Adventures in Shopping with 11 kids

Well what do you know? The kids have today off! Yippee for me whose plan was to go grocery shopping! Actually, it really is kind of fun shopping with the kids-- and this time I brought a camera. The kids took turns taking 114 pictures. Most of them are so blurry they are not worth posting, but I did manage to find a few that were half way in focus, laughing out loud. By the way, I took the last one. Oh and in case you were wondering, I bought a case of canned veggies, a case of frozen juice concetrate, and a big turkey!

A private blog

Well, I've gone and done it. Yup, I have. I have spent the last few nights--- even missed Gray's Anatomy last night, working on a new blog----- a private one. And it's name is fitting for me-- can you guess? Keeping It Real, of course. I have decided to go private with this one since my children already read this blog and I am not quite ready for them to read about my x-rated life before Christ. Funny, I've shared my testimony before 100's of women at least 4 different times, and the story stays the same, yet this time, I feel different sharing it--- like the picture is more clear.

I met God in a downpour, and have walked through a constant drizzle ever since.

So what is it about??? It is about my life, my testimony about how I came to know the Lord, and how I've walked down the amazing road of grace, forgiveness, and redemption.

Again, this blog will be private so if you would like an invite please leave a comment with your email. Since it may be a few days in between posts unlike this one, I will give notice when I have posted something new.

I Challenge You 3

I admit, I am a softy when it comes to this next challenge. Honestly, it is probably the easiest challenge I will give, yet I think it may be the most impactful one if you are trying to teach your children to live out their live according to Christ. I am talking about feeding the poor.

But---- not in the traditional way where you go down to a local soup kitchen or help make up food baskets for your church to hand out during the holidays. I am talking about something much more personal and inconveniencing.

Are you up for the challenge?

The Lord's word says this.......

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward those of your people who are poor and needy in your land.
Deuteronomy 15:11 (Today's New International Version)

I am poor and needy,
but, LORD God,
you care about me,
and you come to my rescue.
Please hurry and help.
Psalm 40:17 (Contemporary English Version)

Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
Isaiah 58:7 (New Living Translation)

I encourage you to as you are driving around either running errands, or driving to the mall, or leaving Wal-Mart, or coming back from a wonderful meal eaten in restaurant with your family, to be on the look out for a homeless person holding a sign. Or it might be someone pushing a grocery cart full of their belongings down the road. Or it might be a dirty, worn out looking woman hanging out around a motel. The point is to find someone who is tired, who is thirsty, and who is hungry.

The first time I turned around and did a U-turn so that I could go through a McDonald's drive thru to get a homeless person sitting at an intersection a drink and a hamburger, my kids thought I was a little nuts. But as they saw the man accept the food and the spare change that I had in my console, they knew it was the right thing to do.

Ever since, it has become a tradition to help these people in need without judging whether or not they even need it in the first place. When we were in between trips during our first adoption, I was driving home from downtown Fresno after apostilling a bunch of documents and noticed 2 or 3 homeless people sleeping under a freeway pass. For some reason, I felt the overwhelming urge to go home and cook up scrambled eggs, fried potatoes and toast so that I could drive all the way back to feed those people. I also took them some bottled water, toiletries, and an old pillow.

I do not give myself any credit---- it truly was all His doing, but it was I that was blessed. I share this not to brag because when you look at the big picture, I did not do very much at all, but by following what I felt God called me to do and being able to now share about it now, I think God can accomplish way more--- now, through all of you.

So this weekend, I dare you to go out of your comfort zone and pay attention to the rugged and broken man sitting on the street corner holding a homeless sign and bless him with a hot meal. I can already picture it--- you holding up the traffic behind you in the turn lane so that you can roll down the window and hand the man a bag of fresh hot food. That would be awesome!

I do warn you however-- if your kids are with you, and you take the time to explain what you are doing and why, they will want to do this all the time, and all of a sudden you will see many more people in need than you ever have before.

Purple Wigs and Red Popcorn!

Yesterday was "Crazy Sock and Hat Day" at the elementary school and today is "Funny Hair Day" at the junior high. So....... is this funny enough?

I drove my kids to school today (it is a special treat when I do this) and as I watched Adam and Caleb cross the street to their classes, it was crystal clear how different my two boys are---- yet they compliment each other so well. Adam is older and more mature so he can introduce Caleb to the "older therefore cooler--- not!" kids and Caleb is way more outgoing and expressive and has the "don't care what anyone thinks of me" attitude that brings Adam out of his shell a little. Adam wouldn't be caught dead wearing this bright purple wig yet he walked proudly next to his brother who couldn't wait to show his friends.


