Oh, For Real Cookbook and other cooking adventures

   

Last spring I purchased this new book from Laura at Heavenly Homemakers and I'm happy to say that I'm totally in love with it!!  It comes in PRINT!  I am using it so much.  These are Laura's favorite recipes she makes with her family and I can tell why!

I love all the quick recipes and tips to make cooking many meals to save time in the kitchen.  I still don't have a perfect system, but I'm working my way there.

Here are some of the recipes that my family enjoys:

From the Quick Mix-
*Pancakes
*Peanut Butter Cookies
*Chocolate Chip Cookies
*Quick Mix biscuits

Dry Mixes-
*Ranch Dressing for the Cheddar Ranch Burgers
*Onion Soup Mix to put in everything!
*Turkey Sausage Seasoning mix

Breakfasts-
*Baked Oatmeal
*Homemade Hash Browns
*Very Berry Smoothies

Lunch/Dinner-
*Corn Dog Muffins
*Hearty Green Bean Casserole
*Italian Pasta Bake
*Lasagna Casserole

I still need to try out many of the snacks and desserts.

 

What will you find in Oh, For Real? 

• Over 115 healthy, real food breakfast, lunch, supper, casserole, slow cooker, and snack recipes that will save you time, money and sanity
• Versatile mixes and whole grain dough recipes that offer loads of healthy recipe options with little to no effort
• Freezer cooking ideas and instructions to help you actually get ahead in the kitchen
• Last minute (healthy) meal ideas, because for real, you don’t have to resort to ordering pizza in a pinch
• More information about my family and me than you ever really needed to know.  We are real.  :)

It's $25.95 which includes shipping and handling in the US.  I use it everyday, it's worth it!


Click here to visit Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers   AS for my other cooking adventures...     I just made 6 freezer meals from Sidetracked Sarah's blog.   This kitchen is busy!!

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky Book Review

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky is the story of Julia Foster, former missionary to India looking for employment in England in 1911 while her father recovers from an illness.  Julia is hired as governess by the widower, Sir William Ramsey of Highland Hall.  She is immediately put to work caring for Sir William's two children, Andrew and Millie, and his deceased cousin's teenage daughters, Katherine and Penelope.  Julia's calm determination helps her face the many trials that arise in her position.  She befriends Sir William's sister Sarah who gains confidence in running the estate.  And as time progresses, Sir William starts to confide in Miss Foster.  Both begin to develop deeper feelings for each other, but because of social standards they are unable to move beyond their current employer/employee relationship.  As financial disaster looms ahead, Sir William must make some difficult choices in business, love and the future of his family.  Can Sir William and Julia move beyond social barriers to unite together to bring peace and joy to a broken family?

The author, Carrie Turansky, describes The Governess of Highland Hall as Downton Abbey meets Jane Eyre with a little Sound of Music thrown in.  I quite agree with this description.  Julia Foster had both inner intelligence and stunning outer beauty combined with high standards and the qualities of a well bred lady.  Others in the home were either jealous of her or she was well respected.  Carrie's description of each character was fascinating  and she had several love stories as well as a good plot and excellent climax with many surprises throughout.  I was completely taken with the estate (see pictures below), the staff, the village, Julia and William's interactions and how the children responded to Miss Foster.  When Carrie writes she listens to the movie soundtracks of The Prince of Tides, Little Women, Cider House Rules, A Beautiful Mind, Anne of Green Gables and of course Downton Abbey.  This book and upcoming series is not to be missed!!



The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Here are a few pictures of the inspiration for Highland Hall: Tyntesfield

Main staircase: the family and staff gathered here each morning for prayer and Scripture reading

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for this review. All opinions are my own.*