Family Time

Family time is the ultimate! What a holiday weekend :) We're tired, we're happy, we're full and we hate to have to go back to work tomorrow! LOL
This weekend was a tease. A taste of summer for everyone :)
Lots of cleaning up to do and getting organized for the week to come.
I hope all of you had a wonderful, family-filled holiday weekend.
My son and his fiance moved into their new home this weekend :) I remember how much fun it was to be just starting out in your first real house of your own! Fixing it up just the way you like, adding your own personal touches to your own personal space :) These are some of their good old days. They just don't know it yet.
I have to say this....I also said this to a friend earlier today....I have been mocked for my comments about our blessings. That's sick stuff, but so be it.
I will never not be grateful for all we have and all that we have been blessed with. We never take it for granted. And we truly have been richly, richly blessed.
We have family, we are happy and we're doing just fine. We aren't the richest, we don't have it all, but boy do we have what's important :)
And for that I say prayers of thanks every day of my life :)

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls! Yum!

INGREDIENTS 1 medium head cabbage For the Filling: 1-1/4 pounds lean ground beef (or combination ground pork and beef) 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice, cooked according to package directions (about 2 cups cooked) 1/2 cup finely chopped onions 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves 1 egg, lightly beaten Salt and pepper to taste For the Sauce: 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon oil 1 cup finely chopped onions 1 can (14.5 ounces) whole tomatoes, crushed with fingers, and juices 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce 1 teaspoon brown sugar Juice of a small lemon Salt and pepper to taste Pinch of cinnamon There are several techniques for blanching the cabbage leaves. I prefer to cut the bottom of the stem of the leaf, gently remove it from the head, then cook 3 or 4 at a time in lightly salted boiling water until tender, about 4 minutes. When I get to the inner portion of the cabbage where the leaves are too tight to remove without ripping, I immerse the remaining head into the water and remove the outer leaves as they become loose. Separate the cooked leaves on a clean towel so they can drain and cool quickly. To make the filling, place the ground beef in a medium bowl. Add 1-1/2 cups of the cooked rice, reserving any remaining rice for assembly, and the remaining filling ingredients. Mix well with hands until all is combined. (To taste for seasoning, take a small piece of the mixture and cook in a skillet or in the microwave.) To make the sauce, heat the buter and oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until just starting to brown. Add the tomatoes, sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium; cover and simmer about 10 minutes. Add the pinch of cinnamon and taste for seasoning. To assemble, first cut a slit in the thick portion of the leaves so they will roll easily. Starting with the largest leaves, place about 1/4 cup of filling at the thick end. Start to roll, tucking in the sides as you go. Roll as tightly as you can. This will make about 16 rolls, depending on the size of the leaves. When you have used up all of the filling, take the remaining leaves and lay them on the bottom of a baking dish or roasting pan large enough to hold the rolls in one layer. Top with the remaining cooked rice. Spoon just enough of the sauce over the layer to moisten. Place the cabbage rolls, seam-side down, in rows on top of sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over all. Preheat oven to 350° F. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for about 1 hour or until hot and bubbly.

Lovin' Every Minute Of It!

I've had a great week so far! Given the luxury of working mostly from home, I've been able to get the website work done, files updated, spreadsheets and formulas finished, and of course, spend time on the online forums!
It surely helps to have key people in key positions. I can work on the paper end of the business while they take care of the hands on portion of the business.
That's about to change though :) Tomorrow is my last scheduled 'administrative day' for a while. We've acquired more corporate clients, added some staff and I need to be out and about from job site to job site, meeting with clients and taking care of the advertising meetings, etc.
So I'll enjoy tomorrow while it lasts LOL
Memorial Day Weekend is like the starter's pistol at the track! It'll be that way till after Labor Day :)
I have a vision of me....after tomorrow.....

