"A Pinch of Humor"

 Hey everyone....hope all is well. Sometimes you need a laugh to get us through the week so I hope this is it! The "humor" below reminded me of "Dear Oma" who would say add "a pinch of this." Well, recently I did the same sharing a recipe with a friend. Not everyone cooks and bakes the same. I know for me when cooking, I'm a bit more relaxed with my measuring. When I'm baking, I'm more precise while measuring. I actually will write down what i'm doing when I'm making a new recipe. If it doesn't turn out well then I can go "read my mistakes" :-) If you're like me...you make notes in your cookbook a long side a recipe you may have tried or "tweeked" with notes. I especially love when I'm looking at old cookbooks in antique stores and read someone else's notes on recipes. The funniest that I've read was "never again." I remember lauging out loud in the anique store. Don"t know about you but I've had that "experience" several times trying new recipies. 

So alway's remember the "best ingredient" is a "pinch of humor"....less stress in the kitchen! :-)

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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"FUNctional Florida Decor"

 Hey everyone...hope your week is off to a great start. I recently realized one of my "pet p's" when I was decorating a home. I alway's stressed...decorate your home to your family's needs but make it "FUNctional." Last week, did my decor come in handy! I have to say no matter where you live the weather can alway's grab you by suprise! These battery operated candles seem so minimalistic until your power goes out! Not only are they "safe" but you can actually move them around with you in case of a power outage. I have several throughout my home as 'decor" but they are readily accessible when needed. Here's a funny...if you know me.." I actually do practice what I preach" :-) Anyway...being trendy is fun with your decor but don't forget to make it "FUNctional."

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

email q's cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

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Cat's "Snack Attack!"

 Hey everyone....hope y'all are doing well. I would like to thank everyone for your kind emails. Life has been a "whirl-a-wind" for everyone lately so encouraging emails we're greatly appreciated. Due to "down sizing recently, " I'm still getting used to my tiny kitchen. Then recently had to realize it's not the size of your kitchen that makes food tastes good it's how you prepare it. I will admit that I get very frustrated when I go to my ingredients, especially my baking ingredients 'cause I don't have room for my "antique baking hutch." In fact had to sell it before the move due to downsizing. But...again....it all depends on the ingredients. So I'm adjusting...slowly :-) Anyway....if y'all know me...this "Texas girl" is not a fan of "Tropical Storms"..."Hurricanes" and I get very anxious, putting it mildly. Needless to say these past couple of days really tested my "sress snacking" or my "snack attacks." Well....I want to share one of my favorite go to snack that is really easy to make. Very versatile as well. The garbanzo beans can be blended with so many things to make healthy snacks and meals. I love to blend with avocado for a fresh bean dip....use the same as a healthy bean taco or just put on top of salads instead of crutons. Anyway, keeping the faith and thanks again for your encouraging emails! Hope you enjoy!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

2- 16 oz. cans of Bush's Best Garbanzo beans (rinse & pat dry) highly reccomend due to sodium in cans.

2 TB Olive oil

2-3 TB of Taco Seasoning (or to taste)

Parchment paper

Here's all you do...

Preheat oven to 375*

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Evenly spread rinsed/dried garbanzo beans.

Drizzle olive oil on and sprinkle taco seasoning & miz together.

Spread evernly again before baking.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes depending on your oven and how crunchy you like yours!

Great snack to get the kiddos involved in making too!

Will admit...very addicting :-)

"Cats Healthi-r "TOASTED ALMOND BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP"

