Time for the Banana peppers!!!

Today I decided to tackle the banana peppers...I like them on sandwiches especially sub sandwiches! This is a fast and easy canning recipe to make your own Banana Pepper

sandwich rings.

Just finished in time to get ready for a date!!!

Banana Pepper Rings

Here is a link that educates you; or anyone interest in methods in preserving peppers http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/8004.pdf

Ingredients

20 - 25 banana peppers

2 cups white vinegar

2 cups water

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

1 clove of garlic (per pint jar)

1 tsp canning/pickling salt (per pint jar)

1 tsp vegetable oil (per pint jar)

6-7  1/2 pint jars and lids, sterilized and prepared for canning

Instructions:

Wash the peppers. Slice, remove seeds, discard stem ends.

I have found that keeping the peppers in ice water helps them to stay crisp

 In each jar of packed peppers, add 1 tsp canning/pickling salt and 1 tsp vegetable oil.

add one clove of garlic and I like to add a small hot pepper to each pint jar...the pepper is optional

In a sauce pan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and ground turmeric. Bring to a boil.
Ladle hot pickling liquid into jars, leaving 1/2 inch head-space. Remove any air bubbles and add more liquid as needed.

Apply lids and bands, screw down to fingertip tight. Process in hot water bath for 10 minutes. Cool and store. Check back after 24 hours to make sure the lids have sealed.

A twist on a family favorite Lemon Zucchini Bread!!!!

With plenty of Zucchini in the garden you can't go wrong with these two recipes. Both are yummy and once you cut into them be prepared they will be gobbled away quickly. This year I changed up my regular recipe by adding some lemon. I loved the results!!! This one is all pretty and wrapped....heading to Grandpa's he likes this bread just as much as My Gardner Guy!!!

Lemon Zucchini Bread

3 eggs
2 1/4 cups of sugar
1 cup of oil
4 cups of flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. lemon extract
2 tsp. lemon juice
zest from one lemon
2 cups of zucchini
1 cup of nuts (optional)

1, Mix together eggs, sugar, oil
2. Add flour, salt, soda, baking powder, lemon extract, lemon juice and lemon zest
3. Add shredded zucchini and nuts, mix well
4. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 10 minutes (if you cook in large loaf pans)
mini loafs take about 40 minutes

Sometimes depending on my time and mood I add a lemon glaze glaze to my bread and it's yummy!!!

LEMON GLAZED ICING
1/2 c. powdered sugar 3 tsp. lemon juice, or a lemon extract I have used a little of both ;) 2 tbsp. butter Add powdered sugar, stir in butter and add lemon juice

Tips for drying your own lemon or orange zest...
My Gardner Guy...Grow, Create, Cook and Eat...: Drying grated lemon or orange peel

Zucchini Bread

3 eggs
2 1/4 cups of sugar
1 cup of oil
3 cups of flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
3 tsp of vanilla (sometimes I use 2 tsp. of vanilla and 1 tsp. of lemon extract)
2 cups of zucchini
1 cup of nuts (optional)

1, Mix together eggs, sugar, oil
2. Add flour, salt, soda, baking powder, cinnamon and vanilla
3. Add shredded zucchini and nuts, mix well
4. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 10 minutes

Planning a party .....

Party plans....it can be a lot of work but with a few of these tips it can be a lot of fun and successful!!!
Over the years I have been involved with planning different kinds of party events, in fact at one time in my life I started a small company called "I Do"... catching name right? Well I did party and event planning. It seem like most of all the events involved food so I also started catering and that business was called "We Cater to You"...After posting these tips I came back to add a tid bit...If you are hosting a party, reunion, reception or any other kind of event where there are children set up a children's food table...they will love it!!!

This is Madelyn at my Son's Wedding luncheon....she still talks about the little kids table!!!

1. Give your self plenty of time....You should start planning 6-8 weeks before the event no less than 4 weeks. Trust me on this one, this allows you plenty of time to think the party out from beginning to the end. Get your detail list started and break down your to do's.  It also allows you the time to gather the supplies, come in under and at your budget, and enlist plenty of helpers...

