Happy New Year to those of the world who are already into 2013 and an early one to the people who are still in expectation of the arrival of 2013.
I've never made a New Year's Resolution that I've kept for more than a week but am going for another try for the soon-to-be-here 2013 - a change in diet and how I provide for my family's meals. Right now, I am doing pretty well on that score as eating out is a treat and my children actually prefer eating at home. I watch the fats and every dinner plate sports a protein, carb, and fresh vegetable.
As I posted last week, I recently picked up and had to purchase Wheat Belly Cookbook by William Davis, MD. I was not so much fascinated with the idea of giving up wheat but the fact that this book provided recipes that were not 'weird' or overly healthy and 'green'. I was treated to a plate of 'health' cookies when people started making changes in their diet and they were not tasty and didn't look like anything a person should voluntarily eat. Needless to say, I opened this book with some apprehension. Much to my surprise, the recipes were appealing with the only thing missing from them being wheat products.
The book begins with a history of wheat and the 'whys' of omitting them from our diet. Many of the problems listed, were happening in my family to one degree or another. My husband has always had digestive issues and a lot of what I was reading hit home. We decided to slowly start replacing wheat in our diets with thoughts of eventually going totally no wheat and see how things go.
Needless to say, I already have some of the suggested 'flours' on order and was delighted to discover that they weren't overly expensive. I did my research and according to my finds, Nuts.com seems to fit the bill for us. Just Google it on-line if you want to check it out. I was impressed with both their inventory and the fact that an e-mailed question was responded to within half a day.
The food item that gets eaten the most in households is bread. I decided to start there and incorporate that into our meals first of all. It was a win/win for me as I enjoy baking and love trying out new challenges. This is the recipe from the book.
Basic Bread
1 1/4 cups blanched almond flour
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons garbanzo bean aka chickpea flour
1/4 cup ground golden flax seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
5 eggs, separated
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon buttermilk
1 tablespoon xylitol or 4 drops liquid stevia or to desired sweetness
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan.
In a food processor, combine the almond flour, garbanzo bean flour, ground flax seeds, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Pulse until well blended. Add the egg yolks, butter, buttermilk, and sweetener and pulse until just blended.
In a large bowl and using an electric mixer on high, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Pour into the flour mixture and pulse until the egg whites are evenly distributed but do not run the machine at a constant speed. Spread into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until a wooded pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a rack.
Per slice: 158 calories, 7 grams protein, 7 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams total fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 3 grams fiber, 200 mg sodium.
Recipe from Wheat Belly Cookbook by William Davis, MD., page 225
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Easy Beer Bread . . .
I may have posted this before, but it is a good reminder for using up a spare can of beer you might find lurking in the depths of your refrigerator. You can impress your family and put some warm bread on the table with a bowl of hot soup to celebrate the cold, rainy and/or snowy days of Winter.
Beer Bread
A quick, easy, and tasty loaf of bread!
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 12-ounce can of beer
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan. Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Pour into prepared pan and bake for one hour our until golden.
Beer Bread
A quick, easy, and tasty loaf of bread!
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 12-ounce can of beer
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan. Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Pour into prepared pan and bake for one hour our until golden.
The Holy Innocents . . .
One of our assistant pastors gave a very moving sermon this morning about the sacrifice the mothers made when the Holy Innocents were slaughtered in essence to insure Jesus lived. Father said that the death of these babies was, in a way, an offering to the beginning of our Christian faith. Father said the families lost their future and happiness because of this. Even though we can assume that God took these innocent babies into his Heavenly arms, the earthly arms of the bereaved parents ached and future generations were changed for these families.
During the election, this same pastor was a supporter of the re-elected president. I had to wonder how he could deliver such a remarkable sermon and not see the contradiction in his heart? After Mass, I complimented him on his sermon and remarked that 'holy innocents' were still being murdered today. He looked very startled and I added, 'through abortion'. He quickly agreed but said things were getting better.
Yes, there have been some changes in the mind set of people over abortion. Some clinics have closed. Even some abortion doctors and advocates have changed their mind on the procedure. These are great changes in the babies that will not die through these hands but the large picture is still too huge for the safety of the unborn. We had a chance, with a change of admininistrtion to initiate some changes but 50% of the Catholic vote decided to overlook this possibility.
Father isn't the only one of the 50% in our parish, unfortunately. One young man offered to debate anyone on the issue of re-electing the incumbant and voting in a more kindly administration when it came to the unborn. Well, we know how that turned out.
History repeats itself . . . Moses survived to take his place in Biblical history. Jesus survived to bring us Salvation. Who among the millions of unborn murdered each year had the potential from change for us? Have we already and will be be throwing away that person, too?
During the election, this same pastor was a supporter of the re-elected president. I had to wonder how he could deliver such a remarkable sermon and not see the contradiction in his heart? After Mass, I complimented him on his sermon and remarked that 'holy innocents' were still being murdered today. He looked very startled and I added, 'through abortion'. He quickly agreed but said things were getting better.
Yes, there have been some changes in the mind set of people over abortion. Some clinics have closed. Even some abortion doctors and advocates have changed their mind on the procedure. These are great changes in the babies that will not die through these hands but the large picture is still too huge for the safety of the unborn. We had a chance, with a change of admininistrtion to initiate some changes but 50% of the Catholic vote decided to overlook this possibility.
Father isn't the only one of the 50% in our parish, unfortunately. One young man offered to debate anyone on the issue of re-electing the incumbant and voting in a more kindly administration when it came to the unborn. Well, we know how that turned out.
History repeats itself . . . Moses survived to take his place in Biblical history. Jesus survived to bring us Salvation. Who among the millions of unborn murdered each year had the potential from change for us? Have we already and will be be throwing away that person, too?
Wheat problems? Would never have thought this . . .
I was browsing the books at our local Costco Store and one in particular caught my attention - The Wheat Belly Diet! Naturally, I had to pick it up and see what in the world it was all about. Seems that over the years, the wheat crop has gone through a lot of evolution with crossbreeding and such and the wheat we have today isn't anything like the wheat that was grown even fifty years ago. Many people attribute a lot of the health problems to the consumption of wheat.
Now, most diets tell us to incorporate more grains into our diet for reasons of health but I read in this book that wheat products actually increase the surge of insulin in our systems and cause us to experience hunger sooner than later. This is why the book refers to the 'wheat belly' because even with what is considered a healthy diet, today, wheat will still put on weight where we want it the least . . . in the stomach area.
Although I am not totally sold on the concept, it did make some sense to, perhaps, cut back on wheat products. Just a check of the products at the grocery store revealed that wheat byproducts show up in foods you wouldn't consider in need of wheat.
The book had a lot of interesting recipes and they weren't weird or odd, they just left out wheat. In fact, many of them incorporated a lot more good stuff which makes sense in any diet. Many times, I've checked into 'healthy eating' recipes and books and it usually starts with spending money on a lot of speciality items or appliances to make it all 'work'. These recipes were pretty common sense. My only hurdle is the family but I'm thinking that if I add one, new item to our usual diets, it may become a regular part of our diets. I was also amazed in that it didn't substitute this, that, and the other with soy products. In fact, I didn't note any use of soy in the recipes.
So, there is a very minor New Year's Resolution for my kitchen . . . trying to incorporate better, healthier food into our meals without scaring the family off and into the arms of the nearest fast food establishment.
Now, most diets tell us to incorporate more grains into our diet for reasons of health but I read in this book that wheat products actually increase the surge of insulin in our systems and cause us to experience hunger sooner than later. This is why the book refers to the 'wheat belly' because even with what is considered a healthy diet, today, wheat will still put on weight where we want it the least . . . in the stomach area.
Although I am not totally sold on the concept, it did make some sense to, perhaps, cut back on wheat products. Just a check of the products at the grocery store revealed that wheat byproducts show up in foods you wouldn't consider in need of wheat.
The book had a lot of interesting recipes and they weren't weird or odd, they just left out wheat. In fact, many of them incorporated a lot more good stuff which makes sense in any diet. Many times, I've checked into 'healthy eating' recipes and books and it usually starts with spending money on a lot of speciality items or appliances to make it all 'work'. These recipes were pretty common sense. My only hurdle is the family but I'm thinking that if I add one, new item to our usual diets, it may become a regular part of our diets. I was also amazed in that it didn't substitute this, that, and the other with soy products. In fact, I didn't note any use of soy in the recipes.
