You've been Egg'd

get your holiday Easter lunchis at http://www.lunchi.org

In March, we shamrock'd some neighbors and now in April we are going to egg them!  You're probably thinking, I'm glad you're not my neighbor.  Truthfully our antics really aren't as bad as they sound - unless you are on a diet and can't eat sweets.

In honor of the Easter holiday, I wrote two poems (below) and designed a Easter Holiday Lunchi to raise money for charity.  Our family packaged them up three ways and dellvered them to some special people in our life and even left some randomly throughout the city.  

If you enjoy giving to others in a creative way, download the graphically designed lunchi's and package them up for your friends and neighbors.  It is a great tradition to share with your kids and the $2 donation goes to charity. Or you can copy and paste my poem below.  Just make sure to put Lunchi.com after it as the intent is to give back to others =)

If you feel like baking instead of leaving candy, here is a fabulous sugar cookie recipe, otherwise jelly beans and traditional chocolate are great egg fillers.

LEAVE A BASKET FOR YOUR TEACHER WITH THIS POEM

(fill a basket of eggs and leave in the classroom for the teacher or on the doorstep of a family)

You've been Egg'd  

written by Tricia Cohn - graphically designed version is at http://www.lunchi.org/lunchistore.html

An easter bunny hopped along
looking for some treats,
over the hills and mountaintops
he tired his little feet.
It was then he stopped to take a rest
near some delicate painted  - rocks?
Some of them were striped real funny 
just like a pair of socks.
Some had dots and some had spots
that were green, blue and black
One of them even had, a tiny little crack. 
He peeked inside...
what did he find?
...so many treats to eat!!!
But he couldn’t eat them all you know
for his mom would blow a gasket...
so he gathered them up and left some for you
in this little easter basket.

FOR CHRISTIANS

(Add this poem inside a golden egg and leave it for your Christian friends and/or someone you would like to invite to know Jesus.)

You've been Blessed

written by Tricia Cohn - graphically designed version is at http://www.lunchi.org/lunchistore.html

 For three days a bunny hopped
searching for some relief.
He’d just overcome a treacherous event
which led him to your street.
It was here he found a special sign
and knew it was the right place -
your loving heart and unwavering faith
brought a smile to his face.
The bunny was happy and rose again
and started to hippity hop...
Hippity Hop, Hippity Hop,
Hippity Hop  - KerPlop!
Every time he jumped for joy
an egg would land - KerPlop!
it’s then he knew to share his love
with everyone nonstop!
So he left these eggs at your door
to say thanks for being faithful
and loving HIM evermore. 

HAPPY EASTER

Add this poem to a mason jar filled with Jelly Beans (see picture above)

Red is for the blood he gave

Green is for the grass he made

Yellow is for the sun so bright

orange is for the edge of night

Black is for the sins we made

White is for the grace he gave

Purple is for his hour of sorrow

Pink is for our new tomorrow.

- author unknown

Enjoying sharing the love!  I guarantee you will feel the love too.  If you would like to KNOW HIS love, you are invited to attend church services at Crossroads In Corona.  Consider yourself egg'd.

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Raspberry Pretzel Casserole Dessert

Traditionally our bunko group has a Thanksgiving Potluck every November.  This year I made the Raspberry Pretzel Casserole Dessert to bring.  However, it didn't quite make it to the party because the jello hadn't firmly set in time.  It tasted fabulous when I got home though.  Make sure you make this the morning of your event if not the night before to be safe.  Here's how to make it:


INGREDIENTS
crust
2 1/2 cups of pretzels, crushed into crumbs
1 stick of butter, melted
3 tbsp sugar


center
8oz cream cheese
12oz of Cool Whip
1 cup sugar


topping
1 6oz box of raspberry Jello 
2 c boiling water
1 bag of frozen raspberries


HOW TO MAKE
In a food processor, blend all the crust ingredients until fine.  Firmly press into a lightly sprayed 9x13 casserole dish.  Bake at 350˚ for 10 minutes. Let Cool.


In a food processor, blend the center ingredients until creamy.  Layer on top of the cooled crust making sure to block any holes that the jello mixture might seep through.  Seal it completely. Let chill.


Add 2 cups boiling water to the Jello mix and stir until completely dissolved.  Add 1 bag of frozen raspberries.  Let sit in fridge for 1/2 hour to cool and slightly firm up.  Then pour mixture ontop of cream cheese center.


Let stand for at least 4 hours before serving.

