Sew God's Grace

I discovered this recipe  for No Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls several years ago.  The kids really loved them, but I struggled to make them because they were so hard to mix by hand.  Then I discovered that I could mix them using my 8 quart Kitchenaid mixer.  This recipe is the absolute maximum that my 8 quart bowl can handle, so if you have a smaller mixer, you will need to at least halve the recipe.  I also added protein powder for a little protein boost and adjusted the liquid added accordingly. I make these once a week.  They are the perfect lunch staple, afternoon snack, or anytime pick me up.  Hope you enjoy! Peanut Butter Energy Balls 8 cups quick oats 4 1/2 cups peanut butter 1 1/4 cups honey 1 cup vanilla protein powder (I use this one)  1 1/4 cups mini chocolate chips Place all ingredients except chocolate chips in mixer and mix on low until combined.  Add chocolate chips and mix until incorporated.  Shape into 1 inch balls....

I used to be intimidated by the thought of making scones.  However, once I tried it I discovered that they are relatively easy.  The few tips that I will offer include keeping your ingredients cold and using the food processor to cut the butter into the flour.  (I have never been one for doing this step by hand!)  So grab your ingredients, and you can have fresh, homemade scones on the table for breakfast in about half and hour! Chocolate Chip Scones (adapted from this recipe) 2 cups all purpose flour 2 Tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup butter, chilled 1/2 to 1 cup miniature chocolate chips 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup half and half (the original recipe calls for milk, so go for it if you don't have half and half on hand!) Course sugar, optional Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and prepare a large baking sheet by placing parchment paper on top or lightly greasing.  Whisk egg and half and half in a small bowl and place in the fr...

I've made these brownies quite a bit, especially since my oldest has started eating grain and dairy free.  They are quick to throw together and are even enjoyed by my non-Paleo eaters.  Here's the recipe (slightly modified from this recipe ): Paleo Brownies 6 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 3 eggs, room temperature 3/4 cup cocoa powder 3/4 almond butter (we use no sugar added) 2/3 cup honey 3/8 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 1/4 cup mini enjoy life chocolate chips, optional Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Grease a 7 by 10 inch pan with coconut oil.   Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in food processor and mix until well-blended.  Spread into prepared pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired. Bake 28 to 30 minutes or until center is almost set.  Let cool, and store in the fridge until devoured!  Enjoy!

I have made these cinnamon rolls more times than I can count!  I have combined a couple of recipes and modified them slightly, so I decided to post my techniques all in one place.  The recipe I use for the rolls is actually from a raspberry sweet roll recipe that I found on Pinterest.  I have actually made the entire recipe, and it is really good.  The recipe for the frosting is from a post for 30 minute cinnamon knots .  However, I double the recipe because we like a little bit of cinnamon roll with our frosting!  I highly recommned making the cinnamon knot recipe with kids--it's quick, easy, and fun.  (It is also messy, so make these before you plan to mop your kitchen floor! Also, plan for the process to take longer than 30 minutes!  ☺)  Here's my recipe! Our Favorite Cinnamon Rolls (adapted from this recipe ) 2 cups whole milk (2% works, too) 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 4 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast  7  cups al...

I believe that, for most recipes, "bacon makes it better"!  So, when I saw a recipe for bacon-wrapped chicken, I knew I had to try it. Since my discovery of the recipe, I have made this dish often.  It is always a hit at potlucks.  Just place in the crockpot on the keep warm setting.  To serve as an appetizer, you can cut the chicken into three strips and put a toothpick into each piece.   Here is the recipe (adapted from this recipe ) Bacon-wrapped Chicken 2.5 pounds chicken breasts (about 4 ounces each chicken breast.  I use a box of Schwan's chicken breasts) 20 thin slices bacon (thick does not work as well to wrap around the chicken strips) 1/4 cup honey 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 Tablespoon brown mustard Fresh ground black pepper Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Cut each piece of chicken lenghtwise into two strips.  Wrap each piece of chicken with a  strip of bacon.  (Tip: I do this with the chicken still part...

  I'll be honest, some of my kids will only eat boxed macaroni and cheese.  However, one day we were out  and decided to make homemade in the instant pot.  I adapted my recipe slightly from this one  so that it would make a bigger batch! Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese (adapted from this recipe ) 1 sixteen ounce box rotini pasta Approximately 6 cups water 4 1/2 tablespoons butter 1 twelve ounce can evaporated milk 3 cups shredded Colby and Monterrey Jack cheese (or your favorite shredded cheese) salt, to taste Place pasta in instant pot crock (I used my eight quart one) and cover with water.  Secure lid on instant pot and pressure cook for 3 minutes.  Release pressure and drain pasta.  Set instant pot to saute, add butter to the crock, and stir until it is melted.  I then press the cancel button and put the instant pot on the "Keep Warm" setting.  Then add milk and shredded cheese and stir.  Taste and add salt if needed.  If th...

This is a family favorite recipe that I remember my mother-in-law making when Matt brought me home to visit one time.  It's easy, cheesy, and delicious, so I thought I'd better add it to the blog!  Here's the recipe: Taco Casserole 1 pound hamburger, browned and drained 1 small can refried beans 1 small can cream of chicken soup 1 cup cubed Velveeta cheese 3/4 cup salsa 2 cups shredded cheese (we like the Colby/Monterrey Jack blend) Doritos nacho cheese chips Grease a 9 by 13 inch pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except Doritos well.  Crush some Doritos, and put them in the bottom of the pan.  Spread taco mixture over the chips and add more crushed Doritos on top.  Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through.  Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, or other taco toppings as desired! Note: this recipe also freezes well.  Just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

The first time I ever had these was when I spent Thanksgiving with my then-fiance's family.  Matt's mom had made a batch that were in the crock pot available while we were waiting for lunch.  I think I ate at least six!   So for Thanksgiving yesterday I decided to make some.  These sausage balls keep well in the refrigerator for several days.  You can also freeze them.  Enjoy! Sausage Balls 2 cups Bisquick 2 cups shredded cheese 1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled 1/2 cup water In a large bowl, mix all ingredients with a spoon.  If the dough is not sticking together, add up to a tablespoon of water.  Scoop onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.  I use a medium-sized cookie scoop.  Bake at 375 degrees for 18 minutes or until browned.  Serve immediately or place in lightly-sprayed crockpot on low/keep warm.  

This year, our school did not have an official eighth grade promotion celebration due to COVID-19 restrictions.  However, I wanted to have a small celebration with close family at our house to celebrate my oldest son's eighth grade promotion.  I asked him what kind of cake he wanted, and he requested a chocolate chip cookie dough cake.  My sister-in-law had made one for my nephew's birthday a while back, and it was a hit!  I made the recipe that my sister-in-law used with a few tweaks.  Since some of my other children have already asked me to make it again, I wanted to get everything down in my blog for future reference. The original recipe can be found here , and it uses a boxed cake mix.  I have no problem with that, but I decided to use my friend's homemade chocolate cake recipe.  I think it produces a little denser cake that holds up better to that thick cookie dough layer.  I also used the option to bake two 9 inch round cakes instead ...

My oldest daughter ran cross country this year, and every Friday one of the moms would provide breakfast after their early-morning practice.  One Friday, she told me that they had a biscuit and gravy casserole that was so good that I had to get the recipe.  I did, and I also looked up several variations on Pinterest.  Here is my version. Biscuits and Gravy Casserole:  (adapted from this recipe ) 2 cans refrigerated biscuits 12 pre-cooked sausage links, halved and chopped (or you can use 1 pound sausage, cooked and drained) 2 1/2 cups milk 1/4 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon pepper salt to taste (I find that with using the pre-cooked links that I don't need any.) 1 -2 tablespoons butter, melted Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray a 9 by 13 inch pan with cooking spray.  Press one can of biscuits into the bottom of the pan and bake about 8 minutes or until browned.  Meanwhile, whisk milk with flour and seasonings.  Place mixture and sausage int...

My friend Michelle gave me this recipe several years ago.  I forgot about it until I found it in a bin in my kitchen recently.  I decided I needed to get it on my blog so that I wouldn't lose it again.  My second daughter, Anna, is a big fan of oatmeal raisin cookies, so we made them today.  Here's the recipe. Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups old fashioned oats 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon salt (I omit) 1 cup butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup brown sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup raisins Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  In a medium bowl, mix together dry ingredients--flour through salt.  In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars for 2 minutes or until light and fluffy.  Add vanilla and eggs and mix until incorporated.  Gradually mix in flour.  Then stir in the raisins. Bake on greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet for ...

I have made this recipe more times than I can count!  I got the recipe from my mother-in-law years ago, and I finally am getting it onto my blog.  It calls for onions, but I always omit those since my family doesn't care for them.  I included them in the recipe, though, because I know many of you out there like them in your meatballs.  This is a great recipe for the freezer, too! Here's the recipe: BBQ Meatballs 1 can evaporated milk 3 lb. hamburger 2 c. quick oatmeal 2 eggs 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 c. chopped onion (I omit) 2 tsp. chili powder 2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper      Sauce: 2 c. Ketchup 1 c. brown sugar 1/4 c. yellow mustard (I added this to the original recipe because that's what my mom always put in our BBQ sauce) 1/2 c. chopped onion (I omit) 1-2 Tbsp. liquid smoke (I omit) 1/2 tsp. garlic powder (I omit)     For meatballs, mix ingredients (I put them in my Kitchenaid mixer--so much better than using yo...

Paleo Breakfast Casserole 1/2 pounds sausage (can use Italian sausage or make your own) 5 slices bacon, cut into small pieces 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped 1 large or two small sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded (I use the food processor for this) 10 eggs 1/2 cup coconut milk Set the instant pot to saute and put on the medium setting.  Add the sausage, bacon, and peppers and cook until sausage is no longer pink.  While this is cooking, mix eggs and milk in a large bowl and use a hand held mixer or immersion blender to beat up well.  With coconut oil, grease a 2 quart round casserole dish that will fit into your instant pot.  When meat is done, drain if needed/desired.  Add meat mixture and shredded sweet potatoes to eggs and stir to combine.  Pour into prepared dish and cover with aluminum foil.  Place 1 1/2 cups water (or whatever is the required minimum amount for your instant pot) into the bott...

Sometimes the best recipes happen a little by accident.  In my family, my grandma was legendary for having to make substitutions in recipes because she was out of something.  Once when making jam, she didn't have enough wild grape juice or sand hill plum juice left to make a batch of jelly.  She and my brother decided to combine the remaining juices together to make one last batch.  They called it "grum," and it was a family favorite. Another time, when making a chocolate pie, she had to improvise.  She always said that it was the best pie she ever made.  The problem was, she couldn't remember what she had done differently, so she was never able to recreate it. Fast forward several years to my kitchen. . . My husband was getting ready to take my older kids in to the high school basketball games one night.  My oldest son, ever the sweets connoisseur, happened to mention, "They have the best scotcheroos there.  And they're really big!" My...

This is one of my favorite go-to weekday lunches!  It's fast, easy, and full of flavor.  It also makes me nostalgic, because when I was pregnant, I used to crave Chinese food.  This dish doesn't rival an all-you-can eat Chinese buffet (I may have needed a few of those for each pregnancy!), but it comes close. Instant Pot Sesame Chicken  (adapted from this recipe) 2 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (I use four ounce chicken breasts from Schwan's, partially frozen) 1/2 C. coconut aminos or soy sauce 1/2 C.  honey 1/2 C. Water 2 T sesame oil 1/4 C. Tomato sauce 2 cloves garlic if desired Red pepper flakes, if desired Salt and pepper to taste 2 T. Tapioca starch or cornstarch dissolved in 1/2 C. cold water Sesame seeds for garnish if desired Place chicken in instant pot liner and season with salt and pepper (I probably use about 1/4 teaspoon of each).  Whisk next five ingredients together and add garlic cloves and a few shakes of red pepper flakes ...

