Author: Denise

Fluffy Peach Jello

Fluffy Peach Jello is about the best jello dish there is.  Really.  It’s light.  It’s fluffy.  It has peaches.  It is heavenly.  Everyone will think you are the queen if you bring it to the party!  It’s also very easy, it just takes a little planning ahead to let it set up.  Here are the ingredients:

2 Large Cook and Serve Vanilla Puddings, 2 large peach jellos, 1 large container of cool whip, several cups of sliced peaches.

 

For some reason, I didn’t take picture of the next step.  Basically, you take the cook and serve pudding and mix it with water in the amount called for on the package (only the package says to use milk and  we aren’t.)  Cook the pudding and water until it comes to a boil as it says on the package directions.  Once you have cooked that, add your jello to it, mixing it all in.

Then pour it in a bowl and put it in the fridge to set up.  Should take about 4 hours or so.

It will set up and be nice and thick.  That’s just how you want it!

Then get your beaters out and start beating it until smooth.  I get a little impatient sometimes and don’t get it mixed as smooth as I should.  My cousin is much better at getting it nice and smooth.

Once you’ve got it nice and smooth, add the cool whip and beat it in, as shown below.

Once you’ve got it all creamy,

then stir in the sliced peaches.  That’s it!  Easy, huh?

If you’re needing to make it ahead of time, you can do it all and add the peaches last.  Sometimes, I’ll mix it and put it in the fridge to set overnight, then add the cool whip and peaches just before serving.  If time doesn’t permit that, you can mix the fluffy stuff, then add the peaches later.  It actually lasts for a few days, but sometimes the peaches will start to brown a little.

 

We’ve also made this with strawberries and strawberry jello.  I’ve also heard of those who have done the mandarin oranges and orange jello.  I imagine pineapple could be done, too.  Our family, however, likes the peach and strawberry the most.

 

Hope you’ll enjoy this yummy treat while the peaches are on and are so yummy!!

 

 

Fluffy Peach Jello

 

1 lg pkg cook and serve vanilla pudding

1 lg pkg peach jello

1 12 oz container Cool Whip

4-6 large peaches, peeled and sliced

In saucepan, prepare pudding as directed on box substituting water for the milk.  When finished, add box of peach jello and stir until dissolved.  Put in bowl and chill in refrigerator for 4-5 hours until set.  Before serving, whip jello/pudding mixture with mixer until smooth.  Add Cool Whip and blend.  Stir in peaches.  Serve cold.

Note:  Different jello flavors and fruits can be substituted.  Strawberry jello and strawberries are good, too!

 

Keeping it Clean for ONE day!

We have been cleaning and doing yard work for a few days.  It’s needed it.  Trust me.  We seem to have ball games or events or distractions that keep us from deep cleaning and doing yard work.  It was in the plans for a while, but with the added incentive of company coming to stay overnight, it kept us pushing onward and upward to do some much needed deep cleaning.

So today Shotgun said, “When is our company coming?” as he was mopping the floor.

“Tomorrow.” I said.

“You mean we have to try and keep the house clean for one whole day?!”

UMMMM….yes, this will be the largest feat in human history!   Keep your fingers crossed for us!  Had I not been craving egg rolls and sushi, the kitchen would have stayed sparkling clean.  Now I still have to deal with some of the aftermath of our Chinese meal night.  But it was good!  I make a killer eggroll.  I think I’d better be blogging that one!

The BC Days and Toilet Paper

So I’m upstairs cleaning today and my cell phone rings.  It is my youngest son who is calling from his ipod.

“Mom?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you bring me some toilet paper?”

 

“WHERE are you??!!”

 

“In your bathroom….”

 

So I had to sit and laugh because not only was I getting a phone call from someone INSIDE my home, but I couldn’t help but think of what happened in the BC days– you know, Before Cellphones.

 

Let me guess, you can see it in your mind’s eye now.  You’re sitting in the bathroom yelling at the top of your lungs for SOMEONE to hear you and rescue you.  You could sit there for a LONG time until you heard some noise in the vicinity.  If that didn’t work, you were looking around for options…..did someone throw a tissue or anything SOFT in the garbage can that could be of use here.

 

Yes, those were the days.  The days before cellphones and ipods.  The days of genius and creativity.  The days when your mom came to your rescue with a roll of toilet paper.

 

Yep….I was that hero today!  I should have worn a cape!

