Sunday, April 15, 2012

GRANDMA MAY'S SUGAR COOKIES

Grandma May's Sugar Cookies ~
I am about to share a family recipe that has been passed down from generations. My mother still makes them for special guests and friends. This isn't just any sugar cookie recipe. These are moist, delicious, and the things that candy land dreams are made of! TODAY.....I'm going to share Grandma May's Sugar Cookie Recipe with you!
Party Guest List for the Grandma May's Sugar Cookie Dough


Grandma May's Sugar Cookie Recipe

(Mom actually cooks them at 370)
(Do NOT OVERBAKE)

Cream Butter & Sugar.
Look at this old school mixer. It's a mixing beast!
Add eggs and beat until fluffy.
Mix all your dry ingredients together in a separate bowl
(except the the baking soda)
Use 5 cups flour. You can add in more when rolling them out if needed

In another fun bowl, mix the sour cream and baking soda
Looks like a fun science experiment when you get it mixed :)

Add in lemon extract
(not gonna lie...I don't think I've ever seen the lemon peel used in the recipe)
Add dry ingredients a little bit at a time,
alternating with sour cream concoction until it is all added in.

Time to crack out the ol' rolling pin!Roll out to about a 1/4 inch thickness
(
Wanna SEE MORE of the BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN and MARTINY LEATHER CARVED CERAMIC TILE, Click here Cut out your favorite cookie cutter design.
Mom uses a classic ribbed circle here.
(I don't love the ribbed cookie cutters because they are harder to clean)

Roll out to about a 1/4 inch thickness

Now you have 2 choices: Throw them in the oven to cook at 370-375
and add frosting after they are cooled
OR
Add sprinkles right now.
We did a set of each.

Pictured below are naked sugar cookies, out of the oven and on the cooling rack.
These are a little under done. Mom remarked that you don't want wrinkles. When cooked to perfection, they are beautifully smooth on the top.

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Contributed by my beautiful mother, Nancy
Frosty Party Guest List:

1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cube butter
1/2 cube cream cheese
4-5 cups of powdered sugar (usually we just wing it)
Drizzle in just enough milk to give it a good spreading consistency
Drop or 2 of your desired food coloring.
Mom usually makes PINK :)Mix away with your other mixing attachment that you've been dying to use!

Frost and enjoy your creations!

Thank you so much for traveling the gypsy trail with me today!

Hope you & your family enjoy Grandma May's Sugar Cookies as much as we do!

Happy Trails,

Mindy


Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails

is proudly brought to you by

Lil' Red Roan
Check out MARTINY LEATHER CARVED CERAMIC TILES at Lil' Red Roan

LIKE us on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/LittleRedRoan

Visit us ONLINE!!

P.S. Here are some other recipes you might enjoy:

  1. Sour Cream Apple Pie ~ http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2011/02/sour-cream-apple-pie.html
  2. If the Chuck Wagon's Rockin ~ My Shepard's Pie ~ http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2011/03/if-chuck-wagons-rockin-my-shepards-pie.html
  3. Uncle Jim's Famous Beer Batter Bread ~ http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2011/09/uncle-jims-famous-beer-batter-bread.html
  4. Cowboy Approved Sandwiches ~ http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2011/10/cowboy-approved-sandwich.html
  5. Best Brownies in the World ~ http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2011/11/best-brownies-in-world.html
  6. Cheesy Card Game Chip Dip ~ http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2011/11/cheesy-card-game-chip-dip.html
  7. Yummy Potatoes ~ http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2011/12/yummy-potatoes.html
  8. Snicker Doodle Salad ~ http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/01/snicker-doodle-salad.html
  9. Wild West Lasagna ~http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/01/wild-west-lasanga-no-cook-noodle-lasgna.html
  10. Just for You Sweet Pea ~ Sugar Snap Pea Appetizer: http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/01/just-for-you-sweet-pea-sugar-snap-pea.html
  11. Treat Your Taste Buds - Tomato Salad: http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/01/treat-your-taste-buds-tomato-salad.html
  12. Bucking B.L.T.omato Salad Sandwich: http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/01/bucking-bltomato-salad-sandwich.html
  13. Bronc Rider to Breakfast- Ham & Cheese Crossiant: http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/01/bronc-rider-to-breakfast-ham-cheese.html
  14. Fill Your Feed Bunk - Homemade Pizza: http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/01/fill-your-own-feed-bunk-homemade-pizza.html
  15. Sow Your Wild Oats ~ No Bake Cookies: http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/01/sow-your-wild-oats-no-bake-cookies.html
  16. Cause a Commotion~ Creamy Tomato Soup: http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/01/cause-commotion-creamy-tomato-soup.html
  17. IDAHO COWBOY~Homemade Potato Soup:http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/02/idaho-cowboy-homemade-potato-soup.html
  18. GRANDMA MAY'S SUGAR COOKIES:http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2012/04/grandma-mays-sugar-cookies.html


