Delicious Cookie Recipe..."Nana's Good Cookie"

To contact us Click HERE
Hi everyone!! If you're looking for a last minute cookie recipe to bake for the holidays (or any time of year, actually), this is our family favorite.

This is my mom's recipe and her recipe card was titled "Good Cookie", so that's what we call them...Good Cookies.

In honor of my mom, I want to share her recipe for Good Cookies. We miss her every day, but especially during the holidays.


This cookie is sugary, crispy and tender at the same time. The recipe makes a lot too...80+ cookies, depending on the size you make them.

Good Cookie

1 cup oil1 cup butter, softened1 cup packed brown sugar1 cup sugar1 cup plain corn flakes1 cup quick cook oatmeal3 1/2 cups flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 egg, beaten1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 cup chopped nuts...I use walnutsextra white sugar for topping
Mix all ingredients together in large bowl with a mixer. Hand roll a spoonful of dough into a ball and place on ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. I roll my balls about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches wide.
Take a drinking glass and moisten the flat bottom of the glass on a wet or dampened paper towel.  Then dip the wet glass in a bowl of white sugar. Flatten each ball with the sugared glass. Flatten to about a 1/4 inch. 
You can also use colored sugar for the holidays too!!
Bake at 375* 8-10 minutes or until golden on the edges. Cool on cookie sheet for a few minutes then transfer to cooling rack.
Dough may be refrigerated for several days before baking.


Enjoy,
~Karen~

Sew Darn Crafty Linky Party...Week 96

To contact us Click HERE
Hi everyone!! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and special holiday with your loved ones. Can't believe I've been away from blogging all week, but we've spent a lot of time with our daughters since they've been home from school and it's been great!!

We're also getting Courtney ready for her school trip to Japan. She leaves on January 1st for 17 days. She is so excited. She is a graphic design major and 15 students and 2 professors are making the trip. If anyone has been to Tokyo or Kyoto, any tips will be helpful!!

We had a big snow storm here in Rhode Island and the northeast last night into today, so we're shoveling out this morning...well, not me. I'm in here typing while hubby is using the snow blower. He loves it. Must be a guy thing!!


It's a pretty one though. The kind that sticks to everything.




Enough about me and the snow...let's see how your week was. Let's start the linking party. You know the rules...

Anything Goes!!

If this is your first time here and want to join in, read below for the "How TO's"

WHAT IS A LINKING PARTY...
I subscribe to a linking service, which provides the ability to link thumbnail pictures on my blog. The picture is a link that other bloggers provide to share their projects.
Two things can happen at a linking party...looking and/or linking

• you can be greatly inspired by wonderful projects, ideas or vacation pictures (looking) and/or
• you can share what you've been up to (linking)

If you want to be inspired by all the great ideas...just click on a picture and it will take you to that post from a wonderful blogger who was willing to share her thoughts and ideas.

HOW AND WHAT TO LINK TO THE PARTY...
Sew Darn Crafty is all about YOU!! Show off your projects, share a tutorial, show us your vacation pictures, share a family favorite recipe...share anything. Not only does linking inspire us all, it also brings lots of new people to your blog for a visit. Click here for past parties and lots of inspiration
Easy steps to join in on the fun...

• link up to the specific project post, not your whole blog. Makes it easier to link right to that post and not  search through all your entire blog. To find the http address to a specific post, just click on the Title of your post. Copy and paste the address that's at the top of your computer into the linky steps.
• link as many projects as you'd like...old or new
• anything goes...cooking, sewing, knitting, crafts, organizing, remodeling projects, vacations, parties etc...
• visit other links to share some blogging love! You know we all love comments!
• linking is open til Saturday night, so plenty of time to join in
• just click the blue "click here to enter" button which is at the very END...below all the other picture links that everyone has shared. Click and follow the easy steps

If you want to add the button to your blog's side bar or add it to your list of parties that you're in each week...Click HERE for a tutorial for adding a button


Have fun linking up! Don't forget to come back and take a look at all the great projects during the week~Karen~

Need Your Help...

To contact us Click HERE
Hi everyone...I was wondering if you could help me take a look at my blog.

When I look at my blog from 3 different computer sources in our home...iMac, PC and an iPad, any page that has the paid linking service I use doesn't show up. I can only see them from my iPhone. I contacted the owner of the linking service and he was very helpful, but said he wasn't having any issues with his website. However, he was away from his computer and could only look at my blog from his iPhone.

I did a linking party this morning and I know it's working, because people have linked and I can see it only from my iphone, but no other computer.

I also have used that linking service for most all of my Tab pages at the top of my blog. If I click on one of the tabs (organizing, recipes, crafting etc), none of the linking pictures show up and my side bar completely disappears. The only time my side bar shows up is when I click on the "about me" page, which doesn't have a linking service attached.

Another issue is...if I click on my blog, only today's post shows up, not the other 900 posts I've done over the last 4 years. I know they are there though, because my dashboard is there and I can see them on my phone.

Just wondering what the rest of the world sees on my blog.

Could you click on any of the tabs and let me know what you see and...

are there other posts showing up on the first page of my blog like "Nana's Good Cookie" post or "Find a Friend Friday" and other pages too?

Can't thank you enough,
Karen

A Great Big Thank You...YAY!!!

To contact us Click HERE
I can't thank all of you enough for checking for me...especially Melissa from the blog "From the Laptop to the Quilt Top". She checked every one of her devices for me (and she has a lot!! LOL) and emailed the results on each one. Thank Melissa!!!

I spent the whole day trying to fix this issue...over 8 hours thinking my blog had disappeared, so I thank all of you for letting me know you could still see it.

Believe it or not...everything just magically came back...like nothing ever happened on all four separate devices in our home. Must have been a blogger issue with just my blog, on my end of it.

Bad time of the month for Blogger to be messing with me...

I've eaten my way through the cookie trays, eaten my weight in chocolate and had enough salted chips to choke a horse. For this to happen "today", was not good. LOL My poor husband was trying to figure it out before I broke into tears...poor thing!! Thanks Harry for trying!!

Thank you again for always being there for me...this is why I love blogging!!

~Karen~

Blogging Plans For 2013...

To contact us Click HERE
2012 will being coming to a close in just a little bit and we will be ringing in 2013!! We all have plans for the New Year and for the months ahead...

It might be a small project like cleaning out a closet or organizing your whole basement. You might want to learn how to sew or make your first quilt. The new year will definitely bring change in so many ways, so let's make it a positive change.

I have a few plans for Sew Many Ways in 2013. I want to start a monthly series for organizing one aspect of our homes each month. I want to start to quilt again, so I'm thinking a Block of The Month Club. If we all sew together, maybe I can finish a quilt with you!! I also have ideas for more Blogging Tips for you.

I have other ideas too, but I want to hear from YOU!! What would you like to see on Sew Many Ways in 2013? Is there anything special you want me to cover on my blog in the sewing, blogging, organizing area or any other area?

I'd love to read your ideas in the comment section.

Thank you to everyone who made 2012 so special for me. I loved all your comments, ideas and emails.  I loved meeting new friends from all over the world and hope 2013 brings more of the same!!

Big Hugs and Thanks,
~Karen~

Delicious Cookie Recipe..."Nana's Good Cookie"

To contact us Click HERE
Hi everyone!! If you're looking for a last minute cookie recipe to bake for the holidays (or any time of year, actually), this is our family favorite.

This is my mom's recipe and her recipe card was titled "Good Cookie", so that's what we call them...Good Cookies.

In honor of my mom, I want to share her recipe for Good Cookies. We miss her every day, but especially during the holidays.


This cookie is sugary, crispy and tender at the same time. The recipe makes a lot too...80+ cookies, depending on the size you make them.

Good Cookie

1 cup oil1 cup butter, softened1 cup packed brown sugar1 cup sugar1 cup plain corn flakes1 cup quick cook oatmeal3 1/2 cups flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 egg, beaten1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 cup chopped nuts...I use walnutsextra white sugar for topping
Mix all ingredients together in large bowl with a mixer. Hand roll a spoonful of dough into a ball and place on ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. I roll my balls about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches wide.
Take a drinking glass and moisten the flat bottom of the glass on a wet or dampened paper towel.  Then dip the wet glass in a bowl of white sugar. Flatten each ball with the sugared glass. Flatten to about a 1/4 inch. 
You can also use colored sugar for the holidays too!!
Bake at 375* 8-10 minutes or until golden on the edges. Cool on cookie sheet for a few minutes then transfer to cooling rack.
Dough may be refrigerated for several days before baking.


Enjoy,
~Karen~

Shout-Out Post Number Four: Tips From My Fellow RDs About Making The Most Of Your Farmer's Market Visit!

To contact us Click HERE

This week, August 5-11th,is National Farmer’s Market Week so I thought it would be fitting to write a post highlighting farmer’s markets including some great tips and information from a few fellow RDs in the Food and Culinary Professionals Dietetic Practice Group I belong to, a group Dietitian Shout-Out post per se :) Farmer’s Markets are on the rise, according to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Website “direct marketing of farm products through farmers markets continues to be an important sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide. As of mid-2011, there were 7,175 farmers markets operating throughout the U.S. This is a 17 percent increase from 2010.” Luckily there is increased interest in obtaining foods locally, directly from the farm and I think the USDA website states the purpose of a farmer’s market best: “Farmers markets allow consumers to have access to locally grown, farm fresh produce, enables farmers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their customers, and cultivate consumer loyalty with the farmers who grows the produce.”

I wholeheartedly admit that I NEED to visit my local farmer’s market more often, and this is one of my goals this year. I picked up a couple of nice suggestions and some key information about making the most of a farmers market visit from a few of my RD colleagues too! Karen K. Ehrens, RD, LRD of Ehrens Consulting makes an important point- “I think one of the greatest things folks can get from a market is meeting the producers and the folks at the market. Shopping a farmers market is so much more than just a transaction of dollars. It is an opportunity to know from where your food comes and the people who are growing it. You can learn so much about the seed, the care, the time and the challenges of growing food. If your growers are still at market, you are lucky. The drought affecting 65% of the United States is also taking a toll on small produce growers. If you go, thank your grower!” Carrie Peacock MS, RD, LD, a Culinary Dietitian suggests “ask the farmer when the food was picked or harvested and if they have any favorite recipes.” Toby Amidor, MS RD CDN, of Toby Amidor Nutrition, has some AWESOME tips for navigating the farmer’s market, click HERE to check out the post on her blog including how to pick the best produce and some great food safety info too! And for additional important information on food safety at the farmers' market, HERE is a wonderful recent post on the Food Network’s Healthy Eats Blog by Dana Angelo White, MS RD ATC, Nutrition Consultant Certified Athletic Trainer. Need some inspiration for what to do with all the great produce you pick up? Go the veggies section of my blog for some easy recipes! Many of my dessert recipes feature some great fruits as well!!
 

Zucchini Spaghetti Primavera- Recipe ReDux Post # 8

To contact us Click HERE


I cannot believe that Christmas is almost here and I am knee deep in the holiday season already!  Luckily most of my shopping is done and I have picked out a lot of fun gifts too.  Speaking of gifts....this month's Recipe ReDux challenge is focused on that very subject- picking a favorite cooking "Gadget Gift"  and sharing a recipe that uses it.  Well my choice would have to be the julienne peeler, specifically the one made by Kuhn Rikon. I have previously featured this lovely tool in August in both my Summer Squash Noodle Tutorial and Zucchini Caprese Salad posts and today I will highlight it a bit more.  It is easy to use and clean and I find it works great to make thin shreds of veggies for salads or to use them cooked as faux noodles. It costs about $15.00 and I bought mine on Amazon.com.  Some features the manufacturer points out about it are that it "cuts food in one motion, has a stainless steel blade, has an easy to grip two-toned handle and it is dishwasher safe." A recent recipe that I have created using it is Zucchini Spaghetti Primavera- it's chocked full of veggies, low in calories and its red and green hues are perfect for the season.  Enjoy and happy holidays!!  Also check below to see some additional great Gadget Gifts and recipes that use them from the talented bloggers and members of the Recipe ReDux group.Ingredients:4 cups raw zucchini “noodles” SEE how to make these HERE3 cups sliced mushrooms½ cup chopped white onion2 cups chopped sweet bell pepper (red, yellow recommended)2 teaspoons olive oil¼-½  teaspoon garlic powder1 cup of your favorite basic marinara sauce (if you like it “saucier” you can add a bit more!)chopped basil (optional for serving)parmesan cheese (optional for serving)Directions:Coat a large pan with the olive oil, add the mushrooms, peppers and onion and sauté on medium heat for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned and softened.  Add the zucchini noodles, marinara sauce, garlic and mix well and then continue to heat for about 5-7 minutes covered, stirring occasionally, until softened and cooked through.  Top with basil and parmesan cheese if desired.Makes a little over 4 cups, 4 servingsServing size: A little over 1 cup (not including cheese)Calories  90 Protein 4 g Carb 13 g Fiber 4 g Sugars 7 g Fat 3 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium  300 mg 
get the InLinkz code

Gingerbread Protein Bars

To contact us Click HERE

A taste of the holidays without the guilt. Gingerbread cookie taste with protein power!

Ingredients:

½ cup creamy or crunchy unsalted natural almond butter (I used Trader Joes Raw Unsalted Crunchy) ¼ cup pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses
½ cup oats (old fashioned, not quick, use a gluten-free oats such as Bob's Red Mill if you are on a gluten-free diet)
1.5 scoops of protein powder, preferably unflavored (the average scoop is about 4 tablespoons or¼ cup, 25-30 Grams, so 1.5 scoops would be approx. 6 tablespoons)*
Wax or parchment paper

Directions:

In a medium sized bowl, combine the maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, molasses and almond butter and mix well. Stir in the oats, protein powder and mix some more. Press mixture into an 8 by 8 inch pan. (Lining the pan with a large rectangular piece of parchment paper, placing the mixture on one side and then folding the paper over to press down works nicely since the dough is so sticky.) Chill in the fridge for an hour or more (if you can wait that long!) and cut into 8 bars and serve. Wrapping the individual bars in wax paper and storing in baggies is great for convenience. Store in the fridge. These bars also freeze well!

 * I have had great success with using Nature’s Best Isopure Perfect Natural Protein Powder, unflavored- it is gluten-free, lactose free

Makes 8 bars

Serving size: 1/8th of recipe, 1 bar Calories 160 Protein 10 g Carb 12 g Fiber 2 g Sugars 7 g Fat 9 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 50 mg

Billie's Italian Cream Cake from the PW

To contact us Click HERE
We are surrounded by mother's and grandmothers that just love coconut. So, when I stumbled on this recipe for Italian Cream Cake I knew it would be perfect for our Mother's Day dessert!

Start by separating your eggs.

Beat egg whites until stiff.


 Grease and flour your cake pans.




 Cream butter, oil and sugar together. 

Add egg yolks, vanilla and coconut.

Mix all dry ingredients together.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk until just combined. 


Fold in egg whites. 

I usually measure out my batter so each layer will be even. 


Bake.

While the cakes are baking, whip up your frosting. Combine softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Add walnuts and coconut and stir gently.



Spread icing between layers.

Enjoy!



Italian Cream Cake:From the Pioneer Woman1 stick Butter1 cup Vegetable Oil1 cup Sugar5 whole Eggs, Separated3 teaspoons Vanilla1 cup Coconut 2 cups All-purpose Flour1 teaspoon Baking Soda1 teaspoon Baking Powder1 cup Buttermilk
Frosting:2 packages (8 Oz) Cream Cheese1 stick Butter2 teaspoons Vanilla1 package 2 Lb Powdered Sugar1 cup Chopped Walnuts1 cup Sweetened, Flaked Coconut


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans (the next time I make this I will use 8-inch pans for a thicker layer). Beat egg whites until stiff, eet aside.

For the cake, cream together butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolks, vanilla, and coconut. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.Alternate buttermilk and dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, then fold in egg whites.Pour evenly into prepared pans, sprinkle the top of each pan with 1 (at least) tablespoon sugar. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto cooling racks and allow to cool completely.

For the frosting, combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Stir in chopped walnuts and coconut. Spread between layers and serve. If the frosting is at room temperature it will be much easier to spread between the layers.


Can't wait to see what you baked recently!


Link up your recipes below!


Be sure to check out a couple of the other recipes linked up!


Happy Tuesday!


Linked to:
Trick or Treat Tuesday

Tool Time Tuesday...Coffee Filter Wreath

To contact us Click HERE
Hello everyone!! I know coffee filter wreaths have been around the internet for a while, but this is my first attempt. I love how it came out...it's a super easy project and inexpensive too...about $3.00. I'll show you how to make it and my do's and don'ts too.


Found the perfect spot in our master bedroom.



Here's how I started out...

You need a wreath form, coffee filters ( I used a whole package and a little bit more) and lots of hot glue sticks.

For the wreath form, I used a length of foam tubing that you cover pipes so they don't freeze. It works great for the shape and good substitute for a wreath form, but not for this project. I'll show you why later. So for now, buy a real wreath form that is sturdy.

Use a medium to large size. If you use a small form, the filters start to fill in the center and makes it look  like one big filter.

My form is 17 inches from outside edge to edge.

It finishes at 24 inches across!!


Take a coffee filter, place your finger inside the center and pinch the outside bottom.


Kind of makes a puffy flower.


Bend a little part of the end for gluing.


Then hot glue 3-4 filters across the wreath form. One on top of the form and one on each side.


You don't need a lot, so space them evenly like this. At first, I started too close and I was wasting them


Here's where the foam tube didn't work. The wait of the filters stretched the foam. When it was hanging on the wall, it drooped to an oval. Very pretty, but I wanted a circle!! The oval looked like an egg, so maybe for Easter.

My fix was to hot glue 2 sticks to keep in the circle form. Never a dull crafting moment.


I added a fabric bow that matched the pillows on my bed.


The filters are just the best...they really give the wreath a curly rufflely look.


I hung the wreath on a 3m hook and the bow on another hook. The bow does not support the wreath at all.




I do want to add more length to the tails of the ribbon, so it sticks out beyond the bottom of the wreath.


Coffee filters come in white or this natural tan color. One package has 200 filters and is less than $2.00.

I really hope you get a chance to make one.

Happy Tuesday,
~Karen~