Celebrating Debt Freedom and More

Good afternoon, Dear Ladies!

This has been a wild week and, as you've probably noticed, I've not kept up with posting as much as I should liked to have. To be honest, I've been completely distracted. 

I lost Tuesday altogether. At this point, I couldn't even tell you what happened that day, but yesterday was a day of increase and blessing in so many ways! I don't even know where to begin to tell you about it!

To make a very long story extremely short, the stimulus check came in yesterday, as did my paycheck. We took what was left after tithe, added $1000.00 out of our emergency fund, and paid off the last of the credit card debt. 

As of late last night/early this morning, we are now 100% debt-free and we give all the glory to God! Despite our mistakes and failures along the way, God has remained faithful and He has seen us through to that very last payment.

There's so much I could tell you about this, but I'll spare you the details, but I do want to say this to anyone who is in bondage to debt and wants to get out...

#1 - Pay your tithe first and foremost, and don't do it begrudgingly. If you're not doing it out of a love for and in obedience to God, it doesn't matter anyway. I don't know if it's the right way to do it or not, but for us, we have always paid tithe on the gross amount of every penny that has ever come in since we first started tithing back in 1992. We look forward to tithing and know that, for us, it is the only way to go.

#2 - Stay focused. Keep your end goal in mind at all times. If something comes up and you can't afford to pay as much extra this month as you did last...it's okay. Pay what you can. It all counts!

# 3 - Stay consistent. No matter how long it takes just keep on keepin' on! Many times I've stated that we were "digging our way out of debt one teaspoonful at a time" and man! Was that ever the truth! This has been a 22-year-long journey...BUT, with God's help (His wisdom, His direction, and His guidance) we've made it! When I started my part-time job almost six years ago we were $18,000 in debt (credit cards and medical bills combined)...and, I know, to many, that is nothing...but...for us...that was a mountain of debt! Our income (even with the part-time job) was (and still is) very small. When I started my job, we didn't make enough to pay the minimums on our bills, let alone have extra for groceries, gas, and utilities...BUT...we have never missed a meal, been late on or missed a payment, or gone without ANYTHING! In the natural the numbers don't add up, but for the past six years I have worked, consistently, to pay $300 to $700 a month towards debt-freedom and, now, it's finally here! I'm telling you...it's all God! We've done our part and He's brought us through! Praise His holy name! 

#4 - Don't every give up. Even if you make mistakes along the way...and you will...don't let them get you down. You just jump right back up and get right back on track. You might have to back up a little bit to get back on track with where you were, but that's okay. In the end, it will be well worth it! I promise!!! 

There are so many more things that I could say about this, but I won't. If anyone has questions, though, or if I can be of encouragement or help to you in anyway, please, feel free to leave a comment below or email me at: proverbs31heart@yahoo.com. Be sure and put DEBT FREEDOM in the subject line so I don't overlook it or accidentally delete it.

Okay...

(deep sigh)

So...all that happened yesterday. 

Then, on TOP of all that...our youngest son and his family came up and they brought me an early Mother's Day gift. A brand new computer with a lot of extras! 

My Mother's Day Gift 2020

And there were other financial blessings that we hadn't figured into everything!

And...

And...

And...the list goes on!

I was (and still am) completely overwhelmed! God's goodness is great; His blessings are many! 

I'm trying to imagine what it's going to be like when I sit down at the beginning of May to figure the budget and don't have to schedule that $300 to $700 payment that I've done for years. That will be the first month in 22 years that I do not have to write out a check for, or schedule, a credit card payment (or medical bill payment). Amazing!

Anyway, I hope none of what I've said here appears haughty or prideful, because that is not how I feel and it's not what I want to convey. I want God to be glorified and I want to encourage others who may be where we've been. I want to let anyone who is in bondage to debt, and wants out, to know that there is hope! If we can do it...ANYBODY can do it! Sometimes it just takes a while. Stay strong and stay the course! You can do it!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

Recent and related posts that you might enjoy reading...

