I noticed in recent postings that I have gotten away from my blog's purpose, so I thought I would try to get back on track today. The question that is forefront in my mind right now is: Why am I raising such slobs? Last month I went through and did a deep cleaning of my house - something I try to do at least once each year. I missed last year due to surgery, so this year was a catch-up. The one thing that I noticed was how sloppy my girls (especially the younger two) really are. They can't find their towel hook in the bathroom to save their lives and apparently the nice big laundry hamper in their room is much harder to use than the floor. If you ever want to know what they've done in a day you only have to look at my house and follow their trails! It has gotten out of hand and Charles and I have decided it's finally time to deal with it. How? With lots of consistency and perseverance on my part. Yuck! One of my least favorite things is following the girls all over making sure they do what they're supposed to be doing. There are so many other things I would rather be doing! But, if I want them to change their bad habits I have to be consistent. After all, they didn't train themselves to be slobs - I did it by cleaning up after them every time they made a mess for the last 9 years!
Some of the things we're having success with are:
* Chore charts: Each of the girls is responsible for a certain number of chores each week. Some of these are items they receive an allowance for doing (things that help me out) and others are expected for them to do as part of the family (picking up their rooms, putting toys away, etc.). I have the charts hung out in plain sight so we see them every day and check their progress. Since the girls, at 10, 8, and 7, have different abilities they have different jobs. Emily is expected to empty the dishwasher and clean the cat boxes, both easy things for her to complete. Abby is "the vacuumer." She has one room each day that she is responsible for which is easy to keep up with. She is also in charge of feeding and watering the kitties, which she loves, so there's a little bit of fun there for her! Morgan is expected to vacuum the kitchen twice and run the Swiffer once in a week, as well as keeping the art supplies neat since she uses them the most. No one is asked to shoulder too much of the burden and I get the added benefit of having help with tasks that are painful for me to physically do.
* Regular "check-ups:" I am learning that when I send the girls up to clean their rooms I can't take their word that they actually did what they were asked. They like to clean the middle of the room by throwing stuff in the closet, under the bed, or in a container of some sort. So I have been coming in and pointing out the deficiencies and making them keep at it until everything is in its place. This keeps the room from getting out of hand. We're doing the same with the art area and play area downstairs. They get a chance to clean up then I come check and usually end up making them do part of it the right way.
* Be Specific: We are learning to verbalize our expectations to the girls. If I want the books cleaned up I need to tell them "Go put your books away" or "Put your dirty clothes in the hamper." I can't tell Abby and Morgan "Pick up your room" without qualification. It's overwhelming for them, especially when their room is messy. Giving them small, easily achieved goals helps keep them on track.
* Be Consistent and Persevere!: The most important step to "un-slobbing" our children is consistency and perseverance on our part. We have to remind them of their chores, we have to make sure their messes get picked up, we have to check the towels and dirty clothes, etc. If we take one day off they will break the good habit and go back to their old sloppy ways. Charles has reminded me more than once that they didn't get this way overnight and the fix isn't going to happen overnight either. It's good to remember - especially on those days that there are Abby and Morgan trails running through the house. It's a marathon, not a sprint! I am confident that one day we will look back and fondly remember their little cleaning foibles... one day far in the future!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Love is...
Love is...
- A nice hot cup of coffee every morning when I wake up, fixed by the man who still makes my heart smile.
- An evening of fun with my girls and hubby: anything from pizza and a movie to games or a night out together.
- Baking with Emily... or enjoying what she bakes on her own!
- Talking with Abby... more accurately listening to Abby while she's talking to me!
- Coloring with Morgan.
- Family in all its forms and functions.
- Time with my besties doing just about anything. We have found we can make the simplest things fun!
- Digging into God's word with my Bible study group - sharing His message and in turn being taught so much.
- Writing.
- Cuddles from children.
- Listening and sharing dreams with my one and only.
- Opening the Bible and discovering God's love for me on every page.
- Realizing that Jesus' sacrifice was the largest outpouring of love, mercy, and grace this world has ever seen.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Catching Monkeys
I heard a very neat story at church yesterday in a sermon titled "What Christians Can Learn from Monkeys." Yes, monkeys. You might be surprised at the comparison, but I assure you it's a good one.
The story goes:
I think we really like playing tug-of-war with God. How many times do you give Him a burden just to reach out and snatch it back minutes later? What do you gain from holding on to it? Nothing - in fact, you set yourself up to be trapped by the "hunter" every time you snatch a burden back from God. I am convinced that Satan uses any little morsel he can get to entice you into his trap. When we struggle with giving God control we open ourselves up to Satan and he's waiting with his net to catch us and keep us snared forever.
Fortunately for us, God has given us everything we need to avoid the trap. Throughout the Bible are verses that tell us what He has in store for us if we will just trust in Him. I will share some of my favorites with you and I challenge you to find some favorites of your own to use when you feel the trap closing in.
Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I remember when I first realized what this passage was talking about. As a champion worrier I was stunned and comforted at the same time. I don't have to worry - it's a choice I make. I continue to work on giving God my worry and letting tomorrow worry about itself.
Luke 12:22-34
Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This is Luke's version of the same parable shared in Matthew. Jesus is quite clear about what He wants from us. He wants us to let Him do the worrying for us so that we can be about His business here on Earth.
I hope to someday outsmart the hunter and get my hand out of the jar. As I mature in my Christian walk I am able to leave more and more behind, but there's always something in that jar that I just can't resist holding on to. I am determined that those things, too, will soon be left in the jar and Satan will have to stand back and let me go.
The story goes:
There’s an oft repeated tale about how certain hunters in Africa catch monkeys. It can be very difficult to corral these intelligent creatures, so hunters have used a more inventive method…trapping a monkey by enticing him. A small jar is placed at the base of a tree with nuts or other items which may attract the monkey’s curiosity.
The opening of the jar allows the monkey to place his hand in, but when he tries to withdraw it, he is unable to do so without letting go of the contents of the jar. Believe it or not, some monkeys will stay there with their hand in the jar until the hunter comes back to trap them! They are trapped because they are unwilling to let go of something they are doing which is working against them.
There was obviously more to the sermon than this story, but I was intrigued by the idea behind this little tale. It made me wonder how often I am like the monkey, unwilling to let go of the juicy tidbits in that jar and trapped in a bad situation because of it. Why are we so resistant and stubborn? Intellectually I know that God will take my burdens from me and handle them better than I ever could. Emotionally it's a lot harder to give him those things. If I "let go and let God" what will I control? How will I determine the outcome I need if it's not in my hands anymore? I think we really like playing tug-of-war with God. How many times do you give Him a burden just to reach out and snatch it back minutes later? What do you gain from holding on to it? Nothing - in fact, you set yourself up to be trapped by the "hunter" every time you snatch a burden back from God. I am convinced that Satan uses any little morsel he can get to entice you into his trap. When we struggle with giving God control we open ourselves up to Satan and he's waiting with his net to catch us and keep us snared forever.
Fortunately for us, God has given us everything we need to avoid the trap. Throughout the Bible are verses that tell us what He has in store for us if we will just trust in Him. I will share some of my favorites with you and I challenge you to find some favorites of your own to use when you feel the trap closing in.
Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I remember when I first realized what this passage was talking about. As a champion worrier I was stunned and comforted at the same time. I don't have to worry - it's a choice I make. I continue to work on giving God my worry and letting tomorrow worry about itself.
Luke 12:22-34
Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This is Luke's version of the same parable shared in Matthew. Jesus is quite clear about what He wants from us. He wants us to let Him do the worrying for us so that we can be about His business here on Earth.
I hope to someday outsmart the hunter and get my hand out of the jar. As I mature in my Christian walk I am able to leave more and more behind, but there's always something in that jar that I just can't resist holding on to. I am determined that those things, too, will soon be left in the jar and Satan will have to stand back and let me go.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
A Celebration of Marriage
Today Charles and I celebrate 13 years of marriage. Wow! According to several online sites, the average marriage that ends in divorce in the US lasts 8 years. That's pretty sobering, isn't it? When Charles and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary we had three young children, had recently moved into our home, and were experiencing some rough financial times. We were on a very strict budget, and I don't think we went anywhere to celebrate. Each year since has brought something different - sometimes better, sometimes worse. Last year I was just 9 days out of back surgery, so we postponed any celebration until I was mobile. But whether we do it up big or just spend some special time together, I am a big believer in acknowledging the importance of every anniversary.
Marriage is not a popular topic in our society. Don't get me wrong - we LOVE weddings and romance, and we love to be in love, but marriage is not nearly as cool. Marriage requires sacrifice and unselfishness; it's taking a spouse to the hospital when they're sick, holding them when they cry, and letting them vent when they really need it. It's bills and paychecks and more bills. It's raising children and pets and learning to make time for yourselves as a couple when you're pulled in about 500 different directions every week. That's marriage - is it any wonder so many people give up when it gets hard?
