Prairie Story

Crock-Pot Whole Chicken

2012-02-04T18:31:00.000-06:00

This fall my husband brought home about a dozen chickens from our Hutterite neighbours. Perfect! My freezer was full! But then it dawned on me, I better figure out how to cook these birds. So after 11 chickens, and 11 trials, I know that I've found the best, tastiest, juiciest, easiest recipe. I find that the paprika gives it a nice warm flavor. Proudly I roasted my last one up tonight!

Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 Hours | Serves: 8-12

Ingredients:

1 medium/large whole chicken

1 onion

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon parsley flakes

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

- Thaw and clean chicken.

- Quarter onion and place inside chicken cavity and place in Crock-Pot.

- Mix spices together in small bowl.

- Sprinkle spices over chicken. No need to rub, just cover generously. (And you don't need to add any water or liquid.)

- Cook on high for 4-6 hours, using meat thermometer to ensure it is thoroughly cooked.

24 Clever Ideas

2012-01-28T21:25:00.009-06:00

I received this email from several friends, and thought the ideas were so clever it was worth sharing. Kudos to the smart cookie who came up with these and the organized one who put the email together!

1. Hull strawberries easily using a straw.

2. Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.

3. Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40.

4. Stop cut apples browning in your child's lunch box by securing with a rubber band.

5. Overhaul your linen cupboard, store bed linen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match.

6. Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone & iPod in a bowl. The concave shape amplifies the music. (Hmmmm not sure about this one... )

7. Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.

8. Add this item to your beach bag. Baby powder gets sand off your skin easily, who knew?!

9. Attach a Velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys.

10. Use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the floor.

11. Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a stocking over the vacuum hose.

12. Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into a box lid.

13. For those who can't stand the scrunching and bunching: how to perfectly fold a fitted sheet.

14. Forever losing your bathroom essentials? Use magnetic strips to store bobby pins, tweezers and clippers, behind a vanity door.

15. When travelling, store shoes inside shower caps to stop dirty soles rubbing on your clothes. And you can find them in just about every hotel.

16. A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy. Magnets hold the plastic cups down to make them tip-resistant.

17. Bread tags make the perfect cord labels.

18. Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones, so much more fun and easier for kids to eat. (Old school! I totally remember these from when I was a kid!)

19. Microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper bag. Much healthier and cheaper than the packet stuff.

20. Install a tension rod to hang your spray bottles.

21. Turn your muffin pan upside down, bake cookie-dough over the top and voila, you have cookie bowls for fruit or ice-cream.

22. Freeze Aloe Vera in ice-cube trays for soothing sunburn relief.

23. Create a window-box veggie patch using guttering. (Exactly what I need for my new garden shed!)

24. Use egg cartons to separate and store your Christmas decorations.

Isn't this a cute collection of little tips, tricks and ideas that make life easier and solve everyday problems?

Miss Pattimore

2012-01-25T19:00:00.001-06:00

I finally made time to read a book that has been quite popular here on the prairies, I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby. I wanted to read it because we have so many colonies around us and down our gravel road, and also because there are several mentions of my mom, Miss Pattimore, who taught some of Mary-Ann's siblings when they first left their colony. Here's an excerpt:

My brother and I were both in grade five. Alex had failed grade two on the colony. The teacher had failed everyone in the second grade that year and, typically, nobody thought to ask why. Rosie was in grade four. Our teacher was Mrs. Erb. She wore nice clothes and sensible shoes and wasn't as glamorous as Miss Pattimore, Phillip's grade-three teacher who taught the primary grades downstairs. But more than attractive, Miss Pattimore made a concerted effort to help us fit in and wouldn't tolerate other students sneering at us. Once a week, on Friday afternoons, she came upstairs and taught our grades French. It soon became my favourite subject. "I really like the Frenchman, " I once overheard Father telling Mother over Lunschen in Fairholme. I feel myself at home with them." I knew he was referring to the milk truck driver from Modern Dairies who came each week to collect the milk. He was so affable, the company kept him on after he lost his driver's license due to careless driving. They just ad someone else drive him.

Miss Pattimore was young and kind with the most amazing dark hair. Sometimes she startled us by wearing a wig. It was a lighter colour and a different style than her own, and it gave her a whole new look, which I found fascinating.

Yep... sounds like my Mom.

See You Soon!

2011-08-25T09:11:00.003-05:00

After many weeks of struggling through internet, technical and hardware issues, I feel I need to take a little blogging break. You can still find me on Facebook and on Twitter, and please come back to Prairie Story in the Fall! Prairie best to you all until then!

Recipe Swap #50

2011-08-18T06:32:00.014-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! This week we're celebrating the big 50! 50 wonderfully delicious Recipe Swaps!!

The most popular recipe from Receipe Swap Thursday last week was Better Than Coach Cake @ Everyday Mom's Meals. Oh my!!

This week I'm sharing my Great Aunt Clara's Coffee Cake. I was so happy to find a little section in one of my Grandma's recipe scribblers called Clara's Korner where there were many of my great aunt's baking recipe!

How to swap:

1) Link directly to your recipe. Scroll down to "Click here to enter" button. You will be prompted to enter the URL (link directly to your post), Name of your recipe, and Email (not visible), and then select a Thumbnail to upload.

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

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, or Tweet/Facebook this swap to your friends and followers.

Thank you to all recipe swappers, blog hoppers, my loyal readers, Twitter and Facebook followers, fellow foodies, family and friends for your support. I'm so happy to be able to share my Prairie Story, and appreciate that you take a precious moment or two out of your busy day to visit my blog!

Clara's Coffee Cake

2011-08-18T06:15:00.000-05:00

My Grandma Agnes Pitura's sister, Clara, married my Grandpa's brother, and their farm was a few miles down the road from ours. Crazy, eh?! Anyway, I do remember visiting my Great Aunt Clara often and it seemed liked she always had something good baking. Needless to say, I was so happy when I found "Clara's Coffee Cake" handwritten in one of my Grandma's scribblers that she wrote recipes in!

Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 60 Minutes | Serves: 9

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon Cocoa
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup butter (I used margarine)
3 eggs
3 cups sifted flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups sour cream

Instructions:
- Prepare filling by combining 1/2 cup sugar, walnuts, cocoa and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Beat butter/margarine until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 cup sugar, and add eggs 1 at a time.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and baking soda, alternatively with sour cream.
- Pour 1/2 of cake mixture into greased 9" angle food pan (I used 9x9 baking dish), and sprinkle 1/2 of filling.
- Pour rest of cake mixture over and top with filling.
- Bake @ 350 for 50-60 minutes.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee!

Coffee Helps

2011-08-17T21:41:00.000-05:00

I just can't put down my Grandma's 1927 Household Helps book! I find all of the tips so interesting and find myself referring to it often. We were at our cabin last weekend and ound my weekend coffee out there needed some improvement... so I looked up the helps on Coffee.

Coffee Test - Stir a teaspoon of ground coffee in a half glass of cold water; if coffee is good quality, it will who but little discoloration and very few grounds will sink to the bottom of the glass.

Another Coffee Test - Add a few drops of lemon juice to a glass of cold water; if pure, coffee will remain on top of the water; if not the water will at once change to brown color.

For a Good Cup of Coffee - put the ground coffee in a saucer and place it into a fairly hot oven for three minute before making; this will bring out the flavor.

When Making Coffee - always warm coffee-pot first; then sprinkle little salt on the coffee before pouring on the boiling water and the flavor will be greatly improved.

To Keep Coffee Pot Sweet & Clean - put a tablespoonful of bicarbonate of soda in it, nearly fill it with water and boil awhile; rinse in several lots of clear warm water.

To Keep The Best Coffee Urn Sweet - drop a small piece of charcoal in it, or a lump or two of sugar, and prop the lid open with a toothpick.

Instead of Using Cream - bring milk just to the boiling point and pour it steaming hot into the hot coffee, using enough to make it golden brown.

Darn... all I can think of now is an Grande Non-Fat Carmel Macchiatto from Starbucks.

Recipe Swap #49

2011-08-11T06:22:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was Petite Lasagnas @ Sensible Shoppers. Totally cute! I need to try these!

This week I'm sharing my Blueberry Sour Cream Cobbler. I love this recipe because it works with almost any fruit, it's not overly sweet, and the top of the cobbler cake has a nice little crunch to it! Soooo good!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Blueberry Sour Cream Cobbler

2011-08-11T06:10:00.000-05:00

I have been making this cake for years and it is one of my all time favorites! And the best part is you can use almost any type of fruit - I've even used canned pie filling.

