Seriously Creep Me Out

SCORPIONS CREEP ME OUT, BIG TIME!

Which is why I wanted to make sure that everyone knows that they need to keep a container of Meat tenderizer on hand. Why Meat tenderizer? Most of these products contain papain, which breaks down proteins. This is perhaps the reason why an application of meat tenderizer is effective in diminishing the discomfort associated with the sting from spiders and scorpions. I have used it when 2 of my kids have been stung. (Then called poison control, of course.) I mix it with water to make a paste and spred the paste over the bite. For it to be effective, it must be used asap, so the poison is not too far spread. When Sawyer was stung 2 weeks ago, I used it on him right away and he cried for only about 10 minutes. While he freaked out when his arm inevitably went numb, it didn't hurt him any more and he was just fine. You don't need to leave the paste on for too long because after 10-15 minutes, it can irritate the skin. But it is a wonder cure and important to have on hand in this desert!

Contemporary Santa Threats

When I was a kid, I remember how at this time of year my parents would start the Santa Threats. You know what I'm talking about, "If you don't obey, I'm going to call Santa!" In our home, Jeramy likes to start the Santa Threats mid-September. It works well for him, but he has found that in order to make the threat stick and sound--well-- threatening, he had to start changing it up a bit. So, my kids don't just get, "If you don't obey, I'm going to call Santa!" They also are treated to, "I'm going to send Santa a Text Message!" or, "I have Santa's cell phone number, and I'm going to call him." or "Santa sent me his email address and I'm going to go shoot him an email about how you are acting." It's good for the kids to see that even old Santa can keep up in this modern world. Happy Santa Threats to you!

New Template

With each baby boy that came into our family, I seemed to get more and more girly. Now, we finally have our girl and I think it has pushed me over the top with how much I like red and pink. I have a new favorite flower, the cherry blossom, and since I have decided it is my new favorite, I have started attaching pictures of it where ever I can. My email account theme is Cherry blossoms, I have cherry blossom bath and body wash and decided that I needed it to be on our blog as well. (Plus, I was really sick of the old one.) Anyway, I'm a bit impulsive when I actually make up my mind about something, and I sat down and found a template and switched it out. Before I knew it, i had lost all the blog addresses for my friends and family, again. (Sigh!) So, please, if you are reading this, leave me a comment and put your blog address on so that I can make another list of friends addresses! Thank you so much!

Another New Recipe

I haven't tried this one yet, but sweet potatoes are in season, so it's worth a try...

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Serves 4

To prevent the sweet potatoes from turning brown, do not cut them until ready to use. In step 2, place a layer of paper towels under the wire rack to collect any drippings; alternatively, place the wire rack over the sink. The sweet potatoes are fried in two batches to prevent over crowding the pot, which can lead to a reduction in oil temperature and uneven cooking.

½ t. chili powder
½ t. garlic powder
½ t. cayenne pepper
1 t. salt
2 quarts peanut or vegetable oil
1 c. corn starch
¾ c. club soda, chilled
2 lbs. sweet potates peeled and cut into 1/2 –by ¼ -inch lengths
o To stabilize sweet potatoes for slicing, cut a ¼-inch piece from one side of each sweet potato so that it sits flat.
o Cut the sweet potatoes into ½ inch planks.
o Cut each plank into ¼ inch thick fries.

1) Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 200 degrees. Combine first 4 ingredients in large bowl.
2) Heat oil in large Dutch oven over high heat to 375 degrees. While oil is heating, whisk cornstarch and club soda in medium sized bowl. Working in small batches, dip sweet potatoes in cornstarch mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl, and transfer to wire rack.
3) When oil is ready, fry half of sweet potatoes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Drain fries on paper towel lined baking sheet and transfer to oven. Return oil to 375 degrees and repeat with remaining fries. Transfer crisp fries to bowl with spices and toss to coat. Serve.


MAKE AHEAD

In step 2, the coated sweet potatoes can be frozen on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet until just set., about 15 min, then transferred to a zipper-lock bag and kept frozen for up to one month. When ready to serve, proceed with step 3 (the fries may take a minute or two more to become golden brown and crisp).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JERAMY!

HAPPY 32ND BIRTHDAY!!

Holy smokes, I have a handsome husband!

Paranoid Plea

Hey family and friends. I know some of you may think I am overly paranoid, and lets face it...I am. But I wanted to ask a quick favor of any family and friends who happen to check out this blog. We have it private because I don't want any creepy's looking at our family pictures or knowing our private life; from my kids names to where I live, to what Jeramy does for work. Anyway, I am asking that if you have a blog, facebook page or myspace page to not post pictures of our kids or family on the Internet with out asking me first. I've just read too many news stories of sick-o's who can track down who someone is just from reading that "this is my nephew..." or "At our family dinner this week, my cousins..." I know it sounds crazy, and frankly, I am a bit crazy when it comes to protecting my kids; but it would mean a lot to both Jeramy and I. Thanks for understanding!

Happy Halloween!