Zucchini Fritters

 
Soul food, comfort food, home-cooking---whatever you want to call it, sometimes you just need some deep-fried goodness!!!  I recently purchased some zucchini from the local farmer's market.  Some was used to make Yummy Zucchini Bread.  With the remaining zucchini, I decided to make some fried Zucchini Fritters.  Although my arteries were probably screaming, my taste buds were dancing!!

Ingredients:
2 cups of zucchini, shredded
2 tsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
20-25 Ritz crackers, crushed
1/4-1/2 c finely chopped onions
1/2 cup cheddar cheese  (any type of cheese could be used)
salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs
olive oil for frying

1.  Shred the zucchini and place in cheese cloth.  Squeeze excess water out of zucchini.

2.  Place crackers, garlic, and Italian seasoning in large plastic bag.  Use large spoon to crush crackers.

3.  Add crackers to zucchini.  Also add cheese, onions, salt, pepper, and eggs.  Mix together.

4.  Heat olive oil in non-stick skillet.  Drop spoonfuls of zucchini mixture into hot oil.  Cook until brown and flip.

5.  Drain on paper towel.  Serve hot with sour cream on the side.

Enjoy some deep-fried goodness!!!  For a healthy alternative, bake the zucchini mix in mini muffin pans on 350 degrees until golden brown.

Welcome to High Country

High Country is the beloved name of the area where we live.  It is called "High Country" for good reason.  Boone is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains.  Our "home" (a condo which is serving as a temporary home) has an elevation of 4200 ft.  From our porch, we have layered mountain views all the way into Tennessee.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is 15 minutes from the house and offers a variety of outdoor activities.  Grandfather Mountain State Park (elevation 5,946 ft) towers over the main road to our condo.

Sounds great, right?  Well don't forget one thing....winter!!!  The high elevations, which offer breathtaking views, also offers a nice amount of snow.  In the 2009-2010 school year, 26 days of school were missed and the area received close to 90 inches of snow!!!! I haven't fully wrapped my mind around winter in the mountains, but it will be here before we know it.

Until then, we are enjoying the local sights and the fabulous fall weather.  Here are some pictures from our day trip to Grandfather Mountain this past weekend.  We had a great time, despite the gusty winds!!! Enjoy!!

Look at Abby's hair...it was really windy!!

Male and female mountain lion/panther/cougar.  These were in captivity.  If I were really this close to mountain lions, I wouldn't take time for a photo opt:)

On the Mile High Swinging Bridge...it really is one mile in elevation!!

 More wind!!

Views from the bridge

All of the trees on top of Grandfather Mountain are permanently changed by the wind.

After crossing the bridge

On top of the mountain.  (You can barely see Jude's little face, but he's there)

Look at that lip!  He wasn't happy about something..obviously!

Pretty Abby!

Climbing a tree!!

Taking a ride on Daddy's back

Love those big smiles!!

Fun Finds: Fall DIY Projects

Fall is officially here...even the calendar says so!!!  Fall ignites a DIY spirit in all of us.  Here are some GREAT fall DIY projects.  Hopefully, I will tackle one or two.  Be inspired and complete one today!!!

 

1) Fall Burlap Wreath
2) Fall Burlap Bunting
 3) Ruffle Burlap Wreath 

4) Playful Pumpkin   
  5) Fall Wooden Pumpkins  
6) Jute Wrapped Pumpkins

 

 7) Candy Corn Wreath

8) Fall Initial Leaf Wreath

9) Corn Husk Bow Wreath

 

 10) Fall Bunting     
  11) Pine Cone Embellished Mason Jars

 12) Interchangeable Fall Frame

Confessions: Being Content

Let me explain how my mind works ( this could be hard!!)  I was perusing the web today, looking for some fall decorating ideas and came across some beautiful tablescapes.  Admiring the beautiful displays of pumpkins and leaves, I noticed my focus was straying from the decor to the table itself.  Before too long, I was researching dining room tables.  (Note:  I just went from a $50 craft project, to a whole room makeover, including new furniture, in split seconds.  If only I could harness those brainwaves for good works!!)  Not only was I itching for a new table, but also new chairs.  Suddenly, I didn't like MY dining room table.  Granted, my table has "character".  It boasts some green crayon, black permanent marker, the finish is chippingand as our family grows, it continues to get smaller, but it serves it purpose, it's solid, it is a perfectly good table.  But that other one is still calling my name...what is wrong with me?  Why can't I be content?

