Saturday, July 31, 2021

Bonnie's Chicken & Rice Casserole

 I remember Mom making this for when we’d have the speaker over after the meeting on Sundays. We’d come home from the Kingdom Hall and the house would smell so good. 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Salt and pepper three pounds of cut up chicken. 

Dust with flour.

Fry in oil.

In a roaster pan combine:

  • 1 cup uncooked rice

  • 1 envelope onion soup mix

  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup

  • 2 cans water

Mix well, lay fried chicken pieces in mixture. 

Cover the roaster pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the rice is done & chicken is tender. 


The Yooper Oven Mitt

Publisher's note: I created this pattern around 2014. I made and sold a lot of them at vendor events thru 2018.  In moving from Ontonagon to Bruce Crossing I lost the pattern. I recently found it again and am publishing it so that I do not loose it again. 

These pattern size of the hand on both of these oven mitts is the same, the difference is in the length. The longer one goes up the arm farther and was designed to prevent me from burning my inner arm on oven racks.

I know the idea of a loosely crocheted oven mitt is a bit scary, I played around with a lot of patterns and stitches before I settled on the stitches used here and doubling the mitt. 


Supplies needed

I hook, cotton yarn. I used Premier Home Cotton. I used four 2.1­2.8 oz skeins for the longer almost elbow length pattern. I don’t like the thought of having knots in the mitts possibly in a crucial spot so go this same route for the regular length pattern. There is a lot of yarn left over and that can be used to make matching coasters or towel holders or whatever other kitchen accessory that catches your eye. You will notice that both patterns are similar with the stitch count and one variation in the center rows being the only differences.

For both patterns you will need to make four of each mitt. They are then sewn together to form oven mitt.


Regular Size Oven Mitt

Chain 30. 

Row 1: Half double crochet on second stitch from hook, continue with half double crochet across length of chain. (You should have 29 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work.

Row 2: One half double crochet stitch in the first 28 stitches, two half double crochet stitches in the last stitch. (You should have 30 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 3: Two half double crochet stitches in first stitch, one half double crochet stitch in rest of row. (You should have 31 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 4: One half double crochet stitch in the first 30 stitches, two half double crochet stitches in the last stitch. (You should have 32 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 5: Two half double crochet stitches in first stitch, one half double crochet stitch in rest of row. (You should have 33 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 6: One half double crochet stitch in the first 32 stitches, two half double crochet stitches in the last stitch. (You should have 34 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Rows 7­-10: One half double crochet stitch in each stitch. (You should have 34 stitches in each row.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 11: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet in the rest of the stitches across. (You should have 33 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 12: One half double crochet in the first 31 stitches, using the next two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch.(You should have 32 stitches). Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 13: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet in the rest of the stitches across. (You should have 31 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 14: Half double crochet in first 20 stitches. Chain and turn work. 

Row 15: Two Half double crochet in the first stitch, one half double crochet in the next five stitches. (You should have 6 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 16: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet stitch in next four stitches, two half double crochet in last stitch. (You should have 7 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 17: Two half double crochet in the first stitch, one half double crochet in the next four stitches, using the next two stitches make a decrease half double crochet. (You should have 7 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 18: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet stitch in next four stitches, two half double crochet in last stitch. (You should have 7 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 19: Two half double crochet in the first stitch, one half double crochet in the next four stitches, using the next two stitches make a decrease half double crochet. (You should have 7 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 20: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet stitch in next four stitches, two half double crochet in last stitch. (You should have 7 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 21: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet stitch in next three stitches, using the last two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch. Tie off and weave in end.

To assemble mitt: You will need to do this twice: Using safety pins, pin two pieces together. Using a tapestry needle, sew across the bottom flat edge of the mitt. Now pin both of pieces together so that all four layers are perfectly aligned. Using a tapestry needle sew around the mitt leaving the bottom straight edge open. Weave in loose ends and bake something yummy!


Larger Size Oven Mitt 

Chain 45. 

Row 1: Half double crochet on second stitch from hook, continue with half double crochet across length of chain. (You should have 44 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 2: One half double crochet stitch in the first 43 stitches, two half double crochet stitches in the last stitch. (You should have 45 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 3: Two half double crochet stitches in first stitch, one half double crochet stitch in rest of row. (You should have 46 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 4: One half double crochet stitch in the first 45 stitches, two half double crochet stitches in the last stitch. (You should have 47 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 5: Two half double crochet stitches in first stitch, one half double crochet stitch in rest of row. (You should have 48 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 6: One half double crochet stitch in the first 47 stitches, two half double crochet stitches in the last stitch. (You should have 49 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Rows 7: One half double crochet stitch in the first 20 stitches. One double crochet stitch in the next 29 stitches. You should have 49 stitches.) Chain 2 and turn work. 

Row 8: Skip first stitch (as the chain 2 will count as the first double crochet in this row), double crochet stitch in 28 stitches, half double crochet in remaining 20 stitches. (You should have 49 stitches INCLUDING the chain 2). Chain 2 and turn work. 

Row 9: Half double crochet in the first stitches, double crochet in the remaining 29 stitches.(You should have 49 stitches.) Chain 2 and turn work. 

Row 10 Skip first stitch (as the chain 2 will count as the first double crochet in this row), double crochet stitch in 28 stitches, half double crochet in remaining 20 stitches. (You should have 49 stitches INCLUDING the chain 2). Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 11: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet in the rest of the stitches across. (You should have 48 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 12: One half double crochet in the first 46 stitches, using the next two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch.(You should have 47 stitches). Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 13: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet in the rest of the stitches across. (You should have 46 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 14: Half double crochet in first 35 stitches. Chain and turn work. 

Row 15: Two Half double crochet in the first stitch, one half double crochet in the next five stitches. (You should have 6 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 16: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet stitch in next four stitches, two half double crochet in last stitch. (You should have 7 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 17: Two half double crochet in the first stitch, one half double crochet in the next four stitches, using the next two stitches make a decrease half double crochet. (You should have 7 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 18: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet stitch in next four stitches, two half double crochet in last stitch. (You should have 7 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 19: Two half double crochet in the first stitch, one half double crochet in the next four stitches, using the next two stitches make a decrease half double crochet. (You should have 7 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 20: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet stitch in next four stitches, two half double crochet in last stitch. (You should have 7 stitches.) Chain 1 and turn work. 

Row 21: Using the first two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch, one half double crochet stitch in next three stitches, using the last two stitches make a decrease half double crochet stitch. Tie off and weave in end. 

To assemble mitt: You will need to do this twice: Using safety pins, pin two pieces together. Using a tapestry needle, sew across the bottom flat edge of the mitt. Now pin both of pieces together so that all four layers are perfectly aligned. Using a tapestry needle sew around the mitt leaving the bottom straight edge open. 



Sunday, June 20, 2021

My Extra Morphine Essential Oil Master Blend

 Disclaimer: Use at your own risk. Do your own research. I’m just learning how to use oils and will not guarantee that this blend is safe to use. 


This is meant to be a master blend. Meaning that it is diluted with a carrier oil before being used. THIS IS A VERY STRONG BLEND, using it neat (or without properly diluting it with a carrier oil) is NOT recommended. 


There are many oil blends that are called morphine blends that are used for pain relief. I created this blend taking different oils from the blends that are out there.  I created this blend a while ago and have shared an image of it on Facebook and have even seen other people share my recipe.


My Extra Morphine Master Blend

12 drops Balsam Fir

12 drops Turmeric

12 drops Copaiba

12 drops Cypress

12 drops Sweet Marjoram

7 drops Frankincense

7 drops Lavender

7 drops Peppermint


 






A Day in the Sun Essential Oil Spray Blend

Disclaimer: Use at your own risk. Do your own research. I’m just learning how to use oils and will not guarantee that this blend is safe to use.

A sunburn recipe that helped me reduce the redness of my sunburn and prevented my skin from peeling.


In a 2 oz bottle spray bottle add: 

8 drops Peppermint

4 drops Copaiba 

8 drops Frankincense 

16 drops Lavender

12 drops Helichrysum


Fill to 1/2 with witch hazel, then top off with sweet almond oil.


Also, the original recipe was given to me from Leah Peck via the Facebook group REVIVE oils community. I've tweaked it a bit to accommodate the oils that I have. 


The first 36 hours after getting too much sun, I used this spray every hour while awake and every time I got up to use the bathroom. It took care of the redness and I did not blister or peel, which was the goal. 


Ginger's Chicken Enchiladas

Preheat oven to 350 degrees


Spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray. Pour a 16 oz jar of medium salsa in the bottom.


Mix together:

2 - 12.5 oz cans cooked chicken drained and broken up

1 - 16 oz container sour cream

1 can diced green chiles

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of celery soup

1 - 8 oz package shredded colby jack cheese


Divide chicken mixture into 10 burrito tortillas evenly, roll up and place on top of salsa in the 9x13 pan.


Top with

1 - 16 oz jar medium salsa

1 - 8 oz shredded colby jack cheese


Bake until heated through, approximately 35 minutes


Note: Any cooked shredded chicken can be used. This also tasted great with taco blend or jalapeno shredded cheese.


Ginger’s Mom’s Best Chili

This recipe is very versatile and forgiving and you can easily change it up to make it your own.  I used my mother’s recipe and added a few things to make it my own. 


I’ve used the stove top, a crock pot and instant pot to make this recipe. A crock pot is my favorite.  

 

1# ground beef

1# spicy Italian sausage

1/2# bacon, chopped up into small pieces

1 medium onion, diced 

1 stalk celery, diced 

1 colored pepper, (any color except green), diced

1/2 cup ketchup

1 - 28 oz can baked beans

64 oz (2 quarts) canned tomatoes

32 oz (1 quart) kidney or chili beans

2-3 tablespoons chili powder


In a cast iron frying pan, brown beef, sausage and bacon. Remove from the pan and saute the fresh veggies in the same pan.  Put all ingredients in the cooking vessel of your choice. 


  • If cooking on a stove top: Bring to a boil and lower heat to a simmer and cook until the fresh veggies are cooked and the flavors are well blended.

  • If using a crock pot: Cook on high heat until the fresh veggies are cooked and the flavors are well blended. You will need at least an 8 quart crock pot

  • If using an instant pot: Use the soup setting and make sure the fresh veggies are cooked and the flavors are well blended. You will need at least an 8 quart instant pot


A few notes about this recipe:

  • I usually make this using items from my pantry and freezer and don’t have the celery or pepper. It still tastes great.

  • Bush’s Baked Beans Bold & Spicy are the preferred beans for this recipe, but I’ve been unable to find them for a while.

  • This recipe freezes well. I freeze it in 2 cup containers for a quick meal.