Happy Birthday, Connie Sandrell!

 Today is Connie Sandrell's Birthday!

Connie L. Sandrell.  Lawrenceburg, TN.  1993

Connie is from Ethridge, Tennessee

and is the granddaughter of Ben 

and the great-granddaughter of Franz (Frank) Sandrell.

Connie with Louise and Ken.  December 24, 2002

Happy, happy birthday, Sweet Connie!!

Connie riding her paint horse, Poncho, in the 1991 Christmas Parade

Happy Birthday, Willie Mae Sandrell!

Today is the birthday of

Willie Mae Sandrell!

Let her know how much we all love her!

She is super duper special! 

Born Empty!

Eric Esters, son of Debi Sandrell McAfee and grandson of Willie Mae and Carl "Pee Wee" Sandrell, is the lead singer and percussionist for the rock/pop/alternative/chaos band, Born Empty.

Hailing from Nashville, TN, band members include:

• Eric Esters- Vocals / Perc.
• Seth Evans- Guitar / Vocals
• The Flesh- Guitar / Vocals
• Luke Easterling- Bass / Vocals
• Ben Stix- Drums

Their latest album, "The Odyssey Chaoti-Pop Oddity" was finished and released in Nov. 2009 through Modernist Movement Records and produced by Brian Virtue.  They have been relentlessly touring for the past 2 years, booking and doing everything on their own, and there are no plans to stop.  "We do this because it's what we love, and we want to change the world with our Music."


Their bio reads:
Out of the depths of Music City, USA emerges the next evolutionary step of life on earth that is Born Empty. Their new release, The Odyssey Chaoti-Pop Oddity, produced by Brian Virtue (Jane's Addiction, Deftones, 30 Seconds to Mars, Chevelle), is an unstoppable chaos machine that mercilessly levels all cynicism and anxiety in its path and leaves only positivity and big wide grins in its wake. They have been described as a mixture of The Foo Fighters and The Flaming Lips, with a dash of Incubus and The Mars Volta. Touring relentlessly with a live show that simply must be seen to be believed, these Nashvillians have played over 200 shows in the last 18 months alone, building a loyal fan base in over 30 states along the way. Born Empty's infectious, explosive sound is impossible to resist - or forget.

Check 'em out via web or Facebook or grab a copy of their latest album, The Odyssey Chaoti-Pop Oddity, here! 

Sandrell Family

Birthdays and Anniversaries

This is the current list of Sandrell family

birthdays and anniversaries.

Please let me know any changes that need to be made.

More pics from the 2010 Reunion!

The 2010 Sandrell Family Reunion was held at the Loretto Civic Center in Loretto, TN

Here are a few more pictures from the 2010 Sandrell Family Reunion!  If you have any more that I can add to our blog, please email them to me at: catmcafee@comcast.net.  

Also, are you on Facebook?  If so, please join our new Sandrell Family Facebook Page:  All Things Sandrell!  This is a great spot where you can upload all of your family pics, post updates and share news of your family for the rest of the members to enjoy.  Because this page was just created, it would be wonderful if you could share it will any other family members that you are "friends" with on Facebook.  We are trying to spread the word of the new page and you can help greatly with that!

 

Mark and Lisa Bostelman

Mike Sandrell

Eric Esters

Willie Mae Sandrell and Mark Bostelman

Carl Franklin Sandrell with his great-grandaughter Ivy Mae McAfee

Feasting and Fun at the 2010 Sandrell Family Reunion

As usual, there was a wide-array of "fixins" at the family reunion this year.  We have some great cooks in the family and the assortment of great food never seems to disappoint!

Afterward, Eric Esters pulled all the kids together for some great games and activities!  Thank you, Eric, for volunteering to do that this year.  The kids made some great memories!

P.S.  To help spread the word about this new blog, please email it to all family members that you have email addresses for.  A great number of the email addresses on the former website were out-dated so this has not reached many family members.  We need everyone to "join" this blog so that you can receive the updates.  It is fun, free, and a great way to keep our family connected!  I appreciate your help in spreading the word.

Sandrell Family Reunion 2010

I think we all can agree that we had a great time at the

2010 Sandrell Family Reunion 
in Loretto, TN.  We appreciate all of the behind-the-scenes work that is done to pull us all together each year.  Some travel great distances to participate in this event and we are so blessed to get the chance to see everyone each year.

The 2011 Sandrell Family Reunion is set for the last Sunday in September (9/25/11).  It was suggested that a great fundraiser would be for everyone to bring an item for an auction (handmade, homemade, baked goods, artwork) which would help raise money to offset the costs of the annual reunion (mailings, site rental, etc.)  What a great and fun idea!

Many of you have visited and become members of the Sandrell Family Website.  In an effort to cut-down on costs, I am starting this blog as an information source for the Sandrell family and would love your help in making it fabulous!  If you will participate in sending me photos, updates, corrections, and exciting things going on in the family, I will add them to the blog for our other family members to enjoy.  

I am in the process of moving all of the information from the current site to this blog so that it is available to you at any time.  All you need to do to join this blog is click on the "Follow this Blog" button and follow the instructions to join.  It's EASY (and free)!  If you have questions, just email me at catmcafee@comcast.net.

Remember, send me photos, info, recipes, and updates so that I can include a variety on this blog.  Otherwise, you'll be stuck reading about MY KIDS all the time!!  And don't forget to send me any photos you have of this year's reunion.  I'd love to post them!

Sandrell Salsa

From the kitchen of: Janet Sandrell

Description:
Fresh salsa

Ingredients:
1 gr. pepper(remove seeds)
2 med. ripe tomatoes
1/4 onion
4 springs of cilantro
2 cloves of garlic   or chopped garlic from a jar.
1 tsp. Lawrys seasoning
2 tbls lemon juice
1/3 jalopeno for mild   (2/3 for med (remove seeds, whole for the really brave)

Directions:
Quarter vegetables, place in you chopper & mix to consistency desired.

Number Of Servings:3-4

Preparation Time:10 minutes

Old Time Brown Sugar Cake

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
I've had this recipe for as long as I can remember. I usually take it to church dinners or showers that I am helping with...because it is soooo easy! Looks really nice on a pretty plate cut into small pieces.

Ingredients:
2 sticks of margarine
1 box of brown sugar
3 beaten eggs
2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans


Directions:
Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Grease cake pan(I usually use a sheet cake pan)
Beat eggs, melted margarine, sugar...gradually add flour, vanilla, then nuts.   Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
optional: sprinkle with confectioners sugar after cutting into pieces

Number Of Servings:I cut regular pieces in half ...therefore getting double servings!

Preparation Time:45minutes total

Dede's APPLE DUMPLINGS!

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
These are so scrumptious! Eric really likes these...so it was a WINNER for me!!   Fun to make!
The youth group at church gave me the handle of "apple dumplin" on our youth adventures and I always think of that when I make these!

Ingredients:
1 can Hungry Jack biscuits
1 cup sugar
chopped apples(approx measuring a cup after chopped)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 stick margarine
1 bottle 7-UP(yes...7-UP!!)

Directions:
Roll out biscuits, place apples in center of biscuits pulling dough up and over the apples..making a ball shape. Place in baking dish upside down.   Mix and bring to boil the sugar, cinnamon, margarine & the 7-UP!!   Pour over dough.THAT'S IT!!! Bake for 20 minutes basting occasionally!!!   YUMMY!!!

Number Of Servings:8 - 10

Preparation Time:40 minutes

Eric's Bongo-Conga Squares

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
For your sweet tooth...or the sweetie in your fam!

Ingredients:
2 sticks butter or margarine
1 box brown sugar
3 eggs(beaten)
2 and 3/4 cup self rising flour
1 cup chopped nuts(pecans ..or any you prefer)
1 cup chocolate chips(semi sweet)


Directions:
Mix or stir until completely combined.   Pour into a 9X13 inch pan. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Number Of Servings:You like 'em.....little or big...it's up to YOU! :-)

Preparation Time:45 minutes total time

Jason's Oven Porcupines

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Meatballs!!! A different way with the hamburger meat indeed!   Really good!! Add a salad..baked potato and WAALA....DINNER IS READY!!!

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup rice
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup onion(chopped)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 pepper
********
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 to 1 cup water
2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

Directions:
preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix meat, rice, 1/2 cup water, onion, salt & seasonings.   Shape into balls..place into an 8 X 8 X 2 inch pan.   Stir together remaining ingredients(tomato sauce, water and sauce) Pour over the meat balls and cover with foil.   Bake 45 minutes...uncover and bake 15 minutes longer.


Number Of Servings:10-12

Preparation Time:about an hour total time

Ms. Dede's Plantation Supper

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
This is one of my favorites to serve the family and friends! You can't go wrong with this great casserole.

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 onion(chopped)
3/4 cup milk
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1(8 oz) pkg cream cheese
1 1/2 cup whole kernel corn, drained
1/4 cup chopped pimento
8 ounce pkg noodles, cooked
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper for taste


Directions:
Brown meat, drain...add onion...cook until onion tender, stir in milk, soup, cheese..until well blended. Add remaining ingredients.   30 minutes in oven 350 degrees.

Number Of Servings:6

Preparation Time:45 min

McAfee Monkey Bread

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
Great fun to make....smells so good cooking... and well....it will melt in your mouth!   Great with morning coffee....great as a TREAT! Brings a SMILE always! SO EASY!!!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped pecans
***************************
1 stick butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 package frozen bread rolls

Directions:
Melt 1 stick margarine & mix together with brown sugar & pecans. Pour into bottom of bundt pan.   Take frozen bread rolls and put on top of mixture in the bundt pan.   Melt the second stick of margarine...and mix with the 1/2 sugar & cinnamon.   Pour over frozen bread rolls.   Cover with towel or cheesecloth and let set overnight.   Bread will rise above pan.   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes at 300 degrees.   Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes.   Turn bundt pan over onto platter or plate and let set a couple of minutes.   Remove pan..and MONKEY BREAD IS READY TO EAT!!!!!!

Number Of Servings:alot!!!

Preparation Time:well...you prepare the night before....but IT IS WORTH IT!!!

Tennessee Hillbilly Cake

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
Yep...G.R.I.T.S.....GIRLS RAISED IN THE SOUTH....know alot of great recipes!!! This is in three phases.....not hard at all..just 1,2,3..READY!

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup raisins
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon all spice
************************
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 cups sifted flour
***********************
1/3 cup margarine
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoon cream


Directions:
Boil together for 5 minutes...then cool
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup raisins
1 cup cold water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp all spice
After cooling....ADD soda, nuts and flour gradually, mixing well after each.
BAKE 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
The 1/3 cup margarine, 2/3 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cream are for the topping.   Spread over cake and put under broiler for just a few minutes.   Then holler....."YAHOO...HILLBILLY CAKE IS READY"!!!

Number Of Servings:a bunch of friends or family!

Preparation Time:45 min

Country-Style Cole Slaw

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
One of the basics!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon celery seed
4 cups shredded cabbafe
3/4 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup diced green peppers
2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Directions:
In medium bowl, stir together the first 6 ingredients.   Add remaining ingredients and toss to coat well.   Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

Number Of Servings:about 4 cups

Preparation Time:30 min

Apple and Raisin Sauce for Ham

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
This is a winner...especially for that ham on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas!!

Ingredients:
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup applebutter
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup maple syrup

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until bubbly.

Number Of Servings:makes about 2 cups

Preparation Time:

Jimmy Dean's Country Breakfast Pie

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
This is great when you have friends or guest over! A delight on Christmas morning!!

Ingredients:
1 (9 inch) pie shell (from scratch or bought)
1 lb. sausage(mild or hot, depending on your taste)
1 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese
1/4 cup chopped red bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped green bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped onion
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup light cream

Directions:
Cook sausage, crumble and drain.   Mix sausage and cheese.   Place in pie shell.   Lightly beat eggs and cream.   Add remaining ingredients.   Pour egg mixture into pie shell. Cook at 375 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.   Cool 10 minutes before serving.
Note:   Cook sausage ahead of time and cool.

Number Of Servings:6 servings

Preparation Time:50 min total time

Chicken Pot Pie

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
One of the boys favorites! VERY EASY!

Ingredients:
1(20 oz) pkg. mixed vegetable(i usually use frozen)
4 chicken breast
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can chicken broth
*****************************
Topping:
1 stick melted butter or margarine
1 cup milk
1 cup flour

Directions:
Cook chicken breast, remove skin and take off bone. Mix ingredients together.   Pour into large baking dish.   Top with topping and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Number Of Servings:6 servings

Preparation Time:70 min total

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
Everyone loves these chocolate yummies! I remember them from days back when when I was in school....at home...and then I carried them onto my recipe box & to my boys!   The trick of this recipe..you have to actually experiment with it to know how long to cook..and how long to beat the mixture.   I have found that I can tell by the way the consistancy while beating gets thicker.   It sounds weird, but I know you will find your own way on this one! yummy!!!

Ingredients:
2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup milk
1 stick margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 1/2 cup cooking oats

Directions:
Mix sugar, cocoa, milk and margarine.   Heat to boil; let boil for 2 minutes.   After mixture reaches boiling, remove and cool. Beat and add vanilla, oats and peanut butter.   Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper.   After cookies are firm, place them into airtight container.

Number Of Servings:I never have really counted....ummm about 2 dozen i reckon

Preparation Time:

Momma's Easy Cobbler

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
This definately comes from me remembering my mom's mouth watering blackberry cobbler.   My goodness..she is the best cook ever! I just hope one day my cooking can compare!!!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup milk
2 cups canned fruit or fruit with juice(i know my mom used fresh blackberries ...i use canned fruit, usually peaches or frozen blackberries)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.   Melt butter in large baking dish.   Sift flour, sugar and baking powder into bowl.   Add milk and mix well, Heat fruit and juice.   Pour batter over melted butter.   Do not stir. Pour hot fruit and juice over batter.   Do not stir.   Bake until batter creeps over the top of fruit and forms a crust and turns brown, about 30 minutes.

Number Of Servings:8-10

Preparation Time:45 min

Dede's Brazilian Rice

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
I experienced a different way to cook rice while in Brazil as an ambassador of Tennessee. This recipe changed the way I have prepared rice since that time. I hope you like it as much as we do!!

Ingredients:
Rice(white or brown)
1/2 cup onion(chopped fine)
1 garlic clove(fresh)
boiling water
olive oil

Directions:
1.cover the bottom of your iron skillet with just enough olive oil so you can saute your chopped onion and garlic cloves...
2. have your water heating up to a boil
3. after lightly browning your onion and garlic in skillet that was just lightly covered with olive oil...
4. add dry rice to onion and garlic
5. then add boiling water last...
stir to mix....turn down heat to low....cover.....
this is GREAT!!!!!!!   Serve with red beans...mixed vegetables, meat...the choice is yours!!   "Obrigado"(thank you) for letting me share this recipe!!Tchau!!!

Number Of Servings:

Preparation Time:

Cajun-Style Fish Salad

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
If you love fish like I do....you'll love this one!!

Ingredients:
14 oz white fish fillets
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 tsp hot paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 oz. small yellow squash, sliced
5 oz green beans, sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoon butter or margarine
few drops of Tabasco sauce

Directions:
Cut fish into 1 1/2 inch pieces: pat dry on paper towels.   Add fish to combined herbs and spices, mixing well.   Steam squash and beans separately, just until tender; drain immediately.   Rince under cold water; drain well.
Heat oil in wok or large pan;   stir-fry fish, in batches, until tender.   Return fish to pan with squash, beans and butter; stir-fry until heated through.   Add Tabasco sauce to taste.

Number Of Servings:

Preparation Time:30 min

Mexican Corn Bread

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
My guys always love this with soup in the winter or just with white beans and turnip greens!!!

Ingredients:
3 cups cornmeal
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 cup vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups milk
3 eggs(beaten)
1 small can whole kernel corn
3 pods jalapeno peppers(chopped up)

Directions:
While preheating oven to 400 degrees, grease iron skillet and set in oven to get hot.   This will make the corners of the cornbread crunchy.  
In a large bowl, combine all the above ingredients. Pour into a greased, hot, iron skillet and bake for about 30 minutes in a 375 to 400 degree oven.

Number Of Servings:8-10

Preparation Time:45 min total time

Stuffed Shells-Main Dish

From the kitchen of Debi McAfee

Description:
A delicious change for a main meat dish! This was introduced to me by an employee of mine when I worked at the hospital.   She actually made this for a surprise birthday party that the ER threw for me! I treasure this recipe as I do their friendships.

Ingredients:
1 box jumbo shells
wedge Parmesan cheese, grated
wedge Mozzarella cheese, grated
1 lb. cooked ground beef, drained
8 oz. package Ricotta
3 eggs
1 tablespoon oregano
salt & pepper to taste
parsley
pinch of basil
1 jar (32 oz) spaghetti sauce

Directions:
Grate cheeses, add Ricotta. Add all spices.   Mix together eggs, beaten. Add hamburger, cooked and drained.   Cook and cool shells.   Pour thin layer of spaghetti sauce in bottom of 9 X 13 inch pan.   Stuff the shells with beef mixture.   Place stuffed shells in 9 X 13 inch pan.   Top with remaining sauce and cook for 30 minutes at 350. (Cover with tin foil before cooking.)

Number Of Servings:8-10

Preparation Time:50 min

Daddy's Mississippi Mud Cake

From the kitchen of Debi McAfee

Description:
Dad loves this!   Well....actually he loves mom's chocolate pie the best...but I can't even touch that! I do well with this...in honor of my Daddy...well deserved indeed!!!

Ingredients:
Cake ingredients:
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cup chopped nuts
pinch salt
1/2 cup cocoa
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
minature marshmallows

Chocolate Frosting ingredients:
1 pound box of powdered sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup cocoa
1/2 stick soft butter

Directions:
Melt butter and cocoa together.   Remove from heat and stir in sugar and beaten eggs; mix well.   Add flour, salt, nuts and vanilla;' mix well.   Spoon batter into a 13 X 9 X 2 inch pan.   Bake 35 to 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven.   Sprinkle marshmallows on top of hot cake and cover with chocolate frosting.

Number Of Servings:only DADDY!!! haha!!!

Preparation Time:60 min total time(approx guess)

Dede's Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee

Description:
This is WONDERUL!!!   A great fall or winter stew/gumbo!

Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped bell pepper
4 to 5 carlic cloves, crushed
1 1/2 cups celery
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups oil
2 cups okra
1/2 pound smoked sausage
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon thyme
3 to 5 bay leaves
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt to taste
1 to 2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 to 2 teaspoons file

Directions:
Boil chicken in 5 to 6 quarts of water.   Save water for broth.   Remove chicken from the bone.   In large cast iron skillet, prepare a roux with the oil and flour.   Over medium to high heat, get some of the oil hot and add the flour gradually, stirring constantly, until you have used all the flour and whatever oil is needed. This will   take 20 to 30 minutes and the roux should be at least as dark as cocoa.   To the roux, add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, celery and saute 5 to 10 minutes.   Add the okra and saute a few miuntes more.   Remove from heat.   Have the chicken broth boiling in a large pot and gradually add the roux and vegetables, stirring constantly.   Add the roux mixture 1 spoonful at a time...   Allow this to boil 15 to 20 minutes.   Add the chicken and all the spice and reduce the heat to a simmer.   Cut the sausage into small pieces and saute enough to brown.   Add to pot.   Add tomatoes and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours.   Eat over rice.   Best if cooked a day before eating.

Number Of Servings:about 10-12 servings

Preparation Time:This is more time consuming....but well worth it!!!

Jason's Shepherd's Pie

From the kitchen of: Debi McAfee
 
Description:
A YUMMY ONE DISH MEAL FOR ALL MOM'S THAT HAVE TO WEAR LOTS O HATS!   THIS EASY MEAL JUST MADE ME FEEL GREAT TO BE A MOM....AND ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THIS WAS ONE OF JASON'S FAVORITE MEALS!

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef chuck(cooked & drained)
2 cans potato or mushroom soup(undiluted)
2 cans mixed vegetables(drained)
5 cups mashed potatoes(w added milk and butter)

Directions:
Pour mixture of beef, soup & veggies into greased 11X7X2 baking dish.   Top with potatoes and bake for 30/40 minutes at 350 degrees.  
optional:   Pie can be sprinkled with shredded cheese of your choice the last 5 minutes of baking.

Number Of Servings:6

Preparation Time:15 min