Italian Sausage Soup

Today we are serving up Italian Sausage Soup for dinner and it is so delicious.  I love this recipe and have made it twice in the last month.  The original recipe is from a cookbook called Season's Greeting by Marlene Sorosky.  My mom gave me this cookbook in my 20's and I have been using it ever since.  It is one of my favorite cookbooks, I gave you a recipe for Frozen Oreo Fudge Squares from the cookbook a few weeks ago, and this is another favorite.

Here is the recipe, and down below, I will explain about the changes that I made to the recipe.  This is the recipe that I made below, not the original from the cookbook.

Italian Sausage Soup

Ingredients:

2 lbs Mild Italian Sausage sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 Tb vegetable oil
2 onions chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
3 TB tomato paste
7 cups beef broth
1 cup dry red wine
2 TB basil
1 tsp ground oregano
2 medium yellow squash sliced
1/2 cup chopped parsley
5 oz Shar gluten free penne (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
grated parmesan for serving

Directions:

Brown italian sausage in a skillet and then transfer to a soup pan using a slotted spoon.

Next saute the onions and garlic until tender and add to soup pot.

To the soup pan add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, red wine, basil, and oregano and cook uncovered for 30 minutes.

Add the yellow squash, parsley, and penne and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the pasta is cooked.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with Parmesan.

Makes 8 to 10 main dish servings

 So now more about my Italian Sausage Soup.  First it is amazing.  Second if you go to the recipe in the cookbook, I have changed it up a bit.  I like recipes that are heavy on the meat.  So I doubled the amount of Italian Sausage in the soup.  I also used gluten free noodles.  Now, I eat a low carb diet for health reasons, when I eat grains I swell up badly.  Grains cause some pretty severe inflammation in my body, and it's not just limited to grains, sugar does the same thing.  Unfortunately, I love breads, pastries, and sweets, so I am not always successful.  I, also, keep trying different gluten free products, but have found that I still have inflammation issues even with these products.  So I will leave the noodles out next time I make this, just so that I am not tempted, because I can't say no to the pasta.  I also make sure that my Italian Sausage is gluten free.  I seem to be okay with that.

This is a great hearty winter dinner, and I hope all of you enjoy it.

Wishing all of you a happy and healthy 2014.
Debi

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Happy New Year 2014

Charly and I wish you a wonderful 2014. 

May it be a happy and healthy year.

Debi and Charly

Heart and Cameo Charm Bracelet

I actually made this Heart and Cameo Charm Bracelet for Charly's Mother-in-Laws birthday gift.   It was really fun to make, and I love the way it came out.  She liked it a lot also.  She was here at Thanksgiving and we got to spend some fun time with her and her husband.  I really enjoy giving gifts that I have made.  They are unique which makes them fun to give.

Supplies:

2 14 inch Art-i-Cake chains (of your choice

5 rhinestone hearts

3 Cameo Charms (Martha Stewart)

12 jump rings

1 toggle closure

2 flat nose pliers

Directions:

Separate both of your 14 inch chains in half, so that you have 4 7 inch chains.

Lay your chains out and lay your charms where you want to attach them.

Use your jump rings to attach the charms to the chains with two needle nose pliers.

Next you will slide a jump ring through a link at one end of each chain and close the jump ring with your flat nose pliers.

Repeat this with the other end of the chains.

Next attach the toggle and circle closure with to your jump rings with jump rings using your flat nose pliers.

I was having a problem with glare when taking these pictures.  The cameos are pale blue and white which you can see in the pictures above.

I hope that you like this bracelet also.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I always love hearing from you.

Have a great week.

Debi

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Psalms 1:1 - 1:6 Bible Verses

Today I am sharing Psalm's 1:1 - 1:6.  It just felt so right, when I was reading this, to share it with all of you today.  We are so blessed that God is so faithful.  I love that he can see what is in our hearts, that he is so faithful.

1:1  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 

1:2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 

1:3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 

1:4  The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 

1:5  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 

1:6  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish

Psalms 1:1 - 1:6

Have a blessed day.

Debi

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Homemade Potato Latkes

I made this recipe for Homemade Potato Latkes for Channukah this year.  They came out delicious.  Definitely a time consuming endeavor, but well worth it.  I made two dozen Potato Latkes, and it took me about 3 hours from start to finish.  You could make them ahead of time and freeze them also, and then just reheat them in the oven.  I served them with Homemade Applesauce and sour cream.  The applesauce recipe will be for another day.

Homemade Potato Latkes (Pancakes)

Ingredients:

5 22 oz bag Simply Potato Hash Browns

2 onions finely chopped in food processor

10 TB matzo meal

6 eggs lightly beaten

3/4 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

vegetable oil

Directions:

Mix onions and potatoes together, and then put in food processor.  Pulse several times until you have some shreds left, but the majority of the potato onion mixture is a chunky and smooth consistency.

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet.

Make you potato pancakes about the size of a hamburger patty.

Put in hot oil, about 230 degrees, and fry until golden brown and crispy and turn and continue frying until golden brown and crispy on the other side.

Drain on paper towels, and then put the latkes in a single layer on a cookie sheet in the over at 175 degrees to keep hot until you have finished cooking all of the potato pancakes.  You can keep them in the oven until you are ready to serve.

Makes 24 potato latkes

If you make these, let me know what you think of the recipe and if you have any problems send me your questions.

Enjoy!!!
Debi

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Merry Christmas

Charly and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.

Today is simple as long as we remember what it is all about.

Joh 3:15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 
Joh 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:15 - 16

Have a Blessed Day.
Debi and Charly

Crown Charm Bracelet

I made this Crown Charm Bracelet for a friend.  She loves sparkly stuff, and I thought this bracelet was right up her alley.  I was able to buy the bracelet and then just add the charms.  Very simple and so, so cute.

Crown Charm Bracelet

Supplies:

1 rhinestone and chain bracelet from Art-i-Cake
4 Charms from Art-i-Cake
4 jump rings

Directions:

Open Jump rings with two flat nose pliers

Decide where you want to put the charms.

Put a jump ring through a charm and a link on the bracelet.

Close the jump ring with the two flat nose pliers.

Continue as above with other charms until you've added all of them.

Now, wasn't that easy and you got this really lovely, sparkly bracelet to boot.

Merry Christmas!!!

Debi

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Christmas Bible Verses Countdown Part 4

The star in The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem signifying the birthplace of Jesus

This is part four of the Christmas Bible Verses Countdown to Christmas.  I originally saw this on Pinterest.  I wish I a could post a link to the specific post, but when I went to the website, it's no longer there. Here is the link to the pin on Pinterest, Mariah's Cooking Channel - Christmas Countdown Bible Verses.  So I decided to reproduce the list on my own and I sharing the verses for December 15th and December 16th for this week.  I hope that you'll read along with me this month.  Today is the last of the Bible Verse Countdown.

December 22nd, 2013

2:7  Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

 

2:8  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 

Matthew 2:7-8

December 22nd, 2013

 2:9  When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 

2:10  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 

2:11  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 

2:12  And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Matthew 2:9-12

December 24th, 2013

1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 

John 1:14

I have really enjoyed sharing The Bible Verse Countdown with all of you.  It has been a fun month.

Have a blessed week and Christmas.

Debi

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Oatmeal Cookie Martinis for Friday's Happy Hour

We are having Oatmeal Cookie Martinis for Friday's Happy Hour today.  These were so good, and they taste just like an oatmeal cookie.  You could probably leave one of these for Santa instead of the cookies and milk.  That would certainly be a special treat for Santa.

Oatmeal Cookie Martinis

Ingredients:

6 oz Bailey's Irish Cream

2 oz Goldschlager

1 oz Hot Damn

Directions:

Measure all ingredients and pour over ice in a cocktail shaker.

Shake until well and let sit for a minute or two to chill well.

Pour into two martini glasses.

Serves 2

I hope that you like these Oatmeal Cookie Martinis.  I thought they came out really good.  We had to work on the recipe a little, because the first ones had too much of a cinnamon taste to them, but this seems to be just right. 

Merry Christmas!!!

Debi
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Frozen Oreo Fudge Squares

I made these Frozen Oreo Fudge Squares for dessert on Channukah and they were delicious.  I got the recipe from an old cookbook that I have, called Season's Greetings from Marlene Sorosky.  They were pretty simple to make, and they look and taste like you were cooking all day.  They have kind of a festive feel to them.

Frozen Oreo Fudge Squares

Ingredients:

30 Oreos
6 TB plus 1/4 lb (1 stick butter)
1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream or ice cream flavor of your choice (softened)
3 oz unsweetened chocolate
2 cups powdered sugar
4 eggs separated

Directions:

Place cookies in a food processor with a metal blade and process until the cookies are reduced to fine crumbs.

Add 6 TB melted butter and mix until combined.

Press the cookie crumbs in the bottom of a 9 X 13 inch pan or casserole dish.

Spread the softened ice cream over the cookie crumbs and put in freezer and freeze until firm.

Then, melt chocolate and 1/4 lb butter in a medium pan over low heat.

Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar.  The mixture will be very stiff and almost crumbly.

Whisk egg yolks in a medium bowl until well blended and then stir into the chocolate mixture.

In a mixing bowl beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks.

Fold a large spoonful into the chocolate to lighten the mixture.

Then fold the rest together until thoroughly combined.

Then spread over the ice cream, cover with foil and freeze until firm.

You can freeze this for several months.

Serves 20 2 1/2 x 2 1/4 inc squares

This looks like it is more difficult then it is to make.  It was a great dessert for company.

Merry Christmas!!!
Debi
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Blurb Ebook and Print Book Savings

The holiday season is almost over, but you can still save big with Blurb. We've got everything you need to make your beautiful book and get it delivered in time for the holidays.

Special Holiday Offers:

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Spend $50 or more on any book order and take 20% off through December 19th. Use code GIVING1 at checkout.*


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These are  really great savings on truly one of a kind gifts for your loved ones.  How special is that.  I love Blurb and and this is a really great opportunity to save on a really special gift.  


Merry Christmas!!!


Debi

Craftsy Classes for Christmas Gifts

Hey Everyone,

Don't know what to get your friends and family? Looking for a unique gift idea? Give the Craftsy Gift Any Class Card so your friends and family can choose the Craftsy class that fits them best. This is the gift they will use for years to come.   I love taking the Craftsy classes.  You have seen some of the bracelets that I have made.  Today, I am sharing some more bracelets and a pair of earrings that I just made.  I am having a blast making all of these beautiful pieces for my family.  I can't wait until they open them on Christmas Day.  

I even ventured into making a chain for the red crystal and white pearl bracelet.  I have never made a chain before, so this was so exciting.  I'm so pleased that it came out so pretty.  I also love the earrings.  This would be a great class for anyone.   I learned this technique in Craftsy's  Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making Class.  

Right now you can Gift Any Craftsy Class and save big while you're doing it! Want to give someone a Craftsy class, but not sure which one to pick? With our "Gift Any Class" cards, you can buy a loved one any Craftsy class of their choosing for $30! It has never been easier to give the gift of crafting fun! I am giving 1 to each of my children and also to their significant others.

Gift 1 Craftsy class for $30 (save up to $30)
Gift 2 Craftsy classes for $55 (save up to $65)
Gift 3 Craftsy classes for $75 (save up to $105)

Features
• Gifted classes never expire
• Give one, two, or three Craftsy classes
• Deliver on any date (up to three months in advance)

Giving handmade gifts? Use the super cute gift tag below from Craftsy on your gifts this year and let your friends and family know their gift was handmade with love! 
*Please note that you must register in order to print the Gift Tag below. 

I think this is the cutest little gift tag, and it's free for you to print out and use.  Just sign up for Craftsy and you will open up a whole new world in crafting classes.  There are lots of free mini classes, patterns, recipes and so much more.  Join Craftsy today give the gift of crafting to your family and yourself.  It costs nothing to register.

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!
Debi


Craftsy: Handmade with Love Gift Tag

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Spice Drop Christmas Tree

So this Spice Drop Christmas Tree is so cute and it tastes great also.  How fun to work on a craft/decoration that you can eat also.  It is really easy to make, a little time consuming, but very easy.

Spice Drop Christmas Tree

Supplies:

1 Styrofoam Cone (mine was 12 inches high)

3 2 lb containers of red and green spice drops

1 box of 750 toothpicks

Directions:

Put a spice drop on each toothpick, I did one container at a time.

Break off the end of the toothpick, so it's not so long.

Start at the top of the cone and just start putting the spice on the tree so that they are touching.  

Work down the whole cone this way, until you finish at the bottom.

Now wasn't that easy.  Have fun, and there should be a few extra to eat also.

Merry Christmas!

Debi
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Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 71

We want to thank everyone who shared with Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 70.  We love seeing all of your posts.

There will not be another party until January 7th.  I will share all of the features from this party on the 7th of January.  I did not want to do a party on Christmas Eve or New Years Eve.  So I will see all of you next year.  Happy Holidays.

I would like to ask a favor for this week.  I was trying to become an affiliate for a company, and they said that I needed 3000 twitter followers.  I am not even close, but I would love it if you would follow me on twitter if you don't already.  I'm sorry to bother all of you with this, but I need to get that count up in the next 3 months, before I can reapply to this company.  Thank you.7 Things I Look For on Your Blog from Let It Shine

Welcome to Wednesday's Adorned From Above Blog Hop 71.

Now for this weeks featured bloggers.

Featured Bloggers from Blog Hop 70

1.  7 Things I Look For On Your Blog from Let It Shine

2.  Insatiable Flower from Abstract Photos

3.  Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Cheesecake Pie from Sweet Pepper Rose

4.  It's Not About Her from The Blish

5.  Oreo Cookie Ball Santa Hats from Melissa's Cuisine

6.  Swan Cream Puffs from Crafts Ala Mode

7.  Gingerbread Christmas Tree from Shopgirl

8.  Making a Memory Instead of a Wish List from Around The Table

So on to this weeks party.

We hope you have fun at this week's party.  We always love hearing from you, so leave your comments.

Now let's party

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Ribbon and Feather Wrapped Ornaments

I love the way these Ribbon and Feather Wrapped Ornaments came out.  They were so easy to make.  They look so cute on our Christmas Tree.  Such a simple craft for Christmas.  

Ribbon and Feather Wrapped Ornaments

Supplies:

Spools of 2 inch Wire Ribbon (in colors of your choice)

2 lengths of feather (I found them in the craft section of Michael's, they are approximately 4 feet long) (colors of your choice)

straight pins

6  Styrofoam balls (10 inches in circumference)

Directions for Ribbon Balls:

Cut 6 7 inches strips of wire ribbon

Fold over ends 1/4 of an inch

Put end of 1st ribbon at the top of the ball and hold in place at the top and the bottom of the ball.

Do the same thing with your next ribbon, layering over the side of the 1st ribbon.

Work this way all of the way around the ball, and then pin at the top and the bottom of the ball.

Now cut 1 8 inch strip of ribbon, fold in half and twist the bottom of the ribbon and pin it to the top of the ball.  This is what you will hang it from the tree with.

Directions for the Feather Balls:

Pin the top of the length of feathers to the top of the ball, and then spin the ball and pin the feathers in a spiral down the ball until you get to the bottom.  I pinned the feathers down about every 1/2 of a row.

Aren't these easy to do?  I love the way they came out.  I hope you have fun making these.

Happy Holidays.

Debi

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Christmas Bible Verses Countdown Part 3

The star in The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem signifying the birthplace of Jesus

This is part three of the Christmas Bible Verses Countdown to Christmas.  I originally saw this on Pinterest.  I wish I a could post a link to the specific post, but when I went to the website, it's no longer there. Here is the link to the pin on Pinterest, Mariah's Cooking Channel - Christmas Countdown Bible Verses.  So I decided to reproduce the list on my own and I sharing the verses for December 15th and December 16th for this week.  I hope that you'll read along with me this month.  I'll be sharing a few verses each week.

December 15th, 2013

2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

2:9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

2:10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

2:11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

2:12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:8-12

December 16th, 2013

2:13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

2:14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

Luke 2:13-14

I love reading these verses.  I reminds me of being a kids and being in chapel at school.  This is just so beautiful.  I'll be back next week.

Have a blessed week.

Debi

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Laura Jean Dolls on Etsy

Today, I would love to introduce to my, Aunt Laura, from Laura Jean Dolls on Etsy.  She is one of the most creative people that I know.  She was a home ec teacher and high school counselor and is extremely talented.  Aunt Laura does everything from cooking, to decorating, and entertaining.  The list goes on and on.

She makes fabulous Art Dolls and has been written up in Art Doll Magazine several times.   She also makes Miniatures which are truly one of a kind, amazing works of art.

Here are just a few of the dolls and miniatures available at Laura Jean Dolls.

Chef Mario Batali

Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone Police Chief

Blondie and Dagwood

This Christmas Shop is one of her newest ones and it is so cute.

Grandma's Kitchen 1949 Miniature Diorama Room 

Box

This is actually one of my favorites, since it reminds me of my great grandma.  My aunt gives a little history of my grandma in the description of the room box.  There is one she made of my grandma's living room from a picture and it was and exact replica of that room.

I hope that you'll head over and take a look at all of her fabulous dolls and miniatures.  She also does special orders.  It's a little late this Christmas, but maybe for another occasion.

Have a great weekend.

Debi

This is not a sponsored ad.  I just wanted to share my talented Aunt's work with all of you.

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Craftsy Flash Sale for Yarn and Fabric

Craftsy Flash Sale for Yarn and Fabric

Still haven't found the perfect present for the crafter in your life? Stuff their stockings with fabric and yarn from Craftsy! From  Friday, December 13th until Monday December 16th, designer yarn is on sale up to 80% off and designer fabric is up to 65% off. Order by 12/16 to guarantee delivery by 12/24...sorry, this is only for US residents. Hurry over to Craftsy! This sale expires on December 16 at midnight MT.

Craftsy 80% Off Yarn Flash Sale through 12/16
Craftsy 65% Off Fabric Flash Sale through 12/16

Have a great weekend.

Debi

This ad is sponsored by Craftsy

Sparkling Apple Pie for Friday's Happy Hour

Today we are serving Sparkling Apple Pies for Friday's Happy Hour.  These drinks were very simple to make and lots of fun to drink.  Just two ingredients and you have a cocktail.  I liked it also, because it felt so festive the bubbles.

Sparkling Apple Pies

Ingredients:

10 oz sparkling apple juice

4 oz Travis Hasse's Apple Pie Liqeuer

Directions:

Measure sparkling apple juice and the Apple Pie Liqeuer into a 2 cup measuring cup.

Stir.

Pour into 2 glasses over ice.

Serves 2 cocktails.

Now wasn't that easy.  Wait until you taste it.  It is very, very good.

Have a great weekend.

Debi
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