Tis the Season Giveaway!

Tis the season to give and I'm planning on several Christmas giveaways, just because! See these homemade ornaments, not by me, but I feel in love with the colors and one day I hope to use those colors on our Christmas tree. Sassy Sue, that's me!

Tis the season.....we found a tree yesterday and I was shocked at the prices, doubled from last year but hubby reminded me about the ice storm last January and the loss from that was probably to blame. But our home is filled with a fresh pine scent and I'm just about done decorating it, unless I change my mind and re-do it. I'm not a perfectionist but darn close, I'm thinking I want something different and I really like the idea of just snowflakes, glass icicles and silver bells....we shall see. But the gingerbread tree is up in the library and just as sweet as can be! Photos will be posted when the whole house is done, but it takes me days if I don't change my mind.

Back to the giveaway, this one will be a crafty one since crafting for Christmas is my favorite thing, so just leave me a crafty comment here on what you make for Christmas or would like too. Just one year, I'd love to have a homemade Christmas where every gift is handmade from each of us, just one year. I think that would be the best time! I'll leave this giveaway open for one week so spread the word, leave your comment, cross your fingers and I'll get busy whipping up something special for the winner. Good luck to all and to all a good night!

Giveaway and Gab

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy those leftovers! As you can see, it's looking a little like Christmas here, and now that my blog is all decked out it's time to start on the house, but I found this sweet giveaway that I thought you might be interested in. Now, I'm not familiar with this publication but it reminds me of Victoria and looks like a fine magazine, the kind you don't want to share or part with. Here's your chance to check it out as they are giving away 4 copies of their Christmas issue. This would make a nice gift for a mother or daughter. Head on over to Remembrance Press to get entered in the giveaway.

Now, for the gab! I wanted to thank you all who shared their pecan pie recipes with me, most were very similar so I made the one from the bottle of Karo syrup and it came out just perfect! I was thrilled and so was the hubby! We had a house full, the Thanksgiving journal got passed and we ran out of room for all the food! What a blessed day! Now, it's time to dig out all the Christmas decorations and turn this house into a cozy Christmas house, what fun it will be. I look forward to this part more than anything! Enjoy your long weekend, and a giveaway of my own will be in the works soon! Oh, and don't forget to get your cookie cutter swap goodies off in the mail!

Happy Thanksgiving

This will probably be the only time I get to sit down today, and I couldn't forget you all in this day of Thanksgiving, for you have blessed me in more ways than one deserves! I wish for you, a day of blessings, bliss and bounty. Give thanks to everything! Happy Thanksgiving!

Tasty Tuesday

You remember the Brady Bunch, well, were the Brownie Bunch here! It has to be our all time favorite dessert, and there's a brownie to please everyone and as you know, I like to try out new and different recipes so brownies are something that always catch my eye. We like them frosted, with nuts or without, blond, mocha or ala mode, there's not a brownie we don't like! So, for this weeks Tasty Tuesday I thought I'd share a new brownie recipe with you that I'm gonna try out for Christmas or sooner! What I like about this one is contains several of my favorite things, chocolate, coffee and hazelnut, so this is a must add to my baking list.

Hazelnut Mocha Brownies

1 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips, divided

3/4 c. butter, cubed

1 Tb. hazelnut flavored instant coffee granules

2 eggs

2/3 c. packed brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 c. all purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 c. chopped hazelnuts, toasted

Frosting

1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

1 Tb. butter

1/4 c. heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 tsp. instant hazelnut flavored coffee granules

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

In a microwave safe bowl, melt 1 c. chocolate chips and butter with coffee granules, stir till smooth and cool.

In large bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar, stir in chocolate mixture and vanilla. Combine with flower, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to chocolate mixture, stir in hazelnut and remaining chocolate chips.

Pour into a greased 9 in. baling pan. Bake at 325 for 25 min. or till toothpick comes out clean. Cool. To make frosting, melt chocolate chips and butter with cream in microwave and add coffee granules, stir till smooth. Cool. Transfer to a med. bowl and beat for 2 min. at high speed. Blend in powdered sugar and vanilla till fluffy. Frost, refrigerate for 30 min. before cutting. Eat!

I'm not sure I would refrigerate them before cutting or eating but that is what the recipe states, you can find this recipe and a ton more in the new "Holiday Gifts and Crafts" magazine from Taste of Home. It's full of yummies for the tummies and crafts for the kids, young and old!

