The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, February 7th, 2012...

Outside My Window...
All is calm, and dark, and very, very foggy!! We went to visit an elderly friend of ours last evening and thankfully it was only a few streets over because the fog was so thick one could scarce see in front of the face! That's February for you!

I am thinking...
In our church we set aside one evening a week for Family Home Evening. This is a time for a family to do something together which will draw them closer together as a family and uplift them. Monday evenings are the suggested evening, but you can choose whichever evening works best for you as a family. Monday has always worked for us. For the past two Monday's we have been watching the Work & The Glory films. (There are three of them.) They are based on Gerald Lund's series of books entitled the same (The Work and The Glory, there are 9 volumes.) We've also each read the books about 3 times. We enjoy them both immensely. The movies are entertaining and the books are real page turners. Last night when we were watching the second film (American Zion) my heart was really touched by the trials that the early Saints went through in their search to find a place in America where they could worship and live without persecution and in safety. I found myself feeling so very grateful for all that they endured in those early years of the church and uplifted by their strong examples of courage and faith. We found ourselves wondering if we would have the strength to stand up for our faith in the same way, against such odds. I hope we never have to find out for sure, but I think that I would . . . I know that I would. I have already had to give up a lot to be a member of this church . . . family, friends, etc. and so were I not to keep my testimony strong against ALL odds, the sacrifices would have been for nothing. I cannot let them be for nothing.

I am thankful for...
A lovely warm house which keeps us dry and comfortable, especially in this recent spate of cold weather. We've been very lucky here in that we have not had any snow to speak of, but I know the rest of the country hasn't been so lucky. I worry about the homeless people out there and pray for them each day. It must be very horrible to be homeless when the weather is bad. The ladies' group in our local Ward (church congregation) has been participating in an ongoing charity this year, gathering men's socks, underwear and clothing for a Men's Homeless Shelter in Molde. We cannot keep up with the need. As fast as we bring the stuff in, it is used. I am thankful that all my needs are met and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my abundance with others, if only in a small way.

From the kitchen...
Not a heck of a lot. Sometimes that is a good thing.

I am wearing...
Pink and yellow jim jams and my robe and slippers.

I am creating...
I am busy creating some decorations for our RS Activity on Thursday evening.

I am going...
I have the daily reading lessons of course, and then I have the RS Activity on Thursday evening. Other than that my week is pretty much blessedly free to do what I want with. It's nice once in a while to have an empty calendar!

I am reading...



Say When, by Elizabeth Berg

'He felt his stomach tighten, his heart begin to race. The coffeemaker beeped, signalling its readiness, and Ellen got up and poured two mugs. She set one in front of Griffin, one in front of herself. Griffin watched the steam rise up and curl back on itself, then dissipate. He said quietly, "I'm not going anywhere." "Pardon?" "I said, I'm not going anywhere. I'm not moving." She nodded. "I see. Well, I can't. I have to be here to take care of Zoe." Griffin pictured his daughter, a redheaded beauty who would knock the stuffing out of any man who crossed her. "All right, you can stay, too," he told Ellen. "Griffin. One of us has to go."

In Say When, Elizabeth Berg negotiates perfectly the fine balance between humour and poignancy as she charts the days and nights of a family whose normal life has been shattered. Told from the point of view of a man who goes overnight from being a husband to becoming his wife's roommate, this is a gripping and heartfelt story. I have only just begun to read it over the past few nights and I am really enjoying it. But then . . . I love everything Elizabeth Berg writes!

I am hoping...
That the ladies enjoy our Activity we have planned for them on Thursday Evening. It's an activity based on LOVE . . . afterall . . . February is the month of love, is it not??

I am hearing...
Nothing much. Mitzie is snoring away on the sofa. The keys are tapping. All is quiet outside . . . the birds are waking up so a bit of chirping and the odd car that drives by. A very normal, ordinary, everyday start to the day.

Around the house...

Source: willowdecor.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I have long admired Scandanavian design and decor. I just adore this hallway. I think it looks so very welcoming and beautiful. I Love the bench, which gives just the perfect place for you to sit and put your boots or shoes on. I love the beadwork panneling on the sides of it and the scrolled back, the mirror, the light sconces . . . the colours! I adore that stained glass above the double doors and the light that glows through it all. It all seems so fresh and warm, and says . . . "Come on in!" I think that's what a hallway should say!

If I could change one thing it would be...
That all my children would be happy and healthy and content with their lives. They have their struggles and, whilst I know that struggle is all a part and parcel of this life we have here on earth, there are times I just wish that they did not have to struggle so very much.

I am looking forward to ...
Seeing what I will get up to today??? I know I am going to bake cookies at some point. Two of our missionaries are leaving for new areas tomorrow and I want to bake some cookies for them as a thankyou and a farewell. I always hate to see them leave . . . I have a special heart for all the missionaries, but then again, I always love meeting and getting to know the ones that replace them, and being able to serve for and with them in any way that I can.

One of my favourite things...
Is daydreaming. I have always been a daydreamer. OH, the wonderful places I go in my head . . . the things that I see . . . the people that I meet . . . it's absolutely amazing!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!! Not a heck of a lot really.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: crumpledenvelope.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Enjoy life . . . there are no re-runs.
~Shirl Lowery

We only have one chance to make this life the very best that we can make it. It will not come again. Sing like nobody's listening, dance like nobody's watching, and love like there's no tomorrow. Squeeze the most joy out of every day that is yours. Each sunrise and the day that follows is a gift from above. How you choose to unwrap it . . . is up to you.

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

"Who seeks more than he has hinders himself from enjoying what he has.
~Solomon Ibn Gabirol

I just love this . . . it is so true. True joy comes from being content with what we have.

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

If you put anything in a pie shell, I am there. I just adore PIE in any way, shape or form!!! This is one of our favourites. Chicken Salad Pie!



*Chicken Salad Pie*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

Everyone's favourite chicken salad, except in a pie!!

pastry for a single crust 9 inch pie
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups frozen broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/4 cup minced onion
1/2 tsp dried tarragon leaves
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
3 TBS dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

To garnish:
8 toasted pecan halves
red grapes

Preheat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7.

Line a 9 inch glass pie pan with the pastry, Trim and flute edges as desired. Do not prick the crust. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6.

Combine all the remaining pie ingredients in a large bowl, with the exception of the cheese, mixing all together well. Spoon this mixture iinto the partially baked crust. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

Return to the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes longer, until golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve. Garnish each wedge with a toasted pecan half and a small cluster of grapes if desired.




Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Cauliflower Cheese Fritters.

Bloom where you are planted . . .

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Meredith on Pinterest

“And the day came when the risk (it took) to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
~Anais Nin

For years I resisted change because I was afraid that growth was always a painful process. I guess it had seemed that most of the lessons I had learned in life, and my opportunities to grow had always been accompanied with a lot of pain and misery. It has occurred to me this morning though that, in resisting change and growth, I was also wasting a lot of time, creative energy and emotion. Things that could be far better spent on other things.

Why does change come with such difficulty? Why do we allow ourselves to become stuck in ruts? I think the greatest stumbling block to freeing ourselves from these chains is fear. Fear of change, fear of stepping out into the unknown, fear of judgement, fear of failure . . .

Source: imgfave.com via Marie on Pinterest

In giving in to our fears, I think we fail ourselves. I think we prevent ourselves from becoming and from being the very best that we can be. The whole reason for our presence here on earth is to grow and stretch, and to become the best that we can be. We cannot do that without expanding our boundaries and embracing change. If we think we "never can" . . . we truly "never will."

There is a scripture that says that in our weaknesses we are made strong. Who has not heard the story of the old man and the butterfly. An old man was once watching a butterfly struggle to emerge from it’s cocoon. As he watched it struggle frantically in it’s cocoon to free itself, he began to feel sorry for it. It was working so hard, and seemingly getting nowhere. He thought to help it a bit by taking a pair of scissors and cutting it free. When he was done . . . the butterfly lay there limp and unable to fly. In his eagerness to help, the man had missed the great secret to a butterfly’s strength . . . for it is in the struggle to free itself from the cocoon that the butterfly strengthens it’s wings enough to be able to actually fly.

Source: tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

And so it is with life. It is through the struggles and the agonies we suffer that we too are made strong and beautiful. It is in the growth that we learn and evolve and become what we were truly sent here to become, that we can fulfil the measure of our creation. Change is not always bad. We need to exercise our wings and break free from our cocoons. It truly is a good thing.

I know it is really late in the year, but, if you can, try to find one perfect rosebud in your garden or at a flower shop if need be. Pick it and place it in a small vase on your desk or night table. Watch it bloom. “Each blade of grass has it’s Angel that bends over it and whispers, “Grow, grow.”’ We are likewise blessed. Let us listen to it’s voice and bloom where we are planted.

I am very late this morning. We got home quite late from our church meetings last night and so went to bed late and I didn't wake up until 7:30 this morning, so I must dash. I hope I'll be able to take a look at some blogs later today. We shall see how it all unfolds. Now I must get ready for my reading student and get things started on our supper tonight as the missionaries are coming and you know how very much I love to spoil them! Have a wonderful day everyone!

Here's a lovely dish to make when you have leftover chicken from a roast dinner and you are wanting a tasty way to use some of it up!



*Deep Dish Chicken Pie*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

A family favourite gleaned from a supermarket recipe booklet many moons ago.

1 single crust refrigerated pie crust

For the filling:
2 TBS butter
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 (10 3/4-oz) tin of condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp summer savoury
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 (1 pound) package of frozen mixed vegetables thawed and drained
(I like the one with broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Have ready a 2 quart casserole or 10 inch quiche pan.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the celery and onion. Cook, stirring, until softened. Stir in the soup, milk, poultry seasoning, savoury, salt and pepper. Heat through, then taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Gently stir in the chicken and thawed vegetables. Pour this mixture into your dish.

Place the crust (which should be rolled out large enough to completely cover the dish) over top of the chicken mixture. Roll up edges to fit the top of the casserole and flute. Cut slits in several places to vent.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.



Cooking over in The English Kitchen this morning delicious Vanilla Spiced Breakfast Oatmeal.

Once upon a time . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Once upon a time, not so long ago, and not so far away . . . in a beautiful place, there lived a girl who was very, very happy.

Source: countryliving.com via Marie on Pinterest

She slept every night in a beautiful room next to her Prince Charming, who was everything she had ever hoped for and dreamed about. Each morning she awoke in a beautiful bed, so soft and comfy that she scarcely wanted to leave it . . . but she must, and she did . . . because she just knew that she had a beautifully wonderfully exciting day awaiting her. So she would throw off the bedcovers and jump out of bed, doing a little happy dance because a whole new adventure was about to begin! This happened every day.

Source: elegantinterioirdesign.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Into the bath she would dash to splash some water on her face and brush her teeth. She just knew that something exciting was going to happen today and she could not wait to get started . . . she threw on her clothes (only the best you understand) and ran a comb through her hair and then she fair danced down the stairs!

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Into the kitchen she would bounce where she would sit in her comfy kitchen chair and think about the day ahead. She would bow her head and give thanks for all that was hers and pronounce blessings upon all that she knew who were in need of them and even some who weren't, and she gave thanks for the day she had been blessed with and then . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

It was time to crack a few eggs and juice a few oranges because she needed sustenance to begin her day and nothing was better than a plate of scrambled eggs and a big glass of fresh orange juice . . . nectar of the Gods . . . it was . . .

Source: fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

She'd do up the dishes and as she did she admired their beauty and how they sparkled in the sunlight once they were all squeaky and clean . . . oh she was a very lucky girl to have such beautiful things, and she knew it.

Source: raisingjane.org via Marie on Pinterest

After the dishes were done and all had been put away, she would pull on her cowboy boots and bound into the yard, where the sun shone down on everything and it was warm and sweet and you could hear the birds singing and the chickens pecking in the yard . . . oh it was so beautiful . . .

Source: 500px.com via Marie on Pinterest

She'd say goodmorning to all of her friends and give them a scratch behind the ears and a cuddle and oh the world was so sweet and the dew so pretty sparkling like jewels on the grass as it did.

Source: countryliving.com via Marie on Pinterest

And that was how her days would go . . . there would be time for play and time for work . . . time for fun . . . and time for friends. Her days were a happy mix of all that was good and some that was sad and everything in between. Not all days were sunny, but then again . . . how could you love the sun without a bit of rain in between to make it even sweeter . . .

Source: planetnatural.com via Marie on Pinterest

There was light and there was song . . . pretty flowers, and butterflies. Lotsa green and lotsa pink. Carrots to pull and peas to pick . . . a pretty bouquet for the table . . . a dance on the garden gate, swinging to and fro whilst the wind blew her curls against her cheeks just so, and sunshine bathed her face in it's golden glow . . .

Source: img3.etsystatic.com via Marie on Pinterest

And then there were kindnesses shared with those she loved and sometimes even those she did not love so much . . . but it didn't hurt to make them smile even a tiny bit. Perhaps a kind word, or a handful of daisies . . . or even just a smile to brighten up their day. She filled her cup with lots of these, so much so that it overflowed and some spilt back on her own scuffed toes, which made her dance even more . . .

Source: etsy.com via Marie on Pinterest

At the end of the day she'd curl up in a chair, a blanket wrapped around her just so, and watch the sun as it dipped and bathed the earth in the wane of it's diminishing warmth and she would think about all the things that she had done . . . as crickets and toads began to sing their evening song . . . she'd ponder all the good and the bad, the sweet and the not so sweet. She'd kick off her boots and wiggle her toes, and run them into the cool grass next to her chair, feeling the sweetness of it all and sighing at the wonder . . .

and to think . . . she could do it all again on the morrow. The thought of that made her scrunch up her shoulders with joy and her tummy got filled with light and little tingles and sparkles that made her want to explode with the goodness of it all . . .

Source: google.com via Marie on Pinterest

Who needs a castle in the air, and golden jewels and auburn hair when you have a life that is filled to overflowing with simple joys and pleasures . . . treasures that money cannot buy, and love and the joy that comes from being able to count your blessings and smell the roses. The ability to feel the grass beneath your feet and know that it is good and sweet . . . eyes to see the stars appear in the waning light of a summer sky, a heart that knows where goodness comes from and where it goes . . . all the beauty that each day brings in small and not so small ways.

Today is your once upon a time . . . only you have the power and the ability to make it so.

Source: countryliving.com via Marie on Pinterest

My mother always made lovely tortieres for Christmas. That was the only time of the year that we had them and we did so enjoy them. Back home you can buy tortieres frozen now, all year round and they are good . . . but nothing beats the pleasure of making your own from scratch. My sister makes very good ones too. Her pastry is sublime. I think there are probably as many versions of this French Canadian meat pie as there are bakers . . . but then again, that is the way it is with something that is really good.



*Tortiere*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

Tortiere is a meat pie originating from the Quebec (French) region of Canada. It is traditionally served on Christmas eve in French households and on New Years Eve but it is also found and enjoyed in grocery stores all year round. As with anything though . . . Homemade is the best of all!

Meat Filling:
1 ½ pounds ground pork
1 onion, chopped really fine
¼ cup celery, chopped fine
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp summer savoury (if you can’t find this, you may use a mixed herbs)
1/3 tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp allspice
1 bay leaf
½ cup boiling water
1 small potato, peeled and finely grated

Pastry:
2 cups plain flour
1 tsp salt
½ cup vegetable shortening
¼ cup cold butter, cut into bits
5 to 6 TBS ice water

Glaze:
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 TBS water

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat and add the ground pork. Cook, stirring to break up the larger chunks until it is completely cooked through and all of the water is evaporated. (I like to use a potato masher as it cooks, to help break it up into small even pieces)

Stir in the onion, celery, garlic and grated potato. Cook until the onions and celery are tender, but not browned. Add the salt, savoury, pepper, allspice, bay leaf and the boiling water. Cover with a tight fitting lid and simmer over medium heat for about 25 minutes.

Remove the lid and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes longer until most of the water has evaporated, but the mixture is still quite moist. Set aside to cool while you make the pastry.

Place the flour and salt in a large bowl, mixing it well. Add the shortening and butter and cut it in with a pastry blender until it resembles very fine bread crumbs. Add the water a little bit at a time, stirring with a fork until the mixture forms a soft dough that holds together well. (Try not to overwork it) Gather it into a ball and wrap it up in plastic cling film. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Pre-heat the oven to 205*C/425*F.

Divide the pastry in half. Roll one half out on a well floured surface, with a well floured rollingpin, to a size that will fit into a 9 inch pie round pie dish with about a one inch overhang all around. Transfer it to the pie dish.

Remove the bay leaf from the filling and spoon it evenly into the pie dish.

Roll out the other half of the pastry to fit over top of the pie dish with the same amount of overhang. Trim and seal the edges by either pressing it together with the tines of a fork or fluting it with your fingers. Cut a few vents in top for steaming and brush it with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture.

Bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 to 50 minutes, on the lowest oven rack, until it is golden brown on top and crisped on the bottom. Serve warm with mustard pickle or catsup on the side.


(Pork and Roots Traybake with an Apple Relish)

I'm reviewing Coleman's Gravy Paste and have posted a round up of lovely recipes that you can eat gravy with today, over in the English Kitchen!

A day out to the seaside . . .

(View of Llandudno from the top of the Great Ormes)

Louder than gulls the little children scream
Whom fathers haul into the jovial foam;
But others fearlessly rush in, breast high,
Laughing the salty water from their mouthes--
Heroes of the nursery.

The horny boatman, who has seen whales
And flying fishes, who has sailed as far
As Demerara and the Ivory Coast,
Will warn them, when they crowd to hear his tales,
That every ocean smells of tar.
~ The Beach, Robert Graves

We had a fantastic day in Llandudno yesterday! (It is pronounced Clan-did-no)Llandudno is Wale's largest beach resort, uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes with two wonderful beaches, the award winning North Shore and the quiet, sand duned West Shore. It is an easy one hour drive from where we are living and I found it to be quite beautiful and not at all garish, as some seasides have a tendancy to be!



(Todd posing in front of some of the old Victorian and
Edwardian Hotels situated along the seafront.)

Llandudno has kept its Victorian and Edwardian elegance and splendour, despite its modern attractions. There are cable cars which enable everyone to be able to reach the summet of the Great Ormes. We didn't go on them yesterday but we did enjoy watching them go up and down.



(A view of the Great Ormes as we walked towards it and the Pier.)

There are ornamental gardens, a beautiful seaside facade of Victorian and Edwardian hotels, beautiful flowers lining the lamp-lit promenade which stretches for quite a distance, a lovely sandy beach and a great amusement pier which has just about something for everyone!



(Punch and Judy Show)

The seafront was filled with groups of children yesterday, I am assuming on their last week of school seaside trips, and a lovely Punch and Judy show was playing on the Promenade.



(The Pier.)

There was fish and chips . . . and ice creams and the lovely sound of gulls and waves crashing against the shore. The smell . . . sea air is so invigorating don't you think? The sounds . . . happy people in a holiday mood, children, gulls, waves . . . it all added to a beautiful atmosphere. We had a decidedly lovely time, and I know Doreen and Billy did too.



(Where the amusements begin on the Pier.)

We walked for miles and miles (it seemed) and it was not until the very end that my hip started to protest! That last bit of walking back to the car was a bit difficult, but I got there in the end.



(The Three Musketeers!)

The best part of the day though was getting to share it with some good friends. Todd has been friends with Doreen and Billy for years and they were some of the first friends I made when I moved over here. Doreen used to live right next door to Todd and Billy is her caregiver. Nobody could take as good a care of Doreen as Billy does. He is just like a son to her! Lovely people.



(View across to the smaller Ormes. Look at the gull getting into the picture!)

It was so nice to be able to bring them along with us, and I know they really enjoyed themselves as much as we did. I think experiences are always alot nicer when they are shared, don't you?



(My sweetie pie posing!)

We had a great day together, and Todd and I have vowed to go back sometime when we can stay overnight, and maybe bring Mitzie along with us. I can imagine how beautiful it is at dusk with all those beautiful Victorian Lamp-posts lit and the string lights . . . and the pier all lit up. It looks like there are lots of musical activities in the evenings with choirs and such and it would be just lovely to be able to listen to some.

My dishwasher should come today! I am excited about that and hoping that it won't be too long before I can have it plumbed in and be using it. We are having the missionaries over for supper tonight and it would have been nice to be able to use it tonight, but I don't think that is going to happen! I picked up some lovely bangers at the butchers yesterday so we'll be having bangers and mash for tea, Todd's favourite meal and I just might make this pie I am showing you here today. It all depends on if I have all the ingredients for it or not. I think I have most of them at any rate. It's probably enormously calorific, but the lads won't mind at all, and I can treat myself to a tiny sliver I think! Or maybe just a small bite!!!



*Lemon Pie with an Almond Stuffed Crust*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

I have not made this, but it is on my list of to do's. I found it on the Pillsbury site and it looks fabulous!

For the crust:
1 box of prepared pie crusts, softened as directed on the box,
or your own favourite recipe for a double crust pie
1 (7 ounce) package of almond paste
1/4 cup toasted flaked almonds
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the first layer of filling:
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 TBS cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold water
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 egg yolks, well beaten
2 TBS butter
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 tsp lemon extract
1 tsp lemon peel
3 drops yellow food colour

For the second layer of filling:
1 cup icing sugar
1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese softened
2 (4 serving size) boxes of instant lemon pudding
and pie filling mix

To Garnish:
1/2 cup icing sugar
4 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 cup whipping cream

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Unroll 1 pie crust and place in an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Press firmly against side and bottom. Crumble the almond paste into the bowl of a food processor and add the almonds and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cover and process for 1 minute. Spread the mixture in the crust lined pie plate. Top with second crust, pressing down. Crimp the edges together. Prick crust several times with fork, and then bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Mix 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, the cornstarch and salt with wire whisk in a medium saucepan. Beat in the cold water and lemon juice. Add the egg yolks, beating until smooth. Add the butter and then gradually stir in the boiling water. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the lemon extract, lemon peel and food color. Cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap. Cool for 30 minutes. Pour into baked crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, beat 1 cup icing sugar and the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in the milk until well blended. Add the pudding mixes and beat 2 minutes longer or until thickened. Pour over the first layer of pie filling.

In a medium bowl, beat the garnish ingredients with electric mixer on high speed for about 2 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. Place this mixture into a decorating bag fitted with star tip. Decorate the top of the pie as desired. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pie.

Note: This was a winning pie from the Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust Championship in 2007. This recipe was submitted by Whitney Haynes of Middleton, first place winner of the Topsfield Fair (MA).



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, some tasty Parmesan Chicken Breasts with Crispy Proscuitto, a la Jamie Oliver!

The Simple Woman's Day book

FOR TODAY, March 15th, 2011...

Outside My Window...
It's clear and cold. The ground is covered with a light frost, but the birds are singing and it promises to be a dry day! Hooray for dry days! I am going to start trying to go for walks each day now. I am hoping I'll be able to with no problems.

I am thinking...
About the poor people of Japan and how awful things are for that country right now. The pictures on the television are so upsetting and devastating. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for them. A member of our church Ward is there right now. He had flown over to visit his sister who was very ill. Apparently he was due to be landing just as the earthquake hit. His family has only just heard from him after days of fretting and worrying. Apparently he spent two nights on the airplane. The mind boggles.

I am thankful for...
Living where I do right at the moment. The UK may have it's problems, but they are nothing compared to 99% of the world!

From the kitchen...
There is a custard Tart that I made for Todd and a chocolate cake, but other than that not a lot. That's probably a very good thing!!

I am wearing...
A blue nightie and my robe. Oh, any my slippers. Pink, with little hearts all over them.

I am creating...
Still working on new designs. I was so pleased to see the finished ones last week. (You can see the HERE.) They are available for purchase world wide as well, which is nice to know. They won't be on the shopping channel today though, I guess they will be on sometime in May and I was told yesterday that they are going to be highlighted in several craft magazines in the summer, which is great! I was told yesterday by the head of the company that everyone loves them. That they are quirky and different. That made me feel very good.

I am going...
We were supposed to go to the Temple today but have decided not to go because we are going to have to go again at the end of the month for a Primary Activity. When the temple is more than 2 hours away and petrol is costing 133.9 pence a litre and you are on a fixed income you need to think about things like this. Two temple trips in a month are more petrol than we can afford at the moment.

I am reading...




Toujours Provence, by Peter Mayle

A second enjoyable helping of rural life in France from the author of A Year In Provence. Skulking through customs with a suitcase full of truffles, toads singing the Marseillaise, taking pastis lessons and finding gold at the bottom of the garden . . . you might think there is little time left for pleasures of the table. Toujours Provence proves that while you might not be able to get away from it all, you can have fun trying. I am almost finished this book now. I have really enjoyed it so far and would probably say that it's the best book I have read so far this year! (I know! It's only March!)

I am hoping...
That the world steps up and gives Japan as much help as they can and that they are able to get things as close to back to normal as they can for the people of Japan as soon as possible.

I am hearing...
Early morning sounds . . . the house cracking and snapping as it comes alive. Clocks ticking. Walls creaking . . . cars passing by the front of the house . . . the honk of the taxi's horn. The world coming alive. Birds are singing. We were really pleased to see that Todd's four goldfish made it through the winter unscathed! We were thinking that they might have expired, it was so cold. We also have frog spawn in the pond, which means once they hatch we will be able to hear froggie noises! Sweet!

Around the house...
Not a lot to do really. Two people don't really create much of a mess, although there is a HUGE basket of ironing to do and a huge basket of washing to put in. Nobody has invented self washing, drying, ironing and putting away clothes yet! Pity that!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Not a lot really. I have a Sunday School lesson to prepare for Sunday as well as a Sharing Time. I am not too happy when I end up having to do two big things like that for a Sunday morning but I'll cope somehow! The only thing worse could be being called up on Saturday and asked to give a talk as well! Perish the thought!


Here is picture thought I am sharing...



Spring has spring, the grass has riz!!

"Come gentle Spring! Ethereal Mildness! Come!"~James Thomson


And just as a closing thought for today . . .

"Our strength will continue if we allow ourselves the courage to feel scared, weak and vulnerable."
~Melody Beattie

A prayer for the ages. We are all frail from time to time. We all make mistakes and fall prey to a thousand emotions and exaggerations. This does not mean we are weak, especially if we face our failings squarely in truth and use them to empower us and learn from them.

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

I have not made this recipe shown here today, but it is on my list of "To Make Soon" recipes! I found it on Pillsbury.com and the picture is from Pillsbury as well. I am putting it here so that I don't lose it. When I do make it, I will use fresh strawberries and real whipped cream, not the frozen whipped topping. We can't get that over here anyways. I shall just substitute an equal amount of real whipped cream and fresh berries for the frozen ingredients shown.



*Strawberry Pretzel Pie*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

A sweet and salty combination that apparently won the most votes at the Tennessee State Fair in 2010. No wonder! It's like your favourite dessert . . . in a pie! Plan ahead as it needs to be made one day ahead of serving.

1 single crust 9 1/2 inch deep pie crust, unbaked
1 egg white
1 cup of crushed pretzels
1/4 cup sugar
6 TBS butter, melted
2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
12 ounces of frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 bag of frozen unsweetened strawberries, partially thawed, sliced
1 cup boiling water
1 (8 serving size) box of stawberry flavoured gelaten

Preheat the oven to 230*C/450*C/ gas mark 8. Prick the bottoms and sides of the pie crust with a fork. Place the pie tin on a baking sheet.

Combine the crushed pretzels, 1/4 cup of sugar and the melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pie crust. Bake in the heated overn for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Cool completely.

Stir together the cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Fold in the whipped topping. Spread on the cooled crust, reserving 2 cups of filling to decorate the pie. (Cover and place this mixture in the fridge.) Place a flat layer of strawberry slices on top of the filling. Mix the boiling water and the gelatin. Stir to dissolve the gelatin. Add enough ice cubes to make about 1 2/3 cups of gelatin. Stir to dissolve the ice. Place in the fridge to thicken slightly and then pour this over top of the strawberries. Chill the pie for 8 hours, or overnight. Decorate the outside edge of the pie with the remaining 2 cups of the reserved cream cheese mixture. Serve, cut into wedges.



In The English Kitchen today, delicious Bacon Gruyere Bread! (This I did make and we had it last night for supper with some soup! It was soooo good!)

A little story . . .

It had been a very difficult for the Brown family. The washing machine had broken down, the car had gotten a flat tire and Dad had had to struggle with fixing it in the pouring rain, nine year old Stephen had fallen on the playground at school and given his knees a nasty scrape, and his sister Katie, age five, had come home from school with her blouse all covered in paint and glue.



Tempers were a little frayed and patience was worn quite thin by the time they awoke on Saturday morning. Everyone was feeling tired and more than a little fed up. Mum decided that she was going to do something about it, determined that the end to their week was going to be a lot better than the beginning.



A beautiful golden sun hung in the bright blue sky and the day had the promise of being beautiful, dry and warm. With a little preparation and coaxing she decided to organize a picnic and before too long they all climbed into the car and headed out into the countryside.



What a lovely day they had, filled with laughter, good food and even better company. The picnic was a huge success and a fitting compensation for the frustrating week they'd all just experienced . . . all the angst having soon been put behind them and forgotten. This lovely day together also helped each of them to be able to happily face the week ahead.

In the words of George Bernard Shaw:

"Life isn't meant to be easy, my child, but take courage, it can be delightful."

and I might add that it is never more so than after we have been through a particularly bad spell. How much more we all appreciate the good times when we have been through a rough patch.

Only one more sleep until I get my new stove. I can hardly wait! Baking will be a lot easier then, and all of my pans will finally fit in the oven!

My sister has always been a greatly accomplished baker! She has always made beautiful cakes and pies and cookies. Where I was always really good at putting together the meat of the meal . . . she was always really good at putting together the dessert. So, between the two of us, we made two halves of a whole! (and nobody went hungry!)



*Danish Apple Bars*
Makes 16
Printable Recipe

This is a recipe my sister shared with me many moons ago. It’s like Apple pie, only better and somewhat easier to manage, for some strange reason. This pastry is very forgiving. Your family and guests will thank you for these, over and over again. These are best served warm, with some cold vanilla ice cream melting on top!

PASTRY:
2 ½ cups plain flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup vegetable shortening (Such as Crisco or Trex or White flora)
1 egg, beaten, with enough milk added to make 2/3 cup in total

FILLING:
6 tart apples, peeled and sliced (I Like to use Granny Smith apples)
1 cup cornflakes, crushed with your hands (secret ingredient)
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1 cup caster sugar
1 TBS ground cinnamon
Freshly grated nutmeg to taste
1 beaten egg to glaze the pastry before baking
GLAZE:
2 cups icing sugar
1 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F. Make the pastry by sifting the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Cut in the shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs. Beat the egg and milk together and stir in with a fork until well combined. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead until it all comes together and is smooth. Divide in half, wrap in cling film and refrigerate while you prepare the apples.

Peel and slice the apples. Mix the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a bowl. If you like you can also add the finely grated zest of a lemon. Mix well.

Roll out half the pastry, on a floured board, in a rectangle shaped to fit into a 9 inch by 15 inch pan. Line the pan with this. Crush the cornflakes evenly over the bottom with your hands and then cover evenly with the sliced apple mixture, pouring any juices that have accumulated over top.

Roll out the other half of the pastry to fit on top and place over the top of the apples. Roll edges together and press shut. I like to crimp it attractively all around. Brush the top with an egg wash and bake in the pre-heated oven for 1 hour,or until nicely browned, the bottom is done and the apples are soft and cooked. Remove from the oven and let cook for about 10 minutes before glazing.

To make the glaze combine all the ingredients together, sifting the icing sugar to remove any lumps first. Drizzle over the top.

Serve warm in nice big squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yummy!



On The English Kitchen today, Ultimate Cheese On Toast.