WATCH WHAT YOU SAY!!!

Can you believe this is the 137th Post I've made on Jon Carole Cooks? I can't - especially when I look at all the recipes I've not shared!!

We had the most wonderful evening tonight. My sister picked up Michelle and Travis and I actually went out to dinner. The parents of the bride that I just did the reception for invited us to dinner. It was so sweet but totally not expected or warranted! But it was great. We ate, we visted, and really got to know each other a little bit more! They are a wonderful couple that have raised their children right there at Shiloh and who still work dilligently serving the Lord through their work at Shiloh!! Our meal was great -- anytime I can have Potpourri House's pimento cheese I feel like a queen. I was definitely ready for something good. I had held myself to 200 calories in anticipation of this evening!!!

Have you ever said something and then thought: "Why did I say that" or "That was so stupid of me!"? I know I am guilty of not thinking before I speak! What about you?


A TIME TO SPEAK
Ecclesiastes 3:7
“…a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”

There was a logger in Oregon who was out of work because of controversy surrounding an endangered species—the white spotted owl. The woods where the loggers had been working were now declared a natural reserve for this one bird. You can imagine the stir that was created when this logger, Billy, was arrested for shooting the owl.

The press ready to make a national story out of anything demanded swift justice for this murderous beast of a man. The Judge, a childhood friend of Billy was in a real bind. When Billy was brought before him he said, “Billy, I can’t believe you would be so stupid as to go and shoot one of them blasted birds. You know I’m going have to throw the book at you!”

“Yes, you’re Honor,” Billy respectfully replied, “But, first could I tell you why I shot it?”

The Judge agreed, and Billy told his tale. “Your Honor, I’ve been out of work for a few months now, and the only way I can feed my family is by hunting. I was in the woods looking for game—and the only thing I could find was that owl. I didn’t shoot it to break the law; I just needed to feed my kids.”

With that the Judge shifted in his chair and said, “This may change things for you. I’m sure once the Press hears the rest of the story they will understand if we let you off with just a fine or something. But before I call them in here,” the Judge continued, “I’m curious to know—just what does a white spotted owl taste like?”

“Oh,” Billy answered, “It tasted just like an American Bald Eagle.”

It’s better to keep your mouth shut and have everybody think you’re a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt. Solomon wrote, “Even dunces who keep quite are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart.” (Proverbs 17:28)

In a day when opinions are buzzing about like a swarm of flies, sometimes saying nothing is the best thing to do!



One of my favorite cookbooks is the Junior Legue of Tyler's "AND ROSES FOR THE TABLE" which they published in 1997. I haven't used it all that much but it is so beautiful with all the fabulous dishes and roses. When I do use it -- the recipes are wonderful.

One of my favorite things is the Pesto Sauce. Pesto sauce is so versatile - you can use it on bread with a slice of tomato and mozerella cheese or in soups, pizza, just you think of it and it can be done.

PESTO SAUCE

2 cups firmly backed basil leaves, washed and dried
1/4 cup Pine Nuts, Walnuts, or Pecans (In Pesto I think it should be pine nuts!!!)
2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is always better!)
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Blend basil, nuts, and garlic until pureed. Blend in cheese. Slowly add olive oil. Store in a covered container topping off the top with Olive Oil.

Try it - I think you will be pleased!!


Have a blessed evening and perhaps tomorrow I will share a recipe from this book for Deux Amis Banana Crepes with Apricot Sauce. I have made it occasionally for a couple of events - one being a luncheon I gave for Mom on her 81'st birthday!! It is long but well worth the doing!!!

Good night!!!