Verna's Garden Ornaments

In my spare time I have been busy making garden ornaments for Mothers day, birthdays and anniversary's.

I have them displayed in my yard for sale today, but they belong among flowers, in a burm, by a light post etc.

As you can tell I have green, gold, turquoise, red, blue, and clear garden ornaments. These are absolutely gorgeous when the sun shines on them, as they really sparkle. The price runs from $20.00 to $35.00. If you need a really unique gift for that person who has everything and you don't know what too buy for them, just give me a call at 920-739-2104.

Or email me at verna.v@att.net

When you put them in your yard
please keep them straighter then I have them. ( it was cold out and I did it in a hurry).

You can put them at any height you would like. Lower is better.

Just call me!!!

Dried Fruit and Nut Health Bars

You won't be getting a picture of the Health Bars. (at least not at this time) For what ever reason my picture will not publish.It is a call to my daughter for her computer skills, but I am not sure where she is. Hopefully next week we will have a picture. Also spell check is not working!!!Help!!!

In the meantime!!!! My friend Diane gave me this recipe. It came from Martha Stewert Living Magazine. These bars are really very good, even though I substituted lots of the ingredients. Will explain as I go.

Ingredients:
1 cup (9 oz.) pitted dates
1 1/2 cups rolled oats, finely ground in food processor
1 cup pecans-1/2 cup finely ground, 1/2 cup coarsely chopped
1 cup Macadamia Nuts, 1/2 cup finely ground 1/2 cup coarsely chopped
1/3 cup dried papaya, chopped in 1/2 " pieces-Diane found these at the Greenville Bulk Store
1/3 cup dried cherries coarsely chopped
1/3 cup dried blueberries
2 Tablespoon Oat Bran
3 Tablespoon ground flaxseed
2 Tablespoon wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon salt-I didn't use
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 Tablespoon brown rice syrup

Directions;
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place dates in a small saucepan and cover with water, bring to a simmer and drain. Puree in food processor until smooth.
Mix all ingredients together.
Pat in a sprayed 8 by 8 in glass pan. Press mixture well into the pan.
Bake until firm, which will be about 25 minutes. Cut into bars.

Comments from Verna's Test Kitchen:
I didn't have papaya's or dried blueberries. Also didn't want to pay the price that the stores are asking. So used dried cranberries and cherries, which I had on hand. I also added 1/3 cup coconut.
Also I didn't have the Macadamia Nuts so used all pecans. Didn't have the oat bran so just eliminated it. They where still very good.
I did sprinkle some Dream Carob Chips over the top after they where baked. I put them back in the oven until melted and spread with a knife.
By the way everything that needed to be chopped was done in the food processor before I did the dates so I didn't have to wash the food processor again.

I used a 11 by 7" pan as the bars would have been much thicker than I wanted. I would rather have them thinner. Don't feel so guilty when I eat one--or two!!!!

Yummy yummy.

Sweet Potato, Peanut Stew

This is a nice change from lots of the foods we as CHIPPERS eat. This is to be served on brown or wild rice, Quinoa or Couscous.

Directions:

1. In a large sprayed saucepan, saute: 2 med. onions and 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, minced.


2. Add: 2 bell red peppers, cut into 1/2" squares. Cook for 3 to 4 min.


3. Add: 1 tablespoon agave nectar, 1 tea cinnamon, 1-1/2 tea cumin, 1-1/2 tea. grated ginger. Stir well.


4. Cream: 1/2 to 3/4 cup peanut butter with a little water. (be sure to pour oil off of peanut butter.)


5. Add: 3 sweet potatoes, pealed and cut into 1/2" cubes, 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes, 4 cups homemade broth, 1 teaspoon Wylers no sodium chicken broth, 1 15 oz can kidney beans drained and rinsed. Simmer for 30 min.


6. Add: Kelp(adds a salty taste, ground black pepper and Siracha sauce to taste.


7. Serve on top of brown wild rice, quinoa or couscous. Top with 1 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts and chopped fresh cilantro.

Enjoy!!

