Sallie Ann Robinson, Embracing Daufuskie Island

 

October 7, 2021

 

Sallie Ann Robinson, Embracing Daufuskie Island (South Carolina)

Author Sallie Ann Robinson 
with her book on South Carolina’s Daufuskie Island’s history,
that she co-authored with Jenny Hersch.
Photo taken September 5, 2018

First impressions…
Meeting Sallie Ann in September 2018, I was struck by her infectious smile and upbeat personality.
(Please, read more about that meeting, and the interesting story of how that meeting came to be, here.)

I happily met Sallie Ann in September 2018.
Read more about our meeting, and how that meeting came to be, here!
Photo taken September 5, 2018

Sallie Ann was born, and grew up on the island of Daufuskie Island (South Carolina).  
In fact, she was one of Pat Conroy’s students, featured in his 1972 book/memoir 
The Water is Wide. The book was made into the 1974, Jon Voight film, Conrack, and later into a 2006 Hallmark movie, The Water is Wide.  In Conroy’s book, Ethel, his student, was in reality Sallie Ann, and Yamacraw Island was actually Daufuskie Island.

Graduating with my elementary education degree in May 1980

I discovered this book as a brand new, just out of college, South Carolina elementary school teacher in 1980 (See photo above.).  I was fascinated.  So, when visiting Hilton Head Island in 1981, I embarked on the boat ride over to see the island that Conroy so descriptively painted in his novel. (Even today, the only way to get to Daufuskie Island is via an hour-long ferry ride.)

A photo from Daufiskie Island, taken in April 1981.
Note the mode of transportation that took me there from Hilton Head Island. :o)

These days, after spending years of living off the island, Sallie Ann resides on Daufuskie Island with 450 other residents. Called by some “The Gullah Diva”, Sallie Ann keeps the history of Daufuskie alive by writing books and cookbooks, children’s books, by cooking, and giving tours of her beloved island.  Sallie Ann has hopes of aiding in the restoration of the handful of original Daufuskie Island historic homes into bed and breakfast accommodations, and cleaning up Daufuskie’s aging cemetery.   

A pretty Sallie Ann photo from her new updated website, here.

It was through a friend’s text a few months ago, that I learned about an informative, new, four-part program on Netflix, that had just begun to air, called High on the HogIt explores the history of African American cuisine. How interesting!  My interest was further piqued, upon learning, that Sallie Ann Robinson appears in Season 1, Episode 2: 
The Rice Kingdom!  It was fun seeing her enjoy the exploration of Gullah cooking in the Daufiskie Island segment! And by Sallie Ann’s own admission, “it was fun”making the show!  :o)

Check out  Sallie Ann’s website, here.

Read this wonderful article about Sallie Ann by the BBC is here.

 Life is precious and for the living. 
Enjoy it, because tomorrow is not promised.
Remember, and remind yourself, that life is what you make of it. 

And most important, you have the power to reach for the sky 
because its big enough for all to have a slice and ENJOY!

…..Sallie Ann Robinson

 

Thomas Jefferson Liked Macaroni and Cheese!

The Sallie Ann portion is not the only fun in this series.  Among the other gems unearthed on High on the Hog, is the not often-told history of macaroni and cheese in America!  Spoiler Alert-Thomas Jefferson was a big fan of this dish!  I found the original Jefferson recipe, here, and here.  For a little history on this All-American dish, prepared by James Hemings, Jefferson’s enslaved cook, read here and here.

Macaroni is so All-American that it is found in many U.S. kitchen pantries,
including mine!

 

 Cooking with Gammy

 I have been enjoying Gammy time with my almost two-year old granddaughter, lately.  :o)
See some of those cooking creations below.

 If You Give a Moose a Muffin

If You Give a Moose a Muffin (by Laura Joffe Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond) was a fun to read and, of course, made us hungry for muffins!  :o)

A fun book

Moose craft

Muffin mix

Yummy muffins!

Squirrels and Acorns

Reading about squirrels, and counting them on our walk, were fun activities, 
but frosting the tops of donut holes, dipping them in mini-chocolate chips, 
and adding part of a pretzel stick for a stem, was tastier!

Donut acorn

Pumpkins
October means pumpkins!
So we baked pumpkin cookies!

Easy pumpkin sugar cookies, and the raw dough is safe to eat!

 

Made Me Smile  :o)

Tea
If you have read my blog before, you are aware that I am a BIG fan of Barry’s Tea!
Most days, I begin my day with a cup of this wonderful “no-nonsense” tea!
Read about how I discovered this tea brand, here.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_3072.jpg

Enjoying my Barry’s Tea!

Mickey Snowman
The one addition to my Christmas decor this year is this Mickey Mouse Snowman!  
All sold out last year, I was very happy to locate one this year at Lowe’s
My grandchildren will love seeing it lit up inside my entryway this holiday season.  :o)



How cute is this Mickey Mouse Snowman?!

Mickey Jack-O-Lanterns
Speaking of Mickey Mouse, gotta love a little Halloween Mickey, right?

Mickey Mouse is as scary as my house gets on Halloween!  :o)

Fall
Autumn brings beautiful weather on my daily walks!
The fall colors are just beginning to show!

Autumn walks mean beautiful weather and colors.

 

Enjoy These Related Blog Posts!
Just click on where it says here and enjoy.

The Flavors of Fall, September 2018, here.

Beach Love, September 2018, here.

Oktoberfest-October, October 2019, here.

October, October 2018, here.

Halloween, Not-Too-Scary Movie Watching Fun, October 2019, here.

Key Lime Pie, a New Halloween Tradition, November 2019, here.

Happy October,
October 2020, here.

Trick-or-Treat,
October 2018, here.

Hello, First Day of Autumn, September 2016, here.

Dracula, October 2015, here.

Autumn in October:  Young Frankenstein, A Not-Too-Scary-Halloween, and Pumpkin Cake, October 2016, here.

Happy Not-So-Very-Scary Halloween, October 2013, here.

Halloween, Not-Too-Scary Movie Watching Fun, October 2019, here.


Thank you for reading I’m Annette!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog!
Look for the next blog post around November 18.

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower!  It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly,  please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out the Last Eight Years of Past Blog Posts!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,or you can “search” a topic in the Archivessection, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

Mr. Owl, brings me smiles, reminding me of the owls in the
Haunted Forest from The Wizard of Oz (I’d turn back if I’d were you!”),
Wishing you a happy and safe Halloween!

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Hello Fall!

September 7, 2021

Hello Fall!

Hello Fall!

This is my favorite time of year;
the end of fall,
right before autumn begins.

April (Played by Greer Grammer)
From the TV show The Middle
(S8E32016)

Happy Fall!
I just had to begin this blog post with this silly, yet, nonsensical quote from one of my favorite sitcoms, The Middle. Hee Hee.

Fall is my very most favorite time of year! (Insert my happy smile here.)  With Labor Day in the rearview mirror, in my mind fall has now begun!  Even though the calendar declares that the first day of autumn officially begins September 22, I beg to differ.
Autumn IS here!!!

With this proclamation, my fall decoration bin has been lugged up from the basement to see the light of day.  My home now is sprinkled with a little bit of festive fall fun.  Take a peek.

My home now is sprinkled with a little bit of festive fall fun.

A Dessert From My Childhood

I recently rediscovered this flavor from my childhood.  It is a simple, yet yummy, dessert that originally came from my Aunt Helen.  I remember in my younger days (In sixth grade?) stealthily sneaking into this dessert whenever I could, often picking out the chilled chocolate chunks from within.  Oh, so yummy on a hot summer day.  I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

This simple, yet yummy, dessert originally came from my aunt.

The Recipe

Chocolate Chip Dessert

 

Enjoy!

 

 Cooking with Gammy

I love being a gammy, and I enjoy cooking!  Combine these two things together, and it is fun times for all!  One of my grands’ favorites recipes to cook up together comes from
Walt Disney World’s, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cookbook (2015), in the form of Fruit Sushi. 

One of my grands’ favorites recipes comes from
Walt Disney World’s, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cookbook (2015),
in the form of Fruit Sushi. 
(A lot of delicious-looking recipes are in this book!)

I keep the five ingredients needed, on hand, for whenever my grand kiddos want to whip up a batch of these colorfully enhanced Rice Krispie Treats.

The five ingredients needed, for these colorfully enhanced
Rice Krispie Treats are shown above.

The day that this photo was taken, the grocery store was gummy worm deficient,
so we used fruit snacks, instead.
:o)

Spread 1/3-1/2 cup (using greased with PAM measuring cup)
mixture onto each fruit roll-up.

