GOD GIVES US A CHOICE - TO OBEY OR NOT!

I certainly hope all of you had a blessed and filling Thanksgiving. We did. I cooked and cooked and cooked and loved all of it -- well except for the brine for turkey spilling all over my cabinet and floor! Today I worked very hard at work - lots of inquiries, phone calls, etc. In addition, I am typing all of the recipes for our Church Christmas brunch so we can get them out to the precious ladies that have agreed to help us!! BLess their wonderful hearts!!!
Tonight I made homemade chicken enchiladas with homemade tomatillio sauce! Very good - but I am worn out - not from the making them, but from the cleaning up!!! I did serve homemade lemon icebox pie -- made with fresh lemons off one of my lemon trees! They are so sweet - you can just eat them like grapefruit - which I've also been having off our tree! Such fun and delicious!!! Already finished off all of the manderin oranges!!!
I have been really worried about friends of ours that are having marital problems. I wish they would remember what they promised to one another and more importantly to God "in sickness and health, in good and bad, TILL DEATH WE PART." Those are pretty serious promises to God -- and he expects us to keep our promise to Him and our partner. A friend told me many years ago - after going through a divorce (probably her choice), a relationship, and then marrying someone else: "You can choose to love whoever you want to!" She went on to say "if I had realized this - I would still be married to ______________!" And you can - you can focus on the bad -- and there will be bad - there will be promises unfulfilled - there will be disappointments - there will be unhappiness - but was it only because of the promises and the dreams (that haven't come true) - that you made that promise to one another and to God???? This is especially true if there are children involved! I've even heard, "well I want better for little Johnny or little Janie" but will money and a big and better house be better than the love of both parents?? I heard Dr. Laura on the radio the other day chastize a woman because her husband had cheated and she wanted out -- but when Dr. Laura asked it there was a child - and there was - she asked the husband if he was willing to stay and try to make it work and he said "anything" and she told the woman she owed it to their child to live there and not worry about herself - but be nice, don't make snide remarks - but make it a pleasant home for the child." Great advise!!! No one has the perfect marriage - yes - some have better than others -- they truly love one another - and most all promises have come true - but they put God first -- and the failures and disappointments are small in comparrison with pleasing God and one another. Many of the people wanting out right now need to stop thinking about ME and start thinking about the other one and how you can make them happy!! I wish each of them would read the book "LOVE DARE" but not just read it -- but do it!!! No - my marriage is not perfect by a long shot -- but we are not leaving one another because it is not perfect. We continue to look to God for help and we respect one another and deep down our love continues to grow -- even after 48 years!! (Yes - I was a very young child bride -- I also have a beach front house in Arizona I will sell you - if you believe that!!!

Oh - yes - let's cook something before I have to go do the rest of my duties before going to bed!!! Like finish cleaning the kitchen and Michelle's face!!

TURKEY CHEESE BALL
I made an awesome turkey ball with the left over roasted turkey. I used food processor and ground up about a cup and half of turkey. Combined it with 8 oz. cream cheese, about 3 oz. pimento cheese I had in refrigerator (in place of extra cheese I was going to use), about 1/4th cup dried cranberries, several dashes of dried minced onion, and garlic. See I really didn't measure anything, just added a tad of mayonaise, a little salt and pepper, several dashes of Pensey's Foxpoint, and about a tablespoon full of Raspberry/Cranberry Vinaugrette bt Earth and Vine sold at Sweet Gourment - and beat it all until well combined. Then formed a ball and rolled it in crushed red pepper and chopped pecans. It really was very good! Wish I had another The cranberries are what really made it special - as they do everything you use them in!!!! I use sack after sack of them (from Sam's!!!)

Have a great evening - encourage someone you know to stay married and choose to love the other! God will be very pleased with you and with them! What a gift that would be for someone! Talk with you soon!!!

WITH A BLINK OF THE EYE - THANKSGIVING CAME AND WENT!

My it has been such a busy time!!! Michelle finally had that birthday we have been talking about since last November 23 - the day after the last one!! ha. Then on Wednesday I took one of my last few vacation days for 2010 and cooked. It was so wonderful - being alone in my kitchen - (well except for the 3 wonderful little schnauzers that kept checking to see if I had dropped something on the floor or they could talk me out of!) with total silence - no radio, no TV - just me and my pots and pans!!! OF course, sometimes when I got a pan out - several others complained and it was quite loud then!! Cooked for friends that needed help and loved it!! Today I cooked for my family - and really loved that too! That was one big bird and one big pan of dressing!!! Pies weren't shabby either!!! Then Travis got to say the blessing with chimes going off that made us feel like we might have been in the bell tower!! Ha. My brother-in-law has over 100 clocks in his house and they starte their chimes just as T started praying! Sounded really neat!!! The dressing was really good and my Mom really bragged on it and said it was some of the best she had ever eaten! Must have been really hungry - because the cornbread in it was made from Jiffy (and she always said she doesn't like sweet cornbread in the dressing) - and it had 3 minced garlic cloves (and she doesn't like anything with garlic) and several dashes of cayenne - hmmmm!!!!

As I cooked yesterday and today - I thought of things that have changed - at least for me that is!! You've all probably heard the story about grandma and how she always cut off the end of a roast before she put it in the pot. Then her daughter did the same thing - without questioning "why!" Her daughter saw this and was curious and finally asked her Mom why did cut off the end of the roast before she put it in the pot! Her Mom said, "Why that is what Momma always did!" Not satisfied the curious daughter went to Grandma and asked her the same question, to which Grandma replied, "Because the roast was too big for my pot!! Well, I always watched my Mom peel and apple and for so many years thought an apple had to be peeled - going round and round the apple - trying to not let the peel break until the apple was completely cleaned. Duh - do you know I finally thought "there has to be a faster way!" There is!!! Cut it in half, then cut each half in half. Then you can peel the quarters in about 2 to 3 swipes -- done!!!! Then today I was chopping up green onions for my dressing and taking each one and holding it against my thumb and cutting, cutting, cutting - just like I had always seen my Mom do! My thumb was really getting sore - being almost chopped each time I cut. So thinking - there must be a better way - I got out the cutting board, and after cleaning the onions, laid three to four down at a time, and went up that onion - chopping away - and it was faster, and thumb was saved!!!

Yesterday - I found out why they invented Brown Sugar. Travis had made the remark that his Mom used to make the best Caramel Pies. Well, was that a challenge or what? I called my Mom and asked her how to make them. She said it had been so long she wasn't sure. Together we pretty well put it together. It is a cream pie with a meringue - and all of the recipes in cookbooks say use brown sugar -- but Travis' Mom and mine were making that pie before the discovery of brown sugar. You actually take white sugar - a little over a cup (1-1/4 cup) sugar and put it in a heavy iron skillet and melt the sugar and let it caramelize until desired darkness. Well I started it off really low heat and that just doesn't work -- heat has to be really hot to melt sugar. When I finally figured that out some of it had turned into hard little crystals - but after most of it finally did melt, I added 1/4 cup butter (remember I am making it up as I go!) and then I added flour. Then I had caramel candy. I just know - add a little vanilla and I could have made the little caramel candies - you know the ones wrapped in individual wraps! Then I added my milk and eggs (3 eggs and 2 cups of milk) and teaspoon of vanilla. Looked like a pie to me so I put it in the baked pie shell -- topped it with meringue and there we had the "Old Fashion Caramel Pie." By the time Travis got home - the meringue had split open and the pie had turned syrupy! It had a great taste - but Travis would have had to go out and buy me something with diamonds to get me to do that again. It took over an hour -- next time I will choose one of the recipes that calls for BROWN SUGAR!!!!!

Well - between me hitting the key that turns off the internet (I wish there was a way to turn that little buddy off) and some problems with Blogger - I am lucky to get this posted. I am going to get off before it is all wiped away -- although I did copy it and save it to Word!!!

Have a blessed evening -- hope you gave thanks for this wonderful country we live in and the blessings we all enjoy! This weekend take the opportunity to do something good for someone else. IT FEELS GOOD!!!

ALMOST THANKSGIVING - STILL HAVE TO SHOP

My goodness - it sure gets late fast doesn't it?? Michelle's birthday is quickly coming to an end and I believe it was a great day - although she really likes a party and lots of attention and gifts - she still had pizza with her 93 (well on Sunday she wil be), aunt, Mom and little cousin! Lots of presents and then tonight we went to the new Chinese food place on Old Jacksonville behind the new Chicken Express. The taste was delicous - but I think Michelle and I got ripped off. We ordered the House Fried Rice with beef, chicken and shrimp. This hugh bowl came out (a single entry) and there was two shrimp, maybe 4 pieces of chicken and about the same of beef. There was so much rice - we left about 2 cups -- didn't take it home -why would we -- just rice?? Ok , Ok, I know I've had too much food today and Yes - it is protein only, yes I heard myself - protein only for the next two days and then after Thursday - whatever it takes??

Today I found the most awesome recipes and after I try them - I will surely post them for each of you! Recipes for great sounding Sour Cream Bran Muffins, Apricot Nut Bread, Festive breakfast Brunch - several great sounding recipes. But tonight -- first off - I want to share a recipe I plan to make this Thanksgiving - (just added it tonight) - it is one a friend at work said she makes every year -- and to think - I've never heard of it!!

MARASCHINO CHERRY CREAM PIE
Take any cream pie recipe (I plan to use my Mom's Coconut Cream Pie recipe (Pubished 2/14/2010) - leave out the coconut and add the 1/4th to 1/2 cup of chopped Maraschino cherries. Kim said she also puts some red sprinkles on top! I know it sounds like a great Christmas recipe - but she does it for Thanksgiving and if Steve (My brother-in-law and Maura like it - I might make it again for Christmas!!

Tonight I want to share something my cousin sent me with permission to use - and I think at this time when we gather to give thanks for all of our blessings and to remember those that are suffering at this time - this is very appropriate!!

Coping with Consequences
James 1:2
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trails.”

I read somewhere, “you can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.”
I have found great help from two truths God gave me at a time in my life when I was bombarded with a series of unexpected and unfair blows(from my perspective). In my darkest hours these principles still become my anchor of stability, my only means of survival.

Because they work for me, I pass them on to you.

Nothing touches me that has not passed through the hands of my Heavenly Father. Nothing! Whatever occurs, God has sovereignly surveyed and approved. We may not know why, but we do know our pain is no accident to Him who guides our lives.
The will of God never takes you where the Grace of God will not protect you.
Everything I endure is designed to prepare me for serving others more effectively. Everything! Since my Heavenly Father is committed to shaping me into the image of His Son, He knows the ultimate value of this painful experience. It is being used to empty our hands of our own resources, our own sufficiency, and turn us back to Him---the faithful Provider. And God knows what will get through to us.