So, there is a very minor New Year's Resolution for my kitchen . . . trying to incorporate better, healthier food into our meals without scaring the family off and into the arms of the nearest fast food establishment.
1984 and more?
The book, 1984, was scary as it presented a world dominated by a few with little other than gray despair and serious problems for anyone who tried to step outside said despair. Faced with all that 2013 might hold for us, it sounds like the powers that be would like us to be a soulless society under the thumb of a few.
While the government plays games with the financial cliff, I looked into what 2013 might mean for our ordinary family. With the end of the Bush Tax Cuts, we could face up to $4,000 more in taxes. We live in California and we already know the State Government will take as much as it can from our paychecks. Obamacare could cost up to $15,000 a year and if our employer doesn't offer it, we end up on the government exchange for mediocre medical assistance for the most part. We won't even think about the long lines or the fact that a panel could be the ones deciding if we are worth the medical effort. And they already have hired more IRS agents to help insure that we are all 'blessed' with government health care. The logical refrain should be 'if this new legislation is so wonderful for the American people, why are the government officials exempt from it. If government health care is the better option, why won't we end up with an actual choice? Why is it that one will not be able to pay for better care if they have the money and inclination to do so?
Not to let a tragedy go unused, the recent shootings have expedited cries, mostly from the White House, about gun control. Now, you have to muse over this . . . It supposedly takes intelligent people to become political players in the way this country is ruled. Do any of them research their agendas to see if it is an historically valid measure? Over and over it has been shown that the stricter the gun control the more crimes happen using guns. Gun control merely disarms the private citizen and give the criminals the upper hand. Why are the American politicians so arrogant as to think that they can make this work when it has yet to work?
Between the increased taxes and elevated costs for less medical attention in the long run, we still have unemployment. The president claims we all need a college education to get ahead in the world. Besides my own college graduates, I know of others who have yet to work in the fields they trained for and, consequently, earn a lot less than they need.
I have found that many people don't totally understand the process of borrowing for student loans. Yes, the government will gladly loan whatever a student wants/needs with just a signature on the line. It comes as a surprise to many that interest starts accruing the minute ink hits the paper. We knew this and were still shocked to see a hefty $4,000 plus added to the principal balance when the first post-graduation payments came due. We had carefully planned out the financing of our children's college education about four years ago. We didn't factor in the problems that have hit the financial market over the last four years. One of our children no longer lives in the United States as he was only able to find work overseas. The other two have yet to find jobs so we have taken on the loans to stop the six percent-plus interest rates from further ballooning the balance.
We are blessed to still have work and an income coming into the home. We are heading into what we would like to eventually be our retirement years yet my husband is planning on working past age seventy . . . because we have to!
We are facing a new year but with apprehension to what it will ultimately bring. We pray for our Christian Faiths which are being forced to support abortion and contraception which is against the precepts of many faiths. We worry about getting sick and who will determine whether we have a right to get well. Some even have started storing extra food in case a time comes when it isn't readily available. This is the stuff of fiction or nightmares yet the very politicians we voted to represent us, are only grandstanding for themselves. So, is our New Year actually 2013 or a come-to-life version of the book, 1984?
While the government plays games with the financial cliff, I looked into what 2013 might mean for our ordinary family. With the end of the Bush Tax Cuts, we could face up to $4,000 more in taxes. We live in California and we already know the State Government will take as much as it can from our paychecks. Obamacare could cost up to $15,000 a year and if our employer doesn't offer it, we end up on the government exchange for mediocre medical assistance for the most part. We won't even think about the long lines or the fact that a panel could be the ones deciding if we are worth the medical effort. And they already have hired more IRS agents to help insure that we are all 'blessed' with government health care. The logical refrain should be 'if this new legislation is so wonderful for the American people, why are the government officials exempt from it. If government health care is the better option, why won't we end up with an actual choice? Why is it that one will not be able to pay for better care if they have the money and inclination to do so?
Not to let a tragedy go unused, the recent shootings have expedited cries, mostly from the White House, about gun control. Now, you have to muse over this . . . It supposedly takes intelligent people to become political players in the way this country is ruled. Do any of them research their agendas to see if it is an historically valid measure? Over and over it has been shown that the stricter the gun control the more crimes happen using guns. Gun control merely disarms the private citizen and give the criminals the upper hand. Why are the American politicians so arrogant as to think that they can make this work when it has yet to work?
Between the increased taxes and elevated costs for less medical attention in the long run, we still have unemployment. The president claims we all need a college education to get ahead in the world. Besides my own college graduates, I know of others who have yet to work in the fields they trained for and, consequently, earn a lot less than they need.
I have found that many people don't totally understand the process of borrowing for student loans. Yes, the government will gladly loan whatever a student wants/needs with just a signature on the line. It comes as a surprise to many that interest starts accruing the minute ink hits the paper. We knew this and were still shocked to see a hefty $4,000 plus added to the principal balance when the first post-graduation payments came due. We had carefully planned out the financing of our children's college education about four years ago. We didn't factor in the problems that have hit the financial market over the last four years. One of our children no longer lives in the United States as he was only able to find work overseas. The other two have yet to find jobs so we have taken on the loans to stop the six percent-plus interest rates from further ballooning the balance.
We are blessed to still have work and an income coming into the home. We are heading into what we would like to eventually be our retirement years yet my husband is planning on working past age seventy . . . because we have to!
We are facing a new year but with apprehension to what it will ultimately bring. We pray for our Christian Faiths which are being forced to support abortion and contraception which is against the precepts of many faiths. We worry about getting sick and who will determine whether we have a right to get well. Some even have started storing extra food in case a time comes when it isn't readily available. This is the stuff of fiction or nightmares yet the very politicians we voted to represent us, are only grandstanding for themselves. So, is our New Year actually 2013 or a come-to-life version of the book, 1984?
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Say it like you mean it . . .
A great point for a New Year's Resolution. Can you live it as well as say it when it comes to your belief in God?
Crossing the WaterBy Sri Ramakrishna.
A farmer's daughter duty was to carry fresh milk to customers in various villages had, one of whom was a priest. To reach his house, the milkmaid had to cross a good-sized stream. People crossed it by a sort of ferry raft, for a small fee.
One day the priest, who performed worship daily with the offering to God of fresh milk, finding it arrived very late, scolded the poor woman. "What can I do?" she said, "I start out early from my house, but I have to wait a long time for the boatman to come."
Then the priest said (pretending to be serious), "What! People have even walked across the ocean by repeating the name of God, and you can't cross this little river?" This milkmaid took him very seriously. From then on she brought the priest's milk punctually every morning. He became curious about it and asked her how it was that she was never late anymore.
"I cross the river repeating the name of the Lord," she replied, "just as you told me to do, without waiting for the ferry." The priest didn't believe her, and asked, "Can you show me this, how you cross the river on foot?" So they went together to the water and the milkmaid began to walk over it. Looking back, the woman saw that the priest had started to follow her and was floundering in the water.
"Sir!" she cried, "You are uttering the name of God, yet all the while you are holding up your clothes from getting wet. That is not trusting in God!"
Crossing the WaterBy Sri Ramakrishna.
A farmer's daughter duty was to carry fresh milk to customers in various villages had, one of whom was a priest. To reach his house, the milkmaid had to cross a good-sized stream. People crossed it by a sort of ferry raft, for a small fee.
One day the priest, who performed worship daily with the offering to God of fresh milk, finding it arrived very late, scolded the poor woman. "What can I do?" she said, "I start out early from my house, but I have to wait a long time for the boatman to come."
Then the priest said (pretending to be serious), "What! People have even walked across the ocean by repeating the name of God, and you can't cross this little river?" This milkmaid took him very seriously. From then on she brought the priest's milk punctually every morning. He became curious about it and asked her how it was that she was never late anymore.