Roll the Fruit Roll-up tightly around the Rice Krispe mixture
and gummy worm.

Slice into 1-inch pieces and serve.

WDW Fruit Sushi

Ingredients

PAM cooking spray

12 fruit roll-ups

4 cups miniature marshmallows

3-4 Tablespoons butter
(The original recipe calls for 3 Tablespoons)

6 cups of Rice Krispies

12 gummy worms
(Fruit snacks can be used in a pinch.)

Also, wax paper and small sandwich bags

Directions

Unroll and unwrap fruit roll-ups, and place flat on wax paper. Set aside.

Melt marshmallows and butter in sauce pan over low-medium heat, stirring until smooth.
Remove melted marshmallow mix from heat.
(I do this part.)

Add Rice Krispies, and mix well until cereal is totally coated.

Spread 1/3-1/2 cup (using greased with PAM measuring cup) mixture onto each fruit roll-up.
(Original recipe calls for 1/2 cup.)

Place one gummy worm lengthwise in the middle of the Rice Krispie mix of each Fruit Roll-up.

Roll the Fruit Roll-up tightly around the Rice Krisipe mixture and gummy worm.

Slice into 1-inch pieces and serve.
(I do the slicing part, as a sharp knife is required.)

Store extra in air-tight container, or baggie.

Annette’s Notes
 I use (as do my grand children) a small sandwich bag sprayed with PAM to work with and form the Rice Krispie mixture.

Enjoy! 

Enjoy These Related Blog Posts

IMG_5669

Rice Krispie Treats, The All-American Snack, June 2020, here.

IMG_3703.JPG

Autumn is the Mellow Time of Year,  November 2014, here.

IMG_1232

Autumn, the Comfy Cozy Time of Year, November 2017, here.

IMG_6989

The Flavors of Fall, September 2018, here.

 

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

 

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog!
Look for the next blog post around October 7.

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower!  It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly,  please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Eight Years of Past Blog Posts!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “search” a topic in the Archivessection, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Giant

July 30, 2021

Giant (1956): A Cowboy Day Cook-Along

IMG_1761

My DVD copy of the sweeping classic, Giant, has been watched many times over the years.

Cowboy Day!
Visions of…
cattle on the dusty open range,
hefty sagebrush blowing across a western town’s empty main street,
guys and gals dressed in classic cowboy gear, including that iconic
Stetson (cowboy hat), while riding on beautiful horses,
and chuck wagon food prepared on a blazing open fire,
flood my brain.
Speaking of brains…well, we will get to that in a minute!

Thanks to Greg of Recipes for Rebelss annual Cowboy Day Cook-along, we are taken back to a time when cattle was king.  (Speaking of “king”, I am anxious to try out the
“King Ranch Chicken” recipe in his post, here. ) His creativity is a joy to behold and his enthusiasm for the subject, contagious!

Screen Shot 2021-07-29 at 6.28.57 PM

Giant: Fun Fact For Ya!

It is my pleasure to participate in this annual “chow down rodeo” for the third time,
and I must say, this year’s theme is my favorite, so far: the epic Texas drama, Giant!
  
As big as Texas, this cinematic masterpiece follows Jordan and Leslie Bededict
(Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor) through 25-years on their 595,000 acre ranch.

Here are a couple of fun facts about this film…

James Dean’s character in Giant inspired the part of J.R. Ewing (as in “Who shot J.R.?)
in the tv series Dallas.

This was James Dean’s final movie before his fatal auto accident.

Leonard Nimoy (Spock of “Live Long and Prosper” from Star Trek, ) , Errol Flynn, and John Wayne, among many others, were considered for the role of Jordan Benedict Jr.

The set design for the living room of the Benedict’s house was used again for the entry hall in The Sound of Music. The color and decor was changed when it was built the second time for The Sound of Music.

The large painting “Venting Cattle on the Frisco System” by Frank Lewis Van Ness,
that hung in the mansion in Giant, now hangs at The Menger Hotel lobby in San Antonio.

Some say that this movie was a major influence on tv soap operas.

For more fun facts about Giant, go here.

Brains!

In the early part of Giant there is a big cookout at the Benedict ranch to introduce new bride, Leslie, to her neighbors.  One of the dishes served up is the ever-popular
Barbacoa de Cabeza (slow-cooked cow’s head).  Upon seeing it, Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor) faints!

(Read about cooking up this dish on this Recipe4Rebels’ blog post, here,
and how he had to purchase three cow’s heads!  :o))

Reading this piece reminded me of a time many years ago, yes, it was in Texas, when I was shopping at our local grocery store.  Digging around the very deep, and cold, meat section, I emitted a loud involuntary scream!  While rummaging around the array of carnivorous offerings, I had inadvertently stumbled upon the clear-wrapped head of a hog, staring straight up at me! :o)

Cookin’ Like a Texan

This year’s Cowboy Day Cook-Along challenge, with its Texas theme, made me think of my oft-baked recipe for Texas Governor’s Mansion Cowboy Cookies, or, as they are better known around my house, George Bush Cookies.  I found this recipe many years ago, upon purchasing Presidential Cookies, by Bev Young, while visiting the Jefferson Memorial in
Washington D.C.  When I first purchased this treasure trove of presidential cookie recipes, I read it from cover to cover, enjoying food/recipes AND history in one book!

I originally found the recipe for George Bush Cookies in this cookbook.

I share with you this recipe. (I have added my small changes in the recipe below.)
This recipe makes a lot of large cookies, and mixing regular amount is too much for my mighty mixer’s bowl to hold, so I have learned to make a half batch. 
The half-batch measurements are in parenthesis above of the regular measurements in the recipe, below.

Mixing up a batch of George Bush Cookies

I use a large cookie scoop for these yummy morsels.

The Recipe

Texas Governor’s Mansion Cowboy Cookies
(Also, known as George Bush Cookies)

 

Enjoy!

 

 Cooking with Gammy

Greg not only put together another fun Cowboy Day Cook-Along, but he even was kind enough to send me a “kid recipe” that he ran across for chocolate cowboy hats!
Thank you, Greg!  Making these with my grand children was a rootin tootin good time!
And they liked that these yummies looked like Woody’s cowboy hat from Toy Story!

IMG_1170

Warning!
Dipping
Pringles
into melted chocolate was a pretty messy task,
although a delicious one!
A mini Reeces Peanut Butter Cup placed onto the still soft chocolate,
along with a Sour Straw completed the look.
After a few minutes in the cool corral/fridge, they were ready to chow down.

 

Click on These Related Blog Posts

img_1755-2

A Bonanza of a Recipe, June 2019, here .
 
 
A Brief Visit to Iowa, September 2015, here
 
 
Recipes4recipe , July 2021, here
 
 
Thank you for reading I’m Annette!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

 

 

I’m Annette Stuff

 

The Next Blog!
Look for the next blog post around ??????.


Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower!  It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly,  please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Eight Years of Past Blog Posts!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “search” a topic in the Archivessection, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

A 1951 Cowboy coloring book

 

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

A “Berry” Good Pie!

June 15, 2021

A “Berry” Good Pie!

IMG_0806

This colorful strawberry pie, made with local strawberries, did not last long at my house!

                                                          It’s strawberry season!  
And that means heading to the local strawberry patch for some serious strawberry pickin’!  My group of eager strawberry fans knew that we had “landed” in the right place when the fragrance of sweet strawberries greeted us, as soon as we opened the car door! Bounding out into the field, it wasn’t long before my enthusiastic group had “harvested” three,
over-filled baskets, of the luscious ruby-red jewels.

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 10.28.24 AM

It wasn’t long before my enthusiastic group had “harvested” three,
over-filled baskets, of the luscious ruby-red jewels.

Armed with my basket of fresh berries, I was inspired to try a recipe that kept cropping up on my Pinterest in various recipes for a fresh fruit “Shoney’s Strawberry Pie”. Is this the actual recipe used in Shoney’s restaurants?  Who knows?  But, the pie that it inspired was fairly easy and delicious!

IMG_0812

This Shoney’s Strawberry Pie was delicious!

This strawberry pie reminded me of another pie that I enjoy, the Glazed Peach Pie
(find the recipe here).  

img_5995

Glazed Peach Pie is another fresh fruit pie favorite of mine.

My personal preference in fruit pies is for the fruit to be uncooked and covered in a clear fruit glaze. Both of these fresh pies fall into that category, and are winners in my (cook)book! 

Let’s Cook!

Sliced strawberries are the star in this pie.  Strawberry jell-o builds on the strawberry flavor.

IMG_0803

The gathered ingredients for this pretty strawberry pie.

IMG_0805

Wash and hull (remove stem) strawberries and slice.
(I find this strawberry huller a helpful kitchen tool.)
Remove any soft berries.

 

The Recipe

(Shoney’s) Strawberry Pie

 
IMG_0807 2
 
 

Ingredients

1-refrigerated pie crust (9-inch)

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

3 Tablespoons cornstarch

¼ cup strawberry jell-o, about 1/2 of a 6-ounce box

2 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed and sliced

Whipped cream

Directions

Pre-bake pie crust using the directions on the package for the “baked shell”,
making sure to use a fork to place holes in the bottom and sides before baking.

Cool baked crust to room-temperature.

While crust is baking, wash and drain strawberries.
Remove any soft berries.
Hull (remove stems) from strawberries, 
and slice strawberries.

In small sauce pan, add water, sugar, cornstarch and jell-o.
Whisk well together.
Cook on stove top over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mix comes to a low boil.
Remove pan from heat.

Prepare a shallow “tub” of ice water in the kitchen sink.
Let strawberry glaze cool to room temperature by placing the bottom of pan in sink of ice water.

Whisk cooling mixture several times as it thickens.

Add sliced strawberries to the room-temperature baked pie crust.

Pour cooled strawberry glaze over the berries in the pie crust. 
Covering the berries completely.

Place pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours prior to serving.

Cut into slices and top generously with whipped cream.

Enjoy!

.
 

 Cooking with Gammy

Cooking with my grandchildren is alway a joy!  Together, we have tried a couple new recipes lately, but we also find ourselves enjoying some “tried and true” classic recipes, as well. :o)

 

Heart-shaped White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Swirled Strawberries  

Wash , dry, and hull strawberries.

Cut V in top of strawberry and slice in half to form “hearts”.

Drizzle strawberries with melted white, or dark chocolate.

Place in refrigerator until chocolate is set, about ten minutes.

IMG_0738

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 1.20.20 PM

IMG_0742

Popovers

My daughter gifted me with a popover baking mix, and when my 7-year old grand daughter began reading about a character in her book, eating popovers, it was time to bake them!
My grand daughter and I had fun watching them expand in the oven, and even more fun eating them with honey butter!

IMG_9779

Donuts

These donuts are always a favorite of kids and adults alike.  I enjoy them rolled in a cinnamon and sugar mixture.  My grand daughters prefer spreading them with melted chocolate chips, and then decorating them with colorful sprinkles.  Go here and here for the donut recipe.

IMG_9421

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Another favorite around my house are these classic chocolate chip cookies!  My grand children love to make these, and enjoy eating them even more!  Find the recipe here.

IMG_0224

 

Made Me Smile :o)
Sharing things that put a smile on my face, recently.

Happy Haircut

IMG_9904

I was all smiles after getting my hair cut.  
It had been six months since my last visit to the hair salon, thanks to Covid.

Visitor at my Window!

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 10.26.20 AM

This little bunny has been a frequent visitor up on my deck, and often peeks in my window.  :o)

Seventeen-year Cicadas!

IMG_9815 2

It was about a month ago when I woke up to an odd sound.  It sounded like…the giant ants in the fun sci-fi movie Them!  Had my neighborhood been invaded by abnormally large insects?  No, it was just an invasion, that occurs every seventeen years, of cicadas!

Hear what the cicadas sound like, here.

See a clip from the classic movie, Them, here.

I am not the only one who thinks these cicadas sound like the giant ants in the movie!
Read this article, here.
Could the sound effect crew have used cicada sounds for this film?

Giraffe Feeding

IMG_0344 2

My grand daughter and I enjoy feeding a giraffe at Lion Country Safari.
I had always wanted to feed a giraffe, and sharing the experience with my “grand” made it doubly fun!

 

Take a Look At These Related Blog Posts

img_61081

Peachy Keen, Jelly Bean, August 2018, here.
The recipe for fresh Glazed Peach Pie

A Nod to National Donut Day, June 2019, here.
Biscuit donut recipe

It’s Dollars(or Disney Dip) to Doughnuts that the Saga of My Broken-Leg Adventure has come to an End!, April 2018, here.                                                
Biscuit donut recipe is here, too.

Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!, June 2013, here.
My grandmother’s wonderful chocolate chip cookie recipe!

Halloween, Not-too Scary, Movie Watching Fun, October 2019, here.
Them, plus many others!

Thank you for reading!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

 

 

I’m Annette Stuff

 

The Next Blog!
Look for the next blog post around July 29, 2021.

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower!  It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly,  please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Eight Years of Past Blog Posts!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “search” a topic in the Archivessection, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 10.36.05 AM

I’ll end this blog post with a cute kitty photo shot.  :o)
(She was adopted by my son’s family through a local rescue shelter.)

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 8 Comments

A Very Brady Annette

April 16, 2021

A Very Brady Annette

IMG_9137 2

My treasured  Brady Bunch photo, signed for me by the series’ creator,
Sherwood Schwartz,
 in 2007.

The

Screen Shot 2021-04-15 at 4.35.50 PM

Here’s the story of a gal named Ann~ette…

Okay, that isn’t exactly how it goes, but if you are a fan of this 1970’s television classic
(Well, 1969 to 1974 to be exact.), The Brady Bunch, then it is my guess that this series’ iconic theme song has already begun to take over in your brain, at its mere mention! If, for some reason, you can not immediately summon up this happy little melody in the tune library of your mind, then just click here to listen to how this theme song sounded during each of its five years.

 
IMG_9036

My shag carpet-covered DVD set of the Brady Bunch looks pleasantly plush, green and groovy!  :O)

This catchy theme song, was written by The Brady Bunch creator, Sherwood Schwartz, along with composer and actor, Frank De Vol.  It only takes one to listen to this minute-long opening, to understand the program’s plot set-up, and characters’ background story. Sherwood had used this same opening technique in his previous comedy series, 
Gilligan’s Island.

IMG_9136 2

Sherwood Schwartz (1916-2011) generously autographed and sent me this picture, along with a few other photos, from The Brady Bunch and Gilligan’s Island in 2007.
Gotta love it!

I love The Brady Bunch!  It is happy, upbeat, and family-friendly, all wrapped up with a positive message! In fact, my kiddos insist that I can identify each episode within viewing the first 30-seconds of each program. :o) It was on the continual quest to teach my youngsters “the classics”, while growing up, that I made sure that The Brady Bunch was part of their education!  :o)

IMG_0990

A view of the iconic Brady staircase, along with the instantly recognizable horse statue, and the (“Mom, always says don’t play ball in the house.”) vase, in the renovated Brady House.
Photo courtesy of Lisa

In addition to its cheerful tone, this program allows us a peek back into the home decor and clothing styles of the era. What a treat!  I have even spotted Marcia and Jan sporting groovy clothing exactly like, or similar to, items that I wore at the time. This makes sense, being that Jan/Eve Plumb and I are the same age. (Unlike Jan, though, I was the oldest of two girls, so there were no “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” speeches given by Yours Truly. :o)) I also recognize some of the textbooks lugged home by the Bradys’ from school, as ones that I once used!

IMG_1027

Marcia, Jan, and Cindy’s floral wallpapered bedroom in the now renovated
Brady House.
Photo courtesy of Lisa


A Very Brady Renovation

Now streaming on Hulu, while initially airing on HGTV
A Very Brady Renovation  originally aired from September-December 2019.  

Screen Shot 2021-04-15 at 4.02.36 PM

The door mat at site of A Very Brady Renovation.
Photo courtesy of Lisa

It was after a bidding battle, that HGTV acquired the famed Brady House
(of which the exterior shots were filmed for the show) in August 2018 for 3.5 million dollars .
HGTV’s goal was to renovate the house’s inside to match the Bradys’ home (which was actually a set) in the television series.
The only problem is, that the inside of the newly purchased house, scarcely resembled the Brady House set, shown on TV.  With the aid of the six original Brady Bunch kids, and many HGTV experts, it took six months to complete the major renovation project.  The show A Very Brady Renovation showcases the extensive work that took place. 

The Brady House

The uncredited, but essential, star of The Brady Bunch, HAS to be the famous Brady Bunch House, said to be the second most photographed house in America, after the White House!  
Even as a youngster, I admired the beautiful staircase, and expansive living room.

IMG_0981

The uncredited, but essential, star of The Brady Bunch show, HAS to be the famous
Brady Bunch House!
Photo courtesy of Lisa

Read some fun facts about The Brady Bunch House, here.

My friend, Lisa, had the uniquely awesome opportunity of touring the Brady House renovation. As we used to say as kids, “Lucky Duck!”.  Happily, Lisa generously shared the photos that she took of her experience with me!  And, I, in turn, share a few of them in this blog post, with you! Thank you, Lisa!
(Lisa was our tour guide in 2016 at Walt Disney Studios.  See six photos, below.)

IMG_1048

Lisa and Eric happily pose on the beautiful Brady stairs.

Screen Shot 2021-04-16 at 3.08.32 PM

See Lisa and Eric’s submission for the contest to spend a night in the renovated Brady House, here.  No, they did not win, but they were, later, able to enjoy a house tour!

IMG_0986

The Brady living room and dining area.

IMG_1005 2

Orange + green=the Brady kitchen!

IMG_1002

Alice’s recipe written on the kitchen chalkboard!

IMG_0077

 In March 2016, Lisa was our wonderful and fearless tour guide
at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.
Read about our fun tour, here.

Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your Brady House photos!!!!!

 

What’s your favorite Brady Bunch episode?  
Share with me in the comments, below.

IMG_9142

 

 Cooking with Gammy

Who wants a cookie?

When my four kiddos were little, I made many giant chocolate chip cookies. I began by making them from scratch, but, eventually, began using pre-made cookie dough for a quick bake and easy clean up.  For Easter, I made one for my grandchildren. It was a hit.
 I share the recipe with you.

IMG_8777 2

A giant cookie is always a hit!

 

IMG_8773

One 16.5 ounce package of Toll House cookie dough is needed for a Giant Cookie.

 

Giant Cookie

Ingredients

1 package (16.5 ounces) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie  Dough

Ready-to-use frosting

m &m’s, sprinkles, etc. (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 325° F.

Place parchment onto 10- to 14-inch pizza pan.

Place all of dough on prepared pan.
Allow to soften-up for 5 to 10 minutes.
Using fingers to pat dough gently to form 8-inch circle.

Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until light golden brown.
Cool on baking sheet.

Decorate cooled cookie with frosting, m &m’s and sprinkles if desired.

6-8 Servings

Bunny Rolls

My grandchildren enjoyed making these bunny rolls from Pillsbury Orange Rolls, using raisins for the eyes and nose.  Unroll two rolls, and cut pieces to make the ears for six bunnies. Bake as directed.  Frost and decorate with raisins.

Screen Shot 2021-03-23 at 9.48.31 AM

Easter Mix
(Formally known as Easter Trash, as it used to be mixed in a brown grocery bag.)

Screen Shot 2021-03-23 at 9.49.49 AM

Using Crispix, pretzels, Easter m&m’s, and white chocolate chips, use the instructions, here.

IMG_8484

Oreo Frogs 

IMG_8840

Using chocolate frosting as “glue”, stick together two pretzels for feet, underneath one Oreo, and “glue” two m&m’s eyes on top.

Hershey Chocolate Cookies

IMG_8856

Like brownies, but in a cookie, my grandchildren love these!
Find the recipe, here.

Made Me Smile :o)
Sharing things that put a smile on my face, recently.

Artwork

Seeing my grandchildren’s art work on my refrigerator door brings a big smile to my face! :o)

IMG_9126IMG_8771

Spring Time!

My daily walks treat me to the beauty of spring in greens, yellows, purples, and pinks. :o)

IMG_8830IMG_9021 2IMG_9075IMG_8922

A Variety of Disney!

Screen Shot 2021-04-16 at 2.31.58 PM

My Rocketeer statue (The Rocketeer is a Disney film.) glows with a new disc light!

IMG_9041

I love the design on this new Walt Disney World oven mitt!

IMG_7645

I have been enjoying the child-based devotions in this book, that also include fun
Walt Disney World facts.

Take a Look At These Related Blog Posts

img_0072

My Birthday with Disney, April 2016, here.
Walt Disney World Studios and Lisa

Christmas Cheer, May 2020, here.
Lisa sings “It’s Gonna Be a Hot, Hot Christmas”

A Christmas Story Christmas, December 2016, here.
The recipe for Christmas Mix/Trash

A Visit to Hershey Park, Chocolate is a Vegetable, Right?, May 2018, here.
The recipe for Hershey Chocolate Cookies

Thank you for reading!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog!
Look for the next blog post around May 27, 2021.

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower!  It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly,  please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Eight Years of Past Blog Posts!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “search” a topic in the Archivessection, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

IMG_8572 2

Wishing you a Happy Spring!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Fáilte

(That’s Irish for”Welcome”)

Fáilte
(That’s Irish for”Welcome“)

March 14, 2021

IMG_7877My new shamrock-festooned decoration for St. Patrick’s Day!  :o)


Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

                                                                Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
 Do you decorate your front door with the change of seasons and holidays?  
I “get a kick” out of hanging a season-appropriate decoration near my own front door.  
 Unfortunately, after last St. Patrick’s Day, it became apparent that my years-old, glittering, pressed-board shamrock, had lost its luster, and shape (becoming swollen from years of being exposed to the elements). Let me introduce you to its replacement; this cheerful shamrock-festooned, “Welcome” sign! (seen above) :o)
You can find it, here.

Celebrating the Day

IMG_8231

I am enjoying this shamrock plant gracing my kitchen counter.

What are the things that you enjoy about St. Patrick’s Day?    

Here are a few things on my own St. Patrick’s Day happy list…

Wearing green    

Shamrock shapes everywhere

 Watching wonderful Irish movies and TV shows, such as The Quiet Man.
(The Quiet Man is currently showing on Amazon Prime
 and will air on Turner Classic Movies on March 17 at 8 pm EST.)
Find more St. Patrick’s Day movie/tv suggestions, here.

Tasty St. Patrick’s Day dishes, such as Irish StewShepherd’s Pie,
Chocolate Mint Dessert, and others, along with other 
St. Patrick’s Day snacks.

Please, continue reading to find Irish recipes and treats, below, plus more.  :o)

 
IMG_8176

 

A commemorative print from the beautifully scenic Quiet Man tour,
that I enjoyed in Ireland,
in September 2013.

Read about that tour here and here, plus more can be found below in the 
Take a Look At The Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day-Related Blog Posts section,
toward the bottom of this post.

Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie has always been a favorite with my family. In fact, it was my daughter’s favorite when she was growing up.  Even before that, my mom served up this recipe at
the dinner table of my youth. This dish falls into my “comfort food” category. These days,
I often change out the ground beef with ground chicken, and add a little (2%-lower fat) cheese on top for a bit of added flavor.  Also, I normally use prepared mashed potatoes, taking less time and making less mess, without much sacrifice in flavor. If you are looking for a tummy-hugging mix of flavors for this March 17, I suggest that you give this recipe a try!

IMG_8135

My version of Shepherd’s Pie, after my photo malfunction.  (See below for explanation)

A Shepherd’s Pie Photo Malfunction!

I’ll bet you didn’t know that blogging can pose some unexpected perils!  For instance,
while preparing Shepherd’s Pie for this blog post photo, there was a Shepherd’s Pie photo 
malfunction!  My plan was to slightly tilt the perfectly browned dish, fresh from the oven, toward the camera for a taste-tantalizing picture, but, instead, I accidentally over-tipped the casserole, sending the potatoes careening from the hot Corning Ware! You can see that occurring, along with the surprised look on my face, from the photo below!  Fortunately, I spotted the potential fiasco just in the nick of time, halting the contents from pouring out. The Shepherd’s Pie was saved, although it was no longer as pretty, as it had been. :o)

IMG_8130 2

A Shepherd’s Pie malfunction!

Making Shepherd’s Pie

IMG_8102 2

Ingredients needed for Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie

IMG_6700 2

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. ground beef, or ground chicken

Onion-optional
(I often leave this out.)

2 ½ cups, or ½ lb. cooked green beans

2 cans (10 ½ oz.) cream of mushroom soup

1-32 ounce, or more, container pre-made mashed potatoes (like Bob Evans)
(I usually use the pre-made mashed potatoes in this recipe.)
or
5 medium potatoes peeled and cooked with salt
½ cup warm milk
2 Tbsp.- ¼ cup butter

Cheddar cheese, shredded-optional
(I usually use this, using 2% low-fat cheese)

salt, pepper, paprika

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook meat (with onion, if desired) until done.  Season with salt and pepper.

Add the cans of soup to the cooked and drained green beans.  Add salt and pepper.
Pour into greased 2 qt. casserole.

Spoon potatoes over the meat mixture, giving the mashed potatoes peaks, 
using photo, above, as a guide.
(If making from scratch, mash the potatoes.  Add milk and butter, salt, pepper to taste.)

Evenly sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

 Sprinkle top lightly with Paprika.

Bake for 20-30 minutes until warm, and potato peaks are browned.

