Spice is Nice!

Spices are great ways to add a custom touch to your cooking. If you find that you use certain spice combinations often, why not make your own custom spice blends?

Here is a simple creole/cajun spice mixture that you can make to use in almost anything, from eggs, soups, french fries.. Just use your imagination.

Make extra to use in gift baskets for your friends and family!

Now grab an empty mason jar, or save an empty plastic spice container and get cookin'

Creole Spice Blend

2 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt  (this can be left out or reduced, if you are watching sodium)

1 1/2 teaspoons white pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste, depends on how much spice you can take!)

Mix everything together in an airtight container and store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

 

Be patient with me please I am new at this

Okay, tryng to break this stuff up into different pages, so that those who just want the cooking stuff won't have to deal with the crochet stuff and vicie versey!

Whew! Who knew this would be so much work!

Just a beginner crocheter, or want a refresher?

If you are just starting out with crochet, reading patterns can be like trying to read a foreign language. This page has great links to help you out.

If you are an old hand at this, you can still benefit from some of the stitch combo's and maybe even learn a new one!

Give it a look and see what you think.

http://crochet.about.com/od/learncrochet/u/learncrochet.htm

Crochet pattern of the day..

With fall and winter coming along, why not crochet yourself (or a friend) a nice scarf! This site has wonderful instructions for beginners, and it super easy to make. Pick your favorite color... and start crocheting!
http://crochet.about.com/library/blbegscarf.htm

Post pictures of your masterpiece for me please!

Busy day? No problem, slow cooker recipe

With time at a premium for so many of us, why not use your slow cooker to help out with dinner prep? Here is a wonderful bar-b-que pork recipe, which is filling, cheap and super easy.

1 (2 pound) pork shoulder roast, can be called Boston Butt as well

1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle root beer

garlic and onion powder to taste

1 (18 ounce) bottle your favorite barbecue sauce

Place the pork  in a slow cooker; pour the root beer over the meat, and season with onion and garlic to your taste. Cover and cook on low until well cooked and the pork shreds easily, 6 to 7 hours. Note: the actual length of time may vary according to individual slow cooker. Drain well. Stir in barbecue sauce. Serve over hamburger buns. What could be easier? Cole slaw or a macaroni salad (or perhaps my corn and black bean relish! hint hint) would ve awesome with this.

If you have a favorite slow cooker recipe, please share it with me!

Found this in an old forum I was on... poetry, who knew?

Midnight Waters

Boat adrift in midnight waters,
Doldrums in the dead of night,
Embryonic clock is ticking,
Tympanic trances, in lieu of sight...

Midnight mind, the ultimate alchemist,
Starts with lead, but longs for gold,
Reach for warmth, cold comfort finding,
Mythical, magical incantations unfold...

Imagination: such tricks are playing,
How can silence sharp so dull the mind?
Phantoms, in thy heart, are haunting,
Bringing sinister thoughts to that once benign...

PANIC! adrenaline soon starts rising,
Palms are sweaty, mouth is dry,
Curse the darkness, this windless waiting,
Panic crescendos in strangled sigh..

Reprieve! Reprise! sweet breath come quickly,
Come again to kiss the sails,
And place my boat again in motion,
Adrift upon the dreamer's swells.....

What's that? That touch, such warmth is spreading,
A poultice upon a fevered brow,
And with a smile, complete compliance,
That dreamer's wind is blowing now!

Boat adrift in midnight waters,
Drifting free in the dead of night,
Embryonic clock is ticking,
Tympanic trances in lieu of sight.

(c) Glynda 1999

The Search is ON!

Everyone has a comfort food. Something they crave when they are low, or want to share when they are happy. For some, it is chocolate. For others, mashed potatos with gravy. I am sure you know what I am talking about.

For me, it is mac and cheese. REAL mac and cheese, baked in an oven. Ooey and gooey in the middle, cheesy and warm, with a crusty top. MeMa used crushed ritz crackers on hers. Some people use crushed potato chips, others use bread crumbs.  They are all awesome!

So... I am searching for recipes for mac and cheese, can you help me?