Crock Pot Pork

This is a re-post from 2010, but it is one of my favorites and I wanted to share it again in case you missed it the first time.

We were in "the super store" and saw a crock pot for $18.00. Since one of our crock pots had moved to another location and the other was wore out, we decided it was time for a new one. They had crock pots in red, purple, orange, black and green. My husband loves green so we put a new green crock pot in our shopping cart. 

My husband loves to cook in crock pots, I thought it was a perfect idea! OK...so I will reap the benefits...we are a perfect match...he loves to cook and I love to eat! He went to the grocery store and found a center cut boneless pork loin. He also picked up  sweet potatoes to cook in the new pot. This is his favorite recipe for cooking pork roasts/loins. This recipe will work in a crock pot or in the oven.

CROCK POT PORK LOIN

Center Cut Boneless Pork Loin 4.26 lbs. at $1.99 per pound was $8.68

Frozen Orange Juice (small can) was .88 cents

2 White Onions .67 cents

Honey 6 ounces approx. $1.00

4 Sweet Potatoes/Yams medium size 2.68 lbs. at $1.19 per pound was $3.19

1/2 teaspoon salt

-----------------------------Total with tax was $15.69 or $2.62 per person for 6 servings

Peel and cut onions into 4 pieces put in the bottom of the crock pot

Put pork loin on top of onions

Wash and cut the ends off the sweet potatoes, cut in 4 pieces each, put around top of pork

Salt

Mix equal parts partially thawed frozen orange juice and honey drizzle over pork and potatoes

Turn crock pot on high and cook for 8 hours and it will be fork tender.

Pork Lion and Sweet Potatoes start cooking.

Pork Loin and Sweet Potatoes finished cooking.

Did you know that pound for pound sweet potatoes are the most nutrient rich product in the produce department????

This was a truly wonderful meal. The orange juice and honey give such great flavor to the pork loin. Did you notice he did not peel the sweet potatoes? That is your choice...to peel or not to peel. My husband has also cooked pork roasts with apple juice that is equally as good. Now we can get back to having meals cooked when we get home from work, since we have a crock pot again!

What is your favorite food to cook in the crock pot?

Recycle Tires - Planters

 

Recycle Tires into planters or sandboxes for big tractor tires.

 

 

Carmel Popcorn

It must be the time of the year??? I have wanted Carmel popcorn for weeks. I have tried some of those boxed "Carmel Corn" versions, but that is just not what I am craving. I want the real rich tasting Carmel Corn. So, I went to my favorite on line site....if they don't have it you won't find it site....Allrecipes.com

This is the most amazing place to locate recipes. Not only will they have one version, of what you are trying to find, they will usually have several. The reason I love this site is because you can type in the NUMBER OF SERVINGS you need and the site CALCULATES and CHANGES the MEASUREMENTS for you.

I found the following two Carmel Popcorn recipes, which are basically the same, but now I wonder which one is THE ONE with the taste I am looking for????  I know what I want for Christmas this year....Carmel Popcorn!!!

Carmel Popcorn

Original Recipe Yield 5 quarts

Ingredients

1 cup butter

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

5 quarts popped popcorn


Directions

1.Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (95 degrees C). Place popcorn in a very large bowl.

2.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla. Pour in a thin stream over popcorn, stirring to coat.

3.Place in two large shallow baking dishes and bake in preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.

This is another version of Carmel Corn....

Classic Carmel Corn
Ingredients
Mazola Pure® Cooking Spray

4 quarts popped popcorn

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup Karo® Light OR Dark Corn Syrup

1/2 cup butter OR margarine

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract


Directions

1.Spray large shallow roasting pan with cooking spray. Add popcorn and place in preheated 250 degrees F oven while preparing caramel.

2.Mix brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat.

3.Boil 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla; mix well.

4.Pour syrup over warm popcorn, stirring to coat evenly.

5.Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and spread on foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

6.Cool; break apart. Store in tightly covered container.

Do you have a favorite Carmel popcorn recipe?

Last Minute Costume for Halloween Party

If you find yourself invited to a last minute Halloween Party and do not want to go out and spend lots of money on a costume to wear try these creative creations. Just black plastic trash bags, white plastic trash bags, marker, tape or glue and a pair of scissors.

This is a photo of me, my Mother and my Sister at the Bob Ross International Conference in Washington, DC. My mom is a certified Bob Ross oil painting instructor and took us along for the fun. It was at Halloween time so they had a Halloween party and costume contest. We were provided with a "kit" and had to create our costumes out of only the things in the kit. We opened our kits and found black trash bags, white trash bags, markers, tape, glue, scissors, straws, string, and a couple of other equally goofy materials.

