FUN FAMILY ACTIVITY

Well, probably I was the only one who enjoyed it.  We were invited by the NIELSEN FAMILY to spend a week with them.  This is the 3rd time (in 25 years) that we have been invited, and apparently it is very rare to be asked more than once.  (Probably I was the only one who really enjoyed it, but the other 3 people living here did a great job recording everything and every bit of their tv viewing.)

There have been a few things that I have watched on TV lately that I have enjoyed.

A few months ago we had a "free preview" of Showtime.  One of the movies I dvr-ed was "ONDINE"  I really enjoyed it.  I loved the music and the scenery of Ireland (and the accents), but what really got my attention was that I watched it knowing nothing about it-and had no clue where it would go.
I have tried to delete it, but have not.  (I got the idea of watching it again with my husband, but it is not his kind of movie.  (Actually, I don't think he likes movies.)  So I asked if he would watch about 10 minutes with me every few nights.  He is usually tired and about to go to sleep, so it is working :)
I think I may buy the DVD.

I am (finally) watching Season 2 of DOWNTON ABBEY (PBS).  I loved Season 1, and could hardly wait for the next season.  It does not work to watch it on Sunday, and I hate waiting for the new episodes, so I DVR-ed the new season and saved it until I was not so busy.  (I am TRYING to watch them slowly but...)  I really  really like DOWNTON ABBEY.

Probably my favourite TV show is "BONES"   I enjoy the relationships and humour and quirky characters. And I like procedural shows.   (Although regular LAW & ORDER is my go to when I am stressed/overwhelmed/tired.)

BONES did a spin off called "THE FINDER"  I was not expecting much, but gave it a try and have really liked it (more quirky characters :).

What do you watch?  Something you never miss?

A "CRUMBY" DESSERT

"People first.  Then money, THEN things."  Suzi Orman
20 March, 2012

I got this dessert recipe in November, 1982.  (It was brought over when I had my third child.)  I made it for about 12 years... and then stopped.  I kept the recipe, and moved it from recipe system to recipe system.  But I never made it.  That is because it calls for 2 raw eggs.  My kidults and a few friends requested it but...
After another request I decided to adapt it, and it worked great!

SUBSTITUTE FOR 2 RAW EGGS
(I found several, but this was cheap and easy)

In a bowl put
4 egg whites
Sprinkle over the top with
2 table. non fat dry milk

Beat with a fork until very mixed.
Stir in a drop of
yellow food colouring
Makes about 1/2 cup.  1/2 cup equals 2 eggs.

DONE!

A CRUMBY PEACH DESSERT  (Yep, there IS a story behind the recipe name)

1 lb. vanilla sandwich cookies - finely crushed
2 table. melted butter

substitute mix to equal 2 eggs (1/2 cup)
1 cube softened butter
2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup whipped cream - unsweetened

30 oz. can of peach slices (or more) OR fresh peach slices (or even berries)

Mix melted butter into cookie crumbs with a fork.  (This is not a lot of butter so just fork mix it.)
Press a bit more than 1/2 the cookie crumbs into (about) a 9x9 dish.

Mix 1/2 cup egg substitute mix, powdered sugar and softened butter til smooth.
Carefully spread over cookie crust.
Top with lots of peach slices (Cover the cream layer, and then cover it again.  There is not enough fruit in the picture below.)  I usually use canned (or berries) because they work better.

Spread the unsweetened whipped cream over the fruit.
Top with the rest of your cookie crumbs (and press down lightly).
Chill at least 4 hours.  (I like it the day it is made.  Some people like it better the next day.)

I have a great peach chicken (and stuffing balls)  that goes well with this dessert.
Let me know what you think if you try this.

                                               

CORN BREAD

I love corn bread, which can be a bad thing.  I keep finding cornbread recipes to try.  I tried 2 new ones this week... and made my old favourite for company on Sunday :) 
I have had several requests for my recipe, so am sharing it.

MY FAVOURITE CORN BREAD
makes a 9x13 pan

1 yellow cake mix (make according to package directions)

2 cups cornmeal
1-2 tea. salt
2 table. baking powder
1/3 cup sugar

2/3 cup melted butter or margarine (cooled)
2 eggs
2 cups milk

(Make cake mix as directed.)
Mix dry ingredients and set aside. (cornmeal, salt, soda, powder, sugar)
Mix melted (cooled) butter with eggs and milk. 
Fold butter mix into prepared cake mix. 
Carefully fold in dry ingredients.

Bake in a sprayed 9x13 pan at
375* for 20-25 mins. THEN LOWER HEAT AND COOK AT
350* for 5-10 mins.

My favourite cornbread with
sweet honey butter :)

I tried 2 other cornbread recipes this week.  One had great flavour and moistness, but was quite crumbly.
The other one called for brown butter and sour cream.  (I had high hopes for this one as I LOVE browned butter.)  There was no hint of browned butter and it was d r y.  BUT, it was baked in a preheated cast iron skillet.  I will do that again with my basic (read "tried and true") cornbread. 

Basic (traditional) Cornbread
from Susan Kennard (about 1983)

Mix until just barely mixed
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tea. baking soda
1 tea. salt
1 egg
1/4 cup oil
1 cup milk

Pour into a sprayed 9"x9" pan (about) and bake at 425* for 20-25 mins.
           OR
Rub about 1/2-1 teas. vegetable oil in your cast iron skillet (about 7-8 in.).  Pre-heat skillet as you make cornbread.  Pour cornbread into hot skillet and bake at 425* for 18-25 mins.
Cool completely and cut into wedges.

One of my goals for March?  TRY NO NEW CORNBREADS!  (And enjoy the ones I have.)