Put a Stop to Slavery

It may surprise you in this day and age that slavery continues. January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking prevention month. Today, January 11th has been dedicated to Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Great efforts have taken place to combat against such crimes but the heinous crime still goes on. Perhaps if more communities, states and countries were more aware of human trafficking then the crime would decrease. 

There were more than 2,500 cases of suspected incidents of human trafficking in the United States between the years 2008 and 2010. In 2000 the U.S. congress passed a Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The Act helps with victim protection as well as to ensure products brought in the United States are not made with forced or child labor. The hope is that one day the act of trafficking other humans, an act as old as the bible will one day be no more. There are things you can do as well:

•  know if the products you purchase are doing anything to help with human trafficking. To find out visit knowthechain.org  Staying informed is one great way that will help decrease and eradicate the use of forced labor. 
• Learn the signs of trafficking at the  National Human Traffic Hotline The site will also share information on the types of trafficking

While the 13th amendment abolished slavery in the United States there is still human trafficking continuing. Not only in the United States but around the world. By being educated and sharing this year may be one of the last years that human trafficking is possible.

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Quick and Easy Spaghetti and Sausage Dinner

If you need a quick and easy meal then I have an idea for you. This spaghetti and Italian sause, grilled peppers and onions makes up for a delicious meal. 

1 pack sweet Italian sausage (about 6 sausages)
1 large onion, sliced
1 med red or green bell pepper, sliced
1 jar Trader Joes (or your favorite brand) of Tomato Basil Marina Sauce
1 pound spaghetti
parmesan cheese, grated

Prep the onions and peppers while your sausages are cooking.
Colander: Place it in the sink ready for your cooked pasta
Pot #1: In medium sauce pot pour out your jar of sauce and 3 -4 chopped roma tomatoes (this is optional but adds a layer of freshness to bottled sauce). And place it on the stove on low. You don’t need to cook this, just heat it through.
Pot #2: Fill a large pot with water and a couple of Tblsp. of salt for your pasta and get it on the stove to bring it to a boil. Cook pasta according to package and drain.
Pot #3: Place your sausages in a 12” sauté pan with a cover. Add ¼ cup of water and cover. Place on the stove on a med-high heat and let cook for 15 min. Drain out what ever water is left in the pan and return to the stove. Add about 1 Tblsp. oil to the pan and brown the sausage. When the sausages are browned place them on a plate and cover them with foil to keep them hot. To the same pan, sauté a sliced large onion and a sliced green or red bell pepper and cook until they are tender but still crisp.
Assemble individually or on a large platter or call everyone to the kitchen to assemble their own. 

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consider donating blood

January is National Blood Donor Awareness Month It is a chance to encourage donors to give or pledge to give blood. It is a great time to donate blood for the first time. If you are a regular donor it is a great chance to give again. Never given blood before?? It only takes between 45-60 minutes. However, if you choose to go a step beyond and donate plasma or platelets it will take an average of another hour.

Many adults can give blood on the basis of every 2-3 months. The only bad event that has been known to happen to an individual donating blood is that they may have a moment of dizziness and not feeling well. This passes quickly though. The reasons to donate blood are so very much numerous: Blood donations are extremely important as each has potential to save a life. To a hospital blood is a precious commodity.  
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silver pennies sunday

It's Raining OUtside What is In Your Cup

whats in your cup??

Hong Kong Tea

1 cup water
2 Tbsp black tea leaves
1 14 oz. can sweet condensed milk

Combine water and tea leaves in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.  

Remove from heat. Stir in sweetened, condensed milk. Return to heat.  Return to a boil. Simmer for 3 more minutes.  Strain tea and condensed milk.  Serve hot or (optional) chill and serve over ice. Small glasses are ideal.

recipe resource here

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Let The Music Take You Back

Oh to go back the old days of rock and roll. I heard they were something else. Filled of fun and so much more. Perhaps this song can help get you in the mood




As a kid I had the chance to go to the diner put a quarter in the jukebox and choose the song I wanted to listen to. I also recall LPs and loved to listen to them. By the way did you know that records are making a slow comeback. Might just be all those that love that old time Rock and Roll.

Attempting to set the mood as in the days of the old fashioned Rock and Roll. The diner picture may take you back a bit and hopefully the recipe will help bring it home for you Most diners had their own way to make up a burger. Here are some ideas of how a few restaurants did it.

Now the recipe for the secret sauce. That way you can make them just how them made them back in the day

1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons dill pickle relish, well drained
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1 dash paprika
1 pinch garlic powder

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or until well chilled. Stir again before using. Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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Date in History January 7 Harlem Globetrotters formed

One outstanding basketball team in America that is not included in the NBA is the Harlem Globetrotters. This basketball team performs more than just jump shots, 3 pointers, and a double dribble may turn into an hysterical moment. These athletes bring in more than just sportsmanship as they combine theater and comedy into playing basketball. However those that have seen these remarkable players do not just reside within the United States. 



 
Each year the team will play an average of 450 games a year around the world. All together the team has played in 124 countries and territories. Home for the team is Atlanta Georgia here in the United States where the owners the Herschend Family Entertainment and executives are located on Peachtree Corners. However the Globetrotters started out in south side Chicago.

The year was 1926 and original 5 members of the Globetrotters began the adventure at the Savoy in Chicago Illinois. The dancing would decline but this all African American team would begin to play more basketball. The team would first tour southern Illinois The following year the team gained a manager / promoter by the name of Abe Saperstein. The following year Saperstein would take his "New York Harlem Globetrotters" on an even larger tour. However the team name at that time did not reflect the entire truth as they did not play in Harlem til 1968.

In 1940 the Globetrotters participated in the World Professional Basketball Tournament and won. An upset in 1948 would see the Globetrotters beating the Lakers. The Minneapolis Lakers (later the team would move to Los Angeles) was one of the best white basketball teams in the country. During the early years the team and managers controlled the talent pool of African American basketball players. Thus making the Harlem Globetrotters was one of the most famous teams in the country.  

The line of African Americans desiring to play would start to diminish when the NBA was created. Then during the 1950s the NBA would also start offering African Americans a chance to play on the team of their choice. As the talent pool started to decline the Harlem Globetrotters knew that they had to do something that the other teams were not offering. So the team began to work in comic routines into the various plays of the game. 

The team was directed by a player known by the name of Reece "Goose" Tatum. Goose would lead his team-mates thru talent shows of coordination and skillful handling of one or more basketballs, juggling balls, talented passes between players, spinning balls on their fingertips, and difficult trick shots. However it takes two teams to play a game, who was going to play a team that took their turn to show off the moves of the game. 

In 1952 a new team the Washington Generals was created. The team would be the Globetrotters primary opponent. In other words the team was created to play the stooge team that faced the Globetrotters. Perhaps if you have ever seen  a game you know that the winner is pre-determined to be the Harlem Globetrotters. 

A famous American player by the name of Wilt Chamberlain would travel with the team to Moscow Russia in 1959. The tea would receive the athletic order of Lenin medal. The first games though were a bit confusing as basketball fans were confused until they realized that the Harlem Globetrotters were more about show than competition. However the fans would warm up and the relationship between America and Russia would improve as well

Some members of the Harlem Globetrotters went on to play in the NBA as well. Members such as "Wee" Willie Gardner, Connie "The Hawk" Hawkins, Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton would go on to earn names in the NBA as well. There were also 13 female players that were part of the teams through out the year. Through the years the team has faced criticism as well.

Today, the team plays a good game against their opponent. The outcomes are not longer fixed. Their opponents do understand that the Globetrotters will have many plays that have nothing to do with basketball through out the game. In fact they were beat in 1971 by the Generals. 

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Tempura Green Beans Recipe

1 c flour

2/3 c water

1 egg

1 tsp seasoned salt, lawrys

1 tsp garlic powder

1 lb fresh green beans or more if desired

Heat oil until hot.

 Mix flour, water, and egg in a bowl until smooth.

 Wash and cut off ends of green beans. Use a fork and dip green beans into batter and put in oil when hot, turn over when lightly browned. Put on paper towels to absorb excess oil when done. Put a pinch of seasoned salt on and serve!
 recipe resource here
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Benifits of Peppermints

I am a candy lover but as we all know most candy has little valuable nutritional good in it. However, now they have proved that there is at least one candy that can help you. The candy is peppermints and while it can help make you feel better in some cases it also offers a less guilty feeling by eating an occasional sweet. Thus making it possible for me to enjoy a sweet and enjoy it

Peppermint candies are normally made from sugar, peppermint oil or extract and water. Some peppermint based candies contain additional chocolate or flavorings. In order to take advantage of the values of peppermint candy make sure candies contain real peppermint oil and flavorings. Health Benefits Peppermints offer include:

• Peppermints contain higher levels of antioxidants than cereals, fruits and veggies. Peppermint candies that contain peppermint oil increase your level of antioxidants. However, artificial flavorings will not have the same 
•  Peppermint candies made from oils extracted from peppermint may also aid in indigestion and abdominal pains. Heartburn and feelings of boating can be aided by sucking on a peppermint candy. Have you ever wondered why restaurant's offer a peppermint after the meal?? The reason is to help with digestion and fight against stomach feeling queasy
•  Those who suffer with Irritable Bowel Syndrome or (IBS) may want to try a peppermint stick as the oil is thought to help provide defense against IBS. 
•  Halitosis or bad breath suffers may find great use in peppermints. You may have thought you all ready knew this right because of the peppermint covering up the bad smell but that is not the only reason. Peppermint candies can help destroy bacteria and germs that not only cause the bad odor but also tooth decay and gum disease

The next time you feel a bit unnormal try a peppermint it may just help

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Salad made from root veggies

1 large shallot, sliced thin (can sub a few thin slices of red onion or some sliced spring onion)

2-3 Tbsp lemon juice2 pounds thick asparagus, rinsed, tough ends broken off and discarded (or saved for stock)

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

Salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1 15-ounce jar of good quality marinated artichoke hearts, quartered or cut in half (depending on the size of the artichokes)

 

1 Soak the sliced shallots in the lemon juice as you get ready to make the rest of the salad.
2a To roast the asparagus, preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat the asparagus spears with 1 Tbsp of olive oil, and salt them well. Lay in a single layer in a foil-lined roasting pan, and cook for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned and fork tender.
2b To grill the asparagus, prepare your charcoal or gas grill for high direct heat. Coat the asparagus with 1 Tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill them until nicely charred and fork tender, between 5 to 10 minutes.
Remove the asparagus from the oven or grill and cut into bite-sized pieces.
3 Put the asparagus and all the remaining ingredients into a large bowl and mix to combine. Add as much of the marinating liquid from the jarred artichokes as you like. Serve chilled or at room temperature

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Sunday Post : Annies Home Edition

This week here at annies home we shared many traditions people around the world take part in.....
From eating grapes to a whole meal made up of pork, beans and cornbread what did you enjoy?? Then as quick as
10...9....8...7....6...5....4....3....2....1

The first few days of the new year we spent sharing famous quotes and recipes for a variety of snack foods. After that the mood settled a bit and we began work creating a clean home and meal prep for a great start of the year....

Coming up in the new year we will continue to share more great recipes and try to educate you on the hows and whys things are the way they are. Never quite know what we will share next. 

Find out what others shared last week and plan to share in the future at Sunday Post

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