"I cross the river repeating the name of the Lord," she replied, "just as you told me to do, without waiting for the ferry." The priest didn't believe her, and asked, "Can you show me this, how you cross the river on foot?" So they went together to the water and the milkmaid began to walk over it. Looking back, the woman saw that the priest had started to follow her and was floundering in the water.
"Sir!" she cried, "You are uttering the name of God, yet all the while you are holding up your clothes from getting wet. That is not trusting in God!"
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas!
“Of the Father's
love begotten
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the Source, the Ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the Source, the Ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.
Oh, that birth
forever blessed
When the Virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving,
Bare the Savior of our race,
And the Babe, the world's Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.
When the Virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving,
Bare the Savior of our race,
And the Babe, the world's Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.
O ye heights of
heaven, adore Him;
Angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him
And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.
Angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him
And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.
This is He whom
Heaven-taught singers
Sang of old with one accord;
Whom the Scriptures of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the Long-expected;
Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.
Sang of old with one accord;
Whom the Scriptures of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the Long-expected;
Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.
Christ, to Thee,
with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.”
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.”
~Aurelius C.
Prudentius
Monday, December 24, 2012
Banana Layer Cake - Best Use of Bananas Yet!
Against all the rules of entertaining, I decided to try a new recipe for a recent Christmas party. I was blessed as it turned out to be the best dessert of the evening so thought I would share in case anyone needs a tried and true cake recipe for their own Christmas or New Year.
Banana Sheet Cake
6 tablespoons solid shortening
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 cup pureed bananas - about two, large bananas
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sour cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Vegetable oil spray or grease an 11 1/2 x 8 1/2 pan or whatever will accomodate the batter.
Combine the milk and sour cream and set aside for now.
Beat together the shortening and sugar until well-mixed and crumbly. Beat in the eggs until smooth. Add the rest of the rest of the ingredients including the milk/sour cream mixture, and beat until just mixed and smooth. Pour into the prepared pans and bake at 350 degrees until top is golden and springs back when lightly touched. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack before icing the cake.
Browned Butter Frosting
1 stick or 1/2 cup butter (margarine won't work!)
Approximately 3-4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
In a small pot, slowely melt the butter and simmer it (watching carefully!) until it JUST starts to brown and remove it immediately from the flame and pour into a mixing bowl. Beat in small amounts of powdered sugar and the vanilla extract until you get a spreadable icing. Ice the cake and refrigerate to set.
Banana Sheet Cake
6 tablespoons solid shortening
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 cup pureed bananas - about two, large bananas
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sour cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Vegetable oil spray or grease an 11 1/2 x 8 1/2 pan or whatever will accomodate the batter.
Combine the milk and sour cream and set aside for now.
Beat together the shortening and sugar until well-mixed and crumbly. Beat in the eggs until smooth. Add the rest of the rest of the ingredients including the milk/sour cream mixture, and beat until just mixed and smooth. Pour into the prepared pans and bake at 350 degrees until top is golden and springs back when lightly touched. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack before icing the cake.
Browned Butter Frosting
1 stick or 1/2 cup butter (margarine won't work!)
Approximately 3-4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
In a small pot, slowely melt the butter and simmer it (watching carefully!) until it JUST starts to brown and remove it immediately from the flame and pour into a mixing bowl. Beat in small amounts of powdered sugar and the vanilla extract until you get a spreadable icing. Ice the cake and refrigerate to set.
A Blessed Christmas!
The frantic weeks before Christmas should now calm down as we prepare ourselves for Christmas 2012 - the first, last, and only 2012 Christmas that will ever happen! As we wait in the Vigil of Christmas for the celebration of the Birth of Christ, tomorrow, it makes one rethink how this past year has been spent.
As we celebrate with our families, remember to give the gift of prayer to all the people whose Christmas has been changed for them over this past year, friends that have lost loved ones, people involved in tragedies and, especially, the recent event in Connecticut. Cherish the Christmas you have as the next one could entail unexpected changes.
As we celebrate with our families, remember to give the gift of prayer to all the people whose Christmas has been changed for them over this past year, friends that have lost loved ones, people involved in tragedies and, especially, the recent event in Connecticut. Cherish the Christmas you have as the next one could entail unexpected changes.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Explains the problem with our world . . .
“We've
had enough of exhortations to be silent! Cry out with a hundred thousand
tongues. I see that the world has become rotten because of silence.”
~St. Catherine of Siena
There is a time for rejoicing . . .
Someone passed this on to me via e-mail and I had to share. It is like a ray of sunshine in a gloomy world right now. It is a wonderful way to remember all our friends and family that have gone before us, too.
Twas' 11 days before Christmas,
around 9:38
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven," declared a small boy.
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven," declared a small boy.
"We're spending Christmas at God's
house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
Socialism lurks beneath . . .
I always wondered how intelligent people can buy into socialism and not think it a problem for some to work harder than others but everyone shares equally. I saw this mentality come into play up front and personal at a church I used to attend.
The pastor there was kind enough to allow any family to set up a table and sell baked goods to help them make some money to offset their children's college expenses. We called it the Starving Students Bake Sale and it was very popular. Each family had their own table and what they earned from their own baked goods, they kept. The idea was that you made some money based on how hard you wanted to work for it. The first event had five or six families setting up long tables piled with homemade family favorites. It was a great sight and anyone passing through the aisle of tables lining the walk were sure to be tempted by the displays and smells of sugar and cinnamon. Everyone did a brisk business. Parishioners enjoyed buying treats to take home.
As we were closing down after the last Sunday Mass, a woman came up to me and asked, "Where do I go for my share of the proceeds of the bake sale?" I must have looked very blank because she added, "I have college students and we could use some extra money, too." I kindly explained to her that each family was responsible for their own table and for their own baked goods. It was not a combined effort. Now the woman looked blank and objected, "It said in the bulletin that this was a bake sale to help college students with expenses and we have expenses, too!" I explained, again, that the premise of the event was that each family could bake and set up a table and the money they earned came from their own, personal efforts. She went on, "But, I saw your display and you baked a lot of cookies and cupcakes. I saw a lot of customers at your table so you must have made a lot of money! Shouldn't that be shares?" Back to a blank expression for me as I, again, stated that each family made an effort in their own capacity and earned money based on how hard they wanted to work for it. I told her there was going to be another sale in a week and she could participate with her own table of baked goods. She turned and walked away.
The next bake sale, the same woman showed up with a small card table which she set up at a good location. She then proceeded to divide up packages of store bought cookies, donuts, etc. She didn't do a great business when people had a choice of fresh baked and overpriced factory treats. At the end of the day (and having her glare at me and my well-stocked table), she closed shop and told me it wasn't a very good or fair idea for everyone. I never saw her, again, but always shake my head in disbelief at her entitlement mind set that allowed her to think that taking the proceeds from other people's efforts was fair and being disgruntled when making the least possible effort wasn't successful. Even worse was being peeved at everyone's hard-earned success.
We are kind of seeing that in our world today only it is on a much larger and even scary level. People don't want to be rewarded for hard work so much as showing up to share in the hard work of others.
The pastor there was kind enough to allow any family to set up a table and sell baked goods to help them make some money to offset their children's college expenses. We called it the Starving Students Bake Sale and it was very popular. Each family had their own table and what they earned from their own baked goods, they kept. The idea was that you made some money based on how hard you wanted to work for it. The first event had five or six families setting up long tables piled with homemade family favorites. It was a great sight and anyone passing through the aisle of tables lining the walk were sure to be tempted by the displays and smells of sugar and cinnamon. Everyone did a brisk business. Parishioners enjoyed buying treats to take home.
As we were closing down after the last Sunday Mass, a woman came up to me and asked, "Where do I go for my share of the proceeds of the bake sale?" I must have looked very blank because she added, "I have college students and we could use some extra money, too." I kindly explained to her that each family was responsible for their own table and for their own baked goods. It was not a combined effort. Now the woman looked blank and objected, "It said in the bulletin that this was a bake sale to help college students with expenses and we have expenses, too!" I explained, again, that the premise of the event was that each family could bake and set up a table and the money they earned came from their own, personal efforts. She went on, "But, I saw your display and you baked a lot of cookies and cupcakes. I saw a lot of customers at your table so you must have made a lot of money! Shouldn't that be shares?" Back to a blank expression for me as I, again, stated that each family made an effort in their own capacity and earned money based on how hard they wanted to work for it. I told her there was going to be another sale in a week and she could participate with her own table of baked goods. She turned and walked away.
