Soup's On!

Most of the happy memories I can recall from growing up, took place either during my wild animal days where I practically lived outside, or when I was in a kitchen.

My parents owned several restaurants all through my adolescence, and if I wasn't romping around outside, I was a poised spectator in their restaurant. 

There was no fooling around once I was inside, it was a business after all.  I remember watching food being flipped through the air and caught again; returning gracefully to its frying pan.  I remember the flambe, the flames that shot high in the air were spectacular.  I remember the chefs doing all of their cooking (even their tricks) with calmly stern faces, and how, unlike them, I couldn't help but to smile at the show.

Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup for a chilly January night (recipe to come...)

What I did not smile about was the giant pile of dishes I had to wash while they created these masterpieces.  I washed and washed and washed, sometimes into the night. 

Although I was never formally taught how to cook, I picked up a lot about food, and the relationships between them, from my countless days of watching and listening in the restaurant.

I still unhappily wash dishes, but I now get to make masterpieces of my own too...and I cook with a smile on my face.    
 

~ An Afterthought ~

My dad is the best soup maker there is, but being his daughter my soup is pretty darn delicious too :)  The recipe for my Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup is to come, stay tuned.

January

     January is an exciting month.  Although the December holidays are over, January marks a new season of determination.  People are compelled by thoughts of new beginnings, and are ready to take on the new year with high hopes.

~Stay Cozy~

Even though this "new season" has begun, January's air is still as chilling as peppermint, just as much, or even more so than it was in December. That being known, some of our wonderful winter activities can continue.  Skiing, stew slurping, and snuggling are some of my favorites, as well as staying cozy warm and comfortable. Happy January everyone, and good luck with your new year.

Santa's Favorite Christmas Crunch Cookies!

This is a re-posted idea I did this year for my family, friends, and co-workers. Thank you Blue-Eyed Bakers!  I love this idea and think it's an excellent, economical gift that appeals to most people. Cookie mix in a Christmas jar! It's not a new idea but it's something that a lot of people just don't seem to take the time to do.  If you just take a little time, this gift is a fun item to add to anyone's Christmas present bag.  It gives your gift an extra something that people really appreciate and love.  Making these jars is definitely worth your while, and here is how I made mine:
 

P.S. Don't forget the carrots for the reindeer!

Layer Ingredients in a 1 quart jar in this order:

For the jar:
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup Rice Krispies
1/2 cup red and green M&M’s ( I used green and red colored white chocolate)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

***NOTE: I mixed the white chocolate chips in with the red and green white chocolate, and layered that at the top.  I feel it looks better.

To make the cookies recipients will add:

Jar contents plus:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg

***NOTE: Cookie mix might seem a little dry at first, but keep working the dough and they turn out just fine.

Directions:
In a jar layer the "jar ingredients" in the order listed.  Using a spoon or something with a flat bottom  pack each layer down as much as possible before adding the next.

To decorate, and finish off the jars you will need to: take Christmas fabric and cut out fabric rounds just slightly bigger than the jar lids. Place and position prepared fabric round on top of the lid, and screw the band over top of it. The band should be screwed on tightly.  Next attach a recipe card, with directions, to a piece of Christmas ribbon, using an ornament hook ( you can also put a jingle-bell on the hook).  Lastly, tie the ribbon around the jar making it into a bow.  

To make the cookies, preheat oven to 350.  Beat together the butter, vanilla extract and egg in a large bowl. Add the contents of the jar and stir until well mixed (dough will be crumbly). Drop rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until puffed and golden.  Enjoy with a large glass of milk or hot cocoa.

The Weather Outside Is Frightful, Especially If You Are Sleeping Outside...

Imagine being homeless at this time of year...

The weather outside is frightful, especially if you are sleeping outside.  I can't fathom being so cold for so long.  And hungry, hunger is also something they face on a daily basis. Imagine all winter long feeling the tightness of hunger pains, being chilled to the bone, and feeling isolated, day in and day out.

Family is such a huge focus during the holiday season, and to know that most of them are estranged from their own is heart wrenching.  Everyone longs to be with people, no matter who they are, it is part of what makes us human beings.  People want to belong.  In our society the homeless are like the "misfit toys" in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  No one wants them, they go through life being ignored, ridiculed, and looked down upon by the masses. 

Let them know they are not alone, we are all people, we all connected.  Have a heart this holiday and show them you care.  There are many, many ways to do this: share a friendly chat, offer your support, give a gift, volunteer at homeless facilities, etc.

My favorite idea is to keep a couple dozen, ready-made gift bags in the car to give to each homeless person you see.  Here is a list of what I would suggest including in the bags:

Cute Reusable Gift Bag

My Gift Bag Supply List:

Hand Warmers
A pair of Sturdy Gloves
Pack of Thick Winter Socks
Healthy Packaged Food
Toiletries: Soaps, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Lotion, Chapstick, etc.
Hand Written Card, That Tells Them They Are Important


...God be with them this season...

   

It's That Time of Year

Sweaters, pea coats, fireplace stoked

scarves, gloves, windows 

cloaked

rain drops fall, the wind does call:

"Winter is coming, let it be know to all!"