Oh! The Places You'll Go!

If I ever need a little pick me up I turn to one of my all time favorite books. I think every child and every adult should have "Oh! The Places You’ll Go!" by the incomparable Dr. Seuss, not only in their library but on their night table. Take a read below to remind yourself that you are important and have somewhere to go!

Congratulations!

Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.

And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don’t.
Because, sometimes, you won’t.
I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch.

You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked. Some windows are lighted. But mostly they’re darked. A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin! Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in? How much can you lose? How much can you win?

And if you go in, should you turn left or right…or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

You can get so confused that you’ll start in to race down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space, headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.

The Waiting Place…for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a Better Break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting.

No! That’s not for you!

Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing. With banner flip-flapping, once more you’ll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!

Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You’ll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don’t. Because, sometimes, they won’t.
I’m afraid that some times you’ll play lonely games too. Games you can’t win ‘cause you’ll play against you.

All Alone!

Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you’ll be quite a lot.

And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.

But on you will go though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl. On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl. Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak. On and on you will hike. And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.

You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)

Kid, you’ll move mountains!
So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!

"Oh! The Places You'll Go!" is my favorite Dr. Suess book. What is yours?

Wall Cubbies

We desperately needed something by our garage door to hold all those things we need as we come and go from the house - car keys, blackberry, sunglasses, wallet, out going mail.. you know the stuff I'm talking about. My solution: some purchased cubbies that I backed with designer craft paper. Love them!

And it took no time at all to start putting them to good use...

I still may add some hooks for key chains. We'll see!

Strawberry Whip Ice Cream

Just like my Mocha Whip Ice Cream, here is another ice cream recipe that does not require an ice cream maker!! So refreshing...

1/2 cup strawberries, mashed
1/2 cup strawberries, chopped
1 cup icing sugar
2 cups whipping cream
3 tablespoons banana liqueur

- Mix together strawberries and icing sugar Set aside to ensure sugar dissolves.
- In separate bowl, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form.
- Then beat in the strawberry mixture.
- Add in banana liqueur.
- Place in freezer safe container, cover and freeze for 4 hours. (I use an 8 cup Tupperware container with lid). Take out of freezer 10 minutes before serving to soften.

Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

I'm very excited to be announcing that EVERY Thursday at Prairie Story there will be a Recipe Swap!! 

How to swap:

1) Mark your calendars to visit Prairie Story every Thursday.
2) If you have a recipe you would like to swap, link directly to your post. If you do not have a blog post please swap your recipe in the Comments section.

3) Please include a link back to Prairie Story so everyone can see all the delicious recipes. Feel free to grab the Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday badge.
4) Then the best part... view all the other recipes swapped!
 
I hope you can make it to my Prairie Story Recipe Swap EVERY Thursday!!

Sliced Cucumbers

Who doesn't remember eating sliced cucumbers during harvest? I swear they were on the table at every meal. And now it warms me that my hubby and son can't get enough of these!

It's not complicated...

1-2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced
3-4 tablespoons white vinegar
3-4 tablespoons water
1 small onion, sliced
fresh dill
salt & pepper

- Combine all in dish and refrigerate. Enjoy!

Lunch Box Project - Borscht

This weekend we'll be heading to the farmer's market...and another one of Lisa Orgler's drawings of my Prairie Story food reminded me to be sure to pick up some beets and all the other garden fresh veggies to make some of my Borscht.

Be sure to visit The Lunch Box Project to see what other food art Lisa is creating!

Apple Streusel Muffins

Mmmmmuffins! To finish off my apple stash, I think I've perfected my apple muffin! I just love the addition of sour cream; it makes a nice rich and moist muffin, and really sets off the apple. Enjoy!

Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup margarine
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Batter:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup white sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup cooking oil
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup apples, peeled, slice and chopped

- With a fork combine topping ingredients together until crumbly.
- In another bowl, mix together dry batter ingredients, then beat in wet.
- Fold in apples.
- Place batter in greased or lined muffin tins, sprinkle with topping.
- Bake @ 400° for 20-25 minutes.
- Makes 12 muffins.

