Our Good Life: January 2017

Posted by Terri Steffes / 30 January 2017 / artichoke , snacks

How to Prepare (and Eat!) an Artichoke

When I was a principal at South Callaway Schools, my administrative assistant was a sunny and kind woman named Dana who was a California (state) implant to Missouri.  Dana was the perfect antidote to my seriousness and always made sure that school was a fun place to be.<br />
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One day, for whatever reason, Dana and I were at school with no one else around.  It could have been before Parent Teacher conferences, or maybe a school concert, but she decided she was going to show me the proper way to make and eat an artichoke. <br />
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She brought one to school and somehow cooked the thing and showed me how to eat it.  It Rewas delicious, and since that day, I have tried to make sure I have at least one whole artichoke a year.<br />
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I am going to show you how Dana taught me to make an artichoke.<br />
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First, snip off the pointy ends of each petal. <br />
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Remove most of the woody stem, leaving about an inch.   Cut off the top 1/4 with a serrated knife.  </div>
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Rinse the artichoke under cold running water.  Place your aromatics (I use bay leaf, lemon and garlic) in a pot holding 2" of water.  Heat water to boiling, then reduce heat to simmer.</div>
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Place your steamer basket in the pot, add your artichoke, cover and cook for 25-45 minutes (it depends on how big and tight the artichoke is) or until one of the petals comes off easily.</div>
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Using tongs to place your artichoke on your plate.  Prepare dipping sauce for the artichoke.  I like mayo mixed in with a little balsamic vinegar.  </div>
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To eat, pull off one of the petals, dip in the sauce and place the petal in your mouth, dip side down.  Use your teeth to scrape off the small bit of meaty flesh at the bottom of the petal.  Work all away around your artichoke until it looks like this:</div>
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This hairy structure is the choke.  I was told not to eat it. So I don't.  I scrape it off with a spoon until I get to this:</div>
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This is the heart of the artichoke.  Dip it into the sauce and eat it.  There is about four good bites here.</div>
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This is a delicacy and something I look forward to each year.  I remember with fondness many memories of my time at South Callaway, of the dear friends I met and still keep in contact with over the years.  Thank you, Dana, for showing me the true delight of the artichoke.</div>
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How to Prepare (and Eat!) an Artichoke

When I was a principal at South Callaway Schools, my administrative assistant was a sunny and kind woman named Dana who was a California (st...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 27 January 2017 / cocktail , Food 'n' Flix

French Kiss #foodnflix

<span style="font-family: inherit;">January's pick for #FoodnFlix was French Kiss, hosted by our sponsor, <a href="http://www.foodnflixclub.com/2017/01/in-the-kitchen-with-french-kiss.html">Food 'n Flix!</a>  Here's the movie description as written by our host:</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">French Kiss stars Meg Ryan as Kate, the tightly-wound, straight-as-an-arrow history teacher living the life she'd always imagined with her fiance Charlie (played by Timothy Hutton) in Canada. Charlie asks Kate to go with him on a work trip to Paris, but Kate opts to stay home and secure her dream home and finish planning their wedding.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #343434; letter-spacing: 0.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Kate's world is shattered when Charlie calls to tell her that he's fallen in love and won't be coming home. She musters up the courage to hop on a flight to Paris, where she is seated next to Luc (played by Kevin Kline), a French thief, who annoys her to no end and stashes something he has stolen in her bag.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #343434; letter-spacing: 0.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #343434; letter-spacing: 0.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Once in Paris, Kate sets her mind to winning back Charlie, and Luc sets his mind to retrieving his stashed goods. Romance and comedy ensue. Plus, the majority is actually filmed in France, so there's some beautiful scenery.</span></i></span><br />
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</span></i></span> <span style="color: #343434;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">I loved the movie, as I am a real sap when it comes to romantic comedy.  I like my heroines lovable and cute, and I want the hero to be dashing and winsome.  This movie got checkmarks in both boxes and added in a romantic location (hello, Paris) to boot.  And, my feeling is that she got the better of the two men, even though they both were lacking in good character. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="color: #343434;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">The food scenes were limited and I saw a couple of really good opportunities when it came to desserts (Kate falls over a dessert cart, spilling beautiful French pastry everywhere!) but all I wanted when I finished this movie was a cocktail.  A very specific cocktail, the French Kiss.</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="color: #343434;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">As with most of my cocktails, this one is pretty simple.  There are hundreds of recipes on the web for French Kiss and all are different.  I like this one because A. <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2016/12/sugarfree-cranberry-juice.html"> I can use my cranberry juice</a> and 2. I had fresh strawberries in the house.</span></span><br />
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French Kiss, a cocktail</div>
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by <span class="author">Our Good Life</span></div>
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6080805</div>
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Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text yield" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (serves 1)</span></div>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">2 oz vodka</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/2 oz Chamboard</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 T simple syrup</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">2 T cranberry juice</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">2 strawberries</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 lime wedge</li>
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In a cocktail shaker muddle 1 strawberry.  Add 1/2 c crushed ice, vodka, chambord, simple syrup, and juice.  Shake until very cold.  Fill highball glass with crushed ice, strain into glass.  Garnish with strawberry and lime wedge.</div>
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Powered by <a class="single_recipe_header" href="http://www.recipage.com/" style="color: #11bfeb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Recipage</a></div>
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The cocktail has just enough pucker to make it refreshing, but you do need the simple syrup to sweeten the sugar free cranberry juice, if you make yours from my recipe.  I love the fresh strawberries in my drink. <br />
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French Kiss #foodnflix

January's pick for #FoodnFlix was French Kiss, hosted by our sponsor, Food 'n Flix! Here's the movie description as written by...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 26 January 2017 / super bowl