Fruit Bottom

2-3 cups blueberries
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Cobbler Top
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

- Place blueberries in bottom of deep dish pie plate. Sprinkle sugar over, and drizzle lemon juice.
- In a bowl, cream together margarine and sugar. Beat in eggs.
- Mix in baking soda and sour cream.
- Stir in flour, baking powder and salt.
- Dollop batter over blueberries.
- Bake @ 350 for 45-60 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
- Always best served warm!!

Household Helps Poem

2011-08-10T21:19:00.005-05:00

I like to have a clean, neat and tidy home, but it doesn't always mean I enjoy the endless picking up, laundry, sweeping and monotony of it all! Oh how I remember my working days when I had cleaners come to do the dirty work... but for now I'll just have to keep motivating myself. I found this cute little poem in my Grandma's Household Helps book that has inspired me to remember to take pride in housekeeping. As always, thanks Grandma!

With such a book of "helps" as this,

Housekeeping should not go amiss;

So, housewives, all - and others, too,

Prove how each "does its bit" for you.

Each "help" herein is "true and tried"

And some good housewife's honest pride-

Some home's delight;

Yet should your effort prove in vain,

We'll say not where to put the blame-

'T were impolite!

Happy housekeeping!

Recipe Swap #48

2011-08-04T09:06:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was Zucchini Cookies @ Angel Foods Kitchen. Oh how we love baking with zucchini!

This week I'm sharing my Borscht. Borscht really is the BEST soup ever. As kids we used to beg our Grandma to make it with her garden fresh veggies... and it's still one of my favorite comfort foods. Be sure to check out a few of my other favorite Prairie Story Beet Recipes too!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Beet Helps

2011-08-04T08:20:00.000-05:00

Here are some more old school Household Helps... this time on Beets! Don't you just love these tips and tricks! And be sure to check out a few of my favorite Prairie Story Beet Recipes.

For Washing Beets use a small brush. It does the work better and saves time and fingers.

To Skin Beets Easily place them in a basin and pour boiling water over them; let stand a minute, then drain.

Best Way to Skin Beets Without Bleeding - put them in cold water as soon as cooked; then draw the hand gently down each beet and the skins will come off easily. Leave stems an inch long on beets and the color will not cook out.

Recipe Swap #47

2011-07-28T07:50:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! Happy August long weekend to my fellow Canadians... it's been a beautiful summer here on the prairies!

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was Nutella Blended Coffee Drink @ Around My Family Table. How can you go wrong with Nutella and Coffee!

This week I'm sharing my Garlic Smashed Potatoes. They are one of my favorite sides in summer with new garden potatoes or in winter as a total comfort food! And be sure to check out the old school Potato Helps for quick tips and tricks!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Potato Helps

2011-07-28T07:29:00.001-05:00

My fascination with my Grandma's 1927 Household Helps book continues! Clearly I have not tried most of these "helps" (yet), and a few are pretty much obsolete for today's world; but they are just so darn interesting I had to share. Here are the helps on Potatoes.

When Peeling Potatoes or other hard fruit or vegetables, a piece of adhesive plaster over the forefinger and thumb prevents cuts and discoloration.

Sprinkle a Little Flour on potatoes before frying to make them a delicious golden brown.

Salt Added to Potatoes when nearly done insures flouriness and prevents them going to pieces. A teaspoon of vinegar in the pan just before straining makes them white and flaky.

When Baking Potatoes, first grease them with a little butter and they will be brown and crisp, with nice glazed appearance.

When Baking Potatoes, first let them stand in boiling water for 15 minutes; they will bake in one-half the usual time. Or, if time is short, try boiling them till nearly done and finish in oven. Pierce potatoes with a fork before baking them and they will not burst open in the oven.

If Cold Baked Potatoes are dipped for a moment in hot water and then placed in moderate oven till warmed through, they will be as nice as if freshly baked.

When Boiling Potatoes for mashing, slice them as for French fried instead of leaving them whole or cut in half, and you will save much time and fuel.

When Boiling Old Potatoes, add a few tablespoonfuls of milk, or a slice of lemon, to the water to improve the flavor and prevent them turning dark in cooking.

When Mashing Old Potatoes, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to two quarts of potatoes for greatly improved flavor; also use hot milk and they will beat up lighter. Adding a teaspoonful of baking powder when ready to mash and beating vigorously also makes them light and creamy. Try adding a little chopped parsley and onion to mashed potatoes.

When Preparing Potatoes for Boiling, instead of peeling the whole potato, just peel a narrow strip entirely around the middle of each lengthwise. When cooked the skins will slip off easily.

To Peel Potatoes Easily, wash them and drop them into a pan of rapidly boiling water for ten minutes. Remove and strip the thin skin the same as when thoroughly boiled. They will still be practically raw for use in preparing dishes such as scalloped or French fried potatoes, potato chips, etc.

Before Scraping New Potatoes, soak them about two hours in water to which add a little common soda; they will scrape and clean easily and the fingers will not be soiled as usual. Soaking new potatoes for 10 minutes in water in which a handful of salt has been dissolved also causes the skins to scrape off easily.

To Peel Sweet Potatoes Easily - Before putting them in the oven, grease the skins with lard; they will then peel easily without waste. Add a tablespoon of sugar to the water in which sweet potatoes are boiled; it improves flavor.

Who knew?!

Garlic Smashed Potatoes

2011-07-28T07:28:00.000-05:00

These potatoes are rustic and total comfort food. They make me feel like a chef when I make them and they are perfect to use as a bed for pork tenderloin or a grilled steak, or even as a side for a roast chicken or turkey!

10-12 medium potatoes (I like to use yellow, but red or new garden potatoes work great too!!)

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons margarine

1 head garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt & pepper

- First roast garlic by cutting off top of garlic head exposing the cloves. Rub off any loose, outer excess skin.
- Place in baking dish, drizzle olive oil over top, and bake @ 400° for 30 minutes. (See Roasted Garlic)
- Boil potatoes, until skin cracks and starts to fall off. Drain.

- Smash potatoes with hand masher to break open, leaving them chunky.

- Mix in milk, margarine and roasted garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Household Helps From 1927

2011-07-27T14:22:00.004-05:00

I found this little gem of a book in a box of my Grandma Agnes Pitura's old cook books. It's called Fowler's Blue Book Of Selected Household Helps and Guide to Household Economy. Other than a few stains and a bit of writing on this 64 page paperback from 1927, it's in pretty good shape, and I've been immensely enjoying reading it!

As it says on the cover, this little book houses a "brimful of tried and true helps about the home, carefully compiled, classified and indexed in convenient form for frequent use".

The book starts with Selected Recipes, an Introduction, and then the following sections:
In the Kitchen
In the Sewing Room
In the Bedroom
In the Parlor
In the Bathroom
In the Laundry
Removing Stains
In the Sick Room
Beauty Helps
Salads and Dressings
Household Weights and Measures
How to Serve Meats, Fish, Potatoes
Time Table for Baking, Cooking, Canning
Sandwiches
Candy Recipes
Summer Drinks and Ices

And on the back cover:
Birth Stones
Wedding Anniversaries
Facts About the Bible
Seven Old Bible Recipes
Seven Wonders of the World

I'm so excited to start sharing the "Helps" here on my Prairie Story blog, my Prairie Story Facebook page and on Twitter (#householdhelps1927). So please check back and follow...I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Here's a few:

To Mark Your Page in this book, your cookbook (or any book), just snap a rubber band over the page and back of book lengthwise.

Butter, Oil, or Pure Glycerin rubbed all over very fresh eggs will keep them fresh for some time.

Good and Cheap Sachet Powder for bureau drawers. Mix one-half ounce of lavender with one-half teaspoonful of powdered cloves.

Boil a New Clothesline for one-half hour before using. It prevents stretching, it will last longer, and will not tangle.

A Good Hair Tonic to prevent hair from turning gray or falling out. Make a quart of strong sage tea, adding a teaspoon of salt; apply to scalp three time a week.

The more I read, the more I realize a how much things have changed in 90 years, and although wives and moms are still trying to make their house the best home possible for their family, it was a certainly different for my Grandma!

Recipe Swap #46

2011-07-21T09:12:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! In the spirit of summer time grilling and the simple fact that it is too darn hot to cook anything inside, I'm sharing two of my favorite grilling sauces and marinades!

But first, the most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars @ Captive Creativity. Always a favorite! These are very similar to Prairie Story's Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispie Cake!

So here are my two lip smacking grilling marinades / sauces! I just made a nice big batch of my Caramelized Onion BBQ Sauce. It really is the BEST homeade BBQ sauce ever. It's good on any type of meat, either as a marinade or as a sauce!

Next, is my Ginger Soya Steak Marinade. So tasty! I'm addicted to it. Try it! I'm sure you'll love it too!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Ginger Soya Steak Marinade

2011-07-21T08:45:00.002-05:00

This is my newest addiction. I loved marinating beef in this, grilling, then slicing up to top a salad. It is so tasty!

