Yummy Maple Syrup Substitute

If you've done any research on sugar replacements in recipes, or just love your Sunday morning pancakes, you know that REAL maple syrup is a must! If you use the real stuff (if you don't- you don't know what you're missing!!), you know it can be a bit pricey (justifiably so-- we made if for years when I was a child, and there is A LOT of work and time involved!). So, unless you have connections to maple producers (such as Sweet Wood Maple) or connections to these producers via your Mom (thanks Michelle and Brian!!), here is a substitute that might help your pocket-book. It was taken out of Stevia Sweet Recipes by Jeffrey Goettemoeller.

Maple Apple Syrup

1/4 cup water

1 cup natural apple juice

1 T arrowroot or cornstarch

1 T butter, optional

1/4 t. Stevia Extract Powder (or a little less)

3/4 t. vanilla flavoring

3/4 t. maple flavoring

Stir together water, apple juice, and arrowroot powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce from heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Refrigerate leftovers in covered jar.

Enjoy!

dirt

First things first-- could someone PLEASE tell them this is TOO high!?! And yes-- we STILL LOVE Lowe's-- can't ya tell? Seriously contemplating a Lowe's plaque on the finished front shutter :)

Next matter of business-- they tell me things are coming along. "We'll have a yard soon-- REALLY honey-- we are making GREAT progress." ALL I seem to see is MORE dirt! And apparently one 'back-hoe digger thing' is now no longer enough. I guess it was sad and lonely because now we have 2 of these contraptions sitting around. Meet big-brother 'back-hoe digger thingamajig #2'. Isn't it great?? As that saying goes-- boys and their toys.... This one was worth it because it conquered THE STUMP. Mark was quite proud as you can tell :) If you should happen to need my husband this week-- you can find him playing working really hard in the backyard :)

summer farewell :(

As usual, I honestly don't know where the summer has gone. But that it is-- gone. What better way to celebrate than with friends-

Yes- this picture should be at the end of this post, but I can't seem to get blogger to allow me to re-order :(

Little bubba and his pappap- Warm sunny skies- PLEASE remind me of this in a few short months :)

Lots of time for play-

I think she won :)

And what celebration is complete without a feast?

Thank you Donna! We had a wonderful time!!! Until next year... here's to bright sunny days and great company!!

coming a long way...

Still working...

But improving-

Please Mr. Winter-- if you could stay away just a little longer this year...

excuses excuses

Our devotional lessons with the children have recently been focusing on not making excuses for mistakes, and taking responsibility for your actions. That being said, I have so many pictures to post for you---- if only this computer was fully functional!!! :)

So, if anyone would like to help eliminate this excuse, donations to the "New Mac for JuJu Fund" are now being accepted. Just leave a comment and I'll send you the paypal account info for correct deposit :)

Happy Fall!!!