Annette’s notes-I have also added cooked corn, and/or cooked mixed vegetables, at times.

4-5 Servings

 Chocolate Mint Dessert

IMG_8159 2

Chocolate Mint Dessert, with its creamy green center,
is a natural choice for St. Patrick’s Day.  

Chocolate Mint Dessert, with its creamy green center, is a natural choice for St. Patrick’s Day, or for Christmas.  This once traditional Christmas dessert at my house, was another favorite of my daughter’s.  A suggestion, I recommend NOT using a glass pan for this one.  One year, this beautiful dessert fell out of my refrigerator and broke onto the floor, with all of our chocolatey dessert with it.  :o(

Making Chocolate Mint Dessert

IMG_8096 2

Gather the ingredients for Chocolate Mint Dessert.

IMG_8119

The smooth chocolate topping makes for a pretty presentation.  

 

Chocolate Mint Dessert

IMG_8159

INGREDIENTS

Cake Layer

1 cup flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened

4 eggs

1+1/2 cups/16 oz. Hershey Syrup

MInt Cream

½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened

2 Tbsp. green crème de menthe
(or 1 Tbsp. water, ½-3/4 tea. mint extract, 3 drops green food coloring)

2 cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Topping

6 Tbsp. butter

1 cup chocolate chips (I use the 60% Ghirardelli)

Garnish

Andes Mints, or Dove Chocolate & Mint Swirl candies-optional
(Garnish may be applied to individual pieces, or  to brownie before cutting.)

 

Directions:

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.

Grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

Cake layer

Combine flour, granulated sugar, eggs, and syrup in large mixing bowl.
Beat till smooth.  Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched in the center. 
Cool completely.

Spread on mint cream (recipe below).
Cover and refrigerate.

Pour chocolate glaze (recipe below) over chilled dessert.
Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving.

Garnish with Andes mints, or Dove chocolates, if desired.

Cover and refrigerate left over dessert.
This also freezes well.

Mint Cream

Combine ½ cup butter, and cream de menthe in medium mixing bowl.  Gradually add powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.

Chocolate Glaze

Melt 6 Tbsp. butter and 1 cup chocolate chips on low heat.  Remove from heat, stir until smooth. Cool slightly. 

 Serves 10-12

Annette’s notes-This freezes well.

                                                             Cooking with Gammy

 

St. Patrick’s Day
(It is “Luck of the Gammy” to have wonderful grandchildren!)

It is ALWAYS a lucky day for Gammy when the grands (grandchildren) come for a visit! :o)

IMG_7824

Our leprechaun craft was a hit!

Irish Gold

IMG_7809 2

IMG_7807

Find the recipe for these tasty peanut butter and butterscotch morsels, here.

Leprechaun Hats

IMG_7811

These Leprechaun Hats can be made a couple of different ways.(See below)
In the past, we have also made them when “studying” Abraham Lincoln (minus the green m&m’s), then referring to them, as Lincoln Stovepipe Hats, rather than Leprechaun Hats.  :o)

Leprechaun Hats

Ingredients

Keebler Fudge Stripes Cookies
(see photo below)

Large marshmallows,
or Hostess Ho Ho’s cut in two
(If you use Ho Ho’s, these do not need to be coated in chocolate.)

Chocolate chips
(I use Ghirardelli, 60%.)

Green m & m’s

Directions

Carefully melt chocolate in microwave, in 30 second intervals.
Dip cookie into the melted chocolate.
Use a fork, or spoon, to coat cookie completely.
 Place the cookie on wax paper.

 Using a shish kabob skewer inserted into marshmallow, dip into chocolate,
coating it completely.  Allow excess chocolate to drip off, and then place coated marshmallow over the center of the cookie.
(If using Ho Ho’s, just adhere cut side onto cookie with melted chocolate.)

Decorate with green m&m’s.

Place in refrigerator until set.

IMG_8325

The Leprechaun Hats use Keebler Fudge Stripes Cookies as their base.
For a different kind of Leprechaun hat snack, go here.

Wizard of Oz

IMG_8018

“The house fell on the Wicked Witch of the East” craft.

Witch’s Hats

IMG_7968 3

Using Keebler’s Fudge Stripe Cookies, a little frosting (in the tube) for “glue”, and
a candy kiss, an edible Wicked Witch of the West’s hat was created.

Witch’s Brooms

IMG_0751

These yummy witch’s brooms take just a small Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup and a pretzel stick.

Munchkin Mix

Screen Shot 2021-03-04 at 7.15.12 PM

Our Munchkin Mix consisted of Mother’s Animal Crackers, Teddy Grahams,
Fruit Snacks, m&m’s, small marshmallows, and pretzels.

Sock Monkeys

IMG_8100 2

Sock Monkey Crescents

IMG_8046IMG_8248

Our Sock Monkey Crescents used Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, filled with a little sugar and sprinkle of cinnamon, a little bit of butter on top, and either a few raisins, or chocolate chips, and then baked per package directions.

Frozen Bananas

IMG_8051

Frozen Bananas were made by using a shish kabob skewer to dip half bananas into melted chocolate chips, and then sprinkled with crushed Oreos.
 Placed on wax paper, they were frozen until hardened.

 

Made Me Smile :o)
Sharing things that put a smile on my face, recently.

Chalk on the Driveway

Warmer spring-like weather in March means breaking out the sidewalk chalk for my  grandchildren to enjoy.  Below are three portraits that my grandchildren did of me!  :o)
I am honored!

IMG_8007IMG_8251IMG_8252

(While writing the heading above, “Chalk on the Driveway”, it reminds me of
Annette Funicello’s 1959 rock and roll
hit, “Tall Paul”.  To hear this pop classic, click here.)   

The Weather!

Aren’t you loving the warmer weather? Spring is on its way!  The increase in temperatures means being able to, once again, spend some walking time (following social distance) with
a friend in the great outdoors! 

IMG_8205IMG_8207

Puppy Gazes 

  Isn’t this sweet?  I found this photo of my son’s dog, the other day. :o)

IMG_9885 2

 

Take a Look At These Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day-Related Blog Posts

Image

Irish Gold, Part 2, October 2013, here.
Includes a recipe for Irish Gold

Irish Gold, Part 1, October 2013, here.
Includes the recipe from Ashford Castle for Tea Sandwiches

The Quiet Man’s Ireland-Day 1, October 2013, here.
Includes locations from the classic film, 
The Quiet Man

The Quiet Man’s Ireland-Day 2, or A Day Fit for a Quiet Man Crazy, here.
More locations from, the classic film, The Quiet Man

Top of the Mornin’ to Ya, February 2014, here.
Includes locations from the classic film, The Quiet Man,
plus other St. Patrick’s Day movie and tv show suggestions,
and a recipe for Easy Artichoke Dip.

Don’t Pinch Me, I’m Wearing Green Underwear!, March 2018,here.
Includes recipes for Irish Gold, and Irish Stew

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, March 2019, here.
Includes instructions for no-bake Leprechaun Hats

A Bit o’ Green to Chase Those (Coronavirus) Blues Away, March 2020, here.
Includes recipe for no-bake Shamrock Pretzels

Thank you for reading!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog!
Look for the next blog post around April 22, 2021.

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower!  It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly,  please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I enjoy hearing your kind comments!

Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Eight Years of Past Blog Posts!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,

selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “search” a topic in the Archivessection, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

IMG_0480 2

I found this sign humorous, while visiting Cong in Ireland. :o)
September 2013.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Winter Magic

February 15, 2021

Winter Magic

mom in scene_3

 Skater extraordinaire, Sonja Henie, otherwise known as Annette ( hee hee),
(thanks to my son’s technical know-how)
stars in the fun winter-based film Sun Valley Serenade (1941).
You can watch this skating sequence, here.

Gazing out my kitchen window, the landscape before me appears to be a magical winter wonderland. Pure white snow, blankets the outside world, while muffling its obtrusive noise.  The world is peaceful.

IMG_7579

The landscape before me appears to be a magical winter wonderland.

Magical Winter Wonderland 

In light of the recent snowfall, I would like to share with you a few photos that I have taken thought this winter ( below).

IMG_6850

I had to begin my photo montage with the song Winter Wonderland.
I love the cover artwork of this old (framed) sheet music that is a part of the
simple winter decor throughout my home, and hearing this tune has to make one smile. :o)
Find the recipe for the delicious coffee cake pictured above, here.
To hear Johnny Mathis sing this upbeat winter classic, click here.

IMG_7451

I love this photo!  The stark contrast of the vivid red cardinal against the pristine white snow outlining the tree is simply beautiful.  
Thank you to my friend, Mary Ann, for allowing me to share this delightful winter scene with you.

