I May Never Make Lasagna the Old Way!

I got a new Cuisinart 3 1/2 quart slow cooker for my birthday. Check out Amazon for the best price. I got the new William Sonoma Catalogue this weekend and they had a recipe for Slow Cooker Lasagna. Below, is the link. Hope it works. Otherwise go to the web site and search Slow Cooker Lasagna. Things don't always work with the iPad the way you want

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/slow-cooker-lasagna.html?cm_src=SEARCH_FEATURELIST||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Feature_Recipe_Rule-_-&cm_re=OnsiteSearch-_-SCHBillboard-_-SEARCH_FEATURELIST

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/201130/0002/img21l.jpg


I cut the recipe in half to fit my new slow cooker. I may never make lasagna the old way again!

Stitching Group

I have been a member of a stitching group for, I think, eleven years.  We meet everyother week at someone's house to work on projects. There are 5 of us.  Four of us always work on some sort of needle project, cross stitch, quilting etc, except Patty.  We keep threatening to kick out of the group but, I don't think she takes us very seriously.  She still doesn't bring a project.   The host for the evening prepares dessert and other delectables.  I had group on Wednesday, August 24th and made Raspberry Schaum Torte.  Here is the recipe. 
For the Meringue
6 Egg whites
1/8 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsps cream of tartar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar

Fruit topping
3 c. raspberries
2 Tbsp. sugar

Directions: 
To make the meringues:  Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.  In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with the salt and the cream of tartar until soft peaks form.  Add the vanilla.  Gradually add the sugar one tablespoon at a time until all is added and glossy peaks form. 
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper (I use two cookie sheets).  Scoop about 3/4 c of the meringue and drop on the cookie sheet, should be about 3 inches in diameter.  With the back of a spoon, shape a shallow well in the center of each mound.  This makes 8-10 meringues.
Place in oven and bake for one hour.  Turn off the oven and let sit for at least two hours or longer, best if over night.  Slip the meringue in a single layer in a paper bag.  If i'm not going to use the oven, I leave them in there.  You want to keep them dry.  They will keep 3-4 days.
Mix the berries and sugar together long enough to get some juice.
To serve:  Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center well, spoon berries and juice over the top of ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream. 

This is one of my favs.  It is really easy but, looks very impressive, I think.

Latest Stitching Update

Here is the latest update in the Mystery Sampler Project.  Unfortunately it isn't much of a mystery any longer since the retailer sent me Part III without having sent me Part II.  I guess maybe the mystery is....when will I get Part II. 

Bad mom did take one picture of the kids before we left to drop Ed off at college. 

Maybe the caption from Ed would be the last picture of the last day before the first day of the rest of his life.  I guess that means he has now left Jail Goodreau. Lets see how he likes the food where he's going! 

One down, one to go

We dropped Ed off at college today. He starts his on-campus job tomorrow, which is very exciting. Since most of the students aren't there yet, the cafeteria isn't open yet. One of the dining places is. He does have Poptarts, popcorn and Dr. Pepper. Breakfast of champion, right?

I'm a bad mom. I brought my camera but, forgot to take pictures. I was all excited about meeting the room mate, room mates gf, the RA, the suite mate, I just forgot. You really aren't missing much. It's on the third floor(puff puff)small and blue, but apparently a happening place. I hope it isn't too happening.

So next week, Katy leaves for her college experience. I am really happy they are going. I absolutely loved college. I am sad for myself since they aren't kids anymore. I am feeling very old but, it is a new adventure for me too....what will I do next?

PICs Adventure Part III

We always do some projects and this year Mary Beth brought memory wire bracelets and Jan brought additional beads..  We were so busy, I don't think anyone took pictures of the production.    Here are the results

Mickey and Jan trying to get the bottle of wine opened.

Mickey made dinner.  Layed Chicken with Fontina, Mushrooms and Spinach.  It was fabulous.  We also had a few glasses of wine.

Once we were done, the dishes cleaned up; we started scrapbooking.  That has become an annual event.  The pictures from the previous year are archived.  It is always interesting to see the different pages from the same pictures.  I think this is one of my favorite things to do these weekends....I take that back, it is too hard to choose what is my favorite because it is all just the best!

So that pretty much sums it up.  I'm already looking forward to next year.

PICS Adventure Part III

After breakfast we hit the town and we hit it hard.  Since I forgot a sweater, I remembered everything else but that.  I figured I might need to get something.  I thought this would be fun, not exactly a sweater.  I'm not so sure my husband Bob likes it ....so what else is new.  One time he hid a really adorable pair of Liz Claibourn shoes I had in the '80s.  They were a red and tan jungle print with a clear sole so you could even see the print on the bottom.  He hid them.  I suppose he will try and hide the jacket.

The next stop was another store that had what looked like seed beads in a tube.  You add water and they get to be the size of a marble or so.  Jan and Mick found them fastenating and had to buy some.  I restrained myself because I knew I was going to buy lots of candy for the kids.  Here is pic of us at the store holding a rather large 'tini glass with the hydrated beads.

Picture courtesy of Mary Beth and the lady working at the store who took the picture. 

Onward to the candy store.  It is the most amazing place.  I was going to buy Bob some wax lips.  When was the last time you saw wax lips.  They also had fangs and moustaches.  This place has every conceiveable candy, stuff I haven't seen in years like, Slo-pokes and socially inappropriate candy cigarettes.    I always spend way too much here.  I have some saved for the care package box to send the kids at college. 

