The Joys Of Family and Hearth

My dad is out from California for the summer. He is spending his time on the East Coast visiting my sister, and his sisters, nieces and nephews and all his grandchildren. It's been a blessing having him here. A few days ago we took the kids to the boardwalk and enjoyed a lovely day. Patiently waiting until NOON when the rides officially open. First ride, The Crazy Bus Bella comments, "Mama, I can see our car from here" The girls on the helicopters.... Onto the super fast roller coaster, Bella was very disappointed that she could not go on it!!! Balloon Ride.... Can anyone spot Bella??? Bumper Cars, BTW Jake is a way more aggressive driver. ;) We had a total blast and enjoyed the day. Some of us came home a little sunburned, but all is well.

We are in the middle of a huge heat wave. Temps have been reaching high 90's and with humidity it feels like 100+ degrees. In my attempts to keep cool plus keep us eating healthy. I have a veggie tray made up and in the fridge, with some celery, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers and homemade ranch dressing. The ranch dressing is fabulous and delicious and soooooo easy to make. We have of course some homemade raspberry ice tea, homemade lemonade, ice cold water and I even broke down and bought some 'barrel bombs" as my kids like to call them. We are loaded with ice cream too!! Thank Goodness it was on sale this week, for $1.99 a almost half gallon. Oh yeah, and when did that change....???? Anywho ~ today the kids went up to the club house for crafts, nice and cool in there. Then we packed up and went to my moms to use the pool. It was a wonderful refreshing treat. I miss not having our pool up anymore. It's clean out the refrigerator night, or CORN~ so dinner will ...

This recipe came from our Monday night bible study group! Christine Miller gets the credit for it, and it is a favorite of my home as well! We often talk about making a Monday Night Cookbook, as our study is full of some wonderful cooks and dessert makers!! :) Ingredients: 13 lb whole chicken skin removed. (you can use other types of chicken) 1/2 C Chicken broth 1/3 C Soy sauce or Braggs Amino Acids 1/3 C Olive Oil 1/4 C honey 1 t Worcestershire sauce( teriyaki works wonderful too) 2 t balsamic vinegar 2 t lemon juice 1 t sesame oil ( i skip this, it's too expensive for me! ;)) 2 T minced garlic Throw the chicken in the crock, mix all the liquids, pour over chicken. Low for 8 hours, high for 4. de-bone chicken, serve over rice!!! so delicious!!!!

Ok , so I am just thrilled to be using up things from my garden. Recently I picked about 7 Italian eggplants from the garden and had to use them up. This is what I made.... :) Step 1. Fire Roast some delicious Red Peppers Next cut up eggplant into bite size pieces, sea salt and pepper them up then add to your favorite cast iron skillet with some evoo !!! :) Cook until tender. Roughly 10 mins . Then add a 28oz can of crushed tomatoes , I love Tuttorossa Brand! I at this point also added several cloves of garlic. Allow to simmer for about 45 minutes on low, until eggplant is nice and soft. I rough chopped a handful of fresh basil, also out of my garden... ( heehee ) Throw that in, then add those lovely roasted red peppers, make sure you peel the skin off!!! :) Grate on some stinky feet cheese AKA, Parmigiana /Romano... Make ziti , penne , whatever you like!!! Ladle this thick deliciousiousness on top, more stinky cheese, garlic bread, and ENJOY!!!!!! So delicious!!!

Soooo anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE LOVE LOVE dishes!!! It's a wierd obsession I have, I don't know why! However, below is my latest find, they are soooo fun for summer and I got an entire set for 12, including mugs for $22.00!!!! You can't beat that!!! :)

Well I am so excited, My garden has really taken off this year. After composting all winter, adding some horse manure earlier this season, rototilling it all up.. I am actually getting vegetables that are worthy of eating!! WOOHOO.. We have managed to get 2 colanders full of green beans, and some beautiful Italian eggplants and yummy zucchinis. I've already made zucchini bread!! Yummy, using my canned applesauce. :) There is something so inspiring about using what you have worked hard to can yourself!!! I hope to someday have alot of land to work, until then I will make the most out of my suburban homestead!! :) Proverbs 12:11 Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.