Funky Monkey Bread

I have taken the standard Monkey Bread and added my own flair. I think it turned out great. I know all the guys really enjoyed it.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tub of Honey Nut cream cheese
• 2 (12-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (10 count)
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.

In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over low heat, stirring well; set aside.

Press the biscuits out with your fingers and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar. Place a dollop (2 tsp) cream cheese in the center of each biscuit, wrapping and sealing the dough around the cream cheese.

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the nuts into the bottom of the bundt pan.

I used walnuts in this version, but pecans make it much richer

 Place half of the prepared biscuits in the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, pour half of the melted butter mixture over the biscuits, and sprinkle on 1/2 cup of nuts.

Layer the remaining biscuits on top, sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar, pour the remaining butter mixture over the biscuits, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of nuts.

 Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Place a plate on top and invert.

Farm Theme Baby Shower

I hosted, along with another gal a Farm Themed Baby Shower. This was for a good friend of mine from college. Anna, is a country girl and so a farm theme was a given. Anna and her husband decided not to find out the sex of the baby so they decorated the nursery in primary colors. I really enjoyed hosting this shower, and  think it turned out pretty well.

Guest Book

Gift Table

The Food Table

Food:

Pretzels=Straw

Green Grapes=Cactus Buds

Corn Nuts=Chicken Feed

Animal Crackers=FARM animal crackers

Relish Tray=Veggie Patch

Water=Watering Hole

Combos=Hay Bales

We had Cowtail candy & jolly ranchers too

For the centerpieces. I took a mason jar wrapped a bandanna around it and tied it with a stripe of denim. My good friend Abby cut wildflowers on her way to the shower for me!

Farm Tours

Last spring our local Kansas Agri-Women chapter- The Flint Hills Chapter toured one of our member's farms. The Scotts have a diversified farm, sheep, cattle, and crops. Most of the sheep are sold to 4Hers for their fair project.

There are About 900 different breeds of sheep

Terminology: EWE----Female sheep of any age.

Couldn't resist taking this picture. There is one in every crowd!


Fun Fact: President Woodrow Wilson grazed sheep on the White House South Lawn. The wool obtained from the sheep was sold to raise money for the Red Cross during World War I. The flock included "Old Ike," a tobacco-chewing ram.



They also had a calf that we called Shrek because she had some frost bite damage to her ears and tail.
It didn't slow her down a bit.  In fact she had a little bit of an attitude.

After the tour we went to the house for a potluck and meeting. 

Our next tour will be at the Prairie School Farms on Oct 1.

Cowtown Days!

Last weekend I ventured west to Ellsworth again for Cowtown Days and the El-Kan Rodeo. It was a great weekend, meeting new people, catching up with others, and enjoying the western lifestyle.

Friday night I went to the rodeo, it started storming and then had a down pour. The show went on but I started to fade. All the pictures of the rodeo I took didn't turn out...A would be glad, I don't think he wanted to think about how his ride went. Justin one of S's friends ended up getting a 75 and winning  Saddle Bronc.

Saturday was the parade and an amazing one at that. They throw out some of the best things. We joked that we got, food, jewelry, and purses. Ok, the real story is tootsie rolls, Mardi Gras beads, and reusable grocery totes. However, I've never been to parade that gave out so many other things besides candy.

Then we went to the reinactment of the shooting of Sherriff Whitney. A and his brother were gamblers in the saloon for the "play" and carried off Whitney after he was shot.

It was an interesting story so also an educational weekend. More can be found about the event here.

The afternoon had vendors, food, mechanical bulls, games, kids rides, and much more. I thought one of the funnest things for the kiddos was the large pile of sand where the bank barries quarters. This kept the kids entertained for hours,not sure the parents loved the mess though.

That night was the final rodeo performance.

A & John as the official scorekeepers and judges of the Muttin Bustin.

Much better than the night before with the storms. There were some great rides and runs. Although, one of A's friends that I know got bucked off. He was knocked out, they called the paramedics into the areana, he didn't move for about 5min. One of the scarier moments I've had lately.  Clint ended up being "ok."  The guys said he was a little out of it for the rest of the night. Because of that A ended up running the chutes, which made him have a few close calls too.

It was a fun weekend. I took tons of pictures over the weekend most of them had A's niece and nephews in them. Not sure if the fam wants them out there for the world to see, but I HAVE to share my favorite with you!

Dressed like Uncle A, oh his parents will have their hands full!

Agriculture

I know of no pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, its breed of useful animals, and other branches of a husbandman’s cares.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter, Jul. 20, 1794

Making Butter-How to

A neighbor of ours has a few dairy cows that he milks.He  sells the milk and cream to a few people that prefer the non-processed and natural milk. The other day he brought us fresh cream. I've made butter with my grandma before, but this time I wanted to take pictures not only so I have it for years to come but also to share with those of you who may not know how the pioneers made butter.

First we poured the cream into a handheld mixer

 We churned this for 15 min and then checked to see the progress.

NOTHING! Grandma said that the butterfat content of this milk was low and it could take hours. We decided for our sanity sake to use modern technology. The hand-held mixer.

Checked the process after 15 min

Peaks have started to form. This was a toward the end of the whipped cream stage. My grandparents said it was sometimes hard for them when they were kids to make sure they didn't turn their whipped cream into butter.

Getting closer...........

 I found the Magic Bullet to work the fastest, about 5 min to take if from cream to butter.

Pour off the liquid and then run cold water over the butter

Keep working it with a butter paddle (this one was not my gma's fav, but it worked)

After working for a couple minutes pour off the milky water and add fresh. You will keep doing this step until the water is clear.

Then you will add salt, the amount will depend upon how much butter you have. Work the salt into the butter thoroughly.

Toward the end, my gma added ice cubes to the water. This makes the butter set up better.

When the water is clear pour it off and continue working until there is NO water coming from the butter. The next steps show water in the bowl. We just took these pictures to show you the steps. It started getting a little old and tiring.

We used an old butter mold to make personal butter pats.

I'm not sure how the pioneers and the ladies in the early 1900s did this all the time. They did make huge batches to last a while. It was fun, and I'm glad I refreshed my memory on how to make butter. Its something I will pass on to my children (when that day comes)

American Agri-Women

I'm going to get on my soapbox. I want to tell you all about a great organization that I am involved in and think that any women, even if they were not raised with an agriculture background should join. This organization is made up of a variety of women from all 50 states that have a passion for agriculture. Some of them were born and raised in agriculture, while others have married into it. Still, others have no real connection besides the fact they appreciate and value the important role American agriculture plays in our daily lives.

Kansas is hosting the AAW national convention this November in Wichita. It is going to be an amazing convention. We have great speakers, workshops, tours, and networking events planned. I would encourage each of you to go to their website http://americanagriwomen.org/

Check under the affiliates link and see if there is a chapter in your state. Why not start one if you don't have one nearby?!!?

I'm making this my personal mission until November to recruit at least one member via my blog. So, if you join let me know. If you make it to convention--PLEASE connect with me there.

I will stop for now, but more to come shortly.

America Needs Farmers

I want to send you over to Crystal Cattle for this great post: America Needs Farmers She said it so well so why try to repeat it!? When reading this post and info about ANF I guess what made me so excited was that it was related to sports. I have loved sports most of my life and am glad to see sports and agriculture team up. 

Thrifty

Cannot people realize how large an income is thrift?
Marcus Tullius Cicero



Happy National Thrift Shop Day! Get out there and find a good deal!

National Thrift Shop Day

Tomorrow is National Thrift Shop Day.  I've been going to thrift stores for years with my family. However, recently being thrifty is fashionable. I've found some great deal on wearable items or items that I can upcycle. Yard sales have got to be another favorite of mine. I went to a yard sale last weekend in Nebraska and bought a small portable sewing machine for $1! Not one thing wrong with it.

Check out this blog that I ran onto called Thrift and Shout rather inspiring if you ask me.  Why didn't I think of doing a blog like this. I guess I could start one, it wouldn't be any competition for her since she is in Ohio.  So, maybe a Thrifty Thursday is in store, so I can share all my great finds.

Chocolate Cinnamon Popcorn

Here is a new and different take on popcorn.

Chocolate Cinnamon Popcorn

Ingredients

• 1 ½  Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
• 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Or Canola Oil
• ½ cups Popcorn Kernels
• 1-¼ stick Butter, Chopped
• ⅓ cups Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup

Preparation Instructions

1.Combine the cocoa powder and the cinnamon powder in a small bowl and mix well.

2. Pop the popcorn

3.Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.

4. To make the caramel: Combine the butter, the sugar and the maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Bring mixture to the boil.

5. Boil, uncovered, without stirring, until the caramel mixture turns light golden.

6.. Remove from heat. Pour half of the caramel over the butter popcorn and toss gently until the popcorn is well coated with the caramel. Add more caramel if you prefer sweeter popcorn.

7. Sift the cocoa powder and cinnamon powder mixture over the caramel popcorn. Toss gently until all popcorn is coated with the mixture.

Couture Koozies

I wanted to share a recent order that we (2Chick Couture) had. The order was for one of my good friends from college, that is getting married.  We had a BBQ 2 weeks ago and she wanted each bridesmaid and groomsman to have a gift.....so here you have it.

To see more detailed and upclose pictures go to my business blog (www.2chickcouture.blogspot.com)

The County Fair!

Our county fair ended over a week ago. I entered a few items in the Open Class (pictures below)  I have tried for the past several years to enter at least one item. The number of 4H & Open Class entries are down at our local fair sadly that seems to be the theme in many areas. I wanted to do my part in "making" the fair.

A little FYI-
Fairs are know as many different names around the world, such as agricultural show, fête, , exhibition or , festival, market and show. Many times fairs are associated with gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated carnival or funfair entertainment. The main purpose of some fairs are to trade goods and sell wares.  Normally fairs are short in duration any where from a few days to some that last weeks.  Some fairs date back to the Middle Ages.Attendance can go into the millions. There is so much to learn about fairs. As usual I don't like to make long wordy posts....so go check out more history and facts about the county fair!

Independant Women

TOMS-Again

Well I wanted to share another pair of Toms like shoes that I painted for a friend of mine. I painted them as a gift , but before giving them to her I entered them in the county fair.

Now she can say she has Purple Ribbon Shoes!

Another OREO recipe

These are really good as well. I used the leftover cookies from when I made the stuffed ChocChip.That recipe can be found here. I have added step by step pictures.

Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookies

•1 stick softened butter

•6 Tablespoons sugar

•6 Tablespoons brown sugar

•1 egg

•1 teaspoon vanilla

•1 ¼ cup flour

•½ teaspoon baking soda

•½ teaspoon salt

•11 broken pieces Oreo Cookies

•1 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter, and sugars until well combined. Add egg and vanilla until mixed well.

2. Place flour, baking soda and salt into a large bowl, stir to combine. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients then stir in oreos and chocolate chips until just combined.

3. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop onto baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until cooked, but still soft. Let cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Made possible by an American Farmer or Rancher!

Well, I feel like I have been slacking on my Ag Advocacy in the blog. Then when I really thought about it, agriculture is in everything we do. When trying the recipes I post, you are using products that American Farmers and Ranchers are producing. The supplies to make the craft projects I have talked about are again made possible by the American farmer.  Don't forget the Fashion Fridays.... cotton & leather are common in most of my fashionable items. I won't say it again, but you know made possible by.......

Here are a few fun facts:

A well know one: Footballs are made with pig skin, but did you know plastic shopping bags are made from an animal by-product......fat?

How about these others:
Fireworks=animal by products
Laundry detergent=tallow
Toothpaste=glycerin from plants

There are many of these out there, so be looking to see what I post next

Thank a Farmer or Rancher!

Dreams

"Sometimes the dreams that come true, are the dreams you never knew you had."

Branding Menu Continued-Meatballs

This is one of the 2 types I made for the branding. The recipe was given to me by a good friend.Thanks Jean!

BBQ Meatballs
1(13 oz) can evaporated milk                         
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
3 lbs ground beef                                          
2 tsp. salt
2 c oatmeal                                                  
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 eggs                                                          
2 tsp. chili powder
1 c onion, chopped

Mix all above and shape into balls. ( I also will also add some chopped green pepper at times). Place 1 layer in a pan. You can do this ahead of time. ( for the branding, I did this about a week ahead and froze them)

Sauce:

2 c catsup                                                      
1/2 c chopped onions
2 T liquid smoke                                              
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 c brown sugar

Mix together all ingredients over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and pour over meatballs. Bake for 1 hour at 350*.