Showing posts with label Wednesday Elf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wednesday Elf. Show all posts

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Spirit of the Season by Fern Michaels - Book Review

Image of a house decorated for Christmas

Spirit of the Season is a Holiday Romance book by Fern Michaels, best-selling author of The Sisterhood Series and The Men of the Sisterhood books. 


Synopsis



Spirit of the Season by Fern Michaels book cover
Spirit of the Season - A Holiday Romance Story

Joy Preston grew up in a small town in North Carolina where her grandparents and mother ran a successful Bed and Breakfast called Heart and Soul. In her teens, Joy falls in love with Colorado on a family vacation. Subsequently, she decides to go to collage out there where she majors in Business and Marketing.  While thinking of starting her own company, her marketing professor tells her class that when designing a product the simplest ideas were almost always the most successful. Joy comes up with the idea for a Nail Polish Company and calls it Simply Joy. 

When the story begins it is seven years later and Joy is CEO of her own successful company, which she runs with the help of her two best friends. Their small office is located in Denver, with the product produced in a lab in New York. While working late one night, she gets a call from Izzy, who has worked for her grandmother at the B&B for many years. The news is not good; her grandmother has died of a heart attack.

It is almost Thanksgiving as Joy returns to North Carolina to help her mother & Izzy make arrangements for keeping the B&B running, as it is filled to capacity for the upcoming holidays. This is partly due to the fact that Heart and Soul has a special charm, especially at holiday time, because of how it is always elaborately decorated for the season, with themed guest rooms and dazzling lawn displays. And rumor has it that, during the holidays, guests can be reunited with the spirit of a loved one who has passed on.  

After a private memorial for her grandmother, Joy and her mother meet with estate attorney Will Drake, Joy is shocked to learn that her grandmother's will stipulates that Joy is to take over Heart and Soul and live at the B&B as owner and operator for six months.  Otherwise, the B&B will become the legal property of the state of North Carolina. 

Joy is quite upset and cannot understand why her grandmother would add such a thing to her will.  Though she misses her Nana dearly, Joy has her own company to run and loves living in a big city. She also thoroughly enjoys Colorado's winter sports. She has always been sure she would never live in a small town again where everyone knows everything you do. 

But it IS the holiday season and the B&B is fully booked and decorated, ready to participate in the Parade of Homes competition and gingerbread house contest.  So, since her company can be run from anywhere, Joy decides to stay for the six months to honor her grandmother's wishes.

Add together the Spirit of the Season, handsome attorney Will Drake, and perhaps a little ghostly matchmaking from Joy's beloved Nana, and we have a delightful holiday romance novel. 


Summary


Christmas is a time for remembering loved ones past and present. In this new novel by  New York Times  bestselling author Fern Michaels, the holidays are also the time to discover a future that, like the perfect gift, is as satisfying as it is surprising . . .






For more book reviews on Review This Reviews check out ReviewThisBooks.com





Spirit of the Season Book Review by (c) Wednesday Elf 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, May 9, 2020

A Review of Sock Days

A pair of socks with ladybug designs
Source: Pixabay
There are seven major holidays celebrated in the U.S. every year and many others celebrated around the world. Then there are innumerable just-about-daily holidays that are obscure, bizarre, weird, wacky, and downright funny. 

The majority of these are UN-official holidays, dreamed up by people to celebrate a favorite activity, craft or food. Many of these holidays have no known origin, but are fun to celebrate. Some are serious 'special days' to bring awareness to - and help for – animals facing extinction or medical conditions.

Today we are going to look at a group of funny sock holidays, including National Sock Day (December 4), Silly Sock Day (April 3), No Sock Day (May 8) and probably the funniest one ~ Lost Sock Memorial Day celebrated on May 9.


National Sock Day 


National Sock Day is an annual celebration observed every year on December 4th.  It began as a company promotion by Pair of Thieves, an American basics apparel company which makes socks, underwear, and shirts. Founder Cash Warren gave a simple explanation for the company name, which exemplifies the team's witty, mischievous spirit. “Who steals the sock that goes missing after doing laundry?” he said. “Pair of thieves.” 