Things may not be logical or fair, but when God is directing the events of our lives, they are right.

“May the Lamb that was slain receive the rewards of His suffering.”

I am thankful for my cousin - he just went through the removal of a malignant malanoma above his eye - and could still write something as profound and insightful as this as an encouragement to others. Thanks Bob!!!

I wish I knew what recipe you were wishing for -- and if I have it - I would be glad to share. Some have been surprised that I have posted some of my "signature' recipes - but if I can help just one of you have a better appreciation of cooking and provide THE BEST FOR your family - then sharing a recipe is the least I can do!Have a blessed evening - wait patiently for tomorrow - and accept the day as God's blessing. Good night.

BACK ON THE BLOGGING TRAIL AGAIN!

Good evening. I havn't been blogging enough, but I have been under the weather (now that is an old fashion term) but I had some electrolyte problems and did not have to energy to hardly lift the cover of my laptop - but I think we have perhaps found the problem and it is on its way to being solved. I am definitely better today! Thank goodness - with Thanksgiving knocking on the door - right after Michelle's birthday tomorrow! Three big days in one week - that would tire anyone out! Michelle's birthday is always a big day and on Tuesday she will start telling me what day it is on next year!! Then turkey day - and on Saturday, my Mom turns 93!! Not only a big day - but a big number! So thankful to still have her and her be in as good of health as she is!

I have just got to update my table of contents and get it out on line so you can find it - and so I can know exactly what recipes I've given and what I haven't. Just can't seem to get my arms around the fact that is is definitely time to talk holiday cooking precidence over other recipes!! First off - my dear sister is going to make the Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving - so I am now going to give you the easiest and best Pecan Pie recipe --So Delicious!!

PECAN PIE

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

3 Eggs
1 Cup sugar
Dash of salt (about 1/8th tsp Alice!!)
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 Cup light Karo syrup
1 Cup Pecans (Whole halves)
1 Pie crust
Beat eggs, add sugar and beat until combined well. Add salt,melted butter, and Karo syrup. Mix well and stir in Pecans.

Place pie crust into 9 inch pie pan and crimp. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Allow
to cool before cutting. I like to bake my pecan pie on the morning we are going to eat it! I just like fresh!! I have one friend that has had her dressing in the freezer for over 3 weeks now! But I have already covered dressing on Facebook! But my Mom's chicken (We just like the chicken in the dressing and then have roasted turkey)and dressing was posted on my blog January 4, 2010!! It is so delicious and that is what I will be cooking on Thanksgiving morning. I will have onion and celery already cut up and the chicken cooked. Then I just put it together and bake. No soup in mine either!!!

My sister is also going to make English Pea Salad - there are just some things like that and mashed potatoes that the guys think they must have! So here is my recipe for English Pea Salad!

ENGLISH PEA SALAD

2 Cans LeSuer English peas
2 boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
2 Tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 Tablespoon chopped red pimento
2 to 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise (and when I make it I use Helmann's Light)
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. (a dash) of cayenne pepper

Just mix, chill, and serve!!(Sometimes I put in a surprise - like a few chopped pecans, or water chestnuts! You know - keep them guessing! If my brother-in-law wasn't such a sissy where hot food is concerned - I would definitely add some jalapeno!!

Guess by now you are wondering what I am going to cook besides dressing. Well - the turkey for one thing! I plan to go by sweet gourmet and buy the brinning salt & seasoning and brine the turkey before I bake it. Yes - just like homemake dressing -- it is more trouble - but I did it last year and it was the juciest and best turkey I had ever cooked! I am also going to make deviled eggs. I am sure everyone knows how to make them -- but this year half of mine (well - maybe just a third) will have some chopped jalapenos, a third will have pecans, and a third will just be plain jane!!!

I am also going to make a chocolate pie - the one I posted in my blog on 2-16-2010, and the Mile High meringue also on blog on 2-14-10.

I still have not decided what to make for another "Green dish." I sometimes do the green bean casserole but substitute asparagus and that is good -- but I want a cleaner dish - by that I mean healtier. Maybe some roasted or baked asparagus! Will let you know what I decide!

Between planning Thanksgiving - I am looking for just the right recipes for our all church Christmas brunch! We sent around sign up sheets this morning for ladies to sign up if they were willing to cook something. We asked for a phone number and email so that we could get back to them with the recipe we needed for them to cook. I certainly hope that we didn't offend anyone by saying we would furnish the recipe -there was a method to our asking -- we want everything to be uniform and not such a big variety of say - monkey bread - that folks would want to try one of each! We know they all have wonderful recipes are are great cooks!! This will be such a help to us too!

Tomorrow night I will give you a White Punch Recipe that is truly delicious and a great substitute for eggnog.

My sweet little niece just called to say she and her dad were back home! I am always so thankful when she gets home!! We missed her so much today. It was a very quiet trip to church and back!!! Love you Maura!!

Well - I still have birthday presents to wrap!! Got to get busy -- oh yes - I do have to go to work tomorrow!! Have a blessed evening - and be making a list of all the things you have to be thankful for!!!

ONLY ONE RECIPE - BUT A GOOD ONE

Good evening! I have been printing - or trying to print the Pilot Light that I write each month and finally had to get on Travis' computer to do it! I am about sick of trying to own a laptop because it won't do anything I try to do!!

There is so much going on that I find myself a little overwhelmed! Thank the good Lord for Sisters - more specifically my sister!!! She is an angel -- she came over this morning and got all of the stuff (well not really - she is providing the flour, powdered sugar, and cinnamon) - to make four Pumpkin rolls. Now she has never made them -- but she was excited after she had the first 2 in the refrigerator that she now knew how! Thank you dear sister - you are so precious to me!!

Tomorrow I will go straight from work to the church to start preparing much of the rest of the meal that I will cook on Wednesday! I sure hope everything will be enjoyed since we have really gone to a lot of trouble, work, and expense to provide a "Semi-Thanksgiving" meal!!

Only one recipe tonight and that is it -- I am about to fade away!! BUT - I PROMISE it is worthy of trying. Easy - but delicious!! WHAT MORE CAN THERE BE??

BANANA NUT BREAD

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

1 Box White Cake Mix - I like Betty Crocker's
1 Cup water
1/3 cup oil (canola - of course - you don't want to stop up your arteries!)
4 Eggs
1 tsp. vanilla (Remember - authenic Mexican is best -- and it can be bought at WalMart!)
3 large bananas, mashed - about 1-1/4th cups)
2/3 cup Chopped nuts - (I prefer walnuts for this recipe!!)

Mix all of the ingredients together and put into pans that have beeen sprayed and dusted with flour. Makes 2 large loaves or several smaller ones. Bake at 350 degrees until firm - about 30 minutes.

TO CONVERT TO GREAT BANANA CAKE

Bake in greased and floured 9 X 13 pan for approximately 30 minutes. Ice with following:

1/4th cup melted butter
1 -8 oz. pkg. Cream cheese (I prefer 1/3 less fat
1 Box powdered sugar or about 4 to 5 cups
1 tsp. vanilla (Remember the real thing -- Mexican!)
2/3 Cup chopped nuts

Combine and pour into prepared pan! Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Enjoy!!!

Everyone - have a great evening and may God continue to watch over you and bless you.
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SATURDAY NIGHT - A GREAT TIME TO WRITE!

Good evening!! Can't believe I was so busy I haven't written in almost a week! It truly has been a very busy and fast week! I could never tell you all that has happened and if I did - I would either lose all of you -- or you would be bored out of your mind! I will give you a short synopsis on some of it! Monday - was hairdo day - Tuesday - I actually cooked and it was very good stew! Wednesday I was very bad and took my sister to Mistletoe and Magic's Preview night - and we had a really good time. We both looked good and saw lots of pretty things and a lot of people we knew! Good sister time - even though we were in a crowd - it was good time alone! Is that an oxymoron or what???

Thursday was Veteran's Day and I went to Nacogdoches with my friend Mary - and we had a wonderful time with Jeana. Her home is beautiful and she is so sweet. Her sweet husband, Juan Carlos bought our lunch at a quaint little sandwich shop! Thanks Mary, Jeana, and Juan Carlos for a great time!!
Oh Friday was wonderful! I had Angie Hines come decorate my house -- well part of it -- for Christmas and it is wonderful! Travis had said he didn't want me to do as much this year as the past several where I put up about 9 trees. He didn't really explain - but I think he could not bear the pain of having to get it all down and then put it back!!! Anyway - I love it -- he loved it!! Angie has a knack for knowing the perfect place for everything!!!

Today - Alice, Michelle, Maura and I went to Dallas. Got a late start, got turned around, and finally showed up at Lexus at about 11:15. I was just going to have the oil changed and the right signal light repairs with a new bulb but oh no -- I was due for the 30 thousand mile checkup -- so they gave me a loaner and we headed toward the Galleria - wanted to take Maura to the American Girl Doll store -- but by the time we ate and went to Macy's -- we had to hurry back across town to get the car before 5:00. Macy's was wonderful - twice as nice (bigger and much better stocked) that the one at Northpark and probably 3 times more as Tyler.

So now you know!!! I have so many recipes for you - I really don't know where to start!! Here are a couple of great recipes for Christmas giving or keeping (the bread) and a wonderfully different salad.

APPLE BUTTERMILK BREAD

3 cups flour
1 tsp.baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup butter
1 cup
granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup buttermilk
1-1/2 cups pared, cored and finely chopped apples
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 tsp. grated orange peel
3 eggs

Combine flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Set aside. Cream butter with sugars; beat in eggs one at a time and add vanilla. Stir in buttermilk alternately with flour mixture. Fold in apples, nuts, and orange peel. Pour into two 8-1/2 X4-1/2 X2-5/8th inch greased and floured pans. (I prefer sugar to flour. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes. Makes 2 large loaves or what I prefer - 5 small loaves (for gift giving!) Wrap them in red or green tulle and tie a pretty ribbon on them!!!

Here is the other one!!

CRACKER SALAD

5 eggs, boiled and chopped
1 small jar pimentos
1 tube crackers, crushed
1 cup sweet pickles, chopped
1 cup red onion, chopped
3/4 pint salad dressing or to taste**
Mix all ingredients and chill before serving.

** Got to be something more healthy than salad dressing -- at least do light!!

My cousin was finally back on email tonight - had missed him and his great postings - and did not know he had had surgery. Tonight he had these thoughts which I certainly think are worthy of sharing:


The Power of Personal Treasures
Luke 12:34
“Where you keep your treasure is the place you will most want to be—and will end up being.”

Whatever it is that you value will hold a unique power over your life. You will schedule your time, spend your money, organize your plans, and expend your efforts in direct proportion to the esteem and desire you hold for that thing—whatever, or whoever it is.

When you love someone, you want to be with them as much as possible. When you love something, you want to do it as often as possible.

People who love sports are most often, if not always, found in some sport setting. People who love money are always occupied with money talk. People who love to hunt, Deer, Birds, or Ducks, (it was hard to use this one, I had rather talk about your vices) is all some want to do.

What do you treasure? Good or bad—it doesn’t matter. If you value it; if you treasure it—you will end up with it.

This puts a premium on the choices our hearts make, and highlights the great importance of making sure that the things we most cherish are heavenly, rather than hellish. For the last thing in the world you would want is for your lifelong desires to end up taking you into hell.

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling you minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”(Philippians 4:8)

Make sure your treasures are of such worth, that you prove to be a worthy person once they take you to be with them.


“May the Lamb that was slain receive the rewards of His suffering.”

Have a great Sunday - the best way to start it - is be in church praising God!

Thanks to each of you who take the time to read my blog!

SUNDAY - A GOOD FINISH TO A GREAT WEEKEND

All in all this has been a good weekend. No - we didn't get to go some great place - but we usually don't - but church was good! Actually - it was pretty wonderful - getting to be with people that are happy, friendly, and Godly. I try to thank God daily that we are at Shiloh!! We went to a funeral - really a memorial service - this afternoon - and it was inspiring because it was the funeral of a very Godly man that lived his life serving God.

For Halloween - at work we had a Spooktacular brunch and everyone tried to see who could make or cook the most hair raising dish. Well mine was not very "hair raising" but it was good! It was called "Jack-O'-Lantern Cheeseburger Pie Recipe and you cut out the face to make it look like the Jack-O'-Lantern - but inside was the cheeseburger -- but for breakfast I substituted 1 lb. sausage for the ground meat -- so either way -- this is a great dish without the face so here is the recipe for Jack-O'Lantern Cheesburger Pie -- Just remember no Halloween face for Thanksgiving or Christmas!!!! Just some nice slits, turkeys or Christmas trees maybe!!!

CHEESEBURGER PIE

1 Lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, pressed
3/4th tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2/4 cup catsup
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated piecrust (the kind in the box and you just unfold)
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
3 cups shredded Monterey cheese, divided
2 Tablespoons water
1 large egg
(For Halloween you use Red and Yellow food coloring mixed to make orange and you paint the Jack O'Lantern orange!!)

Cook first 5 ingredients in a large skillet over medium high heat, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain, Stir in catsup and Worcestershire sauce; cool.
Unfold 1 piecrust, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Spread mustard evenly over crust. Stir together meat mixture and two cups cheese; spoon onto center of crust, leaving a 2-inch border.
Unfold remaining pie crust, and either cut out jack-O'lantern face, turkeys or Christmas trees or make some large splits or round cirles. Place crust over meat mixture, crimp edges of crust, and fold under. (If making jack o' lantern - use cut outs to make a stem!

Whisk together the 2 tablespoons water and egg and brush over crust. (If painting orange - mix red and yellow coloring into this egg wash!)

Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes and brush again with egg wash. Fill holes, splits, trees, or turkeys with more cheese. Bake 5 to 10 more minutes or until golden brown.
This was first published in Southern Living in October 2000. It really was good for a breakfast dish with sausage substituted for the hamburger meat!!! Try it!!!

I don't think I have shared this with you - so here is my:

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

3 Cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 5 or 6 medium sized)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 small can evaporated milk
1 tsp. salt

Cool sweet potatoes, then stir in rest of the ingredients. Place in greased baking dish. (This should be pretty sweet, so taste to see if a little more sugar is needed!) Top with topping (recipe follows), and bak about 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

PECAN TOPPING

1/3 cup softened butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Mix all together and spread evenly over sweet potatoes. Don't worry if it is not spread evenly - even just crumbles around over top is fine.

About the last 10 minutes - if desired top with minature marshmallows - and retun to oven.

Watch your guests as they discover the wonderful secret just underneath the marshmallows! They will love it and you will be proud of your dish!!!

Enjoy!!!

Have a blessed evening and God's Will - I will return with more very soon!

Tomorrow is a great time to do a good deed for someone! There are many people out there down on their luck and out of their last dollar. Use your blessings and be a blessing to someone else! The clothes closet at West Erwin is needing all kinds of clothes (especially long sleeved men's shirts, children's clothing - and coats of all sizes!) SHARE --- SHARE ---- SHARE!!!

SATURDAY - A DAY OF PLEASURE FOR ME

I just can't believe what has happened -- I have written my heart out for the last hour and given two wonderful recipes -- even saved it before I published and it is gone!! I may have to find another medium for getting out my word to you -- this is so discouraging. It is late now -- and my brain feels empty - even though this was the happiest day I have had in months - quite - alone in my kitchen all day long - no stress, no TV (until late in the afternoon), no phone calls - who would call me but my sister and she didn't -- see I don't have any friends - no one that just calls to chat -- hopefully that is just a by-product of working so many years -- JUST COOKING!!! Bet you are wondering what wonderful, exotic creation I made --WRONG-I cooked Beef Stew -3 batches - gave most of it away = but also had some for home. Oh while it was cooking I made 2 cakes - one a Pumpkin Cake that used to be my signature cake - that I sold tons of, and a new cake that turned out to be delicous - a Vanilla Wafer Cake, 2 pans of Rice Krispie Candy, and 2 pans of Corn Bread - the one called "Jiffy Cornbread" published for you on January 10, 2010. (I took my Mom some of both stews - one from - well -- semi from a rescipe, and one from memory of what I've always done - like Mom always did, some corn bread, cake and rice krispie candy. She said it was the best corn bread she had ever had and asked if I had a frosting on it. I said no, just a sprinkle of cheese. I think it was the vanilla flavoring that she thought was sweet!! Yes - I am exhausted -- not from the cooking but from the cleaning up -- it took forever!!!

VANILLA WAFER CAKE

6 EGGS
1 - 12 OZ. BOX VANILLA WAFERS, CRUSHED
1 CUP SWEETENED,FLAKED COCONUT
1/2 CUP MILK
2 CUPS SUGAR
1 CUP CHOPPED NUTS, SUCH AS PECANS OR WALNUTS

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a tube or Bundt pan well. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs well. Mix in the remaining ingredients, beginning with the sugar. Pour the mixture into the Bundt can. Bake for 1 hour, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate. Allow to cool completely.

NOTE: To crush vanilla wafers, place half of a box at a time into a gallow plastic zip-lock bag and roll over them with a rolling pin or glass.

I will tell you the rest of my stories and other recipe tomorrow. May God Bless each of you and find each of you in church tomorrow.

THANKFUL TO BE BACK - BLOGGING

Welcome back -- hey I need someone to say that to me!!! I am back -- typing on the most beautiful "Magenta" colored Dell computer - that so far does just what I want! It offers many opportunities to learn other programs too!

Starting over is exciting and almost scary -- it has been so long that I was almost hesitant to start again --but desire won out and here I am! I have been saving recipes so I have a new supply of great ones. So much has happened since I last wrote. One thing I've learned is that you can never guess what people really are by the pretense they sometimes exhibit! I've experienced two cases of that lately and it is so sad and so disheartening when you realize someone you have really admired and looked up to - has not truly matured enough to talk to someone when they think they have been wronged or disappointed - but revert back to childlikeness - and either say cruel things or won't speak and turn their heads when you are around. It is so disappointing and if you've been hurt like we have in the past -- it hurts twice as bad! It is sad we don't read our manual for Christian living (the Bible) enough to follow its instruction. If I am not mistaken the Bible says "if you have anything against your brother - go to him" - not turn your head and walk away!

Ok - guess I've wondered away again from cooking so - back to what I enjoy so much -- not that I've done much of it this fall! I started a cake - a wonderfully delicious, rich cake that is easy too -- if you have all of the ingredients. I had actually imposed on my dear sister today to pick me up a lb. of butter and some sugar so I would be ready to make it right after church -- but I didn't realize I only had one egg -- when I needed six. It was already 9:00 p.m., and the cake cooks an hour and half so I put the butter and cream cheese (I had just beat) in the refrigerator and will try again tomorrow!! The cake never fails and is delicious so if you want to make it -- make sure you have six eggs. Here is the recipe:

CREAM CHEESE POUND CAKE

2 sticks butter
1 stick oleo (or just use 3 sticks butter)
8 oz. cream cheese
6 eggs
3 cups sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla
3 cups flour

Cream oleo, butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Gradually add 2 eggs and sugar and vanilla. Add flour and remaining eggs (one at a time) alternately (one at a time), ending with the flour. Pour into a well greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 1-1/2 hours. Serves 12 -- or a couple of hungry people who don't want to share!!! It is very easy - it is moist and delicious!

If you've read my blog very much -- you have already figured out I love spicy dishes and dishes especially make with jalapenos. Well ---here is a wonderfully sounding casserole that was in the Tyler paper today that I can't wait to try.

JALAPENO CORN CASSEROLE

16 OZ. Cream cheese
1/2 stick butter
3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
1/4 cup milk
5 - 15 oz. cans white shoe peg corn, drained
1 small can jalapenos, drained

In mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, flour and milk. Stir in corn and jalapenos and mix thoroughly. Pour into a greased caserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. This dish is spicy, so adjust jalapenos according to taste. Serves 8.

BLESSINGS ABOUND - SHARE!!!

Two days in a row - wow - caught him off the computer again. Today I got word that Dell had sent a confirmation that the order for my computer was being expedited - but if you track it - it is "still in production!" Yipes - I am beginning to wish I had just bought one some place else! Oh well - I need to remember to be patient!!

