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In: In The Kitchen

Some will say that made from scratch is the only way when baking and others will get ready-made dough and be done.  I’m good either way.  There are times when I just don’t have the time or inclination to drag out the mixer, sift and measure and mix but I still want a warm from the oven dessert or need a quick and easy dessert to take to a potluck.  My Aunt Barbara shared this recipe with us years ago.  I don’t know where she originally found it, but it’s quick, easy and I almost always have the ingredients on hand.  She made it withRead More →

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In: In The Kitchen

Apple harvest is beginning to wind down here at Hollyhocks and Heaven.  The last few days we weren’t sure if the elk and moose would get them all picked before we did! Many thanks to my mom and sister for taking care of the canning for me this year while I was in bed sick.  They put up several quarts of pie filling and pints of fried apples, applesauce and apple butter.  I did manage to get a few pies in the freezer.  We still have about 2 boxes of apples to go, they will most likely be in the dehydrator by the end ofRead More →

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In: Reflections, Thoughts and Ideas

I almost gave up.  I almost quit.  I have spent a lot of time thinking about how and why things turn out the way they do.  I have been reflecting on what brings me happiness and joy, and what doesn’t.  I have realized how much I have missed writing and how much time I have spent not doing things that bring me happiness and joy.  So, I have wiped my face and am picking up where I left off.  Thank you for sticking with me…bigger and better things are on the horizon. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.~Philippians 4:13Read More →

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In: In The Kitchen

If you find yourself looking for a quick and easy little something to have with your coffee or tea you have to try Easier Than Coffee Cake Bars.  Sweet, but with a little bit of tang, they are moist, rich and delicious.  An added plus, you probably have all the ingredients without having to make a trip to the grocery store! Easier Than Coffee Cake Bars 1 box yellow cake mix 1 cube butter, softened 2 eggs 4 c. powdered sugar 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 t. vanilla raspberry, blackberry or blueberry jam, optional Mix well together the cake mix, butter and eggs.  WithRead More →

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In: In The Kitchen

We were recently gifted an 18 pound organic turkey and it was delicious.  About the third day of leftovers we definitely are ready for a change.  This is a rich and creamy dish and the recipe makes enough for a large crowd or split it up and freeze some for a quick dinner on a busy night. Turkey Tetrazzini 3/4 c. butter 3/4 c. flour 2 t. salt ground pepper to taste 3 c. milk 2 c. turkey or chicken broth (I used the pan drippings from baking the turkey, yum!) 4 egg yolks 1/2 c. heavy cream 6 c. diced, cooked turkey 1 –Read More →

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In: In The Kitchen

My sister’s new Mother-in-Law made this delicious dish for us at Thanksgiving a few years ago and was kind enough to share her recipe.  It has now become a staple side dish in our home.  It’s sweet, creaminess pairs well with just about anything, I particularly like it with ham.  Quick and easy to put together and although the recipe is easy to double, I have found it may take a little longer to bake, but that could just be my old oven. Corn Casserole 2 eggs, beaten 1 c. sour cream 1 stick butter, softened 2 cans creamed corn 1 box  Jiffy Corn BreadRead More →

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In: In The Kitchen

A few years ago I was telling our son about family traditions I grew up with and how important they have been to me.  We decided to start our own tradition of honoring the memory of our relatives that are no longer with us by making some of their recipes for the holidays.  After thumbing through some old family recipes he decided he wanted his tradition to be making Uncle Marvin’s Peanut Brittle every Christmas.  After several hits and misses I think we finally have it down…and it’s delicious! Uncle Marvin’s Peanut Brittle 3 c. white sugar 1/2c. water 3 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp.Read More →

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In: Reflections, Thoughts and Ideas

This is a wonderful time of year, yet potentially a terrible time of year.  It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness, trying to be and do everything that we lose sight of what is really important.  Stuff happens…really, really bad stuff.  I know this first hand.  After the shock has had a little time to wear off I can see that yes, my holiday is not going to be what I had planned, but it’s going to be okay.  I got to wake up this morning, others did not.  We have a roof over our head, and a pantry full of food,Read More →

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In: In The Home

It’s funny how our tastes change as we grow older.  When I was little I hated sweet potatoes, now I love them!  My son would never eat them either, until I served this dish one Thanksgiving.  Now he and my husband both eat them. Sweet Potato Casserole 8 c. mashed sweet potatoes 1 c. white sugar 3 T. vanilla extract 8 eggs, beaten 2 c. heavy whipping cream 1 t. cinnamon 1/2 t. ground cloves 1/2 t. ground nutmeg 2 sticks butter, softened 2 c. packed brown sugar 1 c. flour 2 1/2 c. chopped pecans In a large mixing bowl, combine sweet potatoes, sugar, vanilla, eggs and cream. Read More →

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In: In The Kitchen

When Brad and I were first married, we hosted Thanksgiving for our combined families for a total of 42 guests.  It was a wonderful time and a tradition we carried on for another three years.  After we moved away our Thanksgivings are either much smaller or we are travelling. I want you to know that whether you are hosting a large or small gathering or just taking a dish with you somewhere, there is nothing to stress and worry about.  Do as many things ahead of time as you can so Thanksgiving Day will be a day to enjoy. Today, I am sharing my dressingRead More →