Events & Holidays
Recipes: Homemade Apple Dumplings
Homemade Apple Dumpling Dessert
Jake made recently made this delicious fall apple recipe for dessert! Sometimes we go apple picking and other times we just enjoy the stores having some of our favorite apples on sale during this time of year. Every year we like to try different apple dishes. I am thankful for a husband who cooks and who will random surprise us with a tasty treat. The homemade apple dumplings would go very well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream too if you have some at the house!
Apple Dumpling
Homemade Apple Dumplings:
- 1 3/4 cups Water
- 1 1/4 cups Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons Butter or Maragine
- 2 1/4 cups Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2/3 cups shortening
- 7 tablespoons Water
- 4 Apples (small to medium size)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
In a saucepan combine 1 3/4 cups water, 1 cup of sugar (save the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar for later), 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (save the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for later), 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (save the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for later). Mix together, simmer with it covered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter or margarine. Set the syrup mixture aside.
Combine flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until all the pieces are about the size of a black bean. Add water a little at a time and mix until all is moist. Form the dough into a ball. Roll the dough onto an approximately 16 x 12 inch rectangle, cut into four 4 inch squares.
Wash, peel, and core your 4 apples. Place an apple on each of the 4 pastry squares. Mix together the brown sugar and raisins and put a small scoop in each apple where the core was removed. Mix the remaining sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together and sprinkle over the fruit. Moisten the edges of the pastry with water and fold the corners to the center on top of the fruit and pinch to seal it (see picture below). Place dumplings in a greased pan and pour the syrup mixture over the top of the dumplings.
Bake the dumplings on 375 degrees in the oven for 45 minutes or until the fruit is tender and the pastry is slightly brown. Prior to serving spoon syrup from the pan over the pastries and serve with vanilla ice cream.
The recipe is a delicious fall apple dessert! I recommend serving with ice cream or a glass of milk! Enjoy!
Ready to go into the oven!
The apple dumplings not only smelled delicious, they tasted amazing too!
Inside the apple dumplings!
Free Ebooks: Smart School Time Recipes, 9 Types of Copycat Girl Scout Cookies, Baking with Kids, Just Desserts, and more
The price to download these books is currently $0.00 (although the price may change at any time, please confirm prior to downloading). The ebooks are specifically for Kindles, however, you can click here and download the free application that allows you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.
Download a free copy of Smart School Time Recipes: The Breakfast, Snack, and Lunchbox Cookbook for Healthy Kids and Adults by Alisa Marie Fleming
Download a free copy of 9 Types of Copycat Girl Scout Cookies: Your Favorite Copycat Girl Scout Cookie Flavors by Prime Publishing
Download a free copy of Baking With Kids: Cupcakes, Cookies, and Just Plain Fun for Kids by Dennis Weaver
Download a free copy of Just Desserts by Kemberlee Shortland
Download a free copy of Easy Recipes for Back to School: A Short Collection of Recipes from the Cookbook Wholesome – Feed Your Family for Less by Caitriona Redmond
Download a free copy of Best Homemade Bread Recipes: Delicious Bread Recipes in Quick & Easy Ways by Olivia
Download a free copy of The Perfect Pie: A Handbook for Pie Lovers by Dennis Weaver
Download a free copy of Slow Cooker Recipes: 30 Of The Most Healthy and Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes by Stacey Turner
Download a free copy of Baking in Your Skillet: A Collection of Skillet Recipes by Dennis Weaver
School Projects: Science Current Event Articles
The kids recently did a school project for Science Extra Credit. They had to compile a variety of science current event articles. The articles were cut out of current local newspapers, Wall Street Journal, magazines, and more. They read the articles, glued them to construction paper, and wrote a summary about each one.
The articles were on the following science categories – Animals, Electricity, Plants, Space, and Weather. All the subjects are ones that the kids will be studying this year in school. The kids had one week to put together all their articles for science extra credit. The girls worked on their articles every day after homework, before school each morning, and even gave up some of their free time to do more articles.
We are so proud of how hard they worked all week. By the end of the week they learned a lot about the various science subjects they will be studying in school. They did more articles than we realized too. Between the two girls these are the number of science articles they completed in one week:
- Animals – 9
- Electricity – 7
- Plants – 8
- Space -10
- Weather – 8
Way to go kids! Thrilled that they love learning so much! It will benefit them throughout the entire year!