Celebrating 28 Years Of Being Smoke Free 1992-2020

Home Management Monday - April 13, 2020

He Is Risen - Matthew 28:6

St. Patrick's Day 2019

Shamrock Treats For The Grands

Guess what I was up doing at 6:00 this morning? Yep! Making those shamrock treats for the grands and blowing up green balloons! 💚

I made a quadruple batch of the traditional Emerald Isle Cake recipe on Friday, the corned beefs (three of them) have been in the crockpot overnight, and I've got eight heads of cabbage and 20 pounds of potatoes yet to prepare this morning before church. Our children and their families are expected to join us this afternoon for our annual St. Patrick's Day feast. 🍀

All, that is, except Amanda and Phillip. Sadly, Phillip is still in the hospital and they will be unable to join us for the first time since they got together well over a decade ago. They will be sorely missed. 😢

Phillip, this is for you...

This little guy will miss you, Phillip, and the hiding of the leprechaun will not happen this year. Knox will sit on the shelf and remain patiently awaiting until your return. 🍀

Have a blessed Sunday and a Happy St. Patrick's Day, Dear Reader!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

Recent and related posts that you might enjoy reading...

Happy Homemaker Monday - March 11, 2019

Recipe - Emerald Isle Cake

More St. Patrick's Day Silliness At The Knox's

Valentine's Day 2018

On Valentine's Day, 2018, my husband John and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. 💑

Our girls got together and hosted an anniversary party for us on Sunday, February 11th. We had an ice storm the night before and many people that had planned to come couldn't, but, even at that, around 30 did make it, which seems rather fitting...don't you think? 😊

The girls did a great job and everything was just lovely! 💓

On Wednesday, John and I chose to celebrate our anniversary and Valentine's Day with a quiet dinner at home. I made roasted chicken breasts, baked potatoes, and asparagus and we had little heart-shaped cakes and brigadeiros for dessert. 💘

It was a beautiful day that marks quite a milestone for us. Now we're looking forward to our 50th wedding anniversary with great anticipation! 💗

Until next time...

~Rebecca

Recent posts that you might enjoy reading...

Our Littlest Valentine - Kira Niomi Faith

Happy Homemaking Monday - February 12, 2018

My Thrifty Week - Post #9

Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas Cookies

I made a batch of Italian Christmas Cookies this morning in preparation for family Christmas on Saturday. My husband's aunt used to make them when he was a child, but I had never made them until today. He said that they turned out well and I think they're pretty! 🎄

ITALIAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES

3 1/2 c. flour

4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 c. butter

1 c. sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter and sugar together. Beat in eggs and vanilla, then add dry ingredients. Knead. Pinch off 1-inch balls of dough, roll into logs, and twirl into shapes. Bake on greased cookie sheets at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

Icing:

2 c. powdered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

6 tsp. water (add more 1 teaspoon at a time if icing is too thick)

Whisk until creamy. Dip cookies in icing and sprinkle with trim. Place on wire racks with wax paper below to catch drips.

As you can see, I forgot the wax paper. 😲

Until Next time...

~Rebecca

Recent posts that you might enjoy:

Tuesday Tidbits - December 5, 2017

Happy Homemaking Monday - December 4, 2017

Rebecca's HEARTH AND HOME Newsletter - December 2017

Five Minute Friday - NEAR

Photo Credit

Five Minute Friday - a free write, which means, as our hostess, Kate Motaung, says, "...no editing, no over thinking no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write."

This week's prompt is: NEAR

Go!

It's early. As I sit at my computer and prepare for this post the Christmas lights on the tiny tree twinkle merrily nearby as the row of lighted gingerbread men draped above the window smile in unison at me as, together, we greet the the first day of December 2017.

It's been a rough week. Strep. No work. Not much accomplished. And, now, here we are...family Christmas a week from tomorrow. So much to be done! With everything going on it would be so easy to say, "Forget it!" and sit this Christmas out. 

But would it? After all, Christmas isn't just a day. Christmas is a way of life. 

Christmas is the story of a babe in a manger. The story of the Light that He brought into this world. The Light that, in turn, brought the hope of salvation to us. 

That same Light is the Light that Satan has tried to extinguish throughout the ages, but, try as he might, that Light continues to shine forth. In fact, as the world around us grows darker, the Light of Jesus Christ continues to burn all the brighter in the hearts of men, women, and children around the world as, one by one, they acknowledge and accept the Christ child for Who He is...born of a virgin, laid in a manager, worshiped equally by angels, shepherds, and wise men alike. Without His birth, there would have been no death, no burial, and no glorious resurrection. No hope for us.

As Christmas and all the activities that surround it draws near, despite whatever situation you might find yourself in physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or financially...don't lose heart. There is Light and there is hope!

Advent begins Sunday. If you've never celebrated Advent I'd like to challenge you to do so this year (and if you would like more information on some ways to do that, feel free to contact me). It's a marvelous way to focus on, draw near to, and celebrate the glorious Light of the world...Jesus!!! 

"...Jesus...said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will

never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Stop!

Until next time... 

~Rebecca

Recent posts that you might enjoy reading...

Tuesday Tidbits

Happy Homemaking Monday - November 27, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving

Birthday Parties on a Budget

We have lots of summer birthdays in our family so I thought it would be fun to share some super fun birthday ideas with all of you here. The following ideas were taken from Emilie Barnes' 15 Minute Home and Family Organizer. Are you ready? Put your party hat on and let's go! 

🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉

* Keep the party small. A good rule to follow is invite the same number of children as the number of years in your child's age.

* Get a family member (or friend) to help (let grandparents be guests, not helpers).

* Have a backup plan for an outdoor party in case of rain.

* Use color comics for decorations and cartoon bedsheets as tablecloths. 

* Crayons make nice party favors, and kids can use them to decorate white paper tablecloths and paper plates. 

* Children's toys make good decorations: stuffed animals with party hats, a dump truck holding chips or cookies.

* Use creativity with party favors. Wrap peanut-butter play dough or homemade play dough in a plastic bag, tying it shut with a ribbon. Kids can decorate lunch bags and then fill them up as they go a candy, peanut, or penny hunt.

* Don't plan the party at mealtime; it's more expensive. From 2 to 4 p.m. is a good time.

* Plan activities, but don't expect the children to play all the games. If the kids are having fun, don't interrupt. If they're bored, bring in a new game.

* Have your cake and be able to afford it, too. If a homemade cake has frosting and the child gets to pick the flavors, he's happy. 

* Licorice, candy, or animal crackers make good sheet cake decorations.

* Don't serve blue icing, red punch, or other things that stain or make children overactive.

* Pick a party theme. Some ideas: beach party, tea party, costume party dinosaur party, frontier party, scavenger hunt, backyard camp out, detective party.

*An artist party can be fun. Get five or more large boxes for the children to paint or color and make into churches, homes, or cars.

* For children ages five to seven, try a soap bubble party.

* Invite a storyteller.

* Remember that a party for a child's first couple of birthdays is really for family and friends to celebrate a new life. The child doesn't really understand what's going on at this point.

* Don't make your children share their presents.

* Save opening the presents till the end. It's a good way to slow down a party.

* Have a specific ending time for the party. Playing a video is a nice way to keep stragglers who are waiting for rides home occupied. Once everyone is gone, take a few minutes for some hugs and talk about the party. Save the cleanup for later.

* If some members of your family live far away or can't come to the party, make a video recording and send it to them. They will love seeing the party, and it will help your family stay in touch.

🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉

Well, that's it for this time! I hope that some of these ideas have inspired you as you think about planning your next birthday party!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

Other recent posts that you might enjoy:

Celebrating America's Birthday

Dollar-S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, Cabinet-Cleaning, Clean-Up-The-Food Project Plans For July

Five Minute Friday - STEADY

Please read Rebecca's Hearth and Home Blog online @ http://rebeccashearthandhome-proverbs31heart.blogspot.com/ and, if it has touched or inspired you in some way, please, leave a comment and let me know. I love hearing from my readers! 

Celebrating America's Birthday

America celebrates her 241st birthday one week from today! How do you celebrate the 4th of July at your house? 

Here is a list of some of the things that our family has done over the years to celebrate Independence Day at our house...

* Have a backyard barbecue and invite the neighbors or extended family over to join the fun!

* Have a blast at your picnic by putting out table crackers, which look like giant firecrackers, but are actually cardboard tubes filled with treats. Save toilet paper rolls, and cover the tubes with red, white, and blue tissue paper. Before sealing ends, fill with such things as printed out patriotic sayings, small red, white, and blue toys, foil-wrapped candies, or other treats (use your imagination). Seal ends, adding a piece of gold starred and glittered wire garland on top for fuse.