Pie Please...

I'm planning the big menu today, hunting up recipes and taking requests. My dear hubby wants a pecan pie this year, and I guess after 18 years together, he's waited long enough, but I've never made one before. I've found plenty of recipes for one, and I never knew there were so many different kinds or ways to make a pecan pie. I don't really bake with nuts much, and pecans aren't my favorite but I must master this pecan pie request, so can you help me? I'm looking for a tried and true recipe, that is easy and not time consuming. Do you have a family favorite that you care to share with me that would wow my man? I'm not pie shy mind you, in fact, I'm kinda famous for a few of my pies but pecan isn't one of them! Any and all recipes will be considered and saved, and in advanced, I thank you all! I do have something in return, just in case you don't already know this, but the secret to any pie crust is ICE water! Really, it works for me every time! Now, to wait for the pecan pie people to respond to this plea! lol

Swap Partners Paired

The emails have all been sent and all that is left to do is gather your goodies, package them up nicely and get them in the mail by Friday or so. If you haven't received a email from me with your partners info. please let me know soon so I can work on fixing it. There were 3o of us between bloggers and the farmgirls over at MaryJanes Farm Connection so you just may know your partner, if not, consider her a new friend sharing some Christmas cheer. I'm anxious to hear all about your swaps, and if you post about it, let us know, so we can click over to check it out! This is so exciting and I think were all ready for some holiday smiles in the mailboxes!

And I think we need Christmas right now! Another blogger made me think about this from her post, and she's right. With all that is going on in the world, we need Christmas to restore the good in people. I just wish we all could feel the spirit all year through, not just one month out of twelve. So, as we prepare for Thanksgiving, keep in mind the many blessings we all should be thankful for, each day. Happy swapping!

Traditions

Do you have any for Thanksgiving? We all eat turkey and pumpkin pie but is there a special thing you do or way to share with your family and friends as you gather? I started one a few years ago for my family, and I wish I would of done it sooner. I started a gratitude journal that I pass to each member of the family to write down what they are grateful for this year, and they look back to the older posts, smile and pass it around. This little act helps them to stay grounded and I'm happy to say, all really look forward to it. I was afraid some might not want to join in but all do and some even take up a whole page or two! This tradition will become a treasure in our family and all it took was a pretty journal and pen to be passed around, I'm thrilled! Sometimes, it really is the small stuff that turns out to be big! What is your favorite tradition for Thanksgiving?

Cookie Cutter Swap News

Time is flying, little did I know when I posted the little reminder this morning that our swap was coming to a close soon, sooner than I thought, tomorrow! I've only heard from 11 of you with mailing info. so if you are serious about swapping Christmas cookie cutters with us, please send me your mailing info ASAP! My email address is wesue@townsqr.com I hope to get us paired up by Sunday so we can have the week to get our goodies packed and ready to ship by the 27th. So, here I am again, with a little reminder: TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE to get signed up but you must email me with your mailing info. for your partner. If you are new and want to join, just scroll down the the original post and sign up there then email me your mailing info. Thanks and I'm looking forward to another fun swap!

Giveaway News

The spirit is in us, and bloggers are most generous! If your a tea lover, here's a sweet giveaway and something I've wanted for years, a tea cozy. Prairie Flower Farm is a lovely blog, full of faith and friendship, real cozy. Check out this adorable tea cozy, it could be yours just for stopping in. Good luck!

Just a reminder on my cookie cutter swap, I'm so excited about all those who are interested in joining in on this fun swap, but I need your mailing info. so please email me with your name, address and email info. My email address is wesue@townsqr.com . This swap will close on the 20th so I can get the names paired up and info sent out, but don't wait to shop for those cutters. Half of the fun is hunting for the goods! In just a few days, the list will be posted, so stay tuned!

Tasty Tuesday

I'm a day late due to my internet tower being down and out, makes you realize just how much you depend on the internet. But a day late is better than nothing, especially since the soup is on! I love a big ole bowl of hot soup on a cold winter day, nothing warms you up like soup does. Growing up, the only soup I ever ate was chicken noodle so my taste buds were sheltered, but not any more! Canned soups are out and homemade is in, have you seen the salt intake on canned soups? Making your own soup is better for you, alot cheaper because you can usually get two meals from one pot and you can experiment and make up your own, like I do!