It even looks fun in the pictures.  Just wore out from shopping. But, that doesn't stop us.  Later, Our Creations. 

PIC Adventure Part II

So now that you've seen everyone....

Saturday always starts out lazy and a yummy brunchy/breakfast.  Fresh fruit contributed by everyone.  Carrot Flax muffins with light cream cheese swirl and I made the Quiche.  I adore quiche

Recipe for the Quiche
One Pillsbury Pie crust (I have tried all the others and this tastes the most like homemade.)
1 Tbsp butter
4 green onions chopped
6 eggs
6-8 oz of chopped ham (I had a small pre-cut pack of John Morel)
1 c. cream (makes it fluffier than half and half)
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
8 oz shredded swiss cheese
Preheat oven to 400.  Place the pie crust in the bottom of a 9" pie pan and curl over the edge so it doesn't slide down during the baking.  Pierce the bottom is several areas with a fork and bake 3 minutes.  Remove and poke more holes, bake 5 more minutes.  Reduce oven heat to 350.
Sautee the onions in the butter until tender. 
In a medium bowl beat the eggs, beat in the cream, add salt and nutmeg, beat some more.  Add the meat, onions and half the cheese. Stir
Place the remaining half of cheese on the pie crust.  Pour the egg mixture on top. 
Bake for 30 minutes.  I usually shake the pie pan to test doneness.  If too jiggly cook 5-10 minutes more.  Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. 

After eating, talking more.  We usually get around to cleaning up and head out shopping......
Part III:  Shopping.
Later.....

College Girls Weekend-Part I

 Had a fabulous time on the College Girls Weekend, A.K.A PICS Adventure.  We started calling ourselves PICS in college meaning Partners in Crime S-plural.  When we get there we always take a picture of the wine we bring.  We always bring more wine and food than we possibly can consume.  Even had lemon cella this year but, didn't get to drink it. 

On Friday night, we have dinner at the Maiden Lake Supper Club.  Drinks on the deck while waiting to eat.

This year it took exceptionally long, (1 1/2 hours) but, we had fun talking.  Helped Jan with some publicity ideas for her Cranial Sacral business.  Hope it works. 

Menu from the resturant

Mary Beth and Me, Horrible picture of me. We were roommates

                                                        

Jan and Mickey were roommates

What a fun night......more to come



COLLEGE GIRLS WEEKEND.....WAHOOOO!!!

So excited!!! I have my college girls weekend! Pictures to follow later. Mary Beth was my roommate, Jan and Mickey were roommates. In college we called ourselves the PICS - Partners in Crime S (plural) and we would go on adventures. We still refer to it that way. A few years ago we even bought a brick from the MMC fund raiser with "PICS friends forever 1981-1982" the years we graduated. It is so amazing to have friends like this. We have survived marriages, children, death of parents, and suicides. It is mind boggling. We always have such a great time. I just can't wait. Sure there will be pics at my next post, gauranteed.

Ten dollar find I couldn't live without

I was at the local resale, home decorating store and found this....I couldn't live without it.  It only cost me $10

I have a great room concept.  I hung this over the door going into the laundry room.  The color matches my accent wall.  Unfortunately the picture isn't terrifically clear but, it was up over the door.  I was little shaky.  Over the arch for the bedroom hall is the clock that doesn't work.  It use to but, I don't follow directions well and try to change the time too many times by moving the hands.  But, it is perfect for the area so I won't take it down. 

Stash Enhancement

Yeah!  Got to go to the Stitching Bee today.  And I picked up a few things.....
I usually get this issue and the Christmas issue every year.  When will I have time?  I may have to do the Psychotic Jack-o-latern.

Patterns that I also don't have time to do but, maybe I will.

Some inexpensive remnant linen good for small pieces in colors I don't normally buy.

And GAST to do some of the patterns in the Stitchers Journal by Blackbird Designs I got the last time I was there.

 Kendra is awesome.  She has a little bumble bee yellow scooter that Ed was drooling over and she let him take it for a spin.  Now he thinks Kendra is awesome. 

If you are ever in Green Bay, WI, check out "the Bee" on Velp Avenue.  Great selection and Great time!!

Going Shopping

Going shopping tomorrow.  You have to understand that the nearest Target is 100 miles away and we need to get the cute bedding for the dorm room but, I am making a pit stop at my favorite cross stitch store, The Stitching Bee or as we affectionately as The Bee.  I have my shopping list ready.  I just need to step in and smell the GAST and Weeks.  I hope they have a pattern or two that I want....I don't need anything. 
I am waiting for my second installment of the Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler.  I was on auto send but, it hasn't been very auto so I am perturbed about that. 

Here is where I am.  I have made progress since this picture was taken 5 days ago. 

I have finished the bottom edge and starting the inside border edge. Just fun!!!

A Dirty Patio Door Made Me Cry

I got up yesterday morning and the sun was shining brightly into the house.  I looked out the patio door and I noticed how dirty it was.

Hopefully, you can see in the middle of the door.  Those are nose prints from our dog Huck

  I started to get teary eyed.  Huck got really sick from Blastomycosis and lost the fight.  The nose prints are one of the final reminders of him. 

He was a most excellent dog.  I really miss him.