Ye Heavy Laden

I received another video today from a sweet gal who recorded my son practicing to sing at her mother and brother’s baptism on Saturday.  She started recording and then it shut off. She got it back on, but didn’t get the whole song– but most of it.  Still……to see my son’s face and hear him singing….I don’t know, just brings a tear to my eye.  How I love my missionary sons!  One of the great rewards of motherhood.

The words to this song are beautiful.  I have never heard this song, so I’m trying to find the words to it to post.

I hope you enjoy this little snipet!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKGyQwgK5Ac&feature=g-upl[/youtube]

9/5/12

In my son’s letter home today, he said that a lady from San Diego wrote this song.  That’s why I couldn’t find it anywhere. ;o)

Here are the words.  They are beautiful.  I’ll have to find out her name so I can give her credit here!

Ye Heavy Laden

 

When shadows fall and darkness deepens
When faith is small and all seems lost
When the light in your eyes grows dim
And you can’t find a moments peace within.
In your despair longing for answers
Wearied and worn, forlorn in your grief
When relief from your suffering seems denied
And you can’t quell your questioning why
Will these sorrows never cease?
These burdens never ease?
Oh, hear the words of Christ
He lives to calm our cries:
Come unto me all ye that labor
Ye heavy laden and I will give you rest
Take my yoke upon you learn of me
For I am lowly of heart and meek
Come unto me all ye that labor
Ye heavy laden and I will you rest
Take my yoke find rest unto your souls
Ye heavy laden, come unto me.
In Christ’s despair facing Gethsemane
Wearied and worn, forlorn in His grief
Though relief from His pain was in His hands
He plead our cause unto God, a lowly lamb:
“Must their sorrows never cease?
Their burdens never ease?
Then let sins price be placed on me
That their souls might be free.”
Come unto me all ye that labor
Ye heavy laden and I will give you rest
Take my yoke upon you learn of me
For I am lowly of heart and meek
Come unto me all ye that labor
My yoke is easy and my burden is light
Take my yoke, find rest unto your soul.
Ye heavy laden, come unto me.

Come Thou Fount

My son sang “Come Thou Fount” in church the other day.  He was nice enough to grab a recording of his practice.  I LOVE this song and am grateful to the pianist and cellist.  They make this song so beautiful!

And a big shout out to Mark Mabry whose photography collection of Christ is one of my favorites.  I love the spirit and feeling in these photos and am grateful for his gift and talent.  I also am appreciative that he has given me permission to use his photos on my blog. =)

Here is what my son wrote to me in his letter that accompanied the recording of this song:

Singing in sacrament meeting yesterday was one of them. Honestly, I feel silly talking about myself and my performances, but I do it because I know Mom, and Grandmas, appreciate the stories and successes of their little ones. I was writing in my journal the other night about how much I love performing; and not for the usual reasons. I would be lying if I said I didn’t like the attention I get from singing, because I do, but not nearly as much as what I get to experience while I sing. Looking out into a crowd of people with tear-filled eyes and broken hearts, then watching the Spirit of music, and the Spirit itself, mend and heal those people who are attentive and receptive, is an experience I live for. I pity the people who miss out on such beautiful moments. 

Also, I feel like my singing makes up for my many imperfections. One of the greatest things we can do in this life is serve those around us, and that is was I try to do. Mostly it’s out of genuine love, but this is the selfish part in me. I also sing to heal myself, and vindicate my wrong-doings. Maybe that’s wrong in itself, but it mends my own heart when I help someone else. I don’t think I could ever do enough for people, which is why I sometimes go through great extremes just to serve someone. I think faith, prayer, laughter and music are the greatest healer’s of all time; to be an instrument (sometimes literally) in the hand of Heavenly Father is a miracle.  I hope we will each live in a way to bless, and not break, those around us.– Elder Jadon Webster

Come Thou Fount

Shoyu Chicken

Shoyu Chicken is a delicious easy way to feed your family or a really large group.  One of our house favorites.

I didn’t get a whole lot of pictures for this, but wanted to get it posted anyway.  I’ll take more later. ;o)

Here’s what you’ll need:  5 lbs boneless, skinless THIGHS (I get these at costco in a 5lb package), 1 C + of Aloha Shoyu, 1 C + Brown Sugar, a thumb size portion of fresh ginger, fresh garlic (0ptional).  Aloha Shoyu is basically a lighter soy sauce.  You can find it at Walgreen’s or Long’s Drugs.  If you can’t find it, you can either use a light soy sauce or you can use a regular soy sauce and add some water to it.  I don’t mind it with the full strength soy sauce either.  I’ve done it all ways.  It’s all good!

