The Ties That Bind

Recycling, up cycling or re purposing stuff is not a new concept.  My aunt Julia Ann would call it using and reusing what you have.  Whatever you call it, it makes good sense.  Having said that, I found a relatively simple way to re purpose a man's "out of style tie" into a bow tie.  I thought about posting the how to and all the pictures today, but with Christmas and New Years upon us, I felt compelled to write this instead.The sole reason for all of this is my four and a half year old grandson Mason.  He knows what he likes when it comes to food, toys, TV shows, books and yes, even fashion.  He likes his cowboy boots to have "pointy toes" and he loves bow ties. His paternal great grandfather, a surgeon, wore them as an alternative to a tie that would hang down and get in the way of a patient examination.   Daddy, Mason's maternal great grandfather, a traditional tie man, offered some of his ties to be re purposed. If Mama could have, she probably would have "donated" more.  Dad also made the special gift of one of his (Mason's great great grandfather) father's ties to be remade.


When I give these bow ties to Mason, I will tell him about the men who wore those ties before him.  I will show him the pictures of the ones no longer with us.  He sure does love Papa (Daddy).  I know he will think about each one of these very special men each time he wears one of his bow ties.

Bread, The Staff of Life...

I am re posting my bread recipe since it makes a great gift and welcome addition to any meal or snack!   Simple (white) bread is very easy to make and so much tastier than what you buy in the store.  You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry!  This particular recipe makes two loaves, which is good, because this bread does not last long around here!  It freezes very well.  Freshly baked bread, with a jar of homemade jam, jelly, or herb butter makes a great holiday, hostess or housewarming gift.

Ingredients you will need:

1 Cup of milk (can be whole, skim, nonfat)
2 T. butter
1/2 Cup warm water
2 Pkgs. active dry yeast
2 T. Sugar
1 T. Salt
1 Cup warm water
6 to 7 Cups of unbleached bread flour

Preparing the Bread

Heat 1 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Remove this mixture as soon as the butter has melted.  Set it aside to cool.

Pour 1/2 cup of warm water into a small bowl and slowly stir in both of the yeast packages.  Stirring the yeast helps prevent clumps.  Set this aside once it is thoroughly mixed.

Mix together sugar, salt, and 1 cup of warm water in a large bowl.

If the melted butter and milk mixture is warm to the touch, but not hot, pour it into the large bowl and mix.  Otherwise, give it a few more minutes to cool down, then go ahead and mix.

Make sure the mixture is warm, not hot, before pouring in the yeast water, so it doesn't kill the yeast, thereby   keeping your dough from rising! Mix well.

Mix in the flour, 1 cup at a time.  I use my stand mixer with a dough hook.  You can use a handheld mixer with a dough attachment if you like, to save your arms.  Your arms work fine too, but they will get a workout later, when you have to knead the dough, so it's up to you!

Towards the 5th or 6th cup of flour, the dough will begin to get more stiff.  Turn it onto a floured surface and begin to knead it, adding flour until the dough becomes smooth.

Grease a large bowl with butter or olive oil.  Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over so it is covered in the butter or oil.  Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise until it's doubled in size or about an hour.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down.  Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead out all the "bubbles". Divide the dough in half and make each half a loaf, placing each in a greased loaf pan.  Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise until double in size, about 30 minutes.  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Once the dough has risen, place loaves in the oven for approximately 45 minutes or until you knock on the top of the loaf and have a nice golden crust.  Take the bread out of the oven and place on a cooling rack and cool for a few minutes before cutting.

I store this bread in the fridge (in a sealed zip top bag), because, unlike "store bought" bread, it has no preservatives.  This bread will mold and get stale and hard!   This bread also makes awesome croutons and bread pudding.

The Weather Makes Me Do It!....Cook, That Is....

Here in central Virginia, we have had some strange weather over the past few months.  I think that is pretty true for most of the country.  If you are anything like me, the weather affects your appetite and what you want or do not want to cook!  This has been the case with me over the past few days.  I have wanted foods my mother and grandmother made during cold, yucky weather.  Preparing and eating foods such as vegetable soup, chili and cornbread and baked chicken and rice, remind me of good people, places and events.  Food nourishes our souls and warms our heart as well as filling our stomachs.  As we near the holidays, many of us will be cooking meals and/or baking treats to give as gifts or share with special people.  Our family will remember those in need of food by donating to our local food bank.
I have an interesting recipe, Almond Biscotti, to add to my "comfort food list".  Don't let the Italian name scare you.  It just means "biscuit" or "cookie". Originally biscotti were not meant to be a treat, but a staple food, because of their longer shelf life than soft biscuits or cookies.  The recipe below makes a crunchy, delicious cookie that can be dunked in coffee, tea or milk.  They make a wonderful gift as well.