1/2 cup soya sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

- Combine all ingredients together, and stir until sugar is dissolved.

- Pour and brush over beef steaks. Marinade for a couple hours then grill!

Closet Vanity

2011-07-19T11:15:00.000-05:00

Tucked away in the corner of my bedroom closet is this little cute vanity, where I usually get ready. My hair products are in baskets, my make-up all in the drawer, and I'm thrilled that I finally got my bobbles and bangles, rings and things all organized so I can see and find them!

I hung this hook rack up which gives me plenty of room to hang all my necklaces and bracelets. I've tried to hang them by color.

And then I found this cute earring holder. I don't have many earrings, but I thought it was perfect!

Both the hook rack and the tree are by Umbra. But now I'm curious, how do you organize your jewellery?

Recipe Swap #45

2011-07-14T09:13:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! Thank you, once again for visiting!

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was Snickers Chip Cookies @ Something Swanky. Be sure to check out her entire Bake Sale Series too!

This week I'm sharing another old fashioned recipe - Date Square! It just makes you want to invite a friend over and have a coffee break.

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Date Square

2011-07-14T09:01:00.000-05:00

I had some left over dates from baking Magic Hermits, so I decided to use them up in this old fashioned Date Square. If you like oatmeal cookies, you'll like this slice! Great with a cup of coffee.

2 cups oats (large flake)

1 cup margarine

1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Filling:
2 1/2 cups chopped dates, pitted
1 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla

- In bowl, combine all the first ingredients with a fork. Place approximately 1/2 of this mixture into a 9 inch square baking pan. Press down firmly. Save the rest of this mixture for top.
- In saucepan, combine dates, water and sugar on medium heat. Warm and stir until filling is mushy and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and vanilla.
- Scoop and spread filling over base in pan. Top with left over oat mixture and press down.
- Bake @ 350 for 25 minutes. Cool, then cut.

White Cake Vodka

2011-07-13T14:09:00.000-05:00

Well, HELLO my newest, favorite drinky-poo! Have you tried UV Vodka's newest flavor, cake? It's so yummy. They suggest you mix it with cola or pineapple juice, but I seem to like it simply over ice as a nice little treat after dinner or as night cap.
UV came out with Cake in celebration of their 10th anniversary and is a great addition to their family of of other flavored vodka! My husband actually brought me home a bottle because he thought I might like it. He knows me too well!

Is it too early to pour a drink?

Recipe Swap #44

2011-07-07T06:33:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! I definitely feel like I'm in full throttle summer mode, with lots of BBQ, outside activities, going to the lake, and unfortunately fighting off mosquitoes.

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was Cheesy Potato Bake @ Bizzy B. Bakes! Mmmm... comfort food.

This week I'm sharing two cool summer favorites, and the best part...NO ICE CREAM MAKER REQUIRED!

1) Mocha Whip Ice Cream:

2) Strawberry Whip Ice Cream:

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Recipe Swap Thursday #43

2011-06-30T09:19:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was Tequila Lime Chicken @ 21st Century Housewife! Definately added this one to my "to try" list!

This week I'm sharing my Great Grandma Sophie Pitura's Magic Hermits. I just love these old time cookie recipes!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Magic Hermits

2011-06-30T09:05:00.000-05:00

I pulled out the old recipe cards again. And by old, I mean from my Great Grandma Sophie Pitura's recipe box. I just LOVE these old time cookie recipes.

Hermits are spiced cookies and there is rumor they were named "Hermits" because they resemble a hermit or monk's brown robe when dropped on the baking sheet. Another explanation is that Moravians, who were known for spicy cookies, were called "herrnhutter" in German or Dutch, and "herrnhutter" might have sounded like "hermits" to an English-speaking cook. Regardless, they are an old time cookie with a fun name, and taste great!

1/2 cup butter (I used margarine)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped, pitted dates
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- Cream together butter/margarine and brown sugar.
- Beat in eggs, milk, vanilla and nutmeg.
- Stir in raisins, walnuts and dates.
- Fold in remaining dry ingredients until completely combined.
- Dropped dough on cookie sheet, and slightly flatten.
- Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes.

Grandma's Peony Advice

2011-06-29T19:33:00.000-05:00

My magenta peonies opened today, which reminded me of some peony tips that I thought I'd pass on to you!

I grew up on the same farm yard as my Grandma Agnes Pitura. She had a green thumb to say the least. She had apple trees, plum trees, strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, two large vegetable gardens, shrubs and many, many flowers. So needless to say, when she gives me advice on planting and growing I take it! Peonies are pretty easy:

1. Plant them in sun.

2. Don't plant them too deep or else they won't bloom.

3. Don't cut them down in the fall. If you do you run the risk of moisture going down the stems into the heard of the root ball, freezing and damaging it. Just leave them until spring to clean up the dead leaves and stems.

Peony Flowers

2011-06-28T14:06:00.001-05:00

My peonies have bloomed... aren't they beautiful! And if you've read My Peony Story from last summer, you'll understand and know how sentimental and meaningful these plants and flowers are to me!

I love how peonies look. I love how they smell. And I love that my son proudly picked one for me yesterday!

Milk-Bone PB Sandwich Treats

2011-06-25T21:00:00.001-05:00

The kids and I made our Jersey some special treats for him to celebrate his 6th birthday! We simply made some peanut butter sandwiches for him out of Milk-Bone cookies. Jersey loved them. And of course we gave him a big bowl of milk afterwards (his favorite)!

Happy Birthday Jersey. You will always be my first (fur) baby. Thank you for being so kind, patient, playful and protective of our entire little family! Love you LOTS.

Recipe Swap Thursday #42

2011-06-23T09:13:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! Happy Summer!

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was Key Lime Cupcakes @ The Country Cook (again) & Cakewalker! Perfectly refreshing for summer.

This week I'm sharing my Smores Snack Mix. Easy, kids love it, and not as messy as traditional campfire smores!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Smores Snack Mix

2011-06-23T08:58:00.000-05:00

We got away to the cabin this past weekend, and I brought along one of our favorite snacks - Smores Snack Mix! It's easy and the kids love it, and exponentially not as messy and sticky as traditional campfire smores.

No measuring necessary, simply combine as much as you like of:

Golden Grahams Cereal

Mini Marshmallows

Milk Chocolate Chips

Don't make ahead of time too far in advance because the golden grahams will start to loose their crunch and the marshmallows will start to dry and harden.

Happy Summer!

Recipe Swap Thursday #41

2011-06-16T06:55:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was The 3-Minute Cookie @ The Country Cook. I've made variations of these and you really can't go wrong with salty sweet combo!

This week I'm sharing my Chocolate Peanut Butter Reese's Pieces Cookies. These are sooooooo good and with only 5 ingredients, under 5 minutes to mix and 8 minutes to bake, you should be making these right now!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Reese's Pieces Cookies

2011-06-16T06:44:00.002-05:00

My obsession with cake mix cookies continues.... These are so good! As soon as I make these they seem to vanish!

1 Betty Crocker SuperMoist Devil's Food Cake Mix

1/2 cup peanut butter, softened

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup Reese's Pieces (2 boxes)

- In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, peanut butter, oil, eggs, and Reese's Pieces.

- Drop 1 inch balls onto cookie sheet, then slightly flatten with bottom of glass.

- Bake @ 350° for 8 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet.

- Makes 36 cookies.

Drawer Liners

2011-06-15T13:08:00.003-05:00

I really like lining my kitchen drawers and some shelves with liners. It protects the drawers, but also helps keep items in place, and as crazy as it sounds makes the drawers less noisy!

Walmart carries these EasyLiner in rolls and comes in many colors. You simply cut it to fit your drawer or shelf! And voila:

Oh yeah...and my husband even uses EasyLiners to line his tool chest drawers in the garage.

Hosta La Vista :)

2011-06-14T09:36:00.001-05:00

I don't know why I have a bad attitude towards Hostas. I've have even caught myself subconsciously trying to kill my Hostas by tilling over them, ignoring them, letting my dog pee on them and welcoming deer, rabbits and other critters to come nibble on them for a snack. But, I must say, my Hostas are big and beautiful this year! I may be turning a new leaf in my relationship with my Hostas.

This is one of my many Hostas and I believe it is a Diamond Tiara which features dainty spikes of purple bell-shaped flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. It's attractive textured heart-shaped leaves remain green in colour with distinctive white edges throughout the season. They grow to be a dense perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Clearly it is a low maintenance perennial, if it's survived the abuse I've put mine through!

Recipe Swap Thursday #40

2011-06-09T08:39:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! I can't beleive another week has flown by and we are in June!

