Making yummy Buttermilk Biscuits

These were very good biscuits and I was happy with my biscuit making skills, especially since I've never made a biscuit before. I served our biscuits under Sausage gravy. I was surprised at how easy they were to make. In the picture, someone had to try a bite before I took a picture. Sneaky...











Ingredients:
2 cups self-rising flour
Dash of Salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons shortening
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon cold water
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Sift the flour, salt, and sugar together into a mixing bowl. Cut in the shortening until the mixture is course (I added maybe an extra tablespoon of shortening because the mixture didn't look course to me.) Add the buttermilk, whole milk, water, and 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces.) Mix lightly until combined, but do not overmix. Scoop mixture out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough two or three times. (If biscuits are to be used for sandwiches, knead a few extra times.) With floured hands, pat out the dough to approximately 1/2- inch thickness. Using a floured biscuit cutter or standard-size can, cut out the biscuits. The recipe says not to twist the cutter when doing this, but to press straight down. Although, I don't know why. Dough scraps can be rekneaded and cut. (Recipe says that these biscuits may be a little tougher, but mine weren't any different from the others.) Place biscuits on a lightly greased baking pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the biscuits from the oven, and brush them with the melted butter. Serve immediatly.
Recipe says it makes 10 to 12 biscuits but mine made 6 big ones, because i only had a really big ring mold that I used.

Thankful... Day 10

30 Days of Thanksgiving.

Day 10:
I am thankful for today... and everyday! It may seem small, but it's so important to be thankful for the present as well as the past and the future. God has blessed my life and I don't want to take any moment or breath for granted! I will never be at this point in my life again, so I must enjoy it and remember it! One reason I take so many pictures and journal is so I can look back and see where I was and how much I have changed from that point. I highly recommend it! I am thankful for the past, because it has brought me here to this point in my life, and I am thankful for the future... whatever it holds, only the Lord knows!

Reminds me of a quote that I've heard...

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a God's gift. That’s why we call it the Present!"

Thankful... Day 9

30 Days of Thanksgiving.

Day 9:
I am thankful for the all the beautiful seasons! God is truly The Master Artist! Today Sophia and I went for a walk and it was so beautiful with all the beautiful leaves changing colors! I took advantage of this time and I was teaching Sophia all her colors, by showing her the different color leaves. She loved collecting all the colorful leaves! Autumn is definitely my favorite season, but I love all the seasons and I am always ready for the next one when it comes! I love them all for different reasons!


Reasons I love Autumn:
How colorful everything seems to be
It's cooler than Summer
Pumpkin patches
Football season
Thanksgiving
Hot apple cider
NC State Fair
Holly Day Fair
Using the fireplace
More time with family

And he changeth the times and the seasons:
Daniel 2:21

Thankful... Day 8

30 Days of Thanksgiving.

Day 8:
I am thankful for friends, near and far, new and old, young and old! Friends, those I have met and those I haven't! Friendships are blessing! Thankful for all the special people God has placed into my life! I hope that I can be as big a blessing to y'all, as you have been to me!

The Miracle Of Friendship

There is a miracle called Friendship
that dwells within the heart
and you don't know how it happens
or when it even starts.

But the happiness it brings you
always gives a special lift
and you realize that Friendship
is God's most precious gift.

By- Jean Kyler McManus

Thankful Day 6 and 7.

30 Days of Thanksgiving.

Day 6:
It was Sunday and I didn't want to be on the computer a lot, so instead of blogging, I spent time with them! Any who, Day 6: I am thankful for my Pastor and church family. I am so blessed to be under such convicting preaching that's not watered down in this modern day religion where "people claim the Name and remain the same." I love that everyone in the church is genuinely concerned for others. If we ever move for any reason, it would be difficult to find another church that my family loves as much as this one! Thankful for Northview Baptist Church!

Day 7:
Thankful for the roof over my head, the food in refrigerator and pantry, the running water in the pipes and electricity and heat and air conditioning. All the things that I may take for granted on a daily basis, but would be difficult to live without! I know that anytime you could take these necessities away. Thank you Lord for these things that make everyday life easier, and help me to be more aware of the small blessing and to not take them for granted when there are others that do not have such blessings.

Thankful... Day 5

30 Days of Thanksgiving.

Day 5:
I am thankful for my brother, Alex. I had 15 years where I was the only child, then Alex came along and changed all that and I wouldn't have it any other way! He is so sweet and I feel almost like a second mom to him! He is growing so fast and at 13 he is already taller than me! I can't wait to see the young man that he develops into!

I am also thankful for my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shelly and Jeremy and my niece, Shaylin! I love them very much and only sad that we don't live closer! I love talking to the them either on the phone or Skype! I love that our girls are so close in age and that they play together so sweetly when they do get to see each other. I love all the moments we share together!

Also thankful for my younger sister-in-law, Sara! She puts up with a lot from her siblings and I guess me too! But she is a very sweet, very smart girl! She has been a blessing to me. It's kinda like having the little sister that I never had! I love trying to give Godly advice from everything from boys to style! I hate that we don't get to see each other more and do more things together!

I love you all and thankful that you all are apart of my life!

Thankful... Day 4

30 Days of Thanksgiving.

Day 4:
I am thankful for my mother and father. God gave them to me for special reasons and I am thankful for that. Only wish that my family would have been more traditional, but still thankful nonetheless and where it has lead me to today! Thankful that my mom worked hard to keep me in a Christian school. I know that took a lot of sacrifice on her part and thankful that she loved and cared enough for me so I could attend Christian school.
Also thankful for my grandparents, who were second parents to me! They stepped in and spent a lot of time with me. My grandmother took me every where with her and taught me a lot about other cultures (and how to act in fancy restaurants at an early age... haha). My Papa stepped into the father role since I only saw my dad once or twice a year, but thankful that my dad continued to be apart of my life even though he lived far away.
I am also thankful for my mother and father-in-law. They have been such a great example for me and I love and appreciate them very much! They are truly have taken me into their family as their own! God knew exactly what I needed in my life and supplied it, as he always does!

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Patrick's Yummy Birthday Cake

I made this Chocolate Cake for Patrick and it was delicious! I am not the biggest fan of chocolate cake with chocolate icing, but this one wasn't overly rich due to the coffee, which help cut the sweetness. I loved this cake and so did everyone else that tried it! I would definitely make this again and it was pretty easy to make and very basic ingredients. The only thing I added was chocolate shavings on top for a more decorated look! Here's the recipe if anyone else would like to make it!

Beatty's Chocolate Cake by Ina Garten

Ingredients
Butter, for greasing the pans
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
2 cups sugar
3/4 cups good cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk, shaken
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
Chocolate Buttercream, recipe follows
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 8-inch x 2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pans.

Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed until combined. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. With mixer still on low, add the coffee and stir just to combine, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.

Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake.

Chocolate Frosting:
6 ounces good semisweet chocolate (recommended: Callebaut)
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 extra-large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
Chop the chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until just melted and set aside until cooled to room temperature.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light yellow and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and continue beating for 3 minutes. Turn the mixer to low, gradually add the confectioners' sugar, then beat at medium speed, scraping down the bowl as necessary, until smooth and creamy. Dissolve the coffee powder in 2 teaspoons of the hottest tap water. On low speed, add the chocolate and coffee to the butter mixture and mix until blended. Don't whip! Spread immediately on the cooled cake.

A time to be thankful... Day 3

30 Days of Thanksgiving.

Day 3:
I am thankful that God has blessed my life with Sophia Aurora Murray! She has truly enriched my life in ways I never thought possible. I feel honored to be the mother of this beautiful little girl, who is full of so much personality, laughter, energy, smiles, independence, love, sunshine and silliness! I always thought I had an idea of what it would be like to be a mother, but had no idea that it would be the hardest and most rewarding job I ever did! So thankful that God gave me the privilege of being a mother. There is nothing in this world that I would rather do!

A time to be thankful... Day 2

30 Days of Thanksgiving.

Day 2:
I am thankful for my dear husband! God brought him into my life a little more than 11 years ago. We were friends that became close friends and later became best friends! I love that we know each other so well. I love that we say the same things at the same time or as he says something that I was about to say! He is my soul mate!

He has been my Rock in hard times and love that I can rely on him for advice, support, and encouragement! I am so thankful for all he has done for me and Sophia. So thankful for a man that stands for what is right, works hard at work and home, and is a wonderful cook! I am blessed!

A time to be thankful...