IMG_7445 2

The image, of this light post on my lawn, illustrates how snow clings in interesting ways to various objects it encounters.

Screen Shot 2021-02-13 at 4.41.32 PM

Snow outlines this antique hand plow and wheel.

 

Winters Past

images

A 1954 view (AND before I was born, thank you very much!) of skaters on a creek in Iowa.

Photo Courtesy of Ames Historical Society.
For more information, click here.

My childhood memories of frolicking in the snow are hazy snippets of, attempting ice skating
(I believe this only occurred once, or twice, and I was never proficient at it), and cold, finger-numbing, giggle-infested sledding outings over the years, including one unfortunate sledding collision between my leg and a very sturdy metal post (That one left a sizable bruise!).

Winter also, reminds me of a cookie, often found on my high school cafeteria’s menu, that I was
quite fond of called Snowballs. My younger self, requested the recipe for this lunchroom dessert from my home ec teacher, who sleuthed it out for me from the cafeteria lunch ladies.  
(Not much has changed, as I have been known to request recipes from various chefs, when a food tickles my fancy.).

IMG_0968

A copy of the original mimeographed recipe from my school’s cafeteria.

I share this recipe for Snowballs with you, below. I must admit, after making these the other day, and having not tasted them it for many years, that these days, I find this recipe is a bit on the sweet side for me current tastes. I do, however, enjoy THIS cafeteria goodie from my lunchroom past; 
Peanut Butter Bars. This is one that I still make occasionally, sans the frosting, when I need a peanut butter fix.  You can find this recipe, here.

IMG_7753

How about a Snowball?

IMG_7589

The ingredients needed for this no-bake treat.

 

Snowballs

IMG_7590

Ingredients

1/2 half pound/two sticks butter

1 pound/3+1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2/3 cup shredded coconut
(I used the sweetened variety, as that was what was originally used, 
but guessing using the unsweetened variety may help with the over-sweetness issue.)

1/2 cup chocolate chips
(I used semi-sweet, mini chocolate chips)

2/3 lbs/3+1/2 cup rolled oats

Directions

Cream butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy.

Add remaining ingredients and portion into 2 Tablespoon sized balls.  (I used a cookie scoop.)

Makes approximately 5 dozen.  (I halved this recipe.)

Enjoy!

                                                             Cooking with Gammy

  Penguins, Snowmen, and Valentine’s Day

Some fun and yummy treats that I enjoyed making with my grandchildren, lately.  :o)

Penguins

IMG_5188

Our Penguin (Trace around Shoe) Craft

Penguin Face Chocolate Cookies

IMG_7531

Bake Chocolate Cookies using this recipe, here.
Decorate when cool.

Using frosting as “glue”, 
Decorate using-

 White chocolate discs for the front “tummy”
(I did not have any discs, so I made our own.)

Wilton candy eyes, or m&m’s for eyes

Orange, or yellow m &m for beak

Little Debbie Penguins

Screen Shot 2021-02-14 at 3.12.50 PM

Ingredients

Little Debbie Swiss Roll 

Frosting for “glue”

White chocolate melted and formed into oblong shape onto wax paper for “tummy”
Cool

2 Wilton candy eyes, or m & m’s for eyes

1 yellow m & m for beak

2 orange m & m’s for feet

Directions

Place Little Debbie upright.

Using frosting for “glue, 
glue on white chocolate for “tummy”

“Glue” on eyes, beak, and feet.

Snowmen

IMG_7271

IMG_7281

Bake Pillsbury Orange Rolls according to package directions.
Cool slightly and frost with enclosed icing.

Stack three rolls as shown in photo, above.

Decorate using-

Raisins and m & m’s.


Valentine’s Day

IMG_7505

 

Using my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, here,
I replaced the chocolate chips with equal parts Valentine m & m’s!

Made Me Smile :o)
Sharing things that put a smile on my face, recently. 

A Special Valentine
While organizing a closet awhile back, I came across this very special valentine made by my dear grandmother, and given to me as a youngster. Isn’t it sweet?

IMG_6273

Check Out These Other Winter-related Blog Posts

momskiis1

Baby, It’s Cold Outside, January 2014, here.

An Ideal Lazy, Cozy, Winter Afternoon, January 2015, here.

One Wedding and a Whale of a Snowstorm, January 2016, here.

No Pre-cooking Noodles Crockpot Lasagna, March 2017, here.

Look Ma, No Boot, March 2018, here.  

Thank you for reading!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

I’m Annette Stuff

Look for the Next Blog!
Look for the next blog post around March 17, 2021.

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower!  It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, FREE, (Yes, I said FREE!), immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly, please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I LOVE hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Eight Years of Past Blog Posts!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

395688_368577016492309_1891704922_n1

A winter photo from January 2015.
Find it, here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Happy Groundhog Day!

February 2, 2021

Happy Groundhog Day!

IMG_7471 2

Happy Groundhog Day!

Happy Groundhog Day!
I am a definite fan of holidays! The classic, standard variety holidays, along with the lesser known ones,(Think National Cookie Day (December 4) for example.) make days seem special. Holidays have always tickled my fancy. Groundhog Day ranks right up there as one of the sillier, yet fun, in the annual holiday line-up. Young children seem to really enjoy this day, complete with a furry, cuddly-looking creature at its center, so it is a natural choice to celebrate with young ones, or the young at heart! :o)

IMG_7462

One of several books pertaining to Groundhog Day for young children,
that I have collected over the years.

Groundhog Day Basics

IMG_7461 2

Pretty much all that remains from my children’s Beanie Babies collection,
are these two groundhogs.  
They are the extent of my Groundhog Day decor. :o)

Here are the basics of this February holiday.
If the trusty groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil (of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania), sees his shadow on February (…shrieking in terror at the image of his own shadow, and fleeing back to the safety of his burrow, no doubt.) then we are saddened by the thought that winter will continue for yet another six weeks.
If Phil, however, does not see his shadow, then we are blessed with the knowledge that winter’s duration will be much shorter, and an early spring will commence.
Unfortunately, for those who hold to Phil’s prediction, he usually sees his shadow. According to a recent report, here, Phil has seen his shadow 106 times over the years, with only 20 times when he has not.

Go here to read more about the Groundhog Day celebration.

According to Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction this morning, (www.groundhog.org), we are in for yet another six weeks of winter.

IMG_7460 2

A tag from a Groundhog Beanie Baby.

Movie

For me, the arrival of Groundhog Day means that it is time again to watch the entertaining comedy, Groundhog Day (1993).  Bill Murray stars as a cynical weatherman reporting from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on Groundhog Day, who finds himself reliving that same day, over and over again.  Although, set in Pennsylvania, this movie was actually filmed in Illinois.  Read more about the film at here.  

IMG_0906

Cooking with Gammy

I love this simple Groundhog Day food craft!  And you do not have to have little ones around to try it out. (I mean, who doesn’t love frosted mini donuts?) Just use this as an excuse to partake in a chocolate-frosted mini donut in salute to our favorite weather forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil!  After all, it IS a holiday! Celebrate! :o)

IMG_9950

This food craft takes just two pre-made ingredients: Chocolate frosted mini donuts, and Teddy Grahams.

Recipe

IMG_9955

Groundhog Day Donuts

Ingredients 

Chocolate frosted mini donuts
(ie. Tastykake, Entenmann’s, Hostess, Little Debbie)

Teddy Grahams
(Any variety, but chocolate,
as chocolate will not show up against the chocolate-iced donut.)

Directions

Place one Teddy Graham in the center of one chocolate-frosted donu

Enjoy!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!
Thank you for reading!

I’m Annette Stuff

img_5044

Look for the Next Blog!
Look for the next post on, or around, February 25, 2021. :o)

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower!  It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, FREE, (yes, I said FREE), immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos to I’m Annette Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly, please click on imannette.net, or click here to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I LOVE hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out (Almost) Eight Years of Past Blog Posts!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net, selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

IMG_9961 2

A Groundhog Day craft from days of old…

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Shrimp Parm and Even More, Confessions of a Pinterest Artist!

January 20, 2021

Shrimp Parm and
Even More, Confessions of a Pinterest Artist!

IMG_6887

This month’s Shrimp Parm recipe is featured in Beverly Goldberg’s
The Goldbergs Cookbook.

As a youngster, I used to know each day of the week by which TV programs were on that evening.  Of course, that was when there were just four television channels available, and when such classic shows as Batman, Bewitched, and Gilligan’s Island ruled prime time.
(I know, I am revealing my age here!  I also walked 5 miles to school each day in the snow…)

IMG_7167

As a youngster, I used to know each day of the week by which TV programs were on.