Our favorite is potato soup, and each pot turns out different for some reason, but the main recipe is below created by me on a very cold winter day. Soup simmering on the stove, combined with fresh bread hot from the oven is a perfect day no matter how cold it is outside.

Potato Soup by Sue

6-8 good size potatos, peeled and cubed

1 onion, cut up

1 can pepperjack soup ( cheddar or nacho cheese can also be used)

1 can creamed corn

1 can carrots, drained

2 stalks celery (cut into bite size) or 1 tsp. celery seed

1 c. milk, may need more

garlic, pepper and salt to taste

chives

Cook potato's and celery till done, drain, add carrots and mash. In soup pot add potato's, carrots, corn, cheese soup and milk, blend well. Add garlic, pepper and salt to taste and simmer till hot and thick. More milk maybe needed to thicken soup to your liking. We like it thick, almost like a chowder. Top with minced chives. Serve hot.

I've also added chopped ham or bacon a time or two, but this standby is nice for a meatless meal on a cold day. Soup season is here! Enjoy and feel free to share your potato soup recipe with us.

Christmas Jam

It would be a good day to make some jam if I only had the goods, but since I don't and you might, I'm sharing my recipe for Christmas Jam today, cuz it got me to thinking that I really need to get busy and make some homemade goodies, or at least plan out my list. Jams and jellies are easy to make and it's a gift someone can always use and never gets. Pair with some homemade biscuits, vanilla and fudge and you have a goodie basket fit for a queen! And all the recipes are listed here on my blog for the above items, just search away! I know I'd love to get some jam or jelly this year! Enjoy and be sure to save a jar for yourself, you've earned it!

Christmas Jam

2 c. cranberries
1 orange, peeled & quartered
16 oz. frozen strawberries, thawed
3 c. sugar
3 oz. liquid pectin
5 half pint jars (ready to fill)
Coarsely grind cranberries and orange sections in a food processor. Spoon into a heavy saucepan, add strawberries and sugar. Bring mixture to a full boil, stirring for one min. Remove from heat and stir in pectin, skim off foam. Pour into prepared jars and process for 10 min. Makes 5- 1/2 pints

Cookie Cutters Wreath

So, here is a neat idea for all your cookie cutters or it's a good excuse to buy a bunch if need too, esp. if you've joined the fun swap below. I feel in love with this easy to do wreath, a glue gun is all that is needed, the short directions can be found at Better Homes & Gardens but as long as you match up the points and have your glue gun hot and ready this is simple and quick! And wouldn't it look cute in your Christmas kitchen!

I'm so happy to see so many signed up for the cookie cutter swap, it's not too late, you have till the 20th to scroll down and get signed up, be sure to email me (wesue@townsqr.com) your mailing info., I've got several but I need so many more. I love the idea of mixing old and new cutters and tuck a little something extra in also, and try to keep it all including shipping about $10 so it's not a burden. A favorite recipe would be sweet too, oven mitts or kitchen towel are examples from last years swap, which was so nice and fun! So, to those who joined and got their mailing info off to me already, thank you! And if you'd like to join, please sign up on that post below, gotta make it easy for the hostess here. The more the merrier!

Cookie Cutter Swap

Ok, I can't stand it anymore! So many blogs are all decked out for Christmas, and sharing ideas, crafts and decorations that I've got to have a little Christmas fix, so I'm hosting a Christmas cookie cutter swap here and over at MaryJanes Farm Connection. I will combine the names from both places and pair you up with a partner close by to help out with shipping. Last years swap was so much fun that this has become a tradition here at Country Pleasures so I hope you join us.

All you need to do is sign up here at this post, then email me your mailing info., and start shopping for Christmas cookie cutters. Walmart already has there's out, that is what reminded me today. You can buy new or old if you or your partner prefers, once you get emails you two can figure that part out. I usually add something to it, like a Christmas kitchen towel or oven mitts, just something fun and festive to add to the excitement of the swap. Please sign up by Nov. 20 so we can ship by Nov. 27 giving us plenty of time to use them for the holidays. Keep your swap under $10 including shipping, this is easy to do since cookie cutters aren't heavy and if you use a big bubble mailer it won't add much weight to the cost.

I'm getting anxious to decorate for Christmas so hopefully this swap will feed my fix a little! Are you in? Come on, join us for a fun and easy swap plus you will help spread some joy in the mailbox and kitchen!