The internal struggle is so superficial and shallow, yet it is one that I deal with more often than I like to admit.  Contentment...It is hard to fathom the showering of blessings that my family and I possess--our health, a nice (temporary) home, vehicles to drive, family that has supported us on this move (even though their hearts are sad), TWO awesome church families.  I now, after years of desiring it, I stay at home with the kids and can devote my time to the family without the balancing act.  Most importantly, I have a Savior who died for my sins and understands all human obstacles. Yet, there are times that I struggle with being content over the silliest things...like a dining table.

Anytime that I shared time with others in their home, it was not their possessions that made me feel welcome, but their open hearts and hospitality.  Yet, I often find myself in a battle of the comparisons...a battle that I would never win.  Why?  Because I would be focused on things of THIS world, not focused on things above.

In Hebrews 13:5, the inspired writer states "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  (NKJV)

1 Timothy 6: 6-8
" (6) Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  (7)For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."

Matthew 6:31-33
"(31) Therefore do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' (32) For after all these things the Gentiles seek.  For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. (33) but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

The Bible is very straight-forward on the topic of contentment and covetousness.  Why?  If my desires are of this world, including possessions, they cannot be on God.  Now, don't get me wrong, the Lord expects us to work and not be lazy.  However, even within our careers and our volunteer work, the glory should be given to the Lord.

So many things in this world can become an idol that is "worshiped" instead of praising, thanking, and looking to God...TV, sports, Facebook, blogging, careers, possessions, even our families.  None of these things are wrong, some (such as families) are highly discussed in the Bible, some are necessary (careers and possessions), and some are simply hobbies, yet any of them can morph into simple parts of our lives to full-blown distractions that ever-so-slowly move our hearts and minds away from God.  Satan sure is a sly-one.

How does our lack of contentment affect our kids?  We are our children's first teachers and the
strongest influence in their lives.  (Trust me...I was a teacher for seven years.  Frequently, when I met the parents, I totally understood the kid.  We influence them!!)  We tell our children to eat healthy as we roll through the drive-thru.  Or to respect others, while we talk about people behind their backs.  
Or to play nice with their siblings, while we fight with our spouse.  Contentment?  We tell our children that they can't buy something every time they go to Wal-mart, but we are constantly buying. 
 Our children are the greatest reflection of our hearts...I cringe at that thought.  What am I teaching my children through my actions?   

In addition to teaching our children to be content, comparing ourselves to others also leads us to a false sense of perfection.  Facebook and pinterest are two of the worst offenders in the perfection department.  We view posts of our friends and families and question "why doesn't my life look that good?"...and the discontentment settles into our brain.  Notice that our focus is still NOT on God.  I heard a quote that once said "the reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes to everyone else's highlight reel."  On Facebook, blogs, pinterest, twitter, and in life, everyone wants to appear as though they have it all together and everything is perfect.  If we chose to believe such hogwash, the "comparison and lack of contentment" mindset is here to stay.  The comparisons and discontent can actually paralyze our lives and will take the joy out of living.

Unfortunately, the world doesn't help with the issue of contentment.  The "newest" and the "best" is always around us...television, radio, billboard ads, the internet, even in conversation with friends and colleagues.  Remember, that all of these trivial and temporary "things" are of this world and God is calling to us to return our eyes to Him.  Although the world shouts and God whispers, His whispers are always the right thing and are always consistent.

Retraining ourselves to be content is a life-long venture.  Full mastery will never be obtained.  However, the journey along the pathway will be a valuable lesson to our children, a testament to our faith, an inspiration to our friends and family,  and the best way to enjoy our CURRENT life----not where our life could possibly be one day.











Rachel

F-A-L-L Door Decoration

 

F-A-L-L--some cute little letters hanging from a door.  Simple, right?  Whatever!  No craft is simple for me.  I found the inspiration over at www.sandandsisal.com and decided that I wanted to tackle this idea.  I quickly looked the tutorial over and dashed off to Michael's and bought the necessary supplies. I must confess, I am similar to a man in the respect that I just looked at a picture and didn't really read the tutorial!!  Then once I actually read the directions, I realized I was supposed to use scrapbook paper, tissue paper, and something called Mod-Podge...it was like reading a foreign language.  I almost gave up in defeat, but decided against it.  So, I decided to abandon the directions and try it my own way.

