Cheese sticks

Thanks J for posting this yummy looking recipe.

http://comeandpeek.blogspot.com/2009/01/cheddar-snack-sticks.html

This next recipe is one that I like to serve with soup for something a little different. Really they are good with just about any meal or as a snack. They are very easy to make. If you like the Cheez-its crackers, you might really enjoy these because they contain PLENTY of sharp cheddar cheese. They have a great chewy texture too:Sharp Cheddar Snack Sticks1/2 c. butter, softened1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese1 t. salt1 t. garlic powdersquirt of Worchestershire saucecoarse salt/sea saltIn a food processor (you could use a mixer if you don't a processor) cream the butter. To this, add the cheddar cheese and pulse until it forms a thick paste. Add a splash of Worchestershire sauce, t. salt, and garlic powder. Slowly add the flour and pulse until the mixture is a play-dough consistency:On a floured surface, roll the dough into a ball. Roll out the dough until it's even and about 1/2" thick. It's up to you as to which shape you would like the sticks:Rectangles, good for dipping. A pizza cutter works well for this.Or you can do long, thin sticks (cut in half or they will break)A biscuit cutter for roundsLine a sheet with foil and spray with Pam. Lay out the dough shapes, about an inch apart. Sprinkle them with the coarse salt and any herb/spice mixture you prefer (more garlic is good also). Softly pat the tops with the palm of your hand to push in the spices:Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are very light golden brown. Bake longer for a crispier snack and shorter for a chewier snack. Remove and cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before eating. Store in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
What have the temps been in your part of the world?

Cakes 2008

Rebekah had a casual hang out/get together for her birthday. We just made a cupcake tower and had a bunch of munchies. I never did get around to making her traditional, yummy Raspberry Chocolate Truffle Torte... Sorry! I owe you.

in March for Amanda's birthday we didn't do anything more than make a big pan of brownies for her 'cake' not up to our usual standards, but... it's really all she wanted.

In April, I was planning to make Liam a Train cake for his 2nd Birthday. As it turned out, I was at a birth, and dad bought a cake for him from the grocery store. He bought a Thomas The Train Engine cake, without me even telling him I'd wanted to do a train cake. I did make it home for dinner and birthday cake. In May Sariah turned 12. She had a sleepover but no theme, so we just did birthday presents.

In Sept. Marissa turned 8. She wanted a sleepover party cake. So that's what she got.

We had several friends with Birthdays a day apart, that all turned 8 yrs old this year. The one friend has a sister with the same birthday, and we had a little joint party. I made more birthday present cakes.
For Hannah's 10th birthday, she wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese. She also asked for their cake. (I tried to not take that personally). As it turned out, Bill ended up having surgery to remove his Kidney stone that day and I followed that up with a mom in labor... so we had a friend help us out and drive Bill to the Party and help supervise the Party. thank goodness for good freinds. Thanks, S! And also... it was a blessing that Hannah had a birthday somewhere we didnt' have to clean the house up for or make a cake for... Thank you Hannah!
I made less cakes for birthdays this year than I ever have before (at least for the past 8-10 years)!

Dana's Mom's Fruit salad - yummy

Sandra (my mom)'s Fruit Salad

1 can peach pie filling
1 can mandarin oranges (size depends on how many oranges you like)
1 can pineapple tidbits
1 container frozen sliced strawberries (larger size is better)
2-3 bananas
(I usually add an extra Dole Natural Peach Slices to the mix)
optional: apple slices, kiwi, grapes, raspberries, you get the idea

Thaw the strawberries, but keep the juice. Drain the oranges and pineapples. Slice your bananas. Then just mix it all together in a big bowl...and there you have it.
I usually refrigerate mine for at least an hour before serving.This fruit salad is always a hit and it is super easy.It is also great for a food storage recipe since most is canned.