Tasty Tuesday

Let me introduce you to sourdough baking, now I'm sure some of you have already dabbled in the almost forgotten art of sourdough cookery. If this is your first time, it won't be your last, I can promise you that much. I've been playing with sourdough for almost 30 years, gee that makes me sound really old, but then again some starters are pretty old too. For beginners, you must start by making a starter, you will need a gallon size, clean jar, glass or plastic container, no metal. I like to use the biggest mason jar I have or a flour holder like the one above. They are under $10 at Walmart and I suggest you invest in one if you are serious about sourdough, and you just may be after this post, I hope so.



Sourdough Starter

3 pkg. dry yeast

1 1/2 c. warm water

1 Tbsp. sugar

2 1/2 c. all purpose flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large plastic container, add sugar. When yeast bubbles, about 10 min. stir in flour till you have a smooth paste. Cover loosely to allow gases to escape and place in warm spot in your kitchen for 2-3 days. This mixture will bubble and give off a sour smell, which is good. You will need to stir your starter once a day, making sure to stir in any crust that may and does form. After this point, you can store your starter in the fridge, or leave it out in a cool, dark place.



Now, that you have your starter all set, you will have to feed it, you do this by adding 1 c. flour and 1/2 c. water everyday if you leave it out and every few days if it's refrigerated. Once the starter has grown a few weeks and has reached full strengh, you can decrease feedings to once a week. Take note, if you don't use your starter regularly, it will get unruly and burst out of it's container, but you can always share your starter with family or friends. I usually make a starter for fall/winter baking. I have also froze my starter with good results.


Now, to get to the good stuff, the bread! Keep in mind, with time comes a stronger sourdough taste, which I love but some esp. beginners might not so I suggest trying to make your first batch of bread within the first week of making your starter. This classic bread recipe is easy and once you get the hang of sourdough cookery, you can try other goodies, but for now this simple bread is perfect for your first season of sourdough. Better things are ahead, sourdough pancakes are the best!

Sourdough Bread

1 c. sourdough starter
2 1/4 c. warm water, divided
5-7 c. all purpose flour, divided
2 pkg. dry yeast
1 t. sugar, divided
2 t. salt
Mix sourdough starter, 2 c. water and 5 c. flour in a large bowl. Mix well; cover with a dish cloth and allow to rise 8 hrs. or overnight. I prefer overnight, much easier
Combine yeast, 1/4 c. warm water, and 1/2 t. sugar. Let stand 5 min., till it bubbles. Pour yeast mixture into the flour bowl and mix well. Knead while adding up to 2 more cups of flour, 1/2 c. at a time. Knead till a smooth, soft dough is not sticky. Place dough in a oiled bowl, cover with a dishcloth and let rise about 2 hrs. Punch down and divide in half for 2 large loaves. Knead each portion on a lightly floured surface, cover with dishcloth and let rise another hour or till doubled in size. Preheat oven to 375. Bake for about 45 min. or till loaves sound hollow when tapped on. Makes 2 loaves.

I know this is time consuming but if your home for the day, this bread is worth all the fuss and wait, believe me. Mother Earth News got me hooked on sourdough some 30 years ago, and I've been making it ever since, mostly in the winter months. There are many books devoted to sourdough cookery, I have one and the recipes are endless! Let me know your thoughts on sourdough, I'm sure I'm not alone here?

Another Winner

This little guy flew into our glass door on the deck, as so many do, but it took him longer than usual to get his barrings, so I grabbed my camera and got up close and personal, isn't he cute! Onto the winner of my last giveaway, who's name came from the hat this time...........Sandy from Love Ya to Stitches, congrats! I got your email and waiting on your info. Blogger wouldn't let me post at all yesterday and took several trys this morning so blame blogger for this being late! Sandy's blog is delightful and crafty, so check it out if you need some new ideas.

More giveaways are planned for the holidays so stay tuned. Our weather sure has been warm and sunny, making up for October and above normal seems to be the norm. I've enjoyed reading all your comments from the last 2 posts, I am in good company! Together we can make it, take it and like it! It's always a blessing when bloggers come together to share and learn. Enjoy your Monday and get ready to share tomorrow for Tasty Tuesday, see you then!

