Genesis Moments - A Writer's Journey

Showtime!

You are now behind the scenes of a cooking demonstration in the making.

Fifteen minutes until the guests arrive. The consultant (me) has set out her tools, measured ingredients, chopped and diced pre-made recipes to highlight and has her script ready to go. The flipboard about product quality and warranties is on the display table. The guest/host specials are ready to pass through the crowd. Prizes fill apron pockets and I am set! This is going to be one for the books - my life as a cooking demonstrator. They'll let anyone in if they let me!

I feel like I have just entered into the twilight zone with my new bobbed hairdo, my handy jean apron and my plastered on smile ready to go. Direct Sales Marketing here I come. When I decided to go this route, there were many options from make-up to jewelry. When you decide to do direct sales, you have to consider a couple of things: is the quality of the product something you want your name on?, is the commission worth the effort? and what do you want in piles lying around your house to be distributed, to own and to sell? No, high end cookware is want I want right now and high end cookware is what I am going to get-- and I have a long wishlist.

Oh no - the doorbell is ringing already and I just sat down at the computer. See you after the show!

------

Wow - how totally fun was that! What an incredible high to a social extrovert like me. (MUST HAVE PEOPLE) I had about 12 ladies come to my house to see what I was cooking up.

When my guests arrived, I had a sizzlin' summer salad layered in the trifle bowl and the watermelon-peach salsa in the simple additions double server with sun chips on the side. Drinks ranged from wine to soda to coffee. Most took the coffee. They had to be awake to see this one.

When everyone had arrived, we began the demonstration. All was going well with the microwave lemon cakes (though warnings about microwaving food were echoing in my head that I had just heard recently). Everyone got a product description and when the tool was used, they read their part and some were called up to use the product themselves.

Then came the sour cream. And, feeling quite clever, I decided to show them how the nifty measure-all cup squirts the food into the bowl. Yes, ladies and more ladies, it missed the bowl. And, that's where the nifty classic scraper gets it all up and back into the bowl. I almost could not stop laughing to finish the demonstration. Must have been nerves.

Then, came the lemon juicer. Awesome little tool. First 1/2 lemon - no problem. Second 1/2 lemon - great. 3rd (for a double glaze recipe) - got help from my daughter and had to finish the job that needed brute strength. Fourth 1/2 lemon, feeling confident, SQUIRT right into the eyes. And again, I started laughing -- with very blurry eyes and had to get control of myself and my audience. Okay, we are having too much fun and I haven't had a glass of wine yet.

My daughter decided to help! (Note the commandered P*mpered Ch*f apron on her-- She's so cute. What a little helper.):

So, all the ingredients made it into the recipe this time and everyone seems pleased with the result. Guests promoted the products themselves with their own stories and Pampered Chef tales. One guest had even sold it before and brought me a cool pink t-shirt with the logo on the side. Another friend sent a table cover with the logo on it earlier that she had found at a garage sale last weekend. Yet another friend brought flowers. Everyone has been so supportive and part of making it just so much fun.

Before I belabor the point, I now have dishes and cookware that ALL go in the dishwasher (except the knives and stoneware) and I look forward to being cleaned up in minutes from my party. Note THE AFTERMATH:

When do I get to come to your house? You actually think I am kidding, don't you? Have cookware, will travel.

First Ever Cooking Demonstration

Tonight is my FIRST ever cooking demonstration for a real party of people (not just my kids, not just my recruiter) and I am running around cleaning like crazy since it is HERE at my house!

I have the catalogs all labeled and tucked in their folders with pens, drawing slips and order forms. The dishes are washed (at least the ones being demonstrated -- not last night's dinner - gotta go do that now). I have my list of recipe ingredients to go get today! I am going to be making microwave lemon cakes. On the side people will be able to sample the already created new summer salad and watermelon-peach salsa. I will find out which recipes I can share with you someday but many are available in the new recipe books.

You might get sick of me talking about P*ampered Ch*f but I am so excited to start representing such a quality product and getting more of them in my kitchen! There are just so many good things to pick from. I will post my website when I get one but for now if you want to browse their online catalog at the above link and want anything, please let me know! In a week or two, I should have my link up and you will be able to go in directly to their secure server and order anything. If you have ever thought about selling their products and having your own flexible business for extra income by being out only a night or two a week, I recruit from afar too!

I have been having some conversations with other direct sales marketers and I have to say that I picked P*mpered Ch*f because as Lydia in the Bible wanted to represent the finest things (purple cloth and Jesus), I want to be a representative of the finest thing I can find that fits into our family lifestyle, is flexible and fun! I am already contracting with my girls to earn a little money to help me and the whole family has benefited from the recipes.

