Easy Peach Cake With Pineapple Frosting

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Chris Stevens

Just saw this easy peach cake recipe on Grandma’s Vintage Recipes and wanted to share it with you.

OK, maybe I wanted to just make sure I had it for myself, an easy cake recipe I can make on a day I’m allowing myself a little ah……  ah……..   “flexibility” in my diet.  It looks pretty good actually, in taste AND in health.  Well, mostly.  Enough.  What I meant is that it looks MORE than enough in taste and enough in health.

Come to think of it, it looks REALLY tasty and really healthy too!  How can one lose when it includes both peaches and pineapple!  A healthy cake recipe!  Just make sure you limit yourself to one piece if you are trying to enjoy good food and watch your weight at the same time.  No eating the entire cake at one sitting, even if you’re tempted!  Ya hear?  :)

Easy Peach Cake with Pineapple Frosting

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 box plain yellow cake mix (no pudding added)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup orange juice
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled & chopped in the blender or food processor

Cake Directions:

  1. Mix all the above ingredients together, except peaches, beating about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the peaches and beat another minute.  Bake according to the cake package directions depending on the size of the pan you use.
  3. Cool.

Pineapple Frosting

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15-oz) crushed pineapple, not drained
  • 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 1 carton (8-oz) whipped topping

Frosting Directions:

  1. Mix together the pineapple with juice and the pudding mix.  Let stand for about 5 minutes.
  2. Fold the whipped topping into the pineapple mixture and use to frost the cake.  Sprinkle with some coconut if desired.
  3. Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.

For more really neat, old fashioned recipes, see Grandma’s Vintage Recipes at:  http://grandmasvintagerecipes.blogspot.com/

Did I say how much I like this easy cake recipe?  Oh yes, I think I did!  OK, I have not tried it yet.  Like I mentioned above, when I saw this peach cake recipe, I just knew I had to keep it somehow so I COULD try it.

I already know I’m going to use a clear, glass baking dish though.  I LOVE using clear baking dishes when a recipe has such pretty, natural ingredients or when there is fruit involved.*

*Note that when you use glass bakeware, most recipes suggest you bake your food items at 25 degrees lower than otherwise suggested.  Check at the same time, but be prepared to adjust time a little then if necessary.

I’ll let you know what I think when I make it, or any one of you can let us know if you make a cake first!  It sure does look good though.

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Easy Summer Salads – Where Fruit Salad Is King

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Chris Stevens

These easy summer salads are perfect for your summertime meals, buffets, and BBQs, and if you like fruit, they’re even better than perfect!

Whether you’re cooking for yourself and your family or for a large crowd at a pot luck dinner, family picnic, or reception, incorporating fruit salad into your summer activity is a great way to keep it simple, keep it pretty, and keep it cool.

Fruit Salad Recipes – Easy Summer Salads for Family Size Gatherings

Seven Fruit Salad

Coated with Cherry Pie Filling and packed with both canned fruit as well as fresh berries and grapes, you can’t get any easier or any sweeter than this fruit salad recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (29 ounces) sliced peaches, drained
  • 2 cans (11 ounces each) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 cup no sugar added cherry pie filling
  • 1 cup halved fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup seedless green grapes
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the peaches, oranges, pineapple, and pie filling.
  2. Add the strawberries, grapes, and blueberries.
  3. Stir gently.
  4. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve

Makes:  10 servings

Note:  How pretty this fruit salad is in a glass Pyrex bowl or a glass salad bowl set!  Most glass storage bowls like Pyrex bowls have lids so you can make your summer salads for BBQ get togethers too!

Glass Pyrex Bowl

Glass Pyrex bowls are also great for taking summer salads to a picnic or a pot luck at the church!

Simply Fruit in Yogurt

The nice thing about fruit salad recipes is that they are so healthy!  Why not make yours even healthier by adding a little yogurt?

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium navel oranges, peeled and sliced
  • 2 kiwifruit, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes
  • 1 medium firm banana, sliced
  • 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 2 Tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons brown sugar

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the oranges, kiwi, banana, and grapes.
  2. Divide among six serving bowls.
  3. Combine the yogurt and brown sugar; dollop over the fruit.
  4. Serve immediately

Makes:  6 servings

Vanilla Yogurt for Fruit Salad Recipes

Vanilla Yogurt Works Well for Most Fruit Salad Recipes

Carrot Pineapple Gelatin Salad

OK, so this one has some carrots too, but you’ll like the fruity flavor and you’ll be happy you got your veggies too!  Don’t you just love healthy summer salads like that!

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (20 ounces) No Sugar Added Crushed Pineapple
  • 2 packages (.3 ounces each) sugar free lemon gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 medium carrots, grated

Directions:

  1. Drain pineapple, reserving 1 cup juice; set pineapple and juice aside.
  2. In a bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.
  3. Stir in cold water, vinegar, salt, and reserved pineapple juice.
  4. Chill until partially thickened, about 45 minutes.
  5. Stir in grated carrots and reserved pineapple.
  6. Pour in 6-cup mold coated with non-stick cooking spray.
  7. Chill until firm.
  8. Unmold to serve

Makes:  8 servings

Normal jello molds and ice rings work, but if you want to add some variety, you can also use silicone molds and baking pans of all sorts and shapes.  You will still want to spray with a non-stick cooking spray before you add the jello salad though.

Fruit Salad Recipes – Easy Summer Salads for a Crowd

Family Reunions, Church Picnics, Outdoor Wedding Receptions, and Neighborhood BBQs All Beg For Fruity Summer Salads for a Crowd!

Summer Salads for a Crowd or Outdoor Reception

Add some sweetness to your larger outdoor activities, receptions, and events!

Apple Pineapple Salad

This one is diabetic friendly too, so you don’t need to worry about whether it will bother any of your guests or not!

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks
  • 1/4 cup reduced-fat margarine
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • Artificial sweetener equivalent to 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 3 cups chopped apples
  • 2 cups green grapes
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Directions:

  1. Drain pineapple juice into a saucepan.  Add margarine and lemon juice; cook over medium heat until margarine is melted.
  2. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into juice mixture, and bring the combined mixture to a boil.  Boil and stir for 2 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat and add sweetener, stirring.
  4. Cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, apples, grapes, and poppy seeds.  Add the dressings; toss to coat.
  6. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
  7. Just before serving, gently toss in pecans.

Makes 16 servings and is easily doubled or tripled.

When making summer salads for BBQ and other outdoor events, make sure you remember to keep cold foods cold until they are served.  If you are not close to a refrigerator, use an ice cooler, picnic basket with ice packs, or large Coleman picnic cooler.  It’s always better ti be safe than sorry!

Coleman picnic cooler

Coleman makes great large picnic coolers for summer salads outdoors!

Melon and Grape Salad

This fruit salad salad for a crowd is an all time winner when it’s hot outside because nothing says “refreshing” more than these summer fruits!

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium large watermelon, cut into cubes or balls
  • 3 honeydew melons, cut into cubes or balls
  • 3 cantaloupe melons, cut into cubes or balls
  • 1-1/2 pounds seedless green grapes
  • 1-1/2 pounds seedless red grapes
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup lime juice
  • 1/3 orange juice

Directions:

  1. Combine melons and grapes.
  2. Combine sugar and juices; pour over fruit, and toss to coat.
  3. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
  4. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Makes:  Approximately 50 services (about 1 cup each)

Whether it’s hot weather outside or you’re just craving some of those beautiful summer fruit salads that will compliment any meal any time of the year, I hope these easy summer salads will do just the trick for you!

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Without Rick Perry as a GOP candidate, how should I vote?

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Chris Stevens

We live in Texas, so many of my friends and family know how much I like Governor Rick Perry.  He has had a great career as a conservative governor and as a leader for The Great State of Texas.

When Rick Perry became a GOP candidate for President this time around, I was ecstatic.  It was even easier to back such a man as I researched more specific issues pertaining to his record, his character, and his platform.

I just really liked, and I STILL like, Governor Rick Perry and had hoped he would be the Republican nominee.

But alas, it did not seem to be going in his direction, at least not this time around.  Governor Perry felt the need to perform a “strategic retreat”, and he dropped out of the race.

See what a “strategic retreat” is here:  What is a strategic retreat?

I believe my first step in figuring out how to vote after that move was feeling just a little sad.  I think that was OK.  As I said, I not only liked our Governor, I personally saw what he did in Texas.  I knew how he stood in politics, and I thought he would be a great President of The United States of America.  It would be natural to be a little sad.  It would also be natural to be a little bit confused.

Without Rick Perry as a GOP candidate, how should I vote?

Rick Perry is taking a strategic retreat as a 2012 GOP candidate. So what am I supposed to do now then?

Well first of all and before you decide what you will to do in this nomination process and 2012 general election, keep these words on your heart:

“His Sovereignty rules over all.” – Psalm 103:19

Yes, whatever route you chose to take right now or whichever candidate you chose to support or not support right now, God will rule supreme in it all.

God is not asking you to rule the world.  He’s just asking you to do the part He has for you to do in this world.  If you do what the Lord wants you to do and then trust in God’s Ways, you will have done the right thing.  You will also have done no harm to what love, protection, help, discipline, care, or plans God for this world or for America in particular.  God is in control, so don’t worry whether your actions will produce what you believe they should or not.  Just live in God’s Will for you, and God will take care of the rest.

There.  That is true Scripture, and that should relieve some of the anguish you may be feeling at this time.  However, you do still have the responsibility to figure out what exactly God DOES want you to do from this point on.  What direction should you go?  What steps should you take?  Who should you vote for in the 2012 election?

Remember now, you are not ruling the world here.  You are only trying to figure out what God wants you to do as one piece of His puzzle!

If this helps you to find your own way in this, I believe there are a few steps you can initially take that will help you determine what you need to do in the short term, near future, and actually, for a longer period of time as well.

  • Hide Psalm 103:19 (see above) in your hearts.  God is in control, and nothing you do will stop His plans.  So don’t fret too much if your re-directed journey plans will be the end result or not.  Just figure out what the Lord has for you to do within HIS journey.
  • Be open to whatever it is God is going to call upon you to do.  Proverbs 3:5-6  says:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”  The way I see it, you can pray for guidance all you want, but if you are not REALLY open to God’s leading to begin with, you’ll never hear the direction God is calling you to to begin with!  So, free your heart to God’s Will (Psalm 103:19) and then open your mind to God’s leading (Proverbs 3: 5-6), and you will be ready for the next real “action” step.
  • Pray for guidance, and know that He will direct your steps towards God’s purpose and glory.  Romans 8: 27 says: “And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
  • Finally, be prepared for great things the Lord will do, whether it is now, tomorrow, next year, or the next millennium.  Continuing on from that last Scripture, Romans 8: 28 says:  “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, those who are called according to His purpose.”  God WILL do something for you and through you!  You may see it, or you may not, but God will help you and will bless what you do in His name!

That said, you can probably see that I don’t expect all Rick Perry supporters to follow the same path from here on out.  Oh yea, the national party may disagree on whether we should or not, but if you are a Christian or a person of another faith who wants to follow a Higher Power’s guidance, or if you are just a person who wants to make an individual choice based on what is important to YOU, then you will be seeking your own path to follow and going on from there based on things other than the GOP.

Just remember though, that just as God has made us each very special individuals in HIM, and He may call us to different routes to his ultimate ending to this election cycle, he needs us all, just as we are.  And no matter what, it will be OK.

Job 42: 2  “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.”

And that even includes in politics!  :)

For those of you who may be wondering what route I have found for me after Governor Perry’s strategic retreat, below is the list of steps I feel called to follow right now.  These steps may change.  Who knows, my entire route my change.  For now though,  in my sorrow and disappointment I sought the Lord, and for ME, this is where I am going.

Just remember, your path may be different, and if we are in this together IN THE LORD, all things WILL work together.  So be yourself in Christ and keep the faith!

Here is my new direction…

I had to have some time.  I thought I might need more time than this, but I feel the Lord has given me a path now, and I will take it.

I do not like any of the remaining candidates.  Oh yes, some are better than others, and I could probably even prioritize.  However, there is no one candidate I feel is worthy my “time”, “attention” or my “heart”.

Therefore, I feel at peace with what I’m going to do.  I feel these steps were first given to me by God after prayers for direction, and I can see the sense of these steps in all ways, at least for ME.

1.  I will not actively support or help any one Republican candidate right now.

2.  At the same time, I will not oppose any one Republican candidate right now either (with the exception of pointing out pro-life records and history of our candidates).

3.  I will NOT vote in the primary because I would only be voting AGAINST someone if I did and not FOR anyone.  Since I am not going to help or hinder any one of them during the primary, and since I do not feel any of them are well equipped for a presidential fight or right for the presidential role, I do not feel guilty letting the supporters of those candidates pick which one of the remaining candidates they want to put against Barack Obama.  I will let the remaining “consensus” of the Republican Party as a whole now choose.  They are the ones that picked those four GOP candidates to begin with, not me.

4.  When the general election time comes around, I WILL vote for the candidate the Republican Party puts up.  At that point, I feel I actually AM voting FOR that candidate because I want any Republican over Barack Obama.

5.)  If our Almighty God reveals some change of plan along the way, I’ll revamp my steps as He sees fit and as He calls me to respond.

Disclaimer:  I hope that many conservatives like me will be fed up with the current Republican National Committee and for the media, ALL the media, who have used their power to create untruths and misrepresentations of Governor Rick Perry.

Right along with that though, I also hope that many conservatives will take their own steps, as I have chosen mine above, to show those who have been guilty of misdoings, that we are not going to just simply go along with those misdoings, that we will not help them when they are involved in actions which are intolerable to us personally.  Being steadfast in our firm support of qualified and honorable candidates only (as they are available); emails or phone calls to, or boycotts or blackouts of dishonest media outlets; even letters to the Republican National Committee, tweets on Twitter, or sharing information on corruption and dishonesty on Facebook groups should remind our political leaders, pundits, and reporters that Americans see dishonorable behavior and will not tolerate it without a fight.

While I don’t want to see our party system ripped apart, and while I pray for the overall safety and well being of our country, I believe there are steps each one of us can do to make our point, points which, when all combined, will not hurt our country but help our country become better, stronger, and more based on faith in God instead of money, power, and poll numbers.

Blessings to those fellow friends who were with me on the journey to make a Governor Rick Perry for President in 2012 a reality.  We have had some good times and have had some trials which, as even Governor Perry has mentioned, strengthened our faith.

We were together, and now we take our separate paths in this 2012 election, but as we go about our own callings, we can always know that our goal was noble and our calling was clear.

Now just find your new calling, and God will provide the goal for us now.

Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.

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Easy Fudge Recipe for Eggnog Fudge

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Chris Stevens

My husband loves eggnog, so when I saw this easy fudge recipe for eggnog fudge, I immediately had to copy it and put it in my Christmas recipe box.

Something like this easy-to-make gourmet fudge recipe is not only unique enough to satisfy an eggnog drink lover at home, it also makes a great fudge gift for that special someone who enjoys this special Christmas drink.

Easy Fudge Recipe for Eggnog Fudge

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 3/4 cup dairy eggnog
  • 10.5 ounces white chocolate bars, chopped into small pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus a little more for the top of the fudge
  • One 7-ounce jar marshmallow creme
  • 1 teaspoon rum extract

Directions:

  1. Line an 8 or 9 inch square pan with tin foil, and let it hang over the sides.  Butter the foil.
  2. In a heavy, 3-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and eggnog.  Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly  Continue boiling 8 to 10 minutes over a medium heat or until a candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees F, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.  Remove from heat.
  3. Using a wooden spoon, work quickly to stir in chopped white chocolate and nutmeg until white chocolate is melted and smooth.  Sti in marshmallow creme and rum extract.
  4. Beat until well blended; then pour into prepared pan.  Sprinkle a little freshly ground netmeg on top.
  5. Let stand at room temperature until cooled.
  6. When completely cool, cut into squares.  Store in a covered container.

This Christmas fudge freezes very well.  Just place the eggnog fudge in a covered container, and it will keep for several weeks.

I love this fudge recipe because it is an easy fudge recipe to have handy when you are going to have some holiday visitors and want to add a special holiday treat they may not get anywhere else and also because it’s a special Christmas treat for the family member whose Christmas is just not complete without a little eggnog.

Adding a few individually wrapped pieces of this eggnog delicacy to a Christmas gift basket or gift box assortment can be just the special touch you need as well.  After all, fudge is always one of those homemade Christmas gift ideas that everyone seems to enjoy and appreciate!

 

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Christmas Cookie Recipe | Cute Christmas Ball Cookies

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Chris Stevens

When I saw these Christmas Ball Cookies, I knew I just had to pass them along to my readers here at Padoozles.com.

This Christmas cookie recipe from Betty Crocker Recipes are not just easy and fun to make (perfect for little helpers helping in the kitchen), they are also just the cutest little Christmas cookies around!

 

Christmas Ball Cookies

Christmas Ball Cookies

Ingredients (Cookie dough)

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups all purpose flour

Directions (Dough)

  1. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of the butter, 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar, and the salt with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until creamy.
  2. Beat in 1/4 teaspoon of the almost extract.
  3. On low speed, beat in flour just until combined.
  4. Cover, refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Ingredients (Cookie icing)

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
  • ALSO:  Red, green, and white sugar for decorating (see below)

Directions (Icing)

  1. In a small bowl, beat 1/4 cup butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, and 1 Tablespoon milk with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
  2. Cover; set aside until ready for use.
  3. Have red, green, and white sugar for decorating available to use when decorating cookies.

To bake and assemble these cute little Christmas treats:

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper, or spray with baking spray.
  3. Shape dough into 48 (3/4 inch) balls.
  4. Roll 16 balls in each color of decorating sugar, coating completely.
  5. Place balls 1 inch apart on cookie sheets.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until set and bottoms are light golden brown.
  7. When baking is complete, remove from baking sheets to cool.  Cool COMPLETELY, at least 30 minutes or more!
  8. (While cookies are cooling, remove icing from refrigerator if you have stored it there so it will be nice and soft when your cookies are cool enough to decorate.)
  9. When the cookie balls are completely cool, spread about 1/2 teaspoon icing on the bottom of one cookie and top with a second cookie, bottom side down to form a ball.

Makes 24 servings.

 

This Christmas cookie dough recipe has the taste of old fashioned sugar cookies but the appearance of a gourmet bakery delicacy.

What’s best of all, it’s a Christmas cookie recipe your whole family can have fun making and decorating in a jiffy and with a smile.

BONUS RECIPE!

How to make colored sugar for decorating

You can always purchase pre-colored sugar for decorating sugar cookies at Christmastime, but if you want to make your own, it’s really easy .  Just place a little white sugar on a piece of wax paper and add a drop of the food color of your choice.  If it’s too dark, add a little extra sugar!

Use immediately, or store in an air tight jar.

This colored sugar can be used for any of your Christmas cookie recipes that call for colored sugar such as these Christmas Ball Cookies or other Christmas recipe.

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Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Chris Stevens

First of all…

To all military men and women and their families, thank you for your service.

My husband was in the military for 25 years, retiring from The United States Army in 2006.  We loved being a military family, and we cherish those years with fondness.

It takes a special person to be in the military and even more special people to be a military family, and whether your family is an active duty family or a retired military family or a family of a American veteran, we salute you all.

Not everything about being a military family is great, but one really nice thing about it is knowing your country and your community appreciates what you are doing, or have done, for our nation.  While parks and businesses have some ongoing military discounts, you can most likely find a whole lot more sweet deals and even some freebies for you and your family on Veterans Day.

I’ve listed some special deals for this Veterans Day below so you can plan your day accordingly, but remember, it’s always a good idea to verify any offer with your local place of business to confirm your specific location is participating.   Either call ahead or check the company’s website before going out just to be sure.

And don’t forget to take your military ID with you too!

Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts:

Applebee’s and Chili’s:  Active duty service members and vets receive a free meal today at both of these fun and fantastic family restaurants on November 11, 2011.   Applebee’s has 7 entrees to pick from.  Chili’s has a choice of 6 meals.  Family members eat at the regular prince, and drinks and tax will be additional.  Still, a free meal at either Applebee’s or Chili’s is a great bargain any day!

Applebee’s Website:  http://applebees.com/

Chili’s Website:  http://www.chilis.com/

Texas Roadhouse:  Texas Roadhouse is also offering a free meal (lunch only 11 am – 2 pm) to veterans and military active duty personnel.

Texas Roadhouse’s Website:  http://www.texasroadhouse.com/

T.G.I. Fridays:  I love this discount too!  At T.G.I. Fridays, it’s “buy one get one free” on Veterans Day for all active duty, retired, and veteran families!

T.G.I. Friday’s Website:  http://www.tgifridays.com/

Uno Chicago Grill:  Now this discount is kind of unique, but it still ends up with a great savings for a military family or family of a vet.

At Uno Chicago Grill, you get 19.43% off your bill this Veterans Day.

Why are they giving a 19.43% discount?

Well I went looking and found all the following possiblities.

  1. George Patton was promoted to a Lieutenant General in 1943,
  2. Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first president to travel by air while in office in 1943,
  3. Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich was born in 1943 (but so also was George Harrison and Janis Joplin – which one would YOU vote for? LOL),
  4. General Dwight D. Einsenhower announced the surrender of Italy to the Allies in 1943

So what really happened in 1943?

The answer:  Uno’s was born in 1943!

So go on over to your local Uno’s Chicago Grill this Veterans Day and get 19.43% off your family’s restaurant dining bill!

Uno’s Website:  http://www.unos.com/

Subway:  Vets get a free six inch sub today, but a double advisory to call in advance to check fr participation since Subways are franchised businesses and not all will be participating in this event.

Subway’s Website:  http://www.subway.com/

Outback Steakhouse:  Ah, one of my favorite restaurants, and they are offering my favorite Outback menu selection for free to military families:  a free blooming onion!  The active duty member or vet also receives a free Coca-Cola product today.

Outback’s Website:  http://www.outback.com/

Golden Corral:  The Golden Corral Restaurant is saying “thank you” to military men and women by serving a free dinner from 5 pm to 9 pm but ON MONDAY, November 14 (so go somewhere else on the 11th and save Golden Corral for Monday, unless you just like Golden Corral so much you want to go there even without the discount, that is).

Get free admission to national parks on between today, November 11 and November 13.

There’s free admission to Historic Jamestown November 11 to November 13 as well.

Even some amusement parks and tourist attractions are offering special deals to the military.  Check your local businesses or nearby recreational facilities.

Get a free car wash from participating car washes.  Check out who is giving those at:  www.graceforvets.org

Military members AND their immediate families all receive a free small slurpee from 11 AM to 7 PM today.

And for my Fort Worth friends (OK, I’m from Fort Worth and just couldn’t help it):  here’s a list of Fort Worth military discounts from “Fort Worth On The Cheap”:  http://www.fortworthonthecheap.com/?p=12798

Home Depot and Lowes has some great discounts for military and veterans today too.  Check them out!

For more Veterans Days freebies and discounts, you might also want to check out the following links:

Military dot com at:  http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2011/11/veterans-day-discounts-and-freebies-2012/

The American Legion site at:  http://www.legion.org/veteransday/discounts

Tipp News Daily at:  http://tippnews.com/local/comprehensive-veterans-day-discounts/

The Happy Housewife at:  http://thehappyhousewife.com/real-life/2011-veterans-day-discounts/

Once again, thank you to all who have served and died for the protection, freedom, and liberties we enjoy in America today.  You have earned the respect of our country and have a special place in our hearts, not just today but every day.

I hope you will be able to enjoy some Veterans Day freebies and discounts today as a very small token of our nation’s appreciation for all you have done for us.

Prayers for you all.

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