Simple Game Day Snacks

Putting on a party for your game day need not be a big preparation.  Keeping things simple but fun makes the day even more fun.  We recently had a spread worthy of the Super Bowl but without a lot of fuss and stress.  Let me walk you through it!<br />
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1.  Crab dip.  Get good crab from your butcher and a great cocktail sauce.  Mix together and pour over softened cream cheese.  Serve with good crackers.<br />
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2.  Make hummus (it is so easy with Hummus So Easy, see my recipes <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2016/05/hummus-taco-dip-hummusmadeeasy.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2016/05/buffalo-hummus-dip-hummusmadeeasy.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2015/03/beantastic-avocado-hummus-sundaysupper.html">here</a>!)  Serve with fresh veggies as a dipper.  We love baby carrots!<br />
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3.  Make a large bowl of popcorn.  We love the Skinny Pop with white cheddar.  Yummm.  We can eat a whole bag of it ourselves.<br />
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4.  Have a sweet.  Whether it is cookies, or candy, or ice cream sundaes, have a little something for those who like to indulge their sweet tooth.<br />
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5.  Marcona almonds.  These are so good and perfect for those who want to indulge.  These almonds are so delicious, we don't do anything more with them than to pour them in a bowl. <br />
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6.  Chips and salsa and queso dip.  Standards at any party! <br />
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7.  This is where you spend your time.  One special dish.  In this case, these are lemon chicken thighs, to be featured in an upcoming blog post!  Think ribs, or flatbread, or chili.  This one dish that you can't be without or it won't be perfect!<br />
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We are huge Green Bay Packer fans, and while they didn't move on to the Super Bowl, we are so proud of them for the season they had.  One day, we will find ourselves in the stands wearing a cheesehead. <br />
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Our cute football napkins and football shaped bowls came from the Dollar Store, as did our green plates and plasticware.  The Dollar Store can really add a lot of punch to your set up, so be sure and check them out!  The little Green Bay Bear was purchased a long time ago when we went to Green Bay on a family vacation.  Nothing like a good memory to help decorate your table!<br />
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All credit goes to my husband for this game day plan.  He made the chicken thighs and set up this snack bar! He's really good at things like this.  Make your party delicious without spending hours in the kitchen or a ton a money.  Good luck to whomever you are rooting for!

Simple Game Day Snacks

Putting on a party for your game day need not be a big preparation. Keeping things simple but fun makes the day even more fun. We recently...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 23 January 2017 / breads

Easiest Bread Ever

Bread is the food of life.<div>
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Baking bread takes me to faraway places, like the time we traveled to England, and scones, biscuits, and homemade bread were a part of every meal and table.  It takes me to my favorite Italian restaurants, the crispy yet chewy crusts that absorb those delicious oils and sauces or my favorite butter dense with fresh herbs.  </div>
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It is the mainstay of my favorite breakfast, avocado toast.  A hearty piece of bread perfectly toasted, with smashed ripe avocado, olive oil, and salt and pepper sprinkled liberally over all.  The textures, the aroma, the taste buds smiling really big!</div>
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I found a recipe on Pinterest for a 5 ingredient bread made in an hour.  Of course this caught my attention and I have tried it several times.  I have made adjustments the recipe based on my personal experiences.  Here you go.</div>
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Easiest Bread Ever</div>
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2 small envelopes of fast rising yeast</div>
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1 T good honey</div>
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2 c warm water (as for a baby's bath)</div>
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4 c flour</div>
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1 1/2 t salt</div>
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Preheat oven to 375.</div>
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Pour water in a glass bowl.  Add honey and whisk until incorporated.  Add yeast and stir.  Let yeast activate, about 10 minutes.</div>
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Sifting the flour isn't necessary, but you might want to stir the flour if it has been sitting in a canister for awhile.  Measure 4 cups into the bowl of your mixer that has been fitted with your dough hook.  Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl and begin mixing on low speed.  Let the dough hook do it's work for about ten minutes or until all flour is incorporated.</div>
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Bring the dough to your surface and knead four times, and on that fourth time, form into a long loaf. (I always mess this up and make a round ish loaf, which takes more time to rise and bake!)  Place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.  Cover with a towel and let rise 20 minutes.  If the bread doesn't look like it has at least doubled in size, let it rise 10 minutes more.  (I take a photo of it before it rises so I can compare)</div>
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With a knife, cut slits on top of the bread.  You can brush it with melted butter or olive oil if you want.  Place the bread in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.  Insert a long toothpick to check for doneness.  It should come out clean.  Remove bread from the oven and let cool on the counter.  Slice and serve.</div>
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It is delicious.  </div>
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I have added in herbs in a batch, in another I added in garlic powder.  Both were amazing.  </div>
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I feel like a baker now!  I can make the bread without a recipe and I love that you can knead it a little.  It turns out every time I make it!</div>
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Give it a try, and feel yourself transported to Italy and a baker's shop.  You deserve that!</div>
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Easiest Bread Ever

Bread is the food of life. Baking bread takes me to faraway places, like the time we traveled to England, and scones, biscuits, and homem...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 21 January 2017 / lunch , Soup

Healthy Soup Options #SoupSwappers

Our resolutions are freshly made, but you might find yourself starting to slide a bit, the salads are getting monotonous and you long for something comforting to eat.  A group of bloggers have banded together to give you some healthy soup options that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.<br />
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You might remember that our group, The Secret Recipe Club, disbanded a while back.  I am happy to say that one of our group, Wendy Klik, of <a href="https://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/">A Day in the Life on the Farm</a>  rallied us together and we have started a new group called Soup Saturday Swappers.  You can find us on Facebook if you are a food blogger and want to join us!<br />
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The herbs I used were the ones<a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2015/09/herb-disks-harvesting.html"> I harvested and froze </a>for occasions just like this.  My herb garden provides me so much pleasure in the summer, and when I harvest and use them in the winter, even more so!  This herb mixture is basil, oregano and thyme.<br />
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We also used my husband's homemade chicken stock.  Each time he roasts a chicken, I am having him make stock.  It was over the top delicious.<br />
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I'm planning my herb garden for this spring.  It is going to be huge and so much fun!<br />
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My soup was <a href="http://kitchencents.com/chicken-and-potato-gnocchi-soup-fresh-herbs/">inspired by a recipe I saw at Kitchen Cents posted by my friend, Rachel</a>.  Her soup is fantastic, all I did was reduce the fat (no herbed butter) add some of my own personality to it!  I hope you will enjoy it and make it soon.<br />
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Chicken with Gnocchi Soup</div>
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by <span class="author">Our Good Life</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prep Time:</span><span class="preptime"> 10 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cook Time:</span><span class="cooktime"> 20 minutes</span></div>
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6080772</div>
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Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (4 servings)</span></div>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">2 cooked chicken breasts, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">4 c homemade chicken broth</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">2 c water</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">4 T minced herbs (basil, thyme, oregano or parsley)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">4 carrots, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">2 stalks of celery, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 pkg potato gnocchi</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 T lemon juice</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">salt and pepper to taste</li>
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Bring water and chicken broth to a boil.  Add carrots and celery and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.  Add chicken, herbs, lemon juice, and gnocchi.  Cook until gnocchi rises to the top, about 4 minutes.  Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.  Serve.</div>
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Healthy Soup Options #SoupSwappers