If you know their products and have a favorite item or recipe, please share!

I promised to post a MAX YOUR MENU post but feel free to add more tips here on how you stretch your leftovers over a week with the same or different meats. When I get a nice selection of comments, I'll group them by food type.

Woman's Home Companion Cook Book & Today's Max Your Menu

Since I just read that the theme for Works for Me Wednesdays is What Doesn't Work for me, you must know that cooking in general doesn't work for me and I am on a quest for more organized, frugal and cleverly prepared meals, and thus the following post:

This last week, I was browsing in an antique store and came across the 1945 printing of the Woman's Home Companion Cookbook, with the page on pancakes clearly stained from repeated use during recipe making.

Here is what an entry in the front of the book reads:

WARTIME POSTSCRIPT

"As this edition goes to press our country is still at war. Rationing is in force and shortages of many foods have developed. In a fine spirit of patriotism American homemakers have adapted themselves to the changes. Their minds are open to new ideas: foods they have never served before are now appearing on their tables. So, though you may have to wait until the war is over to try some of the recipes in this book, there are literally hundreds which will add interest and novelty to your wartime menus. If, for example, you haven't enough sugar to make Fruit Torte, there's a delicious Cabinet Pudding using only two tablespoons of that precious ingredient; if you can't obtain a sirloin steak, there's an appetite-teasing T-bone Steak, Family Style; if your busy schedule doesn't allow time to make yeast-raised orange bread, there's a quick one that uses baking powder.

Refer to the chapter on nutrition often. It will tell you how to plan means that will keep your family in top health. A healthy nation is the best contribution our homes can make to our war effort."

BUT, my favorite page is how to have a dinner party without a maid! How great is that. I demand a reprint. I LOVE this gem and will have to bring you some recipes and more tips as I try them.

This Thursday, I will be starting a weekly post called "Max Your Menu" where I would love your input into what you have done with a particular meat to make it stretch your budget. For example, this week, let's say ground beef is the theme of choice. Tonight I browned 4.5 pounds of ground beef. I separated out 1.5 lbs and made Sloppy Joes (or the meat & canned sauce mixture on hamburger buns). Tomorrow I hope to make tacos and we'll see about the next night.

How do YOU make leftovers stretch into new and creative ideas through the week? Leave your comments here and I'll post them on Thursday. In fact, maybe by then, I learn how to do linkies so you can post your own menu stretching recipes and link them in!

Thanks!

Pampered Chef and Me

Well, I did it. I have done it now. I have officially signed up to be a Pampered Chef Consultant.

I said "No" years ago to a neighbor who told me about the opportunity in her own home over delicious treats made with the most durable of kitchenware. She was making pretty good money but I knew I couldn't get out at night. My husband still traveled a lot and it wouldn't work for me. The things I ordered did last and last.

I said "No" to a dear friend who started selling the cookware who made a pretty steady business of it. I already had activities that kept me busy and again, I just wouldn't be able to get out at night. If I had to go to a party, I always preferred hosting it to get the bonus goodies but never wanted to get into being a representative even though the items again were really standing the test of time.

And then I moved.

I moved into a neighborhood with an over abundance of type A women who seem to fit it all in and sell home party stuff. They inspired me to give it a shot. And so I began to pray. I prayed, "Lord, if this will work for our family to give me the daytime flexibility to write and do other creative things, I'll sign up in one week. BUT, first I want to make sure there is interest. Lord, I want to have at least 4-5 parties booked before signing up."

Two days before, I said, "Lord, is there any reason I shouldn't do this? Tell me now." I already had, in one week, 2 shows booked for the first month, three for summer and two catalog parties promised.

Two hours before, I said, "Lord, this is the day. My husband wonders why I would do this if I when I can't cook (even though I promised him this would help my cooking which honestly isn't THAT bad when I put my mind to it). I have gotten a pretty promising response. It will help me earn more in one night than I could in 3 days part-time in some office. But, if this is not your will, give me some reason not to sign up." No answer. But, my mind did go back to a Bible study a couple of weeks ago where we studied Lydia who sold fine purple cloth. I knew if she could pick the finest thing on the market to represent and still serve the Lord, so could I.

So, in a matter of seconds last Friday, I did it. I signed the agreement online, paid my $155 for the starter kit and its on the way.  I am honestly very excited about the opportunity to get out a night or two each week to be with other women sharing what we all love to do best - eat, talk about eating, talk about dieting and talk about how we shouldn't be eating what we are eating when we are eating it. Maybe I will focus on low-fat recipes to help us all.

I'll let you know how it goes! Any Pampered Chef reps out there with tips for me? In a month or two, I will be able to add a link for anyone to order items but I can take e-mail orders if anyone knows the wonderful kitchen gadgets and cookware and wants anything. I can mail out catalogs too. Sorry for the shameless plug but I think it is a good thing and want to share the joy.

Bag of Bread Breakdown - Amish Friendship Bread

If you should risk all to say "Yes" to a bag of Amish friendship bread starter, here's what you do:

Do NOT refrigerate.
If air gets in the bag, let it out.
It is normal for the batter to rise and ferment.

Directions:

Day 1: Do Nothing.
Day 2: Mash the bag.
Day 3: Mash the bag.
Day 4: Mash the bag.
Day 5: Mash the bag.
Day 6: Add to the bag: 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of milk. Mash the bag.
Day 7: Mash the bag.
Day 8: Mash the bag.
Day 9: Mash the bag.
Day 10: Follow the instructions below and bake.

Pour the entire contents of the bag into a NON METAL bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 1/2 cups flour, and 1 1/2 cups milk.

Take 4, 1 gallon Ziploc bags and place 1 cup of batter into each bag.

Keep a starter for yourself and give the other three bags to three friends, along with a copy of the recipe. Note: If you keep a starter, you will be baking every 10 days. The bread is very good and makes a great gift especially when you try different fillers like chocolate chips, etc. Only the Amish know how to make a starter, so if you give them all away, you will have to wait until someone gives you a starter back. Should this recipe not be passed on to a friend on the first day, be sure to tell the friend which day the bag is on when presented to them.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. To the remaining batter, add in this order: 3 eggs, 1 cup of oil, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, 2 tsp. cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 cup milk, 2 cups flour, 1 large box of vanilla or chocolate or lemon instant pudding (lemon is said to taste the best) or two small boxes of the pudding. Optional, 1 cup of raisins or chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
3. Grease two large loaf pans. Muffin tins work well also. In a small bowl, mix an additional 1/2 sugar and cinnamon to taste. Dust the greased pans with half of the mixture.
4. Pour the batter evenly into two pans. Sprinkle the remaining mixture over the top.
5. Bake for 1 hour. Cool until the bread loosens evenly from the sides of the pan.
Turn onto plate. Enjoy!!

NOTE: When you have had it up to your ears in baking and the freezer is full, the beginning batter for the recipe measures 2 cups which means you could just make up all the batter instead of separating it out. Since you were starting with 6 cups and taking out 4, instead you could make the recipe 3 times using 2 cups of batter for each. Make sense?

Anyone live close by and want starter? I am getting overloaded with bread and muffins. Maybe you just want the finished product. I can make that happen too!

Blondie Brownies w/ Chocolate Chips

In the grand tradition of all women's magazines, dieting was yesterday so today I am sharing a scrumptious easy fattening recipe today that my kids love. If you are in a pinch for something easy to make and serve, these delights always get us through with basic ingredients that are almost always on hand.

Blondie Brownies with Chocolate Chips

1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or butterscotch chips)
Optional: 1/2 cup pecans

Cream butter, gradually adding in brown sugar, egg and vanilla. Beat well.
Combine flour, soda and salt and add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in chocolate or butterscotch chips and nuts if desired. (Add colorful M&M minis for a festive flair.)

Spread mixture in greased 8" square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool and cut into squares. Enjoy and share!

T.G.I. Fridays on a Monday

Gotta Luv T.G.I. Fridays on a dreary Monday night. Do you know what I love about it? Other than being served your food on an otherwise do-it-yourself night, they have some awesome Atkins/South Beach friendly items.

For my dinner, I picked the French Onion Soup which was wonderfully delicious. Just stay away from the bread on top (hidden under the cheese) and you are "no-carb" happy! Add to that the spinach-artichoke dip with veggies on the side instead of chips and your waist will be whistling a new tune (at least that's what I am banking on! Hopefully the hour at the YMCA this morning will do some whittling too!)

Other than feeling good about sticking to a low-carb dinner, I have to say that the night out with two lovely little ladies (my daughters) was truly a treat. One called home sick right when I was walking out the door for a lunch with a friend and so I was feeling restaurant deprived. You go to the trouble to get out of sweats, do your hair, put on your make-up and what? Sick kid! I asked L. why she didn't wait at least another hour to go to the nurse but, what do you do? She was feeling better by dinner so YEAH! - out we go. Daddy's away on a trip and these fashionistas are hitting the town (at the little local mall).

Actually the idea came from a trip earlier when I saw bookbags on sale. The girls' bookbags are completely beat from two years ago and the store had some great prices on bookbags in a huge bin. The girls were able to refresh their "look" without breaking my bank!

Well, that is enough today! Have a super day, night, week, month, year  . . . life. . . .

Fun Food Friday - Chocolate Cream Cheese Pudding

While many of you don't need recipes for losing weight, I certainly do! Here is one recipe my husband and I enjoy when we want a little more than the no-carbs, veggies, & limited fruit we are allowing ourselves:

Cream Cheese Pudding:

16 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup Splenda (or less depending on your taste)
1 pkt sugar-free Chocolate flavored pudding*
1 pkg unflavored gelatin.

(*Original recipe pulled from the internet used Butterscotch but we like chocolate. I have also used the uncooked cooking pudding powder or the instant which give different consistencies again depending on the taste you are looking for. The uncooked is smoother at first and tastes better right after you make it. The instant does better after refrigerating for a while.)

Directions:
In one bowl, mix cream cheese, cream, Splenda until well blended. Add pudding pkt. Mix well. In a small bowl, mix gelatin with 1/3 cup cold water. Then microwave the gelatin water on high for 1 minute. Mix the hot gelatin into cream cheese mixture.

Pour mixture into individual cups or a pie pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

In a pinch, just make the sugar free chocolate pudding with milk, leaving out the cream cheese calories!

(I am on a crash protein and veggie diet to jumpstart the 20 pounds I want to lose and I am exercising like crazy. For those health conscious who don't believe in "no-carbs", I plan to add back fruit on Monday and I am taking my vitamins. I also plan to add back in some whole grains in another week. Thank you for caring. It is always important to be smart on your diet and know what your body can handle.)

Chocolate Mii for the Wii lover

Popgadget has the items you never knew you wanted or needed. I just found this site and I thought I would share it since some of you might need some Valentines ideas and have no idea what to buy! Here it is: The Chocolate Mii for the Wii lover.

And here is what Popgadget says about it:

It’s that time of year when we get to share with you those wonderful tokens of tech love, or rather love for the techie in your life. If you are the partner of a Wii addict, I recommend purchasing this year’s hottest confection--the chocolate Mii.

Chocolate Mii is crafted to look like a miniature Wii, bolding displaying the message “Wii belong together, you and Mii.” Your sweetie will open the Wii-shaped box to uncover two chocolate Miis with red-hot hearts on their shirts.

Chocolate Miis are each made with 2.1 oz (think king-sized candy bar) of gourmet milk, dark, or while chocolate from Omaha Chocolate Company.

Price:  $14.95, pick your combination and order at Paul Papa Designs .

Go Valentine Geekery!!

Ohhhhh - just found this one (also on Popgadget). Can't live without it.
Imagine this coming down the ski slopes! Pac Man just ate my head!!

Okay, enough silliness. It's getting late and I have to put a daughter and sleepover friend to bed.

I promise to be deeply reflective and thoughtful (tomorrow, maybe). God loves a sense of humor too.

Tastefully Tuesday: GOP Chili

From the Official Cookbook of the International Chili Society comes, in time of political upheaval, a recipe to bond us all:

GOP Chili (from Former South Dakota Governor Walter D. MIller)

"What looked like just a cleverly written recipe for chili turned out to be one of the biggest hits with our tasting panel. The sun-dried tomatoes not only lent a rich, sweet taste to the finished product but prompted two liberals to switch party allegiance." From the All-American Chili Cookbook by Jenny Kellner and Richard Rosenblatt.

4 lbs GOP extra-lean, no-excess-fat meat (beef or pork, your choice)
1 tsp oil
1 stalk celery, chopped (Democrat celery --lots of strings attached)
2 large onions, chopped (causing big Democrat tears to go with the red faces)
6 jalapeno peppers, chopped
1 lb. green bell peppers, chopped
1 cup beef stock (building a strong GOP foundation for this recipe)
2 quarts hot chili beans (because Republicans are out front, forging new paths)
2 quarts sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 quarts tomato sauce (both as red as the Democrat's faces were the 1994 elections)
3/4 cup hot pure chile powder (packing necessary punch to finish off the Democrats)
1/4 cup ground cumin (to balance the recipe like the GOP balances the budget.)
1/4 cup garlic powder (to ward off Bram Stoker Democrats)
2 Tbs black pepper (A-CHOO! God bless the GOP!)
2 Tbs cayenne (too strong for the weak-willed Democrats' taste buds)

No preparation instructions are included because, just as in their view of the government, Republicans don't need excessive directions or regulations to ensure successful results.

For those accustomed to a little guidance, former governor Miller adds: Saute beef in non-stick skillet until no longer pink, drain off fat, and set aside. In a big pot, heat a little oil and saute celery, onions, jalapenos, and bell peppers until soft. Mix in beef stock, beans, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add spices and meat and simmer 3 hours. Refrigerate overnight, simmer another 3 hours, and serve.

Makes 12 servings.