Enjoying the Lights

Celebrating Traditions

This week my family Celebrated a Family Tradition. As a family we went to our local town square for the turning on of the Christmas Lights. This is a wonderful time in our town and reminds me of why we live here. The town gave away hot chocolate and marshmallows and special Holiday Specs that make every light look like a snow flake. The mayor which I happen to know came and spent some time talking to our family. The sounds of the season were prevalent with a Mass Children's Choir. After a count down the lights were turned on. With the lights on the town square begins to have a magical feel. There is something very special about walking around looking at Christmas light sipping hot chocolate while listening to Holiday music.

I believe families need traditions. This is one our family shares and our children and us as a whole look forward to this each year. There is a good article by L L O Y D D. N E W E L L entitled Traditions a foundation for Strong Families. In the article he list reasons traditions are good for families.

Traditions are a source of strength
Traditions are a source of identity
Traditions are a source of connection between generations
Traditions allow families to examine themselves and their customs
Traditions are a source of faith and meaning

http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:sCBQbwViz3YJ:marriageandfamilies.byu.edu/issues/1999/December/traditions.htm+christian+family%27s+need+tradition&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=safari

1951 Westinghouse Mixer

On Thanksgiving my father brought me an interesting gift. I am now the owner of a 1951 Westinghouse Mixer. The interesting thing is that the mixer works. Now I need to decide what to do with it.

What's for supper?

Tonight we are having White Chili with lime, sour cream, cheese and blue corn chips. For dessert we are having fudge.

White Chili

3 cans drained and rinsed canellini beans
1 onion diced
3 tsp garlic
2 Tablespoons butter
4 cups chicken broth more as needed
1 small can green chilies

1 full chicken breast
1 chicken drumstick

boil and shred chicken

Saute onion and garlic in butter. Add chicken broth and canellini beans.

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. cilantro

In a large heavy pot saute onion and garlic, Add the beans, the 4 cups broth, chilies, oregano, cayenne and cilantro and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, adding more broth as needed, until the beans are very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add the shredded chicken and continue to simmer. Serve with tortilla chips, Cheese and sour cream. I think a squeeze of lime would also go well with this Chili. We also will add Louisiana Hot sauce to taste to our bowls.

Making boxed cereal healthy

I have one child that loves any type of cinnamon cereal. I have 2 others that love almost all cereals. So I decided to buy a box of bran flakes and a box of cinnamon life and alter the two in a container. I think it goes without saying that there is more bran cereal than cinnamon. My children love mommy's cereal mix.

The Reason

We have begun Christmas decorating and gift buying. Although gift giving is fun. Especially for 3 little girls gift receiving is fun. But I also want them to remember the real reason for Christmas. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of JESUS. I am working on helping my family remember the True Reason for the Season. JESUS

An All Natural or Organic Thanksgiving

I know this post is a little late. I wanted everyone to know that for Thanksgiving this year most all the ingredients were organic. I was curious to see how it would all taste and if anyone would know the difference. The verdict is in and the answer is yes. The sweet potatoes were amazing. The sweet potatoes were "sweet" without adding any sugar. The most notable difference was the Turkey. It was fun to watch the men in my family walk by and sneak a nibble of the Turkey. All of the men and yes it was unanimous said "WOW" the Turkey is wonderful or amazing. My father still is saying " I don't think I have ever eaten a Turkey like that". Thank you to Fresh Market for two wonderful Turkey's. The dressing was very fresh tasting. I used organic vegetables and organic chicken broth. The potatoes in the mashed potatoes were organic and are my husbands favorite mashed potates. The casseroles and cakes were made with organic sugar. I will say the meal was expensive but the taste was wonderful. Of course there was almost no Asparagus left over. My entire family ate just about all of it.

Homemade Vegetable Soup with Turkey added

Homemade Vegetable Soup with Turkey added

1 large can of Petite Diced Tomatoes
1 can corn ( I used 2 small cans of shoepeg)
1 can veg all (I used 1 package of frozen mixed vegetables)
1 can of diced potatoes
2 small cans of tomato sauce
1 can of corn beef ( I used chopped leftover Thanksgiving Turkey)

I used leftover Thanksgiving Turkey and leftover Thanksgiving Green Beans

Enjoying the Holiday

We decided to go to the Ballet today. The Moscow Ballet was performing the Nutcracker. So we got dressed up in Black and Royal Blue and Velvet and went downtown. The Ballet was beautiful. Later we went out for supper and then rode the trolley around downtown. After arriving home we put up our Christmas tree and decorated it. This was a beautiful beginning to the Holidays.

Thankful

I am Thankful today for family
I am Thankful today for 5 sweet children laughing and eating
I am Thankful today for siblings that still know how to have fun
I am Thankful today for a wonderful husband that knew just what I needed and did it "I love You"
I am Thankful today for a daddy that teaches me everyday what true love is
I am Thankful today for a very special guest that came today in spite of handicap, looked beautiful and was a joy to be with.

This Thanksgiving was in Honor of you.

Happy Thanksgiving Mother you are the Best and I love you.

Happy Thanksgiving

To all my family and friends,

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am thankful for each of you. Enjoy your day and you family

Daddy Humor " Happy Thanksgiving "

Wednesday 7:08 PM Sweet Potatoes Done

These are some of the sweetest potatoes. Even without anything added to them they are delicious. Here they are in a casserole. I am sorry that you can't see how orange they are. I was asked if they came from Mississippi. Sorry they are organic from California.

Boil and Drain potatoes
Mash
Add
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of milk,
2 eggs,
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon of salt.

mash

Topping

Now, in a separate bowl, add 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup walnuts, chopped (that means measure a cup of pecans, then chop them), 1/2 cup flour, and 3/4 stick of butter.

Then sprinkle the crumb mixture all over the top. Now bake at 400 for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

http://thepioneerwomancooks.com

Wednesday 5:48 PM Boiling Sweet Potatoes

Wednesday 5:40 PM Dressing Done

1 1/2 cup minced onion
1 1/3 cup chopped celery
2 sticks butter
6 cups bread crumbled (I crumbled it then toasted it in the oven to help dry it out)
6 cups corn bread crumbled
1 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 cup chicken broth

Saute onion and celery in the butter. Add the poultry seasoning, salt, pepper and chicken broth. Pour mixture over the breads. Stir well.

Put into a baking dish and bake at 350 for 40 minutes

Treasured Recipes II
Central Avenue Christian Church
Humboldt, Tennessee

Wednesday 1:55 PM So Pretty

Wednesday 1:51 PM Getting Ready for Cornbread Dressing

4 pans of cornbread and several boiled eggs. We are getting ready to make cornbread dressing. Living in the South is great!!!

Wednesday 1:47 PM Baking done

The Bread is made. Thanks to "Rocky" for helping out.

Wednesday 10:31 AM Making Progress

Wednesday 9:28 AM Home with the Turkey's

Yes we now have 2 Turkeys. The Turkey looked small when I picked it up and my hubby said get two. I now have about 20 lbs of Turkey. Oh boy I hope everyone is hungry. If not I hope we will have creative ideas for the leftovers.

Wednesday 7:41 AM Checking the progress

I need to wash crystal glasses and plates. We will be off to pick up the Turkey in a few minuets. I had Fresh Market cook the Turkey this year.

Wednesday 2:00 AM Bed Time

The kitchen has been cleaned and 2 loads of laundry washed. I have taken a bath and am off to bed.

Wednesday 12:49 AM Desserts are Done

The desserts are done!!! I also have homemade fudge in the refrigerator. Requested by my daddy. I reached my goal. Now in a few hours the real cooking begins.

Wednesday 12:08 AM

The first dessert is complete. HERSHEY'S "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" Chocolate Cake. Yum!!! The Maple Frosted Pumpkin cake is cooling!!!