I wanted to tell you about the event Travis and I were fortunate enough to attend Saturday night. One of my customers owns K E Cellar's Bushman's Auditorium (guess you would call it auditorium or playhouse or something wonderful anyway. It is a huge room with a stage, kitchen area, etc. We were to arrive before 6:45 (the gates were to be locked at that time) and they had to know ahead of time exactly who was attending. We were there on time even though we had to go back to the house from down the street aways because I had changed purses and left the tickets in the old one! Someone sitting near me mentioned the tattered flags that were displayed, minutes before the host asked the audience (we were seated and standing outside for a short program)if we saw the plane flying high in the sky. He said two paratroopers were going to jump out and bring new flags. Wow - they not only jumped but shortly after a Texas flag appeared and then the US flag appeared. The plane made several flies over the skies above us displaying those flags as the paratroopers decended to the ground. New flags were delivered and then the Marines presented a flag raising ceremony. I knew by watching my customer that something was up (we had thought George Bush might appear but we heard shortly before that he was at Ranger statium). Very soon, we heard a roar coming from the back of the building and then over the building came two P-38 planes with the smoke rolling out from the back of them. They made several fly-overs the crowd and disappeared. Then a mighty roar came - and a shonook helicopter appeared over the building. (The great big one that has two propellers and is big enough to transport a tank) This was the one used in Vietnam - but one thing is for sure - it could not slip up on anyone. It made several swipes over the audience (and I got some awesome pictures) and then landed out in the pasture nearby! The event was a fundraiser for the wounded and forgotten soldiers of all of the wars since WWII. Needless to say - IT WAS AN AWESOME SHOW. We then were invited in for a dinner and show. The dinner was also interesting. The first two courses were rations like the soldiers often receive! All in all - it was a night to remember - thanks to a very generous man that paid for all of the entertainment, food, drink, etc., and allowed all of the funds raised to go to the veterans. And to think - he is not even a natural born citizen of the USA - but a new citizen who recognizes what a great country this is, and wants to honor those who have fought through the years, to keep it great and free! Thanks Pierre!!!!

In the mornings when I take Michelle to work, I often change my radio to 92.1 and listen to Dr. Laura. Although some of the women and men are so silly - I love to hear her commentary. Today - hers made me as mad as she was. The neat thing about her when someone has been cruel and downright wicked - she calls their name - not "changing it to protect the innocent!" Today she was furious at a family that was mistreating a seven year old that is sick with an illness that has killed her mother, and grandfather. The little girl also has the disease. This neighbor whose daughter was not invited to the little girl's party (she had one of the jumping houses set up outside) has been putting ugly signs in her yard, had her husband put out a grim reaper with the little girl's picture on it, a trailer holding a casket with a picture of the mom on it -- and many other horrific acts of terror against - yes - a seven year old! The woman obviously must be either a real live witch or definitely crazy. I agree with Dr. Laura - why can't someone stop her,. The neighbors just stand by and don't say anything. How can anyone be so cruel??? The only answer I have - she is definitely a daughter of the devil!!!

How about one short - but good recipe?

FRUIT SALAD WITH CREAMY DRESSING

DRESSING:

1 Pkg.(small) instant vanilla pudding
1 Small can pineapple juice (or drained juice from pineapple in salad (below)
1 Tbsp. Poppy seed
1 Tsp. Coconut flavoring
Combine and let chill.

SALAD
1/2 Cantalope - peeled and cut into bite size pieces
3 Bananas - sliced
2 Kiwi, peeled and sliced
1 Pkg. frozen peached - drained if there is any juice
1 Can Mandarin oranges, drained
12 grapes (color - your choice) cut in half
1 Large can Pineapple Chunks (drained - use juice in dressing)
2 - 8 oz. Pkg. Fresh Strawberries cut in half.

Cut up and combine fruit. Add dressing just before serving.

Really a little different - but very good!!!

Hope your Thursday is a great day for you and you are moved to choose to help someone less blessed than you - a fire victim, someone hungry, someone who needs clothes (clean out a closet and find someone who can use the items (an individual or church or Salvation Army) and donate them! Bless them and you will be blessed!!!

Come back soon! Fall recipes for Halloween, Thanksgiving, parties, and Christmas coming!!!

A VERY BUSY HOLIDAY SPENT CLEANING

Good evening - I'm back - but not with my own computer yet! I caught T watching a ballgame and grabbed his! It is getting late fast! I got home from working all day and joining the crowd at Brookshires this afternoon, and got home about 5:30. I am just now (9:45) sitting down! Yes - I actually cooked dinner tonight! I actually cooked it last night too - but once again - I forgot T was playing in a golf tournanment (in the rain - right!) so after starting a new Italian Bread recipe early in the morning, which should have doubled in size in about an hour, and didn't; I peeled, sliced, and breaded (with Planko crumbs - those things are wonderful)a very large eggplant - I started to clean Michelle's closets and chest of drawers. When I remembered T would not be home for dinner - I completed the eggplant Parmigiani, cooked it, and gave it to my sister. I said the bread did not rise in an hour -- it took all day. I finally punched it down again and it rose a little faster. Finally I was able to cook it -- and low and behold - it was delicious! Very dense - but very good! Miracle of miracles (in this day and time!)

I cleaned out at least 30 pairs of shoes (left her over 20),20 purses (left about 10), and I would not even start to count how many pieces of clothing. Her closet was such that you could not push the clothes one/sixteenth of an inch and most of the drawers would not close! To put it very mildly - she doesn't want to get rid of anything. She was working but arrived home about 3:30 and the work ended. There has been some pouting -- but sorry!!! Later - I told Travis - it is pretty bad to feel like (based on how my back was feeling (and still is)you about killed yourself for someone to not appreciate it one little bit! ha!

Tonight I cooked pork tenderloin (Brookshires has a great sale on them - buy one at $9.99 and receive one for one cent. Five dollars a piece - unheard of! It was seasoned with garlic and lemon pepper - but I have learned that the seasoning is almost nil, so I added more garlic, lemon peel, pepper, a little crushed red pepper and one of my new seasonings, SOUTHWEST SEASONING! Then I put fresh sweet potatoes around it - also seasoned with salt, pepper, a tad of sugar, and my new Chinese spice. I kept it misted with apple juice and when it was done, added some dried cranberries to sweet potatoes and wrapped up and cooked another 20 minutes or so - in order for them to be tender. (New sweet potatoes take longer to cook and MUCH harder to peel - but OH SO DELICIOUS!) The pork and s. potates were accompanied with spinach salad with sliced strawberries, feta cheese, toasted pecans, a dressing I just made up!! I really think Travis was amazed. He said it was a delicious dinner and I replied, "I can still cook - just haven't had the time!
When all of that was cleaned up - I made a Sopapilla Cheesecake for the Alzheimer's lunch tomorrow! It is ready to cook and I will do that in the morning!

Lasst night I made the Eggplant Parmigiana using Olive Garden's recipe as a guide - if you've read my blog very long - you know I have to change everything a little! So - here is Olive Garden's recipe (as submitted by someone that figures out recipes and publishes them!

OLIVE GARDEN EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA

2 Eggplants; peel; slice 1/4" circles
(HERE I USED 1 LARGE EGGPLANT - AND HAD PLENTY!)
Flour (I USED PLANKO CRUMBS - MUCH HEALTHIER)
Oil (DIDN'T USE AT ALL - I BAKED - DID NOT FRY)
Seasoned salt
1 lb. jar meat flavored Prego (USED HUNT'S CANNED (MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE)SAUCE WITH GARLIC AND HERBS - AND ADDED 2 CLOVES FRESH PRESSED GARLIC)
1/4 Cup Grape Jelly (ONLY HAD 2 SMALL LITTLE COARTONS OF GRAPE JELLY FROM SOMEPLACE LIKE MCDONALDS, AND USED BALANCE OF RASPBERRY JAM)
14 Oz. Stewed tomatoes (DIDN'T HAVE - USED DICED TOMATOES)
1/2 lb. shredded mozzarella cheese (DIDN'T HAVE - USED MEXICAN CHEESE)
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese (I ACTUALLY HAD THAT AND USED AT LEAST A CUP!)

DIRECTIONS:

Moisten eggplant (milk) and coat lightly with flour (used Planko instead - and it was delicious!) Then it says "Quickly brown in hot oil,m dusting each side generously withg seasoned salt. When fork tender and golden brownm, transfer to a 9X13X2" pan and cover loosely with foil and bake at 375 F about 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. This is where I really deviated! I coating with planko crumbs and placed on greased (sprayed with Pam) pan, sprayed the eggplant, and baked for about 25 to 30 minutes until nice and brown and tender. Removed from oven and dusted with salt and seasoned salt. At this point - it was delicious to just eat as it was!

SAUCE:-Combine sauce, jelly and tomatoes that have been broken up with a fork.(I just drained the diced tomatoes and they didn't need to be "broken up."I also added quite a bit of black pepper, a tad of sugar, and some crush red pepper. Heat on medium until hotm but do not boil! (I PUT IT IN MICROWAVE FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES)

Spread mozzarella cheese (I used the Mexican - but if I had of had Mozzaralla cheese - I would have used it) over the eggplant, then add sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese and return to over for 5 to 10 minutes to melt mozzarella. Serve imediately. I let mine cook for about 25 minutes and then topped with Parmesan and left about 10 more minutes!

My sister said they all liked it very much!! I hope you will try it - either way and it should be good -- mine was just a little healthier and a little spicier! I really miss talking to whomever might be reading but until I get my own computer - it will probably not be as regular as I would like. Still have many recipes to share!!
Oh I did add some toasted pecans to the top of the Sopapilla Cheesecake! I probably won't add the honey (see recipe published on March 7, 2010)but we never add it at church and it is just as good!

Tomorrow (or whenever I can write again) -- I want to tell you about the awesome event Travis and I attended Saturday evening!!

Have a blessed week and continue to do something good for someone less fortunate than yourself. I told you about going to the Meals on Wheels 37th Anniversary luncheon last week and how I was so moved by how many are going to bed hungry - just in Tyler, Texas - and by the testamonies of a couple of clients that could not survive with out the Meals on Wheels program. Then the Red Cross was on the scene shortly after the Hudson Apartments started to blaze -- we helped 9 families get their lives back together by providing clothing, food, etc. The other tenents had renter's insurance and only needed new clothing until they could contact their agent. All of this to say - we can never be grateful enough for the grace and blessings that God bestows on us daily! Take care and may God continue to bless all of you!!

