Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards Pioneer of Home Economics

Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards was born today nearly 175 years ago. She was both an industrial and environmental chemist in the U.S. during the 19th century. She was pioneer in sanitary engineering and experimental research in domestic science. As the founder of the home economics movement where science and the home as well as the science of chemistry and nutrition grew a relationship. She believed that a woman's work within the home was a vital aspect of economy.


After graduating from college Ellen took an unpaid chemistry lecturer from 1873 to 1878. In 1884 she started work as an instructor at the newly founded laboratory of sanitary chemistry at Lawrence Experiment Station. She continued this work til her death.

She did much work in her life that helped the home and world. She helped to lead Massachusetts to establish water quality standards in America and the first sewage treatment plant was created. She wrote books for the home as well such as Chemistry of Cooking and Cleaning, Food Materials and Their Adulturations She also did work that helped to lead to the passing of the first Pure Food and Drug Act in Massachusetts.

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Peppermint Lattee

Our Illinois weather has been said to be like no other. Here you can use heat and the air conditioner in the same day. We have days in the summer with extreme hear where we long for the crisp chill of winter and we can have days in the winter where the snow, ice wind where we are chilly and pine for summer time. I had a friend that once told me that we should enjoy the seasons no matter time of the year it is. In the summer time enjoy a cold glass of your favorite drink mine would be sweet tea. When the weather is cold outside then enjoy your favorite drink mine would be a hot chocolate or a latte. Which brings me to today.

 

 

 

 

 

Peppermint Lattee is made up of espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint flavored syrup. Peppermint flavoring is related to both watermint and spearmint. Peppermint is often used to relieve minor throat irritation because of its high menthol content. So take some time create a peppermint lattee of your own and enjoy.

 

 

 

 

1 cup water

1 cup sucanat (may substitute sugar)

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

8 ounces strong brewed coffee

1 cup milk (any kind including soy, almond or coconut)

 

In a small saucepan, combine water, sucanat, and peppermint extract. Heat and stir just until sucanat is completely melted.

Heat milk just until heated through.

Optional but recommended: froth milk with a frother or pour milk into blender - making sure to vent - and frappe just until foamy.

Pour coffee into two mugs.

Stir 1/2 cup milk into each mug.

Add peppermint syrup to each mug to taste.

 

recipe source here

National Roof Over Your Head Day

December 3rd is set aside by many to be thankful for what you have. Known as National Roof Over Your Head Day it is a holiday that urges one to be thankful for what they have no matter how much it is. While we all may want more than what we have this holiday allows us to be thankful for what we were blessed with.

It is also a great day to give back. There are many that are in need and National Roof Over Your Head Day would be a great day to give back to those less fortunate. So while you are sitting in your home warm and comfortable with supper ready to be cooked take a moment and think about others and what you can give or volunteer your time at.

There are lots of ways you can get the entire family involved in helping others and giving back. Here are a few to offer you some inspiration

You can get together to make some greeting cards. Patients in hospitals or nursing homes welcome mail and visits. Think about creating cards as a family project and including a small prize pack with the cards as well

Christmas Carol at nursing home is not something only open to those with great singing voice. That's the beauty of this idea those who live in the homes really don't care how well you sing but that you came to visit.

Angel Trees are filled with angels with a needy family or child's name. It is up to us who offer to stand up and give back to put smiles on their faces for the holidays. Without volunteers many may go without a present this Christmas

Another great family project is to make a blanket. Its very easy to make a no sew blanket and the gift that it offers is matchless. Whether it goes to someone who simply needs some comfort or someone who needs it to stay warm the blanket will continue to give and be a reminder that someone cared.

Visit the local humane shelter and find out what they need. Is it items or time and either is up to you and a great way to show that you care.

Another great idea is to make gift bags that can be handed out at food banks. A bit of candy is something that some take for granted and others get little of. The gift bags can be small lunch bag size with gift bag items such as pencils, candy etc...

It may not be something that we can all do but get out and work as a family to pick up litter. In some areas this would not be the time of year to do so but in others it is a great way to give back. Cleaning up parks, road sides or where ever help is needed is a great way to show that we care about where we live and visit

There are many great ways out there to show that you care for others find the one that fits you and your family and get out there and do it

Day 2 Family Christmas --- Create Construction Paper Wreath

Green, red, and yellow construction paper

Pencil

Ruler
Scissors
Stapler
Glue or tape


On a sheet of green construction paper, draw a line lengthwise from top to bottom, about 1 inch from the left-hand side of the sheet. Draw a similar line on the right-hand side of the sheet.
Draw a series of lines, about 1/2 inch apart, connecting the two larger lines. It should look like a ladder when you're finished.
Fold the paper in half lengthwise, with all your lines facing outward.
With your scissors, cut along your shorter ladder lines. It should almost look like a grass skirt when you’re finished.
Unfold your paper and carefully bend it in the opposite direction, so it begins to form a tube. Carefully staple the tube into shape.
Once you have your tube, staple the ends together to form the wreath.
Cut ornaments and a ribbon out of your red and yellow construction paper. Affix them with tape or glue.
Hang your wreath!

craft source here

Christmas Star

Let the star lead the way. That is what the bible story says that all in the field, those with treasure and the rest followed the star to find the Christmas baby. Make a star of your own, don with some Christmas lights and imagine the beauty that you can share with all those around.

North Star Cookies

Today we look at the star cookie cutter. As a Christian the star is a major Christmas symbol for me. It is the star that led them all to Bethlehem The recipe we use starts with a store bought roll of refrigerated cookie dough. Makes life a bit easier but still creates delicious cookies

North Store Cookies
recipe source here

1 (18 oz.) roll refrigerated sugar cookies
1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam
1 Tbsp. powdered sugar

 Heat oven to 350°F. Work with half of cookie dough at a time; refrigerate remaining dough until needed. On floured surface with rolling pin, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness (about 9-inch round). Cut with floured 3-inch star-shaped cookie cutter. With 1-inch star-shaped cutter, cut out small star from center of half of the cookies. Place large stars 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Place small stars 1 inch apart on another ungreased cookie sheet; refrigerate while baking large stars. Repeat with remaining dough. For large stars, bake 7 to 10 minutes or until edges just begin to brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets. For small stars, bake 4 to 6 minutes or until edges just begin to brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet. Cool all cookies completely, about 15 minutes. Spread each large whole cookie with 1 tsp. jam. Sprinkle large cut-out cookies with powdered sugar; place over jam-topped cookies, pressing lightly. Spread half of small cookies with about 1/4 tsp. jam. Sprinkle remaining half of small cookies with powdered sugar; place over jam-topped cookies, pressing lightly. Store between sheets of waxed paper in tightly covered container. - See more at: http://kroger.inspiredgathering.com/recipes/north-star-cookies#sthash.IzT0Hc8t.dpuf

Starfruit Upside Down Cake

There are several foods that December claims as awareness. Exotic fruit claims December as the month to be honored. Exotic fruits are not native and have been grown outside the area. They are available at their place of origin. Many are tropical fruits as well. It is a small group of fruits and often differ from the fruits we are use to.

Star fruit belongs to the family of Exotic fruits. They are also known as Carambola. They are five pointed star shaped fruit that doesn't just look pretty but is packed with antioxidants, potassium and viatamin C. The crisp, juicy texture, refreshing, sweet and tangy taste.

Special equipment: A well-seasoned 10-inch cast-iron skillet
Cardamom-infused Rum
3 tablespoons dark rum
3 cardamom pods
Crush cardamom pods in a small bowl. Add rum. Let stand for at least 30 minutes. Discard the pods and seeds.
Topping
1 large starfruit or 2 small ones
3/4 stick unsalted butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
Cake
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon cardamom-infused rum (recipe above)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
2 tablespoon cardamom-infused rum for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 350°F. Thoroughly wash Starfruit and slice it crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet. Add brown sugar and simmer over moderate heat until sugar is melted and the mixture is sticky, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Arrange Starfruit on top of sugar mixture.  Set aside.
Sift together flour, making powder, and salt. Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, then gradually add sugar, and eggs, 1 at a time. Beat in vanilla and 1 tablespoon of cardamom-infused rum. Add half of flour mixture and beat just until blended. Beat in pineapple juice, then add remaining flour mixture, beating just until blended. (Batter may appear slightly curdled.)
Spoon batter over pineapple topping and spread evenly. Bake until golden and a tester comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let cake stand in skillet 5 minutes. Put a plate over skillet and invert cake onto plate. Replace any fruit stuck to bottom of skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of cardamom-infused rum over cake and cool on plate on a rack.
Serve cake just warm or at room temperature.
recipe source here

National Mutt Day

In every heart, there is a hole.  In every shelter, there

is love in which to fill it.

 

National Mutt Day was created in 2005 by Celebrity Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige. It is celebrated twice a year on July 31st and December 2nd. National Mutt Day is about embracing, saving and  celebrating mixed breed dogs. The constant over breeding and public desire of designer dogs and pure bred puppies is the main reason for the euthanized dogs.

 

 

 

National Mutt Day raises awareness of the mixed breed dog population in shelters around the nation and also to educate the public about the sea of mixed breed dogs desperately seeking new homes. Mixed breed dogs are often healthier, better behaved, live longer and are just as able to perform the duties of any dog. The most famous mixed breed movie dog is Benji.

 

You can help by visiting your local shelter and find a new friend today. If you are unable to adopt a mixed breed dog then consider making a $5 donation to your local animal shelter. Another great way to help out is to help walk a dog, donate food or supplies. 

 
 

Special Education Day

 

 

December 2nd is a day to celebrate special education. It was on December 2nd, 1975 that the first federal special education law came into existent. Every year after has been a day to reflect and reform.

 

Schools have not always been easy and equal for all. If you were slow you tried your best to keep up but there was not a lot done if you were unable to do that. The thought was that if you were going to be laborers then education was not so important and many dropped out of school before they graduated. The 1970s changed lots of things and one of those was to include special classes in schools. I can personally remember going to school in the 70s and many times the teachers would have discussions as to what the new title teachers would do and exactly who needed help.

 

 

 

Special education day has been celebrated as national holiday since 2005. It was the 30th anniversary of the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Since the day that President Gerald Ford signed the ground-breaking legislation til now there have been many changes. All children including children with disabilities have the right and receive a fair education. Tomorrow the promise is there to do so much more when parents, teachers and schools get together and plan for the future all students are given better educations.

 

 
 

  

   
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December 2nd is National Fritter Day

December 2nd is National Fritter day. A fritter can be made with a variety of fillings that can be found inside a batter or breading. The pastry is deep fried or pan fried. They are eaten and enjoyed by millions of people each day. So I thought I would share an easy recipe with you so that you could make up some fritters in your busy day and enjoy a bit of goodness

 

 

 

Easy to Make Apple Fritter Recipe

source here

Serves: 24 Fritters

 

1 cup Apples, chopped

1 cup Milk, we use dairy free milk

1¾ cups Flour

2 teaspoons Baking Powder

1 Egg, beaten

Oil for deep frying

In a bowl mix the flour and baking powder.

In the measuring cup, measure the milk and add the egg, stir to combine.

Add the chopped apples to the flour mixture and then add the milk mixture to the bowl. Stir until the flour is just moistened.

Place enough oil to fry the apple fritters into a pan or deep fryer. Heat until hot about 375 degrees.

Drop batter by tablespoon into the hot fat. Be careful as you drop the batter in, the oil could splash and burn your skin. Be cautious when working with hot oil and keep children away. Cook 3-4 minutes or until golden brown, turning once while frying.

Drain on paper towels. Repeat for remaining batter.

Serve warm with maple syrup and/or sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

Santa Loves Farmers

Gingerbread Men or Reindeer Cookies

You can create these cute little fellows using a gingerbread cookie cutter that you turn upside down and then decorate the cute reindeer however you would like.

Gingerbread Cut Out Cookie Recipe
source taste of home

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

3/4 cup molasses

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

Vanilla frosting of your choice

Red and green paste food coloring

 

In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight or until easy to handle.  On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2-1/2-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Tint some of the frosting red and some green. Decorate cookies. Yield: 5 dozen

December 1st Family Christmas

Today the first day of our Christmas Season we will head to the mall to choose our family ornament. What will it be? We will only get one and there will be many to select from. With the whole family deciding from young to old the ornament will be special but which one will it be?

What is your favorite ornament?

#GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday always happens directly after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It was created and spearheaded by the 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation and other organizations. In the beginning the movement consisted of around 1,400 American charitable groups. #GivingTuesday has spread to all 50 states and dozens of countries. There are many ways to get involved from participating in coat and blood drives to making donations. Everyone can get involved no matter age, religion, opinion it is one area where we can all unite to give back. It is our value system that will fuel this campaign.

#GivingTuesday was something that took off on its own when individuals started to get involved. The movement started small but has grown greatly and the awesome part is it is driven by the imagination of others to simply get involved and there are lots of ways to do just that. Non-profit organizations welcome the day when everyone will give back not only one day a year but every day.

The day that we praise the actions of others giving back with the same energy as we cheer on our favorite team then that will give the power and lead others to give back as well. #GivingTuesday has been growing in a sustainable way because of the early leaders and those that are joining as it grows. In the old days it was nothing to help our neighbor I can remember going over and helping the elderly with their groceries, mowing yards, and every year donating coats and clothes to the clothing drive. These drives do not seem to be as much around anymore but it would be great if we went back to yesterday values where we were ready to help.

Today take a step to help others and give back. Perhaps you can join an organization where you continue to give back.

National Pie Day

When I was growing up in the 1970's and 1980s the world was a much different place and seemed much more simple. Our family hosted an area fish fry every summer to fund money to keep up the pine tree cemetery. While the fish fry is gone and the gathering does not take place anymore their is still a fund raiser for the cemetery that helps to earn money. Back in the day's of the fish fry the lines were long and the eating area was full of tables and each guest was served like royalty. I have did many jobs there including table setting making sure there was tomatoes, etc... left on the table for all to eat, pouring up glasses of tea and cups of coffee and my most loved job the job of cutting and serving pies. We would set out a long table where each guest could choose their own slice of pie or cake. There was such a variety of pies so many I wanted to taste and eat yummy

 

Raisin pie, blueberry pie, cherry, pumpkin, peach, and the list goes on and on. Today I share with you a recipe for delicious pies. What is your favorite pie? If you have a new or different one would love to know about it.

 

 

 

 

 Peppermint Snow Pie

(recipe source here)

Crust
1 1/4 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (8 crackers)
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
*
FILLING
1 7 gram envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tbsp. boiling water
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
6 oz. white morsels
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
8 oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
1/2 cup coarsely chopped hard peppermint candies (about 24), divided

FOR CRUST
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Combine crumbs and sugar in pie plate. Stir in butter. Press crumb mixture onto bottom and up sides of prepared pie plate. Bake for eight minutes. Cool completely on wire rack.

FOR FILLING
PLACE gelatin in small bowl; stir in water. Let soften for 1 minute.
HEAT evaporated milk and softened gelatin in small saucepan over medium heat; stirring constantly with whisk until mixture is dissolved and hot. Remove from heat; stir in morsels and peppermint extract until completely melted and smooth. Pour into medium bowl.  Re­frigerate uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cool to touch.  Gently whisk in 2 cups whipped topping. Sprinkle 1/4 cup candies over bottom of crust.  Pour filling over pie crust.
REFRIGERATE for 2 hours or until set.  Spread remaining whipped topping over center of filling.  Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup candies. Serve immediately

Santa Paws

Santa Paws is perfect for December. So many of us have pets that we love but there are still so many that need to be adopted. In order to draw awareness I will be sharing some adorable pictures through out the month.

Gift Ideas for your pet

1. cats love scratching post
2. treat jar where you can keep their favorite treats
3. cats  or dogs would love their own food and water bowls
4. cat house
5. dog bed

Fried Peach Pie

I love peach pie and these little fried pies allows us the delicious taste in a smaller size. Yummy!!!

 

Filling

• 6-7 ounces dried fruit (I used peaches, can use apples, apricots, or other dried fruit)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups water
• ¼ cup butter or margarine
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (optional, but I use it)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but I use it)

Dough

• 2 Cups Flour
• 1 Tsp salt
• ½ Cup shortening
• ½ Cup of milk (can add a little more if needed)

Instructions

1. Place dried fruit in a pot and add water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer until fruit is tender. Add other ingredients and mash together with a potato masher or fork. Set aside while dough is prepared.
2. In medium bowl, place flour and salt. Stir together. Cut in shortening with a long tined fork. Add in milk and stir until dough sticks together. Divide into ten portions. Roll each portion out on a floured surface into a five or six inch circle. Place two tablespoons of filling in each. Wet the edges and fold over, crimping with a fork.
3. Cook in oil which has been heated on medium heat, until browned on both sides, turning as needed. Remove to paper towel lined plate.

Tropical Fruit Salad

Tropical Fruit is one of many foods recognized in December. This yummy recipe from Taste of Home could be served at any meal or as a delightful snack. We always need a bit more fruit and vegetables in our diets and this recipe will do that very tastefully.

 

 

 

2 cans (8-1/4 ounces each) tropical fruit salad

1/2 cup pineapple or vanilla yogurt

1 teaspoon honey

1 small apple, chopped

1/2 cup halved fresh strawberries

1/2 cup halved green grapes

 

Drain fruit salad, reserving 1/4 cup juice (discard remaining juice or save for another use). In a bowl, combine yogurt, honey and reserved juice. Fold in fruit salad, apple, strawberries and grapes. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings.

The Actions of One

Sixty years ago to the date Rosa Parks took a seat on the Montgomery bus. She unknowingly became a leader in a battle that would lead to freedoms for many when she refused to give her seat up to a white person and move to the back on a Montgomery Alabama city bus. The civil rights movement would make this action political in nature. The boycott of the bus service would be a standing point for the civil right action.

Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was born on February 4 1913. She became an African American Civil Rights activist, whom the United States Congress called "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement" She was arrested December 1, 1955 in Montgomery Alabama after refusing to obey the bus drivers order to give up her seat in the colored section to a white passenger, after the white section was filled.

She was not the first person to resist bus segregation but the NAACP organizers believed that Parks was the best candidate for seeing through a court challenge after her arrest for civil disobedience in violating Alabama segregation laws. It was Park's act of defiance and the Montgomery bus boycott that became important symbols of the modern civil rights movement. Rosa Parks would become an international icon of resistance to racial segregation. She organized and collaborated with civil rights leaders such as Edgar Nixon and Martin Luther King Jr.

At the time of her action Rosa Parks was secretary of the Montgomery chapter of NAACP and had attended a training for activists for worker rights and racial equality. She was "tired of giving in" and took a seat and while honored for it she also suffered for the action. She lost her job as a seamstress in a local department store, and received death threats for years. She moved to Detroit where she briefly found work as a seamstress. In 1965 she would serve as secretary and receptionist to John Conyers and African American U.S. representative. She was active in the Black Power movement and support of political prisoners in the U.S. In 1988 Rosa would retire and write her own story. She lived a private life in Detroit but was recognized largely by many for her actions that December 1st day.

Eat A Red Apple Day

Red apple trees can live up to 200 years old and can start bearing fruit around the 4th or 5th year.

Red apples have a valuable and beneficial component known as pectin. Pectin helps to reduce the absorption of cholesterol and fights heart disease. Apples can help keep you healthy. The apple peel contains antioxidants that help reduce damaged cells and fights some diseases. Apples are fat, sodium and cholesterol free. 

 

There are 7,500 varieties of apples grown throughout the world? They can come in a variety of shapes, flavors, and colors including all shades of red, green and yellow. Apples can be eaten raw, cooked, baked, or juiced. Apples can be found fresh any time of the year