* Layer pre-made blueberry Jell-O, Cool Whip Topping, and strawberry or cherry Jell-O in clear Solo cups. Top with a dollop of Cool Whip. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

* Put a patriotic spin on party games. For example, pin the name of an American icon on the back of each guest's shirt. Choose important people, places, symbols…even quotes found throughout our country's early history. For example…Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Francis Scott Key, Paul Revere, Patrick Henry, Philadelphia,Boston, the Old North Church, Constitution Hall, American eagle, Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty, "One if by land and two if by sea!", "Give me liberty or give me death!", "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.", etc. Each guest goes around and asks questions of the others, obtaining clues until they guess correctly who, or what, they are. Get creative with your selections and have fun!

* Give small children large pieces of bubble wrap to stomp on. When they stomp it sounds like firecrackers going off. The kids love it and…just think…no mess, no smell, and no danger!

*Plant red, white, and blue flowers in your flowerbeds and windowboxes. Things like petunias, impatiens, salvia, alyssum, and ageratum work well. If you have enough space, and the ambition, plant them to resemble a flag!

* Fly your flag!

* Make Minuteman Ice Cream Sandwiches by spooning ½ cup vanilla ice cream between 2 chocolate wafer cookies. Roll edges in red, white,and blue sprinkles. Freeze until time to serve.

* Attend parades and local firework displays in your area.

* Make an American Berry No Bake Cheesecake. (Prep time 15 minutes plus refrigerating.)

2 packages (8 oz. Each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip whipped topping thawed, divided

1 graham cracker piecrust

strawberry halves and blueberries

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in 2 cups of the whipped topping. Spoon into crust. Refrigerate 3 hours or until set. Spread Cool Whip on top. Arrange berries in rows to resemble flag.

From our family to yours...HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! <3

Until next time...

~Rebecca

Happy 3rd Birthday, Essie!

Happy Birthday #3, Esther!

Last night we celebrated granddaughter, Esther's, 3rd birthday. She insisted on having a princess party and her mom came through for her in a big way by making this beautiful princess castle cake. Isn't it gorgeous? 

The Cake That Amber Made For Audrey's 4th Birthday

She used the same kit to make a princess castle cake for Esther's oldest sister, Audrey, when Audrey turned 4. 

Audrey's 4th Birthday

Both cakes turned out beautifully! Beautiful cakes for beautiful little granddaughters! 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

St. Patty's Day Celebration 2014

On Wednesday, March 12, 2014, our clan gathered together for it's annual St. Patty's Day extravaganza. Traditionally, we do it the Wednesday before St. Patrick's Day so that our daughter and fun-in-law from North Kansas City can join us (Amanda is off work on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so they come down Tuesday night after she gets off and stay until Thursday afternoon each year).

Anyway, the party started when company started arriving around 11:00 in the morning and it continued until about 11:00 that night. There were a total of thirty-three people here (not all at once, but in and out throughout the day) and let me tell you! There was a lot of food (4 corned beef briskets, 8 heads of cabbage, 2 10-pound bags of potatoes, 3 tubs of light sour cream, 1 1/2 pounds of butter, and 2 double (the equivalent of 4)  Emerald Isle Cakes), a lot of laughter, and a whole lot of fun!

Here are few pics taken throughout the day...

Nana, Audrey, Silas, and Isaih

Great Grandpa Brown, Audrey, Silas, and Isaiah 

Granddaughter Lizzie

Grandson T.J.

Gifts From My Fun-In-Law, Phillip

Daughter-In-Love, Crissy, Playing A Game Of Hide-And-Find-The-Gold With The Grandlittles

Daughter, Amanda, and Fun-In-Law, Phillip

Granddaughter, Sarah

A Wee Leprechaun In The Pot O' Gold

Our Youngest Son's Friend, Gavin

Grandlittles, Gianna, Abby, Lizzie, T.J., and Silas Enjoying A Game 

New Tea Pot

25th Anniversary Tea Pot

Our oldest daughter found this pretty little teapot (actually I think it's a coffee pot, but since we don't drink coffee, it will HAVE to serve as a teapot!) at a thrift store yesterday and brought it to us in celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary (which was last month...on Valentine's Day...which we have yet to find the time and means to celebrate...????) LOL! Pretty, though, isn't it?

Homemade Kansas City Style Barbeque Sauce

I found (and made) this recipe for Kansas City Style Barbeque Sauce and it is THE best!!! From now on I will be making my own!


HOMEMADE KANSAS CITY STYLE BARBECUE SAUCE

1 1/3 cup tomato sauce
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup + 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 cup molasses (unsulfered)
2 tsp all natural hickory or mesquite liquid smoke (Colgin)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp chili powder

In a large saucepan combine all the ingredients and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes stirring occassionally. Let cool and store in the fridge until ready to use. Makes 2 cups + 2 tbsp.

Celebrating Purim/Hamantashen Recipe/Esther Study

Greetings, Dear Friends!

It's been a long time since I've had opportunity to visit with you here, and I've missed you! How have you been?

Things here have been cRaZy! There's been a lot going on and every day has been full to the brim and overflowing...mostly with good things! Praise the Lord!

The thing I want to share with you today is our celebration of Purim. In addition to renting the movie ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING, this afternoon we made Hamantashan (Haman's Hat Cookies) and listened to an on-line reading of the entire book of Esther (we were able to listen to the entire book in the time it took to make the cookies). In addition to this, we are praying over Israel and her deliverance, once again, from the threat of Persia (Iran).

Here is the link to the recipe that I used today, along with step-by-step instructions on how to cut, fill, and fold the cookies. Be sure and check out the 'Purim Rap' at the bottom of the page! CUTE!!!


CLICK HERE FOR HAMANTASHEN RECIPE

Also, for those of you who are interested, I wanted to share an on-line study of the book of Esther that my friend, Darlene, over at Time-Warp Wife is presenting  right now. It's a lovely study! One that I'm enjoying very much! And very timely, too! Just thought I'd share while I was on the subject of Esther. Click HERE to go to Chapter 1 of that study.

I hope to be with you again soon! Have a beautiful and blessed day!

All My Love and HAPPY PURIM!

~Rebecca

Living On A Dime - Valentine's Day On A Dime

Valentine's Day On A Dime
by Tawra Kellam
http://www.LivingOnADime.com

Using a little imagination, you can make your Valentine's day a little more fun and a lot less expensive. If you want to add a little personalized romance or if you don't have the time or money to buy all the pre-made things in the store, here are some ideas to help you make the day special.

For The Kids:

• My mom always made a great but inexpensive Valentine's Day treat for us. She would take construction paper and cut a big heart out of it. (About 8x10 inches). She would staple the edges together and write our names and an I love you on the outside. Then she would fill the heart with candy, purchased on clearance after Christmas. It was very inexpensive but we loved it!
  
• Have a Valentine's Day treasure hunt. Leave little notes around with the last one leading back to the kitchen table with a heart full of candy.
  
• Leave sticks of red gum in their Valentine's Day cards.
  

For The Lunches

• Make heart shaped Valentine's cookies. Cut the kids (or hubby's) sandwiches with a heart shaped cookie cutter. Add a few Valentine's chocolates and put a note in red with a big heart on their napkin.
  
• Serve anything red for the day. Serve red Jello, red pudding, red apples, toast with strawberry jelly, tomato soup, red applesauce, red Kool-aid, strawberry milk, or red frosted cookies. Use powered food coloring from the cake store to get the deepest shade of red. Serving all red things at a meal will really have wow factor even if it is something as inexpensive as red jello and tomato soup.
  
• Make red heart shaped cupcakes. Make cupcakes as usual but place a marble down the side of the muffin tin between the muffin tin and each cupcake cup. This will make heart shaped cupcakes.
  
• Make hearts out of chocolate chips in each of your pancakes.
  

Things To Do With Or For Your Honey

• Mail your pre-addressed and stamped Valentines to Loveland, Colorado and they will postmark them and mail them for you. Send them to: Postmaster, Valentine Re-mailing, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538
  
• Make a treasure hunt for your spouse. Start by mailing or e-mailing him the first clue. Then leave clues all over the house, yard, car or his office telling him where to find the next clue. End the hunt by making a picnic in the back yard or going to a park for a picnic. Use your imagination and have fun. The simple things are the ones people remember.
  
• Go to a bookstore together and enjoy the silence and browse. Get a cup of coffee and make a date of it.
  
• Celebrate Valentine's Day AFTER Valentine's day. Everything is half off.
  
• Mail a love letter to your hubby's work.
  
• Send your spouse a sexy email message.
  
• Leave "Why I love you" message all over the house. Buy a package of the cheap Valentines. Leave a message on each one and hide them all over the house for your honey. They will get to enjoy the gift for months!
  