Quesadillas

OMG!!!! These are absolutely excellent. What a treat as an appetizer, or as a meal. Kids of all ages will love them. Guess that includes me!!!! YEAH!!!!!

I found the recipe in the cookbook, Vegan Table by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau.

I did add Vegan Cheese to the recipe.

Ingredients:

• I used corn tortillas-Next time I will use Fat Flush Tortillas as they are larger (from Festival-Natural Food Aisle)


• Hummus of choice


• Salsa-I used Frog Ranch-lower in sodium


• Scallions-green onions-chopped fine


• Daiya Mozzarella Cheese-This is dairy free and melts-Festival Foods has it in the Natural Food Aisle.

Directions:

In a sprayed skillet (get it quite hot) place a tortilla shell that has been spread with hummus. Sprinkle cheese on top, top cheese with another tortilla shell. When shell get toasty brown (3-5 minutes) flip and toast the other side. When second side is golden brown, remove from heat and cut into quarters. Top with salsa and green onions. Serve hot.

Enjoy!!!!! Oh so very good!!

Have a super wonderful day!!

My Bay Leaf Bush

I bought this Bay Leaf Bush a year ago from Steins. I wanted to bring it along last evening to the Herb Class but decided against it as I did not get it at Northside Hardware.

I kept it outside last year in it's own pot and brought it in for the winter months, put it in my bow window in the dining room. It has been wonderful source for fresh bay leaves all year long. (which I use a lot )

Bay Leaves are through out my cupboards. I keep them in my glass jars that have dried beans, on my shelves where I have rice in a bag or around any other food in bags. I also put them in my silverware drawers and my lazy Susan or anywhere there is food stored. I also have a few on my counter behind a clock that is in the corner. Oh yes also where I store my kettles. Why do I do this???? Bugs do not like Bay Leaves. Any tiny bugs will not come into your bagged items if you have Bay Leaves around on your shelves, or in the jars. I had no problem with tiny little red ants on my counters because of the Bay Leaves. Yes red ants can get on anyone's counter.

So go out any buy a Bay Leaf Bush, Not just great for seasoning food, but wonderful for keeping those bugs at bay!!! Hope you find this interesting

Have a super wonderful bugless day!!!

First of three Alumni Herb Classes

We had 25 people sign up for our first of three Herb Classes planned for the CHIP Alumni. This class, as well as the class on the 27th of April are at Northside Hardware with June. May 4th will be at Memorial Park with Denette. We still have room at Memorial Park as there was no limit on how many.
The Northside Hardware Class was filled with much information. How to infuse vinegars and oils with herbs, making your own soaps, cooking with herbs and much more. A door prize was given as well as many other items to take home.

If interested email me at verna.v@att.net or verna.vannuland@thedacare.org. I just received a call from June. She said those that could not make it last evening, you are welcome to come on the 27th. She was limiting the group to 20, but increased it to 25. So we have room for just you and that special person in your life!!!!!

Thank you everyone for coming out on such a cold evening. It was really nice to see each and everyone. I wish I could have spend more time visiting with you. You are all so very special to me and also the Alumni.

Have a super wonderful day!!

April 18-Merry Christmas or Happy Easter!!!

6:30 am Wednesday, April 19th, 2011

Back Yard-9:30 pm, April 18th. I have a flood light in the back.

I came home from CHIP Class at 9:30 pm, and couldn't believe all the snow that fell .

Appleton received a downfall of 9.4 Inches. Since records have been kept this is the most snow reported this late in the season.

Are we celebrating Easter or Christmas this weekend. Unbelievable!!!!!

Pickled Red Onions

This is quick and very easy. Tastes great on top of sandwiches, meatless meatloaf, burgers, wraps and in pitas. Very versatile

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar

1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
6 whole Allspice-I used powdered

1 small clove garlic- peeled

1 small Bay Leaf

1 large red onion-halved and thinly sliced-about 2 cups

Directions:

Bring vinegar, 1/2 cup water Agave Nectar, peppercorns allspice and garlic to a boil in a saucepan. Add onion slices and return to a boil. Remove from heat, and transfer to a quart glass jar. Cover with a cloth and let cool at room temperature for 24 hours before serving. Will keep up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!!