The company had a celebration on December 4, 2016 where they walked through offices at Honest, Facebook, and Red Bull  with a band and Santa Claus, to spread cheer, and socks. Check it out here. 





Silly Sock Day


A row of various socks
Source:  Pixabay

Despite it's funny name, Silly Sock Day is actually an annual awareness raising day held  on April 3rd  during Autism Awareness Week to help support autistic individuals by raising funds and awareness.  It was begun to bring awareness to autism in East Midlands, England. It is easy to celebrate – just don your most ridiculous socks and share them on Social Media with the tag #SillySockDays.


No Sock Day


We celebrate National No Sock Day on May 8th.  It's a day to free your toes from socks, and give your feet a breath of some fresh air.  The holiday was created by Ruth & Thomas Roy of Wellcat.com


Lost Sock Memorial Day


A single sock hanging on a branch
Lost Sock. Source: Pixabay
This is the day (May 9) we commemorate lost socks.  This unofficial holiday was invented to encourage people to finally let go of all those single socks they keep in a 'lost sock drawer' hoping to find their partners one day. Believe me, it's not going to happen. 

My mother kept a whole drawer just for those lost socks and over the years the drawer was stuffed full of single socks from a family of six. Us kids used to be given the job on laundry days of trying to match up the latest single socks with one in the sock drawer –  and we never once found a match. We used to kid that the washer or dryer 'ate' the socks.  True story!  

So, unless you like wearing unmatched socks, give it up and use May 9th Lost Sock Day as the time to get rid of those single socks without a partner. Or, alternatively, recycle those single socks as cleaning cloths. Or make sock monkeys or sock puppets out of them for the kids.


FAQs about Socks


Socks
Source: Pixabay

Q: How long should a pair of socks last?
A: If worn once a week, a pair of socks should last about a year. 

Q: What is the origin of the word SOCK?
A: The word sock comes from the Old English word “socc”, which means 'light slipper'. 

Q: What  is the Sock Capital of the World?
A: The Datang district in eastern China is the top producer of socks  in the world. It has become known as “Sock City” because about 40% of  the world's socks are produced there. It is estimated that in one year they make enough socks to supply two pairs for every person in the world.

Q: What are Baby Socks called?
A: Booties!


Baby Booties


That last Q&A above I just made up...  LOL. There actually ARE socks for babies, but booties are a nice alternative to baby socks and often come as a match to infant outfits. I mention booties here as a way to show off my handmade baby booties on Etsy.

Baby Booties in Crochet


Handmade baby booties
Handmade Baby Booties on Etsy
A pretty pair of baby booties hand-crocheted in a pastel ombre yarn in white, pink green, yellow and blue acrylic yarn.

These pastel booties are sized for a 3-6 month old baby measuring 4 inches from heel to toe. They have a folded down top (roll over ankle) and white ribbon ties.

Darling handmade yarn booties to keep your baby's toes warm. Also perfect for a new baby gift or a baby shower gift.

These pastel baby booties are available in the Etsy Shop of Coastal Crochet Crafts. *Note: these booties have sold, but another pair can be created upon request. Please just visit the Etsy Shop listed here.


Sock Reviews by ReviewThisReviews.com Contributors


Feet showing fancy socks
Source: Pixabay

Sock Daddy Socks – Review by Wednesday Elf

Crocheted Slipper Socks - Review by Dawn Rae

World's Softest Socks – Review by BarbRad

Carhart Socks for Women – Review by Dawn Rae

Sherpa Theme Slipper Socks - Review by Wednesday Elf


Sock Days Review written by (c) Wednesday Elf – 5/9/2020




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, April 25, 2020

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Review

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

In January, the Windows 7 operating system on my desktop computer ended all updates.  My son (an IT Tech by profession) upgraded my computer to Windows 10. At that time, I took a good look at my peripheral devices and realized that my years-old keyboard had over one-half of the letters worn off.  Being a touch-typist, I hadn't really looked at the keyboard in a long time, but now decided it was time to get a new one. 


