Writers Encouraging Writers
Spices! No matter what our level of cooking expertise, we all have spices in our kitchen or pantry. If you are like me, you have tried various ways to organize your spices. I have tried those cute little spice racks that come with adhesive labels. Some of them looked fairly attractive on my counter, but they were never large enough to hold all my spices. Or the labels included spices I never use. So, I’d buy another spice rack that held more spices and discard the old. But eventually, it was just the same issue. Some spices in the rack, but most of them stuck in a cupboard. My quest for the perfect solution for spice storage continued.
Then, a few years ago we moved into a lovely house with a gorgeous kitchen that includes pull out spice racks on either side of the oven. I imagined all of my spices lined in neat little rows, alphabetically ordered so that I could find them quickly. Ah, silly me. If I lived alone, I might be able to pull that one off. But let’s just say that not everyone who uses the kitchen replaced the spices back into proper alphabetical order. I would even speculate that some did not see the value of alphabetical ordering. Some even thought it seemed silly. The spices also tended to slide when the sliding spice rack was pulled out, resulting in spacing issues. So, I spent a lot of time putting my spices back into alphabetical order and grumbling about those who carelessly dropped the spices back into the rack with no thought of organization (clearly a character fault!)
The years came and went and I remained in spice chaos. Then, just a few weeks ago, in a moment of sheer brilliance the solution came to me. My husband and I were shopping at Walmart and I spotted some small jars – [easyazon_link asin=”B001D9C32A” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Anchor Hocking 4-Ounce Emma Jar with Glass Lid, 6-Pack[/easyazon_link]. And in a single glorious moment I found the solution to my lifelong quest for spice organization. Delighted, I started filling our shopping cart with the jars while my husband rolled his eyes. Let’s just say he does not share my quest for spice organization.
As soon as we were home I pulled all of my spices out of the attractive (but not perfect) spice racks and lined them up across my counter in alphabetical order. I filled the sink with hot soapy water and washed every precious jar. As I dried them, I felt a bit smug and self-satisfied. After all these years, I was about to be master of my spices! I turned the television on and listened to a recording of Barefoot Contessa as I began filling the jars. It seemed appropriate. I have to confess, I found myself thinking that my spices were probably going to be even better organized than hers! I imagined that she would be quite jealous.
Since these were just plain little jars, and not part of a spice rack, there were no labels for identifying the spices. Ever resourceful, I asked my husband how to use his label maker. Which was a little tough, since I had made fun of him for buying it in the first place. After a bit of harassment, he showed me how to use it and I went to work making labels for every jar. I placed the labels on the bottom of the jars because I didn’t like the way they looked on the side of the jar. My husband thought this was a poor choice (Mr. I never put anything back in alphabetical order), but I assured him it was the perfect choice. The jars would be lined up in alphabetical order and soon we would have them memorized by site. Furthermore, if he needed to “cheat” and look at the label, it was just a matter of tipping the jar over. He shook his head and left the room.
Alone again, listening to Ina Garten as she instructed how to make yet another delicious dish, I cleared a corner of my counter and began lining up the jars – from Basil to Thyme. As I lined them up, I realized this method truly was perfect! Let’s say someone uses the garlic powder. Since the spices are now sitting on the counter instead of in a sliding drawer, there will be no movement. When the garlic power is used, there will be an obvious empty spot so it will be almost impossible for someone to not replace the garlic powder in exactly the correct location. Spice chaos eliminated!
Well, it has been a couple of months since I placed the spices on the counter. Since I came up with this oh so creative and efficient solution. The only thing I have changed is adding a cute basket on the counter. Now, every time I cook my spices are easy to find. I feel organized and efficient. And you know who is even managing to replace the spices into their correct spots. Life is good. Yes, as silly as it may sound, organizing my spices gave me great satisfaction. Sure, there are some who might think this is a bit extreme, but chances are, if you have read this far, you are thinking about implementing my system yourself. Go ahead! Please do! The jars are inexpensive and you are going to love the results. I had to make a few trips to Walmart to buy mine (they didn’t have many in supply), but you can also order directly from Amazon.
