HOMEMADE TREATS FOR YOUR "BEST-FRIEND"

Hey everyone....hope your weekend is going well. A bit chilly in Texas these days. I've been eating healthy-r and it made me realize that my four-legged dear friend might too. I have a sweet neighbor that has a border collie named Missy...she reminds me of the one I had years ago. She will run to me every time I'm outside for a dog treat. I don't have a dog anymore so she really makes my day! I was searching healthy dog treats recently and I did a minor twist on a fast and easy recipe. I had a blast making these and I thought what a fun time with your kiddos in the kitchen....baking treats for your family's "best-friend". They are very easy and "MISSY-APPROVED"....have to say,..."I had to test them too" :-)

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilt blog: www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Here's my twist....I added more peanut butter and a 1/4 cup less of the whole wheat flour then what original recipe called for...basically see what would be best for your pets digestive system.
Instead of using a rolling pin...I divided the dough in half and using a double hand palm method, starting in the middle, I smoothed dough into a flat 1/4 " thickness....rotating dough while doing so.
Note: use some flour on surface to help dough from sticking!


Here's all you need:
*1 3/4 -2 c. whole wheat flour
*1 c. quick cooking oats
*1/3-1/2 c peanut butter
* 1 1/4 c. hot water

Here's all you do:
Pre-heat oven to 350*
Mix dry ingredients in large bowl.
Fold in peanut butter with the hot water. Blend well....dough will be sticky :-).
Knead dough well....add flour if needed if it's hard to handle.

Using my tip above....roll dough to 1/4' thickness & cut with a dog-bone shaped cookie cutter.
If you don't have a cookie cutter you could shape into flat round cookies or whatever you design :-)

Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for approximately 40 minutes (ovens vary)
Let cool completely (preferably over night but out of their reach) :-)

Store in airtight container....original recipe states you could freeze them up to 6 mos.
I put some in a container in pantry and then a few in freezer to test myself.

Most of all....have fun making these "fun treats" :-)

"TOASTING in the New Year!"

Hey everyone...hope your week is going well. Recently, while shopping I heard a couple of ladies talking about their New Year's Resolutions. Honestly, I had to laugh. We all look different but we all have the same values and ideas....be kind...workout....family time, etc. Mine was a bit different this year because I actually started eating Healthy-R last October....note...not by choice. This past Holiday season was my first ever "Meat-less dinners"....we decided to cut meat out to help with digestion issues and inflammation in joints, & hopefully all over improvement :-) At first, it was a shocker due to I'm a "meat and potatoes gal" but now I'm not missing it at all and down 10 pds. One thing that I will say I've gotten addicted to "Toasting my nuts", especially Almonds. Toasting or roasting enhances the natural oils in the nuts which improves the overall tastes of the nuts. I never realized how much flavor and how easy it is when adding to your favorite recipes.
I prefer "toasting" due to usually doing small amounts at a time per recipe. I will "roast" when doing small amounts when baking or larger amounts and store in airtight container in fridge and add to salads, oils etc. Seriously you can't go wrong....a few minutes of your time is very rewarding. Needless to say the aroma is wonderful. You will find when I blog, I don't post nutritional value and why I state "Healthy-R"....I'm not a nutritionists so I don't feel it's correct for me to state the nutritional value in the recipes. My recipes and products are what I've found that works great for me and I always say check with your doctor before starting any nutritional change in your diet. Also, email me any great tips you have to share as well.
 Below is some tips for toasting and my "Healthy-R" energy bites....warning they are addicting :-)

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilting blog: www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

"Toasting Tips"...
*Toast nuts before chopping
* Heat in a dry skillet over medium heat...1-2 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning and even cooking.
*Remove...let cool....use right away or store in air-tight container (preferably glass) and keep in refrigerator to keep freshness longer.
*Store in refrigerator 1-2 weeks or freezer container up to 3 mos.
*Label & date :-)
*If you are watching your salt intake (like me) purchase farm fresh nuts if possible or unsalted.
*Recently I've discovered on the back of nut bags you sometimes see "may have come in contact with other nuts while processing"....just be careful if you have nut allergies but love this is stated!

 "Cats Energy Bites"

Here's all you need...
1-14 oz. can Fat Free sweetened condensed milk
1 c. smooth peanut butter (healthy brand is better)
1 3/4 - 2 c. quick cooking oats
1/2 c. 50 % less sugar dried cranberries
1/2 c. "toasted' sliced almonds (addicted to and used Nature's Eats products)
pinch of salt (optional)
tsp. of butter

Here's all you do...
Melt butter in non-stick pan with sweetened condensed milk ....stirring constantly until sides pull away from sides of pan.
Remove from heat and add peanut butter then fold in oats & cranberries until all incorporated.
Let cool (in a rush transfer to a bowl and put in fridge for about 10 minutes)
Drop by spoonful on parchment paper and then roll into balls
Tip....I like to place in tiny foil liners....makes it easy to eat plus kinda cute-c if giving as a gift :-)
Enjoy!

"HAPPY NEW YEAR & THANK YOU!"

Hey everyone....wanted to wish everyone a Blessed New Year & to say "thank you" for following my blog. Especially thank you to all the emails during my back difficulties. It's been a trying year but with the Grace of God all is good! I've done some lifestyle changes now for 7 weeks and you might see some "different style" of my cooking recipes but the décor will always stay the same....sweet and simple :-) My passion is design....cooking and quilting so again I thank you for following me and please continue to email me with your q's....always glad to help!
May we all be Blessed with more dirty dishes and a home full of love!

Blessed Cooking from my Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilt Blog.....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

CATS FUN FRIDAY-TIP..."FROM TOWEL 2 PILLOW SLIP"

Hey quilter's...hope all is going well. It's finally Friday!!! Yes exclamation marks due to my crazy week. I'm working on my pattern series and had to share this "Space-Saving" design tip with you. I have limited storage space so I need to "store smart". Recently I've been cleaning and purging my closets and came up with this idea that I'm in love with. Not only is it a great space saver but I'm using up my scraps as well. Win...win in my book! Last Christmas I received this adorable red truck pillow from a dear friend. It's so adorable that I would leave out all year. Well, guess what....I now do! I designed this pillow slip using up my scraps and it's from a "hand towel" that I purchased from a local craft store & a bi-fold design which makes it even easier! It was perfect and all I needed to do was add my strips that were already cut from a previous quilt project and scraps for the backing. My scrap strip pieces are from Benartex, Moda & Timeless Treasures and of course sewn with AURIfil 50# 2024 thread. I've used this thread so much that I recently ran out and need more! So strong and durable and great for any sewing or quilting projects. Anyway, let me show you how easy this pillow slip is made. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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and www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com


Here's all you do...

Measure your pillow....mine is a 18 x 18  
Square up your towel or cut a center piece 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 (1/4" seam allowance)

I used my scrap strips that were already cut to 1 1/2 " strips so it was perfect...do the same if you wish.
Sew the strips in the log cabin design starting at the top of the towel using a 1/4' seam allowance and squaring up and pressing as you go. (see pic #3)
Once you have reached your desired pillow size....making sure you have a 1/4 " seam allowance on all sides before adding the back sides.
TIP....I full recommend reinforcing the seams...Sometimes you have to fight a bit getting the pillow into the slip :-)
Now for the "Bi-fold method"
I recommend watching a video on the internet to fully understand this method. My way is easy but I feel for a beginner it's better to watch a video to fully grasp this easy method.
*After you watch a video of your choice just remember to add the proper fabric calculations to your pillow size :-)
Have fun!

PUMPKIN-SPICE CRACK.....oh d-lish!

Hey everyone....hope all is well and you're ready for the weekend. I recently posted pics of this "pumpkin-spice crack" without the recipe. Well.....it was because I was still in the testing process. Needless to say....I've probably gained a "few pounds" but I believe it's time to share :-) I did make another batch using less butter and I feel it was a bit better.....I did spread it a little thinner....made it a bit more crunchy....other then that....it still came out wonderful (I think anyway). I received some emails about subbing out white choc instead of dark choc and why I added the pumpkin puree. I honestly hate to admit this....I added the pumpkin puree to add a bit healthy twist to my all time favorite holiday candy. Plus I'm a pumpkin spice everything kinda gal :-) Anyway, let me know if you put your own spin on this recipe....I'll be happy to try yours :-)
Oh....it's Friday....and that means pizza night in my house....I'll be doing a twist on my favorite pepperoni pizza....wish me luck and will share if all goes well :-) Enjoy your weekend!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com
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Here's all you do....

