Marriage: The state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a
mistress and two slaves, making in all, two.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Rush Limbaugh reveals a new side to an old story . . .
Every year, Rush Limbaugh tells the real story of Thanksgiving as well as the following interesting tidbit. Thought I'd share it as it always makes me smile!
RUSH: Okay, one of the great myths of Thanksgiving is that we swindled the Indians when we bought Manhattan Island from them. "We swindled them." How many of you grew up thinking that, that we got Manhattan for twenty-four bucks is the equivalent? It was bad enough we were killing the buffalo and making fun of their headdresses, but then we had to screw them out of Manhattan. It turns out, according to a book about Teddy Roosevelt, that that's not true. It turns out that the Indians are the ones that ran the real estate scam when they sold Manhattan. The Book is "Commissioner Roosevelt: The Story of Theodore Roosevelt and the New York City Police, 1895-1897," by H. Paul Jeffers. Here are the relevant paragraphs about this:
"A persuasive case can be made that the City of New York began with a swindle. For generations school children have been taught that a slick trick was played on unsuspecting Indians by the director of the Dutch West India Company, Peter Minuit. In 1626 he purchased the island of 'Manna-hatin' for sixty gilders worth of trinkets, about twenty-four dollars. What Minuit did not know at the time, however, was that his masterful real estate deal had been struck with the Canarsie tribe, residents of Long Island; they held no title to the land they sold to the Dutch. In due course, the intruders from Amsterdam who thought they had pulled a sharp one on the locals were forced into negotiating a second, more costly deal with the true landlords of Manna-hatin," which is what it was called then: Manna-hatin. But it was the Canarsie tribe that pulled one over on us. The Canarsie tribe has since located to Brooklyn.
At any rate, first the original story of Thanksgiving -- we'll set that straight later today -- and now we find out that the Dutch got swindled. (laughing) The Indians can't catch a break. Well, they are catching a break in Seattle. It turns out all of these years your kids, and probably you, were taught that the eeevil white settlers really shafted the Indians by buying Manhattan from them for $24 bucks, when in fact... (laughing) I actually love this! (laughing) The Canarsie tribe... (laughing) the Canarsie tribe sold the land and they didn't have a title to it! (laughing) Fake paperwork! They sold the land and then they went back over to Brooklyn, and Minuit had to buy it again! I don't know the price he paid the second time, but it was certainly more than twenty-five bucks!
RUSH: Okay, one of the great myths of Thanksgiving is that we swindled the Indians when we bought Manhattan Island from them. "We swindled them." How many of you grew up thinking that, that we got Manhattan for twenty-four bucks is the equivalent? It was bad enough we were killing the buffalo and making fun of their headdresses, but then we had to screw them out of Manhattan. It turns out, according to a book about Teddy Roosevelt, that that's not true. It turns out that the Indians are the ones that ran the real estate scam when they sold Manhattan. The Book is "Commissioner Roosevelt: The Story of Theodore Roosevelt and the New York City Police, 1895-1897," by H. Paul Jeffers. Here are the relevant paragraphs about this:
"A persuasive case can be made that the City of New York began with a swindle. For generations school children have been taught that a slick trick was played on unsuspecting Indians by the director of the Dutch West India Company, Peter Minuit. In 1626 he purchased the island of 'Manna-hatin' for sixty gilders worth of trinkets, about twenty-four dollars. What Minuit did not know at the time, however, was that his masterful real estate deal had been struck with the Canarsie tribe, residents of Long Island; they held no title to the land they sold to the Dutch. In due course, the intruders from Amsterdam who thought they had pulled a sharp one on the locals were forced into negotiating a second, more costly deal with the true landlords of Manna-hatin," which is what it was called then: Manna-hatin. But it was the Canarsie tribe that pulled one over on us. The Canarsie tribe has since located to Brooklyn.
At any rate, first the original story of Thanksgiving -- we'll set that straight later today -- and now we find out that the Dutch got swindled. (laughing) The Indians can't catch a break. Well, they are catching a break in Seattle. It turns out all of these years your kids, and probably you, were taught that the eeevil white settlers really shafted the Indians by buying Manhattan from them for $24 bucks, when in fact... (laughing) I actually love this! (laughing) The Canarsie tribe... (laughing) the Canarsie tribe sold the land and they didn't have a title to it! (laughing) Fake paperwork! They sold the land and then they went back over to Brooklyn, and Minuit had to buy it again! I don't know the price he paid the second time, but it was certainly more than twenty-five bucks!
My favorite kitchen 'appliance' . . .
This, that, and the other . . .
Proof positive . . .
I tried making the pie crust dough in the mixer this year with good results. I just kept in mind that I do not want to over mix it and end up with tough pie crust. Oh, and if you want to insure a tender, layered crust for your pie, substitue have the ice water for vodka! I don't drink vodka but I keep a bottle in the cupboard for just that purpose.
Our orange tree obliged me by have a few oranges ripen in time for making the pecan pie. I bake the traditional pecan pie recipe that shows up on the labels of corn syrup but like to add a tablespoon of brandy and the zest or an orange.
Didn't think of that . . .
Someone on the radio made an interesting observation about the 'occupy' groups. It seems that so many city governments are bending over backwards to make compromises with them, etc. The person on the radio said it would be interesting to see what would happen if groups of Pro-Life advocates decides to 'occupy' to end abortion. What if gang bangers 'occupy' to have a voice in government. What if communist or neonazi groups decided to 'occupy' for their causes. Face it (not that I'm in favor the the second two!), the police would show up, ask them to move, and then take actions to remove them. There would be no discussion, no compromise, and they sure wouldn't be allowed to camp out on public property for over a month anywhere.
I just heard rumors that the Mayor of Los Angeles is discussing giving the occupiers farmlands or even an empty building. Although he sort of weasels out of making a direct statement on this, you have to wonder that such a move would even be considered enough to leak out to the public.
The occupiers keep talking about their First Amendment rights as they say they are representing the 99%. I don't think they are representing me or my family. I don't even know anyone who feels represented by them. I just know that a lot of people/businesses are being inconvenienced by these groups which seems to diminish a great many people's rights.
I just heard rumors that the Mayor of Los Angeles is discussing giving the occupiers farmlands or even an empty building. Although he sort of weasels out of making a direct statement on this, you have to wonder that such a move would even be considered enough to leak out to the public.
The occupiers keep talking about their First Amendment rights as they say they are representing the 99%. I don't think they are representing me or my family. I don't even know anyone who feels represented by them. I just know that a lot of people/businesses are being inconvenienced by these groups which seems to diminish a great many people's rights.
Some grins to begin the day . . .
"As I grow older , I regret to say that a detestable habit of
thinking seems to be getting a hold of me."
-- H. Rider Haggard
-- H. Rider Haggard
"Most of the change we think we see in life is due to truths being
in and out of favor."
-- Robert Frost
-- Robert Frost
"I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and
photographers."
-- Mahatma Gandhi
-- Mahatma Gandhi
"Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written
today."
-- Herman Wouk
-- Herman Wouk
The Day Before Thanksgiving . . .
Although I got some things done, yesterday, it was kind of a waiting time for the onslaught of the many things that need doing today! While my husband and children clean house, I will be busy in the kitchen. It's also time to get out the cooler as there isn't any room in the refrigerator until the turkey gets in the roaster tomorrow.
I did bake three loaves of bread for the stuffing, yesterday. Okay, three loaves minus a piece as my husband came home from work hungry and how could I refuse him a piece of warm bread from the oven? Today, the pies get made and the apples get sliced and soaked for an Apple Crisp to be baked tomorrow. Turkey broth is ready to be made into gravy.
I have to get out the tablecloths, count the silverware, and get the soda and drinks ready to be iced tomorrow. The great thing about having teens and young people for dinner - they prefer soda so I don't have to worry about fussing with drinks.
Every year, I put on a large, red tablecloth but over it I place two ancient tablecloths that an elderly man gave us just before we got married. The gentleman had broken off a friendship of many years with another family because his nephew told him they had stolen things from his home when he had been sick in the hospital. Just before his death, the elderly man discovered his nephew had been the one that stole from him. He called me and my future husband over, one evening, and gave us some tablecloths he cherished from his wife. He didn't have time to change his Will before he passed away so his nephew and greedy wife inherited everything. I believe the elderly gentleman would have liked it all to go to charity not the weak nephew. I don't imagine the nephew and his wife ever really found happiness in their ill-gotten gains. We, however, cherish our worn tablecloths and bring them out for Thanksgiving every year and think about our elderly friend.
Time to head out to church and start my work day with Mass and some prayers for my family, friends, and that sweet, elderly gentleman!
I did bake three loaves of bread for the stuffing, yesterday. Okay, three loaves minus a piece as my husband came home from work hungry and how could I refuse him a piece of warm bread from the oven? Today, the pies get made and the apples get sliced and soaked for an Apple Crisp to be baked tomorrow. Turkey broth is ready to be made into gravy.
I have to get out the tablecloths, count the silverware, and get the soda and drinks ready to be iced tomorrow. The great thing about having teens and young people for dinner - they prefer soda so I don't have to worry about fussing with drinks.
Every year, I put on a large, red tablecloth but over it I place two ancient tablecloths that an elderly man gave us just before we got married. The gentleman had broken off a friendship of many years with another family because his nephew told him they had stolen things from his home when he had been sick in the hospital. Just before his death, the elderly man discovered his nephew had been the one that stole from him. He called me and my future husband over, one evening, and gave us some tablecloths he cherished from his wife. He didn't have time to change his Will before he passed away so his nephew and greedy wife inherited everything. I believe the elderly gentleman would have liked it all to go to charity not the weak nephew. I don't imagine the nephew and his wife ever really found happiness in their ill-gotten gains. We, however, cherish our worn tablecloths and bring them out for Thanksgiving every year and think about our elderly friend.
Time to head out to church and start my work day with Mass and some prayers for my family, friends, and that sweet, elderly gentleman!
Always the basis of gossip . . .
A
stupid man's report of what a clever man says can never be accurate, because he
unconciously translates what he hears into something he can understand.
- Bertrand Russell
Love is Sometimes a Sweet Loaf of Bread . . .
Love Is Sometimes A Sweet Loaf of Bread
Christmas or Easter time needs some kind of sweet bread to offer guests or to be used as a light breakfast. Cinnamon rolls are welcome but I always feel something extra special is needed at these times of the year.
Sweet Holiday Braided Loaf
3 pounds all-purpose flour - you can guestimate on this!
½ cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons ground anise (necessary!)
3 tablespoons yeast
3 cups warm water (not hot, just barely warm to the touch)
Place the flour in a big bowl. Make a well in the center and add the yeast and one cup water to proof the yeast. Add the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, salt, sesame seeds and anise. Using your hands, gradually work in the flour with the ingredients in the well. Add more water as needed. When a medium-stiff dough is formed, knead on a well-floured surface until smooth and elastic. You don't want a stiff, hard to manage dough or your bread will not be tender.
Form dough into a ball, turn it in a greased bowl to coat the surface, cover and let rise until doubled in bulk. This tends to be a very active dough! Punch down and shape. Don't worry! As always, I have a few ideas for shaping your holiday breads.
If you are looking for a basic, slightly sweet bread, take one-fourth of your dough, divide it into three pieces. Shape each piece into a long roll. Pinch the three rolls together at one end and gently form into a braid. Keep it loose and when it is braided, tuck the ends under a bit. You can transfer it from your work surface or work directly on your lightly greased baking sheet. Let rise until doubled and bake in preheated 400 degree oven until deep brown. Remove from sheet and cool slightly before icing. A basic powdered sugar and lemon juice icing is perfect.
Another interesting shape, would be to take a portion of dough, form it into a long roll and then form it into a spiral or snail shell directly on your baking pan.
Regular cinnamon rolls can be made from this dough, too. You can even divide it into bread pans and make loaves of this sweet, holiday treat.
When you aren't interested in icing the bread, you can brush the risen loaves with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle heavily with sesame seeds.
My mother was born and raised in Germany. My grandmother took her Christmas baking very seriously as did every other housewife in the town. It was the usual practice to visit from home to home during the holidays to exchange small gifts and to sample each other's baked goods. My mother always enjoyed the critique that followed each visit, as my grandmother tried to figure out what had gone into the goodies offered during the visit.
Because most people in my mother's little town were not well off, they didn't have a sufficient oven in which to bake their traditional Christmas yeast breads. The town baker took care of this task for a nominal charge. His shop was always crowded with everyone's yeast loaves, rising under their bleached white tea towels. Most days, counter space went quickly and laden breadboards soon covered a major portion of the floor space. One Christmas, disaster struck! Frau Schwartz accidentally (or so she said according to my grandmother!) stepped smack in the middle of my grandmother's holiday yeast braid! After exchanging a few dignified words, Frau Schwartz offered one of her loaves which my grandmother, somewhat grudgingly accepted in place of her ruined one. My mother said it provided grandmother with conversation the entire season. Although she did eat Frau Schwartz's Christmas bread, she could never admit that it was even passable!
Christmas or Easter time needs some kind of sweet bread to offer guests or to be used as a light breakfast. Cinnamon rolls are welcome but I always feel something extra special is needed at these times of the year.
Sweet Holiday Braided Loaf
3 pounds all-purpose flour - you can guestimate on this!
½ cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons ground anise (necessary!)
3 tablespoons yeast
3 cups warm water (not hot, just barely warm to the touch)
Place the flour in a big bowl. Make a well in the center and add the yeast and one cup water to proof the yeast. Add the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, salt, sesame seeds and anise. Using your hands, gradually work in the flour with the ingredients in the well. Add more water as needed. When a medium-stiff dough is formed, knead on a well-floured surface until smooth and elastic. You don't want a stiff, hard to manage dough or your bread will not be tender.
Form dough into a ball, turn it in a greased bowl to coat the surface, cover and let rise until doubled in bulk. This tends to be a very active dough! Punch down and shape. Don't worry! As always, I have a few ideas for shaping your holiday breads.
If you are looking for a basic, slightly sweet bread, take one-fourth of your dough, divide it into three pieces. Shape each piece into a long roll. Pinch the three rolls together at one end and gently form into a braid. Keep it loose and when it is braided, tuck the ends under a bit. You can transfer it from your work surface or work directly on your lightly greased baking sheet. Let rise until doubled and bake in preheated 400 degree oven until deep brown. Remove from sheet and cool slightly before icing. A basic powdered sugar and lemon juice icing is perfect.
Another interesting shape, would be to take a portion of dough, form it into a long roll and then form it into a spiral or snail shell directly on your baking pan.
Regular cinnamon rolls can be made from this dough, too. You can even divide it into bread pans and make loaves of this sweet, holiday treat.
When you aren't interested in icing the bread, you can brush the risen loaves with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle heavily with sesame seeds.
My mother was born and raised in Germany. My grandmother took her Christmas baking very seriously as did every other housewife in the town. It was the usual practice to visit from home to home during the holidays to exchange small gifts and to sample each other's baked goods. My mother always enjoyed the critique that followed each visit, as my grandmother tried to figure out what had gone into the goodies offered during the visit.
Because most people in my mother's little town were not well off, they didn't have a sufficient oven in which to bake their traditional Christmas yeast breads. The town baker took care of this task for a nominal charge. His shop was always crowded with everyone's yeast loaves, rising under their bleached white tea towels. Most days, counter space went quickly and laden breadboards soon covered a major portion of the floor space. One Christmas, disaster struck! Frau Schwartz accidentally (or so she said according to my grandmother!) stepped smack in the middle of my grandmother's holiday yeast braid! After exchanging a few dignified words, Frau Schwartz offered one of her loaves which my grandmother, somewhat grudgingly accepted in place of her ruined one. My mother said it provided grandmother with conversation the entire season. Although she did eat Frau Schwartz's Christmas bread, she could never admit that it was even passable!
Basic Egg Noodles or how to stretch the pre-payday funds!
Although a plate of hot spaghetti is usually welcome, think how much a plate of your homemade egg noodles would be enjoyed by your family. This is one of those pre-payday creations that fills one up without depleting an already thin pocketbook. There is some muscle work required in rolling the noodles out, but I always find it a time to make some offerings to the Poor Souls and remember to do some promised prayers for my friends.
Basic Egg Noodles
4 cups all-purpose flour
4-5 eggs
3 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons olive oil
Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, olive oil, and mix together. If the mixture is way too dry, add another egg. You should have a thick, workable dough. You don’t want it too stiff or the rolling out will take it’s toll on your arms and shoulders!
Knead a fistful of dough until smooth. Roll out as thinly as possible on a well-floured board. Cut into 1/2-inch wide strips and place on wax paper. A sharp pizza cutter does this job quickly and easily. Continue until your noodles are all ready.
To cook, gradually add the noodles to a pot of rapidly boiling water. A dash of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil will keep them from sticking. Cook until tender, approximately six minutes. Drain and use for your favorite noodle dish. Any cheese or tomato sauce goes well with them. A simple dousing with melted butter and pepper is good. Adding them to beef or chicken soup helps stretch out another meal. They are excellent in using up leftover turkey by making soup.
Remember, these are not your packaged noodles. They are thicker and more hearty.
Idea . . .
We have a family treat that involves this egg noodle dough. We prepare and slice up the dough into noodles, as indicated above, but deep fry them! Sometimes, we dust them with some spicy herbs/salt. Other times, they get treated to cinnamon and sugar. I like them plain, too.
Basic Egg Noodles
4 cups all-purpose flour
4-5 eggs
3 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons olive oil
Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, olive oil, and mix together. If the mixture is way too dry, add another egg. You should have a thick, workable dough. You don’t want it too stiff or the rolling out will take it’s toll on your arms and shoulders!
Knead a fistful of dough until smooth. Roll out as thinly as possible on a well-floured board. Cut into 1/2-inch wide strips and place on wax paper. A sharp pizza cutter does this job quickly and easily. Continue until your noodles are all ready.
To cook, gradually add the noodles to a pot of rapidly boiling water. A dash of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil will keep them from sticking. Cook until tender, approximately six minutes. Drain and use for your favorite noodle dish. Any cheese or tomato sauce goes well with them. A simple dousing with melted butter and pepper is good. Adding them to beef or chicken soup helps stretch out another meal. They are excellent in using up leftover turkey by making soup.
Remember, these are not your packaged noodles. They are thicker and more hearty.
Idea . . .
We have a family treat that involves this egg noodle dough. We prepare and slice up the dough into noodles, as indicated above, but deep fry them! Sometimes, we dust them with some spicy herbs/salt. Other times, they get treated to cinnamon and sugar. I like them plain, too.
When you are in a hurry . . . Pasta ideas . . .
Many of us will be busy making preparations for tomorrow's Thanksgiving meal. We usually opt for a meal to preface the big day that is not heavy or complicated to throw together. After a day of baking pies, prepping the turkey, etc., we don't want to add yet another major food prepartion to our schedule. These are interesting ways to enjoy a quick pasta meal. A salad on the side would complete it and there is no rule that says you can't add a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of chili flakes to the meal.
Buttered Poppy Seed Noodles
16 ounces spaghetti
1/2 stick butter (margarine won't work as well here.)
2-3 tablespoons poppy seeds
Salt & pepper to taste.
Prepare your pasta to taste. Drain thoroughly and place back into warm pot. Melt the butter and add the poppy seeds. Simmer very slightly for a moment or two to blend flavors. Pour over the pasta, toss gently and serve.
Walnut-Garlic Pasta16 ounces spaghetti
2 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves fresh garlic, diced
½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Salt & pepper to taste.
While your pasta is cooking, melt the butter with the olive oil. Throw in the garlic and cook gently until softened. Toss with the chopped walnuts, cooking two or three minutes longer. Be careful not to burn the butter/oil mixture. Pour over now cooked and drained spaghetti, mix together and serve. A crisp, green salad goes well with this. And there is always your fresh bread to consider!
Buttered Poppy Seed Noodles
16 ounces spaghetti
1/2 stick butter (margarine won't work as well here.)
2-3 tablespoons poppy seeds
Salt & pepper to taste.
Prepare your pasta to taste. Drain thoroughly and place back into warm pot. Melt the butter and add the poppy seeds. Simmer very slightly for a moment or two to blend flavors. Pour over the pasta, toss gently and serve.
Walnut-Garlic Pasta16 ounces spaghetti
2 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves fresh garlic, diced
½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Salt & pepper to taste.
While your pasta is cooking, melt the butter with the olive oil. Throw in the garlic and cook gently until softened. Toss with the chopped walnuts, cooking two or three minutes longer. Be careful not to burn the butter/oil mixture. Pour over now cooked and drained spaghetti, mix together and serve. A crisp, green salad goes well with this. And there is always your fresh bread to consider!
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