The next bake sale, the same woman showed up with a small card table which she set up at a good location. She then proceeded to divide up packages of store bought cookies, donuts, etc. She didn't do a great business when people had a choice of fresh baked and overpriced factory treats. At the end of the day (and having her glare at me and my well-stocked table), she closed shop and told me it wasn't a very good or fair idea for everyone. I never saw her, again, but always shake my head in disbelief at her entitlement mind set that allowed her to think that taking the proceeds from other people's efforts was fair and being disgruntled when making the least possible effort wasn't successful. Even worse was being peeved at everyone's hard-earned success.
We are kind of seeing that in our world today only it is on a much larger and even scary level. People don't want to be rewarded for hard work so much as showing up to share in the hard work of others.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Connecticut Tragedy and how you can help . . .
This was passed on to me from a good friend. Please consider sending a note and/or card to these devout but emotionally overworked priests to encourage them in this difficult time for the victims, their families, and their parish communities. Even if you are not a US Citizen but are reading this, consider the joy for these people to know they have an international caring community.
God bless,
Barbara
God bless,
Barbara
In your charity, remember the priests
of St Rose of Lima parish, its parishioiners and the community of Newtown, CT,
in your prayers. There is even an address to which you can write.
Fathers, perhaps it's possible for you to offer Mass, especially for the priests who need the grace to carry on.
This letter was posted on Facebook by the sister of the parochial vicar of St Rose of Lima Parish, Fr Luke Suarez. The pastor's name is Msgr Weiss.
In Christ, AnnMarie
My friends,
All of you, I am sure, have heard so much about the tragedy in Newtown, CT. Many of you have received emails from me about my younger brother, Father Luke Suarez, who is a priest at St. Rose of Lima parish, a Catholic church just down the road from Sandy Hook Elementary. He, and his pastor, Monsignor Weiss, arrived at the school within moments of the shooting, and have been caring for the community ever since. The picture I have included was taken at the school.
Father Luke has an impossible task before him. His diocese is without a bishop right now…. Monsignor … is personally devastated by the losses. The parish is very large…. The rectory has received serious threats, and as my brother gave the homily Sunday at the noon mass, the church had to be evacuated by SWAT teams. After experiencing identity theft and online hacking incidents, he had to erase all of his internet accounts. After a weekend of endless media requests, notifications and vigils with heartbroken families, and little sleep, he now has two wakes and two funerals every day, until the fourth Sunday of Advent. Father Luke has not even been ordained two years.
My large family has been trying to send Father Luke our love and support from afar, and one of my brothers was able to visit with him briefly a couple times. All he asks for is prayer.
I have been wracking my brain, trying to think of a way that our beautiful, loving community could tangibly reach out to Father Luke, Monsignor Weiss, and the St. Rose parish, to support them in this most awful of times. I have sent many prayer requests, and I am asking for more prayers again. But I also want to ask everyone to search their hearts, and if the Holy Spirit moves you, please consider sending one of your family’s Christmas cards to the rectory, with a few words of love and encouragement. Here is his address:
Father Luke Suarez
46 Church Hill Road
Newtown, CT 06470
My brother has said over and over again that without the prayer support he is receiving, he could not keep going. And this week is only the beginning. Everyone there is still in shock. Their peaceful home has been desecrated by violence. They will need to live with this sorrow forever.
But in our weakness is His strength. Grace abounds. Can you help me carry him through this time of trial?
On a hopeful note, Father Luke did say that no media coverage has even touched the deep, beautiful awakening of faith that has occurred there. Their tiny church, where my children have received sacraments and where Luke was ordained, has been full of people in prayer without ceasing since this tragedy happened. Love is stronger than death.
Please feel free to share the address with your family, friends, and community. An outpouring of love will sustain these good priests through their impossible ministry–impossible on their own, but possible with God.
I am so grateful to live in this community. We are all so blessed with one another. Every day, I see you all loving one another as Christ loved. Thank you for letting me reach out to you now.
With humble appreciation
Fathers, perhaps it's possible for you to offer Mass, especially for the priests who need the grace to carry on.
This letter was posted on Facebook by the sister of the parochial vicar of St Rose of Lima Parish, Fr Luke Suarez. The pastor's name is Msgr Weiss.
In Christ, AnnMarie
My friends,
All of you, I am sure, have heard so much about the tragedy in Newtown, CT. Many of you have received emails from me about my younger brother, Father Luke Suarez, who is a priest at St. Rose of Lima parish, a Catholic church just down the road from Sandy Hook Elementary. He, and his pastor, Monsignor Weiss, arrived at the school within moments of the shooting, and have been caring for the community ever since. The picture I have included was taken at the school.
Father Luke has an impossible task before him. His diocese is without a bishop right now…. Monsignor … is personally devastated by the losses. The parish is very large…. The rectory has received serious threats, and as my brother gave the homily Sunday at the noon mass, the church had to be evacuated by SWAT teams. After experiencing identity theft and online hacking incidents, he had to erase all of his internet accounts. After a weekend of endless media requests, notifications and vigils with heartbroken families, and little sleep, he now has two wakes and two funerals every day, until the fourth Sunday of Advent. Father Luke has not even been ordained two years.
My large family has been trying to send Father Luke our love and support from afar, and one of my brothers was able to visit with him briefly a couple times. All he asks for is prayer.
I have been wracking my brain, trying to think of a way that our beautiful, loving community could tangibly reach out to Father Luke, Monsignor Weiss, and the St. Rose parish, to support them in this most awful of times. I have sent many prayer requests, and I am asking for more prayers again. But I also want to ask everyone to search their hearts, and if the Holy Spirit moves you, please consider sending one of your family’s Christmas cards to the rectory, with a few words of love and encouragement. Here is his address:
Father Luke Suarez
46 Church Hill Road
Newtown, CT 06470
My brother has said over and over again that without the prayer support he is receiving, he could not keep going. And this week is only the beginning. Everyone there is still in shock. Their peaceful home has been desecrated by violence. They will need to live with this sorrow forever.
But in our weakness is His strength. Grace abounds. Can you help me carry him through this time of trial?
On a hopeful note, Father Luke did say that no media coverage has even touched the deep, beautiful awakening of faith that has occurred there. Their tiny church, where my children have received sacraments and where Luke was ordained, has been full of people in prayer without ceasing since this tragedy happened. Love is stronger than death.
Please feel free to share the address with your family, friends, and community. An outpouring of love will sustain these good priests through their impossible ministry–impossible on their own, but possible with God.
I am so grateful to live in this community. We are all so blessed with one another. Every day, I see you all loving one another as Christ loved. Thank you for letting me reach out to you now.
With humble appreciation
Oh, dear! NOT before Christmas!
I'm a plan-ahead sort of person so most of my handicrafts and shopping for Christmas is completed already. Except for a very few items, they are wrapped and ready to be delivered or set under the Christmas tree. Overseas packages went out earlier in the month with hopes that they arrive in time for Christmas. Now, they tell me that according to the Mayan Calendar, the world is ending tomorrow! I could have saved myself all that work. All that money spent and no place for the gifts to go after December 21st!
Seriously, it is funny to hear people taking such predictions to heart. A great majority of the population is Christian and believe in the Bible. Don't remember any notice about tomorrow being the Second Coming. I also believe it is quite clearly stated that we won't know the time or the place for the end of time.
It was very sad, however, to hear people saying what they would do if they knew for sure tomorrow was the last day. Most of the remarks dealt with sinful acts, gluttony, and greed. Kind of shows the state of the world that few people thought of anything except having the most fun they could before it was all over. No one mentioned, perhaps, making amends, praying, getting it right with God. Me, I'm a coward in that I don't want to be bad nor do I want to be caught being bad and since God sees and knows all, it seems like a good idea to just try and behave . . . not matter what.
