Leap Year

February 29 is a date that usually occurs every four years, and is called leap day. This day is added to the calendar in leap years as a corrective measure, because the earth does not orbit around the sun in precisely 365 days.

That is the shortened explanation of why we have to add an extra day to our calendar every four years. All the other information I read was way too much.

Do you have a Leap Year or Leap Day celebration?

We do not celebrate Leap Year or Leap Day,

but if we did I am sure the theme would include frogs.

Wall Decor

In the bedroom where we stay, when visiting my Mom, these sconces with perfume bottles and necklaces hang on each side above the bed. Directly over the bed is a beautiful oil painting. This is pretty simple to make a decorating change in a bedroom or bathroom. My mom has a knack for doing things that look neat and don't cost an arm an a leg.

Pork Chops

My husband found this huge package of assorted loin pork chops with a reduced sticker making them $1.59 a pound. He brought them home and fixed the 4 best ones, by just cooking in the skillet with a little bit of oil to get them brown.

Then he took the others and cut them into little pieces and put in the bottom of the crock pot. He sprinkled the crock pot pork with liquid smoke, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper and minced dried onions. Then he put a 2 pound package of pinto beans in with the meat and cooked all day (10 hours).It was the best beans ever!

This is just a box of mac and cheese that he added a handful of extra grated cheese.

This was one simple meal and really good meal.

I just had the mac and cheese, a pork chop and jalapeno pepper.

Deviled Eggs

As I was looking through one of my many cookbooks, this old yellow newspaper clipping fell out. I thought how funny is that, because I was planning on doing a blog about DEVILED EGGS. We got into a discussion at work about how they like their DEVILED EGGS. This recipe from a 1950 4-H Club cookbook, on this newspaper clipping, is exactly how I make my DEVILED EGGS. My sister and my niece like their DEVILED EGGS with these same basic ingredients except they add sweet pickle relish to their recipe. So when I started looking at my cookbooks, and searching for DEVILED EGG recipes, I was quite amazed at the variety. I have only included a few of the recipes in this post. 

Bacon Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
12 eggs
6 slices bacon
1/4 cup ranch dressing
Directions
Place the eggs into a saucepan in a single layer and fill with water to cover the eggs by 1 inch.
Cover the saucepan and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Remove from the heat and let the eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes. Drain.
Cool the eggs under cold running water. Peel once cold.
Halve the eggs lengthwise and scoop the yolks into a bowl. Mash the yolks with a fork.
Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes.
Drain on a paper towel-lined plate; chop once cool.
Add to the egg yolks with the ranch dressing.
Spoon the mixture into the egg white halves.
Arrange on a tray and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
12 hard-cooked eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons finely shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon honey mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Slice eggs in half lengthwise; remove yolks and set whites aside.
In a small bowl, mash yolks.
Stir in the mayonnaise, bacon, cheese, mustard and pepper.
Stuff into egg whites. Refrigerate until serving.

Horseradish Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
6 hard-cooked eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
1 dash paprika
Directions
Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks; set whites aside.
In a bowl, mash the yolks. add mayonnaise, horseradish, dill, mustard, salt and pepper; mix well.
Pipe or spoon into egg whites.
Sprinkle with paprika.
Refrigerate until serving.

Cajun Deviled Eggs
12 hard boiled eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Paprika
Snipped cilantro (optional)
Shell cooked eggs. Cut eggs lengthwise into halves. Slip out yolks and mash them with a fork.
Stir in mayonnaise and next five ingredients. Fill egg whites with yolk mixture, heaping lightly.
Sprinkle with paprika, and garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Makes 2 dozen

Sriracha Cilantro Scallion Deviled Eggs

Ingredients
* 6 eggs, hard-boiled
* 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
* 1 Tbsp Sriracha (more or less)
* 1 tsp mustard
* 1 Tbsp sweet relish
* 3 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
* Fresh cilantro, washed and finely chopped (2 Tbsp chopped)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
1. Cut the eggs in half the long way, scoop out the yolks and place them in a small-medium sized bowl. Set the whites aside.
2. Add the mayo, mustard, Sriracha, relish, cilantro and scallions to the bowl and mash well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mound the filling back into the egg whites and serve!
You can garnish with left over cilantro or scallion or another little dash of Sriracha on top.
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/sriracha-cilantro-deviled-eggs.html#ixzz1gofhFxkm

Neelys Fried Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
1 dozen eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Dash hot sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko crumbs
Parsley, for garnish
Peanut oil, for frying

Add the eggs to a large saucepan filled with cold water.
Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let sit in the water for 14 minutes.
Peel the eggs and slice lengthwise. Remove the yolks to a bowl.
Add the mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon zest, chives, hot sauce and salt and pepper.
Mash the yolks together with a wooden spoon.
Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.
Fill the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites.
Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, add 1 cup of flour and season with salt and pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, in a third bowl, add 1 cup of panko.
Dip the eggs into the flour, then the egg and finally into the panko.
Gently put the eggs into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown.
Remove to a paper towel lined sheet tray.
Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/
Check out the other foodnetwork stars Deviled Egg Recipes too!