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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Tired of getting your cookbooks dirty? Have a favorite cookbook you would like to display? Is your counter too small to hold your cookbook, mixing bowls, and ingredients all at once? I have a solution! I don’t know why I didn’t think of this years ago (maybe you already did!).
Not too long ago, while browsing in Hobby Lobby (Don’t you LOVE that store? I could spend hours in there and I always come away with so many great ideas!), I spotted this display stand in the frame section. Immediately, I realized I had the solution to the ongoing battle of keeping my cookbooks clean while making a recipe. The same [easyazon_link asin=”B003JNOTZW” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Darice 12″ Tall Black Iron Display Stand [/easyazon_link] (or one very similar) is available through Amazon if you don’t have a Hobby Lobby near you.
You can use the stand to display a favorite cookbook. This one is [easyazon_link asin=”0307464873″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust[/easyazon_link] one of my favorites.
Or you can use it while making a recipe. It ensures that your cookbook stays clean and makes reading the recipe much 
easier!
I even use the display stand when I am making a recipe I printed from an online source. Just slide the recipe right over your closed cookbook and it stays in place.
This handy stand is also great for when I want to watch a movie in the bathtub using my[easyazon_link asin=”B00BHJRYYS” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Kindle Fire [/easyazon_link](just make sure that you keep the Kindle far away from the edge of the tub – but just in case you have an “accident” – after you get done screaming, put your Kindle in a big bowl of dry rice. Make sure it is completely covered. Resist all urges to turn on the Kindle and test it. Leave it in the rice for three days. When you remove the Kindle from the rice, just dust it off and turn it on. I speak from experience – but that’s another story).
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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I love baskets and I love organization. So, it comes as no surprise that I combine the two whenever possible. I don’t know why I love baskets, but I certainly do. There is just something so natural and beautiful about them. I like to prowl the aisles of Jo-Ann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby, looking for fifty percent off sales. Antique stores are also great places to buy baskets at a good price. Last summer I made a trip to a local antique store and came home with six baskets and only spent twenty dollars. Score!
I am going to share ten ways I use baskets for home organization. I would love to hear how you use baskets. Feel free to leave your creative ideas in the comments section!
#1 MAIL BASKET I don’t know how anyone lives without a mail basket. I retrieve the mail, recycle pieces that I can, discard others in the trash, and then put the “keeper” (mostly bills!) in my mail basket. Once a week, I retrieve the bills from the basket and take a few minutes to write checks and mail them out.
Okay – now here is the truth…I do put the mail in the mail basket. But I also use it as a catch all in the kitchen and the mail gets buried. Then, eventually my husband asks about some bill and I rummage through the basket to find it so he can pay it. This is how my mail basket looks right now. I received several Barefoot Contessa cookbooks for Christmas and I dropped the covers in the basket because I was too lazy to go downstairs and put them where I keep book covers (I don’t like to get them dirty – I know – weird).
#2 TOY STORAGE We have a two-story house (three if you include the basement) and two grandchildren. Just like the days when all of our kids were home, toys seem to get scattered about the house. When our grand daughters leave, it looks a little like Toys R’ Us exploded in our house. While I have a centralized toy box, it is easier to just collect the toys and keep them in a basket on each floor. This basket is in our living room under one of the coffee tables. It holds toys that my four-year-old grand daughter plays with.
#3 BABY TOYS By necessity, we keep baby toys for our eight-month-old grand daughter in a different basket. Her toys are “baby safe” and don’t get mixed up with the other toys. The basket also makes a great way to carry the toys around the house when carrying them to a play pen or wherever we might have a safe area set up for her to play. This basket is also in our living room, under the other coffee table. These toy baskets don’t add much to the decor, but it makes me happy to see these little reminders of the grand babies.
#4 SHOW OFF YOUR CANNING SKILLS I like to keep a couple jars of canned good on my counter. It is convenient, but more importantly, it looks cute. Ha! These jars are orange marmalade.
#5 SOAP STORAGE I love to use a basket to store soap. When I buy bath soap from the store I remove the wrapper and drop the soap into a basket. When the soap is on sale, I might buy six or eight bars at a time and unwrap them all and drop them into the basket that I keep on the ledge of my bathtub. It makes my bathroom smell delicious! Recently, I started buying homemade soaps from a friend of mine. Once I bought the first soap (exotically named Dragon Blood), I couldn’t go back to soap from a store. I was also inspired to display them a little more creatively!
#6 PLASTIC BAG STORAGE When we get plastic bags from stores, we store them in a basket in our laundry room until we have enough to take into town to recycle.
Once the basket is full, I take one of the bags out of the basket, stuff it with all of the other bags, and then tie the handles in a knot to make it easy to carry.
#7 MAGAZINE STORAGE This is probably one of the most common uses for baskets. Look for baskets that are large enough to hold your largest magazines. This basket is so large that it holds two magazines side by side.
#8 CUT FLOWERS During the summer, I use the basket depicted above to collect flowers. With scissors in hand, I make a daily trip to my flower beds and spend a few minutes cutting flowers to bring in the house. I often have enough to fill two or three vases (especially if the peonies are blooming). It is a wonderful way to start the morning. I don’t have a photo of the basket with cut flowers in it, so I thought I would share a photo of my flowers.
#9 CATCH ALL I bought these baskets as a way to “catch” all of the things my kids leave behind on their visits. Invariably, after a visit, we find something that one of them left behind – cell phone charger, baby toy, book, hair tie, etc. My son lives relatively close, but my daughters both live states away, so this is a great way to collect their forgotten things so they can pick them up on their next visit (unless it is a cell phone charger and we usually get stuck mailing that!).
My baskets always have an odd assortment of items. Before, these items ended up on my kitchen counter or a drawer where I would forget about them. Now, I deposit them in one of these baskets in my laundry room as soon as I find them. During the summer, these baskets also serve as a handy place for my kids to drop their car keys or cell phones when they walk in the door. Since we live on a lake, we spend a lot of time on the water where cell phones and car keys are not needed.
#10 CLOTHS FOR THE KITCHEN I use these handy cloths as an alternative to paper towels. The basket keeps the cloths handy and, of course, looks cute.
Let me know about some of the creative ways you use baskets for organization in the “comments” below!
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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I like to keep my kitchen counters relatively free of clutter. The idea of canisters on my counter for flour, sugar, etc. does not appeal to me. Instead, I keep these items hidden in my cupboard in Rubbermaid storage containers.
I even used by husband’s label maker to label the containers (I totally made fun of him when he bought that label maker but I loved using it for this – don’t tell him!) Labeling the items might seem a bit excessive, but when you store items such as regular flour and gluten-free flour, labels are really important.
I also used different sized containers, depending on the item. Obviously, I need a larger container for flour than I do for chocolate chips.
I bought my containers years ago (probably at Walmart), but I found some similar ones on Amazon if you don’t have a Walmart in your area. They come in a variety of sizes – [easyazon_link asin=”B003BKGJ1A” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Rubbermaid Dry Food Container [/easyazon_link]
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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I am not sure of the origination of this wonderful recipe, but I have made it for years. When I was twenty-something and didn’t know how to cook a thing, this was always my sure-fire go-to recipe for any gathering. To this day, I still love this recipe. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Also a great recipe to begin with when teaching children how to “cook” because no actual cooking is involved.
INGREDIENTS:
- One 9″ prepared graham cracker crust
- 1/3 cup of concentrated lemon juice
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese (leave out of refrigerator for a couple of hours)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
- 1 large can of cherry pie filling chilled
DIRECTIONS:
- In large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.
- Beat in sweetened condensed milk.
- Add lemon juice and vanilla. Turn mixer to low and mix until just blended.
- Pour into prepared crust. Chill three hours or until set.
- Just before serving, top with desired amount of chilled cherry pie filling.
Great with a cold glass of milk!
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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Chicken stock can be used in any recipe that calls for chicken broth. Homemade chicken stock is not only delicious, it is so fun to make! I’m not sure why, but there is something so satisfying about making a large pot of chicken stock and then pouring it into freezer containers. I always feel like I’m a pioneer woman stocking up for a long winter. Creating chicken stock fills your home with a wonderful aroma and it is a great way to use bits and scraps of vegetables and chicken.
Basically, chicken stock is created by simmering chicken, vegetables, herbs, and spices for hours and then draining all of the vegetables and freezing the remaining liquid. Many recipes call for whole chickens, and fresh ingredients, but quite frankly, it can be expensive to buy all fresh ingredients for chicken stock. Instead, I collect bits and scraps of vegetables I need to make chicken stock and store them in my freezer in a zippered gallon freezer bag. For example, whenever I cut an onion, I cut the top and bottom of the onion off and then drop those parts into my freezer bag. I do the same with the tops and bottoms of carrots and celery stalks. Whenever I make any chicken dish, I also freeze any chicken scraps. If I roast a chicken, after cutting most of the meat from the bones, I drop the leftover bones and residual meat into the freezer bag collection. Eventually, I have enough scraps to make my chicken stock. I then buy fresh herbs and make the stock with my freezer bag scraps.
Or, sometimes when I roast a chicken I immediately put the leftover carcass and bones into my stock pot, add my frozen vegetables, and then add whatever fresh vegetables I need to make up the difference. Very often when I bake a chicken dish it requires the same vegetables that I need for the chicken stock, so why not go ahead and make the stock then?
For me, the whole process is so fun. I love seeing that big pot simmering away on the stove and the house is filled with such a wonderful aroma. Then when the stock is done, I drain it and fill up some freezer containers. I’m not sure why, but I love placing those blue-lidded freezer containers of chicken stock into the freezer in neat little rows.
Give it a try! I bet you will think it is fun too!
Ingredients:
- 5-6 pounds of chicken (this can be composed of whole chickens or pieces – fresh or frozen scraps)
- 4 large onions, unpeeled and quartered (or equivalent in frozen scraps)
- 4 stalks of celery with leaves, cut into thirds (or equivalent in frozen scraps)
- 6-7 carrots, unpeeled and cut in half (or equivalent in frozen scraps)
- 15-20 sprigs of fresh dill
- 15-20 springs of fresh parsley
- 15-20 springs of fresh thyme
- 1 large head of garlic, unpeeled and cut in half crosswise
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
Directions:
- Place all ingredients in a 16-20 pound stock pot (I use an [easyazon_link asin=”B000X1JO6W” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Update International SPS-20 SuperSteel 18/8 Stainless Steel Induction Ready Stock Pot with Cover, 20-Quart, Natural[/easyazon_link]. It is reasonably priced and works very well. I started making stock with a Dutch Oven, but it was always too close to overflowing so I splurged and bought this large stock pot. It will pay for itself every time I pass by those cans of chicken broth in the store!).
- Add 8 quarts of water and slowly bring the mixture to a boil on medium heat.
- Simmer uncovered for 4 hours.
- Place a colander into a large mixing bowl and dump entire contents of your stock pot into the colander. Lift colander from mixing bowl and give it a few gentle shakes to drain remaining liquid into mixing bowl. Discard contents in a deep colander. I use a[easyazon_link asin=”B00004RDE6″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Norpro KRONA Stainless Steel 5 Quart Deep Colander[/easyazon_link] but any good colander will work (I know, it seems like such a waste to discard the vegetables and meat but the flavor is now in your stock and these bits and pieces have little flavor).
- Use immediately or pour into freezer containers (I use[easyazon_link asin=”B007J46WRU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Ziploc Twist ‘N Loc , Medium Round, Containers & Lids[/easyazon_link]) . Don’t fill all the way to the top because the liquid will expand in the freezer a bit and form a dome in the container.
If you want to reduce the amount of fat in your chicken stock, after the stock has frozen, just scrap the fat from the top of the container where it will all be collected. Personally, I leave it in for most dishes. Use in any recipe that calls for chicken broth or chicken stock.
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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I’m not a big fan of peas. Never have been. But I love this Split Pea and Ham Soup. I couldn’t find a recipe that I liked, so I experimented until I came up with a recipe that is easy and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts of chicken stock
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of ham cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 pound carrots, diced
- 5-6 large potatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound dried split green peas
- Pepper to taste
- Note – do NOT add salt to this recipe since the ham already has salt in it
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (in this recipe I used the minced garlic that comes in a jar)
Directions:
- Combine all in a large pot and bring to boil.
- Simmer until the potatoes are cooked and easy to puncture with a sharp knife.
Great served with cornbread. I also like to chop some jalapeno and add it to my personal bowl. Yummy!
Helpful hint – After I add the chicken stock to the pan I add some water to the empty cans/containers and set them aside. As the soup cooks, if it looks too thick I add this water to the soup.
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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There is nothing like lemonade on a hot summer day. I have tried many lemonade recipes, but never found one that I loved. Most were too sweet. So, I did some experimenting and came up with this one. Give it a try. I think you will love it.
For something different, try adding raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 8 cups of water
- 1 1/2 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Set aside to cool.
- Squeeze enough lemons to get 1 1/2 cups of lemon juice. Take care to remove seeds. You may leave the pulp in if you wish. Add lemon juice to a pitcher.
- Using a rubber spatula to scrape the pan as clean as possible, add the sugar and water mixture to the lemon juice in the pitcher.
- Use remaining 7 cups of water to “rinse” the remaining sugar mixture from the saucepan – pouring a little water into the pan, stirring with the rubber spatula, and then pouring the water into the pitcher. Repeat until saucepan is relatively clean. Add remaining water to pitcher and chill.
Serve over ice.
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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Looking for an easy and yummy cookie recipe? Here it is. If you love peanut butter and chocolate, this cookie recipe is for you!
The first time I had these cookies was in high school. Years later, when I discovered how easy they were to make, they became a favorite cookie to make with my kids. They are simple to make and require just a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Makes about two dozen.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 stick butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 3 cups oatmeal
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk in a medium-sized saucepan.
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for one minute.
Turn heat off and add peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal. Stir until well mixed.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto waxed paper or parchment paper. Note – if you are making these cookies with children, be sure they are cool enough to touch before allowing the kids to handle the cookies. They are quite sticky and can burn little hands if you try to form them too quickly.
Let cool for a short time (yeah, right) and then enjoy!
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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Looking for an alternative to those expensive drive-thru coffees? I was, and I found one. First – let me admit I was hooked on McDonalds iced coffee. My husband and I both work from home, but every morning I had him in the car for a trip to town to buy a “Large Sugar-Free Vanilla Iced Coffee.” Just typing those words makes me kind of happy. Pathetic, but true. These coffees are delicious, sugar free, and relatively inexpensive. Right? Right. But when you buy one every day – and you make a trip into town just to buy that coffee – after two or three years it gets a bit ridiculous.
So, I kicked the habit and started making my own iced coffee at home. It is quite easy, inexpensive, and you can make a wide array of flavors. Here’s how:
Make coffee just as you would in your regular coffee maker, using two 1/3 cup scoops of coffee. I use one scoop caffeine and one scoop decaf, but use whatever you would normally drink. I even leave the scoop right in the coffee canister. It is easier than looking for it every time.
After brewing the coffee, pour it into a large mixing bowl to cool – maybe half an hour or so.
Using a funnel, pour the coffee from the mixing bowl into a 2 quart container.
I like this one from 2 quart container from [easyazon_link asin=”B000HDKI52″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Anchor Hocking[/easyazon_link] because it has a lid that seals tight.
Put the container in the refrigerator.
When you are ready for a coffee, simply add some ice to a glass and add your favorite creamers and sweeteners. I like the 
little International Delights creamers and just a little sugar.
Now, let’s get real – this is my coffee cup. My son bought it for me years ago after our ride on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train in Colorado. It is a bit worse for wear, but it brings back happy memories every time I use it.
I also don’t bother with glass because the coffee is already cold from the refrigerator and my oh-so-awesome cup keeps things cold. Any thermal cup will work (and probably look better than mine!).
TIP – If you want ice cubes, but do not want your coffee to be watered down, pour some cooled coffee into ice cube trays and make coffee ice cubes. When these cubes melt, they will add even more flavor to your iced coffee!
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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