- Keep the doors locked unless I’m using them. Just in case a burglar knows I’m alone and tries to walk in.
- Stick extra pillows on his side of the bed. The pillows are basically insulation because our bedroom is chilly at night.
Tag Archives: food
Candy Cane Coffee Syrup Recipe

Holiday Flavors
Filed under something to try
Science Mom’s Hot Chocolate Mix
Science Mom’s Hot Chocolate Mix(This recipe too big for my largest mixing bowl, so I make half at a time)Enough powdered milk to make 8 qt.
30 oz Nestlé’s Quik
16 oz. powdered sugar
18 oz. extra rich powdered coffee creamer
8 oz. French vanilla powdered creamer3/4 cup cocoaMix the all ingredients and store in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Use 1/3 cup mix in a cup of hot water. Use more for a larger cup. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows. Enjoy!
Filed under advice, something to try
Simple, Speedy Cooking for One
- Brown several pounds of ground beef in a skillet and freeze it in one-pound or half-pound portions to speed up meal preparation later.
- Rotisserie chicken from your local deli can be a healthy, fast way to add protein to several meals (especially if you do not eat the skin). Meal #1: Have the legs and wings with vegetables and a roll or biscuit on the side. Meals #2-3: Use chopped breast and back meat in a Quesadilla or Chef Salad or on Baked Potatoes.
What is your advice on cooking for one?
Filed under advice, life, something to try
DIY Coffee Flavoring Syrup
I like my coffee strong, dark, and sweet, so I like coffee-flavoring syrups. Did you know it is easy to make your own, customized syrups that taste better than store-bought? I start with the most basic simple syrup recipe and add whatever suits my taste. Both microwave and stove top work well for me, so I have included directions for both.
What is your favorite coffee flavor?
Basic Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
Cinnamon Stick Syrup
Add 1 cinnamon stick (3-4 inches long), broken into pieces
Vanilla Rum Syrup
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla (Mexican or some other really good kind), and
1 teaspoon rum or rum flavoring
Microwave Directions
Stir all ingredients together in a clear, microwave-safe container that holds at least four cups. (I use my four-cup Pyrex measuring cup.) Cook on high for two minutes, stir, and then heat until bubbling but not to a rolling boil. Stir about every minute and keep a close watch so it does not boil over. Cook at a “bubble, not boil” for about five minutes in total.
Stovetop Directions
Stir all ingredients together in a small saucepan that holds at least four cups. Heat to a low simmer, but not a rolling boil. Stir occasionally. Simmer for about five minutes in total.
Taste Test & Finishing
When the sugar is completely dissolved and the solution is thicker than plain water, you can check the flavor: Scoop up about a half-teaspoon of HOT syrup and let it cool before you taste it. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can simmer for a little longer and consider adding a little more of the flavor add-ins. When you like the flavor, let the syrup cool.
If your add-ins are not dissolved (like the cinnamon stick), strain out the pieces with a strainer and cheesecloth. Pour the syrup into your preferred containers. I prefer easy-to-pour bottles. Use right away or store in refrigerator.*
*I always store mine in the refrigerator and have no idea how long it lasts because I use the syrup quickly!
Filed under something to try
Engagement Party
Brian’s aunt and uncle hosted a lovely, fun engagement party for us. We were able to introduce several of our family and relatives for the first time and everyone seemed to have a terrific time!
Filed under celebrations, photos, weddings
31 Days of Random Questions – Day 28
I really thought I had today’s post all written and scheduled to post at 6:00 a.m… It has been a busy weekend with meeting my nephew for the first time, partying at a wedding (where I saw no bouquet throwing!), taking a four-hour road trip, and catching up with two different friends. I have had a marvelous time! Bonus question: How was your weekend?
Actual question I intended for Day 28: What is one smell that brings back a childhood memory?
The smell of coconut reminds me of sunscreen and summer and swimming at the lake or pool. As far as I remember, all sunscreen smelled like coconut in the 80’s and early 90’s. To this day, that olfactory trigger is why I avoid coconut-flavored drinks. They taste the way sunscreen smelled.
Filed under celebrations, life, milestones, something to try, weddings
31 Days of Random Questions – Day 22
If you could not have cake of any kind for your birthday, what dessert would you choose instead?
I would pick my mom’s homemade cinnamon rolls with pecans inside and cream cheese filling on top. I love pastries, cinnamon, and cream cheese, so cinnamon rolls would be perfect if I couldn’t have my usual cinnamon swirl cheesecake.
Filed under celebrations, milestones, something to try
31 Days of Random Questions – Day 13
What do you like on your pizza?
My favorite toppings are Canadian bacon and pineapple. When we make pizza for a crowd at my parents’ house, we usually make 4-6 pizzas. Since the oven only holds three, we cook them in shifts. My mom and I both like the Canadian bacon and pineapple, so we save that one to cook at the end so that all the hungry people who don’t appreciate it like we do will fill up on the first pizzas and leave more of our favorite for us. Opportunistic? Sure, but we do announce which pizzas are still coming, so those who choose can save room.
Filed under something to try