My Little Chef: Making Blue Raspberry Cookies
Mixing up the cookie dough!
When I am in the kitchen and Brina is around she is always willing to pitch in and help. She is becoming more efficient cook as she gets older. Recently, she decided to whip up some blue raspberry sugar cookies as a “Welcome Home” goodie for Jake who was arriving home that day from a work trip.
When he is away on a work trip we always try to make or pick up something special for him to have when he comes home. It is important to us to make sure he knows how excited we are to have him back home again. It is always so much better when the whole family is home together!
I am so thankful for kids that enjoy helping out in the kitchen. The girls have fun helping out in the kitchen and learning some great lessons along the way too. Grateful for my girls!
A batch of blue raspberry cookies ready to go into the oven!
Cookie rolled is blue sprinkles!
She made the perfect cookies!
Ready to eat and delicious! Thanks B!
Love It – PrintrBot Simple Maker’s 3D Printer
So excited to watch him open this gift!!!
After a few months of saving my spending cash I was able to get my husband the PrintrBot Simple Maker’s 3D Printer for our anniversary. I was surprised that it came in such a small package! 3D printers are starting to become more popular and this one was a little less expensive because you had to put it together. Jake and the girls thought it was awesome being able to build a printer!
Several of the pieces inside the 3D Printer had “Point of No Return” stickers which was kind of funny! They read – “The option to return your PrintrBot will self destruct after opening this bag.”
It came in pieces that needed to be assembled! Jake thought it was great!
It didn’t take him long to get it together and start printing some neat stuff!
It is a neat printer! The whole family has enjoyed it! The girls have even been able to make a few items for their school projects too!
You can pickup one of the PrintrBot Simple Maker’s 3D Printer for yourself or someone special at Amazon or from PrintBot! If you have been saving some Amazon Gift Certificates from Swagbucks this would be an awesome gift for that tech person on your list! Never tried Swagbucks, that’s okay it’s easy and you can get started today! If you are looking for ways to earn gift certificates to Amazon, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, Cash via PayPal, and many other popular rewards check out my Swagbucks: Earning A Little Extra post to get you started!
“Love It” is a series of posts on items that I use regularly in my household that I love! There are some items in our daily lives that make life more enjoyable, efficient, or just plain fun. I will be sharing with you some of the products that have been given to us (or to me) that have made it to the top of my list. It’s my way of giving a huge thumbs up!
Happy Veterans Day – List of FREE Food, Drinks, and Meals for Active Military & Veterans
A picture we took at the Vietnam Memorial earlier this year! Thankful for those who have served our country!Happy Veterans Day! I am grateful for all the veterans who have and are currently serving our country! I have several family members who are veterans and I am sure you know of someone you could thank too. In honor of Veterans Day several restaurants have extended a very special “thank you” in the form of discount or free meal or food item(s).It is always a good idea to confirm with the specific restaurant prior to going. Also, many require that you show military ID so be prepared. Here is a list of some honoring Veteran’s today – November 11, 2014:
Applebee’s Free Meal (Lunch or Dinner) – On Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Applebee’s is offering veterans and active duty military members free signature Thank You Meal menu meal from open to close. The menu includes some of Applebee’s favorite items – 7 oz. House Sirloin, The American Standard All-In Burger, Three-Cheese Chicken Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Chicken Tenders Platter or Oriental Chicken Salad. To receive the free meal you must present valid Veteran’s form of identification or be in uniform.
Carrabba’s Free Appetizer – Free appetizer of your choice for all active duty service members and veterans at participating locations November 8th through November 11th, 2014.
Chick-fil-A Free Meal – Free meal to all veterans and those currently serving on November 11, 2014 at participating stores. Military ID required.
Chili’s Free Meal (Lunch or Dinner) – All veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. They have a choice of one of 7 meals during the dinner hour, or any lunch combo during lunch. Dine-in only and from limited menu; beverages and gratuity not included. Must show proof of military service.
Chuck E. Cheese’s 20 Free Tokens – 20 Free tokens for all active military or veterans that visit participating locations from Sunday, November 9 through Saturday, November 15. Military ID or proof of service is required
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Free Dessert – Veterans and active military receive a free complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake dessert at participating stores on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Must show valid military ID.
Denny’s All You Can Eat Pancakes – Free all you can eat pancakes for active military and veterans at participating stores on November 11, 2014 from 5:00 AM to Noon. Must show valid military ID.