INGREDIENTS
2~3/4 cups all purpose flour
1~1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoons pure almond extract
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup toasted almonds, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Combine flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.
2.  In a large bowl, beat together sugar, butter, extracts and eggs until smooth and creamy.  Add the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.  Fold in almonds.  At this point the dough will be thick and sticky.  THIS IS FINE-DON'T FREAK OUT! OR ADD MORE FLOUR!  Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.
3.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
4.  Remove the dough from the fridge and with moistened hands, divide the dough into two long flat loaves; about 10 inches long and 5 inches wide.
5.  Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.  Using a serrated knife, cut into 3/4 inch slices.
6.  Lay the slices cut side down on  the baking sheet and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the cookies are light golden brown.
7.  Cool on a wire rack before storing.

Sorry there are no pictures!  There are none left!

A Necklace and a New Friend........

Since we moved a little over two years ago, we have been visiting different churches, hoping to find one that would welcome us and make us feel like old friends.  For almost a year now, we have been attending services at a wonderful church not far from where we live.  We have enjoyed becoming a part of the church family.  An example of this is the Ladies' Christmas Dinner.  The women of the church are served a delicious dinner and have a chance to visit with friends and meet new people.  There is singing and there are door prizes!  Best of all, we are served by the men!  The men cook, serve and yes, clean up!  Can I get an Amen?!  One friend of mine, Tina, who is a member of the praise team and a fellow doting grandmother, donated some of her handiwork for prizes.  She makes jewelry.  Beautiful jewelry!  I was lucky enough to win one of her creations, a beautiful necklace with a pendant that contained a tree, worked in glass.  I was thrilled!  For several years now, I have been looking for a "tree of life" pendant.  It is a symbol of the connection I feel with my whole family, not just my immediate family.  Since we moved, and as we are growing older, that feeling has grown stronger.  It is important to me that my children and grandchildren know who their family is.  Until now, I had not found a pendant that I really liked.  I told Tina I wanted a tree of life necklace and her eyes got so big!  "That's what I had in mind when I made this piece

" she said!  We both agree that God brings people together as part of His plan for us.  She bought that pendant for that necklace when she was in Tennessee.  However, she had no idea when she made that piece, who would end up with it or when.
Tina and I have a lot in common, but now we have a special connection and I believe her friendship and her necklace are two early Christmas gifts from God.

For The Love of Owls!

Our house sits on the top of a large, sloping hill.  We live in an older "neighborhood", where many of the homes are on wooded lots.  When I heard a family of owls hooting the other night, it made me think of Fall, cold weather, and growing up in the country.  I've always thought owls to be very mysterious and more special than other birds.  For one thing, they do not come to the bird feeder like everybody else!  They don't chirp and sing.  There are no special flowers or plants you can include in your gardening to attract them.  Owls have been regarded by many cultures over the years, to be birds of wisdom and awe.  That is how they appear to me.
As I was out shopping today, I noticed that owls seem to be very popular!  Both of my daughters, as well as my oldest granddaughter,  love owls.  Owls are everywhere, from bedding, to pillows, on dishcloths and Christmas decorations.  I am sharing some photos of owl goodies I spied today.  These came from World Market.  Enjoy!

Straw, Pine Cone and Wooden Owl

Straw and Wooden Owl

Felt and Burlap Owl with Button Eyes

Felt and Cotton Owl Pillow

Gold Gilt Owl Ornament

A Lot Has Changed!

Tomorrow is my anniversary!  I have been married to the same wonderful man for 27 years.  Both of us have experienced many joys, many sorrows and not a few surprises along the way.  I would not trade it for anything.  Now, both of our girls are grown and have families of their own.  We are grandparents to three beautiful grandchildren.  God has blessed us!  We have our family and each other.  I pray and hope to have at least 27 more years with my husband and my best friend!  Happy Anniversary a little bit early!  I Love You!

Art From The Heart

Bird On A Branch

Hank

Carolina Blue Sky

                                                                     

Miss Grace

Reaching For The Sky

I love art!  It doesn't matter if it's a child's stick figure, a song, a quilt, a cake or a "masterpiece" in a museum.
To me, real art comes from the heart.  Since my grandchildren have arrived, I have noticed my daughter Sarah's talent for capturing some lovely moments.  Here are just a few of her "works of art"!  Enjoy!

A Little Color For A Gray Monday

I thought this photo was so appropriate for those of us who are longing for a little color of Spring?

photo courtesy of Stumble

Feeling Crafty

 I made the mistake of "popping in for just a minute" to my local Hobby Lobby while a sale is going on.  While there, I became inspired to make a new wreath for my front door.  I bought two narrow rolls of white Deco-Mesh for $3.00 each and a wreath frame for $2.97.  I already had the pink mesh and the ribbon left over from another project.  This wreath cost $8.97 plus tax, because I re purposed materials from other craft and sewing projects.  If you are feeling crafty, look around and see what you can re purpose or renew to create something fresh for your home!

Monday Thoughts......

Change someone's life today by showing some kindness, in word or deed.  Be sure to check out this website for some inspiration!  Random Acts of Kindness.  