I also saw a recipe that used those tiny cooked canned shrimp chopped up in the DEVILED EGGS...I would certainly love those too.   Just never knew there were so many ways to make DEVILED EGGS! Guess I should have looked up WHY they are called DEVILED EGGS?

HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR DEVILED EGGS????

Shadow Box

Mom found this old picture frame years ago and had it made into a SHADOW BOX.

Four pieces of plywood were attached to the back and then to the frame.

Four strips of wood were attached to the inside,

of the outer edge, of the "box" to hold the shelves.

Two boards were cut to fit inside the "box" and made the shelves.

I never figured out why she didn't paint the inside of the Shadow Box.

This would be a fairly easy project if you had scraps of wood and a frame.

The Shadow Boxes of my youth had mirror in the back to reflect the objects inside.

You will need to find them in Antique Stores!

Friday Foto

Sister-In-Law, Husband, Daughter and Me

Last Friday I posted a photograph of the awesome light fixtures in this photo.

I took the photo from standing under it and looking UP.

Happy Cat

I received this catnip newsletter in the mail, and it has some good information for us cat lovers. Note the information about signing up to receive the newsletter http://www.tuftscatnip.com/ and to purchase the Happy Cat, Happy You book by Arden Moore frrom http://www.tuftsbooks.com/. Also, a toll free number to the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at the bottom.

Avocados

I got a package at work from my mother and this is what was inside!

My mom knows how much I LOVE avocados.

To all you moms....

no matter how old your child happens to be you can still spoil them.

My mom is the best, and even if I am 58...she still spoils me:)

If you plan to ship avocados make sure you purchase firm ones that are still not ripe.

If you try to ship soft ripe ones they might turn to mush during the shipping.

Adult Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Adult Peppermint Hot Chocolate

8 ounces boiling water

1/4 cup cocoa mix

1 shot of 100 Proof Peppermint Schnapps

(might not want a full shot of Schnapps in your drink)

Handful of Peppermint Marshmallows

Mix cocoa mix into boiling water. Stir until mixed. Pour into a cup.

Add the shot of Schnapps and handful of marshmallows.

ENJOY

My daughter poured this in a clear glass so she could send me the photo.

She promises this will warm you up on a cold winter night!

Loretta Lynn 2-18-12

LORETTA LYNN - 50 YEARS!

I won tickets on KWEY Radio to attend the Loretta Lynn concert at Concho, Oklahoma.

My husband did not want to go so my daughter came to the concert with me.

I was excited, because my Aunt was also driving from Arkansas for the event, but

she did not know my daughter and I would be there!

My daughter took this photo and enhanced it on her cell phone!

We were like on the fifty yard line in a football field size building.

Free tickets are free tickets! Saved me $95

My Aunt was ten rows from the stage!

They bought their VIP section tickets...

I took this fuzzy photo with my point and shoot Kodak camera with the zoom on.

OMG...that dress was head to toe sparkle. I can't imagine how much it weighed.

This concert tour was so special, because Loretta Lynn was celebrating

50 YEARS OF BEING A COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND!

Camera photos and edit from my daughter.

I am amazed they turned out this good as far back as we were!

I love the way she added the music at the top of the photo.

This is a photo I snapped of my Aunt and my Daughter after the concert.

This was a "bucket list" event for me...I grew up listening to Loretta Lynn, getting to see her in person was just a once in a lifetime event!

50 YEARS OF ENTERTAINING

LORETTA LYNN IS AMAZING!

Peppermint Popcorn

Peppermint Popcorn

Use those left over Christmas Candy Canes

Ingredients

* ½ cups Unpopped Popcorn (approximately 16 Cups Popped)
* ½ cups Crushed Peppermint Candy Cane
* 2 cups White Chocolate Chips
* 1 dash Salt


Preparation Instructions
1. Pop 1/2 cup popcorn. I use an air popper. Yield is about 16 cups popped.
2. Finely crush peppermint sticks (I place them in a Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin).
3. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave. If melting in the microwave, stir every 30 seconds. (It takes about 1 1/2 minutes to melt.)
4. Place popcorn in an extra large bowl by handfuls to remove the unpopped kernels.
5. Working quickly before the chocolate sets, drizzle white chocolate over the popcorn, sprinkle the peppermint candy and a dash of salt.
6. Stir vigorously to coat the popcorn.
7. Spread the popcorn in a thin layer onto waxed paper.
8. When popcorn is cool and dry, break into small pieces and serve.

New Great Grandson!

Introducing my new Great Grandson

Shawn Xavier Wilkerson

shown here with his mom Lacey

He is the son of my grandson Jonathon Ray Wilkerson

Friday Foto

Look up for photo opportunities.