2. Enlist help! Trying to get everything done by yourself can be stressful. Delegate duties to some of your friends...they're usually happy to help out, and it's a lot more fun than doing it alone! I have found that when I do this, those that I have help bring ideas and resources with them...

3. Choose a theme. A theme makes planning your party much easier, and it sparks your guests' enthusiasm. This includes the table and chair lay out, table clothes, plates, centerpieces, lighting, ect...

4. Pick a place, and time...

5. Plan out your games and activities, if you are going to be busy hosting assign this out to someone who is great at involving people in games.  Follow up with them and make sure they are aware of your party layout, tables, chairs ect.  

6. Decide on the menu pretty early in your party planning process and make a list of all of the food and drinks that you will need to purchase from the grocery store. Determine what type of serving dishes you are going to need and be sure you have everything. If there's something that you're missing, call a friend to see if you can borrow something, or add the item(s) to your shopping list.

7. Spread the word. As soon as you have the core parts of the party down (food, location, music, time, date) then start to invite your friends. If it is a big party you need a big place, for example a recent party I did we served 56 people, last year the same party we had 64. This requires a large area...if you are hosting a party for 20 people and your home is  2500 square feet, that's probably all the people that you will want to invite. Being over crowded does not make for fun!!!

8. Set the mood. This is one of the party planning tips that some people tend to overlook. Greeting guests at the door with a smile will help them feel comfortable right away. Decorating your party location to match your theme will spark your guests' enthusiasm, and dressing in the style of your theme will get everyone talking. I am a believer in Presentation.....!!!

9. Play background music to liven up the atmosphere. Make sure it's played loud enough to hear, but not so loud that it's a distraction.

10. Visit with all your guests!!! Let them know you are so pleased they attended the party, everyone loves to feel important. 

Above all enjoy yourself....you are the Hostess!!!




 Centerpieces do not have to be large, use smaller items and create groupings for larger table areas...

Any area can be transformed into a event with planning, this is a gym...

Start early gathering your items needed for your decoration, including the dishes you may be displaying and serving food in.

Presentation!!!

Make the food look fun, good, display it!!!



Gather the dishes you need for all the food, warming dishes work well for large groups...

Layer your place settings, serve a few courses, place settings should have appeal but also keep it simple...Some other ideas you can do is tie flatware with a pretty ribbon or fabric , or add a vibrant napkin for a pop of color...for this party simple hearts made with scrap booking paper and piece of chocolate adds to the theme for a Valentines party.

Remember Presentation!!!

At this dinner we served three kinds of soup, make food labels to inform your guest what foods your are serving...

We also had a bread bar, and salad bar with a variety of specialty dressings notice the bottles are all labeled...  

These are the spreads and butters used at our bread station, notice the place cards...

Having a variety of breads to choose from was a fun foodie idea!!! Every one loved it...

Groupings of smaller items add interest using tea lights...

Keeping a beverage table makes things easier of you...guest are free to get their own drinks. Use several punch bowls or pitchers so you don't have to refill the table often.



Make the food look great remember
Presentation!!!

To serve a busy group either serve from both sides to keep line going faster or for this party we started at the center (our meat carving station ) then proceed either  left or right...

Yummy bread station...

The soups were great...

Allow the crowd to mingle at the beginning...enjoying the mood

Mingle and enjoy your guest...

Make the games fun...put someone in charge of this!!!

The above pictures are from our Valentines Ward Party...For the past few years I have enjoyed  (with lots of help) doing a couples dinner. Rather it be for a large group or a small group in your home the approach of planning is the same....

A Tirbute to my Uncle....

This past week my Uncle passed away. He had been dealing with failing health for quite a number of years. This is my Mother's only brother...until her death they were very close. Even as a young girl I noticed the bond they seemed to have with one another. I am learning through the years that I and probably most of us take life and people close to us for granted. May be we do not mean to but over the past few years loosing family and friends I think I need to do more. Part of me will miss him and the other part of me cheers him on because now he's with so many of those who have gone before him.    

                            

Jerry Scheinost left this life on Monday February 17^th 2014 in Las Vegas Nevada. Though we will miss him, we know that he is in a more peaceful place free of physical pain.

