Moonshine, On My Shoulders....

I started wedding planning on Wednesday.  

I have found the venue, taken care of food and bar, hired a photographer and a dj.  

I have also gone through 3/4 of the budget.  

Fellow married folks out there, is this a normal place to be?  I have NO idea, (seeing as this is my first time.)  Should I reconfigure and find cheaper alternatives?

As I said earlier, My little sister and her boyfriend came to visit us last weekend.  I am so happy they are able to get away and come up to see me even if it is just once a year.  It seems like they are always working!

Her boyfriend is a farmer and so it is not easy for them to get away.  This year when she came she brought me a pumpkin cheesecake, a bottle of apple pie moonshine and a 5 gallon bucket of potatoes from her garden.  Woo-hoo!!!!

We decided to take a walk to the zoo which, of course, had to start with a carousel ride!!

After our ride (which made the Mister and I a bit nauseous) we headed into the monkey house.  Rhiannon walked up to the glass of one of the cages.  The monkey in this cage did NOT like her at all!  He jumped at her with his mouth wide open, baring all of his fangs.  It scared the crap out of all of us.  Then he sat there staring at her while sucking his thumb.  I guess she startled him.  I can't say

I don't blame him for being salty.  If I were stuck in a cage I would be pretty pissed off too. 

We ended our outdoor excursion by walking down to the beach.  We took turns skipping rock, (or just throwing them and collecting them if you were under the age of 12.)

 That night we had Italian Beef for dinner.  It really is the easiest thing in the world to make and it feeds a crowd!

Italian Beef

• Large piece of roast 4-5 lbs (The only meat I have failed this recipe with is brisket.  Since it is in the cooker for hours you can use a cheap, tougher piece of meat and it will still turn out delicious.)
• One can of beef broth (Beef broth in a can really grosses me out.  Instead I use half of a carton of beef broth.)
• One packet of Italian seasoning
•   One bottle of giordano peppers (This is crucial.  Only get the peppers that are packed in water NOT OIL!!!!!  I made this mistake once.  It resulted in a crock pot full of inedible beef.  If all you can find is the kind packed in oil rinse them off well.  In the pickle aisle you will be able to find lots of peppers and veges packed in water.)

This is the kind I buy

1. The night before (or in the early morning) put everything in your crockpot.
2. Turn it on low.  I always throw this together the night before whether it is for a game day lunch or dinner the next night.  It is always good and always goes fast.  If you want to cut down on sodium, only put in half a packet of the italian seasoning and/or the beef broth.  If you cut out the broth make sure you add extra water!

The apple pie moonshine my sister made was gone before the weekend was over.  It was SOOOOOO good!!!  She was sweet enough to share the recipe with me.

Rebekah's Apple Pie Moonshine

• One gallon Apple Cider
• 1/2 gallon apple juice
• 7 cinnamon sticks (make sure you get a good brand otherwise they wont have any flavor)
• 1 L everclear

1. In a large pot bring the cider, juice and cinnamon sticks to almost a boil. 
2. Shut off heat and let cool.
3. Remove cinnamon sticks and add everclear.
4. Chill and enjoy!!

Since I am leaving you with a homemade "moonshine" recipe today I feel it is only appropriate to also leave you with this picture........

Here I am (four months pregnant) in the Appalachian mountains.

Happy Friday to you all!