Homemade Cream Cheese Mints

I recently made this recipe for my son's Confirmation. It has been used for multiple occasions and celebrations in our family. Everyone loves them and we've had several requests for the recipe.  These can be made ahead of time because they freeze well. You will need to use the silicone or rubber molds. They are not the same as the plastic molds for the candy melts. These are usually found at a kitchen supply or specialty store, I bought them at a cake and candy supply store. They can also be ordered online. You might want to call in your "helpers!" They are fun to make but do take some time.
Here's the recipe:

• 1 3oz. package cream cheese
• 2 1/2 c powdered sugar
• 1/8- 1/4 tsp flavoring (depending on how strong you want it, if you make the whole thing one flavor it is closer to 1/4 but I usually split the dough into 3 and use about 1/8 tsp for each section) 
• almond, butter, peppermint, lemon flavoring; or flavoring of your choice
• food coloring( I split the dough into 3 and do them each a different flavor and color)

Mix the powdered sugar and the cream cheese and knead like bread, adding more powdered sugar so it's not so sticky. Using your hands form small balls, dip the balls and the molds into granulated sugar. Press in mold. Unmold onto wax or parchment paper. Let sit overnight or about 6-8 hours. They won't get hard but they will set up and dry a little. They can be frozen and taken out to serve. This recipe made a little over 200 mints.  Keep in mind, they are tasty so people usually take a few...or 6!

~Simply Angie

Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich

If you are looking for a simple meal idea that tastes awesome, try this sandwich! If you make shredded chicken you can save some chicken for this sandwich or use slices of cooked chicken if you prefer.
Ingredients:
1 loaf ciabatta bread, sliced lengthwise
10-14 ounces cooked, shredded chicken (I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
6-8 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
2 fresh large tomatoes, sliced
1/2 c pesto sauce (mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp olive oil - you may have some extra.
Slice bread in half lengthwise. Spread pesto sauce on both sides of the bread. Add as much shredded chicken as you like to the bread. Slice cheese and place over chicken. Add sliced tomatoes and close top over bread. Place entire bread loaf wrapped in foil in 325F degree oven. Heat in oven for 10-15 minutes, just until warm. Remove from oven, slice into 6 servings.

Love and peace,

~ Simply Tammi

Holiday Vanilla Rum Extract

Fall is the perfect time to make you own vanilla extract. You can use it for gifts for the holidays or for your holiday baking. I heard the other day that the price of Vanilla Beans will be going up so if you haven't made your own vanilla extract before, now is the time!  It's easy and also makes a great gift.

What you need:

• Clean glass jar and lid
• 16 ounces rum
• 4-6 vanilla beans

Place whole vanilla beans (or you can split down the middle) in the jar and pour in the rum. Cover with tight fitting lid and shake the jar a few times. Place it cool dark place for 8 weeks. It will get darker over time. Remove your beans and pour into decorative bottles if giving as a gift. This has a slightly different taste than vanilla extract made with vodka. You can use Angie's recipe for traditional vanilla extract Homemade Vanilla Extract .

Love and peace,
- Simply Tammi

Done!

Day 1

Cleaning Your Front Load Washer

I've had some requests lately for ideas and any tips for getting that nasty, musty smell out of front loading washing machines.  Even if you don't leave laundry sitting in your washer and you leave the door open, you will eventually still have "the smell." When your clothes smell worse coming out than going in...it's time to do a deep clean!  Tammi and I have noticed that our front loaders have been going a little longer between cleanings since we started making our own laundry detergent.  If you are buying laundry detergent make sure it says it is for "he" washers. I will have a new liquid recipe coming soon. I think it's a winner but have a little more testing washing to do!
Here are a few tips that we have:

Pull back the rubber seal

• Always check your manual for the best way to clean your specific front loader, these are just general tips that we use, my manual says to wear eye protection and rubber gloves...that's up to you.
• Always leave the door and detergent dispenser open when your not using your washer
• We started using white vinegar in the softener dispenser when we wash clothes instead of fabric softener, this seems to help considerably and the clothes come out softer, whiter and they DON'T smell like vinegar...really!
•  I have tried products that are for cleaning front loaders, they do freshen it up but usually it's not the tub that stinks, the smell is usually lurking in the rubber seal. 
• This is the nasty part, I will spare you the pictures! However, I don't know what the black mucky stuff is but you need to pull back the rubber seal from the drum and use a damp rag or paper towel to wipe it out. I use a toothpick, toothbrush and/or skewer (carefully so you don't damage the seal) and poke the clogged drain  holes, to pull out the"residue"
• Wipe down the door opening, door seal and door glass with white vinegar and a cloth, you can also use diluted bleach I don't because I am accident prone and my family would not like to have their clothes covered in white spots. If you use bleach it has to be diluted with water or it will damage the gasket. My book says 3/4 c bleach with 1 gallon of warm/hot water.
• This should be done monthly, I do wipe off the door and check the gasket after I am done doing the laundry. I did find a little sock that got lodged in there one time!
• If you still want to freshen up your washer, I have tried a couple products that seem to work. Tide makes a washer cleaning powder, it comes it a packet that you put in the soap dispenser. I have also ordered a cleaning powder from www.smellywasher.com that seems to work pretty well.  You are still going to have to do the dirty work and clean the rubber seal and door but it does help freshen it up and remove some of the buildup in the tub.

Good luck and Happy Cleaning!
~Simply Angie