Tasty Tuesday

  
           I have a double feature for you today, a recipe and a giveaway to match! I've posted about our love for brownies before but with Valentines Day only 2 weeks away, I thought I'd share a peanut butter brownie recipe with you that I've been baking for decades. I stumbled on it one day when I didn't have any chocolate in the house( I was once poor like that) and the kids were wanting dessert that night, so I combed through my cookbooks and clippings and came across this little dandy.

Peanut Butter Brownies

1 3/4 c. peanut butter
1/3 c. butter
2 c. sugar
1. c. brown sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 T. vanilla
3 c. flour
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
Combine butter and sugars. Blend in eggs. Add peanut butter and mix well. Add vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt to mixture. Mix well. Pour into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 25-35 min.
Topping:
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. milk
1/2 c. butter
1 c. peanuts (optional)
Cook sugar, butter and milk till it comes to a boil. Add peanuts to make a spread, frost after cooling.


   Now, I bake them for my hubby when he wants dessert! I like this recipe because it has a good peanut butter flavor and you can always add some chocolate chips to the mix, the mini ones would be perfect!
As for the giveaway, I had a email come through today about a brownie giveaway, these brownies have won awards they are that  good, but sad to say, I've never heard of them nor tasted them. But we have a chance to win some, just head over to Todays Giveaway and look up FairyTale Browines for the sweet offer! Good luck and happy baking!

I'm Dreaming of.....

        Old plank wood floors, all knotty and pine.  A open hearth for winter fires. Rustic beams full of charm and strength. A English kitchen is what I'm dreaming of! My family tree leans towards the old ways of the English, the land where my mom was from and loved so much.  No, I'm not redoing my kitchen, not yet anyways, but I will be helping my youngest son in redoing his so he can get it on the market by April. You see, he just got engaged and wants to spruce the place up, sell it and rent for a few years so they can save up and build their own home, their way.  This will also get them out of debt and giving them a fresh start.  So, I offered to help, I've been dreaming of ways to make his little house feel big and cozy. He's made a few good starts but the kitchen needs a woman's touch in order to catch  the woman's eye when it goes up for sale. His fiance lives out of state in case you were wondering so I'm stepping in with happy feet!

      While looking around the web for ideas and colors, I found the house above. The top two are from the wonderful movie "The Holiday" which I loved, for the English house most of all but for the story line too. It won't fit into my son's house plan but I saved the photos for my files! lol  I've been anxious to decorate and paint for some reason, so this works out well all the way around! If you know of any kitchen idea sites that have a simple, yet cozy feel let me know. Just keep in mind, my 25 year old son will have to live there till it sells so I"m looking for something equally pleasing. CheeryO!

Hottie Giveaway Winner

            This will be short and sweet as blogger took forever to upload my post, but thanks to random.org I have a winner! Down on the Farm is the lucky girl who will recieve a package of hot drink goodies! Congrats to Down on the Farm! There was no name or email to be found so I hope she is checking this cuz I need your mailing info. so I can pop your  goodies in the mail!  You all were hot to trot for this giveaway, we do love our  hot drinks in the winter, don't we? And it seems like the favorites among the 80 plus who entered are mine too: coffee, tea and hot cocoa! Thanks to all who entered and keep a eye or two on my blog for a Valentines giveaway in the works! Till then, click on Prairie Flower Farm's button on the right for a sweet giveaway of her own! Good luck to all and me!

Cake Balls

While on my hunt for new goodies to bake for Valentines day, I replied on a old favorite and standby that never disappoints me, Bakerella!  I love this cooking/baking site for many reasons, but for the most part, I

love the funness of it, just take a look at these easy and cute cake balls that anyone can make! Cute, huh! If you've haven't drolled over Bakerella yet, grab a towel and head on over, your sweet tooth will thank you!

Red Velvet Cake Balls

1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)
1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)
wax paper

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)
3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)
4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)
5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.
6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)

Apron Giveaway

     My sweet friend, Cathy is hosting a adorable apron giveaway, one of her own creations so if you love aprons like I love aprons, click on over and get your chance in to win one of these cute aprons, a must have for any apron collector! And don't forget about my hottie giveaway, the deadline to enter is Friday and with 78 of you entered, I can tell, we love our hot drinks! Just scroll down to that post and leave a comment. The winner will be chosen that afternoon. Good luck on both giveaways!

Tasty Tuesday

      I never liked meatloaf much as a kid, so my Mom didn't make it very often. Maybe that is why I love it now, I can appreciate the thriftyness of a meatloaf which is why it is so popular. This recipe came from the current issue of Woman's World and the title caught my eye and when I read it was high in fiber, I knew I had to try this one, so I did last night.  No, I didn't get festive by shaping it into a heart, the photo was snagged at Flickr but I wish I had, and might if I make it again before Valentines day.