He was born August 30^th 1942 In San Diego California. He was raised by Edward Scheinost  Sr. and Sylvia McEwen Scheinost. He spent part of his childhood years in Nebraska with some of his extended Scheinost relatives. His family later moved to LaPine, Oregon for much of Jerry’s educational years.

In 1962 Jerry moved to the Las Vegas valley. Jerry served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War stationed in Germany. He later joined the Laborer’s Union and worked for various construction companies. He worked for Del Webb and became a foreman for Marnell Corrao Associates overseeing the building of many hotel and casino projects. He became very skilled worker in construction and built custom homes. He was known as a dependable hard worker. He continued working in construction until he retired.

Jerry had two sons Bernard Gary  (Bernie) and Albert Joseph (Joey) with Sandra Kenne. He was also married to Marjorie Andrews and Deborah Severson. He became very involved in his grand children’s lives; he and his companion, Peggy Grady took on the responsibility of parenting four of his grandchildren Codi, Krista, Shyla and Sandra Scheinost. Jerry loved four wheeling activities and going out to eat with them. He also had two other grandchildren Rebecca Thunderbull and Austin. Jerry had four great grandchildren Alexander, Tucker, Makenzie and Sadie Thunderbull.

Jerry was preceded in death by his birth parents Mary Katheryn Long and Leland Caree Carroll, and Sylvia McEwan and Edward Scheinost  Sr., his sister Lila Mae Bell, his sons Bernard Gary and Albert Joseph, and one niece Donna Lynn Bell Mustachia.

He is survived by his dear companion Peggy Grady, six grandchildren Rebecca, Austin, Codi, Krista, Shyla and Sandra; four great grandchildren Alexander, Tucker, Makenzie and Sadie, brother in law George Bell, Georgieann Bell Elliott a niece and two nephews Richard Marion and Edward Bell.

Elliott home 2013 Christmas

Hello Family and Friends,  

                I have always loved the spirit of Christmas. I have fond memories of my Mother setting up her Nativity set (which I now have and enjoy). She would spend what seen to me hours fluffy up the angel hair to lay baby Jesus in. We had a card board fire place, with a light that made it appear like a glowing fire that she would assemble. Our stockings hung on the mantel of our Christmas fireplace, we loved it. Then there was the tree, she loved tinsel hanging from it. She would carefully show my siblings and I how to apply the tinsel so it hung just so ever perfect on our Christmas tree.                

I also recall the memory of my last Christmas with my Mother. She was very thin, to the point that my Father carried her to where she needed to be. My father, relatives, and friends attended to the day to day duties, including preparing for Christmas. Though we lost our Mother following the holidays … I still have the memories of who she was, how she took care of us, and what she brought to our lives. We all have to deal with some adversity at times; adversity is a fact of life. It can’t be controlled.                

As I ponder and look back on our 2013 year there has been more blessings than adversity. I and thankful for both!!!      

Our 2013 year started out cold and we were buried in snow. We weather a very cold weekend and attended Dave’s 80 th birthday celebration for Grandpa Dave. I continued to endured the snow and cold by planning and hosting a huge Valentines party for the couples in our ward, we had a turnout of 64 people it was lovely. 

          
Brent and I now have eleven beautiful grandcritters. Two of them Ayden Harper and Molly Salway turned one this year.                

I enjoyed a spring break in St. George with my kids and grandcritters. It started out with taking two three year olds for some Grandma time. They keep reminding me they want to do it again. (Ella Crowther and Ty Harper). The rest of the week was spent with Avery and Madelynn, we had no rules, wear what we want, stay up late…we fell asleep early still, eat what we want. Pretty cool Grandma I was…

           
Brooke (Brent’s daughter) departed for San Antonio, Texas to serve a mission. She is doing very well we hear from her weekly.

           
Excited for the snow to be gone Brent and I started the 2013 garden season. Brent grew a fantastic garden this year our cabbages were huge. I experimented with yellow tomatoes and came up with a delicious tomato with basil and tomato with ginger jam. My gardening was tending to the tulips and I started a fairy garden….it was cute!