GOD CREATED A GREAT DAY AND I ENJOYED IT

Good evening! Today I was reminded God created it! I recognize the wonderful day God created - the cool, crisp air, the beauty in my yard and all around, and just the great things that happened. No - I did not win a lottery (how could I win when I don't play?), did not get a million dollar loan to go in my loan portfolio at work, did not get a promotion, etc. I did get to wear a new suit that I really like and felt I looked very professional in, my silly neighbor didn't fall off his roof while he tried to chop off limbs of his tree, but I did get to attend our Birthday breakfast - which was honoring someone I think is awesome and admire (Happy Birthday againn Glenda), I did get to attend the 37th anniversary dinner of Meals on Wheels. There, I also had a great experience - I gained a new respect for a man I only knew by the little articles he puts in the paper on Saturday for his church. Honestly I've never thought they had much depth, but today his depth, his compassion, his knowledge of the Bible, and his sincerity came forth as he extolled the work of the Meals on Wheels organization, and told us "If you want to look into the eyes of Christ, look into the eyes of a hungry man." I can't imagine anyone attending that luncheon today not searching their heart and pocketbook, and making a donation. It was astounding to find out just how many people in Tyler and Smith County go hungry every day. Thank you Dr. John Robbins, of First Methodist Church for that soul searching lesson! I agree - the other guys didn't need to say anything. Just wish you would publish this in your article on Saturday!! The program ended with an emotional film about some of the clients and if that didn't bring a tear to every eye there - it should have. Thank you Southside for allowing me to attend! The day continued to be great - we went to the meal at Church tonight, prepared by David and Michelle Pardue and it was delicious! They did a Chicken and Sausage Gumbo that was awesome. They were much more thoughtful than I am -- they left all of the spice and hot stuff out and you could season your own - I just season it a little less lot than I like it and there it is! Thanks David and Michelle for a great lesson!!!

After the great meal - we went to class and had a great lesson on the difference in people's spiritual walk with God. Research has found there are four basic differences and although Christ represents all four, most of us fall heavily into one or the other. The purpose of the class, as I understand it, is to recognize where we are in our walk, and how the member in the pew next to us might approach their walk in a completely different way, and how it takes all of us to make the church we are, and how we can appreciate each individual and maybe understand them and their approach a little more clearly. I really learned alot tonight. Thanks Mark!

So - you have the idea - I had a great day - Travis is again loaning me his computer - and I am getting to talk to you!! Now -let's cook!!

Today for the breakfast party - I took the Taquitos Ole' Cassarole and it went over well - even for breakfast. I did add about a half can of Hatch HOT diced green chiles - sprinkled over the taquitos after the Green Chile Enchilada Sauce and before the cheese. It is really good - I got a piece today and so, so easy!! We had corn dip - really delicious, absolutely to die for - Pepperoni Bread - a coconut cake, home made sticky rolls with awesome pecans, and so much more!!

I need to say to all of you -- add the diced chiles to the recipe I gave you earlier for the Taquito Ole' Caserole -- it makes it rock!!!

Tonight I am going to give you a great cake recipe - one I think everyone would love!!

BANANA SPLIT CAKE

1-1/2 CUPS Honey Mail Graham Crackers crumbs
1 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1-20 oz. can crushed pineapple
6 medium bananas, drained, divided
2 cups cold milkj
2 pkg. (4 oz. each)vanilla JellO instant pudding and pie filling
2 cups thawed Cool Whip
1 Cup Chopped pecabs

DIRECTIONS

Mix Graham cracker crumbsm 1/4 cup sugarm and butter. Press firmly into bottom of 13 X 9 pan. Freeze 10 minutes.

Beat cream cheese and remaining 3/4 cup sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Spread carefully over crust. Top with pineapple. Slice 4 bananas and arrange over pineapple.

Pour milk into medium bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. Gently stir in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread over banana layers in pab. Top with remaining 1 cup whipped topping, Sprinkle with pecans. Refrigerate 5 hours. Slice remaining 2 bananas over top just before serving. Makes 24 servings.

Wow - it is 11:00 - Michelle is waiting on me to help with cleaning her face, Travis has gone to bed - so I had better wish each of you a good night and ask that you remember someone is going hungry tonight --Look into their eyes and seeing Jesus saying: "I was hungry and you fed me!" He also said "The least you do unto them, you do unto me!" PLEASE HELP - there was also a tragic fire at the Hudson Apartments and our local Red Cross was already there - helping the homeless with a place to sleep tonight. So many ways we can help!! Think of your blessings and share!!!! Good night and GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU!!!

FALL - A BEAUTIFUL SEASON ARRIVES

I really wonder if any of you are checking to see if I am writing again or not -- couldn't blame you if you're not. My brand new computer at the ripe old age of 18 days had a "hardware malfunction" and Windows 7 was completely wiped out. Travis took pity on me and took it back and returned with my money -- so I have ordered a new Dell - and when all is said and done - and working I pray -- I will have a much nicer computer with everything I could possibly need -- and save $95.00! In the meantime Travis has offered to let me use his so I won't lose all of you!! It will be two to three weeks before I am up and operating again!

Yes - the world continues to spin and my life goes on - without my own personal laptop -- but I sure feel disconnected from my facebook friends and loyal readers!!

I think I told you about buying several new spices while at Penzey's a couple of weeks ago -- well, the one that has taken the place of all my "favorites" is the BLACK AND RED SPICE. I use it on sandwiches, food I am just eating, and food I am cooking. It is wonderful -- just hot enough to give some delicious flavor -- but not so hot -- you can't cool off!

Don't you just love the fall air that we are being blessed with? I do -- but my body thinks 42 degrees is a little too much blessing! I love the colors -seeing the trees turn their beautiful colors, the pretty fall clothes, the new boots syles that show up year after year, and it seems everyone has a much friendlier outlook! I love the displays of all the pumpkins -- just like a kid -- I love to go and walk among them and choose just the right ones! There is a calendar in front of this desk and it is just a field of pumpkins -- on of the prettiest pictures in the entire calendar! I love the saying too: "The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time!" There was a time in the past - that time passed so slowly and you wished it would just hurry up! Now I am thankful for the fact that it does come just one day at a time. I think we just need to slow down and enjoy it more!

So - what is cooking? I haven't been doing much of it lately. It seems we never get home and ready to think about eating until it is too late to cook. I am going to cook the Tostado casserole - which I named "Tostado Ole'" for my contribution for our birthday bash at work on Wednesday!

Tonight Travis went to the store to get fruit for breakfast and came back with some cookies. He got one out and said: "I just love these things!" I looked and really felt bad -- I have the recipe and could not tell you the last time I made them! Here is the recipe -- don't wait as long as I have to make them!

NO BAKE COOKIES

1 Stick butter
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup milk
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups oatmeal (not cooked)

In a large saucepan, heat butter, cocoa, milk, and sugar. Let mixture come to a full rolling boil and boil for 1 minutes (careful to not go to long!) Remove from heat. Add peanut butter, vanilla, and oatmeal. Mix completely. Drop cookies onto wax paper and allow to cool. WORK QUICKLY OR COOKIES WILL SET UP AND NOT BE NICE!!

Do you like eggplant? I really do -- and if you like Eggplant Parmigiana -- I recommend two restaurants and I don't think either one will disappoint you! Little Italy has a delightful one that is light and very tasty. Mario's also has one equally as good! I have to really pace myself or I could eat way too much of it -- and blow everything I have worked to get off!

Here is a recipe that a friend shared with me that she says is delicious and I definitely intend to make!

EGGPLANT DRESSING

3 large eggplants -Peel, slice, and soal in salt water about 30 minutes. Cook until tender, leaving a little water for moisture. Add 2 tablespoons butter.
2 pkgs. Martha White Mexican Cornbread, cooked with six eggs.
1 large chopped onion
1 large jar pimentso
1 can Cream of Celery soup

Mix together like you would regular dressing and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees or until onion is tender. Freezes well!

Sounds really good - but I would probably add some celery, 2 cloves minced garlic and saute' the onion, celery and garlic in a little butter or chicken broth and then add to the mix. I also would add some salt and black pepper (quite a bit of BP) and more broth to make it thin so when it cooks it would be real tender! That is my families secret to great tasting dressing!!

Well - I think everyone has gone to bed -- so guess I had better go wake them up (with the noise I will probably make washing face, brushing teeth, etc!) Have a great day tomorrow -- and even if I am not writing as often until I get my computer - don't forget to find someone and help them. It might be a smile, a hug, or food! Just do it!!!! May God always bless each of you!!!

A TIME OF REFLECTION

Good evening -- now don't faint - two nights in a row! Everything on this new laptop is turned around - different places for all the keys I use the most -- delete, backspace, and insert!

Have you ever had something or someone touch you so emotionally that every time you try to talk about it or think about it - a tear drops, your throat tightens up, or you catch yourself asking, "Why God?" Today was one of those days for me. A family came by the bank to visit and I was in the lunchroom finishing lunch -- actually about to leave the bank to go visit a customer, when my assistant came in and said "some friends from out of town are here to see you." I asked who and she didn't know - so I said I would be right in. I walked in and did not recognize the people she nodded to -- but I walked on over and said, "Hello." They turned around and of course I recognized them. It was a family that had left several years ago - after the wife and mother had died. She died leaving two children (probably about 17 and 15 at the time -- both mentally challenged - and her husband had his own problems too! When she died - several people in the church did all they could to help them pay for her cremation and burial. We stood in the lobby visiting, them telling me what each one was doing, and them asking about my family - and other people we each knew. I finally told them I had to go visit a customer who was expecting me and thanked them for remembering me and coming by. After I got to my car - I felt like my heart would break for them. They looked so lonely and helpless - the Mom was the only one that was very smart - and took care of the other three. It is hard to understand why someone that precious and so needed had to be taken so early. Before I had time to question God - I remembered to thank God for my blessings and my family.

I had already had an email conversation with someone else that was hurting and I just pray that while I was trying to uplift I didn't do the opposite. I should have just picked up the phone and called her! Oh how perfect hindsight is!! Wow - what an emotional day!!

Last night I told you about the Chinese Five Spice and how good it is and the Red Black spice which is also wonderful if you appreciate HOT! Tonight I want to introduce you to two more spices I bought at Penzey's on Sunday afternoon. One is called "Balti" and it is a combination of coriander, garlic, ginger, cumin, dunicut chiles, Ceylon cinnamon, mustard, cardamon, clove, fennel, fenugreek, chamushka, star anise, ajwain, black cardamon, cilantro, anise seed, and bay leaf. NO - I don't know what some of those are -- I can't even pronounce them -- but I did read a letter to Penzeys saying that she likes to make vegetable soup to give to neighbors or shut-ins and she will not make it without putting Balti in it. It smells delicious and I can't wait to try it!

The other spice is simply called "Southwest" and just by its name you can pretty well figure that it has a bite to it. Well - correctly guessed because it is a combination of the following spices: salt, ancho pepper,onion, garlic, black pepper, Mexican oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, chipolte, and cilantro. Just listing the ingredients makes me want to cook something and a several dashes of this. I think I will take a tiny taste. Yes - I did and yes it is hot and delicious!!!
Now I just need to make veggie soup and something else and give it a Mexican flare with my new Southwest seasoning!