I turned out to be a big M & M, mom was a cell phone and my sister a domino. A couple of years before that my mom turned her "kit" into a French Maid costume. I am sure there are lots and lots of things that you could do to make a Halloween costume out of these inexpensive items.

Popcorn Balls

I love popcorn balls. We use to have neighbor who made us popcorn balls and they were so good. This is a couple of popcorn ball recipes I found. Note the slight difference in ingredient measurements and cooking. This photo of a popcorn ball was lucky to have seen the light of day! I had taken a big bite out of one side before I thought to take the photo! This popcorn ball was imported from Woodward, Oklahoma and privately made at Vicky's Holiday Candies. I can't wait for her other goodies at Christmas.

Grandma's Popcorn Balls
Ingredients

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar (optional)
5 quarts popped popcorn


Directions
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.


Old Fashion Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 quarts popped popcorn
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions
Butter the sides of a large saucepan. In the sauce pan combine the sugar, water, salt, corn syrup and vinegar. Cook over medium heat to the hard ball stage 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Stir in the vanilla and slowly pour the hot mixture over the popped popcorn, stirring just to mix well.
Butter hands lightly and shape into balls. Mixture will be hot so be careful. Place balls on waxed paper to cool.

Just so you will know this was the soft and oh so wonderful kind of popcorn ball.

Banana Bread made with Splenda

Banana Bread made with Splenda

6 extra ripe bananas, smashed

2 sticks butter or margarine - melted

2 cups Splenda

2 eggs beaten

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 teaspoons baking soda

pinch of salt

3 cups of all purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl.

Mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

Add the baking soda and salt and mix in.

Add the flour and mix.

Pour mixture into 3 foil pans that are 7 x 5 x 1 inch.

(the pans come 3 packaged together)

Bake 45 minutes and check to see if the center is done.

Cool pans on a rack.

This is really good banana bread.

You can add chopped pecans if you want banana nut bread.

Friday Foto

My Great Grandson Shawn is a artist...

he is only 20 months old!

I am so thankful that his mom shares photos...

Check out these cute tat shirts she found for him.

Note: he already has that "big boy" swag

with the thumb tucked in his pants!

Is this a handsome boy or what!

 

 

Will Rogers says...

Will Rogers was born in Oologah, Oklahoma, on November 4, 1879. After performing in Wild West shows as a young man, Rogers broke into vaudeville and then Broadway. His folksy wit and common sense attitude made him one of the most famous actors and authors in the world in the 1920s and '30s. Rogers died in a plane crash in Point Barrow, Alaska, on August 15, 1935.

Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix

I do not remember where I found this, nor if I have posted it before, but it is such a great recipe I am posting it now. I love fajitas and the fall seems like the perfect time to have fajitas.

Hash Brown and Sausage Casserole

Hash Brown and Sausage Casserole

source

1 package crescent rolls
1 pound cooked and drained bulk sausage
1 box/bag shredded hash browns
1 cup shredded sharp cheese

8 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Layer the first four ingredients in a 9 x 13 inch baking pan in the order that they appear. Beat 8 eggs with 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pour over the above layers. Bake in preheated oven at 375° for 30-35 minutes.

Also try with bacon, onion, peppers, mushrooms, jalapenos,  or any other ingredient you might like.

Fried Cabbage

My husband makes the best FRIED CABBAGE. First thing is to buy a large head of cabbage. A large head of cabbage will cost approximately $1.00 give or take a few pennies.

Fry a few strips of bacon in a large skillet. You will be using the bacon fat to fry the cabbage and give it a wonderful flavor. Bacon should be less than a $1.00 for this dish.

After the bacon gets crispy remove it from the skillet. While the bacon is cooking cut the cabbage into big chunks.

Dump the cabbage into the bacon fat in the large skillet.

Pour in one cup of water.

Next add about two tablespoons apple cider vinegar.

Add one or two teaspoons salt. My husband doesn't measure as you can tell.

Since we use our really large skillet we cover with aluminum foil and let simmer until the water has evaporated and the cabbage is browning just a little.

Dish up the fried cabbage and crumble the bacon on top. Season with a little black pepper. This dish will serve at least 6, people unless they really love it like we do, for $2.00 or less. Fried cabbage has a sweet earthy taste that is so good and so good for you!