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was Homemade Apple Dumplings @ Cooking With K.

This week I'm sharing my Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells. My family loves to gobble these up!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells

2011-06-09T08:27:00.001-05:00

This is a hands down family favorite! It is easy to make ahead of time and also sneaks some spinach into my family's diet.

24 jumbo pasta shells

500g cottage cheese

300g frozen, chopped spinach, thawed

1 cup cheese shredded

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
pepper
olive oil
1 cup pasta sauce

- Boil noodles as directed on package.
- In bowl combine cheeses, spinach and seasonings to make filling.
NOTE: Strain the cottage cheese and spinach to remove excess liquid. I even will squeeze the thawed spinach with my hands a bit.
- Drizzle bottom of baking dish with olive oil so shells do not stick.
- Stuff each shell with a heaping spoonfull of filling and place in baking dish.
- Dollop each stuffed shell with your favorite pasta sauce.
- Warm either in microwave (5 minutes) or in oven 10 minutes @ 350.
- Makes 24 shells.

Recipe Swap Thursday #39

2011-06-02T09:29:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! As always, thanks for stopping by! Please be sure to share a recipe and let us all know what you're having for {Dinner 2Night} !

What are you having for {Dinner 2Night}?
All my Facebook & Twitter followerers are invited to join in on Prairie Story's new {Dinner 2Night} conversation. Simply share what you are having for dinner by using the Twitter hash tag #Dinner2Night or find the most recent Prairie Story {Dinner 2Night} wall post on Facebook and add your Comment! This is real life meals - homemade, frozen, bought, take out, gourment or restaurant...whatever you are serving up, please share!!

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was 10 Canning Projects @ Creating Nirvana. These are all great gift ideas too!

This week I'm sharing my 2-Bite Bran Muffins, an old recipe tested to perfection from my Grandma Pattimore!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

2-Bite Bran Muffins

2011-06-02T08:12:00.001-05:00

I found this old Bran Muffin recipe that my Grandma Pattimore had marked up, obviously tested to perfection. I did adjust the baking time to make bite size muffins, but these are truly the BEST bran muffins I've ever had! They are dark, and rich with molasses, but are still moist and light.

1 cup buttermilk or sour milk

1 cup oat bran

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup molasses

1 egg

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins

- Combine milk with bran. Set aside and let stand for 5 minutes.
- In another bowl combine oil, molasses, egg, sugar and vanilla, then add in milk/bran mixture.
- Stir in remaining ingredients in order.
- Fill greased mini muffin tins about 3/4 full.
- Bake @ 375 for 12 minutes.
- Makes 36 mini muffins.
Note: To make sour milk add 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to 1 cup milk.

Ninebarks

2011-06-01T10:34:00.002-05:00

Ninebarks are a perfect prairie shrub because they are cold-hardy, drought-resistant, tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and are low maintenance. I also really like the variety of colors they come in!

Darts Gold Ninebark
I just planted these three Darts Gold Ninebarks in my front bed. They really pop with their golden yellow foliage which will turn chartreuse. They will also have little white flowers in early summer.

Diabolo Ninebark

I planted these Diabolo Ninebarks last year in a bed at the corner of my house and they are doing quite well! It's foliage starts off purple-red in spring, then purple-green in summer, and reddish purple in fall. They will have a very soft pinky white flowers in early summer.

Oh yeah...Ninebarks get their name from its peeling bark on older stems that reveal contrasting inner barks in shades of red to tan in winter...some say nine different color barks! So if you have a sunny spot that is begging for a nice shrub, try a Ninebark!

Mama Duck

2011-05-31T10:36:00.003-05:00

The other day as I started to weed and till one of my flower beds, I suddenly noticed this Mama Duck nestled in my burning bush! She has made a nest there and hasn't moved from her eggs since. She is well camouflaged, but can you see her in the middle of the photo?

Needless to say I've ceased the weeding and tilling of this bed until her little ducklings hatch. We can't wait to see them!

Recipe Swap Thursday #38

2011-05-26T05:56:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! With our flooding in Manitoba and so many other natural disasters (tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes and volcanoes) I'm hoping Mother Nature can give us a bit of a break from it all soon.

What are you having for {Dinner 2Night}?
ALSO I wanted to invite all my Facebook & Twitter followerers to join in on Prairie Story's new {Dinner 2Night} conversation. Simply share what you are having for dinner by using the Twitter hash tag #Dinner2Night or find the most recent Prairie Story {Dinner 2Night} wall post on Facebook and add your Comment! This is real life meals - homemade, frozen, bought, take out, gourment or restaurant...whatever you are serving up, please share!!

OK, on to the Recipe Swap:

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday last week was Kung Pao Chicken @ It's A Keeper. This is like homemade Chinese takeout made easy!

This week I'm sharing my Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper Hummus...a flavourful, healthy snack for summer!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper Hummus

2011-05-26T05:54:00.001-05:00

Mmmm...Hummus. I like Hummus because it is a healthier snack, and it always seems to disappear as quickly as I make it! Which makes me think... "Why don't I make it more often?". Anyway, here's the easy, peasy recipe!

1 can chick peas (540 ml / 19 fl oz)
1 red pepper
1 head Roasted Garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt

- Roast red pepper and garlic each with a tablespoon olive oil. See Roasted Garlic.
- In food processor, combine all ingredients until smooth.
- Place in serving bowl, sprinkle with paprika.
- Serve with crackers and raw vegetables, or use try using as a spread for sandwiches!

Oprah...Until We Meet Again

2011-05-25T20:01:00.000-05:00

May 25th. Oprah's final Oprah Winfrey Show. And it was perfect!

Oprah made me feel like I was truly graduating. She graciously reminded me of rules to live by, to follow my passion, to serve, and most important to give and receive love.

I also know that this is just the beginning. I have so much more work to do on myself. It's a journey, and I embrace all the lessons of positive energy, giving gratitude, listening to whispers, and surrendering.

Thank you Oprah... until we meet again.

Recipe Swap Thursday #37

2011-05-19T06:10:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! My apologies for not being able to post a recipe swap last week. We've been having a Flood 2011 crisis here on the Prairies, but I think we're going to be all right. Thank you so much for all your wishes and thoughts.

The most popular recipe from Recipe Swap Thursday two weeks ago was Homemade Ice Cream Cake @ This Mommy Cooks. YUMMY!

This week I'm sharing my Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies aka Flood Cookies...they were popular with my sandbagging crew!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2011-05-19T06:08:00.000-05:00

My nickname for these cookies are "Flood Cookies", because I made a nice, warm batch of these for our sandbagging crew that helped us with our house for Flood 2001. Thank YOU! This recipe was actually adapted from the Robin Hood Oatmeal Cookie recipe on the Oats package!

3/4 cup margarine, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups large flake oats
1 1/2 cups raisins

- Cream together butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla.
- Combine flour, soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in oats and raisins.
- Drop dough onto greased baking sheets. Leave as mound.
- Bake at 350° for 13 minutes.
- Makes about 36 small cookies.

Flood 2011

2011-05-18T13:05:00.001-05:00

Manitobans have been weathering major floods since the early 1800s. In the past 60 years, the floods in 1950, 1997 and 2009 have caused substantial damage, especially along the Red River and Assiniboine River basins. And now this year, 2011, we are having the perfect storm that is resulting in massive flooding of the Assiniboine River. It will be one for the history books.

The Assiniboine River is a 1,070-kilometre (660 mi) river that runs through the prairies of Western Canada in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It is a tributary of the Red River. The Assiniboine is a typical meandering river with its main tributaries being the Qu'Appelle and Souris Rivers. We happen to live right on the Assiniboine River near Winnipeg. We know that our house is high, but flood forecasters advised that we still needed to protect our house with a sandbag dike. So we did.

It's very hard to describe the magnitude of the flood water, but with the unprecedented flows, we've been under a state of emergency, on evacuation notice, and nearly two weeks ago the Province called in the Canadian Armed Forces to assist. A decision was made to perform a controlled breach which is currently and purposely flooding farms, fields and rural communities to direct some of the water into the La Salle River.

It's been a stressful time for many Manitobans. However, I do know that there is no other place in the world where people help people like they do in Manitoba. It doesn't matter if you are family, friend, neighbor or stranger... someone will be there to help. The sense of community is what makes me most proud to be a Prairie girl.

We are expecting the river to crest where we are this weekend, and I think we'll be "lucky" and not see water come up and damage our house. My thoughts and prayers to all those who are suffering and sacrificing.

Manitoba Government Flood Gallery

Manitoba Government Flood Video

Recipe Swap Thursday #36

2011-05-05T06:20:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! These week the theme seems to be lemons... but please feel free to share ANY recipe!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Lemon Brownies @ Newlyweds. One of my favorite baking flavors is lemon! I can't wait to try these... perfect for Mother's Day!

This week I'm sharing my Lemon Strawberry Imperial Cake Cookies. These are so simple because they us a Lemon Cake Mix and are a perfect compliment to a cup of tea!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Lemon Strawberry Imperial Cake Cookies

2011-05-05T06:14:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite baking flavors is lemon which I've paired with strawberry jam to make my version of imperial cookies. They also use a cake mix which makes it oh so simple!

1 Betty Crocker SuperMoist Lemon Cake Mix
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup strawberry jam

Glaze Drizzle:
3/4 cup icing sugar
1 tablespoon milk

- In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, margarine, oil and eggs.
- Drop 1 inch balls onto cookie sheet (should make 24).
- Bake @ 350° for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet.
- Place a spoonful of strawberry jam on downside of cookie and sandwich together with second cookie.
- Mix icing sugar and milk together, warm slightly in microwave, and drizzle over each cookie.
- Makes 12 sandwich cookies.

Home Tour

2011-05-04T09:59:00.005-05:00

I couldn't resist taking some time to go on and take part in this virtual Parade of Homes hosted by A Bowl Full of Lemons. Also one of my good friend's home (Perfectly Pretty) is Home 7 on the tour!

Here are a few photos of the two rooms that I feel like I spend most of my time in - My Kitchen and Laundry Room. The main floor on my house is all hardwoods and is open concept which centers around a staircase that goes up to the bedrooms. I have no idea what 'my style' would be called, regardless I love my cozy home.

I am anxiously awaiting my new, larger island. Can't wait to get it installed and start using the extra counter space!

And my laundry room, which is also our mud room and dog room.

I look forward to sharing more rooms with you in the future!

Clean Green

2011-05-03T11:19:00.000-05:00

I can't claim being 100% green or eco-friendly; however, I am trying and am more conscious of what I use and how it effects our environment than I was before. We are ALL trying, right? One change that I've made is vastly reducing the cleaning products I use, and have switched to this simple, economic solution that I make at home.

1 part water
1 part vinegar
1/4 part Lysol cleaner

I like adding a bit of Lysol mostly for the smell and color. I use this solution on my counter tops and found that it's one of the best for washing walls!

Plant A Tree!

2011-04-30T11:12:00.000-05:00

The United Nations has declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests. This year is an opportunity to champion forests and trees and their role in providing communities with clean air, acting as carbon sinks to mitigate climate change, and creating sustainable industries. Since a tree is half carbon, trees represent one of the best ways to extract carbon (which enters the tree as CO2) from the air.

Live a little cleaner, be a little greener, and breathe a little deeper while you plant a tree or two or more this year! I know I'll be planting several trees and shrubs, moving some of my small spruce trees to give them more room to grow, and I'll be sure to give all my trees a little extra TLC this year!

Recipe Swap Thursday #35

2011-04-28T08:21:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Easy Peach Cobbler @ This Mommy Cooks. I love peach cobbler, and it really can't get easier with this recipe!

This week I'm sharing my Shepard's Pie. Meat, veggies, and potatoes all in one dish! How can you go wrong! What is your family version of Shepard's Pie?

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Shepard's Pie

2011-04-28T08:09:00.001-05:00

In early cookbooks, Shepard's Pie was a dish using leftover roasted meat of any kind, and the pie dish was lined with mashed potato as well as having a mashed potato crust on top. There are many variations of Shepard's Pie, one being Cottage Pie which has references back in 1791, when the potato was being introduced as an edible crop, affordable for the poor.

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 onion, diced
salt & pepper
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can sliced mushrooms, drained
2 cups mixed vegetables, frozen
left over mashed potatoes
1/2 cup cheese, shredded

- Brown ground beef and onion in skillet.
- Generously season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in mushroom soup and sliced mushrooms.
- Place beef mixture in bottom of casserole.
- Next layer on frozen vegetables, then top with mashed potatoes.
- Top with cheese to make a nice looking crust.
- Bake @ 350° for 30 minutes to warm, or if you have made ahead of time and stored in refrigerator bake for 60 minutes.

I also want to note that one of my good Prairie friends makes Shepard's Pie with the Club House Shepard's Pie Seasoning Mix and Sloppy Joe's Seasoning Mix. It's one of her family favorites. I'm a huge Club House fan so I'll definitely be trying these next time!

Keen's Hot Mustard

2011-04-27T09:40:00.000-05:00

Growing up on our farm, during summer I remember lunch used to be called "dinner". I'm not exactly sure why, but I remember the meals being a bigger sit-down meal where the men would come in to eat and usually it was either a hot meal or soup and sandwiches. A staple was rye bread, with some sort of meat, and mustard. We seem to still always have ample mustard in our fridge, and by far my favorite is Keen's.

I spread Keen's Prepared Hot Mustard in sandwiches, add it in dips, and it makes my Old Fashioned Deviled Eggs "deviled". My husband likes to eat with meat like roast beef or ham. Try it... it's got some kick!

For over 250 years, Keen's has provided quality dry mustard around the world. The brand was first manufactured and sold in 1742 by Messers Keen and Sons in the Garlick Hill section of London, England. The expression "keen as mustard", is often thought to have originated with the mustard by Keen & Sons.

Old Fashioned Deviled Eggs

2011-04-24T13:07:00.002-05:00

The term "deviled" in food dates back to the 18th century, and in the 19th century appeared in print referring to the use of particularly hot spices in cooking. These eggs are definitely deviled!

12 eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Heinz English Salad Cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-2 tablespoons Keen's Prepared Hot Mustard
2 tablespoons green onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely diced

Garnish:
paprika
chives or green onion
2-3 radishes

- Hard boil eggs. To reduce cracking, place eggs in water prior to boiling, then bring to boil. Turn down heat; if you let eggs rumble in hard boiling water the whites will get tough and rubbery.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar to water, to help peel eggs.
- Once hard boiled, place eggs in ice water to cool. The quicker the cooling, the less chance of having the eggs have that grey ring. Also, I find the colder the egg, the easier to peel.
- Once eggs are peeled, cut in half and gently squeeze to remove yolk. Place hard yolks in bowl.
- Crumble yolks and combine with remaining ingredients.
- Dollop filling in eggs, and garnish with paprika, chives and sliced radishes..
- Serve chilled. Makes 20-24.

Recipe Swap Thursday #34

2011-04-21T06:19:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! I hope the Easter Bunny visits all of your homes this weekend!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Deviled Egg Dip @ From My Tiny Kitchen. This is brilliant! A perfect Easter appetizer!

This week I'm sharing my Hot Cross Buns. It is said that sharing a hot cross bun with another is supposed to ensure friendship throughout the coming year, particularly if "Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be" is said at the time.

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Hot Cross Buns

2011-04-21T06:17:00.001-05:00

Hot Cross Buns are a sweet, spiced bun with candied fruit and marked on the top with a cross made from icing. In many historically Christian countries, buns are traditionally eaten hot or toasted on Good Friday, with the cross standing as a symbol of The Crucifixion.

My Hot Cross Buns are yet another adaptation of my Sweet Dough Dinner Rolls that I make in my bread maker. I'm sure you can modify to mix in Kitchen Aid or by hand if you ensure you use luke warm milk, room temperature egg, and even warm flour.

Add the following in this order:
1/2 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons margarine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
2-4 tablespoons water (as needed, add as you knead dough if dry or stiff)
1/4 cup candied fruit

Icing:
1/4 cup cream cheese,softened
1/4 cup icing sugar
milk if needed

- Knead 20 minutes, then add candied fruit. Rest 1 hour.
- Turn dough out and shape into rolls.
- Place in greased baking dish and brush with melted margarine.
- Let stand 10 minutes.
- Bake @ 350° for 20-25 minutes.
- Cream together cream cheese and sugar. If stiff add a little milk. Place in baggie and cut corner to squeeze icing out over buns making crosses.
- Makes 9-12 buns.

Moscow Mule

2011-04-16T11:09:00.001-05:00

So, if you've been watching Oprah's Farewell Season, you will know that Oprah's favorite drink is a Moscow Mule. It goes without saying that I had to try one while I was in Chicago!

A Moscow Mule is a cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime, served in a copper mug. It was popular during the vodka craze in the 1950s and it's name refers to the perception of vodka as a Russian product.

Here's Oprah's Moscow Mule Recipe:

1 ounce vodka
1 teaspoon sugar syrup
Fresh lime juice
1/2 cup ginger beer
1 sprig fresh mint
1 slice of lime

- In a copper mug, pour vodka over ice.
- Add sugar syrup and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir.
- Garnish with mint sprig and lime slice.
- Serves 1.