Taco Meatloaf

1 c. crushed bran flakes ( I used raisin bran which I had, and picked out the raisins.)
3/4 c. ketchup
1 env. (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
1 1/2 lbs. 90% lean ground beef  (the only kind I buy)
1/2 c. mexican style shredded cheese  ( I only had cheddar and worked fine)
3 eggs
Preheat oven to 350. In a small bowl, combine cereal and 1/2 c. water and stand 5 mins. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ketchup and taco seasoning; reserve 1/4 c. of mixture. To remaining ketchup mixture stir in ground beef, cheese, eggs and cereal mixture until combined. On cookie sheet, shape into 8x4 loaf and bake for 40-45 min.. Brush with reserved 1/4 c. ketchup mix and and bake till glaze is set, about 5-10 min. Let stand 10 min. before slicing.  Enjoy!

    Easy huh, and who doesn't love a good for you meal, and let me tell you, I had a small piece and it was filling, must of been all that fiber! lol  I love a thrifty meal too, and meatloaf is so versitile.  If you have a good recipe for this classic, let me know, share it here or on your blog and redirect us.  Another good thing about meatloaf, it makes a good sandwich the next day! Enjoy!

Valentine Swap Update

          Well girls, the list went out yesterday for the valentine swap but somehow between leaving me and reaching you, it got all scrambled and what a mess! This happened to me the first year I believe so I'm having to redo it and resend it so look for it again over the weekend and hopefully this time, it will come through as I sent it, all nice and neat?  Till then, hope you are having fun making your valentines, I am. If you need ideas for more cute ideas for your home or office, check out Better Homes & Gardens where I found this cute banner.

    I see you are all hot to trot for my hottie giveaway, I was surprise to find over 50 comments left over the first night and still climbing, how fun! I'll be wrapping that giveaway up on the 22nd. so you still have time to get entered, just scroll down to that post. I'm having fun finding goodies to make up this giftie pack, I love giving stuff away and sharing apart of my world with you! Thanks again for visiting and have fun making those valentines, and in a short time your mailbox will be showered in pretty cards, enjoy!

Tasty Tuesday

            It's muffin month here at Country Pleasures, just because! Muffins are so easy, so good and so fun because there's a muffin for every need or meal. I bake for our Sunday school class each week and muffins are a popular partner with hot coffee and fellowship.  Today, I'm sharing a spring time favorite since my thoughts are racing ahead to spring and lemon anything just reminds me of the newness of spring. I like this recipe because it makes 2 dozen and and they go fast!

Glazed Lemon Muffins

Crumb topping-
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. cold butter
Muffins-
1 1/2 c. butter, softened
3 c. sugar
6 eggs
1 1/2 c. sour cream
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. grated lemon peel
4 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
Glaze-
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. lemon juice
In a bowl, combine flour and sugar, cut in butter till crumbly, set aside.  For muffins, cream butter, sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat in eggs, sour cream, lemon juice and peel. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Stir into creamed mixture till moistened. Fill greased or paper lined cups 2/3 full. Sprinkle with crumb topping. Bake at 350 for 25-30 min. or till toothpick comes out clean. Cool. Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle over muffins. Makes 2 dz.

    If you have a crowd to feed and please or you just want a taste of spring on a snowy day, bake up some of these simple yet good muffins. Share some with your neighbors or Sunday school class, no excuses really to bake up some muffins, it's muffin month.......all year round!

P.S. If you signed up for my Valentines swap and haven't sent me your mailing info. and email addy, please do so now, I'm putting the list together and will wait just another day or two for you before sending out the master list. If I don't hear from you by Friday, you will have to wait till next year, the deadline was the 10th. Thanks!

Hottie Giveaway!

      Are you all staying warm and cozy as winter takes over and whips January into shape?  I'm trying, I find myself drinking more hot coffee, hot tea and hot cocoa! Which sparked a hot idea for a giveaway, a hottie giveaway, a package of all my favorite hot drinks, after all, who likes to drink alone? lol  All you have to do is leave a comment HERE telling me what your favorite hot drink is this winter?  That's it, plain and simple for my first giveaway of 2010. I'll leave this open for 2 weeks, ending January 22, so spread the word, and share your favorite hottie drink of choice!  Good luck and stay warm!

WInter Woes

        Well, 2010 is in full swing and Mother Nature is bent on breaking records with highs today only making it to 18 and sub zero temps over night thanks to that nasty wind chill factor! I said after last years ice storms that I'd never complain about the snow again, and I'm not, but I wish the temps. would act more normal and the wind chill would head up north where it belongs! Not that I wish this weather on anyone, but northerns are more used to this, we aren't! Our normal highs in January are the low 40's, oh how I wish for normal temps. again!  How I miss normal! 2009 didn't have normal weather so I was really hoping this new year would start out good. I know I'm not alone here, and it's really pretty but.........I'm thinking about spring already!

      Everyone seems to be focused on the New Year but what about the new decade were entering, almost like a double second  chance or do over! I know it's just days adding up to months, but the years are passing way to quickly for me and I have alot I still want to do before I get too old to do them! How's your resolutions coming along? I'm crafting today, making valentines for the upcoming swap and I'm trying to eat less but this cold weather zaps my energy and I crave comfort foods and hot soups! I'm staying faithful to my happiness journal and finding it pretty easy to record a few happy thoughts a day. How are you doing?

      Back to the valentine swap, if you signed up, please email me your mailing info. and email addy for the master list. Below are my two email addresses as some have trouble contacting me, if all fails, you can always get ahold of on my facebook page.
wesue@townsqr.com
ourheart2home@yahoo.com
If you like to join us in making and sending handmade valentine cards, just scroll down that post to sign up and then email me your information. The deadline to do is Jan. 10. All are welcomed and you won't be sorry! Got to get back to my craft table, so stay warm, live true and be safe out there, Mother Nature is not in a good mood!

Tasty Tuesday

    My kids grew up on macaroni and cheese, and Kraft was the only one that would please all 5 kids. But now that they are grown up and gone, hubby and I can treat ourselves to a little upgrade now and then. This version is just one of those treats, a mature mac and cheese that is filling and easy to make. I've only made this once but it's due to grace our dinner table soon.

Italian Macaroni & Cheese

1 8 oz. box elbow macaroni (or you can use any kind of pasta)
1/2 c. italian seasoned bread crumbs, diveded
1 10 oz. block cheddar cheese, shredded
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 c. shredded parmesan cheese
6 lg. eggs, lightly beaten
4 c. milk
dash of pepper
Prepare pasta as directed, set aside. Coat bottom and sides of a 13x9 in. baking dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle 1/4 c. breadcrumbs evenly over bottom of baking dish. Layer 1/3 of pasta, 1/3 of shredded cheeses and 1/3 of breadcrumbs in baking dish. Repeat layers twice, ending with breadcrumbs. Whisk together eggs, milk and seasonings, pour evenly over layered mixture. Bake at 350 for 55-60 mins. or till golden brown. Let stand 10 min. before serving.  Enjoy!

     Don't wait till your empty nesters to enjoy this upgraded mac and cheese, paired with a salad and fresh bread or rolls, makes a comforting meal anytime of the year but extra special to take the chill off on a cold winter day. If you have a favorite recipe for this old favorite family dish, please share it with us, can't have enough recipes for mac and cheese, it's all American, like apple pie!

Old Fashioned Valentines Swap

  
           As the snow flys, and the coffee brews, I'm thinking ahead to February and the month of love!  For it's time for my annual old fashioned Valentine swap. This first took place over at Mary Janes Farm Connection, now some of you know about Mary Jane Butters and the wonderful forums she provides, not to forget her lovely books and her GREAT magazine. But swapping is my favorite thing to do over at the forums because it gives me a excuse to stay creative, and it's so much fun getting goodies in the mail. Back to my post....4 years ago I started a Valentine swap, where you make a valentine for each person who signed up, the response was wonderful, we had 40 at least the first year. Now to some that may sound daunting but it was SO much fun making those cards and some got really creative. The last 3 years it's been between 20-30 which is still fun, so again this year, I'm offering you a chance to join in on the fun.  Just sign up on THIS post and once the deadline has passed, a master list will be formed and sent to all who signed up. You will then make a old fashioned Valentine card for each person on the list, send it and in return you will get that same number back. I've had NO problems with this swap, and I think the reason is because these cards are handmade with love and sent to another with hopes of friendship and sisterhood, the old fashioned feeling you get when a card is sent. Deadline to sign up is Jan. 10 so hurry and get in on this one, you won't be sorry, I promise! Who wouldn't want a mailbox full of pretties in the dead of winter?

      Once I dig out my Valentine boxes, I'll post some shots of Valentines from years past, each one is a treasure, all are kept in a album that I proudly display for the month of love, I get so many compliments on them too! This swap is a great way to stay creative and use up all those scraps! So, join us, won't you?