tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33522803743518910712024-03-13T22:27:28.294-04:00A Plate at My Table - Hospitality and EntertainingHospitality, Entertaining, Food, Fellowship, Home Decorating
Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-80366060649784191372014-07-24T16:30:00.002-04:002014-07-24T16:30:59.533-04:00Prepping for Emergencies - Spicy Black Bean Soup From Can Goods<div style="text-align: center;">
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Where ever you are there is always a natural disaster lurking somewhere. In Florida, where I live, hurricane season begins in June and goes through November. Although we can't predict or protect ourselves from everything there are things we can do to be prepared.<br />
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<b>No matter what's going on people have to eat and food can offer comfort in a stressful time.</b><br />
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Many years ago there was a hurricane off the coast of Florida and we were told to stock up on food and water. I headed to my local grocery store to buy a few things but I found the store shelves empty.<br />
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That's a scary sight. <i>Not even one can of beanie weenies left on the shelf!</i><br />
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We made it through that hurricane with no problems but I decided that I'd never be in the predicament again!<br />
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I began to gather recipes that I could make with canned foods that would keep on my pantry shelf.<br />
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<b>When stocking my emergency pantry shelves I have three requirements:</b><br />
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Recipes must be made completely from shelf stable ingredients.<br />
The dish has to taste good.<br />
I have to be able to prepare it with a limited heat source.<br />
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For this dish I took a family favorite recipe and modified it to meet my requirements. I'll admit the original is better because I make it with fresh veggies and a ham bone but this version is good in a pinch.<br />
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<b>Sweet and Spicy Black Bean Soup </b><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasMc1fKLL-3W6whWclCIRLfSz6YISMaT1ZnBXzRvzhKSyvo42a_VNe64o1fC4SKNkQOD5q1Mwiic7iwa9wDOOtM7u5THOBiJGF2-YoVoRUrGDaPbvqefyYxXDWmEDiQW-hn8JGc8DBNs/s400/black+bean+soup+003.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sweet and Spicy Black Bean Soup</span></b><br />
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Makes 4 servings<br />
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2 cans black beans<br />
1 can peaches in light syrup or juice<br />
1 can Rotel (Original or Mild depending on your taste)<br />
Chicken or vegetable broth (canned is better but you could use bouillon cubes)<br />
1/4 cup dried onion<br />
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Drain the beans.<br />
Drain the peaches and reserve 4 Tablespoons and *save the rest to use later.<br />
Dice the peaches.<br />
Soak the dried onion in 1/2 cup water<br />
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Add the onions with the water they soaked in, beans, peaches, syrup/juice and Rotel to a pot set over medium heat. Add enough broth to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 - 30 minutes**. Taste and adjust as needed. You can add more chicken or veggie broth to make the soup as 'soupy' as you like.<br />
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To make this a complete shelf stable meal serve the soup with crackers or corn chips.<br />
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*If the peaches are canned in 100% juice I save it to drink. If it's canned in light syrup I add it to my iced tea as part of the sweetener or freeze the syrup in an ice cube tray to add to drinks or as a cold treat.<br />
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**If you're in an emergency situation and a heat source is limited you don't have to simmer the soup. It's better heated but you could eat this at room temp if necessary.<br />
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I've made this dish several times. Not because we had an emergency situation but because I forgot to take something out of the freezer or I was just in a hurry. I guess that can be considered an emergency:)</div>
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<br />Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-48023490148679922172014-07-07T15:03:00.000-04:002014-07-08T22:39:45.252-04:00A Surprise Birthday Party and Hummingbird Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each month I get together with a group of ladies to work on
our scrapbooks. If anyone in the group has a birthday that month we celebrate with a special dessert. This month one of the ladies had a milestone birthday so we decided to throw her a surprise birthday party.</div>
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The day started early as usual with everyone working away on
their scrapbooks but when we broke for lunch my friend was surprised when her
husband, her son and a few extra friends showed up. It took her a few minutes
to comprehend that we were having something a little special just for her.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Surprise!</span></div>
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<b>We kept the menu simple...</b></div>
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Grilled pork loin and turkey breast</div>
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<a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-ultimate-baked-beans-for-your-next.html">Ultimate Baked Beans</a></div>
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<a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2014/06/sweet-and-slightly-tangy-coleslaw-for.html">Coleslaw </a></div>
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Fruit salad</div>
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Everything was prepared the day before so party day was a breeze. </div>
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<b>That’s the way I like to party!</b></div>
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Instead of a birthday cake I decided to make a variety of
cupcakes.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aBLjD8sMViQSRn4t2jZsKWk2Gnx8z9UkUlc0144PM22lXJCGRBh6dq_EYGO-drxbhJNFquwxycH0Vn1dNLNUxMx8cvu2xUrktBLk0uY7ruLYmipEh_oCrBnS1WW2-zfMau5zftebJ2-h/s1600/cupcake+display.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aBLjD8sMViQSRn4t2jZsKWk2Gnx8z9UkUlc0144PM22lXJCGRBh6dq_EYGO-drxbhJNFquwxycH0Vn1dNLNUxMx8cvu2xUrktBLk0uY7ruLYmipEh_oCrBnS1WW2-zfMau5zftebJ2-h/s1600/cupcake+display.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A variety of cupcakes to choose from. Hummingbird, Lemon, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Chocolate Orange.</td></tr>
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I’ll be sharing all the cupcake recipes but for today I’ll
tell you how I made these yummy Hummingbird cupcakes. The cake portion was
delicious but the coconut butter cream icing was to die for. I could eat it by
the spoonful and I usually do<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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I’m always looking for ways to make things a little easier
so that’s why I started these cupcakes with a box mix. </div>
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Like my<a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2014/05/box-mix-brownies-all-dressed-up-with.html"> <i>brownie dessert</i> </a>these are my box mix cupcakes
all dressed up and ready to party!</div>
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<b>Hummingbird Cupcakes with Coconut Butter Cream Icing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Makes 24 cupcakes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Cake:</div>
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1 boxed white cake mix with pudding in the mix</div>
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1-teaspoon ground cinnamon</div>
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½ cup crushed pineapple, well drained and squeezed dry (save the juice for
making the cake)</div>
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2 ripe bananas, mashed </div>
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1 cup sweetened coconut (plus a little extra to sprinkle on
top of the icing)</div>
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1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)</div>
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Mix the cake as directed on the back of the package <b>except
</b>add the cinnamon to the dry mix and<b> </b>use pineapple juice in place of the water. (If
you don’t have enough juice for what is called for add water to bring it up to
the amount needed)</div>
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Once the cake is mixed stir in the mashed banana, pineapple
and coconut. Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake as directed on the
package. (Usually 14 – 19 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center
comes out clean.)</div>
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Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes then remove and
continue cooling for 30 minutes. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled icing
them with Coconut Butter Cream. </div>
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<h1>
<span style="font-size: small;">Coconut Butter Cream Icing</span></h1>
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(This makes about 7 cups of icing - I usually have icing left over but I'd rather have too much than not enough. Leftover icing can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for 7 -10 days. To use the leftovers bring the icing to room temp and beat till fluffy.)</div>
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3 cups unsalted butter (6 sticks) </div>
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6 cups confectioners (XXX) sugar, sifted to remove any lumps</div>
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1 – 3 teaspoons coconut extract</div>
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The butter must be at room temperature. I leave mine on the
counter for 6 – 8 hours or even overnight. </div>
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Whip the butter in a mixer on high speed until fluffy. Add
the sugar 1 cup at a time beating well after each addition. Add the coconut
extract 1 teaspoon at a time. Taste after each addition and add more if needed.
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Use a pastry bag and a large tip to pipe the icing on each cupcake. Sprinkle with a little coconut. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend is the perfect sport - she loved her surprise party. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How about you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you like to be surprised?</span></div>
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Linking up with:<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/07/224th-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank">A Stroll Through Life - Inspire Me Tuesday</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://yumeating.com/yuck-stops-15/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YumEating+%28YUM+eating%29" target="_blank"><img alt="Grab button for The YUCK Stops Here" height="166" src="http://mommasangelbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/the-yuck-stops-here-symbol-02.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-28946836707979278482014-07-02T08:39:00.000-04:002014-07-02T08:39:01.077-04:00Summer Salad - Quinoa and Black Beans<div>
If you're looking for something a little different to serve at your next cook out or pot luck try this summer salad. Quinoa and beans team up to make a deliciously different and versatile dish. It can be eaten as a meal in itself, served as a side dish or even as a filling in your favorite wrap. </div>
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<b>A few facts about quinoa:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>pronounced keen - wa</li>
<li>often called a whole grain it is actually a seed</li>
<li>a complete protein - contains all 9 essential amino acids</li>
<li>contains iron, lysine and magnesium</li>
<li>high in fiber</li>
</ul>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6C5X4Z-tESGTojJ17c3hUavEpQ8Mr8FDaJRZWowNglwVdwCEp2ui9fAPnUDsnGoARxHLpFSUtZ8FaVvmnUYv55xHYGidN-bf7adc-Gtn_59wPZaaMO7WNsVm7e7fyUNVKXd-lkkoR9c/s640/pictures+june+july+2013+062.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Quinoa and Black Bean Salad</span></b></div>
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<div>
1 cup quinoa</div>
<div>
2 cups chicken stock or veggie stock </div>
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1/2 teaspoon sea salt</div>
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1 medium onion, chopped</div>
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1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped</div>
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1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped</div>
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1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped</div>
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2 garlic cloves, finely minced</div>
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1 - 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained</div>
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Juice and zest from 1 lime (about 2 Tablespoons juice)</div>
<div>
2 Tablespoons olive oil </div>
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1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes - more or less depending on how hot you like it. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Important!</b> Quinoa is coated with toxic chemical called saponin. You must rinse the quinoa before cooking or it will be very bitter. Place the quinoa in a sieve and rinse under running water. The water will look soapy so be sure to rinse until the water runs clear. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After the quinoa is rinsed place it in a pot with the liquid and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" />While the quinoa is cooking chop the veggies and place in a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt. Add the beans, garlic, lime juice and zest. Toss to coat. </div>
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Once the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender allow it to cool slightly. </div>
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Add the quinoa to the veggies and beans and toss. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Serve and enjoy!</span></b></div>
Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-54465196159649809702014-06-27T14:04:00.001-04:002014-06-28T08:32:55.033-04:00The Ultimate Baked Beans for Your Next CookoutWhen I'm in a hurry or there's lots of dishes to prepare for a cookout I have no problem opening a can of baked beans to heat and serve. But there are times when I want to go an extra mile and make something a little more special.<br />
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That's when I pull out all the stops and make the ultimate baked beans. My friend refers to these as "Those Beans" because when I make this dish for a potluck she says everyone want to know who made those beans.<br />
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Full of bacon, ground beef and three different types of beans it could be a meal in itself.</div>