Looking for other fabulous casseroles to make once a week or to bring to a party? See the 30daysof...casseroles photo album with links to fabulous recipes. 

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Macaroni Salad - A Tradition

No 4th of July BBQ is complete without hamburgers...and no hamburger is complete without macaroni salad.  Serve sliced watermelon and you'll have yourself the perfect classic american meal.    
This macaroni salad recipe has been served in our family for over 30 years.  Here's how to make it:

INGREDIENTS
12 hard boiled eggs
1 bag of salad macaroni
1 white onion finely diced
2 cups of finely diced sweet gherkins (pickles)
2 cups of finely diced celery
2 cups of best foods mayonnaise
1 cup of yellow mustard
1 TBLS White pepper
1 TBLS Salt

HOW TO MAKE
This is best if made the day before.
Hard boil the eggs.  Dice all the eggs except one. Save the last egg for a garnish.  Cook the macaroni until tender.  While macaroni is cooking, finely dice the celery, onion, and sweet pickles.
Mix all the ingredients together and season with the salt and pepper.
Add the mayonnaise and mustard...stir until all ingredients are coated.  If you want it more creamy, add more mayo.
Garnish with the sliced egg.

Enjoy!

See other egg recipes from the 30daysof...blog: Cayenne Deviled Eggs, Oatmeal Egg Pancake, Breakfast Casserole, and Spinach Artichoke Quiche.

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In Memory of...Rocks

We started this tradition in our home when our cousin Steve was tragically killed in an accident. It was inspired by my mom and aunt who paint their grandchildren's names on rocks and place them throughout their yard.

Since we don't attend grave sites of our loved ones very often, I thought painting a memory rock would allow us to reflect on the people we love and miss everyday.

It is also a helpful way for children to remember their lost pets. We lost our cat Sebastian last year. In honor of him, we painted a cat rock. Now every time we walk outside we reminisce about his silly ways. A beautiful story was also written in honor of Sebastian. (Read it here on the story time experiment blog, CAT COME BACK)

This is not a tradition I look forward to doing, but I love walking around my yard and remembering the impact each loved one had on my life.

See other traditions and crafts for kids.

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Big Belly Banks - A great gift for kids

Traditionally when a niece or nephew turns 1 or 2 in my life, they get one of these adorable BIG BELLY BANKS.

It makes saving money fun. And, instead of putting coins in their mouth, they put the coin in the bank and watch it travel down to its belly. When it's full, simply unscrew it and count the savings.

My daughter's bank gets emptied every birthday. It has been a great tool in teaching her how to count money.

Big belly banks have over 20 designs and sizes to choose from to match the decor.

Flowers, race cars, dogs, dinosaurs, football stand, baseball bat, cat, and more.

Visit their website for more details.

http://www.bigbellybanks.com/home.php?cat=1

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Give a Heart Attack to someone you Love

Just because Valentine's has passed, doesn't mean you can't share the love with those who deserve it. In fact, why not make a tradition of it?  This is a great way for teams to show their appreciation for a coach's effort and replaces the old tradition of toilet paper and raw eggs.  Decorate the lawn with homemade hearts or get this adorable flock of flamingos to garnish their lawn with.

Either way, the coach will appreciate the effort.  

Have fun and go give a heart attack to someone you think is doing a great job!

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Holiday Treats Platter

These cookie recipes are great to share and take only minutes to prepare!

Package them up in a holiday tin from Aaron Brothers or on a festive plate covered in cellaphane. Attach your favorite cookie cutter (cookie cutters from Sur La Table) and handwritten recipe card to personalize it even more.

Giant Snowflake Sugar Cookie

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I USE Pure Madagascar Vanilla Bean Paste from SurLaTable)
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

For the Icing. 1 cup of powdered sugar, two tsp. corn syrup, 2 T. Milk. I have a still paint brush and I paint them on from the middle out.

Mexican Wedding Cookie (from allrecipes.com)

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I USE Pure Madagascar Vanilla Bean Paste from SurLaTable)
• 2 teaspoons water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Stir in vanilla and water. Add the flour and almonds, mix until blended. Cover and chill for 3 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
3. Shape dough into balls or crescents. Place on an unprepared cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from pan to cool on wire racks. When cookies are cool, roll in confectioners' sugar. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Haystacks with Cashews

What you will need:

3 cups Chinese noodles (chow mein)

1 cup Cashews halves

1 bag dark Chocolate chips

1/2 bag Butterscotch chips

To Prepare:

Melt Chocolate and Butterscotch chips in Microwave at medium or low 3 to 4 minutes until melted. Stir chocolate smooth; add noodles and cashews. Toss to coat well. On strips of foil or wax paper, form into 1 1/2 inch clusters. Cool to set. Makes about 24 (1 1/2 inch) "haystacks."

To Serve: Serve on a chilled plate at dessert time.

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Friendly Traditions - Start a Bunko Group

This year marks a 10-year monthly tradition of playing Bunko together. Our group started with 12 girls just married. A third of us were first time stay-at-home mommies deeply in need of adult conversation. Some wanted to reunite with old work friends and keep in touch better. We all wanted to GET OUT once a month - and spend fun time with friends.
We didn't set any rules except to supply dinner if you are a host and call if you can't make it. Themes were not mandatory but throughout the years, the themes these creative woman come up with is what I look forward to.
The latest party theme was a "Little Black Dress" Bunko by Karri. She set the table with elegant crystal and draped pearls around the napkins and centerpieces. She found initialed pearled ornaments and placed them next to each placesetting along with our personalized score card. For the main course she set up a mash-potatoe bar which was served in martini glasses. A light salad and shishkabobs skewered with tomotoe, mozzarella and basil were great accompaniments to the elegantly served carb. After dinner she read us an excerpt from the book, The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan. It is a moving essay about women's remarkable capacity to support each other, to laugh together, and to endure. And yes, I cried.
We played one round of bunko (which is usually one round too many for me) and afterword enjoyed cake and sugar cookies adorned with a picture of Audrey Hepburn and her signature black dress. The theme was very simple and elegant.
Many bunko groups begin and end within a matter of months. Most don't last becuase women let their busy lives get in the way. If you start a bunko group, make the effort. Show up and don't make excuses. Perfect your entertaining skills. It is in times of difficulty when we need our friends the most. It is a tradition I hope to continue until all of us are rolling our dentures and sharing pictures of our grandkids.

For your bunko group, do you have themes? Share your favorites here. In the meantime, enjoy the following video of a reading from The Middle Place.

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Monkey Bread

Luckily we participate in this tradition once a year because it takes a year to burn off the calories we consume enjoying it.  It's called Monkey Bread and EVERYONE loves it!  In our family, we prepare the monkey bread on Christmas Eve to serve on Christmas morning.  The recipe is so easy, the kids can practically do it all! 

While I make the sugar cookies for Santa. (another tradition)

Monkey Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon 1 1/2 stick of melted butter
1/2 cup raisins and/or pecans (these are optional, it's great with or without them)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚ and grease a monkey bread pan (bundt pan or angel food pan works great)

2. Mix all sugar and cinnamon in a large plastic bag. Cut the biscuits into quarters and place in the bag with the sugar.
Shake well as you coat all sides evenly.

3. Arrange pieces in the bottom of the greased pan. Continue layering until all the biscuit pieces are coated with sugar and in the pan. I sprinkle raisins and pecans throughout the layering process as well.

4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and pour on top of entire monkey bread evenly.  If you want to ensure an even coat, you can brush the butter atop each layer.

5. Bake for 35 minutes. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate.  Top with the icing while warm. 

Icing (pour on top or serve on side)

1 cup cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:

1. Allow cream cheese and butter to get to room temperature.

2. Beat butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl with a mixer.

3. Slowly add in the pound of powdered sugar.

4. After all the powdered sugar is added mix for 12 minutes (do not mix less than that).

5. When almost done, add in the extract and lemon juice.

Lately my daughter has been requesting this for her birthday morning treat as well.  

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4th of July Traditions

What better reason to get together and celebrate if not for the birthday of the United States of America. Our family has carried on this tradition for over 30 years as of 2009.  The venue has changed numerous times from the beachy climate of Newport Beach to the hot dry heat of Kingman, Arizona, but the people and the fun get better with age.  

Our tradition begins on the 3rd with a pre-party.  We eat, drink, and decorate. The kids make Uncle Sam Hats for the parade out of dixie plates and construction paper.

At 9:00am we decorate scooters, bicycles, wagons, vehicles, and feet in preparation for the march.  All of us are led by the flag of the USA.  

Next we roll out a large roll of paper for the kids to draw what the 4th of July means to them. Usually it is fireworks and flags that are the most common elements kids symbolize the 4th with.  The winner gets their picture made into a puzzle.  See the post, Puzzled in America.

