Hasn't our government made this the truth . . .

"You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for independence."
-- Charles Austin Beard

The presidential campaigns . . .

The presidential campaigns are heating up although our current president never quite got off the election train even after he became president. I expected the usual back and forth between the two candidates but I really dislike the slams that have no basis or reasoning. There is currently a television ad claiming that if Romney had been president, Bin Laden would never have been found and killed. I think that is a rather immature way to make yourself more appealing to the voter. No one knows how a person will deal with a situation, this particular situation will not be repeated, and, besides, what has it to do with the real problems facing our country and the next president?

I remember that as a child when I would have an 'if only' moment, I would be asked, "Well, it didn't happen. There was no 'if only' and how do you know it would turn out the way you are wishing it had?" You can't base your future or make a reliable argument for an event that won't and can't take place now. Romney wasn't president the day Bin laden was killed. Having other grown men making allegations that if Romny had been president, he would or would not have done such and such . . .    Seems to me that some of our candidates need to grow up a bit more before they try and tackle the real world.

A Treat for My Husband . . .

When I was shopping, this morning, I noticed that Phyllo dough was on sale. Since I already knew I had chopped spinach and Feta at home, it was a no-brainer that I would be taking the time to make some Spanikopita this afternoon. It is a Greek treat I tried when I was in Greece (way, WAY back in my youth!). I liked it so much, I came home and figured out my own version of it. My son has just indulged in one, hot from the oven, and gave his approval.

It is basically a spinach/Feta filling. Some people use cream cheese in the mixture. I prefer going with the spinach, Feta, and a tablespoon or two of grated Romano along with salt, pepper, herbs, onions, and garlic.

My husband has been working hard the last few weeks with his job and getting his summer garden in order. We won't talk about the ongoing negotiations he has had with a sudden gopher population! This is one of his favorite snacks so he has a nice plate of them to take to work for his breaks tomorrow.

How to cope with a lot of ground beef on sale . . .

Ground beef is not my favorite type of protein but I have to admit that it can be used in a lot of ways and stretched to save the budget. We ran across a sale over the weekend and my morning was spent 'breaking' down the meat into three meals: a meatloaf, large meat balls for a pasta dish, and small ones for soup. As you can see, I froze the various meat balls on a parchment-lined baking pan and will freeze and them bag them. The meat loaf was made directly into a oven-proof baking pan and was also securely wrapped and put in the freezer. It gives me a sense of peace and, at times, a bit of relief to know that I have the major ingredient already prepared for three different meals at the ready.

I freeze the meat balls before bagging them so they won't stick together when they are stored in the freezer. 

Profound and so true . . .

Wisdom is perishable. Unlike information or knowledge, it cannot be stored in a computer or recorded in a book. It expires with each passing generation.

- Sid Taylor

Coconut Custard Pie

Found a quick treat that I've now made twice. If you like coconut, you will enjoy this one! Toasting the coconut makes all the difference in the world. Also, if you happen to have some coconut extract on hand, a teaspoon of that won't hurt either. My youngest son and I are the only ones who like coconut custard pie but we are up to the sacrifice of seeing that none of it goes to waste!

Coconut Custard Pie
One unbaked pie crust
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3 eggs
3/4 cup toasted coconut (a few minutes in a 350 degree oven)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash of grated nutmeg

Prebake the pie crust for about ten minutes in a 350 degree oven. While it is cooling, whisk together everything except the coconut. Make sure it is evenly blended. Stir in the toasted coconut, pour into prepared crust, and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30-40 minutes. When it is golden and there is just the least bit of 'jiggle' in the middle of the pie, take it out and cool on a rack before refrigerating. A little whipped cream, when served, would not go amiss!

A reminder for November 2012 and your vote . . .

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have -- Thomas Jefferson