Tuesday 11:26 PM

The Chocolate Cake is cooling and the Maple Frosted Pumpkin Cake is in the oven. I have also Ironed the beautiful white table cloth of my mothers. Only for my mother would I iron a table cloth.

It Begins Tuesday 10:10 PM

The first Thanksgivig item is being cooked. I started with Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Cake. I guess since I am a girl Chocolate is always a good place to start.

Asparagus

This is the Asparagus bought fresh today for Thanksgiving. My 2nd child walked in the kitchen and said "Yum!!!!"

Grateful

Grateful
by OEB Restoration Choir

I am grateful for the things that you have done
yes I'm grateful for the victories we won
I can go on, and on, and on about your word
I'm just so grateful, grateful, so grateful just for you lord

[chorus]
I'm grateful(11x) gratefullness
its flowing from my heart
grateful(11x) gratefullness
its flowing from my heart

I am grateful for the things that you have done
yes I'm grateful for the victories we won
I can go on, and on, and on about your word
I'm just so grateful, grateful, so grateful just for you lord

chorus(2X)

flowing from my heart
of the issues of my heart
is gratefulness

chorus(3x)

flowing from my heart
of the issues of my heart
is gratefulness

Tainted Ginger's Long Trip From China to U.S. Stores

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119543404007297464.html?mod=todays_us_page_one

These are quotes from an article from The Wall Street Journal. It really makes you think.


JUXIAN, China -- In July, two dozen Albertson's grocery stores in California received a shipment of fresh ginger and put it on shelves. Several days later, state inspectors discovered that the ginger, which had been imported from China, contained a dangerous pesticide.

'As Long as It's Cheap'

American companies that buy Chinese-grown produce often demand such low prices that it isn't practical for exporters and importers to run tests, says Clara Shih, president of Best Buy Produce International Inc. The Vernon, Calif., company imports Chinese-grown produce and resells it to other buyers including supermarkets. "People in this country don't really care as long as it's cheap," says Ms. Shih.

Jerky Turkey Cartoon

This is a 1945 MGM cartoon

First Place

My daughter won first place in a photo contest. We are so proud of her. The subject was " I can make a difference". She had me take her to a retirement home and she took a picture of a sweet lady in a wheel chair. She said she can make a difference by visiting nursing homes. What a sweet heart she has.

Preparing for Thanksgiving

This morning I decided to sit out all the things I need to prepare my Thanksgiving meal. Now I know what items I still need to pick up.

Sampling Thanksgiving Food

Tonight for supper we sampled some Thanksgiving recipes.

The Turkey and Dressing were a gift from a friend

Grilled Asparagus with Hollendaise sauce. (I do not like Hollendaise sauce)

Fresh Green Beans with garlic, butter and turkey bacon. (Crunchy but could use more seasoning)

California Organic Sweet Potatoes (Very fresh tasting, maybe walnuts and a little more brown sugar)

Now I wish I had something Italian or a Pizza.

Holiday Fun

I remember these socks as a child. These were on sale at Walgreens 3 pair for $10. $10 for a lot of Holiday Spirit and lots of giggles. Fun, Fun, Fun !!!

After School Snack

Today's snack is grapes and ginger bread men.

10 Days Until

What's for supper?

Tonight's supper included:

Lemon Pepper Chicken with crushed corn flakes

Mashed organic potatoes

Roasted Asparagus with Bearnaise sauce

Yeast Rolls

The Pepper Harvest

These are probably the final peppers from my husbands garden. He loves eating spicy food.

HERSHEY'S "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" Chocolate Cake

HERSHEY'S "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar ( I used 1 cup plus a little)
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour ( I used unbleached bread flour)
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING(recipe follows)
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.

VARIATIONS:
ONE-PAN CAKE: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.

THREE LAYER CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost.

BUNDT CAKE: Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. Frost.

CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to 350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. About 30 cupcakes.


"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar (I used about 1 cup)
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.