Train Wreck

You may call this dish Cincinnati Chili or Skyline chili,  but the family we got the recipe from called it Train Wreck.  For reasons that will soon become apparent, it just seems more fitting. 

You can make enough for 2 or feed a very large and hungry crowd.  It’s really fun to see all the different topping combinations people come up with… so go on, be adventurous! 

YOUR BASIC HOW TO MAKE A TRAIN WRECK: 

1.  Whip up your favorite chili
2.  Boil spaghetti and drain
3.  Assemble toppings while spaghetti is cooking

Serve chili on spaghetti and pile on your favorite toppings.  

Toppings may include, but are not limited to: cheese, onions, green pepper, lettuce, tomato, salsa, sour cream, avocado, olives, Fritos, crushed tortilla chips.  If you remotely think it could go with a train wreck, chop it up and call it a topping.   Trust me. Someone will try it.

A few examples: 

 

A purist. Cheese and only cheese.  Please.

An almost purist who added some onion to their cheese.   Just a smidge.

Lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese with sour cream on top. My, aren’t you venturesome? 

Have fun trying new combinations of toppings and let me know your favorites and your fails.  I’ve seen a few freaky-deaky train wrecks in my time.  The weirdest topping ever?  Coconut.  Um, ewww. 

Posted to Day 4 of the  Second Annual Bloggy Progressive Dinner, hosted by Cooking During Stolen Moments. 

Herbed Ritz Bits Crackers…

Friends and family absolutely rave over these yummy crackers! They have become a holiday favorite.   You’ll be surprised that they do not get soggy after marinating so long. They are crispy as well as tasty!

Ritzy Ritz Bits
2 (10 1/2-ounce) boxes Ritz Cheese Bits, not peanut butter flavor
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Place the crackers in a large sealable freezer container. In a bowl, mix the oil, salad dressing mix and garlic powder. Pour this mixture over the crackers, cover the container, and gently invert it to coat the crackers with seasoning. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, turning the container every so often to keep the crackers coated. Let the mixture come to room temperature before serving. Store in the covered container in refrigerator.

Posted  to Bloggy Progressive Dinner appetizers at  Balancing Beauty and Bedlam  and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. 

Birthday Eggnog

My sons’ birthdays are on consecutive days, 8 days before Christmas.  They are 6 hours from being exactly 10 years apart and have always celebrated their birthdays together, usually on the youngest son’s birthday, as his comes first :)   So far, they have celebrated 14 birthdays together and treasure each one.  Because their birthdays are so close to Christmas, they have a special menu for their dinner.  Every item on the menu is only made once a year, for their birthday.  And always this must include birthday eggnog. 

Here are the imps at their last birthday: 

 

This recipe originally came from Parents magazine.  A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, as evidenced by the fact that it contains raw eggs.  The recipe simply advised to use very fresh eggs and we’ve been making it this way for more than 20 years with absolutely no ill effects.  But use your discretion, if this is a concern for you. 

Fair warning.  Once you try this light and delicious beverage, you’ll never be able to drink the icky thick stuff from the supermarket again.  Ever.

Birthday Eggnog

6 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar
2 quarts (8 cups) milk
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened & cut into 1 inch cubes
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.  Transfer to another bowl.  Beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale yellow, about 3-5 minutes.  Gradually stir in milk, add ice cream and stir until completely blended.  Fold in egg whites and sprinkle with nutmeg.  Keep refrigerated and serve cold. 

Mmm.  Creamy and delightful. 

Visit JessieLeigh at Parenting the Tiniest of Miracles for more delicious progressive dinner beverages.

BLaCK FRiDaY SPeCiALs

Black Friday through Monday Everything in PrairieCottageRose and puddintoes is 15% off! 

Prices will already be adjusted so you can just purchase and go…. No code and no looking for a refund!

Check out the team blog for specials and more by my teammates or just type sheteam into the search field on Etsy. 

Thank you and you may now return to your regularly scheduled festivities :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Thanksgiving

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
Psalm 63:5

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

In case you get tired of pumpkin… here’s something yummy.  And it happens to be easy peasy lemon squeezy.

 
LEMON POPPY SEED BREAD
1 lemon or yellow cake mix
1 package (3 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1-2 tablespoons poppy seeds 
3 tablespoons flour 

Throw it all in a bowl.  Beat with a mixer for 3 minutes.  Bake @ 350 in 2 loaf pans or 1 Bundt pan 40-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out cleanly.

Variations: 
Chocolate Poppy Seed Cake: Substitute chocolate cake mix and chocolate instant pudding. 
Almond Vanilla Poppy Seed Cake: Substitute white cake mix, vanilla instant pudding and add 1 teaspoon almond extract. 

See? Nothing to it.  Be sure to freeze some slices for your holiday trays. 

Posted to Dining With Debbie, Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.   

Not enough hours…

in my days lately.  I’m sure you know the feeling. 

Desperately trying to keep up with homeschool, work and a few special requests for my Etsy shop. 

Here are the newest items in PrairieCottageRose: 

Crocheted cotton spa set and handmade soap in a vintage carved and lined box.  I’m really loving this box.  A lot. 

Snowman table  runner with red scarves.  I’m so happy with how they turned out.  This is a close up of 2 snowmen, but there are 5  of them, cut paper doll style in this runner. 

This one is my absolute favorite.  I love the colors… not just for Christmas, but for the snowy winter months, too.  It is already on the way to its new home. Yay!

SaNTa table runners in green and red. 

Santa coffee cozies in red or green. 

Up next:  Baby Jesus table runners, a special suggestion from a sweet and patient buyer in AuSTRaLiA!

So how’s your Monday starting so far?