Our resolutions are freshly made, but you might find yourself starting to slide a bit, the salads are getting monotonous and you long for so...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 20 January 2017 / books , Dessert

Jessica Fechtor's Cherry Clafoutis #CooktheBooksClub

Cook the Books read Jessica Fechtor's memoir called Stir: My Broken Brain and the Meals that Brought me Home for our bimonthly selection. Jessica's writing is what we teachers like to call "authentic voice."  Even though I have never met her, I know I would recognize her when she spoke. Her book tells the story of her brain aneurysm at the age of 28, her nothing-short-of miraculous recovery, her food blog and how food and cooking helped her return to the world.<br />
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I was completely, soulfully and utterly mesmerized by this book.<br />
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Jessica writes her story in carefully crafted, simple yet powerful sentences, that sets the story free to soar. We walk beside her bleeding brain, recover with her outside of surgery, struggle with physical therapy and the loss of sight and taste, celebrate when things start to go well, cry when they aren't. And between all of this, is food.<br />
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Not just any food, but food, like Jessica, that has a heart.  In its own simplicity, she talks about toast with good bread and butter.  She talks about fruit in a way that makes you sit up and take notice. There are certain canned tomatoes and a certain salt that make food sing.  (You will need to read the book to learn these things!)<br />
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While I read her journey to recovery, I was thinking about mine, several years ago, and how I thought about food.  Food is a connection between love and wellness, between love and healing, between love and caring.  Food is offered when things are bad, when things are good and when things are just right. Find the foods that say love to you, and you can find your way back home.<br />
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I was intrigued by all the foods Jessica mentions in her book, but I was certain I wanted to create the Cherry Clafoutis at home.  My husband loves cherries and I wanted to taste this simple dessert that features cherries at its core.  It was delicious and I hope you find it so, too.  I modified her recipe to fit our dish.  Here's how I made it:<br />
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Cherry Clafoutis<br />
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1 T softened butter<br />
sugar for dusting the pan<br />
1 cup of fresh cherries, pitted<br />
1/2 c milk<br />
1 T brown sugar<br />
1/2 t baking powder<br />
1 egg<br />
1 t vanilla<br />
1 T brandy<br />
1/4 t salt<br />
2 T flour<br />
confectioners sugar for finishing<br />
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Preheat oven to 375. Use the butter to coat a round cake pan, thickly coated. Dust the pan with sugar and shake out any excess.  Put the cherries in the baking dish (I halved mine) in a single layer.  In a blender pitcher, add milk, brown sugar, baking powder, egg, vanilla, brandy, salt and flour.  Blend on high speed for 1 minute.  Pour the batter over the cherries and back for 30 minutes.  The clafoutis will puff up and turn golden brown.  A tester will come out clean.  Serve at room temperature, dusted with confectioner's sugar.<br />
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Serves 4<br />
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Read the book.  It will nourish you in both mind and spirit.  Come back and thank me later.

Jessica Fechtor's Cherry Clafoutis #CooktheBooksClub

Cook the Books read Jessica Fechtor's memoir called Stir: My Broken Brain and the Meals that Brought me Home for our bimonthly selection...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 18 January 2017 / valentines

Valentine Candy Bouquet #OrientalTrading

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<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I was given product from Oriental Trading for my review but all opinions are my very own!</span></i></b></div>
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Valentine's Day is approaching and we are all scrambling over our pinned posts to find a gift for those in our lives who go above and beyond to make our lives easier.  I, too, am looking for that gift, and I believe I have found one that is easy, creative and inexpensive, yet also is beautiful and tasty!<br />
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This candy bouquet is so pretty in person.  All you need are candies, a vase or container, foam to hold the candies in place, tape, and floral sticks.  All my candies were purchased from the <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/valentines-day-a1-550626.fltr" rel="nofollow">Valentine's page of Oriental Trading!</a>  So many choices, both in kinds and colors!  You will see so many ideas when you visit the <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/craft-and-hobby-supplies/valentines-day-a1-550055+1229.fltr" rel="nofollow">Crafts Section,</a> too.  I searched the whole section just in case there were ideas I hadn't thought of yet!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green foam and plastic container came from a dollar store.</td></tr>
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First I wash and dry the container. I place the green foam in the<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/personalized-red-tin-favor-pails-a2-42_2679.fltr?Ntt=red%20buckets" rel="nofollow"> container </a>and create a grid with tape. This holds the foam in place and also helps me know where to place the candy.  In this bouquet I am using <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/mini-red-foil-wrapped-roses-chocolate-candy-a2-13718385.fltr?Ntt=chocolate%20roses" rel="nofollow">chocolate roses</a>, <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/red-swirl-lollipops-a2-5_1490.fltr?prodCatId=551289%201406&rd=red%20candy&categoryFromSearch=true" rel="nofollow">lollipops</a>, <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/red-rock-candy-lollipops-a2-13607556.fltr">rock candy sticks</a> and Hershey's chocolates taped to floral sticks.  I start in the center with a chocolate rose and surround the rose with lollipops and rock candy.  I added more roses and lastly, I add the Hershey candy in for more depth and texture.  <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/tic-tac-toe-valentine-sticker-cards-a2-13627752.fltr?Ntt=xos%20valentine%20cards" rel="nofollow">Add a card</a> and you are ready to present this to your favorite people!<br />
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Let me know if you make one and be sure to send a photo!  I'll send photos to Oriental Trading, too!<br />
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Valentine Candy Bouquet #OrientalTrading

I was given product from Oriental Trading for my review but all opinions are my very own! Valentine's Day is approaching and we are a...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 17 January 2017 / book review , books

A Moonbow Night #ourgoodlifebooklist

In my first read by author Laura Frantz, I am taken in by the authentic voice of the era that the author seems to write with ease.  The opening sentence "There was no cure for the whirling April snow, the cold seeping through thin, trail-worn moccasins from the frozen forest floor" draws you quickly into the misery of trailbreaking in 1777 with the threat of harm and the lack of filling food to look forward to each day.  A Moonbow Night is the story of survival in the wilderness during the first flood of landowners to Kentucky.  Temperence, the main character of the story, is a strong, smart and savvy woman of the frontier.<br />
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The author makes sure that each character is grounded and sincere.  Each has distinct voices and mannerisms that make you love and sometimes, dislike them.  All have strength of character when times call for it and all have weaknesses that nearly do them in.  The author weaves the story like a fine artisan, and the story emerges just like a tapestry.<br />
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She has a tendency to tie us up in detail when we are on the edge of our seat waiting for the outcome of a serious situation.  This does not endear me to her, in fact, I found myself skipping large portions of text in order to find out what happened next and probably missed some fine work.  I am not regretful of my decision to skip ahead, as I did not find anything lacking when I got to the end. <br />
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My personal favorite chapter was when the Moonbow Inn first comes into our world.  The descriptions of life, food, people, and the Inn drew me in and I reread those sections over and over.  Beautifully done, and nurturing for my soul.<br />
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I review books for Revell Read and the books are given to me for free in exchange for my review. All written work is my own opinion.

A Moonbow Night #ourgoodlifebooklist

In my first read by author Laura Frantz, I am taken in by the authentic voice of the era that the author seems to write with ease. The open...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 16 January 2017 /

Vanilla Extract

I like making my own vanilla.  Real vanilla extract is expensive in the store, and I can make my own with ease and I happen to love the taste.  The hardest part is finding a good vanilla bean and I can make that easy for you, too.  Order your vanilla beans from Penzey's!  (not an affiliate link)<br />
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Homemade Vanilla Extract<br />
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Clean bottles that hold 8 oz of liquids<br />
vodka, enough for each bottle<br />
vanilla bean, 1-2 per 8 oz of vodka<br />
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Make sure your bottles are clean and dry.  Pour the vodka into your bottles.  Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and drop into the bottle.  Let the vodka and vanilla bean sit together for 3-6 weeks. Strain the liquid and rebottle before gifting.<br />
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Use the vanilla the same way you would use store bought vanilla.<br />
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I use all precautions and store this vanilla in the refrigerator.  Since there are no preservatives, I want to place it in a safe spot.  This is the super delicious vanilla I use in my <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2017/01/vanilla-extract.html">Warm Vanilla Drink.</a><br />
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Vanilla Extract

I like making my own vanilla. Real vanilla extract is expensive in the store, and I can make my own with ease and I happen to love the tast...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 14 January 2017 / Truman , Wilson

Truman and Wilson Give Back!

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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>Chewy.com gave us our treats, but the opinions expressed are our own!</i></b></span></div>
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Wilson and Truman had an opportunity to give back and they did!  This month at <a href="http://chewy.com/" rel="nofollow">chewy.com</a> you could choose to order Wellbites and in turn, Wellbites would donate five cases of food!  As rescued dogs themselves, they understand the need to share and give back.  We are so proud to be a part of Wellbite's campaign.<div>
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<a href="https://www.chewy.com/s?query=Wellness+WellBites&rh=brand_facet%3AWellness" rel="nofollow">Wellbites are also very good</a>.  Truman and Wilson preferred these treats over others they were offered when they came from outside.  Wellbites come in a variety of flavors.  Beef and Turkey, Turkey and Duck, Lamb and Salmon and Lamb and Chicken.  We were given the Beef and Turkey ones, which were, according to our dogs, yummy!</div>
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Wilson is a West Highland Terrier and Truman is a Cavashon.  These two white pups give us endless fun and joy, and being honest, annoy the dickens out of us from time to time.  Both dogs love to nap and bark, and sometimes do both at the same time.  No. Kidding.</div>
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Wilson's heavy coat sheds little and he needs little care but he likes to be brushed from time to time. Truman does not like to be brushed but tolerates it.  He looks at us with his big eyes begging to be done with this!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an older picture of the two.  Best Buds!</td></tr>
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Those of you with furbabies of your own, what are your joys with pet ownership?  Share some of your thoughts, don't be surprised to see yourself quoted on Facebook one of these days!</div>
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Truman and Wilson Give Back!

Chewy.com gave us our treats, but the opinions expressed are our own! Wilson and Truman had an opportunity to give back and they did! T...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 11 January 2017 / breakfast

Ham, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders-The Ultimate Breakfast Challenge

Welcome to the Ultimate Recipe Challenge-Breakfast! hosted by Kim Six of <a href="http://www.thekimsixfix.com/">The Kim Six Fix.</a>  You will see a lot of breakfast recipes from fabulous bloggers!<br />
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I love coming up with recipes for my family during the holidays.  For the first time, we needed a breakfast that could be eaten on the run, so I made up these breakfast sliders.  This is a combination of all sorts of recipes I found on the internet and pinterest.  My family was crazy about them but we ended up eating them at the table anyway!<br />
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These are super easy but a bit time consuming.  I got up early that day to get them made.  That's probably why we had time to eat at the table, come to think about it!<br />
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Ham, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sliders</div>
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<div class="single_recipe_text" id="author" style="color: black; font-size: 15px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding: 0;">
by <span class="author">Our Good Life</span></div>
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6080540</div>
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Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (4 servings)</span></div>
<ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;">
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">12 slider buns (dinner rolls)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">deli sliced ham, 1/2 pound</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">12 slices muenster cheese</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">9 eggs</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/2 c butter, melted</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/4 c real maple syrup</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">salt and pepper</li>
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Instructions</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9 x 13 pan with nonstick foil.  Cut the rolls in half lengthwise (like a hamburger bun is cut) and put the bottoms in the pan.  Take half the cheese and place it on the buns.  Take the ham and lay it on top of the cheese.  Scramble the eggs in a pan with seasoning.  Scoop the eggs and put them on top of the ham.  Place the rest of the cheese on top of the eggs.  Place the bun tops on top of the cheese.  Mix the melted butter and syrup together and pour over the tops of the buns, making sure all buns get some of the mixture on them. Use it all.  Bake for 15 minutes or until the syrup mixture is absorbed and the cheese melted.</div>
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<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=688551" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
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Ham, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders-The Ultimate Breakfast Challenge