When I was in Ruidoso - we went to Santa Fe for the day. The restaurant where we had lunch brought out three muffins - they were blue corn -- and very tasty. From then on - the search was on -- Mary and I wanted "Blue corn meal." We finally found it and both bought a bag. I made mine up last night - using the recipe on the bag -- adding jalapeno, green chiles, and fresh corn. I thought it had a good taste (Travis said it didn't have any taste) but it was very crumbly and dense. I would like to buy some more blue corn meal and make my own recipe -- I would use about half blue corn meal and two thirds of regular white or yellow corn meal, and about 1/4th cup of flour.

I do like to make muffins though -- they may seem like too much trouble but actually they are really easy -- especially if you use the cute little paper liners. Here is a neat recipe.

BACON AND PIMENTO CHEESE MUFFINS

2 cups all purpose flour
1-1/4 cups crumbled cooked bacon
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup whole milk (wonder why skim would not be better??)
1/3 cup prepared pimento cheese
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oveb to 400 degrees. Spray a 12 cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray (or line all 12 holes with paper liners!)
In a large bowl, combine flour, bacon, baking powder, and salt;
In a small bowl, combine milk, pimento cheese, oil, and egg; pour into well in flour mixture (make a well by just making a clearing a whole in the center of the ingredients); stir ingredients with a fork just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm!!

Have a blessed evening and day tomorrow. Oh I do have a favor to ask of each of you! I had mentioned this on FB last week -- but this is so important -- it could be important to you or someone you love. The Red CRoss needs money and volunteers very badly. One way you can donate at least a dollar is in a 24 hour strech - starting at noon tomorrow - if you will sign up with IGive.com and choose Smith County American Red Cross as your charity - we - the Red Cross will receive $1.00 for each person that signs up in that time period. We also receive one cent for every time you search for something through IGive. THen if you buy something from one of the stores listed (over 700) we get a percentage and if you purchase within 45 days from when you sign up - we get $5.00. So please go to IGive.com and sign up between 12:00 noon tomorrow and 12:00 Thursday. Thank you - and that will definitely be your "I did something good today!"

RECIPES AND MORE RECIPES - COOKING AT ITS BEST!!!

Well - welcome back - and I must say I am thankful to be back! After the fiasco last Wednesday night - I was discouraged - but I was taught one important lesson - SAVE - SAVE - SAVE!!

Before I was so rudely wiped out - I had given you a recipe that sounds like a fun - and delicious salsa -- so early on, I am going to try it again!!

TOMATILLO AND APPLE SALSA

1 lb. tomatillos, husks removed ( tomatillos can usually be found at Brookshires or Walmart - but I like to buy them at the Mexican Food Store -Monterey - in the Wedgewood Shopping Center at the West Loop and Hwy 31. They are fresher there and always less expensive -- in fact -- I love to go there and buy lots of my Mexican food!!) Take the husks off the tomatillos wash them (really good), and quarter them - about 14 medium tomatillos is what you will need!!
1 Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored and quartered
1 Chile pepper, serrano - deveined and seeded - a good hot jalapeno will work too!
1/2 cup cilantro leave -- washed and cut off lots of stem
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (You can also buy wonderful lemon and lime juicers --e kind Rachel Ray uses-- at the Mexican food store too!)
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice -- juice of about 1 whole lime!!

Boil quartered tomatillos in water for about 5 to 7 minutes, until fork tender. Drain and cool. Place all ingredients in the blender or (what I prefer) food processor and puree until smooth. Place in tightly covered container and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week. --

LET ME TELL YOU -- this recipe needs some garlic and salt and pepper. Then you will have a recipe you can serve with pride. Serve with grilled chicken, pork or fish. Makes about 2 cups!!

Bet you have never read a recipe with so many comments unless you have read one of mine before. Well - here is another one!!!


CHICKEN STIR FRY -- Original by Jon Carole
Tonight -- I had four limp, thawed out chicken breasts - and didn't know what to do with them. I didn't want to grill them, boil them, or fry them. SO -- I cut them up in diagonal strips and then half the strips! I sprinkles them, rather heavily, ith Pensey's Chinese Five Spice (a wonderful spice full of "Chinese Five Spice Powder" which is China Cassia Cinnamon, star anise,anise seed, ginger, and cloves -- a wonderfully flavorful and sweet spice, about 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce - which isn't really necessary) some black pepper, 2 tablespoons Pensey's minced garlic, several dashes of black pepper, about 2 tablespoons white wine, 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar, a dash of sugar, -- ok I was making it up as I went. Anyway it marinated for about 30 minutes and then I sauted chopped onion, about 3 very small ones and about 4 cloves of garlic, and three very small bell peppers (that I grew, and a half of a jalapeno that was very hot. I let this cook about 3 minutes and took it up. I added a little more oil (ran out of olive oil) and then : Took 3 tablespoons of corn starch, a tad of salt, dash of black pepper, and put in plastic bag. Took the chicken out of the marinade (but did not dry off) and put in bag and shook really hard to semi-coat he chicken. Added to hot oil and then turned heat down as chicken started to try to fry. I let cook until done and then turned it down for a while. I added the garlic, onion, and pepper I taken out of pan, and one bag of Minute Maid Steamable veggies - carrots, brocoli, carrots,and water chestnuts. I let cook about 2 minutes and added one chopped up fresh mango -- let that cook for abut 1 minute on low, low heat. (Wanted pineapple chunks but didn't want them bad enough to go to the store!!!)

Travis said he loved the chicken -- that is wonderful and amazing!!! I served it with fresh boiled corn, brown rice (which MR. T shunned -= saying if you have corn - you don't need rice!) I also make blue corn bread -- but when I stirred it up according to the recipe on the bag, I knew it was "WRONG!!!" I added jalapenos, green chiles, and fresh corn -- but still no taste. We had wonderful "blue corn muffins" at a restaurant in Santa Fe and I, could not wait to buy blue corn meal. Well - don't buy the blue corn meal in a sack and go by the recipe on the box -- just doesn't do justice to what it could be!! I plan to buy some more and create the muffins on my own!!

My sister, Michelle, and my precious niece, Maura, went to Dallas on Saturday and had a great time. That Maura makes a great time of whatever you are doing. At one time she was singing "I am a hungry girl, please feed me, Yum, Yum, I am starving" to a tune on the radio and we were amazed at how her words fit ever note!(The music and song was by Mily Sirus` Smart and wonderful little eight year old!! SHe also told her grandmother she needed to learn Spanish so she could "communicate" with the painter! I don't think I even knew that word at 8 years old!!!

We were late getting to Penseys and I was so disappointed - so disappointed that Travis took me after church on Sunday! I bought so many new and wonderful spices and I will try to introduce each one to you! Besides the Chinese Five Spice Powder, I love the Black and Red Spice we bought. It is Tellicerry black pepper and Cayenne Red Pepper! I put it on my sandwich today and it is wondrful -- with just the right bite!! (I will even try to remember to tell you about the great sandwich I made today -- based on my nephew's trainer's advise!!

Have a great evening -- what is left of it -- an even better tomorrow - and the best way to have a great tomorrow -- is to make it that way for someone else! God bless each of you!!!

WEDNESDAYS ARE SPECIAL -- ENJOY!!

This is horrible -- I have been writing for about an hour and somehow it all was lost. Truthfully - and not bragging -- it was one of my best in a long, long time because I was so sincere in what I was saying, and now it is not here!! I will try to recreate tomorrow. Right now I am too sick about it to do anything! I thanked people - and then I worried about the meal and then was thankful the meal at church was over and so many people thanked me and bragged on the meal! How do you recreate your feelings when they are so raw when you write about them. Tomorrow a whole new set of worries, thanksfulnesses, etc., will occur! I am sick about this tonight -- all of my thoughts and thanks being deleted!!! I will express my thanks to Michelle, Travis, the VanScroders, Sue and Brenda - but I know it won't be the same as tonight!

I pray God will bless your night, your life and that you in turn will bless someone else by your friendship or kindness!!!

BACK WITH A POTPOURI OF THOUGHTS

Finally --a week later I am back! It was one week of absolute desperation and dispair over a stupid new computer that I could not get to work! Finally after 2 more miserable, disgusting hours at Best Buy - they resolved all of the problems and after the purchase of a new printer - I am back in business! I printed the Pilot Light,that I edit once each month for the Pilot Club, in about half the time it has taken in the past!

How is everyone? I had a great day at work -- I won't give details but one of my customers that I had defended as honorable, but having had some terribly bad luck due to the down turn of the economy came in with a large check to pay off one of his loans proving I knew he was honorable and would pay as soon as he could. A great recovery for him and me!!!

I am cooking for Wednesday night meal at Church this week and have been busy gathering my supplies and getting prepared. I think it will turn out to be good - how can you go too wrong when you are having Sopapilla Cheesecake for dessert? (Recipe is posted on March 7, 2010!) You know though - sometimes what you think is a very simple and easy meal turns out to be very expensive!

I've not been cooking at home hardly any the past couple of weeks - I was so wrapped up in the computer problems and we always are running so late, and I must say my sweet husband has been more than considerate and not complained. I have several meals I want to prepare and hopefully by next week I will be back on track!

Have you ever cooked with Blue Corn meal? I haven't, but in Santa Fe, the restaurant we ate lunch at brought out each of us a Blue Corn muffin and it was out of this world -- so we looked and looked until we found packages of blue corn meal and it even had the recipe!! Can't wait to try it and let you know if it is as good as the one we had!

I am going out of town this weekend - I am sorry to miss the wedding this weekend - actually there were two wedding invitations that were 1 hour apart and miles apart - both weddings I would love to attend - impossible as it would have been! I have had this little trip planned for several weeks and it was the only week that it could be arranged - so - on my way, I plan to stop at Penzey's --so if anyone is still reading and would like for me to bring them anything - just call or email me and let me know!

Today I was shocked - yes - as old as I am (and no I am not telling) I am still shocked at some peoples behavior. I was told about a friend of someone at work who has become re-acquainted with someone she knew in high school over the internet and then by phone. Now he is going to come pick her up and they are going to fly to some island for-- a reunion I suppose or it sounded more like a love-in.. One of the kickers is she said since she is a Christian they are going to have a "Common law marriage" so they can have all the romance they want and then if it doesn't work out - well it will be ok! Oh by the way - she has already been married twice! How can so called Christians twist the truth of the scriptures to just fit whatever they want! I know Jack Paul when he preached would say, "There is no "the Bible says it, buttttttttt!" IF God said it -- there is no "butttttttt!"

I am not much on casseroles - I often equate them to "lazy" but lots of people really like them! Sometimes something comes around that sounds really good -- this one does!

