The Blizzard of '78

 

I remember this well, we lived in Northern Indiana, the boys were little, we had just moved into a new house, and the blizzard struck.

And did we all snuggle in and ride out the storm, light candles, pop corn and read books to the kids?  Oh, hell no, I fell down the stairs and broke my tailbone.  Poor LC had to bundle me and those poor little boys into his work truck and take me to the ER.  I remember how treacherous the roads were and how we wondered if we would make it home again.  But mostly I remember how much it hurt to try and sit on the toilette and stand back up again.

And that, dear readers, is my memory of the Blizzard of ’78.  Fascinating, huh... 

Vintage Spicy Meatball Commercial

 

How about a blast from the past this morning.  I haven’t seen this commercial in years and I laughed so hard...

The Fixer Upper, Season Two

My very favorite show returns tonight with a new season!

Just wanted you all to know, love this talented couple...

Reconditioning Cast Iron Skillets

 

 

My griddle skillet before hubby cleaned it

 

 

This is how it looks now, pretty amazing, isn’t it...

Yours truly, who abhored the thought of using cast iron for years, has rediscovered it again.  I blame it all on my mother, I think I got caught up in asserting my independence at an early age doing all things different than she did, when often she really did know best, and I carried it to the extreme for most of my adult life.  Not only did I shun cast iron, I also vetoed using Ball jars, but in the last five years, I’ve come to love, love love using Ball jars.  In fact, I just bought more green ones yesterday.  Green is best ever color for Ball jars, and it’s part of their Heritage Collection, it’s a limited supply, so if you’re a fan as well, scoop them up while you can still buy them to avoid paying major bucks later.

Here’s he link for the quart jars -

Here’s the link for the pints

But back to the cast iron and my reluctance to use it.  I had issues with everything sticking with cast iron and I just gave up.  No matter what I would cook, it would stick.  My sons, who are both great cooks and huge fans of cast iron (probably because of their grandmother’s influence) kept telling me, “Mom, never use dishwashing detergent on your skillets” but I just couldn’t bring myself to do that.  But finally the light dawned, and apparently my guys also know best, because since I quit using detergent, my now much used iron skillets are smooth as a baby’s bottom, and nothing sticks, not even eggs when I fry them.

But it was Ryan who gave me my ah-ha moment.  You have to preheat before you add anything, that’s the secret, if you get those skillets hot, and you’ve seasoned them, food just doesn’t stick.  I just pop them into the sink after I use them, fill with a bit of warm water, soak for just a couple of minutes, then scour with my nifty Lodge Scrub  Brush, a must have if you use cast iron,  and dry with a paper towel.  Yes, I know you want the link to the brush, too - here it is...

And now for the reconditioning.  The first step is to take  nasty, greasy, rusty skillets and put them in your oven, upside down,  on the cleaning cycle.  This can be a bit tricky if you don’t have an extra oven rack, because I’ve had bad luck in the past leaving racks in the oven, they warp and turn dull.  But I do have an extra rack that I use when I clean skillets in the oven, where it came from I have no idea, but I’m glad I have it.  After these skillets go through the cleaning cycle, everything is burnt off and you’re left with dry, rusty residue.  

The next step is to clean the rust off with fine steel wool and/or fine sandpaperr, then rinse and submerge in a solution of half vinegar, half water.  We bought disposable large foil roasting pans for this.  Soak for four hours, no longer, as you don’t want the acid to eat into the iron,  then rinse with water, let dry, rust will appear again, sand with sandpaper lightly, oil the skillets, inside and out with vegetable oil, and put in a preheated 350-400 degree oven, upside down on your middle oven rack, for 45 minutes.  Put a large cookie sheet on the bottom rack to catch oil drips.  The next day repeat this oil/oven step.

Okay, you’ve read this and you’re thinking, that’s a lot of work.  It’s not that hard, well not for me it wasn’t, LC is the one who did it, I just took the pictures ;o)  It’s just a little labor intensive, but so worth it because you’re left with better than new skillets and if you heat your food before you cook it, and just soak briefly in water before you scrub them, they will just continue to get more seasoned.

My skillets are Lodge, the best ones are Griswalds, pre 1950.  You can still find them, usually in horrible condition, but that’s okay, the price may be right and you know the secret now to total restoration. 

 

Black Eyed Peas Casserole for New Years Day

I first posted this recipe back in 2007.  My now ninety-six year old neighbor has made this forever on New Years Day, and yes, she will be making it this year as well, and it is absolutely fantastic.  Pair it with some crusty fresh bread and a green salad and it’s just the best, ever!!!

I posted it again on Jan CAN Cook, if you make black-eyed peas for luck on New Years Day, this is a winner!

Link here to the recipe

Terri Lee Dolls, they're back!!!

When I was a little girl I had a Terri Lee doll.  It was my very favorite doll, I thought she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.  And my mother who never threw away anything got rid of her!  And I wasn’t alone, my friend Nisha still has her Terri Lee, my cousin Judy’s mother had the entire Family of Terri Lee dolls and a boatload of clothes, and my friend, Barb had one as well.

A few months ago, Barb told me that Terri Lee dolls were on Zulily.  I looked at them, but it was summer, so I didn’t order, and then a couple of weeks ago, she emailed me and told me they had a sale on them.  So I snapped two of these blonde beauties up for Lexi and Abby, and then I also bought the dark haired version in a sailor dress for myself.  

I know, I’m a sentimental old fool, but oh how I loved that doll and mine had dark hair, and looks very similar to the one I bought.

When Abby opened hers, the response was “what does it do, Grammie?”  Oh, how times have changed. 

As you can see above, Miss Lexi opened hers, and was fascinated with the box.

Will they grow to love these dolls?  Only time will tell, but Grammie is absolutely thrilled to have Terri Lee again.

Here’s what she looks like, isn’t she a beauty...

 

And below is one from the 50’s, it’s prettier than the reproduction, but this one is good enough for me...

 

The things grandparents do for the grandkids...

Hubby decided that Abby needed an aquarium for Christmas.  And Grammie knows that she loves Ariel, The Little Mermaid, and since five year old girls adore castles and pink, we put this Little Mermaid themed aquarium together for her.

It was so much fun finding the castles and the decorations, after all her Grammie and P-Pa do love to decorate, and she was thrilled with it, jumping up and down, screaming and telling us, “this is the best day of my life."

Mom, Dad and Ben all trudged to the pet store yesterday to pick out her new fish, Bubbles and Goldie, and they are now in residence.  If you look closely at the fish on the right, her belly is very distended.  Grammie is wondering if she might be “with fish.”  She looks suspiciously preggers to me.  I’ll keep you updated...

 

 

Trisha Yearwood's Slow Cooker Candy

No, I’m NOT making this, but I want to!

So I’m watching FoodTV yesterday and Trisha was stirring up a batch of this candy.  It was super simple, and it looks amazing.  But wait, all’s not perfect, the reviews were mixed. some people say their peanuts burnt.  But maybe they didn’t have the greatest slow cooker, or maybe they cooked it too long.

Yours truly has a mother of a slow cooker  AND a timer, but i’m STILL not making these.  And why not, if it’s so darned easy and I have a great crockpot???  Because… read my lips - I . DO . NOT . NEED . THESE . ! . ! . !

But some of you might feel differently, so go ahead, knock yourself out.  These tasty little morsels of delicious decadence should be good for at least a 4-5 lb. weight gain.

Here’s the recipe, Mikey, you try it!!!  And, if you live close, you could bring me just one, okay two, since I would have to share with LC.  

Wanna borrow my crockpot?

Budweiser Christmas

 

I had to go back a few years for this one, but it’s a goodie...

Abby's First Time on the Ice

She’s a natural... GO ABBY!!!!

Nine Important Facts to Remember as We Grow Older:

An old friend from years ago, Sharon, sent me this list.  It’s so funny, take a minute during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and giggle.  It’s a stress reliever ~ Jan

Number 9  -  Death is the number 1 killer in the world.

Number 8  -  Life is sexually transmitted.

Number 7  -  Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.

Number 6  -  Men have two emotions: hungry and horny, and they can't tell them apart.   If you see a gleam in his eyes, make him a sandwich 

Number 5  -  Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day.  Teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks, months, maybe years.

Number 4  -  Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing.

Number 3  -  All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

Number 2  -  In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal.

Number 1  -  Life is like a jar of jalapeño peppers.  What you do today might burn your ass tomorrow.

...and as someone recently said to me:
 
Don't worry about old age; it doesn't last that long.

The Grands at Christmas

Oh these precious little children.  Aren’t they all just adorable.  Gushy Grammie here...

A Lodge Cast Iron update for you...

I was making these grilled cheese sandwiches at lunch (that’s 1 carb bread ladies, and it’s awesome).  I’m now using cast iron almost exclusively and loving it.  It gives food such wonderful flavor and I took a deep breath and listened to my sons, I don’t use soap on my skillets, I  soak them a bit in hot water and use my trusty Lodge scrubber on them.  This was really hard for me to do, but I’ve done it for a few months and hubby and I haven’t had food poisoning, so it must be okay.  And the best part, my skillets are now as smooth as a babies bottom, I can even fry eggs in them with no sticking.

So, I have a few favorite things to show you.   The first is a Lodge Scrub Brush.  John had one of these, I told Ryan about them, he looked them up on Amazon and we both ordered.

\What a great brush this is, I use it exclusively on my cast iron and it does a fine job.  $9.97 Prime, it’s a great price, too! 

Here’s the link

Then I bought the Lodge Silicone handle.  It fits all sizes of Lodge skillets, and keeps your hands cool when you use them.  It’s only $6.00 Prime.

You can buy it here

And for only $4.62 you can get these great pot scrapers.  Perfect for getting all of the residue off your skillets when you’re washing them.  It’s not Prime, but it is an add-on.  Here’s the click

And finally, this grill scraper.  You all know how hard it is to get between the ridges of a grill pan, well this little gadget will fix that problem for only $4.43 or $9.99 for a four pack, all Prime.

Here’s the link

I bought this 9” preseasoned skillet back in September specifically to make this Trisha Yearwood’s appe recipe that I posted on Jan CAN Cook.  This pie is a winner, and just as good, if not better with peach pie filling.  Want the recipe?  Grab it here!

But back to this 9” skillet.  It’s fantastic, my grab it every day, go to skillet of choice.  It’s on Amazon for $23.22 Prime and worth every penny.  A must have if you want to make that pie, a larger skillet won’t work.  Here’s the link to the skillet

These Lodge accessories would make great stocking stuffers, that pie would be amazing during the holidays, but you really do need to treat yourself to this skillet.  I’m telling you, it’s the perfect size!  

And I also have a great blog entry on how to make old cast iron new again, hubby is working on that little project for you.  It’s coming in a week or so… ~ Jan

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks

 

Oh how we older people struggle with movies.  There is seldom anything at the movies that interests me.  I do want to see Reese Witherspoon’s new movie, Wild, it’s been getting excellent reviews, but it’s in limited release and not out yet.

So I was looking to see what’s coming out this month and found this Gena Rolands movie, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks.  It looks really cute, and I just bet our local theaters won’t show it, but we shall see.   

Jan's Favorite Things 2014

My list this year has several repeats, things that I’ve blogged about this past year, but are so good that I need to tell you about them again.

 First on my list is the loveliest, best illustrated cookbook I’ve ever owned and I’ve had countless ones.  My daughter-in-law Lindsay is a fan of The Forest Feast blog.  It’s a wonderful site with fantastic recipes and the author, Erin Gleeson now has a cookbook.  She bought it for me for my birthday last month, and it’s hands down my favorite cookbook of all time.  It’s beautifully illustrated, the recipes are fresh and innovative, if you have a foodie in your family, this would be a wonderful gift.  The video above showcases Erin and her cookbook.  