Today’s television viewer has many more TV viewing options to choose from,
but I still find myself looking forward to certain programs throughout the week.
One such program is The Goldbergs.  Currently in its eighth season, The Goldbergs
is set in the 1980’s and was created by Adam F. Goldberg, based on his childhood.

IMG_6925

The Goldbergs is currently in its eighth season.
The Goldbergs Cookbook was written by Beverly Goldberg.

The character of Goldberg’s mother, Beverly, plays prominently in the show, and is often portrayed cooking up family favorites.

IMG_8771

A script from The Goldbergs, displayed at The ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios, at Walt Disney World.
November 2015

 AND the favorite dish, of all of the Goldberg favorites, being Shrimp Parm.  One of the first recipes featured in
Beverly Goldbergs’ fun cookbook (2020) is for this dish, frequently mentioned in the series.

IMG_7169

 Beverly Goldbergs’ cookbook is fun!

Bevy’s Shrimp Parm is a tasty recipe, and one that I will be making again, along with several more recipes in Beverly’s collection!  This recipe has also been featured in  articles here, and here.

IMG_6744

Bevy’s Shrimp Parm is a tasty recipe, and one that I will be making again.

 Bevy’s Shrimp Parm 

As with most every recipe that I ever make, I tweaked this one a little to fit my tastes, using what I had on hand.  :O) My recipe is below.  For Beverly’s original recipe, see here, and here.

IMG_6740

Ingredients used to make this recipe.

Shrimp Parm 

IMG_6741 2

Ingredients

1-pound of Gulf shrimp, peeled and cleaned

1-cup skim milk

1-cup Italian style seasoned breadcrumbs

1-cup flour

1-2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Vegetable Oil (For frying)

1 (24 ounce) jar Spaghetti Sauce (I used Classico.)

2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1/2-1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Apply nonstick cooking spray to a 9 x 13 inch pan.

Place shrimp in milk in bowl.
Set aside.

Heat up 1-2 inches vegetable oil in skillet to medium high.
(I used my electric skillet.)

Meanwhile, combine bread crumbs, flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in large ziplock bag.

Shake off excess milk from shrimp, then, place in ziplock bag and shake.

Carefully place breaded shrimp in heated oil, cooking until golden.
Remove from heat and drain on paper towel.

Pour half of jarred sauce in prepared pan.
Place fried shrimp on top.
Sprinkle half of mozzarella on top of shrimp.
Pour remainder of jarred sauce on top of shrimp.
Sprinkle remainder of mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling.

Plate, and serve with Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy!

Inspired by Pinterest

In the past, Pinterest has been a source of painting ideas for me.   Recently, Pinterest inspired my painting again!  Pinterest, with its source of creative ideas, has inspired me once again.  Stumbling upon the photo (below) of this contemporary flower print on Pinterest, I knew that I had to recreate it (but with more of a colorful flare).

Screen Shot 2021-01-20 at 6.51.35 PM

Pinterest Photo, artist unknown                             Daisy, by Annette 2021

Stumbling upon the photo of this contemporary flower print on Pinterest,
I knew that I had to recreate it.

Other Pinterest Painting Projects

In 2014, I went on a mini-painting spree, thanks to Pinterest’s motivation.  The results are shown below.

Screen Shot 2021-01-20 at 6.51.47 PM                                                                                                                    

 Pinterest Photo, artist Hugo Guinness     Dandelions, by Annette, July 2014

For instructions on how to paint Dandelions, click here

Screen Shot 2021-01-20 at 6.51.56 PM

 Pinterest photo, artist unknown         Happy, by Annette, August 2014

 Read about Happy and how to paint your own, here.

Screen Shot 2021-01-20 at 6.52.07 PM

Pinterest photo of  Blue Flower by Lisa DeJohn                Blue Blossom,
by Annette
September 2014                    

                                      For DIY instructions for Blue Blossom, click here.

Painting Daisy

 Here are the steps that I used to paint Daisy.
Use them to paint your own interpretation of this piece.  :o)

IMG_7174

Painting Materials

Paint Canvas

30 inches x 30 inches canvas

Drop Cloths
 I use trash bags, that I have cut open.

Chalk
I used a piece of sidewalk chalk that I keep for my granddaughters to use.  :o)

Acrylic Paint
I used about 1/3 of an 8-ounce bottle of white multi-surface premium satin acrylic paint by Craftsmart.

One entire 2-ounce bottle of aqua satin acrylic paint by FolkArt
Colors vary, I recommend FolkArt’s aqua for this vivid background.

One 2-ounce bottle black acrylic paint by DecoArt

Paint Brushes
To be honest, I forgot to keep track of which brushes I used.
I believe that I used the three brushes shown in the photo below, a #1,#2,#4 + a small #2/0 brush (not pictured) for signing.

IMG_7162

Some materials used to create Daisy.

My “How To” Instructions

Place down a drop cloth.

Give the canvas a white base coat, including the sides,
using a wide paintbrush, like a #1.
Give the canvas two base coats, letting it
dry in-between each coat.
You can set the canvas up on four glasses to dry, to prevent the painted canvas from sticking to the drop cloth.

With chalk, sketch out the design, using the blog photos as your guide.
(Upon painting’s completion, and when dry, use a clean
paint brush to whisk away any excess chalk.)

Paint the background, around the daisy, with the aqua paint, making sure to paint the canvas’s front and sides.
This may take a couple of coats of paint to cover the canvas to desired look.
Let it dry in-between each coat.
Allow to completely dry before continuing.

Next, paint the daisy black.
Again, this may takes 2-3 coats.

Using white paint, outline the daisy, as the blog photos indicate.

Touch up your painting, defining lines, and making it look more finished.

Remember to sign your name on your painting with a small paintbrush. :o)

IMG_4644

Give the canvas a white base coat.
With chalk, sketch out the design, using the blog photos as your guide.

IMG_4674

Paint the background with aqua paint.

62419975572__C89C7CCF-EC17-43DC-BF33-9DF67A2535D0 2

Paint the canvas’s front and sides, too.

IMG_4688

It may take a couple of coats of aqua paint.

5B5B3496-C64D-48E5-9846-D01A26F89A21

Allow to completely dry before continuing.

IMG_5212

Paint the daisy black.

IMG_5429 2

Touch up your painting, defining lines, and making it look more finished.

Daisy

IMG_6684

Cooking with Gammy

IMG_3659

Snowmen were the theme for our most recent “Gammy Day”.
Making paper snowmen/snowwomen was fun.

IMG_6943 2

The grands(grand children) also enjoyed making, and eating, the edible variety of snowmen in the form of Nutter Butter Snowmen/Snow Women and Graham Cracker Snowmen/Snow Women. :o)

Nutter Butter Snowmen/Snow women

IMG_6757

Ingredients 

Nutter Butter Sandwich Cookies

White almond bark, or White chocolate chips

Mini chocolate chips

 m & ms

Wax paper

Directions

On baking sheet place wax paper.

Melt almond bark slowly in microwave.

Dip to top of a Nutter Butter in the almond bark.

Decorate, using mini chocolate chips for eyes,
orange m&m’s for a nose,
and m&m’s for buttons.

Place in refrigerator to set.

Store in airtight container in fridge, or freezer.

Enjoy!

Graham Cracker Snowmen/Snow women

IMG_6800

Ingredients

Large marshmallows
(I had to use the mini variety in a pinch.)

Chocolate chips

Graham crackers

Pretzel sticks

Orange m&m’s

Directions

Place graham cracker on microwave-safe plate.

Place three large marshmallows on cracker and microwave until puffy.
About 12-18 seconds.

Decorate with chocolate chips for eyes and buttons,
an orange m &m for a nose,
and two pretzel sticks for arms.

Eat immediately, making sure that the marshmallow is not too hot.

Enjoy!

Check Out These Earlier Art-related Posts

momgothic

True Confessions of a Pinterest Artist, July 2014, here.

More True Confessions of a Pinterest Artist, August 2014, here.

Still More Confessions of a Pinterest Artist, September 2014, here.

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!
Thank you for reading!

I’m Annette Stuff

img_5044.jpg

Look for the Next Blog!
Look for the next post on, February 14, 2021, if not before. :o)

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower!  It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, FREE, (yes, I said FREE), immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos to I’m Annette Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly, please click on imannette.net, or click here to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I LOVE hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out (Almost) Eight Years of Past Blog Posts!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net, selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

DSCF2099

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable
–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy
–think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

12 Days of Christmas…Goodies

 

December 14, 2020

12 Days of Christmas…Goodies

IMG_6055 2

My daughter and I sport matching Christmas sweatshirts in honor of our favorite mouse.   :o)

Can you believe that Christmas will be here in less than two weeks!!!  
In honor of the upcoming holiday, I share with you twelve of my family’s “tried and true” Christmas goodie recipes. in a nod to the Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. 

