Creamy Tomato Meatballs & Rice

This is a variation to Porcupine meatballs

which is a favorite in our home.

Ingredients

1 lb. extra-lean ground beef

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 tsp seasoned salt

1/4 tsp garlic pepper

3/4 cup uncooked converted long-grain rice

1 cup half-and-half

1 (10-3/4 oz) can condensed tomato soup

1 (14.05 oz) can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. garlic

Parsley to garnish

Heat oven to 350F.  Spray 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spary.

In medium bowl combine ground beef, onion, salt and pepper; mix well.

Shape mixture into meatballs; place in sprayed casserole dish.

In medium bowl combine all remaining ingredients except parsley; mix well.

Pour over meatballs.  Cover tightly with foil.

Bake at 350F for 1-1/2 hours or until rice is tender.

Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Sprinkle with parsley.

Enjoy :)

I am joining

Blessed with Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

Miz Helen's Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday

Rattlebridge Farms for Foodie Friday

Addicted to Recipes for Scrumptious Sunday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Sunday, May 6, 2012

Outside my window... The sky is blue, the sun is shining, there is a slight breeze and there is snow on the ground - yup, I said snow.  We had a storm come through yesterday that brought a spring snowstorm that lasted all afternoon and into the evening.  Hopefully all traces of it will be gone by the end of today.

I am thinking... I am glad I didn't put my flower pots out yet.

I am thankful for... the fact that my dads appointment at the cardiologist went very well and things seem to be looking good.

From the kitchen...
~Today: Pork Roast, Homemade Buns, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Broccoli w/Cheese Sauce, Corn, Green Salad, Strawberry Angel Food Cake
~Monday: Creamy Tomato Meatballs & Rice, Buns, Turnip, Green Beans, Salad
~Tuesday: Beef 'n Broccoli, Rice, Asian Salad
~Wednesday: Maple-Balsamic Salmon Fillets, Seasoned Rice, Corn, Peas, Salad
~Thursday: Sweet & Sour Chicken (crockpot), Rice, Corn, Salad
~Friday: Pork Chops 'n Gravy, Carrots, Broccoli, Salad
~Saturday: Leftover Smorg

I am wearing... Black dress pants, purple shirt, black cardi, black flats.

I am creating... Embroidered pillowcases.

I am going... To see the Avengers this week.

I am reading... Small Changes for a Better Life by Elizabeth George

I am praying for...my daughter to find a job for the summer.

Pondering these words... The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook. (William James)

I am still hoping... That the weather will really begin to warm up.

I am hearing... The air purifier running & the shower.

Around the house...Finish up the extra laundry and hopefully get the decks cleaned up and ready for summer use.

One of my favorite things... Sitting with my family in the evening and catching up on everyone's day.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Monday: The whole family is going to see The Avengers at the theatre.  Going to the theatre is not something we do very often.
~Tuesday:  Planting in the garden (weather permitting)
~Wednesday: Finish cleaning out rosebed (weather permitting)
~Thursday: Shopping
~Friday: Housework
~Saturday: Relax

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Beautiful spring pinks from my mystery bush in the garden.

Thank you Peggy for the The Simple Woman's Daybook {follow links to read more}.

Awkward Spaces

Do you have an awkward space in your home

that is difficult to decorate?

I do.

In our living room we have these

two bookcases which are different sizes

and the un-aesthetically pleasing stereo.

Now while I love having the bookshelves here

I have had a hard time

finding a look that I am completely satisfied with.

Eventually I hope to have a fireplace mantel

in this spot.

But until then I will have to make do.

I am quite pleased with how this vignette

came together for spring.

With the candles and tulips and tealight holder

on the higher shelf.

And the bowl with the decorative balls

in the little nook

on the lower shelf.

And the little bird perched on the stereo.

The colors all seem to pull together

with this picture

which fills the wall nicely.

So now I enjoy my little awkward space

and it even brings a smile to my face :)

I am joining...

Mod Vintage Life for Mod Mix Monday

A Stroll Through Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Have a Daily Cup from Mrs. Olsen for Share Your Cup Thursday

 A Ruffled Nest for Friday Pretties

Grapevine Wreath Bird Bath

When I saw this idea on Pinterest

I knew I wanted to try one for our yard.

The grapevine wreath I had from my stash that I find at garage sales.

The twine was from a previous project,

the vine was from Dollarama.

This wonderful pebble tray I found at Wal-Mart.

The total cost for this project - under $5.00.

I measured out the twine into three equal lengths

and knotted the end.

Then I spread it out and set the grapevine wreath on top.

I added some glue to the tray

just for extra security

and placed it inside the grapevine wreath,

knotted the top

and voila!

Another project done

in under 30 minutes :)

I am joining...

Be Different...Act Normal for Show and Tell Saturday

Cozy Home Scenes for the Cozy Home Party

Happy Hour Projects for Happy Hour Friday

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Chocolate Roll

This roll is super light and not too sweet -

perfect for after a large meal.

Ingredients

6 egg whites, room temperature

1/4 cup sugar

6 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

6 Tbsp. cocoa

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Line greased 10x15" jelly roll pan with waxed paper and grease.

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.

Add sugar and beat until stiff.

Beat egg yolks in a separate bowl with second amount of sugar

 until lemon colored and light.

Beat in cocoa and vanilla.

Fold into egg whites.

Spread in prepared pan.

Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes

or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Sift icing sugar oveer tea towel.

Turn cake out on top of towel.

Peel off paper.

Starting at narrow end,

roll towel and cake up together to cool.

When cook unroll and spread with filling.

Chocolate Roll Filling

2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 Tbsp. water

2 cups whipping cream

Melt chips and water together over hot water.

Spread over cake.

Whip cream until stiff.

Spread 1/2 cups over chocolate layer.

Roll.

Spread remaining whipping cream over log.

And top with shaved chocolate, if desired.

Chill and enjoy!

 

I am joining...

Sweet as Sugar Cookies for Sweets for a Saturday

Around My Family Table for Feed Your Soul

Crazy for Crust for Crazy Sweet Tuesday

Mrs. Fox's Sweets for Mrs. Fox's Sweet Party

Something Swanky for Sweet Treat Thursday

Spring Pinks

We have a shrub in the front corner of our house.

I don't know what it is called

and for most of the year it is just

plain and bushy and kind of ugly looking.

However, for a few short glorious weeks in early spring

it covers itself in these beautiful

pale pink flowers.

They are so delicate and add a beautiful pop of color

to the otherwise still drab outdoors.

So this week I thought I would do a tablescape

featuring my favorite spring pinks

before they are all gone.

I found these pink napkins at Goodwill

and the napkin rings came from e-bay.

These are my favorite spring dishes

which I found on clearance at Stokes last year.

Along with matching mugs.

I love the delicate flowers on the wine glasses.

These came with a set of dishes

that we purchased many years ago.

This flower dish was an impulse by :)

from Stokes this past week.

And the pretty little candle inside came from Dollarama.

Light and delicate and fresh.

I love the pinks of spring!

 

I am joining...

Kathleen at Cuisine Kathleen for Let's Dish

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Gardening Season Begins

Although it is still quite cool

it is time to tackle the weeds.

We put in these strawberry plants late last summer

and the weeds are threatening to overtake them.

So the weeds were dug out

and fertilizer was added and dug in.

It is looking much better.

This spot along the garden fence is quite bare

and since we are planning on doing some

major landscaping changes in other parts of the yard

this summer...

I decided to transplant the delphiniums here.

I hope they will take well.

In between I am planning on putting

in some daisies.

I also prepped the spot on either side of the garden gate

for the Sweet Peas to be planted.

If it doesn't rain too much tonight

I should get them in tomorrow.

So gardening season has begun

and my garden area is slowly

being transformed.

I am joining...

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

While He Was Napping for Weekend Wander

Fishtail Cottage for Cottage Garden Party

Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday