Key Lime Pie -- from Southern Living

Key Lime Pie -- from Southern Living
Try THIS and be deliciously pleased!

1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 T. sugar
4 T. butter, melted
3 large eggs, separated
1 - 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c. fresh Key Lime juice
1 T. lemon juice
2 t. grated Key Lime rind
2 T. sugar

Top with whipped cream:
1 c. whipping cream
1 T. powdered sugar
1/2 t. vanilla extract
Garnish: quartered lime slices

Combine first 3 ingredients; press onto bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9-inch pan. Chill at least 1 hour.

Whisk egg yolks; add condensed milk and next 3 ingredients, whisking until smooth.

Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add 2 T sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Fold into yolk mixture; spoon into prepared crust.

Bake at 325 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack; cover and chill 8 hours.

Beat whipping cream at high speed with electric mixer until slightly thickened; add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until soft peaks form.

Dollop whipped cream around top of pie. Garnish, if desired

The things Dave tells me...

So, today Dave casually mentions that Grandpa MacKay had cancer in his kidneys! He just learned that yesterday when his dad told him that he remembers driving Grandpa home from Yellowstone to get him to an ER where they had to remove the kidney becuase is was full of tumors. Isn't that just great to know. Now I have another thing to let my anxiety take hold of. Sometimes I wish I could edit my memory. It's a good thing I love him so much, otherwise I might just edit this whole week out.

Meg that story was so cute. I read it for family night and the boys were talking about it for a long time after, thanks!

Jen

Thank You

I just wanted to thank all of you for being so supportive during this hard time in our lives. It is through your support that we are able to keep one foot in front of the other and beat this hard trial. We love you and wish we were closer. Thank you so much. We love you all.

Hailey,

Thanks for the invite, I will send Meg one!!! I just wanted you to know how much we are praying for Sam, and how much you are in our thoughts. Mer and Meg have told me how great you are being and how strong you are. He is very lucky to have you and Nick for parents. What a cute blog, Meg you would love it if you could see it!!!

love you all

jen

Sampson's Blog address is:

www.mighty-sam.blogspot.com

If you haven't been invited (Hailey doensn't have your email) You can use Mikell's
username: mikelldemille@hotmail.com
password: christopher

I would give you mine but I haven't been invited.

Meg

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bars

These are amazing. I'm including the changes I made, but I'm happy to give the original recipie if you want it. ( I double this and put it in a regular jelly roll pan, the 9 x 13)
2 1/4 C Flour
1 t salt
1 t baking soda
1 C butter (room temp)
1/2 C granular sugar
1 1/2 c packed brown sugar
2 large eggs beaten and room temp
1 T vanilla
1/2 C unsweetened cocoa (Giradelli is way better than Hersheys)
2 C Chocolate Chips ( or anything else you like MM etc)
1 C Nuts

Preheat to 350
Sift dry ingredients
Cream butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and cocoa. Stir in dry mix untill combined. Add candy and chocolate chips.
Pat into a 9 in square pan bake at 350 for 20 t0 25 minutes.
(When it comes out, lift it a couple inches off the counter and drop it flat. This makes the air push out and it will be more dense and moist!)

You are gonna love it.

Great story for FHA

Two ChoicesWhat would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one.. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.Where is the natural order of things in my son?'The audience was stilled by the query.The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'Then he told the following story:Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.In the bottom of the ninth in ning, Shay's team scored again.Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.However, as Shay stepped up to theplate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!Run to first!'Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home..
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!Shay, run to third!'As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.Shay didn't make it to another summer.. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate.We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.'So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process ?A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.May your day, be a Shay Day.

I forgot to ask everyone to keep Sampson (Hailey's baby) in our prayers. He has been in the hospital with pneumonia. He could use everyone's prayers. Thank you!

Our First Fieldtrip
We will be meeting at the Front Runner Station in Farmington (take the Park Lane exit. You will see it directly west of the freeway. There is an entrance off of the overpass). We'll meet at 12:20. It leaves at 12:42. The cost is $10 for 4 people roundtrip (I thought this was a great deal). We will ride to Gateway. At Gateway the kids can run through the fountains. I'm going to pack a lunch ( you don't have to do this). I thought we could get icecream there as well. Hope to see you there!
MiKell (my cell: 678-0290)

Everyone get excited. Our first fieldtrip is this Tuesday. I just got in town and I'm trying to put this together. I am pretty sure that we are going to ride trax either to Gateway or to Ogden. I will post more details tomorrow. We will leave between 12:00 and 12:30. Hope to see you then!
MiKell

Here is the summer schedule for all those who are interested. I hope that it doesn't appear that I am trying to be the President of the summer time activities. I have found in my own life that if I don't plan something and tell someone else that I planned it, it doesn't ever happen. The first boating trip is this Tuesday the 9th. We will meet at Smith's at 11:00. We will shoot for every Thursday thereafter, except for family vacation weeks or holiday weeks we might switch it to Wed. If you will email and let me know if you are going that week, I will divide up the food for lunch and send out assignments.
The field trip activity will be on Tuesdays at 12:00. Each person will have a week to be in charge of planning the activity and posting the details on the blog. The activity can be as simple as a hike or exploring a new park or as big as Raging Waters. You choose.

Here is the schedule for the Field trips:

June 16th Meg
June 23rd Jenny
June 30th Mar
July 14th Mikell
July 21st Heidi
July 28th Natalie
August 4 th
August 11th
If your week doesn't work, see if you can switch with someone.

Thanks!!

Meg

I'm finally IN!!

I've finally figured out how to get into our blog!! Thanks so much Mer for doing this. I can't wait to try everyone's recipes and ideas. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MEG hope you have a good one!!

Great Buy

Meg just let me know that she found hot dog/marshmellow roasting sticks at Dicks Market for 2.13 and also fold up camp chairs for 6 dollars. Wow, I have actually been looking for both of those things so on Monday that is where I'll be? Anyone want to join me for chicken chunks, tater babies and fry sauce at the deli?

while the cat is away

So, it really hasn't been that big of a deal to have Dave gone, until yesterday. Why is it that when he is gone something big always happens? Three kids with the stomach flu and and Talmage is having asthma attacks? Really, why now?

MMMmmm

Since it's Sunday night and we're all thinking about dessert (we are, aren't we?) I thought I'd share my find of the week. If you like mint chocolate, pick up a bag of Andes mint chips next to the chocolate chips and follow the quick and easy recipe on the back of the bag for cookies!
We LOVED them.

Eating Preference:

1. Hot out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
2. Pulled out of the freezer and eaten frozen!

Mmmmmm Good!

I LOVE this recipe for enchiladas. I hope you enjoy.
Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas.
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup lime juice (2 large limes)
2 tsp to 1 T chili powder
2 large cloves of garlic, finely minced or 1/2 t. garlic powder
1 1b. boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded (I used a rotissere chicken)
12 corn tortillas
2 cups mexican cheese blend, shredded
1 14 ox. can of green enchilada sauce
1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream
nonstick cooking spray 1 T. of chopped cilantro, to garnish.

Preheat ovent o 350 degrees. Place the cooked and shredded chicken in a medium sized bowl. Set aside. In a small bowl, place the honey, lime juice, chili powder and minced garlic or garlic powder. Whisk together thoroughly to combine. Pour this mixture over the chicken and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to marinate while you prepare tortillas, 30 minutes or upt o 1 hour, in fridge.
Heat a large griddle till a drop of water skitters across. Spray the surface with non stick cooking spray Heat tortillas about 20 seconds on each side till warm and flexible and some golden brown spots have appeared. Remove tortillas from griddle and keep them between a couplo of paper towels until ready to use.
Spray the sides and bottom of a 9X13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray. In a medium bowl combine the enchilada sauce and the heavy cream. Spread about 1/2 cup of the misture in the bottom of the oiled baking dish.
Add a large spoonful of the chicken mixture tho the center of each tortilla in a line. Cover the chicken with a large tablespoon of cheese, then roll the tortilla up from one side to make a rolled enchilada-it will be more of an over lap on the seam side that rolled tightly. Place the enchilada seam side down in the baking dish starting at one end with the long edge parallel to the longest side of the pan so that you end up with 2 columns of six enchiladas each.
Repeat with the reamining chicken, cheese and tortillas. You will use about 1 1/2 cups of the cheese for the filling and set the remainder aside for topping the enchiladas in the pan. Add the remaining marinade mixture to the enchilada sause and cream mixture. Pour this mixture over the top of all the enchiladas. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake the enchiladas for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and starting to brown on top. Serve with sour cream, black beans, and rice or a green salad.
These are seriously the best! Let me know if you like them.

Who is ready for yard work? I feel like I've already weeded enough for the entire season! Ann Marie and Hailey, enjoy not having yard work!

Best Pants EVER

Target now has the greatest pants ever. They are just the Merona brand, they are in navy white and grey. They are clam digger sweat pants with a drawstring. HEAVEN. GO GET SOME RIGHT NOW. they are 15 bucks I think.

Chicken Tortilla

Hi, Brother Bryce sent this to me. I will note that B. does like things spicy. I've had good luck with recipies he has sent me, so I thought I would share.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Amazing-Chicken-Tortilla-Soup-108231
The alterations I made, and it worked beautifully, were that I bought a roasted chicken, skinned it and shredded everything (dark meat too) instead of the chicken breasts called for.
I didn’t have any apple juice to substitute for the white wine, and I didn’t add water. It was just a tad stewy, so I’d recommend ½ - 1 cup of apple juice.
I did a very generous tsp of chili powder, but I like things spicy.
I did the whole green pepper, and I also left the seeds of the jalapeno in. I think next time I’m going to add some smoked chipotle peppers – but those add kick very quickly, so be careful w/ your kids.

I thought this soup was bomb. I just had it with cheese and tortilla chips. It’d be great w/ sour cream, avocado, and just about anything. Hope you like it.

Two new favorites

Hi,
I have two new favorite products. Revlon makes an eyebrow pencil/gel that I love. It is two sided with a mascara like wand with a color gel on one side and a pencil on the other. I don't use the pencil very often, but I love the gel. It's fast and easy and there is just enough color to help but not stand out.

Loreal has a new shampoo at the grocery store, It's Loreal EverPure. It is awesome, and like 7 dollars.

A day late

I guess I'm a day late, because just last night I got a coupon for 15% off everything at Kohl's. I just got off the phone with Mer and she went today. Sorry! But if anyone else is interested in it, just let me know and I'll email the coupon to you! Thanks!!!

Hunt

I am on the hunt for cute shorts. Even capris feel so hot down here. Have any of you seen anything of the sort?

Recipe Request

Hailey,

Do you have Candy's recipe for those chunky frosted cookies?  They are one of Nicks faves.  I would really like to have those.

Sale

Smiths market place is selling geraniums, snapdragons, impaitents, and a few others for 69 cents. It is the best sale and it is only saturday. Sorry out of towners. The plants would have to be babied inside for a while, but it is a really great price.

Sale

On Saturday Smiths Marketplace (sorry out of towners) is having a great sale. IT is only one day. Geraniums, snapdragons, impatients and a few others are on sale for 69 cents for a 4 inch pot. Usually these are 2 or 3 dollars. You would have to baby them inside for a while, but it is an awesome price.

I have to share my good news. Kate slept until 6:00 a.m. last night. I've been waiting for almost 5 months! The funny thing is that I didn't sleep good because I kept waiting to get up and feed her. Atleast I know there is hope!
Merilee just shared with me that Smith's in Bountiful is having a great sale on some of their flowers this weekend (it's hard to think of flowers right now).

Lemon Salad Dressing

Super easy, very yummy dressing, great for spring salad dressings.

1/3 C Sugar
1/2 C Lemon Juice
Mix well
Add
1/2-1 t dry mustard
1/2 C Oil
some lemon zest if you have it.
salt and pepper to taste

Asian Coleslaw

This is my favorite salad of all times. It is something DIFFERENT, than what usually circulates the mormon kitchens. Enjoy!

Asian Coleslaw

2/3 cup slivered almonds
8 cups (1 lb) Napa cabbage,
coarsely shredded12 oz snow peas, strings removed, rinsed and thinly sliced
1 1/3 cup thinly sliced radishes
1 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 1/3 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves, rinsed
Bake almonds at 350 degrees for 6-9 min. Shake. Mix the rest of the ingredients. Toss with creamy soy dressing.

Creamy Soy Dressing
3 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce
3 Tbsp sugar
½ tsp ground ginger
1 clove minced garlic
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp Asian sesame oil
1 cup mayonnaise
Mix all ingredients except mayonnaise until smooth. Slowly whisk mayonnaise with rest of ingredients until well blended.

Every time I've taken this salad somewhere everyone goes nuts over it. When serving this for dinner I grill some chicken and serve with bread!