Christmas Breakfast Casserole

With a little planning and prep work, I get to be with the family on Christmas morning instead of being in the kitchen.
This casserole has all that you love in a big breakfast, without all the time spent to make a big breakfast. :)

Breakfast Casserole

1 lb. sausage cooked and drained (sometimes I have used deer sausage)
1c. sharp cheddar cheese grated
2c. milk
6 eggs lightly beaten
6 slices bread cubed no crust (Homemade bread works great)
1tsp. salt
Mix all ingredients together and pour into a greased 9X13 pan.  Cover and Refrigerate overnight.  Bake at 350* for 30-35 mins

I hope you have a beautiful Christmas and a Happy New Year as well.
And if you haven't entered in my giveaway I posted yesterday, scroll on down and enter. It was on yesterday's entry. :)
My Cup Runneth Over...
Chas

06:53 - Wednesday, December 23, 2009 - comments {2} - post comment

The countdown and a bloggy giveaway!

The CHRISTmas countdown is in full swing. Goody making has been checked off the list and it was a success... for the most part. Sadly my Sister wasn't able to make it due to my little nephews not feeling well. I really missed her not being there.
We had a grand time and I only had one big goof-up and I still honestly don't know what happened...
My date balls flopped and flopped bad. I couldn't roll these suckers together at all!!! So after being a bit frustrated and making a pretty good mess, I opted for the date cups. :)
My other candies turned out beautifully, so it wasn't too tragic.
Plus my girls loved helping out and my boys spent most of their time with Uncle Tyler. 
                      ***********************************
In other news... I don't know if anyone realizes it or not. 
But my little counter on the bottom right of my sidebar is just about to tick 100,000!
I didn't add the counter as soon as I started blogging, but still that is a pretty big number for this Georgia gal who talks about chickens in her backyard, homeschooling her kids and making food from scratch.
SO THANK YOU!!!!
For all those who visit, THANK YOU!
It's so exciting.
I wish I could think of something groovy to do to celebrate.
I know!
I will stitch up something (after Christmas!) and add it with some other little goodies... maybe even a bar of chocolate since it should mail nicely in this cool weather.
All you have to do is  leave me a comment with a way of getting in touch with you, should your number be drawn...
That's it!
If you are a regular or a first timer, that would be cool to know too...
I hope to hear from you and I hope you enjoy this day.
Much love and blessings to you all!
My Cup Runneth Over...
Chas

07:24 - Tuesday, December 22, 2009 - comments {33} - post comment

Christmas Candy Day

Today is our Christmas Candy day... two of the candies I am making are Date Balls and Divinity. I am also making my Moma's favorite Christmas Cookies. I love this day... I look forward to it all year, so I can hardly wait to spend the day with my Mom and Sister! :)


Date Balls
~1 Stick Butter
~1 8 oz. Package of Chopped Dates
~1 cup Sugar
Combine and Boil
Next
~1 tsp. Vanilla
~1/2 cup Coconut
~1 cup Chopped Nuts
Mix Well
Last
2 cups Rice Krispies
Roll in balls and then coat with Powdered Sugar


Mama's Divinity
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

4 cups sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
3/4 cup cold water
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 cups chopped pecans

In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir only until sugar has dissolved. Do not stir after this point. Cook syrup mixture until it reaches 250 degrees F on a candy thermometer, bringing it to a hard ball stage.

While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar mixture reaches 250 degrees F, carefully pour a slow steady stream of syrup into the stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly at high speed. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until mixture holds its shape, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in pecans.

Using 2 spoons, drop the divinity onto waxed paper, using 1 spoon to push the candy off the other. This may take a little practice because the technique is to twirl the pushing spoon, making the candy look like the top of a soft serve ice cream. If the candy becomes too stiff, add a few drops of hot water. You will need to work fast when making this type of candy. After you spoon the cooked sugar and nuts onto the waxed paper, you're done. Cool the candies on racks completely. You can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.


Enjoy!
My Cup Runneth Over...
Chas

08:16 - Monday, December 21, 2009 - comments {3} - post comment

More stitching...

05:00 - Thursday, December 17, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

A purple dress for Carlie Jean

McCall's pattern 5966

She has been asking for a purple dress for Christmas. So over the weekend I decided that I would make her one. I have been inspired from Anna over at Pleasant View Schoolhouse, and so like her, I used flannel. I opted not to use a ruffle on the bottom, but have been thinking I just might use one on the next one. :)
Other variations I decided to make...
I didn't put a zipper in, I knew it would be an easy fit over her head with the v-neck.
I also made it a good bit longer than the dress in the pictures. I like her dresses longer, especially when it is cold out.
 A nice warm dress in vibrant purple for the many months of cold after Christmas, what a happy gift. :)
She helped me pick out the fabric and I enjoyed making it for her so much. Knowing that she will go to that dress and know Moma made it and that I love her so much, and that flannel will keep her nice and warm, makes a Moma's heart happy just thinking about it...
I hope you are having a wonderful day.... 10 days til Christmas!
Merry, Merry!!! :)
My Cup Runneth Over...
Chas

05:00 - Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - comments {5} - post comment

Warm tidings...

Warm tidings we bring...
I hope you enjoy your weekend.
My Cup Runneth Over...
Chas

11:34 - Saturday, December 12, 2009 - comments {2} - post comment

Paper Stars~Ornament Tutorial

Hello my friends!  What a great day it is looking to be.
For those of you wanting the recipe to the cookies, I will try and post that tomorrow. My friend Lindsey came up with the idea to add butterscotch. It was a brilliant move. My peanut butter cookies were already pretty stinkin good but with the butterscotch chips... it transformed them into something totally different and scrumptious.
To answer a few questions from some of my latest comments...
~My fabric stash. My Grandmother was a crafter, she had boxes and boxes of fabric. A few years after she died my Aunt gave me all her boxes since I did so much sewing. Every time that I  use some of her fabric that I feel nostalgic and happy that I can pass that love of handmade on to others. :)
~I will attempt to get some hot pads made up for my etsy. I have been running crazy lately, so it might take me a couple of days and it might be today. I will just have to make my list up and see what I can get checked off. :)
***Edited to add... I added the one I made yesterday to my shop! I hope to get more made up soon! :)***
Now... I hope you enjoy the stars... I made these up last year and they are so fun I thought I would share the tute with you again.

Start with, some card stock, double sided tape, some scissors, and a ruler, the buttons and glue are optional. :)
Cut 6 two-by-two inch squares in the colors of your choice, I am a traditional gal.  I LOVE red and green.
Take one of your squares and fold it in half
Now fold it in half the other way, and now fold into a triangle
This is the only tricky part. 
Fold the outer edges of your triangle towards the middle
Until you have this...
Whew... the hard part is over, it is all down hill from here :)
Do all six squares the same way
Now grab your double-sided tape and get ready to stick.
Hold one of your squares/diamonds and put one small piece of double stick tape on the center of the outside, like so
Now take an alternating color (if you choose) and stick in the same direction onto your first square, so they are both opening in the same way.
Continue this process until all six are stuck together.
Woohoo, we are almost there! :)
When you let go your 'accordion' star will open backwards, that is what it should do, bring it on around until it touches.
Take a last piece of double stick tape and attach the first and last sides together
Once attached you are ready to punch a small hole in the top and run a happy ribbon through and hang on your tree.
Or you can adorn your star by gluing a rhinestone or button to the middle.
Have fun!
If you enjoy my site, please take the time and leave a comment, I always read my comments and try my best to reply.  I appreciate your visits and I look forward to hearing what you have to say.  God bless you.
My Cup Runneth Over...
Chas

07:21 - Thursday, December 10, 2009 - comments {7} - post comment

A quilted hot pad

Yesterday I tried out a project I have been thinking about and it worked. I had seen some done on one of my favorite crafty blogs. I machine quilted the fabric and then stitched the quilted top to the crocheted cloth.
I've never tried machine quilting before and this was so enjoyable... I think it helped that my machine is a dream.
I believe I have finally found something for the ladies on my list. If you are on that list, try to act surprised. :)
My Cup Runneth Over...
Chas

09:26 - Wednesday, December 9, 2009 - comments {1} - post comment

Sewing Frenzy

08:17 - Thursday, December 3, 2009 - comments {2} - post comment

Christmas Stitching

My youngest daughter has requested a 'rubby pillow' for Christmas. Rubby pillows are pillowcases with embroidery. She rubs the pillow as she goes to sleep each night. One is on her bed right now and she has asked for a new one. :)
I thought it would be nice to make one with a CHRISTmasy theme so she could put it on her bed throughout the season.
It needs a good ironing, but I am very happy with how it turned out.
I think I am going to make the rest of the children one as well as my nieces and nephews. :)
I believe I am going to have busy fingers for the rest of the season.
Merry, merry!
My Cup Runneth Over...
Chas

02:27 - Monday, November 30, 2009 - comments {4} - post comment