Our Good Life: July 2018

Posted by Terri Steffes / 30 July 2018 / snacks

Zucchini Pizza Rounds #FoodieExtravaganza

Zucchini is everywhere!  I didn't grow any this year, but my friends did, and they are giving it away! I love it when this happens, who doesn't love a free vegetable?<br />
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I love working with zucchini because it is like working with a blank slate. It's a great diet food, as it is only 33 calories for an entire medium zucchini.  Along with 6g of carbs and 2.5g of protein, this is a good vegetable to incorporate at the dinner table. If you family won't eat it straight up, then chop it up fine and add it to muffins, egg scrambles, banana bread, brownies or meatloaf.  You can eat zucchini raw or cooked, skinned or unskinned. And did you know it was loaded with Vitamin C and Manganese?<br />
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This recipe is so easy that it really isn't a recipe at all, but more of just something you assemble. I did include a recipe in case you want to print it for later.<br />
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<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>12 individual pieces</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector('.print-options').className='print-options show-print-options'" style="background: rgb(252, 34, 5);" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br />
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<img itemprop="image" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_O9HzTrWr4/W16WXyE8mFI/AAAAAAAAsWY/hkvdgPou-28spVvkFUKpvXJ56ea0ZpW9gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4249.jpg" /></div>
<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Zucchini Pizza Bites</h3>
<div class="time">
<span class="prepTime" content="PT5M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 5 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT10M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 10 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT15M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 15 mins</span></div>
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A fabulous way to use this delicious, bountiful vegetable!</div>
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<h3>
ingredients:</h3>
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2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 " rounds (throw away the end pieces)<br />
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1/2 c pizza sauce</div>
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1/2 c shredded parmesan cheese</div>
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pepperoni, one for each round</div>
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1 T olive oil</div>
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salt and pepper</div>
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<div class="instructions">
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instructions:</h3>
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Preheat over to 425.  In a medium bowl, toss the rounds with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper.  Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil.  Place rounds in a single layer on the foil.  Top each round with pizza sauce, parmesan cheese and a piece of pepperoni. Bake about 5 minutes.  Turn oven to broil and broil about 3 minutes, until cheese is melted and pepperoni is cooked.</div>
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NOTES:</h3>
<pre style="white-space: pre-line;">The thicker the rounds, the more of the crunch they will retain. I find that 1/2" is perfect for my family's taste.  These can be prepared in advance, up to the baking point. Pop them in the oven when you are ready to serve. These are delicious on the grill, just watch them and remove when the pepperoni and cheese have done their thing.</pre>
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Check out these other delicious zucchini recipes from the Foodie Extravaganza bloggers!  If you are a food blogger who would like to join us, please check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/633033643447482/">our Facebook page here</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://jolenesrecipejournal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chocolate Zucchini Cake</a> from Jolene's Recipe Journal</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cookaholicwife.com/" target="_blank">Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread</a> from Cookaholic Wife</li>
<li><a href="https://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Greek Inspired Breakfast Casserole</a> from A Day in the Life on the Farm</li>
<li><a href="http://www.foodlustpeoplelove.com/" target="_blank">Grilled Zucchini Salad</a> from Food Lust People Love</li>
<li><a href="https://palatablepastime.com/" target="_blank">Sugar-Free Bread and Butter Zucchini Pickles</a> from Palatable Pastime</li>
<li><a href="https://culinary-adventures-with-cam.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Zucchini Frittata</a> from Culinary Adventures with Camilla</li>
<li><a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/" target="_blank">Zucchini Pizza Rounds</a> from Our Good Life</li>
<li><a href="https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/" target="_blank">Zucchini Sandwich Bread</a> from Karen's Kitchen Stories</li>
<li><a href="https://snehasrecipe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Zucchini Stir Fry</a> from Sneha's Recipe</li>
</ul>
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Zucchini Pizza Rounds #FoodieExtravaganza

Zucchini is everywhere! I didn't grow any this year, but my friends did, and they are giving it away! I love it when this happens, who ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 27 July 2018 / friday faves

Friday Faves #7

Happy happy Friday!!<br />
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I had a full week of work, and getting ready for the rush of workshops that I will do once school starts for teachers in the next two weeks.  I saw an amazing presenter last week,<a href="https://www.rutherfordlg.com/"> Mike Rutherford,</a> and now I am raring to go!<br />
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1.  I love Brene Brown and I am always wowed by her insights.  Here's a quote of hers that I have pondered on all week:  <span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Everyone wants to know why customer service has gone to hell in a handbasket. I want to know why customer behavior has gone to hell in a handbasket." So what is it? I have been appalled at what some businesses believe is customer service. If you get bad service, do you take it to social media?  I had an incident on Friday and I posted my feelings on Facebook. A side of me is glad I did, another is not.  What do you do?</span></span><br />
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2.  I am reading<i> White Houses </i>by Amy Bloom. I love historical fiction but this is really very close to being a biography. The author creates some of the dialogue between Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt. Blooms weaves a beautiful tale around their love affair, and does so beautifully. Very compelling.<br />
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3.  My daughter and I started watch the Netflix series called Amazing Interiors.  This show features homes that look ordinary on the outside but what is inside is completely unexpected.  We saw a basement that is a Cub's fan dream, a house that looked like a medieval castle, another that had a salt water aquarium that the owner has to don diving gear to clean it!  Highly recommended!<br />
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4.  I had the most delicious cocktail on Sunday.  We went to brunch at 1764 Pub House, a restaurant in Central West End Saint Louis and I saw this on the menu. It's called Rise and Shine.  Here is the description: <span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Wake up and smell the rum ... and the coffee. 1764 Cruzan Aged Single Barrel Rum blended with Kaldi’s Haya Cold Brew, banana and vanilla cream. It was a frozen drink but so refreshing and delicious!</span></span><br />
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5.  Last but not least, I went to one of my favorite plant nurseries this weekend, <a href="https://www.bowoodfarms.com/">Bowood Farms</a>, and I loved, loved, loved this idea they have for making your own bouquets.  I am thinking about stealing this idea for a fundraiser (or maybe community relationship building) for our local garden club.  Isn't this wonderful?<br />
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I hope I have helped inspire or introduced something new to you today!  I have plans to see Momma Mia this weekend with some friends.  What is on your weekend calendar?  Have a good one!

Friday Faves #7

Happy happy Friday!! I had a full week of work, and getting ready for the rush of workshops that I will do once school starts for teachers...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 23 July 2018 / Garden

Bouquets from my Cutting Garden 2018 (and a seed give away!)

It's that time of the year when I have to do the dreadful act of cutting back my cutting garden in order to have blooms in the fall.  All my flowers are annuals, so I deadhead (remove the dead flowers), cut about 25-50% of the stems off, fertilize, and water.  It's hard to see some perfectly good flowers coming off with the cuttings, but I know from experience that in about two weeks they will look amazing!<br />
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This year I tried some different flowers. I want to try different mixes until I find the combination I like best.  I have cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, morning glory, yarrow, globe flower, daisy, purple cone flower and black eyed susans. The morning glory took off big time but didn't bloom. I have to figure that one out.  Everything else is getting buried by the morning glory.  I cut back the morning glory to see if the other flowers will catch up.  You can see some of my flowers below.<br />
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I still have had many different bouquets which pleases me so much. I love having my cutting garden to go out and pick flowers from.  My investment in seeds is less than $20 and I have already made several arrangements.  You can see some of my bouquets below.<br />
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Don't you want to have your own cutting garden?  It doesn't take acres of land. A big pot will do!  <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #4b4f56; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don't you want to have your own cutting garden?  It doesn't take acres of land. A big pot will do!  </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grab a couple of seed packets, sprinkle in the seeds, water and lightly cover the seed.  You will have flowers by fall!  To help you, enter the contest below to win over $30</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> in seeds!  Pick your favorites and share some with friends.  Follow the directions below to enter.  Thank you to our wonderful Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds for donating the seeds for the giveaway!</span> </span>You can find them on Facebook, too,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rareseeds/"> HERE.</a><br />
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More garden stories can be found at the following blogs. These bloggers are true gardeners and offer fabulous advice on all kinds of topics!<br />
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Clarissa at <a href="https://www.clarissarwest.com/garden-basics-for-homemakers">Clarissa R. West </a> talks about garden basics.<br />
Danielle at <a href="http://springlakehomestead.com/?p=17437&preview=true">Spring Lake Homesteads</a> talks about gardening with children.<br />
Michelle at<a href="http://midlifeblogger.com/d-is-for-discouraging/"> Midlife Blogger t</a>alks about her discouragement with gardening this year.<br />
Janelle at <a href="http://www.homesteadintheholler.com/blog/fall-garden-tips/">Homestead in the Holler</a> talks about fall gardening tips.<br />
Kathi at <a href="https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2018/07/plant-a-fall-garden.html">Oak Hill Farmstead</a> talks about figuring out planting times and the seeds to use.<br />
Angela at <a href="http://www.theinquisitivefarmwife.com/2018/07/gardening-woes-but-its-not-too-late.html">The Inquisitive Farm Wife</a> talks about gardening woes.<br />
Michelle at <a href="https://soulyrested.com/2018/07/23/what-every-gardener-needs-to-know-about-egg-shells">Souly Rested</a> talks about using egg shells in your garden.<br />
Jennifer at <a href="http://faithfulhomestead.com/fall-gardening-in-a-drought/">Faithful Homestead </a>talks about gardening in a drought.<br />
Amber at <a href="https://thefarmerslamp.com/7-tips-for-preparing-the-fall-garden/">The Farmer's Lamp </a>talks about preparing for fall gardening.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNL_1G7FzVI/W1TBBA0cX3I/AAAAAAAAsTI/5dTJBtluKwgQds73a6ZwOx2UUk8xf4PgwCLcBGAs/s1600/37340840_10216104386259005_6022928369706860544_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNL_1G7FzVI/W1TBBA0cX3I/AAAAAAAAsTI/5dTJBtluKwgQds73a6ZwOx2UUk8xf4PgwCLcBGAs/s640/37340840_10216104386259005_6022928369706860544_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Baker Creek is donating 1 package of 12 packets of seeds, perfect for planting in a fall garden.The value is approximately $30, and will ship</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> the seeds directly to the winner. The giveaway starts at 6:00 a.m. Central Time on Monday, July 23rd, and ends at 7:00 a.m. Central Time on Monday, July 30th. We will announce the winner on Monday night, and the winner will have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eligibility: Open to U.S. Residents 18+<br />
Winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway tools. No duplicate entries. There is one "free" entry per person, plus 11 additional entry "points" possible, one for each task completed. </span></span><br />
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Best of luck and let me know if you decide to grow your own cutting garden. I would love to track your progress and help you with any issues that may occur!  Happy gardening and good luck in the drawing!<br />
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Bouquets from my Cutting Garden 2018 (and a seed give away!)

It's that time of the year when I have to do the dreadful act of cutting back my cutting garden in order to have blooms in the fall. Al...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 20 July 2018 / friday faves

Friday Faves #6

Hey there!  This week felt a little less like summer and more like work!  I work as a full time educational consultant for the University of Missouri and we are inching back to school. This week I had a wonderful training with<a href="https://www.rutherfordlg.com/"> the wonderful Mike Rutherford</a> and learned so much. It does get me excited about school starting again!  It's is still summer, though, so let's talk about some things that I loved this week.<br />
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1.  I am a huge fan of farmers' markets.  We have several really good ones in our area, and this weekend we took advantage of the Kirkwood (MO) one.  Saturday was the annual Peach Festival!  I love fresh peaches so much!  We tried peaches from many areas, but found we loved our own Calhoun County peaches best.<br />
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2. I am a paper planner girl. I actually have to do both: a digital calendar (CalenGoo) for my family and I use an<a href="https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/terristeffes1119"> Eric Condren planner</a> for my day to day planning. I found this adorable gratitude journal on their site and I had to have it. I want to find a time to sit down with it and really think about how I want to use it. In the mean time, though, I wanted to share it with you!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hHjG8GJoWw/W0yoFrXlqdI/AAAAAAAAsPw/hmXMRSiA7iQFO8KYeElbgfHMwhZVBSVUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hHjG8GJoWw/W0yoFrXlqdI/AAAAAAAAsPw/hmXMRSiA7iQFO8KYeElbgfHMwhZVBSVUwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3999.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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3. I am constantly reading about how to live your best life, ever since Oprah introduced the concept on her show in 2005 (?) and am fascinated with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062049658/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=our071-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0062049658&linkId=ec811c52f0af3203530bd68dce93f498">the book Love Wins by Rob Bell</a>.  I wanted to share it with you as a book that has helped me understand and define the way I approach humanity. There is an affiliate link to the book (which means if you click on the link and purchase the book, I will make a small commission. It doesn't change the price for you to use my link.)  What I love the most is that there are handbooks, books for teens and many other ways to incorporate this understanding into your life.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2JH6CbkpHw/W0yqtYS4CfI/AAAAAAAAsQE/rwSxmeRSl2oQhM9WnZBGCJoXHNcjqMYEACLcBGAs/s1600/lovewins.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="235" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2JH6CbkpHw/W0yqtYS4CfI/AAAAAAAAsQE/rwSxmeRSl2oQhM9WnZBGCJoXHNcjqMYEACLcBGAs/s400/lovewins.PNG" width="262" /></a></div>
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4.  I am processing the following quote:  The same boiling water that softens potatoes hardens eggs.  It is all about what you are made of not your circumstances.  Nayham quote.  I am thinking about what this quote could mean in terms of children in schools. How do we teach this to our kids? Especially when it seems that life is so unfair?  What's your take on this quote?<br />
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Do you have weekend plans?  My husband and I are considering doing a day trip to Elephant Rocks or maybe the Waterfall Tour.  Either way, we will be sharing our adventure with you next week!  I can't wait to hear what the weekend has in store for you!

Friday Faves #6

Hey there! This week felt a little less like summer and more like work! I work as a full time educational consultant for the University of...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 18 July 2018 / dinner

Hawaiian BBQ Hot Dog Kebabs #FantasticalFoodFight

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 17px;">I love this time of the month when the </span><a href="http://www.fantasticalsharing.com/p/fantastical-food-fight.html" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a9cb8; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">Fantastical Food Fight</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 17px;"> bloggers compete with a theme to get the most clicks!  We have such fun and the winner gets bragging rights!  If you are a food blogger, or a blogger who posts recipes, you might want to join us for this fun event. This month the theme is Kebabs!  Who doesn't love food on a stick?</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 17px;">The inspiration for this kebab comes from our short trip to Chicago the second week of June.  We took in a White Sox/Cardinals game and got a classic Chicago dog, because, you know, when in Rome do as the Romans do...</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 17px;">I love hot dogs and so does my family.  We could eat them every week, but don't you sometimes want to change it up?  My daughter's recent trip to Hawaii was another inspiration for this hot dog.  Delicious hot dogs, cut into one inch pieces, alternating with sweet pineapple chunks, all wrapped in bacon, then slathered with your favorite BBQ sauce!  Grill until the bacon is crisp and the hot dogs cooked through. Does that sound delicious to you?  The full recipe is below!</span><br />
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<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>4</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector('.print-options').className='print-options show-print-options'" style="background: rgb(252, 34, 5);" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br />
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<img itemprop="image" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q94GT2i4sc8/W0yCtGIZ2mI/AAAAAAAAsPU/GLptsHSMrggqnad3sIVxo7HdGNLQ5sCrwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3974.jpg" /></div>
<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Hawaiian BBQ Hot Dog Kabobs</h3>
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<span class="prepTime" content="PT15M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 15 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT10M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 10 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT25M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 25 mins</span></div>
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Delicious sweet and salty kebab that everyone will love!</div>
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ingredients:</h3>
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8 hot dogs, each cut into four pieces<br />
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24 one inch chunks of pineapple</div>
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8 skewers</div>
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8 slices bacon</div>
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BBQ sauce</div>
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instructions:</h3>
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Heat grill to medium.  If using wooden skewers, place them in water to soak (helps prevent burning on the grill.)  Cut hot dogs and pineapple.  Take one skewer and starting with the hot dog, slide the hot dog toward the bottom. Add pineapple and alternate two more times, ending with a hot dog.  Wrap a slice of bacon around the entire hot dog and pineapple skewer.  Brush on BBQ sauce over all the bacon.  Place on grill until bacon is done and the hot dogs are cooked through.<br />
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Remember to remove the toothpicks before eating!</div>
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NOTES:</h3>
<pre style="white-space: pre-line;">Remember to remove the toothpicks before eating!</pre>
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Check out the other Kebabs in this month's Food Fight!  Which is your favorite?  Me, too! <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">☺️</span><br />
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Hawaiian BBQ Hot Dog Kebabs #FantasticalFoodFight

I love this time of the month when the Fantastical Food Fight bloggers compete with a theme to get the most clicks! We have such fun and ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 17 July 2018 / Pinterest