Aunt Robbie's Frozen Cabbage Slaw

AUNT ROBBIE'S FROZEN CABBAGE SLAW

My cousin Marla sent me my Aunt Robbie's recipe for  Frozen Cabbage Slaw.

This is one of my childhood memories that I loved.

1 HEAD OF CABBAGE- CHOPPED OR SHREDDED
1TBS SALT- MIX AND LET STAND 2 HOURS
SQUEEZE UNTIL DRY, ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS.
1 GREEN PEPPER CHOPPED
1RED PEPPER CHOPPED
3 STICKS CELERY CHOPPED

BOIL TOGETHER:
1 CUP VINEGAR
2 CUPS SUGAR
1/2 CUP WATER
1/2 TSP CELERY SEED
1 TSP MUSTARD SEED

POUR OVER CABBAGE WHILE HOT.

LET COOL AND STORE IN REFRIGERATOR FOR 1 DAY
THEN FREEZE

BY ROBBIE MORGAN GASTINEAU

Friday Foto

This is my oldest Grandson Daniel...he is always doing something funny.

October Canvas Tennis Shoes

It is always fun to fix custom tennis shoes for the kids to wear with a Halloween theme during the month of October or other times of the year. We use to make them for nearly every holiday. These were made for my granddaughter when she was in kindergarten and she is now a Junior in high school. Time really flies, so it is important to take the time to make these kind of memory items for them to enjoy.

One inexpensive pair of black canvas tennis shoes.

Acrylic or fabric paint: white, yellow, orange, green for Halloween.

Paint the designs of your choice! You can see how simple these designs were to paint.

Just use all the paint colors to add tiny dots for a more festive look.



Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

source

 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained...
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes including juice
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
1 white onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 bay leaves
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then place into the bottom of a crock pot. Add the corn, tomatoes, chicken broth, enchilada sauce, green chilies, onion, cilantro, bay leaves, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cook on Low for 6 hours. Transfer the chicken to a large plate, then shred the meat with two forks. Return the chicken to the crock pot and continue cooking for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Makes 6 servings.

How to Keep Your Pumpkin Fresh

Make your pumpkin last longer...

 

“After you scoop out and carve your pumpkin, dip it in a large container of bleach and water (use a 1 tsp:1 gal mix). The bleach will kill bacteria and help your pumpkin stay fresh longer. Once completely dry, (drain upside down), add 2 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to a quart of water. Brush this solution onto your pumpkin to keep it looking fresh for weeks.” From Cindy's Mixing Bowl on Facebook

 

 

Benefits of Honey and Cinnamon

source

Great information!! Cinnamon and Honey...! Drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:
It is found that a mix of honey and ...cinnamon CURES most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side

as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients.

Researched by western scientists:
Source: http://crossfitcodered.com/cure-common-ailments-with-honey-and-cinnamon/

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

Banana Pudding

I saw this banana pudding recipe on Facebook and it reminded me of how I use to make banana pudding to take to potluck events...

 

I would purchase a gallon can of premade vanilla pudding at the store...brought it home and dumped out in a big bowl...sliced up a half dozen bananas into the pudding and stirred...

 

then I took the container I was going to take to the potluck and placed vanilla wafers in the bottom and poured a little pudding on top to hold them in place...

 

then I placed rows of vanilla wafers all around the sides of the bowl adding more pudding to hold each layer...when all the pudding was in the container I made a "flower" design on top with more vanilla wafers.

 

Every time I took this everyone raved about what good banana pudding it was (and wanted the recipe) and it was always gone first. For those of you would prefer something more traditional...here is a recipe from Paula Deen. 

source FB

Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding
Recipe from Paula Deen

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies OR 2 bags Vanilla Wafers
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Directions
Line the bottom of a 13x9 inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer.
Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.
Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.
Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies.
Refrigerate until ready to serve!

SURPRISE!

How do you define SURPRISE?

Erick and Vanessa got the SURPRISE of their lives...

his sons are 27 and 22 years old...

her sons are 9, 8 and 6...

together they have 5 boys...

this Granny wants a baby girl, but I will love what ever we get!

 

Who was born on your birthday?

SEPTEMBER 27th BIRTHDAYS...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Who was born on your birthday?

These are three of my favorite people and they were all born on the same day...

My sister Glenda Faye "Gwen"

 

My cousin Jerry Wayne

 

My favorite radio DJ Vanessa was born on September 27

(the love of her life Bobby was born on August 28)

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU!