exterior • real estate • February 2, 2011

Putting on a Pretty Face

by Shelly Mathie

Exterior replacement projects continue to be the most cost effective home improvement projects, according to the 2010-11 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. This year nine out of the 10 projects that return the most
bang for the buck are improvements to a home’s exterior.

A steel entry door took the top spot with an estimated 102.1 percent of cost recouped upon resale. That was the only project in this year’s report expected to return more than the cost. A new addition to the report – the
mid-range garage door replacement – is expected to recoup 83.9 percent of its cost. Both projects are relatively small investments, costing around $1,200 each, on average.

The report also found that replacement projects usually outperform remodel and addition projects in resale value due to their inexpensiveness and positive impact on curb appeal.

Talk to a Realtor® about what home features and remodeling projects buyers really respond to in your area. REALTOR® Magazine has published a summary of the results at www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/articles/2011/1101_costvsvalue. To read the full report and download a free PDF version, visit www.costvsvalue.com.

Reposted from Home Delivery

breakfast • cake • dessert • recipes • January 27, 2011

Breakfast Cake

by Shelly Mathie

1 pkg yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix (or add 1 small instant vanilla pudding)
4 eggs
3/4 cup oil
3/4 cup water or 7-Up
1 tsp nutmeg

Mix all together. Beat on medium speed for 5 minutes (set your timer).

In another bowl mix:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Grease and flour an angel food pan. Pour in half of batter; sprinkle with 1/2 of brown sugar mixture; pour rest of batter over; top with remaining brown sugar mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

NOTE: I rarely do the nuts unless I know there are no allergies – and it is great without. Also, I frequently make it and put it in 2 small loaf pans to bake – only needs about 30-40 minutes when cooked this way. It is great for wrapping in foil, tying with a big bow and delivering to friends and neighbors. I like this served slightly warm. ENJOY!

recipes • veggies • January 24, 2011

Potatoes

by Shelly Mathie

Cut red potatoes into wedges. Coat in olive oil; place on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with seasonings (Old Bay, Mrs. Dash and basil.) For a spicier potato use: McCormick Grill Mates Spicy Montreal Steak. Divine! Bake at 400 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Top all with Parmesan cheese.

NOTE: Any combination of spices can be used.

beef • main dish • pork • recipes • January 24, 2011

Ribs

by Shelly Mathie

Place ribs in crock pot; season with seasoning salt and Italian seasoning; add a bit of worcestershire and balsamic vinegar. Cover scantly with water and cook overnight or 6 hours. Remove from crock pot and place on foil covered cookie sheet; spray with Pam. Coat with favorite BBQ sauce and bake at 350-400 for about 15 minutes. Very tender and yummy!

candy • popcorn • recipes • January 24, 2011

Granny Goose Popcorn

by Shelly Mathie

1 cup sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
10 T milk (1/2 cup + 2 T)
1 T butter
pinch of salt
coloring

Stir until dissolved. Boil 2 minutes. Covers 3 quarts popcorn.

candy • popcorn • recipes • January 24, 2011

Sugar and Spice Popcorn

by Shelly Mathie

3 T butter
2 T sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 quarts popped corn

Melt butter; add sugar and spices. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Drizzle over popcorn and toss to mix well.

candy • recipes • January 24, 2011

Munchies

by Shelly Mathie

1/2 box Corn Chex
1/2 box Golden Grahams
2 cups coconut
1 pkg sliced almonds

Syrup
1 cup light Karo syrup
a cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
Boil for 2 minutes. Pour over cereal mixture. Spread on cookie sheet to cool. WARNING: This is very addictive!

candy • popcorn • recipes • January 24, 2011

Caramel Corn

by Shelly Mathie

Put in pan:
2 cups brown sugar
2 sticks butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup corn syrup
Add:
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
6 quarts of popcorn

Melt brown sugar, butter, and salt in pan. Bring to a boil and stir for 5 minutes; turn to low heat and let cook by itself for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and add baking soda and vanilla. Pour over popcorn and stir well. Pour onto cookie sheet and put in 200 degree oven. Let cook for an hour stirring every 15 minutes.

Shared by my sister Karla many years ago

cake • chocolate • dessert • recipes • January 24, 2011

Chocolate Angel Food Dessert

by Shelly Mathie

1 T vanilla
1 angel food cake
12 oz chocolate chips
4 eggs, separated
4 T sugar
1 pint whip cream
pecans

9X13″ buttered dish. Melt chocolate and set aside to cool. Add sugar and egg yolks mixture and blend. Add 1 T vanilla. Whip cream; beat egg whites. Fold into chocolate mixture and blend. Tear up cake. Reserve a cup or two of chocolate mixture and mix the remaining chocolate mixture with the angel food cake and pour into 9X13″ pan. Top with remaining chocolate mixture (this allows you to have a pretty top). Refrigerate until set. Pecans or shaved chocolate make a nice finish to this wonderful dessert. So yummy, but light too!

jello • recipes • salads • January 24, 2011

Emerald Salad

by Shelly Mathie

1 lg pkg jello (lime, raspberry are my favs)
1 lg can crushed pineapple (I like to whirl the pineapple in the blender first to make it more fine)
Mix together and heat until jello is dissolved; about to the simmer stage.

After jello has cooled, add:
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
8 oz Cool Whip (or real whipped cream)
Pecans can be added if you like. (I do, but rarely add them when taking to someone else due to the risk of allergies). Let set (once jello cools it sets quickly).

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