Saturday, March 26, 2011

Pure Linen

The best towels for covering rising bread dough are linen. 

I found two new towels at the Goodwill a couple weeks ago.
I bought one to share.

This American Pewter towel will be given away on April 1.
Just leave a comment on this post if your kitchen could use a new Pure Linen towel.  :)



Friday, March 25, 2011

Angel Stamp Give-A-Way

I have 4 Stampin Up Angels that need a new home.
They are used, but haven't been for a long time.
I will also include some tags.
If you want your name in the drawing basket, just mention it in my comments....and make sure if you don't have a blog, I will know how to contact  you.
I will draw a name on April 1.
I will also be posting other random items to give away before then....so visit again soon!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Growing Family Fun

Because of someone's generosity, we spent the week in a 3 bedroom condo at the Trump Palace in Sunny Isles Beach.
Our oldest daughter and Friendie were not able to come along, but our other 3 kids and the boy's girlfriends were able to join us.
(The only photos with all of us in them were taken at restaurants).


We had this amazing ocean view from our condo on the 42nd floor.
The height kind of creeped me out, but one of our sons slept on the balcony every night.


The other son....
proposed!!!!

So our family continues to grow!
Now there is a summer wedding to look forward to!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Too Lazy To Blog

I am sorry to be silent for almost a week.  I have been trying to post some photos, but have been unable to get them to load.....I will try again when I return home.
We were given a condo to use in Florda this week.  So I am on vacation......just soaking up the sun....enjoying the sand between my toes.
My husband is cleaning up the kitchen right now.....I truly am on vacation!!!!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Caraway Rye - You WANT To Make This Bread!

I found a fun cookbook from Taste of Home, America's Best Church Supper Recipes.
I really love the simplicity of the recipes...and all the photos included in the book.  Taste of Home never disappoints me.
This bread recipe did not have a photo to tempt me, but it jumped out at me because I enjoy Caraway Rye bread.  And when I saw how simple it was to make.....and because I had just bought two extra long loaf pans this past week...well...the recipe was practically screaming at me!

Caraway Rye Rolls

2 packages ( 1/4 ounces each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees)
2 cups warm small-curd cottage cheese (110 to 115 degrees)
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 TBSP caraway seeds
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup rye flour
3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.  Add the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, caraway seeds, salt, baking soda, rye flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour; mix well.
Gradually stir in enough remaing all-purpose flour to form a sticky batter (do not knead).  Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Stir dough down.  Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 24 pieces.  Place in well-greased muffin cups.  Cover and let rise until doubled, about 35 minutes.  Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool for 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks.


I just warmed the cottage cheese in a bowl in the microwave and then mixed everything up in that same bowl.  When it was time to stir the dough down, I just mixed it in the same bowl.  I used parchment lined loaf pans and just divided up the dough in the pans and sort of pinched it into a loaf shape.
Not much effort...
and a really great result.
The bread was still really moist and fresh the second and third day....I have definetly found a new favorite!
Maybe you will too!!!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Only Sign Of Spring

Seriously, this is the only sign of Spring where I live....
and I bought it.
(American Cancer Society Daffodil Days)

This is still the view outside my front door.
It is going to be a long time before all of our snow melts.
(There will be flooding in the Red River Valley again).

Warm fuzzy jammies will be worn for a couple more months.


I still have plenty of time to plan my garden.


But my Sloggers are ready!
(How great to find these Made in the USA shoes - still brand new in the package -  while thrifting yesterday....in my size).
Bring on the Springtime mud!!!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Thrifting USA

My thrifting thrills are no secret.
But maybe you didn't know my main hunt is for items that are/were Made in the USA.
I have concerns about the abuse of labor that occurs in many countries, and I prefer to support US made whenever possible.....even if it just coming from a thrift store.  :)
This sweet sifter came home with me last week.  It is nice and clean and totally useable.  Could you leave it behind for $1.99?

Thank you for taking time to look at all the good things that Apple Valley Natural Soap has to offer.  The winner of the drawing for the free bar of soap goes to Deb!
We are in for another cold night here in Minnesota.....but warmer days are coming......(more on that later).