Italian Seasoning

Yesterday, I made homemade Mayo and used it in my homemade pasta salad and homemade ranch dressing. I made homemade Honey BBQ sauce, and chocolate chip cookies. Needless to say it was a busy day in the kitchen and I didn't take any pictures! It was a crazy day and I ended up with an entire load of dishes just from my messing around. Part of all the homemade stuff is out of necessity, but at least I enjoy it!

Today, as I'm making dinner, at least I thought to take pictures of the "already-done" homemade Italian Seasoning. This came about from a last minute need (ie, running out in the middle of another recipe), and being pretty sure I had the right combination on-hand, but not knowing what it all entailed. So, here is what I found:

Italian Seasoning

3 Tbs. dried basil

3 Tbs. dried oregano

3 Tbs. dried parsley

1 Tbs. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 tsp. dried rosemary

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Mix together in a spice grinder or put into a small bowl and crush with the back of a spoon. (http://www.recipezaar.com Recipe # 82770)

I love the look of all the spices! It smells so yummy! Like walking into an herb garden (no, I don't have one, but in my next house I will)!

Tips:

1. As you can see from the picture, I use a Mortar and Pestle. This recipe is actually too big, so I kind of do a few ingredients at a time and then blend together with a spoon.

2. Makes about 7 Tbs.

3. Great for Italian foods, pizza, etc. Also great for Oven Fried Zucchini. Slice your zucchini, dip into beaten egg, then bread crumbs mixed with Italian Seasoning, bake on a sprayed cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 25 - 27 minutes.

As a side note, I served the zucchini with my ranch dressing. Becca had to get in on the fun and take a picture of her cereal bowl. How creative and silly! Those of you who know her, will appreciate it the most. This is Classic Becca. Enjoy! Love, Jenn =)

I'm back in the Blog World!!!

Well, it seems like forever since I've checked in. My friends are like, "where are you?" Life has been so busy and now that school is getting out on Wed, (yes, thank you Winter snow and too many snow days that we are now paying for....) I can start to get caught up on the 439 pictures I just downloaded to my computer. I put them in a "Clear Camera" folder and will post as I move them to the right file. If anyone has a great way to organize their pictures, I'm up for suggestions. Upcoming posts will be about Graduation and additional family (I just noticed my dad added all his the pictures he took to his file on my computer - way to go Dad!!!), Prom, more Track, Birthdays, Lake (bumble-bees, geese, turtles, & sunsets along with a few water sports and boat drivers!), and of course, catching up Jacob's Mission Blog, which has been neglected also. Hope you will tune in over the next little while........... But, on to the burning question in a lot your minds........

"What ever happened to your cups, Jenn?"

Funny you should ask me about that, and I have a picture to prove it!! If any of you need a refresher on the subject, you can check out the history here. Feel free to read the comments and suggestions offered by all.

Now, I've been home from Utah about 3 weeks, my dear sister is over for dinner before I take her to the airport one lovely, Sunday evening. She asked me about how my adventure was going and if I had tried any of the suggestions that had been offered. I replied, I hadn't had the opportunity, I was going to try that week, now that we were home from taking Jacob to the MTC. She pickes up my stuck mess.........

and "POP"

they come right apart!

No, kidding......we laughed so hard! So, I am not very strong and my engineer sister is way smarter than me! Must be all in the wrist, the twist, pressure applied at the right angle, I don't know.....But, the cups are safe, not broken or tossed, back in the cupboard with a good chuckle! Love, Jenn =)

Trouble......

on my counter!

My Sister in Law is going to start laughing at me.........I have these 2 cups. My dear children (don't know who), in doing their chores, and being obedient, put away, and stacked, 2 glasses........while they were still warm from the dishwasher. They are stuck. Stuck. Stuck! I won't mention how many months they have been sitting there, it doesn't really matter. I really like my full, complete set, that I have been able to keep together for almost 2 years. I have tried under running water, putting ice water in the top....

using my great science theories, ice water in the top and warm/hot water in the bottom, all to no avail. If anyone has suggestions, besides my sister in laws (which is to throw them away and forget about it - I do love you though, for trying to help me out of my misery), I would really appreciate it. I am going to set them on my counter until I get back from Utah. Then try one more time my tricks and any new tricks that have been suggested. Then, shhhh,

I may have to throw them away? Thanks, Love, Jenn =)

Homemade Oreos

Becca made cookies...........she is a great cook! Last week was Achievement Days (lds term for activities that help girls become better people, family members, teach life skills, etc. in a fun way! Think Scouts, the mormon way for girls.) They made Homemade Oreos. Can you say "YUM!!" any faster? The first batch almost didn't make it to the next morning so she could take some to her teacher. Sunday she made another batch with the help of her cousin, Logan. We have a new staple in our house, these will be made often!

Homemade Oreos 1 pkg. Devil's Food Cake Mix 2 eggs 2/3 cup shortening Mix together. Roll into 1-inch balls. Bake at 375 on an ungreased cookie sheet 7-8 minutes. Leave on sheet for 2 minutes and them cool on rack. Put 2 cookies together with Cream Cheese frosting. Frosting: 8 oz. cream cheese 1/2 cup butter 1 tsp. vanilla 4 1/4 - 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Tips:

1. One of the batches we used one devil's cake mix and one white. Still yum!

2. I have 4 cookie sheets, so the baking can fly sooo much faster.

3. Make sure you set some aside for your husband because they will all be gone before he gets home.

Enjoy! Love, Jenn =)

Container Tips

I just came across in one of my newsletter's a great article about containers that we use in our home, ie. Tupperware, Glad, Rubbermaid. Are they worth the money? It talks about how they compared each, including when you might re-use a sour cream or yogurt container (uh-hum, no one does that at this house!). It was great, plus a quick read too. See how you are doing. Enjoy! http://link.ixs1.net/s/lt?id=68693207&si=x213034973&pc=o2009&ei=t302977