HOLIDAYS................VALENTINE COOKIES

HOLIDAYS........VALENTINE COOKIES

I wrote about Decorating for Valentines last week. Today I want to share another idea that is simple and delicious! We love to make cut out Valentine cookies. I use this same recipe for Christmas cut outs as well. The cookies are soft and sooo yummy. I found this recipe many years ago in a cookbook by Susan Branch. She decorates her books so nice and puts little ideas to use for your home or family. I check these out at the library each season.
This recipe can be made ahead and used when you like. Also, it makes a bunch of cookies so you will have some to keep and some to give................
You can have fun decorating them as you like.

I usually make "pink icing" and that's it!
You can also use the "idea" for others I gave in my other blog and put these in the freezer for just a moment after you "ice" them and they are set to put in baggies and give in little bags maybe decorated with a heart!

They are simple and inexpensive!

They are for you to enjoy or give your Heart!!
This recipe is adapted from Susan Branch's

"Christmas from the Heart of a Home."

It is extremely versatile;

you can roll it, press it, twist it and decorate it,

and it's delicious every single way.

It is possible to actually make one kind of dough and produce five to 10 different cookies from it.

If you plan on this, double or triple the recipe accordingly.

2 cups unsalted butter, softened

11/2 cups sugar

4 egg yolks

2 teaspoons vanilla

41/2 cups unbleached flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.

Add the egg yolks and vanilla and mix until light and fluffy.

Sift the flour and salt over the butter mixture and mix until well-combined.

Chill for 10 minutes.

Make your magic with the different options below or one of your own.

Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes without browning.

Remove from cookie sheet and cool on a rack or waxed paper.

Makes six to eight dozen.

Proverbs 31:31, Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

SELF.........TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

"ITS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT NOW......REST!"

I can remember mom telling me this when I was 6 just after a dog had attacked my eye and I had to be rushed to the hospital; stiches and then home to rest. Well...........many years later at

51 years of age I have been through many more times of physical problems that have brought on hystorectomy; lumps removed; bedridden with pregnancy; bedridden with problems after pregnancy; iron transfusions; and other life paths..........

I was a person who didn't want to stop because I felt it was weak; not doing my job; or I needed to take care of everyone. But the Lord in His mercy; had to show me that at times in my life He needed me to rest! There is a time for everything and there are times for recovering and rest. A dear Christian lady ; "Mrs. Marlene Evans" came to visit me while I was in the hospital ( I was so weak and sick). She too was weak but she had someone bring her in a wheelchair

up to the hospital to see me. I thought she came to tell me; " I will pray you can get out of that bed soon ..." No, she looked very firmly at me ( like a mother) and said " I want you to go home and stay there and rest completely until you get strong and then you will be able to care for your family". Those words reached deep into my soul.

My dear husband also cared for me when I returned home from the hospital and took charge and care of so many things including the children and their chores.

I want to say; there are times when we need to get up and get going because others depend on us and it may help us mentally. I think we know when those times are. But for the times that you are physicaly enabled for a time in your life, I have thought of some ideas that helped me that might help you.

1. Dont fight it and let your body heal.

2. Keep a basket near your bed . Fill it with your Bible ( read and underline verses. This is healing). Fill it also with a good book; Christian Womanhood Magazine; notecards ( I felt good enough in the hospital to write a thank you to all my nurses who cared for me).; a blank $.77 spirial notebook ( fill this with list of things that you wish you could do; ideas for the future; goals; or verses of encouragement.) * One time I designed a whole summer garden in the winter in my notebook.

3. Make a plan to simplify your home. If you have time ( knowing you will be down) put all clutter away and alot of nick-nacks. If no time; have someone simplify your home.

