These Are My Friends, My Pals, My Blogging Buddies!!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

A Christmas Treat

Chocolate Cherry Bars
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup graham crackers crumbs
14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
12-oz. pkg. milk chocolate chips
10-oz. jar maraschino cherries,drained & chopped
   
Spread the melted butter evenly in a 13 x 9 inch baking pan.  Stir in the graham cracker crumbs.  Press down to form a crust.  Pour the condensed milk over the top.  Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and the chopped cherries.  Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes.  Cool completely.  Slice into bars.  Makes about 2 dozen bars
This is a very good treat for gifting in a tissue lined container.  They are beautiful and taste wonderful as well.  I plan to take some to my sweet little neighbors.  Thay are simple and easy to make and look SO time consuming, anyone would think you had slaved for hours on them!!
Happy holidays to all and remember ...
be sweet!!!  XXXOOOXXOOX

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Free digital Images For Your Artwork

Two angels with bells

Little angels with flowers

I LOVE playing with my old digital image program!  I got it before I retired and have used it ever since that time.  I have tried others, but have never been able to master them.  I would love to know how to use Photoshop or one of those that more talented designers use, but I will have to stick with my trusty old 2006 version of a program that has since been discontinued.  It was the one made by Microsoft.  It took forever to figure that one out so I may as well forget about the other programs that can do so much more!
Anyway, these are my latest ones.  I hope you like them and perhaps can use them in an art project or collage, decoupage or whatever your little ole' heart desires!
I had fun making them for you and I hope you will use them in some way ... send me a picture if you do and I will share it with everyone.
Be sweet!!


Saturday, October 15, 2011

Almond Joy and Oreo Pops Recipes

I was reminded today of how close it is getting to Christmas ... I know Halloween has not yet arrived, but it is never too early to think of homemade gifts such as gifts in a jar, different candies, cookies, gift baskets or whatever!
Anyway, today I am posting just a couple of really simple candy recipes, yet they are delightful both to look at and to eat ... just plop a piece or two of tissue paper into a pretty container, fill with these tasty little treats and I guarantee it will be a welcome gift for a neighbor, teacher, best friend or anyone on that list of yours!

 Almond Joy Bars
 4 c. Shredded coconut
1/4 c. Light corn syrup
1 pkg. (11 1/2-oz) milk chocolate chips
1/4 c. Vegetable shortening
26 whole natural almonds (about 1 oz.)
Line two large cookie sheets with waxed paper. Set large wire cooling rack on paper; set aside. Place coconut in large bowl; set aside.
Place corn syrup in a 1 c. Glass measure. Microwave on high (100%) 1 minute or until syrup boils. Immediately pour over coconut. Work warm syrup into coconut using the back of a wooden spoon until coconut is thoroughly coated.
Using 1 level measuring tablespoon of coconut, shape into a ball by squeezing coconut firmly in palm of one hand, then rolling between both palms. Place 2 inches apart on wire racks. Let dry 10 minutes. Reroll coconut balls so there are no loose ends of coconut sticking up.
Place milk chocolate and shortening in a 4-cup glass measure or 1 1/2 quart microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture can be stirred smooth and is glossy; stirring once or twice.
Working quickly, spoon 1 level measuring tablespoon of the chocolate over each coconut ball, making sure chocolate coats and letting excess chocolate drip down onto waxed paper. While chocolate coating is still soft, lightly press whole almond on top of each. Let stand to set or place in refrigerator.
Store in a single layer in airtight container. Keeps best if refrigerated.
Makes 26.