Well.....apparently I am not even talented enough to mix primary colors.  My "lime" green I was attempting to create was more of a "split-pea soup" green and the orange was a pastel peach.  What a mess!!  But I had committed to the project and decided to finish it as planned.  It didn't turn out quite as horrible as I first thought, but it could definitely be improved.  (A side note for anyone who would like to try this...don't paint with a six-month old on your hip.  It can be hazardous to the health of all involved, including the kitchen counter:)


Necessary supplies:
Michael's was sold out of the large letters, so I had to settle for the smaller mdf letters.  Also, I should have just bought the exact colors I wanted, instead of trying to mix my own.  Remember, you could use fabric or paper to cover the letters.  Also, burlap could be a cute alternative to the ribbon for hanging purposes.

I painted the letters using both solid colors and patterns.  It is totally up to you.  Let the creative juices flow!!

We live in the basement unit of our condo building, so we have an extra exterior door.  (The upstairs units have a window in this location.)  Although I could have hung the letters on the front door, I would have only seen them as I entered the house PLUS they would have been banging on the door every time it was opened.  So my letters are actually on the interior of the door.  I simply tied the ribbon around the letters and attached the other end to the top of the door using a heavy-duty staple gun. (You could also use the Command hooks, but attach them upside down.)  This door is right next to our main entrance door (yes, I know that sounds weird), so it is a nice welcome into our home.  There is a bookshelf located right next to the door, so I decorated the top of it as well. :)  I like how this project made our "temporary" condo home feel more like our "real" home, even if it was exactly what I had imagined!!

      

   

   

Rachel

Zesty Pimento Cheese

In my book, a sure sign of fall is chili for supper.  The temperatures have been quite nippy as of late up here, so I decided that it was time to break out the chili pot.  Chili is even on the menu board for the week, so it just has to be fall!!

 

Now in our house, you can't eat chili without some homemade pimento cheese.  This is a recipe I started making about two years ago. In that time, I am confident that I have never made it the same way twice.  Why?  Because,  measuring and I don't really get along.  I usually just eyeball the amounts and taste test.  However, this recipe is pretty close...I think:)

Ingredients:
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (Shred it yourself, don't used the pre-shredded)
4 oz mild cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz Velveeta cheese (Shredding Velveeta is like herding cats..it doesn't work very well.  So use the pre-shredded kind)
1/2 cup mayo
2 tbsp. vinegar
1 tbsp. sugar
2-3 tsp. Frank's Hot Sauce (depends on how spicy you want it to taste)
1 jar of pimentos, drained and rinsed
salt and pepper to taste

 Any of these amounts can be adjusted to your family's taste!

1.  Shred all of the cheeses, mix together, and set aside.
2.  In a small bowl, mix the mayo, vinegar, sugar, hot sauce, pimentos, and salt and pepper.
3.  Pour mayo mixture over the cheese and mix well.
4.  Refrigerate.  Can be served with crackers or as a sandwich, grilled or cold.

Rachel

Quick and Easy Greek Pizza

I LOVE Greek food!!  Feta cheese, gyros, pitas, spinach pie, kalamata olives--I love them all.  But, the rest of the family...not so much.  Josh loves a gyro as much as the next person, but he would NEVER eat a Greek-style pizza.  So I decided to make individual pizzas the other night and I got what I wanted.  All of the feta, olives, and spinach I could stand...YUM!! 


Ingredients:
1 T. olive oil
1 clove of garlic, minced
Flatout Harvest Wheat Flatbread
1/4 cup Feta Cheese
1/2-3/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese
Kalamata Olives
Banana Peppers
Spinach



1.  Mix olive oil and garlic together.  Spread on the Flatout.
2.  Layer half of mozzerella cheese on top of Flatout.
3.  Pile high with other toppings.  (Remember, the spinach will wilt down)
4.  Layer feta cheese and the remaining mozzarella on top.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

 

 

Rachel

Yummy Zucchini Bread

 

Zucchini...the strange, green cousin of the beloved summer squash.  It sometimes gets a bad rap and doesn't get quite as much attention in the recipe department as yellow squash.  But one thing that can bring a smile to even the biggest critic is zucchini bread.  So moist, so sweet, so melt-in-your-mouth yummy.  The smell of it baking makes the house so warm and inviting.  Bake some today. Your family will shower you with hugs, kisses, and "thank-yous".  Oh, and since this recipe uses both zucchini and applesauce, it has to be healthy!!  Right?:)

 Yummy Zucchini Bread

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup applesauce
• 2 1/4 cups white sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Grease two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, applesauce, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until brown and yummy.

Rachel

Creamy Corn Chowder

The temperatures are falling, leaves are changing, and the feel of fall is in the air...at least in the mountains!!  In Kentucky, I couldn't imagine making soup in September.  It would be too hot.  Swimming is even still acceptable in Kentucky in September.  Well, now as mountain transplant, I have discovered that things are a little different up here.  The mornings have been in the 40s for the last two weeks and that screams sweaters, scraves, boots, and SOUP to me.  So I found this yummy recipe at Hillshire Farms but I used turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage and skim milk instead of whole milk.  I served it with some good ol' Jiffy cornbread.  But to make something delicious even more sinful, I add honey butter to the top of the cornbread will piping hot.  Yum, Yum, Yum!!!  Great recipe for a cool, fall night!!

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. Hillshire Farm® Smoked Sausage
• ¼ cup butter or margarine
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 can  whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can cream style corn
• 2 cups cubed potatoes, cooked, drained ( cooked mine in the microwave for about 5 minutes)
• shredded cheddar cheese (optional..but necessary in my opinion)

Directions:

1. Cut sausage into 1/2”cubes; set aside
2. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 4 minutes or until tender. Add flour, salt and pepper; cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
3. Add milk. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Add corn and sausage; return to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in potatoes and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Serve with cheese on top.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 25

Not-From-A-Box Pancakes

 
Growing up, my mom had quite a reputation for making the BEST homemade pancakes.  The neighbor kids would come over any time she made them.  In fact, one neighbor boy wrestled in high school and had to follow a strict diet in order to maintain his weight.  As soon as wrestling season was over, he would come to the house and mom would make him a WHOLE batch of pancakes and he would gobble them all up.

When Josh and I got married, I didn't inherit her skills of making pancakes and resorted to making "boxed" pancakes.  I followed this practice for the last eight years.  This past weekend, I went to the pantry and discovered there was NO pancake mix.  Now, I already had in my mind that I wanted pancakes and it is hard to change my stomach mind.  Crazy enough, I thought about my mom's pancakes but didn't call her.  (My dad works night shift and Saturday mornings are about the only time they get to spend together.  I didn't want to bother her with a recipe.)  So like so many others, I headed to the internet to find a recipe.  I looked at several and finally modified enough of them to come up with my own recipe.  What a hit!!!  Josh, who isn't even really a fan of pancakes, even loved them.  They are almost as good as mom's!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 tbsp. vanilla

1. Combine dry ingredients together.
2.  Add milk, egg, oil, and vanilla.  Mix with whisk until smooth.
3. Heat non-stick skillet (no need to oil)
4.  Pour pancakes into hot skillet.  (I like smaller sized pancakes, but make them any size you want.)
5.  Turn when tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked.  Second side will not take as long.

What's For Lunch?

With school recently starting, the debate of school lunch vs. home lunch was a topic of discussion.  I would prefer to pack a lunch...it is more nutritious, cheaper, and portion controlled.  However, my lunchtime creativity was generally limited to a sandwich or a Lunchable.  Both become redundant and boring.  The only fun and unexpected surprise to lunch would be a little note left to Abby each day.

This school year, I am committed to trying new lunch ideas to provide something fun and nutritious for Abby.  Here are a few of lunches I have packed this year.  Some were my ideas and some were modifications of Pinterest finds.

Homemade Lunchables

Abby loves Lunchables, but hates cheese!!  So I was paying $2.50 for a meal that was only partially eaten.  So I decided to make my own.  I found some great containers at Kitchen Connections that are both colorful and roomy.  Of course, the possibilities are endless with this idea.

I used ham, crackers, stawberries, pineapple, cookie sandwiches, and a Capri Sun.

Sandwich Sushi
I removed  the crust off of the bread and flattened it out (tortillas is a great alternative.)  I spread some ranch dressing on the bread, but you could also use cream cheese.  Fill with your kids favorite things such as ham, turkey, carrots, cucumbers, etc.  Roll the bread up and slice into small sushi-like spirals.  Abby thought it was really fun.

"Uncrustables"
Wonder bread makes a handy-dandy sandwich sealer that is VERY reasonable.  I ordered mine from Amazon for around $6.00.  The premade sandwiches in the frozen section at the grocery is just not very good and the amount of jelly is overwhelming.  With this option, I can control how much jelly is in the sandwich

.Amazon Wonder Bread Sandwich Sealer

PB&J Rollups 
Similar to the sushi idea, except you add peanut butter and jelly as the filling, roll it up, and slice.



Abby still eats a school lunch every now and then, but she also likes her homemade lunches!!


Another great idea to streamline the morning is to make mini muffins on Sunday for the week.  I generally place four mini muffins in a snack size plastic bag.