My New Ebay Listings!!

Well I finally got something made and listed on eBay...Took me long enough...Had a great case of procrostination...I get that every so often, but it generally doesn't last so long....I really am proud of this Primitive Tussy with it's Poinsettias, Candy Canes, Crow, Candle, Sweet Annie, Old Mill Bobbin Spindle and the Santa Hang Tag..Be sure to check it out....

This is my Original Apple Pie Design.....I have sold so many Apple Pie patterns and have had so many people ask me to make another one....Sooooooo this will be listed tonight in eBay for you to bid on....Come on in and check it out...

Tomorrow this ole primitive Hanging Tree Candle Holder will be listed...It is made from pine, painted and the Christmas Trees speckled...It will sure look awesome hanging any where in your Prim Holiday Home....tomorrow evening take a peek at my listing...Don't you just love the hang tag???

On My Mind!

This presidential election has been unprecedented, pulling even political cynics and bystanders into one of the most historic campaigns of our time. As a woman and an African American vied for the Democratic nomination, many people, no matter what party they belonged to, or whom they supported, took deep pride in seeing America reach these milestones...Many of us loved that our daughters and granddaughters saw a woman, for the first time ever, as a serious contender for the highest office in the land..Those among us who are African American or another minority swelled with pride to see a black, for the first time ever, secure the nomination.And a fair number of right leaning folks were happy to see someone with a reputation for bucking the system take the Republican ticket.
No matter whom you support (and no matter how crazy a day you are having on November4), please make the time to vote. Take your kids with you to the polls; let them see democracy in action.
This presidential election are our surest shot at changing what's off track in our country and charting a new course. Vote your hopes, not your fears and may the best candidate win.

Remember our young people are fighting and some are losing their lives to give us the right to VOTE....

Great Ways to Save on Groceries!

With the economy the way it is every little penny counts and needs to be watched...It costs way too much to feed our families now days so here are eight tricks to try the next time you go shopping:

1. Watch the register. In most grocery stores, advertised sales change every week, so the scanners have to be updated constantly. But surprisingly often, they're not, so they charge you the full amount, not the discounted price. To get the deal you're after, keep an eye on the price being registered by the scanner, whether you're operating it yourself or dealing with a cashier. Put all the week's specials in a corner of your cart and line them up on the checkout counter together so you can easily keep track of the prices you're being charged as the items are scanned.

2. Don't assume that regular-price items are being entered correctly. After all, the person at the register may not know a pomegranate from a persimmon. On a recent shopping trip, I watched as a cashier entered my three-pound cabbage (39 cents per pound) as Brussels sprouts ($1.89 per pound) — an overcharge of $4.50. If I hadn't corrected him, my family would've eaten some very pricey coleslaw that night.

3. Collect your payoff if there's a mistake. Many people don't know it, but big chains like Giant, Safeway, and Kroger will often give you an item for free if the scan shows a higher price than what's advertised. (Tobacco, alcohol, pharmacy items, and dairy are excluded.)

4. Be persistent. If your grocer runs out of an advertised special, ask customer service for a rain check — a written promise to sell you the item at the lower price when it's restocked. Make sure the slip specifies the maximum number you can buy for the sale price (usually six). Ask about the time limit for using your rain check (it's usually 15 days).

5. Don't be fooled by deals like two for $1. You don't have to buy two. If the ad says "Buy two for $5" and you want only one, you can still get it for $2.50. If the item doesn't automatically scan that way, point out the sale price to the cashier.
6. Stock up, but wisely. Before you stash 10 boxes of something on your shelves, check the sell-by date. Even seemingly ageless products like tea bags and toothpaste eventually expire — and you don't want to be stuck owning eight more when they do.

7. Weigh before you pay. If you're buying a 10-pound bag of potatoes, put it on the scale before you put it in your cart. Many items weigh less than what the package says.

8. Don't pay extra for convenience. It's easier to pick up personal-care products and other non grocery items at the supermarket. But this stuff often costs more than it does at a big drugstore chain.

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!
Last day for posts is Friday 10/24/08. Winner will be announced Sunday morning! Just in time to get this to you by HALLOWEEN!!!!
Better hurry on over there for you only have a few days left!!!

***JALAPENO RECIPES***

JALAPENO JELLY

INGREDIENTS:
3 large green bell peppers
12 fresh jalapeno peppers
1 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
7 cups sugar
2 packages liquid pectin (certo)

DIRECTIONS:
Remove seed, stems and membranes from peppers. Chop into food processor sized chunks. Put bell peppers, jalapenos and vinegar into a food processor and puree until smooth. Combine this mixture with sugar in a non-corrosive pan. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. You can add a tsp. or so of margarine to help keep the foaming down. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add pectin and bring back to a full rolling boil (must keep boiling in spite of stirring). Once this point is reached, continue to boil for exactly 1 minute. Ladle into clean 1/2 pt. jars. Cap with clean disks and rings. Turn upside down for 5 minutes then turn back over. Should seal within a few hours. Should gel within 24 hours.

SAUSAGE JALAPENO POPPERS

INGREDIENTS:
2 (12 ounce) packages ground sausage
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
30 jalapeno chile peppers
1 pound sliced bacon, cut in half

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Place ground sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown.
Drain sausage and place in a medium bowl. Mix with the cream cheese.
Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Stuff each jalapeno half with equal portions of the sausage and cream cheese mixture. Wrap with half slices of bacon. Secure bacon with toothpicks.
Arrange wrapped jalapenos in a large, shallow baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 20 minutes, or until the bacon is evenly brown.

JALAPENO CHEESE SQUARES

INGREDIENTS:
12 eggs, beaten
1 lb. cheddar cheese, cubed
chopped jalapenos to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Mix ingredients together; spread in a lightly buttered 13"x9" baking pan. Bake at 350degrees for 30 minutes; cool and cut into squares to serve.

Two Free Cook Books!!

Get a free Gooseberry Patch Fall Favourites with Sun-Maid Raisins & Dried Fruit cookbook and a free Gooseberry Patch Family favorite Recipes with Sun-Maid Raisins & Dried Fruit. If you want both cookbooks be sure to check the “Please also send me the first cookbook¸ Gooseberry Patch Family Favorite Recipes with Sun-Maid® Raisins & Dried Fruit” box otherwise you will only receive the Fall Favourites.Go here to order

Award Time Again!!

Given to me by Terry of Cider Moon Primitives. I'm so excited! Thank you so much Terry! You've made my day...Isn't it awesome? I'm suppose to pass this along to 6 people......So here are my picks....Drum Roll Please!!!

Debbie of"Life in the Dweeb Lane"
Kim of "BlackBerry Crows Prims"
Pam of "Prims*by*Pam"
Shay of "Olde Colonial Peddler"
Theresa of "Primrulle"
Jan & Brenda of "Old Harbor Saltbox"

The rules are to grab this award pic and post it on your blog, and nominate 6 of your choice for the same award! Of course, you have to tell the winners that they have been chosen.....

Peanut Butter & Chocolate!

These are individual peanut butter chocolate cheesecakes. These are made in a cupcake pan with a cookie crust. There is a chocolate cheesecake layer and peanut butter cheesecake layer, topped off with a dollop of chocolate ganache and mini peanut butter cup for garnish.
Here is the recipe, but beware - these are deadly rich!!!!

Ingredients:
18 chocolate cookies (nilla wafer used to make a chocolate cookie, but I haven't seen it lately - oreos minus the creme filling work great though)
2 8oz packages Cream Cheese softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 to 10 oz melted chocolate
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbs whipping cream
chocolate ganache (recipe below)
Directions:
1. Line cupcake pan with wrappers and place one cookie in each wrapper.
2. Using an electric mixer, combine 8oz of cream cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbs whipping cream, and melted chocolate. Spoon batter into cupcake pans, about 1/3 full.
3. In a clean bowl, using electric mixer, combine remaining 8oz of cream cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbs whipping cream, and 1 cup peanut butter. Spoon batter into cupcake pans, on top of the chocolate batter, so that cupcakes are 2/3 full.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until set.
5. Cheesecakes will appear very poofy, but will settle, leaving a small indentation, when cooled. Once cooled, spoon a small amount of ganache into craters and top with mini peanut butter cup if desired.
Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients:
2/3 cup chocolate chips or squares
1/2 cup whipping cream
Directions:
1. Heat cream on stove top, using low heat, bring just to a boil (be careful not to scald the cream)
2. Pour cream over chocolate and whisk together until all chocolate is melted and fully combined
3. Allow to cool

*****Incredible Jack O Lanterns*****

These incredible Jack O Lanterns are the creations of Scott at Stolloween....He is so generous to provide this tutorial...Check him out!!!There's still plenty of time to make one or a whole yard full for this year's Halloween display. You make them using plastic garbage bags & mache....I really like the one with the snake...Be sure to check out all the tutorials they have listed on the right side of the blog...Very interesting and will be helpful in many other uses, other than Halloween.....

Omelet In Ziplock Bag...Quick & Easy!!!

"That's weird," chorused my sons when I emerged with an omelet cooked in a plastic bag. "Why didn't you use a frying pan?"
When you cook an egg in a bag, you're going to get some comments. But it works, it's slick, and it avoids the all-important clean up. The omelets can be mixed ahead and stored in Ziploc®-type plastic bags in your refrigerator for several days. When you get ready to eat, drop the pouched eggs in boiling water and . . . presto, you have omelets without the mess.

Ingredients:
1 quart size ziploc bag
2 eggs
Salt & Pepper to taste
Omelet ingredients: bacon bits, cheese, veggies, or other omelet goodies
pepper and salt to taste (If you use cheese or bacon, do not add as much salt since the ingredients are salty.)

Directions:
1. Bring a large pan of water to a roiling boil.
2. Whisk all the ingredients together with a fork. Pour the omelet mixture into a sandwich-sized Ziploc®-type plastic bag. Make sure you get all of the air out and that the seal is tight.
3. Carefully place the plastic bag (or bags because you can cook several at one time) in the boiling water. Let it boil for 14 minutes or until the omelet is nearly set.

If you overcook it, it will be rubbery. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the omelet, the altitude, and the size of the pan. The omelet will continue to cook in the bag once it is removed from the water so remove the bag when the center of the omelet is not quite firm.
Remove the omelet (the omelet will come out easily) from the bag and serve.

Note #1: The steam in the plastic bag will make it balloon and look like it may burst. In my experience, it won't.
Note #2: With a little coaxing, the bag will lie flat in the water as it heats. You will not need to turn the bag over.
Note #3: Make sure that you keep the omelet mix cold. Without being in their protective shells, eggs will not keep as long. When you cook the eggs, they should get hot enough to kill bacteria-but be on the safe side and keep your eggs cold anyway..

Make Your Own Mixes!!!!

I hate it when I am halfway through a recipe only to discover I am out of a key ingredient, like brown sugar. Todays first tip is to check your cupboard to see if you have all the necessary ingredients to make your recipe.....but just in case you don't check*****

MAKE YOUR OWN BROWN SUGAR:


Add a Tablespoon of molasses to one cup of white sugar..Mix together with a fork until thorougly incorporated, and you have instant brown sugar.....

TACO SEASONING MIX:

Make your own taco seasoning mix to control the ingredients for better nutrition.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1/4 cup instant minced onion
2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. crushed dried red pepper flakes
1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried marjoram
1 Tbsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. instant minced garlic
1 tsp. ground cumin
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and blend thoroughly with wire whisk. Spoon mixture into a tightly closed container and label as "Taco Seasoning Mix". Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months. Makes 6 packages (about 2 Tbsp. each) of mix. 2 Tbsp. equals 1.25-oz. pkg. purchased taco seasoning mix.
To make Taco Filling:
Brown 1 lb. lean ground beef in large skillet over medium heat; drain grease. Add 1/2 cup water and 2 Tbsp. Taco Seasoning Mix. Reduce heat, cover pan, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Makes enough filling for 8 to 10 tacos.

FAJITA SEASONING MIX:

Make your own Fajita seasoning mix.
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. sugar
2-1/2 tsp. crushed chicken bouillon cube
1-1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. cumin
Preparation:
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour into small glass or plastic container, seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Makes the equivalent of 3 packets of commercial or purchased Fajita Seasoning Mix.

CHILI SEASONING MIX:

Ingredients:
1 1/8 cups flour
3/4 cup instant minced onion
1/3 cup chili powder
2 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 Tbsp. salt
1 1/2 Tablespoons instant minced garlic
1 Tbsp. crushed hot red pepper flakes
2 tsp. sugar
Mix all ingredients very well. Seperate into 6 equal portions - packaging in aluminum
foil or another airtight package of some type. Label.

To use: Brown one pound of ground beef - drain off excess fat. Sprinkle contents of
one package of the mix over the beef, stirring well. Add one 15 oz. can tomato sauce,
1/4 cup water, and one 15 oz. can undrained kidney beans. Simmer uncovered, for at least
20 minutes, or until the beans are cooked to your liking. Makes 4 servings

ONION SOUP MIX:



Ingredients:
3 onion bouillon cubes, crushed
1 beef bouillon cube, crushed
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/3 cup instant onion flakes
2 dashes pepper
Put all ingredients in a small sandwich bag. Seal well and store in cool, dry
place.

To use: Empty package into a pot and gradually stir in 4 cups cold water and
1 Tbsp. butter. Bring to boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer 20 minutes. Ladle
soup into oven proof bowls, sprinkle with croutons or toasted bread. Then add
one slice provalone cheese. Briefly put bowls under a broiler to melt cheese.
Serve. Makes 4 1-cup servings.
ONION DIP:
Mix one package onion soup mix with 2 cups sour cream. Chill before serving

BAKING POWDER:

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Cream Of Tartar Powder
1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
Sift ingredients together and store in small container with tight-fitting lid.
One teaspoon of this equals 1 teaspoon of commercial baking powder.

COOL WHIP:



Ingredients:
1 teaspoon gelatin
2 teaspoons cold water
3 tablespoons boiling water
1/2 cup ice water
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons oil
Chill a small mixing bowl. Soften gelatin with 2 teaspoons cold water,
then add boiling water, stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved.
Cool until tepid. Place ice water and nonfat dry milk in the chilled
bowl. Beat at high speed until mixture forms stiff peaks. Add sugar,
still beating, then oil and gelatin. Place in freezer about 15 minutes
then transfer to refrigerator until ready for use. Stir before using
to retain creamy texture. Makes 2 cups

SOUR CREAM:

Ingredients;
2 cups light cream
2 Tbsp buttermilk
Combine cream with buttermilk in hot, clean glass jar with a lid.
Cover tightly and shake gently to thoroughly mix.
Let stand in a warm place till thickened (24-48 hours). Store, covered in refrigerator. Stir before serving. Use within three weeks.

TATOR TOTS;

Ingredients;
8 med. potatoes, cooked and peeled
4 rounded tbsp. flour
Dash pepper
1 tsp. salt
Canola oil
Finely shred or use ricer while potatoes are hot. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Heat 1/4" oil in heavy pan. Form into small balls and drop into oil. Fry till slightly golden.
Drain on paper towels, then freeze. To Use: bake in single layer on baking sheet at 400F till crispy

Cake In A Mug!!

Here's an ingenious recipe, which makes a single cake that bakes right in its own coffee mug in the microwave. It makes an ideal gift for the single friends and college students on your list. While each portion serves one, you could also place matching sets into a baskets and give it to a couples or families.

Ingredients:

Cake Mix:
1 box cake mix, flavor of your choice
1 small instant pudding mix (not sugar free), flavor of your choice

Glaze Mix:
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons dry flavoring such as:
lemonade mix
orange breakfast drink mix
cocoa or vanilla Powder
instant flavored coffee or cappuccino



Instructions:

Combine cake mix ingredients and blend well. Measure 1/2 cup of mix into a sandwich bag. Label this bag "Cake Mix."

Place the glaze mix ingredients into a sandwich bag. Label this bag "glaze mix" and attach it to the other bag with a twist tie.
Place one bag cake mix and one bag glaze mix in each coffee cup and attach the baking instructions.
Tip
Be sure to select a large mug that can hold 1 1/2 cups of water. The mug must be microwavable.

Flavor Options
Lemon cake mix-lemon pudding
Yellow mix-chocolate pudding
Devils food mix-chocolate pudding...Add a few chocolate chips
Pineapple mix-coconut pudding...Sprinkle some toasted coconut on top
Butterscotch mix-butterscotch pudding



Attach the following note to the gift:
Mist inside of coffee mug with cooking spray. Empty cake mix into cup. Add 1 egg white, 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon water. Mix well. Microwave on full power 2 minutes.

Empty Glaze Mix into a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon water. Mix well. Pour glaze over baked cake

Slow-Cooker Shepherd's Pie!!

Slow cookers have made a comeback as a frugal cook's appliance of choice. And for good reason: They offer hands-off cooking, which can free up time for you to do other things while still serving a nutritious meal...

Slow-Cooker Shepherd's Pie

32-ounce bag frozen Tator Tots
1-pound ground beef, browned
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 (14-ounce) cans vegetables such as green beans, mixed vegetables, corn or cream corn
1 (10-3/4 ounce) can cream-of-mushroom soup
1 Tablespoon of dried onions
1/4 cup mild cheddar, shredded

Line the bottom of the slow cooker with the Tator Tots. Combine remaining ingredients, and pour over the Tator Tots...Cook on high for 3 hours, Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top:

Attitude Is Everything!

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she only had three strands of hair on her head. "Well", she said, I think I'll braid my hair today." She did and had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw she only had two strands of hair on her head. "Hmmm", she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." She did and had a grand day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she only had one hair on her head. "Well", she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a poney tail." She did and had a fun, fun day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "Yeah!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!" Attitude is everything.

Have a great day and be kinder than necessary, for someone you meet may be fighting some kind of battle.

Not Just One, But Two Give Aways To Check Out!!!!!!

Raggedy Angel give away.....Just click on her name in my favorite blogs to go to her site to sign up, but hurry as it ends on Monday Oct 13th....

Should you win, you will receive a hand forged iron candelabra wine bottle topper, a grudged bottle labeled "Witches Brew", three (Keeper of the Light)praline caramel sticky buns candles, cobwebs (LOL), a folk art star, and a bottle of her very popular Pumpkin Pie room and linen spray.

So leave her a comment and you are entered, post on your blog and she will enter you again!

Olde Homestead Peddler is giving two fantastic prizes. Three dirty grubby apple candles with an 8 oz. mulled cider room spray, and three pumpkin candles, with an 8 oz. frosted pumpkin room spray. Wow! run over and welcome her to blogging, and enter to win. Contest starts today, Oct. 11th, and runs through Oct. 19th. Winner will be announced Oct. 20th. You will find her in My Favorite Blogs...Just click on her Name, then post a comment to enter.....

Homemade Fruit Fly Trap To Get Rid Of Those Little Pests!!!

Anyone who has ever left a few bananas sitting out or forgotten to change their garbage knows all too well the problem with fruit flies. It seems that once they've invaded your kitchen, you can't get rid of them. You can scrub, clean, remove tempting fruit and spray the garbage can with disinfectants, but they always come back. You can't help but cringe just looking at them.

We all know that removing the food, getting rid of the garbage & cleaning up plays a big role, but we also know what it's like to move a piece of fruit and have a swarm of fruit flies fill the air only to escape your attempts at killing them. Where are they gonna go? Obviously the ones flying around can't be easily captured or killed, so they'll linger about until they find some other place to lay eggs and the whole cycle starts again.

While considered mainly a pest, they have the potential to contaminate food with dangerous bacteria......I found the best way to capture and remove the ones that escape is to create a simple trap using a narrow-necked 2 or 3 liter soda bottle and fill the bottom inch or so with fruit juice, beer, soda, V8, apple cider, or vinegar along with a few drops of cooking oil or dish soap to break the liquid’s surface tension so any bugs that attempt to land will get caught in the liquid. Place the bottle in the area of infestation and watch all of the little fruit flies get trapped in the bottle or trapped in the liquid inside......

Don’t have any bottles? That’s ok, make this trap instead. Take any size bowl and cover the bottom with fruit juice, beer, soda, V8, apple cider, or vinegar along with a few drops of cooking oil or dish soap and then cover the top with plastic wrap. Poke several small holes in the wrap with a fork or thin knife and set it out in the area of infestation. The fruit flies will smell their way into the bowl and will be unable to escape....

For bad fruit fly problems, you will want to use this method for a good two weeks to make sure you've captured the majority of fruit flies. You might even want to use a few jars in different places. Before long, your kitchen will be back to normal.