This photo is awesome enlarged and framed.

Callie Ann the Computer Cat

WHO ME?

I am in your way?

What do you mean move!

You can't see, because of my tail?

Really?

Here is the mouse....I will get it for you.

Stop telling me to get down...

I am NOT on the keyboard this time!

Just type you don't need to see.

Callie Ann the Computer Cat

Lentils Good for the Budget

Lentils are good for us, easy to prepare and inexpensive to incorporate in our food budgets. Lentils originated in India. There are a variety of lentils providing a great protein source, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Look for lentils at your store and give them a try. With everything getting so high, these will be a good alternative for our budgets. 

Red Lentils: require no soaking and are quick to cook. Easy to digest and perfect for soups, stews and Indian dal.

Yellow Lentils: require soaking and need a longer cooking time than the red lentils. To speed the process a pressure cooker can be used or break out the crockpot and let them simmer for the afternoon. When using a pressure cooker add a teaspoon of oil to prevent the scum from clogging the pressure valve.

Split-pea Lentils: a deep yellow color they have the same appearance as a green split pea and can be cooked in much the same manner, which requires time and watching. These lentils also can be cooked using a pressure cooker or crockpot, so do not let their cooking time put you off using them in your recipes.

Green Lentils: deep green in color and called mung beans in China, these lentils are perfect for sprouting or used in a wide variety of Asian and Indian recipes.

Black Lentils: often prepared in curry recipes, they are also used to make the lentil pancakes, poppadums and dosas.

Brown Lentils: most common type used in traditional lentil soup. When overcooked they turn to mush, which can work well when making a lentil pate.

French Green Lentils: small, flavorful and stay firm during long simmers. Great in salads, casseroles and stews.

Tips for Cooking Lentils

1. Place 1 cup of lentils in a strainer and rinse them well, making sure to remove any small stones or shriveled lentils.

2. Place in a heavy saucepan or soup pot, cover with 3 cups of water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, skim off any foam and simmer until tender. Depending on the type of lentil cooking time can vary from 10 – 60 minutes. 1 cup dry lentils yields 21/4 cups cooked.

3. Since salt, as well as, tomatoes lengthen the cooking time of both lentils and beans add these ingredients towards the end of the cooking process rather than at the beginning. Cook the lentils and in a separate skillet sauté onion, garlic, ginger and spices and add them once the lentils are tender.

Using Herbs and Spices

Lentils work well in recipes that call for strong herbs and spices and long cooking vegetables such as carrots, onions and cabbage, which add a sweet taste; vegetarian sausage or whole grains for a stew like consistency; spinach, kale or Swiss chard when making lentil soup; and always celery, which compliments the small green lentils in a compatible marriage of flavors.

Italian style lentils: use the small but hearty French green lentils with onion, garlic, dried basil, thyme, oregano and red pepper flakes. Add vegetarian sausage or other protein of your choosing.

Cajun Style lentils: sauté onion and garlic in olive oil and add a mix of chili powder, paprika, allspice, cayenne and thyme. Add the rinsed green lentils and water, bring to a boil and simmer until tender. Salt to taste.

Indian Style Lentils: cook red lentils in water. Meanwhile sauté cumin seeds, curry powder, onion, garlic, and ginger in ghee or coconut oil. Add to lentils along with a handful of baby spinach and simmer until greens are cooked. Salt to taste.

French Style Lentils: sauté chopped leeks in olive oil in a heavy soup pot. Add rosemary, thyme, savory and basil, then green puy lentils and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender. Salt to taste.

Valentine Wreath

This is the Valentine Wreath I made for my daughter. I found this 18" heart shaped wreath at the local second hand shop for $1.50. My daughter loves wreaths in her classroom and at home.

I already had a 9 foot spool of red ribbon that I had purchased for $1.00.

I wrapped the ribbon around the wreath using the ends to make the "hanger."

Next, I took glitter foam craft sheets purchased at the Dollar Tree and cut out hearts.

I glued the hearts on top of the wrapped wreath.

Easy and cheap! Valentine Wreath $3.00.

Weatherford Weather 2-12-12

Weatherford, OK 2-12-12 at 9:00 PM

SNOWING

Those of you who really do photography....how do you photograph snow at night? The stuff was blowing...getting my poor little Kodak and me wet...we never got off the front porch!

Rolo-Pretzel Candies

Rolo-Pretzel Candies

Rolo candy

Mini Pretzels

Pecans

preheat oven to 275 or 300 degrees

Place mini pretzels on sheet pan

Place Rolo candies on top of mini pretzels.

Place pecans on top of Rolo candy

Put in the oven for 2 or 3 minutes until cand softens

Take out of oven and push pecans down to squash the Rolo candy into pretzels.

Allow to cool and they are done!

Hardest part of this recipe is unwrapping the Rolo candy pieces.