Slow Cooker Corn and Shrimp Chowder

Yesterday's recipe had a rather luke warm reception. This slow cooker recipe is sure to be a hit!

What You Need

     4 cups   chicken broth

     4 cups corn (fresh or frozen kernels)

     1 medium onion (finely chopped)

     1 red bell pepper (seeded and diced)

     1/2 cup carrots (sliced thinly)

     2 russet potatoes (peeled and diced)

     1 bay leaf

     salt and pepper

     1 Lb.  Medium shrimp (peeled and de-veined)

     1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

     slow Cooker

     blender  or food processor

Lets  Make It! In your slow cooker  combine chicken broth, corn, onion, bell pepper, carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, 1 cup water and 1 tsp. salt . Cover and cook on low until vegetables are tender, about 6 hours. Puree 3 cups of soup in a blender and return to slow cooker. Stir in shrimp. Cover and cook until shrimp are pink and firm about 10 to 15 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Serves-4-6

Katie’s Tid Bits* for a creamy soup add ½ a cup of heavy cream during the last five minutes the shrimp are cooking.

Parsnips the Unnoticed Vegetable Make Spicy Parsnip Pancakes

     What You need

     1 cup parsnips (cleaned, peeled and grated)

     1 tsp cumin

     2 green chilies (seeded and finely chopped) your choice depending on your favorite

     1 tsp ground coriander

     1/2 tsp ground turmeric

     1 tsp baking powder

     1/2 cup flour

     1/4 cup corn flour

     1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)

     1 tsp ginger (grated)

     Salt and pepper

     4Tbsp olive oil (not extra virgin) for frying

     Nonstick Frying pan or flat griddle

Lets Make It!

In a mixing bowl combine parsnips, cumin, chilies, coriander, turmeric, baking powder, flour, corn flour, onion and ginger, salt, pepper and 1/3 cup of cold water ( dribble it in slowly you might not need all of it). Mix until a thick batter is formed. Add about I tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat on medium high heat. When the oil is hot, place a few large tablespoons of the mixture into the skillet to form a round pancake about 1/2 inch thick. You can cook 2 or 3 at a time and keep them warm in a low oven while you make the rest. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip over and cook the other side until browned. Should make about 8 pancakes. Serve the pancakes with the honey, honey mustard, ranch dressing ,or salsa.

Serves 2

Pretty Little Boxes

I had to restrain myself when I was at the shop the other day. I'm usually pretty good about buying just what is needed. I try not to stray to far from the list. But,I am drawn like a magnet to pretty boxes. I just love them. There's just something wonderful about putting something ordinary into something, well... extraordinary!

I managed to keep my money in my wallet and just ooh-ed and ahh-ed a bit. 

When I came home I started looking around and realized that I really do have a lot of  pretty little boxes..... everywhere. In just about every room and cupboard. I even keep my tea bags in one!

 There are some in the master bath closet

    Some velvet covered ones in our master clothes closet ( no you're not seeing double) I have two of the same boxes. I actually have several duplicates throughout the house.

 There are some baskets too.

                                                        Some in the guest's linen closet.

I  have a few baskets in the den closet holding greeting cards.

                                 My favorite boxes have a little ribbon on them, or a beach scene ( the beach always makes me think of time well spent).

As long as there is stuff, I'm sure I'll need pretty boxes.

Do you have a lot of boxes, baskets or other containers that you like to keep things in? What draws you like a magnet when you go into the shops?

* we're only 98 followers away from a giveaway!!

Here Kitty Kitty a Teapot Cozy Craft

I found this old pattern and thought those of you who enjoy sewing would like to give it a try.

What You Need
               1/2 yard plain fabric

                1/2 yard lining fabric

                1/2 yard batting

                8 inch x 4 inch contrast (fabric for the ears)

                Embroidery floss (similar color to the ears  looks nice)

                Needle

                Pins

                Sewing machine

                Iron, ironing towel or clean cloth

               

Lets Make It!

The template for the tea cozy is below. You will need to scale it to the correct size for your teapot. My tea cozy measured 12” along the bottom to fit my four cup pot.

Cut two pieces of plain fabric, two pieces of lining fabric and two pieces of batting. Then cut two 4” x 4” squares in contrasting fabric for the cat’s ears.  

Using the template create the pattern onto one of your plain pieces of fabric. Stitch the features using back stitches, French knots and stem stitches. Take a moment to press the embroidered features with a towel and warm iron.

Then take one 4 inch 4 inch square of fabric and fold it in half diagonally right side out, then fold again so you have a triangle. Repeat with the other fabric square. Position your ears onto your embroidered fabric and then pin into place. The center points of the triangle should point inwards. Any raw stitches will not be noticeable after you stitch the pieces together.

Place your embroidered piece face-up, place the other plain fabric piece face-down on top of the embroidered piece and pin together. Machine stitch around the long curved edge and trims any excess fabric, particularly in the ear area, to avoid uneven bulking. Turn right-side out and set aside

Place batting on reverse side of lining fabric. Hold in place by basting a stitch along the edges ( or use temporary spray adhesive)Baste together each side with batting and lining in place. Stitch around the long curved edge leaving a 4” gap at the top to turn the cozy right side out. Trim away excess fabric/batting from the seam. Place the cozy interior inside the exterior, right sides together. Match side seams and pin the bottom edges together. Sew around the bottom edge. Turn the cozy right side out

( pull through the gap you left in the lining.)  Top stitch the opening in the lining closed, and then place the lining into the exterior, pushing into place. Top stitch around the bottom seam to tidy it up.

 Ta Daa you now have a cozy teapot.

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You all know how much I enjoy blogging. Sharing with you all makes me smile. With so many wonderful bloggy friends,ideas and comments shared it  can make my heart sing.

Like you I'm hoping people will find my blog and in turn I'll discover new blogs too. I am always on the lookout for ways to get noticed. I tweet, not to be confused with toot. But I do that too, giggle (don't tell) and I facebook a little too. But, did you know that you can get your blog listed for free in the blog directory? The fine people of The Blog Guidebook have a section where you can list your blog! So buzz on over and add your blog to the list today!


P.S. please think of me when you're ready to redecorate your blog. Don't mind me "tooting" my own horn........Made It For You

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