Chocolate Dipped Oreo Pops
10 lollipop sticks
10 double-stuff Oreo cookies
11/2 cups (9 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
11/2 Tbsp solid vegetable shortening
Decoration: sprinkles, candy-covered chocolate drops (ice cream topping)
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Insert a lollipop stick into cream filling of each cookie. Melt chocolate and shortening in a small bowl in microwave; stir until smooth. Dip 1 cookie pop into melted chocolate, letting top of cookie rest on bottom of bowl for support. Spoon melted chocolate over cookie to coat. Transfer to lined baking sheet, using a fork to support pop from underneath if needed. Decprate with sprinkles, and chocolate drops. Let stand until set. Repeat with remaining cookie pops, remelting chocolate as needed. Wrap in food-safe plastic wrap.
Be sweet!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Homemade Tootsie Rolls

This is one of many recipes, candy and everything imaginable, that I have tucked away but have never actually made, sooooo ... I am hoping it will be good, sure sounds like it, but I won't make promises I can't keep!  I absolutely love the little vanilla tootsie rolls but am told they are only sold during certain seasons.  I assume Halloween is THE one, with those little bags of assorted candy that contain all flavors of tootsie rolls. I ALWAYS pick out all the vanilla before putting the treats out for the little ones.  Every now and then I see one in the large bowl that I have missed and dive for it lest any little ghost or witch should beat me to it!!
Anyway, here is the recipe and I surely hope it turns out as good as it sounds .., I do plan on making it, leaving out the cocoa to see if it is half as good as the little vanilla tootsie rolls that I so love.  If it is, it for sure will be a keeper!!!

Homemade Tootsie Rolls

2Tblsp sof butter
1/2 cup cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup instant milk powder
1/2 cup white corn syrup

Mix everything together really well and knead on board sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Knead until smooth and pliable.  Divide and roll into ropes of desired length, cut with very sharp knife and, hopefully you will have your tootsie roll clones.  If you try this let me know how it turns out.

Be sweet!

Friday, July 15, 2011

What We Learn From The Plight Of Jake

Jake's old farm truck

An Old Cowboy Poem - Life Lesson -

Jake, the rancher, went one day
To fix a distant fence.
The wind was cold and gusty
And the clouds rolled gray and dense.

As he pounded the last staples in
And gathered tools to go,
The temperature had fallen,
And snow began to blow.

When he finally reached his pickup,
He felt a heavy heart.
From the sound of that ignition
He knew it wouldn't start.

So Jake did what most of us
Would do if we were there.
He humbly bowed his balding head
And sent aloft a prayer.

As he turned the key the last time,
He softly cursed his luck
They found him three days later,
Frozen stiff in that old truck.
Now Jake had been around in life
And done his share of roaming.
But when he saw Heaven, he was shocked --
It looked just like Wyoming !

Of all the saints in Heaven,
His favorite was St. Peter .
So they sat and talked a minute or two,
Or maybe it was three.
Nobody was keeping' score --
In Heaven, time is free..

'I've always heard,' Jake said to Pete ,
'that God will answer prayers,
But the one time I asked for help,
Well, he just wasn't there.'

'Does God answer prayers of some,
And ignore the prayers of others?
That don't seem exactly square --
I know all men are brothers.'

'Or does he randomly reply,
Without good rhyme or reason?
Maybe, it's the time of day,
The weather or the season.'

'Now I ain't trying to act smart,
It's just the way I feel.
And I was wondering', could you tell me
What the heck's the deal?!'
Peter listened very patiently
And when Jake was done,
There were smiles of recognition,
And he said, 'So, you're the one!!'

That day your truck, it wouldn't start,
And you sent your prayer a flying,
You gave us all a real bad time,
With hundreds of us trying.'

'A thousand angels rushed,
To check the status of your file,
But you know, Jake , we hadn't heard
From you in quite a while.'

'And though all prayers are answered,
And God ain't got no quota,
He didn't recognize your voice,
And started a truck in Minnesota '

IT'S BEST TO KEEP IN TOUCH!!

