Quilted iPad Case

I got an iPad for Christmas and wanted to make sure I had a way to protect it when I take it along with me.  Can I just mention that I searched many, many stores to find that the cases they sell are not very pretty or fun looking?  Since I love a useful sewing project, I thought I'd make my own.  I used this tutorial and learned a new techinique on how to insert a zipper with a lining involved.  It's a technique I'd like to remember for future projects.

I love a pretty, lined, zippered pouch.  I used a recycled zipper from one of my former favorite bags.

Owl Applique shirt with matching hair bow for my little Valentine.
Thanks to Digistitches for this embroidery design.  I think this little owl is just the cutest little thing.  So sweet!

These are the leftovers, next time I'll take the picture before we eat it :)

Farmhouse Chicken

Creamy and flavorful chicken breast chunks topped with stuffing and baked.  My pickiest eater really likes this recipe.  I would just dice the onion and celery really tiny so they are not noticed by any children that don't like them.  As you can see I added half a bag of frozen peas just before I put the stuffing on top. 

4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cup milk
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
4 celery ribs, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 ounce package of stuffing mix

Instructions: 

1. Saute onion, and prepare stuffing mix according to package directions and set aside.

2. In a medium sauce pan, melt butter and then add flour. Stir until bubbly, then cook one minute. Slowly add in milk, stirring continually to avoid lumps.

3. Add chicken, celery, onion, salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 5-10 minutes, until chicken is done and celery is starting to get tender. 

4. Pour mixture into an 8x8-inch casserole dish. Top with stuffing. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

I used more chicken and a larger bag of stuffing for my family and kept the rest of the ingredients the same and baked it in a 13x9 pan instead of the 8x8. 

I think the sauce could be used instead of "Cream of ... Soups" in other recipes.

Hope you enjoy!

Corn Casserole

This is a tasty comfort food that we like a lot.

1 package Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 can corn (do not drain)
1 can creamed corn
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat to 350 degrees.  Melt butter in 13x9 baking dish in the preheating oven.  Add both cans of corn and muffin mix to the 13x9 pan; mix well.  Add eggs and mix gently.  Add sour cream by dropping it several places on top; fold in.  Sprinkle cheese on top.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.  Test with toothpick if done.  Ours always takes longer to bake.  About 30-35 minutes.

Non Slip Headbands

I make these headbands for my girls.  They love them because they stay in place and are so stylish.  The velvet on the back grips their hair.  The elastic holds them on your head and makes them fit most everyone.
They are for sale.  $8 each or 2 for $15.
contact me at Hamiltonmkne@gmail.com

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I first brought this to our family Christmas dinner.  It was a big hit, and we use it when we want something extra special.

4 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled, quartered and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
12 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 cups half and half (I usually use milk instead)
1/2 cup water
salt and pepper

Cutting the potatoes into small pieces ensures that maximum surface area is exposed to soak up garlicky flavor.
1.  Place potatoes in colander.  Rinse under cold running water until water runs clear.  Drain thoroughly.
2.  Melt 4 tablespoons butter in Dutch oven over medium heat.  Cook garlic and sugar, stirring often, until sticky and straw colored, 3-4 minutes.  Add rinsed potatoes, 1 1/4 cups milk, water and 1 teaspoon salt to pot and stir to combine.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered and stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 25-30 minutes.
3.  Off heat, add remaining butter to pot and mash with potato masher until smooth.  Using rubber spatula, fold in remaining half and half until liquid is absorbed and potatoes are creamy.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve.

Sweet Potato Pie

I can't believe it's taken me this long in my lifetime to try a dish like this.  It's wonderful!  Thanks mom for the recipe.   
3 lbs. sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
1 egg
½ cup sugar
½ t. cinnamon
2 ½ T. butter, melted
dash of salt

Topping:
½ cup ritz crackers, crushed
2 ½ T. butter, melted
¼ cup chopped pecans
½ cup brown sugar

Bake in 9 or 10 “ pie plate at 350 for 30 minutes.