Wireless Keyboard by UHURU

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse by Uhulu
Wireless Keyboard by Uhuru

After looking online at a number of keyboards, I decided on a wireless keyboard. This one by UHURU also came with a wireless mouse and a mouse pad. In addition, the batteries needed for operation were included, one A A battery for the mouse and two AAA batteries for the keyboard. 

My wireless keyboard is compatible with Windows 10 and provides automatic connection link for fast data transmission without any delays.  A 2 in 1 Nano receiver unifies the keyboard and mouse connections quickly into one plug and play USB port. It also has 13 hotkeys to instantly access movie, music, internet, e-mail, volume and more. The advanced chip provides automatic connection from up to 33 feet.

It is a full size keyboard and has foldable stands to provide a comfortable angle for typing. The description states that this keyboard also has a sensitive touch for smooth typing that is easy on your fingers.  My ONE complaint may be that it is a bit TOO sensitive for the way I type as I find I often end up putting 2 spaces between words when I only wanted one. Perhaps I need to slow my typing speed a bit to compensate....LOL. But having made my living as a typist, this may be hard to do. ^-^. 

The keyboard has a power-saving mode which automatically lets it go to sleep within 8 minutes of no operation.  Click any key to wake it up.

Wireless Mouse


Wireless computer mouse
Wireless Mouse

The wireless mouse has many of the same features as the keyboard, working from up to 33 feet away with automatic sleep feature when not in use to conserve battery power. The Mouse works off the same plug and play USB port as the keyboard. Not only is it compatible with my new Windows10 operating system on my PC, but also works with Windows 8/7/Vista and XP and works with Notebooks, Laptops  and Smart TV with no extra software or set up needed.


Summary


Altogether, with the many features and the low price, I found this wireless keyboard and Mouse to be an excellent buy. I am very pleased with my new wireless keyboard and wireless mouse. 


Wireless Keyboard and Mouse by Uhulu


Related Articles:




Quick Links:

Wireless Keyboard & Mouse by Uhulu


*Wireless Keyboard and Wireless Mouse Review written by (c) Wednesday Elf (4/25/2020)




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, April 11, 2020

National Pecan Day Review

A selection of pecan dishes
National Pecan Day - April 14
 National Pecan Day is a Food Holiday celebrated each year on April 14.  The pecan is a  member of the hickory family and is native to central and southern United States.  Pecans make great snacks eaten on their own, but they also make terrific garnishes to other foods such as desserts, salads or the main meal. 

"Pecan” is an Algonquian word, meaning a nut requiring a stone to crack. 

The pecan tree is the only nut tree native to North America.  These trees grow best in central and southern United States. Georgia, in particular, is known for it's Pecans. 

Here are two of my favorite recipes using pecans – Pecan Pie  and Sugar Coated Pecans. Either recipe ~ or both ~ would be a great way to celebrate National Pecan Day! 


Pecan Pie


Pecan Pie



Directions for Pie Crust:


Mix 3 cups flour and 1/2 tsp. salt in a bowl. Add 3/4 cup vegetable shortening and 3/4 cup salted butter. Work the butter into the flour using a dough cutter until the mixture resembles tiny pebbles.
    Add one egg, 5 tablespoons cold water and mix until just combined. 

    *This recipe makes enough for two pie crusts.

    Directions for the Filling:

    1. Mix one cup sugar, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, one cup corn syrup, 1/3 cup melted  butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 3 whole eggs (beaten) together. 
    2. Roll out one dough half to fit your pie pan. Pour one cup of chopped pecans in the bottom of the unbaked pie shell. Pour the syrup mixture over the top. Cover the top and crust with foil.
    3. Bake the pie for 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees. Remove the foil, and then continue baking for 20 minutes, being careful not to burn the crust or pecans.
    4.  The pie should be set and not jiggly when you remove it from the oven. If it seems to shake a lot, recover with foil and bake longer, or until set. The required baking time varies from 50-75 minutes. 
    5. Cool for several hours or overnight. Serve in thin slivers.

