Kalmia Mom

Author: KalmiaMom3

  • My Nana’s Stromboli – an easy comfort-food recipe

    My Nana’s Stromboli – an easy comfort-food recipe

    Nana

    My Nana’s Stromboli was a staple at Hollen reunions. Family reunions are a time to get together with relatives we might not see any other time throughout the year. To see families grow; to remember years and generations that have gone by. It is a time to eat food made with recipes to remember and pass along to the next generation.  My nana, Elsie (Hollen) Hays was the third youngest of 10 children in her family. Many of the family often attended the reunions. She notoriously took this easy comfort food, Stromboli.   

    Family reunion

    The Hollen family reunion was held in the same place for over 40 years and often hosted 50-80 people!! My family went to many of the reunions, and I have several fond memories of the relatives and the food.  People came from all across PA, and other states like Minnesota, Arizona, New York and more. Stromboli, spare ribs, peach pie and ‘Grandma’s’ gobs (whoopee pies) are some foods that stand out in my memory. 

    For many years, my Nana made about ten to twelve stromboli to take to the reunion. I was able to help her make them. I slept over at Nana and Papa’s house the night before the reunion and we went to work putting this comfort food together. One year the family got many of the recipes together and made up a family recipe book.  Now that my Nana is no longer living I have her copy of that recipe book, complete with Nana’s Stromboli recipe. 

    My family

    My family enjoys Nana’s stromboli, which we often have a salad on the side.  I have tried to put this together and then freeze it, but the dough sticks to the wax paper, foil or parchment paper, so I have to find another way.  My next attempt would be to chill the completed ‘boli before wrapping, to make the dough less sticky, or to put more flour on the dough.  Some people put ham in Stromboli or add mustard.  Let me know if you made this and if you changed it at all.  I am grateful to have that recipe.  Are there any recipes that you can share that have been passed down for generations?

    Ingredients

    Roll out the dough

    Pizza sauce

    Hard salami

    Provolone cheese

    Pepperoni

    Oregano & Mozzarella

    Roll up & bake

    Enjoy!

    My nana's easy comfort-food Stromboli
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    My nana’s easy comfort-food Stromboli

    Recipe by Elsie (Hollen) HaysCourse: MainDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    6

    servings
    Prep time

    30

    minutes
    Cooking time

    35

    minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 ball frozen bread/pizza dough

    • 3-4 Tbsp. pizza sauce

    • 1/4 lb. hard salami

    • 1/4 lb. provolone

    • 30 slices pepperoni

    • Oregano or Italian seasoning

    • 1/4 c. grated mozzarella cheese

    Directions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
      Thaw dough, prepare a baking sheet with a sheet of foil
    • Roll or pull out dough at least to the 8″ pie size
    • Spread light sauce on dough *NOT* near the edge, or it won’t close properly
    • Layer fillings in the following order: Salami; Provolone; Pepperoni; Oregano; Mozzarella
    • Roll up the Stromboli, keeping the filling in as well as you can, tuck in the ends then place on foil on baking sheet
    • Bake at 350 degrees until dough is brown, about 25-35 minutes

    “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, NLT)

  • Reyna Shawl by Noora Backlund -Easy and adaptable

    Click here for the Reyna Shawl pattern by Noora Backlund.

    About the pattern

    The Reyna Shawl is popular in knitting groups I belong to.  That is because the pattern is fairly simple. For example, it alternates between simple garter sections and mesh sections.  Some skills are learned or practiced besides knits and purls. These knitting skills include KTBL; K2tog; ssk; and YO. You will learn that KTBL means to knit through the back loop of the stitch. While K2tog means to knit the next 2 stitches together. Then Ssk means to slip the next 2 stitches onto the right hand needle, one at a time, then knit them together. Finally, YO means to bring the yarn to the front of the work and knit1. A YO, or yarn over, forms an extra stitch and a hole.  Conveniently, all of these abbreviations are explained in the pattern. 

    The pattern is written for fingering weight yarn. However, it can be adjusted for other yarn weights.  To get the correct drape use the right size needle for the yarn you choose. The suggested needle size is found on the back of the ball band. Note that if you are using a thicker yarn and larger needle, the finished shawl will be larger than what the pattern is written for. For example, a size 4, or worsted weight yarn with a size US7 or US8 needle will produce a larger shawl.

    I increased the size of two Reyna shawls by altering the pattern a little bit. Originally I made this shawl as the pattern is written. When I was finished I decided I wanted a larger completed shawl. With a little bit of math and figuring, it is fairly simple to continue with an additional section in the pattern. 

    Reyna shawl stages

    A friend of mine generously gifted me some Cascade Heritage Prints yarn from a LYS (Local Yarn Shop). Which, for months, I tried to decide what to make with this special gift. Eventually I came across the Reyna shawl pattern. Of course, I decided to create this design with my special yarn. As you can see, the three photos above and the three photos below show various moments throughout the knitting process of this piece.

    My experience knitting the Reyna shawl

    Originally I made this shawl as the pattern is written. Then when I was finished making it I decided I wanted a larger completed shawl. Therefore, I made two Reyna shawls by altering the pattern a little bit to increase the size of the finished piece. With a little bit of math it was fairly simple to make an additional section in the pattern. 

    The Reyna shawl pattern is written so that most color yarns work with it. Such color options include solids, stripes, tweeds, variegated, gradient, pooling and marled.  However, because of the eyelets I prefer a solid color, or a slow gradient yarn. I like to make this, and most shawls, in a material that has some natural fibers. This is because the natural fibers make it easier to block and open up all of that lacework.  I used a few different yarns to create the Reyna shawl, as mentioned below.

    Below there are 2 pictures of this shawl in Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek DK yarn (grey). The third shawl below is in Lion Brand Moroccan Nights and has a little shimmer in it. This one I made for one of my neighbors. My favorite yarn for the Reyna shawl is Cascade Yarns Heritage Prints (75% Superwash Merino Wool and 25% Nylon). This yarn was given to me by a dear friend and I wanted to make something with that yarn that was useful. I looked for a pattern that would show off the beauty of the colors of this yarn.  Finally, I found this shawl pattern to suit this yarn well. This pattern is found on Ravelry at Ravelry: Reyna pattern by Noora Backlund.

    “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalms 107:1, NLT)

  • Chicken Cacciatore- Easy 5-ingredient Crockpot dinner

    Chicken Cacciatore- Easy 5-ingredient Crockpot dinner

    Chicken Cacciatore in the crockpot is simple and quick to put together. The most difficult part of this recipe is chopping the onion, especially if you react to the vapors as I do.  Most of the time my gracious husband will jump right in and volunteer to cut them. He is more tolerant of cutting up onions than I am. He is kind to spare my eyes and sinuses from burning. After my husband chops up the onion we put it into a Tupperware Quick Chef and chop it up as much as desired.  We do the same with the pepper before adding both to the crockpot.   

    A great use of garden zucchini

    Chicken, spaghetti sauce, onion, pepper and zucchini are the only ingredients of this chicken cacciatore, making this meal quick, easy, fairly healthy and tasty.  It is a great way to get my kiddos to eat zucchini. Our garden provides us with many zucchini in the summer.  My husband and I are the only ones that eat it at my house.  My boys won’t eat it unless it is shredded and baked into bread.  We have tried olive oil, spices and cheese; and spaghetti sauce, cheese and pepperoni. Neither of those options appeal to any of my three kiddos.  I wonder if it might be a texture issue, or if it is just the taste they don’t like.  Whichever the reason, they won’t eat zucchini as it is.  If I chop it up small enough, in about half to quarter inch cubes, they will eat it as part of this meal.

    Tie the chicken cacciatore all together

    The end mixture produces a good amount of liquid inside the crockpot, so if you would prefer not to have all of that liquid with your Chicken cacciatore, serve it over or with a starch that will soak some of that up.  My family likes cheese, so I usually top with grated or shredded cheese.  Most of the time, I serve this over spaghetti noodles or angel hair pasta.  It could also be served by itself or over another starch, like potatoes or rice.  

    Ingredients
    Finished meal

    Let me know how you liked this and how you ate it-if you paired it with a starch or had it alone, and if you used a starch, what kind. 

    Easy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
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    Easy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

    Recipe by Donna SpaydCourse: DinnerDifficulty: Easy and quick
    Servings

    6

    servings
    Prep time

    30

    minutes
    Cooking time

    6

    hours 

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb. Chicken breast

    • 1 24 oz. jar spaghetti sauce

    • 1 large zucchini, chopped

    • 1 green pepper, chopped

    • 1 sweet onion, chopped

    Directions

    • Put all ingredients into the crockpot and cook on high for 4-6 hours.
    • Pull the chicken apart/shred it with 2 forks or 1 fork and tongs.
    • Cook an additional 2 hours, on low.
    • Serve over spaghetti noodles or other pasta.

    “Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.” (Psalms 5:8, NLT)

  • Knitting for Charity – what to make and where to donate

    Overview

    Knitting for charity is beneficial and rewarding. There are several organizations that accept hand-knitted items including teddy bears for kids affected by HIV/AIDS to prosthetics for cancer patients to cozies for animals and much more. See the links below for a list of some ideas for knitting for charity. Click on each title to go to the website of each organization. Review details and requirements for what and how to donate.

    I have made several hats for babies for my local hospital. The hospital required a certain yarn weight for the hats. I also made prayer shawls and lap blankets for a church organization and people that have lost a family member, usually a spouse. Some other items I knitted have also been donated. Check local organizations in your area that collect hand knit and crocheted items. Be sure to check with the organization for any requirements.

    Prayer Shawls, items for medical needs, military and animals

    • Prayer shawl ministry – knitting shawls and lap blankets while praying over every stitch for the recipient.
    • Alice’s Embrace – Prayer shawls and lap blankets for Alzheimer’s patients.
    • Care to Knit – Hats, scarves and other knit or crochet items to hospitals, shelters, nursing homes and hospices.
    • Knots of Love – chemo caps for chemotherapy patients and blankets for NICU patients.
    • Knitted knockers – knitted prosthetics for women who have had a mastectomy due to cancer.
    • Project Linus – handmade blankets for children 0-18 with severe illness, traumatized or otherwise in need.
    • Binky Patrol – handmade blankets for children who need to be comforted.
    • The Mother Bear Project – hand knit or crocheted teddy bears for children affected by HIV/AIDS
    • Knit Your Bit – scarves for certain veterans organizations across the country.
    • Operation Gratitude – knit hats and scarves for care packages sent to troops.
    • Soldiers’ Angels – supplies blankets and other winter items for homeless veterans across the country through VA hospitals.
    • Hats for Sailors – knit and crochet hats for sailors in the US Navy.
    • Warmth for Warriors – hats for active duty, retired veterans, wounded, injured or ill members of all United States or state branches of military.
    • The Snuggles Project – blankets and other cozy knits to comfort animals in shelters.
    • Comfort for Critters – blankets to comfort animals in shelters.

    “O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” (Psalms 61:1-4, NLT)

  • 3S Shawl (Super wide, Super Simple) by Amy A. Meade

    Click here for the 3S Shawl pattern by Amy A. Meade.

    Overview of 3S shawl

    The 3S shawl is lovely and looks more difficult to make than it actually is.  It is best to be made in a natural fiber so it can be blocked well and the detail can be seen more precisely when it is opened up from blocking.  This shawl looks great in a fingering weight (#1) yarn, made with a size US2 or US3 knitting needle.  The pattern includes three bind-off options- regular, picot and crochet cast-off.  Personally, I like the picot bind-off, as it gives a more intricate look than the regular option. This pattern is great for working on increasing with KFB (Knit in the front and back of the next stitch), YO (Yarn overs) and the Picot bind off. This pattern is available for free at Ravelry: 3S Shawl pattern by Amy Meade.

    The shawl above

    The above two pictures are of the same 3S shawl. However, the lighting was different in each picture. The one on the left was while it was being blocked. While the picture on the right was the completed project, on the windowsill. Different lighting can make a difference in how the yarn appears. The truer colors are in the picture on the left, the object being blocked. The yarn used above is Big Twist brand Vista, in colorway sage brush. It is a blend of cotton, acrylic and polyamide. I liked the feel of this yarn as I used it. It was soft, and moved easily through the tension in my hands.

    3S shawl stages

    The pictures below show the 3S shawl pattern as a work in progress and being blocked. This shawl was created in Hand Dyed Superfine Merino Wool Natural Yarn by K+C, in washed indigo. This yarn is 100% wool. Because it is a natural fiber, it makes it easier for me to block. Therefore, it has a more finished look. For several years I wanted to knit something and enter it into my state’s Farm Show. This is the year and this project is what I am sending in.

    “LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O LORD, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.” (Psalms 130:3 & 4, NLT)

  • Fish Sticks with Macaroni and Cheese for Quick Dinner

    Fish Sticks with Macaroni and Cheese for Quick Dinner

    Fish sticks

    Fish Sticks are not my favorite, but my boys enjoy fish sticks with macaroni and cheese very much.  This is not a difficult meal to prepare and everything is pre-packaged.  For this reason, I have tried a few different brands to see if I could like one over another.  My tastes do not care for the ones that are over-processed. Those fish sticks have meat that looks like a white-almost translucent- glob of semi-solid goo. I prefer the ones with little processing and that are obviously made of fish meat. One brand that fits the bill is Trident Seafood brand. It is called “The Ultimate Fish Stick,” found in a 4 pound bag at Costco.

    Macaroni and Cheese

    We usually dine on fish sticks with macaroni and cheese and a steamed green vegetable, like broccoli or green beans.  Macaroni and cheese is another food that we get a specific kind of.  It might not be necessary anymore, but one of my kids did not like the boxed macaroni and cheese with the powder cheese, rather the one with the cheese sauce packet.  Macaroni and cheese or shells and cheese in a box, the larger size, with the cheese sauce packet, is the starch of choice.  While made-from-scratch mac ‘n  cheese is easy enough to make, sometimes my picky eater does not care for it, so we stick with what works. 

    Most times my kids enjoy ketchup with the fish sticks.  My husband makes tartar sauce by mixing a 2:1 ratio of mayonnaise (real mayo, not miracle whip) with sweet pickle relish, which is enjoyed by my 2 not-so-picky eaters.  When I was younger I would sometimes put ketchup on macaroni and cheese, so that is also an option with this meal. 

    To prepare this meal, follow the directions on the back of the packaging. Also, add a steamed green vegetable, such as broccoli or green beans.

    “When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. Then I pray to you, O LORD. I say, ‘You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life. Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. The godly will crowd around me, for you are good to me.” (Psalms 142:3-7, NLT)

  • Goulash, a 3-ingredient Quick and Simple recipe

    Goulash, a 3-ingredient Quick and Simple recipe

    Goulash is a dish that can be made a variety of ways. It basically consists of chopped, browned burger with pasta, tomato-based sauce and cheese.  Another way is to make it with onion, pepper, burger, garlic, tomato sauce, tomatoes, beef broth, seasonings, noodles, cheese and more.  This can be made as simply as browning the burger, adding it to prepared macaroni and cheese then dumping in some spaghetti sauce. The first way to make goulash gives more of a thick soup or stew-type texture.  The second way to make this offers more of a casserole-type meal.

    The second way to make goulash is quicker for us. We usually have all of the ingredients on hand for a quick meal that my family is sure to eat.  I just add a steamed green vegetable, like green beans or broccoli on the side. This makes a quick meal for a busy evening.

    We use boxed macaroni and cheese or shells and cheese with a sauce packet.  My picky eater does not like the boxed macaroni and cheese with the powder cheese, but prefers the sauce packet. My kiddos enjoy macaroni and cheese at restaurants, as well. I can try this meal with made from scratch macaroni and cheese.

    Goulash
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    Goulash

    Recipe by KalmiaMom3Course: Uncategorized
    Servings

    6-8

    servings
    Prep time

    10

    minutes
    Cooking time

    40

    minutes
    Calories

    300

    kcal

    Ingredients

    • 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce

    • 1 pound ground beef

    • 1 dinner-sized box macaroni and cheese or shells and cheese (12oz)

    Directions

    • Brown burger in skillet.
    • Prepare macaroni and cheese or shells and cheese per package directions
    • In a large bowl, combine the burger, pasta and sauce, mix well.

    Notes

    • Depending on the sauce, use half or the whole jar, depending on your tastes.

    “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted: he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalms 34:18, NLT)

  • A nature hike at Hoffer Park/Boyd Big Tree 07.01.23

    We made a quick trip to Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area at the beginning of July, 2023 for a nature hike. My husband and one of my sons had recently visited that natural area with a group of kids and their parents. I had never been there before and wanted to try it out. I found this trail to be a fairly easy walk, with light traffic for the duration of time that we were there. Most of the trail itself was packed dirt, small rocks and some grassy spots. The larger wet rocks were slippery to walk on, especially for my kiddos, as they were not as careful to avoid the wet rocks. We did not go to the end of the trail, but turned around part way through. This is also a good location to take a binocular to do some birding, as I heard several forest birds.

    Noxious weeds

    We also saw and identified several Noxious Weeds on our trip. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, “Noxious weeds are identified as a plant that is determined to be injurious to public health, crops, livestock, agricultural land or other property and cannot be sold, transported, planted, or otherwise propagated in Pennsylvania.”

    This nature hike is on the east side of Blue Mountain Parkway, north of Parkway west, just north of Linglestown, PA.

    Below you will see some highlights of what we saw:

    My oldest kept singing, “The Ants Go Marching…“
    I introduced my boys to Mile-A-Minute vine, one of Pennsylvania’s noxious weeds
    Striped Maple
    Sassafras
    I introduced my boys to Multiflora rose, another one of Pennsylvania’s noxious weeds.
    My youngest son found this Flat-backed Millipede on the trail.
    American toad
    We saw many of these Eastern Newts (juvenile, the red eft stage).
    Red eft stage of Eastern Newt.
    Red eft
    Land snail
    Spotted wintergreen/ Pipsissewa
    Young Poison Ivy

    To find out more about this Conservation area, please visit: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/BoydBigTreePreserveConservationArea/Pages/default.aspx

    “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!” (Psalms 111:10)

  • Crockpot Mexican Chicken; Quick and easy 5-ingredient recipe

    Crockpot Mexican Chicken; Quick and easy 5-ingredient recipe

    Crockpot Mexican Chicken is a fairly new meal for me to make. Every time I make it my family eats it willingly, with no complaints.  With only five ingredients, it is quick and easy to make. Start this meal 6 to 8 hours before eating. Usually I start crockpot meals after I drop off my children at school. I altered the original recipe I found and I made it more pleasing for my family’s tastes by omitting certain spices. Crockpot meals are convenient for busy days. They even make enough for leftovers to have a fast meal later in the week.  

    Crockpot Mexican chicken is a meal to be eaten a variety of ways.  We use it to make tacos. I put it over rice and add shredded cheese on the top. I stuff it into a pita or roll, laid on a bed of lettuce; or eaten as is. For leftovers I use a different option. We eat it with rice one day, then leftovers are stuffed into tortillas or noodles. I prefer rice, but the rest of my family enjoys egg noodles or elbow macaroni.  Add salsa or seasoning to add a kick and make it spicier. If your kids don’t eat spicy food make it as it is written and add sour cream on top.

    Quick and easy 5-ingredient Crockpot Mexican Chicken
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    Quick and easy 5-ingredient Crockpot Mexican Chicken

    Recipe by Jackie CooperCourse: MainDifficulty: Easy, Beginner
    Servings

    6-8

    servings
    Prep time

    15

    minutes
    Cooking time

    4-6

    hours

    Ingredients

    • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast

    • 1 oz packet taco seasoning

    • 2 10oz cans chopped tomatoes with green chiles, drained

    • 1 15.5oz can black beans, rinsed

    • 1 10oz bag frozen corn kernels

    Directions

    • Add all ingredients to the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours.
    • Pull chicken apart with tongs and a fork.
    • Continue cooking on high for 2 more hours, then turn the temperature down until ready to serve.
    • With a meat thermometer, check for doneness.

    “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God!!” (Psalms 42:11)