Papaya What Is It

A papaya is a fragrant orange colored juicy fruit that is not only delicious but very healthy as well. The papaya has been famous for hundred of years and has been nicknamed as "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. Papaya is a natural source of essential vitamins and minerals required for normal functioning of the body Papaya's can be eaten in raw form, in smoothiees, milkshakes and as a vegetable in many recipes

Latex can be derived from the raw papaya fruit. This latex can be used as a meat tenderizer and also used in the manufacturing of cosmetics, skin and beauty products. The latex has also been used as an ingredient in chewing gums.

Papaya in raw form contains enzymes to help in prep of dietary supplements and chewing gums. Papaya is rich in antioxidants such as carotenes, flaonoids and vitamin C, B and pantothenic acid. It is also good source of fiber, minerals and magnesium.

buttermilk biscuits

My husbands family comes from the foot hills of Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky. Coal country as it was once known. Hundred of years ago biscuits were expected to be on the table at every meal. Centuries before that cooks had discovered that the acid in buttermilk reacted with baking soda and produed carbond dioxide bubbles. It was the introductioin of buttermilk that helped create light, tender, highest rising biscuits, breads and muffins, pancakes and layer cakes.

September is National Biscuit month. So I wanted to allow you to make up biscuits for your familiy as well

3¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour 
2 tablespoons superfine sugar 
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons baking powder 
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt 
12 tablespoons (1½ inch sticks) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into ½ inch thick cubes 
1½ cups buttermilk (regular or nonfat/skim)   

PREHEAT. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper. 
SIFT & MIX. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer. Attach the bowl to the mixer and fit with the paddle attachment. Add the butter. Mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-size pieces of butter. Add the buttermilk, mixing in just until the dough barely comes together. 
KNEAD. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until the dough is smooth. Sprinkle the top of the dough with flour and roll it out to ¾ inch thick or slightly thicker. 
CUT. Using a 2-¼ inch fluted biscuit cutter (you can substitute a round cookie cutter), dipping the cutter into flour between cuts, cut out the biscuits and place 1 inch apart on the pan. Gently press the scraps together (do not over handle the dough). Repeat rolling and cutting. 
 BAKE. Bake until the biscuits are well risen and golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Serve hot or warm. To reheat the biscuits, wrap in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Makes 16 biscuits.

Pineapple Guacamole

Pineapple Guacamole Recipe
serves 2-4

2 ripe avocados
1/4 onion, finely diced
1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped
1/2 cup pineapple
juice of half a lime
salt and pepper to taste
optional: 2 bird’s eye chili, finely chopped (and deseeded if you like just a touch of spice)

Cut the avocados in half, remove seeds and scoop into a bowl. Use a fork to roughly mash the avocado and add the onion, cilantro, pineapple, chili and lime juice. Stir to mix and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Responsible Dog Owner Month Recipe for Pumpkin Dog Treats

The month of September is the month that the American Kennel Club (AKC) hosts Responsible Dog Ownership Days. This day helps to make dog owners aware of the responsibilities as a dog owner they possess. Celebrate this day as a responsible owner by:

attending an event in your area that offers obedience tips
check out microchip ID clinics
visit a pet health clinic and learn about first aid for your dogs
look for free training classs

2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons dry milk
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 1/2 cups brown rice flour *
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.
In large bowl, whisk together eggs and pumpkin to smooth. Stir in dry milk, sea salt, and dried parsley (if using, optional). Add brown rice flour gradually, combining with spatula or hands to form a stiff, dry dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface (can use the brown rice flour) and if dough is still rough, briefly knead and press to combine.
Roll dough between 1/4 – 1/2″ – depending on your dog’s chew preferences, ask first – and use biscuit or other shape cutter to punch shapes, gathering and re-rolling scraps as you go. Place shapes on cookie sheet, no greasing or paper necessary. If desired, press fork pattern on biscuits before baking, a quick up-and-down movement with fork, lightly pressing down halfway through dough. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully turn biscuits over, then bake additional 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely on rack before feeding to dog.
* Brown rice flour gives the biscuits crunch and promotes better dog digestion. Many dogs have touchy stomachs or allergies, and do not, like many people I know, tolerate wheat.

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Do Your Share

The third Saturday of September is known as National Cleanup Day. It was created to help encourage everyone to help make the country a better place to live. It is a simple thought that if everyone would simply pick up one piece of trash then the earth coast to coast would be cleaner. Organizations, individuals, and groups are taking a stand and joining forces to help clean up parks, trails, beaches, mountains and open spaces. 

Have you ever noticed that places that are free of trash and litter are easier to relax in?? As I shared earlier today, is the day that the pilgrims set sail for a beautiful new world. By helping to keep America clean we can all enjoy a clean America. Litter, debris and trash that is not properly cared for is not good for our Earth. 

National Clean Up day is a day to allow everyone to get involved. By providing an opportunity to make messes right and give the earth a fresh clean sweep. 

Eczema Awareness

No one likes having a rash. Thy itch, burn, get infected, look bad and never seem to go away quickly or can easily be identified. Early stage of a rash they may look similiar to others and diagnosis becomes an issue. Two of the most common chronic conditions of rashes are eczema and psoriasis. Dermatitis is general term for skin inflammations and eczema and psoriasis both fall under the category.

Atopic dermtitis or eczema is a red, dry itchy rash. If it is not cared for then the affected area can become cracked, infected, and become leather like. Eczema can be developed simply from scratching or rubbing your skin long enough. Eczema is known as the "itch that rashes" Those with asthma often have eczema as well. Eczema is not contagious and does run in families.

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Cinnamon Raisin Bread

HOMEMADE CINNAMON RAISIN BREAD RECIPE - EASY!
Prep time:  20 mins Cook time:  3 hours 40 mins Total time:  4 hours
Serves: 3 loaves

Dough:
1½ cups milk
1 cup warm water (between 110-115 degrees)
5 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 eggs
½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup raisins
9 cups all-purpose flour + more for kneading
2 tablespoons milk
Filling:
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted (approx.)
3 9x5 inch loaf pans

Warm milk (in the microwave or stovetop) to a luke-warm temperature (120-125 degrees F).
Dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside until yeast is frothy, about 10 minutes or so.
In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large bowl) add in eggs, sugar, butter salt and raisins. Next, add room temperature/warm milk. Mix slowly to combine. Add water/yeast mixture. Mix slowly to combine.
Add the flour gradually to make a dough.
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth. I usually finish my dough on the counter since my stand mixer is not a huge one and it tends to overfill. Depending on the time of the year, my dough might need closer to 9 cups. For this reason, I add 8 cups to the bowl and slowly add as I need it while kneading the dough.
Place dough in a large, buttered, mixing bowl and turn to grease the surface of the dough.
Cover with a warm, damp cloth and let rise. I usually turn my oven on for a couple of minutes while I am mixing the ingredients, turn oven off and let my dough rise in there. It's warm enough but not hot that it will cook it.
Allow to rise until doubled, usually about 1½ hours.
Roll out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle ½ inch thick.
Moisten the dough with 2 tablespoons milk and rub all over the dough with your hands.
Mix together 1 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons cinnamon and sprinkle mixture evenly on top of the moistened dough.
Roll up tightly (the long way). The roll should be about 3 inches in diameter.
Cut into thirds, and tuck under ends and pinch bottom together.
Place loaves into 3 well greased 9 x 5 inch pans and lightly grease tops of loaves with the melted butter.
Let rise in warm place, uncovered, again for about an hour.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until loaves are lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped.
Remove from oven and let cool on rack. Take melted butter and spread over tops of loaves (totally optional).
After about 20 minutes, lay loaves on their sides and remove from pans. Allow loaves to cool before slicing.
I bake all 3 loaves at once, cool and slice. I freeze 2 of them for later use.
NOTES
Whole wheat option: no more than 3 cups of all purpose flour can be swapped for whole wheat without getting a more dense loaf.

Don't have 3 9x5 pans? you can use a 9-inch round pan and make a rounded bread too. Make sure it rises in that pan.

National Play Doh Day

Hope you had your chance to play with some play doh today. After all, it is national play doh day. Many of us have played with it during our childhood but may not know where or when it was invented. Play Doh was invented in the mid 1950s and has been used to allow children to use their imagination for many years.

A school teacher wanted to create a safe modeling clay for her pre schoolers. Her brother in law Joseph McVicker worked at a chemical company and decided to help her out. It turns out that mixing flour, water and food color makes up the perfect clay. There are many brands of play clay on the market but the main one that everyone seems to recognize is play-doh.

Joseph McVicker of Kutol Chemicals in Cincinnati Ohio created the doh in 1955 and by 1956 it was all ready a popular toy. Hasbro toys the makers of Ply-doh disagree. They say the story of play doh begins in 1956 when a scientist at Rainbow crafts based in Cincinnati and makes soap and cleaning compounds, created a unique cleaning dough. The company realized that this doh was perfect for children and the original Play-Doh was born. No matter how it came to be I hope you spend many hours being creative with your dough

Here is a recipe to make your own

I

Mayflower Sets Sail

On September 16 1620 the Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower to reach the new land. The Pilgrims were early European settlers of Plymouth colony which is now known as Plymouth, Massachusetts in the United States. The pilgrims were led as a religious congregation of Brownist English Dissenters who were fleeing the volatile political environment in England. They were looking for a calm tolerable place in the Netherlands. They did not want to stay in the Netherlands as they did not want to loose their English cultural identity. The group decided they would travel to the new world and establish a colony. In 1620 this colony was established and was the second settlement that strived in North America the first was Jamestown Virginia in 1607.

In the new world the Pilgrims would enjoy meals as a group. The larger meal would come around what we would consider lunch time and consist of several foods. A thick porridge or bread made from Indian corn, meat, fowl or fish may have all been served at the large meal. Supper time would be mainly leftovers.


Have a bit of fun and make up some mayflower ships with your crew tonight

.12 large red potatoes, sliced in half lengthwise

1 Tbsp. olive oil

½ cup sour cream

2 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp. chives, finely diced

1 Tbsp. Italian parsley, finely chopped

1 zucchini, sliced and cut into 12 thin strips

3 large carrots, cut into 12 thin strips

Poppy seeds for sprinkling

Toothpicks

Melon baller or small spoon

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place sliced potato halves in a bowl and toss with olive oil. Transfer potatoes to a baking sheet and turn them cut-side down. Bake until potatoes are fork tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven and allow potatoes to cool slightly.

While potatoes are still warm, scoop out the center section using a melon baller or small spoon. Leave about ¼ to ⅛ inch around outside edge of potato. Place all potato centers in a medium mixing bowl with butter, and mash together until butter is completely melted. Mix in sour cream and herbs until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Scoop spoonfuls of potato mixture back into boat shells with a spoon.

Use toothpicks to skewer through the top and bottom of the zucchini and carrot strips to form the sails. Insert a toothpick sail into each potato half. Sprinkle tops with poppy seeds. Serve potato boats warm or at room temperature.

Double Cheeseburger Day

Did you know:::

September 15th celebrates Double Cheeseburgers?? 

That the largest burger ever created was over 8,000 lbs and was cooked at the burger festival in Wisconsin

That the hamburger with a bun and ground beef patty was created in America

Meat lovers every where may consider today a national holiday since it is the day that commemorates that sandwich favorite of many that takes two all beef burger patties that are loaded with oozing cheese and a toasted bun. There are many ways that these wonderful sandwiches are prepared and served including with and without lettuce, tomatoes, onions, bacon, ketchup, pickles or even a secret sauce. 

O.k. O.k. we are getting ahead of ourselves and a bit excited as well. First just like the chicken and egg story we must step back to see just where this phenomena all began. Many believe that the cheese burger was created in 1924 by a young cook that got an idea. The idea may have cam from a number of ideas but while this young man by the name of Lionel Stemberger was working at his fathers sandwich shop in California one day he decided to change things up a bit. He added a slice of cheese to the popular burgers that were sold. 

However, like many great dishes there are more than one story that explains its invention. So the second story takes place in Loisville, Kentucky. In 1934 a Charles Kaelin may have invented the cheeseburger by adding cheese to offer his sandwiches a kick. The sandwich that Stemberger invented went by cheese hamburger but the sandwich from the KY state was known as a cheeseburger. Ofcourse the stories do not stop there.... 

The truth is that there are many stories of where and when the cheeseburger first appeared. As far as I know it may have been in someones home kitchen and this was never shared with anyone. But, when the second patty was added making it a double burger wow.... stars were singing The double was the start of the stackable sandwiches that come in many layers now but it all had to start somewhere. So today... we celebrate the double cheseburger.

Whats Your Preference Cheese Toast or Grilled Cheese

Cheese on toast or in Scotland "Toasted Cheese" or "roasted cheese" is a snack or sandwich that is made by placing cheese on slices of bread and melting the cheese via a heatsource. Cheese on toast can be served along side an entree or it makes a simple meal all on its own. 

Cheese on toast is made with buttered or non buttered bread and cheese. Other toppings such as chopped onions, brown sauce, ketchup, pickled cucumber, pickles, tomato, fried eggs or another of items can be used. Cheddar cheese is the most common type of cheese to use. Roasted cheese demands the bread to be toasted prior to applying the cheese. 

In America a popular heated cheese sandwich is a toasted or grilled cheese. Any sort of bread may be used most commonly with butter or mayonnaise to help grill or toast the sandwich Yet, another type of cooked cheese sandwich is the cheese toastie. This sandwich is created by baking in an oven Cheddar once again is the most common cheese used. 

Cooked bread and cheese has been around for a long time. Food historians believe that the grilled cheese in the U.S. originated in the 1920s. Bread was inexpensive and american cheese was easy to get. An open faced version of the grilled cheese the "cheese dream" was popular during the great depression. Grilled cheese are normally prepared with two slices of bread and cheese. The bread is heated until crisp and cheese melts. Peppers, tomatoes or onions may be addd. Griddles, pan frying or panini grill or sandwich toaster are all common ways to create grilled cheeses. 

Linguini What Is It?? A Delicious , Easy Recipe as well

Linguine is a type of pasta much like fettuccini. However, it is round and not flat. It is thicker than spaghetti but not as wide as fettuccine. In italian linguine means "little tongues" A thinner version of linguine is called linguettine.

Linguine originated in the region of Genoa Italy. Spaghetti , another popular pasta, is often served with mat and tomato dishes but linguine is often served with seafood or pesto.

Linguine with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

• 10 ounces linguine
• 1 jar (12-ounces) sweet roasted red peppers, drained
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons half-and-half or cream
• 2 to 4 tablespoons capers, drained (see notes)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the linguine.

Purée the roasted peppers in a food processor or blender and set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking until pale gold in color, 1 to 2 minutes longer (do not brown).

Add the red pepper purée and continue cooking, stirring constantly until heated through. Stir in the half-and-half and continue cooking about 1 minute more. Add the capers and season to taste with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low to keep warm.

Cook and drain the pasta according to package directions. Add the sauce and toss to combine.

To serve, plate individual servings and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

If you don't care for capers, substitute 1/4 cup frozen petite peas. Just add them before you add the half-and-half to give them an extra minute or two to cook.

recipe resource here

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Happy Birthday Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl, reknown childrens author, was born today, September 13th. Each year his birthday is celebrated with a wonderful array of events on his birthday. Dahl was born in Whales in 1916 and is a British noelist, short story writer, poet, sreenwriter and fighter pilot. He has sold more than 250 million copies of his books worldwide.

Dahl served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He became a flying ace and intelligence officer. Eventually he would rise to the rank of acting wing commander. In the 1940s he would become a popular children's author as well as writing books for adults. He has been called "one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century." The unexpected endings of Dahl's short stories and dark, villainous adult enemies of children in his children books help make him a writer in his own category.

Roald Dahl's books demonstrated the kind hearted and featured and warm sentiment of children. Books such as James and the Giant Peach , Charlie and Chocolate Factory, Matilda, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The BFG, The Twits help demonstrate Dahl's amazing imagination.

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Penning ths song

September 13, 1814 was the date that Francis Scott Key would pen a piece of music. This piece of music was not just any but one that become very important to the United States. The song was set to music in 1931 and became America's national anthem. The title of this song " The Star Spangled Banner." It was written at a time that Key was witnessing the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during the war of 1812. As he was in the midst of battle he witnessed the American Flag that was flying over the fort that day. Fort McHenrey was being blasted with bombs and yet the flag continued to fly inspired the song that Franis Scott Key was to write. The rockets red glare, th bombs bursing in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there......

Key was born on August 1, 1779 at his families estate in Carroll county Maryland. He was successful lawyer in Maryland and Washington D.C On June 18 1812 Key would find himself in the midst of war when America declared war on Great Britian after a series of trade disagreements. As the British troops invaded Washington D.C. they burned the White House Capitol building and Library of ongress and headed to Baltimore.

Francis Scott Key had a friend Dr. William Beanes was taken prisoner by the British. Key traveled to Baltimore to the ship and negotiated his release. The men were not allowed to leave until after the bombardment of Fort McHenry. Key was on the ship 8 miles away from the fort as he observed the ongoings. The fort was not destroyed and the British gave up.

The words that Key wrote traveled through a winding route before it became the National Anthem. First it put in print in the newspapers. The post was then set to music of an English drinking tune by composer John Stafford Smith. It was the people who started calling the song "The Star Spangled Banner" President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 announced that it should be played at all offiial events. March 3, 1931 the song became the National Anthem.

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Whole Grain Rice Information, tips and recipe

Fall is a great time to create a dish with wild rice. Before you start the cooking process perhaps it would be wise to read a few helpful tips:

• store wild rice in a cool dry place. A tightly covered container is wise choice as well
• 1 lb of wild rice will serve between 20 - 25 individuals. Wild rice has a way of puffing up a lot
• one cup of raw rice will make up 3 to 4 cups of cooked rice
• dont worry if you make up too much you can freeze wild rice for a later use
• Blending wild rice with brown or white rice simply use an equal 50/50 ratio
• water should be replaced with chicken broth for greater flavor 
• microwaving is not recommended when cooking wild rice
• lumberjacks in the past have enjoyed wild rice for breakfast with honey and milk like they would oatmeal. 
• reheat wild rice using 2 Tbsp of butter and heat.

To cook wild rice first run it under cold water in a strainer.
Mix 1 cup of raw wild rice with 3 cups of boiling water in a pot
Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer covered  35 to 50 minutes or til kernels puff open.
uncover rie, fluff with fork and simmer 5 minutes
Drain any leftover fluid For chewier rice cook less minutes

1. 3/4 C Wild rice
2. 1/2 C Goji berries
3. 1 C Cooked chickpeas
4. 2 Green onions, thinly sliced
5. 1/4 C Chopped mint
6. 2T Chopped basil
7. 1-1/2 T Olive oil
8. 1-1/2 T Apple cider vinegar
9. Zest of 1/2 a lemon
10. Salt and pepper, to taste
11. 1/4C Almonds, lightly toasted and chopped

1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
2. Place the goji berries in a bowl and cover with hot water while you prepare the other ingredients. Drain.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the cooled rice, chickpeas, goji berries, green onions, herbs, oil, vinegar and lemon zest. Check for seasoning.
4. Serve, topped with the almonds.

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friday favorites

September Honey Month

Honey one of the secret ingredients my son uses in his cooking. Through time honey has found many uses and has been valued by many. Honey was once concered to be "enchanted" and is both a culinary sweetener as well as useful in healing as medicinal treatments.
Egyptian most likely used it as their are hieroglyphics as it shows up in the Hittite code. Honey was valued by Egyptians as a tribute or payment. Honey is also mentioned in the bible. The old testament and the "land of milk and honey" in Palestine and Israel. To the Romans and Greeks honey was a food for the gods same as ambrosia. German beer in the 11th century was sweetened with honey. The American colonies would use honey in food prep, beverages, cement, to help preserve fruits and for medicinal purposes.

Wild honey can be found in the hollow trees and rock crevices. But when it got harder to find honey and the need/want was still in great quantity man started to make honey. Honey farms started to spring up.

 The frame hive invented in the 19th century by L.L Longstroth helped to move the hive. Ten or more frames fit into the hive and honey production in exchange would increase.

Honey today has many uses including keeping dishes such as fruit cakes, steamed puddings, cookies and candies stay moist longer. Honey may be used instead of sugar but be careful as some candies and frostings made with honey will become too soft and gooey. This is because honey that has been extracted contains water which affects amount of liquid used in recipes when honey is used rather than sugar.

Many individuals make the mistake of keeping honey in the fridge. Honey will become partly cloudy and partially crystalize because of the low temps. Honey will also start to crystalize as it gets old. Do not toss this out but reliquify it by warming the container in hot water. High temps will destroy the flavor and color as well.

Honey since ancient times has been used for medical uses. Treatment with honey is known as apitherapy. Honey can replenish energy, enhance physical stamina, and improve immune systems. Honey seems to also have calming effects of the mind and help with sleep. Honey can aid in in digestion issues and has been used to treat cardiovascular disease and respiratory complaints. Honey can be applied to the skin to disinfect and heal minor skin wounds and chapped lips.

• to help relieve asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems mix 1 teasopoon of finely chopped thyme in a little honey. Use orally to soothe inflamed lungs and airways
• hay fever can also be benefitted from honey. Eating locally harvested honey helps to build immunity to local pollen via the honey made with pollen
• Take a bath in 2 oz of honey in a glass of 5 drops of lavender oil Add 1 or 2 Tbsp honey laender mix to your bath water to help relax and fight insomnia

Honey can be dangerous to infants. Bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum is harmless to older children and adults but can be dangerous to children under 1 year old. The bacteria can cause a rare but serious disease that can affect the nervous system of young babies under a year old. The bacteria occurs naturally and can be found in dust and soil and older children and adults are exposed to it without harm. However if your infant demonstrates signs such as :

• seeming to weat to suck or cry as normally
• unable to feed or swallow
• weakness in arms, legs or neck
• constipation for more than 3 days

Chocolate Milk Shake

Chocolate Malts:
½ cup malted milk powder
4 cups store-bought or homemade(recipe follows) chocolate ice cream
⅔ - 1 cup whole milk

Optional Toppings:
chocolate syrup (recipe follows)
whipped cream
fresh cherries

Homemade Chocolate Syrup:
1 tablespoon honey
¾ cups cocoa
⅔ water
1 cup sugar
pinch of salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Icecream:
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1½ cups whole milk
8 large egg yolks
½ cup cocoa
pinch of salt
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Chocolate Malts:
Blend malt, icecream, and milk in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour into glasses and if desired top with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry on top!
Syrup:
For syrup, combine all ingredients except vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved and it begins to thicken, 3 - 4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for at least 10 minutes before stirring in vanilla.
Cocolate Ice cream:
For the ice cream, beat egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl until they start to look lighter. In medium saucepan heat milk and cocoa until over medium heat until very warm and cocoa has dissolved. Remove from heat and temper in egg/sugar mixture by adding a little of the warm milk at a time until about half has been added.
Pour tempered yolk mixture into saucepan and add cream, and salt. Bring mixture to a simmer over low heat stirring constantly until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon (it takes 5-10 minutes).
When thickened, pour into a sealable container and allow to cool for about 30 minutes then add vanilla and place in fridge to chill for at least 6 hours or overnight before freezing.
Pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's directions.

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Nutrition Wise Snack : Ants on Log

Today I bring you a nutritional snack idea that has been around for some time. Ants on a log is made by spreading cream cheese, peanut butter, or spread of your choice on celery and topping with raisins. This snack has been around since the 1950's.

There is a variety of ways that this treat can be made. Try one of these:

• create a treat replacing the raisins with currants and call it gnats on a log
• leave the raisins off and rename the snack ants on vacation
• create the snack with celery and peanut butter then top with honey and raisins and call it ants on a slip and slide. 

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Harry Connick Jr celebrates his birthday today

Harry Connick Jr was born Joseph Harry Fowler Connick Jr. on September 11 1967. Harry is an American singer, big band leader, talk show host and actor. With over 28 million albums sold worldwide Connick rangs in the top 60 best male artist in United States.






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Sapphire

Sapphire is a gemstone. It is made up of a variety of mineral corundum and aluminium oxide.

The color of sapphires is normally blue but there are natural sapphires that are colors of yellow, purple, orange and green. Sapphires can not be red as they would be rubies then. Pink colored corundum may be ruby or sapphire.

Sapphires are cut and polished into gemstones and worn as jewelry. These gems may also be created in laboratories for industrial or decorative purposes. Sapphires are the third hardest mineral only succeded by diamonds and moissanite. Sapphires are also used in wristwatch crystals, high durability windows and electronic wafers that help insulate.

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National Hot Cross Buns

3/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon instant powdered milk
1/4 cup white sugar
3/8 teaspoon salt
1 egg

1 egg white
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3/4 cup dried currants
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons milk

Put warm water, butter, skim milk powder, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, egg, egg white, flour, and yeast in bread maker and start on dough program.
When 5 minutes of kneading are left, add currants and cinnamon. Leave in machine till double.
Punch down on floured surface, cover, and let rest 10 minutes.
Shape into 12 balls and place in a greased 9 x 12 inch pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place till double, about 35-40 minutes.
Mix egg yolk and 2 tablespoons water. Brush on balls.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 minutes. Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack.
To make crosses: mix together confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and milk. Place glaze in a piping bag or a sandwich bag with the corner snipped off; pipe a cross onto each roll.

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Bleeding Heart Plant

The bleeding heart plant is one of my favorites. I can recall both my mother and grand-mother having bleeding heart plants in their own yards. These plants love shade and have beautiful foliage and blooms. Bleeding heart plants are native to the woodlands of the United States and Canada. They can grow to the height of 1 to 3 feet tall. The most visual remembrance of this plant are the colorful heart shaped flowers of pink and white. There are also varities with colors of red, rose, yellow and purple. Hummingbirds are attracted to the Bleeding heart plant. 

Bleeding heart plants can be started from seed but are easier grown given a start from an all ready grown plant. Transplants can also at times be found in the garden center with other plants. Plant in spring to early summer in part sun or part shade on well drained, moist soil spaced about 1 to 2 feet apart. 

You may find this plant under the name of Valentine flower as well. No matter the name be careful as the plant is poisonous and may cause skin rash and irritation. The plants can be toxic in large quantities Take care that this plant is not near pets or children. 

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I will Never Forget

September 11th , 2001 is as vivid today as it was many years ago. The news recap on T.V. had me living memories and glued to the T.V. once again. Most of us that lived that morning will vividly remember it. The attacks on the twin World Trade Towers in NYC and the Pentagon in Washington. This day will forever be part of our memories.

Those that lived in the time of Pearl Harbor and World War II have memories til their last days those that lived and watched the ongoings of that dreaded 911 attacks will never forget the war we entered that day. What war?? The war on terrorism.

Sixteen years later on the day of 911 take a moment reflect on your own thoughts and memories. My grand-daughter who is 9 years old recently came home and asked if I knew about that event. I took the time to tell her where I was , what I was doing and yes like many Americans I watched it play out on t.v. In addition to talking about the event remember to pray for the victims who died, and those that still miss their loved ones.

The Story:
It all began the morning of September 11, 2001 There were 19 Islamic al Qaeda millitants who would hijack four planes. The planes were taken in Boston, Newark and Washington airports. These planes were carefully chosen as they would have more fuel in tanks for the trips they would be going on. One of the four planes would hit the north and south towers of the World Trade Center in New York city. Both towers would be brought down that day in a blaze of firestorm. In Washington D.C. a third plane would hit the pentagon. The fourth plane would not hit its goal and crash in a field in Shanksville PA. The passengers in the fourth plane attempted to take control of the plane from the suicidal hijackers. A total of 911 deaths would occur that day.