by

Dry Onion Soup Mix

I seem to be on a roll lately with sharing several homemade mixes.  But, it’s because I’m having to mix up more of the ones that I need because I’m running out of the ones I already had mixed up.   So, what better time to share them with my friends that when I need them myself?

If you buy premade mixes, they are loaded down with lots of salt.  When you make your own, you can control the amount of salt that goes into what your eating even more.  This is especially important for those that have family (or even themselves) with heart problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. 

 

Dry Onion Soup Mix

4 tsp instant beef bouillon
8 tsp dried minced onion
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp all-purpose seasoning salt

IMG_0001
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Makes the equivalent of 1 package of dry onion soup mix.

IMG_0002

This picture is just 1 batch of onion soup mix.  I mixed up a couple more in my glass jar.  I’ll be mixing more once I get some minced onions.  When making a large batch of this mix, 1/4 cup mix = 1 package of onion soup mix.

This post is linked to Blessed With Grace.

by

Menu Plan: 02/14 – 02/20

 

holidaympm-1

 

I’m late getting my menu up for the week, but I didn’t want to not have a plan in place.  No plan usually equals eating out which equals EXPENSIVE!  So, planning really does pay off!  

Breakfast:

Lunch:

  • Sandwiches
  • Leftovers

Dinner:

The rest of the week will be (in no certain order):

  • Biscuits & gravy, bacon, & eggs
  • Spaghetti with sauce and homemade cheddar bay biscuits 
  • Grilled Cheese sandwiches with soup (?)
  • Country fried steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, & easy yeast rolls.
  • Leftovers

For more great menu plans this week, check out Organizing Junkie. 

by

~Happy Valentine’s Day~

 IMG_0045

Well, I’m late getting this post up today, but I wanted to get it up any way.  We usually don’t do a whole lot for Valentine’s Day because we believe that we need to try to show our love for each other every day of the year not just one day.  But, we do try to do a little something for each other and the kids.  This year, I made them each (Brian & the kids) a dozen homemade heart-shaped big peanut butter cups.   Brian bought me 2 bags of Lindor Truffles which are some of my favorite chocolates! 

So, I thought I would share my recipe with you all and how I made them.  Since it’s too late to give you an idea for this year’s Valentine’s Day, hopefully you can plan ahead for next year – or maybe for your anniversary!

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 Tbs shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup butter
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar

1.  Place chocolate chips and shortening in a pot and melt on low heat, stirring occasionally.  I used my Wilton Candy Maker Deluxe pots that I had gotten at Hobby Lobby a while back using 40% off coupons! 

IMG_0019

2.  While you’re melting the chocolate, place peanut butter and butter in a pot over medium heat until melted, stirring occasionally.  When completely melted, add powdered sugar and stir until combined.  Continue heating until sugar is well combined.  Remove from heat and let cool until you can safely handle it.  But don’t let it get too cool or it will be too thick use scoop out.

IMG_0028

3.  I use silicone cupcake liners (paper liners work but I like that fact that I don’t have to use cupcake pans for these). 

IMG_0016

Place a spoonful of chocolate in liner and, using a brush, paint the sides with the chocolate. 

IMG_0020

  IMG_0022 IMG_0023 IMG_0024

4.  Place on cookie sheet (I used a cutting board) and place in freezer for about 5 minutes or chocolate is set. 

IMG_0030

5.  Using a scoop/spoon, scoop peanut butter mixture into cups, leaving enough room to pour chocolate on top.

IMG_0037  IMG_0038IMG_0039 

6.  Pour enough chocolate on top of peanut butter mixture to cover but don’t put too much or it will run over the sides of the cup.  (Sorry – forgot to take this pic. )  Return to freezer for about 30 minutes. 

7.  Remove from molds.

IMG_0040  IMG_0041

8.  Place them in a nice tin and give them to your sweetheart for him/her to enjoy! 

IMG_0044

 

Store in a cool, dry place or place in fridge if keeping longer than a few days. 

 

**Note:  If using white chocolate, you may need to add an extra 1 to 2 Tbs of shortening to get desired consistency, depending on the quality of the chocolate.  You want a nice, smooth consistency. **

 

I hope you enjoy these as much as we do.  Happy Valentine’s Day!!