New Project

I'm almost done with my "Red Project". I'm hoping to finish it this weekend since it's a long weekend. Of course, I will post a picture. But I have found my next project. SSSSHHHH! It's a secret from Noah. He has recently started to love wolves and I found this on clearance at Hobby Lobby. Do you think I can do it by Christmas? And keep it a secret?

Book Recommendation

I read this book for the first time when I was in high school. If you have somehow missed it, I highly recommend it to you. In fact, when I was searching for the cover to post I noticed that the new edition has information from the author that tells what was going on in her life and how this book came about. Although I still have my old copy from we won't say how many years ago, I may just have to purchase a new copy! This really is a must read.

Saucer-Size Oatmeal Cookies

This is the cookie recipe I used last year for our Fall Festival and I have been asked to make them again this year. I love these cookies. I found the recipe in a book called Perfect Recipes for Having People Over by Pam Anderson.

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
3 cups old fashioned oatmeal
2 large eggs
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
14 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
2 TBSB vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chocolate chips or 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, cut into small chunks

Adjust oven racks to highest and lower middle positions and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and oatmeal in a medium bowl. Beat eggs, salt and vanilla in a small bowl. Mix butter, oil, and sugars in a large bowl. Stir egg mixture into sugar mixture until smooth. Stir in flour mixture, then stir in cranberries and chocolate.

Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a 3 TBSP spring action ice cream scoop, scoop 6 dough balls on each of the cookie sheets. Bake until golden brown, 16 - 18 minutes, switching positions of sheets and turning them around after 12 minutes. Use a metal spatula to transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.

Cooks Note: When I first made these all I had at home was white chocolate chips so I used those instead. I LOVED it and that's what I always use.

Family Happenings

Things are beginning to settle down here.

Noah is having a great school year. He likes his teacher. A few of his friends are in his class but not his best friend. And that's probably a good thing! He has already brought home awesome test scores. They are doing their first fund raiser. And planning the Fall Festival. I've been asked to bring the same cookies I brought last year. I loved them. I'll post the recipe this week. So check back. I'll probably also make some chocolate cheesecakes for the festival. And it hasn't even been a month yet. It's off to a fast and furious start.

Work has been crazy crazy. It always is this time of the year. From July 4th until Labor Day we work long hours and are just ready to drop dead. I'm so glad to see the light at the end of the tunnel for this year! Maybe now I'll be able to post more.

Sunrise Breakfast Casserole

Sunrise Breakfast Casserole

2 packages of sausage
9 eggs
3 cups milk
1 1/2 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp salt
1 package hash browns, thawed
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Crumble and cook sausage and drain.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, mustard and salt. Add the hash browns, cheese and sausage and mix well. Pour into greased 13 X 9 casserole baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Family Happenings

We went on a short vacation to Nashville. It was wonderful! Noah had so much fun swimming, goofing off and exploring. He also loved the water park. Fun stuff. Wednesday he has a short orientation for school and then believe it or not, Friday is his first full day back at school for the year. Fourth grade here we come!!!!

The one sad event, the husband of one of my best friends died Friday. The funeral was yesterday. Please say a prayer for Becca and the children, Jessica and Drake.