Thursday, August 1, 2019

A new website

Hello, dear friends! I have a new website!

https://www.hopeful-things.com/

Many of you may already know this, but I decided with my cookbook releasing this fall it would be a good time to make the switch to a new website with more options.

I will be leaving this site up for your use. I know some of you still use it for recipes. I will have most of my blog recipes in my new cookbook and some have been given a face lift. I've also added all of my mom's favorite recipes which makes me happy to think that they will be preserved for many generations. 

I just smile to myself when I read this post. I knew one day I wanted to write a cook book, but little did I know it would be done by the time I turned thirty-two. God stretches us and He also makes us smile.

Enjoy this little cookbook preview. 
Hope















Friday, April 5, 2019

Caroline's 5th Birthday Party

Caroline turned five this week. This was her most anticipated birthday yet. With age comes awareness, I guess. She asked for months when her birthday was. Then it was weeks, then it was days, then it was hours... and then her party finally really was happening. In her mind she didn't officially turn five until she had her birthday party. Tonight that finally happened and she had a grand time.

This was the first birthday party I just served dessert and boy was it a breeze. Before I served a meal too and it was so much work. I let her pick some fun things out at the Dollar Store for her friends to paint and some goodies for them to take home.

She is a bundle of energy and always ready to do something. She is my little helper; some days I am amazed at how well she can clean up the house. Then other days it feels like I'm telling a sloth to hurry:) Natalie and her are becoming good friends that also fight like girls. Lots of hair pulling and also lots of fun times too.

She wanted a barbie cake. My mom would make barbie cakes for us girls using a bundt cake pan. I used 6" layered cake pans and shaved off the cake to look like a skirt. She seemed to be delighted with the results.













My go-to birthday cake recipe is from Natasha's Kitchen.
Click to see the recipes. For the icing I use her cream cheese buttercream from this cake recipe and use raspberries instead. I love her Vanilla cupcake recipe... I just double the recipe for layer cakes and bake them 20-25 minutes.







 These girls keep me smiling.



 Grandpa was home so he could come to her party!





We love you Caroline,
Mom and Dad

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Hearty Hamburger and Potato Skillet

I'm sure many of you grew up eating some version of a hamburger potato casserole. I didn't grow up eating many casseroles, but this is one I remember my Mom making. 

I've made this on a whim several times when I've needed a quick and hearty meal. I usually add a green lettuce salad and pickles for the girls.

It can be made with pantry staples. It's simple, creamy and delicious.








Hearty Hamburger and Potato Skillet

Serves 6

1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh cracker pepper

1 1/2 pounds potatoes, sliced thin
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
2 cups shredded colby-jack cheese
parsley flakes, dried

In an oven safe skillet brown beef with onions. Add salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Place sliced potatoes in a pot and cover with water. 
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil; add carrots. 
Simmer just until potatoes and carrots are tender. (around 10-12 min.)
Drain well and set aside.

White Sauce
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup sour cream
fresh cracked pepper

In a small saucepan, melt butter; add flour and whisk until
smooth. Add milk and salt and cook until thickened. Remove
from heat; add sour cream and fresh cracked pepper.

To assemble; pour cooked potatoes and carrots over the
browned hamburger in skillet. Pour white sauce over top
and use a spoon to makes holes for the sauce to be
evenly distributed to the bottom of the skillet. 
Top with shredded cheese. Sprinkle with dried
parsley flakes. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!
Hope




Thursday, January 3, 2019

Christmas 2018

Hello dear friends! It's been awhile!

We had a restful Christmas with Christmas Day to ourselves. We usually have our little family Christmas, Christmas morning. We started a tradition of waffle sandwiches for breakfast- and they are anticipated every year.

I am also excited for 2019! My cookbook comes out in September so I am excited for that, as well as a little less busy schedule. I know everyone else is busy too! 

Here are some photos of Christmas morning.



Bed heads love Dad








 It's been so much fun to watch these two interact.


 We iced and decorated sugar cookies and gifted some to our neighbors.


This is a humorous attempt at a photo of all 
the grandchildren in Joshua's family.

Best wishes for your new year.
I "hope" to blog more this year and post new recipes!

Hope

Friday, September 14, 2018

Natalie Turns One

Today our second born, Natalie Jane, turned one. She has brought so much joy to our family. She is full of spunk and reminds me of a bulldozer. 

She loves animals so I decided to have her a Safari party. She has a plush lion that she sleeps with and loves. 

Here are some photos from her birthday party this evening.


















 Two of her great grandmothers were here so we
took photos with the four generations.




We love you Natalie,
Mom and Dad