Welcome to the Ultimate Recipe Challenge-Breakfast! hosted by Kim Six of The Kim Six Fix. You will see a lot of breakfast recipes from fab...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 09 January 2017 / goals

Word of the Year is: CONQUER

I have been fortunate to be with a group of strong women who know how to take charge of their lives and because of that, I have managed to hold on to mine by a thin thread. We always chose a word of the year and a couple of the women always held us accountable.  While I didn't always achieve what I wanted, I always did better than I thought I would!<br />
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So this year's word, CONQUER, comes from the fact that my goals have been similar for the last several years.  This year I want to CONQUER those goals so I can move forward with my real goal: retirement and travel and fun with my husband as long as we are able!<br />
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<span id="goog_600902291"></span><span id="goog_600902292"></span>Let's look at last year's blog goals:  I met my goals for Pinterest and Facebook fans.  I did not meet my goals for Twitter and Instagram.  In fact, I stalled on both Twitter and Instagram.  I am actually ok with that for one main reason:  my Google Analytics say that Pinterest and Facebook are my biggest referrals, then Google.  My 2017 blog goals are to continue to grow in Facebook and Pinterest, work on Instagram and Twitter, and make a better effort for a presence in Google+.  I would like to see my page views rise as well.  That means better content, which is also a goal!<br />
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Personal goals are the same:  lose weight, get healthy, eat better, work on relationships, work hard on my educational goals, and work to improve my community.<br />
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My husband and I made a huge commitment to reduce debt in our household and I am pleased to say that we were able to reduce our debt by over 60% over all.  We love to eat out and go to events and concerts and shows, so to do this, we cut back on events, eating out, tickets to ball games, selling things we no longer wanted or needed.  We will continue this goal for the 2017 year, too.  We try to make sure that each of us has what we need to be happy but we try not to fall for every little concert and event that St. Louis has to offer!  (which is a lot!)<br />
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I have read many of your goals and aspirations, and I want you to know that I am ready and willing to help any of you out however I can.  Reach out via email at terri@terristeffes.com  Let's figure out how we can help each other, there is enough wonderfulness in the world for all of us!<br />
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Word of the Year is: CONQUER

I have been fortunate to be with a group of strong women who know how to take charge of their lives and because of that, I have managed to h...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 08 January 2017 / best , dinner , Soup