What's the benefit to working your way through all the hard stuff? You end up with a lifelong companion, a person who is so close to you they see you down to your soul. Yes, that means the ugly parts too, but they don't care! I can be myself with Charles, warts and all, and I can trust him to hold me accountable when those warts start showing through! Conversely, I can also hold him accountable when his less desirable traits make a showing.
I can honestly say that marriage is not what I expected it to be 13 years later, but it's better than what I ever envisioned for myself. Our marriage isn't perfect, and it wouldn't work for anyone else, but it works for us. Why? I think because we made a decision long ago to put God in charge of our relationship. Our home is built on a firm foundation of Jesus Christ and He influences every decision we make. Times we don't see eye to eye there's often a disconnect somewhere between us and God. We aren't perfect, and our marriage isn't perfect, but it's blessed by God and He holds us in the palm of His hand. That's comforting to me, and makes me firmly believe that I will be writing on my marriage in another 13 years, and 13 years after that!
Marriage is not a popular topic in our society. Don't get me wrong - we LOVE weddings and romance, and we love to be in love, but marriage is not nearly as cool. Marriage requires sacrifice and unselfishness; it's taking a spouse to the hospital when they're sick, holding them when they cry, and letting them vent when they really need it. It's bills and paychecks and more bills. It's raising children and pets and learning to make time for yourselves as a couple when you're pulled in about 500 different directions every week. That's marriage - is it any wonder so many people give up when it gets hard?
What's the benefit to working your way through all the hard stuff? You end up with a lifelong companion, a person who is so close to you they see you down to your soul. Yes, that means the ugly parts too, but they don't care! I can be myself with Charles, warts and all, and I can trust him to hold me accountable when those warts start showing through! Conversely, I can also hold him accountable when his less desirable traits make a showing.
I can honestly say that marriage is not what I expected it to be 13 years later, but it's better than what I ever envisioned for myself. Our marriage isn't perfect, and it wouldn't work for anyone else, but it works for us. Why? I think because we made a decision long ago to put God in charge of our relationship. Our home is built on a firm foundation of Jesus Christ and He influences every decision we make. Times we don't see eye to eye there's often a disconnect somewhere between us and God. We aren't perfect, and our marriage isn't perfect, but it's blessed by God and He holds us in the palm of His hand. That's comforting to me, and makes me firmly believe that I will be writing on my marriage in another 13 years, and 13 years after that!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Merry Christmas!
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with your families and friends this year. Whether you're travelling or staying home, enjoy your time off! I will be back with you after the new year with all kinds of new and exciting writing!
I'm hoping to get to spend some time on the cruise ship writing, and I plan on having plenty of time to let things "cook" in my head!
God Bless you and yours!
I'm hoping to get to spend some time on the cruise ship writing, and I plan on having plenty of time to let things "cook" in my head!
God Bless you and yours!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Christmas??
It's that crazy time of year again - stores are hectic, parking's a nightmare, people are cranky, and there's never enough time to get everything done. Merry Christmas everyone, welcome to the season of crazy! Some of us are getting ready to travel for the holiday while others are preparing things at home and planning family dinner. I find that I've really lost the magic and joy of Christmas this year. Do you find this happening at your house? What sorts of things do you do to keep yourself centered and sane during the holidays? Here are some ideas I am going to try:
- Stop and enjoy the magic with your kids. Does your town do a Christmas light display or does your church put on a Christmas Eve play? Go to them with your kids and enjoy seeing them through young eyes. We have a local train display that the girls really enjoy visiting every year, followed by a drive through town to see the lights. Even though the lights are the same every year the girls enjoy seeing where different displays are set up - it's like visiting old friends every year! My goal this year is to share the magic with them and step outside of my "mommy shoes" for a little bit. Usually during these trips I'm worried about getting us there, keeping track of everyone's stuff while we're at the train display, etc., etc., etc. This year I want to let that go a bit and just have fun.
- Take the stress out of your preparation. I have a lot of packing to do before we leave on the 20th of December... A LOT of packing! But I'm trying not to worry about it and stress over it. It will get done in time or we will stop at a WalMart on the way and pick up what we forgot. Do you have family coming to stay with you during the holiday? Try to make sure you take time while they're with you to relax and enjoy their company. Don't let your hostess duties rob you of the special time you have to share with your family. It's perfectly fine if breakfast on Christmas morning is bakery pastries or a box of donuts if it means you get to sit down and open presents with everyone.
- Chill out about the shopping. With our Christmas shopping this year I am doing what I can when I can. I have pretty specific ideas for most people I'm shopping for and I work on those a little bit during my free time. Online shopping has been a real life saver this year - we found the girls' big item (chairs for downstairs family time) as well as gifts for nieces, nephews, friends and family all in one handy place - Thank you Amazon! One thing I am trying to do is buy smart. I'm not buying out of obligation, but trying to put thought into each gift we give. Even with gifts the girls pick out for family members, we're trying to pick something that will mean something to the recipient. It takes a little more thought, but means so much more when it's opened!
- Remember why we're celebrating. How often do you stop to remember why we're celebrating Christmas in the first place? If the first time you think of Jesus' birth is the Christmas Eve service at your church, you might want to take some time out and reflect. This is such a special time of year - a time we have to remember when our Savior came to earth and was born. God sure considered it to be special! How many times in the Bible was an event heralded with choirs of angels and a huge star pointing the way? I can think of only one time... the birth of His one and only son, Jesus Christ. Jesus really is the reason we celebrate this holiday and we need to remember that. Maybe tonight is a good night to read the Christmas story with your kids or talk to them about Christmas. My girls love talking about Jesus' birth anytime, but especially at Christmas time!
I hope that you will be able to take some time and enjoy the Christmas season with me this year. I am determined that I will find the magic and joy in Christmas, even if it means I have to shut myself in the house with my Christmas carols and hot coffee! Let Christ share His joy with you and let His peace rule in your heart this special holiday!
- Stop and enjoy the magic with your kids. Does your town do a Christmas light display or does your church put on a Christmas Eve play? Go to them with your kids and enjoy seeing them through young eyes. We have a local train display that the girls really enjoy visiting every year, followed by a drive through town to see the lights. Even though the lights are the same every year the girls enjoy seeing where different displays are set up - it's like visiting old friends every year! My goal this year is to share the magic with them and step outside of my "mommy shoes" for a little bit. Usually during these trips I'm worried about getting us there, keeping track of everyone's stuff while we're at the train display, etc., etc., etc. This year I want to let that go a bit and just have fun.
- Take the stress out of your preparation. I have a lot of packing to do before we leave on the 20th of December... A LOT of packing! But I'm trying not to worry about it and stress over it. It will get done in time or we will stop at a WalMart on the way and pick up what we forgot. Do you have family coming to stay with you during the holiday? Try to make sure you take time while they're with you to relax and enjoy their company. Don't let your hostess duties rob you of the special time you have to share with your family. It's perfectly fine if breakfast on Christmas morning is bakery pastries or a box of donuts if it means you get to sit down and open presents with everyone.
- Chill out about the shopping. With our Christmas shopping this year I am doing what I can when I can. I have pretty specific ideas for most people I'm shopping for and I work on those a little bit during my free time. Online shopping has been a real life saver this year - we found the girls' big item (chairs for downstairs family time) as well as gifts for nieces, nephews, friends and family all in one handy place - Thank you Amazon! One thing I am trying to do is buy smart. I'm not buying out of obligation, but trying to put thought into each gift we give. Even with gifts the girls pick out for family members, we're trying to pick something that will mean something to the recipient. It takes a little more thought, but means so much more when it's opened!
- Remember why we're celebrating. How often do you stop to remember why we're celebrating Christmas in the first place? If the first time you think of Jesus' birth is the Christmas Eve service at your church, you might want to take some time out and reflect. This is such a special time of year - a time we have to remember when our Savior came to earth and was born. God sure considered it to be special! How many times in the Bible was an event heralded with choirs of angels and a huge star pointing the way? I can think of only one time... the birth of His one and only son, Jesus Christ. Jesus really is the reason we celebrate this holiday and we need to remember that. Maybe tonight is a good night to read the Christmas story with your kids or talk to them about Christmas. My girls love talking about Jesus' birth anytime, but especially at Christmas time!
I hope that you will be able to take some time and enjoy the Christmas season with me this year. I am determined that I will find the magic and joy in Christmas, even if it means I have to shut myself in the house with my Christmas carols and hot coffee! Let Christ share His joy with you and let His peace rule in your heart this special holiday!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Passionate for Pumpkin
Is anyone else out there really excited it's pumpkin season? I love pumpkin in bread, muffins, cookies, pies, and even in some soups! One of my friends made a Turkey pumpkin chili a few years ago and it was really good. I would love to try making Pumpkin Soup sometime if I come across a good recipe. Today I would like to devote some time to pumpkin recipes in case the baking bug bites you like it's biting me today!
My first recipe is one I made for an Oktoberfest celebration we went to last month and everyone loved it. I had to watch Charles to make sure we had enough to take to the party! My recipe comes from the "Betty Crocker New Cookbook," one of my personal favorites.
Pumpkin Bread
1 16oz. can pumpkin 1 2/3 c. sugar
2/3 c. vegetable oil 2 tsp. vanilla
4 large eggs 3 c. all purpose flour or whole wheat flour
2 t. baking soda 1 t. salt
1 t. ground cinnamon 1/2 t. ground cloves
1/2 t. baking powder 1/2 c. coarsely chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 c. raisins (optional)
1. Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottoms only of 2 loaf pans, 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, or 1 loaf pan, 9 x 5 x 3 inches, with shortening.
2. Mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, vanilla and eggs in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into pans.
3. Bake 8-inch loaves 50 to 60 minutes, 9-inch loaf 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans on wire rack. Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans and place top side up on wire rack. Cool completely before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days.
I also want to share a recipe with you that I am planning on making. I haven't tried it yet, so please forgive me if it doesn't turn out well! I was intrigued by this "no evaporated milk" recipe since all three of my daughters and I are lactose intolerant and evaporated milk is pretty rough on our tummies. They have replaced the evaporated milk with egg nog, which you can buy in lactose-free blends. This recipe comes from: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-live/staceys-i-dont-have-any-evaporated-milk-pumpkin-pie-recipe/index.html
Stacey's "I don't have any evaporated milk!" Pumpkin Pie
1 pre-made pie crust 1 small can pumpkin puree
1 1/2 c. egg nog, storebought or homemade 2 eggs
1/2 c. sugar 1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. salt 1 1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Put the pumpkin, egg nog, eggs, and both sugars into a mixing bowl and mix on low until incorporated.
3. Add salt, vanilla and cinnamon until just incorporated.
4. Pour mixture into prepared pie shell and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Note: Because of the egg content in this recipe this pie will set up faster and firmer than traditional pumpkin pies.
I hope that these recipes have given you some inspiration for your holiday baking this year! I know I'm going to enjoy playing with this Egg Nog Pumpkin Pie recipe for my family!
My first recipe is one I made for an Oktoberfest celebration we went to last month and everyone loved it. I had to watch Charles to make sure we had enough to take to the party! My recipe comes from the "Betty Crocker New Cookbook," one of my personal favorites.
Pumpkin Bread
1 16oz. can pumpkin 1 2/3 c. sugar
2/3 c. vegetable oil 2 tsp. vanilla
4 large eggs 3 c. all purpose flour or whole wheat flour
2 t. baking soda 1 t. salt
1 t. ground cinnamon 1/2 t. ground cloves
1/2 t. baking powder 1/2 c. coarsely chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 c. raisins (optional)
1. Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottoms only of 2 loaf pans, 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, or 1 loaf pan, 9 x 5 x 3 inches, with shortening.
2. Mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, vanilla and eggs in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into pans.
3. Bake 8-inch loaves 50 to 60 minutes, 9-inch loaf 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans on wire rack. Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans and place top side up on wire rack. Cool completely before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days.
I also want to share a recipe with you that I am planning on making. I haven't tried it yet, so please forgive me if it doesn't turn out well! I was intrigued by this "no evaporated milk" recipe since all three of my daughters and I are lactose intolerant and evaporated milk is pretty rough on our tummies. They have replaced the evaporated milk with egg nog, which you can buy in lactose-free blends. This recipe comes from: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-live/staceys-i-dont-have-any-evaporated-milk-pumpkin-pie-recipe/index.html
Stacey's "I don't have any evaporated milk!" Pumpkin Pie
1 pre-made pie crust 1 small can pumpkin puree
1 1/2 c. egg nog, storebought or homemade 2 eggs
1/2 c. sugar 1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. salt 1 1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Put the pumpkin, egg nog, eggs, and both sugars into a mixing bowl and mix on low until incorporated.
3. Add salt, vanilla and cinnamon until just incorporated.
4. Pour mixture into prepared pie shell and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Note: Because of the egg content in this recipe this pie will set up faster and firmer than traditional pumpkin pies.
I hope that these recipes have given you some inspiration for your holiday baking this year! I know I'm going to enjoy playing with this Egg Nog Pumpkin Pie recipe for my family!
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