Monday, August 10, 2009

Cinnamon Cucumbers


Yes I said cinnamon cucumbers. I know what your thinking... "What in the world?" I thought the same thing too when my sister brought some to me last summer. But I promise when you try them you will be amazed. They taste like cinnamon candy! Our garden has been producing lots of cucumbers this year so even after making a big jug of pickles I still had left overs. Therefore, I canned 4 pint jars of these.

Here is the recipe, I however cut it in half since I did not have 7 lbs of cucumbers.

Check out my sister's blogs for more money saving and canning tips:
http://tangibleresults4u.blogspot.com/ & http://canninandjammin.blogspot.com/

Red Cinnamon Sticks
7 pounds peeled, seeded cucumbers in strips
1 cup lime
1 gallon water
1 cup vinegar
1 bottle red food coloring
1 tablespoon alum
Enough water to cover pickles
3 cups vinegar
2 cups water
10 cups granulated sugar
8 to 10 ounce package of Red Hots cinnamon candies
8 sticks cinnamon
Soak cucumbers, lime and 1 gallon water for 24 hours.
Wash cucumbers. Soak in ice water for 3 hours.
Mix 1 cup vinegar, food coloring, alum and enough water to cover pickles. Simmer in this mixture 2 hours. Pour off liquid from cucumbers and throw away.
Boil 3 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, sugar, candies and cinnamon. Pour over cucumbers. Let stand 24 hours. Drain liquid and bring to boil.
Put cucumbers into jars with 1 to 2 sticks cinnamon in each jar. Pour hot liquid over jars leaving 1/2 inch head space. wipe rims, lids and rings on, then place in boil bath for 15 minutes.


Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Meatless Monday - Black Bean Burger


Black Bean Burger

We try to at least once a week eat a meatless meal. This is healthier and saves SO much money every month! This week we had Black Bean burgers. A very easy and inexpensive recipe and I love the texture and flavor that they have!! I love them almost (ALMOST) as much as beef burgers.

  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained, divided
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • Salt &black pepper
  • 4 hamburger rolls
In blender, put in onion, garlic, 1 can beans, parsley, egg, red pepper flakes, and pulse to combine. Put into a large bowl and add the other can of beans and bread crumbs, salt & pepper, and mix until well combined.

Divide into patties and cook on hot oiled grill or pan over meduim low heat and cook about 5 minutes on each side or until they are heated all the way through. We buy fresh hamburger buns from our local grocer. And top just like you would any other burger with your favorite toppings. Yummy!!

Annaliese's Favorite Toy is....


Her Swing!!

She has always loved to swing at the park or at friend's houses so for her birthday we bought her a little swing. We put it up about 3 weeks ago and we have been enjoying it often since then! In the mornings when it is still cool me and her will go out there and sit. I will sit and read while pushing her. Several times she has fallen asleep while swinging. When we go to take her out of the seat she will grab the ropes and yell "NONONONONO" It is so cute!!