Pasta e Fagioli

I don't know about you but our weather here in Cascade has been more than a little on the chilly side lately and when that happens, there is nothing better than a hot cuppa soup, one of which is Olive Garden's Pasta e Fagioli Soup.  I didn't feel like driving 24 miles to Hagerstown to Olive Garden so I came up with this version of my own.  

I really hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Pasta e Fagioli

Ingredients

1 cup ditalini pasta, uncooked

2 tbs olive oil

½  lb spicy Italian sausage, casing removed

½ lb hamburger meat

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, diced

3 carrots, peeled and grated

2 stalks celery, diced

3 cups beef broth

2 cups water

1 qt whole tomatoes or 15 oz tomato sauce + 15 oz diced tomatoes

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups dried navy beans

Boil beans until nearly done and set aside.  Cook hamburger meat and Italian sausage until done, drain and set aside.  Sauté the onion and celery in oil until tender but not done.   In a large stock pot, add the beef broth, water, tomatoes, vegetables, beans, meat and spices.  Simmer for at least an hour.  Add the pasta and cook until done then serve.  

Serve with grated parmesan, a warm bread and a salad.  

~hugz n blessingz~

Elizabeth

Lemon Sunshine Muffins

Ingredients for the Muffins:

2/3 cup sugar
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 cups Gold Medal all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Ingredients for the Icing:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter or spray the 12 molds in a regular-size muffin pan or line the molds with paper muffin cups.

2. In a large bowl whisk in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream or Greek yogurt (I used Oikos greek yogurt), eggs, vanilla, lemon juice and melted butter together until well blended.

3. Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients and gently stir to blend. Don't overmix. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

4. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing each muffin from its mold. Cool the muffins completely on the rack before icing them.

5. For the Icing: Measure the confectioners’ sugar into a small bowl and add about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the lemon juice. Stir with a spoon to moisten the sugar, then add enough additional lemon juice, a dribble at a time, to get an icing that is thin enough to drizzle from the tip of the spoon. Drizzle glaze over the muffins. 

Serve.

Hugz n Blessingz

*Elizabeth*

Walk In The Woods

I wanted to share a bit of what it looks like up here on the mountain in Cascade, Maryland.  I love our home and the surrounding countryside here and when it snows like this it just makes it even MORE magical! 

*hugz n blessingz*

Elizabeth

Nostalgic Dreams Owner

http://www.nostalgicdreams.com

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Okay, I know that some of you will go EYWWWWW! YUK! with this  recipe but I am here to tell you, these are KILLER MUFFINS!  I have made these for years for my friends, family and guests here at Nostalgic Dreams, Inc. and everyone tries them and absolutely loves them.  I hope you will too! 

~Elizabeth<3

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

4 eggs
3 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup of canola oil
½ tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
15 oz. can of pumpkin
12 oz. pkg. mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Beat eggs, oil and sugar together.  Mix in rest of the ingredients but don't over beat.  Spray muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray.  Fill each section ¾ full, bake in pre-heated oven approximately 20 minutes or until lightly browned.  Makes about 24 medium muffins.

*hugz n blessingz*

~Elizabeth~

http://www.nostalgicdreams.com

Virginia's Vodka Christmas Cake Recipe

Well, okay, it's a bit early yet but I am here (along with my mother's help) to make your Christmas season an absolute enjoyment, so without adieu, I give you Virginia's Vodka Christmas Cake Recipe.  Enjoy your holiday season! 

Once again this year, I’ve had requests for my Vodka Christmas Cake recipe so here goes. Please keep a copy in your files as I am beginning to get tired of typing this up every year! (Made mine this morning!!!!) ~Virginia

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1 cup water

1 tsp. salt

1 cup brown sugar

Lemon juice

4 large eggs

Nuts

1 bottle Vodka

2 cups dried fruit

Sample a cup of Vodka to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Vodka again to be sure it is of the highest quality then Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Beat again. 

At this point, it is best to make sure the Vodka is still OK. Try another cup just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eegs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit. Pick the fruit up off the floor, wash it and put it in the bowl a piece at a time trying to count it. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit getas stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a drewscriver. 

Sample the Vodka to test for tonsisticity. Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something. Check the Vodka. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. 

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. 

Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the Vodka and wipe the counter with the cat.

Obviously this recipe is in jest, Please do not follow the directions and do not drive a mixer or anything else when you try this recipe!  

Happy early Thanksgiving!

*hugz n blessingz*

~Elizabeth~

Dating Again

Yup, you read it right, I am dating again.  It has been about 7 years since I have been on a date but I had one on Saturday night...with HUBBY!  We have been through so many ups and downs, ins and outs that we have not taken time for our relationship lately so we made plans and had a date.  Let me tell you about it!

We made reservations at Leitersburg Cinemas in Hagerstown, Maryland a couple of weeks before.  The special thing about this cinema is that they have what they call, "Dinner and a Movie" where you go online (click the link above) and when you arrive there you will see the following text:

What is Dinner and a Movie?

"Our take on the classic concept combines the pleasure of dining out with the entertainment of a night at the movies. Dinner and a Movie is offered in our two VIP theaters during select showtimes each week. Schedules are announced on Tuesday of each week.

Upon check-in, guests are escorted to the south lobby to enjoy a popcorn appetizer and wait to be seated in the theater. Dinner will be served at your seat just before the movie begins. At the conclusion of dinner, an attendant will be available to collect your dishes and serve coffee, soda and dessert. Put your feet up and enjoy the show!

Prices range from $20-$30 per person depending on the menu. Seating is limited and advance online ordering is required by 10:00 AM the day of the event."

Following that you will see:

"What's Included?

·         A movie ticket to one of our special VIP rooms with luxury leather recliners - each equipped with its own table and cup holder

·         Popcorn appetizer

·         Drinks (soda or water)

·         Main dinner course

·         Dessert

·         Coffee

Reservations

For tickets, please visit our website. ADVANCED ONLINE ORDERING IS REQUIRED by 10:00 AM the day of the event!"

Did you read that?  You get your movie ticket, popcorn and soda (or water), your main course, dessert and coffee if you like.  Yup, you read it right!  You will even get to sit in luxury in this recliner with cup holder and tray.  They even ask you if you would like a blanket to keep you warm since theaters get a little frigid at times.  Isn't that awesome?!

Well, go on, click the "order" button if you want a night out with your special someone.  You get to choose your seating as well as your meal.  Usually there are three meals to choose from.  

I can tell you that I had the most wonderful time in years.  I thought I was in heaven when they brought my dinner, coffee and dessert to me all while I was snuggled up with hubby sitting right next to me.  *smile*  

Here is there contact info if you want to try it for yourself.  Have a great time and don't forget to call the babysitter early!

Times They Are A Changin'

Hello there!  I am sure everyone has noticed that I have been away for awhile and you have been kind enough not to give me grief for not following up on my blog.  Well now, I just want to let you know that I appreciate it and let you know what has been happening.  I have been oh, so busy with my business and friends popping in from round the world and also from here in the states that I just haven't had time to catch up on things recently. 



First of all, Cecile and Marcel stopped here in Maryland for a couple of days, picked me up and we all went and met my business partner, Lacy, in Pigeon Forge, TN for a week.  We had one heck of a week going here and there, seeing the western portion of Tennessee, seeing and experiencing everything.  It was so wonderful.  Cecile and Marcel returned to Maryland with me and stayed for another couple of weeks, all the while, Lacy, came to visit us all here.  It was a blast!   

The first day that we were all here together, Lace, Jeff and Connor entered a fishing tournament on the old Fort Ritchie base.  They fished all day and we ended u p having a fish fry that night with everyone and also had our friend Jim over.  It was so much fun.  The weather was perfect and the Fort Ritchie Community Center ended up putting some funds in their coffers due to the tournament.  It was a win/win situation.  They left the next day and Lace stayed a bit longer as we worked on a couple of projects here (as you can see below).  Sometimes he EVEN acts his age! *maybe not* lol 

Next in line was myself joining a store here in Hagerstown, Maryland that sells crafts and vintage items.  It is called "Spare Thyme" and is owned by two sisters, Jamie and Jennifer and they are just adorable.  Most of the folks in the shop create primitive items but I do only a bit of prim type things, mostly shabby chic though.  It is good to belong to a group again.  I have been doing things here and there but nothing on a routine basis since we lived in Belgium and I sold in Grandma's Attic.  I am now going through my inventory and slowly moving it over to Spare Thyme and beginning to create new things.  In general...having fun again!  My partner brought me a whole bunch of supplies when he came an I have been playing since.  


Well, there you go, my crazy life in a nutshell.  Thank you so much for being patient with me.  I do hope that you check back in soon.  If you would like to visit Spare Thyme, they are located in Hagerstown at 562 D Northern Avenue.  They are closed Wednesday and Sunday.  If you stop by, tell them that Elizabeth sent you!  

*hugz n blessingz*

Elizabeth

Greek Style Tomato Salad

Here is a wonderful recipe that is made in 

our home summer after summer.  I love how home grown tomatoes taste and this salad makes them taste even better!

6 medium size tomatoes, sliced

1/4 lb feta cheese, crumbled

1 medium size red onion, thinly sliced

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

2 TBS parsley

3  1/s oz. can pitted ripe olives, drained and sliced

4 tsp sugar

1 TBS chopped fresh basil

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 cup olive oil

Make about 2 1/2 hours before serving or early in the day.  Mix the vinegar, parsley, sugar, basil, salt, pepper and olive oil and set aside.  Make sure the sugar is dissolved.  Layer tomatoes, feta, red onion and olives until all are used and then pour wet ingredients over the top and gently toss together, ensuring not to tear up the tomatoes.  Cover and chill for about 2 hours.  Serve cold and enjoy!

*hugz n blessingz*

Elizabeth

Come and Join in on the Fun!!!

(steps up on my soapbox)

HEAR YE-HEAR YE!! ANNOUNCING THE NOSTALGIC DREAMS HALF HOUR OF VINTAGE SHARING!!

Each night, Monday through Thursday at 8 p.m. EST, I will be sharing some of my vintage finds and also some of my creations via my Nostalgic Dreams Facebook page so that you can purchase them for yourself or as a gift for someone.  

Items shown will be available for purchase and afterwards will be available for pick-up anytime from my home, meeting either Friday or Saturday each week or I can poste them to you via USPS or UPS. Other arrangements may be undertaken but must be stated at time of purchase.  It will be fun and laid back and I will have quizzes and give-aways occasionally as well so come and join in the fun!!  

There is no need to register for anything and we take all major credit cards and accept Paypal as well for your purchases.

Thanks ever so much for listening to me while I am up on my soap box and please, share with your friends, the more the merrier!!!

*hugz n blessings*

~Elizabeth~

P.S. If you need to contact me, please call: 717-816-5699 or email admin@nostalgicdreams.com!

Let's Make Some Yogurt!!

Do you like yogurt?  Have you ever tried making your own?  When we lived in Belgium I became hooked on yogurt and started making my own and have ever since.  It's not that I don't like "Dannon" and "Yoplait" but when you make your own, you can add whatever ingredients that you like to it such as sweetener, granola, berries, the sky (or your tummy) is the limit.  Plus the fact that it is all natural and there are no preservatives so you know exactly what is in there.  Here are the instructions for the YoLife brand of yogurt maker.  There are several different types so please do a little research and find one that fits you.  I like these because they have the individual little pots and the fact that I can wipe out the inside of the warming area with a wet rag when it gets dirty.  

First you will need to round up all the ingredients that you will use in your recipe.  I have my measuring cup, my individual little pots, my yogurt maker, my YoLife yogurt starter, measuring spoons, a ladle and a thermometer.

Next you will measure out the required amount of milk for yogurt maker's yogurt making process.  I use skim milk.  Bring the milk just to boiling, stirring constantly so that it won't scald.  Immediately take it off of the heat when it reaches boiling then insert your yogurt thermometer.  

After the milk has cooled down to where it is between the marked red area on your yogurt thermometer you will then measure out your yogurt starter or use plain yogurt.  I usually use yogurt starter (I purchase it through YoLife) because it keeps in the refrigerator indefinitely.  After measuring out the starter, stir it into the warm milk while the temperature is still within the "zoned" area on the thermometer.  After stirring it in, you can now ladle it into individual containers or one larger container then place the container(s) of yogurt into the yogurt maker.  It just depends on what you desire.

After 12 hours of "cooking", take them out of the yogurt maker and let them sit on the counter as they will be a tad warm.  Place them in the fridge when they are cooled and they will keep in the fridge for about a week.  

And voila!  You have your yogurt!  Add whatever yummy ingredients that you like.  My kids liked to mix berries with it and blend it in the blender for a smoothie.  

Enjoy!

*hugz n blessings*

Elizabeth

Pinterest

I don't know about you but I have found a wonderful site that provides inspiration of all aspects by the name of Pinterest.  Pinterest is a site where you create a personal area which you create "boards" on, in order to "pin" items to them both from the Pinterest site itself AND from the internet.  It doesn't take rocket science to use and will provide HOURS of entertainment IF you let it.  I know this from experience.  lol  

My username on Pinterest is NostalgicDream1 and you are more than welcome to "follow" my pins when you create your own boards.  The way that it works is:  You contact Pinterest and tell them that you would like an account and they will in turn contact you with log-in information so that you can create your own Pinterest account.  After this is done, they provide you with a little bit of information that you can "pin" or move to your bar just below the page url and then all you do when you are out browsing is click that button and it will provide all the photos on the page for you where you "pin" it to the desired "board" you have created.  I have several boards, "Words of Wisdom" that I put sayings onto, "Nummies" is where I put all my recipes that I find and want to keep track of on the net, "My Style" is where I put anything that sends me over the top and really speaks to me.  I also have one for "Art", one for "General DIY" and so on, you get the idea.  

I have added the links to my categories should you like to go check things out before you jump in with both feet.  I hope you enjoy the different tastes and sites from all over our universe that are included there.  

*hugz n blessings*

Elizabeth

Sweetheart Pillow

Okay, I promised you I would be back on the bandwagon this week and here I am!  I spent some time letting my soul sing in my craft room yesterday; it is something that I haven't done in a bit but when I get an idea and the mind to do it, I set out on my quest.  Ask my husband...my quests are a tad dangerous at times but most times they are fun and pay off.  I thought I would give you an early Valentine's Day gift in the way of instructions so that you might make one for YOUR honey too!  I did not make a tutorial per say, but I am giving you the instructions AND the wording so you can just print it off on your printer and be on your merry way.  I used Word Perfect to create the lettering.  I LOVE WP for it's abilities, it is so much more "user friendly" than Word but hey, they both have their good points.  Here we go!

For this project you will need:

2 pieces of linen or your favorite fabric.  I cut mine 13" x 13", however, you may want yours bigger.  

1- 3" square of your favorite fabric (for the heart)

At least 12 inches of 1" satin ribbon.  Again, use your favorite that will coordinate with your heart.

Thread to match your linen

Thread to match your fabric for applique

Thread to match your ribbon (it is sewed on, not glued)

Iron with cotton setting

Ironing board

Polyfil

Pillow case or pressing cloth

3" square of Wonder Under

1 sheet of Print and Press (you can find at Walmart, JoAnn's, etc- OR you could use CitraSolv to create your lettering, however, you would need to turn your wording around before you printed it off.)

1 3-4" Skeleton key

1 sewing machine

1 needle

Scissors

Lettering jpg and heart jpg- printed to desired size

 

Okay, let's get started.  

Cut two 13" x 13" squares for your pillow.  You may want them larger, depending on the size of pillow that you desire.  Next you will want to iron your 3" square of wonder under onto the back of the fabric that you will use for your heart.  Now print off the lettering to a piece of "print n press", ensuring that you print on the side of the paper that has NO LINE on it.  Follow the manufacturer's directions on ironing on the transfer- onto your fabric, ensuring that you use a pressing cloth so that you don't get "hot spots".  After you have ironed on the first transfer, go ahead and place the heart where you want it then peel off the backing of the Wonder Under and press in place BUT!!!! make sure you use the print and press paper on top of it so that if you have some of the "transfer area" under your heart, it will not come off onto your iron and ruin your design.  

After you have finished the ironing, you will need to applique your heart to your linen.  I find it easier to use my zig zag stitch and open the stitching so that I can just push it around the heart.  You may want to practice a few times on another piece of fabric to get the hang of it, or even just use embroidery thread and button hole stitch it to the fabric.  It will not look as elegant but instead have a more prim feeling to it.  When this is done, pin if necessary, and sew together the two piece of linen leaving at least a 4" space opening so you can stuff the pillow without having to bunch it up too much- also round the edges if you can, it seems to look better.  You don't want to have to re-iron the applique again.  Turn and stuff, stitch up the opening with thread matching the linen.

Now to the key area.  You will need to have at least 12 inches of ribbon to create your bow.  You may want to double the ribbon as i have.  Tie the ribbon onto the key-add a dab of tacky glue in there so your ribbon won't slide around too much.  After this is done proceed to attaching the key area to the linen where you want it to be placed, tack it down very well- you may even want to tack the shaft of the key down but I chose not to do so.  

And you are done!  This is my early Valentine's Day gift to you.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it.  Please let me know what you think of the instructions and if you have questions, please use the comment form below and ask!  That is why I am here!

If you would like one of these made for you, just let me know.  The keys are from Europe (I have quite a few) and it will be $35 with free shipping in the Continental US and free delivery within 25 miles of Cascade, Maryland.

*hugz and blessings*

Elizabeth

Snowmageddon! But it's finally melting!

Bonjour one and all.  I just thought I would drop a line to let you know that we are still alive and kicking since the snowstorm on Saturday.  We were fortunate enough (?) to receive 13.5 inches here in Cascade, MD.  I just LOVE our little mountain! *smile*  Seriously, we WERE very fortunate in that the electricity only flickered and there are several here on the mountain that lost power altogether.  I had all the oil lamps and candles lit, just in case.  It felt like the middle of February and all but the leaves are still on the trees-well, they are on what's left of the trees...here, there and everywhere.  Limbs cracked and broke but nothing got us, thank Heavens!  Anyway, here are a few pics, thought you might be interested.

P.s. I kept thinking about this the whole time..

*Hugz and Blessings*

Elizabeth

Summer Yummies

Here's a little more Susan Branch for you.  She sent out these yummy recipes on her Facebook page.  I am heading out for strawberries and blueberries!

*hugz n blessings*

Elizabeth

Beginning again

I don't know if you know or not, but I have been attempting to get my doors open here at Nostalgic Dreams for the longest time.  It has been a dream of mine since I first set out to get Grandma's Attic started back in 1991, along with some friends.  I love to craft, I love to create but being in the military always seemed to complicate things.  Once my daughter moved out a few years ago I thought I would be able to find the time, but alas, no, and the funds did not arrive either so I have put it off.  Well I am off on a venture to at least get the Bed and Breakfast open in the fall of 2012.

I have so much to learn, do and create but I have been doing things slowly.  It hasn't been easy, and luckily I have had some wonderful friends to help.  With God on my side, I was able to get the BnB opened a few years ago but I had to work a full time job for awhile and it made it just impossible.  Well, since I have been laid off for several months now, I have been proceeding down this neglected road...again.  I have drive and ambition and remember the words of my father ringing in my ear..."Anything worth doing Sis, is worth doing right...and it's going to be difficult".  So I persist and plan.  My mom has been my best ally in all of this, helping me by looking over paperwork, etc.  It is nice to have someone in the family that can lend a positive ear.

Well, I am so grateful that I have been given this opportunity and hopefully, since my last young one is out the door this fall to college, I can promote my time to finishing up my new guest room (The Rustic Room) and pushing forward.  I look forward to sharing this with you and hope that you will continue to give positive input on things that might help me along.

I won't be able to open my gift shop immediately, however, I have decided to jump in with both feet into the bazaar arena again and move slowly into the "gift shop dimension" in the near future.  If you have questions, comments or concerns, please, please let me know.  I can use all the help I can get!

*hugz n blessings*
Elizabeth