I would be very surprised if tomorrow brought an end to the world as we know it. I don't think there are any second chances at that point. Yet, people who are leaning towards the proposed end of time on December 20th (as in tomorrow!), seem more concerned in grabbing all they can in respect to fun, games, and sin than preparing their souls for eternity. More people will face their own 'end times' long before the final time comes. It is a little disheartening that the first thought in the face of the possibility heads them sinful acts rather than prayer and repentance.
With all that in mind, it is either a 'see you tomorrow' or 'happy endtimes'!
Seriously, it is funny to hear people taking such predictions to heart. A great majority of the population is Christian and believe in the Bible. Don't remember any notice about tomorrow being the Second Coming. I also believe it is quite clearly stated that we won't know the time or the place for the end of time.
It was very sad, however, to hear people saying what they would do if they knew for sure tomorrow was the last day. Most of the remarks dealt with sinful acts, gluttony, and greed. Kind of shows the state of the world that few people thought of anything except having the most fun they could before it was all over. No one mentioned, perhaps, making amends, praying, getting it right with God. Me, I'm a coward in that I don't want to be bad nor do I want to be caught being bad and since God sees and knows all, it seems like a good idea to just try and behave . . . not matter what.
I would be very surprised if tomorrow brought an end to the world as we know it. I don't think there are any second chances at that point. Yet, people who are leaning towards the proposed end of time on December 20th (as in tomorrow!), seem more concerned in grabbing all they can in respect to fun, games, and sin than preparing their souls for eternity. More people will face their own 'end times' long before the final time comes. It is a little disheartening that the first thought in the face of the possibility heads them sinful acts rather than prayer and repentance.
With all that in mind, it is either a 'see you tomorrow' or 'happy endtimes'!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The ancient Orange Kiss-Me Cake!
My husband needed something to take to his office pot luck and it reminded me of a favorite, quick recipe that tastes like one went to a whole lot more trouble that it really does. My mother made this when I was growing up and the muddled slip of paper with the recipe followed me into my marriage. For me, this recipe practially goes back to the Stone Age! Given my day has been hectic with unexpected uses of my time, this was the best idea that came to mind.
Orange Kiss-Me Cake
3/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
(Like to put both the walnut and the raisins in the food processor and grind them up together a bit)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Vegetable oil spray a 13x9 pan. Combine 1/2 cup of the orange juice concentrate with remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Blend at the lowest speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed for 3 minutes. Pour into pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Drizzle remaining orange juice concentrate over warm cake; sprinkle with topping.
Sugar-Nut Topping-
Combine in a small bowl.
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla power or add liquid vanilla extract to the remaining orange concentrate.
Orange Kiss-Me Cake
3/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
(Like to put both the walnut and the raisins in the food processor and grind them up together a bit)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Vegetable oil spray a 13x9 pan. Combine 1/2 cup of the orange juice concentrate with remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Blend at the lowest speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed for 3 minutes. Pour into pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Drizzle remaining orange juice concentrate over warm cake; sprinkle with topping.
Sugar-Nut Topping-
Combine in a small bowl.
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla power or add liquid vanilla extract to the remaining orange concentrate.
Count down to Christmas . . .
We are literally just a few days away from Christmas. I imagine we are all trying to maintain the spirit of Christmas while dealing with the materialistic side and hoping they will meld in a blessed way. I have only a bit of shopping left to do and am working madly on one, final gift that requires more days of work than I actually have the time to do. Christmas miracles happen, right?
Children and friends are home from college and seminary so mini-reunions are happening now much to everyone's joy and happiness. Students are on vacation and parents aren't having to drive so many hours a day for a few weeks. There has been expectation in the Readings and Gospel reminding us of how long the wait was for the Birth of Jesus. In the midst of all the problems of the world, there is still hope for those who want to look for it.
Meanwhile, as mothers, we still have to cook and clean. I got my baking done but get to make some extras for holiday meals. With that thought in mind, I was reminded of a cookie I tried last week that met with rave reviews from the family. It seems complicated but it actually easy and looks impressive. I wanted to share the link with you:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/linzer-cookies-10000000392629/ I did post the recipe earlier in the month but, in case, here it is, again. Enjoy!
Here is hoping and praying that everyone has a blessed Christmas and finds much happiness in this wonderful time of the year.
Children and friends are home from college and seminary so mini-reunions are happening now much to everyone's joy and happiness. Students are on vacation and parents aren't having to drive so many hours a day for a few weeks. There has been expectation in the Readings and Gospel reminding us of how long the wait was for the Birth of Jesus. In the midst of all the problems of the world, there is still hope for those who want to look for it.
Meanwhile, as mothers, we still have to cook and clean. I got my baking done but get to make some extras for holiday meals. With that thought in mind, I was reminded of a cookie I tried last week that met with rave reviews from the family. It seems complicated but it actually easy and looks impressive. I wanted to share the link with you:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/linzer-cookies-10000000392629/ I did post the recipe earlier in the month but, in case, here it is, again. Enjoy!
Here is hoping and praying that everyone has a blessed Christmas and finds much happiness in this wonderful time of the year.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Adding Spice to the Season - Ginger Cookies!
A favorite scent in the holiday air is baking ginger cookies. Although most ginger cookies are pretty tasty, I like taking them up a level in heat and flavor. I finished my Christmas baking but forgot to include this important aspect to what I consider a complete offering of Christmas Cookies.
Ginger Cookies
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups solid shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup finely chopped candied ginger
1/2 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or use vegetable oil spray.
Combine the flour, spices, salt, baking soda, and black pepper in a bow. Set aside for now.
In a mixing bowl, beat the shortening and sugar until well-combined. Beat in the molasses and eggs. Work in the dry ingredients and chopped ginger and orange zest.
Shape dough into balls the approximate size of walnuts. Roll the dough balls in coarse sugar or colored sugar. They will spread so place about 2-inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are pale brown and puffed. Cool on baking sheet a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling process. Makes two to three dozen cookies depending on the size you make them.
Ginger Cookies
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups solid shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup finely chopped candied ginger
1/2 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or use vegetable oil spray.
Combine the flour, spices, salt, baking soda, and black pepper in a bow. Set aside for now.
In a mixing bowl, beat the shortening and sugar until well-combined. Beat in the molasses and eggs. Work in the dry ingredients and chopped ginger and orange zest.
Shape dough into balls the approximate size of walnuts. Roll the dough balls in coarse sugar or colored sugar. They will spread so place about 2-inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are pale brown and puffed. Cool on baking sheet a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling process. Makes two to three dozen cookies depending on the size you make them.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
More than one way to do harm . . .
As usual, the politicians and various groups immediately used the tragedy in Connecticut to uphold their agendas. In this case, gun control was mentioned with the promise by the president to work towards some end on that subject. Guns don't kill people. They need the action of a person in order to be harmful. As someone mentioned, if the teacher had been armed, yesterday's scenario might have been a bit different. Taking away guns won't stop crime. The people who truly want to rob and maim will continue to do so and would have ways to obtain a weapon if they wanted one. Societies that take away guns often have more crime because, now, the general population is unarmed.
Yesterday's tragedy wasn't the guns used so much as the person using them. It is pitiful for political leaders to use such an event to further their current pet cause. Although, it was sure to be said, it was still sad to actually hear such words brought forth in the face of the current events.
Around the same time the Sandy Hook murders were taking place, there was a near-disaster in China when a man armed with a knife slashed 22 small school children and an adult. They were blessed as there were no fatalities. There was also, as of my reading now, not much mention of the event which, in my mind was still a horrible thing to happen to innocent children in school. I had to wonder if it was left in the small print of the news because it happened in a far away place. Or, maybe, it would have diluted the gun control issue as one man manged to do great damage without the use of a gun.
Last week, one of the talk show hosts made mention of murders/harm done in the news that didn't make use of a gun. You take away guns, you deprive moral people of protection and their rights. People with the intent to hurt/kill don't need a gun to carry out their sick desires.
The United States experienced a horrible event that won't soon be forgotten, yesterday. Needless deaths happened and we should all join in the mourning of the loss of innocent lives. When gun control enters the rhetoric, sad events are put on the back burner while politicians use the events to further their own causes. It demeans the time of sorrow.
