Monday, October 4, 2010

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!!!

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