Yummyday Tuesday - Homemade Pound Cake Recipe

And here it is....my neighbor's famous Pound Cake Recipe (be sure to top it off with the Chocolate Gravy or Grand Berries recipes from last Tuesday's post!)

Renee's Famous Pound Cake
Shift Together:
Flour 3 ½ C
Salt ¼ Tsp.
Baking Powder ½ tsp.

Cream together short. & Sugar
Shortening 1 ½ C
Sugar 3 C.

Add Milk
Milk 1 ¼ C

Fold in eggs
Eggs, Beatened 5

Add Vanilla
Vanilla 2 tsp.

Mix Well
Bake in Bunt Cake Pan 325 degrees for about 40 minutes.

Serve warm with toppings!

For more great receipes visit http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/Recipes---DIY-Projects.html

Yummyday Tuesday - Lemon Scones, Chocolate Gravy and Grand Berries

The following post is a contiuation of my Simple Party Planning Course and the menu items are from my Simple Brunch.

Final week in the Simple Brunch Menu Series. Links to the previous recipes and your printable grocery shopping list is at the end of this post!

My Secret Lemon Scones

You would not believe how many people BEG for this recipe - lucky for me, there' nothing to it!


One box of Duncan Hines Blueberry Muffin Mix
One Box of Duncan Hines Poppy Seed Muffin Mix
Bake the blueberry muffins, as directed, LEAVING OUT THE BLUEBERRIES, and use mini muffins cups
Use the Lemon Glaze out of the Poppy Muffin Box on top of the mini scones.

 
That's it! I came up with this recipe after I bought the Poppy Seed mix one time and forgot to put on the glaze. The next time I made scones and needed a glaze, I remembered the left-over glaze and used it. It was a hit and nothing I make compares!
 

Chocolate GRAVY - Serve warm on top of homemade Pound Cake (that recipe is for another day!)

 

1/3 Cup Cocoa

1/4 Cup Milk

1 Cup Sugar

1 tsp Vanilla

1 Stick Butter

1 box Powdered Sugar
 
Melt butter in milk on LOW - stirring constantly. Add sugars and cocoa - stir until melted. Add vanilla. You are now in Heaven!
 

Grand Berries - serve chilled on top of homemade pound cake (sorry - you still have to wait for that one!)

 
24oz Fresh blackberries - frozen will work if you must
1 MINI Grand Marnier
1 Tbsp Honey
 
Mix well and marinate overnight.
 
  For more great receipes visit http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/Recipes---DIY-Projects.html





 
RECIPE LINKS:
Mimosas
Hot Russian Tea

Smoked Salmon

Served with Capers, Red Onions and Lagniappe

Maries' Cheese ball

Served with Artisan Crackers

Spicy Tomato Grits

Thick Cut Bacon and Sausage Patties

Sautéed Spinach with Onions and Garlic
Lemon Glazed Scones

Coffee Bar
 
 
PRINT OUT AND TAKE WITH YOU!
Grocery List
Fruit & Produce Section
Orange Slices – Three Oranges, sliced into circles
1 Lemon - or Lemon Juice
Grapes – Several Large bunches
Red Onion – One Medium, finely chopped
Onion – One large onion finely chopped
One large bag fresh spinach (apx. 2#)
Fresh Garlic – 6 cloves finely chopped, but not minced
Baking Goods Isle
Sugar - 4 Cups
Cinnamon Sticks – 3
Whole Cloves – 10-12 pieces
Lady & Sons Seasoning – see recipe
Accent – 3 Tbsp.
Worcestershire – 3 Tbsp.
Cheesecloth – for Tea
Grits – 1 cup QUICK-Cooking, but not instant
Blueberry muffin mix – Do not add the berries!
Poppy Seed muffin mix – Do not make the muffins, just need the glaze
Sugar Cubes
Mini Muffin Cups
Meat & Seafood
Beef Slices – See Recipe Notes
Bacon – One Package THICK CUT
Sausage – Two packages of 8 patties
Smoked Salmon – One large pre-packaged SMOKED
Dairy & Refrigerated Section
Cream Cheese – 4 oz. for the salmon plus 3 8pz. Bars for cheese ball
Eggs – 2, slightly beaten
Milk – 1 ¼ Cup
Velveeta – 6 oz.
Cheddar – 2 ½ Cup, shredded
Orange Juice – 2-64oz. Juice plus one Frozen OJ
Other Items
Capers – One small Jar
Rotel – 1 Can
Crackers – 1 large box of assorted crackers plus one box Tollhouse
Coffee & Tea Isle
Coffee – Foldgers Classic Roast or Blue Mountain
Individual Creamers
Tea – 1 Box of Regular Tea Bags
Stirrers

Champagne - 2 bottles

Yummyday Tuesdays - Spicy Tomato Grits Recipe

The following post is a contiuation of my Simple Party Planning Course and these menu tiems are from my Simple Brunch.

