Archives for July 2012

Friday’s Favorites {and a Link-UP!}

July 27, 2012 · by · 20 Comments

Happy Friday!
There is a lot cooking today…feast your eyes on these amazing recipes….

Friday’s Feature

My friend Courtney from Women Living Well  has whipped up a batch of these “Easiest Donut’s Ever“! Wow….are these amazing and incredibly simple {3 ingredients!}.

 

Friday’s Favorites!

Flourless Fudge Cookies

Made By: Modern Christian Woman 

{She also makes flourless Peanut Butter Cookies!}

*Thanks for the gluten-free options Stephanie!

Perfect Iced Coffee

Made By: Cheerios and Lattes

*Great tip Mackenzie! 

Mediterrenean Chickpea Salad

Made By: The Humbled Homemaker 

It’s a FEASTING IN FELLOWSHIP Friday LINK-UP!

I LOVE to see what YOU have cooking! Please link up as many recipes, Christian posts, and/or posts of the season. All I ask is that you place my button {Located on my sidebar} onto your post. Thank you for tweeting, FBing and Pinning!!!

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Filed Under: Fellowship Fridays, Food Allergy Friendly ·

Chip Chop Ham Sandwiches {Isaly’s}

July 25, 2012 · by · 25 Comments

Old fashioned deli counter
{old fashioned deli photo credit}

So, we were in Hilton Head vacationing some time ago. Needing groceries, I drove up to Bi-lo {unfamiliar territory} with my list in hand and headed toward the deli. “Can I help you Miss?” The nice lady behind the counter asked. “Sure, I will have a pound of Chip Chop and a pound of Baby Swiss please!” I said cheerfully. “Uhhh…a pound of what?” She asked back with a perplexed look on her face. “Chip chop and swiss please”, I replied in a louder voice {thinking she didn’t hear me}. Oh, she heard me alright…she just didn’t understand a word I was saying. She started cracking up and asked me what on earth “Chip Chop” was?!! To me, she was asking what water was, or what bread was….Chip Chop was…..Chip Chop? How do I explain this?! hahaha. Then it dawned on me…this  term that I have been so accustomed to using my entire life was a regional thing. Not only that, it was a pretty silly sounding and I was throwing around like it was nothing! We had quite a laugh and of course, she threw out “Betcha call it Pop too, hu!?” Yeppers.

Isaly’s , an old fashioned restaurant-convenient store-ice cream parlor, was one of my  hometown’s only restaurants for a very long time..They were and still are well known for their “Chip Chop” ham….it’s a seasoned ham sliced super thin.

Here is a very simple and traditional way to make these sandwiches {mom made them all the time}.The pictures below don’t show actual “chip chop”… to save some fat grams, I ask the deli for a maple ham “chipped”But, if you live in the area, go ahead and try the real deal 🙂

Super simple….I use Hawaiian sweet rolls, Islays BBQ, Chipped ham {or Chip Chop} and baby swiss {or any cheese of your liking- cheddar is great too}

{Woot! I ate mine on an Udi’s gluten free bun! }

Directions…easy peasy! If you don’t have Isalys sold in your area, no worries- you can use your favorite BBQ sauce.  
Add ham and BBQ sauce and heat in a pan. You can also do this in a crock pot and let it sit on warm!
Open up rolls and place cheese and BBQ ham on top and broil quickly.
Add some corn on the cob, a salad and some fresh watermelon and you have yourself a quick fix for a Summer dinner!
Chip Chop Ham Sandwiches {Isaly’s}
Author: Isalys
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total time: 20 mins
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 16 oz jar Isalys BBQ Sauce
  • 1 1/3 lb Chip Chop Ham
  • 12 slider buns
  • 1/2 lb swiss or cheddar cheese
  • {pickles optional}
Instructions
  1. Saute ham with BBQ sauce in a large skillet.
  2. Place cooked ham and cheese onto slider buns-broil quickly.
  3. Serve hot!
Notes

You may also put together ham and BBQ sauce in a crockpot and heat on low for 4 hours- stirring every so often. This is great for after church!

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Filed Under: Entrees, Food Allergy Friendly, Wraps ·

Scotcharoos

July 23, 2012 · by · 10 Comments

OH, WOW…if you like Rice Crispy Treats, you are going to LOVE Scotcharoos. My wonderful Mother-in-Law gets credit for this delicious recipe. These gooey goodnesses are a staple at our family gatherings….and rightly so. They please the adults as much as the kids {try to have just one- it won’t happen…you will be baaaaack.}

Here’s “Grandma Puppies” with our little guy. Oh, I just love her…she is the kind of grandma that has a bedroom set aside at her home for our kids….with bunk beds. She reads, paints, plays catch, lets em stay up late, makes finger jell-o, captures the little things they say, brags with photos, catches lightning bugs, and makes….Scotcharoos.  Thanks for being “that” kind of Grandma, Kathy. Our kids are truly blessed. I Love you!!!!

 

 

Scotcharoos
Author: All-Recipes
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Total time: 30 mins
Serves: 15
Ingredients
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 6 cups rice crispy cereal
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
  1. Butter a 9×13 inch pan.
  2. Place a large pot on the stove on med-high heat. Add corn syrup, sugar, and peanut butter. Stir, peanut butter will melt. Bring to a boil.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in cereal.
  4. Pour in prepared 9×13 pan.
  5. Place chocolate and butterscotch chips in a medium sized microwaveable bowl. Microwave for 1 min and stir, microwave 30 more seconds and stir.
  6. Spread melted chocolate on top of bars and let cool.
  7. Cut into squares.
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Filed Under: Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kiddos, Uncategorized ·

Friday’s Favorites!

July 20, 2012 · by · 15 Comments


Raising a family and having a ministry is not always easy…

come visit me over on The Better Mom where I share with you how cooking for others works into my busy life…

Friday’s Favorites!

Chicken Tzatziki

Made By: My Judy the Foodie

Corn Dog Muffin Pops

Made By: Inspired By Family 

Peach Cobbler {In a bag}

Made By: Simple…..this, that and the other. 

It’s a Feasting in Fellowship Link-UP!

Please link up as many recipes, Christian posts, and/or posts of the season as you wish, all I ask is that you place my button {located on my side bar} onto your post. Thank you all so much for sharing, FBing, tweeting, and pinning!

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Filed Under: Fellowship Fridays ·

Country Style BBQ Ribs

July 18, 2012 · by · 15 Comments

If you are intimidated by the sound of this recipe…stop right there, take a deep breath and let me convince you…..it’s easy. I made these ribs tonight for the family and they ate them like they were going out of style! You {and especially your hubby} are going to love these. 

Make “rub” combining brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Put all ingredients in a large Ziploc and shake each rib coating it with the rub.

Place ribs on a foiled lined baking sheet. 

Preheat oven to 275. Cover ribs with foil tightly and bake on the middle rack for 2 hours. {You can see all the juices that baked off of these ribs…so, nope- you don’t have to add a thing extra! }The smell of my home after these were finished baking was amazing!  

Mmmm….Love Sweet Baby Rays!

Heat up the grill to med-high heat. Place grill foil on the grill and add the ribs. Baste with Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. Grill approximately 8 mins per side.

Finished! Time for dinner! 

Take a look at how these just flaked off of the bone…tender and juicy! 

Time for dinner everyone!

Dig in!

Hey you…Mom saw that, give you sister back her corn! lol.

Country Style BBQ Ribs
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 2 hours 16 mins
Total time: 2 hours 21 mins
Serves: 5
Ingredients
  • 10 Country Style Ribs {These are individual Ribs-not on a slab}
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce {your choice, I like Honey BBQ}
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 275.
  2. Make Rub in a large Ziploc bag.
  3. Add each rib individually, shaking the bag and coating the ribs.
  4. Place ribs on a foil lined baking sheet and cover and seal with foil.
  5. Bake for 2 hours on the middle rack.
  6. Heat grill on med-high heat.
  7. Place grill foil on grill.
  8. Add ribs and baste with BBQ sauce. Grill for 8 mins, turn, baste and grill for another 8 mins.

 

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Filed Under: Entrees, Food Allergy Friendly ·

Friday’s Favorites

July 13, 2012 · by · 16 Comments

Happy Friday Everyone! It’s so nice to have you here!