Yesterday's tragedy wasn't the guns used so much as the person using them. It is pitiful for political leaders to use such an event to further their current pet cause. Although, it was sure to be said, it was still sad to actually hear such words brought forth in the face of the current events.
Around the same time the Sandy Hook murders were taking place, there was a near-disaster in China when a man armed with a knife slashed 22 small school children and an adult. They were blessed as there were no fatalities. There was also, as of my reading now, not much mention of the event which, in my mind was still a horrible thing to happen to innocent children in school. I had to wonder if it was left in the small print of the news because it happened in a far away place. Or, maybe, it would have diluted the gun control issue as one man manged to do great damage without the use of a gun.
Last week, one of the talk show hosts made mention of murders/harm done in the news that didn't make use of a gun. You take away guns, you deprive moral people of protection and their rights. People with the intent to hurt/kill don't need a gun to carry out their sick desires.
The United States experienced a horrible event that won't soon be forgotten, yesterday. Needless deaths happened and we should all join in the mourning of the loss of innocent lives. When gun control enters the rhetoric, sad events are put on the back burner while politicians use the events to further their own causes. It demeans the time of sorrow.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Eternal rest grant onto them . . . Deaths in Connecticut today . . .
Eternal rest grant onto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them . . .
Any sudden death takes away a bit of one's heart as they try to come to terms with it. Car accidents, mishaps, illness all have an explanation of sorts as to why it happened and we are left to cope with the outcome of the loss of a loved one. The hurt is deep but we can come to terms with it. Today, however, twenty little children were brutally murdered. They probably watched in terror and shock as they were gunned down, one by one, by a stranger to them. I have to wonder how the parents will deal with this unnecessary invasion into their lives and the loss of their babies. I have tears just knowing it happened. How much more sorrowful to have to live through this?
I imagine that many of these little ones were looking forward to visits to Santa this weekend and shopping for Christmas surprises for their parents. The mother and fathers probably already had gifts wrapped and ready for them under the Christmas tree. The warmth of the Christmas Season was tragically taken away from the families of these children as well as the families of the adults who also died in that school today.
It is a good reminder to the rest of us to never part in anger with any of our family. We should always send a prayer their way during the day. We never know what the end of the day will be like in spite of our expectations of the morning.
Faith is what brings us through these times even though the hurt and sorrow will be ingrained in hearts for a long time to come. I'm imagining the look on God's Face, today, when He welcomes these little souls back into His keeping. At least there will be no more pain for them as they spend this Christmas with the Reason for the Season.
Jesus, however, said, "Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom from heaven belongs to people like these."
Any sudden death takes away a bit of one's heart as they try to come to terms with it. Car accidents, mishaps, illness all have an explanation of sorts as to why it happened and we are left to cope with the outcome of the loss of a loved one. The hurt is deep but we can come to terms with it. Today, however, twenty little children were brutally murdered. They probably watched in terror and shock as they were gunned down, one by one, by a stranger to them. I have to wonder how the parents will deal with this unnecessary invasion into their lives and the loss of their babies. I have tears just knowing it happened. How much more sorrowful to have to live through this?
I imagine that many of these little ones were looking forward to visits to Santa this weekend and shopping for Christmas surprises for their parents. The mother and fathers probably already had gifts wrapped and ready for them under the Christmas tree. The warmth of the Christmas Season was tragically taken away from the families of these children as well as the families of the adults who also died in that school today.
It is a good reminder to the rest of us to never part in anger with any of our family. We should always send a prayer their way during the day. We never know what the end of the day will be like in spite of our expectations of the morning.
Faith is what brings us through these times even though the hurt and sorrow will be ingrained in hearts for a long time to come. I'm imagining the look on God's Face, today, when He welcomes these little souls back into His keeping. At least there will be no more pain for them as they spend this Christmas with the Reason for the Season.
Jesus, however, said, "Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom from heaven belongs to people like these."
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
This Year's Accomplishment!
Okay, bragging now but here is the list of cookies I baked this year!
Chewy Crispy Oatmeal
Chewy Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Crackles
Lebkuchen Drops
Pecan Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Snickerdoodles
Vanilla Cinnamon Snickerdoodles
Hazelnut Sandwiches
White Chocolate Nut Cranberry Cookies
Hazelnut Biscotti
Sour Cream Twists
Sugar Cut out cookies
Jubilee Jumbles
Snow Balls
Linzer Torte Cookies
Chocolate Marble Cookies
Orange Poppy Seed
Toasted Coconut
Ginger & Spice
Chocolate Chip
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip
Toffee Bars
Coffee Thins
Chocolate/Vanilla Checkerboard Cookies
Brownies
Walnut Bars
Cranberry Bars
Mint Brownies
Tosetti
Ossi da Mordere
Coconut Macaroons.
Chewy Crispy Oatmeal
Chewy Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Crackles
Lebkuchen Drops
Pecan Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Snickerdoodles
Vanilla Cinnamon Snickerdoodles
Hazelnut Sandwiches
White Chocolate Nut Cranberry Cookies
Hazelnut Biscotti
Sour Cream Twists
Sugar Cut out cookies
Jubilee Jumbles
Snow Balls
Linzer Torte Cookies
Chocolate Marble Cookies
Orange Poppy Seed
Toasted Coconut
Ginger & Spice
Chocolate Chip
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip
Toffee Bars
Coffee Thins
Chocolate/Vanilla Checkerboard Cookies
Brownies
Walnut Bars
Cranberry Bars
Mint Brownies
Tosetti
Ossi da Mordere
Coconut Macaroons.
Final Day of Christmas Cookie Baking!
I finished off cookie baking with Brownies, Walnut Bars, Cranberry Bars, Mint Brownies, Tosetti, Ossi da Mordere, and Snow Balls. The Tosetti come from an Italian baking book and is a chunky bar cookies with candied orange peel and hazelnuts. They are very unimposing cookies and are often looked over when people are helping themselves to the cookie plate. That's fine as it means more for me! The Ossi da Mordere is a cookie basically comprised of cocoa powder, ground almonds, sugar, and egg white. When it bakes, it puffs up a bit and is sort of hollow inside thus the name translated: bones of the dead! In all, I made over 30 kinds of cookies and now get to spend the rest of the week parceling them out to distribute to friends and neighbors for Christmas gifts.
December 12th - Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadaloupe
“Hear me and
understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you.
Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other
sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my
protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else
do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.” ~Our Lady of
Guadalupe
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Why freedom fails . . .
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Signer of the Declaration of
Independence
Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time;
they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so
sublime & pure, [and] which denounces against the wicked eternal misery, and
[which] insured to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid
foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free
governments.
(Source: Bernard C. Steiner, The Life and Correspondence of James McHenry (Cleveland: The Burrows Brothers, 1907), p. 475. In a letter from Charles Carroll to James McHenry of November 4, 1800.)
Baking and Memories . . .
I was telling my husband about a cookie my mother and I used to make at Christmas time. It wasn't a particularly pretty cookie but the various ways to make it as well as the browned butter icing has people reaching for them more often than the fancier ones. I couldn't find my worn recipe paper on this so took my chances with a Google search and was surprised to find many variations of basically the same sort of cookie . . . but not quite. I looked over the versions I found and finally pieced together how I remembered them being made . . . and made them today!Jubilee Jumbles
1/2 cup solid shortening
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup toasted and finely ground walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and beat to combine. Add the evaporated milk and vanilla extract. Thoroughly mix in the dry ingredients and the walnuts. The dough should be soft but will hold it's shape.
Scoop out generous teaspoonfuls of the dough and place about an inch to an inch and a half apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until barely golden and set.
Browned Butter Icing
1 stick butter
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Very carefully cook the butter in a small pot until it just starts to brown and immediately remove it from the heat. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla until you get a thick glaze you can brush on your cooled cookies. You can decorate the tops with colorful sprinkles, bits of candy, ground nuts, etc.
Suggestions:
Don't care for walnuts? You can stir in 1/2 cup chopped raisins.
Want to go tropical? Add 1 cup toasted coconut and 1/2 cup dried pineapple, diced.