It's Yummyday Tuesday! If you've read our Intro to Party Planning, then you know how this  works. If not, click over and start this party planning course from the beginning. Be sure to also read the Pre-Planning post as well. Now - on to the recipes!

My family LOVES this recipe - especially during the holidays.


Spicy Tomato Grits

Ingredients
2 cups water
1 1/4 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick cooking grits
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup diced green onions
4 ounces processed cheddar cheese, cubed (suggested: Velveeta)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (suggested: Ro-Tel)


Directions


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil. Add the salt and slowly add the grits and return to a boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 3 minutes. While stirring the grits add the 1/2 cup of butter and stir until butter is melted. Cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the grits are thick and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside. Using a skillet, saute the onions in the remaining tablespoon of butter for 1 minute. Add the processed cheese, garlic powder, 1 1/2 cups cheddar, and onions to grits, and stir until the cheese is melted. Add the tomatoes and mix well. Pour the grits into a greased 8 by 11 by 2-inch casserole and bake for 40 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese over the casserole for the last 5 minutes of cooking time.


TIPS:
The tips to creamy grits in the initial stirring of the pot. It may be tedious, but it is worth it. I use the Extra Hot Ro-Tel tomatoes. I sometimes place sliced tomatoes on the top before I cook it in the oven for added garnishment.

Garlic Sauteed Spinach


1 1/2 pounds baby spinach leaves

2 tablespoons good olive oil

2 tablespoons chopped garlic (6 cloves)

2 teaspoons kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Lemon


Sea or kosher salt, optional Rinse the spinach well in cold water to make sure it's very clean. Spin it dry in a salad spinner, leaving just a little water clinging to the leaves. In a very large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and saute the garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, but not until it's browned. Add all the spinach, the salt, and pepper to the pot, toss it with the garlic and oil, cover the pot, and cook it for 2 minutes. Uncover the pot, turn the heat on high, and cook the spinach for another minute, stirring with a wooden spoon, until all the spinach is wilted. Using a slotted spoon, lift the spinach to a serving bowl and top with the butter, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkling of sea or kosher salt. Serve hot.
 
For more great receipes visit http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/Recipes---DIY-Projects.html

Yummyday Tuesdays - Beverages for your holiday party

The following post is a contiuation of my Simple Party Planning Course....

Welcome to the first Yummyday Tuesday. If you've read our Intro to Party Planning, then you know how this will work. If not, click over and start this party planning course from the beginning. Be sure to also read the Pre-Planning post as well. Now - on to the first set of recipes!

The holidays are a wonderful time to share with your friends.
Instead of a heavy meal, invite friends over for a mid-morning brunch. The following menu is simple but can be elegant with a few added touches. With a brunch your guests can relax and socialize and still have a full day to run those last minute Holiday errands. December's Yummyday Tuesdays will breakdown my Simple (but elegant) brunch menu, starting with.....
 
Beverages:

 
Mimosas
1 bottle Brut Champagne or sparkling white wine
1/2 gallon fresh squeezed orange juice, strained
In a large pitcher, mix the Champagne with the orange juice. Stir thoroughly. Garnish with fruit slices or sweet cherries.






Russian Tea
1 1/2 Gallon orange-flavored drink mix (e.g. Tang)
I Use Frozen OJ concentrate when I can't find the Tang
2 cups white sugar
12 COLD BREW Tea Bags
3 sticks Cinnamon
10-12 Whole Cloves
Orange Slices
Cheesecloth and String
 In a pitcher, mix the Tang, or OJ, with water per container directions. Pour into a large pot. In the same pitcher, put  tea bags in to seep with 1 quart water, then add to pot. In the large pot, heat the OJ (or Tang) and tea - add sugar and stir until dissolved. Wrap the cinnamon sticks and cloves in the cheesecloth, tie with the string and place in the pot. The longer the spices stay in the pot, the stronger the flavor. After apx. 30 minutes on LOW heat, taste test the tea. Add sugar or more tea/OJ as needed. Serve hot.

Coffee Bar
Brew your favorite coffee and serve with lots of condiments.
Try:
Flavored Creamers and Syrups
Marshmallows
Caramel

For more great receipes visit http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/Recipes---DIY-Projects.html

Yummyday Tuesdays - Smoked Salmon Spread & Secret Cheese Ball Recipes

The following post is a contiuation of my Simple Party Planning Course and these menu items are from my Simple Brunch Selections.

It's Yummyday Tuesday! If you've read our Intro to Party Planning, then you know how this works. If not, click over and start this party planning course from the beginning. Be sure to also read the Pre-Planning post as well. Now - on to the recipes!

Smoked Salmon is a staple on my appetizer table. To add a "little something extra" I serve it with chopped red onion, capers and lagniappe (which means, a little something extra!)