• Use lipstick to make hearts and love notes on the rear view mirror, car windows, bathroom mirror or windows of the house. Leave a kiss on his napkin for lunch or dinner.
  
• Make a bunch of hearts out of construction paper. Put a love note on each one. Paste them all over the front door or car before your hubby or kids come home from work.
  
• If you don't have money to go out, have a picnic on the floor. Use some candles and lay a soft blanket on the floor. Put on some soft music and have a romantic Valentine's dinner on the floor. Use some white Christmas lights for additional romantic lighting!
  

Jill Cooper and Tawra Kellam are frugal living experts and the authors of the Dining On A Dime Cookbook. Dining On A Dime will help you save money on groceries and get out of debt, by cooking quick and simple homemade meals. For free tips & recipes visit http://www.LivingOnADime.com

Celebrating Burn's Night/Scottish Recipes

Our Beautiful Crockpot Haggis

As home educators our family has always enjoyed celebrations of all kinds...especially ones that celebrate our Italian and/or Scots-Irish heritage. Well, today we celebrated a new holiday for the first time. One that, in truth, we didn't even know existed until late last night!


Last night I was on Facebook and something was posted on one of the Scottish groups that I'm on about Burn's Night (an annual celebration in Scotland commemorating the life of bard, Robert Burns, who was born on January 25, 1759). After doing a little research, I decided that, while it might not be completely traditional, we were going to celebrate Burn's Night anyway!

In researching I discovered that the traditional Burn's Night supper consists of haggis, tatties, and neeps. Now...how was I going to pull that off? I mean...haggis? Cooked in a sheep's stomach? Uh-uh! Not happening here! I looked around and, after a while, found a recipe for haggis made in a crockpot. I tweaked it a bit and made it my own. Here is a link to the original story and recipe which I enjoyed reading very much!

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/08/crockpot-haggis-recipe.html

(I will share the recipe I made in just a moment.)

I also made the traditional tatties (mashed potatoes) and neeps (mashed turnips), and added my own favorite version of Scottish Oatcakes (recipes included). It all made for a delicious meal! One that I will definitely make again and again! (Probably every January 25th!)

To make it even lovelier and more special we were joined for supper by our daughter-in-law and three of our grandchildren. It was fun to share a new experience with them!

We ended our celebration by listening to two of Robert Burns works...Auld Lang Syne and Address To A Haggis (which I absolutely delight in!).

Here are those recipes as promised...

CROCKPOT HAGGIS


1 pound lean ground turkey
1 chopped red onion
1 cup whole oats
a pinch each of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/2 cup chicken broth

In a large mixing bowl, mix all of the ingredients, minus the broth, the same way you'd make a meatloaf. Plop it into your crockpot that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Press meat down to form in the shape of the crockpot. Pour broth over top. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for about 4. This is cooked fully when it has browned on the edges and is beginning to brown on top. Don't overcook and risk drying out. Using a large spatula, carefully remove from crockpot and place on cutting board (I loosened ours by running a table knife around the edges first and it came out beautifully). (Save broth to serve over top.) Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.

TATTIES AND NEEPS

1¼ lb. potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
1¼ lb. turnips, peeled, roughly chopped
A generous pinch of grated nutmeg
4 tbsp milk
4 tbsp butter
Sea salt and pepper

Tatties - Place the potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, cover the pan with a lid. Bring the potatoes to the boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until tender (approx 20 mins). Drain the potatoes and keep to one side. Add half of the butter and half the milk to the pan the potatoes were cooked in. Melt the butter and warm the milk, add the cooked potatoes and mash. Add the nutmeg and stir well to create a smooth, creamy mash.  

Neeps - Place the turnips in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, cover the pan with a lid. Bring the turnips to the boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until tender (approx 20 mins). Drain the turnips and keep to one side. Add half of the butter and half the milk to the pan the turnips were cooked in. Melt the butter and warm the milk, add the cooked turnips and mash.

SCOTTISH OATCAKES

2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. light butter
1/2 c. water, or more if needed

In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until the mixture resembles coarse meal. With a fork, stir in the water. Dough should just cling together. Divide into 3 portions.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion as thin as possible. Cut into triangles. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10-15 minutes. Oatcakes should not be brown but be still quite blonde when done.

Happy Burns Night!

~Rebecca