Kitchen Sink Cookies
Kitchen Sink Cookies
This recipe for cookies is so awesome!
It makes so many cookies that they last forever, or you can freeze half of them or use them for a large group gathering.
They have so many ingredients in them that they literally include everything but the kitchen sink! They do have peanut butter in them, so kids will not be able to take them to school. So, we often make them in the summer. You could also try using WOW Butter, or leaving it out, so they are nut free.
When we use the mix master, the bowl is so full that we literally have to put our arms around the edge of the bowl so that everything doesn’t fall out.
Enjoy this recipe, and try to eat just one!
- 1 C oil
- 1 C margarine
- 1 C peanut butter
- 2 C white sugar
- 2 C brown sugar
- 4 C flour
- 4 eggs
- 2 C rolled oats
- 2 C Rice Krispies or Special K or Corn Flakes
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- Add any or all of these
- chocolate chips
- nuts
- raisins
- coconut
- Mix butter, sugar and oil.
- Add eggs
- Mix in dry ingredients and extra ingredients.
- Roll into balls and bake for 10-12 minutes at 350.
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Canadian Potato Museum, O’Leary PEI
Canadian Potato Museum, O’Leary PEI
If you suggested to me that we go visit a potato museum, I think I would laugh. A museum all about potatoes?
In fact I did laugh when my friend suggested we head to the Canadian Potato Museum in Western PEI. But, after our visit, I was laughing at myself. It was such a great place to visit, and we highly recommend it!
Here’s what the website says:
The Canadian Potato Museum is a living testament to the humble tuber and those who have tilled the soil in its evolution.
We celebrate all things “potato”.
Highlights include the world’s largest exhibits of potato-related farm machinery, agricultural and Community artifacts and the world’s largest potato sculpture.
About our Visit
When we arrived, we were greeted by the world’s largest potato sculpture! There’s a welcome!
Inside, our first stop was to try some potato fudge. I’ve made it before so it wasn’t surprising how delicious it was! Don’t knock it till you try it.
The museum was so easy to navigate as there were potato stickers on the floor showing the direction, and a map to follow so you wouldn’t miss anything.
Throughout the museum, you can see displays of old potato farming equipment. My grandfather was a Federal potato inspector in PEI, so I was very familiar with many of this!
Then there was a section about the history of the potato, how it was used across the world and how it first came to North America.
It was so interesting, and all the displays were so visual. You could learn about different types of potatoes, diseases, and the potato industry.
There is also a county kitchen that serves meals based around… the potato… during the summer. SEE MENU.
The second half of the museum is dedicated to local history and there are so many interesting displays to look at from life in Western PEI.
There was also a complete doctor’s office and even an iron lung on display. It was so well set up that you really could catch a glimpse of life over the past 150 years.
Outside the museum were several out buildings including a telephone office, church, storage shed and school house. Take time to wander these buildings and see more of life in the area.
Right across the parking lot is a wonderful playground. It’s a great place for a picnic or for kids to burn off some energy before or after going into the museum!
Hours and Location
Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Our Season runs from: May 15 – October 15.
The Canadian Potato Museum is located in O’Leary, PEI in Western PEI.
1 Dewar Ln, O’Leary, PE C0B 1V0 (Turn left off Parkview)
Toll Free :1-844-849-1470
Off season: 1-800-565-3457
http://www.canadianpotatomuseum.info/
The next time you are driving through western PEI, be sure to stop at the Canadian Potato Museum. It is well worth a visit. The displays are excellent and you will be surprised at home much there is to learn about the potato!
Day Trips to Kejimkujik National Park
Day Trips to Kejimkujik National Park
Disclosure: Our family received a day pass to Keji in exchange for this blog post. Would you turn down the opportunity to spend the day at Keji? All opinions are our own.
One of our favourite fall adventures is to spend a day at Kejimkujik National Park. We have gone every year for the past several years and plan to continue doing so every year!
As a child, we spent a lot of time camping at Keji. A few years ago, a group of families rented the OTENTiks for a different experience.
These OTENTiks are like mini cottages with beds and a table inside, so you just need to bring your own cooking gear.
Most of the time, though, because Keji is so close to the Valley, we end up going down for a day trip, and the fall is our favourite time.
In the fall, you get to see Keji full of majestic colours with the changing leaves. There are also far fewer people there, so it is so quiet and peaceful!
When you go to Keji for a day trip, there is so much you can do!
Rent a Canoe
Canoe rentals are available into the fall, and should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment and to find out their rental season.
It’s wonderful to see Keji from the stillness of the lake.
Take a Hike
There are so many great hikes in Keji, that it is impossible to do them all in a day. Study the map and pick your favourites and decide how many kilometers you think your family can hike in a day. Each time we go, we hike a little bit more and try new trails.
This year we hiked Beech Grove (2.2km).
This takes you right around by Mill Falls.
We hiked Snake Lake and Peter’s Point together (6km)
And true to it’s word, we found a snake!
It was pretty chilly, but the boys still went swimming!
We have also hiked Gold Mines (3km)
And Grafton Woods (1.6km)
One of our favourite spots to stop is the observation tower along the main road.
Or a quiet space to enjoy a peaceful afternoon.
Xplorers Kit
While at Keji, be sure to stop in to the information centre near the park entrance and sign up for the Xplorers Program. If kids complete so many activities in the book, they will get a prize. Thomas has been collecting these from across the province and loves the program!
Visiting in the Winter
Once the campground closes on October 30, you can still drive on the paved roads to access many areas of the park to hike.
Unpaved roads will be gated off to vehicles.
Just note that there is no winter maintenance / snow removal in the winter so accessibility is limited and weather dependent.
Hours and Admission
The campground is open roughly between Victoria Day and Thanksgiving.
Visitor information shuts down at the end of October and reopens in May.
If you are looking for a great way to spend a day with your family in spring, summer or fall, consider taking a day trip to Keji! You will be awfully glad you did!
More Information
UPEI Swimming
Swimming at UPEI
We have discovered a hidden gem in Charlottetown! Thanks to a tip from friends, we spent a great afternoon in PEI.
Sometimes, when the weather is too cold and wet to go to the beach and the kids are hanging from the curtains, it can be hard to find something to do when you are away from home.
Look no further than the Bell Aliant Centre on the University of Prince Edward Island Campus!
This pool has great amenities for families and is most definitely open to the public.
There is a water slide, and there are no height restrictions. Children under 45″ need to go down with an adult.
There are also 3 pools.
The first is the main pool with lanes for swimming laps and 2 diving boards. When the kids went off the higher diving board, I held my breath, but by the end of it, they were doing front somersaults off it! They are braver than me!
Also in the main pool there is a rope swing. The rope swing and the high diving board open alternatively throughout the swim time.
There is a small kiddie wading pool with very shallow water that is great for toddlers and babies.
Finally, there is a more shallow pool. This deepens gradually and has a splash pad feature in the middle (there are buckets that fill up with water and dump out on those standing below). The water here is quite shallow, but still fun for younger children.
How to Get There
The Bell Aliant Centre is located on the campus of UPEI on 560 University Avenue in Charlottetown. When you pull onto campus, the building is to your left.
Metered parking is available out front. Go in the main doors and there is a desk right there. You can pay for your swimming day pass there.
Admission prices are here. We paid $21 for a family pass for the day. (subject to change)
The Daily Schedule can be found here.
If you find yourself in Charlottetown and want to spend a fun afternoon at the pool, look no farther than the UPEI campus. You will be so impressed and have a ton of family fun!
New Glasgow Lobster Dinners
New Glasgow Lobster Dinners, PEI
There is nothing more that Daniel (10) likes than going for a lobster dinner with his grandfather! And, the kid can pack it away!
So, the last 2 times we were on PEI, we decided to go for the best lobster deal in town: The New Glasgow Lobster suppers.
Located in the town of New Glasgow, 20 minutes North of Charlottetown, these suppers are the best thing going!
This is a huge meal with so many options.
The meal always begins with fresh rolls. I think this is the best part!
Then, comes the bucket of mussels.
Followed by a seafood chowder or soup of your choice.
Then a salad plate.
Then your main course. There are so many options including lobster, salmon, chicken, vegetarian pasta, grilled cheese sandwiches and more!
This is topped off with an incredible array of homemade desserts including pie, cake and strawberry shortcake!
View the menu here.
Here are our best tips for attending a New Glasgow Lobster Dinner:
- You don’t have to eat lobster or seafood! My mom and husband are very allergic to seafood and there is plenty on the menu that they can eat. There are also vegetarian options.
- Consider just getting the appetizer option. I say this to myself every time, that I will get everything BUT the main course. However, I get there and everything smells so good and I am persuaded to get the full-meal deal! But, you don’t have to! Check the menu here.
- Take your time. The process of eating a meal like this takes several hours. Enjoy your time together!
While you are in the area, be sure to check out the PEI Preserve Company across the road for some of their amazing jam – and there’s lots to sample there, too!
And, visit the Toy Factory on the same corner. It’s such a great place for kids, and in the back there is a workshop where kids can help make wooden toys. Daniel still plays with the tractor he made when he was 1 year old!
Hours and Location
New Glasgow Lobster Suppers are open 7 days a week for evening service only. They are open from June 3 to October 10 (subject to change).
Check their hours here.
#604 Route 258 RR#3 New GlasgowThe next time you are in PEI, treat yourself to an evening at the New Glasgow Lobster Suppers! It’s time well spent with your family!
Apple Berry Salsa
Apple Berry Salsa
I absolutely love this recipe! It’s great for company and is always a great hit. It’s best made in the summer when the strawberries are fresh and local, but great any time of the year!
Serve with Scoops nacho chips or make your own baked cinnamon chips (see recipe below).
Thanks to my friend KR who first introduced this recipe to me!
- 2 granny smith apples, diced
- 1 pint (box) strawberries, diced
- 2 kiwi, peeled and diced
- 1 orange, peeled and diced
- 2 Tbsp packed brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp apply jelly, apricot jam or marmalade
- Dice fruit.
- Mix in a bowl.
- Add sugar and jam and stir lightly.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve with tortilla chips or baked cinnamon Chips
Serve this with tortilla chips or make these Baked Cinnamon Chips
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Lightly spray or brush tortillas with water.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over damp tortillas.
- Use a pizza cutter to cut tortillas into 8 wedges.
- Spread into a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake 8-10 mins until edges are lightly browned and crisp
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