Merry Rozar's Christmas in July

Two weeks ago I said to my hubby, "Lets have Christmas in July. Lets get out the tree and the lawn decorations and have Christmas." He said "OK" but that's as far as it went. We never gave it another thought. Then I came up with another idea. This past December I took a bundle of Christmas goodies decorated with Christmas cheer to a great friend of his. So I decided, "Why not. Let's have Christmas in July." And that is just what we did. I made a few things and off to Birmingham we went this morning with the trunk full of Christmas goodies to be delivered to Rozar's Auto Paint Supply.  All that was missing was the colder temperatures and Christmas music. Well, I could have gotten out the CD's but that was going too far. With the help of a few table decorations, and a Christmas tablecloth, I think I pulled it off.  An inviting chalk board sign wishing a Merry Christmas in July to the Rozar's family, a snowman complete with a black top hat seeming to make the temperatures chilly. There were warm biscuits and venison sausage, a cinnamon roll cake, a must have flavor for the holidays, kicked up crackers nestled in a sleigh ready for take off, chocolate toffee no bake cookies, creamy chocolate gravy, and broccoli salad. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did.

Mini Meatloaf

My hubby loves meatloaf. He could eat it twice a week and have sandwiches with the leftovers if I made it that often. But I don't. Well, because I don't LIKE meatloaf. Maybe its the name, meat-loaf. Loaf.....what does that say for a food that most people love? My daughter-in-law says "what's wrong with you" and I have to respond "I don't like meatloaf." My family loves it when I take it right out of the oven, cold from the fridge, sliced, and made into a sandwich, extra ketchup please! But I have never been a fan. Now, have I said enough times that "I don't like meatloaf." But I will confess, I do like this meatloaf. I think its the sauce. You see, I'm not big on ketchup. And a lot of people I know put just ketchup on their meatloaf when they cook it. Or tomato sauce. What's up with that. Tomato Sauce? Really? It has absolutely no flavor until you mix it with other delicious products to make it good.

Now my sauce, its made with ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and vinegar. I believe that is what makes it extra special. Just a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar with a little tang from the vinegar. Yumm! Try it today. And be sure to save a little sauce on the side for dipping at the table.


Mini Meatloaves

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup Italian style bread crumbs
2 tbsp ketchup
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. white vinegar

Stir together well and set aside.

Mix all ingredients together. Form into 4 patties. Brown on both sides. Remove from frying pan and place on baking sheet. Preheat oven to 400º. Coat each mini meatloaf with a generous helping of sauce. Bake 20-30 minutes until done. Check after 20 mins. Be sure not to over bake as they will become dry.

Lunch With a Friend

I started with this....



 

And ended with this......

And this.......

 

And of course this....

A view of the complete lunch.

 

 This deserves another look. Yes, it was that good.

                                                    Blackberry Fool. Who would have thought a fool could be so good.

 

Movie Date & Sugar Free



Well now. My doctor says I have to control my sugar since I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes Type 2. I love chocolate cake so I found a recipe online that combines cake mix and a 12oz can of soda. Well, I got some sugar free cake mix and a can of diet soda. Combined the two and baked per package directions. Can't tell that there is no oil, eggs or butter in there. Just as yummy as ever.



 





 

 

This piece of cake didn't last long. I used sugar free frosting and its just as good as homemade or regular store bought.







Then I grabbed two of the most handsome young men in my life and we set out to see the movie
"American Sniper". This is the first time I have been in a movie theatre when at the end no one stood up to go and not a sound was made. If you haven't seen this movie I would suggest you go. The language is strong but what a great movie it is.

And it doesn't hurt to have to very handsome young men to take you. Dinner after was marvelous. A little Italian restaurant in our neighborhood was just the thing to end a wonderful day. This was day for the "Three of Us"

 

 

Have a great week!



Grandsons

What a great way to spend a day. Our youngest grandson is 7 and he is just a delight to be with. He is super smart, funny, sweet, loving, kind, and just an overall blessing to have in our family. I have so many stories of this child it is amazing. Hopefully soon, I will be able to have time to sit down and share some of the stories with you.

This is our 12 year old grandson. I can't say enough about how much I love and cherish this kid. He also is super smart, funny, sweet, loving, kind and a blessing to have in our family.

I can't remember a time that I didn't have grandsons.

November in The Great Smoky Mountains

There is nothing more beautiful than waking up each morning with a view of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This was a recent trip the hubby and I took along with our oldest son and his family. The weather was perfect and we couldn't have asked for a better trip. I'm thinking Thanksgiving 2015 in the mountains may be a must do for my family.