Friday, April 13, 2012

MARTINY CARVED LEATHER Ceramic Tile

The trail has taken me to Martiny Saddle Co. this week. As many of you know, my beautiful mother is a saddle maker. What you may not know is that she also creates AMAZING HOME DECOR!!!! BEAUTIFUL Leather Carved Ceramic Tile is a finishing touch that she has added to her kitchen and I had to share!
Shot of kitchen inlayed with beautiful carved leather ceramic tiles
Beautiful Carved Leather Accent Tiles
add the perfect touch of Western elegance
to this kitchen back splash.
Beautiful deep brown carved leather ceramic tiles adorn the walls

Martiny Saddle Co. is pleased to announce that they will now offer this beautiful new line of Carved Leather Ceramic Tiles to you! Below are a few samples of the NANCY MARTINY CARVED Leather Ceramic Tiles that are available. There are a variety of flowers designs and colors available to choose from.
"Add a unique Western touch to your living or work space with ceramic tile in the shades of rich, hand-carved leather. Tiles can be added to a traditional pattern to create a Western accent for a kitchen backsplash or shower wall. Large murals can be set above a stove for a stunning focal point. Larger tiles can be set into counter or table tops-the possibilities are endless!
Carved Leather Ceramic Tile ~ Mural Sample

Please enjoy looking over our samples that show just a few of the pattern and colors that we can produce. Keep in mind that every order is "Custom-made" to your choice of floral design and color. Tiles can also be personalized with your brand.
Tiles are available in 2", 3", 4", 6", 12" sizes and gloss or matt finish. Colors will vary slightly , ranging from very light "natural leather "color to deep,dark brown. Each order is individually produced to the customers needs, to create a one-of-a-kind Western accent.

Prices vary according to finish and size of tile, starting at $ 4.95 for 2" glossy.
Please email us for more information, and to start the ordering process.


To ORDER CUSTOM MARTINY HOME DECOR
Martiny Saddle Co.
Nancy Martiny
email ~ martinysaddle@yahoo.com
phone ~ 208-876-4227
web-site: http://www.lilredroan.com/carvedleathercer.html

SEE MORE MARTINY HOME DECOR & LEATHER HANDY WORK
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/MartinySaddle
or visit the web-site
http://www.lilredroan.com/carvedleathercer.html

Thank you so much for traveling the gypsy trail with me today.
Hope you enjoyed the stop through this beautiful home.
To see more Ranch House Style click here!

Happy Trails,
Mindy
Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails
is proudly brought to you by

Lil' Red Roan

Amazing Martiny Saddle Co.
Leather Light Covers

LIKE us on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/LittleRedRoan

Visit us ONLINE!!

http://www.lilredroan.com/

p.s. Here is a few more of my favorite things

Monday, April 9, 2012

Stories from a Cowboy's Tack Room



Stories from a Cowboy's Tack Room ~

Recently, I had the chance to take a tour through a fascinating tack collection. An unexpected chance to visit pieces that I hadn't seen in years. As we sorted through things, Dad shared stories about the pieces. Here are a few pieces and the stories that struck my fancy.

