Umm Chocolate Chip Cookies :-)

I can't find my tried and true recipe for Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chip cookies, so I went looking for the recipe, and I found this: http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18476/Original-NESTL%C3%89-TOLL-HOUSE-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies/detail.aspx  which not only has the original recipe, but also two variations.  One of them (the jelly pan version) is going to be tested right now.  I just was just so excited to find this I thought I'd share!

Happy cookie baking!

Fall Leaf Craft for Kids

J. loves to do two things: crafts and school.  So today, inspired by a conversation with a friend, we went for a little stroll around the block and picked up some colorful leaves that seem to be in their glory right now.

For this project all you need are: wax paper, an iron and some freshly fallen leaves! Make sure they are still pretty soft; the "crunchy" ones won't work.  Place the leaves between two pieces of wax paper, like so, and press, using the highest NON steam setting on your iron.

 Next, cut around the shapes of the leaves, allowing for some edging.  We noted that one particular species of tree leaf especially just did not want to cooperate with the wax paper.  Tape the wax covered leaves to your sliding glass door, or a window and voila!  Cheerful little fall sun catchers.

  Happy leaf collecting!

Grandma's Dinner Rolls

This is a picture of my grand-parent's on their wedding day.  My grandma L. was so accomplished at many things, but I especially remember her cooking.  Her recipe for dinner rolls is an easy to make favorite around our house.  Making those rolls also brings to mind my mom, who certainly learned from my grandma how to cook and bake-she is just as fantastic and I aspire to be as good as both these woman.

Elsie's Dinner Rolls

2 pkgs. yeast (not rapid rising)
1 cup warm water
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup shortening
3 eggs, beaten
6-6 1/2 cups flour

 In medium saucepan, heat milk with shortening just till melted.  Remove from burner and let cool till lukewarm. (If you try to add the milk mixture when it is too warm you will kill your yeast.  Take it from a voice of experience!)

In a large bowl soften yeast in  cup of warm water. When bubbles form from yeast, add sugar, mix gently.  To this mixture add melted shortening/milk combination.  Add salt, and stir in about 1 1/2 cups flour, gradually adding rest of  flour till mixture forms a ball.  (You will most likely need the entire 6 cups flour; I like to add just enough till I have my ball formed to avoid too dry of a dough).  Turn dough* onto a clean surface and knead till dough is smooth and elastic.  Add small amounts of flour as needed.  Place dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise till doubled in size, about an hour to 1 1/2 hrs.

When dough has risen, punch down and shape rolls about the size of a plum, and place them in lightly greased pans, approximately 1/2" apart.  Let rise again till rolls have doubled in size.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15-18 minutes, or till lightly browned on top.  Serve warm.  Makes about 1 1/2 dozen rolls and freeze well.

     *My little tip for easier clean-up from that sticky dough is to spray your counter-top with a baking spray. You could also use an alternative such as coconut, vegetable, or olive oil for those who are opposed to use baking spray, but be sure with an olive oil it is one you would enjoy the taste in your rolls! :-)

Happy baking!

File It!

Let's face it: some things in life just aren't glamorous. :-)  Filing definitely falls into that category.  When my DH and I were first married, I quickly discovered that one neat freak (me) does not breed a second. My husband is a major saver/pack rat and I am a major thrower-awayer.  I knew I needed to come up with a system for storing all those little annoying receipts that pile up faster than snow in a blizzard.

So I purchased a plain ole' filing box from Target:

and then I printed labels for the stores and businesses we frequent the most (bank, gas, Wal-Mart, grocery store, Costco's, etc.) There are also a few categories for purchased items that are unique to our family, for example, an "arts and crafts" folder because I am at some sort of craft store often enough to warrant it's own space.

Here's what the inside looks like:

Like I said, not too glamorous, but it works!  I invested in a label maker several years ago, and it is the best thing for identifying where small bits are stored.  And when a file become obsolete (like when we moved here and needed to change the names of the stores we shopped at) the tab peels right off, ready for a new one.

A few minutes taken to tuck those annoying little papers away really does save hours of time and aggravation when you are looking for that receipt to return something that broke or what have you.  One of the biggest benefits is that not only are you able to find something, but anyone else in the family can as well.  Which is also why I have so many categories.  There is also a misc. folder, but I try to make sure that most everything is in a specifically named folder because it just makes it easier to find.

Happy filing!