Ready, set.....Wait! I can still have my coffee and a nice, relaxing start to the day tomorrow! :)

One Of Our Favorite Fresh Water Fishing Holes

Wonderful Quotes and Thoughts

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illumines it
--Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) 


But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
(Matthew 5:44,45)


 
If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.
--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

To cure jealousy is to see it for what it is, a dissatisfaction with self.
--Joan Didion quotes (American Journalist and Novelist, b.1934)

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
John F. Kennedy

These Are My Mantras

Get thee behind me, Satan.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

I am a child of The Most High God. You do know WHO you're dealing with, right? :)

Quiet Time....

Being able to work from home is a blessing and a curse. I can take as many breaks as I feel I want to, and it gives me a chance to work uninterrupted on paperwork and website changes.
On the other side of that coin is the time and space to let my mind wander to things unrelated to work.
I got word today that a friend received some questionable news in results from a chest xray. There's a 'spot' on the lower right lobe of her lung. Such a small word, spot. And such far-reaching ramifications it can and might have.
Let's pray that it's a touch of pneumonia. Or a blip on the screen.
The other possibilities just aren't good. And they aren't happy. And she deserves so much better and more than that.
Health issues here in my circle have arrived in a cluster. They usually do. But we can only take it as it comes.
One of the hardest parts is being smacked in the head with the fact that we are powerless and have no control when you think about it. Our bodies do what they will in this respect.
We can follow advice. We can take the meds and do the treatments. But our bodies will do as they will.
Focusing on the good and the positive and keeping an open hotline to the Powers That Be is really all we can do :)

Favorite Things!

Some of my favorite things are...wisteria...and honeysuckle....

My wisteria has gone crazy! If allowed, it will cover the summer kitchen and the back portion of the house in no time! It has bloomed from the first season after we planted it, without fail, every year. I've trimmed it a few times but I hate to mess with success.

I have such wonderful memories of the honeysuckle that grew wild near my Nanny's house in the southern end of Lancaster County. Being a kid, I never even thought to wonder if any of it was toxic or could make me sick. I never hesitated to taste it :) And the smell of wild honeysuckle takes me back to those days in a heartbeat!

An Absolutely Beautiful Morning!

The sun is up, it's a bit cool and there's just the slightest hint of a breeze....It's absolutely gorgeous!

Waking up to this is NOT a problem! :)

Reading Is Fundamental :)

Sometimes, you just need to take a deep breath, sleep on things and not wantonly give in to your impetuous side :)
I've always seen things in concrete terms. Black or white.
Right or wrong.
And facts are facts.
I've never been too comfortable with people putting on 'airs' or pretending they are something they are not.
Especially when they misuse or abuse others. Then it's time to call a spade a spade.
I'm still taking my time here to not give in to my petty side.
I want to level the scales. Oh do I ever :)

But I need to determine just what benefit that will produce.
Who will it help? Who will it hurt?
Simply revealing people for what they really are could stand on its own.. Clearly.
Let the world know just what kind of folks are slinging the most crap.
They'd be shocked to know the truth. I know I was.
Just when you believe that you can't think any lower of a bunch of people who thrive on evil, you learn more.
I need to take a walk, fix dinner and decide what I want to do next :)
Do I type or do I just let it go?
I'll let ya know!

What A Wonderful Weekend!

A surprise visit from my daughter and son-in-law, weather that really wasn't too shabby and tons of action at the Cruisin in Ocean City has made this a wonderful weekend!
It's time to kick back, relax and enjoy a quiet Sunday evening :)
I'm remiss in posting some recipes but I swear I'll get to it this week :)

Tucking The Puggles In For The Night!

Time to call it a night here :) We're all 'dog tired'! I'll approve the comments tomorrow. I see there are a few.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Nite!

More Recipes Coming!