Mix 1 C Shoyu (soy sauce) and 1 C brown sugar in your large pan.  Peel the ginger and cut it into slices.  Add to mixture.  Turn your pot on and add your chicken to the sauce.  Bring it to a boil, then drop it down to a simmer.  Cook until the chicken is done (about 1-1/2 hours).  (If you’re doing a really small pot and the chicken isn’t frozen, it only takes about 20 minutes.)  After it is cooked, you may see some floaters in it from the chicken juice.  If this bothers you or you are serving it to a group and you don’t want anyone freaking out, then take the chicken out of the pot and strain the liquid.  Pour it all back over the chicken.  Whether you strain it or not, then add some additional shoyu and brown sugar (about 1/4-1/2 C of each).  It will be ready to serve.

If you are cooking for a large group, it is easier to cook this in your soup pots, then pour it into your roasting ovens unless you can put it into your roasters and let it cook for a couple of hours or more.  I did a big batch in the roaster and it didn’t cook fast enough, so I took it out and cooked it in batches.

Super yummy served over rice with the sauce!

If you’re doing  a small batch just for your family, you can also add some  veggies with it.  The sauce makes it like a teriyaki bowl!

 

 

Kalua Pork

Kalua Pork has to be one of my most favorite recipes for feeding a large group.  I love it for my family, too, but the expense and ease of it make it one of the best meals for those large gatherings of people.  Here’s what you’ll need:
Pork Shoulder Roast about 12-15 lbs.  (I get mine at Costco), Aloha salt (can usually get it at Walgreens or Longs Drugs), and liquid smoke.  Yep….. three things!  You’re liking this already aren’t you?  (If you can’t find Aloha salt, don’t panic,  just substitute kosher.)

Pour your liquid smoke on your roast and massage it into the roast.  You will flip and turn your roast and pour a little more.  You will use about a 1/2 a bottle per 12-15 lb roast.  So pour and rub it in until you have the whole roast covered well.

Then do the same thing with your salt.  Sprinkle it on and rub it in.  You will use about a 1/2 a cup for this large roast.  I know it sounds like a lot, but trust me. ;o)  Can you see the salt on there all massaged in?

Here’s an up-close view of the salt and smoke all rubbed in.  Now to cook it, you can just put it in your crock pot for 11 hours on low.  It is important to cook it slow and low.  The meat will just fall apart!

When I shot these pictures, we were doing my son’s Eagle Scout Fundraiser and had a lot of these roasts to cook, so we had about 2-3 of these roasts in these big pans and put lids on them and cooked them all night in the oven.  If you zoom in, you can see we had the oven set on 200 and let them cook all night.  I’ve also used my roasting ovens.  If you want to put them in the roaster, then wrap the meat in tinfoil, put it in the roaster and pour water to half way up the meat and set it on 200 and let it cook all night or all day, too.  Then you can slip the meat out of the tinfoil.  If you’re using the roaster, you will have to check it periodically to make sure that that the water doesn’t totally evaporate.  You may need to add some.  The advantage is that if you cook it in the roaster, then you can just shred it right in there.  I use it when I have a couple of roasts to cook and am serving it and need to keep it warm.  The crock pot works best if you have a small 5 lb roast you are feeding your family with.

After the meat is done cooking, just take your forks and shred it.  If you’d like to extend the meat a little bit or do it real Hawaiian Style, then throw some cut up cabbage in it after you shred it and let it cook a few minutes longer.  Yummy either way!!

I forgot to get pictures of the end result.  It was a big day. ;o)

Peach Soup

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this soup.  Years ago, I went to a fancy restaurant in town that served COLD soup.   Being a picky eater, I nearly didn’t try it, but I’m GLAD I did.  It was plum soup.  So delicious!  I’ve tried to figure out that recipe for years, so I was glad when I found a peach soup recipe.  I tried it, then I tweaked it to the way I liked it and now I am the happiest girl ever when peach season rolls around….. and slightly depressed the rest of the year, because I am such a lover of fresh peaches!  I can’t get enough of them!  So enough about my relationship with peaches….it’s seasonal. ;o)  Here is the recipe I came up with.

Here’s the ingredients:  fresh peaches, sliced or quarted; orange juice, peach nectar, plain yogurt, sour cream, sugar, and almond extract.

Put your 3 C of peaches in a bowl or a blender.  (I like to use my immersion blender, so I use a bowl.)

Dump in the rest of your ingredients:  1/2 C Sour Cream, 1/2 C plain yogurt, 1/2 C orange juice, 1/2 C peach nectar, 1/4 C sugar and 1 t Almond Extract.

And then blend until smooth.  Adjust the sugar to taste.  If you have really sweet peaches, you won’t need more.  If they’re not as sweet, I’m sorry.  ;o)  You can add a little more sugar, though, if you’d like.

Then you can chill it in the fridge until serving time.  If you are serving it to royalty or for the prom or to impress others (and you will!), then I’ll show you how to make a cute raspberry flower in it.

Pour that deliciousness into a pretty bowl.  This is corel…. the final picture I’ll post is a pretty pewter bowl.

Put some fresh or frozen, but defrosted raspberries into a bowl and mash them up.

Then put them in a strainer and strain the seeds out, leaving just the delicious raspberry pulp.

After you’ve strained the seeds, put a little sugar in to taste.

Okay, I’m using a spoon for this example, but I recommend using the squirt bottle (I’ll post it here in a bit) to do this because it is easier and looks better.  But you are going to take your spoon and drizzle a circle in your soup.

See, it’s kind of a thick circle.  The squirt bottle makes it thinner and nicer looking.  After you get your circle done, then take a toothpick and starting from the outside edge of your circle, drag it to the center, creating a “petal.”

When you’re all done, it will look much better than this because the circle is so thick.  Then after you have made your petals, you put a dot in the center and it looks like a cute flower.

Here’s a picture of the squirt bottle (and my son’s hand).  We aren’t too professional around here.  We just want things done! ;o)

And here’s a picture of one done up right purty for Homecoming last year.  This was done with the squirt bottle.  Much more control.  And yes, that’s a sword….we were on  a pirate ship, for Heaven’s sake.  You can read about it and see pictures in the link above.

So there you have the purty peach soup.  One of our all time fave’s around here!!

Here’s the easy-to-read version:

3 C peeled, quartered or sliced peaches

1/2 C Sour Cream

1/2 C plain yogurt

1/2 C Orange Juice

1/2 C peach nectar (I find these in the hispanic food section)

1/4 C sugar

1 t Almond Extract

Blend all ingredients together.  Can add pretty raspberry flower, if desired.

I always double this or triple.  This batch is not enough for us.  =)  Let me know if you tried it and how you like it!

 

 

Savior, Redeemer of My Soul

There’s  a little story behind this song.  When I was at my book retreat with Leslie Householder and Nancy Genys, Leslie would play this song that we just loved.  It was so peaceful and brought such a powerful sweet spirit.  It was interesting because the singer sounded so much like my son.  I wanted him to sing it.  So when I came home, I searched and searched for the sheet music, but could not find it.  Every so often, the thought would pop into my mind that I needed to find it, but I haven’t had time to go to the music stores and look.  I had only been able to check online.

So today when I got my son’s weekly letter, there was this other email he sent that said this, “Here is my song from Mike’s baptism, May 26, 2012. One is the rehearsal and the other is the actual performance. Yes, I was sick, believe it, or not. Jeane H. on the piano with Jen C on the violin. Absolutely beautiful together!!”

In my mind I’m thinking he must be singing “Come Thou Fount” because that is the song he always sings with cello.  Imagine my surprise when I open the file and hear the music start!!  I am STUNNED!  This was IT!!  This was the song I had been searching for!!  I could not believe it!  I’ve played it over and over.

So I called Sis. Hench (one of the senior missionaries in his area) to tell her about how I had been searching for the music.  Then she says, “well do you know the rest of the story?”  Of course, I hadn’t because this was all my son wrote.  So she proceeds to tell me that the day before the baptism he woke up sick.  He couldn’t hardly even talk.  She said he took every essential oil, over-the-counter medication, and home remedy he could think of.  He couldn’t even practice.    The next morning he woke up still sick.  He could barely talk and was miserable.  He was discouraged and his companion asked him what he was going to do.  He went into his bedroom alone and knelt down and said a prayer.  He told Heavenly Father that this was a beautiful piece of music and that the others had worked hard to prepare it and he wanted to be able to sing it for Mike.  Then he added, “Thy will be done.”  (In his words: “I just prayed that it would go well and that I would be able to sing. I knew I would be able to do it. Faith is a principle of power for sure.”) He had no idea what would happen, but when he showed up and sang, you would never have known.  He said he felt the spirit so strongly and felt he had sung better than he ever had.  He even felt a little better after the song was over.

That story just touched my heart because of the simple, humble faith of a missionary trying to bring the spirit to others.  The Lord truly blessed him.

I hope you enjoy this song of his.  You will never believe that he is/was sick and barely able to talk.

Savior Redeemer of My Soul