Chocolate Chip Cookies: Church Ladies Recipe

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip

In 1977 the Teegarden Brethren Church W.M.S.  published a cookbook of tried and true recipes. I use this book quite often and the pages definitely look it. One of the recipes I have probably made the most is the chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Ingredients for the Church Ladies Chocolate Chip Cookies:

• 1 cup real butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
•  1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp hot water
• 2 3/4 flour
• 1 small package chocolate chips; I use Dark Chocolate or semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup nuts; chopped and optional

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Instructions to make Chocolate Chip Cookies:

1.  Combine the ingredients in the order listed. 
2. No need to sift dry ingredients and flours anymore although in the cookbook has it listed in the to do list. Add the flour little by little while mixing.
3. Last but not least add the chocolate chips. I think a whole bag per batch is too much so use 1/2 bag.
4. Either on parchment paper or greased cookie sheet, drop by the teaspoonful and bake for 12 minutes at 375 degree Fahrenheit. 
5. Ovens vary, therefore, place one cookie in to test the time before filling all your cookie sheets and baking.
6. You will be baking for your family design the recipe to suit your family.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

 I have been baking for Christmas and wanted bread or something easy to grab for breakfast. I had originally thought I would make Challah bread either in a round pan or the braided version.

 As I was searching for that recipe I found the recipe for Cinnamon Raisin Bread. It smelled so good and I wanted to cut into it but I haven't. Instead I froze it so break out next week. My husband mentioned icing for the bread so I may do that too.  Either way this bread will definitely be good with apple or peach honey.

Ingredients to make Cinnamon Raisin Bread:

• 2 eggs at room temperature and enough warm water to equal 1 cup
• 2 ½ tsp yeast
• 2 tbsp Oil
• ¾ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 3 to 3 ½ cups bread flour
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup nuts; optional

Instructions to make Cinnamon Raisin Bread:

1. I use a bread maker to mix; as it is mixing, you can see if the 3 cups of flour is enough or if you need to add a tad more. Let the bread rise, it will be double the size.
2. Spray one loaf pan with a vegetable spray, and let the bread rise again.
3. In a preheated oven, bake the cinnamon raisin bread at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes.

Technically it is not even winter, however, the weather has been so cold, trying a new bread recipe and heating the oven sounds good. Keeping out of it while hot will be the toughest part.

I love watching The Chew, they have such good recipes. The whole Chew crew is fun to watch while they show the world how to make fantastic recipes.

         

Plastic Jug Snowman Craft

She is concentrating on that glue

I do not know where this craft originated, however; I saw it on Facebook. The snowmen they featured were made with a plastic gallon milk jug. The first effort making the snowman was with my granddaughter at our daughter’s home in Kentucky while mom and dad had a date night.

My granddaughter was tired and not in a really crafty state of mind so hers was fairly plain. I made a few suggestions, however, it was plain to see she was not in the mood to craft.

Snowman and granddaughter smiles.

After I returned home, I decided to make my own snowman using a plastic milk jug, then I noticed in the recycle bag I had 2 other plastic containers so decided to make a snowman family.

Our Granddaughter's snowman

After assembling my snowmen, I then thought they would make great porch lights. Since I was decorating for Christmas using Christmas tree lights only seemed natural. 

They really do make a nice light on my porch. Try making your own plastic jug snowman, it's a craft anyone can do.

My lighted snowmen

Peach Honey

I love honey and when my daughter said with her excess pears she researched and made pear honey. I had that ah hah moment and used the apples to make apple honey.
When the neighbor had peach trees I made an abundance of peach juice, which goes well with orange juice, however, I had a gallon jug that I could not possibly drink by myself and no one else really liked it. Well today, I decided to make peach honey to see if the family likes it for Christmas lunch.

Read the Apple Honey Recipe
and substitute peach juice for Apple Juice. 

Merry Christmas

As I was growing up, everyone wished everyone Merry Christmas, now days it is rare to hear anyone wish you a Merry Christmas, unless it is someone you personally know.

While shopping in stores, even on Black Friday, you may be greeted with Happy Holiday. On television, you will hear about Holiday Trees and cards. These so-called trees are evergreen trees that are decorated with glass bulbs, lights, angels, card and tinsel.

Cards made for this very specific holiday aka Jesus’ Birthday or Christmas, is often referred to as a holiday card. Oh my goodness, if you are making, buying and sending a card on Christmas, what is wrong in calling it a Christmas card?

It is explained away as they do not want to offend non-Christians, however, how many Christians are being offended with a Happy Holiday or a Season’s Greeting? We are celebrating the birth of Christ on December 25^th, what are they celebrating?

Matthew 1:18-21 Now this is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

19 Joseph, her fiancee, being a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly.

20 As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit.

21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."


Read more on Bubblews:

It's About the Cross

Therefore, I am wishing you all an early Merry Christmas.

Homemade Made from Scratch Pumpkin Pie

The homemade pie from 2009

Many people have never made a pumpkin pie from scratch as buying them is so much easier. I myself have made pumpkin pies and started with canned pumpkin however, after growing my own, which are near organic, I love the test the pumpkin gives your pumpkin breads and pies. Therefore, this year, if you need to start making one with canned pumpkin it is just fine, however, you may want to consider cooking down a fresh pumpkin soon.

In 2009, my daughter learned to make a pumpkin pie from scratch and by doing this; we kept a family learning tradition and experience alive. 

Ingredients needed to make a Pumpkin Pie:

• 2 Cups Homegrown Pumpkin
• 3 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 2 Eggs
• 2/3   Cup brown sugar firmly packed
• 1 ½  Vitamin D Milk
• 1 pre-made crust or better yet make that too

Instructions to make a Pumpkin Pie:

1. First thing to do is pick your organic pumpkin and wash it.
2.  Cut your pumpkin in half and remove the seeds. Save them to roast. 
3. Get a large stockpot and put enough water in it to cover the pumpkin. Quarter each half and put them in the water. Put the pot on the stove and heat it to boiling. Let your pumpkin cook until soft. 
4. Remove the cooked pumpkin from the water. Let the pumpkin drain to keep it from being too watery. Scoop the pumpkin meat out and put in a big mixing bowl or blender.
5. Using the hand mixer or blender; blend until you have smooth pumpkin puree`. 
6. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Now you are ready to make your pie just as you would if you would have opened a can, thus allowing the experience of making a homemade pumpkin pie from scratch a reality. 
7. Using a large mixing bowl beat the eggs using a little to brush the rim of your crust. 
8. Put brown sugar, spices and pumpkin in with the eggs and mix well on medium speed. Gradually add in your milk. 
9. Pour your pumpkin mixture into the crust.  Place in your heated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes or until the middle of pumpkin pie looks set up.  If your pumpkin is watery, it will alter the baking time.
10. Let the pumpkin pie cool and serve. If you choose, you can add whipped topping made from scratch pumpkin pie.

***Update: After learning to cook pumpkin the hard way; over the years I have learned to do things quicker and smarter. Cut the pumpkin in 1/2, remove the seeds and place in a 375 Degree (F) oven and bake 1-1 1/2 or until soft. 

I Have been Busy

Since being home from my Grandparents Day Kentucky trip, I have been playing catch up on many things. I had neglected writing for Bubblews so definitely had to get caught up. Saturday much of the day was multi-tasking doing a bit of everything in-between cooking down my largest pumpkin.

After church on Sunday, I did some Christmas shopping and think I am nearly done, well except minor purchases and wrapping everything. Of course, with my husband being home alone for a week, I had dishes, laundry and a house to clean. I also have my clients that awaiting their turn.

Yesterday Indiana was windy and cold which was perfect timing for baking the pumpkin bread I am taking to church for the Thanksgiving meal for the community and share with our own family in Thanksgiving celebrations.

Tonight is pumpkin soup night, the big pumpkin I cooked down provided me with 30-cups of processed pumpkin puree`.  Friday or Saturday I will make Gluten-free pumpkin bread for my sis.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe on Bubblews

Safely Home from Kentucky

Z acting like the Statue of Liberty

I was in Kentucky east of Louisville this last week for our granddaughter’s grandparent’s day for kindergarten. School was closed on Monday as they had a band of wet heavy snow go through, however, nothing compared to the lake effect snow Buffalo saw.

 

We here in Northern Indiana get the same lake effect snow, however, our area was missed this go round which made me very happy since I had to travel north. I cannot imagine getting that much snow so early and all at once.

Praise Jesus, I made it in record time and home safely on a chilly and extremely windy, however, sunny day. The bummer of it all is, I thought my hip pain was getting better with the Diclofena the doctor prescribed as well as the MSM I took all week. I do not know if it is the cooler temperatures, lack of exercise, diet or setting on my butt for hours on end, or old age, but my first rest stop was quick and painful and has not eased up yet.

Z ready for school in her new coat

Therefore, I am home, attempted to resume my normal schedule this morning by hitting the gym, and only made 3 miles on the Elliptical. It is a start after being off schedule for a week. Prayerfully next week, I will be as good as new.

For now, I am thankful to have made a round trip to Kentucky to see my girls safe.

http://angelgirlpj.blogspot.com/2014/11/my-birthday-and-grandparents-day.html  

http://angelgirlpj.blogspot.com/2014/11/my-granddaughter-happy-and-sad.html

Grandparents Day  

My Birthday and Grandparents Day

Thanks Mrs. Woods for taking our picture

As it worked out my 59^th birthday was the same day our granddaughter's kindergarten class was celebrating Grandparents day or Grand friend day for those children that did not have a grandparent to go to school with them.

Unfortunately, many were there alone. I understand the feeling the parents had to be experiencing, as when our children were in school, taking off to go the school in the middle of the day really was not an option for me as I worked in a factory. As I recall, my parents and my in laws attended lunch several years to be with our children.

As long as it is possible, I hope to make the trip south to be with her as well as go to the local school to see our grandsons in their Grandparents or VIP program.

My birthday was a very special day, not only did I spend a few days here, but also our son and grandsons called to wish me a happy birthday. This has been a birthday to remember.

My Granddaughter Happy and Sad

Monday is supposed to be a school day, our granddaughter had a new outfit to wear and we woke up to snow. She was unaware of mom sneaking in and turning off the alarm and the fact she had slept in or that snow had indeed fallen overnight as the weatherman had predicted.

She leaned over the bed with a big smile and said I love you grandma. I had a rough night of sleep; therefore, I was trying to sleep in while I could.

I got up and pulled back the certain to show her the snow. She was happy for the moment in the fact she did not have to hurry to move, but then said, oh, I hope they don’t cancel grandparent’s day tomorrow. I hope not too as I drove over 5 hours south just to be here for the day.

If they would have it Wednesday instead of Tuesday, I would still be OK as Thursday a.m. I have to head back north and work Friday.

It has been a day of games with happy and sad moments all mixed together.

 Grandparents or VIP Day

Homecare Business for the Elderly 

Time with my Girls

I arrived on Friday November 14^th around 2:30. I actually made record time in my travels therefore, I had time to stop to refuel and get a well-needed cup of coffee to re-energize before our grand daughter got home from school.

I stopped at the church where our daughter and cleans and got the key to their home and unpack my truck. I thought I would pull in the garage and hide my truck from our granddaughter to see her reaction when getting off the bus, funny thing as our daughter pulled in, I got the same reaction from her. She wondered if I had gotten lost, stopped along the way etc….

On Saturday, we shopped until I dropped. We did daily shopping needs as well as purchased Christmas gifts. We did stop at Culver’s Restaurant for a bite to eat around 4:30, it was a slightly later than planned lunch but all was good as after we ate we hit 4 more stores.

I think the find of the day was at the peddlers mall where our 6-year old granddaughter found something she has been longing for. She found an old cash register so at our last stop we purchased play money to go in it. She has set up a store where she gives us the money and then we purchase things from her store.

Today mommy had to go to work for a couple of hours as on Friday they were doing something special making her change her plans. Baby girl and I watched the new VHS movie Mulan and then I washed the dishes to try to help a little and she will be home soon therefore I need to make some lunch.

I am enjoying my time with my girls.

Because of Love

Our Grand Daughters 6th Birthday 

Baking Breads and Aw the Smell

Cutie flower girl for Big Brothers Wedding

As I am planning my trip to Kentucky to see my girls for a week, I am making meals for the hubby that he can simply reheat. I have turkey vegetable soup going for tonight. 

I am also baking breads to share with others as well as for the hubby's sandwiches. If it is not easy he will tend to skip meals and that is not good to maintain strength.

I just finished baking pumpkin bread to take on my trip to snack on and take to church tonight to Bible Study for the church ladies.

Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe

The next batch of bread to hit the oven is the herb wheat bread that goes with everything, however, makes wonderful sandwiches. With this bread, one will go with me, one stay here and some are going to one of my clients for a family member in need. I love to bake so it simply made sense I would donate some for the cause.

Herb Wheat Bread Recipe

So how are you spending your time on this chilly November day?

Halloween at Dewart Lake

Picture is from 2010

I am here at the cottage and did a big oops, not bringing any candy. At the farm we never get any trick or treaters, therefore, I never gave it a thought to pick up a bag of candy for here, when I picked the the bags for the Light the Night party. 

I miss seeing my grandchildren every day but not getting to see them all dressed up stinks too. 

 

With that said, I hope my boys will be dressed warm as the forecast here is down right cold and ugly.

Outfits from 2013

This is the costumes the baby boys wore in 2013, I didn't get to see them first hand but was glad to see the picture.

The Schwartz's 2013

Last October I was in KY for Grandparents Day and actually saw the baby girl's costume come together. I am uncertain of any of the costumes this year so hoping to see a lot of photographs. 


Please have a safe and wonderful Halloween no matter the weather forecast.

October at Dewart Lake

October at Dewart Lake is extremely quiet. There is very little water activity. There are a few die-hard fishermen that like to fish, and I have seen a few birds, squirrels and crazy looking frog.

I typically love Fridays

However, for the most part the weekend visitors have packed it in. The neighbor to our left actually has his windows are plastic over so I doubt they will return.

  

With a busy crazy summer, I did not get to the cottage as much as I desired and the when I did get here, many of the days were less than desirable. In August it went to extremes of needed all the windows open and the fans on to needing the propane heater turned on, I expected that this October weekend, however, not in August and September.

This maybe my last weekend at the summer cottage for 2014, unless I sneak away one more time before winterizing it. The winters in Indiana can be rough and winter of 2013-14 was down right brutal making visits nearly impossible. In addition, many of the neighbors have called it a season and it is very quiet and almost lonely here.

This weekend, I have talked to no one, from my living room window I did see an elderly couple that live here year round, they were walking lakefront just checking things out.

It is a breezy and chilly 55 degree day but the sun is warm therefore I have tried to enjoy as much as I can. I am a sunshine girl and really not looking forward to winter.

From Dewart Lake, In Northern Indiana,  I bid you farewell.

A Taste of the Amish Lifestyle

Our Amish host had a new experience taking our picture

If you read my Bubblews post on the “A Taste of the Amish Lifestyle” you will understand a little more. It was a great night after the rain had stopped that we had experienced all day long.

Jo is not  really driving the wagon!

                                    

Bubblews only allows one photograph, therefore, I thought I’d add a couple of more for your viewing pleasure.

                                                                                                       

Getty Up King

At one point King was not in a real hurry so our host asked us if we did 4 wheeler sounds. Apparently 4 wheelers make him move a little quicker.

Our host made us laugh making faces with her new experience with digital photography

If you would like to, you can follow all my, Angelgirlpj, adventures on Bubblews

A Taste of the Amish Lifestyle

The Horse named King the Taste of the Amish Lifestyle Part 2

Time Slipping Away

Time is slipping away, not only the summer as school once again resumes next week, but also with my family growing up so quickly.

My baby girl, my granddaughter Zeely will be in Kindergarten next week. I am watching her this last year grow up through pictures. They came up for Easter, I went down in May to attend the preschool graduation and on the 4^th of July we met ½ way in Kokomo to see Dave do his first skydive. I sincerely do not know when I will see them next with the busy schedules everyone has.

Time is slipping away for me, is it for you?

The grandson's and friend watering the garden for basketball cards.

Read the full post on Bubblews

Oh What a Beautiful Day

OK she is naked :)

Setting outside in KY at my daughter's home it is such a beautiful day. It is 77 degrees, sunshine and a wonderful breeze. My 5 1/2-year old granddaughter was splashing in her pool grandpa allowed me to buy, lawn and garden work is being done by my son-n-law and tonight he will cook a trash can turkey. Yum yum. 

I drove down Wednesday morning for the preschool graduation and here it is Saturday afternoon already and I will head home tomorrow morning. 

Our snail finding walk.

I do not appreciate the long drive but it has been so worth it. I love family time and there simply has not been enough of it.

Read More about trash can turkey on Bubblews