Sweet Potato Bake

This is really good. Has lots of flavor. I cut leftovers in serving sizes, froze on a flat container. When frozen I put in freezer bags an labeled. Great for future use. Actually I spend Saturday trying new recipes to share with you on my blog. It was way to cold and windy to be working in my yard, and I would rather cook then clean any day.Ended up freezing a lot and sharing some of the food with others. I hope you enjoy this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 onions-diced 1/2"


• **2 Tablespoons fresh ginger-minced fine-I used my food processor


• 2 large carrots-scrubbed clean-and cut into small circles


• 4 stalks celery-cleaned and diced into 1/4" pieces


• 3 sweet potatoes-peeled, diced into 1/2"pieces


• 1 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice Seasoning


• 1 cup dry white wine


• 2 cups plain soy milk-I used Plain Soy Creamer, as I had it and it needed to be used.


• Freshly ground black pepper


• Panko Crumbs-low sodium-The ones I had contained 40 mg. of sodium.

Directions:

Saute onions and ginger in a sprayed cast iron pan, 2-3 minutes. Add carrots,celery, sweet potatoes. Continue sauteing for several minutes Add seasonings and wine.Loosen all caramelized bits on bottom of pan. Reduce wine to 75%, Add soy milk or creamer. Continue cooking on low heat, until potatoes are cooked through about 25 minutes. Turn oven to 350 degrees. Put cooked mixture into a sprayed 8 by 8" glass pan. Top with Panko Crumbs, pat down. Put a few dollops of Earth Balance on the top. Bake at 350 degrees about 30-45 minutes until top is golden brown.

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Tips: **I do not peel ginger. Just scrub clean and continue process to follow recipe. the skin is very thin and does not need to be removed. I usually make my own crumbs but like Panko for this recipe as they are so fine. Have a super great day! Enjoy!!

Banana Salad

• 
  
  
  
  This is so very good, and so quick and easy to make.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Ingredients:
  
  
  
  
  • 
    
    2 Tablespoons peanut butter
  
  
  • 
    
    2- Tablespoons Agave Nectar
  
  
  • 
    
    1/3 -1/2 cup Grapeseed Oil Vegenaise
  
  
  • 
    
    5-6 bananas-sliced diagonally
  
  
  • 
    
    lemon juice
  
  
  • 
    
    Baby greens
  
  
  • 
    
    Unsweetened Coconut
  
  
  • 
    
    1/2 cup chopped peanuts-I used Roasted Sesame Seeds
  
  
  

  Directions:

In a small bowl combine, peanut butter, Agave Nectar and Vegenise. Dip sliced bananas in lemon juice.
Place greens on a plate. top with bananas,and coconut. Drizzle with sauce. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Enjoy!!

Meatless Meat Loaf

Doesn't that look yummy!! It is the first meatless meat loaf that I made that has held together. Thanks Jean for the recipe. This is really good.

Note:

I made the recipe for the third time last evening. This time I added chopped ( about the consistency of hamburger) Portabella Mushrooms in place of the lentils. I sauteed them with the other veggies. Also used Pizza Sauce with 6 oz of Tomato Paste plus other ingredients call for in the Tomato Topping. It was even better this way. Oh yes I added Liquid Smoke and freshly ground black pepper also.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats--Pulsed several times in food processor




• 1/2 block Extra Firm Tofu- I used Nori-Nu Silken Tofu. I like this the best.




• 1 cup onions -chopped-did it in my food processor




• 1/2 cup chopped green peppers- used food processor




• 1/2 cup chopped red peppers- used food processor




• 1 Tablespoon tomato topping- recipe below




• 3 1/2 Tablespoons Plain Yellow Corn Meal




• 3/4 cup cooked and drained lentils




• 1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar




• 1 Tablespoon low sodium Worchershire Sauce




• 1/4 teaspoon Thyme




• 1/4 teaspoon Cumin




• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder-Made my own




• 1 teaspoon dried Parsley




• 1 teaspoon Agave Nectar




• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder




• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder




• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Mustard




• 2-3 pks. of Herb Ox-sodium free-Beef Bullion-Verna Added

Tomato Topping Mixture:

• 1- 6 oz can tomato paste




• 1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar




• 1/2 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar




• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder




• 1 Tablespoon Onion Flakes-Powder

Directions:

**This took more time to make-so I doubled the recipe. After it was baked and cooled, I sliced it and froze for future use.