Cheeseburger Stew #SundaySupper

You know the feeling you get when you wrap a warm  blanket around your shoulders and pull your feet up to the fireplace?  That is the feeling you get when you first bite into my Cheeseburger Stew. Warm and comfortable cheeseburger taste in a bowl!  This slimmed up version is difficult to differentiate from the full fat, high calorie version you find in diners, but it is much better for you!<br />
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When #SundaySupper asked us to make recipes using lean beef, this is one recipe that I love to use lean hamburger in.  You don't have to drain the fat from the burger which is a time saving step.  I never know what to do with that leftover fat, anyway!  With the wholesome goodness of carrots, onions and new potatoes, this soup leaves you feeling happy and satisfied.<br />
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This soup is outstanding at a tailgate party, or the SuperBowl, or any college game day football game. I usually have crackers, toast points, or sliced baguettes available for dipping.  Finished with your favorite, cold beer, it's a winner!<br />
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To make the "cheeseburger" part of the stew really stand out, we garnish our soup with ketchup, mustard and dill pickles.  Stir the garnish into the soup before eating.  It really tastes good!<br />
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<div class="hrecipe f13"><div class="fn single_recipe_header" style="color: #11bfeb; font-size: 18px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding: 0;">Cheeseburger Stew</div><br />
<div class="single_recipe_text" id="author" style="color: black; font-size: 15px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding: 0;">by <span class="author">Our Good Life</span></div><div class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 12px; margin: 8px 4px 4px 4px; padding: 0;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prep Time:</span><span class="preptime"> 10</span></div><div class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 12px; margin: 4px; padding: 0;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cook Time:</span><span class="cooktime"> 30</span></div><div class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 12px; margin: 4px; padding: 0;"></div><div id="get_media_div" style="clear: both; max-height: 100px;"><div id="recipe_id_div" style="display: none;">6080647</div><script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.6.4/jquery.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="http://www.recipage.com/new_scripts/get_html2.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div id="ingredients"><div class="single_recipe_header" id="ingr_header" style="clear: both; color: #11bfeb; font-size: 18px; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;">Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (6 servings)</span></div><ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"><li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 lb lean ground beef</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">3 carrots, chunked</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">4 new potatoes, cut in fourths</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 medium onion, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">salt and pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">8 oz low fat Velveeta</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">3 T flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">3 c lowfat milk</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 T steak seasoning</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">ketchup, mustard and dill pickles for garnish</li>
</ul></div><div id="instructions"><div class="single_recipe_header" id="inst_header" style="color: #11bfeb; font-size: 18px; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;">Instructions</div><div class="instruction">Brown beef in the bottom of a heavy Dutch oven.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper and steak seasoning.  Add 4 cups of water.  Add carrots, potatoes, and onion. Bring to a boil and cook 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.  In a separate pot, bring 3 cups of milk to a boil, reduce heat.  Sprinkle 1 T of flour into milk and whisk thoroughly, continue with the remaining 2 T of flour.  Cut cheese into cubes and add to milk, whisking until cheese melts.  Pour cheese sauce into hamburger mixture. Heat thoroughly.</div><div class="instruction">To serve:  ladle soup into bowl.  Squirt dollops of mustard and ketchup into the soup.  Add 2 dill pickles to the top.  Before eating, mix garnish into the bowl and eat.</div><div class="instruction">Or:  ladle soup into the bowl and add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.</div></div><div class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%;">Powered by <a class="single_recipe_header" href="http://www.recipage.com/" style="color: #11bfeb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Recipage</a></div></div><br />
<h4>Appetizers, Soups, and Salads</h4><ul><li><a href="http://www.foodlustpeoplelove.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baked Kibbeh with Yogurt Sauce</a> by Food Lust People Love</li>
<li><a href="http://sundaysuppermovement.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black Pepper Beef with Broccoli and Noodles</a> by Sunday Supper Movement</li>
<li><a href="http://hardlyagoddess.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Italian Wedding Soup</a> by Hardly A Goddess</li>
<li><a href="http://www.wendyweekendgourmet.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lighter Tex-Mex Albondigas Soup</a> by The Weekend Gourmet</li>
<li><a href="http://glutenfreecrumbley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sirloin Quinoa Salad</a> by Gluten Free Crumbley</li>
<li><a href="http://cricketsconfections.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spaghetti and Meatball Soup</a> by Cricket’s Confections</li>
<li><a href="http://carolinescooking.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steak Taco Salad Wonton Cups</a> by Caroline’s Cooking</li>
<li><a href="http://positivelystacey.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thai Steak Salad with Noodles</a> by Positively Stacey</li>
<li><a href="http://fooddonelight.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Warm Steak Salad</a> by Food Done Light</li>
</ul><h4>Lean Ground Beef Recipes</h4><ul><li><a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cheeseburger Stew</a> by Our Good Life</li>
<li><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cheesesteak Bruschetta</a> by The Food Hunter’s Guide to Cuisine</li>
<li><a href="http://feedingbig.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clean Eating Meatloaf</a> by Feeding Big</li>
<li><a href="http://amindfullmom.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clean Eating Sloppy Joes</a> by A Mind “Full” Mom</li>
<li><a href="http://www.turnips2tangerines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Old Fashioned Porcupine Meatballs</a> by Turnips 2 Tangerines</li>
<li><a href="http://simpleandsavory.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shepherd’s Pie</a> by Simple and Savory</li>
<li><a href="http://www.grumpyshoneybunch.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smothered Hamburger Steaks</a> by Grumpy’s Honeybunch</li>
<li><a href="http://recipesfoodandcooking.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spaghetti Squash with Chili</a> by Recipes Food and Cooking</li>
</ul><h4>Mains</h4><ul><li><a href="http://www.thefreshmancook.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BBQ Filet Beef Tips</a> by The Freshman Cook</li>
<li><a href="http://wholisticwoman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beef Broccoli Pasta</a> by Wholistic Woman</li>
<li><a href="http://kimchimom.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beef Ddukboki (Non-Spicy Sautéed Korean Rice Cakes)</a> by kimchi MOM</li>
<li><a href="http://www.asianinamericamag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beef Steak Fajitas</a> by Asian In America</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cindysrecipesandwritings.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry</a> by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings</li>
<li><a href="http://cosmopolitancornbread.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Make Homemade Beef Pho (Pho Bo)</a> by Cosmopolitan Cornbread</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mindyscookingobsession.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Skinny Beef Enchiladas with Creamy Avocado Sauce</a> by Mindy’s Cooking Obsession</li>
</ul><h4>Sandwiches and Wraps</h4><ul><li><a href="http://www.chefnextdoorblog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Asian Steak Lettuce Wraps</a> by The Chef Next Door</li>
<li><a href="http://goepicurista.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Big Lean Greek Beef Wrap</a> by Go Epicurista</li>
<li><a href="http://www.akitchenhoorsadventures.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Tuscan French Dips</a> by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures</li>
<li><a href="http://www.piesandplots.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spicy Beef Lettuce Wraps</a> by Pies and Plots</li>
<li><a href="http://www.hezzi-dsbooksandcooks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spicy Beef Tacos</a> by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks</li>
<li><a href="http://eatdrinkandbetracy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steak and Eggs Wraps</a> by Eat, Drink and be Tracy</li>
</ul><h4>Steaks</h4><ul><li><a href="http://www.dizzybusyandhungry.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baked Chicken Fried Steak</a> by Dizzy Busy and Hungry</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theredheadbaker.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chile Lime Flank Steak Tacos</a> by The Redhead Baker</li>
<li><a href="http://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Filet Mignon with Roasted Vegetable Salad</a> by A Day in the Life on the Farm</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flank Steak Roulades</a> by That Skinny Chick Can Bake</li>
<li><a href="https://www.monicastable.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flank Steak with Chimichurri</a> by Monica’s Table</li>
<li><a href="http://cookingchatfood.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roasted Garlic Sirloin Steak with Rosemary</a> by Cooking Chat</li>
<li><a href="https://palatablepastime.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swiss Steak</a> by Palatable Pastime</li>
</ul><a href="http://www.sundaysuppermovement.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sunday Supper Movement" height="100" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8386732081_f232fda104_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><strong>Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday!</strong> We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23sundaysupper" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#SundaySupper hashtag</a> and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great <a href="http://www.sundaysuppermovement.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sunday Supper Recipes</a>, visit our website or check out our <a href="http://pinterest.com/thesundaysupper/sundaysupper/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>.  <strong>Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement?</strong> It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: <a href="http://community.sundaysuppermovement.com/join-the-community/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sunday Supper Movement</a>.

