Happy New Year from Creative Chicks Cafe

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SHHHHH! "My Family Secret Turkey and Dumpling Soup Recipe!" . . . 'Sponge Soup'

"My Families Recipes"
left- Great Grandma Marths'a
right- Grandma Mary's
back- mine

Turkey Soup is one of the most popular ways to reuse several pounds of excess turkey leftovers. And in my home growing up, it was always a tradition after the holidays to do just that. Over the years we have gained many fond memories with our turkey soup recipe. And this soup recipe is one of the easier foods to make on a day when most people across the country are tired and worn out from the holiday celebrations.

To make the Turkey Stock. - "This is not a secret!"

Remove any large pieces of turkey from the carcass and refrigerate to use for sandwiches or salads.  Place remaining carcass into large stock pot     .  Cover with water by about an inch.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 2 - 4 hours.  Drain stock through a fine strainer into a large bowl and reserve stock.  Pick through boiled bones for any good turkey meat.  Place picked through turkey pieces into large pot along with drained turkey stock.

 Add the following ingredients to the pot: . .
1 bag of chopped carrots

1 bag of celery stalks, chopped
2-3 medium onions
1 tablespoon of parsley flakes
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of pepper or 6 - 10 peppercorns
3-5 tablespoons of chicken bouillon powder
Here's the secret ingredient . . . 1 package of Mrs. Grasses Chicken Soup Mix with the egg. (When my kids were little we had to put in 2 packages, each kid got to put an egg in.
Bring soup to a boil, then turn down to simmer about an hour or so till the vegetables are done.

Now for the best part, the "Dumplings" - my children call them "Sponges"
6 eggs
1 heaping tablespoon of sugar
1 rounded teaspoon of cinnamon - YES, I said cinnamon, try it you'll like it!
1 teaspoon of salt
3/4  of milk
Beat eggs and add remaining ingredients
Here's the tricky part...
you will then add 2 or more cups of flour, beating it in a little at a time until thick ( I would guess brownie mixture thick)
Bring soup to a boil.  Heat spoon (this is important) then drop heaping tablespoons full into the pot.  It may take a second because the dumpling mixture will stick to the spoon that is the reason for the "hot spoon".
Cook 10 minutes, then
                                                             "SOUPS ON"

                             ENJOY - Kate

" Memories Become Treasures" During The Holiday Season





Sandy and Richard

My sister Sandy is the "Matriarch" of our family now that our parents and grandparents are deceased. She is the oldest, the wisest and assumes the huge responsibility of Grandma, Aunt, Mother, Sister and Wife. My father was a very sentimental man, a trait that Sandy has acquired in her life as well.  Several years back, Sandy and Richard created a "Memory" wall in their living room for Richard's father Orvin, our Grandma Kate, and our parents Earl and Marlene. Each "Memory" box is filled with wonderful "Things" that have lifetime memories. I always find myself standing and looking at these wonderful memories during our Christmas gatherings. I feel as if they're all here with us as we celebrate the holidays. Thanks "Big" Sis for keeping past memories always as a present reminder.

Patty

Happy Holidays from the "Chicks" at Creative Chicks Cafe

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Holiday Health and Nutrition- Meet Emily Dingmann

Emily Dingmann

Food is at the center of Emily's life! With a BS degree from the U of Minnesota in Nutrition, Emily understands the scientific impact food has on one's quality of life. While at work at an Organic Bakery in Minneapolis, she promotes eating various whole grains directly with customers and as part of the Marketing team. She's also an Assistant Director at Camp Endeavor, a weight management camp for youth. There she adapts menus, teaches cooking, nutrition and weight management strategies to kids and teens. At home, she 's busy creating food sensations, enjoying food with friends and writing her blog!  Please check out Emily's blog at
http://www.anutritionisteats.com/ and see her Pre-Holiday party lunch recipe. Also, join Emily on Facebook.

Holiday Boutique at Kate's "Studio South" in Cape Coral, Florida

 

Our "Chick Elves" have been very busy in their workshop preparing for there annual "Holiday Boutique" craft sale being held on Thursday, December 16, in Cape Coral, Florida. Kate Sullivan, is an outstanding woman and continues to inspire women "Who feel they have little, or no creative talent".  Kate hosts open workshops in Cape Coral and when in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota almost every Thursday in her studios. The price of admission is $10.00 to help with materials, along with inspiration and an abundance of "Chick" bonding. The boutique will feature handmade kitchen aprons, kitchen trivets, cotton washcloths, dolls, mosaic art creations, drink coasters, decorative pillows, pottery and much more. Good Luck " Studio South Chicks" on your craft fair event. If anyone is interested in purchasing any of these items, please contact katelund@yahoo.com, or leave a comment on our blog.  Patty

Meet Mona Rae Cich- "A Facinating Story of an Inspiring Woman"

Mona Rae Cich



Mona Rae Cich is a very intriguing women, a designer, crafter and artist of handmade quilts and handmade collectible dolls.  For 35 years she lived in Duluth, Minnesota with her husband Ken and children. Mona Rae was a daycare provider, and received a distinguished award on April 3, 1989 as “Daycare Provider of The Year” in the State of Minnesota.  Mona Rae said; “Senator Rudy Boschwitz flew to Duluth and all of the TV stations were there when he presented it to me. “ With the words he spoke, I wanted to cry. I told the press that I was receiving this award with great honor, but it was for all of the great daycare providers who are protecting and teaching the children who are our future. “I really do not believe that one person should be awarded, there are so many that could have received that award every year.”

From  there, came a 6 part series on the local TV station in Duluth. She recalls , “They followed me around for 5 days, it was a bit stressful,  as I had 10 children I was taking care of”. It was inspirational for her in helping other daycare providers get their business off the ground and promote “Professionalism in their business”.  In addition to these accomplishments, she was an advocate for the safety of all children called the “Rules for Home Day Care” and spoke in front of State Legislature on behalf of all daycare providers, as the “Rules” needed to be updated.

 Back in 1981, Mona Rae awoke from a dream that changed her entire career path.  Her Great Grandmother was standing at the foot of her bed wearing a “Babushka” (scarf) on her head and said; “Mona Rae pick up a needle and thread and you will find your hidden talent, you have not yet discovered.” Her Great Grandmother died when Mona Rae was eight years old, and she was a quilter. Mona Rae remembers as a child sitting on her lap for hugs while her Great Grandmother worked from her large floor quilting frame.  She said; “The dreams kept coming  back”.  I purchased a Lee Wards magazine and found a cross stitch quilt kit as I felt she was guiding me.”  In 1982, Mona Rae purchased a tax ID license and followed her dreams, and established her business called “Hidden Talents.”  

Oh, but  her story does not end there.  Mona Rae had her quilts for sale at a gallery in Minneapolis, an inconspicuous woman made contact with her and wanted to purchase  one of her quilts for a “Local” movie being made in Minnesota.  They met, and she looked at all of Mona Rae’s creations, she said; ” I am sorry, but I don’t see what we need”.  Mona Rae had a” used” quilt that caught the designer’s eye. Mona Rae said;  “That one is not for sale and but they could borrow it for the movie”. The set designer immediately  turned to Mona Rae and said;  “ You have two women standing  next to you”. “One is a short woman that has her hand on the quilt and telling me that this is her quilt.” That is when Mona Rae broke down crying because she knew at that point her mother saw that her quilt was done.  The other woman was described as wearing a “Babushka” on her head.  It verified to Mona Rae that she had guidance by her angels. It was at the moment that Mona Rae said; “ I made that quilt in memory of my mother,  she was able to touch the center before her death, it was made with her favorite colors. I finished the border that contained a point for every month of her life”.

The movie turned out to be “Grumpy Old Men 2”, and the Mona Rae’s mothers memory quilt was featured in a ”Nanno” second during the church scene.  That quilt had the same colors of Ann Margaret’s dress in the movie and Mona Rae proudly displays her quilt under her sign in their booth.

In 2005, Mona Rae and Ken moved to Ramsey, Minnesota to be closer to their grandchildren.  She thanks her husband of 43 years  as “ Ken has let her follow her dreams”. The “Team” travel to 24 crafting events each year.  When asked “Where do you draw your inspiration from”?  Mona Rae replies, “I keep a journal of my customers, their stories and the support from my family”.

In addition to the handmade quilts, her collectable dolls are “Unique”.  All of her dolls are inspired from her dreams. She will see flashings of colors, a design, or object .  Mona Rae says; “There is a story behind every doll, and the story continues after someone buys it”.  When at home in her studio, she works 15-16 hour days, she surrounds herself  with 969 bolts of fabric. The colors are comforting and bring excitement and passion to her work. She only uses “Top of the line” fabric called “Moda”.  Her dolls come to life as she creates them with her hand’s, she even admits talking to them. They have names like Chilly, Nicholi and Forest. In fact, Forest is in his 4^th color design edition, and one of the most popular, she has created and sold a 1,000 of him.  Mona Rae’s biggest event is at Canterbury Park in Shakopee Minnesota, held in November and April of each year. They feature 500 artists and crafters from 30 states.

Here are some tips from Mona Rae on getting started:  Start by going out and doing a church craft show, and smaller shows. Climb the ladder, it teaches you how to find your price points, what sells, and what works. Surround yourself  with family and friends to help you along the way. Build a customer  base and you are building long lasting relationships.  Most important of all “ Don’t forget where you came from”. Facebook is a great social net working tool , create a website, start a blog, and continue to do shows. Mona Rae recently joined Etsy, and sold her first doll in a week.  For more on Mona Rae reach her at http://www.monaraeoriginals.com/, click on our link, watch her video, and join her on Facebook. Help her reach her 200 fan goal  facebook for 2010.

My name is Chilly



Happy Holidays from Nicholi



Forest is my name

I am so cute up close

I'm Kriss Kringle

Fall Friends



Snowman quilt with stand

 

Our booth is always stroller and handicap accessible




Quilts of all sizes





Customers who collect my dolls





Old Fashion New England Pumpkin Pie from Bath, Maine



Sandie Nardozzi- Bath, Maine



Halve the pumpkin and scoop out seeds and fibers

Sandie Nardozzi, is one of our many contestants who has submitted her recipe for our "Let's Be Thankful" Holiday contest ending on December 8th. I think the pictures will tell Sandie's story of her love for baking authentic New England dishes

"Old Fashion New England Pumpkin Pie"

2 cups roasted pumpkin
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped hard sugared ginger (optional)
1-1/2 tablespoons melted butter
1- 12oz. can of carnation milk
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup of molasses
2 eggs beaten

Use 2 lb. baking pumpkin usually available in the Fall, set oven at 350 degrees. Halve the pumpkin and scoop out seeds and fibers. Place pumpkin cut sides down on baking sheet. Bake until it is tender when pricked with fork 30-40 minutes. When cool enough to handle, scoop out and measure 2 cups and set aside.

Use a 2 lb. pumpkin

Hand scoop out and measure 2 cups

Old Fashion New England Pumpkin Pie

Sift white sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar and nutmeg together. Mix this with 2 cups of roasted mashed pumpkin. Add eggs, melted butter, molasses and canned milk. Pour into 9" crusted pie pan.  Reheat oven at 450 degrees, bake for 15 minutes. Lower to 350 degrees, and continue to bake for 50 minutes. When a knife comes out clean, pie is done. Serve with real whipped cream.

You Are Never Too Old When It Comes To Inspiring People

My Godmother Phil Savage

Meet my Godmother Phil Savage, she lives in Hastings Minnesota and is now 84 years old. Phil was the talk of the town when she painted a tree in her front yard and decorated it. She said "The neighbors probably thought I was losing it." But her "Rainbow Tree" brought so much attention that her local newspaper featured her in a article. We are blessed to have such an amazing women in our lives.

Thursday's Open Workshop



I finished my grandaughter, Emileys
skating costume for the show next week.



Well, it seems things have returned to normal here in southwest Florida.  Yesterday, the "Chicks" gathered together for "Open Workshop" at "Studio South.  What a day we had!  Everyone was so busy working on crafts for our Holiday Boutique on the 16th of December.  It looks as though we will have dozens of hand created art and craft pieces, plus lots of vintage pieces.  Some of the items you will be sure and want to purchase are . . .  hand-made aprons, drink coasters, kitchen trivets, dolls, purses, handcrafted greeting cards,  pillows, placemats,decorative pins, mosiacs,stained glass pieces and tons of other items.  Here are some of the "Chicks" hard at work completing their projects!  If you live in the Cape we hope you can make our "Christmas Boutique" on the 16th. There will be more information on Facebook.  -Kate



Irish Mary is working on a secret Christmas
present for her son.



MOM, Is this suppose to be me?



Vicki has a secret present!



Claudia is busy painting!



Sharon is working on a stained glass piece!



Trivets!!! ?

T

"Power Tools"



Laura has a secret item!
Can you guess?