During Black History Month occuring each February I thought we might take a look at someone that has not gained as much popularity. To start with one must understand that the Confederacy was fighting for much more than slavery. Thus when we talk about African American former slaves stood up for the confederacy and became heros are often dismissed
One such hero was the name of Levi Miller. Captain John J. MacBride Texas Infantry Regiment brought along a camp slave by the name of Miller. When doing research one can find his name on muster sheets that included names of cooks, servants and musicians. Before long... Levi Miller had raised to the rank of private and later it was said that he had raised to the role because of his loyalty to his master and his conduct during his time in camp.
Like other slaves he gained his freedom during the result of the Union Victory and emancipation proclamation.
Creamy Chicken with Biscuits (from March 2011 Real Simple)
4 carrots, cut into 1-in. lengths 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 1 small onion, chopped 1/4 c. flour 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs Salt and pepper 1/2 c. dry white wine 1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth 6 biscuits, store-bought or drop 1 c. frozen peas 1/2 c. heavy cream 1. In a 4-6 quart crock pot, toss together the carrots, celery, onion and flour. Place chicken on top and season with 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Add wine and broth. 2. Cover and cook until chicken and veggies are tender, about 2 1/2 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low. 3. Ten minutes before serving, add peas, cream and 1/2 tsp. salt to chicken mixture. Cover and cook until heather through, 5-10 minutes more. 4. Serve spooned over split biscuits,
Biscuits 2 c. flour 1/2 c. cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 c. whole milk 1. Heat oven to 400. In a food processor (or with your hands if you don't mind getting messy), combine the flour, butter, baking powder and salt; pulse until pea-sized clumps form. Add milk and pulse until just moistened. 2. Drop 6 larges mounds of dough onto baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 18-20 minutes.
2 tsp peppermint extract May use more or less to your taste
2 lbs powdered sugar plus additional for rolling
Food coloring gels in assorted colors
Using a food processor or using an electric mixer, cream together the cream cheese, butter and peppermint extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix on low speed just until it comes together.
Dust a non-stick surface with additional powdered sugar. Divide evenly in 4 even pieces. Add a few drops of desired food coloring into the mint mixture.
Roll each color into a 20-inch rope. Cut into even 20 even pieces. Dust with additional powered sugar between batches to prevent sticking.
Roll each cut piece into a ball. Press the center with the tines of a fork dipped in powdered sugar.
Leave on a wax paper lined baking sheet for 2 hours or until dry.
Have you ever heard the saying "dont cry over spilled milk" The message it offers is one that should help us all. Don't worry about the things that we can not change. The line was first saw in 1659 as a proverb offered by James Howell. The original saying was "No weeping for shed milk" Over time the saying has changed but the meaning remain that there is no changing what has been done and crying over it serves no purpose.
None of us can add any time to our life and perhaps we could shorten our lives by worrying about what is going to happen. It is better to be prepared by organizing for the day, observing others and places so we know what to expect, and planning whenever possible.
Life happens quickly and sometimes it is not always what we expect. Things can come up, people may need your attention, family may have an emergency, individuals put demands on you, driving to work may not be the best ride of your life, they may mess up your order or there are a number things that may happen to throw your day off. But if you are in the mindset to expect the unexpected while you may be a bit shaken it will be better. Simply pick yourself up and move on with your day
If your day or for that matter your life throws you a curve ball be ready. Have a backup plan or an idea of what you will do. Life is for making memories not for crying over spilled milk. Not everything may go as perfectly planned but dont let yourself get down. If whatever it is that happens does not destroy you then it is only spilled milk and spilled milk can be taken care of easily so no need to fret.
This week we were able to find a great sale on roast. This recipe is one of my favorite ways to prepare the roast. The tasty recipe is one that makes it great for weeknight or weekend meal. Enjoy
3-4lb chuck roast
1 stick of unsalted butter
1 packet of au jus gravy powder
1 packet of ranch powder
10+ whole pepperoncini
1/2 cup pepperoncini juice
In a crock pot, add all ingredients. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Once done, remove meat from crock pot and discard the fat. Shred the meat using a couple of forks or leave the meat in large chunks.
Here in southern Illinois as well as other parts of the state are experiencing what is to be an "ice storm"/ Thankfully there was enough time to prepare for the storm so that we have water, food and etc.. and are ready as much as we can be. Ice storms have the potential to be dangerous and even deadly. Ice storms have lasted for days before Thus being prepared for the storm is the best way to protect ones self.
Cause behind an Ice Storm:
Ice forms when freezing rain accumalates on the ground and other hard surfaces. Air that is warmer than the freezing mark above the ground moves over below freezing air near the ground. Snow begins to fall in the warm area and melts into rain. Following that the rain droplets before landing these raindrops freeze upon reaching the ground creating a sheet of glass.
Definition and picture from weather.com
Here are some tips to keep you safe during an ice storm:
If you are one of the unlucky ones that must go outside during an ice storm be aware of branches or wires that could fall and come down in your area due to the weight of the ice.
If possible avoid driving your car. Freezing rain can make the roads slippery.
If you do have to go outside be sure to dress appropriately. Remember your animals need cared for as well.
Stay tuned to local T.V or radio stations for weather advisories and warnings.
Here are some more questions from a meme that will help you find out more about who I am, what I think and how I would like things to be.
1. February is the perfect month to ____________________.
2. I have a subscription to _______________________.
3. _________ is my kind of humor.
4. I shouldn’t _________, but I do anyway.
February is the perfect month to learn a bit of history. There were many events that happened in the month of February. Here are a few links where you can learn more. here, here and here
I have a subscription to many different newsletters from blogs if you have one leave a comment so I can come sign up for that as well.
A chance to hear a good joke and get a big belly laugh is my kind of humor. Check out these links to find out just what I mean go herehere and here
I shouldn't eat sweets but I do anyways. Here are some great recipes for sweets you may enjoy
Today, my grandson turns 10 ... In his short 10 years he has experienced broken bones, broken hearts while experiencing many life lessons. My favorite part is he found a special place in my heart and my life and changed my personal life in so many awesome ways.
2. Red roses or pink peonies? Red wine or pink lemonade? Red lipstick or pink polish? A cotton candy colored sky or a fiery red sunset? A book-movie-song you love with the word red or pink in it's title?
My husband is more the red roses type while peonies remind me of my mother and my childhood home and would choose those over the roses. Pink lemonade would be my drink of choice I am not much of a wine drinker except for special occasions. Would love to see the pink willowy fluffy clouds of a cotton candy sky but the bright red of the sun rising on a warm spring morning or going down on a hot summer day are always welcoming as well. An old one but fits this question nicely
3. What's something you currently have your heart set on doing-going-seeing-or experiencing?
I can not wait til this summer when hopefully more activities and chances to sell my junque will be available.
4 Who would you most like to have a heart to heart
with right now? Is that possible
I am loving life right now it finally seems that for the moment my family is contempt. There are always members that are missing and a few of those members reside in heaven. My sister and my daddy along with other relatives that I truly miss are not able to be here and share in the love but I hope that they have a comfortable seat in heaven looking down on all that is going on
5. Write an acrostic for the word L-O-V-E.
Love may be what makes the world go round....
Only if it is love then why are there so many unhappy....
Voices may say that they are just not expressed correctly ...
Even though it may seem there is not enough love always recall I love you.
6. Todays thoughts
Today is the birthday of both my grandson and son in law. While I did not give birth to either of them I must say that I would be no prouder of them if I had. They are both charming , helpful individuals always on the lookout for others and their feelings so to them I say Happy Birthday!!!