Cheeseburger Stew #SundaySupper

You know the feeling you get when you wrap a warm blanket around your shoulders and pull your feet up to the fireplace? That is the feelin...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 06 January 2017 / A Sentence A Day

A Sentence A Day~ December

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; font-size: 15.4px;">When I learned about writing a sentence a day for journaling, I knew it was something I wanted to do.  I was right, because here I am today, still doing it! This is my eighth month and I don't think I will be slowing down anytime soon. It's just one sentence a day, although, trying to summarize the day's events and emotions into one sentence is challenging.</span><br />
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For past editions of the A Sentence A Day journaling, check out these links: <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2016/05/a-sentence-day.html" target="_blank">May</a>, <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2016/07/a-sentence-day-june.html" target="_blank">June</a>, <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2016/08/a-sentence-day.html" target="_blank">July</a>,  <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2016/09/a-sentence-day-august.html">August</a>, <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2016/10/a-sentence-dayseptember.html">September</a>,  <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2016/11/a-sentence-dayoctober.html">October</a>, and <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/2016/12/a-sentence-day-november.html"> November</a>.</div>
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I knew December would be a challenge.  There are so any things on my want-to-do list, plus keeping up with two blogs (I do a Christmas blog half of the year) I just wasn't sure how this would work. The neat thing about this type of journaling though, is, that it is just one sentence!  I can usually work it in right before bedtime.  Here are my thoughts from December.</div>
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December 1.  It's finally December and now my friends can't tell me that I celebrate too early, because it is the TIME to CELEBRATE which I will be with my husband seeing A Christmas Carol at the Lindenwood Theater tonight!</div>
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December 2.  My husband and I went to the Symphony to hear part of the Nutcracker music, which always evokes such memories of our family going to see the Nutcracker every year with our daughter in Kansas City.</div>
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December 3.  My husband had a trip planned so I went to the tree lighting in our neighborhood alone, which is hard but still fun, seeing the faces of the children made it all worth it!</div>
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December 4.  Off to see our neighborhood homes all decorated for Christmas in our annual homes tour which is easily one of my most favorite events of the season!<br />
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December 5.  I am learning how much more I get done with a list.  I know I have said this many times but I still don't seem to listen to myself.<br />
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December 6.  I serve on a city wide commission to promote the city through social media and this was the first meeting I felt like I made a true contribution!<br />
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December 7.  In Jefferson City today and had dinner with the best women I know, and how I love being there with them!<br />
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December 8.  Spent some time at one of my collaborative work schools and it warmed my heart to see how hard they were working so close to Christmas!!<br />
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December 9.  Got my hair cut, colored and styled and during the whole process I was wondering how long I plan to continue to color my hair.<br />
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December 10.  So busy getting ready to leave for Orlando and wouldn't you know it, I am starting to feel a bit under the weather. <br />
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December 11.  In sunny sunny Orlando and I couldn't be happier!!<br />
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December 12.  I know I am coming down with something and I plan to see a doctor while on vacation.<br />
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December 13.  Acute upper respiratory infection:  GO. AWAY.<br />
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December 14.  Still laying around nursing this awful mess of a cold.<br />
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December 15.  I don't care how bad I feel, I will go to the Very Merry Christmas Party tonight.<br />
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December 16.  The party was fantastic, I am feeling a lot better and today we will hit Epcot!<br />
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December 17.  I am worn out but I want to go to Universal Studios and see the Macy's balloons.<br />
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December 18.  Leaving for home and I feel kinda like I didn't have a vacation but I did have a great time for the three days I could participate.<br />
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December 19.  I am so grateful to be home after all  that Frontier Airlines put us and several hundred people through on Sunday.<br />
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December 20.  Bob is super sick with the flu and got Tamiflu, a steroid shot, two kinds of med for the cough.<br />
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December 21.  Met with my book club and had lunch with a beautiful friend and was so happy to exchange gifts with her!<br />
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December 22.  Ashley and Eric are coming in, Bob is still very sick, Truman and Wilson are getting groomed, we still have presents to buy and wrap.<br />
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December 23.  Headed to Columbia to see Bob's brother and family and to celebrate Christmas by playing games, seeing the Magic Tree, eating out and exchanging gifts.<br />
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December 24.  Traveling to Marceline to see my mom since my sister has the flu and can't make it.<br />
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December 25.  Home again and we will have our breakfast, open gifts and say good bye to Ashley and Eric as they go to Jefferson City to be with his family.<br />
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December 26.  The movie fest begins with SING!<br />
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December 27.  Today we saw La La Land and Jackie.<br />
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December 28  We saw Fences (whoa, Denzel, you are amazing!)<br />
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December 29.  Today we saw Rogue One and loved it!<br />
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December 30.  Finally found and purchased the living room cocktail and end tables that we had been searching months for!<br />
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December 31.  So happy to see 2016 slip away, with all the sadness surrounding so many deaths of icons around the world. <br />
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Happy 2017!</div>

A Sentence A Day~ December

When I learned about writing a sentence a day for journaling, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I was right, because here I am today,...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 03 January 2017 /

Color Our World~Red!

This month the bloggers from Project Beautiful focused on the color RED.  It was a perfect color choice for December and now you will have many beautiful red posts to read and love.<br />
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Let's talk a bit about the color red.  People know a lot about red.  It is one of our three primary colors.  It is associated with heat, passion, sacrifice and danger. It is used to get attention: think stop signs.  It is used to mark happiness (China).  Ochre is a reddish rock that was ground up and made into paints, as long as 140,000 years ago!  Holidays, religion, and the sunset all have connections to red that will make your head swim just thinking about all that red!<br />
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We have several gardening bloggers in our group and they always have the most wonderful choices!  Look at Lee's <a href="http://sensiblegardening.com/red-hot-mamas/">Red Hot Mammas.  </a> You will want to go and read her post about these delightful flowers.<br />
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Soshi at <a href="http://www.bloomingsecrets.com/blog/the-year-in-color-rockin-the-red">Blooming Secrets</a> has a nice collage of flowers you might consider if you are wanting a spot of red in it. <br />
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Lee gives us <a href="http://landscapedesignbylee.blogspot.com/2016/12/this-months-color-in-garden-december.html#.WGmK17IrLX6">more beautiful flower choices in red.</a>  Her article focuses on those plants that do in the Northeast part of the country, but I promise that some of these grow well in other locations too.<br />
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Teri from <a href="http://www.thefreshmancook.com/2016/12/candy-cane-cookies-12-days-of-cookies.html">The Freshman Cook</a> made these delightful Candy Cane Cookies.  I am such a cookie fan.  I love cookies of all sorts (but not coconut, please!)<br />
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For me, you might remember the <a href="http://www.thefreshmancook.com/2016/12/candy-cane-cookies-12-days-of-cookies.html">homemade cranberry juice </a>that I made here.  Let me tell you, it was so delicious in our juice mixes and cocktails this Christmas.  I loved knowing what ingredients were in my juice:  fruit and water!<br />
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Thanks for checking and seeing what all the buzz was about!  I hope you will join us the first Monday in January for our focus on the color WHITE!

Color Our World~Red!

This month the bloggers from Project Beautiful focused on the color RED. It was a perfect color choice for December and now you will have m...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 02 January 2017 / drinks

Warm Vanilla Milk #TasteCreations

This month our group of bloggers that form Taste Creations focused on warm drinks for your sipping pleasure during the chilly months that are still to come.  These beverages are easy to make and definitely easy to drink!<br />
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This Warm Vanilla is the complete opposite of Hot Chocolate in every way.  This drink is mellow, not too rich and can be very low sugar and low fat, depending on how you want to make it!<br />
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My grandmother used to make this for us when we were little and spent the night at her house.  I don't remember her calling it Warm Vanilla, though.  I think we called it Hot Milk.  It brings back memories of sitting on her lap and sipping this in one of her fancy English teacups.<br />
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Warm Vanilla Milk<br />
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(one serving)<br />
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10 oz milk  (whole, 2%, 1%, nonfat, almond, coconut, soy, whatever your pleasure!)<br />
1 t vanilla sugar (I used Penzey's)<br />
1 t pure vanilla extract<br />
freshly grated nutmeg<br />
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Warm the milk in the microwave for 90 seconds.  Test for the desired heat.  If you need it hotter, microwave in 30 second allotments.  Stir in sugar and vanilla.  Sprinkle with fresh nutmeg.  Enjoy!<br />
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You will return to this simple drink over and over.  The sweetness and the not-too-rich drink is so comforting.  Come back and thank me later.<br />
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Let's talk about the nutmeg a little bit.  Throw away your preground nutmeg you have in your pantry and go buy yourself some whole nutmeg.  The marble sized balls are the seeds of an evergreen tree. All you need is a microplane and the nutmeg seed.  Rub the seed over the microplane and you will inhale the most delectable fragrance and never will use pregrated nutmeg again.  It is a sin against nature to do so.  You can come back and thank me later for this one, too.<br />
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Enjoy these other warm drinks for this winter. <br />
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<a href="http://anitalianinmykitchen.com/easy-mulled-wine">An Italian in my Kitchen</a>  Easy Mulled Wine<br />
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<a href="http://momhomeguide.com/hot-cranberry-orange-punch">Mom's Home Guide</a>   Hot Cranberry Orange Punch<br />
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Tikkido  <a href="http://tikkido.com/blog/authentic-chai-recipe">Authentic Chai</a></div>
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Warm Vanilla Milk #TasteCreations

This month our group of bloggers that form Taste Creations focused on warm drinks for your sipping pleasure during the chilly months that ar...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 30 January 2017 / artichoke , snacks

How to Prepare (and Eat!) an Artichoke

Posted by Terri Steffes / 27 January 2017 / cocktail , Food 'n' Flix

French Kiss #foodnflix

Posted by Terri Steffes / 26 January 2017 / super bowl

Simple Game Day Snacks

Posted by Terri Steffes / 23 January 2017 / breads

Easiest Bread Ever

Posted by Terri Steffes / 21 January 2017 / lunch , Soup

Healthy Soup Options #SoupSwappers

Posted by Terri Steffes / 20 January 2017 / books , Dessert

Jessica Fechtor's Cherry Clafoutis #CooktheBooksClub

Posted by Terri Steffes / 18 January 2017 / valentines

Valentine Candy Bouquet #OrientalTrading

Posted by Terri Steffes / 17 January 2017 / book review , books

A Moonbow Night #ourgoodlifebooklist

Posted by Terri Steffes / 16 January 2017 /

Vanilla Extract

Posted by Terri Steffes / 14 January 2017 / Truman , Wilson

Truman and Wilson Give Back!

Posted by Terri Steffes / 11 January 2017 / breakfast

Ham, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders-The Ultimate Breakfast Challenge

Posted by Terri Steffes / 09 January 2017 / goals

Word of the Year is: CONQUER

Posted by Terri Steffes / 08 January 2017 / best , dinner , Soup

Cheeseburger Stew #SundaySupper

Posted by Terri Steffes / 06 January 2017 / A Sentence A Day

A Sentence A Day~ December

Posted by Terri Steffes / 03 January 2017 /

Color Our World~Red!

Posted by Terri Steffes / 02 January 2017 / drinks

Warm Vanilla Milk #TasteCreations

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Posted by Terri Steffes / 30 January 2017 / artichoke , snacks

Posted by Terri Steffes / 27 January 2017 / cocktail , Food 'n' Flix

Posted by Terri Steffes / 26 January 2017 / super bowl

Posted by Terri Steffes / 23 January 2017 / breads

Posted by Terri Steffes / 21 January 2017 / lunch , Soup

Posted by Terri Steffes / 20 January 2017 / books , Dessert

Posted by Terri Steffes / 18 January 2017 / valentines

Posted by Terri Steffes / 17 January 2017 / book review , books

Posted by Terri Steffes / 16 January 2017 /

Posted by Terri Steffes / 14 January 2017 / Truman , Wilson

Posted by Terri Steffes / 11 January 2017 / breakfast

Posted by Terri Steffes / 09 January 2017 / goals

Posted by Terri Steffes / 08 January 2017 / best , dinner , Soup

Posted by Terri Steffes / 06 January 2017 / A Sentence A Day

Posted by Terri Steffes / 03 January 2017 /

Posted by Terri Steffes / 02 January 2017 / drinks

SEARCH THIS SITE

Sponsor!

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Dollar Tree

Swiss Diamond

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