Sew God's Grace

Almost every Tuesday is "Taco Tuesday" at our house.  I love it because, well, I love tacos.  Also, I don't have to think about what we are going to eat for supper that day! I have adapted my recipe for taco seasoning from this one  here. 1/2 cup chili powder 1/8 cup onion powder 1/8 cup ground cumin 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon sea salt 1 1/2 tablespoons oregano 1/8 teaspoon each cayenne pepper and chipotle pepper powder, optional Place all ingredients in mason jar with a lid and shake well. I use a heaping tablespoon per pound of meat and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water; adjust to your preference! To make chicken for tacos, I place frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot, add seasoning and some coconut oil (about 2 Tablespoons for 3 pounds meat), and cook on high for 3 - 3 1/2 hours.  Then Ishred the chicken in my Kitchenaid mixer and put it back in the crockpot on "warm" until we are ready to eat.  I like to make e...

Growing up, I never had anything but the Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa packets.  I always wanted to get the ones with the mini marshmallows in it even though by the time I got my cocoa mixed up they had almost melted away.  So, when I tasted my mother-in-law's deliciously-creamy cocoa, I had to have the recipe for the mix! My kids often request this after they come in from playing outdoors.  Put it in a cute container or bag, and it makes a great Christmas gift!  I packaged mine up with some homemade peppermint marshmallows this year! I have recently updated this recipe with homemade versions of the powdered Nesquik and creamer.  My kids and I like it even better than the original--it's cheaper, too! World's Best Hot Cocoa Mix (adapted from Gloria Woodmancy's recipe in Sharon Springs United Methodist Cookbook) 1 (2.54 pound) canister Nesquik chocolate powder  (Use this recipe for homemade.  I think it took about a quadruple batch to equal 2 1/2 po...

So, the bake sale preparation continues at our house.  Today, Evan and I mixed up some Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies to bake tomorrow.  I also put together a couple of Double Fudge Brownie Mixes.  The original recipe says to put it in a quart jar, but I like to use a bag.  I think they will make a nice addition to the bake sale--something people can buy and make later.  Find the recipe here.

Yes, I know, I make a lot of mixes.  I think they are so fun!  I had seen lots of mixes in a quart jar, but I did not have access to any.  So I thought, "Why not put them in a bag?"  I found a mix online and made several of these up for Christmas gifts.  Of course, I had to pass the recipe along. I like how versatile this gift is.  You can take any recipe, put together the dry ingredients, and include instructions.  For more on how I make my labels, see here.

Okay, I know!  I just can't get enough of making mixes as gifts.  Through several mixes into a  basket, and you have a great Christmas gift.  I have found that making a mix takes less time than making a baked good for gifts, also.  Plus, the recipient can use it at his or her convenience.  See here for the recipe.  I used the first version, and I recommended adding a pound of cooked hamburger.  I like some meat in my soups!  Also, the recipe called for 1/2 cup of dried minced onion.  According to my package of minced onion, that is the equivalent of 2 cups of fresh.  For me, that seemed a little much.  I put a little less than 1/4 cup of the dried minced onion.  Keep this recipe in mind the next time you need a little something as a gift! Here is the text on my label: Spiral Soup Directions:   In large pan, bring 8 cups water and 2 cups diced...

Okay, if you follow my posts regularly, you have probably keyed into the fact that I like to make mixes.  I made some of these French Vanilla Coffee mixes up for Christmas gifts this year.  It's something that people don't have to use right away, and also goes well with all the goodies that are coming in at that time of the year.  Go here for this recipe plus eight other yummy coffee mix recipes. PS--If you're going to make some mixes in a jar or a bag, I recommend getting an open-mouthed funnel.  I got mine in a specialty kitchen store.  It's great for getting the mix in place without ending up with it all over your countertop!

I love making mixes as gifts.  I like to make up this "Perfect Pancake Mix" for new mommies.  It makes a quick and easy breakfast.  Go here for the recipe.  For more info on how I make my labels, see the instructions on Orange Poppyseed Scrub.