Thrifty Thinking

With our hearts full of gratitude and our minds busy with holiday planning, my thoughts are leaning towards winter, just a little. The heater has been on for a month now, propane isn't any cheaper than last year and my little ole pantry isn't full. The harshness of knowing that if my hubby lost his job today, we wouldn't make it very far is sad, but true. We are one of too many households that live paycheck to paycheck. The only comfort in this is our track record so far, we have always made it. Alot of credit goes to being thrifty, conservative and alot of hard work, all of which I am proud of. God does provide for those who provide for themselves.

With this in mind, I've been doing a little research this week and silly me, didn't write down all the links to the great ideas I found. But a simple click to google will take you where you need to go. I found a blog where they feed their family for under $20 a week. I thought about this, could I do it? And I might try, it will be hard especially since we have a family dinner on Mondays and the kids might wonder what got into Grandma, but I think the challenge would be interesting and my budget would be happy!

Alot of bloggers are making all their Christmas gifts this year, ALL of them. I love this idea, and keep saying each year how I'd love to do that just one year. Of course, you'd have to start early but what fun and how special those gifts would be. Keepsakes really! Jar recipes have always been popular to make and receive, and from the research, they have really been upgraded! I found a site and I do have that link for you, where they have a jar gift for just about anything or anyone, even your pet! Check out All Free Crafts for some neat and cleaver ideas, it's also a great way to use up some of those canning jars we tend to hoard.

Being thrifty is hip these days and I'm all for that! Now, onto my pantry, it needs to be filled before winter, but first we must take note and get it ready for the holidays. Make a check list and yes, there are even printable pantry lists you can download, some in pretty patterns to make the chore even better. I enjoy stocking my pantry, even more so, doing it cheaply. I scan the Wednesday ads for each store and plot my course of action. I hit the stores that offer what I need at what my budget will allow for that week. If a staple comes on sale, I will stock up as much as I can. Flour freezes well, and most baking supplies will last for sometime without much waste. Canned goods are always a good investment. One blogger used her down stair shower as a pantry, showing you can turn just about anything into a storage space.

Winter always worries me, last year we had a record ice storm and many in my area lost power for weeks, we never did. But, I like to be prepared in case we do, having a backup plan eases the worry and concern, so try to have a plan B, just in case. We can only prepare so much, but I think if we work at it to take care of ourselves, we can make it through just about anything, and with Gods grace, we will.

A Thankful Heart

I don't know what it is about November but this month just begs us to be thankful, it could have something to do with Thanksgiving and I'm sure that plays a small role, but my heart is beating with gratitude, daily. I think Thanksgiving just reminds us that we need to show it, live it and reap it more. A thankful heart never forgets......

Last year I did a month of Thanksgiving and it proved to many that by vocalizing just one gratitude moment each day, allowed us to look for more ways to pay thanks forward. I end each day in prayer and gratitude, I sleep well.

To honor this month of Thanksgiving, I'm hosting a quickie giveaway with gratitude in mind, because I am grateful for all of you, I am a better woman because of blogging. And I love to give stuff away! So, no special instructions for this one, just leave a comment on this post and I'll choose a winner on Sunday and ship out your giftie on Monday so you have in time for Thanksgiving. Post away!

Tasty Tuesday!

I had this idea early this morning and now I'm finally getting it out to you, blogger wouldn't let me post for most of the day? But, I thought since I like to share recipes and I sure don't want to over load you with calories, I'd post a recipe each Tuesday, calling it Tasty Tuesday. And if I can ever figure out how to do the Mr. Linky thing, we can link together and share. Till then, if you want to join me on Tuesdays with your recipe, please do so and let me know so I can come visit and drool.......

For the first post I'm sharing a Southern Biscuit recipe with you, because who doesn't enjoy a good biscuit and I love this recipe for it's ease and you can always add herbs to it for a dinner biscuit, that is what I'm doing tonight for supper along with our ham steaks, adding some fresh chives to the mix.

Southern Biscuits

2 c. all purpose flour
1/4 t. baking soda
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 t. salt
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold
3/4 c. buttermilk
Preheat oven to 400. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut the butter into chunks and cut into flour till it resembles course meal.
Add buttermilk and mix just till combined. If it appears to be a bit dry add a bit more buttermilk. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat dough out, do not roll. Use a round cutter to cut out biscuits, place on cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 min. Makes about 10.

Can you cut comfort into a biscuit, I think so. There are generations old that lived off homemade biscuits with every meal, I won't go that far, but when I crave a good, flaky biscuit, I turn to this recipe and go snip some fresh herbs and you have a meal! Enjoy!