Friday’s Features

Come join me over at Roomag where my Summer Peach Iced Tea is being featured! A cool glass of this is one delicious cure for this mid-Summer heat! I just had my neighbors over on the deck and we sipped on this as we watched our children fish in the pond. You are going to love it.

Roo Mag

Don’t forget to head over to Women Living Well where Courtney is showing off this EASY Dump Cake recipe! You will be amazed at how good it is {4 ingredients folks!!!}.

 

Friday’s Favorites

Each week I choose my “favorite” linked-up recipes from my fellow bloggers! Here is the line-up for today!

Thanks for sharing Ladies…lookin good!

Stuffed Tomato Cups

Made By: Will Cook For Smiles

Provencal Vegetable Gratin

Made By: The 21st Century Housewife

Blueberry Lemon Scones

Made By: Simply….this, that and the other.

Feasting in Fellowship Friday Link-UP!

Please link up your favorite recipes, Christian posts, and posts of the season! Link up as many as you wish…all I ask is that you add my button {located on my side bar} onto your post! I will choose 3 of my favorites to display next week! I will also tweet, FB, and Pin you!

Come visit my board: Top Picks From My Fellow Food Bloggers!

*Thank you to all who tweet, FB and Pin Comfy in the Kitchen. I truly appreciate your support and love meeting new friends! I do hope I am an encouragement to you! 

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Filed Under: Fellowship Fridays, Uncategorized ·

Strawberry Shortcake {Food Allergy Friendly}

July 11, 2012 · by · 1 Comment


Soooo…I promised all my “gluten-free” friends that I would share “glutenous minimus” recipes I’ve enjoyed…so here it goes! I am a HUGE fan of Gluten Free Bisquick…would you know that it makes GREAT Strawberry Shortcake?! “Glutenous maximus” friends- no worries, you can use regular Bisquick {haha}. A very easy, delicious, “kinda homemade” Summer dessert. Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream for the finishing touch.


I literally “bought out” my local grocery store of this product. LOVE it! {For those who do not have food allergies- regular Bisquick is just fine, make sure to follow package instructions-they differ!} 

Cut and rinse strawberries 

Add water and sugar. Cover and place in refrigerator. Juice from the strawberries will mix with the water and sugar and make for a delicious syrup for shortcake. 

In a medium bowl combine Bisquick mix and 1/4 cup sugar, cut in butter with 2 knives.

Stir in milk, eggs and vanilla {use any milk you wish}.

Drop batter by the spoonfuls on a foil lined pan – brush with melted butter. Bake in a 425 oven for 10-12 mins. 

While shortcake is baking make your whipped cream.

{Or have your children make the whipped cream, hehe}

Mmmmm….so easy, so worth it.

Shortcakes are done!

Does anyone else appreciate this “golden” color? Ohhh, I just love it.

Place one shortcake on the bottom, top with strawberries, place a shortcake on top and garnish with homemade whipping cream. Beautiful! Enjoy Ladies!!!!

{Gluten-Free never tasted so…..good!}

 

 

 

Strawberry Shortcake {Food Allergy Friendly}
Author: Gluten Free Bisquick
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 12 mins
Total time: 22 mins
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 4 cups diced strawberries
  • 2 Tbsp sugar {for strawberries}
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 2 1/3 cup Bisquick {gluten-free}
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • {whipped cream-optional}
  • {1/4 cup melted butter for brushing over shortcakes-optional}
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425.
  2. Dice strawberries and mix with 2 Tbsp sugar and water-cover and refrigerate.
  3. In a medium bowl combine Bisquick, 1/4 cup sugar;Cut in butter with 2 knives.
  4. Stir in milk, eggs and vanilla.
  5. Drop by spoonfuls onto foil lined cookie sheet.
  6. Brush with butter.
  7. Bake for 10-12 mins until golden brown.
  8. Place one shortcake in a bowl, add strawberries, place another shortcake on top and add whipped cream.
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Filed Under: Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos, Uncategorized ·

The “Tidbit Tray”

July 9, 2012 · by · 11 Comments


There’s just “something” inviting about a tidbit tray….it helps congregate, holds ya over, and is a great way to offer hospitality. I make tidbit trays all the time- For family, guests…even for lunches! I use whatever I have on hand and it always seems to work…nothing fancy, just “comfy”.