30 Days of Thanksgiving.

Day 1:
I am thankful for Jesus Christ, My Saviour! Without the Lord, I would be a lost sinner going to hell. But because He died on the cross, I am now a saved sinner on my way home! I was saved when I was 5 years old in Christian school, and later reassured my salvation in high school. So thankful that I knew the Lord at an early age, because he has carried me through a lot of hard times! I would hate to see where I would be without Him.

2 Corinthians 9:15
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."

Braided Yeast Loaf

Ingredients make 1 loaf:

1 tbsp active dried yeast
1 tsp honey
1 cup lukewarm milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 1/2 cups white bread flour
1 tsp salt
1 egg lightly beaten with 1 tsp milk, for glazing

Instructions:

1. Combine the yeast, honey, milk and butter. Stir and leave for 15 minutes to dissolve.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and egg. With a wooden spoon, stir from the center, incorporating flour with each turn, to obtain a rough dough.

3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a clean bowl, cover and leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.

4. Grease a baking sheet. Punch down the dough and divide into three equal pieces. Roll to shape each piece into a long, thin strip.

5. Begin braiding the the center strip, tucking in the ends. Cover loosely and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the bread in a cool place while the oven heats. Brush with the glaze and bake until golden, 40-45 minutes. Place on a rack to cool.

This was pretty easy to make and very good! It is especially good warm with a little bit of butter, but what isn't good with a little bit of butter! ;) Hope you enjoy as much as we did!

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding

Recipe by Paula Deen

Ingredients
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream


Directions
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Taking it slow...

One thing I always have a tendency to do is jump in too deep! I have so much passion for so many things that I can get carried away with ideas of grandeur! When I found out about Disney having a Princess Half-Marathon, I thought I have to do this now! But what I am trying to realize is that I don't have to run it now, but I can start by at least training for it, so when registration comes I know I will have done my part, BUT (and this is a BIG but) if God has bigger and better plans for me, I will happily decline! I am praying that God's bigger and better plans are becoming a Mother for the second time, which is more important to me right now than goals of running in a half-marathon because I can have that opportunity again but right now is the time for motherhood! And I want to embrace it wholeheartedly with no regrets! So we shall see what comes next in my future... baby or half-marathon! I am ready for either one, and I consider both victories!

Curried Shrimp-and-Corn Chowder

From Southern Living Magazine
Patricia Gleason

Curried Shrimp-and-Corn Chowder
Makes 8 servings
Hands-on time: 1 hr
Total time: 1hr., 25min.



Ingredients:
1 med onion, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
2 cups fresh corn kernels (about five ears)
1 (14oz) can chicken broth
1 (13.5) can coconut milk
2 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 lb. peeled, large raw shrimp (26/30 count)

toppings: (optional) toasted coconut, thinly sliced green onions, coarsely chopped roasted peanuts

Directions:
Saute onion in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat 5 minutes or until tender; add garlic, and saute 1 minute. Add Yukon gold potatoes and next 7 ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionaly, approx 25 minutes until potatoes are tender. Stir in shrimp; cook 4 to 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with desired toppings.

This was very good! It is a soup that is good in winter or summer because it is hearty with potates, but also light because of the shrimp.

What makes a Mother...

forget-me-not flower

I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today,
I asked, "What makes a Mother?"
And I know I heard him say:
A Mother has a baby,
This we know is true
But, God, can you be a mother
When your baby's not with you?

Yes, you can, he replied
With confidence in his voice,
I give many women babies,
When they leave it is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime,
And others for the day,
And some I send to feel your womb,
But there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this God,
I want my baby here.

He took a breath,
and cleared his throat,
And then I saw a tear.
I wish I could show you,
What your child is doing Here...

If you could see your child smile
With other children and say,
"We go to earth to learn our lessons
of love and life and fear,
but My mommy loved me so much
I got to come straight here!"
I feel so lucky to have a Mom who had so much love for me,
I learned my lessons very quickly,
My Mommy set me free.
I miss my Mommy oh so much
But I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep,
On her pillow is where I lay.
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,
And whisper in her ear,
"Mommy, Please don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I am here"

So you see my dear sweet one,
Your children are okay.
Your babies are here in My home,
And this is where they'll stay.
They'll wait for you with Me,
Until your lessons there are through,
And on the day that you come home,
they'll be at the gates waiting for you
So now you see
What makes a Mother,
It's the feeling in your heart,
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start!

Found this poem from a friend!

A Tea Party!