Lagniappe (for Smoked Salmon)
4 oz. cream cheese
Lady & Sons Seasoning - add to taste (see Recipe below)

Lady & Sons Seasoning
1 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Our Family Secret Cheese Ball
Cream Cheese 3 – 8oz. pkg. (room temp.)
Onion, Chopped 2 C. (1 Lg)
Worcestershire 3 Tbsp.
Accent 3 Tbsp.
Sandwich Beef, Chopped 4 Pkg. (Best if chopped in food processor)


Mix all ingredients together, using only 3 of the 4 packages of meat. Shape into ball and use the reserved meat to cover the outside. Served best with Tollhouse or Ritz Crackers








Coming up next Tuesday....Spicy Tomato Grits and Sauteed Spinach! For more great recipes, visit The Kendal Companies.

Why Worry Wednesday - Sorting Your Socks

Sometimes, less is more. Just getting rid of all the "extras" in your home

gives immediate gratification

MISSION FOUR:

The Dreaded Sock Drawer, or floor, or closet!

This is a little tougher than undies, that's why we took a break from the bedroom last week and went to the linen closet. But let's now go back to your dresser. I HATE socks. There are five of us in my household and it used to be such a chore. I'll tell you how I stream-lined our sockcatrastophy in a sec, but first let's start with your sock pile. Just as you did with undies, pull out your sock drawer, dig socks from the closet floor and clean laundry and put them all on your bed. Un-match ones that are together so you can see both socks. Separate each family member's socks into mini-piles. Take out the ones that are torn, have holes, hanging threads, are dirty and dingy. It's time for new socks so don't hold back!

This being said, I DO suggest you keep a couple pairs of good socks that are just stained for yard work socks and children's play socks. Just don't wear them on a daily basis!

TIP: If you must, put the singles in a shoe box and check it after each clean laundry load for matches. After a while you will be able to see which ones truly have lost mates.
If you have more than a dozen pair of athletic socks (for each season), pull out the extras and put in the "donate" bag your extra towels are in. Do the same for your dress socks. Six of each color dress socks are enough. Ladies, get rid of every single pair of hose you own, unless they are unopened. We are starting new! Put up your good stuff and make a note on your pad on how many new socks and hose you can reward yourself with. Do the same thing with your children's socks and in this case, your spouse's socks too.

SOCK PURCHASING TIP: I have two teenage daughters that wear close to the same size socks as I do. To keep us from fighting over socks, I buy each of us socks with a designated toe (or heel) stripe. All of Kelsey's socks, both winter and summer ones, have a pink stripe while Kaylyn's have a purple heel and mine have all gray logos. It takes a little more effort to find socks when buying them, but makes all the difference when sorting and matching them!

REASON THIS HELPS YOU WITH YOUR CLUTTER: Socks are a burden to everyone. Lost mates, embarrassing holes and dingy mis-matched white ones are a terror! And what about those that end up under the couch, behind the dryer and out in the yard (my five-year-old is notorious about this!) It may seem silly, but it adds stress just as your underwear drawer did before you cleaned it out. No one needs 100 pair of socks. Just purging the mess will relieve some of the added clutter.

Extra Points: Over the next few weeks, repeat this process with each type of clothing and accessory you own. Don't try to do the entire closet or dresser at once. You may start gun-ho but you will tire out before you get through the entire pile! Pull every type of one item out. Make a pile for KEEP, MEND/DRY CLEAN, DONATE. Scale back the total amount of clothing and reward yourself with new ones once you are done. Rule of thumb: If you have not worn it in 2 years, get rid of it. This includes shoes, belts, jackets, etc. One way to see if you have worn something is this trick:

TIP: Buy three dozen WHITE hangers. When you wear something and it comes back from the wash or dry cleaners, put it on a white hanger. After a while, you will see the same clothes on white hangers. Anything that is not on a white hanger at the end of the year, needs to go.

Think of it this way - these extra clothes are taking up your space and someone else can use them if you aren't. Take items in good condition to places other than Goodwill. I took over 200 items from my grandmother's closets, including business suits, nightgowns, shoes, slacks and tops, to the women's shelter after she passed. I had over 20 women write to me thanking me for giving them work clothes, nice work clothes that didn't look handed down. Take the items that do need a little help to Goodwill - they will clean and mend them.
So, now we have three things on our list to replace - undies, socks and towels. If you've earned your extra points, you may have a few other items such as kitchen hand towels, sheets, and other clothing items as well.

Next Wednesday - MISSION FIVE - Your Books

 
Wednesdays in the Simple Life Series are for YOUR CLUTTER (and yes, it multiplies in my home too). I will let you know what I am doing to make simple changes in my own home to clear out my clutter. I hope you follow along and try some of these steps yourself. Please let me know how you are coming along by leaving comments at the bottom of each post. Tell me what works, what doesn’t, if you are bored – whatever – we are learning and growing together.