Dennis got another haircut last night. I have never had a child whose hair grows as fast as his--- but now I can see his eyes again! Don't you just want to eat him up!


Dennis is getting some Mama love right before lunch. Hmmmm, I just learned that Dennis doesn't like top ramen--- must be the texture of the noodles. Oh well, more for me and Jonny..... and he gets boring ol' oatmeal and applesauce.

Today we went and picked out Jonny's new frames. I went to a different office then the one that did Jonny's eye exam because they weren't contracted for ongoing visits-- and I am glad in more ways then one. Not only is this office very nice (they ordered Dennis' glasses for us), and much closer, but apparently the other opthamologist wrote Jonny's prescription as a single lens when he needs and is currently wearing bi-focals------ Argh! Just one more thing I have to get straightened out. I called immediately because I as the patient's parent have to be the one to question the prescription---- one piece of advice--- you have to keep on top of these things---- WAY ON TOP!!!

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Guess what I made last night????

If you guessed Cinnamon Popcorn you guessed right!

First you melt the Red Hots, corn syrup, and butter together. Mmmmmm.

While that's cooking, pop the corn---- lots of it! I prefer white kernels because it looks prettier and more festive against the red coating.

Don't forget to bake it!

I posted a recipe a few posts back and then looked it over and realized that it is not the recipe I actually use. Here is my recipe:

Cinnamon Popcorn

1 8oz. bag of Red Hot candies

2 cubes of butter

1/2 cup light corn syrup

6-8 quarts of popcorn

Melt together candy, butter, and corn syrup until the candies are dissolved. Stir and coat pop corn. Bake at 250 degrees for about 1/2 hour. I line my pan with Parchment paper so the popcorn doesn't stick. When nice and toasty take out of oven and immediately break up into a bowl-- be careful, it will be hot! Enjoy, share, and make again and again. I have not met one person other than my son William (who doesn't like anything except plain Hersey bars) who doesn't love the stuff!

How Embarrassing!

Today was crazy hat and sock day! I was actually declared, "The Best" when I let Andrew borrow my nifty socks that were just his size. Doesn't this bunch look silly?


After school, Andrew brought this to me to sign. Needless to say, I was very embarrassed. When I asked Andrew why of all things did he decide to draw these all over his paper he replied, "I was bored!" and "They are cool!" See.... Daddy draws all kinds of things with the kids-- many times pictures of swordsmen or Star War Jedi Knights, nothing wrong in my opinion--- but I guess his teacher didn't see the humor in it.

Dennis is learning to feed himself. Honestly, I am not very patient with him because he makes a huge mess after two or three spoonfuls, but I do let him try at least once a day so that he will slowly learn to feed himself. It is just so much easier to do it for him---- but I know I got to let him do it eventually.

Sveta took her shower and decided to come and set up shop her in the living room. She loves to pretend to be an office woman doing very important stuff. And tonight, she looked to be doing stuff that was seriously very, very important.

As soon as I mentioned bed for Dennis, Rachel quickly swooped him up to get some last minute playtime in.

And to think that somebody once mentioned a long time ago that they were concerned that Dennis would not get enough attention.

Sometimes the Tears Flow

I guess I shouldn't complain. I'm not in a blogging funk at all---- actually it is just the opposite. I have so much to share--- so many thoughts--- so many priceless moments that I feel slipping away as I put off writing about them--- so I'm sitting down to write as much as I can before my kids get home from school. I just fed Dennis a pureed cup of borscht and Jonny a peanut and raspberry jam sandwich. Mmmmmm, raaaaspbeeeerry. I climbed up the stairs, Dennis in my arms, and kissed him about a million times. His chubbiness, the sweet smelling folds in his neck, the way he wraps his arms around my shoulders--- is absolute heaven. If this is heaven to me now, I can only imagine what actual heaven will be like someday. Wow-- will that be a sight!

I took my two boys over to Dollar Tree to buy some Red Hot Cinnamon Candies. I buy around 10 bags at a time so that I don't have to keep coming back each time I want to make a batch of Cinnamon Popcorn. It is so delicious, that 10 bags run out in no time. I also happened to find some wall decals that will match the flannel tie comforters I am making for all the girls for Christmas. Practical yet thoughtful gifts is my thinking right now because money is tight with two house payments--- but that can be be a whole other post.