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL BLUE Headstall & Reins~
Wedding Present my parents received in 1980. Handmade by Ray Coddle.
Old bit added later, Dad used to use this bit to drive colts when he was a kid.

I know, I'm a sucker for color. This beautiful piece just stood out and screams, LOOK AT ME!
Brings back childhood memories of it being proudly displayed in our home on the wall of fame.


Joe Marty Rig ~ Headstall & Bit were a gift from Joe Marty, age 96.
Was rode on a horse named Sparky when he came up to Mud Lake from California.
Joe was one of the 1st "Bridle Horse" guys my Dad had seen in this country.
Click here for another Joe Marty Story

Repair & Tightening up was done my silversmith, Lynn Tomlinson.
A beautiful set up that was USED. The bit sides are thin from wear.
FIRST BIT EVER MADE by Silversmith, Lynn Tomlinson.
Lynn attended  Elmer's bit school
 Dad bought his 1st bit for $200 when he finished.

Lynn added, "That's the first silver bit I built! Built a few snaffle bit out of pitch fork tines back in high school! Your old dad even built a few snaffle bits back in the day! We used to think we were pretty handy!!The bit was engraved by Elmer Miller!"




Bunch Patterson Bits ~
Bunch Patterson ~ "A Montana Legend"
Bunch was a renowned horse runner. Dad always speaks very highly of Bunch.
These are two Bunch Bits.
Spanish Ring Bit & a High Ported Bit
Ring Bit was used to ride on Dad's old horse, The Blonde Bomb
He was big beautiful half draft blonde bomb shell who could stop on a dime.
I even reined on him when I was a kid.

R Bit ~ Number B-C Bit that was supposedly made for a Mexican President.
Stamped & Numbered piece. B-C Mex C - 013
My parents purchased 2 numbers bits at that time. Not Shown is numbered 025


Australian made Bull Whip
~ Gift from Robin Wilshire
Maker Stamped ~ Al Tiegan Bit
Johnny Tiegan was a Dad's college roommate. Dad spent a Thanksgiving with their family
and got these bits while he was down there.

Merlin Rupp Mecate ~ One of a kind, handmade by Merlin Rupps
Dad says "Merlin was a LEGEND when I was growing up, Hell of a cowboy."
He had always wanted one of Merlin's mecates.

Dad re-told a story that Merlin had told him. I'm sure it has been paraphrased.
You get the general idea tho :)
Kid showed up at the place for a job. Merlin said to him,
"If you like to ride really cranky horses and roll your bed roll out everyday ....this is the place to be."
The kid turned around, went back to his truck and left.



Jordan Valley Big Loop ~ Photo credit unknown
Dad & Pat McGarry were 3rd place at the Jordan Valley Big Loop and won cinches.
Photo below is Dad horse roping at Jordan Valley. Not the year that they won but a picture from one of the three years they entered.

Teri added in the comments "The cinchas were made by Tex Payne. He and wife Agnes Mayer Payne ranched up on Juniper Mtn. for many years. Their sons still do. Though they have both passed away, I think they are still awarding his cinchas at the Big Loop. "


Drum Roll.................rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...........

Saving the BEST for LAST ~ beautiful full flower set of taps
MAKER Stamped of G.S GARCIA ~ ELKO, NEV
Bish Jenkins used to have a horse sale in Idaho Falls, Idaho once a month. They would sell tack at the beginning of the sale. Dad and Grandpa Hoggan had went down to the sale.
Dad started bidding on these taps and Grandpa told him that was enough.
Well, Dad won them and they through them up to him in the stands.
It wasn't until he got them in his hands that he saw the G.S. Garcia Maker Stamp.
He said "I started shaking when I realized what I had"
Thank you so very much for taking time to travel this trail with me today. I had such a great time sharing a glimpse of this tack room and a few stories accumulated and remembered through a life time of Cowboy Gear!
Happy Trails,
Mindy
Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails
is proudly brought to you by
Quality Leather Headstalls
Handmade in the USA by Nancy Martiny
Available Now at Lil' Red Roan

Visit us ONLINE!!
http://www.lilredroan.com/

p.s. Here is a few more of my favorite things