PASTA, HAM AND PEA SALAD

 PASTA, HAM AND PEA SALAD (LIKE RUBY TUESDAY'S)
1 pound rotini pasta
3/4 cup reduced-fat ranch dressing
3/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise (used olive oil mayo)
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
aslo added a dash of onion powder and black pepper
8 ounces diced ham
1 cup frozen green peas, defrosted
4 ounces (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well and place in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk the ranch dressing, mayonnaise and seasoning salt. Toss the dressing with the pasta and then gently stir in the ham, peas, cheese and bell pepper. Taste and add more seasoning salt, if needed. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Makes 8-10 side dish servings.

This recipe slightly adjusted from one I saw on Pinterest; PASTA, HAM AND PEA SALAD

I made this for the first time today. Yum, I ate a bowl before I put it in the fridge.
 

Two of my favorite recipes.

I realized this morning that in the past 24 hours I've made two recipes from one blog.  I thought I should share the links because I make these over and over again.  Thank you Lynn's Kitchen Adventures!

Double Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins these freeze well, they make a big batch, like super chocolate brownies with a hint of pumpkin/cinnamon.

Broccoli Beef Stir Fry You'll never like the buffet version over your own, just try it!

Book Review: A Perfect Word for Every Occasion

I am doing a book review of A Perfect Word for Every Occasion  by Liz Duckworth; this was sent to me by Bethany House Publishing Group specifically as a review copy.

My first reaction was, wow! After a brief perusal of the contents, a flip through the book and the summary on the back, I became more excited about using this as a reference tool.  The summary says it offers "examples and guidelines for things to say, lines to write and scripture verses to share" and "you'll even discover what not to say".   This book delivers as promised.

The table of contents divides the book into situations you may encounter, but wonder what words to use, such as; grieving, gratitude, weddings, birthdays, sick and suffering and more!  As I went further into my reading I was very amused by the what not to do sections on etiquette.

I would recommend this book for anyone.  It would also make a good gift item, to keep on hand. I plan to keep my copy with my dictionary and reference books and use it to be more eloquent in the future. 

Spooky Witches Fingers

My son, who is 6, has a Cub Scout Halloween party tonight.  The invite requested us to bring a ghoulish snack. I choose witch fingers.  Below is a link, to allrecipes.com for the recipe.

Spooky Witches Fingers

50% Off Halloween Costumes With Free Shipping

There's still time to get a nice Halloween costume without leaving home or paying shipping.  Kmart is having a 50% sale on costumes and free shipping on Friday and Saturday.  To get the free shipping offer just use promo code SPOOKYSHIP at checkout.

Click here for  50% Off Halloween Costumes With Free Shipping

Land O Lakes Saute Express printable

*New Product* $1.00/1 Land O Lakes Saute Express printable {Print now!} 

I love high value coupons on new items.

Get your $1.00/1 Land O Lakes Saute Express printable.

 

Same old...

Below is literally a cut and paste of last year's resolutions. I swear I made progress, but not completion on them. So, I want to keep the same goals. At least I am consistent.

I don't try to do crazy New Year's Resolutions. I do try to learn new things and new ways. Here's my list.

1. Do better at doing daily devotionals with the littles.
   
2. Simplify. Use less, talk less, organize, donate crap I don't need. No clutter by 2012?
   
3. Be Intentional. (I saw this on many blogs...) It makes sense, if you add it to your every action.
   
4. Quit throwing chip and/or cheese on things just because my hubby does and it tastes good.
5. Spend more time outside. I tend to stay in too much, I like comfort, and lets face it I hate allergy issues, mud on my shoes, wind, bugs and the patch of ice that always gets me.
   
6. Do my homework in a more timely manner. It's hard to read college text. I love to read, even dry informative things, just not assigned reading.
   
7. Training of others; my dear family and myself. Ha! They will learn not to be intimidated by the washing of stoneware, cast-iron or other such things that cannot soak or go in the dishwasher, hand washing is not scary (unless your hands crack the minute they enter the sink). Close the bathroom door. Get garments to the proper place; laundry, hook, drawer, not floor. If it doesn't look like your bedroom, it's not a public space; remove your clutter (me too).
8. Share my savings, coupons and more in my blog!
9. Actually make my own yogurt and sourdough bread starter. Convince my husband that things that look like gross science experiments in jars have friendly bugs that help us digest and fight bigger bugs.

New Year, New Recipes

Happy 2012! Here's to a great year of trying new things and keeping wonderful traditions. I'm in a cooking mood! I tried 3 new recipes today, one is still cooking.

Sound good to you? Try one! Click on the name for a recipe link.

Crock Pot Balsamic Chicken

Scrumptious Baked Cinnamon Breakfast Bites

Orange Fluff