COMPANY CASSEROLE (from the GREEN CHILE BIBLE)

4 Tbs. cooking oil
1 large onion, diced
1 mediun bell pepper, finely chopped
1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes
1 (10 oz. can tomatoes and green chiles (like Rotel)
1 can (10 oz.) green chiles seeded and coarsely chopped
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
12 corn tortillas
2 Cups mild cheddar cheese
1 Cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet saute' the onion and green pepper in the cooking oil. Add the next four ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes.
Cut the tortillas into quarters and fry them lightly in hot oil. In a large casserole, place a layer of tortilas and top with part of the hot tomato and chile mixture. Sprinkle with part of the cheese. Repeat the layers and top with sour cream. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes.

Serves 8.

Sounds really good as an appetiser, but I think it would need a couple of cloves of garlic sauted with the onion and bell pepper. If you try it - I would be interested in what you think!!!

More to come! Have a blessed day tomorrow and make it a day where you bless someone!

WHY ARE COMPUTER HOOKUPS SO COMPLICATED?

It is 9:33 and I am worn out -- got home about 5:45 and have been trying to get email on Travis' new computer since then. I am about ready to take it back, not even try on mine and just give up. He can use his old one even if it does take 5 minutes for email to come up and I will just let everyone know to send my email to work! It should not be that hard -- even the "suddenlink geek" could not figure it out! Well I just deleted a couple of paragraphs =-- don't ask me how - I sure don't know! I was saying I need help! Does any one have any suggestions??

Here is something that is so sweet! I can't send the pictures but it is the words that count:

"A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said:"I am blind, please help." There was only a few coins in the hat.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.

Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.

That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.

The boy recognized his footsteps and asked: "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? "What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way." I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it!"

Both signs told the people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

Moral of the story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. be innovative. Think differently and positively. When life gives you 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to live.

Face your past without regret.

Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling and even more beautiful, is knowing you are the reason behind it!!!!"

Tonight I have another recipe!!!

HOMEMADE MEATBALLS:

1 lb. very lean hamburger meat or ground turkey or ground veal
2 tbls. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cloves of garlic - pressed or finely minced
1 tsp. black pepper
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
1 tsp. Italian seasoning or Pensey's Foxpoint and any other seasoning you like
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (or to taste or if you have sissies -- omit!)
1/4 cup seasoning bread crumbs (I like the Italian seasoned ones by Peppridge Farms or Food Club is just as good)
You can add one beaten egg or not!

Combine well and roll out your meatballs - about 1 inch in diameter.

Pour about 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil in skillet and get hot. Add meatballs (do not crowd) and brown on all sides -- they will almost be done - but then put in a pan, cover with foil and put in about a 225 degree oven while browning others. Leave in oven until ready to serve with pasta and sauce. I promise your family will never want meat sauce again -- they will want the meat in meatballs!

There sister -- now you know how!!! (Just a little family notation!!!)

Have a blessed rest tonight. Thanks for logging on. Remember - smile and the world will smile with you -- cry and you cry alone!!

THANKFUL FOR SO MUCH INCLUDING NEW COMPUTER!!!

Finally have a new computer that works and all my connections (FB and Blogger) recognize me. What a relief!!! Still don't have email set up -- don't really know how!!! I am so computer illiterate -- but at work someone else does all of that!

Sunday night again -- tomorrow starts a whole week of work! Need I say more about that???

It was great to be back at Shiloh today -- didn't realize how much I had missed everyone until I got back. Mark had another great sermon -- had definitely missed his preaching too!!

Yesterday I attended our Red Cross Retreat at one of the board member's house on Lake Palestine. IT is a wonderful place and she has the most awesome bathroom -- it is about the size of a big bedroom and the open shower is about the size of my entire bathroom! IT is a truly great place!! She is a great lady too! We plan our year's work, goals, and how to raise enough money to cover all of the local disasters that happen - primarily single family house fires! We provide shelter, clothing, food - and all of the necessities to get back on one's feet when they have lost everything and have no means of helping themselves.

Glenda and I took breakfast and lunch. Glenda did all of breakfast and then she brought all of the trimmings for hamburgers, Travis made the hamburgers and brought them out at lunchtime and I did the desserts, chips, buns, etc. My desserts were a great hit -- with the winner the Sopapilla Cheesecake (in my blog on March 7! I also made another great dessert and got to bring some of it home. IT is:

VERY BERRY PIE BARS

CRUST AND CRUMBS

3/4 Cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1-1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
3/4 tsp. almond extract
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

FILLING

2 Large eggs
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar (11 tablespoons total)
1/2 cup light sour cream (I used Daisy brand)
1 tsp. vanilla extract (I used Mexican, of course!)
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 - 6 oz. box fresh raspberries
1 - 6 oz. box fresh blackberries
1 - 6 oz. box fresh blueberries (store didn't have fresh and I found our that if you run cold water on freshly frozen blueberries, drain and dry well, they are just like fresh -- so that is I did! GREAT DISCOVERY!!!)
(Together - this should be about 3-1/2 cups of mixed berries)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mist a 9 by 13 baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.

MAKE CRUST AND CRUMBS: Add sugar, salt, and lemon zest to bowl of electric mixer. Mix on medium speed until combined and fragrant, about 1 minute. (This infuses the sugar with some of the lemon oils!) Add flour and and butter and mix on medium until crumbs form. (DON'T TURN YOUR BACK AS I DID OR LIKE ME YOU WILL HAVE CREAMY CRUMBS!) With mixer on, dribble in almond extract. Continue mixing until crumbs get more moist and look like they might begin to clump!

Press about half the dough into the bottom of prepared pan, Place pan in hot oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes, while working on the rest of the recipe.

Meanwhile, add nutmeg to the remaining crumbs, and mix until combined. Remove crumbs to a separate bowl and set aside.

MAKE FILLING

In same mixing bowl (no need to wash it), beat eggs, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla until well mixed. Add flour and stir in until combined. Genly fold in berries by hand, taking care not to mash them.

Pour berry mixture evenly over partially baked crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs and bake 60 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool about 1 hour.

Cut into 24 to 30 pieces.

MADE me want to go get a piece just writing about it --- but I won't!!

I bought two new cookbooks -- one in the little Teralinga Ghost Town trading village and another in Ruidosa. Both have some great sounding recipes and finally the man is through painting in my kitchen and I can cook again! I want to find a recipequickly for what I want to make next Wednesday night (the 22nd) -- I know I want to do some type of Mexican and do the Sopapilla Cheesecake for dessert!

These sound great and I want to fix them soon!

CHILE BREAKFAST WHIRLS

4 Cups biscuit mix
1/2 Cup butter
1 Cup milk
1 lb. hot pork sausage
1 lb. regular pork sausage (I would probably use 2 hot)
1-1/2 cups green chiles, chopped (or 2 cans)

Mix the biscuit mix, margarine and milk well; refrigerate 1/2 hour.
Meanwhile, mix the sausage and green chiles and let stand to room temperature
Divide the dough in half. Roll out each piece to a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread half of the sausage mixture completely over each piece of dough; roll up like a jelly roll. wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for 1 hour.

Remove from freezer and slice 1/3 inch thick. Freeze until ready to use. Then place the frozen slices on a cookie sheet and bake in preheated over 400 degrees - for 20 minutes.

Makes 50 to 60!! I THINK IT SOUNDS GREAT!!!

In Proverbs - verse 24 says: "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones!" Ever thought about how your words can affect someone? They can lift one up, or tear one down! Have you every experienced this? It can be like "honeycomb" to have someone sincerely praise you or acknowledge you and it can break your heart if the words are mean or critical. Please - for your own salvation and for the sake of others -- watch your words and be careful not to hurt someone intentionally or unintentionally!

May God bless and protect each of you through out tonight and tomorrow and please - find a good deed and do it for someone! I will also look for an opportunity!

Good night!

THANKFUL TO BE BACK --READERS ARE YOU THERE?

Anyone there??? I have not written a blog for nine days. My computer would not type-- I sent a little message on Travis' -- which I am using now. His keys are not spaced the same as mine and I will probably spell half what I am writing wrong. Tonight I could type on mine, but this message keeps popping up, "Windows has experienced a problem and has to shut down." Then I try to log in to write my blog and it says it does not recognize my user name. I got on Travis' computer and everything is fine. It is like a real life nightmare!!!

I just got back Monday from a wonderful trip to visit my very best friends Jack and Mary Paul in Ruidoso. They have a lovely home on a mountain top and they treated me like royalty. I arrived on Thursday after about two hours of delayed planes and Mary had a lovely lunch prepared when we arrived after a one hour trip from Roswell and then we went to a fun neighborhood party that evening. Friday morning we arose early and went to Santa Fe for a day of shopping and eating. Two wonderful restaurants -- both with wonderful Mexican or Southwest food -- my very favorite.
Throughout the weekend, we watched a mamma deer and two little fawns from their deck, a beautiful male turkey flirting with a hen, and many other beautiful sights. The entire trip was one I will never forget -- I love Mary and Jack so much and miss them when they are away from Tyler either in Ruidoso or Naples!!

I bought a wonderful cookbook in Ruidoso and will be sharing recipes as I try from it; and the caterer at the party gave us her website and there is a delicious dip on it. She actually had it at the party. Then a friend of Mary's shared the following recipe and it was so good --tasted much like tamales!!

Taquito Pie (I made up the name because I don't guess the caterer that gave her this recipe told her the name)

Cover the bottom of a 9 X 12 pan with frozen taquitos (she used beef - but I can't wait to use chicken)
Pour 1 can Green Enchilada Sauce over it.
Cover with shredded cheese - either cheddar (tradionally what is on Tex-Mex) or Mexican cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes or until bubbly and hot through and through.
Serve with Salsa.
___
That is it - how easy is that??? I added 1 small can green chiles for a little more heat! Not only easy - but delicious!!!

I have many more recipes to share -- but it is after 10:30 and I must do my evening choses -- so I will write more later-- hopefully on a new computer!!

Here is one more -- sent to me by Pam Lott and it must be good!!(My sister will love this!!!)

APRICOT SALAD

1 Can of Apricot nectar
1 Box of orange jello
1 small can of crushed pineapple (do not drain)
1 (8 oz.) tub of Cool Whip

Bring apricot nectar to a boil and add box of JEllO, stir to dissolve and add pineapple. Pour into bowl and refrigerate for about an hour or hour and half. Take out of refrigerator and add Cool Whip. Pour into what you would like to serve it in and place in refrigerator. (You can add pecans or minature marshmallows if desired!)
Enjoy - from Pam and me!

I have so many thoughts to share with you but time is short tonight!

Here is one I really like:

"Many times trouble in marriage comes when a man is so busy earning his SALT, he forgets about his SUGAR!" This powerful little quote was in the Gateway Church of Christ, Ruidoso bulletin! You wonder how often this happens???

The calendar I sometimes refer to always has a quote and tonight it is:

"Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible." How true can that be? We all need to know God is with us, He can and will help us if we just ask and believe, He will! He has helped me through some tough times and I know it was HIM that did it.

Have a blessed evening - be thankful tomorrow is Friday - and please look for something good to do for someone that needs you!!

ONE GREAT RECIPE AND WE CAN ALL REST

Good evening -- if I make lots of mistakes tonight it is partially because I am not used to Travis' computer and mine has been taken to a wonderful guy at the bank that hopefully can discern why none of the keys on my computer works!! His keyboard is very sensitive and is very different from mine.

We asked Michelle tonight if she saw anyone she knew today while at work at ETCA and she said "NO" so then then we started naming people and it was "Oh yes -I saw her" and we kept naming people and she kept saying she saw them! She loves it so much but she can't forget her last experience over 15 years ago!

Here is the recipe with the additions I made because I guess "I LIKE IT HOT!"

CHICKEN BREAST LA JOLLA

(Now don't ask me what that means because I have no clue! The ingredients include:
8 Boneless chicken breasts -- or what I used about 16 or 20 chicken thighs)
1 tsp. granuated garlic -- didn't have any so I minced about 3 cloves
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. minced ginger*
1/2 tsp. groumd cumin A(I didn't see the 1/2 and used 1 tsp,.)
1/4 tsp-. white pepper (I used to have white pepper and never used it so I threw it away so I used black pepper)
1/4 cup Pineapple juice (Ok - I am lazy - didn't have any pineapple juice so I used apple juice with some rum to sweeten it!)
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (HAD IT!)
Then I added: 1 jalapeno minced and several shakes of crushed red pepper flakes

* Minced ginger -- several years ago, one of the produce men at Brookshires was taking down a display at a cooking show I attended and he knew me and gave me a huge chunk of Ginger. I told him I didn't use Ginger that often and he said "Freeze It" and then just use it when you need it. So I froze it and am still using it and the aroma, flavor and texture is wonderful after several years in the freezer! Great advise - John!!!!

By the way - the chicken was delicious and even better (and hotter) the next day!!!!

Did I tell you I am leaving again Thursday for a visit with one of my very best friends - one whom I love dearly and miss so much? Well I am going to Ruidoso, New Mexico and although I feel so bad about leaving my family right now - I need to see her and know I will enjoy the visit. I just wish everyone would be happy for me!


This seems so short---but short doesn't mean "empty" -- it just means I am going to spare you my "ranting" although I think it is all based on morality!

Take care - have a blessed sleep and check in with me soon!

NEEDED THE BREAK - THANKFUL TO BE BACK!

Good evening -- can't believe I am finally on a computer again - well not counting work on Friday! What a day that was - first day back from vacation on a Friday!! But at least I only had to work that one day and then be off a couple. Now I only have three ahead of me and I'm suppose to leave for Ruidoso, NM for a short visit with my friends, Mary and Jack!

Travis and I had a great time in West Texas - a totally different world - where things are slower, much more relaxed, friendlier like all small towns are supposed to be! The most activity we saw was the Border Patrol that was very busy with more people and vehicles and even helicopters. The Gage Hotel was beautiful and we stayed in private rooms off of a beautiful garden and it was great. Really didn't encounter any ghosts though!! ha. At the Gage - we met the neatest lady, Connie. She was the pastry and bread chef at the hotel and at Sul Ross University in Alpine. She was so nice and friendly -- we felt like we had a real friend there! Of course Travis did - she slipped him homemade cinnamon rolls, fresh scones right out of the oven, and even sent us out a Blackberry Cobbler and Pomegranate ice cream, and gave us cookies to take on our next day's journey. (Every day there was a "journey" because everything is so spread out!) Needless to say - she knows the way to a man's heart -- you know - through his stomach!!! She has promised me her recipe because she makes all kinds of wonderful creations from the one recipe. She gave us tips on where to go and what "not to eat!" The day we were going to Fort Davis, she suggested we stop at the all natural food store and buy bread, cheese, avacado, etc., and have a picnic. Good advice - we had a great picnic up in the mountains!

Tonight at church they had a "Back to School" bash from 4 to 6 for the young people - served hot dogs and everyone else brought chips and dessert. My sweet little niece
wanted to go and I think it is rude to attend anything like that and not do your part and take what they have asked for -- so although Travis and I had really planned on and wanted to go to the new Robert Duvall movie this afternoon, and Maura had said she and her Meme were going shopping so she could spend her birthday money -we had Maura with us - so I went to the store and we made cookies -- I'll give you the easy recipe! Easy especially if you have two precious girls - such as Michelle and Maura unroll all of little Peanut Butter cups and then help press them into the cookies. I also made a very tasty dip (well I think it is anyway!) and took a special bread toast for dipping. So for the second day - I spent it doing for Maura - but that is OK -- I do love her so much and she is worth every second! Yesterday she turned 8 years old and she had told me she wanted me to make her birthday cake. She wanted an Angel Food Cake with white icing (now that was a first - I had never iced an Angel Food Cake - kind of defeats the purpose of fat free Angel Food Cake - but I iced it. Then she wanted it to say "Happy Birthday Maura" in the center -- well - there is no center -- but I managed around the whole in the cake - then she wanted blue icing around it and strawberries around it. Then of course we had to top it off with the tallest birthday candles you've ever seen -- at least 10 inches tall! The cake would not win a "beauty prize" but Maura told her Meme it was the prettiest cake she had ever had. Now year before last her Meme took her to Village Bakery and let her describe the cake she wanted and they did a beautiful job and then last year her Dad had one make that was fabulous -- so I really did get a compliment!! I also made just a plain white cake with icing and "ugly attempt at decorating" so there would be plenty -- but as it is -- most of it could be shared afterwards!!

Tonight at church Mark preached the second great lesson of the day! One of my friends and I were talking about his lessons and how much depth they have and how sincere he is about his faith and living the right way. Speaking of living the right way -- they announced tonight that we had a new sister in Christ and that she had been taught by the 92 year old mother of one of our members. This immediately made me think of the Godly woman my 92 year old Mom is and how she has a young neighbor that she has been studying with. I really think that the Godly women of that age and the era they were raised - made them strong in their faith and sadly - more convicted than we will ever be - to share that faith and pass it on! May God bless those women and give them the strength to continue as long as they are on this earth!

Recipes I promised. You may have all made these -- they are so easy but when you only have an hour - they are a great substitute for a long time-consuming recipe - no matter how great the results.

REECE'S NUGGETS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1 (15 or 16 oz.) roll slice and bake sugar or peanut butter cookies (I used sugar)
1 - 10 oz. pkg. Reese's chocolate peanut butter cups

Slice cookie rolls into 9 slices. Quarter each slice. Place each piece in a minature muffin cup. (I did not spray or grease the cookie pans and it was not easy to get the cookies out of the pan. One out of the 60 I made came out without sticking -- SO SPRAY THE PANS WITH PAM BEFORE PUTTING COOKIE DOUGH IN!)
Bake 10 to 12 minutes (mine were ready in 10) and Remove from oven. Place 1 unwrapped peanut butter cup on top of each cookie. Cool slightly before removing from pan. Makes 3 dozen. (I doubled the recipe!!!!)_

Now here is the Spread or Dip I made from my wonderful new SOUTHWEST LITE (Full-flavored, healthy cooking) by ZBob Wiseman. He says "this tasty appetiser can be used as a filling for omlets or wrapped in flour tortillas and then chilled and cut into rounds, or used for dipping" as I did tonight. I thought they had said to bring chips and dips -- but mine wa the only one I saw so guess I misunderstood!

PACO'S CREAMY MANGO DIP (Really called Paco's Shrimp and Creamy Mango Dip)

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
8 oz. Lowfat cream cheese
1/2 Cup lowfat cottage cheese
1/2 med. onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons low-fat evaporated milk - I didn't have any so I used 2 Tbsp. fat free cream
1 Tsp. salt or he said "salt substitute"
2 Tbsps. minced ginger
1 small jalapeno chile or serrano chile -- I used two jalapenos and added about 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 Mango - peeled and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilanto

NOTE: I ADDED 2 CLOVES GARLIC, AND THE RECIPE CALLS FOR 30 MEDIUM SHRIMP, COOKED AND COARSELY CHOPPED AND TWO MANGOS - BUT I LEFT OUT SHRIMP AND DID ONE LARGE MANGO!!!

In a blender, combine the red bell pepper, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and all the other ingredients except mango and cilantro (and shrimp if using). Blend until smooth. Fold in mango, cilantro (and shrimp if using!)

Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer. Serve immediately. Makes about 2 cups without shrimp and about 3-1/2 cups with shrimp and extra mango.

Here is the good part -- even with the shrimp -- Calories are only 14 for about 2 Tbsps.

Tomorrow I want to share a chicken recipe that was in this new book and how great it was -- although once again I added a little to it! Isn't that what all great cooks do?

Now for my soap box for the evening. I rudely forgot to silence my phone and I had a call during church tonight. I rushed out to quiet it and take the call. When I came back in I sat down in the back -- should never have done that. Shocked is all I can say! I know I could be all of the kid's grandmother but I'm not very "old fashion" at all - but hopefully I am Godly enough to recognize "trouble on the horison" or immoral behavor or just plan 'inatentiveness or disrespect for the preacher and other members.' One little girl was sitting in short shorts with her legs up in the seat spread apart and some little boy had her hugged up and every once in a while you got the idea he was doing something inappropriate - especially for a "Christian Girl" sitting in church because she would giggle and wiggle around. The rest of the girls behind her, on her row, and behind the row I was sitting on - was texting during the whole sermon. You know you read of the the past and in lots of places, people have to "check their guns at the door" -- parents should take up cell phones before children are allowed in church with them - the church might have to enforce "checking the cell phones at the door." Now - tell me -- how could they tell you one thing the preacher said if they are so busy texting and looking to see if they got one back?? I can just hear them and perhaps some of the parents saying "well, she is just an old lady!" Well I may be older than them -- but I know what is right and what is wrong and that never changes! There was another lady sitting there and after church she asked me "Are you sorry you sat down here?" and sadly I thought "Yes, I am!" Preacher - Elders - talk to these parents before they are coming to you with bigger problems!!!

Have a great night -- sleep well - pray for our youth -- and do a good deed tomorrow. Join me tomorrow for more recipes!!!



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