Kathe With an E: August 2011

Sunday, August 28, 2011

We had the carpet removed in that room, the family room, the hallway upstairs and in Mr. B's office. We then had hardwood floors put in. The change is dramatic and we just love it all! And the best part is, I can now set up a tablescape and leave it up for us to enjoy! The following is my first table in the "new" room.

I purchased these plates at Goodwill (GW) on a 50% off day so they were only .25 each! Believe me when I saw the first one on the shelf I started to hyper-ventilate, then I found the other 3 and was doing that happy dance jig (you know the one we all do when we find the days perfect score!).

The "napkins" are dish towels from Ikea (I got to go before they opened the new Denver location and beat the crowd) .79 each. The placemats and flatware also come from Ikea. I think the placemats look almost like they were made from corn husks and really fit the theme of this table. The red dinner plates and coffee cups are part of a set from JCP.com from a Wednesday deal. The white bowls are from our everyday Gibson set. The water glasses are from Wal-Mart at .79 each.

Mr. B brought back the embroidered runner from Canada when he was there after his DGM passed away in June. It was lovingly stitched, pressed and starched by her. I love being able to use it on this table as she was a sweet, simple country girl.

The Candlewick sugar and creamer are part of my collection and were purchased on EBay. The rooster was purchased on clearance at Joann's several years ago.

This table almost seems like a transition from summer into fall. Days are getting shorter and nights are getting cooler. Summer seemed too short this year :)

I am linking up with these fun parties

A Stroll Thru Life Tabletop Tuesday

Between Naps On The Porch Tablescape Thursday
Fireflies and Jellybeans Show Off Your Stuff Party
Tales From Bloggeritaville Thrifty Thursday

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Candlewick sugar and creamer are part of my collection and were purchased on EBay. The rooster was purchased on clearance at Joann's several years ago.

This table almost seems like a transition from summer into fall. Days are getting shorter and nights are getting cooler. Summer seemed too short this year :)

I am linking up with these fun parties

A Stroll Thru Life Tabletop Tuesday

Between Naps On The Porch Tablescape Thursday
Fireflies and Jellybeans Show Off Your Stuff Party
Tales From Bloggeritaville Thrifty Thursday

Monday, August 22, 2011

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 onion, diced fine (I only used a half an onion cuz, well, you know why)

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ cup katsup

¼ cup packed light brown sugar

4 teaspoons cider vinegar

2 large eggs

½ cup milk, plus extra if needed (I’ve never needed extra)

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons Worcestershire

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon Tabasco

1 pound lean ground beef (I usually go at least 85%)

1 pound ground pork

2/3 cup crushed saltine crackers

1/3 cup minced fresh parsley (if I remember to pick some up at the store I fresh but most of the time I forget so I will use a couple of tablespoons of dried parsley)

Heat the oil in an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds.

Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, mix together the katsup, brown sugar and vinegar.

Set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, milk, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and Tabasco together.

Set the mixture aside.

Mix the ground beef ground pork, crackers, parsley, sauteed onion mixture and egg mixture until evenly blended and the mixture doesn't stick to the bowl (if the mixture sticks, add additional milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it no longer sticks).

I usually make the meatloaf up to this point then cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for several hours to give the flavors time to marry. I then take it out and let it sit on the counter while the oven preheats.

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Turn the meat mixture onto a foil lined-baking sheet and shape into a 9 by 5-inch loaf.

Brush the loaf with half of the katsup mixture making sure to get all sides covered to.

Bake the loaf for 45 minutes. Brush the loaf with the remaining katsup mixture and continue to bake until the center of the loaf measures 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 15-20 minutes.

Let cool for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

I chose to serve with mashed potatoes and brown gravy and fresh corn on the cob.

I hope you try this recipe and let me know just how much you L.O.V.E. it, because, I guarantee you will!

I am linking with these parties
Boogieboard Cottage Masterpiece Monday
Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
Tip Junkie Tip Me Tuesday
Debbiedoos Newbie Party
DIY By Design Sizzle Into Summer Party
Some What Simple Strut Your Stuff
Fireflies and Jellybeans Show Off Your Stuff Party
It's a Keeper Thursday
Designs by Gollum Foodie Friday
Ekats Kitchen Friday Potluck Recipe Hop
Simply Sweet Home Friday Favorites