Here’s a link to Amazon if you want to purchase it. 

If you’re an iPhone girl, this is wonderful.  It’s a HiRise charger for iPad Mini and iPhone, works with all of the newer iPhones.  I have it on my desk and it charges really quickly and you can talk hands free easily.   It’s only $27.99 from Amazon, they have a brand new model with more color choices, but it’s lots more money.  

Here’s the link

Loreal Visible Lift CC Concealer - it rolls on, very cooling, firms your skin, conceals those dark circles, just does a great job and the price is right.  Need I say more...

You can buy it here

Not only does Amazon Prime continue to be the best thing ever for me, the number of free albums you can stream on your computer when you subscribe to Amazon Prime are mind boggling.  Wonderful selection, just the best!  And, do you know that if you buy a music dvd from Amazon that they also allow you to download the same album for free on your computer?  I love technology!  Amazon Instant Stream movies, good but it could never replace Netflix for me.

I bought these Ugg Cardy boots earlier this fall and they’re a winner.  I sprayed them with waterproof protectant, and just love them.  Not for rain or snow, but great any other time.  I’m an Uggs fan, they’re easy wear for me.  Free shipping from Nordstroms, too.

MAC Copperplate Eyeshadow - I’m a drugstore makeup junkie, except for eye shadow.  MAC is just the best, always good pigmentation, smooth application, not that pricey and it lasts forever.  I found Copperplate a few weeks ago when I was looking for a grey/taupe color and this is perfect., no blue cast at all, like a lot of grey shadows, this is such a good color.  

We don’t have a MAC store or counter in Heavensville, so I order mine from Nordstroms, $16 and free ship.  

Here’s a direct link 

I bought this red Vitamin 750 Pro this summer, and oh my did it ever create controversy.  My family and friends thought I had lost my ever-lovin’ mind paying this much money for a “blender.”  

Well, let me tell you how wrong they were.  It’s the most wonderful piece of kitchen equipment, and I use it almost daily.  Love, love, love this and would buy it again in a heartbeat. It was a wonderful investment!   

Here’s the click

If I could come to each and every one of your homes with hubby in tow and have him install this jar opener under your cabinet, I would do it.  That’s how much I love it.  Oh how I struggle with jar lids, but no more.  This is the best jar opener you will ever find at the best price, too.  Only $16.95.  Rock star status with this one.

You can buy it here

I’m such a fan of Torani’s Sugar Free Syrups.  I have several varieties, Chocolate, S’Mores, Pineapple, Cherry, Brown Sugar and Cinnamon and they’re all excellent.  I buy mine thru Netrition, which, by the way is the best online seller for Low Carb and Nutrition products.  It’s always flat rate shipping $4.99 regardless of how much you buy.  I could write a whole blog about the wonderful products I buy from Netrition.  They sell other brands as well, but I’ve had the best luck with Torani.

Link to Netrition here

Oh BookBook, how do I love you, let me count the ways.  It’s the best iPhone case ever, looks like you’re carrying around a book, and it has slots for driver’s license and credit cards.  It’s just amazing.  I just upgraded to iPhone 6, and I’m awaiting the new release of BookBook for this phone.

I also have BookBook for my iPad and Mini.  These are just the best products, vintage looking, classy, long wearing,  I’m such a fan.

You can view all the BookBooks at Twelve South

And that’s my list for 2014.  Hope I gave you all some possibilities for your Christmas list this year. 

Happy Holidays!!!

~ Jan ~

Christmas Teas

 

 

I’ve been reading online about Christmas Teas from Bigelow and Celestial Seasonings.  I picked this Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride up at the market today and it’s excellent.

"This cheerful holiday blend will warm your heart with the inviting aroma and delightfully simple taste of freshly baked sugar cookies straight from the oven. Like all of our teas, Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride has no refined sweeteners or added sugars — giving you a guilt-free way to partake freely in the pleasures of the season."

—Charlie Baden, Celestial Seasonings Blendmaster

Deanna had Bigelow Eggogg’n last weekend and it’s really good, too.  Which one was best, oh the Sugar Cookie for sure.  It’s a wonderful tea, very smooth and it does taste like a sugar cookie.  It’s also Caffeine Free, so you can drink it at bedtime.

 

This “Eggceptional” winter tea is a smooth and delicious blend of black and green teas with the creamy flavor of Eggnog. Indulge in this all natural seasonal classic that is perfect to sip on a cold winter’s day. Add a splash of milk and your favorite sweetener for a taste that will melt away the winter blues.

I'm pedaling as fast as I can...

 

I have a list of my favorite things this year, just running behind.  And the leaves on the header are going, too.  Egads it’s a zoo!  Check back, I’ll post soon...

Thanksgiving Recipes

It’s that time of year again, and I have Thanksgiving recipes from several years ago that my friends shared with me.  Busy day, but here’s a quick link, I’ll put them in the sidebar later.

Just click on the picture, you will link to the original file and from there, just click on individual recipes.  They’re good ones!!!!

 

And while I’m at it, I might as well give you the link to the Christmas ones, too.

Trio, Linda Ronstadt, Emmy Lou Harris, Dolly Parton

How about a blast from the past this rainy Sunday.  

Nothing was better back in the 80’s than these three talented ladies.  I played my Trio Album so much I had to replace it.  Linda Rondstad’s voice was amazing.

Sadly, it is no longer as she has Parkinson’s and can’t sing, but oh what memories we all have of her.   If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can download this album and listen to it for free, it’s simply the best!

And if you don’t have Amazon Prime, here’s a track from the video, just crank these speakers and enjoy these talented women...

 And a few years later, they teamed once again for Trio II.  Just listen to Linda’s voice on this track, oh what pipes this woman had...
 

 

 And here’s an interview with Diane Sawyer, who sadly lost her husband, Mike Nichols,  this week.  If there is a lesson to be learned from all of this, ladies, it is to just live in the moment.  Today is all we have.   

And finally, let’s go back, way back to 1977 when she was in her prime.  Pure talent...

Bill Cosby, Ad Nauseam!!!!!!

Okay, I’m on a rant this morning, just seeing red and have to get this off my chest.  I’m watching GMA and they have a clip from three weeks ago of Bill Cosby sitting down for an interview with his wife, his long suffering wife, and she’s just grinning from ear to ear like everything is hunky-dory in their marriage.  The reporter starts questioning him about the alleged sexual assaults and he refuses to answer over and over again, then he goes on to badger the interviewer, trying to get him to not release the tape. And there she sits, with that smile pasted on her face.

Now my problem isn’t with Cosby as much as it is with his wife, the man apparently is not the Cosby we thought we knew, if the allegations are true, he’s a criminal!  He had power, abused it and got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, albeit it, a stale cookie jar.  In my opinion, the old fool should just stay home and shut up! 

But what is this woman doing, sitting there beside him presenting a united front!  She looks like more of a fool  than he does.  It’s such a pattern, all the politicians, sports figures, etc., they admit their transgressions on camera with their wives next to them, “standing by their man."

Why????  Camille Cosby is a rich woman, why, why, why is she sitting there with him when he is in so much hot water he’s boiling.  Because he told her to???  Where is her pride, where’s her backbone ?  She doesn’t need his money, why doesn’t she just kick him to the curb and let him fight his own battles.  

Is it position, status?  Well that’s all gone to hell in a hand basket, and this morning more women are stepping up to the plate, accusing him of sexual abuse.

Totally infuriates me, totally!

Okay, I’m done, I’ll go back to my nonsense, just had to put in my two cents worth!