Cold Brew Coffee and Cold Foam #PinterestChallenge

Welcome to the July Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop, hosted by <a href="https://mypinterventures.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a>. The purpose of this Pinterest Challenge is to motivate all the participants of this hop (and you too) to not just pin, but to make it happen! This month, I chose to create Cold Brew Coffee and Cold Foam!<br />
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I have been making more than my share of trips to the local Starbucks for my favorite iced coffee with cold foam. Oh my, this is one of my favorite treats right now. However, it was hitting my purse really hard, at $5.35 a cup.  I had pinned this post for making <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AQbwUznfjW5UPC3lAn0ryAAX7NA89QuUskgxPPI5SuIQT0YeV3tTdLA/">cold foam</a> from the site <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/extracrispy/heres-how-to-make-your-own-cold-foam">My Recipes</a> and decided I needed to give it a try.  Instead of the hand held foamers she uses, though, I decided to try my favorite <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/extracrispy/heres-how-to-make-your-own-cold-foam">Pampered Chef Whipped Cream Maker </a>and it worked like a dream!!  The foam doesn't last as long as my Starbuck's foam but it is still good and creamy.<br />
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Pour about 1/2 c of fat free milk into the whipped cream maker.  Pump really hard until the plunger starts to give you resistance. Set aside until you are are ready to make your iced coffee.<br />
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My next step was to make cold brew coffee.  I didn't have to rely on a pin, though, as my husband had a good handle on what I needed to do.  We decided to purchase<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XZVCYLW/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=our071-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B06XZVCYLW&linkId=9f27b64d0848d0a0dc96e01031b38e07"> this one gallon jar with a filter </a>to make our coffee in.  It will pay for itself in just 4 drinks!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I339uEc8PHo/W0jgRWYeooI/AAAAAAAAsNI/ckvqdtMFlOI4PZpwgWGQN4LK5kASXBrgQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I339uEc8PHo/W0jgRWYeooI/AAAAAAAAsNI/ckvqdtMFlOI4PZpwgWGQN4LK5kASXBrgQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3803.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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To make cold brew in this jar all you need to do is fill the filter with approximately 4 c of coarse ground coffee (about 12 oz of coffee) and put the filter in the jar.  Fill the jar with cold water, stirring the grounds to get them all wet and then put on the lid.<br />
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Let the coffee steep for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. You can do it at room temp as well. I just wanted the whole cold brew experience!  Then remove the filter and place it in a bowl. The coffee will continue to come out of the grounds and you can catch all that coffee!<br />
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To make a cold brew coffee my way... first make your foam like mentioned above.  Set aside.  Add ice to your 20 oz cup to desired level. Add 1 shot of coffee (I like it weak) to your cup and then fill with milk (your favorite, whole, skim, 2%, cream).  Plunge the cold foam a couple of times, remove the plunger and pour on top of your milk.  Enjoy!<br />
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This pin was well worth trying!  The cost of the jar ($23,) the cost of the coffee ($12,) the cost of the skim milk ($2.50) and the cost of my whole milk ($2.50) and a gallon of water and ice from my freezer (nearly free) totals $40.  I will need to make 8 drinks to pay for my efforts.  for me, at 1 oz of coffee per drink, I believe I can make 60 drinks. If my husband and daughter make drinks, they will use 3-4 oz of coffee per drink, which will greatly effect the number of drinks I can make, to around 30, still offering a fabulous savings! After that, the cost to make a iced coffee with cold foam will be $17. That's when I will really see the savings!<br />
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Take a look at all the other pin challenges below!  Go and check out your favorites and pin them!<br />
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<strong>To join next month's #pinterestchallenge, click here to sign-up ⇒ August <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXO1YA6SraVSjAogUbho5ki2S5rcyxpxh5vX7CgwZaBB5kMw/viewform" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pinterest Challenge</a>.</strong></div>
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<strong>Now let's see what other things Pinterest inspired! Head over and visit the other hosts to see what they crafted, cooked, built, or tried!</strong></h3>
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<img alt="Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop" class="aligncenter wp-image-26311" height="500" src="https://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Pinterest-Challenge-Blog-Hop.png" title="Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop" width="500" /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Erlene - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://mypinterventures.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a></span>  •  Jenny -<span style="color: #3366ff;"> <a href="http://www.cookiescoffeeandcrafts.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Cookies Coffee and Crafts</a></span><a href="http://momhomeguide.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><br />
</a></strong><strong>Debbee - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://debbeesbuzz.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Debbee's Buzz</a></span>  •  Laurie - <a href="http://myhusbandhastoomanyhobbies.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Bri - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://halfpintpartydesign.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Halfpint Design</a></span>  •  Julie - <a href="https://www.sumoftheirstories.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Sum of their Stories</span></a></strong><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;">Sam • <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://raggedy-bits.com/&source=gmail&ust=1531868197313000&usg=AFQjCNGMmOB_amgVcqVbyvRQMsy5Fku-Rw" href="https://raggedy-bits.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Raggedy Bits</a></span></span></span></strong><strong> •  T'onna - <a href="http://www.sewcraftycrochet.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Sew Crafty Crochet</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Beverly - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.acrosstheblvd.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Across the Boulevard</a></span>  •  Debra - <a href="https://www.shoppeno5.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Shoppe No. 5</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Roseann - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.thisautoimmunelife.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">This Autoimmune Life</a></span>  •  Terri - <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Our Good Life</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Chelc - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.insidethefoxden.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Inside The Fox Den</a></span> •  Cherryl - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.farmgirlreformed.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Farm Girl Reformed</a></span><a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><br />
</a></strong><strong>Leslie - <a href="http://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After</span></a> • Katrin - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.kreativk.net/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Kreativ K</a></span><br />
</strong><strong>Kelley - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://simplyinspiredmeals.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Simply Inspired Meals</a></span>  •  Joanne - <a href="http://www.ourunschoolingjourney.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Our Unschooling Journey</span><br />
</a></strong><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">Toni -<a href="https://www.smallhomesoul.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank"> Small Home Soul</a></span>  •  Gail - <a href="http://www.purplehuesandme.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Purple Hues and Me</span><br />
</a></strong><strong>Rebecca - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://hellocentralavenue.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Hello Central Avenue</a></span>  •  Gwen - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://geezgwen.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Geez, Gwen!</a></span><a href="https://thepaintedapron.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><br />
</a></strong><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;">Marie -</span> <a href="http://diyadulation.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">DIY Adulation</a> </span>•</strong><strong>Kristie - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.teadoddles.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Teadoddles</a></span> •  Marie - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.theinspirationvault.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">The Inspiration Vault</a></span><a href="https://intelligentdomestications.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><br />
</a></strong><strong>Lydia - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://lydiasflexitariankitchen.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen</a></span>  •  Maria - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Simple Nature Decor</a></span><a href="https://www.makingmanzanita.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><br />
</a></strong><strong>Michelle - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://ourcraftymom.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Our Crafty Mom</a></span>  •  Emily - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://domesticdeadline.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Domestic Deadline</a><br />
</span></strong><strong>Alexandra - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://eyeloveknots.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Eye Love Knots</a></span></strong></span><br />
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Cold Brew Coffee and Cold Foam #PinterestChallenge

Welcome to the July Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop, hosted by My Pinterventures . The purpose of this Pinterest Challenge is to motivate all ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 13 July 2018 / friday faves

Friday Faves #5

Welcome to my Friday Faves, fifth edition!  I am really enjoying putting together my weekly post on the fun things that come my way.  I love sharing them with you and hoping that you are enjoying them too.<br />
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My husband and I were in Chicago this week for a conference for our work.  He is a college professor in the Education Leadership department at his University, and I am an adjunct professor for a small local college. It is fun to go to conferences where we both can benefit.<br />
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Here are some things I gathered to share with you this week. I am eager for the weekend, are you? We have no concrete plans, and that is a great feeling!<br />
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1.  Brain on Fire (the movie) is on Netflix and it is incredible. I read the book and got hooked on the story. The movie is a clear indicator that even though we live in an era of modern medicine, there is a lot we don't know.  Check it out!<br />
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2. Fourth of July fireworks, or any fireworks for that matter!  I love a good show, but I do particularly love the show provided by my neighbors! I took a bunch of photos using my iphone and a new app called Slow Shutter to work on light trails. I overexposed all of my pictures, but I did love this one.<br />
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3.  Well crafted cocktails. Even though I am particularly cheap when it comes to alcohol, from time to time I will indulge in a cocktail. At the conference this weekend, I enjoyed this one: Rumours.  It was made in the Marriott Marquis hotel in Chicago. It is a blend of vodka, lillet, prosecco, sunflower honey and fresh squeezed lemons.  Don't you love the dried lemon garnish?<br />
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4.   Baseball!  I love going to baseball games and my husband and I are big fans of the St. Louis Cardinals.  While we were in Chicago the Cards were playing the White Sox!  We were able to snag some great seats for a great price!  We really loved the White Sox stadium (Guaranteed Rate Field) where everything feels nostalgic and fun. Great food offerings where everywhere, but we stuck with a classic Chicago hot dog!<br />
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What's on your mind this week?  I was over the moon excited about the successful rescue of the Thailand boys. Did you hear that there are already two movies in the works about it?  Have a wonderful weekend and I will see you next week!