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree..

three French hens

four calling birds

five gold rings

six geese a-laying

seven swans a-swimming

eight maids a-milking

nine ladies dancing

ten lords a-leaping

eleven pipers piping

twelve drummers drumming

An added bonus is that the majority of these recipes, below, can be prepared quickly, with several being of the no-bake variety.  Let’s face it, with so many Christmas movies to watch, I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen baking!  :o)

IMG_6219 2

 

The Twelve Days of Goodies

1. Two-ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

image

If you are a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, then this recipe is for you!
This Two-ingredient Peanut Butter Cup is served up on my dear sweet (departed) grandmother’s Christmas plate.
Find the recipe here.  

2.  Peanut Clusters

img_08501

One of my favorite holiday treats, that I find myself making year round!
Get this recipe, here.  

3.  Haystacks/Birds nests

IMG_3523

These can made with, or without the m & m’s, but either way they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Find this recipe, here. https://imannette.net/2020/11/01/apple-cider-donuts-high-school-memories-and-voting/

4.  Reindeer “Belly Buttons”

img_7745

Not just restricted to just Christmas, these belly buttons can be customized to any holiday by changing the m & m colors.
Get this recipe here.

5.  Christmas “Trash”:

screen-shot-2016-12-22-at-11-32-34-am

This trash got its name from when it used to be “cooked up” in a paper trash/grocery bag.  This trash is delicious, but beware it is very habit forming!
Find this recipe here.

6.  Almond Toffee Brickle

IMG_0993

When devouring this sweet treat, it is hard to believe that soda crackers are at its base!
Get this recipe here.

7.  Chocolate Cookies

IMG_3969.JPG

A favorite cookie around my house at Christmas, or anytime!
Find this recipe here.

8.  Grandma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

image

These chocolate chip cookies are so good, and I make them quite often, not just during the holiday season.
Get this recipe here.  

 9.  Date Truffles

IMG_6037

Featured on last month’s blog post, these pack a lot of flavor!
Find this recipe here.

10.  Scotcheroos

IMG_6262

This Rice Krispie treat was a Christmas favorite of mine as a youngster.  :o). Back then, the topping was made with a sweet chocolate, but now I prefer a darker chocolate flavor.  Customize this recipe to your taste.
The recipe is below.

Scotheroos

Ingredients

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup sugar

1-1 1/2 cup peanut butter

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 cup semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chocolate chips
(I use Ghirardelli’s 60%)
(for a sweeter chocolate use 1/2-1 bar of Bakers Germans Baking chocolate)

1 cup butterscotch chips

 

Directions

Place corn syrup and sugar into 3-quart saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves
and mixture begins to boil.
Remove from heat.

Stir in peanut butter. Mix well.

Add Rice Krispies cereal.
Stir until well coated.
Press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray.
Set aside.

Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, or in the microwave carefully at 30 minute intervals.
Spread evenly over cereal mixture.
Let stand until firm.
Cut into bars when cool.

11. Snowfall Cranberry Bark

IMG_6320

This combination of pistachios and cranberries, wrapped up in a confection of creamy white chocolate, is one of my favorite Christmas goodies!
Find the recipe below.

Ingredients:

3/4-1 cup dried cranberries

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

1/2-3/4 cups shelled pistachios (my preference)
(sliced almonds can be sustituted)

2 (11- or 12-ounce) bags white chocolate chips, or almond bark

Directions:

Heat oven to 250.

Line a 12-by-17-inch jellyroll pan (or rimmed baking sheet) with parchment paper.

In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse together cranberries, orange zest, and almonds (or chop them with a large knife).

Spread mixture over the prepared pan to within 1 1/2 inches of the edges, then evenly cover that mixture with the chocolate chips and put the pan in the oven.

When the chips just start to look melty (5-6 minutes or so.  Do not overbake!), take them out of the oven and use a rubber spatula to spread them evenly over the parchment.

Chill until firm, about half an hour, then break into pieces.

Enjoy!

12.  White Fudge Covered Oreos

IMG_6260

I saved the easiest goodie to prepare, for the last.  Only available at Christmas time, these white chocolate dipped Oreos have been a family favorite for years.  Beware though, just one cookie packs a 5 point punch for you WW (Weight Watcher) people out there! :O)

 Childhood Christmases

62931275392__884279AF-6D21-4C7A-ACC3-C09175BACDFF

Mysteriously, my letter (age 5?) to Santa found its way into our local newspaper!

IMG_6292

My local sixth grade Girl Scout troop created this pinecone Christmas tree for our elementary school’s lobby.

IMG_6293

In seventh (?) grade, I posed for our Girl Scout’s county Christmas card.

 

Cooking with Gammy

IMG_3659

Reindeer (Cosmic) Brownies

I have made this easy food craft with my grands (grand children) for several years now.  I believe that I first came upon this idea on Pinterest a few years ago.  I think that there was just a photo to go by, and no instructions. This is actually more of a craft than a recipe. Either way, it is fun to create these Rudolph Brownies using pre-made packaged  Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies!

IMG_8699

Reindeer Brownies in the making…
We made the mistake, here, of putting on the eyes and nose before the antlers.
I suggest that you begin by taping on the antlers, first.  :o)

62907224737__0139D403-F3D5-4C54-B74D-D72DD18683A1

Loop the scotch tape around to place under the google eyes and nose,
or use two-sided tape.

Screen Shot 2020-11-29 at 1.08.24 PM

Ingredients and Materials

Individually wrapped Cosmic Brownies

Google eyes

Red pom poms for Rudolph, or various colors for other reindeer, for the nose

Brown construction paper cut to the shape of antlers
(Use my photo above as your guide.)

Tape, or two-sided tape

Directions

Begin by taping two antlers to the back of a Cosmic Brownie.

Using a piece of looped tape (as pictured above), or two-sided tape, attach eyes and nose.

Admire and then enjoy!

Fun Fact for Ya!

I just learned this, and had to pass it along.  :o)

IMG_6234

Did you know that giraffes give birth standing up!
Birthing in this manner prevents damage to the baby’s long neck.
In other words, a baby giraffe enters the world by falling 5-6 feet to the ground!!!
Photo courtesy of my daughter.  :O)  

 

Made Me Smile :o)
Sharing things that put a smile on my face, recently. 

Motherhood Moments

IMG_6338

New mom, Brandy, gives her little guy a bath.  :o)
Thank you, Brandy, for this adorable photo!

My Kindergarten Report Card!

62931306456__81BE4CED-1AB9-432B-8C5A-81C58477D278

I found my kindergarten report card the other day.   “Annette still does a lot of talking” made me laugh.  Some things don’t change.  :o)
My heart warmed, though, when I read her final comments as my teacher.  :o) 

On my daily walk…

IMG_6194

I discovered this “hidden Mickey” in the neighborhood, formed from leaves.

IMG_6258IMG_6225IMG_6259.
The true “reason for the season” Christmas lawn displays

Food Glorious Food!

IMG_6132

I spotted this pretty Scandinavian Kransekake (wreath cake) at the grocery store!

IMG_6149

 Christmas cookie baking!  :o)

 

Check Out My Earlier Christmas-Related Posts


49_1952.12_main_street_christmas_decorations_east_s

December 1952 
Photo Courtesy of Ames Historical Society

Christmas Cheer, May 2020, here.

Have a Sweet Christmas, December 2019, here.

What’s Slumgullion, December 2018, here.

It’s Christmas Time!  Enjoy These Often-Missed Yuletide Movies, December 2017, here.

A Christmas Story Christmas, December 2016, here.

Procrastination and Merry Christmas, December 2015, here.

Christmas in Black and White, December 2014, here.

Counting the Days Till Christmas, December 2013, here.

 

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

Thank you for reading,  
and 
Merry Christmas!

 

I’m Annette Stuff

img_5044.jpg

Next Blog Posting

Look for my next post on, January 14, 2020, if not before. :o)

Follow My Instagram

Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Straight to Your Inbox!

Be an I’m Annette follower!  It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, FREE, (yes, I said FREE), immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos to I’m Annette Followers!

If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly, please click on imannette.net, or click here to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!

Thank you blog readers!  I LOVE hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Seven Years of Past Blog Posts!

To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net, selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

Screen Shot 2020-12-07 at 2.35.19 PM

Merry Christmas!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments
%d bloggers like this: