Kitchen

[Winifred]

I actually had someone bring me some home grown tomatoes yesterday - two are already gone. They are delicious - I was never able to grow them as good as these were.

Did no cooking yesterday - just about died from the heat/humidity. More today - this is so ridiculous. Did get my car to REdlands and rented one for a couple days. Can you believe someone keyed my car sitting here in the driveway. On top of that I had gotten notice from the electric company on Sunday night requesting electrical use be cut back - like none - between 2 and 6. I did the best I could but started feeling really bad so did turn the TV on and my small AC in my bedroom about 3:30. It was miserable as that little AC does not cool any too well when the rest of the house is steaming hot. More of the same today the experts say.

My oldest grand in Topeka has not used her AC for a week. Grrrrr. Something not right here. LOL.

Not sure about dinner - trying to find out if the kids will be back before dinner time - suspect they will but do NOT want to fix anything if I do not have to - they were in San Bernardino for a couple days - enjoyed my peace and quiet.

Hope all are having a super good day.

[spix]

Hello to all

Oh Winifred I do so worry about you, how awful to have to live that way what with the heat & humidy you're having, take care my dear. Glad you had some good tomato's aren't they wonderful, lately I've been using the grape tomato's at least they're tasty. You just take it easy.

Our weather here in Chi Town has been Fall like, same as Sushi I imagine, but slowy warming up, my flowers are still doing good, the color is staying, didn't get any mums this year.

Tonite is chili, made when I got home from O'Hare (a slow day, kids back in school, not much travel, except for business which is Mondays & Thursdays) but we have a big convention coming to town so things will perk up.

OK going to get the cornbread in the oven

Take Care

[Winifred]

Yesterday was another hot/humid one. Last night the horrible email came, today cut back on electricity between 2 and 6 again. Kids are here and it will be difficult but will try. Couple time I was able to do this easily as the weather cooperated and was able to get by with no AC - that is the biggie. Don't think I can manage that today but we shall see. While we cut back we wind up spending more $$$ finding something to do elsewhere. Makes no sense but nothing does out here again. We did have a couple of thunder booms yesterday but that was all. Nearby, however, there was hail, flash flooding and heavy winds which caused some major damage.

Last night I fixed some chicken in the slow cooker with a big sweet onion of course. Had buttered carrots and okra also. Of course threw in some sliced tomatoes - so good. Today? Will come up with something - but not eating out - that requres minimal or no cooking. My stove is electric but will have something. May be as simple as a salad of some kind. Sure is really difficult out here just trying to find a few moments of peace, quiet and comfort.

Hope all have a super good day - this morning must take TEssa to San BErnardino to school - not sure yet what else is on tap.

By the way had to rent a car for a few days while mine is being repaired. Nice car BUT it has leather upholstery. Had to haul out towels yesterday as I could not sit in the car. Cannot imagine anyone having leather upholstery in a car out here. Dumb. Must be my attitude but it sure makes no sense to me at all.

[Preds]

Iced Pumpkin Cookies

1 cup sugar

1 cup soften butter

1 Tsp baking soda

1 Tsp Cinnamon

1 1/2 Pumpkin (canned works)

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 Tsp salt

3 cups flour

Cream butter and sugars. Add rest and mix well. Drop Tsp full on greased cookie sheet. Bake 375 degrees - 12 mins.

Icing ... 3 cups powdered sugar, 1-2 Tbsp milk, 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 Tsp vanilla. Mix well and frost cookies.

Store cookies in fridge.

This is DH's recipe and we love it!

[Preds]

[Soushi24]

Morning,

Oh, Preds, that recipe looks good. I've been so hungry for something pumpkin. Why is that? Is the crisp air, leaves turning color, or what that gives me this craving for pumpkin?

I'm making a rhubarb pie to take to dinner tonight. Seems I've started a trend where I bring dessert when we eat at the Elks. Now it is expected. But I really don't mind, I like to make desserts.

No cooking yesterday. I was just plain lazy. No excuses. Had a friend come and replace the florescent light fixture in the laundry room. I hated having it keep flashing on dim. Ended up to be quite a chore but we know have light!

Think my old percolator is going to coffeepot heaven soon. She brews then restarts again. I do love her but she needs a rest.

Funny, listening to Garbo purr this morning. She has this favorite throw. And every morning she lays down on it and starts to purr. She must love it.

Going for that first cup of coffee. Best to all, enjoy the day.

[Winifred]

Haven't done any cooking for a couple nights. Have been busier than whatever. Today has been heavenly - temp wise. In the 80s and the humidity has not been so fierce. Last night I got real COLD. Loved every minute of it. Of course the promised thunderstorms did not happen. We also need the cool off but are also in dire need of water.

Felt great when I went to bed - however a tad after midnight I really started feeling LOUSY. Had serious pain in my lower abdomen but in a couple hours it went away. Did not go to Curves as I thought I might be pushing it. Have felt ok during the day but just very tired.

Had security installed - I did NOT need the extra money payout but am having way too many problems with things - such as my car being keyed in my driveway. Even with complete coverage that repair still cost me close to $200 on top of that. Have also had other problems so hopefully this will stop it. Let the chips fall where they may.

Tomorrow is suppose to be another nice day - of course no rain in sight. If this holds up we will be more in our normal range of temps. Leaves are falling off the trees like crazy and that is super unusual. Am sure it is due to lack of rain. My back yard is horrible and I have not changed my watering there at all - once again am sure it has something to do with the extensive heat. Am really wondering by next year what greenery will be left here - my lilacs are shriveling into nothing.

Hope all had a great day - hopefully I will get in the kitchen and cook something tomorrow.

[Soushi24]

Morning,

Had to drive to Ft. Wayne, 45 miles away to have my I Pad unfrozen. Young lady was so nice and surprised me that she did it with no charge. Of course, I had to stop at TJ Maxx.

Had made the rhubarb pie before I left, using frozen rhubarb. That meant I had to bake it a lot longer. Then called a friend and found out that 2 more people coming for dinner at the Elks, maybe several more. So I quickly made Amish Sugar Cream pie. They were both big hits.

Here is an Onion Dip that looks so good;

Cheesy Baked Vidalia Dip

Ingredients

• 3 cups freshly shredded cheese (I use 1.5 cups mild cheddar and 1.5 cups mozzarella but you can use all cheddar if you like)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 2-3 small Vidalia or other sweet yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

1. Place cubed cream cheese in large mixing bowl and microwave for about thirty seconds, just until soft.
2. Add diced onion, cheeses, and mayo to mixing bowl with cream cheese. Stir to combine.
3. Spoon into greased 1.5 baking dish (8x8 works fine)
4. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Serve with corn chips or crackers.

http://www.southernplate.com/2013/01/cheesy-baked-vidalia-dip.html

[jlkz]

Found a recipe in the Inquirer for a make your own "" Kind "" bar. Bought the cupcake pans and all the nuts and syrup ingredients and am waiting for a rainy or cold day to try it out. Looks like this week .... Will post the results.

[Soushi24]

Morning,

Lunch was a salad and a hamburger. Kept it simple as we were going out to eat last night before cards. JlKZ, you come back! We love to hear from you, just to chat, doesn't have to be about cooking. We like company.

Here is a recipe that I must try:

Hershey's Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling & Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

• Adapted from Hershey's
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 & 3/4 cups flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk or heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Whipped Cream Cheese Buttercream

• 1 cup cream cheese
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream

• 3/4 cup of butter
• 3/4 cup of cream cheese
• 1 & 3/4 cups Hersheys cocoa powder
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons whole Milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Hersheys Chocolate Cake

1. First, preheat your oven to 350F.
2. Spray 3 round cake pans with cooking spray
3. Dust the pans lightly with flour, set aside.
4. In a Large mixing bowl or kitchenaid mixer combine the Flour, Hersheys cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and the salt.
5. Add in the milk, oil, eggs and the vanilla extract & mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Once all combined, stir in the boiling water last; mix again, the batter will be very thin.
6. Pour the batter evenly in each of the sprayed/floured cake pans
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of each layer comes out clean. Once fully baked, remove from oven & allow the 3 cakes to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before removing them.
8. Once removed, transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
9. I always use a cake leveler to make sure the layers are even, you can also use a serrated knife
10. While they finish cooling, prepare your frostings.

Whipped Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

Instructions

1. Whip the cream cheese & the butter with an electric mixer on high speed for about 30 seconds. Once combined begin adding in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar at time, making sure each half cup is fully incorporated before mixing in another 1/2 cup., add in the vanilla extract & whip one last time for about 30 more seconds on high and beat one minute more until nice & fluffy

Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

Instructions

1. In a large bowl beat the butter & cream cheese with an electric mixer and begin adding in the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time again
2. add in the cocoa and the milk & vanilla
3. Whip all of the ingredients until they are thoroughly incorporated
4. Beat at High speed for about one minute or until fluffy.

Once you are ready to assemble the cake

1. Level the cakes with a cake leveler to assure perfect stacking of the cake layers
2. Place the bottom layer on a cake plate.
3. Spread 3/4 cup of the cream cheese buttercream filling over the bottom cake layer
4. Top with the second leveled layer and repeat the process.
5. Lastly, top with the third layer.
6. Frost just the very top with the remaining Whipped cream cheese buttercream & refrigerate for about 15 minutes
7. Finally, remove from the refrigerator & frost the top layer gently with the chocolate cream cheese buttercream & all over the sides of the cake.
8. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
9. ENJOY!

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