Water balloon fights and an obstacle course fill the day.  Since the kids were of various ages we made money the main prize.  Two teams competed in the obstacle course which was performed relay style.  Each member of the winning team received $20 (in fake bills) and the runner-ups (a better title than losers) received $10 (in fake bills).  Then it was pinata time.  We filled the pinata with plastic coins, rubber balls, tattoos, pencils, and of course - candy.  Three fake dollar bills were included as well.  The little ones went for the candy and the older ones went for the coins.  Mostly becuase whoever had the most coins and money at the end would receive a REAL $20.  The kids had to count all their money they earned from the day.  Whoever had the most, won the $20.  

Sparklers and swimming are always the most memorable activities for the kids, but the fireworks show is traditionally the best way to end a 4th of July celebration.

As for the food, hamburgers and hot dogs are an All-American classic. The side dishes we traditionally serve are: Aunt Jeanne's Macaroni Salad, Cousin Dar's Chili Bean Dip, and Shannon's 7-layer Bean Dip!  (Bean Dip Recipe recipe below) These items disappear faster than a handful of firecrackers on speed.

We are so grateful to live in this country and have the freedoms so many of us take for granted. What does 4th of July mean to you?  What freedom are you most grateful for being an American?

COUSIN DARLENE's CHILI CHEESE DIP (serves 6-7)

1 package (8oz) cream cheese softened

1/2 cup chunky salsa

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 can (16oz) bush's chili beans, undrained

3 tablespoons slices green onions

3 tablespoons sliced black olive (optional)

tortilla chips

Preheat oven to 350˚ Combine cream cheese and salsa and spread in bottom of 9in pie plate. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Spread chili beans over shredded cheese. Top with remaining cheese, sliced green onion and olives. Bake for 15-20 min until mixture is thoroughly heated and cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips.

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Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup - A Tradition

Whenever anyone is sick in our home, I make this traditional soup just like grandma used to make.  Ironically, the main ingredient is Grandma's Egg Noodles.  Kids and adults love it and it makes getting sick a little more enjoyable.  

 

INGREDIENTS

2 Packages of Grandma's Egg Noodles (in the freezer section of stores)

1 whole chicken

1 bunch carrots

1 stalk celery

2 onions

3 garlic cloves

4 chicken bouillon cubes

TO PREPARE

Place raw chicken in a pot.  Cover with water and boil.  While boiling, start chopping your carrots, onion and celery. Crush garlic. Add all vegetables and garlic to boiling water.  When chicken is cooked, pull it out and let cool.  Add 4 bouillon cubes to the broth.  Add the two packages of unfrozen egg noodles.  Be sure to pull apart. Remove the skin from the chicken.  Cut the chicken into bite size pieces (or chunky) and place back in the pot.  Let simmer for 20 minutes until all the noodles are the same consistency.  

Garnish with red pepper flakes, oyster crackers, or black pepper if desired. 

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Easter Bunny Cake - A Tradition

Since I was one, The Easter Bunny Cake has been served at our family Easter gatherings.  It is a tradition I still look forward to. (I have dibs on the left ear) Now a new generation of kids fight over who will get the other ear.  

To include this tradition in your Easter Day celebrations, here is the recipe.

What you will need:

1. Large cookie sheet

2. Jelly Beans

3. Coconut

4. Food Coloring

5. Cake Mix (We use Funfetti)

6. Frosting

7. 2 round cake pans

To Start:

- Prepare your batter (as shown on box) and pour it into two cake pans.  Bake as directed.

- While cake is baking, line a baking sheet with foil or green paper and prepare your colored coconut.  We make pink for the ears and cheeks (1/2 cup)  and blue for the bowtie (1 cup).  Set remaining coconut aside for the cake and the grass.

Decorate the Easter Bunny:

- After the cake has cooled, place one cake on the tray for the head. Frost it with the white frosting. 

- The second cake will be cut into a bowtie and the two ears (see diagram).

- Frost the three pieces with white frosting.

- Decorate the ears, cheeks, and bowtie with the colored coconut.

-Use Jelly Beans for the eyes, nose and mouth.  Or use other candy or icing you have to make it even more detailed. 

- Dye the remaining coconut green and use for the grass.

- Place the jelly beans or your favorite eggs around the rabbit.

Serve and Enjoy!  And don't get to upset when you see fingers going in and out of the cake during the whole party.  By the time dessert is served at our house, the jelly beans are all gone and we end up eating a faceless bunny.  

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