SusieQTpies Cafe

Thursday

Summer Fruit Recipes

I love summer stone fruits, how about you? Soon we will be filling our fruit bowl with plums, peaches and nectarines. What are some of your favorite summer fruits? Here are two recipes to make this summer for your parties using plums and raspberries! Which will you make first? IF you are looking for more recipes check my recipe box and the top tabs on my blog!

Plum Tart

8 to 12 servings

This tart is made with easy-to-use puff pastry crust, a custardy filling, and fresh plums. It looks like a French country tart.

1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3 oz box)

6 plums, a little soft, just not too ripe

4 tablespoons butter, plus extra for greasing

1 large egg plus 1 yolk

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon whipping cream

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Move an oven rack to the lowest shelf.

Place a 9 or 10-inch tart ring or tart pan with a removable bottom on top of a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Take some soft margarine and with your finger, rub the margarine around the inside of the ring or sides of the tart pan or ring.

Take the sheet of puff pastry out of the freezer. Thaw the puff pastry at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes or use the “Quick thaw method for puff pastry” (see Foolproof Tips and Techniques).

Unroll the pastry on top of a piece of parchment sprinkled with a little flour. Roll the pastry about 1 inch larger than your tart ring or pan. You will need to sprinkle some flour on your rolling pin so the pastry does not stick to it. Place your hand under the parchment and flip the pastry into the tart ring or pan, using your fingers to gently press the pastry into the corners. Peel the parchment off the pastry. Again, use your fingers to make sure the pastry is in the corners and then drape any extra dough over the top of the ring or pan. Roll your rolling pin along the top of the ring or pan to cut off the excess dough. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes while you prepare the plums and filling.

Take each plum, cut in half around the pit and then slice each half into 1/4-inch slices.

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften, but not completely melt it. In a bowl, place the whole egg and yolk, 1/3 cup of sugar, and vanilla and whisk. Add the flour and baking powder and mix with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Add the softened butter and whipping cream and mix well. Remove the pan from the freezer and spread this mixture evenly inside the tart ring or pan.

Take the plum slices and, starting on the outside of the pastry, place the slices on their sides, in concentric circles. Pack the plums in tightly. Bake on the bottom oven rack for 25 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of sugar on top. Place back in the oven on the middle rack and bake another 10 minutes. Remove to rack to cool. To serve, if you used a tart ring without a bottom, slide the tart onto a serving plate and then pull off the ring. For a tart pan with a removable bottom, place your hand under the bottom and lift the tart up and out of the ring. Store covered with plastic at room temperature for five days or freeze for up to three months.

Upside-Down Raspberry Cake

Makes one 9-inch cake; serves 8 to 12

You will like the combination of fresh and baked raspberries in this dessert. Plan to make this when you can find good quality raspberries. When I was in cooking school in Paris, we used gorgeous raspberries in our desserts that were the size of quarters.

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, very soft

3 cups fresh or frozen raspberries, plus 1 cup fresh raspberries to decorate

11/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided

5 large eggs, separated

1/4 ounce (1 envelope) active dry yeast

3 tablespoons warm water

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Take a 9-inch spring form pan and detach the bottom. Cover the top of the pan bottom with aluminum foil and then wrap the excess foil under the bottom. Attach the pan sides to the bottom, lock in place, and then unwrap the foil and wrap up around the sides of the pan. Use 1 tablespoon of the margarine to grease the bottom and sides of the pan.

In a small bowl, toss the 3 cups of raspberries with the 3 tablespoons of sugar. Place in the bottom of the pan and spread to evenly cover the bottom.

With a stand or hand-held electric mixer or by hand with a whisk, beat the egg yolks with the 1 1/2 cups sugar in a large bowl for 5 minutes on high speed, or until the mixture is thick. Scrape the bowl down halfway through.

In a separate small bowl, mix the yeast with 1teaspoon sugar and warm water. Let sit 5 minutes. Add to the egg and sugar mixture and mix. Add the remaining 7 tablespoons of soft margarine and whisk well.

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the egg whites until stiff and then fold into the batter.

Pour the batter on top of the raspberries. Bake for 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the cake comes out clean. Let cool.

To serve, run a sharp knife along the sides and then remove the outer ring of the spring form pan. Place a serving plate on top of the cake and then turn the cake over onto the plate. Remove the bottom of the pan. Just before serving, scatter the 1 cup of fresh raspberries on top. Store covered with plastic in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Recipes may be reprinted with the following credit:

Recipes copyright: Paula Shoyer, The Kosher Baker: 160 dairy-free recipes from traditional to trendy (Brandeis 2010); photography credit : Michael Bennett Kress

Monday

Slide the City Coming to Your City This Summer #Slidethecity

I was just thinking the other day that it would be so fun to have large inflatables for adults! I even shared a photo from 10+ years ago of my hubby in an adult like inflatable but that was the last time I saw something for adults. Now that this has been on my mind I got a really cool email about Slide the City! It is a huge water slide for kids and adults! Here is the scoop for one in the St Louis area. Check your city for one as well!