Fatz Cafe Free Entree – All veterans and active military will receive a free $12.99 entree credit on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating stores. Must show valid military ID.
Golden Corral Free Buffet & Drink – All active military or veterans will recieve a free buffet and beverage on Monday, November 17, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (please note the date). All Golden Corral locations will be participating. Must show valid military ID.
IHOP Free Meal – All active military and veterans will received a free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. At some locations, the Red, White and Blue pancakes will be featured as part of a free combo plate including eggs, bacon and hashed browns. Must show valid military ID.
Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut & Coffee – Free doughnut and small coffee to any active military or veteran on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. No ID required.
Longhorn Steakhouse Free Appetizer & Beverage – Active military and veterans receive a free complimentary Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Must show valid military ID.
Olive Garden Free Meal – All active military and veterans will receive a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Must show valid military ID.
Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® & Beverage – All active and retired military as well as veterans get a Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Must have valid ID. Plus, all military personnel get 15% off from November 12 through December 31, 2014.
Red Lobster Free Appetizer – All active military or veterans receive a free complimentary appetizer from a special menu starting Monday, November 10 to Thursday, November 13, 2014 at participating locations. t receive a complimentary appetizer from a special menu. Must show valid military ID.
Ruby Tuesday Free Appetizer – All active military and veterans receive a free appetizer on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Must show valid military ID.
Starbucks Free Coffee (includes spouses) – All veterans, active duty military and their spouses get a free tall 12oz brewed coffee at participating stores.
Texas Roadhouse Free Lunch (includes Sides & Beverge) – All active military and veterans can choose from one of 10 free lunch meals which include sides and a beverage on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Must show valid military ID.
TGI Fridays Free Lunch – Veterans and active duty military service members will receive a free lunch (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) from a special menu on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Valid on dine-in meals only. Must show valid military ID.
A great reminder! This quote is on a plague at one of our favorite parks in Charleston!
A big thanks to Military Benefits and The Military Wallet for their help in collecting this information for our service men and women! For a more comprehensive list of 2014 Veterans Day Free Meals, Discounts, Sales, Promotions, Deals, and More visit their websites. Both websites are great resources! Thanks for Serving! Hope you are able to get out and enjoy some delicious food today!
Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial that we saw in Washington DC earlier this year. We have several family members that have served and are currently serving in various branches of the military. We are thankful for each person who serves our country!Holiday Gift Giving: Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Chocolates
If you a looking for a wonderful and delicious gift to give this Holiday Season check out Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Chocolates! Everyone loves a sweet treat! It is the perfect gift and will help you check one more name off your list!
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There was a time when Marie Cavanaugh spent hours in her South Dakota farmhouse each Christmas season making pecan rolls and homemade chocolates for holiday gifting. “It started when my aunt sent her pecan-rolls recipe,” Mrs. Cavanaugh recalled. “I gave the recipe my own touch and started making the yummy specialties. Then I began dipping chocolates. Our friends and neighbors loved these treats, encouraging me to start a candy business. Finally, I decided it might be a good idea.'”
Her husband George and children Carla, Lorraine, Calvin, Colene and Genise rallied, helping Mrs. Cavanaugh fill demands for her homemade sweets. In 1972, the family moved to Utah, leaving good friends and their beloved cattle ranch. “It was a difficult decision, especially for George,” Mrs. Cavanaugh said. “He was excited about making our new venture, which we chose to call Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Candies, a great success. We felt Utah was blessed with good chocolates and that we would enjoy – and could compete with – those who pride themselves on making excellent chocolates.”
Millions of pounds of chocolates later, Mrs. Cavanaugh’s candies have earned a reputation for unquestionable excellence…. Ask chocolate aficionados. They will direct those seeking the best chocolates to the popular Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Candies.
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Fresh & Healthy: Fun Fall Fruit to Add to Your Kids Lunch
Are you are looking for a sweet and healthy Fall or Halloween treat to send in your kids school lunch? Grab an orange, draw a pumpkin face on it, and stick it in their lunch box. They will love it! It is a fun, sweet, and healthy food for them to eat. They will be excited to eat their fruit at lunch. Doing something as simple as adding a face to an orange can motivate the kids to eat more fruit!
Thankfully, our kids have always enjoyed eating their fruits and vegetables, but adding a little extra surprise (like a pumpkin face) during the various Holiday Seasons gets them even more excited. What are your favorite healthy Halloween snacks that you like to send in your kids lunches? Our kids get enough candy sweets around Halloween Holiday so offering more healthier food options is always something we want to encourage. Another bonus is the orange provides extra vitamin C which is perfect boost for the kids immune systems as we enter the seasons were colds seem to spread like wildfire through school.
