This week has been especially tough. All of us have been sick in some way shape or form and my mister has been working a lot in between two short vacations. That will be so lovely and we are looking forward to it. But, today…I’m looking for some lovely things (besides my two boys who are great gifts to me – we are going to a park tonight and watching Turtles right now.)
This chantilly cake from Publix. Yes, please, and thank you.
This gorgous hideway in the NC mountains. A sweet friend is there and I just learned about it. Oh my gracious – I will definitely travel blog there any day!
This book. If you are a parent and want to really think about parenting, and cry, and laugh – then this is a must rest this summer. And if you want another book list, check this one out.
I’ve been trying new recipes with farm fresh produce that we harvested last weekend (farm life is a gorgeous, hard, life) – and now I want to make this soon while I have lots of fresh corn!
North Carolina is by far my favorite state. We are going there this weekend. Vacations are wonderful. With small kids, travel can be difficult, but one way to make it lovely is by including these little snack kits for the kids.
I’ve been blogging for 12 years now. I have grown so much in every way over the past twelve years, and so has my blog. It has had many different names, and many different functions. One of the first blogs I had was “Kims State of Food” which you can still go find on Blogspot. The reason I created that blog was because my college girls that I was hanging out with in the RDU area wanted the recipes I was cooking for them. This was an easy way to do it so I wasn’t writing the recipe down 20 different times.
I’ve learned so much over the years with food blogging and some about food photography (still SO MUCH TO LEARN about both), but thought I would share a few tips and send you a few of my favorite sites.
Cook what you love. If you are cooking what you love, that will come across in your recipe writing. You need to be excited about what you are wanting others to make in their kitchen, or no one will want to make it.
If you can, cook and photograph your food in natural light. Now that I have kids it isn’t always that easy, and sometimes that places we live don’t have good natural light options. But, do what you can, and make do. Or just take your food and food props outside! Have your children help you! It may get them to eat more healthy food that way!
Keep learning. Read cookbooks, take TONS of photos, cook lots of food, and keep studying, study other blogs, find a blog you love (or many) and see what they are doing. Fuel your creativity!
Below are some of the best sites I’ve found for food photography:
I wouldn’t say my kids are picky, but they just aren’t the most well-rounded eaters. They could eat fruit and most veggies all the time – but to get them to eat meat is another matter all together. They eat breads and most pastas, and definitely baked goods, but anything outside of chicken nuggets (and those even occasionally) or maybe a cheeseburger (if they eat half of one) is harder to get them to eat.
What’s a Mom to do?
Look to other moms and try things that might or might not work, and hope they work. My friend Jeni that I interviewed a few weeks ago has a great blog full of tasty and healthy recipes and she cooks for her 4 kids a lot. So, this week when I have sworn off fast food I needed some quick go-to meals for them.
She recommended some crescent ham and cheese rolls that she makes for her daughter. My kids will eat anything they can dip: broccoli in ranch dressing, fruit in just about anything including CFA sauce, and these they ate right up when I gave them some honey mustard to dip these rolls into. Never underestimate the power of dipping sauce.
Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Rolls
Recipe Type: Lunch
Cuisine: Kid Lunch
Author: kd316
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Easy quick ham and cheese roll ups
Ingredients
1 roll refrigerated crescent rolls
about 4 slices honey ham
1/4 cup shredded cheese
salt and pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven according to rolls pkg directions.
Pull apart ham slices and put a little ham and cheese in each crescent roll.
Roll up and place on ungreased baking pan.
Top with a little salt and pepper for extra savory seasonings.
Bake according to directions.
Let cool. The inside filling will be too hot for most kids right out of the oven.
Serve with their favorite fruits and vegetables and of course dipping sauce.
I grew up in the South. Some folks don’t consider Florida to be the South, but when you live in the middle of the state all your life surrounded by orange groves and muscadine vines, take vacations to state parks and the Suwanee River, and live on Publix fried chicken and church potlucks, you are definitely from the South.
For me, summer in the south meant swimming in our pool (my Mom opened the pool season April 1), playing baseball in our yard with my cousins, listening for our “school bell” to ring to tell us it was time to come home, and heading to the Circle K for ice cream (31 flavors never got old) and watching Mets baseball via WWOR.
For me now, summer is summer. Its hotter. And I love to pick fruit. Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, you name it. If it is available to me, I want to pick it. And I love to bake with it. From peach cobblers to strawberry pizza, and these strawberries and cream biscuits.
Strawberries and Cream Biscuits
Recipe Type: bread
Cuisine: southern
Author: kd316
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6-8
A mildly sweet strawberry biscuit waiting for some honey and peanut butter.
Ingredients
1 3/4 – 2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/5 tsp kosher salt
6 T cold, unsalted butter
6-7 strawberries (tops removed), mashed
2 T turbinado sugar
3/4 cup full fat buttermilk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400. A cast iron pan grill pan will be a great cooking sheet!
Mix dry ingredients in a food processor.
Slice butter and put in food processor.
Pulse until small pebbles form in dry ingredients.
Mash strawberries and pour in the sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
Add in buttermilk.
Pour slowly into the food processor and let it mix well with the dry ingredients.
Turn out onto a floured cutting board and kneed for 1-2 minutes, adding flour if necessary.
Form into a 3/4 inch high circle and cut into biscuits.
Put in cast iron pan and bake for about 20 minutes.
Take out and let cool on cooling rack.
Serve with butter, honey, strawberry jam, or peanut butter – or some of all.
Why not celebrate the little things that make life be a little brighter. I would love to know what you are finding lovely these days.
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey : I’ve listened to two of these (Lauren Chandler and Shelley Giglio) and have been encouraged by both (and it helps the workout go by quicker)
Because when you live in the South, you gotta have an ice cream maker. And my husband blessed me with this one a few months ago and we are putting it to good use Right now, in the freezer, an ode to Holly & Flora with Drunken Cherries Garcia.
Splash Pads: My kids love these. It gets them exercise, wet, and so many smiles. I hope you have one in your area. We love them here and are going to hit some up when we are on vacation this month too.
Trip Planning: I think I may have missed my calling. I love trip planning and adventuring, even if it is for someone else. I love to find special things in special cities for people to enjoy. Travel blogging is great too and I always thought it would be fun to combine with food blogging!
In light of all the hate around us, we can choose joy. Choosing joy is within us, because the Holy Spirit lives within us.
In the hate-filled world we live in, in which we are raising children, in which we encounter all sorts of situations that are just waiting to dump rain on our parade, we can choose joy.
Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is based upon our circumstances. Joy is based on something deeper, more abiding, and longer lasting – it is based on the character of God and the joy that He gives because we know that He is supremely in charge.
How can we cultivate choosing joy when so much around us is joy-less?:
Surround ourselves with pretty things. Yes I know this is superficial, but if I include fresh flowers, yummy treats that are pretty to look at,my happy smiling boys, together time with my mister, sunsets, and good books – if I include them in my day – those things help fuel a joyful attitude.
Memorize Scripture. There are so many Scriptures that will help us fuel the joy that is within us. Romans 15:13 and Isaiah 12:6 are great ones and easy to memorize. Write them down and keep them in visible places. (If you want a joy verse handlettered, just hit me up for a custom handlettering job).
Be grateful. Keeping a gratitude journal or reading books on gratitude will help you as well. I’ve just started 1000 Gifts and I love Choosing Gratitude. Such a great help in keeping our minds on the little blessings God has given us. And these would make great activities any time of the year.
Write snail mail. Sitting down to write mail to others, and even send little gifts, help me remember why I love people. I love seeing the best in them, encouraging them, and adding some beauty to their days. If you need some new stationery these are perfect for any occasion (or no occasion at all).
What are some ways that you choose joy in your life? How you do encourage your friends and family to cultivate and choose joy?
The Atlanta Zoo is a crazy place. And we were in the petting zoo one afternoon and tons of kids were around and the smell of animals was around too. All of a sudden, I hear my name. But, I didn’t recognize anyone. So, I figured my name is pretty popular so maybe it was for someone else. But, then she was looking at me, knew my son’s name, and said “don’t worry you don’t know me.”
And that, dear readers, is how I was introduced to Jeni of Barefoot in the Kitchen. We have one friend in common – and that one friend is a pretty strong tie. Since that day in the zoo, we have had a play date, and cooked together, and I got to be in her home and her kitchen, learning from her on many fronts. You will definitely want to check out her recipes and kitchen advice, as she has had some recipes published – she’s my someone famous that I know!
Yall, meet Jeni.
Jeni is a SAHM of kiddos ranging from high school to preschool. She married a twin, lives near Athens, GA, in a small southern town, and declares it was love at first sight with her now husband. She has a bright sunny home and kids all around, and she makes healthy meals for her family. It can be done, yall! This was great encouragement to my heart as it is one of my struggles (getting things cooked and having two preschoolers).
Growing up, Jeni’s mom helped her learn all things in the kitchen. Her mom made things from scratch and encouraged Jeni to do the same. She wanted to experiment with foods and spices! When she was first pregnant, she wanted to make sure her baby got all the nutrients she needed so she wanted to make every calorie count. She then ended up making her own baby food along the way, making sure her babies got healthy food in their growing tummies. She has wanted and made a healthy family atmosphere, both in food and spiritual content. She has set her mind to something, worked hard at it, persevered, and the Lord has blessed her endeavors.
Some of Jeni’s inspiration comes from familiar names: Pioneer Woman, Sara Moulton (I love her too), Rachael Ray, Southern Living (of course, who doesn’t). She also does something that I like to do, she asks her family what food they want. Of course there is pizza, spaghetti, and tacos. But, instead of getting all of these take out, she takes the time to make these at home, making them healthier for her family.
I asked Jeni what her favorite kitchen tools are (and I agree with these, and I’ve already bought some of the towels she recommended and I love them):
Five Kitchen Tools:
1. Every cook needs a good all-purpose knife! Wustof and Henckels are both solid choices for price and quality.
2. Stand Mixer – I’m not sure how I truly lived before my sweetie pie surprised me with a Kitchen Aid for Christmas one year. Cookie dough, whipped cream, pizza dough, bread/rolls … life changing, I tell you.
3. Blender/Food Processor – With picky children, this is an invaluable tool to use for hiding fruits and veggies. Homemade marinara, soups, smoothies … I use mine all the time.
4. Silicone Spatulas – The best all-purpose tool aside from your hands. They’re heat-proof and super durable for use on the stovetop or for just mixing together ingredients.
5. Flour Sack Towels – I bought a huge package of them and use them for everything! Drying dishes or produce or hands, mopping up spills, covering yeast dough, whatever. Wash and bleach ’em and they’re ready to go again!
These are some of her favorite recipes:
Jeni’s Summer Cake (this would be fabulous at any summer bbq with friends)
Italian Heritage Casserole – One of my mom’s favorite go-to special occasion meals. (Note, I made this recently and it is super yummy and easily whole30 compliant and perfect for meat and potato eaters)
Lasagna Rolls – I made this dish for Leah when Georgie Girl was born. My mom made a podcast recording of me making it for a project when earning her Master’s Degree.
Here are the two she has had published by Taste of Home:
Almost inevitably, when you mention food in the south you hear talk of fried chicken, okra, and apple pie.
And when you talk about spirits in the South, you here bourbon and moonshine.
I minored in history in college, wanting to be a history teacher, but that didn’t last long (when I had to do so many lesson plans), but I still loved history. And that is one of the reasons I chose this book, Southern Spirits, to read. I also liked new recipes but more importantly it was so I could learn the history and culture of different forms of alcohol in the culture that made them what they are.
If you like history and your drinks – then pick this one up. Thank you Blogging for Books.
About a month ago, I was so concerned with what I was going to do since summer was coming. See, my older little boy is in preschool and it was letting out for 2 months. It is hard to take two preschoolers with me anywhere, and I had grown accustomed to getting things done in the morning with just one of them.
And here, almost July, and we have one more month. A month filled with fruit picking, zoo trips, play dates, and vacation to North Carolina. It hasn’t been as tough as I thought, but my husband has been gracious with his time off, too.
At the beginning of the week I wanted to bake something and get my older preschooler in the kitchen. He really loves being in the kitchen with me and I love it. So, we opened a cookbook, made a few tweaks with what we had, and put them in the oven.
The next day we got to head to Roswell and go hiking and playing in the water at Vickery Creek Falls. So fun. My boys are definitely water lovers and they love any time they get to spend with their daddy. These bars were delicious and portable and had some good energy boosting carbs in them to refuel them after the hike.
Easy Peanut Butter Bars
Recipe Type: Bar
Cuisine: Dessert
Author: kd316
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 20
Easy, portable, not-to-sweet peanut butter bar
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg (room temp)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup roasted peanuts (halved)
3/4 cup chocolate chunks (I used dark)
1/2 cup 10x sugar
1 1/2 T creamy peanut butter
2 T milk (or until desired glaze consistency)
Instructions
Cream first ingredients (through vanilla).
While you let the mixer do its work, get a 9×13 pan, line with foil, spray with cooking spray, and set oven to 350.
Combine dry ingredients and mix with sugar mixture.
Fold in chips and nuts.
Press into pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
When done, let cool in pan for 5-10 minutes.
Take the bars out (made easier with the help of the foil) and put on cooling rack.
Mix glaze and drizzle over the bars.
Let cool completely then cut into squares.
3.5.3208
These were easy to assemble and tasted great and have lasted well throughout the week.
We have started to see some exciting things in our boys! They are not only able to learn the Word, but they are eager to do it!
When we moved into our new rental home, we started making a concerted effort to teach our kids the Word. We knew this would not only help us but also help them. We started with “When I am afraid I will trust in you.” Then we have been working on Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.” It is so cute to hear them say it, to say it at random times, and to want to say it all by themselves.
Another great way to teach kids Scripture is through music. And Seeds Worship has some great music that teaches kids the Word of God. It is a joy to hear them singing in the backseat as we drive to donut day, to church, or to the park.
One of my favorites right now by Seeds is their Praise CD. Has some great verses on it for kids (and adults) about trusting, our words, and the Word of God. I love singing along to it – and even getting my littles to “dance” in the car with me – so when others look in from the outside they won’t think I’m the only strange one. The songs Sing for Joy and Mighty to Save are two of my personal faves that I just SING LOUD on! I want to teach my children to sing for everything they have – sing with abandon to the God who created them.
If you would like to win the Praise CD from Seeds, just tell me what songs you and your children love to sing. And I’ll pick a winner soon.
Seeds sent me these CDs to listen to and love, but all opinions are my own!