I tried it, I loved it... and now I have to find out where to buy ginger beer on the prairies.

Cheers!

"O" What An OPRAH Day!

2011-04-15T06:03:00.001-05:00

Our Oprah day finally arrived, and "O" what a day it was!

4:00 am - Alarm and wake up call!! Jumped into shower, then hair, makeup, dressing, and packed up the last few items to check out of hotel. Thanks Omni, we had a wonderful stay!

5:30 am - The town car picked us up... on our way to Harpo Studios!

5:45 am - Arrived at Harpo Studios. It was actually a beautiful morning so standing in the audience line wasn't bad at all. There were about 50 or so people ahead of us in line.

Faye and I have been friends for 25 years!
Ironic that we see Oprah in her 25th season together.

6:15 am - The line started moving, and we proceeded through the check in process which was efficient but still took some time. First coat check, then ID check. We then were handed a release to sign, then on to security where all phones, cameras, electronics, food, beverages and excess items got removed from purses. Then through the metal detector. We were handed a small breakfast and headed up to the waiting room. I must say that all the Harpo staff were extremely friendly!

7:30 am - Names started to get called to enter the studio. From what I could tell these were primarily people who had a connection and were seated in the front rows. The remainder and bulk of the audience were then seated by number. The studio itself feels much smaller than what it looks like on TV. It was cozy without a bad seat in the house!

8:30 am - The audience director welcomed us all and explained what would be happening. First we were going to watch the documentary "I Am", which asks the question "What is wrong with our world, and what can we do about it?". Oprah and her producers are passionate about this documentary and I loved it too! Please watch the trailer:

10:00 am - We had a bit of a break, and then the warm up party started. Music, dancing, and video of Oprah playing on all the screens. We then had the Oprah Store people come in to pitch and invite us over after the show. Lastly, we had the opportunity to ask any questions, like "Will this show be part of Behind The Scenes?", "What will happen to Harpo employees after the Oprah Winfrey Show?", and "When will this show air?".

10:30 am - The show began and Oprah entered! She interviewed the director of "I Am", Tom Shadyak. His story is inspiring, enlightening and awakening. I'm not going to lie... I had Kleenex handy and welled up many times thinking that I was at one of Oprah's last 30 shows. It was awesome to be in Oprah's presence and I was so fortunate to see a show that was so meaningful. Please watch the show for yourself, it will air April 20th! Oprah graciously thanked us all and spoke a few words us all before she left.

11:30 am - We exited the studio and as we were waiting in line for our coats and valuables, we were approached and asked if we would do an interview on Oprah Radio. We jumped at the chance!

Oprah Radio - We headed over to the Oprah Radio Studio which was a separate building where we got a brief tour then were brought into an interview room and were instructed to put on the head phones, take off our jewelry so it wouldn't bang on the table and got comfortable in front of the mics. They asked us questions about where we were from, how we got Oprah tickets, what we thought of the show, what Oprah means to us and what we've learned from the Oprah Show over the years. If you have Sirius/XM, you may just hear us next week on Oprah Radio!

Oprah Store - Our last stop was the Oprah store of course! Unfortunately Oprah's Closet, where you can purchase clothes that Oprah has worn and 100% of the proceeds go to charity, was pretty depleted. I ended up getting a shirt for my daughter, journal for my husband, and a couple sweatshirts for me!

On a cute note, I also saw Oprah's dog Sadie! Security detail was taking her for a walk. I just happened to be lingering around Harpo Studio after I was done shopping and pretty much bumped into them as they came around the corner.

My entire Chicago trip was amazing! I am so thankful and blessed to have a prairie friend like Faye and am actually still processing my once in a lifetime chance to see Oprah in her Farewell Season.

Recipe Swap Thursday #33

2011-04-14T11:50:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! Sorry for being a little late with the swap this week... I just flew in from Chicago last night from our Oprah Show taping. It was so much fun and inspiring and overwhelming to be in her audience in one of her last shows of her Farewell Season. More about Oprah later...

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Chicken Cobbler Casserole @ It's A Keeper. I'm always looking for a new and interesting casserole, and I like the use of sour dough in this one.

This week I'm sharing my Chocolate Devil Cake Cookies. These only take 5 minutes to mix, 8 minutes to bake and are so soft and chocolaty.

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Chocolate Devil Cake Cookies

2011-04-14T11:13:00.001-05:00

I love my cake cookies!! And these are highly addictive! They remind me of Subway cookies.

1 Betty Crocker SuperMoist Devil's Food Cake Mix
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chocolate & butterscotch chips

- In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, margarine, oil and eggs.
- Drop 1 inch balls onto cookie sheet and top each with some chocolate and butterscotch chips.
- Bake @ 350° for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet.
- Makes 24 cookies.

Dear OPRAH

2011-04-08T09:20:00.001-05:00

Dear Oprah (+ the universe),

What will I do when you won't be in my home every weekday mentoring me? Who will I turn to to lift my spirit, fill my heart, and make me want to be better. Who will warn me of harm, help me protect my children, and encourage me to care about the bigger picture? Who will make me laugh, or let me know that my tears are a sign of strength? Who will tell me that when I know better I'll do better. And who will keep giving me the confidence to be... me?

Who will ensure those who don't have a voice will be heard? Who will recognize the heroes, warriors, and angels amongst us? Who will encourage us to read, motivate us to get moving, and move us to truth.

Oprah, you have taught me how to ask for what I need and give what I have. It's going to be tough without you....oh wait, an Aha Moment - what I now know for sure, is that I'll be fine. Because of you. Thank you.

I'm just a simple prairie girl who believes in dreams and that truly anything is possible; and soon, I'll boarding a plane to Chicago to come see you on April 13 at one of your farewell season shows. I'll be the one fighting off the ugly cry.

Recipe Swap Thursday #32

2011-04-07T06:52:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Zesty Italian Crescent Bake @ This Mommy Cooks. I'm all for using Pillsbury Crescents in creative recipes like this!

This week I'm sharing my Hashbrown Casserole. I made it this past weekend for our Easter Brunch!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Hashbrown Casserole

2011-04-07T06:51:00.001-05:00

Do you know anyone who doesn't like Hashbrown Casserole? I don't. It's a comfort food, great for family gatherings or any potluck! Often, I'll combine the ingredients together the day before and cook the day of, and even double this recipe.

1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons margarine
1 can mushroom soup
2 cups sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 lbs frozen hasbrowns
salt & pepper

- Saute onion in margarine.
- In a large bowl, mix together soup, sour cream, cheese, and generously season with salt and pepper.
- Add in hasbrowns, and place in greased casserole.
- Bake @ 350° for 45-60 minutes.

What To Wear To OPRAH? - Part 2

2011-04-06T15:54:00.002-05:00

Well, we had a scare at the beginning of the week when we received an email from the Oprah Show with the subject line: IMPORTANT PLEASE READ & RESPOND. As it turns out our April 12th show has been moved to April 13th. Fortunately, our hotels and flights still all work out. We can only assume that this means this show will be even more awesome!

Anyway, I got shopping one more time and was able to update my possible outfits. I loved all the previous feedback so PLEASE let me know what you think again!

1. This green shirt is a new possibility. It's very comfortable, and I look really good in green. I know that I can also throw my grey blazer on over it which makes it all look pretty sharp and works for cool morning temperatures.

2. I'm not sure if you can see the detail, but I found this funky black shirt with bright pink, purple, teal and green polka dots to go under this bright turquoise sweater and added this chunky black necklace.

3. I found and added this amazing tan jacket to my pink outfit. I think it takes this sweater from "stepford wife" to "kick-ass mom". I like it!

4. Lastly, I added a purple scarf and a different necklace. I really like how this shirt and blazer look with jeans and heels.

And here is Faye's Oprah outfit! She claims she went and got it all on March 26th... but I have a feeling she bought it ages ago and has been secretly keeping it in her closet for Oprah all this time!

6 more days to decide on an outfit! 4 more sleeps until we're in Chicago!!

Easter Brunch

2011-04-04T13:44:00.004-05:00

We had an early Easter Brunch this past Sunday which doubled as my baby girl's 1st birthday party! Brunch is one of my favorite meals and because I'm a morning person I love having family and company over at that time. Also, if you choose a menu wisely, most of the food can be prepared the day before then cooked and warmed up the next day!

Here's what we had our brunch:

Orange Maple Glazed Salmon
Cooked Ham
Hashbrown Casserole
Veggie Appetizer Pizza
Ambrosia Salad
Fruit Tray
Cinnamon Buns
Bagels with Cream Cheese
Coffee, Orange and Apple Juice
~

Mmmmm...and I'm so glad there are left overs for us to eat this week! What is your favorite Easter food?

