Feeling Tired?

If you have been feeling tired lately, maybe the cause isn't working to much but the lack of water. The lack of water is the number one trigger of daytime fatigue. Statistics show that 75% of us are chronically dehydrated and that 37% of us have our thirst mechanism so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger. Even mild dehydration can slow down your metabolism by as much as three percent. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger trouble with basic math or start fuzzy short term memory problems. You may even have trouble reading as your eyes can not focus without the correct amount of water in your body.

Not only does it make us tired but it can cause weakness of joints, pain and over eating. One 8 oz glass of water can shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of dieters. A recent study done by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle says, drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of breast cancer by 79% and 50% of bladder cancers. Research also states that intake of 8-10 glasses of water daily can significantly ease back and joint pain by as much as 80%.

So, drink up people, help keep yourselves in great shape by inviting water into your bodies.

Faylee

Great Things to Come

We are experiencing a beautiful week end in Northeast Tennessee, wishing the same for you. It's the kind of day you want to be outside in the sunshine and leave all thoughts of what has to be done at home in the kitchen, well hidden.
Yesterday my friend Theresa and I did a cooking demo. Where we gave out lots of tips and ideas to help shorten the time needed in the kitchen, especially in the coming up holiday season. We will repeat this demo with new ideas, recipes and tips on Saturday, November 14. If you would like to be part of this event, please contact one of us at: 423-675-1696 or FayleeJames@yahoo.com for time info, prices and discounts we offer for groups.

Share your smile, it's to beautiful to be kept to yourself and enjoy the sunshine!!

Faylee

Living Well, For Less

No matter the time of our lives, we all want more for our money. One of the best ways to do that is to learn to cook. When you know how to put a great meal on your table, going out and spending three times that much for the same food, looses it's appeal.
While I have eaten lots of good food at other peoples homes or restaurants, I prefer my own cooking. I know just how I like it. From just how much dressing to put on my salad to how much sugar goes into my dessert, it's all me.

You too, can have that same feeling with a few lessons. Come and be part of my cooking demo on Saturday Nov 14th. and 21st. to see how easy it is to cut your food expenses, to delight your family and friends with a great meal.

Write me at FayleeJames@yahoo.com or call me [423] 765-1696 for details.

Getting Ready for the Holidays

Where did this year go? I'm having a hard time believing it's already November and the Holiday season is upon us. With all my children within 30 miles of me again, I'm looking forward to having one big Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner instead of as many as 3, when they were taking turns coming home. Some years it was one continuous meal from Christmas til New Year as most of my children worked in either the entertainment or retail business. This year will be different in lots of ways for us. I am going to be organized and get it done in an orderly manner, is what I keep telling myself but we all know I will be cooking up to and including the last hour, as most of you will be doing also.

One thing I am sure of, is having the goodies made ahead of time as I am using my half fast cooking method this year. By that, I mean, buying some of the items instead of making them from scratch. You never know what kind of good eats you can make using a pound of Almond Bark, a bag of nuts or pretzels, some raisins and a little cooking magic, until you try.

I'll be having classes the first three Saturdays in November. Come and let me show you how easy it is to impress your friends, neighbors and family with some Short Cut cooking.

If you would like more information on how you can be part of one of my Short Cut Cooking Demo's, please write me at FayleeJames@Yahoo.com or call me [423] 765-1696.

Looking forward to hearing from you and maybe trading ideas on how we can make life easier for the both of us.

Faylee

With today's busy schedules we are always looking for quick and easy but good meals. Here are three that fit that bill.

[1] Broccoli Pasta

Cook your pasta as the package directs but add broccoli florets for the last five minutes. When it's time to take the pot off the heat, dip out 1/2 cup of the water, reserve then drain the rest.
Place the pasta and broccoli into a large bowl, add one cup of diced cooked chicken, one cup of cherry tomatoes [cut in half], the 1/2 cup of hot water and a good handful of shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss together and serve with a slice of sourdough bread for a great meal.

[2] Tortilla Pizza with Leftovers

Cover your tortilla with shredded cheese then layer on leftover veggies. Top with more cheese or salsa before heating in the microwave long enough to melt the cheese. This meal will use up leftover of any amount, as there is no right or wrong to the toppings. Just make sure, if you are using meat that it has been completely cook. A quick green salad and fresh fruit for desert will complete the meal in short time.

[3] Breakfast for Dinner

Most of us do not allow the time in the mornings for a family breakfast, so have it for dinner. You can find bacon, sausage and ham in precooked packages at most stores. Add eggs, juice and maybe some homemade biscuits for a great way to bring the kids to the table.

Nothing brings us together better than having a meal we can all enjoy and take part in. All of these meals have something that can be done by all ages in the family. Let the younger ones set the table or crack the eggs. It's the being together that makes the memories not the kind of food we eat.

Enjoy
Faylee

Saving Tips for Frugal Living

[1] Ready to shampoo your hair and discover you have no conditioner. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda into your shampoo. Then add to your wet hair. You will get hair that is soft and smells good too.

[2] To cut hours of cooking time off your dried beans, microwave them for 14-15 minutes. Place the beans, peas, lentils, etc, in a microwave safe bowl, large enough to cover them with water about 2 inches higher than they are. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the bowl. Make a small slit in the middle to allow steam to escape. Put into your microwave set on high for 8 minutes. When it stops, check water level, add more water if needed. Replace plastic film and heat for 6-7 minutes more. Let the bowl cool before removing. Rinse, place beans into your cooking pot, add fresh water and seasoning. Cook as usual but for half the time.

[3] If you have used to much Mayonnaise in your Tuna or Chicken salad mixture. Place 6-8 plain or saltine crackers in a plastic bag and crush them into small pieces, with your dough roller. Then add as much as you need to help soak up the extra mayonnaise. Don't add too much or you will have the opposite problem. Taste your mixture before adding more salt.

[4] Do not throw out party leftovers until you have made sure they cannot be incorporated into another meal. Most vegetable tray extras can be put in soups, sauces or dip dishes for the family.

Faylee James

Controling Snack Costs

Have you ever finished a complete meal and found yourself looking in the refrigerator an hour later? Then you are like most of us. We all love to snack. Snacking just for the sake of snacking can become expensive. Here are a few ways to cut down on the cost of keeping the hunger in you, in control.

[1] Plan Ahead

When you are grocery shopping buy large bags of chips, carrots, celery and other items you know you like snacking on. Then when you get home, transfer those items to small containers. You get more servings from the final cost than buying individual sizes.

[2] Buy Generic

Have you tried the store or generic brands of your favorite snack items? If not, it's time to do so. In most cases you get the same item for less money. Just make sure you buy the small size and try the item before buying the family size.

[3] Give Dry Cereal a Try

I love eating dry cereal as a snack while watching my favorite TV shows. I can eat Puffed Wheat, Cheerios or Shredded Wheat instead of the high calorie deserts and still be munchie satisfied.

As with most expenses it's in the planning and keeping control of what we spend that gives us the most for our money.

Happy Snacking,
Faylee

Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love it so much I named my youngest daughter after it. It was a given, she was born on Sept. 22 and to prove she wanted to be Autumn she jumped out almost 6 weeks early. She has been my wild child ever since. There were times I didn't know if either of us were going to survive but today she is the her, she was meant to be. She has 4 beautiful children and is a teacher. She is a delight and a good friend to know and have as a daughter. Finding the right recipe to mix together and bring her life to where it is today took a lot of time and effort from the people who love her but mostly her. In other words, she baked up quiet nicely....lol.

Fall brings new things to the table, that summer doesn't have, like pumpkin pies....yummy for the tummy.

It is also a reminder it's time to get ready for next year's garden. Are you cleaning your garden as your old plants are coming out? Are you planting something for a winter cover? Are you doing my favorite, planting some fall crops, such as turnips or Cale?

We need to treat our garden spot as nice as we want to be treated. Give it a little love now and it will love you back in the spring with better produce. If you do not have a plan, please make one now. Visit your gardening stores, your county extension agents, check your phone book for ideas on places to go.

Then keep me in mind for the over flow of eatables.

Faylee

Summer Bounty

Have you been in your local grocery store's produce section lately? If not, it's time to go. Summer produce is here and if you are lucky enough, as I am, your grocery store buys local. Getting you the best to be had from your area. It also allows for fresher foods on your dinner table.

Who doesn't like corn on the cob? It can be fixed so many different ways but did you know you can eat it raw? Try a fresh tender cob straight from the garden and find out for yourself. If that isn't to your liking, then try roasting it on the grill, steam it in it's shucks or boil it on the stove. Just remember not to over cook it. Fresh corn only take 3-5 minutes of heat to become fully cooked.

Start watching for the summer tomatoes showing up at your local farmers markets. Look for the older fuller flavor heirloom tomatoes. They may look gnarly but for taste you can not beat them. My favorite is the stripped orange and reds. I think it's because they remind me of my grand parents, especially my Granny Laura, she always had cornbread and tomatoes on her table. Summer time was for fresh ones but in the winter she would set a jar of canned ones on the table. She would "put up" at least 200 jars each year for family and friends to enjoy.

Memories of pleasant things in the past lead us to better days in the future. Enjoy the summer bounty of food and life.

Faylee

Healthy Snacks for Kids

Summer is here and in most places school is out. Keeping our children on a good eating pattern is harder in the summer as most do not keep the same schedule as winter. Here are a few snack ideas to keep them healthy and on track with their healthy eating habits.

[1] Peel a banana and cut in two inch pieces. Roll each piece in vanilla yogurt, crushed cereal and freeze.
This is also a good way to put use to the last stray bites of cereal in the box. Mixing different cereals can be fun also.

[2] Mix peanut butter and corn flakes in a bowl. Make quarter size balls with the mixture then roll in crushed nuts. Store left overs in an air tight container. Use within 3 days.

[3] Fresh fruits [apples of any kind] and vegetables [celery or carrots] can be spread with peanut butter to make an appealing snack.
Most children will try something if it is pleasing to their eye.

[4] Make kabobs using a pretzel stick. Push a cube of cheese, apples or grapes on the pretzel and watch the snacks disappear.

[5] Add some lowfat shredded cheese to a corn tortilla, roll it up and heat for 20 seconds in a microwave. Use a bowl of salsa for a dipping sauce.

[6] Toast a frozen whole grain waffle, add a heaping tablespoon of vanilla yogurt and a few strawberries. You will have happy healthy eating children.

Refreshing Summer Dips

Here in East Tennessee we are beginning to get early summer produce in the Farmer's Markets. It's an exciting time for the cook to see fresh items for our favorites recipes, before us. Here are a few recipes to use some of these items.

Cucumber and Onion Dip

1 4-6 inch cucumber /peeled, seeded and minced
1 cup of plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely sliced spring onion, green part included.

Place yogurt in a medium mixing bowl, adding the other ingredients, whisk until smooth. Use as a vegetable dip for dinner or parties.

Cucumber and Spring Peas Salad

2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced with peel on
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 bag of frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Dressing
8 oz sour cream
4 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
1/4 C milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
If you like your salad dressing with a little kick, use one shake of hot sauce or 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper. [opt]

Mix salad ingredients in a medium bowl, lightly toss.
Mix dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake.
Pour dressing over your salad until the mixture is lightly coated with dressing. Toss as needed. You do not want to drown your salad in dressing. Keep extra dressing refrigerated until used.

If you have kitchen shears use them to chop your basil and spring onions. It keeps the mess off your chopping block.

As always these recipes are mine preference, if you do not like and ingredient feel free to change it for another.

Faylee

Savings at the Grocery Store

We are always looking for ways to save on our groceries. I hope my ideas are a big help.

[1] Do not buy non-food items at the grocery store. Shampoos, diapers and over the counter medications are always higher at the grocery store. Save these items for your local dollar store.

[2] Ask for rain checks when a sale item is not there. If there is no limit to the amount, ask for double the amount you think you might need. You can always buy less but they will not let you buy more if your finances are better at the time of pick up.

[3] Don't buy everything at the same store. Go to 2-3 stores if their sale item are different and you need or use them. Some will say that is wasting money on gas but if you plan your travel, you might use an extra gallon of gas but save 20+ dollars. To me, spending three dollars on gas and saving twenty on food is a savings of $17.00 anyway you look at it.

[4] Do not buy things just because they are on sale or you have a coupon, to just sit in your pantry or for you to give away later. That is not a savings.

[5] While you are at the dollar store buying your non food items, check out their grocery items too. Most have a spice rack, canned vegetables and cereal. They may not be the brand you are used to but you can buy one and try it out before committing to a larger purchase. You might be pleasantly surprised.

I hope these ideas will help you on your way to savings at the grocery store.