As I was standing at the checkout, I saw dog costumes on the rack. I thought, "My girls would get a kick out these," and picked out two, one for each of our dogs. Then I started to think about how as a mom, I am always on the lookout for something that my kids might enjoy. Not always does it have to be tangible, sometimes it is simply taking them to a school where I know they will love climbing the trees, but this time it happened to be. It brings me pleasure, just like I am sure it still brings my own mother pleasure. Today she called to let me know that she is taking two days of off work to come spend the night at our house next week when Dennis has his surgery. She knows that John and I can manage between the two of us, yet she was looking for a way that she can come and show all of us how much she loves us. I am one very blessed daughter. She not only will help me with the kids, errands, and cooking, but she will also help me with the blankets if we get the time.

As I was putting Dennis into his carseat and buckled the belt up under his neck, he let out a hold your breath, give it all you got cry--- I had accidentally pinched his cheek in the buckle. If ever there was a moment when I felt like a horrible mom, it was then. I as usual, put my face up to his and rubbed his cheek with mine and whispered, "I love you," as I kissed his owie, and you know what--- it worked. And I sat there and stared at my son in awe----- when did he go and learn to accept my comforting touch? It's like one day I was still not enough to comfort my little boy, and the next I am totally enough. Silly me, cried in the car.

"Mom, why are crying? I will share my Sugar Babies with you," Jonny comforted me. "Awww, it's not that Jonny. You can share them with your brothers and sisters later."
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I have to admit that I find myself being judgemental of the world. I am so guilty of this---- yet I do not know how to stop the thoughts. In our neighborhood, a few people are having the front of their house rocked----- I thought their house looked very nice before they went and did that. In my mind I look at the rocked entrances and equate it to thousands of dollars--- what a waste. That money could have fed 100 starving people in Africa for a week, helped get a homeless family into an apartment, or could have gone towards the adoption of a child. I look at our modest Halloween decorations and then look at those in our neighborhood who have gone all out--- my kids think those people are rich--- UGH! No silly kids, we are the rich ones----- because I have you and you and you and you.

Speaking of material things, I was sitting at the kitchen table with my kids this morning. Rachel was sharing her birthday list with me for the 50th time. "I just really want a cell phone Mom. My friends have cellphones."

"Rachel I don't even have a cell phone."

"Yeah, but Dad does."

"Dad has a cell phone because his work gave it to him."

"I will find a way to get one then, and I will pay for it myself," Rachel told me matter-of-factly.

Some of the other kids played into the discussion and chimed in how they really wanted one too.

"If you guys want what your friends have so bad and think I am not being fair, then why don't you go and live with them and have them buy you a cell phone and then I will get rid of my big van and buy the little sports car I have been dreaming of for so long but haven't been able to get because I have to drive all of you around. That way we can all be happy, right?" Of course this was totally said in a joking manner all the while with a smile on my face.

"Your joking Mom. We know how much you love your van and would miss all of us."

"You are so right Anna. You guys are way more important to me than a cell phone, or a sports car, or fancy Halloween decorations."

Rachel dropped the cell phone conversation--- I think I have talked her into adding shoes and clothes to her birthday list--- oh and of course Jelly Bellys!
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Maybe some of you remember this boy that I was trying to help find a new family for? I am sure you guys do because I still get emails asking about how things are going for all of them. Well, today is the big day for him. Today he is going to be placed with his new family. Just like all of the other families that I help, they are going through a very painful and emotional time. They have allowed me to share their blog because they found it very beneficial to read others who had also allowed me to share their blog. If you stop by their blog, please leave some encouraging comments for this family. I have gotten to know them quite well over the last month and a half and their family is amazing. I have no doubt that they gave it their all and I am lifting them all up in prayer as this big day unfolds. Please join me today in prayer for both the placing family and the new family and most of all for Daniel who will have the biggest adjustment of all.
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Any day I am going to get a call saying that our insurance has approved Anna's prescription for Growth Hormone Treatment. We are in the home stretch of having her actually start them--- probably in the next two weeks. I read on a forum recently that someone's daughter grew 2 inches in five months! Wouldn't that be terrific for my little Anna?
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Last but not least, I wanted to share a wonderful story about a family who took me up on my challenge. Her post made me smile and cry----- it was that sweet! Thanks for taking the time to do a whole post on the challenge!

Jack-O-Lanterns

Tonight we carved pumpkins. I am so thankful that the kids chose to pair up so that I only had to buy five pumpkins. Loading and unloading them about killed me..... can you tell I'm a big whiner?

