Wild Rice Pilaf

Creamy, yet crunchy. Wild rice gives this pilaf a nutty flavor that puts it over the top. I came up with this recipe after eating out a restaurant.  The only thing I don't add is the parsley.  It doesn't need it.  It makes plenty and you can freeze the leftovers for a quick reheat later.

Wild Rice Pilaf

1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup brown rice
1/2 cup wild rice
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup onion, diced
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup long-grain white rice

Dice your carrots and onions. 

In large saucepan (preferably non-stick) saute brown rice, wild rice, carrots, and onion in olive oil for 10 minutes or until brown rice is golden. 

 Add broth and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.

Stir in white rice, cover, and simmer for another 25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.  Sometimes it takes less time, some times a little more. You can always drizzle in a little more broth or water if the liquid is gone and the rice is not quite finished.

If you like it creamier you can add water when it's absorbed and then cook some more, add more water etc like risotto.

**You can use all brown rice instead of the white just add it all in the beginning and be sure to watch the liquid as it absorbs it quicker than the white rice. You may need more broth.

Pin it:  http://www.pinterest.com/pin/273593746087322431/

Oatmeal Pecan Pie

The first time I had this pie was at my mother in laws house. It was so good. The second time I had it, she didn't put nuts in it. I asked her if the pie was supposed to have it and she said she never makes it that way. Ok, so my memory isn't great all the time but I know nuts and I KNOW they were in there. I don't think I ever saw the pie made with nuts again but I was determined to figure it out. After she passed away I decided to check out some church lady cookbooks to find an oatmeal pie recipe that called for nuts. Sure enough I found one. Guess who's name was on it? Yep, my mother in law Pat! So yeah it called for nuts! I don't make it real often but when I do I put the nuts in it and add extra on top! Miss you Pat, LOVE the pie!

Oatmeal Pecan Pie

1/4 cup margarine or butter, melted

1 cup dark brown sugar

2 eggs, slightly beaten

dash of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup milk

3/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup flaked coconut

3/4 cup quick oatmeal

1/4 cup pecans (and some halves for decoration)

1 - 9" unbaked pie shell

Mix together butter, sugar, eggs, salt, and vanilla.  Add remaining ingredients in the order given.  Mix well.  Pour into unbaked pie shell. Add pecan halves on top for decoration. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.  Cool and serve with whipped topping or ice cream.

Homemade Christmas Ornaments

Making your own ornaments is a fun way to personalize you Christmas tree.  I think I love painting them as much as the kids do.  

Homemade Christmas Ornaments

1 cup salt
2 cups flour
1 cup water

Mix salt and flour together. Add water a little at a time.  Knead on floured surface 7-10 minutes until smooth and putty like. Roll 1/4" thick.  Cut with any kind of cookie cutter, preferably with a design. Use a toothpick to poke a hole at the top for thread, ribbon, or hanger.

Lightly grease cookie sheet.  Bake ornaments at 325 degrees until light brown, approximately 20-30 minutes.  Some may puff a little.  Just give them more character. When cool varnish or paint to protect from moisture.

I've had these since 1994 and they still hang on my tree!