    Sugar Coated Pecans


    Sugar Coated Pecans


    "These sweet pecans are wonderful snacks for any occasion."

    Ingredients:


      
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • 3/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon


    Directions:


    1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Grease one baking sheet.
    2. In a mixing bowl, whip together the egg white and water until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
    3. Add pecans to egg whites, stir to coat the nuts evenly. Remove the nuts, and toss them in the sugar mixture until coated. Spread the nuts out on the prepared baking sheet.
    4. Bake at 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes.


    More Pecan Treats


    In addition to sugar coated pecans, another absolutely delicious pecan sweet treat is pralines.  The best I've ever had are handmade at River Street Sweets candy shop in Savannah, Georgia. 



    Other Pecan Day celebrations include:



    • Pecan Day – March 25
    • National Pecan Day – April 14
    • National Pecan Month – April


    So, pick a day …. or a month … and enjoy this nutritious and tasty nut called the Pecan.

    Related Articles:


    Pralines at River Street Sweets in Savannah, Georgia
    Praline - Source: Pixabay








    National Pecan Day written by (c) Wednesday Elf on 4/11/2020







    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Saturday, March 28, 2020

    Fresh Baked Bread from Frozen Bread Dough Review

    Fresh Baked Bread from Frozen Bread Dough

    To save on trips to the grocery store for something as basic as a loaf of bread, it is handy to have a package of frozen bread dough on hand. You can purchase frozen bread dough in packages with multiple loaves (I currently have one with five loaves in it) and always have it handy whenever bread is needed or you cannot get out to shop.  In addition, you will have the taste of fresh baked bread after enjoying the delicious aroma of your bread baking. 

    Making bread from scratch is a fun cooking project for many, but for a quick way to enjoy fresh baked bread, this frozen bread dough is a delightfully delicious product.


    Basic Instructions on Package:


    Regular Method – 5 to 8 hours



    Frozen bread dough set out to rise


    1. Coat a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place frozen dough in pan, and cover with plastic wrap coated with cooking spray to keep it from sticking to dough while rising.
    2. Let dough rise for 4 to 7 hours, until dough is 1” above pan. Actual time depends on the temperature of your kitchen. Carefully remove the plastic wrap.
    3. Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake bread 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
    4. Remove bread from pan at once and place on a wire rack to cool. Brush the top with melted butter or margarine, if desired. Place bread on its side for easier slicing.


    Refrigerator Method – 8 to 16 hours


    1. Coat a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place frozen dough in pan, and cover with plastic wrap coated with cooking spray to keep it from sticking to dough while rising.
    2. Place frozen dough in your refrigerator 6 to 12 hours before using. Dough will not rise, but will be thawed and ready to use. Set dough out to rise for 2 to 3 hours, until dough is 1” above pan. Actual time depends on the temperature of your kitchen. Carefully remove the plastic wrap.


    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake bread 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.


    Fresh loaf of baked bread from frozen bread dough


    Remove bread from pan at once and place on a wire rack to cool. 


    Fresh loaf of baked bread from frozen bread dough


    Brush the top with melted butter or margarine, if desired. Place bread on its side for easier slicing.


    *Recommended pan: 8 1/2” x 4 1/2” x 2 1/2” (1lb. loaf pan) 






    More Bread Recipes on ReviewThisReviews


    Slicing fresh baked bread baked from frozen bread dough

    Written on 3/28/2020 by (c) Wednesday Elf

    *All images are the property of (c) Wednesday Elf







    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Saturday, March 14, 2020

    Doctor Dogs – A Book Review

    Doctor Dogs book cover
    How Our Best Friends are Becoming Our Best Medicine


    We are familiar with seeing eye dogs, service dogs, military working dogs, dogs trained to assist Law Enforcement, and dogs who work in search and rescue.  

    Now, more and more as time goes by, scientific studies are finding that dogs can be trained to help people with chronic medical conditions, both physical & mental, and to detect diseases such as Cancer and Parkinson's.

    Doctor Dogs, written by Maria Goodavage, relates many of these studies, along with a number of stories of individual canines and the people they are helping.  The emotional element in this book is as powerful as the science.  The book jacket states:


    You don't have to be a dog lover to care deeply about what we are learning from these dogs – and if you're not a dog lover, you will be by the end of this book!


    Doctor Dogs



    Doctor Dogs book cover
    Doctor Dogs by Maria Goodavage

    Published in 2019, Doctor Dogs relates a globe-trotting journey made by journalist and author Maria Goodavage who visited top research centers around the United States, throughout Europe and England and as far away as Japan.  Through her excellent story-telling we meet many fantastic dogs, learn of their training in various areas and discover how they are impacting (and actually saving, in many cases) the lives of people whose well-being depends on these highly skilled personal MDs (medical dogs).


    A Collection of (Trained) Canines in Doctor Dogs


    From Angus to Zen......


    • Angus (Clostridium difficile-detection dog)
    • Baby Boo (cancer detection dog)
    • Bob (autism-assistance dog)
    • Bud (seizure-alert dog)
    • Daisy (cancer detection dog)
    • Dexter (seizure-alert dog)
    • Duke (crisis-response dog)
    • George (cancer detection dog)
    • Hank (psychiatric service dog)
    • Jedi (diabetic alert dog)
    • Leo (educational-aide dog)
    • Nina (seizure alert dog)
    • Parker (cancer detection dog)
    • Sally (malaria detection dog)
    • Zen (Parkinson's alert dog)


    As you can see from the list above, dogs can be trained to help and assist in many different ways.  The training described is fascinating.  Dogs can learn to 'alert' to impending seizures (giving the patient time to find a safe place to sit or lie down), or alert to diabetic highs and lows, especially helpful in children with Type I diabetes who are too young to recognize when they are in trouble. 

    There are Doctor Dogs who can detect cancers and Parkinson's Disease.  There are psychiatric service dogs who have proven to be invaluable to children with autism and people suffering from PTSD, both returning soldiers of war and civilians with trauma-induced PTSD. 

    These abilities and feats dogs are being trained to do are just a few of the areas of medicine, and more, being researched at this time. 


    Maria Goodavage, Author



    Maria Goodavage, Author
    Maria Goodavage
    (Source: Wikimedia)
    Maria Goodavage is a veteran journalist who has written a number of best-selling books about dogs; two about military dogs, one about Secret Service dogs who protect the President of the United States, and now Doctor Dogs. 

    Maria lives in San Francisco with, among others, her yellow Labrador retriever, Gus.





    Summary


    The dogs trained for these medical specialties are carefully matched to the individuals they will serve and are almost always of a calm nature.  Labrador Retrievers are a popular breed in this field, but just about any breed who is friendly and calm can be trained to be a good Doctor Dog

    These Doctor Dogs absolutely love what they are doing. They adore and become very attached to their 'people'. 

    What is their paycheck for their lifesaving work?  All they need are heartfelt praise and a tasty treat or favorite toy.  I'd say that's the easiest fee to pay any doctor. 

    (c) Doctor Dogs Book Review by Wednesday Elf 3/14/2020


    Quick Link:

    ReviewThisReviews Contributor Diana Wenzel (RenaissanceWoman) has written several articles here about her therapy dog Finn. Click Here to meet this delightful dog doing his own service in this field of special hero dogs.






    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Saturday, February 29, 2020

    Review of Boy's Wolf Union Suit Pajamas by Cat & Jack

    Boy in his wolf-themed bed wearing wolf design pajamas

    My 10-year-old grandson David has recently developed a big interest in wolves. When I visited him last Fall, he was showing me the book about wolves he'd recently acquired and told me how much he liked wolves.  The family had just moved into a new house and David has a new bed.  His parents got him wolf design sheets and a beautiful Wolf comforter.  His whole bedroom is in wolf design.

    Handmade Crocheted Wolf toy
    Amigurumi Wolf
    Plush Toy on Etsy
    David asked me if I would make him a plush wolf to go along with the other stuffed toy animals I had crocheted for him in the past. I told him I would and he was to look for it at Christmastime. 

    This, of course, gave me the idea to add another wolf-related gift to the stuffed toy. 


    Boy's Wolf Union Suit


    Images of a wolf union suit pajamas for boys

    I went shopping for pajamas in a wolf-theme to go along with David's wolf-themed bedroom.  The pajamas I found were a one-piece union suit style with, not only a wolf-design for the pattern on the material, but also an attached hood he can put over his head and eyes, giving him a Wolf appearance!  He absolutely loves these pajamas.



    Wolf  Union Suit Pajamas
    Wolf  Union Suit Pajamas

    This Wolf Union Suit is a product of the Cat & Jack line of sleepwear carried by Target.  It is made of 100% polyester of flame-resistant fabric, meeting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission sleepwear requirements.  It has a cozy hoodie and banded cuffs and a half-length zipper at the front.   It comes in gray & white and the design is of sporting wolf silhouettes in white and gray shades against a dark gray backdrop.  The hoodie displays a wolf face for a ferocious look for fun. 


    Cat & Jack Children's Clothing


    Cat & Jack is a children’s and babies clothes line rolled out by Target in 2016.  It replaces it's Cherokee and Circo kids label.  Cat & Jack was begun after getting feedback and opinions from a range of children. 

    Target carries a number of animal print and design sleepwear for kids. While looking for the wolf pajamas, I saw a Shark Union Suit and also pajamas in movie themes such as Jurassic and Star Wars, as well as superheros and favorite  sports teams. 

    There are also Unicorns and Llamas sets for girls, as well as many other cute & cozy PJs girls will love. 


    David's Gift from Grandma


    David wears his wolf pajamas as many nights as he can, but I think another Cat & Jack pajama set is in his future as a gift from grandma.  His birthday is coming up in April.  :-) 


    Boy in his wolf-themed bedroom wearing wolf themed pajamas
    David posing in his Wolf-design pajamas
    by Cat & Jack. 

    Update


    The Wolf Union Suit by Cat & Jack is not currently available, but there are many others in fun themes now available.  Check them all out on the Target Website, or in a Target store near you under the Cat & Jack brand.

    A collage of toy wolf and the Wolf Union Suit Pajamas modeled by my grandson






    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Saturday, February 15, 2020

    Site Review ~ Dinner, then Dessert, a Recipe Website

    A cookbook on a table
    Source:  Pixabay & Fotojet

    The other night I decided I wanted to fix Egg Foo Young for my dinner, as I had some leftover ham to put in it.  I almost always order Egg Foo Young at a Chinese restaurant, as it is my favorite. Since one doesn't often 'eat out', I sometimes fix restaurant favorites at home.  

    I have made Egg Foo Young often over the years, but, while good, it just never tasted the same as my favorite at a Chinese restaurant or Chinese Take-out. And I never knew why. So I decided to look online for a new recipe to see if I could duplicate my favorite. Much to my surprise, I discovered that I have been 'cooking' my version incorrectly.  I would beat the eggs and add the ingredients (vegetables, and  sometimes meat or seafood) and cook it all at once like an omelet.  Aha ~ THAT was my mistake.  I discovered you cook individual helpings like a pancake! 

    When I did a Google search for a new Egg Foo Young recipe, I accidentally came across a recipe blog called Dinner, then Dessert, and I am SO glad I did.  The author is a trained professional cook who worked as a Private Chef for 10 years, and all the recipes on her site are her own. Not only are her recipes delicious, but her presentation is attractive and easy to follow and her writing is delightful. Her name is Sabrina Snyder. 


    Meet Sabrina Snyder



    Author Sabrina Snyder
    Sabrina Snyder, Professional Chef
    Author of Dinner, then Dessert
    Sabrina Snyder is a professionally trained personal and private chef of over 10 years. 

    She started Dinner, then Dessert as a business in her office as a lunch service for her coworkers who admired her lunches, before going to culinary school and becoming a full time personal chef and private chef. 

    As a personal chef Sabrina would cook a family's entire week of dinners one day a week, including all grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning up, and leave them with instructions on reheating each meal.

    As a private chef, she cooked for private parties in family homes in the evenings.

    Sabrina enjoyed this lifestyle for 10 years, until her life and kids became her priority and  she stepped away from other people's kitchens to stay in her own kitchen.

    In  2015, Dinner, then Dessert became an online recipe website where Sabrina began posting recipes she had shared with clients over the years. 

    In addition, she still has private chef clients she cooks for.  Sabrina treasures her distinction of being a trained professional  chef. 


    Sabrina's Egg Foo Young Recipe



    Egg Foo Young on a plate of rice
    Sabrina Snyder's Egg Foo Young Recipe
    Sabrina's Photo from Dinner, then Dessert

    Egg Foo Young is a Chinese egg omelet dish made with  vegetables with an easy gravy topping. I share her recipe here:

    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: Chinese

    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total  Time: 15 minutes

    Ingredients:

    8 eggs
    ½ onion, chopped
    ½ cut carrots (chopped and steamed)
    ¼ cup green peas
    ½ cut green bell pepper, chopped
    ¼ cup bean sprouts, cut in half
    ½ cup mushrooms
    1 tablespoon light soy sauce
    3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided

    Instructions:


    1. Add the eggs, onion, mushrooms, bell pepper,  bean sprouts and soy sauce together in a bowl and whisk to combine.
    2. In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil at a time for each pancake you cook on medium heat.
    3. Add about 1/3 cup of mixture per pancake and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the second side.


    Egg Foo Young Gravy

    1 cup chicken stock
    2 tablespoons light soy sauce
    1 tablespoon dry sherry
    1 tablespoon cornstarch

    Add everything to a small sauce pan and whisk well before the liquid heats up.  Cook and whisk until thickened. 


    Recipe Notes from Sabrina about this Egg Foo Young Dish:



    Egg Foo Young is sort of the classic leftovers meal made into a restaurant favorite. At our local Chinese restaurant the classic egg version of the dish comes out with a different assortment of ingredients mixed in almost every time we go.
    I’ve asked our favorite waiter (who puts up with our circus of a family) why the fillings change and he explained to me that Egg Foo Young is a leftovers recipe and that when they have more or less of certain vegetables they just adjust the filling to what they have.


    My Recipe Notes:



    A collage of my version of Egg Foo Young from Sabrina's Dinner, then Dessert site
    Cooking my version of Egg Foo Young
    from Sabrina's Dinner, then Dessert site
    Photos by Wednesday Elf, using a Fotojet collage

    Following what Sabrina learned  about this Egg Foo Young recipe filling being adjusted, I made my recent version using only fresh mushrooms, diced onions and ham diced up from a leftover ham slice. I briefly sauteed the ham, onions and mushrooms in butter prior to adding them to the egg mixture.

    I used only 3 eggs and cooked my pancakes one at a time in a small pan, as I was only making enough for myself. I chose NOT to make the gravy, as I like my Egg Foo Young plain. 

    I then served the Egg Foo Young pancakes on rice. The  image below is of my result. YUM!


    My egg foo young dinner
    My Egg Foo Young Dinner

    PS: In addition to learning the proper way to COOK this dish as pancakes, I think the other secret to getting homemade Egg Foo Young to taste more like a Chinese restaurant version is using sesame oil to cook it in. 


    Site Review Summary


    Having now discovered this delightful online recipe website by Sabrina Snyder, I will be visiting Dinner, then Dessert frequently to try out several of her other delicious-looking recipes  from her Main Dish, Desserts, Appetizers and Slow Cooker lists. Her 'Easy Chicken Parmesan' recipe is already calling my name! 

    Quick Link:

    Dinner, then Dessert Recipe Website

    For more Chinese Takeout dishes to  fix at home, check out this cookbook:






    (c) Dinner, then Dessert Website Review by Wednesday Elf, written on 2/15/2020





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