Hey everyone....hope your Monday is off to a great start....mine has been quiet....which in my house is a bit scary :-) So I decided to post my healthi-r version of my broccoli cheese soup. This was my "stress project" this weekend. I love seeing pics of everyone's cooking and baking creations on the internet. I know some are having to go back to work....back to our "normal" routines....if can....and I do say that w/compassion. Shopping is so weird now that it makes me just want to stay at home and cook or bake! For some "odd reason" I have a hard time following arrows! :-)
 Although, this "downtime" does gives me the chance to re-vamp my recipes to be "test worthy" when my family does get together. My grandson Davin is my "official tester." Trust me...if you want the honest truth....have a child test your recipe. :-) Anyway.... my toasted almond broccoli cheese soup is healthi-r and so easy to make. I've incorporated my favorite sliced almonds by "Nature's Eat's." These almonds are wonderful as a snack but especially d'lish incorporated into a meal for that extra healthy kick! Recipe can be easily doubled....freezes well & can be served as a side dish just by slightly tweaking the recipe. This is also a fast go to recipe for a stress-free work night & left-overs for lunch next day. Win...win :-)
 I hope you enjoy the recipe....stay strong & positive!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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"TOASTED ALMOND BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP"

w/ NATURE'S EAT'S SLICED ALMONDS

Here's all you need....

3/4 c sliced almonds by Nature's Eat's
1 bag frozen broccoli florets (thawed and pat dry)
1 can of Campbell's Cream of Celery Soup (only use half) but I received a funny email once by a friend that said "can't find  half a can"….let's just say I'm slowing learning ;-)
1 1/2 cups Vegetable broth...or your preferred broth
1/2 cup low-fat milk or your preferred milk (lactose free use water as needed)
4 oz. of Velveeta Queso Blanco....you can substitute another cheese if desired but have to say...."love  this cheese with this recipe" :-)
Smoked Paprika
Sat/Pepper to taste
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Here's all you do...

Pre-heat oven to 400*
Line a baking sheet with Parchment Paper.
Spread broccoli and almonds evenly on pan and sprinkle with smoked paprika. Toast for about 10-12 minutes (ovens vary)
Note: if you prefer almonds not toasted....omit....and save almonds for garnish
Remove from oven and let slightly cool

In a large non-stick pot....cream together half can of cream of celery soup...vegetable broth & milk on medium heat. Add in cubed Velveeta Queso Blanco cheese. Using a heat proof whisk....whisk together until all incorporated.
Fold in your toasted broccoli and simmer on low for amount 10-15 minutes.
Serve in bowls & garnish with your toasted sliced almonds. Enjoy!

Tips....
*Spicer version....add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to soup while simmering.
*Serve as a side dish....just add less broth or more cheese :-) and serve over Cauliflower Rice!
*Leftovers....soup will thicken so just add a bit more broth...milk or water to your taste.

FRIDAY'S TIP: "BAKING COOKIES W/ GLUTEN FREE FLOUR"

Hey everyone....hope all is going well in this "new norm" were all facing. I personally will never say I have a crazy chaotic life again! I don't know about you but I will totally embrace my crazy life again! I am extremely proud of our grandson's adapting to their "home schooling" and all the kiddos. I pray everyday for everyone to get through this safely. I for one will admit that "under stress" I love to bake and come up with new recipes. I have been tweaking my recipes to make them healthi-r and although it tastes good, sometimes it doesn't look that "eye appealing." So I wanted to share this recent tip with you, especially if you've been baking gluten free cookies. Baking is an exact when it comes to measuring ingredients and probably why I love cooking...you can add as you go....taste & experiment :-) Below is a few tips that I hope helps that I've recently tried and worked for me. I'll be posting some healthi-r recipes soon so keep following. In the meantime....stay safe....positive....try new recipes with your family and even a card game or two :-) Hugs!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Cookie tips:

Test a cookie before baking the whole batch.
If you need a thinner cookie....gently flatten with palm of your hands before baking.
If cookie is too flat....chill dough for about 10-20 minutes before baking ( I do this automatically now) :-)
*Eggs at room temperature..... I now "try" to remember to set my eggs out on counter before baking. I will be the first to admit this has been a bit of a challenge....I normally bake cookies on the "moment"....like I said,,,,I admit....I stress bake :-)
Baking with "gluten free" items can be a bit trickier so I help some of these tips help make your baking a bit easier. Enjoy!

"CLEANING Old School w/ Baking Soda!"

Good morning....hope all is well. I know we all are going through a difficult time so I wanted to take a few moments and share a cleaning tip. I've been shopping and due to the short supply of cleaning products it made me realize of how lucky I am to be my age. No humor intended...but with my generation we cleaned a bit different. We used "elbow grease" which is another story of how my sweet grandmother Lottie had me looking for hours to find it! But we used "baking soda" for cleaning and washing and sanitizing. I was shocked at the grocery store recently when I saw cleaning products unavailable but a huge assortment of "baking soda." I've been speaking with people lately that either didn't know about how useful the product is or with all the stress going on just completely forgot. The amount you do mix depends on what you are trying to clean and always keep the product out of a children.
You can google.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning for benefits and use of baking soda. But below are some tips that I've used it for.
Remember safety first and 2gether with Gods grace we can get through anything!

Blessings from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Tips:....
*clean store bought produce....mixed with water gently removes the waxy coating on produce.
*clean countertops & stainless steel sinks
*I personally use to clean my cutting boards after each use!
*HELPS to remove spaghetti stains on plastic containers....honestly, I've learned to store leftover spaghetti sauce is glass containers. My OCD "Only Cat Does" kicks in! :-)
*Store a new open box in your refrigerator to absorb smells. I change out monthly...probably could keep for a few months then discard but my OCD takes over :-)
*Helps to disinfect toothbrushes and use as a mouthwash while mixed with water. Don't swallow if used as a mouthwash....just swish and spit :-) I wouldn't recommend this for a child.
*Helps to disinfect toys when mixed with water! Yes, if my daughter only knew how much I did this when she was young...again my OCD!
* Helps to remove "crayon marks" on walls.....don't ask how I know but will say it does depend on what type of paint you have on your walls so test a small area first. Hopefully you only have a "small area to clean'" ;-) :-) :-)
Kids are under stress to right now....their schedule has changed....they aren't seeing their friends to laugh with so it's up to us parents....grand parents to help them get through this time as well. I recently told my grandson Davin that he is making history. He thought that was pretty cool especially when he asked me if I ever had school via computer. Of course my answer was no we didn't even have computers! Again, sometimes humor is the best medicine amongst chsos.
Be strong and keep the faith!

"CATS FUN-FRIDAY TIP"....WEIGHT-LOSS INSPIRATION!

Hey everyone....hope your weekend is off to a great start. As I've previously posted, I'm on a "weight-loss-journey." I'm very blessed to have my sweet daughter Nichole as my "life coach." A few months back she recommended for me to "write down what I eat throughout the day," so I can see the things that need improvement. Be "count-a-ble."  I just love her! Well....I did try for a few days and then it became a huge slap in the face of when you think you are cooking and or baking healthy but you're really not. So.....I took her advice but on "Mom's pace"....#babysteps! ;-)
What I started to do and have to say pretty much have stayed on track, is that every month I "give up" something that I love to eat or in some case, drink. Yes, it seems that it will take longer but for me it's working & not so frustrating. Loosing weight can be a task but if you make it work for you & realize that your health is important. Stop and think of all your loved ones that depend on you. If our health is bad we are no good to help others. Plus, it's amazing how you'll feel. I know, this has helped my self-esteem....self-confidence & I've only lost 13 pds. Can't wait to see how I fell in the near future.
My adopted sweet daughter Heather recently stated for me to watch out for the carbs as well. A lot of "sugar free" items have more carbs which can be worse depending on your system & exercise routine. I love these girls....both smart and beautiful & health conscious. I'm truly blessed!
Below is a few tips of what I've "deleted" in my journey so far. If you know me "coffee" is a big part of my life, so read on for my "caffeine tip." :-) Hope this helps & please feel free to email me any of your tips you'd like to share!

Blessings from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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January....meat
February….diet sodas (mostly just water w/lemon)
March...my afternoon coffee!!!! This was and still is a huge deal for me but let me share this tip. In the morning I slice a lemon into wedges and place in a container in fridge. Not only is it convenient throughout the day but it's a steady reminder when I open the fridge of what only to drink. I squeeze a lemon into my bottled water and I'm good to go! In the afternoon, I'm now doing the same instead of my coffee. The lemon is a natural detox for your body so it's a win...win in my book :-)

My morning routine!