Thanksgiving Deals and shopping

This post may not be the opinion of everyone BUT it is the opinion of this blogger!


SHOPPING ON THANKSGIVING IS RIDICULOUS!!!!
There is no need to get that great of a deal and make people miss out on a holiday with their family. I'm sure if it was you that had to miss that holiday, you would be upset!
It's already bad enough that people have been killed or hurt terribly by the selfishness during Black Friday Sales.
I admit, I have in the past joined in on the hype of Black Friday, but I have found its really not worth it. Really, it isn't. I'd rather stay home.
I'm sure a lot of the employee's of these stores would as well.
I firmly believe of these Holiday's, stores should be closed so that everyone can spend the holiday with their family.

This blogger WILL NOT be shopping on Thanksgiving, or Black Friday. OR any other holiday that is ment to be spent with my family. THEY are too important to me to miss out for a shopping trip!

Ahh the joys of summertime

Summer is in full blast at this house! Kids everywhere, friends visiting, Vacation Bible School, and everything else that is involved in summertime. Except a vacation! This is the part where I boo-hoo that we are so broke that we can't afford a vacation, but I will spare you that none-sense.
I haven't been cooking or baking much. I had carpal tunnel surgery on April 29th. It was a quick decision. I knew mid-April it was severe the Dr. suggested that I had it done as soon as I could. So, two weeks after the appointment I went in to surgery. I have to say its been a longer road back to normalcy than I had thought. Slowly but surely I am getting back into everything. Though its nothing extravagant. 
As well as dealing with summer happening, I chopped 14, yes 14 inches off of my hair. I was tired of having to brush it a million times a day to avoid it ending up matted. So off it went! I hadn't had my hair cut since March 2011, after my reconstruction surgery of my foot. So it took awhile to get it as long as it had gotten.

So here it is before, curly

Here is its straight before

And the after look

We also welcomed a new addition in February

Meet Roxie, our shepard mix dog

So obviously we've been pretty busy. I'm hoping to get back into blogging here soon. I really enjoy it!
Enjoy the pictures!!

I haven't disappeared!

I know I haven't posted in awhile. I haven't been able to cook a lot. Nor have I been able to type.
I had a major flare up of Carpal Tunnel. I've had it since I was about 15 but I was able to maintain it and push it aside. Well it finally got so bad that I went to the Dr and he recommended surgery of course.
I went in on April 29th after months of pain and being woke up from sleep because of pain and numbness. I should be able to type better soon. I'm still healing. My hand just is slow.
So please, don't give up on me! I will be back soon and ready for a little revamp, guest blogger and more! You won't want to miss it!

School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars

I was searching around for some recipes. I came across this one and I want to try it. I loved these in school. 

 I found it on Tried and Tried Again. I ran across this blog on Pinterest.

School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars

1 1/2 C Flour

1¼ tsp. Salt

½ tsp. Baking Soda

¾ C Butter

¾ C Sugar

¾ C Brown Sugar

1 ½ tsp. Vanilla

1 1/2 C Creamy Peanut Butter (split)

2 Eggs

1 ½ C Quick Oats

Frosting:

½ C Butter (1 stick)

3 ½ C Powdered Sugar

2 T Cocoa

¼ C Milk (I use whatever I have in the fridge)

1 tsp. Vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small mixing bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugars, 3/4 C peanut butter, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add dry ingredients, just until incorporated. Then, stir in the oats. Spread onto a greased 11 x 15 Jelly Roll Pan (cookie sheet). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes.

The frosting is a two step process. First, whip the remaning ¾ C Creamy Peanut Butter until it becomes lighter colored and fluffy. Carefully spread the whipped peanut butter over the pan cookie.

Then, add butter to a small sauce pan and melt the butter. Add the milk and cocoa. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Heat just until boiling. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar. Stir until thickened. Pour over the peanut butter and gently spread over the cookie. Cool completely, and slice into bar cookies.

Fried Potatoes

This isn't one of my healthiest choices on side dishes, but the kids love it!

What you need
1 small onion
10 red potatoes
 black pepper
salt
margarine or butter


How to make it
Peel your potatoes, I just guessed at how many, you can make more or less. This is an estimate of what I use. Cut them into cubes place them in a skillet with 1-2 sticks of margarine or butter add chopped onion. Add some pepper and salt to taste. Cook on medium to low heat until potatoes are soft.

The main dish was from yesterday's post, Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breasts. Those turned out even more moist and delicious than I thought they would.

                                                                                                               

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breasts

I haven't tried this recipe yet. I will be doing it this evening and will upload pictures soon. All the reviews I found on it were great. Crossing fingers!

What You Need

1/3 cup  KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

1/4 cup  seasoned dry bread crumbs

1/4 tsp.  paprika

1/4 tsp.  black pepper

6 small  boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.)

3 Tbsp.  butter or margarine, melted

Make It

HEAT oven to 400°F.
MIX cheese, crumbs and seasonings in shallow dish.
DIP chicken in butter, then in cheese mixture, turning to evenly coat each breast before placing on rimmed baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
BAKE 20 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF). 

 

Secrets, tid bits and hints....

What is that one thing you do differently that makes you're recipe better than anyone else?
What hint do you have for someone starting out baking or cooking?
Any other tid bit of information you want to share??

One thing I always do when I'm baking is use Olive Oil instead of Vegetable Oil. Its healthier and tastes so much better!!
Also, try applesauce instead. I'm not sure of measurements though. If anyone knows please comment!