I pulled out the box with more family recipes and hope to get to it this weekend  I've saved recipes not just from my own family but that of my husband and my best friends as well.
I keep forgetting to ask my husband's relatives, who still live in Denver and Stevens, if they have anymore that I could add to the family collection. Hopefully I'll remember to ask next time!
My cousin, who lives in Quarryville, has graciously offered to give me a community cookbook that was published several years ago, and which includes some of my Nanny's recipes in it!
Nanny's kitchen was my favorite room in the house :) 

Today my thoughts are with a very special someone. She's been going through some 'stuff'. Today is one of the many milestone days that we may be experiencing. We're a lucky bunch and I don't ever forget that. I just pray that today is good news. And if we have some challenges ahead of us, then we'll just tighten our hold on each other and take it one step at a time.
You can't help being fearful about the people you love. It goes without saying. You worry about them and want only good days and good times for them. If it were only that easy :)
So today, I will do all I can to surround myself with positive energy. I truly do believe that it has an effect.
And I also believe that each day we have a choice. We choose to stand on our character, our integrity and our outlook.
Keep us all in your prayers :)

Wow :)

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, You will simply call her, "Mom."  

Blessings All Around!

We're all in love!

This precious baby is the newest member of our family and we cannot wait to hold him, kiss him and love him!

August can't come soon enough!

Life is good and it's only getting better :)

 

Old Fashioned Quince Jelly

• 7 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 fluid ounces liquid pectin
• 4 1/2 cups water
• 3 pounds quinces, cored and chopped, peels on
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Directions

1. Sterilize 8 (1/2 pint) jars in boiling water for at least 5 minutes, and have new lids ready.
2. Place the quinces in a large pot, and pour in water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Strain off 4 cups of the juice. Mix juice with sugar and lemon juice in a heavy pot, and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin, and return to a boil. Boil for 1 full minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off foam. Ladle into hot sterile jars, and process for 10 minutes in a hot water bath to seal. Refrigerate jelly after opening.
3. Store sealed jars in a cool dark place. Refrigerate jelly after opening.

Expanding Horizons: Beyond The Kitchen Window....

My Nanny's kitchen was a warm, sunny, bright place no matter the day, no matter the weather. The warmth and goodness came from within, from the love of family and from the heart. Many wonderful memories were lived and made in that space, in that two-story farmhouse in the 'southern end'.
My hours spent with her in that kitchen have stayed with me, to this day. It's because of her that I love to cook and bake. There's a feeling of comfort in rolling pot pie dough or taking Aunt Dora's sugar cakes out of the oven.
I learned many things in Nanny's kitchen without realizing at the time that I was. My view of things, people and the world were formed in part during those hours at her kitchen table. I can't say that I mirror her outlook completely, for she saw the goodness in everyone. One of her phrases that we all heard thousands of times is "God love em!" She even found redeeming qualities in Charlie Manson. She was sure that he was hurt badly as a little boy. Forgiveness was her forte. She was a devout Catholic and held to her beliefs and tenets. She was wonderful lady who gave me far more than she ever knew.
In that vein, this site is going to be a bit more than just a recipe compendium.
I'll still include the recipes from Nanny's kitchen, our family favorites and others that I have come to love. But I'll also include other offerings from cooking/baking to family stuff :) The only rule is that it has to be positive and uplifting :)
My Nanny's view of the world was much like the view from her kitchen window....there is a whole world out there full of warmth and good stuff, of good people and good memories to be made. That's the stuff that matters.....

Amish Raisin Pie

• 2 (9 inch) pie shell
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups raisins

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (225 degrees C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla, butter or margarine, and lemon juice. Mix well, then stir in raisins. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
3. Pour raisin mixture into pastry-lined pie pan. Cover with second pastry. Seal edges and cut steam vents in top.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Note! This pie can also be made with a crumb topping!

Ingredients:
1 3/4 quart fully ripe strawberries
1 package Sure Jell Light Fruit Pectin
1 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided use
1 cup corn syrup

Directions:

Hull and thoroughly crush strawberries. Measure into a large bowl. You should have 4 cups of strawberries.

Combine fruit pectin with 1/4 cup sugar. Gradually add pectin mixture to fruit, stirring vigorously. Set aside for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add corn syrup; mix well. Gradually stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar until dissolved.

Ladle quickly into freezer containers. Cover at once with tight lids. Refrigerate overnight, then store in freezer. Small amounts may be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.