Not that I really care about the big Royal Wedding coming up on Friday, but I do love learning about new cultures and like to take any occasion to educate myself about them. In high school, I especially loved British monarchy. But to get to the point, I am going to utilize this occasion to have a Full English breakfast complete with tea and scones. I am quite excited about this because really it is no different from what most people in America would eat for breakfast, aside from the black pudding and baked beans, I think I will skip those! :-/~ I may be having a little too much fun with this but I LOVE breakfast and weddings! So I can't wait to enjoy both together, a delicious breakfast and a beautiful wedding!

I only wish that Sophia is older so she could participate with me! I would really do a lot more. Like play Princess dress up with her and teach her about England and their culture! I can't wait to still do those things with her when she is older!

My Version of Southern Living’s Island Chicken and Rice

I have been making the dish for a long time now. The first time I made it, Patrick and I were living in our first apartment, and he has loved it ever since! I like it too, because it is pretty easy and everything cooks in one large skillet, which makes clean-up easy!

Ingredients:

2 or 3 boneless skinless chicken breast
Salt
Pepper
Crushed red pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
1 (13.5oz) can coconut milk
¾ cup pineapple juice from pineapple slices or chunks

Directions:

Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper.
Brown chicken in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 1-2 minutes each side. You just want to brown chicken not cook it through, or it will be over done later.
Remove chicken from skillet and drain extra oil from pan .
Add butter to skillet and melt, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of skillet; add 1 chopped onion, and sauté approx 4mins or until soft. Add rice, sauté 4mins; add garlic, and sauté 1min. Stir in chicken broth and next 3 ingredients and additional salt pepper, and crushed red pepper if using; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 35mins or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Uncover and fluff rice and let stand 5mins before serving. Garnish with pineapple slices or chunks and chopped parsley.

***The original recipe used bone-in chicken, which needs to cook longer per side 8-10 minutes. And garnished with chopped macadamia nuts with the pineapple slices.

Chicken and rice burritos

I made these Chicken and rice burritos a couple times and they are so good. I should definitely make them more! I am posting the recipe if anyone wants to try them. They are easy to make and good reheated for lunch the next day. If you try them, tell me how you liked them!



Ingredients:

1/2 cup long grain rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 7oz can chopped or diced tomatoes in juice
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 1/4 cups grated Monterey Jack
4 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
6 grande-size flour tortillas

Directions:

1. Bring a saucepan of lightly salted 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the rice and cook for 8 minutes. Drain, rinse and then drain again.
2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, with the ground cloves and oregano, and fry 2-3 minutes. Stir in the rice and tomatoes and cook over low heat until all the tomato juice has been absorbed. Set pan aside.
3. Put chicken breasts in a large saucepan, pour in enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can tell by cutting into chicken. Lift chicken out of the pan onto a plate and cool slightly.
4. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Shred chicken by pulling apart with two forks, then add the chicken to rice mixture, with the grated cheese. Stir in sour cream, if using.
5. Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place them on a plate. Stand the plate over boiling water for about 5 minutes . OR, wrap in plastic wrap and heat in a microwave for 1 minute.
6. Spoon one-sixth of the filling into the center of a tortilla and fold in both sides. Fold the bottom up and the top down. You can secure with a toothpick, or lay it seam side down in shallow dish. Cover with foil and keep warm in oven while you make the rest.

The story of a Lifetime

So for Christmas, my wonderful husband gave me a beautiful and thoughtful gift of a book titled "The Story of a Lifetime" and its pages are empty. I have the great task and duty of telling my and my family's story to my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren! I am excited to learn things that I never thought to ask my grandparents and parents. I wish I had my great grandparents here to ask questions about their lives, but now it is too late. I don't want my great grandchildren to feel the same way. So now by filling the blank lines of this book they will know all about the time in which I lived. And if you think about, we have had many technological advances, some that we could not possibly picture our lives without but just a few years ago were unheard of. I can't wait to see Sophia's expression when she learns of a time before cell phones or better yet cordless phones and computers!

The only down fall to this book is it includes the good and... the bad! As with every family we all have good and bad memories, but do I really what to dig back into the place in my mind where I have buried them? There are many things that I feel I may not be able to write about from my childhood not because I don't want anyone to know but because after suppressing those memories for so many years you forget because you want to forget! But if I write what I remember I guess the bright side is that they can learn what not to do, and ultimately isn't that the point?