Fall Wreath Craft

{Fall Wreath Craft}

I saw this online this week.

I knew we just had to give it a try.

It was so easy and created a beautiful decoration!

I also think it would be lovely in a frame. (great gift)

I had everything on hand so I didn't spend a dime, even better :)

Hope you enjoy!

Carla <><

Collect some leaves from the yard-Cut off the stems

To create the base we used card stock

Not perfect. you get the idea.

Tape or glue on the leaves-Then gather the stems and attach.

My little girl was in craft heaven.

so cute.

you gotta try this.

*update* Next time I will flatten the leaves first. they curled a bit-still cute though.

Bow Tie Pasta-Italian Sausage in Cream Sauce

{Bow Tie Pasta-Italian Sausage in Cream Sauce}

I got this recipe from my good friend Gina.

She is the wife of my hubby's cousin.  So blessed to get her as friend and family.

She is a wonderful cook and has shared many great dishes with me over the years.

This is one we have really enjoyed. My kids even gobble it up.

It makes a bunch and is great leftover.

Hope you enjoy!

Blessings

Carla <><

Bow Tie Pasta, Italian Sausage, Onion, Garlic, Italian Stewed Tomatoes, Crushed Red Pepper, Salt, Heavy Cream, Fresh Basil, Parmesan Cheese

Boil Water for Pasta

Chop onions and saute' in Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Add Sausage-Cook Well

Add Crushed Red Pepper and Garlic

Let the Sausage get nice and brown

Add the Tomatoes

Chop Basil

Add Cream-Stir

Add Fresh Basil- Simmer

Add Cooked Pasta-Stir

Top with Parmesan Cheese

Enjoy!

Bow Tie Pasta-Italian Sausage in Cream Sauce:

1 Box Bow Tie Pasta-cooked

1 pkg Italian Sausage (I use Bob Evans brand)

1/2 Cup Onion-chopped

1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

2 Cloves Garlic-pressed

2 Cans Italian Stewed Tomatoes

1 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

1 TB Fresh Basil-chopped

Directions:

1. Boil Water & Cook Pasta

2. Saute' Onions

3. Add Sausage and Brown

4. Add Red Pepper Flakes and Garlic

5. Add Stewed Tomatoes

6. Add Heavy Cream- Simmer

7. Add Fresh Basil

8. Add Pasta

9. Top with Parmesan Cheese

Linked up at:

The Family Meal

The Family Table:

Do you know the average number of times US families eat together per week?

4 times...and 10% of families only 2 times a week.

According to numerous studies, families who eat meals regularly together build strong relationships.

Children do better in school, have better nutrition, are better adjusted and communicate better with one another.

As a wife and mother The Family Meal is very special to me.

One of the biggest reasons why I started this blog was to encourage ladies to cook for the family.

To equipt you with some recipes and encouragement!

I prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner in my home. I put lots of love into my cooking.

We sit down EVERY night as a family. It is one of the most important times of our day.

The meals don't have to be fancy or take lots of time.

Yes, it is work. I have learned that part of motherhood (and life) is service.

But look at all those benefits....

Better Communication

Better Nutrition

Better Adjusted

Better Academics

Better Relationships

Make today the day you choose to serve the family with a meal.

Start simple...Start Today.

For some tips on my meal planning click here

Blessings,

Carla <><

Find this and other great posts at:



Chocolate & Peanut Butter Bars

{Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars}

These bars remind me so much of fall.

My mom got this recipe from a magazine when I was a young girl.

We have been making them ever since.  Whenever we traveled to the Smoky Mountains over Fall Break...she would make these.  They always take me back to the beautiful fall colors and smell of wood-burning fireplaces of Gatlinburg, TN.

I hope you will enjoy them!

Blessings,

Carla <><

Graham Crackers, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Butter, Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Chips

Mix the melted butter and crushed grahams and press into 9x13 pan

Spread Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sprinkle Chocolate Chips- then Peanut Butter Chips

Press Down

Bake 325' 25-30 min

Till middle is bubbly

Cool- Cut into squares

Enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars:



1 1/2 Cups Graham Crackers-crushed

1 Stick Butter- melted

1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 bag Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (12oz)

1 Cup Peanut Butter Chips

1. Mix the Butter and Grahams-Press into baking dish

2. Spread with Sweetened Condensed Milk

3. Place the Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Chips- press down

4. Bake 325' 25-30 min

5. Enjoy!

Find this recipe at:

Crock-Pot Pork Carnitas

{Pork Carnitas}

Let's talk about these delicious pork tacos called Carnitas.

About 10 years ago my mom started buying some spicy shredded pork from our local meat market.

Then she would add some lime juice, Tabasco sauce, and spices- Divine!

Since we butcher a hog every winter I have a few pork roasts in the freezer.

I decided to give it a go and try to create my own carnitas....

So glad I did... Here is what I did.

Gather the pork roast, 3 Limes, 3 cloves of garlic, Taco Seasoning, and Salsa

Place the pork roast in the crock-pot.

Juice the limes over the roast. Sprinkle the taco seasoning. Add garlic to top of roast

Place one cup of salsa over the top and a little down in the juice

Put on the lid.

Go to the bank, the barber, the grocery store.

Come home and home school, do laundry, and clean.

Oh, wait- That was me.... :)

Cook low heat all day. or high heat 4-6 hours

Remove the bone and any visible fat

Chop some lettuce and shred some cheese.

Shred the pork.

YUMMY!!

Dinner is served!

Simple.

Hope you enjoy!

Blessings,

Carla <><

Crock-Pot Carnitas:

1 Pork Roast

3 Limes- Juiced

3 Garlic Cloves- Pressed or Chopped

1 Cup Salsa

1 Pkg Taco Seasoning

1. Place the Roast into the Crock-Pot

2. Juice the Limes over the Roast

3. Place the Seasoning, Garlic, and Salsa over the Roast

4. Cook on low 8 hours. or High 4-5 hours.

5. Remove bone and fat.

6. Shred Pork.

7. Serve with fixings.

Linked up at:

The Nourishing Gourmet