Saturday, August 31, 2024

8/31 ~ Words

 


8.31.23: beef and mushrooms

8.31.22: hawaiian quilt

8.31.21: TT - how to make cake layers

8.31.20: crochet band for face mask

8.31.19: braised short ribs

8.31.18: farmhouse projects

8.31.17: remoulade sauce

8.31.16: coconut cream filled cupcakes



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Friday, August 30, 2024

Turkey Tostadas

I tore this recipe out of a magazine, looks like maybe the Costco Connection one - made it for dinner last night and we loved it. Very very easy and quick which making it the perfect weeknight dinner. 

I followed the recipe exactly other than omitting the green onions because Dave doesn't like them and I was too lazy to chop them up for myself haha, I bought a 1 lb. package of ground turkey and a 1 oz. envelope of taco seasoning, halved cherry tomatoes, and topped with nacho cheese sauce - here's the recipe as written in the magazine:

  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 6 (6 inch) corn tortillas
  • 1 (1.7 lb.) package ground turkey
  • 2 oz. taco seasoning mix
  • 3/4 cup waater
  • 1 cup refried beans, heated
  • 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and chopped
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Mexicaan-blend cheese
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 3 T. green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
Preheat oven to 350'. Spray both sides of tortillas with cooking spray. Place on a cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until lightly browned. 

Meanwhile, brown turkey in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally; drain liquid. Stir in taco seasoning and water; cook according to package directions. 

Divide and spread heated beans evenly over baked tortillas. Cover beans with turkey mixture, avocado, tomato, cheese and lettuce. Top with green onions and sour cream.

Makes 6 servings. 




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Thursday, August 29, 2024

8/29 ~ Thru the Years

8.29.23: TT elevate a boxed cake mix

8.29.22: Man-day Monday: walleye sandwich

8.29.21: ðŸ”¥ week 35

8.29.20: old world sauerkraut supper

8.29.19: spiral pull-apart pizza

8.29.18: coconut rum cake

8.29.17: to do list by Brooke

8.29.16: bling your shoes!


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Wednesday, August 28, 2024

8/28 ~ Thru the Years

8.28.23: pallet board centerpiece box

8.28.22: ðŸ”¥ week 35

8.28.21: computer prob, no post

8.28.20: homemade jeopardy game

8.28.19: giant whoopee pie cake

8.28.18: s'more cookies

8.28.17: hoop earrings with beads

8.28.16: steakhouse wedge salad


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Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Tip-sy Tuesday: Miniature Salami Rose Skewers

I took a screenshot of this idea (and not a very good screenshot, oh well) that I wanted to share - we love salami roses and this mini version sandwiched between 2 small mozzarella balls with some basil on a short skewer is so fun! Yes, it'll be a little more time consuming than just skewering a cube of salami or sausage, but how cute is this?

don't know where I found this so don't know who to credit. Probably someone on Pinterest!


8.27.23: ðŸ”¥ week 35

8.27.22: roasted radishes

8.27.21: computer prob, no post

8.27.20: comeback sauce

8.27.19: TT wrapping paper holder

8.27.18: newspaper purse update

8.27.17: broccoli salad

8.27.16: Moscow Mule


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Monday, August 26, 2024

Matching Tutu

After making the cute high chair tutu for Georgie's first birthday, Mickey thought a matching tutu for G to wear at her party would be fun. I literally made this in minutes using the same materials as for the high chair. Just like the fluffy peach tutu and the highchair tutus, I tied the tulle and ribbons on long ribbons to make it adjustable to Georgie's waist and then just tie on her with a big bow. 

For some reason I don't have a good picture of Georgie in this tutu, but here's a funny one of her mom modeling it hahahha. Turned out SO cute!!!!! 


8.26.23: words

8.26.21: marinated goat cheese w/roasted grapes

8.26.20: baked steak fries

8.26.19: giant crepe paper garland 

8.26.18: ðŸ”¥ week 34

8.26.17: a funny for the day...

8.26.16: matching game

9/3/24 UPDATE: I just found this cute picture of G in her tutu:



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Sunday, August 25, 2024

🔥 Around the Campfire (week 34)

Dear Campers ~ 

Here's a quick recap in case you missed anything at camp last week:

Posts ~

8/18: 🔥 week 33

8/19: high chair tutu

8/20: TT dirty dozen (fruits and vegetables)

8/21: roasted cabbage

8/22: refrigerator pickled beets

8/23: spinach stuffed portobello mushrooms (Buffy Blogs)

8/24: words

That's it for this week! See you next week for more projects, crafts, recipes, whatever we can think of to make at camp - bye :)


Sincerely ~

Jill
camp counselor

8.25.23: MSTI dish scrubber

8.25.22: easy swedish meatballs

8.25.21: s'more brownie pie

8.25.20: TT - celsius to fahrenheit

8.25.19: ðŸ”¥ week 34

8.25.18: skinny margarita

8.25.17: dutch braid pig tails by Brooke

8.25.16: notebook paper frame 

   

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Saturday, August 24, 2024

8/24 ~ Words

 


I meant to post this on my (younger, crazier) sister's birthday a couple weeks ago but then I got all behind in life and didn't get around to it! 

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Friday, August 23, 2024

Spinach Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms - Buffy Blogs

My niece Macey sent me this recipe for stuffed mushrooms - I love that she's created her own blog category called 'Buffys Blog' (side note: Buffy is my nickname for her, as a child she looked like Buffy from Family Affair haha). This one looks and sounds great!

Here's the recipe in her words:


1. Clean mushrooms! Cut out the inside to make a "cup".

2. Using a basting brush, gently coat the mushrooms with oil and spices of your choice. I used salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

3. Fill mushrooms "cups" with delicious goodness (AKA: bitchin' spinach dip that really is bitchin') and cheese (pepper jack for moi, but feel free to add whatever cheese preferred)

4. Bake at 425' for 10 mins. 

8.23.23: carrot orzotto

8.23.22: TT culinary torch

8.23.21: columbia 1905 salad

8.23.20: ðŸ”¥ week 34

8.23.19: sausage stuffed dates

8.23.18: freezing tomatoes 

8.23.17: buckeyes

8.23.16: how to baste eggs




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Thursday, August 22, 2024

Refrigerator Pickled Beets

Kyle gave me a box of beets and mentioned pickling them - I love pickled beets but have never made them. Now that I have pounds and pounds of beets I figured why not give it a try?! This batch of refrigerator pickled beets is just what it sounds like, add cooked beets to a pickling solution and leave them in the fridge for up to 6 weeks. Yum! 

I also canned some pickled beets that will be shelf-stable for a year that I'll share with you later. 

In this photo the large jars for the fridge are on the far left:


  • 4 medium roasted beets, cooled, peeled, and sliced (*see below for roasting directions)
  • 1 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 t. kosher salt
  • 1/4 t. dry ground mustard
  • 5 whole black peppercorns 
1. Bring the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and mustard to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Simmer for a few minutes; take off the heat and allow to cool a bit.

2. Add peppercorns and beets to a clean glass jar with a tight fitting lid. (This particular recipes fits nicely into a 1 liter sized jar.) Pour the brine in, covering all the beets.

3. Cover and set aside for several hours (or up to 24), then transfer to the refrigerator. 

*to roast: remove the green tops from the beets, scrub the beets, wrap individually in foil. Place on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 400' until cooked thru, approximately an hour. Note my beets were large and took over 2 hours to bake thru! 

recipe found here at bellyfull 




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Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Roasted Cabbage

I have roasted lots of different kinds of veggies but this was a new one for me - and we LOVED it! Like most roasted vegetables this is really easy to do and makes a great side dish.

Preheat the oven to 400', line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. 

Remove the outer leaves, cut in half and then into wedges. Leave the core in - there's no need to cut it out and it holds the wedges together. Plus it tastes good once roasted. Place in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. 

Drizzle with olive oil and rub in all over the wedges. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.

Roast until golden brown and fork-tender, 25 - 30 minutes. 


8.21.23: bobble stitch and flannel baby blanket

8.21.22: ðŸ”¥ week 34








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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Tip-sy Tuesday: Dirty Dozen

I thought this was interesting, maybe you want to know and maybe you don't haha - this info is from the EWG (environmental working group) and they say of the 46 items included in their analysis, these 12 fruits and vegetables were most contaminated with pesticides. 

 


  1. strawberries
  2. spinach
  3. kale, collard and mustard greens
  4. peaches
  5. pears
  6. nectarines
  7. apples
  8. grapes
  9. bell and hot peppers
  10. cherries
  11. blueberries
  12. green beans

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Monday, August 19, 2024

High Chair Tutu

Mickey asked if I could make a tutu for Georgie's high chair for her birthday party - I've never heard of a tutu for a high chair haha but I'm sure I could make one. I googled and yep, high chair tutu's are a thing!

Didn't have a measurement for how long to make it so I tied everything to a white rope/cord using larks head knots and left very long tails on both ends in case I needed to add more or remove some. I did a mixture of white tulle, rose glitter tulle, peach ribbons and cords, sage green ribbon, and different textures of white ribbons all cut approximately 20 inches long (each piece is doubled over the cord so the tutu hangs about 9 inches long. 

It looked so cute tied around her chair!








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Sunday, August 18, 2024

🔥 Around the Campfire (week 33)

Dear Campers ~ 

Here's a quick recap in case you missed anything at camp last week:

Posts ~

8/11: 🔥 week 32

8/12: fluffy peach tutu

8/13: TT baking powder vs. baking soda

8/14: thru the years

8/15: smash cake

8/16: bourbon berry bramble

8/17: words (she is clothed)

It has taken a really long time and has been quite the struggle, but I think our internet is finally sorted out (fingers crossed!). We have all new equipment and the Xfinity guy was here a couple times (and there have been multiple trips to their store!), what a pain. Anyway, hopefully I'm back!

That's it for this week! See you next week for more projects, crafts, recipes, whatever we can think of to make at camp - bye :)


Sincerely ~

Jill
camp counselor



   

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Saturday, August 17, 2024

8/17 ~ Words

 



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Friday, August 16, 2024

Bourbon Berry Bramble

Saw this on a cocktail list somewhere and snapped a pic - I haven't made it yet but I'm definitely going to, especially since I have a full bottle of St. Germaine liqueur that has been in my fridge for at least a couple years that I haven't found a good reason to open! Now I do...I'll update after I try this drink (I don't have amounts so I'll wing it until it tastes good haha!)



8.16.22: TT things to toss


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Thursday, August 15, 2024

Smash Cake

I made a small 'smash cake' for Georgie's birthday - the idea behind a smash cake is that it is literally just a cake for the kid to smash/mash/smush/lick/stick their grubby little fingers in however they want hahah. Georgie was so funny - she didn't smash it or go crazy, she just stuck her finger in a couple times...her dad broke off a piece and handed it to her, she put a little in her mouth and spit it out, and then proceeded to throw the rest on the floor like 'get this off my fingers' LOL. Fortunately for everyone else we were able to just cut off a little piece where she touched it and then we could eat her cake hahaha.


I made a 3-layer smaller 6" white cake and frosted it with my traditional buttercream tinted in 4 shades of peach. Frosted in an ombre style, with the darker color at the bottom working up to a pale peach at the top. I used a #1M tip to make big swirls of frosting. It turned out pretty (even if the girl didn't have any interest in eating or smashing it LOL). 




8.15.22: baked walleye


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Wednesday, August 14, 2024

8/14 ~ Thru the Years

Well I said things were getting back to normal and I'd be able to catch up on blogging, and here we are with another missed day! Boo. Internet issues again!! Hopefully it's fixed for good this time (not forever, obviously, nothing is fixed forever hahahha, but fingers crossed it's fixed for a good long time!). Here's what happened at camp on this day thru the years:

8.14.23: how to sew a pillowcase 

8.14.22: ðŸ”¥ week 33

8/14.21: buffalo dip




8.14.17: make a personalized shopping bag

8.14.16: quebec chicken

 

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Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Tip-sy Tuesday: baking soda vs baking powder

I came across this info at Better Homes and Gardens and thought it was interesting (if you're a baker, if you don't care about either baking soda or powder I'll see you back here tomorrow!). I can never remember the difference between the two, not that it matters because I just follow whatever recipe I'm using and don't question the 'why' - but it's still fun to know. Click here for the original source, they tell you how to test both for freshness (which I've never done, good to know that they need to be fresh instead of sitting in my baking closet for years hahaha!).

Here's info from their article:

It's important to understand baking powder's powers to compare and contrast baking soda vs. baking powder. Baking powder combines baking soda, some acid, and some anti-caking agent (like cornstarch). Baking powder harnesses the powers of both an acid and a base, so recipes that call for baking powder don't necessarily require an acid to work. Recipes with baking powder simply need heat and moisture to rise as desired.

Most commercial baking powders sold in America are "double acting." The first reaction happens when the baking powder is combined with a liquid, which begins to aerate the mixture. The second reaction occurs in the oven under the influence of heat. The acidic element of baking powder (cream of tartar or something similar) weakens the gluten within the dough or batter, yielding a whiter, more delicate, and usually tighter texture than if you used both baking soda and powder.

Why Some Recipes Call for Both Baking Powder and Baking Soda 

Some recipes require more leavening than the amount of straight acid (baking soda) the batter or dough can handle. That's when baking powder is beneficial—it creates even more lift for your buttermilk pancakes.

Some baking recipes don't call for baking soda or baking powder. This is usually the case when either:

What Is the Difference Between Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder—and What Are the Similarities? 

So, is baking powder the same as baking soda? No, but they do overlap in terms of ingredients and purpose. Baking soda and baking powder both contain sodium bicarbonate. Combined with an acid, either already in the baking powder or added in the recipe alongside baking soda, this creates carbon dioxide gas that acts as a framework to create a tall and lofty texture.

Can I Use Baking Powder Instead of Baking Soda? 

The ingredients are not interchangeable for the reasons mentioned above. But in addition to leavening, they're both formulated to:

  • Create tenderness—The gases expand, and cell walls within baked goods begin to stretch and thin, resulting in a tender texture that is less dense and easier to eat.
  • Improve flavor—Synthetic leavens, in proper proportion, can lend a salty and/or sour flavor that's signature in scones, biscuits, and soda bread.

Both are affordable and don't take up much pantry staple storage space, so we recommend having both baking powder and baking soda on hand.

The Bottom Line About Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder 

Purchase baking soda and baking powder in as small of boxes and canisters as you can find, then store them in a cool, dry place. Replace every six to 12 months, and test for freshness each use beyond three months.


 found here at bhg.com

8.13.23: ðŸ”¥ week 33

8.13.22: dirty shirley

8.13.21: taco cake









8.13.20: notebook paper frame

8.13.19: TT - opening a can

8.13.18: framed travel coins

8.13.17: chicken tortellini salad

8.13.16: copycat purple drink




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Monday, August 12, 2024

Fluffy Peach Tutu

Well I just disappeared for a few days, didn't I?!! Things have been extra-extra lately and the blog had to be overlooked until I could catch myself up! Between a bunch of birthdays and our internet going out I just haven't ben able to post like I normally do. But I'm back and can't wait to show you some of the things that I've made lately!

First up - I made this adorable fluffy tutu for Georgie's 1st birthday party - I made another for her high chair that I'll show you later, it's got ribbons and things among the tulle strips; this one is just a fluffy solid peach tulle. I didn't know how to make a layered tutu so I did a little 'research' (hello Mr. Google and Youtube LOL) and it's super easy.

I didn't have George's waist measurement so figured I'd just make it adjustable by tying the tulle to a 1" satin ribbon, that way I could add more or take some away once we tried it on her. First I cut 6" wide tulle into 14" strips; put 2 strips together, fold in half, tie onto the ribbon using a larks head knot; repeat until I thought it would be long enough. Then I cut the same 6" wide tulle into 12 1/2" strips, and tied them the same way in between the longer strips. That's it - so easy and didn't take very long at all. Wrapped it around her waist and tied the ribbon in a bow to close it. 



8.12.23: words

8.12.22: candied almonds
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Sunday, August 11, 2024

🔥 Around the Campfire (week 32)

Dear Campers ~ 

Here's a quick recap in case you missed anything at camp last week (no, you didn't miss anything, because I didn't post anything new!):

Posts ~

8/4: 🔥 week 31

8/5: thru the years

8/6: thru the years

8/7: thru the years

8/8: thru the years 

8/9: thru the years 

8/10: thru the years

That's it for this week! See you next week for more projects, crafts, recipes, whatever we can think of to make at camp - bye :)


Sincerely ~

Jill
camp counselor

8.11.23: MSTI coffee chiller update
8.11.20: TT - brownie liners
8.11.18: boozy bears (gummy bears soaked in vodka!)
8.11.16: citrus pesto


  

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Saturday, August 10, 2024

8/10 ~ Thru the Years

Another day of looking back at what happened at camp on this day thru the years:

8.10.23: shortcut chicken potpie by Jen
8.10.22: black bean salsa
8.10.21: TT - drizzling chocolate
8.10.20: hello doormat
8.10.17: breakfast salad

 

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Friday, August 9, 2024

8/9 ~ Thru the Years

Yep, looks like this whole week is a blast from the past until I can get my poop-in-a-group (what does that even mean? LOL):

8.9.23: bacon and boursin stuffed peppers

8.9.22: TT mangoes

8.9.21: texas caviar

8.9.20: ðŸ”¥ week 32

8.9.19: paper straw easels

8.9.18: hemp dog necklace

8.9.17:  zucchini muffins

8.9.16: mason jar lunchables

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Thursday, August 8, 2024

8/8 ~ Thru the Years

Nothing new to post today, continuing to show you what's happened in years past so you at least have something to look at today! 

PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGIE!!! YOU'RE ONEEEEEEE!!! 


8.8.23: TT herb flowers

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Wednesday, August 7, 2024

8/7 ~ Thru the Years

Yep, still busy and spotty internet are contributing to my not having anything fresh to share - here's a look back at what happened at camp on this day thru the years:

 8.7.23: baby play ring 

8.7.22: ðŸ”¥ week 32




8.7.17: make a pompom throw

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Tuesday, August 6, 2024

8/6 ~ Thru the Years

Crazy hectic week - no time to blog! I am making lots of things for birthdays and parties but just don't have time to sit for long hahah. Here's a look back at what happened on this date thru the years:

8.6.23: week 32

8.6.22: lemon squares

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Monday, August 5, 2024

8/5 ~ Thru the Years

Crazy hectic week - no time to blog (plus our internet isn't working, ugh)! I am making lots of things for birthdays and parties but just don't have time to sit for long hahah. Here's a look back at what happened on this date thru the years:



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Sunday, August 4, 2024

🔥 Around the Campfire (week 31)

Dear Campers ~ 

Here's a quick recap in case you missed anything at camp last week - in case you are seeing this 2 weeks late, it's been crazy hectic 'round here and also our internet is driving me bonkers not working consistently! 

Posts ~

7/28: ðŸ”¥ week 30 

7/29: wood candleholders

7/30: thru the years

7/31: thru the years

8/1: detox soup

8/2: crispy chicken piccata 

8/3: words (amount of work)

That's it for this week! See you next week for more projects, crafts, recipes, whatever we can think of to make at camp - bye :)


Sincerely ~

Jill
camp counselor



  

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Saturday, August 3, 2024

8/3 ~ Words



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