Frosty Toffee Bits Pie

"Taste and see that the LORD is good...."

Psalm 34:8

I originally posted this recipe back in July of 2010.  Since then, I have been asked many times for it, so I thought I would just re-post it here for everyone to grab.

There is only one word I can use to describe this tasty treat......... OMGOODNESS-SCRUMPTIOUS-AMAZING- SINFUL-AWESOME-DELICIOUS-FANTASTIC-UNBELIEVABLE! LOL

For this YUMMY recipe, you will need:

1 graham cracker crust (pre-made or store bought)
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup Half & Half
1 8 oz container of whipped topping, thawed
1 1/4 cup toffee bits (I used 2 frozen and smashed king size bars of Heath Toffee candy bars, but you could use Butterfingers or something like that as well. YUMMM! )

Beat together cream cheese and sugar till smooth. Blend in Half & Half till combined. Fold in whipped topping, then fold in 1 cup toffee bits. Pour or scoop mixture into graham crust, spreading evenly onto crust. Sprinkle with remaining toffee. Cover and freeze overnight. This can be frozen and stored in your freezer for 1 month!  HA, this never lasts more than two days in our house! 

ENJOY!

A Very Special Day

I wanted to share with you, one of the pictures I took at a wedding I attended this past weekend for two very special young people. It was held at a working cattle and horse ranch close by where we live. The day couldn't have been more beautiful for a wedding. May God bless this union and give them many, many years of happiness!

CONGRATULATIONS, R & T!

 WE LOVE YOU, GUYS!!

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.

These are the hands you one day will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you.

These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.

These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your family

These are that hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief wrack your mind.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.

Taylor, these are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go

These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.

They are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May Taylor and Rachael see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.

~Author Unknown~

Being Fed

Being fed by the Word of God is the most important thing I need to do today and everyday .........the laundry can wait!

Another Sad Day On The Farm

 Yesterday, I went out to give the ladies a little oatmeal treat. They were in their run, so I just reached over the side and scattered the oats on the ground. When they hear my voice, they come running.  They know that when I call them, I have a special treat in hand. It is not uncommon for Meredith to be the first one to come running, because she is at the bottom of the pecking order, and stays by herself most of the time, close to the house. I have to say, I have been known to sneak out when I know the others are off foraging in the woods, and bring her out some extra goodies. I just can't help it.....she's such a sweetheart!!

Well, when she didn't come running out with her sisters, I went inside the coop to give her a little something, so she didn't have to be run off by Gena, who happens to be at the TOP of the pecking order.  As I got closer to the screen door, I saw her in the back corner, by the basket.  I thought she was just hanging out, chillin' in the shade, but sadly, she was not.  At some point that morning, she had passed away.  I checked for signs of an intruder, but did not see any.

 

R.I.P., SWEET MEREDITH!

You are now home with your best friend, Bethany!

WE LOVE YOU, LITTLE ONE....

YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED! 

Homemade Seasoned Salt/Pepper & Onion Soup Mix Recipes

The other day, My Skippy Man asked me to make him some stuffagus (stuffing pancakes), a recipe that my dad used to make.  Every Thanksgiving, he would make the stuffing and then make some into pancakes, so we could try them and make sure they were seasoned just right.  If not, we could still add some more to it before it all went into the turkey.  Honestly, I think we ate more beforehand then what actually made it into the turkey!  lol

After I got all my ingredients out, I realized I didn't have any onion soup mix. To the computer I went, knowing there just HAD to be a recipe for it somewhere on-line.  After a few minutes, I came across one that sounded good.  I skimmed through the ingredients, making sure I had everything that I needed.  Once I did, I set to work measuring and mixing.

At first, I wasn't sure if I would like the onion soup mix, but once I had it simmering on the stove, it smelt just like the boxed mix I have used in the past.  I was so excited when I tasted the stuffing......it tasted the same too!  YES!  

I am posting a recipe for Seasoned Salt or Pepper first, as the recipe for the Onion Soup Mix calls for it.  You can also use the pepper mixture on so many things and it is great for those on a low/no sodium diet. However, you can make this recipe into Seasoned Salt instead, following the same recipe, just substitute the salt for pepper. 