Pre-heat oven to 350*
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
Lay 1 -2 pkgs (sleeves) of graham crackers (broken in half)

In a non-stick sauce pan (I keep one just for candy) melt following stirring constantly until sides break away over medium heat
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup pumpkin puree ( I use Libbys 100% pure pumpkin)
3/4 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice ( or to taste)
pinch of salt

Once all is heated & pulls away from sides of pan (be careful...it's hot)
then pour over graham crackers and spread evenly ( I tried spreading thin and thick....works either way) thin is a bit more crunchy and heavier spread is more chewy....don't think you can go wrong :-)
Place in pre-heated oven for about 4-5 minutes (watch carefully....ovens vary)
Remove from oven & turn oven off
Top with your favorite candies....I sprinkled the following. Didn't measure out, just had fun!
*Dark-chocolate chips
*Butter scotch morsels
*Bits of Brickle
* Candy corn
Seriously, I think you could add nuts...pretzels....candy...whatever your family likes :-)
Return back to over for about 4-5 mins or until slightly melted

Let cool....and you can flash freeze if you need it to set up.
I freeze for about 10 minutes....then place on a plate and into a freezer bag before giving as gifts....that way friends can freeze until ready to eat :-)
Enjoy!

"Today, I realized I'm a Pioneer Woman Snob" :-)....Can't help myself....I love her products!

Hey everyone...hope all is going well. I had to share this 'cause sometimes you don't realize how much you like someone or something until this happens. This week I was making a birthday cake and I whisked the batter using my faithful hand whisk and the thing decided to break on me. I was "too lazy" to break out my hand mixer for such a small task :-) So yesterday while shopping I thought "what a great time" to add to my "Pioneer Woman" collection. Well this morning while making cornbread, I used my new whisk....I was so excited and was whisking away and stopped....where is my sweet little butterfly.....where is my pioneer woman logo....how can this be....I have so much of her cooking items and yes I'm abscessed and it's because her products are "wonderful"....I guess I'll survive for now anyway :-)
***Update....while washing my whisk...."I found her logo"....it helps to wear glasses :-)
Honestly...all kidding aside....she has great products if you haven't already tried them!!!!

Well stay tuned 'cause while my cornbread was cooking (recipe for casserole coming soon) I was able to work on making my "Pumpkin-Spice-Crack" a tad-bit healthier....(pic below)….it's setting up now as we speak and if all goes well I'll be sharing this one as well. I will admit, I tasted it and if it doesn't fully set-up....well let's just say a bowl of ice cream will come into play :-)
Enjoy your day & talk soon :-)

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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"THIS IS WHAT I WANTED...and THIS IS WHAT I DID"

Hey everyone....I hope all is going well. I've been trying to get some blog posts caught up & if you know me, I've got a huge project started on my "quilting blog." As a designer, if I don't have a project that I'm working on I will seriously go nuts. Recently I've been working on some designs for me & have to admit it's more fun helping others. I've been blessed with being able to design for clients homes and have the "eye" to save them money along the way. Lately I've been enjoying being able to consult with people and do what I love....quilting and sewing. I've designed for so many years and sometimes it's just nice to give back to others. As we all have seen, all the do-it-yourself shows and tips have saved us money. Well, I have to admit, I was pretty happy with what I did below. I fell in love with the first design from a magazine but the cost was just not in the budget. I've been re-doing the "guest-room" on a slim budget and needed end tables. If you've priced end tables lately you'll understand where I'm coming from! They are so tiny and so expensive for great quality.
Our town church had a "rummage sale" & a dear friend knew that I was looking for end tables. Well, she called and said hey I found these for 40 bucks. Well I said....still not bad, eighty for two great quality end tables, similar to the design I wanted. Then she said..."No, 40 for both." I don't know how you type happy feet....hands flopping and changing clothes to get to the sale but you got the idea! She was so sweet and they held them until I arrived. Oh my gosh, I was so excited. Great quality and a great deal. Win...win as my grandson would say!
So here's where it did get tricky....I wanted antique casters on the legs....again,,,if you've priced antique casters lately you'll understand what I did. I went to local hardware store and they had the copper casters "reasonably priced". Next step copper spray paint for the handles. Done! Then sand paper to ruff up the edges to give them the "rustic look" I wanted. Done! Needed two baskets for "what nots" to store in". Hmm....oh "borrowed" them from my craft closet :-) Then their was that sweet lamp...again, those are so expensive so I "opt out" and just use the lamp that I originally had. Personally speaking....I feel that I "copied" the original design pretty well & less then half the cost!
I've had some guests visit and stay the night and they loved what I did. One friend is trying to find a bargain herself. Sometimes we just need to realize that it's not all about the look but how we feel when we accomplish something. At least with me anyway! :-) :-) :-)
If you have some tips to share please email me....

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com
Follow on Facebook & Pinterest

See ya on the next project :-)