Want variety? Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts and 1/2 cup tiny chocolate chips.
A Thought from Fulton J. Sheen
“Every man is on
a cross. Some ask to be taken down like the thief on the left; others ask to be
taken up like the thief on the right.” ~Ven.
Fulton J. Sheen
Linzer Torte Cookies!
I went into my German heritage for baking my first batch of Christmas cookies today. One of my favorite combinations is almond and raspberry and that is the popular duo of the Linzer Torte Cookie.After years of making sandwich-type cookies, I finally figured out how to make the tops and bottoms of the sandwich come out evenly - I cut the dough in half and weighed them to make sure they were even. I also second-guessed myself by keeping track of how many of each were made. I'm losing my haphazard bad habits in my old age!
The recipe was simple but the taste is outstanding - in my humble opinion!
Linzer Torte Cookies
1 1/2 cups butter
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
3 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups toasted and finely ground almonds
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Filling:
Seedless Raspberry jam
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Add the flour, almonds, and spices. Mix the dough as much as you can with a spoon or knead to gather it together by hand.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about 1/4th inch thick. Cut circles with one half of the dough and then cut out a small, decorative star, triangle, etc. out of the middle of the other half (the top of your 'sandwich').
Bake on your prepared baking sheets for approximately 10-12 minutes or until firm and golden around the edges. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
To sandwich your cookies, spread on a thin layer of jam on the bottom half and then gently press the top cookie into place. You want a bit of the jam to press into the opening but not too much.
To put a finishing touch on your cookies, you can either dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with lemon icing. Makes about 60 cookies depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Christmas Baking Continues . . .
My husband had to work this Sunday so, after morning Mass, I had a full day in front of me to continue my annual holiday baking project. So far, this year, I've made nothing but new recipes. Today, I'm going back to our tried and true favorites to round out the selection. Tomorrow, the bar cookies and I'm done.I like to get the cookie gifts out early in the month of December before everyone is loaded down with candy and sweets and can enjoy them ore. Besides, after Wednesday, I have to finish up my own Christmas shopping, complete a sewing order, plans a Christmas party, and wrap gifts.
Yesterday, I made Maple Glazed cookies, Toffee cookies, Sugar cookies, and Lebkuchen Drops.
I just about fell in love with Lebkuchen the first time my mother took me back to Germany to show me her homeland. Over the years, I've tried several recipes and finally came up with the one I now use every Christmas. Instead of the usual chocolate glaze, I went with a tart lemon one. It seems, however, that no matter which way I go on the lemon or chocolate glaze question, I always wonder if the one I didn't chose would have been better! I know, I should have gone with doing them half and half.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
First Day of Serious Christmas Baking!
My husband took a couple of days off in order to pinch hit for me while I concentrate on the Christmas baking. He takes plates of cookies to his co-workers and we give friends and neighbors a share of the baked Christmas cheer. It's a win/win situation as I can bake and try new recipes and have plenty ha people happy to be test tasters. Today, I got five batches done but two of them were refrigerator cookies and the dough was already prepared and ready for baking. I'm currently waiting for the last three cookie sheets to enter and exit the oven and I'm done with baking for today. Still have to prepare dinner, however . . .Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
|
December 8th is a Holy Day
of Obligation in the United States, a day on which we celebrate the Immaculate
Conception of the Virgin Mary (the Immaculate Conception has been, since 1846,
the Patroness of the United States). Note that it is she, Mary herself,
who is the Immaculate Conception; the day does not refer to Mary's conceiving
Jesus by the Holy Ghost, but to the conception of Mary in the womb of her
mother, St. Anne, by Mary's father, St. Joachim. What makes her conception
immaculate is not that she was conceived by the Holy Ghost of a virgin, as was
Christ Our Lord, but that from the very moment of her conception, she was filled
with grace by God, Who knew, in His omniscience, that she would say "yes" to the
Angel Gabriel and become the Mother of the Savior. Exactly nine months from now,
on September 8, we will celebrate Mary's birthday. As noted, the Immaculate Conception is the Patroness of the United States. Given the antics of the current administration, the unthinking votes of so many Catholics, and the current treatment of Christians in general, you have to wonder how Mary can bear the sadness this must bring to her heart. I'm sure she is gathering the millions of souls from the legally murdered babies through abortion to her arms but sheds many tears over the future these unwanted children could have brought to the world. The Blessed Mother knows what it is like to watch a Son die through no fault of her own. How much worse it is to watch other mothers pay to have their unborn killed. |
Friday, December 7, 2012
Christmas Battlefield . . .
It has been creeping into society for years but the War on Christmas seems to be really taking hold this year. The whole idea of wanting to downplay or take away Christmas confuses me. The majority of the country celebrates the holiday yet a few want to make is disappear into a materialist day of expensive gifts and overeating. They are adamant about removing the 'reason for the season' as it doesn't reflect their viewpoint and makes them uncomfortable. You have to wonder how many of these anti-Christmas factions grew up with the excitement of Christmas in their hearts and what changed it for them.
In one city, the annual street fair for Christmas was criticized by the atheists. In order to make themselves heard and ruin the joy for others, they bought up just about all the booths for the street fair yet left most of them empty the day of the event. The Christians got only one or two which they put to good use. This year, a judge ruled that there could be no Christian displays to avoid altercations. Where were the pastors and ministers in this situation? Why the silence? We do live in a free society and are entitled to openly display our beliefs. The minority certainly has an "all ways, are MY way" mentality . . . and they are getting away with it.
A grade school planned a class trip to see the Charlie Brown Christmas play and some anti-Christmas group put a stop to it for the entire class. Wouldn't an opt out provision been a better solution? The parents who didn't want their children to be exposed to this Christmas story could make their individual preferences known on behalf of their children. Instead, one group made the decision for everyone regardless of faith/belief. The demise of religious freedom is starsing us in the face . . . and there is silence.
Someone said I was unchristian because I tend to shop at store that acknowledge Christmas. I like to wish people a Merry Christmas and do not want to be glared at when I do so. Interesting how I can be verbally disciplined for expressing this sentiment but Happy Sparkle season is okay.
With the mandate already going into place against Catholics, I suppose this should have been expected. The country, as a whole, saw the White House take away our religious freedom and few clergy or bishops stood up for it. Here, again, I doubt if we will hear anything about standing up for Christmas even though our faiths are solidly based on what is now considered a mere premise. Someone remarked once that "Poor people have poor ways" and that seems to describe the ones that want to take away from everyone what they don't want to believe.
In one city, the annual street fair for Christmas was criticized by the atheists. In order to make themselves heard and ruin the joy for others, they bought up just about all the booths for the street fair yet left most of them empty the day of the event. The Christians got only one or two which they put to good use. This year, a judge ruled that there could be no Christian displays to avoid altercations. Where were the pastors and ministers in this situation? Why the silence? We do live in a free society and are entitled to openly display our beliefs. The minority certainly has an "all ways, are MY way" mentality . . . and they are getting away with it.
A grade school planned a class trip to see the Charlie Brown Christmas play and some anti-Christmas group put a stop to it for the entire class. Wouldn't an opt out provision been a better solution? The parents who didn't want their children to be exposed to this Christmas story could make their individual preferences known on behalf of their children. Instead, one group made the decision for everyone regardless of faith/belief. The demise of religious freedom is starsing us in the face . . . and there is silence.
Someone said I was unchristian because I tend to shop at store that acknowledge Christmas. I like to wish people a Merry Christmas and do not want to be glared at when I do so. Interesting how I can be verbally disciplined for expressing this sentiment but Happy Sparkle season is okay.
With the mandate already going into place against Catholics, I suppose this should have been expected. The country, as a whole, saw the White House take away our religious freedom and few clergy or bishops stood up for it. Here, again, I doubt if we will hear anything about standing up for Christmas even though our faiths are solidly based on what is now considered a mere premise. Someone remarked once that "Poor people have poor ways" and that seems to describe the ones that want to take away from everyone what they don't want to believe.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Coffee Thins Cookies
Although I don't often drink coffee, I love the flavor of coffee in most any way I can find it. When I found this recipe, it immediately appealed to me and I now have the cookie dough getting cold and ready for slicing and baking in my refrigerator. I mentioned this particular cookie in a previous post and got a request for the recipe. Thought there might be others interested in trying it, too.