The kids worked well together and we all had fun---- that was the main thing.



Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner and joined in the fun.

All of the kids could say they touched pumpkin guts this year--- even Dennis!


While everyone scraped and carved away.... I took pictures and...

cleaned pumpkin seeds.

Don't the pumpkins look great?

I Enjoy my Children

Isn't Dennis just a little sweet pea? He is either that or a turkey or a muffin or a tomato. I refer to him by names of food because that's what my favorite Aunt did to me. I was always her asparagus, her little turnip, or her sour pickle. Now, my kids are her artichokes and cabbages. I have picked up her name calling habit, in her absence.

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The other day I froze Jonny's warts. I froze a few of mine too. Funny how as a child I never had any, but now there is a few that I can't seem to get rid of. Ugh! Comes with the territory, I guess.


I try and do things with Jonny during the day that I think he would be doing if he were in school. We practice reading, speech, coloring, writing, and drawing. I am trying to get him to come out of his shell and draw a little more without being embarrassed. So how'd I do that? I drew a funny looking skeleton and had him trace and color it so that the drawing was ours together. He liked that.

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This morning was a good morning! Why? We had some really good laughs as we were making school lunches. About what????

This poor, pathetic banana. Even Rachel wouldn't touch it, laughing out loud.
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Adam is becoming quite the chef. He enjoys cooking and doesn't mind doing everything when I let him pick out a recipe that he wants to cook. Over the weekend, he chose to make a Boston Cream Pie. I had to think quick in the beginning when Adam realized that he had doubled the eggs, water, and oil for one cake mix (he is used to doubling everything). Thankfully, I had another mix of the same flavor and we just made a plain one so that people could have seconds if they chose.

Part of the prep was tracing round cake pans so that he could cut out Parchment paper to line them. It was so fun spending one on one time with my oldest son in the kitchen---- it will probably be near the top of my list of best quality time ever spent with him. Besides being an awesome cook, my son is responsible, inventive, respectful, funny, and just awesome to be around. He has a nice sense of humor and makes parenting such a pleasure. I feel blessed to say this about my teenager....... very blessed.

Here he is assembling the cake.

He took a few pointers from me on how to frost the top to make it look as smooth as the picture. I'm sure he won't need my help next time. The cake turned out wonderful as you can see, and him and I had the pleasure of sharing the last piece.
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Rachel is having some trouble with homework. John and I both have been working with her everyday. Her reading and writing is getting better--- finally, but math frustrates her when she is expected to do many steps for one problem. Today we worked on multiplying fractions and then she had to simplify them. Each problem had at least five steps----- let's just say that she didn't like this.

Where we know she is struggling because of her language, we have reduced her work to an amount that is okay with her teacher. Instead of 20 spelling words where she might only get four right because she focused her energy on trying to learn them all, I pick out five to eight that I think she will most likely use in her writing now and have her learn those words really well. Her much improved spelling tests are proof that this is working.

I am also having her read second and third grade level books not because she can't understand higher level books but because this is the level that she can read where she doesn't stop and have to pronounce each and every word and yet still read it wrong. I want her to build up her confidence by reading with ease for awhile and getting herself familiar with blends that don't make any sense like "ph" and "gh".

In some ways, we have made schoolwork easier for Rachel and in other ways we have stepped up our expectations of her----- it is a fine balance. I just know she will catch up--- she is so capable...... it is just going to take time!
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Now that the weather is cooling off, the kids are playing outside more. Anna is teaching William how to healy------- he thinks holding onto the scooter for balance will help him learn faster.

This has got to be one of my favorite pictures. Annalyn is enjoying being a big sister and there are times when she will spoil him rotten. In case you can't tell, Dennis is in heaven with his water bottle and wagon! Annalyn went on to pull him all over the cul-de-sac.

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Later in the evening, I found Sveta sharing her cup of crushed ice with Dennis and Jonny. It was so sweet.


I remember when we first brought Dennis home and I gave him a cracker to feed himself. He had trouble finding his mouth, poor little guy that it was obvious that he had never been allowed to do this. Now he is great at feeding himself!

Digest 5

Chris said...
Thanks for being so responsive to everyone's questions. It is amazing to me that you do it with your busy household. I remember a picture you had a while back of chicken kotlety. I have a recipe for gribnye (mushroom) kotlety which are VERY good, but would love yours for the chicken. Let me know if you've already posted it somewhere else. Thanks!

I'm not sure if I have posted it but I will share it now.

Russian Cotlyeti (sp??)
2 pounds ground beef
2 eggs
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 tablespoons of Pappy's seasoning or seasoned salt
1 large potato finely grated
4 cups of finely crushed corn flakes

Mix everything except corn flakes. Shape into patties and coat with crushed corn flakes. Add a little vegetable oil to a frying pan and fry cutlets around 6 minutes on each side depending on how thick. Test one by cutting into it to make sure it is done. Enjoy!

Amy said...
Hi Christine!I love your digest! I have a few questions for you too!!
#1 - Have you shared your borscht recipe before? I'd love to try it!
#2 - How do you handle all your family photos? I know that you have the camera around allll the time - so what do you do with the photos? Do you store them online?
#3 - Do you give your kiddos allowance?
Loving the pictures! You are so blessed to have such a wonderful family!
Take care!Amy

(1) I make 3 gallon batches of borscht around five times a year and freeze it in Ziploc baggies. Each time I make it different depending on what I have and what is on sale. Sometimes I use Beef stock and other times I use beef broth. Sometimes I omit certain vegetable or prepare the potatoes differently. I can't really post a recipe now because it is easier when I am actually making it to write it down, which I promise to do next time. I make the tomato based version not beet--- but I think it tastes better that way.
(2)We store our photos on two external hard drives.
(3) We don't give our kids an allowance for everyday chores but we will give them a set amount of money for doing a job above and beyond helping around the house like cleaning out the garage, getting wheel barrels of rocks, or wiping down all of the kitchen tables and chairs with furniture polish.

Anonymous said...
I have a question! Do your kids know about your blog? Do any of them read it? Do you ever think about what might happen if they found it themselves?
Thanks! -Elizabeth

Yes, my kids know I blog. The older ones can check it out at anytime. I am honest and what I blog is not a surprise to any of them. They are quite open to my sharing because I try to get permission from them first which makes them feel like they have a say and if they are a little hesitant about my sharing, your comments always affirm my telling them that people appreciate our family being real, which then makes them more than okay with my blogging. Sometimes I hear, "Mom, you want me to grab the camera so you can blog about this?"

Cindi Campbell said...
I have a question I am wondering how you handle eating inbetween meals? It is driving me crazy. Is it just not allowed in your family? I just don't know where to draw the line they are still little 4,6 and the baby 16 mths.(she eats all day of course). How does it work in your large family? Cindi Campbell

I allow two snacks in between breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are midmorning and afterschool. That is the time time to eat and if the kids aren't hungry then, they can save their snack for later as long as it is not right before a meal. If I allowed it, Jonny would snack on snack foods all day and never eat a normal meal.

Kathy said...
I notice you had 531 visitors on your blog yesterday. I wonder if that's 531 separate people or 100 of us checking back to read the comments five times : )

Hmmmm, I wonder that too. I so enjoy reading all of your comments....... and likewise I hope you enjoy mine when I get the chance to stop by.

The Kaysers said...
You cut Annalyn's hair? Great job, I am impressed, it looks good and very much like Ramona! :)

Yes, I did, and thanks for all of the compliments. I have never went to beauty school or anything, but I have always enjoyed doing anything and everything with hair. I used to trim and color my Mom's hair when I was younger. Now, I cut all of my kids' hair and John's too. Sometimes I use scissors, but I love how my Robocut can cut the boys' hair really fast and sucks up the hair at the same time. Every once in a while I will take one of the girls to SuperCuts if they want a cut that I am not familiar with. I watch the stylist cut my daughter's hair and then I can cut it the same way from that point on. I guess you can call me a cheater.

Anonymous said...
I think it is inappropriate to have the audio version of this post. I made the mistake of clicking it since there was no warning with my child in the room. Perhaps you should be more responsible to AT LEAST put an advisory warning, but I don't think it should be an audio post, full stop.

To this I think Christie and Kathy said it best.....
I don't think Christine needs to put warnings on her own family blog about when to listen to it aloud and when to read it. It is her blog. It's easy enough to scan it first.
I agree, this is her blog. I do not allow my children to look over my shoulder and read her blog. It is a blog about her family and many things that are discussed are not for children to be reading. As with any media, we are the ones responsible to use discretion.

Thanks girls!

mommaof4wife2r said...
i will pray...and pass along in our adoption community. I'm torn here...and i will be quiet about my beliefs...and pray.

Thanks for all of your prayers for this family. Sadly, after just one lead, I have had to tell this family that I am not able to help them find a new family afterall. This is my first time of not being able to find a family for a child that is being disrupted. *Sigh* My heart aches. This commenter posted the way I feel....... I think these children are redeemable.

Jill said...
this is so very tragic...I pray that these children will find a family that will love them and teach them in a way that they need so desperately.Christine...in your opinion...do you think this brother and sister should be separated to heal properly?

I believe that these children could heal while staying together, although it is not my place to make this kind of decision. Also, crazy and reckless as it sounds, I would take these children in a heartbeat meaning that their issues do not scare me. I honestly and humbly trust my Lord could help these two children overcome this horrible tragedy.

Torina said...
I agree that CPS involvement is not a good thing. The system in nearly every state is tragically broken and without a direct placement into a family, these children will almost undoubtedly end up in group or residential care.Door alarms and 24-7 line-of-sight supervision is needed for these children. If they do attend public school, they will need a 504 Plan (or IEP) that states that supervision is required at all times. It is not the end of the world. They are children and have learned these behaviors. A family knowledgeable about parenting children with sexualized behaviors is important. Though it is necessary, love will not cure these children. Neither will God. Faith helps, and you certainly need it, but the kids will need a ton of structure, guidance, and supervision.

I respect what you have to say, but I do disagree with you on one thing. From experience, I do believe that God and love can cure these children, but by cure I do not mean get rid of the sexual ideas completely, but realize that they are wrong, repent, and go on to live wonderful lives. These children didn't just up and think to sexually act out.... they were exposed, taught, and most likely victimized themselves. We have no idea what their motivation to act out is and we have no idea if they just consider this common practice coming from a country where it is the norm from what I have been told. Until they were found out, I don't know if they had ever been told that sexually acting out was wrong.

Karen said...
wow, I found the link to your blog from another site. I am sad for these two children. The couple who adopted them made a promise to be their forever family. I do not think they should be allowed to turn their backs on them because the children have "problems". What if it was one of their Bio children who started acting out sexually? Surely they wouldn't place them up for adoption.

I understand how you feel. I would love if you would take the chance to go back and read my tags labeled "adoption disruption". I think you would better understand why this happens.

Annie said...
By the way, Christine - I feel somehow that you are on a "blog roll" you are making blogging a priority? I don't know, but I truly look forward to my visit to your home every day.

Yes, I have made it a priority because it is the one thing that I do for myself that brings me great enjoyment. Ever since I made the Ukraine Train book, I am even more motivated because I will be able to make books for each of my kids by downloading posts with their name in it so they will each get a book about their life growing up. I am excited that I will be able to give this gift to each of my kids, and I hope it will be treasured----- I know I would have loved to have something like this.

Peta G said...
Hi Christine thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. This may sound odd but what is Tri-tip? Is your butter baked bread the same as bread and butter pudding? my kids love that and peach cobbler too and they seem to go further in a large family don't they.

Tri tip is a wonderful cut of meat that is less expensive then nice steaks yet better quality than other cuts that cost the same. It is very tender when cooked right and for some reason, it is us Californians meat of choice when we decide to throw a barbecue. We love it! My baked butter bread is nothing but a loaf of bread sliced in half, spread with butter, and baked in the oven till it is hot and crispy.

Peta G said...
Christine, can you post your recipe for Polska-Kielbasa please. It looks yummy.I googled it but there are so many different versions I think I will stick with yours. thanks

LOL. My recipe is so darn easy I hardly consider it a recipe at all. I slice up Hillshire Farms kielbasa and red potatoes and throw them in a pan and fry it until the potatoes are cooked. Right before serving, I season with coarse pepper. How simple is that? But it is yummy!

Erica said...
I have never had bread pudding before! You have to share your recipe! LOL!!

Okay, okay, you have twisted my arm enough. Again, this is a simple recipe. After trying 7 or 8 different recipes, I went ahead and made up my own. I like this one because it is simple (no overnight), light, and doesn't have cinnamon which allows me to pair it with any pureed fruit sauce that I want like pureed strawberries, pears, or fruit cocktail.

Bread Pudding
1 loaf of stale bread cut up
6 eggs
3 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 cube butter

Melt butter in a 9X13 baking dish in a 400 degree oven for 4 minutes or until melted. Beat together everything but the bread. Add bread and mix gently until the bread is completely soaked with the egg mixture. Pour into the baking dish and bake at 400 for 20 or so minutes until golden brown on top. Try not to overcook or it will be dry. Top with fruit puree and whip cream.