Pasta Salad With a Thai Twist

A few weeks ago one of my loved sister-in-laws (I have 9 of them) brought the most amazing salad to our family get together at the lake.  I have to tell you, we were all licking our plates clean, and there wasn't even a bean sprout left to be seen.   Since, I have found the recipe on line, but it originally came from Jamie Oliver.  He is a British guy that's probably in his 30's, has a hairdo like my brother Marc, and makes the most amazing stuff ... ...continue reading

Helen’s Brownies

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Lovely crusty, crackle-ish top.  Yum!Yum is the word.  These brownies are the best I've yet to find, and they come from one of my cousin's, grandma dearest on the other side of the family.  Helen was her name and I remember visiting her raspberry patch when I was a little girl.   Helen made all sorts of good things, but these brownies are my fave.  When James and I got married I remember Helen and Clyde coming to our reception.  She was such a ... ...continue reading

The Best Race Yet

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Jed's trophy!Handsome boys I've got, don't you think!Sat. morning the alarm didn't go off at 5:10am as it was supposed to.  Luckily I had been dreaming about running a 1/2 marathon where there were pear tarts, and apple pie, and all sorts of goodies that I ate at every stop.  Pretty soon I couldn't run anymore.  All I could do was waddle and I still had 11 miles to go.  It was a frightening dream.  I woke up because of the stress the dream was ... ...continue reading

Ratatouille AKA Glorified Zucchini Casserole

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Isn't it pretty.  What to do with all the zucchini and squash that is suddenly overtaking your garden.  I have found the answer and if you tell your kids it is Ratatouille then they just might try it.  OK, I'll admit though that my dad still hated this dish even with the fancy name.  So if your daddy-o is like mine cover the dish in butter and cream and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top and blind fold him and he just might like it.  My granny ... ...continue reading

Always For Eric

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Every year for my younger brother Eric's birthday he receives a lovely pound cake compliments of me.  He loves this pound cake almost as much as I, and there is nothing more gratifying than having your cooking endeavors loved.  Years ago when I had just delivered my 3rd baby a loved sister-in-law brought this cake to me and my little family.  It was a Coconut Pound Cake that quickly had me eating piece after lovely piece and soon admitting that ... ...continue reading

Happy Sounds

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Tis the season to stand at the kitchen sink for hours on end, with a really sappy Jane Austin movie, and can everything in sight.   (It is best to have the 5 hour copy of Pride and Prejudice to keep you occupied for the day.) I love hovering around those colorful little quart jars as they come out of the hot water bath.  I wait anxiously for the happy little popping sound.  That pop means all my work is not in vain.  The jar is sealed and can now ... ...continue reading

Have You Ever Had A Fat Miamaid

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Fat Mia Maids up close and personal.Some very eager gals waiting for their Fat Mia Maid.  Note we have no fat Mia Maids in our ward:) Only super cute Mia Maids!One of the many treats we had at girls camp this last week was a delicious little lovely that I like to call Fat Miamaids.  About 6 years ago I was the Mia Maid teacher at church.  That is I taught the 14-15 year old girls in Young Women's.  We were having an activity and needed a treat ... ...continue reading

Nava Joe Tacos And A Little Juicy Tidbit

I know they're Navajo tacos, but again it is one of those foods that I say phonetically.  Sorry if that bugs you.  I love Nava Joe tacos.  I think they are one of the favorite foods that my mom made when I was a little girl.  Before I was born my mom worked at the Indian School in Brigham City teaching 6th grade.  I believe the students gave her the recipe and taught her how to make them.  Mom if I'm wrong chime in please:)  So growing up we had ... ...continue reading

Camping With Clawson’s

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We did a little bit of Huckleberry picking.  Jed only picked that one Huckleberry:)Lots of fun and games with the cousins.Another great use for Homemade Marshmallows!Everything tastes better outside.Clawson kids.Cute girl cousins:)Breakfast burritos are a new favorite camping meal.Holy cow an actual pic of me.  Most family vacation photos don't include me.  I really have attended them all you just don't see me.  The price I pay to be the official ... ...continue reading

Favorite New Kitchen Gadget

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Where have you been all my life?  I just purchased the most amazing new kitchen gadget today.  It has made my life complete.  I want to send a huge Thank You!!  to my friend Margaret.  She's the one who told me I needed one of these little babies if I wanted some good Kettle Corn.  She was right.  I'm going to trust this gal.  She even told me she's going to show me how to make homemade doughnuts too.  Thanks again Margaret.  I am the happiest ... ...continue reading