Ballard Business: A Week of Good Times!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A Week of Good Times!

This blogging thing has really got me going! Each day a new buddy pops up that I haven't heard from in a while and it just brightens my day. Thanks to all of you for posting a blurb so I "blog stalk" you right back! I am lovin it...
We had a great week full of all the good things in life: holiday smiles, BYU cheers (and tears), family time and watching the first snow fall of the year (a child's dream and a mommies tired "sigh" meaning she will once again take the snow clothes on and off again at least 500 times in the next few months - and still love it).

The first of many Halloween outings with the boys (Karly seems to have already outgrown the desire to wear a costume, or at least skipped it entirely).

All my boys intently watching the BYU game this week (sad sad day).

The boys love their cousins and got to see them at a baby blessing for cousin Nu'u.

The first snowfall of the season and we loved playing in it (especially now that we have grass instead of mudd).

Happy Trails Everyone!

11 comments:

Hilary said...: Oh, we love the Ballard family! so fun to see your cute happy family. We miss you guys SO much! Oh, and by the way I Look WAY WAY up to you and your mothering skills!; October 18, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Higley's said...: Hi Dallin! We are excited to see you next Sunday in the primary program! Tell your mom, dad, and siblings hello for us!; October 20, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Suzy said...: Kelly! I found you! I'm so happy!! Now I can keep up with your awesome family. Your pictures are so cute! I love the one of your boys on the couch watching their team play. How fun. (sad for them, I guess!); October 22, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Lisa Loo said...: Hey Kel!
Cute Halloween pics! We had a blast at This is the place. Thanks for thinking of us. I hope you are having a great time on your little get away.
Lisa; October 23, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Jess said...: Recipe of the week...is that were I got that recipe. My kids love it!; October 23, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Brittany said...: Looks like fun:) I am a blog stalker, too, I guess. I like checking up on my favorite Primary Pres.; October 24, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Shalee said...: Hey you! I love the pics, So adorable. Cant wait to hear all about DC!

also this is our blog.....
apairofprices.blogspot.com; October 24, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Shalee said...: Hey you! I love the pics, So adorable. Cant wait to hear all about DC!

also this is our blog.....
apairofprices.blogspot.com; October 24, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Shalee said...: Hey you! Your pics are SO adorable! Cant wait to hear all about DC:):)

This is our blog.....
apairofprices.blogspot.com; October 24, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Megan said...: Hey Kelly. This is Megan Anderson from the days back in Pilgrim's Landing. I found your blog through Autumn T. It looks like your family is doing well. I just wanted to say Hello and thanks for the recipes. I love cooking and especially love getting new recipes. We shed a few tears over the last Coug game as well. We were bummed. Well anyways I just wanted to say hello and keep adding new recipes I love them. Take care.

Megan
adallyn.blogspot.com; October 25, 2008 at 10:39 AM
The Boyacks said...: I love the pictures of your boys with Mike. That is priceless.; October 28, 2008 at 1:05 PM

From My Kitchen

I got this from my Aunt Steph and served it at my little brother's wedding. Since then I can't even count how many times people have asked me for the recipe. I could probably eat it for a week straight and still LOVE it! Combine: 1/2 c. red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. fresh basil 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 3 cloves of minced garlic 1/2 tsp. oregano 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 T. sugar 1 T. parsley or chives Mix well then add 1/2 c. olive oil, 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes (diced) and 1/2 red onion sliced very thinly. Marinate for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve mix 3/4 c. mayonnaise & 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Cut 1 loaf baguette bread into thin slices. Spread with mayo-cheese mix. Top with one tablespoon of tomato mixture then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Broil about 5 minutes till crusted and serve promptly.

Frosted Cinnamon Rolls

Quick Cooking

Add into bread machine:
1 c. warm milk *
¼ c. water *
¼ c. butter *
1 egg *
1 tsp. salt *
4 c. flour *
¼ c. instant vanilla pudding mix *
1 T. sugar *
1 T. active dry yeast *

Cook on dough setting until finished. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and roll out to 17 in. x 10 in. Spread with ¼ c. melted/softened butter. Sprinkle with 1-2 c. brown sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon.

Roll up into jelly roll and pinch sides to seal. Cut into 21 slices and place in 9 x 13 pan and 9 x 9 pan greased pan. Let rise in warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool on racks for 5 minutes and frost with the following:

4 oz. softened cream cheese *
¼ c. softened butter *
1 ½ c. confectioners sugar *
1 ½ tsp. milk *
½ tsp. vanilla extract *

Beat together and frost warm rolls.

Homemade Orea Cookies

Our Favorite Sausage Gravy

1 lb. pork sausage

1 onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 T garlic, minced

4 T unsalted butter

salt and pepper to taste

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon minced fresh sage

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

2 cups milk, divided

2 cubes chicken bouillon

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

In a skillet on medium heat cook pork, onion, green pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic until pork is crumbly. Drain off excess fat, but leave a small amount.

Combine butter, salt and pepper with the meat mixture and stir until butter melts. Slowly sift flour over the top. Mix gently and allow mixture to cook for 5 minutes. It will burn, so do not let it sit unguarded. Don't forget to scrape the bottom of the pan. Add the sage and thyme (if you used Italian seasoned sausage, omit sage and thyme)

Slowly stir in milk, about a half a cup at a time, and incorporate it well. When the mixture thickens, add more milk. Do not let it boil vigorously, or it will burn. Add chicken bullion and let cook for five minutes. Again, if it thickens too much, add more milk. Adjust taste with more salt and pepper if needed.

Just before serving, add the parsley, and about a 1/4 cup more milk; the gravy will thicken quickly as it cools.

Chicken Rolls

Nola's Pizza Sauce

I have looked for a great homemade pizza sauce and this one has past the test so far....

Combine in sauce pan:

15 oz. can tomato sauce or blended diced tomatoes

¼ tsp. oregano

¼ tsp. dried thyme

¼ tsp. salt

½ tsp. lemon juice

1 ½ tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. dried basil

¼ tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

dash of onion powder

Heat until bubbly, then turn down to low and simmer for 30-60 minutes. When cooled store in fridge in tightly sealed container. Double the recipe and freeze some too. Use for pizza or dipping sauce for bread sticks.

Croissant French Toast

Great Cooking Magazine

Vanilla Sauce:

1 T. Flour 4 egg yolks

1 T. Vanilla extract ½ c. sugar

2 c. whipping cream

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

Combine flour, yolks, vanilla- set aside. In saucepan over medium heat, bring cream and sugar to boil. Remove from heat and add small amount of cream to egg mixture. Return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to gentle boil and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in ice cream until melted. Set aside.

Berry Sauce:

2 c. raspberries 2 T. Sugar

Combine in saucepan and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Beat 3 eggs and dip 8 slices of croissants in mixture. Brown both sides on griddle in butter. Serve with vanilla and berry sauces on the side.

Homemade Pretzels

Dissolve: 1 T. yeast

1 ½ c. warm water

Combine: 4 c. flour

1 ½ tsp. sugar

¾ tsp. salt

Add yeast water to flour mixture and mix well until blended. Knead until smooth and elastic. Shape (they grow twice the size, so make the pretzels thin- about ½ inch wide) and place on greased pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or on convection speed for 10-12 minutes.

After baking brush with butter, then sprinkle with kosher salt (this can be done before baking as well) OR cinnamon sugar. Great activity for groups of kids.

Apricot Chicken

My dear buddy Liza brought me lunch one day during a tough time in my life (Law School, 2 toddlers, & RS President among other things...) It was SO yummy and each time I eat it I remember her thoughtfullness that touched me that day.

1 pkg. Onion Seasoning Mix
1 jar Apricot Jam
1 bottle Russian Salad Dressing

Mix and pour over 4 chicken breasts in sauce pan. Simmer for 20 minutes until chicken cooked through (works great in crock pot too). Serve over rice and veggies or mashed potatoes. Such a great food storage recipe. Love you Liza!

ps-other weeks recipes are found below

Green Beans with warm Bacon Dressing

I love this with FRESH green beans from our local market!

3 slices bacon, chopped

1 large shallot, minced

½ c. chicken broth

1 Tbs. cider or red-wine vinegar

1 lb. green beans, trimmed

In skillet, cook chopped bacon till crisp. Remove and set aside. Add shallot and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in chicken broth and vinegar, and bring to boil over high heat; cook for 2 minutes. Reduce to low and keep warm. Boil 4 quarts of salted water. Add beans and cook for 5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Drain well. Whisk warm dressing and spoon evenly over green beans, then sprinkle with bacon. Makes 6 servings.

Kelly's Favorite Bruchetta

Combine:

1/2 c. red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. fresh basil

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

3 cloves of minced garlic

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 T. sugar

1 T. parsley or chives

Mix well then add 1/2 c. olive oil, 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes (diced) and 1/2 red onion sliced very thinly. Marinate for several hours or overnight.

When ready to serve mix 3/4 c. mayonnaise & 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Cut 1 loaf baguette bread into thin slices. Spread with mayo-cheese mix. Top with one tablespoon of tomato mixture then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Broil about 5 minutes till crusted and serve promptly.