School Projects: The Eye Ball Donut Creation & Writing Assignment
A tray of “The Eye Ball” Donuts ready to take to school
The girls recently had a writing assignment that they had to do for school. Brina came up with The Eye Ball Donut creation. For extra credit they could make their creations and share them with their classmates and teachers at school. We came up with a cookie creation using all the ingredients she mentioned in her writing assignment and they turned out fairly well. Instead of using cookies for Brina’s we used a powdered doughnut or in this case a munchkin for Dunkin Donuts. The donuts were a perfect treat to share with her classmates instead of cupcakes on Halloween. Karlie also did a cookie creation and writing assignment called Inside Your Feet.
The Eye Ball was super easy to put together and a big hit with Brina’s classmates.
Her tray of eye balls ready to be wrapped and delivered to school.
The Eye Balls did exactly what we wanted them to do – overnight the blue frosting that we used to attach the pupil part of the eye spread a little giving The Eye Balls blue colored eyes!
The Eye Ball Items:
- White Powdered Donuts (Dunkin Donut sells white powdered munchkins which are perfect for this treat, but you can make homemade if you want)
- Blue Frosting (we used the blue writing frosting but you could use brown or green, etc…)
- Edible Eyes (you can pick these up at Hobby Lobby, Walmart, etc…)
- Red Sprinkles
Once you have your white powdered donuts add a small drop of blue frosting and attached the pupil of your eye to your eye ball. Dip the bottom of the donut into red sprinkles and place on a tray. Let set overnight so the blue frosting will spread a little bit giving you a blue eye color.
The donuts turned out well and were a big hit with Brina’s class. It was a lot of fun putting these together with her and they were super simple. These would be an easy Fall or Halloween treat to do for a party or for fun.
School Projects: Inside Your Feet Cookie Creation & Writing Assignment
A tray of “Inside Your Feet” Cookies ready to take to school
The girls recently had a writing assignment that they had to do for school. Karlie came up with an Inside Your Feet Cookie creation. For extra credit they could make their creations and share them with their classmates and teachers at school. We came up with a cookie creation using all the ingredients she mentioned in her writing assignment and they turned out fairly well. The cookies were a perfect treat to share with her classmates instead of cupcakes on Halloween. Brina also did a cookie creation and writing assignment called The Eye Ball.
A few days before the actual assignment due date we did a trial run and experimented to make sure we could make her “skin, blood, bones, and ankle joint” to reflect the Inside Your Feet cookie as accurately as possible. We tried white sparkle writing gel (bottom right) but is blended too much, we tried straight white sprinkles (bottom middle) it was a lot of work and hard to get straight, we tried round white sprinkles (bottom left) too difficult to get straight, we tried pearl balls (top left) wasn’t too bad and would have been a more do-able option, and the final attempt was our favorite and probably the easiest option too, we used white writing frosting.
We didn’t have any feet cookie cutters and the stores we checked didn’t carry any so Jake made a set we could use with his 3D printer. Once again it saves the day!
Up close of the Inside Your Feet Cookie
Inside Your Feet Items:
- Sugar Cookie Dough or Brownies(we did some of each)
- Red Frosting (or white frosting with red dye)
- White Writing Frosting
- Red and White Mint
Make your favorite sugar cookie dough or brownies (your can make from scratch or buy a mix). The sugar cookies seemed to look more like feet with toes, but the brown mix had less steps to put together. Make your sugar cookie dough, roll it out, cut out your feet, and bake. OR Make your brownies first and cut out your feet after they are baked and cooled.
Once the cookies are cooled you can decorate by putting red frosting on the cookie. We did not go to the edge of the cookie with the frosting because Karlie wanted to show the layers of the Inside Your Feet Cookie (bottom – skin, frosting – blood and muscles, white – bones, and mint – ankle joint). Next add your red and white mint. Draw your foot bones with the white writing frosting.
The cookies turned out well and were a big hit with Karlie’s class. It was a lot of fun putting together with her.
What the different parts of the cookies represent:
- Bottom Sugar Cookie or Brownies- skin
- Red Frosting – blood and muscles
- White Writing Frosting – bones
- Red & White Mint – ankle joint
