Trip to Moab!

This last week we went to Moab for three days. All I can say is that is was blazing hot (100 degrees plus). Although it was so hot we had a great time. Josh and Maria scheduled to stay in the Arches campsite for Thursday and Friday night. We went down the day before and stayed in a hotel and went swimming and brought our bikes and the boys rode their bikes at the park on the trails. I couldn't believe that all my boys know how to ride bikes and are able to ride together with their dad. It was so cute to see Jared excited and proud that he could keep up. Well this was the first time Savana was in a swim suit. She didn't go swimming, but it was so hot, I thought I would put her in a swim suit. So dang cute!

Savana was so tired. She loved laying outside with the breeze blowing.

Arches campground. Here is some of the group.

Two Brando's!

Did you all know we had another boy. I have four boys and one girl. J/K Little Branson wanted to be in our picture. He cracks me up!

Our start of the hike to Delicate Arch. It was quite the hike with kids.

Chicago Style Pizza Crust

Russ & Tyler chowing down! Not an easy feat for these picky eaters!











You can use any toppings you like, this is just sauce from a jar, mozzarella & pepperoni.











I tried this recipe out of our ward cookbook and it was FANTASTIC!!

1 packet fast acting yeast (about 1 Tbsp)
1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/8 c hot water (about 9oz)
1 Tbsp shortening or oil
1 tsp salt
3 c Flour (approx)

Dissolve sugar in water, add yeast packet, stir and let yeast activate until liquid looks creamy/foamy (about 3 min). Add salt & shortening, then add flour 1 cup at a time until dough is desired consistency. Knead, then let rest for about 5 minutes. Roll out dough, as thin or as thick as you desire, add sauce & toppings. Bake at 450 for 15-20 minutes.

Poached Eggs, Excellence

My family loves poached eggs with Krazy Salt!!

Very simple to make. Spray your saucepan with Pam (makes for easier clean up) and fill half way with water. Let water come to a complete boil. Gently crack open your eggs and let them gently fall into the boiling water. Turn down the heat and cover your pan. Cook for 5 min for a runny yoked egg or 8 min for a firmer yoke. Carefully take out of your pan with a slotted spoon to let all the water drip off. Place on top of your best toasted bread (cheap bread just won't do). Sprinkle with Krazy Salt and you'll be in heaven. You can also put a tiny slice of cheese on the toast before you put the eggs on it and that tastes really good. I like my poached eggs with cinnamon raison english muffins, toasted of course!

Natures Bounty makes Ratatoule

These are some of the vegies I got at our local farmers market. The little purples are small eggplants, very good.

To make the easiest Ratatoule, you simple use olive oil to stir fry and add the vegies. I like to add garlic and basil. Cook in a stir fry pan until the vegies are tender.

This can be served with rice, pasta, coucous, or other side dishes. To jazz it up, put a big scoop of cooked ratatoule in the middle of a crepe, roll up and place in a 9X13. Fill pan with rolled crepes and cover with grated cheese. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. It's a beautiful and delicious dish!! The top photo is the finished product with couscous and topped with parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Au Jour Sandwiches

Au jour Sandwiches

This is a wonderful new recipe I just got from my super Aunt Mel. My kids really loved it and that means we will be making it again.

In a crock pot combine:

1 roast

5 cups water

1/2 cup soy sauce

1 packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix

Cook on high for at least 6-8 hours

Take the meat out of juice and shred. Keep the juice in crock pot on low and save for later. Cut a long loaf of french bread and butter each side. Cook in the oven until crispy and warm. Take out of oven. Cover both sides with a thin layer of shredded meat and provolone cheese. Put back in the oven until the cheese is melted. I put it under the broiler at the end for just a couple minutes to get the cheese all bubbly. Put sandwich back together and then serve with the warm au jour sauce for dipping. It was delicious.

Dutch Apple Pie

I love fall and anything you can make with apples. This is a great apple recipe. It is pretty sweet so a scoop of ice cream really tops it off nice.

Dutch Apple Pie

Combine for Crust:

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup oil

2 Tbls milk

Blend well and pat on bottom and sides of pie pan.

Filling:

4 cups of sliced apples (I think the granny smith are the best)

1/2 cup sugar

2 Tbls flour

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp cinnamon

toss lightly with the apples

Topping:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup Brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 c chopped nuts (I left these out because the kids wouldn't like them)

crumble on top then sprinkle another 1/4 cup of flour over the pie

cook on a cookie sheet to avoid spills in your oven

350 degrees for one hour

Mom's Pancakes

My kids love pancakes and I fell better when they are little healthier. This is the best recipe and a great way to use your fresh ground wheat.

Mix all of this in a blender:
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
Blend
2 Tbls Oil
2 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
2 Eggs
Blend
4 Tbls Baking Powder
Blend
little milk
little flour until you get the consistency you like.