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All it takes is a few cans of beans and a little of this and a little of that...</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ultimate Baked Beans</span></b><br />
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3 (1 pound) cans pork and beans<br />
1 (1 pound) can lima beans (do not drain)<br />
1 (1 pound) can of kidney beans (drained)<br />
1/2 pound bacon<br />
1 pound ground beef<br />
1 cup chopped onion<br />
1 cup ketchup<br />
1 cup water<br />
1/4 cup yellow mustard<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar<br />
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce<br />
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Brown the ground beef, drain the fat and set aside.<br />
Cook the bacon until crisp. Drain all but 3 Tablespoons of the bacon fat.<br />
Cook the onion in the reserved bacon fat until tender.<br />
Add the ketchup, water, mustard, brown sugar, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce to the onions and heat through.<br />
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Crumble the bacon and mix all the ingredients together in a large baking dish. (I used a cast iron chicken fryer.)<br />
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You can add additional ketchup and water if the dish seems too dry.<br />
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Bake in the oven at 300 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours until thick and bubbly.<br />
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In a crock pot on low 4 hours<br />
OR<br />
for a cookout this can be cooked on the grill. I used a cast iron skillet and set it over the hot coals for 1 1/2 hours. <br />
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<b>For your next cookout <i>those beans</i> would be great served with <a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2014/06/sweet-and-slightly-tangy-coleslaw-for.html" target="_blank">Sweet and Slightly Tangy Coleslaw </a>and your favorite grilled meat. </b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What's on your grill this weekend?</span></b></div>
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<br />Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-18459075113392105902014-06-20T08:14:00.001-04:002014-09-19T19:51:16.106-04:00Practice Hospitality - Talking to People in the Store<div style="text-align: center;">
When I go shopping I'm usually on a mission to get in and get out! </div>
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When I stopped at Sam's Club to buy 8 pounds of unsalted butter I was on that mission. Get the butter and get out. I had a lot on my mind as I was getting ready for a party I'm hosting and I had a long list of things to do. Making 4 dozen cupcakes was one of the items on my list.</div>
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I got the butter and was heading for the checkout when I remembered I was out of milk so I took a side step to picked up a gallon. That's when an elderly gentleman stopped me and asked me about the milk. <i>Whole, fat-free, 1%, 2%??? </i>He was completely lost. So for 10 minutes we talked about milk. I didn't know that a simple product like milk could be a topic of conversation! </div>
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When we parted company he said to me "thank you for talking to me". </div>
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It was a brief encounter but his words stuck with me all day. </div>
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<i>"Thank you for talking to me." </i></div>
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I don't know the facts and figures but I read somewhere that loneliness is rampant in our society. Especially in the elderly who are often time widowed and have lost many of their friends. </div>
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Whether this gentleman was lonely or not I'm glad I took a few minutes out of my busy schedule to have a simple conversation about milk.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you talk to strangers when you're out and about?</span></b></div>
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Check out this post for a few ideas for <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2013/11/hospitality-dare-3-listening-to-someone.html" target="_blank">talking and listening to people</a> </span>when you're out and about.</div>
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-49034277101108526502014-06-14T09:28:00.000-04:002014-06-14T23:27:47.257-04:00Summer Grilling - Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Ginger Marinade<div style="text-align: center;">
It's summer and we're really putting our grill to good use. Last night we grilled chicken that had been marinated with a combination of pineapple, ginger, garlic and few other ingredients. To go with the chicken I stir fried fresh veggies and used the same marinade ingredients to make a sauce that I served over kelp noodles.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever eaten kelp noodles?</span></b><br />
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This was a first for us and I was a little leery. I'm not fond of seafood and I wasn't sure if it would taste fishy. But the package promised it was a neutral flavor and since kelp is very high in calcium I decided to give it a try.<br />
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I purchased the kelp noodles from Whole Foods. Be forewarned. If you've never used kelp noodles before it looks a little bizarre when you open the package. Like clear plastic strings. The noodles can be eaten right out of the package in salad or you can cook them in liquid. They're still clear as you can see in the picture of the finished dish.<br />
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I used a mini chopper to make the marinade.<br />
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Bright, crisp veggies and clear noodles are so pretty in the pan!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grilled Pineapple Ginger Chicken Kabobs With Veggies and Kelp Noodles </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This recipe will make four generous servings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 wooden skewers soaked in water for about 15 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 pounds of boneless chicken breast (About 4 large breasts)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut the chicken in to chunks roughly 1 1/2 inch square pieces</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place the chicken in a gallon sized zip type plastic food storage bag.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marinade:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tablespoon Ume Plum Vinegar OR Apple Cider Vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup oil (I used olive oil)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Tablespoons soy sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tablespoon minced garlic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tablespoon sugar </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less to your liking)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whisk all the ingredients together and reserve 1 cup to use later. Pour the remaining marinade into the bag. Seal the bag and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour but not more than 4 hours. Turn the bag occasionally while the chicken marinates. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grilling:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you're ready to grill equally divide the chicken and thread it on to the skewers. Discard the excess marinade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grill over hot coals for 5 minutes. Flip and grill another 5 minutes. Check for doneness. Make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cook the veggies and noodles while the chicken grills. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vegetables:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 cups of broccoli florets</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 medium red or white onion cut in chunks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 medium red or green pepper cut in chunks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 clove of garlic, minced </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 - 3 Tablespoons of oil for stir frying</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok add the garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add the veggies in the following order. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Broccoli - cook for 2 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Onions - cook for 1 minute</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peppers - cook for 2 minute</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The veggies should be crisp tender. Don't over cook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continue on to the sauce and noodles</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Noodles and Sauce:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the reserved marinade add:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #616161; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups of veggie or chicken stock</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #616161; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup of pineapple juice</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #616161; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 finely grated carrot</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Packaged Kelp Noodles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the veggie have been stir fried pour the sauce over the veggies and add the package of kelp noodles. The noodles only need 5 minutes to soften up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adjust the flavorings and add more soy sauce if needed. </span></div>
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I hope you'll give Kelp Noodles a try! I did and I like it for a change of pace.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So what's on your grill this summer?</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.yummyhealthyeasy.com/2014/06/saturday-night-fever-38-bacon-features.html" target="_blank">Saturday Night Fever #38</a></div>
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-58170828484158594882014-06-11T14:05:00.000-04:002014-06-14T08:42:39.784-04:00Sweet and Slightly Tangy Coleslaw For Your 4th of July Celebration<div style="text-align: center;">
In my last post I shared a favorite book <a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-share-table-experiment-loving-your.html" target="_blank">Table Experiment: Loving Your Neighbor One Meal at a Time</a> by Ryan J. Pelton. A partial quote from the author really caught my attention.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-align: start;">"implement the art of hospitality back into the daily rhythms of life"</span></blockquote>
This makes me think about how we can complicate the act of hospitality. The house has to be perfectly decorated and clean. The table must be beautifully set with a special centerpiece, matching napkins and of course a cute little name place card for each guest. The food must be right off the pages of the latest magazine or blog...you get the idea.<br />
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This is why I named my blog A Plate at My Table. I hope to convey that hospitality can be as simple as setting an extra place at the family dinner table. Inviting people to sit down to share your meal.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Share your table - Share your life</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6e4pxzN1wJXjsXNL_69vFZ7fXoxWePfXEpXcZCEzJl12bzcxGNt7e5UOzFqIXTLLOvC7oM-DNoEGbJWH5iRJoR1NQ5B2aBliCBbuKCTusAkuBfAjozw_30xFXKVOsj6aFSCgWGhyphenhyphenSGBv/s1600/Coleslaw+sweet+and+tangy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6e4pxzN1wJXjsXNL_69vFZ7fXoxWePfXEpXcZCEzJl12bzcxGNt7e5UOzFqIXTLLOvC7oM-DNoEGbJWH5iRJoR1NQ5B2aBliCBbuKCTusAkuBfAjozw_30xFXKVOsj6aFSCgWGhyphenhyphenSGBv/s1600/Coleslaw+sweet+and+tangy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Almost every night I make dinner for six so adding one or two more people around the table isn't really that difficult. The other night we included a young couple and their baby at our impromptu cookout. </div>
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We ate outside on the porch so it didn't matter that the house was a little messy.<br />
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The menu was simple.</div>
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A plate of sliced tomatoes, onions and lettuce to top our grilled burgers, baked beans (yep, right out of the can) and coleslaw. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Now that's a burger!</span></b></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Holidays Make it Easy to Invite Someone Over</h3>
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If you aren't comfortable inviting someone over on short notice or when nothing special is going on take advantage of the upcoming 4th of July holiday. Holidays are the perfect time to entertain guest. <br />
Remember that even for a holiday the menu can be simple.</div>
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Throw some burgers on the grill, open a can or two of baked beans and make a big bowl of coleslaw. You're good to go!</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
The Coleslaw</h3>
I'm not sure about other parts of the country but in the South everyone has their own version of coleslaw. Some people swear by coleslaw made with sweet relish other's use only dill relish. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, add carrots, don't add carrots. A few radicals even add an apple or grapes! I've had icebox coleslaw and hot coleslaw. After years of trying I finally perfected what my family says is their favorite version.<br />
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<i>A combination of crunchy cabbage and carrots that's sweet and a little tangy with just a hint of dill. </i></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-family: 'Open Sans'; line-height: 21px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sweet and Slightly Tangy Coleslaw</span></b></div>
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<b>Recipe will serve 6 and can easily be doubled to meet your needs. </b><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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About 7 cups of shredded cabbage </div>
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1 or 2 carrots - shredded</div>
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<b>OR</b></div>
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14-ounce bag of shredded cabbage with carrots </div>
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<b>Dressing:</b></div>
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1/2 cup mayonnaise</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar</div>
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2 Tablespoons water</div>
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2 Tablespoons granulated sugar</div>
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2 Tablespoons finely minced red onion</div>
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1/2 teaspoon dried dill </div>
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Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth. </div>
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Place cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Pour on the dressing and stir. </div>
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For best results refrigerate at least 2 hours. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Will you be serving a special coleslaw at your 4th of July get together?</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2014/06/grace-at-home-no-108.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grace at Home #108</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/2014/06/pretty-summer-hair-styles-and-lilla.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope in Every Season - Homemaking Party</span></a></div>
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<br />Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-24655114248763280212014-06-04T13:47:00.002-04:002014-06-10T09:04:40.435-04:00Book Share - The Table Experiment - Loving Your Neighbor One Meal at a Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Table-Experiment-Neighbor-Everyday-ebook/dp/B00BM9FI5K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1401883081&sr=8-3&keywords=the+table+experiment" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51s2TQSxMeL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Table-Experiment-Neighbor-Everyday-ebook/dp/B00BM9FI5K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1401903932&sr=8-3&keywords=table+experiment" target="_blank">Table Experiment by Ryan J Pelton</a> is the first book I downloaded to read on my Kindle. To be honest I bought it because it was only 99 cents and I wanted to see how my new reader worked.<br />
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I have to say it was the best 99 cents I've ever spent and I feel this book is worth so much more. It's only 4 chapters and around 20 pages in total but straight forward and to the point. I read it in less than 20 minutes and it inspired me to take up the challenge and do my own table experiment.<br />
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<b>The chapters include:</b><br />
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The Forgotten Art of Hospitality<br />
Eating Like Jesus<br />
The Table Experiment<br />
5 Simple Way to Love Your Neighbors<br />
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The author writes about the act of simply opening our home and inviting someone in to share a meal. Just a simple meal. Nothing elaborate or fancy and I like that.<br />
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<b>A short quote from the book:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"My hope and prayer for this book is to explore how we can implement the art of hospitality back into the daily rhythms of life. Where our tables can be places of love, grace, community, mission, and forgiveness. The common meal and the common table can become places where friendships are formed and cultivated. Where the gospel of Jesus Christ is shared in word and deed over food and drink." Ryan J Pelton 2013</blockquote>
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<b>I encourage you to spend less than a dollar and check out this little book. There's a lot of lonely people out there that would love to have a plate at your table.</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/2014/06/the-homemaking-party-animal-rescuers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope in Every Season - The Homemaking Party</span></a></div>
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-67364683494279055002014-05-27T20:27:00.001-04:002014-05-31T07:24:12.500-04:00Box Mix Brownies All Dressed Up With Strawberries and Syrup<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week my girlfriend called to say she'd be on my side of town and would it be OK to drop by for a visit. We hadn't seen each other in a few weeks so of course I said yes!</div>
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I had time to whip up a treat for us but the pantry was a little bare. I did have a brownie mix in a box so I baked it up but it seemed a little plain. I decided to do a little brownie dress up. </div>
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Hershey's Strawberry syrup and Chocolate syrup to the rescue!</div>
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I used the strawberry syrup to drizzle a few lines on a white plate, topped it with a brownie square and poured on some chocolate syrup. A sliced fresh strawberry fan was just the right garnish. </div>
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I have to admit a little whipped cream and chopped pecans would have been perfect but sometimes you have to go with what you have. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5MA-0epm3a5QA_Y1OOfETgLg4OY7HY4xuzw16ih4AgJudMJH2n7nWsEg1aXOfikSBGQh7K09U-z5XstQZNMa62wzKhS3jT3kGAWVTGrTgZ1viaxximPRdkEMCb8motBysf8-WXkW0lse/s1600/Brownies+with+strawberry+syrup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5MA-0epm3a5QA_Y1OOfETgLg4OY7HY4xuzw16ih4AgJudMJH2n7nWsEg1aXOfikSBGQh7K09U-z5XstQZNMa62wzKhS3jT3kGAWVTGrTgZ1viaxximPRdkEMCb8motBysf8-WXkW0lse/s1600/Brownies+with+strawberry+syrup.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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A plain brownie is certainly tasty but it only takes a minute to dress it up. Going to a little extra effort lets our friends and family know how important they are.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a favorite way to dress up a plain dessert?</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.pamspartyandpracticaltips.com/2014/05/dare-to-share-113.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Dare to Share Saturday - Pam's Party and Practical Tips</span></a></div>
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-50519251806243300672014-05-21T16:25:00.000-04:002014-06-15T17:31:18.818-04:00Five Simple Things To Do So You Don't Panic When Unexpected Company Knocks <div class="MsoNormal">
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We've all been there. Unexpected company...</div>
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You're lounging around on your day off and the door bell rings. What do you do? Hide in the back room or begrudgingly answer
the door hoping it’s the UPS guy with a package. Would you visit with your guests on the front porch or grab your purse like you're just running out the door?</div>
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I could never bring myself to hide from unexpected company but I have been guilty of entertaining them on the front porch a time or two. If
I did invite them I’d spend most of the visit apologizing for the messy room or
the fact I had nothing to offer in the way of refreshments.</div>
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I was convicted that I couldn't leave guests outside on the
porch no matter how comfy it was nor spend the time pointing out the reasons I
didn't appreciate the unannounced visit. Hey, it wasn't their fault I was still in my pajama or last night pizza box was on the coffee table but apologizing for these things let's your guest know that they came at the wrong time. </div>
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I wanted to graciously welcome people in to my home but I needed a
plan. So I came up with five simple things to make it easier to open the door
and invite people in. These might help you too!</div>
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<li><b>Don't get caught with your panties down.</b> <i>In other words I always try to be at least semi presentable when I'm at home. A nice bathrobe comes in handy;)</i></li>
<li><b>Always have at least one clear spot in the house to bring guests.</b> <i>In a perfect world we'd all have formal living rooms that sit idle just waiting for company. We don't live in a perfect world so set aside an area, even just a corner of the couch, and try to keep it picked up. If the house is messy I usually bring my guests to the kitchen table. There may be dirty dishes in the sink (evidence we eat well) but the table is usually cleared and there's a nice view of the backyard</i></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJmrsgbKAorxQoHo3A_lE33zDLgCQRR-r7Wq-ZZ-rC7HsNRP-hIiGwj8IVjI2WzsAgfWGNw8yP6hPbhOsFnDTLNj5GRMToXGnVryJc0oiwb0L1Reoume-svJBOaDScI2HOlHwMl-_KPKM/s1600/breakfast+nook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJmrsgbKAorxQoHo3A_lE33zDLgCQRR-r7Wq-ZZ-rC7HsNRP-hIiGwj8IVjI2WzsAgfWGNw8yP6hPbhOsFnDTLNj5GRMToXGnVryJc0oiwb0L1Reoume-svJBOaDScI2HOlHwMl-_KPKM/s1600/breakfast+nook.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li><b>Keep a few treats tucked away in the freezer.</b> <i>Well wrapped (and hidden from husband and kids) cookies, pound cake and quick bread will keep for several weeks in the freezer. If the freezer's bare a little fruit or even microwave popcorn will do the trick.</i></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNUPh9Xo0aflrndzj9MiQiEOol7uZdK0W3JSM-kcNMEaofC80GuQqOoLcZyKydilOoS-f7g-xfwNq0D1qVvTrfZVbgry2kHr1ANx58fMVBLM-lm3Nee-UGa1QVpLc8GItNsS96rBC66_p/s1600/fruit+plate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNUPh9Xo0aflrndzj9MiQiEOol7uZdK0W3JSM-kcNMEaofC80GuQqOoLcZyKydilOoS-f7g-xfwNq0D1qVvTrfZVbgry2kHr1ANx58fMVBLM-lm3Nee-UGa1QVpLc8GItNsS96rBC66_p/s1600/fruit+plate.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A simple plate of apples, golden raisins and almond butter served with a cup of tea<br />
makes a nice snack for your guests.</td></tr>
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<li><b>Offer coffee, tea or a cool drink. </b><i>It takes less than five minutes to make coffee or boil water for tea. Homemade lemonade is great but don't discount the value of a cold glass of water. </i></li>
<li><b>Keep thy mouth shut about the condition of thy house! </b><i>At times my house is messy. Toys on the floor, magazines and books stacked by the couch, dirty dishes in the sink. These things are all proof that people live here! Real people who can be really messy at times. Believe it or not your unexpected company probably left a messy house to come visit you. Stop apologizing and pay attention and enjoy your guests. </i></li>
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<b>So next time unexpected guests show up at your door put on a smile, invite them in, offer a little refreshments and a listening ear. That's what they'll remember. Not that they had to step over the laundry basket on the way in the door. </b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2013/11/get-ready-to-party-series-day-3-clean.html" target="_blank">For a few more ideas on getting and keeping your home clean see this post.</a></b></div>
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<b>I'm setting another plate at my table and making a place in my heart!</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If you stopped by I'd love to hear from you. Leave me a little comment:-)</span></b></div>
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-71784917094715538142014-05-14T14:33:00.002-04:002014-05-15T08:29:32.815-04:00A Gift of Food and Time<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you know anyone who is confined to their home due to age or illness?</div>
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These people are sometimes referred to as shut-ins and most neighborhoods probably have one or two at least. There may even be one on your street maybe right next door. </div>
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I can't imagine not being able to jump in my car to go shopping or to visit friends. I can't imagine what it would be like to live the life of a shut in. To rely on others to bring me the daily necessities of life or the need to turn on the TV to hear a friendly voice. </div>
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Do you know anyone like this? </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This is the perfect opportunity to practice a little hospitality...</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Practice hospitality by s</span><span style="font-size: large;">haring your time.</span></div>
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There's a elderly widow who lives near me and I try and drop by once a week for a little visit. She gets her meals from a program called "Meals on Wheels" and although they bring nutritious meals they aren't very inspiring. I usually bring her a few pieces of fruit and a treat to give her a little something extra. </div>
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Today I gathered bananas and apples, a few of the <a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2014/05/celebrating-national-chocolate-chip-day.html">Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Scones</a> that I made yesterday and a jar of honey. The honey is a special treat. The last time I visited her she talked about how her dad was a beekeeper and he'd let her eat a piece of the honeycomb if she got all her chores done. She said she'd chew it like gum. I knew when I came across this jar of honey with the comb that I had to pick it up for her. </div>
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It doesn't take much to brighten someone's day. Less than $10 in treats and 30 minutes of my time.<br />
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<a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2012/12/take-meal-to-shut-in.html">Go here to see another time I visited with this same lady.</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What can you do to brighten someone's day this week?</span></div>
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<a href="http://livingfromglorytoglory.blogspot.com/2014/05/encouragement-homemakers-link-up-party-3.html"><img alt="Living From Glory To Glory" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/SophieBlogBadge.png~original" /></a></div>
Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-13034045577796006482014-05-13T17:48:00.000-04:002014-06-14T08:43:17.579-04:00Celebrating National Chocolate Chip Day with Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Scones <div style="text-align: center;">
Did you know that May 15th is National Chocolate Chip day?</div>
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I didn't until I saw it online but it sounds like a good excuse to do a little baking! (and eating:-) </div>
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I love to make scones because they're just so easy to mix up and bake and not too terribly sweet. Like a glorified biscuit...</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Easiest Ever Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Scones</b></span></div>
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I submitted this recipe to my church cook book a few years ago. We serve it every year at the Mother's Tea our Women's group hosts. </div>
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2 cups all purpose flour</div>
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¼ cup sugar</div>
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2 tsp. Baking powder</div>
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1/8 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)</div>
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1/3-cup cold unsalted butter </div>
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1 large egg, slightly beaten</div>
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½ cup Hazelnut liquid coffee creamer* (or you can use half and half)</div>
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1 and 1/2 cup chocolate chips</div>
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Preheat oven 375 degrees F</div>
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Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.</div>
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend in to the flour mixture with a pastry blender or two knives. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs.</div>
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In a small bowl combine the creamer and beaten egg. Add this mixture to the dry mixture. Stir to just combine. Add the chocolate chips. </div>
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Knead the dough gently on a floured surface. Roll or pat the dough into a circle that is about 7 inch round and about 1½ inches thick. Cut this circle into 8 triangles or use a round cookie cutter and cut out like biscuits.</div>
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Bake for 15 – 18 minutes or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of a scone comes out clean.</div>
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<b>*Variations: I used Nestles Hazelnut flavored Coffee Mate. </b>You can use any flavor of liquid creamer. It's especially fun to try the seasonal flavors. Pumpkin Pie Spice in the Fall or how about Eggnog or Peppermint Mocha for a Christmas treat? If you'd rather not use the flavored creamer plain half and half would work.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Will you make something special for National Chocolate </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chip Day?</span></div>
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<br />Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-63836557420666751942014-05-10T18:28:00.002-04:002014-05-20T08:51:10.563-04:00Blast From the Past - Banana Split Dessert For a Girls Get Together<div style="text-align: center;">
Once a month I get together with seven other women for what is suppose to be a scrapbook crop. To be honest we do scrapbook a little, eat a lot and talk even more...It's a glorious day of girl time!</div>
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So that no one person is burdened with the responsibility for all the food we rotate turns. This month it's my turn to bring dessert. I knew I wanted something cool since we're already experiencing summer time temperatures. So I Googled 'summer desserts' and I was pleasantly surprised when <i>Banana Split Dessert</i> was among the many choices. This dessert was very popular when I was a newly wed and it seems everyone had their own variation. It's been years since I've had it but I remembered it was <i>yummy</i>! It is cool and refreshing. I knew I this would be the perfect dessert to share with the girls.</div>
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Everyone seems to have their own variation of this dish but it's so simple you might not even need a recipe. Take a graham cracker crust, add a creamy filling, top with pineapple, banana and strawberries and finished it off with whipped cream, a few drizzles of chocolate and chopped nuts. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simple and so good!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Recipe</span></b></div>
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Recipe will make a 13 x 9 inch pan<br />
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<b>Crust</b></div>
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2 cups crushed grahams crackers</div>
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1/4 cup melted butter</div>
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2 Tablespoons sugar</div>
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Mix all the ingredients and press in to the bottom of pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.</div>
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<b>Filling</b></div>
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(The Triple Sec adds a little something extra to the filling but you can easily omit it if you're serving children or you just don't want to use alcohol.)</div>
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12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature</div>
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1 cup powdered sugar </div>
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2 - 3 Tablespoons Triple Sec (Orange Liqueur) optional</div>
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2 teaspoons vanilla</div>
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8 ounce container whipped topping (Cool Whip)</div>
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With a mixer cream together the cream cheese, sugar, Triple Sec (if using) and vanilla until fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped topping. </div>
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<i>Spoon the filling over the graham cracker crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.</i></div>
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<b>Topping</b></div>
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5 - 6 bananas, sliced</div>
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20 ounce can crushed pineapple (in juice) drained</div>
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2 cups sliced strawberries</div>
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8 ounce container whipped topping (Cool Whip)<br />
1 cup chopped pecans (or whatever is your favorite nut)<br />
Chocolate syrup or Hershey's Shell Topping<br />
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Drain the pineapple. Slice the bananas into the pineapple juice. This will help them to not turn brown.</div>
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With a slotted spoon remove the bananas from the juice and place them in an even layer of the cream cheese filling.<br />
Cover the bananas with the pineapple and a layer of strawberries. Cover the fruit with the whipped topping, cover with chopped nuts and drizzle on the chocolate.<br />
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To serve add a little whipped topping and a cherry on top. Enjoy!<br />
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Something I always do when I make a dessert to take somewhere is to make a little extra for my family. So I increased the recipe a little bit and made a loaf pan to leave at home. They must have enjoyed it because this is what I found when I got back after my girls day out.<br />
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If you're looking for a no bake summery dessert you might want to give this a try.<br />
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<a href="http://cookingwithcurls.com/2014/05/16/best-weekend-ice-cream-features/">Best of the Weekend</a></div>
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<a href="http://bubblynaturecreations.com/2014/05/make-bake-create-55.html"><img alt="Bubbly Nature Creations" src="http://bubblynaturecreations.com/makebakecreateparty.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2014/05/grace-at-home-no-105.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Grace at Home No. 105</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wearychef.com/saturday-night-fever-33/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Saturday Night Fever</span></a></div>
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-64339197995709400622014-05-06T21:53:00.001-04:002014-05-28T07:43:13.499-04:00Practice Hospitality - #1 - Showing Gratitude<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15px;">
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<b>The dictionary defines hospitality as:</b><br />
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<li>the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guest, visitors, or strangers.</li>
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<i>Synonyms</i>: friendliness, warm reception, welcome, helpfulness, neighborliness, warmth, kindness, congeniality.</blockquote>
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<b>For Christians it's command that we show hospitality to one another not an option. </b></blockquote>
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<i>Be hospitable to one another without complaint.</i></div>
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<i><i>1 Peter 4:9</i></i></div>
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<i><i>Do not neglect to show hospitality...</i></i></div>
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<i><i>Hebrew 13:2a</i></i></div>
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<b>Even in the secular world it's just good old common sense to be kind to one another....</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> OK, but how?</span></b></div>
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.<i>..practice hospitality...</i></div>
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<i>Romans 12:13a</i></div>
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Yes, we have to practice. </div>
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Hospitality is a skill and like learning any new skill it takes practice before it becomes natural and easy. </div>
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Even though it's now easier for me to invite people over or to be helpful and kind it hasn't always been the case. I've had to do a lot of practicing over the years and I'm still practicing. Like any skill if we don't use it we'll lose it!</div>
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Once a week I'm going to post an idea to practice and hone those hospitality skills. Some tasks will be simple and others a little more time consuming. Some will require very little effort such as the task for today. Other tasks may require us to mustard up some courage and step out of our comfort zone.<br />
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Want to join me?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#1 Hospitality Skill to Practice </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Be kind by showing gratitude. </i></span><br />
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We all have people in our lives who teach, help and encourage us. People who stick by us through thick and thin. The same people we often times take for granted. The assignment for this week is to make a list of at least five people that you want to thank. Write out a short note to each person saying thank you, address it and drop it in the mail. I guarantee that you'll make someone's day.<br />
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I've saved just about every thank you note and notes of encouragement that I've received. I keep them in a envelope in the back of my bible. When I'm feeling down or having myself a little pity party I pull them out and reread them. It never fails to lift my spirits to remember that someone took the time to thank me for something I did for them. I show you these not to say "I'm great look what I did" but to show you that a simple thing like a little note can bring joy to someone for many years to come.<br />
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I'm not sure if you can see it but the date on the top card is April 2004. I've held on to that for ten years! The lady who wrote that to me has since gone on to be with the Lord but when I read her words it brings back sweet memories. I'm glad that a simple thing I did brought joy to her life. And her note certainly has brought joy to mine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjpLpAgdPU3ZpGgteCtFUVop9lB2JCoPWsFcBHcdUB0r-24YWxrlkisOcLw2hpKjizWVXdgmDjfyMxpyCh7m0vqQLqymMYakwH9AIQUVhZO8qzrmfxKIZH0kiiudAkWx3TbLTleBIKzPR/s1600/practice+hospitaltiy+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjpLpAgdPU3ZpGgteCtFUVop9lB2JCoPWsFcBHcdUB0r-24YWxrlkisOcLw2hpKjizWVXdgmDjfyMxpyCh7m0vqQLqymMYakwH9AIQUVhZO8qzrmfxKIZH0kiiudAkWx3TbLTleBIKzPR/s1600/practice+hospitaltiy+002.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My first thank you note will be to my mom. If you have a mom take a minute and send her a thank you note. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So have fun and practice a little hospitality!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDA47pxzeGBQg0FcE1oxa7MR4QNhf8ZF56s6ENJRQHImVhSUHI7rUE8XCW6k42I1UksaxAou6VgyZB2NZsO4Ys-y3OJVIbrXOwYVNSN3S-DN20ntvHk-msAGgpny0DuWTubJw61fC5QXRH/s1600/908023FBC8897A9C63FBF4E54A37CC18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDA47pxzeGBQg0FcE1oxa7MR4QNhf8ZF56s6ENJRQHImVhSUHI7rUE8XCW6k42I1UksaxAou6VgyZB2NZsO4Ys-y3OJVIbrXOwYVNSN3S-DN20ntvHk-msAGgpny0DuWTubJw61fC5QXRH/s1600/908023FBC8897A9C63FBF4E54A37CC18.png" /></a></div>
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I'm linking up with:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://livingfromglorytoglory.blogspot.com/2014/05/encouragement-homemakers-link-up-party.html">Living From Glory to Glory</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/2014/05/the-homemaking-party-spaghetti-squash.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hope in Every Season</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2014/05/grace-at-home-no-104.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grace at Home</span></a><br />
<br />Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-1466653312630264582014-05-04T16:15:00.000-04:002014-05-05T13:39:32.932-04:00Cinco De Mayo Dinner Party Cinco De Mayo is Monday but we couldn't wait to celebrate. Saturday evening we had my sister and her family over for dinner. It was pretty easy because we did a potluck and everyone contributed to the meal.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Table</span></div>
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Playing off the colors of the flag of Mexico I used a red tablecloth with a green runner. For a more festive look I added multi-colored woven place mats. The centerpieces were simple yellow and green flowers in my tall green glass candle holders. I added a few mini Maracas and donkeys to finish off the theme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_e2dHiu0soHD0DG5l8CNQD4sqdwt6NsypM7hpUef335AARUAnn9k23SkECeXkVTIRgbI2zeFV164QnfIh526r03ksT8AllYphjWSxTDOLEflNboqmczJVb80LUKaIo0q0lPtFZxAUbQL3/s1600/cino+d+mayo+2014+table+setting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_e2dHiu0soHD0DG5l8CNQD4sqdwt6NsypM7hpUef335AARUAnn9k23SkECeXkVTIRgbI2zeFV164QnfIh526r03ksT8AllYphjWSxTDOLEflNboqmczJVb80LUKaIo0q0lPtFZxAUbQL3/s1600/cino+d+mayo+2014+table+setting.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Hospitality Tip:</b> Don't let a lack of space keep you from hosting a dinner party. We have a tiny dining room so when we have a big crowd we push the furniture aside and put a folding table up in our family room. Nobody seems to notice that or the fact that the chairs are mismatched and someone has to sit on the piano bench.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU8S8xiVpEbw97fWCPEd8eBVyTMOa31FfebC2AF-8SgBKvOKqWr3XpHs2pWnTI7ioN9DdpZSMy6vviQRnn3zLhmMfrP-zAa5u8OhfXmeCy7xVPyUk89b5j8MS8Y0sD7018PG9MlABChEF/s1600/cino+d+mayo+2014+centerpeice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU8S8xiVpEbw97fWCPEd8eBVyTMOa31FfebC2AF-8SgBKvOKqWr3XpHs2pWnTI7ioN9DdpZSMy6vviQRnn3zLhmMfrP-zAa5u8OhfXmeCy7xVPyUk89b5j8MS8Y0sD7018PG9MlABChEF/s1600/cino+d+mayo+2014+centerpeice.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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As far as the decorations go the only thing I spent money on was the flowers and they cost me $6 from the grocery store. Everything else was recycled from other parties we've had. (As my husband says I don't get rid of anything:-)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Buffet</span></b></div>
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I find that serving the food from a buffet is the easiest way when you have a crowd. </div>
I like to set up a buffet on the island in my kitchen. A plastic tablecloth and colorful dishes along with a pinata set the mood. The food of course is the most important thing on the buffet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPDC0oYH2NLXhG90VBWaSZC3yevwlZIxqOYsE8g1aYklpEncjbjnq9Yw3gjx32YL0owD3NBST7cD_6mlu-Xph2PfCxOQuEmGxBudcxFmm3uxAP9FSbjt8eu9UY_QojX3fpdTjIfbH1dUD/s1600/cino+d+mayo+2014+food+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPDC0oYH2NLXhG90VBWaSZC3yevwlZIxqOYsE8g1aYklpEncjbjnq9Yw3gjx32YL0owD3NBST7cD_6mlu-Xph2PfCxOQuEmGxBudcxFmm3uxAP9FSbjt8eu9UY_QojX3fpdTjIfbH1dUD/s1600/cino+d+mayo+2014+food+pic.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A sampling of the food. Man dip, Cowboy Caviar and fresh fruit served in a hollowed out pineapple.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The menu</span></b></div>
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Green Chili Enchiladas<br />
Tacos and all the fixings<br />
Tossed salad<br />
Fresh fruit<br />
Man dip (named by my nephew but he said the girls could eat it too:-) just Velveeta cheese, spicy sausage and Rotel)<br />
Guacamole<br />
Cowboy Caviar (Black beans, corn, onions, peppers, lime juice and a little hot sauce-served with nacho chips)<br />
Frozen Margaritas<br />
Dessert - brownies with ice cream and toppings<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Green Chili Enchiladas</span></b></div>
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This is one of my favorite dishes. My family loves it and it's a great dish for a potluck or to take to someone who might need a meal due to illness or during a time of need. It's very mild and most people really like it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV91DTLgf_U0MVJv5HHytlV361AMPgqaU52YSh79ow9an2Ci9UdisRNVOBg4jvYEMpXqFDCS24x-6GYiulDxHHWxSQInzDGI24ExWgxNdIp0rWscJstbqY7dTgQ39i5-rudHA0S3SNDcd/s1600/green+chile+enchiladas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV91DTLgf_U0MVJv5HHytlV361AMPgqaU52YSh79ow9an2Ci9UdisRNVOBg4jvYEMpXqFDCS24x-6GYiulDxHHWxSQInzDGI24ExWgxNdIp0rWscJstbqY7dTgQ39i5-rudHA0S3SNDcd/s1600/green+chile+enchiladas.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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1 pound ground beef</div>
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small onion, chopped</div>
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8 ounce package shredded cheese</div>
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16 ounce container sour cream</div>
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1 can cream of chicken soup</div>
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1 can black beans, rinsed and drained</div>
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1 can corn, drained</div>
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1 can chopped green chilies (very mild-if you want a kick use chopped jalapenos)</div>
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8-10 large flour tortillas</div>
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Brown the beef along with a small onion. Drain the grease and add taco seasoning packet. Add water as directed on the packet. Stir in the beans and corn and set aside.</div>
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In a separate bowl combine the sour cream, soup and the green chilies. Place about 1/2 cup in the bottom of a 13 X 9 inch casserole dish. (This is to keep the tortillas from burning or sticking to the bottom of the dish.) Add the cheese to the remaining soup mixture. </div>
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Divide the meat, corn and bean mixture among the tortillas. This should fill 8 -10 tortillas. Roll each tortilla up and place in the casserole dish. Cover with the soup and cheese mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and heated through. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Does a lack a space keep you from hosting a party?</span></b></div>
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<b>I am setting another plate at my table and making a place in my heart.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="http://aproverbs31wife.com/living-proverbs-31-87/"><span style="font-size: large;">A Proverbs 31 Wife </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2014/05/sew-darn-crafty-linky-party.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf8muWOnkbGpKMARvFij7R0X_UKa3G2uw5QHBhJ53lJ0CW3tqs3PPuCmQBdtRXjzF5qIqkU1bvwTVrM450pbLj1ynAO7weZDmwae3Co7vUuwHPthLfeOqY6pI-0PnaMHA-EjQKAPWBAi2/s1600/polka+dot+sew+darn+crafty.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/2014/05/do-you-smile-at-future.html"><img alt="Making your home sing Mondays" src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t187/vball_chic14/Image1-3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-83992551694811282252014-01-01T18:26:00.002-05:002014-03-10T22:25:00.749-04:00An Angel in My Frying PanThis morning I made my husband a treat for breakfast.<br />
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Fried egg over soft.<br />
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I only eat scrambled eggs for breakfast and can't stand the thought of a runny yolk. But one of my resolutions for the New Year is to be on the lookout for ways to make others happy. So I offered to make a fried egg for my sweetie.<br />
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And look at my reward!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jyz4UQuAh1B8WsKBsw4UpitcQCQKdipTUkJhFhQKU5hKHuNffsL1QqhSH07ZWp26Z0aEWqORuq3Lzl0UdGuKK_PQSB8KktV2zzVOxKGyPdv4wj6TIueUyRguC5Pj2MU3t1usZcwwdL5l/s1600/fried+egg+that+looks+like+an+angel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jyz4UQuAh1B8WsKBsw4UpitcQCQKdipTUkJhFhQKU5hKHuNffsL1QqhSH07ZWp26Z0aEWqORuq3Lzl0UdGuKK_PQSB8KktV2zzVOxKGyPdv4wj6TIueUyRguC5Pj2MU3t1usZcwwdL5l/s640/fried+egg+that+looks+like+an+angel.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Is this a sign that my good deed didn't go unnoticed by a greater power?<br />
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Well probably not. More like a sign I don't know how to flip an egg:-)<br />
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Anyway it was a pretty cool way to start the New Year!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope 2014 is your best year ever!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Linking up with:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2014/01/grace-at-home-no-87.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grace at Home</span></a></div>
Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-80096126314374931842013-12-06T11:12:00.000-05:002013-12-06T11:12:21.346-05:00Food for a Crowd - The Humble Egg<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6112805539353278427" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 666px;">
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The humble egg.<br />
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A high quality protein all wrapped up in a neat little shell.<br />
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For your next holiday party or family gathering consider placing a big platter of deviled eggs on the buffet. </div>
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I have never served deviled eggs at an event that they weren't all eaten. </div>
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<b>Every last one. </b></div>
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Not only yummy but easy on the budget.<br />
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A dozen eggs will make 24 servings and even at $2.00 a dozen for the eggs (current price in my area) that averages out to about 9 cents per serving. Can't hardly beat that. </div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Filling the Egg</span></h3>
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I've seen and tasted all kinds of fillings in deviled eggs. Horseradish, caviar, onions...even so I don't get too creative. Most people seem happy with a little mayo, sweet pickle relish and maybe a touch of mustard. </div>
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For variety you can sprinkle the tops with paprika, dill or crumbled bacon bits. </div>
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<b>My simple recipe</b></div>
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6 hard boiled eggs</div>
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1 Tablespoon good mayo (or more as needed) </div>
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1-2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish</div>
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1 teaspoon yellow mustard</div>
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Remove the yolk, place in a bowl and mash with a fork. Add the mayo, relish and mustard and mix well. Taste and add a little salt and additional as mayo or relish as needed. </div>
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Place the whites on a bed of lettuce and sprinkle <u>lightly</u> with salt. Fill the eggs with the yolk filling and sprinkle with paprika, dried dill or bacon bits. </div>
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<h3>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to boil an egg</span></b></h3>
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<b>Everyone seems to have their own technique for hard boiling eggs. </b></div>
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<b>This is how I do it:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Use eggs that are close to the use by date. The older the egg the easier it is to peel.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Set the eggs out on the counter and allow them to come to room temperature (about an hour)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Place the room temp eggs in a pot large enough for the eggs to be in a single layer and cover with tap water by at least 1 inch. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Place the pot over medium heat and allow the water to heat up. Bringing the water to a boil slowly will prevent the shells from cracking. Allow to boil 2 minutes. Turn off heat, cover pot and let the eggs sit for 12 minutes. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">To cool the eggs quickly drain the hot water, add cold water to the pot along with ice. When the ice melts add additional ice and allow to cool for 20 minutes. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Remove from the ice water, peel and proceed with your recipe. </span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<b>A few tips</b></div>
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<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Buy your eggs a couple weeks before the party. (Check the expiration date to be sure you'll be using them in that time frame.) The older the egg the easier it will peel </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">If you do try to peel the eggs and the peel won't come off don't fight it. Just do the best you can and make egg salad. Serve it in a bowl with crackers. (I heard Julia Child say that on one of her old shows. If she occasionally had trouble with the peel I don't feel bad when it happens to me.)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">If you end up with green around the yolk it just means the egg was cooked too long. Just mix it up with a little mayo and no one will know. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">For a large gathering make at least two platters of deviled eggs and put them out one at a time. When the first platter begins to run low switch it out with the new platter. This applies to most all dishes on a buffet table. A picked over platter of food doesn't look appetizing. </li>
</ul>
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<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Next time you're looking for a budget friendly addition to your party don't underestimate the humble egg!</span></div>
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Setting another plate at my table and making a place in my heart!<br />
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-61847048344160668142013-12-02T17:22:00.001-05:002013-12-02T17:25:49.759-05:00Breakfast Casserole for a Crowd<div style="text-align: center;">
The last of our Thanksgiving company left last night and our house is back to semi-quiet.</div>
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One of the things I do when we have overnight guests is to have breakfast ready to go. This is especially good on big cooking days like Thanksgiving and Christmas when you don't need a lot of extra cooking going on in the kitchen. </div>
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My favorite thing to make, which is always a hit, is a big breakfast casserole. I make it up and bake it the night before. Cool the casserole, cut it into squares, wrap it up and refrigerate. In the morning all that's needed is a couple minutes in the microwave for each piece. Since some people are early riser and some like to sleep in this casserole can be heated up piece by piece as needed. All I have to do is set out a stack of plates, put the coffee on and make sure there's orange juice in the fridge. There's also cereal, milk and fruit for those who don't want a heavy breakfast. </div>
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<b>Farmer's Breakfast</b><br />
<b>(Eggs, potatoes, cheese and sausage)</b><br />
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees<br />
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Dry ingredients:<br />
1 cup all purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 Tablespoon baking powder<br />
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8 eggs<br />
1 cup milk<br />
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br />
2 pounds bulk sausage (spicy if you like it hot)<br />
32 ounce bag Ore-Ida frozen Potatoes O'Brien (diced potatoes with onions and peppers)<br />
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1 stick butter, melted.<br />
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Cook the sausage and chop into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink. Drain the grease and set aside to cool slightly.<br />
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In a large bowl blend together the flour, salt and baking powder. Add the milk and eggs and mix until well blended.<br />
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Add the frozen potatoes, cheese and sausage to the egg and flour mixture and stir to combine.<br />
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Place the melted butter into the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch oven safe dish.<br />
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Spoon the potato/egg mixture in to the casserole dish. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.<br />
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Cut into squares and serve warm from the oven or cool and refrigerate. Cut in to squares and reheat in the microwave.<br />
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<b>I like this casserole as is but some in my family like to splash on hot sauce or a couple spoons of salsa and a little sour cream. It's good however you fix it. </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a favorite breakfast casserole?</span></div>
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Setting an extra plate at my table and making a place in my heart!</div>
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<br />Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-85236810905791359952013-11-26T11:42:00.001-05:002014-05-07T19:47:53.092-04:00Warm Apple Cake with Vanilla Butter Sauce<div style="text-align: center;">
I made this cake a couple weeks ago but didn't get any pictures before it was devoured. So over the weekend when my husband said they were having an office Thanksgiving party on Tuesday I volunteered to make another apple cake for him to take in to share. </div>
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I didn't just make one cake, I made two. </div>
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One to keep, one to give:-)<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
My favorite book of all times is "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George.<br />
In the chapter titled Motherly Affection she talks about giving your family preferential treatment<br />
She says:<br />
"Don’t give away to others what you have not first given away
at home."<br />
<br />
This applies to far more than just food but in this instance I’m
not going to make a yummy cake to send off and not keep a little for my family!</blockquote>
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<b>This cake is warm and dense but not too sweet. Full of apples, nuts and dates it's perfect for the fall season. </b> It's even good as a breakfast treat...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByK2QYXD71bcZ67SCTC5v_sULvSnrWWvogehzi78ZluLVO3BkBPbG3Nal6zbuJCTRSO-46fMPt4J6KUgwzlEqvZW3O6j8MUcc_bT3uEryucsH24bGseZZMYzHB9L1G_j017au6OwsL34n/s1600/apple+cake+with+vanilla+butter+sauce+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByK2QYXD71bcZ67SCTC5v_sULvSnrWWvogehzi78ZluLVO3BkBPbG3Nal6zbuJCTRSO-46fMPt4J6KUgwzlEqvZW3O6j8MUcc_bT3uEryucsH24bGseZZMYzHB9L1G_j017au6OwsL34n/s640/apple+cake+with+vanilla+butter+sauce+004.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="139232422-16112013"><strong><br /></strong></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="139232422-16112013"><strong>Apple Cake
with Vanilla Butter Sauce</strong></span></span></div>
<div>
(This recipe as written will make one 13 x 9 inch cake. If you want a smaller cake you can divide all the ingredients in half and bake it in a 9" round cake pan reduce the baking time to 30 - 35 minutes)<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup butter,
softened</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2 cups firmly packed
brown sugar</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4
eggs</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4 teaspoons pure
vanilla extract</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2 cups all purpose flour</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2 teaspoons
cinnamon</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 teaspoon all
spice</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 teaspoon
salt</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4 cups peeled and
chopped apples (chunks not minced)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup chopped
walnuts</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup chopped
dates (optional)</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Preheat oven to
350.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cream the sugar and
butter together for 5 minutes</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Beat in the eggs one
at a time and the vanilla until just blended. Set aside</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In a separate bowl
combine the flour, salt and spices and stir well. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Gradually add the
flour to the sugar/egg mixture beating until well blended. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">By hand stir in the
apples, dates and walnuts</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pour into a greased
9 X 13 inch pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the
center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Serve warm with
Vanilla Butter sauce. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="139232422-16112013"><strong>Vanilla
Butter Sauce</strong></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1/2 cup butter
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1/2 cup heavy
whipping cream</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup firmly packed
brown sugar</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2 teaspoons pure
vanilla extract</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Melt the butter in a
small saucepan, add the whipping cream and the sugar. Bring to a boil over
medium heat. Reduce heat, simmer 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove
from heat and stir in the vanilla. Be careful because the sauce will bubble up
when you add the vanilla. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Serving suggestions: </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you're serving the cake at home you can keep the sauce warm in a small chafing dish and let your guest help themselves to as much as they like. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>For a potluck- </b>I cool the cake completely and slightly cool the butter sauce. Pour the sauce over the top of the cake and refrigerate. The cake is good eaten cold, at room temp, or reheated in the microwave. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Tip:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Anytime I make something with nuts I always sprinkle some on top so if anyone has a nut allergy they will know right away not to eat any. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Setting an extra plate at my table and making a place in my heart!</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://thenewmrsadventures.blogspot.com/2014/05/tasty-tuesday-corn-black-bean-salsa.html?m=1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQS5D881dqSiNYu8tlMJthZhA2AgDKC_dfnffXW5xxfOVD5a03i8xTAajWVSdE8hXgRdzYnvG91j_h6y58B0xcD0jtrObi2NvGmHtzqEBfg-Hs0M5eUzkY2C8exCdv-N765bQ0pOchS8/s280/Tasty+Tuesday+Link+Up+Party.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2013/12/show-us-your-life-favorite-holiday.html" target="_blank">Kelly's Korner Show us Your Life</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2013/12/grace-at-home-no-84.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Grace at Home" src="http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q745/richellap/athome.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thecountrycook.net/2013/11/weekend-potluck-95.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Weekend Potluck</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wearychef.com/saturday-night-fever-10/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Saturday Night Fever</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.servingjoyfully.com/?s=Thriving"><img src="http://www.servingjoyfully.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Thriving-Thursdays1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-43245681609035937062013-11-24T19:45:00.003-05:002014-01-03T08:12:21.660-05:00Get Ready to Party Series Day 7 - Party Day! <div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
I recently hosted a group of friends in my home for a fall luncheon. I thought it might be fun and helpful to write a series on how I planned and pulled off this party.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">My hope is that by sharing it may be a blessing to someone else and it might encourage others to step out and invite someone in!</span></div>
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<b>Day 7 - Party Day!</b></div>
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<a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/p/pattis-series.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPSRbtrcOOC4J989x2KnHg02yGKe3yzwViwmxirXUXFfivXNPIaWPDduw_Ol880lePSSJwlEPdjfZC6DjDmwKbUFxxT74GGpSURalOcZrwB_8H9sW_5v8qGf0gZAyVb4XVC-7U8E9DaQI/s1600/how+to+plan+a+party+series.JPG" /></a></div>
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Whether you're hosting ten people or 50 (or more) the game plan is pretty much the same:</div>
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<i>Decide why you want to party and who you want to invite. Send out invitations, decide what food you'll serve, shop, cook, clean up the house, set the table and buffet, greet your guests, serve the food, engage in some lively conversation and maybe play a game or two, send everyone away filled with food and good fellowship, and clean up. </i></div>
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<b> Whew! Just typing that makes me tired!</b></div>
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The truth is that inviting people into our homes takes <b>work </b>but the payoff is well worth the effort. </div>
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If you're hesitant or even a little afraid to open your home I hope this series has offered a little encouragement to give it a try. </div>
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<b>Today I'm going to share a few pictures and recipes from my fall luncheon...</b></div>
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I made this party a little different by turning it into a </div>
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<a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2013/11/party-with-purpose-operation-christmas.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Party With a Purpose!</span></a></div>
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I invited each lady to bring a few small gifts to fill shoe boxes for </div>
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<a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/">Operation Christmas Child</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIxgrVpHotQa_AVuF9ElUqaakMJloiogiPTZuO-x5XckPVbRtEzyKsffhUVm3GOKTcfXxxLu34Jy7fSCkPwbEWbzihz-8MkNv0AwwPFdwb7ntuVeAZ7zLvzrndks724pUAz_M9YwWdczC/s1600/fall+luncheon+aplateatmytable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIxgrVpHotQa_AVuF9ElUqaakMJloiogiPTZuO-x5XckPVbRtEzyKsffhUVm3GOKTcfXxxLu34Jy7fSCkPwbEWbzihz-8MkNv0AwwPFdwb7ntuVeAZ7zLvzrndks724pUAz_M9YwWdczC/s320/fall+luncheon+aplateatmytable.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We put together 4 shoe boxes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXw_USvk3ZtJxuIF7Yq0kzGJbzyLMx1fRzXuhCihb2D5OUUpLx-mXDGwfFTkKhf5KzBU0E78RKNCbN1wWYCA3-U6ZNQ-NCAMabTY6_5Pr2ofhU6w3vixlQSNCTRtdZLoCuQEnBIhBk_6E/s1600/operation+christmas+child+shoeboxes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXw_USvk3ZtJxuIF7Yq0kzGJbzyLMx1fRzXuhCihb2D5OUUpLx-mXDGwfFTkKhf5KzBU0E78RKNCbN1wWYCA3-U6ZNQ-NCAMabTY6_5Pr2ofhU6w3vixlQSNCTRtdZLoCuQEnBIhBk_6E/s320/operation+christmas+child+shoeboxes.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
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I started something new with this party. A guest book is something I've wanted to use for a while but just didn't get around to it. Until this party. I happened to have a sketch book on hand that I'd bought for something else and I decided to turn it into a guest book. </div>
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I did a little simple sketch with colored pencils and wrote in a few quotes about friendship. On the opposite page I asked for people to write a little note or just sign their name. </div>
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I'm excited about this new tradition. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eOCtQsrRQCITFW1g__P72EfmMZhPrnanEeVkFnLlFTZN0RtcI1fjq9gbBbrOQkb8PN2cE3SfYMs4kp796G3rHvP4RUcjDjyevblD4Q8n08q6L1eX8Qdg0ceiY1ukA34Dmt1B3FIYMAvh/s1600/fall+luncheon+guest+book+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eOCtQsrRQCITFW1g__P72EfmMZhPrnanEeVkFnLlFTZN0RtcI1fjq9gbBbrOQkb8PN2cE3SfYMs4kp796G3rHvP4RUcjDjyevblD4Q8n08q6L1eX8Qdg0ceiY1ukA34Dmt1B3FIYMAvh/s640/fall+luncheon+guest+book+001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The desserts were a big hit!</span></div>
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<b>I made warm apple cake with vanilla butter sauce. It was delicious but I didn't get a single picture! I did get a picture of the pumpkin trifle. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOA_c-70Dga_4JoKX3RXAH19yZuN2MeSbSg4hMNZ0kuZ1zxXuOhjEULlE06SKEE-A7FmlVt5UnC7TDmYiFn_jKi_2iCLJMCFx54sy6S1YNf3FwHcJBdNEzQLYTV_xTh8JJAfaEv_9FXVO4/s1600/fall+luncheon+food+and+table+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOA_c-70Dga_4JoKX3RXAH19yZuN2MeSbSg4hMNZ0kuZ1zxXuOhjEULlE06SKEE-A7FmlVt5UnC7TDmYiFn_jKi_2iCLJMCFx54sy6S1YNf3FwHcJBdNEzQLYTV_xTh8JJAfaEv_9FXVO4/s400/fall+luncheon+food+and+table+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwuO7_k2LX7zPCZUPZ59uPKlhyRlD2REj7s1dAiT9MFTgeaLzyK5ky-Pi4_2iqAQDIr1lWDeBxA9eieg14Nqr3b9bdZi2wHdt0MguIK2AnLVob9mmOlMWfk3cyeyEJXYgiV3BLMC6o_5l/s1600/pumpkin+pudding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwuO7_k2LX7zPCZUPZ59uPKlhyRlD2REj7s1dAiT9MFTgeaLzyK5ky-Pi4_2iqAQDIr1lWDeBxA9eieg14Nqr3b9bdZi2wHdt0MguIK2AnLVob9mmOlMWfk3cyeyEJXYgiV3BLMC6o_5l/s320/pumpkin+pudding.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="yiv810729809139232422-16112013"><b>Pumpkin Pudding </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="yiv810729809139232422-16112013"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">5.1
ounce package Jell-O instant vanilla pudding (the large box)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2 cups
milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="yiv810729809139232422-16112013">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="yiv810729809139232422-16112013"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="yiv810729809139232422-16112013">1 can
sweetened condensed milk (not
evaporated!)</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="yiv810729809139232422-16112013">
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">8 ounce
carton Cool Whip (defrosted)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">15 ounce
can pumpkin puree (100 % pure pumpkin not canned pumpkin pie
mix)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 sleeve
cinnamon graham crackers</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">20
gingersnaps (I used Archway crispy gingersnaps)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(you
want about 3 cups of cookie crumbs - it doesn't have to be
exact)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Using a
mixer blend the pudding mix with the milk on low for about 1 minute. Add the
condensed milk and continue blending another minute. Refrigerate until the
pudding is set. About 5 minutes</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">By hand
fold in the pumpkin then fold in the Cool Whip. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Put the
cookies in a zip lock bag and crush them with a mallet or rolling pin. You want
some of the cookies finely crushed and some left in bigger pieces.
</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Place
half of the pudding mixture in a trifle bowl or any deep bowl add a layer of
cookies and repeat to fill the bowl. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can
make this the night before but I think it's better if you serve it the same
day or the cookies will lose some of their crunch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<b>The final thing I did for my guests was to send them home with a little bag of Thanksgiving party mix. </b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Thanksgiving Party Mix</span></h1>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">8-cups mixed Chex cereal (corn,
rice, wheat)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">1-cup almonds, sliced or
whole</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">½ cup butter</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">¼ cup brown sugar, packed</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">¼ cup frozen orange juice
concentrate, thawed</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">½ cup craisins or dried
cranberries</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Optional: candy corn and candy
pumpkins- about 2 – 3 cups total</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 300
degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">In a large bowl toss together the
cereal and the almonds. Set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Melt the butter, add the brown sugar
and stir until dissolved. Add the OJ concentrate and mix well. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Remove from heat and pour over the
cereal and almonds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Spread on a large
roasting pan or rimmed cookie sheet. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Stir and
continue to cook another 15 minutes.
</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Remove from oven and stir in the
craisins or cranberries; cool completely. If using the candy add to the mix
after it’s cooled. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Store in airtight container or
plastic storage bag. Makes about 9 cups of mix. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Enjoy!</span></b></div>
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<i>Setting a plate at my table and making a place in my heart!</i></div>
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-74739718871607433332013-11-23T07:50:00.002-05:002014-05-03T22:02:52.119-04:00Get Ready to Party Series Day 6 - Divide and Conquer <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I recently hosted a group of friends in my home for a fall luncheon. I thought it might be fun and helpful to write a series on how I planned and pulled off this party.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">My hope is that by sharing it may be a blessing to someone else and it might encourage others to step out and invite someone in!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 6 - Divide and Conquer</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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You can see the entire series by clicking the picture</div>
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<a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/p/pattis-series.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPSRbtrcOOC4J989x2KnHg02yGKe3yzwViwmxirXUXFfivXNPIaWPDduw_Ol880lePSSJwlEPdjfZC6DjDmwKbUFxxT74GGpSURalOcZrwB_8H9sW_5v8qGf0gZAyVb4XVC-7U8E9DaQI/s1600/how+to+plan+a+party+series.JPG" /></a></div>
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Hosting a party or gathering can be intimidating and overwhelming at times. I'm pretty comfortable having people in my home because I've practiced for many years not because it comes naturally to me. My parents were great role models when it came to showing hospitality but for them it seemed so natural and effortless. When I married and began inviting people over I was usually frustrated that it seemed so hard to me. I apparently didn't get the effortless gene!<br />
<br />
I soon learned my problem was that I had this need to do everything myself and everything had to be perfect. I felt as though asking for help meant I was a failure. Thankfully I quickly learned that I couldn't do it all myself and that no matter how hard I worked it would never be perfect. <i>Perfection is the death of hospitality. </i><br />
<br />
Now when I host a gathering I always enlist a little help. I may ask a friend or family member to help serve or stay and help me clean up the kitchen. Help with the food is always appreciated.<br />
<br />
For my luncheon I asked my sister-in-law to help me by bringing one of her signature dishes. Cranberry Gelatin Rounds. She prepares this for most of our family gatherings. It's simple but always a hit.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg917Zz56RSAel1i0SdwrFCPZMqwzq39XyhcBdWfR1PaizowRf-oBaYfntMQJlppEqG6eVGMGl71pRzXh-jY097BFfIcHq4RhKEfIex7UihTFLK455FHsaxqFsbPigbKeKKxpXltBJh0nfG/s400/cranberry+jello+rounds.JPG" height="345" width="400" /></div>
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<b>Cranberry Gelatin Rounds</b><br />
<br />
1 20 ounce can crushed pineapple<br />
2 packages (3 ounce each) cherry gelatin<br />
1 16 ounce can whole berry cranberry sauce<br />
2/3 cup finely chopped walnuts<br />
1 medium apple, finely chopped<br />
<br />
Drain the pineapple juice into a measuring cup. Add additional water to the juice to make 2 1/2 cups. Bring the water to a rolling boil in a saucepan or in the microwave. Place the gelatin in a large bowl and pour the boiling liquid over the gelatin and stir until dissolved. Stir in the pineapple, apple, cranberry sauce, and nuts spoon into cup cake liners. Refrigerate several hours until firm.<br />
Remove the set gelatin from the liners and place on a serving plate.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The cranberry gelatin is good but served with the nutty topping it's even better!</i></span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Nutty Cream Cheese topping</b><br />
<br />
8 ounces cream cheese, softened<br />
1/2 cup powdered sugar<br />
2/3 cup finely chopped nuts (pecan or walnut)<br />
8 ounce container Cool Whip (defrosted)<br />
<br />
Beat sugar and cream cheese until fluffy. Stir in nuts. Fold in the Cool Whip until well blended. Cover and refrigerate. This is good served with any fruit such as apples or strawberries. Heck it's even good eaten all by itself!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">At your next gathering don't be shy about asking for help! </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you'll come back tomorrow as I finish up this series on how to plan a party.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A plate at my table and a place in my heart!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDA47pxzeGBQg0FcE1oxa7MR4QNhf8ZF56s6ENJRQHImVhSUHI7rUE8XCW6k42I1UksaxAou6VgyZB2NZsO4Ys-y3OJVIbrXOwYVNSN3S-DN20ntvHk-msAGgpny0DuWTubJw61fC5QXRH/s1600/908023FBC8897A9C63FBF4E54A37CC18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDA47pxzeGBQg0FcE1oxa7MR4QNhf8ZF56s6ENJRQHImVhSUHI7rUE8XCW6k42I1UksaxAou6VgyZB2NZsO4Ys-y3OJVIbrXOwYVNSN3S-DN20ntvHk-msAGgpny0DuWTubJw61fC5QXRH/s1600/908023FBC8897A9C63FBF4E54A37CC18.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2013/11/get-ready-to-party-series-party-day_24.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">See the party day here. </span></a><br />
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<a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2013/11/sew-darn-crafty-linky-partynovember_24.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf8muWOnkbGpKMARvFij7R0X_UKa3G2uw5QHBhJ53lJ0CW3tqs3PPuCmQBdtRXjzF5qIqkU1bvwTVrM450pbLj1ynAO7weZDmwae3Co7vUuwHPthLfeOqY6pI-0PnaMHA-EjQKAPWBAi2/s1600/polka+dot+sew+darn+crafty.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pamspartyandpracticaltips.com/2013/11/dare-to-share-86.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv963miC2_VQBWcN1kVOPq3YYZq_YKsI4PaU0A46SBZbrD97R6imUKE-b4_tageKJzJScA4VXTqQDbh8wvFxE3nWl5N2vSAe7M0c82aHwOTyqiQaAJThWSUNz__QQ6myZUU2OoFoomIU9s/s320/partybutton.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-10386106299955222013-11-22T07:58:00.000-05:002014-05-03T21:58:09.229-04:00Get Ready to Party Series Day 5- Games Anyone? <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I recently hosted a group of friends in my home for a fall luncheon. I thought it might be fun and helpful to write a series on how I planned and pulled off this party.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">My hope is that by sharing it may be a blessing to someone else and it might encourage others to step out and invite someone in!</span></div>
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<b>Day 5 - Games Anyone? </b></div>
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Click on the photo for the complete series</div>
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<a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/p/pattis-series.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPSRbtrcOOC4J989x2KnHg02yGKe3yzwViwmxirXUXFfivXNPIaWPDduw_Ol880lePSSJwlEPdjfZC6DjDmwKbUFxxT74GGpSURalOcZrwB_8H9sW_5v8qGf0gZAyVb4XVC-7U8E9DaQI/s1600/how+to+plan+a+party+series.JPG" /></a></div>
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I love to play party games!<br />
Games may not be appropriate at every party or gathering but I do find a fun game can break the ice and get people talking. </div>
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For my fall luncheon I invited women from different areas of my life. My Zumba class, work, church, my family. They all knew me but didn't all know each other. I wanted to find a way to introduce them to each other that would be fun and to show that we're all connected in some way.<br />
A friend of mine introduced me to the Connection game and I thought it was perfect for what I was trying to accomplish. </div>
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Lots of fun and simple to play.<br />
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<b>We're All Connected Game</b></div>
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All you need is a large ball of yarn. </div>
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One person starts by saying something about themselves. </div>
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For example, "I like the color green."</div>
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Everyone in the room who likes green raises their hand and the ball of yarn gets tossed from person to person. (Each person needs to continue to hold on to the yarn.) The last person to get the yarn says something new about themselves such as "I have children". Everyone who has children raises their hand and the yarn gets passed from one to the other. </div>
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<i>The trick is to not let go of the yarn as it's passed from person to person. </i></div>
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You'll develop a spider web effect after a few minutes.</div>
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It's a neat way to see that all though we may appear different we really are all connected in some way. We all have something in common.<br />
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We had a lot of fun coming up with things to say. Even when one person said something that no one else could respond to the ladies began to improvise just so they could get the yarn tossed to them.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj473DrW7mklXYRUHVY4r-DM83Cuyo4pB5CwkvJTfGilVR0Ovs5F-0DxDp062y-bSr6JijY8sQej02yM7w6_VfqIdZSNvDBQYIO0OC06X34gHvFCyEYQ0k70IyCAyxcxyEHLUWlJqIwoM6v/s400/fall+luncheon+nov+2013+038.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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One of the best reasons to host a party or gathering -to make connections and hopefully in the process to make a new friend or two.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I hope to see you tomorrow when I'll show you that you don't have to go it alone when you host a party. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Patti</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://www.aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2013/11/get-ready-to-party-series-day-6-divide.html">See day 6 here. Divide and Conquer</a></div>
Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-44598462341981411652013-11-21T17:12:00.006-05:002014-05-03T21:56:39.505-04:00Get Ready to Party Series Day 4 - The Table and Buffet<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
I recently hosted a group of friends in my home for a fall luncheon. I thought it might be fun and helpful to write a series on how I planned and pulled off this party.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
My hope is that by sharing it may be a blessing to someone else and it might encourage others to step out and invite someone in!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<b>Day 4 Setting the Table and the Buffet</b></div>
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Click the photo to see the entire series:</div>
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I'm so happy that Richella featured my series. Her blog is wonderful. Check it out.</div>
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<b>In today's post I'm going to share some photos of how I set my table and the buffet for my fall luncheon. </b></div>
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I hope these serve as a bit of encouragement that you don't have to go all out with the decorating and set up. Simple is sometimes better.</div>
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Serving from the kitchen:</h3>
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When we did a little kitchen remodel a few years ago I kept the big island even though I've always thought it was a little too big for the room. The reason I kept it is because it a great buffet area. </div>
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I don't have any issues with serving from the kitchen. We had a soup party once and I had three big pots of soup bubbling away on the stove. My only condition for serving from the kitchen is my sink has to be clean with no dirty dishes!</div>
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Before the party and before any food has been set out:</h3>
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This is the buffet set up ready for the food. I stacked the plates on the buffet. I placed a simple burlap runner down the center. I put little notes showing what food goes where so I can enlist helpers if needed and they'll know where everything goes. </div>
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Napkins and silver ware are set on the table. To the left of the stove I set up a hot beverage area. Assorted tea bags, coffee, honey, sugar, cream, cups and spoons. The tea kettle is kept on simmer ready to pour.</div>
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The cold drinks were set up on the desk area in the kitchen. </div>
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Dessert set up on the kitchen table. I set out extra forks and napkins and the serving pieces that will be needed for the desserts. This table also has my guest book and a bowl of party mix that I bagged up for each guest to take home. </div>
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The dining table:</h3>
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I had to put two tables together to seat ten. Since my dining room is too small for two tables</div>
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we pushed the dining table to the living room and added another table. One day we're going to take down the wall between these two rooms to make one large space. But for now we just make do. </div>
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I used two cream colored tablecloths to tie both table together. In the middle I used a solid brown tablecloth and on each end I laid a piece of fall printed fabric. The decorations were simply fall leaves and a few plastic pumpkins.</div>
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Everyone helping themselves to the buffet:</h3>
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I like to use real plates and silverware unless we're having an outdoor party like a BBQ with lots of kids. Then I might use paper plates. I have a lot of plates and serving dishes and I'd rather use them than have them collect dust in the cabinet. </div>
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I make sure the dishwasher is empty so clean up is pretty quick.</div>
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Food as part of the decorations:</h3>
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Food isn't just good for our tummies it's also beautiful and can serve as part of the decorations. </div>
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To make this veggie basket I took a large, clean basket. I searched around the kitchen for a plate or platter that would fit in the opening but I couldn't find one that was just right. </div>
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<b>I improvised by placing the rack from my canning pot in the bottom of the basket</b>.</div>
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Next I used a plate that was just a little smaller than the opening of the basket. I finished it off by covering the plate with lettuce leaves. </div>
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I used a whole pepper to hold the dip and arranged the raw veggies on the bed of lettuce. The whole thing fit nicely into the basket opening and made a nice display.</div>
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<i>I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse of how I set up for my luncheon. Come back tomorrow and I'll tell you about a fun game we played...</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Patti</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2013/11/get-ready-to-party-series-day-5-game.html">See day 5 here. Games Anyone?</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2013/11/grace-at-home-no-83.html"><img alt="Grace at Home" src="http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q745/richellap/athome.png" /></a></div>
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-56468028452454816772013-11-20T14:47:00.004-05:002014-05-03T21:53:39.964-04:00Get Ready to Party Series Day 3 - Clean Enough, Good Enough<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
I recently hosted a group of friends in my home for a fall luncheon. I thought it might be fun and helpful to write a series on how I planned and pulled off this party.</div>
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My hope is that by sharing it may be a blessing to someone else and it might encourage others to step out and invite someone in!</div>
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<b>Day 3- Clean Enough, Good Enough</b></div>
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<b>In Other Words</b> - <i>Don't Kill Yourself Cleaning Before a Party!</i><br />
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See the entire series by clicking the photo</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Where no oxen are the manger is clean"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Proverbs 14:4a NAS</span></div>
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<b>I like to paraphrase it this way:</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where no people are the house is clean!</span><br />
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This helps me to remember that my house isn't a showroom that sits empty all day. This is my home that is lived in by real people who can be messy at times! Although I do want my home to be presentable I'm realistic in my expectations.</h3>
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I encourage you not to get too carried away with cleaning before a party. I guarantee that </div>
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your guests will be so busy eating, talking and enjoying each other's company that they won't notice a little dust or a cobweb in the corner (unless there's a big spider on it)! </div>
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<b><br /></b><b>How I Get My Home Clean Enough and That's Good Enough For Me!</b></h3>
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To get ready for this party I focused my attention only on the areas that will be seen by my guests: </h4>
Kitchen<br />
Living and dining rooms<br />
Front hall and half bath<br />
Den <br />
Front and back porches.<br />
Yard<br />
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<b>BTW:</b> to keep guests out of places I don't have time to straighten up (or I just don't want anyone wandering around) I close the door to rooms that are off limits. Some guests can be a little nosy so I'm not above locking a door or I put my dog in the room. He's 80 pounds and although he's a sweetie most people steer clear of him:-)<br />
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I didn't want to be frazzled and worn out on party day so I spread the cleaning out over several days and spent no more than an hour in each area:</h4>
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<b>Monday:</b><br />
I worked in the living and dining room. I dusted, cleaned the wood floor, vacuumed the furniture and cleaned the finger prints off the windows and around the light switches. I also wiped down the chandelier in the dining room and the table lamps.<br />
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<b>Tuesday: </b><br />
I did pretty much the same thing in the den.<br />
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<b>Wednesday: </b>I clean the kitchen by wiping down the cabinets, cleaning the stove, cleaned out the fridge, wiped down the stainless steel and I gave the floor a good mopping.<br />
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<b>Thursday: </b>I cleaned the half bath, swept the stairs and swept and mopped the front hall. I also washed a load of dish towels and made sure the clothes I'd be wearing on Saturday were clean and ready.<br />
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<b>Friday:</b> Before I started cooking I washed all the dishes and emptied the dishwasher. After I finished cooking I cleaned the kitchen again and ran the dishwasher. Wiped down all the counters and spot mopped the floor. <br />
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<b>Friday before I went to bed </b>I also went room to room and picked up and put away all the little stuff I found left sitting out. I unloaded the dishwasher.<br />
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<b>Saturday: </b><br />
I enlisted my husband to sweep off the front and back porches and to use the weed eater on the front walk.<br />
I gave the front bathroom a final wipe down and made sure there was a full roll of toilet paper and liquid soap.<br />
Turned on the scented electric candle warmer.<br />
Did I quick check of the floors and spot mopped any dirt tracked in.<br />
Moved the dog's bowl to the family room and put up the gate to keep them in - locked the cat in my bedroom.<br />
I made sure I had one full hour to get myself dressed with plenty of time to spare before the guests arrived.<br />
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<br />
<i>I know it's one thing to clean a room on Monday it another to keep it clean until Saturday especially when you have a house full of messy people. </i><br />
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<h3>
A Few Ideas For Dealing With the Daily Messiness </h3>
A few of the strategies I use to keep things straight, picked up, and put away:<br />
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<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li>I <b>designate areas</b> in my home for messes. <b>For example when my children were young:</b> games and craft projects had to be contained to the family room and/or to each child's bedroom and the kitchen table was for school work. Now all toddler paraphernalia is kept upstairs or in the family room. My husband and I both have our own desk area for our computer, papers and books. </li>
<li><b>Containment </b>- Keeping the mess contained is an easy way to clean up. For example if I'm working on a craft project I keep all the bits and pieces in a plastic box with a lid. My bible, bible study books and journal are stored in an old briefcase. When I'm working out a menu I keep my cookbooks together in a basket. This way I can keep everything together and not strewn about the room. It's also easy to put things away when I not working on it. </li>
<li><b>Whole house pick up - </b>Take a garbage bag and a laundry basket. I start at the front door and work my way around each room. Trash goes in the bag, if something belongs in another room it goes in the basket to be put away when I get to that room. We used to do this every night when the kids were at home. Now we do it two or three times a week. Being consistent is the key to keeping things picked up. </li>
<li><b>Get rid of extra nick-knacks or clutter </b>- If I don't love it enough to dust it I don't keep it.</li>
<li><b>Make everyone responsible for their own mess.</b> This is one thing I'm am so grateful that I started when my boys were little. </li>
<li><b>Landing pad- </b>If I'm in a big hurry (like someone just called and they're on the way over and I have about 10 minutes to get things straight or I'm doing last minute pick up before a party) I put things in one spot. Magazines,books and papers left lying around go to the landing pad on a table in my husband's office. Not in a drawer, cabinet or closet to be lost and forgotten. Larger items like toys or things that I don't have time to put away go on the floor in my big pantry. Both landing pads are out of sight but not so out of the way that I forget about them. </li>
</ul>
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Inside my storage pantry is my favorite landing pad.</div>
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Out of sight but I can't forget about because I use this room all the time. </div>
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I have a housekeeping schedule that I've developed over the years that combines <a href="http://flylady.net/">Fly Lady</a> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0800751337?tag=squalorsurviv-20&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=0800751337&creative=373489&camp=211189">Mount Vernon Method as outlined in the Messies Manual by Sandra Felton.</a>. Since I can't fully explain that in one short post I'm going to put it on the back burner for now. I may write a series after the New Year starts focusing just on that but for now I'll just give a brief overview of how I got my house ready for this luncheon...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you'll come back tomorrow when I share table decorations, dishes and setting up a buffet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Patti</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2013/11/get-ready-to-party-series-day-4-table.html"><span style="font-size: large;">See day 4 here. The Table and Buffet </span></a></div>
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Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352280374351891071.post-11662304806180453092013-11-19T07:43:00.001-05:002014-05-26T07:53:56.317-04:00Get Ready to Party Series Day 2 -Food and Drink<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently hosted a group of friends in my home for a fall luncheon. I thought it might be fun and helpful to write a series on how I planned and pulled off this party.</div>
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My hope is that by sharing it may be a blessing to someone else and it might encourage others to step out and invite someone in!</div>
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<b>Day 2 - The Food</b> </div>
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You can see the series by clicking this photo<br />
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When throwing a party there's lots of details that have to be attended to. Decorating, cleaning the house and what food to serve are just a few. I believe that people can overlook a home not decorated like the cover of a magazine and they can even forgive a little dust floating around but look out if the food isn't up to par!<br />
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My theory is that hungry people make bad party guests! So take a little time and think about what food you'll be serving at your party.<br />
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<h4>
When I sat down to plan the menu for my fall luncheon I knew I wanted food that would:</h4>
reflect the fall season using apples, pumpkin, cranberries, nuts and Indian corn<br />
be prepared a day in advance.<br />
not be overly complicated to prepare.<br />
require a minimum of attention the day of the party.<br />
be easy to serve from a buffet.<br />
be tasty of course!<br />
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<b>The menu I came up with: </b><br />
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<i>Chicken salad with pecans, apples and cranberries served with croissants</i><br />
<i>Corn salad with black beans and orange bell pepper (my attempt to make it look like Indian corn:-)</i><br />
<i>Veggie tray with carrots, yellow, red and orange peppers and snap peas (a bountiful harvest)</i><br />
<i>Cranberry Jell-o rounds</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.aplateatmytable.com/2013/11/warm-apple-cake-with-vanilla-butter.html" target="_blank">Warm Apple Cake with Vanilla Butter Sauce</a><br />
<i>Pumpkin Trifle </i><br />
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<i>Sweet and Unsweetened Tea</i><br />
<i>Water - always include a pitcher of ice water or water bottles for your guests</i><br />
<i>Coffee </i><br />
<i>Hot tea - Apple spice and Earl Grey</i><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Tip:</b>When planning food don't try to make everything from scratch. The local deli and bakery can be a life saver when preparing food for a party. For this party I spent most of my time preparing the desserts. The chicken salad and croissants came from Sam's Club, the corn salad was made with canned corn and beans, I used pre-cut and washed baby carrots and snap peas, and I enlisted my sis-in-law to make the cranberry rounds. </blockquote>
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I added apples and additional pecans to this ready made chicken salad.<br />
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<b>Timeline for Food Preparations</b><br />
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<b>By the weekend before</b> the party I had the menu down pat<br />
<b>Tuesday </b>- once I'd confirmed the number of guests I made the grocery list<br />
<b>Thursday</b> -I did all the grocery shopping including fresh veggies, ice and jugs of tea<br />
<b>Friday night</b>- I did all the cooking including cutting the veggies<br />
<b>Saturday </b>- the day of the party - deal with the last minute stuff- put together the veggie tray, assembled the pumpkin trifle, heated the croissants, pour the tea into pitchers, set up the coffee and tea area and set out the food.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kitchen is my happy place:-)</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Tip:</b></blockquote>
<b><i>Don't rely on your memory - write everything down! </i></b><br />
<b>List all the dishes you want to prepare</b>. Make copies of the recipes and mark ingredients off as you use them. Make notes on cooking times, serving pieces and reheating instruction. <u>Mark items off as you go</u>. <b>For the day of the party list </b>all the little details such as: prepare the coffee pot and fill the tea kettle, fill the creamer, put out the ice, heat the rolls, etc. Keep the list handy so you can refer to it and <u>mark things off</u> as you go. Even after years of experience I still make a list-it's not as detailed as when I was first starting out but I find it's still helpful to remember the little things that make a party go smoother.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">When preparing the food for a party I always do two things.</span></b><br />
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Clean out the fridge before I start so I have room for the extra food and big bowls.<br />
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<b>Before I started preparing the food.</b><br />
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<b>After the food was prepared.</b><br />
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<b>The second thing is to clean up as I go. </b>After every dish is prepared I wash the bowls and utensils. I try to never have dirty dishes in the sink. It just makes me feel better and I know if I need something it may be in the dish drainer but at least it will be clean.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">By cleaning up as I go I can go to bed relaxed knowing this is what I'll wake up to.</span><br />
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The only thing I leave out is whatever I need to finish the prep in the morning.<br />
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<b>A little encouragement:</b><br />
When I first starting opening my home and inviting people in I was consumed with making everything perfect. I made all the food from scratch and wouldn't dream of buying anything pre-made. I've learned over the years that the food is important but what's more important is just the act of inviting people in. Hospitality is rare these days because many people tend to lead isolated lives. We need to share not just the food but more importantly the fellowship and the love.<br />
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<span class="chapter-2" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Prov-17-1" style="position: relative;">"A meal of bread and water in contented peace</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-17-1" style="position: relative;">is better than a banquet spiced with quarrels."</span></span><br />
Proverbs 17:1 (The Message)<br />
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<i>I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I'll show you my simple way of keeping my house reasonably clean and straight and ready for company. </i><br />
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I'll be sharing all the recipes for this luncheon but for now I'll leave you with my recipe for corn salad.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Indian Corn Salad</span></b><br />
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2 - 15 ounce cans corn, drained<br />
1 - 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained<br />
1 orange bell pepper chopped<br />
1/4 cup minced red onion<br />
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br />
3/4 cup mayonnaise (I use Dukes)<br />
8 - 10 ounces Chili Cheese Fritos lightly crushed<br />
(I couldn't find the large bag so I used 2 -four ounce bags)<br />
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Mix all ingredients except the Fritos, cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours. Add the crushed Fritos before serving.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Enjoy!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.aplateatmytable.blogspot.com/2013/11/get-ready-to-party-series-day-3-clean.html">See day 3 here. Clean Enough, Good Enough</a></b></span></div>
Lace up and Walkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17143556081356821588noreply@blogger.com0