Faylee

Did You Know?

Did you Know?
That you can use the same energy saving timer on your crock pot as you do for turning on your lights while you are away? If the recipes calls for a shorter cooking time and you are at work, it can start the crock pot. You will still get a great meal, ready for the table when you get home.

Did you Know?
That you can freeze a peeled ripe banana then eat it later like a Popsicle. You might even want to drizzle a little chocolate syrup or spread peanut butter over it. It's good tasting and good for you!

Did you Know?
If you use 1/2 a bag of the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips when making your Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will still get chocolate through out your cookies for half the price.

Did you Know?
You can also slice mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and small balls of cheese with your boiled egg slicer? Try it out when needing a garnish for your plates or adding them to a salad

A Good Basis Recipe will Lead to a Great Meal

Here's a fresh Mayonnaise recipe from Mary Hunt

1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (or less, if mixture thickens quickly)

Put egg, salt, sugar, mustard, paprika and vinegar in blender. Cover and blend for a few seconds. With blender still running, add the oil very slowly. Blend until thick and smooth. Yield: about 2 cups.Note: Substitute pasteurized egg substitute for raw egg for pregnant women or elderly persons.

While this is a good basic recipe if you want to add some spice or sparkle choose one of these and blend in.

1/2 teaspoon of southwestern spices
1/4 teaspoon of Texas Pete
2 tablespoons of finely chopped spring onions
2 tablespoons of cucumber, finely diced
1/2 teaspoon of fresh coarse black pepper

When you have a good base, the rest is easy. By mixing in some of these ingredients you have a new flavor. By mixing two or more you can have a new dip or salad dressing to call your own.

Happy exploring,
Faylee

Your Dish

Learning cook at any age can be easy, if you stick to the things you like. It's when we go over our level of experience and taste that we get into trouble.

So choose your level. If you are 8, make it something simple like boxed Mac and Cheese. If you are 12, do the mac and cheese then add some hot dogs. By the time you are twenty you can do the Mac and Cheese from scratch, using it as a side dish to your favorite meatloaf and garlic green beans.

You want people to say "what a good cook" you are but it doesn't have to be something that took all day cooking and hours of shopping, to make it good.

Learn a few good recipes from a list of family favorites then stand back and listen to the applauds.

If you need any help with those recipes, just send me a note and I'll be happy to encourage you.

Faylee

Recently I ask my daughter and family to move in with me. To my delight they said yes. In doing so I gain access to my grandsons, two lovely dogs and as a bonus her Presto Pizzazz Pizza Oven.
I had never seen one, as I eat very little pizza unless someone else cooks it. The first night my grandson made a couple pizzas and I was hooked. Not only did the frozen pizza taste like take out, I loved the idea of what I could cook with the oven.
In the coming days I tried several of my grilling recipes. I had to do little or no adapting for them to be just as, or even better, tasting as before. Soon I was cooking full dinners on the Pizzazz Oven. If you have one of these amazing appliances, give this recipe a try.
Grilled Chicken Strips
1 lb uncooked Chicken Strips
1/4 cup of virgin olive oil
1 T Mrs Dash [flavor of your choice]
3 large potatoes [washed and cut in 6 wedges each]
2 med tomatoes [sliced]
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
6-8 basil leaves [opt]
There is no need to preheat but you can spray PAM on the surface of the oven.
Using two zip lock plastic bags, divide the olive oil into them. In the first one place your chicken. Zip it shut, using your hands, move the chicken around until each piece is lightly coated. Open the bag and pour in the Mrs Dash, shut and repeat until the chicken is covered in spices. Turn on Pizzazz Oven and begin to lay out your chicken.
In the other bag place your potato wedges and do the same as the chicken. Making sure each piece is coated in olive oil. Place them around the oven, skin side down. You might need some care when placing the food on the oven, you need to keep the surface balanced, to ensure even cooking. The potatoes and chicken will cook about the same time limit, 5-7 minutes depending on their thickness. There is no need to turn them over as the oven heats from both sides.
About two minutes before the first food item are done, you can place the tomatoes on the oven. You may have to move some of the other items around to make room. If you can not find the room for the tomatoes at this time, you can put them on the oven after the potatoes are done. You also might want to use a piece of foil under your tomato slices if they are juicy, it might make a little mess on your counter top. Place one tomato slice with a couple basil leaves, then sprinkle the cheese on top. Once the cheese has melted the tomatoes are ready to be put on a plate. This meal serves 4 but can be adjusted easily.
All in all, with prep and cooking time, the meal took me about 30 minutes.
Faylee

Grilling Time is Here

Looking at the grocery ads from yesterdays paper made me want summer to hurry. I saw the first spring corn on the cob being offered at a low price. Now I'm all for low prices, but the thought of corn on the cob in April was exciting for me. So today I am sharing with you one of my favorites quick meals from the grill. [If you do not have a grill, it can be adapted for cooking inside]

Spicy Chicken with Corn and Pasta

6 oz. pasta [I prefer angel hair pasta but any will do]

3 ears of fresh corn [cut into 2-3 inch pieces]

4 small chicken breast [boneless]

2 med. tomatoes [sliced]

1 1/2 t. chili powder

1/2 cup virgin olive oil

3 T lime juice

1/2 t salt

Salt and pepper to taste

Using the extra eye on the grill, heat a pot of water to the boiling point. Add the salt and pasta. Cook pasta as directed on the package. In the last two minutes of pasta cooking add the corn.
While the water is heating, coat the chicken in 1/2 of the olive oil and 1/2 of the chili powder, placing it on the grill. If you feel the need of salt and pepper, now is the time to add it to the top of your meat. Grill the chicken 4-5 minutes before turning it over. All in all you want it to be on the heat for a total of 8-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken. After turning, salt and pepper again. if needed. Mix the remain olive oil, chili powder and lime juice to form a dressing.
When the pasta and corn have cooked, drain off the water, letting the corn and pasta rest as you place two slices of tomato, one chicken breast on each plate. Now add the corn and pasta, then drizzle the dressing over the mixture. Freshly made and fresh tasting,,,yummy!
[Serves 4]

Easy Tips for the Tired Cook

Making a meatloaf for dinner and you do not want to get your hands all messy:
Put all your ingredients in a large zip plastic bag, then knead everything together. Even the kids can help with this method. When all is mixed open the bag and slid the mixture into a loaf pan. Pat it down to get all the air bubbles out, using the bag as protection for your fingers. Pop it into the oven, throw out the bag. No mess to clean up.

Artichoke Steaming:
You want a nice looking artichoke but have no holder, slice a large onion, then use the outer rings to sit the artichoke upright in your pan. They might take on a slight flavor from the onion but they will be impressive to your guest.

Tired of Soggy Rice:
When cooking the rice place a clean folded towel between the pot and lid. When the water boils the towel will catch the steam and wont let it drip back into the pan. There will be no time difference in the cooking but you will have a fluffier, less starch looking rice.

Less Fat in your Meats:
If you find your ground meat has to much fat when browning, take the crust end of a loaf of bread, laying it face down into the pan and it will absorb all the excess fat. It is also a good way to skim off the fat from the top of a pot of homemade soup.

Cake Pan Coating:
When I'm baking a cake and it calls for a flouring of the pans, I sugar instead. The sugar spreads easier and doesn't leave a white cover on the cake. It will leave a slight sweet coating on the cake bottom and sides.

A Neater Butter Dish:
When placing your fresh stick of butter in the dish, slice it into serving size portions. It looks prettier but it's also easier to get it from the butter dish to your plate.

Faylee

Cleaning Gas Grill before Grilling

After you have grilled the last steak, if you take a few minutes to clean your grill it will be so much easier the next time. The excitement of inviting everyone over for a bite to eat, dims when you have to face a dirty grill.

When all the food has been cooked, turn the gas jets up, all the way. Close the lid on the grill. You want to burn off all the stuck on food bits and pieces. This should take no more than five minutes. You want to take extra special care that no guest, especially children, are in your cleaning area.

When the burning off phase is completed, turn off the gas not only on the grill but at the tank also. Using a wire metal brush, go over the grill until the all the residue from your cooking is gone. If you have no brush, take a large piece of heavy duty aluminum foil, crush it in your hands then precede to clean the particles off the grill. If you have a pair of work gloves, wear them as the grill will still be very hot.

Wash the side bars of the grill with hot soapy water to get rid of any grease that might have splattered in the cooking process. Rinse well, as old grease can get a terrible odor with age. When all the cleaning has been done and the grill cooled enough, cover it. This way it will be waiting for you when the party urge hits you the next time.

At least once or twice a year, depending on how often you use your grill, make the effort to do a complete cleaning. Take the grill apart, down to the gas jets. Yes, this means taking out the rocks and any other grilling aids you have added to your pit. You want to be able to see the bottom of the grill. Check for flaws, such as small holes, cracks and/or built up grease pockets. Using hot water and soap, wash the inside of the grill. You will want to rinse until all signs of the soap are gone. A water hose is a great rinse tool. It helps to get into all the small places, plus with a small tool at the end of your hose you can pressure wash the remaining debris out and away.

Once the washing and rinsing is finished, turn the gas back on. Letting the flames burn long enough to dry the grill inside and out.

You may also want to use this time to repaint your grill. You can buy grill spray paint at most home centers or auto stores. A fresh coat will make everyone think you have a new grill. Replacing your grill rocks at this time is usually a good idea too.

As with most things, when taken care of, grills will last many years. Bringing pleasure to you, your family and friends.

Bon Appetite, Faylee

BBQ Weather, Time to learn the Basics

Basic facts for good BBQing, starting with the correct tools. You will need,

[1] Long handle tongs

[2] Long handle spatula

[3] 2-3 thick towels

[4] 1 damp to wet cloth

[5] 1 metal wire brush and/or scraper

[6] a source to grill [gas, charcoal, electric]

I also keep a spray bottle of water and one box of baking soda, near by for the occasional flair up of hot grease. The water will cool the grill and the soda will smother out the flames, if needed.

Set up your cooking area in a safe place, near your guest but far way enough to not endanger your house or guest. About ten feet is a good general rule.

Never leave your grill unattended. If you have to walk away, assign someone to take your place.
Always place your tools in a safe place when not using them. As they are longer and normally heavier, you could hurt yourself or a guest accidentally.

Having a helper who can keep running children or pets from coming into your cooking area is a great benefit, also.

Now that you are ready to get busy with the meal, don't forget to invite me.

Faylee

Joy

Joy is possible in any economy. As free willed people, we each have a right to choose how we live our lives. Each day is filled with possibilities and it's up to us to find all of them.
Life wasn't meant to be mistake free. We would not know what was sweet if we didn't taste the bitter on occasion. The rain must fall to make us appreciate the sunlight. When we appreciate, we share the joy within us.
Deciding who we share our joy with, is up to us but the more we give a way the more it comes back to us.
Your days will be filled with promises. Let it into your heart, your mind and life. For it costs no man or woman to spread the joy they have within.

Faylee

Wonders of Spring

What is it about Spring that brings out the best in us? Shouldn't it just be another day on the calender? Another time for us to do our normal things, moving us from one place to another?

Instead it brings smiles where there was frowns, giggles and laughter where they were tears,,,aaaaa the marvels of Spring.



Today I'm sitting in my office with the sun coming over my shoulders as I type this. Yesterday is was 34 degrees and snowing. Today it is a sunny and bright 50 degrees. The Earth is shaking off it's last remnants of Winter, offering up the promise of a glorious Spring.



Let us use this time to renew not only our little part of the earth but our lives. Make plans for the adventures of summer. What ever it is,,,,the big family reunion or a quiet trip to far away places. Now is the time to put all the pieces together, in your mind, in your imagination and in your heart.

Wishing you a day filled with sunshine and rainbows,

Faylee

Worse Meal Possible

Last evening I surprised my family with the worse meal possible. Baked Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread Dressing, Gravy and Green Beans. When I was putting that menu on paper and in my head it seemed a done deal. No way that someone who has been cooking for as long as I have could ruin it, but I did.
If lemon goes with chicken why doesn't lime? Same citrus family, pretty green and smells so good but on my chicken breasts it turned bitter and uneatable. I made the dressing just as the package said, but it was so dry, we thought we were eating sand. The mashed potatoes was good, not great but good,,,yippie, something was good and the green beans,,,aaa, where were the green beans?? Could it be, that maybe I forgot them,,,oh yes, still in the freezer, waiting my special touch.
So you see, even a cook with years of experience can have an off night. Do not think so badly of yourself is things do not come out right every time. That's why they have practice time in NASCAR and we have try, try again in life.
For more recipes and cooking tips look on my website http://www.hassieskitchentable.com/

Have a great day, and keep trying!
Faylee