4. Don't worry if laundry or things pile up. If you have to wade through your hall to the bathroom TRY to ignore it, go back to your bed and rest. The other will get done eventually, just don't make it permanent:). ha

5. If friends want to help, look for ways to use them if possible. ( ironing; grocery run)

6. If someone wants to care for your chidren, make sure you have your husband or someone you trust care for this.

7. If others want to bring meals. Thank them and have family take the food at the door ( this is best for you and for their busy lives as well). Have a family member keep a list in a notebook by the door for thank yous later.

8. If others want to visit ; again have your family see how you are feeling and they can say if you are up to visitors or not. It can be encouraging but also can be too much sometimes for the ill.

9. Make sure you thank your husband and children for what they do. This is alot on them as well. Don't expect perfection from them.

10. Finally, give this time to God to teach you what He wants from you. REST!!!!

SPRUCE UP MID WINTER BLUES...........

LITTLE THINGS MEAN ALOT


Its a cold January day here; -25 below! This would be a good day to "spruce up" your home and bring in bits of "sunshine"! January does not produce as much sunshine and the winter months can seem to be very long. I love each season and what it produces but I also am a "mover and organizer" as my mom was and tend to "spruce up" in between seasons.
This does not have to be a big overwhelming expensive thing. I remember my son's teacher in second grade teaching them over and over that "little things mean alot". I can apply that to so many things but in decorating its a big help!
Some of the ideas for adding some "sunlight" to these long winter days:
1. Rid out of any visible clutter. Papers, books; too much of any one thing
2. Add a nice color in the form of a pillow for a chair; a throw for a sofa; a tablecloth
3. Think of colors such as apple green; buttercream yellows; reds; or robin egg blues
4. Put a new comforter or sheets on your bed; or reverse comforter ;pillows etc....
5. Move furniture around ( I have always done this) and move items to other rooms
6. Lighten up any room using lemons in a small bowl; a green plant; flowers
7. Put on uplifting Christian music such as "Patch the Pirate" music.
8. Organize one room at a time.

These are just ideas that I have l gleaned through others and use. I don't run out and buy the next "new thing" to decorate. I just mainly use what I have; skim through ideas in library books; or when I do shop I think what is needed and looks for good sales or thrift store buys. I have learned NOT to buy things you DON'T need nor add too much clutter to decorating.
Simple touches in our everyday lives can help bring peace and harmony to our homes!

" Psalm 37:4 " Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

DOING FOR OTHERS---CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

I shared last time when I do for others I like to "give out notes". This time I wanted to

share another way to show you care. That is with baking. Our church has a beautiful college. My daughter Ruthie and I wanted to do something for the college girls that we would see sitting among us at church. So we decided to bake "chocolate chip cookies". We started out baking about a couple dozen; putting them in small plastic baggies; and then placing them in a simple brown lunch bag. and writing ; "love, Mrs. M". I wanted not to put my name on them but felt this was important so they would know it was someone here to love & give them a treat. Then we would go to church on Wednesday and Ruthie; my daughter Becky and her friend Marcy would go deliver these to any girl from the college. It was just a small token of comfort while they were away from home........... But that little delivery grew and after 3 years we would make over 100 bags of cookies with about 4 each in them. We never knew who got them although years later I keep meeting young women that say "were you the cookie lady?". Believe it or not, one became my daughter-in-law! I was the one blessed!
Because of new circumstances I do not do this particular thing now but my daughter Ruthie still bakes and she is the now famous "cookie baker" of the family and for others.
Her recipe is not her own but one we love to use. Here is her recipe:

Ruthie's Chocolate Chip Cookies:

3/4 cup Crisco® Butter Shortening
OR
3/4 stick Crisco® Butter Shortening Sticks
1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 (6 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (optional)
Directions:
HEAT oven to 375ºF.
COMBINE shortening, brown sugar, milk and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Beat in egg. Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Mix into shortening mixture until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
DROP by rounded measuring tablespoonfuls 3-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet.
BAKE 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies, or 11 to 13 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet on a cooling rack. Remove cookies to rack to cool completely.

What are your favorite recipes to bake for others?

PINK CARNATIONS AND EVERLASTING LOVE

PINK CARNATIONS AND EVERLASTING LOVE

My dad always gave my mom "pink carnations" for special occasions

to show his love. My mom recently came to visit me for a week. Before she came; I purchased some "pink carnations" for her room so she would know the love of us and the love of daddy. She was thrilled with them.

Those little carnations have lasted for 4 weeks! When I normally have fresh flowers they last for maybe a week. But............not these they are going strong. One morning after she left I walked into the kitchen ( where we had moved the flowers) and there they stood; with the sunlight streaming through them and there beauty showing about them.

That was like dad and mom They were married for 69 years until last March when he passed away. Their marriage had up & downs like everyone's, but they were always steadfast. Here are some of the principles that they applied:

1. They looked to please each other in everyday ways.

2. They loved unconditionally

3. They overlooked each other's flaws

4. They were committed through good and bad times.

5. They worked hard ( even if they were tired and weary)

6. They laughed and laughed

There were many other ways I could have told but these are some that have come to mind.

I was "taught" by those "pink carnations"...............What am I doing in my life to show God's love?

In Psalm 51:18 it says " Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem."...................What am I building? In marriage; in family; in others...........

I pray I can do as they did and build an everlasting love.

COMPANYS COMING...................

COMPANY'S COMING, WHAT TO FIX???

I found out yesterday that we are having family come to visit today. I thought right away; What to fix? I had my list of meals but not enough to feed 8 or more people. Then I thought right away of a recipe I have fallen on many times when the need called for.
So............here is a recipe for Aunt Carol's PeppSandwiches and for a large side, Jenny's Pasta Salad.

Aunt Carol's Pepperchini Sandwiches

1 large roast 6-7 lbs
1 jar of mild or hot pepperchinis
8-10 whole wheat buns or hogie rolls
Directions:
1. Put roast and jar ( plus juice) into crock pot.
2. Cook on low all day or high about 5 hours.
4. Serve in buns with condiments

Jenny's Pasta Salad
1 box of rainbow pasta
1 large bottle of Italian dressing
1 med block of cheddar ( or your choice) cheese
1/4 or less of turkey or regular pepperoni
1 pint of grape tomatoes ( opt)
1 red or green pepper sliced thin
1 small green onion ( opt)
Directions:
1. Boil pasta; drain and cool.
2. Add almost all dressing ( I save some to add later)
3. Add rest of items

That's it. You may add other sides if you wish.
If guest come early you may have a cheeseball and crackers to serve . * To decorate cheeseball plate you may add fresh parsley .50 around the cheeseball for a nice look. ( my sister Barbara's idea!)

Holiday Decorating

I love holidays...........

it gives us a chance to celebrate life! My daughter Becky buys little holiday decorations a year before at 90% off. She has picked up placemats; small signs; and other holiday decorating items. My daughter-in-law Jenny always makes us the most beautiful baskets and packages that look like Pottery Barn to give to others!

Every month can have a holiday and it does not have to be expensive . In fact; other than Christmas I just like simple touches here and there! Today I will talk about decorating...........

This February is Valentines Day! ( my favorite time of year to celebrate love ). I love hearts.

First : I decorate the windows using either "clings" ( dollar store); or pre-cut red cardboard hearts ( hobby store) or this year I purchased a RED posterboard and cut them all out . Cost .50

Second: I decorate the bathrooms. I put out valentine towels; silver heart-shaped soap dish; small tin sign; or whatever you have on hand. This year I went for a hunt around the whole house looking for pink and silver anything and came up with pretty pink hand towels; trays; and small soaps.

Third : I decorate the "dinner table" with Valentine theme. This year I used Spring Tablecloth; pretty dishes; and pretty red votive candles that sit on a black tray ( they were in the living room ha).

Most of our family will not come home and say "Mom you decorated soooo nicely........" but they too will enjoy the little touches of holiday fun.

Be creative and use little lights; candles; tablecoverings; and other items you have and then "Celebrate"!