Recipe Swap Thursday #31

2011-03-31T05:44:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls @ Boys, Bovines and Blessings. Hard to beat homemade cinnamon buns! YUMMY, yum, yum!

This week I'm sharing my Orange Maple Glazed Salmon. It is so good with the citrus of the orange, the sweetness of maple syrup and the extra kick of the worcestershire sauce!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Orange Maple Glazed Salmon

2011-03-31T05:32:00.000-05:00

My family LOVES salmon, and this Sunday I'll be making it again for a family brunch. And if there are left overs... super good on a salad the next day!

1 large salmon fillet
1 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons worchestshire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon ginger

- Lay salmon down on lightly greased baking dish or sheet.
- Combine remaining ingredients in bowl then spread on top of salmon.
- Bake @ 350° for 20-30 minutes, then broil for about 5 minutes to caramelize top.

Butter Chicken

2011-03-29T14:28:00.000-05:00

I remember the first time I ever had Butter Chicken was actually in San Francisco! I had never tasted anything like it before, and very quickly I decided that I needed to give Indian food some serious trying. I love making Butter Chicken because it is different and my version is so quick and simple. It is nice and saucy which is perfect for dipping naan bread or covering a bed of rice.

2 tablespoons oil
1 onion
3-4 chicken breasts, cubed
1 can diced tomatoes (796 ml)
1 package Club House Butter Chicken seasoning
1 cup milk

- Heat oil in fry pan. Fry onions and chicken on medium high until chicken is no longer pink.
- Add tomatoes, Club House Butter Chicken seasoning, and milk.
- Simmer on medium for 10 minutes.
- Place in casserole, and warm prior to serving.
- Serve with naan bread and rice.

What To Wear To OPRAH?

2011-03-28T14:03:00.004-05:00

Further to the Oprah Reservation Info Sheet Dress Code that asked us not to wear all-white or all-beige, I started to do my own research. I've been studying the audience at Oprah shows and apparently I'm not the only person who has googled "what to wear to Oprah" because I found some helpful information from stylists!

Bright colors look best on camera.
Try to stay away from white, beige, black.
Red is a great TV color.
No shimmer, or checks, or small patterns, or stripes.
Find an interesting top and accessorize with jewellery or scarf.
Be sure you wear well fitted clothes, not too baggy not too tight.
No short skirts...camera men don't want to risk showing your underwear or lack there of.
Dress in layers if cold outside.
Comfortable shoes.
Small purse, downsized to necessities (ID, $, lipstick). Large purses are not allowed in studio
Just as important is fabulous hair, and picture perfect make up - waterproof of course!

Why do I care? Some say nicely dressed, pulled together guests have better chance of being seated better. Honestly, I just want to look, feel and be my best so I can fully enjoy my time with Oprah and be completely in the moment. I've been able to get shopping a few times and here are the start of some outfits that I'll choose from. Let me know what you think!

1. I really like purple on me, and I like that this jacket is fitted, but is it too much grey? If I choose this outfit I'll get a bright purple scarf, maybe a broach too!

2. This out fit screams spring! I love the pink!

3. Turquoise is my secret weapon color. This sweater is so bright. I would like to find some sort of blouse to put underneath it to make it more interesting.

4. Can you see the funky detail on the bottom of this Jessica Simpson shirt? It's pretty cool, but the jacket is dark so great for night out in Chicago, but maybe not the Oprah Show.

What do you think? Are any of these Oprah worthy?

OPRAH Tickets!

2011-03-27T12:48:00.001-05:00

The question that I keep getting, and the one I love answering is: "How did you get Oprah tickets?"

First of all our April 12th tickets were Faye's doing and there is only ONE way to get them. They can't be bought. They can't be found. I wouldn't even really say you win them. They are earned.

I say they are earned because I believe they are divinely awarded to those who deserve them, those who need them, and to those who will further embrace the spirit of Oprah and pass on to others. This may sound crazy, but if you are an Oprah fan, you understand.

It's a good idea to join the Oprah Community on her web site. Then diligently and faithfully check The Oprah Show web site every day. You can then request to see the show and be in the audience by checking Last-Minute Reservations, Reservations By Topic, and the Current Reservations window which usually only is open for 12-24 hours, once a month. Read more about Oprah Tickets.

So over the past months, I requested and wrote Oprah several times. I even tried to get to her After Oscar show, and submitted show ideas for her farewell season. Faye did the same, but 10 fold. Then on March 15 (my birthday), the Oprah Reservation Window opened briefly, perhaps for the last time!? Faye submitted her reservation request and the next morning she had an email from Oprah... she got tickets!

So within 48 hours, Faye was to confirm the four guest names who would be attending. Next, we received the Oprah Reservation Info Sheet which explained seating, arrival time and location, required ID, dress code, security, cancellations and any special needs.

We will not know the topic of the show until we get there on April 12th, but regardless we are over the moon that this will probably be one of her last 20 shows or so.

Oprah, we're doing our best to look and feel and be our best when we see you!

This is me getting my hair done by the fabulous Jeremy! Nothing dramatic, just a trim, and warmed up color with some highlights.

Faye's OPRAH Hair Transformation

2011-03-25T06:33:00.005-05:00

With only 17 days to Oprah, you can only imagine the kind of preparation that has been going on! This week, Faye decided to take a big step and go short again. She also got her locks lightened up a bit in part due to a dream she had that blonds have a better chance to be sitting front row. Faye, your hair is now TV and Oprah ready! It looks fabulous!

Well, I go for my cut and color tomorrow morning... Jeremy, no pressure, but this seriously has to be the best cut and color you've EVER done!

Recipe Swap Thursday #30

2011-03-24T07:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Maple Pecan Breakfast Ring @ Frugal Antics Of A Harried Homemaker. Oh my, this is something I'd like alot!

This week I'm sharing my Kielbasa & Sauerkraut. Every now and again I get a craving for this heartburn inducing, ethinic dish. You can eat as it, or make a sandwich out of it with rye bread!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Kielbasa & Sauerkraut

2011-03-24T07:50:00.000-05:00

Every now and again, I get a craving for this ethnic dish. Kielbasa sausage is very common here on the Prairies. You may know this sausage as kielbasa, kovbasa, klobasa, kolbasa and kubasa depending on your Eastern European background. Sauerkraut, directly translated from German means sour cabbage, is finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria, giving it a distinctive sour flavor. Fry up and combine Kielbasa & Sauerkraut and not only do you have heartburn waiting to happen, but a you have a pretty good little meal.

It's also pretty imperative to eat this with some rye bread, even make it into a sandwich if you like, with some mustard (Keen's Mustard is our favorite)!

kielbasa, 1 ring (500g)
sauerkraut, 1 jar (796ml / 28fl oz)
1/2 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons margarine
salt
pepper

- Cut sausage up sausage into bite size slices.
- On medium heat, add margarine to fry pan.
- Fry onion, then add kielbasa and sauerkraut. Fry until all starts to brown and sauerkraut is soft.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.

Oprah BIG NEWS!

2011-03-23T07:49:00.018-05:00

It's been exactly a week since I received this text message:
"R U AWAKE? can I call u right now? If not when??? BIG NEWS!"

My response:
"Yes. Call!"

That is when I found out my good friend, Faye, got tickets to go to an Oprah show, and she was calling to ask if I'd come with her! All I remember saying was "OMG, OMG, OMG" as I tried to get my kids their breakfast. Then as my husband came down the stairs, I started to get all choked up, and I asked him "Do you mind me taking off to Chicago for a few days... to see Oprah!?!"

I'm off the charts excited for this trip! It's Oprah's farewell, her 25th season, and her last shows. I've always been an BIG Oprah fan, not only because she inspires me, but because she is so good at what she does. Like so many other millions, I get such a charge out of her and know that I've lived a better life because of all that her and her guests have taught me!

As excited as I am to see Oprah, I'm just as excited to be going on this trip with Faye (and two other fabulous women). Faye is the ultimate Oprah fan and I can't wait to spend time with her in Chicago. She is one of my old school prairie buddies and she's simply one of those people who I know I will be friends with forever. It's ironic, because over the years, Faye has been my "Oprah"... I've admired her deep love for her family, her tenacity to run her own business, and her call to duty when she knows someone is in need of a little help. She always the first to show up in a big way. Faye, you deserve this trip, I'm honored that I get to go with you, and truly blessed to have had you as a friend for so many years!

The flights are booked, we've got a suite at the Omni, and now we've got to figure out our Oprah worthy wardrobe! Watch out Chicago... there are some Prairie girls coming to see Oprah!

I'm so looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime Oprah adventure, and hope to share as much as I can with you!

Recipe Swap Thursday #29

2011-03-17T08:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! May the luck of the Irish be with you on St. Patrick's Day today!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Farmer's Casserole @ This Chick Cooks. Looks great! I might just make this for Easter Brunch this year!

This week I'm sharing my Snickerdoodles. OK.. and I couldn't resist rolling some in decorative, green sugar for St. Patrick's Day!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Snickerdoodles

2011-03-17T08:34:00.002-05:00

My mom would spontaneously make these Snickerdoodles every now and again...and if I remember, my brother would gobble them up! They have a nice sugar and cinnamon coating which makes them perfect compliment to a cup of coffee.

1 cup margarine
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

- Cream together margarine and sugar, beat in egg.
- Mix in the remaining ingredients.
- Roll dough into 1 inch balls, then roll in white sugar and cinnamon to cover.
- Place on cookie sheet, flatten with bottom of glass.
- Bake @ 350° for 12 minutes.
- Makes 48 cookies.

And just for fun, I rolled some in some decorative, green sugar rather than cinnamon for St. Patrick's Day!

Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake Mixes

2011-03-15T14:20:00.005-05:00

I pretty much have a shelf dedicated to Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake mixes in my pantry. I'll pick them up when they go on sale and try to ensure I have ample stock of various flavors - Chocolate, Devil's Food, Dark Chocolate, German Chocolate, Butter Pecan, Carrot, Lemon, Cherry Chip, Golden, Spice and of course Rainbow Bit!

The Betty Crocker SuperMoist web site has many great recipe ideas (and coupons), but here are some of my personal favorites that have been in my family for years, or new ones I've dreamed up:
Pina Coloda Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ghost Cupcakes
Dirt Cake
Black Forest Cupcakes
Butter Pecan Cake Cookies
Chocolate Devil Cake Cookies
Lemon Strawberry Imperial Cake Cookies

Now maybe, I'll go bake myself a cake... it just happens to be my birthday today!

Recipe Swap Thursday #28

2011-03-10T07:55:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Triple Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread @ Butter and Oven Mitts. Looks great!

This week I'm sharing my Butter Pecan Cake Cookies. Super easy, super moist, super good!I can't wait to dream up more cake mix cookie recipes!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Butter Pecan Cake Cookies

2011-03-10T07:33:00.000-06:00

I've only recently started trying and experimenting with cake mix cookies. So far, I love them! Here's my creation from yesterday.

1 Betty Crocker SuperMoist Butter Pecan Cake Mix
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Chocolate Drizzle:
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon margarine
1 tablespoon milk

- In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, margarine, oil and eggs.
- Drop 1 inch balls onto cookie sheet and top each with some chopped pecan or walnuts.
- Bake @ 350° for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet.
- Melt chocolate chips, margarine and milk together in microwave for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Drizzle over cookies.
- Makes 24 cookies.

iLove My iPad

2011-03-09T11:30:00.001-06:00

Nestled nicely in between the paper towel dispenser and the dog treat jar on my kitchen counter top is my iPad. It's the perfect place to quickly look up, check up and sync up.

My iPad / iPhone duo has really made keeping myself and family organized effective. Here are some of the apps I use most days:

1. We use the Calendar for all our schedules which not only sync and push to my iPhone but my husbands as well. This include appointments, kids functions and travel itineraries.

2. Email of course. Synced to iPhone along with Contacts.

3. Social Media: Friendly for Facebook, HootSuite for Twitter, as well as LinkedIn.

4. We have a few weather apps WeatherEye and The Weather Channel to help us plan outings and wardrobe.

5. iBooks. I just love reading on the iPad... it's just makes sense to have the back light for reading in bed.

6. Feedler makes reading all the blogs that I subscribe to sooooo easy.

7. This past weekend I just used the Air Canada App to check in on my iPad then used the digital boarding pass on my iPhone. Pretty cool.

8. Other notables are some of the magazine apps (Oprah or Martha Stewart), there are some good recipe apps (All Recipes or President's Choice), Netflix works well, and then we have games galore, mostly pre-school apps for our toddler.

iPad 2 is now available... perhaps I need an upgrade!

Recipe Swap Thursday #27

2011-03-03T08:26:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! And welcome to March... where the heck did February go?

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Butter Me Up, Baby! Gooey Butter Cake @ Extreme Personal Measures. YUM Butter Cake - I'm going to have to try it!!

This week I'm sharing my Chicken Tetrazzini. My family LOVES this little pasta and chicken dish!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Chicken Tetrazzini

2011-03-03T08:25:00.001-06:00

Tetrazzini usually involves a thin pasta, poultry or seafood, mushrooms, and sometime nuts in a creamy parmesan sauce. There are many variations and mine includes Roasted Garlic!

Tetrazzini is actually an American dish invented by a chef in a hotel that the Italian opera star, Luisa Tetrazzini frequented.

4 chicken breasts, cubed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt & pepper
1 lb fettuccine, cooked
2 cans mushroom soup
1 can mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
4-8 Roasted Garlic cloves

- Brown onions and chicken in olive oil in fry pan, season generously with salt & pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl combine cooked fettuccine (or linguine, or spaghetti) with chicken mixture and the rest of the ingredients.
- Place in greased 9x13 baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake @ 350° for 30 minutes.

Recipe Swap Thursday #26

2011-02-24T09:19:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! Please be sure to invite your friends to come visit and join in!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Aloha Muffins @ Abundance on a Dime. These are perfect for the middle of February... when cabin fever has definitely set in!

This week I'm sharing my Roasted Garlic. So simple, so good, so gourmet. Try it in the next recipes that calls for garlic cloves!!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

Roasted Garlic

2011-02-24T09:06:00.000-06:00

Roasting garlic is so gourmet. It gives the garlic a warm sweetness and mellows out the sharpness. I just love adding roasted garlic to my favorite recipes like Chicken Tetrazzini, Smashed Potatoes, salad dressings and even garlic butter.

1 Ingredients:
1 head garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:
- Cut off top of garlic head exposing the cloves. Rub off any loose, outer excess skin.
- Place in baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over top.
- Bake @ 400° for 30-45 minutes.
- Once cooled, simply squeeze out the cloves.
- Mash up and use in recipes that call for garlic!

Parfumerie Fragonard

2011-02-23T21:37:00.001-06:00

While we were in Monte Carlo a few years a go, we took a drive to Eze, France to the Parfumerie Fragonard Labratory Factory which is beautifully located above the sea, on the Moyenne Corniche between Nice and Monaco. Here we toured Fragonard learning about their secrets of perfume making.

I must admit that I got caught up in the moment of being in France, in a Parfumerie, with their staff giving me personalized scent attention, and went a little crazy in the gift shop buying their perfume collections, cologne and aftershaves for my husband, and many soaps and candles for my house.

It is here were I fell in love with their signature perfume, also called Fragonard. Fragonard is an elegant scent that unites suave white flowers with mellow amber. It is sold in a sophisticated ‘estagnon’, golden aluminium bottle, which protects the perfume from the effects of light and heat. It's the perfume I wear on special occasions and always get compliments. Sadly, I have almost run out and have to figure out how to order some!

Fragonard History

Shortly before the First World War, Eugène Fuchs, an entrepreneur at heart who had already been seduced by the magic of perfume, decided to set up his own perfumery based on the novel concept of selling perfumery products directly to the tourists who were beginning to discover the French Rivera’s charms.

Parfumerie Fragonard was opened in 1926. Eugène Fuchs chose to name it after the famous Grasse-born painter, Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806), as a tribute to both the town of Grasse and to the refinement of 18th-century arts. Similarly, the choice of name expressed his desire to run his business in accordance with traditions.

This spirit has been loyally perpetuated by the three succeeding generations who have run and are still running the company. It was under the tenure of Jean-Francois Costa that the Parfumerie Fragonard went through a rapid expansion and modernization. As an avid art collector, during the 1970’s he amassed a large and unique collection of antique perfume related items that has both enriched the Fragonard and given the town of Grasse a new cultural dimension. Today, Jean-François Costa's daughters, Agnès and Françoise preside over the perfumery's destiny, and are as concerned as the preceding generations with continuing to build the company while adapting it to current market needs and desires.

For more information, visit The Parfumerie Fragonard website.

Fragonard is my favorite perfume. What is yours?

Recipe Swap Thursday #25

2011-02-17T06:26:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! Please be sure to invite your friends to come visit and join in!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was 10-Minute Amish Cookie Bars @ Retro Housewife: The Remix. 10 minutes!!! Perfect!

This week I'm sharing my Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup with Cheese Tortellini. The soup is good, but adding the cheese tortellini puts it over the top!

How to swap:

2) Visit the other recipe links!!