by hand is being able to use the rinse water in your garden or houseplants (except African Violets).  Soap in the water kills a number of pests, and you'll be doing your bit to conserve water as well.  J

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Fabulous Food Friday - Chicken Cacciatore

I was looking through a Taste of Home Magazine for a quick and easy meal and came across this slow cooker recipe.  It is simply delicious!   J

 

(source)

6 Servings

Prep Time:   20 minutes

Cook Time:   4 hours

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 medium onions, cut into wedges
• 1 medium green pepper, cut into strips
• 1 jar (6 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Place flour in a large resealable plastic bag.  Add chicken, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat.  In a large skillet, brown chicken in oil on all sides.
• Transfer to a 5-quart slow cooker.  Top with onions, green pepper and mushrooms.  In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, salt, oregano and basil; pour over vegetables.  Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until chicken juices run clear and vegetables are tender.  Serve with cheese. 

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Are You The Swag Mom?

Starting today, April 10th Swagbucks is looking for The Swag Mom, and it could be you!  You'll be able to nominate a friend or yourself, and if you get the most votes, you'll win the Grand Prize:  A trip for two to Los Angeles, where you'll board a  Private Jet Charter to Las Vegas for a relaxing two night Spa Vacation!  Even if you don't win the grand prize, you could win an identical trip for two just for voting!  Be sure to check Swagbucks.com for all the details!




Haven't joined Swagbucks yet; WHAT are you waiting for?????

You can read how easy it is to earn Swagbucks and receive PAYPAL CASH or giftcards on my post here.





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Tipful Tuesday - From the Kitchen

Once a bag or box of brown sugar is opened, the sugar seems to harden overnight.  L

Keep brown sugar soft by putting a few marshmallows, an apple slice, or a lemon peel in the bag before closing it.  Any of these will add extra moisture to the sugar to keep it soft.

From kitchen to you.....

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Happy Easter!

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Fabulous Food Friday - P.B. Brownie Cups

I have never tried this recipe....I'm going to make these this weekend for an Easter gathering....so we shall see how they turn out.  Everyone LOVES chocolate, right?  ♥♥♥

(source)

Yields about 1 1/2 dozen brownie cups

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup HERSHEY's Cocoa or HERSHEY's European Style Cocoa
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 2/3 cups (10-ounce package) REESE's Peanut Butter Chips, divided

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line 18 muffins cups with paper or foil bake cups.
• In large microwave-safe bowl, place butter.  Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 to 1/2 minutes or until melted.  Stir in sugar and vanilla.  Add eggs; beat well.  Add cocoa; beat until well blended.  Add flour, baking powder and salt; beat well.  Stir in 1 1/3 cups peanut butter chips.  Divide batter evenly into muffin cups; sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup peanut butter chips.
• Bake 25 to 30 minutes until surface is firm; cool completely in pan on wire rack.
  
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Tipful Tuesday - Dying Easter Eggs

Are you bored with the little tablets?  Don't have dye in the house? Try dying them the natural way.  This is the way I remember my mom and grandma doing it.  So much fun!

***Tip - the colors take longer to sink in than commercial dyes, so you'll need to let 'em soak for at least ten minutes***

• Pink - Add 1 teaspoon vinegar to 1 cup canned beet juice and soak
• Yellow - dip eggs in 3/4 cup hot water mixed with 1 teaspoon turmeric and a splash of vinegar
• Orange-Red - Boil 3/4 cup water with 1 tablespoon chili powder for 30 seconds.  Add 1 teaspoon vinegar, dip eggs in the solution while it's still hot
• Brown - Start with 1 cup cooled leftover coffee; add a splash of vinegar, then add the eggs
• Yellow-Green - Steam 1 pound asparagus, then save 3/4 cup of the cooking water; add 1 tablespoon vinegar to the water and dip the eggs
• Tan - boil one cup water with the brown skins of 3 or 4 onions; boil the eggs in the water

Have fun dying the eggs this year.....

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