If I know the children are really hungry around “almost” dinner time {while I am busy cooking!}, I’ll make them a tidbit tray and skip making a dinner salad. Again, I simply scour the refrigerator and cupboards for fruits, cheeses,crackers, pretzels, veggies….you name it. It’s SO worth the extra couple of mins to avoid “Maaaaaaaa……when’s dinner going to be ready!!!!!???”

Here they are… all in one place, easing those hunger pangs, talking about the cutest things. “Dinner’s almost ready kidos…don’t get too full!!!!!”

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos ·

Friday’s Favorites and a Link-UP!

July 6, 2012 · by · 17 Comments

Happy Friday Ladies!
I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July! There are some delicious Summer recipes on the menu today…Mmmm! Enjoy!

My friend Courtney has this amazing Triple Berry Cobbler baking in the Women Living Well oven! A warm bowl of this a la mode + a freshly brewed cup of coffee + A cool Summer evening = hospitality at it finest!

Friday’s Favorites!

Sweet and Saucy Buffalo Wings

Made By: This Glorious Day

Fluffernutter Blondies

Made By: Back for Seconds

Grilled Ranch Veggies
Made By: Cheerios and Lattes

It’s a Feasting in Fellowship Friday Link-UP!
I Looooove to see what YOU have cooking ladies! Please link up as many recipes, Christian posts, and/or posts of the season as you like. All I ask is that you place my button {located on my sidebar} onto the bottom of your post {pretty please}. Thank you so very much for tweeting, sharing on FB and Pinterest! You are a blessing!

*Each week I will pick, feature, FB, Tweet and Pin my top 3 favorite recipes that my fellow bloggers shared the week before. Come visit my “Top Picks from Fellow Food Blogger’s” Board on Pinterest!

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Filed Under: Fellowship Fridays ·

Easiest Doughnut Recipe Ever!

July 3, 2012 · by · 15 Comments


Wow! Wow! Wow! These really are the easiest doughnuts ever! If you like Elephant Ears or Funnel Cakes…you are going to LOVE these- they taste just like them. Your family is going to run into the kitchen when they wake up to the smell of these “almost homemade” doughnuts.

Do you have guests staying with you over the Holiday weekend? This is a perfect breakfast solution that will get TONS of oohhhs and ahhhs! Serve with Easy Ham and Cheesy Quiche, mixed berries, and freshly squeezed Orange Juice.


I simply took a 1/4 tsp measuring spoon and pressed it into a buttermilk biscuit {regular sized}.

I folded the flap and pressed it in. No biggie. You can use any tool you would like to make a small hole-but most people have a measuring spoon.


Do this to the entire can of biscuits. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a pan on high heat. Drop all doughnuts into hot oil and let cook for appx 2 mins a side until lightly browned.

Don’t overcook! It doesn’t take very long! This is the perfect color…beautiful.

Take doughnuts out with tongs and place on a paper towel lined plate and let cool for 2 mins.

Cover with cinnamon and sugar…


Or powdered sugar.


YUMMMMmmmmm!!!!


My little taste tester approves!!!!!

Easiest Doughnut Recipe Ever!
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 4 mins
Total time: 9 mins
Serves: 5
Ingredients
  • 1 can {10 count} Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits
  • 16 oz Vegetable Oil
  • 1 cup powdered sugar in a bowl (to cover doughnuts-optional)
  • 1 cup sugar 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl (to cover doughnuts-optional)
Instructions
  1. Heat oil in a large skillet on high
  2. While oil is heating, put holes in every biscuit using a 1/4 tsp measuring spoon (or cookie cutter, biscuit cutter, etc)
  3. Place doughnuts in hot oil, cook for 2 mins and turn cooking 2 more mins until golden brown.
  4. Using tongs, take hot doughnuts out of oil and place on a paper towel lined plate.
  5. Let cool 2 mins.
  6. Roll warm doughnuts in either cinnamon and sugar or powdered sugar.
  7. Serve warm! {with a glass of cold milk}
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Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Dessert ·

Hostessing a 4th of July Party!

July 2, 2012 · by · 6 Comments

 

The 4th of July is a special day indeed. Haven’t we been such a blessed nation? I know we don’t fully understand the faith, desire, and commitment it took for our forefathers to get us our freedom. But, I do know that we bathe in it as we go freely to church each week, hold bible studies, and have the sweet fellowship we do right here online! Praise God.

I pray that you are able to celebrate this beloved holiday with your family and friends this week.

If you are gearing up to hostess this blessed celebration, I’ve put together some helpful tips for you that will be sure to make it a great day! I love a reason a celebrate!!! Wohoo!

Clean:

I know this is a given, but some of us clean too much- some not enough {Why clean when it’s just going to become a mess when guests come over? Have you heard this too?} The reason we clean is to gift our guests with a welcoming and relaxing environment.

The night before– Clean bathrooms, put away toys, windex, and dust. My husband typically will pick up the garage and mow the yard that day as well.

The day of- Sweep and vacuum. If your floors are decently clean you do not need to wipe them as they will get dirty pretty quickly. Put the least amount of your cleaning efforts into the children’s rooms- the kids will go in there and play soon enough.

Lock any doors of rooms you don’t want guests or little one’s going into. We typically do this with our bedroom because of past makeup/jewelry incidences with little ones {lol}. So, honestly if I have to choose anything not to clean that day…it will be my room {gasp}!

Plug in air fresheners throughout your home. Ahhh…

Cook/Grill:

The night before– Make salads {don’t add dressing}, desserts, iced tea, and lemonade. Marinate meats. Don’t forget to check that the propane tank is full!

The day of-For a 4th of July party I recommend the hostess also provide the meats {burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, etc} and ask guests who are closest to you to bring a warm side dish {in my experience, guests enjoy bringing something in hand – they are thrilled that they have a home to celebrate in! Do not feel bad asking for help}.

Music:

Play “music of the season” softly in the background to set the mood. Silence is never a good thing at a party.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{photo credit: The Style Sisters}

Decorate:

Plant a few flowers, hang a wreath, post your flag, purchase some helium balloons, Holiday and inspired tablecloths {paper plates, utensils and napkins are just fine}.

You do not have to go overboard, just a little flare will remind your guests it’s a special occasion! Take a trip to your local party store, craft store or super store {don’t purchase these items at the grocery store-they are incredibly marked up there}.

Entertainment:

Children and grown-ups alike enjoy being entertained. Have options laid out in front of them so they don’t have to search.

For children– Have slip and slides, pools, and/or sprinklers ready {Have towels set aside}. Get sandbox toys, balls, gloves, and bats out.

For adults: Bocce, corn hole, horseshoes, cards and board games are always fun.

Don’t be afraid to ask friends who have these items to bring them!

Tid-Bits:

Place small bowls of peanuts and candies throughout the house where conversations may start. Place bowls of chips and pretzels on outside tables.

red white blue kiddie cocktail1 223x300 A patriotic mocktail for the kids!

{Red,white, and blue Mocktail}

Drinks: 

Have a designated area for these. Fill pitchers with ice and drinks-set out cups. If you are serving canned soda/water bottles place them in ice in a cooler outside.

Clean-up:

Have  trash cans easily accessible to guests {one inside and one outside}. I recommend paper plates for picnics so that clean-up is easy! Tidy up the kitchen a bit and cover food….but LEAVE anything out that won’t go bad! Guests may still eat a little here and there… You don’t want to make them feel forced out.

{photo credit}

Make Coffee:

Even if it is HOT, there are guests that LOVE coffee after dinner! It’s a comfort drink no matter the season or the reason. Have it ready before the gathering so you simply have to press the start button.

Relax:

The seemingly simplest task will probably be your biggest challenge. Your guests will feel so much more at home if you can sit and relax with them. This is not a life or death event- chill Girlies. There are plenty of hands that are willing to help- ask! Don’t get anxious…enjoy, you worked hard.

I hope this helps organize some of your thoughts while planning for your guests this week! Have a GREAT time and a very blessed 4th of July!

For 4th of July Recipes visit my previous post.

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Cooking For A Crowd, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·