We attended two college graduations, for Megan Brooksby (Kyle’s wife) and Shelley Crowther (my Daughter). This was a busy week for David and Shelley; they moved to a nice home, big yard for the kids, away from the storage buildings that David manages. During that same week we went to the play Camelot in which Lila Harper (my daughter) played the part of Guinevere.

 We lost a family member this year...she will be missed. Prior to her passing we enjoyed a 40th anniversary reunion getting reacquainted with so many family members.  We will miss you Raelene Clarke.

     
Kyle Brooksby  (my son) survived swat hell week up here in the Salt Lake area, we enjoyed hearing about his adventure...if you can call it that.    

             

 During the summer months we had the company of the Harper grandcritters who played, played, and played. They became very attached to our neighbors of four girls and 1 cute boy. It was hard seeing them go home. I think the neighbor children felt the same way. I was able to get all my kids together and make a visit to Ely, to spend some time with Dad and Mildred Bell. It was a quick, fun, lots of food, a memory maker…. reunion.               

Wedding...yes it was also quick but welcomed!! We welcomed a new lady into our lives Margaret Clarke. At the heels of the wedding celebration we headed for Idaho for another missionary farewell she was called to  Hawaii, Cara Bunkner (niece) will be a great blessing to the people on the islands.               

Many Saturday’s were enjoyed watching Hayden (oldest grandcritter) on the football field. It was fun seeing Brandi (Brent’s daughter) and Eric as proud parents cheering him on.               

Many birthdays were attended; I wish we could attend them all. One birthday in particular was visiting my brother; we have not spoken much the past twelve years. That has been to long but I am thankful the relationship is moving forward and being mended.                

Our Porter family, Heidi (Brent’s daughter), Matt and Jaxson have moved South to St. George, Utah. Matt became employed for Tuachan! We wish them the very best…               

Brent moved to a different job within the company, he is swamped but is enjoying the change.               

Ryan (Brent’s son) became engaged to Mindee Mabey their wedding date is set for Jan. 10th.               

Trevor (Brent’s son) is doing his senior year, working and spending his money. This is his favorite time of the year it’s snowboarding time!!!               

Rigby (Brent’s son) has been working out of town. We see him now and then. We enjoyed that he spent Father’s Day here with his dad...thank you!               

Come November we took another trip to St. George eating many cheeseburgers. We did get a turkey dinner in there, again more time with family, football games to be watched for Travis and Brent, a little swimming and a surprise visitor Santa Clause, made a visit over the Thanksgiving Holiday.              

I have had quite a few visits with family and friends this year, Lance and Lisa came up and Shelby went into the MTC, he is going to be serving his mission in Canada. Michelle and Chad Wallace stayed the night as Michelle had eye surgery. Thomas and Dana Sevy join me for lunch on their way through Utah.  Sherilyn and her girls met me for lunch on their way through Utah to a doctor appointment.

             
This has been a year with much celebration, family, friends, and a passing of a loved one but, it has been good as well as eventful. As I ponder in thought I have much to be thankful for. The Elliott’s home has been blessed. I wish the same for all my family and friends. May you fine peace and happiness this Christmas Season. May you be healthy and happy now and this coming New Year. May your home be filled with a warm Christmas spirit...And wishing you the best 2014 New Year!!!

  
With much love…..  The Elliotts

Ornaments for the Grandcritters...

Time to start gathering supplies to make cute things for the tree!!!

Popsicle sticks are inexpensive and with a few things you can have some fun ornaments for the grand-critters to make....better yet put together some kits and give it to them at the beginning of the holidays season for some fun activities to do...

Pop Corn balls and Halloween...

It became a tradition when raising my children to make delicious pop corn balls around Halloween. I know what might come to your mind.... will all parents think this treat is safe for their kids to eat? I have been lucky enough to live in neighborhoods were I knew most of the trick or treater's and they knew me. It soon became known that I was the lady who made wonderful pop corns balls and many came early to ensure they got their pop corn ball for the year. I still love to do this every year!!! The only thing missing is that my children are grown....Recipe below...

