It's Bittyful Friday

LOOKING AT THINGS IN A NEW LIGHT IS SOMETIMES MOST INTERESTING!I've been on the computer when Hobbit wasn't looking and found THIS I think I'm in love.........swoon said I

quiet cooking

Now that the holidays are over ............my brain is starting to function at a more normal level. Time to do the little things that make our household slow and mellow.

Something we like to have on hand in the pantry are homemade croutons. I KNOW doesn't sound very exciting but,  SO better than store bought and easy peezy to make. These 2 little breads were just the right size to make a batch.I just slice and dice them .Although most recipes will tell you to remove the crust.......it seems like such a waste and my family has yet to complain.

In a large bowl I mix Extra Virgin Olive oil about 1/2 cup 2 teaspoons of a favorite herb. This time it was an Italian mix, a little kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Toss the breadcrumbs in this till somewhat covered trying to get all the oil worked in.After it looks like the bowl has no dressing left....

I place the breadcrumbs on a parchment covered cookie sheet and sprinkle with a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I'm sure you could  use cheddar or some other hard cheese of your choice.

Now preheat your oven to 395 degrees and bake for about 15 min . Toss them up a bit and back in the oven for about 10 min.If your bread is very dry to begin with you might need to watch the last few minutes a little closer to avoid getting too dark.

When cooled you will have a tasty crouton great for soup or salad or just to nibble on.They keep forever in a storage bag on the pantry shelf.An added benefit is your house will smell like you have been making some really intense cooking but, ..............we all know this will only take a few minutes from start to finish. Now get back to the couch and do a little  reading...........or take a nap.............said the hobbit

Time to think on the new year............

JANUARY IS THE PERFECT TIME OF YEAR TO SIT BY THE FIRE AND MAKE NEW PLANS.

of course, not all of these plans may come to fruition but, it's nice to plan anyway.Often at the top of my list is how to be more frugal and of course be ready for CHRISTMAS SPENDING. Seems strange to mention this in January but,truly now is the time to work out a plan. Recently I have found a blog that focuses on making the best of what you have.This site is filled with everyday hints and helpful suggestions to find ways to live within your means.Not very fancy but definitely helpful.So if you want to check it out just click on  here.SOMEPLACE NEW What has gotten me excited this week is a little game of saving money for the end of the year.It's really simple ........There are 52 weeks in the year. On week 1 tuck away a dollar for the holidays week 2 .........2 dollars etc etc. He suggest that you mix it up a little. If you have $15 that you can squirrel away before week 15 than go ahead and do so saving the single digits for when you have a tighter week.So...........I have marked my calender ,numbering each Saturday 1,2,3,etc as payday and plan on initialing it as I go along.Wish me luck .....If I pull it off I will have approximately $1400 in my Holiday Fund.Now doesn't that sound like a winner?..........said the Hobbit

My special Day Bittyful Friday

FRIDAY IS MY DAY TO RULE.............THIS IS WHAT I DO BEST :)

The Best Part of Christmas and a Happy New Year!

First let me wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! This is when we think on what we want to accomplish for 2014 however, what greater joy was there in 2013 than to see these little ones gathered to celebrate Christmas at there Uncle Thom's home.Gift's were placed under the tree for sharing.

SANTA was a big hit when he granted Aaron his biggest wish."Please Santa, come to my home and sing me Happy Birthday" how can you say no to that!

HARPER WAS HOPING FOR FINGER FOOD AND SHE GOT IT

COTTRELL AND AARON OPENED THEIR PRESENTS WITH SUCH CAREIt was a pillow for TV watching but she thought it was a pony........doesn't every little girl want one?

AND THEN WE MET JAYNE,THE BABY MASTIFF, I DON'T THINK HE, YES,IT'S A HE ,

WILL BE SITTING ON PEPERES LAP NEXT YEAR................SAID THE HOBBIT