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is such a comfort food, just like an old friend. So I asked one of my long-time, best, prairie friends, Faye, if she had a good apple crisp recipe. Of course, she did. The apples are tender, the topping is crispy and so yummy. I made some yesterday and will make some more today to freeze. Enjoy!

Apple Filling:
8 cups apples, peeled, cored and sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons white sugar

Topping:
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt

- Mix together topping ingredients and place in refrigerator. The colder the better, as this will give you a crispier topping!
- Peel, core and slice apples. Toss and coat with lemon juice and sugar.
- Place apple mixture in a greased 9x9 baking dish.
- Spread topping over apples.
- Bake @ 375° for 35-45 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve with ice cream, or as Faye highly recommends cold for breakfast!

Apple Slicer Corer

Every kitchen needs an Apple Slicer Corer! Great for cutting an apple for a quick snack or even more indisposable if you are cutting several apples to bake with! Tip: If I need to peel an apple I usually peel with paring knife after I've used this slicer.

Slow Cooker Apple Sauce

Apple sauce is great just to eat alone, or to put on oatmeal, eat with pork chops, make muffins, and there are so many other great recipes to use it in!!

Depending on the type of apples you use, you'll find that you may need to adjust the below amounts of sugar and water. As well, you'll definitely want to use a good quality vanilla. Lastly, you can either leave the peel on the apples or remove prior to cooking. I personally prefer to leave the peel on because I'm lazy and don't want to peel so many apples, but I also like the added flavor and texture. Again, depending on your apples the skin may break down more than others.

8 cups sliced & cored apples
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

- Combine and place all ingredients slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once apples are soft, and if you've left the skin on, use a hand blender to mush all up.
- Makes 2-3 cups.

I usually double this recipe and use my 5 quart Crock Pot. AND it makes my kitchen smell delicious!!

Apples

Our wonderful neighbors shared their apple harvest with us! Two large bags filled up the basin in my mud room. I can't wait to start using them!

On our farm, I remember my grandma's little fruit orchard. She had apple trees, plum trees, as well strawberries, raspberries and rhubarb. As kids we'd love running through it and grabbing a quick snack. When the trees were ready for picking, the men (grandpa, dad and usually a hired hand) would get the ladders out and help fill up the baskets. Then canning apple sauce and plum jam would start.

I do have two small apple trees in my yard now; however I pruned the small fruit off of them in early summer for two reasons. First, I wanted the energy going towards the tree growing rather than producing fruit; secondly, with my 2 year old and 4 month old baby I didn't know if picking the apples would happen, and didn't want them to just fall to the ground and attract wasps. Maybe next year we'll have our own apples!

Lunch Box Project - Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cake

Another one of my Prairie Story food photos has been illustrated and painted by Lisa Orgler from The Lunch Box Project! This one is my Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cake. I'm sure many of you have a harvest of zucchini that you need to do something with - check out my other zucchini recipes: Zucchini Pan Bread, Zucchini Veggie Medley.

Be sure to visit The Lunch Box Project to see what other food art Lisa is creating!

Puppy Love

Every blog has a dog, right? Well, meet our lovable, cute and cuddly, Jersey. He's a Jack Russell Terrier and turned 5 years old this past June.

For a Jack Russell he's actually pretty lazy, sleeping most of the day unless the perimeter of the yard is breached. Then he is our resident security system. We're very proud of Jersey and how well he has adjusted to our expanding family!

Good luck, Jersey! I've entered you into Martha Stewart's Puppy Love photo contest.

Eminence

I'm very proud to say that at 36 years old, I don't really have any wrinkles (yet). I give full credit to the organic skin care product line that I've been using for the past 6 years, Eminence. Not only does Eminence work, but the products smell and feel so good that you could literally eat them!!

Eminence has been making products since 1958 by developing the most effective, scientific combinations of fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs. They use sustainable farming and green practices to create organic products and are constantly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Many of their ingredients are grown at the Eminence farm in Hungary.

One of my favorite Eminence products is the Stone Crop Gel Wash. It gently cleanses and hydrates the face while deep cleansing without drying. I've also found it has evened out my skin tone.

Oh yeah, and if your local spa carries Eminence, I would highly recommend you book yourself in for a facial. They are the BEST facials in the world and will give you some good information about what products would be best for you.

Eminence Organics is my favorite skin care product line. What is yours?

Dirt Cake

I wanted to bake the perfect cake for my son's 2nd birthday without putting him into insulin shock. He likes all the things that little boys do like worms, horses, dirt and especially tractors. So I can up with my own version of Dirt Cake for him. He LOVED it!!

Cake:
1 Betty Crocker SuperMoist Devil's Food Cake Mix
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs

Pudding:
1 package Chocolate Jell-O Instant Pudding Mix (153g / 6 serving)
3 cups cold milk

Topping:
1/2 box Oreo Baking Crumbs (200g)

- Prepare pudding as per directions on box, set aside in fridge. If you like a firmer, creamier pudding use heavy or whipping cream instead of  milk.
- Bake cake as per directions on box, in 9x13 pan.
- Once cake has cooled, cover with pudding and sprinkle Oreo crumbs on top.
- Optional: decorate with gummy worms.

Fiesta Salsa

Here's a super fun, ridiculously easy and healthy party food!! I even to keep on hand for a quick snack and put in mason jars to give as gifts.

Mix together:
1 can black beans, drained (540 ml / 19 fl oz)
1 can diced tomatoes, drained (796 ml / 28 fl oz)
1 can whole kernel corn, drained (341 ml / 12 fl oz)
1/2 red onion chopped
1/2 cup lime juice (approx. 2 limes)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt

- Combine and store in refrigerator.
- Serve with tortilla chips or garlic toasts.

Toffee Crunch Fruit Dip

This fruit dip is heaven. I adapted this recipe from one that my good friend Lisa makes. Bravo to Lisa!! It's soooo yummy.

500 ml whipping cream
1 package cream cheese (250 g)
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 Skor bars

- Whip the whipping cream with icing sugar until peaks form.
- Cream together softened cream cheese, brown sugar & vanilla.
- Fold whipping cream into cream cheese mixture adding 3 crunched up Skor bars.
- Top and decorate with 1 crunched Skor bar. Serve with fresh fruit.

Honey Yogurt

I'm not a fan of yogurt. Never have been. It's the texture, the fake fruit taste, and it's especially disgusting when there is aspartame added. Yuk. However, I have found a way that I actually can eat it... and like it ...actually love it!

Here are the 3 simple steps to the creamiest, yummiest yogurt:

1) Strain yogurt

2) Drizzle in honey

3) Add fruit

First, strain the yogurt (plain, 0% fat). Yes. Strain. I think I saw the Barefoot Contessa do this once. It takes out all the water and leaves you with a rich, creamy yogurt, perfect to add other yummy things to.

Use a coffee filter, cheese cloth, or a good quality paper towel and let it strain overnight in the fridge.

You'll be amazed at how much water will drip out. From what started as 750g of yogurt, I got 1 1/2 cups of water.

Then add liquid honey to taste. I love using local honey. You can mix the honey right in the yogurt or drizzle it on top. Lastly, add your bananas, strawberries, or any fruit, even jam!
Of course topping with granola is super good too!

Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower

This has comfort food written all over it! And if your family is like mine... you put cheese on it, they'll eat it.

5 cups broccoli and/or cauliflower florets
1 can Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup water
2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or swiss - any cheese is good!)
1 can French's French Fried Onions
Pepper

- Combine all ingredients setting aside some cheese and onion to garnish top, and adding broccoli/cauliflower last to coat.
- Place in casserole dish.
- Bake @ 350° for 45 minutes

Summer Jars

I made some big batches of my Fiesta Salsa and Caramelized Onion BBQ Sauce, and had plenty left over so I placed into mason jars, and decorated simply with some scraps of twine, ribbon and paper. I also put labels on each - ready to give as gifts!

Craft Materials

Martha Stewart Heirloom Paper, Martha Stewart Sticker Labels, K&Company Tags, Hemp Cord, Jute, Ribbon, Buttons.

BBQ Recipe Swap WINNER!

The random winner of the $15 Starbucks Coffee Card from my Prairie Story BBQ Recipe Swap is Tuna and Avocado Skewers from Juls' Kitchen.

Thank you for all the recipes submitted! I'm looking forward to trying many of them. Please check back in September for the next Prairie Story Recipe Swap!