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.




2. Mix the tomato topping together in a bowl first as you will need it right away.




3. In a sprayed large kettle saute onions, red and green peppers. Cook until onions are translucent.




4. In food processor chop oatmeal 7-8 quick pulses.




5. Drain Tofu, squeezed out all excess water. In a large bowl, mash tofu with a fork. Add sauted vegetables, and 1 Tablespoon Tomato Topping. Mix




6. Add all the rest on the ingredients. ( not the rest of the Tomato Topping)




7. Mix well.




8. Clean hands work the best for this.




9. Spray a 13 by 9 glass pan.




10. Form mixture into 2 loafes if doubled the recipe.




11. Cover top and sides of loaf with the rest of the tomato Topping.




12. Bake 375 for about 45 minutes.

This was well worth the time to make, especially if you doubled the recipe. It freezes really well for those times you need something in a hurry. Makes a wonderful sandwich on toast with a little catchup.

Enjoy!!

Oven Baked Oatmeal

I am posting two recipes for Oven Baked Oatmeal. They are both excellent.

The second recipe came from my special friend Kathleen!!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup quick cooking oatmeal


• 2 tablespoons Agave Nectar


• 1/2 cup diced cranberries


• 1/2 cup walnuts-chopped


• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


• 1/2 teaspoon almond or maple extract


• 1 teaspoon vanilla


• 2 cups soy milk (Almond Milk would be great with Almond Extract)


• 1 cup water

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together.


2. Put in greased 8 by 8 glass pan.


3. Bake 350-about 40 minutes

I enjoyed this much more the second and third day after flavors mellowed.

2nd recipe for Oven Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old fashioned oatmeal


• 4 cups of non dairy milk of choice


• 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract


• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon


• 2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar


• 1/2-1 cups alonds-chopped or sliced


• 1/2 cup dried cranberries


• 1 large unpeeled apple-grated

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together.


2. Pour in greased 9 by 13 inch glass pan.


3. Bake at 375-45 minutes

Also very good.

Enjoy!!!

Plum Hill Cafe

I was in Kaukauna yesterday and met a very special friend at Plum Hill Cafe.

It is always a very enjoyable visit .

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As a Chipper there are many selections on the menu that are very doable. We split a appetizers, Black Bean Cakes, with brie and plum sauce. ( they will leave the brie off if you prefer). We also had a vegan sandwich , which we split called, Katie's Pick. This delicious sandwich consisted of your choice of bread with garlic hummus, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, spring greens, sprouts topped with a bistro sauce. We ended this enjoyable meal with gelatos. Gelatos are Italian ice cream. We choose a half scoop of Raspberry and a half scoop of Lemon. They had several different flavors but picked these two as they where made with distilled water rather than heavy cream or whole milk.

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Give Plum Hill a visit, I am sure you will enjoy it.

The address is:

313 Dodge St.

Kaukauna WI.

call 920-766-9090

What an enjoyable time. How can you beat, being with a special friend and yummy food. Then off to the dentist I went.

April Alumni-3rd Get Together at Ginger Rootz.

Some very special people that came to Ginger Rootz for our third outing!

Each and everyone of you is so very special to me!

It was wonderful to see everyone. It was a lot of fun!

Those that didn't make it, where greatly missed.

Frog Ranch Salsa

Does anyone know where I can get Frog Ranch Salsa????

I was looking for it and could not find it in the stores. I called several stores with no luck. I love Frog Ranch Salsa. It has only 40 mg. of sodium, all natural and tastes great.