Always stay sweet and treat others as you would like to be treated.   XXXOOOXXOOX

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Heritage Albums Aside

my great grand daughter, Carlee
my great grand daughter, Morgan

This is what I do in my spare time ... I have spent years trying to make  heritage scrapbook albums for my children so they could know 'where they came from' ... I always get sidetracked with the sweet little pictures of my grandchildren and the great grandchildren!  I just want to pull them through the computer, but have to be content sometimes to play with them in this way and believe me, I have folders full of such pictures I have made of my little angels, but I am getting nowhere on my heritage albums!!!!!
Aren't they cute though?  You know you have to agree!!!
Be sweet and treat others as you would like to be treated.   XXXOOOXXOOX

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Warshin Clothes Recipe

Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave this 'recipe' to her grand daughter along with other bits of wisdom.  This is an exact copy as it was written and found in an old scrapbook, complete with spelling errors.
Makes me want to hang a framed copy on the wall above my sparkling white washer and dryer to remind me every single day just how times have changed and to always be grateful for something as simple as a washer and dryer that do all the work with the push of a button

old wringer washing machine
WARSHIN CLOTHES
Build fire in back yard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert.
Shave one hole cake of lye soap in boilin water.
Sort things, make 3 piles
1 pile white
1 pile colored
1 pile work britches and rags
To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boilin water.
Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard and boil, then rub colored
dont boil just wrench and starch.
Take things out of kettle with broomstick handle, then wrench and starch.
Hang old rags on fence. Spread tea towels on grass.
Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water and turn tubs upside down.
Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs.
Brew cup of tea then set and rock a spell while you count your blessins.

Thank you, Lord for the many 'blessins' we enjoy today!!!
 A special thanks for that lovely washer and dryer!!!
Be sweet!!  XXXOOOXXOOX

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Amish Apple Fritters

Sooo good sprinkled with powdered sugar and a bit of cinnamon

Amish Apple Fritters

2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 to 3 cups sliced apples

Cream together sugar and eggs, add flour and baking powder, then milk. Mix and add lemon juice and apples. Drop by teaspoonfuls into hot shortening or make into little cakes and fry in a pan like pancakes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon over them when finished frying.
I most often use self rising flour, which simplifies the recipe, taking less time, etc.  You simply omit the baking powder and salt. 

This is an easy recipe and a very, very good one ... (one where you don't have to run all over the state to buy the ingredients), great with our morning coffee, perhaps not the best thing in the world, health authorities will tell you, to start off the day, but I can guarantee it will start your day off with a warm and comfortable feeling ... isn't that in itself laying a foundation for good health?
I am a mere great grandma ... what the heck am I doing, pretending I know the slightest thing about what is and is not good for your health!  This I do know, a warm apple fritter for breakfast sure gets you off to a good start, ready to take on what the rest of the day sends your way!
Be sweet!!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Together We Can ....

Hi, Sweeties!  I have 2 awards to post (though I strive to remain award free) that I am SO humbled and honored to receive.  One is from Alexandra of ropcorn.com , the Stylish Blogger Award. If you have not visited her, you are really missing out, so I hope you will drop by and leave her a comment so she knows you've been there.




The second is from Aries of Krazy Monkey Tale.  She is such a little doll!  In one post she even explains how to make your own alfafa sprouts.  She truly is a 'jack of all trades'.  I hope you will pay her a visit, leaving a comment as we all love reading what others have to say about our little piece of cyberspace!




 There are SO many special blogs to pass these on to it is difficult and, in fact impossible, for me to choose just a few, soooo I pass them on to everyone who is reading this post!!  Please, if you are reading this, post these awards on your blog and enjoy them as I have!  This recognition and appreciation is what keeps us going.
Oh, by the way, speaking of recognition I neglected to give credit to the creator of the graphics I used when I made the scrapbook page in the post 'Come On Grandma, You Know You Can Do It'.  The sweet, generous lady who created the kit was Mary of Mary's Mixes.  I would love for you to visit her site if you have not done so.  Her kits are all free and her work is beautiful.  Her most recent freebie is an absolutely gorgeous purple kit.  Everything you need to make a page for your album is in this and each of the kits she so freely offers. I would give anything if I could design but cannot, so I must rely on people like Mary who so graciously share their creations with us.
Don't forget ... I mean it ... take your awards and place them on your site!!  Alexandra and Aries, that means you as well ... you gave them to me, soooo right back atcha'! There is great strength in numbers, so we'll just all stick together and see what we can do!!!!
Love to you all and be sweet ... treat others as you would like to be treated. XXOOXXXO

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Banana Nut Bread Jam recipe, Easy Peasy

Banana Nut Bread Jam

10 ripe bananas, pureed (about 3 cups)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
4 cups sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts, toasted
1 package powdered pectin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Mix bananas, walnuts, lemon juice and pectin in a large pot. Stir while bringing to a full boil.  Add sugars all at once, stirring constantly, bring back to a boil.  Let boil for 1 minute.
Ladle jam into jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.  Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Recipe makes about 6 half pints, so easy, no pressure canner needed.

If you only wanted to make a jar or two without the water bath, it will be fine to just refrigerate and
enjoy!  This is REALLY, REALLY good and SO easy.
Pecans can be used instead of walnuts or no nuts at all if you choose.
I hope you will give this a try, even if you do not normally preserve any kind of food, this is such a good
and simple jam recipe that tastes absolutely scrumptious and will have your family look at you in disbelief that you turned out such a fabulous treat!  No special tools, nothing that is not found in any ordinary kitchen.
I hope this will be a keeper for you to enjoy again and again.
Be sweet, as always and treat others as you would like to be treated!  XXOOOXXO



Saturday, April 16, 2011

Gardening Can Be Fun (or funny)


My daughter in law will never let me hear the end of it if I mention her name in this post, so I just won't ... but this is a little story that is so typical of my family and one that is too good not to share !!
Now, being a gardener is something she is not well known for by any means.  In fact, she is a terrible gardener, cannot raise anything I know of except kids!  Poor little thing plants and sets out flowers every single spring, hoping this will be the year her thumb suddenly becomes a lovely shade of green.  Ain't happening!!  I am here to tell you, she has the worse looking flowers in the county and I might venture so far as to say the entire state!
Her sweet and dear husband (my son, I will proudly add) takes such pride in having the most productive  vegetable garden anywhere around!  I swear he can plant anything in that garden and it fairly thrives.
They have an abundant supply of vegetables fresh from the garden the entire growing season, while the poor flower beds surrounding their house ... well, I just don't know how to put it delicately so I will say not another word about it.  Wild horses could not pull the words out of my mouth or force me to write them!!!  Now THAT is loyalty and love for my daughter in law if I do say so myself.
Okay, so my little daughter in law has expressed her wish to become a great gardener, to know the ropes, what does it take to grow those lush, beautiful flower beds like the ones across the street.  My son, being the considerate man he was raised to be, found a 'how to garden' book online and sent for it as a surprise to her.
Upon its arrival, she sat, devouring every word, confident this book held the key and perhaps this year would be THE one.  My son asked quietly if she noticed who the book was addressed to.  She picked up the box it arrived in, looked at the address label which read (no proclaimed)     Ima Gardener   along with the remainder of their address!!!!!!!  Her actual name was nowhere to be seen and there was already an order form for more gardening books and magazines filled out boldly with the name, Ima Gardener!!!

I am actually not much better.  I used to have a row of potted plants on the wall as you came in the front door of our house.  I watered the heck out of them for days, then would not water them for weeks, then I would remember and drown them again.  Anyway, they looked pretty pitiful. My kids began calling it 'death row' and one of my friends said my plants were the only ones she ever saw that looked worse than hers!!!
I just love my kids! They are so much fun.
Be sweet!!!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Sour Cream Country Biscuits

This recipe for that good ole' country favorite, breakfast biscuits hot from the oven, is a little different as it contains no shortening or butter, but sour cream.
It gives the biscuits a little tang and the rich moistness will have everyone coming back for more!
I believe this will be a keeper in your recipe box! It is good enough to serve on special occasions or for everyday fare!

Sour Cream Country Biscuits

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup cold sour cream
1 1/3 cup heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender cut in the sour cream until the mixture
forms coarse pieces.
Add the sour cream and stir the mixture with a fork until most of the dry
ingredients have been moistened.
Turn the ingredients onto the counter
and knead and fold until the dough is formed.
Do not knead longer than
necessary.  Roll or pat the dough to about 3/4-inch thickness and cut with a biscuit
cutter.
Place the biscuits on a greased baking sheet with the edges
touching.
Bake for about 14 minutes or until the tops are just golden brown. 

Sooo good with a little butter and strawberry jam!!
Also perfect for biscuits and gravy.
Be sweet, all!!!

Michael

My grandson, Michael
This is my grandson, Michael. He lives around 300 miles from me now and I miss the big bear hugs he gave me when he lived nearby! He would squeeze me so tight I swear I heard my bones crack and I could barely breathe! He lifted me off my feet as he hugged me and I just can't seem to function as well without one of those hugs every now and then!  I am hoping he will visit for even a few days this summer.  He stays very busy and is in a program with the local college in the summer so he really doesn't have a lot of free time, but maybe he could squeeze in a few days. He is VERY intelligent, can write beautiful poetry.
When my dad was alive, Michael could make him happier than anyone. He was so sweet and chubby when he was little and beginning to walk good, he would run into Dad's room and they carried on a conversation like 2 old men!! It was so cute. Michael talked a mile a minute, waving his arms the whole time and you could not understand one word he said! My dad acted like he knew just what he was talking about and they had such great conversations. I teased Dad that Michael must be speaking Chinese! He was the light of my dad's life and you would never think it, but my dad was the first person Michael ran to see when he came to visit. He ran as fast as he could to Dad's bedroom, where they began their routine. He made my dad SO happy and he looked forward so much to seeing his boy!
When Dad was called back to Heaven to be wrapped in the arms of Jesus, the house seemed very silent and very still. I will always remember the first time Michael came after Dad died, he ran into the bedroom as usual only to find the bed empty and his buddy gone. He had such a puzzled look on his little face as he held out his arms, saying solemnly, "G'ampa gone". It broke my heart, but I am so grateful for the time they spent together and for the happiness and joy he gave to his great grandpa.
Be sweet.

Friday, March 18, 2011

A Father's Love

This came to me in an email and, although it is lengthy, I hope you will take the time to read it.  It touched my heart as I am sure it will touch yours.  It is a sweet, special little poem and tells much of the love a father has for his little girl.
Her hair was up in a pony tail,
Her favourite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
And she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
That she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
If she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
Of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
For her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
She tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
Eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
A dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,
For everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
Anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
A student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
As seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
Every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
A man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
Another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
She heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
Too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
As she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
Who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,
Slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
Came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here,
Because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
Since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
And how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
He taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
And taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
And ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's al ways with me,
Even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
He'll forever be in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up,
And lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
Beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
Her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
Who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
Of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
Doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
Staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
But its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
But heaven's just too far.

You see he is a Brittish soldier
And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
And taught Britans to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
And saw him there that day.

And to her mothers amazement,
She witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
All starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
Who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
They saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,'
To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
Of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
For each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
By the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
That heaven is never too far.

Be sweet and I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have have!!



Saturday, March 5, 2011

Friday, February 25, 2011

Come on, Grandma, You Know You Can Do It

My grand daughter, Caitlyn



I have been playing around all morning when I should have been doing something else!  I made this scrapbook page of my grand daughter.  This is Mike's daughter.  She is and has always been his little angel.  That girl is every bit as pretty inside as she is out!  She is too, too sweet!  She was quite the little monster when she was little, I will tell you!  Into everything except what she was supposed to be!  I could not keep up with her no matter how hard I tried.  I had only to be distracted for a second to find she was out of sight and I had not one inkling which direction she had taken!  I have spent lots of time yelling her name, though of course she never answered, just kept playing or whatever had taken all her attention. I hunted till I finally tracked her down and only then, when she saw me, did she bother to answer, "Here I am!". 
She was my little buddy and when I was so sick, she MADE me walk even when I would rather not.  She would say, "Come on, Grandma, you know you can do it."  and with her prodding me along, I did.  At times I was amazed at the strength I summoned when I had thought I had none.  Doubtful I could not have done it without my sweet little baby girl telling me to hurry and don't be a slow poke!   No one could stay sick long with her around!  She was having none of that self pity, none of that "I can't" or "I"m too tired".  It was always, "Come on, Grandma, you know you can do it!"  She was right ... I could!!!!
So, all of you, be sweet, and always remember whatever you want to accomplish in life, you know you can do it!!!!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Almost Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

So good it will make you want to slap your mama!!!
With warm days looming closer and closer and the heat of summer not far behind, I decided it is as good a time as any for a really great recipe for an ice cream that will fairly melt in your mouth, about as close as one could get to the real thing, but with that homemade goodness that you can't capture in a store bought product, no matter what the brand or cost!
Besides I, for one, think ice cream is quite the treat no matter what the season!  I hope you will give this copy cat a try and I promise you it will be a keeper!

Better Than Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

1/4 cup plain chocolate, shaved
1/4 cup Bing cherries, halved and pitted (you may use canned, just drain off the syrup)
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup milk

Put cherries and shaved chocolate in separate bowls, cover and refrigerate.  Whisk the eggs till they are light and fluffy, about 1 or 2 minutes.  Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time and continue blending until completely mixed, about a minute more.  Pour in the cream and milk and whisk to blend well.   
Pour the mixture into the ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's directions.  When the ice cream becomes stiff (about 2 minutes before it's done), add the chocolate and cherries and continue freezing until the ice cream is ready.

That is all there is to it!!  What a delicious treat to serve to little grandchildren or anyone at any time.  I think all will be amazed that it is so easy to whip up such a delectable delight!!!  Ben and Jerry themselves could not make it simpler or better.

I hope you enjoy the recipe and that it will be one you prepare often as summer draws near.
Be sweet!!

Monday, February 21, 2011

After The Move

Recently moved closer to one of my daughters and I love it!!  My daughter lives on the first block off the main street through town, my son lives just around the corner on the second block and I live in the last house at the end of the third block!!! 
My grand daughter's family has moved a few blocks from the rest of ys and it is SO nice!  I have even more squirrels and little birds here that I did at the other house, it is a larger and nicer house with an absolutely huge fenced back yard, perfect for gardening.  I have two storage sheds in the left corner of the back yard, perfect for storing all the little things I refuse to part with, but they have no place in the house.
Yesterday when I went to the local grocery store I was happy to see that onion sets were already being sold, three kinds, including the purple ones.
I only have to find a way to have the soil tilled or even buy a tiller.  My son says he will do all the work and I can boss!!  That's just the kind of gardening I love to do!
I am as excited as a little kid right before a big birthday party!  It has been a long time since I have had a real garden.  I can almost taste those fresh tomatoes and squash! I hope to make lots of salsa as all of my family loves it.
Last year I made black bean and corn salsa that was delicious.  It seemed no matter how much I made, it never seemed to be enough!  Maybe I should mix it in a wash tub this year!! 
My great grandchildren are growing like little weeds.  Anna starts kindergarten this year, so hard to believe.  Abigail has grown so tall and so pretty it hurts your eyes just to look at her and the tiniest, Morgan will be a year old next month, already walking and has quite an attitude.
I consider myself to be one lucky lady, a grateful granny, for sure!!  Oh, by the way, we have had a couple of HUGE snowstorms, 20 inches in one day.  All in all, life is good.
Be sweet.