Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Want one of these?

I love, love, love my Kitchen Aid mixer.

So much so that during a recent game with our church's youth group (a game resembling the old TV version of The Newlywed Game but played with mothers and one of their children) my daughter was asked, "If your mother were to describe herself as one of the appliances in your home, which one would it be?"

Well. That was a no brainer for Kat or me to answer.  My Empire Red Kitchen Aid mixer, of course!

And, I've often said that if the house were to catch on fire, I'd do my best to grab my mixer on the way out of the burning inferno.  Right after my kids and cat, of course.

So...

Want to win one?

Go visit my blogger friend, Sandy, at Reluctant Entertainer, for your chance to win.  Hurry... the contest ends this Friday at midnight, September 23, 2011!  While you're there, take a look around the rest of Sandy's website... you'll love her outlook on entertaining and life!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Food For Friday - Company's Coming!

I've been lazy in the area of cooking this summer. Very lazy. (Just ask my family... I'm certain they'll agree with that self-assessment!)  However, there's nothing like the impending arrival of house guests to prompt some good, old fashioned meal planning for this list-maker! 

That's me on the far left!
My friend Valerie and I go way back. So far back, in fact, that I really don't remember when we first met. I'm guessing we were probably in early grade school.  We attended the same church, participated in the same youth group and summer camps, and even attended high school together for three years.  I had the privilege of being a bridesmaid in her wedding.  We've managed to stay in touch over the years despite living in different states (and countries!).

Val and her family are missionaries in Brazil.  (You can view pictures and read about their ministry on their website.)  She is here in the states for a short visit and she's coming to Texas next week to see me!  It's her first ever visit to the Lonestar state.

I want to prepare nice meals while she's here but I also don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen when there's so much catching up and sightseeing to do in the small amount of time she has in Texas.  So, I've been pouring over my recipes trying to find just the right dishes to make for her.

I came across this recipe for Blueberry Cobbler that I received from my best friend, Stephanie, who received it from her mom.  It is one of the most simple recipes ever and the results are so delicious.

So, I thought I'd share the recipe with my faithful readers (all one thousand two of you).  This is the second recipe from me in one week.  (You're welcome!)

Blueberry Cobbler
  • 5 C fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 1/2 T lemon juice
  • 2 C flour
  • 3 C sugar, divided
  • 1 C milk
  • 1/3 C butter, in pieces
  • 1/4 t cinnamon (my addition to the recipe)
  • 2 t baking powder
  • 1 t salt, divided
  • 2 T cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 C boiling water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spread berries in a well-greased 9x13 pan.  Sprinkle with lemon juice and set aside.

Mix flour, 1 1/2 C sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and 1/2 t salt.  Cut in butter.  Add milk and mix well.  Batter will be thick. Spoon over berries and spread to the edges of the pan.  Set aside.

Mix remaining sugar, salt and cornstarch.  Sprinkle over batter.  Pour boiling water over top. Bake one hour.

Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

(Note: I've used this same recipe with other berries and peaches and the results were equally delicious.)

Share a favorite recipe with me... or tell me about one of your oldest friendships... or both!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Thankful Thursday


 Today, I am thankful for... (in no particular order!)


  • The possibility of cooler weather next week. (Hey, when it's been over 100 degrees for 76 days, a forecast in the 90's sounds good!)
  • Air conditioning. ('Nough said.)
  • Bible verses that jump right out and say, "Hey, Dawn... this was written just for you!"
  • A silent house.
  • The anticipation of a not silent house.
  • Purring cats.
  • Women who love to study God's Word with me.
  • A husband who loves me and calls me from work just to see what I'm doing.
  • High school football. (Of course, that's because I get to see Kat cheering.  You can admit it... I know some of you go to football games for the band and cheerleaders, too!)
  • My kids. (They are incredible people! And I am not biased. I'm not.)
  • Pineapple-Lime-Coconut Drinks. With lots of ice.
Tell me... what are you thankful for today?

"And let the peace that comes from Christ
rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body you are called
to live in peace.
And always be thankful."
Colossians 3:15