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I didn't follow my instructions that I give to class when I bought this some time ago, ( I have bought it only once) That is to write on the outside of the container where I bought it. I was having friends in for a meal over the weekend and wanted to use this in the recipe. Hopefully someone out there uses this and knows where to get it. Would appreciate it if you could let me know.

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Have a super great day!!!!

Bike Riding

Wow!! can you believe this weather. I just heard on the radio that we hit 75 degrees today. I did almost 25 miles on my bike today. I wanted to go further, but with the rains coming decided to head for home. Being the first really big bike ride of the season, I didn't know if I would make it up the hill going over the viaduct on the way to the Tressil Trail in Menasha. With a whole lot of effort and some huffing and puffing I made it to the top. Wow I can still do it! I got pretty sore. It was great to get out though. I was down to Clayton St. If I had your address I may have stopped to see you, Diane. Hope everyone that reads this blog had a chance to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather today. Hope it lasts!!!

Have super wonderful day!!!

Southwestern Salad with Avacado

Oh my gosh, this is so great that I had it for breakfast, dinner and supper yesterday. Made another batch when I came home from grocery shopping tour last evening. I then had it for breakfast this morning. It is my new favorite dish. (that changes about every week)

Ingredients:

• 15 oz. can pinto beans-I used black beans-low sodium-drained and rinsed


• 1 cup grape tomatoes-cut in half


• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen corn


• 4-5 green onions-chopped with some of the greens included


• 1/4 cut cilantro-chopped


• 1 ripe avocado


• 3/4 cup prepared salsa


• 1/4 cup low sodium sour cream


• 3 Tablespoon lime juice


• several drops Siracha Hot Chili Sauce


• Mrs. Dash Southwestern Chipole Seasoning


• Corn tortilla chips -low sodium-optional


• Baby greens of choice

Directions:

1. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a mixing bowl.


2. Mash avocado.


3. Add sour cream and salsa.


4. Mix well and pour over the ingredients in the bowl.


5. Refrigerate several hours before serving.


6. Serve on a bed of baby greens, topped with a few chips.


7. Add the salad on top.

Oh my gosh this is just the best!!!!!

Enjoy!!

Have a super wonderful day.

Tomato Basil Crouton Salad

This is another quick and easy Salad.

Croutons:

• Day old bread cubed


• Garlic powder


• Onion powder


• Any seasonings you like could be used

Mix all together in a bowl , and drizzle with just a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Bake in a 350 degree oven until golden and crisp.

Sprinkle croutons with a nondairy cheese that melts.Put back in the oven for a few minutes until cheese melts.

Salad:

• 5-6 tomatoes-chopped


• Fresh basil torn in small pieces-I should have sheffinode it (was in a hurry)


• 2- fresh garlic-chopped fine


• 3 or so green onions-chopped


• Balsamic Vinegar-use a good quality vinegar


• Agave Nectar to taste

Mix all Salad ingredients.

Put croutons on individual plates.

Put salad on top of croutons and serve immediately.

Enjoy

Have a super wonderful day!!!

Chocolate, Rasberries and Slivered Almonds

How would you like this for a Easter Dessert.

Quick, easy and scrumptious with the Raspberries.

I bought the smallest muffin cups that I could fined. Maybe about 2"" across.

Directions:

• 
  
  Melt non dairy chocolate chips-or chips of choice.


• Put about 2 Tablespoon of melted chocolate in each cup.


• Put 3 raspberries on top. Make sure they have been dried well with a towel.


• Chopped walnuts or other nuts would be great also.

Enjoy!!

Have a super wonderful day!!!

Sweet Sour Strawberries

I picked ups some strawberries at Aldis yesterday and wanted to try something different. These strawberries are really good. A nice change from adding sugar.

Ingredients:

• 
  
  1 cup fresh sliced strawberries


• 1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar-use a really good quality vinegar.


• A little Agave Nectar.

Directions:

• 
  
  MMix and let set for one hour at room temperature.


• Add a few shakes of black pepper before serving.

How do you like that for quick and easy.

Have a super wonderful day!!

Hugs and Kisses

Hugs and kisses from 2 very special great grandchilddren.