I have made this recipe so many times that I have it memorized!  The kids love these granola bars, and they are relatively easy.  I have adapted the recipe to make a large batch so that it lasts at least a week in my house.  You can halve it for a 9 by 13 sized pan or quarter it for an 8 by 8. Our Favorite Granola Bars (adapted from this recipe ) 2 cups honey 3 cups creamy peanut butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 8 cups quick oats 6 cups rice crispies or Cheerios or a combination of both 1/2 to 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, place in freezer preferably the night before (use Enjoy Life brand to keep dairy free) Combine honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar in a large microwave--safe bowl or pitcher.  Microwave for two minutes, stir, then microwave 2 minutes again and stir to combine.  (My microwave is 900 watts, so you may need to adjust your microwave times.  You want a nice, consistent mixture with the sugar dissolved.).  Stir ...

So I kept seeing recipes on Pinterest using an Instant Pot.  I thought I didn't need one.  But, finally, this Christmas, I got one.  And. . . I love it!  I use it almost every day, and I'm wondering how I ever did without it. If you are like some people that I know, you may have an Instant Pot sitting in your closet because you are intimidated to use it.  My advice--don't be!  Just pop that thing out and get cooking!  An easy recipe to start with would be hard boiled eggs. One of the reasons I wanted the Instant Pot was because my friend Keara told me how easy mashed potatoes were to make in it.  My kiddos love mashed potatoes, and I make them fairly often.  However, I really dislike having the potatoes boiling on the stove and then having to drain them with little ones at my feet.  Enter the Instant Pot, and mashed potatoes are on the menu a lot more at our house!  Happy Mommy and happy kids!  Plus, you can make them a...

We love breakfast for supper at our house.  I like to make a large breakfast casserole, and then we have leftovers to eat for several days afterward.  This recipe is one of our favorites.  Use your food processor to shred the sweet potatoes, and it comes together quickly. Sweet Potato Breakfast Bake 2 large or 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded 8-10 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled 1/2 - 1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled  (make your own if you want one with no sugar added.  I like this recipe .) 1/2 cup coconut milk (or any other milk desired) 16 eggs Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9 by 13 pan with coconut oil.  Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl and add milk.  I like to use an immersion blender to mix these up.  Tip:  if you are using canned coconut milk, use the immersion blender first to mix up your coconut milk in a small glass pitcher.  Then add the half cup to the eggs and blend together...

So, I finally did it.  I got a picture of my beef stew so that I could get the recipe recorded on my blog.  Then when I went to edit it. . . wow! when you enlarge the image of your crock pot on your monitor, it doesn't look quite as great as you thought it did when you snapped the picture!  Alas, I am not a photographer.  In truth, a hurried snap on my phone is as good as you're going to get on this blog!  Please go ahead and try this recipe, though.  It really is delicious! Please note:  this makes a large amount.  Be prepared to freeze some or halve the recipe if you don't have a large crew to feed like I do!  Also, I do not cook with onion as my husband cannot tolerate it.  By all means, add some onion if you like! Hearty Beef Stew  (influenced by this recipe ) 3 pounds stew meat 4 cups beef broth 6 oz. can tomato paste 3-4 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped 20 or so baby carrots, chopped 4 celery stalks, chopped ...

Last week I needed a quick meal to get on the table for lunch.  I found a recipe that I had pinned for  Cashew Beef Stir Fry , and it fit the bill nicely.  I made enough modifications to the recipe that I decided to post it.  I will definitely be making this one again.  If you have your beef pre-cooked, it comes together in a jiffy.  Here's the recipe. Cashew Beef Stir Fry (adapted from this recipe ) 2 pounds hamburger, cooked and drained 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1/2 green pepper, chopped 1/2 yellow or red pepper, chopped 1/2 pound fresh or frozen asparagus spears, cut into 1 inch pieces 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon minced garlic (I have a jar in the fridge!) 6 ounces coconut aminos (Use soy sauce if not paleo) 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (Use corn starch if not paleo) 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup raw cashews salt and pepper to taste red pepper flakes to taste In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.  Add the peppers,...