Friday Faves #5

Welcome to my Friday Faves, fifth edition! I am really enjoying putting together my weekly post on the fun things that come my way. I love...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 12 July 2018 /

Deviled Eggs with Olives and Cheese Filling #ImprovCookingChallenge

When I first saw the cooking challenge for July on our group page, I was entirely turned off. Not by the ingredients, which I love, but those ingredients <i>together. </i> Nope.  My husband gently reminded me that I loved olives and cheese on our charcuterie boards, so then I was mollified and started to go to work on how I wanted to approach it.<br />
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One of our all time favorite restaurants has an appetizer of deviled eggs that we love. We had it last night and as I was devouring the egg, I had a revelation to combine this month's Cooking Challenge with deviled eggs. I have to tell you, this was a genius thought! <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">☺️</span><br />
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</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I hate it when the shell won't peel off the egg.  I love to eat deviled eggs, but I hate to make them! I have learned that this way works for me:  Place eggs in pot with cold water.  Bring to a boil.  Turn off heat, cover pan, wait for 15 minutes.  Drain hot water, fill with cold water and some ice. Let sit for 15 minutes. Peels will come off easily!  I also use older eggs (two weeks old should do it.)</span><br />
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<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>12</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector('.print-options').className='print-options show-print-options'" style="background: rgb(252, 34, 5);" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br />
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Deviled Eggs with Olives and Cheese</h3>
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<span class="prepTime" content="PT15M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 15 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT30M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 30 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT45M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 45 mins</span></div>
<div class="summary" itemprop="description">
The classic tastes of olive and cheese in your deviled eggs.</div>
<div class="ingredients">
<h3>
ingredients:</h3>
<div class="ing-section" itemprop="recipeIngredient">
<div>
6 eggs, hard boiled, peeled and cut in half length wise<br />
<div>
1/4 c mayonnaise</div>
<div>
1 t mustard</div>
<div>
1/4 c chopped shredded cheddar,</div>
<div>
4 large olives chopped</div>
<div>
salt and pepper</div>
<div>
paprika</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="instructions">
<h3>
instructions:</h3>
<div class="ing-section" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<div>
Scoop the yolks into a bowl and mash with a fork.  Add the mayo and stir.  Add mustard and stir. Salt and pepper to your own tastes.  Fold in olives.  Fold in cheese.  Scoop filling into the hollows of the egg white half.  Sprinkle lightly with paprika.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="notes">
<h3>
NOTES:</h3>
<pre style="white-space: pre-line;">If you use a crock pot with a removable insert, take it out of the heating unit and let cool. It will cool faster.</pre>
</div>
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There are so many variations of the olive and cheese challenge! Check them out below.  Prepare to be amazed!<br />
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Deviled Eggs with Olives and Cheese Filling #ImprovCookingChallenge

When I first saw the cooking challenge for July on our group page, I was entirely turned off. Not by the ingredients, which I love, but thos...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 09 July 2018 / Dessert

Crockpot Sour Cream Pound Cake

In the summer I love to make quick desserts using all the fresh berries that are available at the Farmer's Markets and grocery stores. My favorite is strawberry shortcake but I also love making this sour cream pound cake.... in the crockpot!  Turning on the oven, though, is somewhat oppressive, especially in the "feels like 100 degrees" weather.  That's when this small appliance can make a big bang in the dessert area, especially in the summer!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZguEYv1ILQ/W0Jp9QEN26I/AAAAAAAAsJ0/gkvY87WZNxQIMdkpBjqIMoNMHlet9zO9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3782.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="852" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZguEYv1ILQ/W0Jp9QEN26I/AAAAAAAAsJ0/gkvY87WZNxQIMdkpBjqIMoNMHlet9zO9wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3782.PNG" width="426" /></a></div>
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A group of Baker Bloggers comes together once a month to share different themes.  This month we are all baking using small appliances.  Air fryers, toaster ovens, crockpots...all small appliances are welcomed!<br />
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This cake recipe is so super easy.  I make it in the crock pot, then cut up the slices and wrap in waxed paper. Slip the slices into a ziplock bag, freeze, and save for later.<br />
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<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>12</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector('.print-options').className='print-options show-print-options'" style="background: rgb(252, 34, 5);" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br />
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<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Crock Pot Sour Cream Pound Cake</h3>
<div class="time">
<span class="prepTime" content="PT10M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 10 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT3H30M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 3 hour and 30 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT3H40M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 3 hours and 40 mins</span></div>
<div class="summary" itemprop="description">
Easy to make pound cake that keeps the kitchen cool! Baked in your crock pot!</div>
<div class="ingredients">
<h3>
ingredients:</h3>
<div class="ing-section" itemprop="recipeIngredient">
<div>
1 boxed pound cake mix<br />
<div>
3/4 c milk</div>
<div>
2 eggs</div>
<div>
1/2 c sour cream</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="instructions">
<h3>
instructions:</h3>
<div class="ing-section" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<div>
Grease crock pot with oil.  Pour cake mix into a batter bowl, add milk, and beat for 150 strokes.  Add sour cream and mix until blended, then add the two eggs and beat another 150 strokes. Pour batter into the crock pot, set on 3 hours and 30 minutes on high.  When the timer goes off, check the cake by inserting a cake tester into the center of the cake.  Remove and check, the cake tester should come out clean.  Turn off crock pot, remove lid, and let cool.  Cut into slices and serve with macerated berries and whipped cream.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="notes">
<h3>
NOTES:</h3>
<pre style="white-space: pre-line;">If you use a crock pot with a removable insert, take it out of the heating unit and let cool. It will cool faster.</pre>
</div>
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Created using <a href="https://www.recipesgenerator.com/" target="_blank">The Recipes Generator</a></div>
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Here are more wonderful recipes using small appliances!  Check out all these wonderful recipes!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2018/07/air-fryer-cheesy-summer-vegetable-tart.html" target="_blank">Air Fryer Cheesy Vegetable Tart</a> from Karen's Kitchen Stories</li>
<li><a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2018/07/crockpot-sour-cream-pound-cake.html" target="_blank">Crockpot Sour Cream Pound Cake</a> from Our Good Life </li>
<li><a href="https://www.sidsseapalmcooking.com/2018/07/hot-chocolate-pudding-bakingbloggers.html" target="_blank">Hot Chocolate Pudding </a>from Sid's Sea Palm Cooking </li>
<li><a href="https://www.foodlustpeoplelove.com/2018/07/carrot-snack-cake.html" target="_blank">Instant Pot Carrot Snack Cake</a> from Food Lust People Love </li>
<li><a href="https://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/2018/07/instant-pot-lemon-blueberry-cheesecake.html" target="_blank">Jam Cheesecake</a> from A Day in the Life on the Farm </li>
<li><a href="http://www.cookaholicwife.com/2018/07/bakingbloggers-slow-cooker-reeses-cake.html" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Reeses Cake</a> from Cookaholic Wife </li>
<li><a href="https://snehasrecipe.blogspot.com/2018/07/strawberry-sandwich-toaster.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Sandwich Toaster Cake</a> from Sneha's Recipe </li>
</ul>
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Crockpot Sour Cream Pound Cake

In the summer I love to make quick desserts using all the fresh berries that are available at the Farmer's Markets and grocery stores. M...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 06 July 2018 /

Friday Faves #4

We had a crazy good time at the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend, celebrating my mom's 80th birthday. Her birthday isn't until July 13, but all of us could get together at this time, and we took advantage of that.<br />
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Our neighborhood has an annual Fourth of July parade and fireworks show on the Fourth. Neighbors have get togethers and all have a great time celebrating our nation's birthday.  This year the fireworks were across the street from my house, so we had a great view.  I made up a couple of pitchers of my <a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2017/06/front-porch-sipper-cookoutweek.html">Front Porch Sippers</a> and shared them with neighbors who came by.  Refreshing and delicious!<br />
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I am ready to share with you my favorites for the week!<br />
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1.  I read two books on Atomic City this week. Both are for book clubs I am in.  The first one was <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062666711/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=our071-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0062666711&linkId=2ad7d15e2a3dfc61e1edf368c62d0e0d">The Atomic City Girls, a Novel by Janet Beard. </a> It is a fictional book based off the historical event of Atomic City.  In case you didn't know, Atomic City was a government built city where secretly, even from the workers, the armed forces built the atomic bomb.  Riveting story.  Then I read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451617534/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=our071-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1451617534&linkId=ff7688c2a17d5fc34d584a7cc00ba467">The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II by Denise Kiernan.</a> This is a nonfiction book about the real women who worked there. I'm not quite done with this book but I can't put it down!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4kh4HjTu5g/WzqPTxUZ40I/AAAAAAAAsHE/OU861kd4hawGpkmqyRZEAi3kKdKoWM8MACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4kh4HjTu5g/WzqPTxUZ40I/AAAAAAAAsHE/OU861kd4hawGpkmqyRZEAi3kKdKoWM8MACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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2.  It's not news, but I just had my first Starbucks Cold Foam Iced Coffee. Oh heavens, that cold foam is amazing, and it is made with nonfat milk!  They serve it up in a cup with a special lid, so that you get cold foam as part of each drink. I am not a true coffee drinker, so I get it made with light ice, 1 shot of coffee, the rest is milk and cold foam.  It makes the perfect low calorie (60) afternoon drink!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hm8OhOrnPY/WzvMDxjMHbI/AAAAAAAAsIU/9p7GGs1RegMCh6Oba5SirNZJMeG4cJxkACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hm8OhOrnPY/WzvMDxjMHbI/AAAAAAAAsIU/9p7GGs1RegMCh6Oba5SirNZJMeG4cJxkACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1643.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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3.  I am a big fan of summer storms.  When I was a little girl, my dad would let me watch them with him on our back porch. Once we watched softball sized hail fall from the sky.  My sister ran out and grabbed a few, barely missing getting bonked in the head!  Forward a few decades, and watch the wind blow the water on the lake! (the video is just a few seconds long)<br />
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4.  Lastly, make time for your girlfriends!  I lived in another city for 20 years before moving to St. Louis in 2012.  I made a trip to my former city and caught up with a few girlfriends. My heart always feels so much better when I do!  This is a key lime pie martini, a favorite of the friends I met up with!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1FXtqZpu3Q/Wz7btLS6sjI/AAAAAAAAsJM/gbkG5APpnNM4nAbE7cS9mUd8uqp6aUVEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1FXtqZpu3Q/Wz7btLS6sjI/AAAAAAAAsJM/gbkG5APpnNM4nAbE7cS9mUd8uqp6aUVEQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3654.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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What are your weekend plans?  We are headed to my home town to visit and participate in some festivities.  Then we are going to a Styx and Joan Jett concert!  Have a lovely weekend, friends!

Friday Faves #4

We had a crazy good time at the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend, celebrating my mom's 80th birthday. Her birthday isn't until July 1...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 03 July 2018 / fourth of july

Happy Fourth of July!

My family loves the Fourth of July.  It's our second favorite holiday!  We like to decorate our front porch with flags and pillows and wreaths that all celebrate the Red, White and Blue! It warms my heart that my neighbors love the Fourth as much as I do. Just to show you a little bit of what it is like here, I took a few pictures of some of the homes here in my neighborhood.<br />
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From around the neighborhood I present to you.... The Fourth of July at New Town!<br />
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I hope you enjoyed some of the homes in my neighborhood! We will celebrate with the neighborhood parade at 10 a.m., then a concert at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks around 9:30 p.m.  It is a full day of family and friends, the best celebration ever!

Happy Fourth of July!

My family loves the Fourth of July. It's our second favorite holiday! We like to decorate our front porch with flags and pillows and w...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 02 July 2018 / dinner

Marinated Burgers #TasteCreations

The Taste Creation bloggers, Nikki, Rosemary, Lauren, and myself, love our theme for the month, which is Grilling!  In time for your summer get togethers, here are some fresh takes on old favorites, like our Marinated Burgers!  I love a good burger hot from the grill, but how do you take it up a notch?<br />
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As you can see, my family has had a Burger Cook Off every summer for the past 10 years, with a few exceptions.  You can see our<a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2012/05/memorial-day-cook-off-2012.html"> Island Burgers </a>here and our<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2011/06/memorial-day-cook-off-winner.html">Chicken Chorizo Burger with Avocado Mayo</a>. We have had some exceptional burgers so to take it up another level was baffling us, until we learned about marinating the meat ahead of time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;">What a simple concept but oh, what a difference it makes!  The meat retains its juiciness and is packed full of flavor.  Patience is the key, so make the burgers the day before, and marinate them overnight for the best success. Have you marinated your burgers before?</span></span><br />
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<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>covers 4 burgers</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector('.print-options').className='print-options show-print-options'" style="background: rgb(252, 34, 5);" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br />
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<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Hamburger Marinade</h3>
<div class="time">
<span class="prepTime" content="PT15M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 15 mins</span><span class="cookTime">cook time: </span><span class="totalTime" content="PT15M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 15 mins</span></div>
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<div class="ingredients">
<h3>
ingredients:</h3>
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<span style="color: #434343; font-family: "alegreya" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">2 T olive oil</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #434343; font-family: "alegreya" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">1 T brown sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #434343; font-family: "alegreya" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">3 cloves of garlic, minced</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #434343; font-family: "alegreya" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">2 T balsamic vinegar</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #434343; font-family: "alegreya" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">1 T dried mustard</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #434343; font-family: "alegreya" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">2 T soy sauce</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #434343; font-family: "alegreya" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">1 t salt</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #434343; font-family: "alegreya" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">1 t black pepper</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #434343; font-family: "alegreya" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">2 T A1 sauce</span></span></div>
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<h3>
instructions:</h3>
<div class="ing-section" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let the ingredients sit for 10 minutes.  Form hamburger patties (this makes enough for 4 one third pound burgers.  Place the burgers in a non reactive pan and pour the sauce on top of the burgers.  Cover, and refrigerate overnight.   When time to grill, remove the burgers from the refrigerator and let sit for 10 minutes.  Grill to desired doneness.</div>
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Check out what the other Taste Creation Bloggers have created for you, and some more grilling recipes for your pleasure!<br />
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Lauren at Mom Home Guide has <a href="http://momhomeguide.com/personal-pizzas-grill-recipe-taste-creations-blog-hop">Grilled Pizza!</a><br />
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Nikki at TIkkido has <a href="https://tikkido.com/blog/grilled-salmon-marinade">Marinated Salmon</a><br />
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