DIY Mug Cozy

For the rest of this week we'll be posting some handmade and homemade gift ideas for all of you last minute gifters! I say this and laugh a little to myself because I am still finishing my knitting projects, sewing projects, baking projects, soap making projects and fifty other things that are on my "to do" list. Thankfully my oldest grand-daughter finished her project early so she is sharing her idea with you. We just finished making goat's milk soap, stay tuned we'll be posting that within the next couple of days.
For a cute little gift project, I bought clear glass mugs at the dollar store or you could also use any glass mugs you already have. Place one serving of hot cocoa mix, Simply Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix, in a baggie and tie the top with a ribbon. I hot glued 2 candy canes together to make a heart shape and placed them inside the mug.
For the little mug warmer, I measured the circumference of the mug and subtracted an inch. If you are a beginner or need knitting instructions, there are some great videos on YouTube. I began by casting on 14 stitches using size 9 knitting needles, I like the knit stitch. After casting off, I sewed 2 buttons on one side and made 2 loops on the other side to button it. You wouldn't need to use buttons, I thought it was a fun little idea but you could just sew the 2 ends together with yarn. That's it...really simple but fun to put together!
Have a great time creating your gifts!
Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Taco Chili

Cold temperatures and hot soup are a perfect combination for what seems like a never-ending winter! It's easy, delicious and filling and you can adjust the recipe for your taste. It only takes a few minutes to put everything together and if you make extra soup, it tastes even better the next day after all of the flavors have blended together. This recipe makes 6-8 servings.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
1/2 c diced shallots or onion
1 can (14-1/2) oz diced tomatoes with juice
1 can (14-1/2) oz crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
1/2 c water
1 can (15-1/2 oz) navy beans, drained and rinsed (or use black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans)
1 small can diced, green chili peppers
1 can drained whole kernel corn (any size can)
1 package taco seasoning
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp hot sauce (I use Tabasco)
1/2 c. sliced black olives

• Brown ground beef and onions in a large pot over medium heat. 
• Add the rest of the ingredients and stir. 
• Heat until boiling, reduce heat and simmer for at least an hour before serving.
• Before serving, add some shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt, black olives.
• Enjoy!

Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Homemade Chocolate Pie

We have our share of pie lovers in the family so when I suggested chocolate cream pie in addition to some fruit pies for dessert, I wasn't sure how they would feel about that. I was pleasantly surprised, they all wanted chocolate pie! I have issues with cream pies made with egg yolks so I make my chocolate pie filling without them. I always make homemade crust but you could use any crust. It also works great in a gluten-free graham cracker crust. And of course, top it off with a dollop of whipped cream!
Homemade Pie Crust
1 1/4 c flour
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c butter, cold and into small pieces
4 T cold water
I used my food processor for the pie crust but you can use a pastry cutter to mix your ingredients. I added all of the ingredients in the food processor and pulsed it a few times before I added the water. Add the water a little at a time, it should look a little crumbly, then it's done.

Remove the dough with your hands and form it into a flattened ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. If you aren't ready to use the crust that day, you can keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to make your pie. (Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you roll it out if you have left it in the refrigerator overnight).

Roll unto flour sprinkled parchment paper until the crust is about 1/4 inch thick. Fold the crust in half, then in half again and place it in your pie plate. I used a 9 inch pie plate. Unfold and using your fingers remove the excess dough around the rim. I leave about an inch or so and fold it around the top of the pie plate, then lay my finger sideways to flute the edges. I don't worry about it being perfect...after all it's a homemade crust! I always place the crust in the refrigerator for an hour or two, until its cold. For the cream pies, I bake my crust at 350F for 20 minutes. When the crust has cooled, you can add your filling.

Chocolate Cream Filling:
1/2 c sugar
1/3 c cocoa, unsweetened
2 c milk
1/2 c half-n-half or heavy cream
1/4 c cornstarch
1/2 c milk chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
Combine sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, milk and half-n-half in a medium saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the mixture starts to bubble. Reduce heat to low and stir while it thickens. Once it is thick, remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips and vanilla. Pour into your baked pie shell. Cover with plastic wrap (over the top of the pie filling) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Enjoy your rich, delicious chocolate cream pie!

Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Thanksgiving Menu

It's early morning on the day before Thanksgiving and I am in the kitchen! Since I am a list maker I have been planning my strategy for weeks. My cleaning is done (except for the floors) and I've already spilled at least 1/2 cup of flour on the floor. How does this happen anyway? The buns are rising, 4 pie crusts are chilling and I am looking forward to spending most of my morning in the kitchen. After the baking and cooking is done, my daughter has gifted me a wood floor cleaning (I'm blessed, I know). And just like Mom always says, "set the table the night before to avoid unnecessary stress tomorrow." 

I'll be posting my homemade pies recipes soon (the pies aren't done yet so I don't have any pretty pictures).

So here is what my 13 guests will be eating tomorrow. I pretty sure I'm more excited than the children!!

My Thanksgiving Menu:

Turkey (20 pounds)

Ham

Mashed Potatoes

Turkey Gravy Simply the Best Homemade Gravy (bottom of the post, replace chicken with turkey broth)

Stuffing

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Corn

Sweet Homemade Buns Simply Sweet Homemade Buns

Cinnamon Butter - 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature, 1/4 cup honey, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 2/3 cup powdered sugar. Mix all ingredients together and beat on low speed with mixer until everything is combined and smooth. Serve immediately on warm buns or refrigerate until needed. If you serve the buns warm, the butter will melt a little right into the buns. Yummy-licious!

Lettuce Salad and Dressing Simply Homemade Italian Dressing

Fresh Fruit Salad Simply Fruit Salad

Cranberry Sauce (no one likes it but it looks so pretty)

Homemade Pies - Pumpkin, Apple, Peach and Chocolate Cream Pie

Gluten-free Peach Cobbler Simply Dad's Homemade Peach Cobbler

Whipped Cream

Blessings from us to you for a Happy Thanksgiving and hearts filled with gratitude!

Love and peace,

~ Simply Tammi and Angie