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup packed, dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder, dissolved in 2 teaspoons coffee-flavored liqueur
2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
Combine flour, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until well
blended; stir in the dissolved coffee. Add the flour
mixture; mix well until the dough is blended and begins to clump together.
Coffee Thins
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flourPinch of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup packed, dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder, dissolved in 2 teaspoons coffee-flavored liqueur
2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
Form the dough into a squared-off log 7 inches
long, wrap in saran or waxed paper and refrigerate for three hours
or until quite firm.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut into 1/4-inch
slices; set them one inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until the
tops look dry and edges are slightly browned, about 10-12
minutes. Finish cooling on wire rack. (From Fine Cooking Magazine Holiday Issue 2012)
Christmas Baking Has Begun!
A departure from my using beginning of the holiday baking season - all the cookie dough I prepared yesterday was from recipes new to me. No tried and true ones . . . yet!The first cookies of the season are: Chocolate Marble (pictured in the process), Maple Pecan, Coffee Thins, Toffee Butter, Orange Poppy Seed, Toasted Coconut, and Hazelnut Butter Cookies. The reason we go for so many kinds is that I enjoy baking and having a reason to bake. Christmas gives me good reason as a large plate of homemade cookies is our gift to friends and family.
My son and daughter enjoyed the smell of cookie dough being mixed but not a baked cookie was in sight. I had time before dinner so tried yet another new cookie - a Butter Oatmeal that was made interesting/special with a very light sprinkling of coarse salt on the top before baking. I have to tell you that when I read 'oatmeal cookie', my mind goes to raisins and spice so it was hard for me to actually make the recipe as written . . . but I was glad I did because it didn't need either the spice or raisins. Interesting cookie and obviously popular as very few were left by the time everyone went to bed last night. Yes, another batch may appear for placement on Christmas cookie plates.
Serious Pasta Performance!
To save a bit towards Christmas activities, I'm doing my best to live 'out of the cupboard' this week. It is also a good way to discover hidden, frozen treasures in the forgotten depths of the freezer. I discovered a small package of boneless beef, about a quarter of a pound. It made me think of ravioli especially since I now have a pasta roller. I cooked down the beef with a bag of frozen onions/pepper also discovered in my excavating and roughly chopped it up for filling said ravioli. It took two hours from start to finish but I've learned that in order to save money, you have to be willing to offer some extra work time to the bargain. With flour, eggs, milk, and random meat, I made enough for five plates of pasta plus a small leftover for one of the children's lunch the next day.The only difficult part (and it isn't really that difficult!) is to get the dough right either for machine or hand rolling. Know that you will need extra flour on hand and expect to dust the immediate area of the floor around your working counter with flour!
Homemade Pasta Dough
4 cups flour
3 eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 tablespoons of milk
First, dump your flour either in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle of the flour and add the eggs. Mix that together and if it is too dry, add one, more egg. At this point, it should still be a bit dry so add the oil and milk. If the dough gathers into a workable but not sticky ball, you are ready to go. If it is too wet or sticky, add bits of flour until it reaches the desired workable texture. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
Keep a bowl of flour at hand. Dust the work board with flour and take a fourth of our dough and roll it as thin as you like. Cut the dough into noodle strips of whatever width you prefer. A pizza cutter works great for this. Spread the noodles out on waxed paper covered and floured baking sheets.
If you are using them for chicken or beef soup, you can add them at the finish of the soup just make sure the water is a mild boil so they don't stick. Stir constantly as your put them in. The flour from the noodles also helps thicken the broth a bit. It takes about five to six minutes to cook through depending on the thickness.
No soup? You can cook them in boiling, salted water, drain and serve with pasta sauce either canned or homemade. Have lots of grated cheese at hand and serve. I don't think you will get any complaints once the family is over the surprise.
Where is he?
We have a very feisty cat whose idea of playing is to grab any unsuspecting animal around the neck and wrestle him/her to the ground and bite the ears. There is a cat around the same age in our neighborhood who has a home but likes to come over for a snack. Marcella desperately wants to renew their kitten era relationship but Fresh remembers what that entails and avoids her like the plague. Marcella always knows when Fresh is about and stands sentry at the window to watch him.Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Pasta Perfect Picture?
Food photographers do earn their pay! Although I tried my best to photograph my totally homemade plate of pasta and sauce, it doesn't look nearly as good as it actually tasted! Yes, I made the sauce from the tomatoes my husband grew in the garden this summer. And, yes, I rolled my own pasta dough and cut it into spaghetti. Homemade pasta added a whole new dimension to the dish.I do purchase the packaged, dried pasta when it is on sale but that is now for emergency meals. Flour and eggs are always on hand and better for meals than the store stuff. The fact that I know exactly what goes into it makes me feel better, too. It's one of those 'mother's feeling'!
It only took two years . . .
My younger son is somewhat unsuccessfully trying to earn his AA degree at the local community college. Unsuccessful because of all the cutbacks in the budget, the college is crowded and classes fill up quickly. And, because he can't get enough classes to be considered full time, he is always at the end of the line for class registration.
His Spring registration date came up today so, as usual, I was at the computer when the clock struck midnight to plug in the classes he wants/needs and pray that I didn't get the red-lettered response that 'this class is full', please try again! I had spent the earlier part of my vigil going over the remainder of the open-class list and put together a tenatative schedule with an alternate one that wouldn't be great but would do. I typed in the class numbers for the four classes, hit the SUBMIT key, and closed my eyes. I didn't want to see all the red print flash into place. I squinted open one eye and kept praying that, at least, he would get a good place on the waitlist. No red print! I looked closer and he had gotten all four classes on the first try! He is now a full-time college student. It's still not perfect but we aren't going to complain too much. He is registered for a fifth history class but he likes history. He also got Humanities, College Writing, and Psychology - all needed to go toward his AA degree. He is happy. I am happy! God gets a heartfelt THANK YOU! Now I have to brave the bookstore and face the cost of the overpriced schoolbooks! I'll probably do it with more of a smile this coming semester!
His Spring registration date came up today so, as usual, I was at the computer when the clock struck midnight to plug in the classes he wants/needs and pray that I didn't get the red-lettered response that 'this class is full', please try again! I had spent the earlier part of my vigil going over the remainder of the open-class list and put together a tenatative schedule with an alternate one that wouldn't be great but would do. I typed in the class numbers for the four classes, hit the SUBMIT key, and closed my eyes. I didn't want to see all the red print flash into place. I squinted open one eye and kept praying that, at least, he would get a good place on the waitlist. No red print! I looked closer and he had gotten all four classes on the first try! He is now a full-time college student. It's still not perfect but we aren't going to complain too much. He is registered for a fifth history class but he likes history. He also got Humanities, College Writing, and Psychology - all needed to go toward his AA degree. He is happy. I am happy! God gets a heartfelt THANK YOU! Now I have to brave the bookstore and face the cost of the overpriced schoolbooks! I'll probably do it with more of a smile this coming semester!
Monday, December 3, 2012
And the rain came down, down, down . . .
I guess our dogs are real California dogs who don't believe in the possibility of rain. Their favorite occupation is pulling their blankets out of the dog house, letting them get soaked in the unexpected rain, and then looking very bemused about the whole turn of events. We provide them with great dog houses - they crowd into the same one. We line them with comfy blankets and towels - they drag them out and often shred them. When we inquire as to what happened, they look as confused as we do about 'How on earth did our blankets get out there?"One of my favorite fruits . . . Tis the season!
I like just about every fruit or vegetable that has crossed my path. I do, however, have some absolute favorites . . . probably because many of them only make an appearance during particular seasons. I was cutting into one of my top choices for a snack and was taken with how pretty it looks. This one only shows up in the Fall and I look forward to it every year. Can you tell what it is?There are a lot of recipes using this fruit but since it only shows up for a short time each year, I have yet to get tired of them and prefer to eat them out of hand rather than disguise them in cookie dough or cake batter!
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