For the Seasoned Salt or Seasoned Pepper you will need the following:

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup salt or 1cup ground pepper
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon sugar (I used Splenda)
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mace
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
11/2 teaspoon onion powder

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Blend all ingredients thoroughly 
2.  Store, tightly covered, at room temperature
3.  Label with date and contents
4.  This recipe can be stored for up to two years

For the Dry Onion Soup Mix you will need the following:

INGREDIENTS:

4 teaspoons (which = 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon) beef bouillon granules
8 teaspoons (which = 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons) dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper (recipe above)

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Blend all ingredients thoroughly
2.  Place in a container,
3.  Label with date and contents
4.  Use within 6 months
5.  This mix is equal to one packet or about 1 1/4 ounces

I have both of my mixes in canning jars.  They look great and would make a wonderful gift for that cook on your list.  Just make up some packets of soup and/or seasoned pepper mix, add a soup ladel, bowls, and some spoons.  Place in a basket or a pretty box wrapped in a tea towel!

Gifts From My Precious Children

Before every birthday, Christmas, etc, my children will ask, "What would you like for.....?" and my response is always the same........"PLEASE MAKE ME SOMETHING!"  After a little smile and a chuckle, they would say, "No really....what do you want?" I would again say, "PLEASE MAKE ME SOMETHING!"

Well, this Mother's Day, I got what I asked for!  WOO HOO!  Something made by THEM and I just LOVE IT!

A basket with assorted candles and tarts in my favorite

scents; apple, vanilla, sugar cookie, 

gingerbread, and a Stevia plant.....

and a beautiful flower pot with all their pictures on it.

Kiddo.......

Bean and Tex......

and Goose and Tang!

THANK YOU, MY PRECIOUS ANGELS......

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Been Gone Too Long

"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how 

to live in prosperity!" 

~Philippians 4:11-12~

 WOW......I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted. I thought it was just a week or so that I had been away..  Boy, was I *W*R*O*N*G*!  lol

Things here have been going well and we have been keeping pretty busy. I have been trying to get the rest of our boxes unpacked so I can get my sewing room finished and I can start crafting again.  I have so many ideas that are running around my head, it's sometimes hard to sleep.  I have also enjoyed planting some flowers in pots, bowls, baskets, or whatever I can find. 

One of the many little blessings that God has provided for us is a fence.  I have always wanted one around my yard and now I have one.  I so want to put a hammock in the corner spot to the right of this section, just out of view. (and not to mention having one on the screened in porch!)  The trees hang over and it is so peaceful with such beautiful defused lighting. This section sits against the neighbor's side yard.  They are a very sweet young couple with an adorable little boy who's getting ready to start kindergarten in the fall.

My Skippy Man has been trying to get the chicken run put together for the ladies.  After my run in with a raccoon a little while back that ended the life of our beloved Bethany, it has been important to me to have a safe place where they can run around and forage in safety.  

This is a picture of their coop.  Six beautiful Amberlink hens take up residency here.  As you can see, Skippy is once again using pallets to build the run.  They were FREE, and you know that is this "Frugal Female's" favorite word!   

Whenever we have a chance to use materials that have already been or can still be recycled, we do.  It just makes perfect sense.  It doesn't cost us anything and it is not adding unnecessary waste into the landfill.  

When Skippy is finished building, the run will go around 3/4 of the coop this time, enclosing it all in.  There will a section that is just wire so they can still do their favorite activity...sunbathe, and a section that will be covered to keep give them shade from the sun and keep them dry in the rain. 

Last Wednesday evening, I had a run in with what the neighbor believes was a baby cub when I came home from Bible Study.  I do know that if there is a cub.....that momma's not too far behind.  I sat in my car, not moving for about 10 minutes, waiting to see if it came back.  When I finally got out of the car, as soon as I closed the door, the motion sensor light went out and I was in total darkness.  NOOOOOO!!  I have never run through the yard and up the stairs as fast as I did that night!  lol

The girls are adjusting nicely to life in the holler.  They love to come out onto the side deck with me while I hang up the laundry and sit on our camping chairs and watch me.  lol  They are just too cute.  They love taking long walks up and down the road with Skippy and I, and catch up on all the latest news with the other dogs in the neighborhood! 

There are times here when I feel so isolated, being so far "out in the boonies" but the those days are far outweighed by the blessings that God has given us here.  As my friend Andrea says...."It's like a little piece of heaven here!"

Thank you, Father, for bringing us to this beautiful holler.  I know we will be here until YOUR work that has been set before us is complete!