On Saturday, July 11th - Market Street will be transformed as participants ride inflatables down this giant slide spanning three city blocks. With music, local vendors, and giveaways, this family friendly event promises to be a highlight of the summer. My readers SAVE with promo code USFAMstl -- Get your tickets here!

A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to Saint Louis Area FoodBanks. The St. Louis Area FoodBank feeds the hungry by distributing food through a network of more than 500 partner agencies and engages the community in the fight against hunger. Participants can purchase a one, three or unlimited slide pass. Tickets are now available, starting at $13.

Is there an age or height limit?
All who are over 46 inches tall and over 5 years old are invited to slide, but remember if you're under 18 you'll need to get a sign off from your legal guardians.

Are there group rates available?
If you have a group with 20 or more participants send us an email.

What do you do to address water conservation?
Water conservation is also a priority at our events. We strive to have zero environmental impact on the community. The Slide was designed to have zero water loss, and it treats and recycles the water safely and efficiently throughout the day. When permitted, we donate the water back to the community. Methods of disposal include local reclamation centers, parks, golf courses and other places dependent upon local regulations.

Don't forget, for a LIMITED TIME, my readers will SAVE $5 with promo code USFAMstl

I'm going, how about you?

Wednesday

Special For 3 People Who are Wanting to Feel Better & Healthier this Summer!

For all my regular readers, you know that I'm a health coach. I've been on a healthier lifestyle journey for 3 yeas now. I have lost 100 lbs and work at it daily to decide to eat right or not eat right, to exercise or to not exercise and so on! This past year I became a health coach to reach out and help others who struggle as I do. I have struggled with my body weight and body image my entire life. Three years ago I made a change and took a chance at feeling better and having turned back! Can I help you get started on your healthier lifestyle journey?

Right now I have a SPECIAL for 3 people who are looking to feel better, eat better and even drop weight (10-15 lbs in the first 3 weeks) all while having a health coach (ME!) to help you meet your goals! I have at least 20 of you who have been talking to me about wanting to give this a try! Only 3 are able to get my special.

I have a business goal to meet to be able to make it to this amazing party at our Beachbody convention next month in Nashville, TN. So I am offering a special discount for any program plus Shakeology ordered! Help me reach this goal? And I will help you reach YOURS! It's a Win-Win!

Message me at cafescrapper at gmail dot com, leave a message here with your email addy or find me on Facebook and message me there and l can give you the scoop! Don't wait because these 3 spots will fill up fast! Take a chance on me helping you get started today!

Sometimes women and men have body image issues related to childhood loss. I know this personally. Here are some of my tips.

Top Lucky 13 Successful Weight Loss Tips:

1- You are NOT Alone with your Body Image Struggles

2- 21 Day Fix - learn to eat what your body needs
3- Make Time to Walk #MakeTime
4- Nutrition and Exercise Tips
5- How to Start Walking Tips #MakeTime
6- Weight Loss Tips #MakeTime
7- Top 10 Healthy Changes to Make Today
8- Top 10 Ways to Make Exercise More Enjoyable #MakeTime
9- Follow my SusieQTpies Cafe for daily updates on Facebook
10- Join the Make Time Healthier Lifestyle Community on Facebook
11 - Join my FREE email list for at least 1-2 times a month updates on healthy living.

12 -Is your eating out of control?

13- Fat Shaming Tips

Bonus - Fight Body Shaming! and Living life without a Mom and trying to be a mom and Have you Fallen off the Wagon?

Fat Shaming Tips! #MakeTime365

So there is this post going around Facebook about Fat Shaming and how there are worse things for someone to be besides "fat".... agree or disagree?

Fat is an outward appearance just as brown skin, white shin, short hair, long legs, hairy body, etc. So if all we do is judge someone by their outward appearance then we have a problem in our society.

Did you know that when you judge someone on their outward appearance then you are the one with the problem, not the person you are judging.

I have been heavy my entire life. I still remember as a kid being given diet suppressant chocolate chews called Aydes (while being fed high fat high carb processed foods) and going to Weight Watchers with family or hearing about how unhappy they were with their body their entire lives. Did these people give me fresh fruit and veggies and teach me about healthy living? NO!

When all you hear is negative then you live your life in the negative. So when you judge someone who is already negative because of their outward appearance you are only aiding in their negative outlook.

Fat Shaming Tips

#1 Stop judging others on their outward appearance. Go take care of your own problems and TRUST me you have them because everyone has them. Get a mirror and take a look and then come talk to me. I can help you, too.

#2 Stop letting judgers have power of you. Take revenge on them. Want to know how? Message me or leave an email addy as I have been working on this Revenge plan and journey for 3 years. It is working and I'm winning.

Sometimes women and men have body image issues related to childhood loss. I know this personally. Here are some of my tips.

12 Successful Weight Loss Tips:

1- You are NOT Alone with your Body Image Struggles

12 -Is your eating out of control?

Bonus - Fight Body Shaming! and Living life without a Mom and trying to be a mom and Have you Fallen off the Wagon?

Saturday

Easy DIY Powder Laundry Soap

This is our third batch of dry laundry soap! We LOVE it! I've seen a lot of recipes for the goopy liquid soap but I didn't want to have to melt the soap. This recipe is no fuss and works great. It also saves us a lot of money and time.

One batch last us easily 8 months. There are plenty of blogs that will tell you exact cost and price breakdown. I do not have that included in my post. I order all of my supplies on Amazon and it runs me around $40.

Easy DIY Powder Laundry Soap

Ingredients

3 -14 oz. bars of ZOTE, grated
3 small boxes of Baking Soda
3 lbs. OXICLEAN
4 lbs. 20 Mule Team BORAX
1-2 large containers of Purex Crystals or other softer (optional)
3 lbs. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

Directions

1- Gather up 3 containers with lids. We use ice cream buckets.
2- Shred ZOTE by hand. It takes less than 5 minutes to do this and the only tedious part. It is just like shredding a block of cheese. I shred one and dump it in a container. Then same for the next 2.
3-Pour one box of baking soda in each container.
4-Pour 1/3 of OXICLEAN in each container.
5-Pour 1/3 of BORAX in each container.
6-Pour Crystals/Beads equally in each container.
7-Pour 1/3 Super Washing Soda in each container.
8-Add lids and shake them.
9-Easy and done in 10 minutes tops.
10-I use the OXICLEAN container because it has a lid to pour in soap that we use on a regular basis. Some people use cute containers. I just keep the large container stacked in the laundry room until ready to use.
11- Use 2 Tbsp of soap per load.

Seriously this is the easiest stuff to make. We have allergy issues with some brands of detergents but never with this one. I have a front loading HE washer and drying and the powder works just fine. I add it to the drum and then the clothes. No problem with that at all.

Again, I do not have the exact price breakdown but on average we wash 8 loads a week. This usually last around 8-9 months which would be around 34 weeks. That works out to be 272 loads of laundry at a total of $40 or $.15 a load. This is my estimation and will vary depending on how much you pay for your supplies.

I also make my own every day bathroom cleaner. We use it on the toilet, sink and tub. I keep the spray bottle near the sink/tub and use it as often as needed which depends on the traffic! I keep a scrub brush container of it hanging in the shower to be used as needed.

Other Cleaners

Baby Blue Bathroom Cleaner
Spring Cleaning Tips
Clean Floors
Top 10 Uses for Vinegar
Bathroom Pet Peeves
Top 50 Natural & Healthy Hacks for the Kitchen
Sharing the Secret to Cleaner Dishes
Before and After Dishes with Cascade Platinum Pacs

Thursday

Save on Dove Beauty Products at Walgreens and Share Your #BeautyStory

I really believe that our beauty comes from the inside out. When we struggle with our inner beauty then we aren't able to inspire others to be their best. Being beautiful is seeing yourself for who you are and being the best you ever. This is pure beauty. Once you can knock out negative doubts, negative talk and care for your body in healthy ways then your true beauty will shine through. Once you do that then you will be the best you and you will inspire others to be the best that they can be.

This my family's beauty secret which I have shared with my three daughters. They are all of the age to be the best that they can be and to inspire other young women. So are you taking care of yourself so you can inspire others? Thanks to Global Influence for sponsoring this post. My own words and opinions are expressed here today.

Did you know that during the month of May, Walgreens and Duane Reade is celebrating beauty all month long. During this event you can go to the Beauty counter or ask your Beauty Advisor for a $2.00 coupon for Dove products. These coupons are valid through 7/24/15. While you are there, make sure you pick up your free Dove Sample (while supplies last). Also, when you spend $15 on Dove products you will receive 3,000 Balance Rewards Points until 5/30/15, These savings can be used at Walgreens and Duane Reade. Then you will be the next to share a beauty secret.

Wednesday

Have you Fallen Off of the Wagon?

Can anyone relate? It takes but a bat of the eyelashes to "fall off the wagon"...

What is this about!? The wagon keeps you moving away and moving forward from things that temp you or drag you to not treating your body and mind as it deserves. For some it is drugs, alcohol, food, sex, gambling, abusive relationship, eating disorders, etc.

Have you fallen off the wagon? We are getting close to half way into the new year. What new year goals or resolutions for 2015 did you set but you've fallen off the wagon and lost sight of why you want up?

Are you looking for courage or a way back on the wagon?? If you got up there once, twice, 32 or even 72 times before you can get up again. I am a slow learner and have fallen off many times.

Let's do this. The hard part is reaching your hand up and asking for help. My hand is reached out and down to you and ready to help you up.....take my hand.

If you can relate to any of this and want to be in a safe group with like minded people who are struggling then leave a comment with email contact, email me at beachbodysusie@gmail.com, follow me on Facebook as I have an online group for you or I can work with you one on one online or locally. Together we fight back.