Even Though It's Winter...

The tease of springlike weather we have experienced  is gone!  I knew it was too good to be true, but it was just enough to fool my spring bulbs into thinking differently.  Now it's back to cold, wet, and recently, snowy weather.  I do not have a big yard anymore, but I do still love to garden and feed the birds.  Homemade seed cakes are a great way to attract birds, which are natural pest controllers!  I love cardinals, finches and chickadees; which are exactly the kinds of birds you'll get when you make these seed cakes!  This is a great activity to do with your kids or grand kids.  It is messy and that's half the fun.  They will love watching the birds eat the seed and learn the importance of caring for wildlife.  This project is perfect for winter time.  Temperatures should be close to, or freezing.  If you live in an area where winter temperatures stay near 50 degrees, you can substitute peanut butter or rendered suet for the gelatin.


 You will need:
• Piece of corrugated cardboard
• Packet of clear gelatin
• 2 quarts of the bird seed of your choice
• Wire for hanging (thin flexible florist wire, for example)
• Ribbons, bows or any decoration you like

Step One:
Cut a circle out of the cardboard about 10 inches in diameter.  Then cut
out a center hole about 4 inches in diameter.
Step Two:
Mix the packet of gelatin according to the instructions on the package.
Step Three:
Stir the bird seed into the gelatin.
Step Four:
Once cooled, the mixture should form a ball if you squeeze it in your hand.
If it is too loose, add more bird seed.
Step Five:
This is the messy part.  Mold the mixture by hand onto the cardboard.  It
should stick to the cardboard.  If it is not sticking enough, use wire to
secure it into place.
Step Six:
Attach the wire to the wreath for hanging.  Add any desired decorations.  Then hang your
new bird seed wreath in a location where you can enjoy watching the wild
birds feast.

I Know It's A Little Early For Valentine's Day, But....

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite "special" days of the year.  I have always enjoyed making something special for my friends and family, whether it is a dessert or a meal, or a simple card.  This year, I'm making truffles!  They are so easy, taste so rich and seem so decadent.  I am posting this a little early so you can start practicing to make perfect confections by Valentine's Day!

Truffles
Makes 6 dozen 1 inch balls                                     Ex. of coatings:  sprinkles, toasted coconut, 
                                                                               unsweetened cocoa, powdered sugar, 
                                                                               colored sugar or candies

3 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 T. vanilla extract
parchment paper or wax paper

Melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat.  Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl.  Cover and refrigerate until firm (usually 2-3 hours).
Shape into 1 inch balls and roll in desired coating.  Place on wax paper or parchment paper.  Chill until firm.

You can package your truffles in a box or a small bag tied with a ribbon and given with a personal note.  

Winter Comfort Food~Chicken and Dumplings

In the winter, at my house, everyone wants comfort food.  That can be anything from chili and cornbread, mac and cheese, or the old favorite:  Chicken and Dumplings.  Not only is it an awesome way to use leftover  chicken or turkey, it tastes so good if you have been feeling really bad.  I taught my daughter how to make homemade dumplings and we had a great afternoon together.  Priceless!

Chicken:
1 large fryer chicken (4-5 lbs.), neck and gizzards removed
1 large onion, peeled and cut in half
3 carrots, cut into large pieces
3 stalks of celery, cut into large pieces
 Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Dumplings:
3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
4 1/2 tbsp. shortening
1 cup milk

Place the chicken, onions, carrots, and celery in a large stock pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat so water maintains a steady simmer. Cook chicken for 1 hour or until cooked through (at least 165 degrees). About 30 minutes after you start cooking the chicken you can go ahead and start making the dumplings or you can wait until the chicken is fully cooked.
Once chicken is done, remove it from the stock and let cool. Remove chicken meat from the bone and shred into medium-sized pieces, discarding bones and skin.
 Reserve 6 cups of the broth for the dumplings. You can leave it in the stock pot or dutch oven you used to cook the chicken.   Refrigerate or freeze the rest to use in for another recipe. It’s much more flavorful than the stuff you buy at the grocery store.  My family likes the vegetables left in, but you can remove them if you like.
Mix flour, baking soda, and salt together in bowl. Cut shortening into flour mixture with your fingers until it resembles small peas.
Add milk — 1/4 cup at a time, you may not need a full cup — and stir until a ball of dough just begins to form. Be careful not to over-mix!  You don't want tough, chewy dumplings!


Roll out the dough onto a floured surface. Roll about ¼ inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut dough into rectangles about 1 inch wide by 3 inches long. Place strips on wax or parchment paper and allow them to harden up a bit, about 30 minutes.
In a large pot or dutch oven over medium-low heat, bring the reserved stock to a steady simmer and drop in dumplings. Cover and allow to cook for 6-7 minutes.

Once the dumplings are cooked, put the chicken meat back into the pot and give everything a good stir.  Let it simmer on low heat for another 15 to 20 minutes until it's nice and thick.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Enjoy!