Caramel Pop Corn balls

1 1/2 cups of white corn syrup

3 cups of brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup of butter

1 15 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

3 gallons of popped corn

Combine corn syrup and brown sugar. Cook and stir until it comes to a boil, then stir in your sweetened condensed milk. Continue stirring and cooking over medium heat until it comes to a boil again, then add your butter. Cook to a soft ball stage, remove from heat and pour over your popped corn. I find it works better to put this hot mixture into a big mixing bowl and pour your popped corn into the mixture in batches this makes it easier to stir and get all the popped corn covered with caramel. If you want to form balls use butter to butter your hands and form your balls.



Wrapped and ready to be handed out....

What's your Halloween Tradition?

It's fall.......

I am feeling overwhelmed...this is not like me. I love the fall season, from September on but for some reason I have not been able to quite wrap around all my thoughts...with that said I am going to play catch up and perhaps start fresh!!! Let's start with My Gardner Guy...his yearly crop of orange pumpkins, plus a few other colors!!!

2013 Pumpkins from My Gardner Guy

Up close...this is a big load, nice size this year!!!

Jaxson is pleased with the pumpkins

These pumpkins are heading South!!!

Every year when the pumpkins begin to ripen up it's my queue to start pulling out the fall décor!!!

Flat Bread with carmelized onions and butter nut squash!!!

Last weekend My Gardner Guy and tried out a new restaurant  Twigs, that opened near us in Farmington Station. They had a flat bread on their menu under appetizers that was very delicious...I have a lot of butter nut squash sitting on my kitchen counter so I decided I would make some of this flat bread myself...we loved it!!!

Roasted Butternut Squash
1 small butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes or smaller
olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use a baking sheet drizzle each sheet with a small amount of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until tender.

Caramelized Onions
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
salt & pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until completely caramelized, stirring occasionally at first and more often as onions begin to brown. Depending on your stove, this could take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. Season with freshly ground pepper.

Flatbread

1 prepared pizza crust or make your own...

I love this simple pizza crust....

1 3/4 cups of flour

1/2 TBSP of yeast

1/2 TBSP of sugar

1/2 TBSP of oil

3/4 tsp. of salt

3/4 cup of warm water

mix all ingredients together and roll out to your desired shape

 Prepare...

Preheat oven to temperature indicated on pizza crust package. Top crust with caramelized onions, cheese, and squash. Bake for time on package or until squash is heated through and cheese has melted.

While pizza is baking, heat oil in small skillet over medium high heat. Add sage leaves and saute, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes or until leaves are crispy, but still green. Sprinkle sage leaves and walnuts on pizza before serving.

  Ingredients used...

1 prepared pizza crust

1/2 of caramelized onions

1/2 c. shredded Fontina or Italian blend cheese (try different cheeses that you may like)

1/2 cup or more of roasted butternut squash

2 tsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. sage leaves, cut into ribbons

side note:
nuts would also be good to add to this, and serving with balsamic vinegar tastes great!!!
also I like the taste of sage but cut up in small pieces....basil would also taste good!!!
Have Fun!!!!

 

 

Yellow tomato basil jam....my favorite this fall season....

Yellow tomato's make for a most golden delicious jam...I love this jam!!!

 

 

 

This year we enjoyed a few varieties of yellow tomato's in the garden. I have a stack of recipes, along with  quite a few book marked on my computer I want to try. So when the yellow tomato's came ripe I was excited to try this recipe. Trust me, I try a lot of recipes and if they make it to my blog that means I loved them and it will be added to my pantry to be enjoyed in my home...

Ingredients

• 4 pounds Sun gold or other yellow tomatoes
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• zest of two lemons, divided
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped basil

Instructions

1. Cut Sun gold tomatoes in half, or, if using larger yellow tomatoes, chop them into smallish pieces.
2. Combine chopped tomatoes with sugar in a large, non-reactive pot and stir. Let sit for at least one hour, or until the tomatoes release their juice.
3. When ready to cook, prep canning pot and jars and place jam pot over high heat. Add lemon juice and bring to a boil.
4. Cook at a boil for 30-35, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes have softened and the syrup has gotten thick. Once you’re satisfied with the set, remove the pot from the heat and stir in half the lemon zest and chopped basil. Taste and add remaining lemon zest only if you feel the jam requires it.
5. Pour jam into prepared jars. Wipe rims, apply lids and rings. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes.