Just Plain Sweet Pantry Clean Out Day from the kitchen of Stacey Beth

Let it ice, let it freeze and then let it snow! We had a major ice storm come through and freezing temperatures for 4 days along with a lot of snow. We are in the south and this is just not something that we are fully ever prepared for. So I was limited on baking last week and also entertaining an almost two year old who could not go outside and burn energy made for an exhausting week. We were VERY blessed that we did not lose power (with the 15 minute exception on the rolling blackout) and only lost gas heat for about 8 hours.

A project that I decided to take on was to clean out our pantry, refrigerator & freezer. Here in North Texas, 1 in 3 children do not have enough to eat on a daily basis. It is very humbling to me. I could not imagine not being able to feed my child.

The picture below is one of the several tubs that will be dropped off at the food bank. Our local food bank takes frozen and refrigerated items too. Sometimes it is hard to decide what to donate. I think oh we will use it one day. Sadly that one day never comes so this time I decided to donated everything that I had that thought on. I would rather know that it actually feeds someone than sits in my pantry and expires.

When you think of your local food pantry you think of donating food. There is so much more that they need. They need personal items like deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, shampoos and soaps. Our local Food Pantry is also in desperate need of feminine products. Another thing is baby food, formula and diapers.

My husband looked at our cleaned out, organized pantry and said that it met his standards of organization (in high school he stocked shelves at a grocery store and constantly is rearranging things I put in the pantry).......wheew....I guess I did a good job!

My challenge to everyone is to go through your pantry and make a donation. No donation is to small. Also if you get a local paper get the coupons out of it and clip them. There are numerous websites (that are free) that will tell you where the best place and time to match up your coupon. A lot of items end up being FREE or very little cost. You might not use these items, but someone else will. If you would like a list of websites that I use to help me match up mine, please send me an email and I will send you the links that I use.


For health and strength and daily Bread, We give you thanks, O Lord.

Check in tomorrow for another tasty treat.

Stacey Beth

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17 –

Just Plain Sweet Chocolate Chip Blondies from the kitchen of Stacey Beth

Happy Birthday to my WONDERFUL stepmother, Darlena. I am so blessed that you chose to marry my Father and to accept me as your daughter. In honor of your birthday I have made Chocolate Chip Blondies. They are super simple and are always a crowd pleaser!



Here is what you will need to make Blondies:

1 1/2 Sticks of Unsalted Butter

1 1/2 Cups Gold Medal All Purpose Flour

1 Teaspoon of Rumford Baking Powder

1/4 Teaspoon of Morton Sea Salt

1 Cup Imperial Light Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Imperial Dark Brown Sugar

2 Large Egglands Best Eggs

1 1/2 Teaspoon McCormicks Vanilla Extract

1/2 Cup Nestle Semi Sweet Chocolate Chip Morsels



1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8X8 baking an with foil and spray with cooking spray.



2. Melt your butter in coffee cup (or a microwaveable safe dish) in the microwave and then combine with the sugars. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds.

3. Add the eggs and the vanilla to the sugar mixture and mix on low for 1 minute.

4. Add the flour, salt and baking soda and mix on low for 2 minutes or until well incorporated.

5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips with a spoon.

6. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and place into the oven. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. Insert a knife or toothpick in the middle of the Blondies. If it comes out clean, then they are ready.

7. Once the Blondies are out of the oven, remove the foil from the pan and set them on the counter to cool. Remember to put them on an oven mit or something that is heat resistant so you will not damage your counter.

8. Once completely cool (about 45 minutes) cut into 9 squares and enjoy!

For health and strength and daily Bread, We give you thanks, O Lord.

Check in tomorrow for another tasty treat.

Stacey Beth

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17 –