Luscious Lemon Fruit Dip

I thought maybe I could sweeten you up a little to apologize for my absence. I have so much to tell you and so many wonderful items to tell you about, not to mention all the fantastic things I have to "SHARE" with you.

Luscious Lemon Fruit Dip
2 cups sugar

2/3 cup cornstarch

1 cup cold water

4 eggs, beaten

2/3 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

Assorted fresh fruit

Directions

In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.

Stir a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in lemon juice and vanilla.

Transfer to a bowl. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Cover surface of mixture with waxed paper; refrigerate until cooled. Fold in whipped cream. Serve with fresh fruit. Yield: 5 cups.

How to Make Hummus

I have heard so much about Hummus and, I have to tell you, I didn't know what it was. Being one who loves to cook, I just had to research it and see what it's all about. I was so surprised to learn that this popular dish is kind of a "souped up" bean dip. Of course, garbanzo beans are not what you would typically use for a bean dip but the "concept" it to use a bean base and add "stuff" to make it into a thick, rich dip or filler. So, in case you are like me and lost as to what it is or how to make it, here's the recipe:



1 can (15 oz) Progresso® chick peas (garbanzo beans), drained, reserving 1/3 cup liquid
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup sesame seed
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
Chopped fresh parsley
Pita bread wedges, crackers or raw vegetables, for dipping, if desired


1. Place beans, reserved bean liquid, lemon juice, sesame seed, garlic and salt in blender or food processor. Cover and blend on high speed, stopping blender occasionally to scrape sides if necessary, until uniform consistency.
2. Spoon dip into serving dish. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with pita bread wedges.

Special Post from Make-A-Wish: I am Honored

"Tribute Tuesday: Charity Begins With You" - with a twist.

I am so honored to bring this post to you today. This past May, I posted about the Stirring Up Wishes Campaign in which Betty Crocker, in conjunction with Make-A-Wish, began the "12 Wishes in 12 Weeks" campaign to raise funds for Make-A-Wish. They issued a challenge to local chapters to "compete" in raising funds. In my post, I added a link to Make-A-Wish so my followers could go to their website and look around, purchase their items or make a donation.

Two days ago, I received an e-mail from Megan at Make-A-Wish. She had seen the post and, in addition to a very kind "Thank You", she asked if I would like to post the results of their "12 Wishes in 12 Weeks" campaign. Of course, I agreed.

Please take a look and I want to reach out to each of you and ask that you take the time to give of yourself. It doesn't have to be money. Organizations such as Make-A-Wish need volunteers and word-of-mouth, as well as funding. If you are in a position to where you can, please make a donation to this fabulous cause. Also, look at their new campaigns for the summer: "Summer of 5000 Wishes" and "Destination Joy".

Make-A-Wish and Betty Crocker Stirring Up Wishes Campaign Results:

We want to commend all Make-A-Wish® chapters for their efforts to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions, and thanks to the support of the Stirring Up Wishes™ program, we are pleased to announce the 12 Make-A-Wish chapters that will receive funding for a wish to be granted for a Make-A-Wish kid in their community.

It garnered 146,000 votes (people could vote once per day for their chapter) and the 12 winning chapters are listed below:


1. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Orange County & Inland Empire

2. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Bay Area

3. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Mid-South

4. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Michigan

5. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Utah

6. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Wisconsin

7. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Iowa

8. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County, NY, Inc.

9. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire

10. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Tri-Counties

11. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee

12. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of East Tennessee

Minute Rice Giveaway

**This Giveaway is CLOSED.**

About Our Rice:

Have you ever wondered where Minute® Rice comes from?

All of the Minute instant rice products including Whole Grain Brown Rice, White Rice, Boil-in-Bag White Rice, and Premium Rice are "Grown in the USA".

Minute Rice brings you quality rice products from the American farmer.


Have you experienced the whole grain goodness of Minute Rice's Brown Rice?

Brown Rice

Naturally wholesome, with a rich nutty taste, Minute Brown Rice is a precooked natural parboiled whole grain brown rice. In just 10 minutes, Minute Brown Rice can be a part of a healthier diet and lifestyle. This long grain precooked brown rice offers the same nutritional values as regular cooking brown rice, but cooks in just 1/4 of the time. Be sure to explore our recipe collection to discover new ways that Minute Brown Rice can help you create healthy, satisfying meals in minutes.

Eating healthy just got a whole lot easier.

How would you like a chance to win? Minute Rice has given me (4) boxes of Brown Rice to give to my followers. So, I am going to choose (4) winners to give them to. The contest will run until 11:59 CST on July 18th. You must have a link back to you or an e-mail address included in your entry for me to locate you when you win.

Main Entry:

Minute Rice wants to hear about your favorite dish using their products. (Just give the name or short version, please)

Extra Entries:

(1) Follow @Minute_Rice on twitter. They love communicating with their customers and sharing their products.

(2) Follow my blog.

(3) Check out SheBlogs Sign up for their PR network, tell them I sent you, then come back and tell me.

(4) Grab my Button. Tell me where you have it.

(5) Follow me on twitter: @SereneMoments and tweet about this giveaway, include @SereneMoments

Okay, I think that will get it. Good luck!

Memphis-Style Hickory-Smoked Beef and Pork Ribs Recipe

Folks, you haven't had barbecue until you have had The Neelys' Memphis Style barbecue. The Neelys have their own show on the Food Network.

Of course, barbecue is just done better in the South.

Now, you Northeners, I know you do barbecue a little different, but have an open mind and give this a try.

Memphis-Style Hickory-Smoked Beef and Pork Ribs Recipe

Neely's Dry Rub:

* 1 1/2 cups paprika
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 3 3/4 tablespoons onion powder
* 2 (about 4 pounds each) slabs beef spareribs
* 2 (about 3 pounds each) slabs pork spareribs
* 2 cups Neely's BBQ Dry Rub
* Neely's BBQ Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

For the rub:

Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until combined. Keep in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

For the ribs:

Rinse and dry ribs. Place on a clean cutting board and pull off the membrane, the thin fatty skin that lines the underside of the ribs. Trim the ribs of excess fat and meat. Liberally season both sides of the ribs with 1/4 to 1/2 cup Neely's BBQ Rub. Wrap ribs and refrigerate for at least 8 hours so flavors can permeate.

Preheat grill to 250 degrees F. using hickory and charcoal.

Use indirect heat and cook with the cover down.

Place ribs, meatier side down, on the grill away from the coals. Cook beef 2 hours, adding more coals as needed. Turn and cook for 45 minutes more, or until the ribs "bend" and the meat easily separates from the bone using a fork. Cook the pork ribs 3 hours. Turn and cook another hour, or until ribs bend. Remove from grill.

For dry ribs: Sprinkle extra Neely's BBQ seasoning over ribs, cut bones and serve.

For wet ribs: Coat ribs with Neely's BBQ sauce, cut and serve.

Neely's BBQ Sauce:

* 2 cups ketchup
* 1 cup water
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
* 5 tablespoons sugar
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
* 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
* 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cooked uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.

HAPPY VGNO!

I love that you have all stopped by for a visit. I have a special drink for you ladies who think you need to drop a few pounds, followed by a wonderful video. Hope you enjoy!
Then, you can head on over to Ann's and join the rest of the party!


How to Make a SkinnyGirl Margarita

When summer is approaching and you're out for a night on the town or hosting a party—it never hurts to watch your waistline while you're drinking. Here's a quick and easy recipe for SkinnyGirl Margarita (or guys—you can drink it too!).

SKINNYGIRL MARGARITA

Things You'll Need:

* Ice
* Blender (if you want it frozen)
* Fresh lime juice (about 1 tbsp.) and wedges for garnish
* 2 oz. white tequila (100 percent agave is very important)
* A tiny splash of triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau (about 1 tsp.)
* Margarita glasses

Step 1

If you want a SKM on the rocks, it's quite simple. Add ice to a rocks glass, add 2 oz. (a two count) of white tequila, the juice of four lime wedges and a splash of triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau. It's that easy!

Step 2

If you're ordering a SKM at a bar, you can have it on the rocks, but I like to replace the triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau with a splash of frozen margarita mix. You get the same great flavor and a little bit of a different texture. It's great!

Step 3

If you want a frozen margarita, combine all of the ingredients in a blender; just make sure that there is 2 oz. of tequila per serving and you're ready to go! Serve in a chilled glass; and if you'd like to garnish the glass, rim it with a lime and dip in salt or sugar or both.


Now, isn't that wonderful? If you'll scroll to the next post, you will find a wonderful, inspiring video. Please, do yourself a favor and watch it.

I am reposting this recipe, now that nice weather is here. It is one of my favorite recipes and, SHHHH, it's pretty good for you!

This recipe is perfect for spring and summer days. Serve it up cold, just make sure you mix it real well before dishing it up because the dressing will settle. It makes a large bowl full and is perfect at picnics or gatherings.

GREEK SALAD

Ingredients:

12 oz. angel hair pasta
1 can sliced black olives
1 can diced tomatoes (recipe called for pimento but I prefer tomatoes; drained)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
4 1/2 Tbs. Cavenders greek seasoning
3/4 cup olive oil
4 1/2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 bunch green onions sliced w/tops (optional)

Instructions:

Cook pasta, drain and rinse.

Combine mayonnaise, olive oil, greek seasoning and lemon juice. Pour over pasta.

Add onions, black olives and tomatoes.

Mix well.

Chill.

Mix really well before serving to redistribute the salad dressing.

Recipe Notes:
You can add Feta cheese, if desired.

Spring is here and Summer isn't far off! You have to add this to your list of recipes!

TWINKIE PIE

1 box of Twinkies (can use Light)
2 boxes of Vanilla Pudding
1 small container of Sour Cream (can use light)
1 container of Cool Whip (can use light or fat free)
Milk, as needed for pudding

Prepare pudding as instructed on box and let set.
Add in containers of Cool Whip and Sour Cream.
Mix together.
Line 9 x 13 dish with Twinkies. (I sometimes cut them in half)
Pour mixture over Twinkies and spread out!
Chill.

Can be topped with strawberries, cherries, whatever you like.
Is also really good frozen!

You are done! You will absolutely fall in love with this dessert. With it's simplicity and wonderful taste, it is sure to become a family favorite!

This looks like a "YUMMY" treat for kids!

Orange Dream Cups


Hollowed-out orange 'cups' make this recipe unique and fun...and the light fluffy filling is so refreshing. These cute dessert cups will be a hit with kids and company.

SERVINGS: 8
CATEGORY: Low Fat
METHOD: Freezer

TIME: Prep: 20 min. + freezing
Ingredients:

* 4 large navel oranges
* 1 package (3 ounces) orange gelatin
* 1 cup boiling water
* 1-1/2 cups fat-free frozen vanilla yogurt

Directions:
Cut each orange in half widthwise; carefully remove fruit from both halves, leaving shells intact. Set shells aside. Section orange pulp, then dice (discard orange juice or save for another use). In a bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Add frozen yogurt; stir until melted. Fold in orange pulp. Refrigerate until thickened. spoon into reserved orange shells. Cover and freeze for 3 hours. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts
* One serving: 1 filled orange half
* Calories: 119
* Fat: 0 g
* Saturated Fat: 0 g
* Cholesterol: 0 mg
* Sodium: 50 mg
* Carbohydrate: 28 g
* Fiber: 2 g
* Protein: 3 g
* Diabetic Exchange: 1-1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat-free milk.

I have another recipe for you. This recipe is perfect for spring and summer days. Serve it up cold, just make sure you mix it real well before dishing it up because the dressing will settle. It makes a large bowl full and is perfect at picnics or gatherings.

GREEK SALAD

Ingredients:

12 oz. angel hair pasta
1 can sliced black olives
1 can diced tomatoes (recipe called for pimento but I prefer tomatoes; drained)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
4 1/2 Tbs. Cavenders greek seasoning
3/4 cup olive oil
4 1/2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 bunch green onions sliced w/tops

Instructions:

Cook pasta, drain and rinse.
Combine mayonnaise, olive oil, greek seasoning and lemon juice. Pour over pasta.
Add onions, black olives and tomatoes.
Mix well.
Chill.
Mix well before serving.

Recipe Notes: You can add Feta cheese, if desired.

HMMM! I think it's time for something SWEET! Lets see.....

It's not my recipe, but HOW ABOUT THIS? It's kind of cheating, but, looking at it, who can resist?




EASY BROWNIE TORTE
(BettyCrocker.com)

1 box Betty Crocker Supreme chocolate chunk or triple chunk brownie mix

Water, vegetable oil and eggs (amount called for on brownie box)

1 container Betty Crocker Rich and Creamy chocolate frosting

Chocolate curls, if desired

Heat oven to 350 F. Line 9 x 13 inch pan with foil so that foil extends about 2 inches over the sides of pan. Spray foil with cooking spray.

Make and bake brownies as directed on box. Cool completely. Remove from pan by lifting foil, peel foil away.

Cut brownie crosswise into thirds, place one piece on serving plate.

Spoon frosting into microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 15 to 20 seconds, stir frosting until smooth.

Pour 1/3 of frosting over brownie piece on serving plate. Place another brownie piece on top, pour half of remaining frosting over second brownie piece. Top with remaining brownie piece, pour remaining frosting over top.

Refrigerate 30 minutes to set. Garnish with chocolate curls.

Store loosely covered.

For those of you who just can't wait, I'm going to go ahead and give you one of my favorite recipes. I discovered this one back in January and it is delicious. I found it on AllRecipes, which is the link on my side bar. It calls for pork chops, but I used chicken breasts. YUMMY!YUMMY!YUMMY!

Creamy Potato Pork Chop (Chicken) Bake

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 pork chops or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can condensed cream of celery soup (cream of chicken works great, too)
1/4 cup milk
1 (20 oz.) package of frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups French fried onions, divided
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add meat and saute' until browned.
Remove from skillet and drain on paper towel

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, mix together soup, milk, salt and pepper.
Stir in potatoes, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 cup onions.
Mix together and spread mixture in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Arrange meat over the potatoe mixture.

Cover dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until internal temperature of meat has reached 160 degrees.
Remove cover, top with remaining cheese and onions.
Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.

There you go! I started you out with a new favorite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Let me know!

YUMMY! YUMMY! YUMMY!

This will be my most favorite blog to date. It will be filled with all things YUMMY! Recipes, photos and, of course, my favorite candles from Scent-Sations, Inc., just to mention a few! It will vary depending on my mood and my discoveries.
I can't say enough about home cooking, whether it be a favorite recipe that I found or a favorite I created. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to cook! I'll pass on my faves and give you locations to find some for yourself! I will list links to some of my favorite sights to find recipes, cookbooks and kitchen "stuff".
I am currently in the process of "upgrading" some of my kitchen wares. If you want to spend money on a good investment, it's in the kitchen. It literally will make all the difference in the world in how your food turns out. Plus, some of this stuff just looks great when you have it out!
Spices: load up your cabinets! The more, the better! I have a cabinet that is (3) shelves and it is full of spices. I use them all. You will find me giving you suggestions on what to use to season, but I highly recommend that you "PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD". Find what you like. My tastes may not be yours, especially if you like spicy. I cannot tolerate it!
Photos: I love photography. I have been an amateur photographer for years, taking photos for pleasure, mostly. I have done some special photography and actually made a couple of dollars doing it. You will see mostly photos of my son, family and landscapes, not all will be my originals. I love the outdoors and it makes perfect pictures.
My favorite candles: I am an independent distributor for Scent-Sations, Inc., but, long before signing up to sell, I was a customer. I will not force these products on you, but I will be telling you about them and why they are my favorite. I will let you decide for yourself. I can send you a sample or brochure, at the least, check out my site by clicking on the side tabs and sign up for a chance to win a FREE 16 0z. jar candle and bar. NO OBLIGATIONS WHATSOEVER!
When you fall in love with these candles, or even if you don't, but want to make some cash, I will get you started and walk you through it.
Okay, that should get you started!
Since this is a new blog, I guess I need to "pretty it up".
Stay tuned, tomorrow is all about the candles!