Gumdrops

Gumdrops are a type of candy, in fact one of my favorite candies. Gumdrops come in many different colors and sizes. The brightly colored pectin based pieces shaped like a narrow dome. Gumdrops are often coated with granulated sugar. Gumdrops also come in a variety of flavors many times fruit and spice flavors. Spice flavored gumdrops are often known as spice drops.

National Gumdrop day is celebrated on February 15th of each year. Today, share a few gumdrops between you and your friends. I can recall sharing orange slices and spearmint leaves with my dad from time to time. Both of those candies are also forms of gumdrops.

During the late 1800's candy became widely available at the little shops. Before this time much of the candy was made at home. While candy is sweet it is only 6% of the added sugar in the average American diet while soft drinks and juice account for 46%.

Candy has often been a health scapegoat being blamed for everything from polio to tooth decay. Today there are those that are blaming it for obesity. .

6 envelopes
unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water
1½ cups boiling water
4 cups sugar
¼ tsp flavored extract (lemon, orange, peppermint, etc)
food coloring
extra sugar for coating (1/2 cup)

In a large pot (yes, a large stew pot, you'll need it!), stir together the gelatin and cold water. Let sit 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, let the additional water come to a boil in a small saucepan or in the microwave.
Pour the boiling water over the gelatin mixture and stir until dissolved, about 1 minute.
Stir in the sugar.
Place the pot over a burner at medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for about 25 minutes stirring constantly and scraping sides to avoid burning any sugar. The mixture will get quite thick.
Remove from heat and stir in the flavor extract of your choice. Next, add food coloring, or divide the mixture among bowls and add food coloring for multiple colors.
Pour gelatin into silicone mold
Refrigerate 8 hours.
Remove candy from molds. If you need to cut the candies, run your knife under hot water before each cut to avoid sticking. Roll in extra sugar to coat.
Place on a wax paper lined tray. Cover with a tea towel and let sit at room temperature for 48 hours to crystalize.
Notes
You will also need:
2-4 silicone candy molds


Note: Want sour candies? Instead of rolling the candies in plain sugar, add a tablespoon or two of citric acid.

recipe source here

Canned Food Soup

February  is canned  food month. This tasty soup recipe takes 7 cans of food to make  up one awesome recipe. enjoy

1 lb  ground beef
2 (15 ounce) cans ranch style beans    
2 (14 ounce) cans minestrone soup      
 2 (15 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes & chilies

Brown the ground beef and drain well.
Put ground meat in a crock pot. Add ranch beans, minestrone, tomatoes, and Rotel (don't drain any of it).
cook on low at least 4 hours but preferably all day - the longer the better

recipe source here

Winter Roasted Veggie Soup

10 ounces parsnips (about 3 medium) peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 pieces
2 lb butternut or any other winter squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 cubes
3 stalks of celery, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium celery root (about 1 1/4 lbs) peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 leeks, white and light green parts only, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 shallots, quartered
8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 T chopped fresh thyme or 2 t dried
2 1/2 T olive oil
5 C low sodium canned vegetable broth
1 Bay leaf
3/4 C dry white wine

 Toss everything but the last three ingredients together and place in a shallow roasting pan Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes Raise the heat to 450 and roast another 10 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are just tender Meanwhile bring broth and bay leaf to a boil in a large pot Remove the vegetable form the pan and deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping any brown bits from pan Pour the vegetables and the liquid from the bottom of the pan into the broth Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, partially covered Serve with a hot crusty bread.

Winter White Veggies

We have all heard the phrase "eat the rainbow" meaning that the more colors we have in our diet from fruits and veggies the more nutritional we are eating. Sometimes in the midst of winter this may get a bit hard to do. The good thing is that pale foods such as cauliflower and celery root have a lot to offer as well. The white fruit offers those that eat it heart health, boost bone strength and the best thing is that they peak season in cooler months should be easier to find.

Garlic has long been known to help prevent the buildup of plaque on artery walls, and thus reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease. It also has been known to have some power in blocking tumor growth.

Cauliflower packs 68 percent of dietary allowance of vitamin c in one cup of serving. Cauliflower is an antioxidant that may reduce your risk for heart disease. Cauliflower florets also contain the nutrient choline. Choline has been found to help the brain slow age related memory loss.

Parsnips, not white carrots as a grocery store clerk once thought they were, were my grandmothers favorite veggie I believe. One cup of cooked parsnips allows the eater 30% of daily vitamin c needs as well as giving 20 % of manganese that is needed in the body. Manganese is a mineral that many researches believe act as a natural antidote to PMS. Parsnips also offer fiber and helps you feel fuller longer.

Chocolate Covered Rice Krispy Balls

It seems that the holidays brings out the sweets. Valentines is also a great time where many are cooking up yummy treats. One treat that we like to make is peanut butter balls. I most likely ate these for the first time when I was at a G.A. counsel. I loved them and I also love how easy they are to make up.

The recipe takes ingredients that are easy to get.

 Melt the peanut butter and butter over low heat.
In a large bowl mix the cereal and the powdered sugar together.                      
Next, mix the melted peanut butter mixture into the rice krispy mixture.  This actually took a little more time than I thought to get it all mixed up well due to it's density.
After the mix is stirred well, measure 1 level tablespoon and roll it into a ball.  My balls measured about 1 inch.  Now the recipe I used yielded 24 servings, so after making a total of 75 balls, I figure that's about 3 balls a serving.  Then it's into the fridge for about an hour to firm up.

Last step was to melt the chocolate in a double boiler on very low heat.
I then took two teaspoons, one in each hand and tossed the balls until covered.  To coat the balls I kind of use a back and forth method with the ball from one teaspoon to the other until the excess chocolate had dripped off, and then I placed it on the cookie sheet.  Once all the balls were done I placed them into the refrigerator again to firm up.

You can find the recipe here

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan

1 cup buttermilk
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (made from the heels of a loaf of bread)
1/2 teaspoon each salt, dried basil, dried oregano
nonstick cooking spray
2 cups heated spaghetti sauce
1 pound pasta, cooked according to package directions
grated Parmesan cheese
steamed broccoli

Preheat oven to 375°. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment. In shallow dish, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rinse chicken breasts and allow to marinade in buttermilk mixture. Meanwhile, combine bread crumbs, salt spices. Dip chicken breasts in bread crumbs to coat. Place chicken breasts on baking sheet and spray with non-stick spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes until coating is crisp and chicken is cooked through. Juices should run clear. Serve with pasta, pouring sauce over top and sprinkling with cheese. Serve broccoli on the side.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

4 Egg yolk
1/4 Cup Sugar
A Pinch of salt
1 Tablespoon of natural flavoring
such as vanilla, lemon, rum, or
Grand Marnier

1 Pre-baked pie or tart shell
1 Basket of strawberries

Gently beat the yolks, add sugar and salt. Slowly bring to almost a boil while stirring. DO NOT BOIL or it will curdle. Add flavoring and let cool.

While you are waiting for the custard to cool, wash and cut your strawberries in halves. Gently stir in a few teaspoons of sugar to macerate (marinate for fruits). When cool, add the custard to your favorite pre-baked pastry shell. Line the macerated strawberries all around on top of the custard, covering it completely. Pour all sugar syrup over the top. Voila! Simple as Strawberry Pie!

Hermit Cookies

Cookie dough
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup molasses, robust flavored preferred
1 cup (140 g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (100 g) white whole wheat flour (or just replace with all-purpose if you don’t have any)
1 cup (200 g) crystallized ginger (chopped into 1/4-inch pieces), divided
1 cup (165 g) dried tart cherries (chopped in half if large), divided
1/4 cup (50 g) golden raisins

Icing
1/4 cup (55 g) dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (115 g) confectioners’ (powdered) sugar


1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F and lightly spray a 10 x 13 inch baking sheet with cooking oil. Place a large enough piece of parchment paper over the sheet that a little bit of it is hanging over the edges of the pan.

2. Place the butter, spices, salt, baking powder and baking soda in the bowl of stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat the butter until it is smooth, all the dry ingredients are incorporated and the color is a uniform brown. Add the vanilla and dark brown sugar and beat to incorporate. Add the egg and egg yolk and beat to incorporate. Add the molasses and beat to incorporate.

3. Add both flours and beat to incorporate. Add 1/2 cup of crystallized ginger, 1/2 cup of dried tart cherries and the golden raisins to the cookie dough. Mix to incorporate. Scrape the dough into the baking sheet and spread the dough all the way to the edges. It will be sticky and the dough will seem thin once you’ve evenly spread it out. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes or until the edges of the cookie look darker brown and the center looks dry and baked. Let cool in the pan, preferably overnight but until completely cool before icing.

4. To make the icing, place the sugar, milk, butter and vanilla in a small pan and cook until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts. Sift the confectioners’ (powdered) sugar into the pan and whisk to dissolve. If the icing seems to thin, add extra confectioners’ sugar (a tablespoon at a time) until thick enough to hold it’s shape when drizzled on some paper. If it seems too thick, thin with a teaspoon of milk at a time. Drizzle half the icing on the cooled cookie (I poured the icing into a squeeze bottle and used that for more precision but you can free form it with a spoon or a plastic ziplock bag with the corner snipped off). Sprinkle the remaining crystallized ginger and dried tart cherries over the top of the hermits, pressing into the icing to attach them. Then drizzle the remaining icing over the ginger and dried tart cherries. Let icing dry for 15 minutes or longer before cutting and serving.

Makes 36 cookie bars.

original recipe here 

Spring Seems To Be Arriving Early

Let the little birds sing;
Let the little lambs play;
Spring is here; and so 'tis spring; --
But not in the old way!

I recall a place
Where a plum-tree grew;
There you lifted up your face,
And blossoms covered you.

If the little birds sing,
And the little lambs play,
Spring is here; and so 'tis spring --
But not in the old way!


~~ Edna St. Vincent Millay from 'Three Songs of Shattering'


I hear more people saying that spring seems to be peaking out at them in their corner of the world. Winter has not been as harsh as it has been in the past. This year it seems that we have had a dusting of snow or two with the temps being cold but not below zero as we have seen before. Our weather for this time of year has been very warm and as I hear from my friends the geese have arrived in many places and spring birds have started playing as well. Mother Nature is either a bit messed up and going mild upon us or is missing spring and wants us to enjoy it even longer. My husbands only thought is that the mild winter may leave us with an extra hot summer. What is the weather like in your neck of the woods??

Happy Valentines Day

Saint Valentine's Day better known as Valentine's Day occurs the 14th of February every year. The holiday originated from a Christian feast day that honors one or more early saints named Valentinus This day is celebrated around the world but is not a holiday that brings lots of attention in any country.

Saint Valentine of Rome was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians who were persecuted under the Roman empire. During the imprisonment Saint Valentine healed the daughter of his jailer and before his execution wrote a card and signed it "Your Valentine" to say good bye.

The 14th century in the time period of brotherly love Valentines day become associated with romantic love. Later, in the 18th century England, it became an occasion where lovers expressed their love for each other with an offering of flowers, sweets and greeting cards. The greeting cards became known as valentines.

While the Valentines day of the past have had their share on the dark side my hopes is that you have a great Valentines day full of love

Tiny Bites Food Shears

Tiny bites Food shears are the perfect kitchen tool for anyone with or without children. Earning the Moms Choice award as well as the National Parenting Center seal of Approval the numerous job this tool can do is well worth the price. Think about it how many times do you cut up your children food?? Slice up vegetables for a snack?? or cut the crust off your child's sandwich??

What if I told you that these easy to use scissors could help you make cute shapes out of your child's food. When they like what they eat they may eat even more of it. Not only at home but on the go as well. It takes not room at all to carry these in your bag and may make dining out even better as you no longer have to take the time to find a fork and knife to cut up your child's food. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) children younger than 4 years old should not be served round, firm foods unless they have been cut in 1/2 inch pieces that cannot become lodged in a child's airway.

This system is easier than using a knife and a cutting board. Not only is it easy but quick to use as well whether at home or on the go. We decided to put it to the test and visited our local restaurant bringing along the Tiny bites utensil. Our grand-son ordered his normal which is a hot-dog with chili on the side. We brought the tiny bites out of his bag and quickly cut up the dog in tiny bite size pieces. It was easy to cut up the dog in tiny bite size pieces ensuring he did not choke. I believe they will be traveling with us from now on. It was entertaining for him to watch as we snipped up the hot dog and enjoyed it after it was quickly sliced.

Tiny Bites uses cutlery grade stainless steel blades. One blade has a inch ruler to ensure that you are cutting at the size you choose. The blades are safe lead free and a safety child proof protective blade cover is present as well. The plastic handles and cover are BPA Free. Whether snipping thin or thick foods the tool will work perfectly as they have the extra support of comfort spring. They go in the dishwasher easily as well as in your bag to travel where you go including the beach, camping, boating and picnics.

Now don't get me wrong these are great for families with toddlers but lets not forget others that may need to have their food cut up a bit as well. Anyone from teens with braces who must watch what they eat to those who for one reason or another must have their bites be just a bit tinier. I could also see senior adults or care takers of senior adults using these multi purpose tiny bites. Knowing that at times finger foods are better than large food for those that are older.

Whatever stage in your life you are at as well as those that you love tiny bites seem like a great addition to have at home or on the go. Safe to use , perfect size to take a long on your journey as well as help those that are in need of smaller bits of food.

Now, let me share with you about how you can get them:

Tiny Bites are available 2 sets for $10.99 There are many locations where you can find Tiny Bites including:

Walmart
Walgreens
Amazon
Toys R Us
Bed Bath & Beyond

Read more about them here  to purchase Tiny Bites visit here 

Valentine Jello Treat

1 (6 oz) package Raspberry Jello
1 (6 oz) package Strawberry Jello
1⅓ C plain Greek or regular yogurt (room temperature)
 4 C boiling water
1 pint fresh strawberries, cut into heart shapes

1. Start by combining the raspberry jello with 2 C of boiling water, and stir until dissolved. Remove 1 C of the mixture and set aside in a separate bowl.
2. Combine remaining mixture with ⅔ C room temperature yogurt and whisk until smooth. Pour into a 9x13" pan and place in fridge to chill until set, about 30 minutes.
3. Take reserved gelatin and warm slightly if it's become thick. Stir in ⅔ C water and pour over first layer. Place in fridge to chill until set, about 30 minutes.
4. Repeat this process for the remaining box of jello. Before pouring final layer, place heart­shaped strawberry slices on the 3rd layer in desired pattern. To keep strawberries in place, brush the backside of each slice with a bit of the final layer of gelatin before placing.
5. Pour final layer of gelatin and place in fridge to chill a final time, at least 3 hours. Slice and serve

recipe source here

Stringing Hearts

This is a super cute craft that you can make for any little hands. Simply cut out some hearts of different shapes. Use a pipe cleaner to lace them together. 

Take Care of Your Heart

Your heart works hard for you nonstop for your whole life. So show it some TLC. If we do not love our self then how can we love anyone else?? There are some things that we can do so that we are living healthier and treating our heart better. After all it is the month of February the month where love is all around and what is better than the greatest love of all?? 

Getting the appropriate amount of sleep is very important. We have heard for years that between 7 and 8 hours of sleep is recommended. The problem occurs when we have those all night study sessions, those nights that we have a bit of fun or whatever we are doing where we just dont get enough sleep. But, I was not aware til now that getting too much sleep is bad for the heart as well. 

Watch the blood pressure as well. Every visit to the doctor you most likely also get your blood pressure checked. This is very important  to make sure that your blood pressure is not increasing which means that your heart is having to work harder. If you have blood pressure issues then you most likely should cut back on salt, limit alcohol, put more fruit, veggies, whole grains and lean protein in your diet. Stress can also harm you by increasing your blood pressure. Working out can help by relieving stress and helping you loose weight. The doctor may also recommend medication

Individuals with high blood sugar diabetes may also be at risk for heart issues. Over time high blood sugar damages arteries and puts you at risk for heart disease. Those 45 years of age or older should have your blood sugar checked at your doctors. Pregnant women or individuals over weight may have other risk factors for diabetes. Life style changes with diet and exercise may help. Medication may be prescribed as well.

Dental health also can affect overall health including your heart. Those with gum disease often have the same risk factors for heart disease. Bacteria in the mouth that has caused gum disease can move through the bloodstream and cause an elevation in c-reactive protein which indicated inflammation in the blood vessels. In turn you may increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Help yourself by flossing and brushing your teeth daily to ward off gum disease Cavities are only one reason to brush another is to protect your body.

Avoid second hand smoke as the risk of developing heart disease is about 25 to 30 percent higher for people who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work. The American Heart Association states that exposure to tobacco smoke contributes to about 34,000 premature heart disease deaths and 7,300 lung cancer deaths each year. Nonsmokers with high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol have an even greater risk of developing heart disease when they are exposed to secondhand smoke. The chemicals emitted from cigarette smoke promotes the development of plaque buildup in the arteries. 

I am in hopes that the information I shared with you will help you live longer with a happy heart

He Loves Us Tis True But How Do We Show We Love

How lucky we are to have been loved before we were ever born. The love of Jesus Christ is like none other. The love that our parents gave us and we gave our children is a form of the Love Jesus gives us. It is a love that is forgiving and never ending and best of all it is a love not because we did something but because he loved us from the beginning. That is the top Valentine of all time.

The bible tells us that we should love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves. Valentines day is a perfect time to show others how much we love them. Making some cookies to share with others, giving a gift to the ones you love, helping children understand how much we love them and their Lord does as well. I learned as a little girl that actions speak louder than words ever do.

Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln

Today and every year on February 8th Abraham Lincoln's birthday is celebrated. Why?? Well, it is the date of this great mans birthday and a time to celebrate his life and great things he did. The 16th president from the great state of Illinois was often known "Honest Abe" He was born in the wilderness of Hardin County Kentucky on February 12, 1809. Abe was in his 50s when he became president of the United States a country that would soon wage war among itself. Lincoln believed that he could help save the nation and stop the secession of the Southern states. During his time at presidency he would leave many great memories including the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation as well as put an end to slavery in the U.S.

Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin. It is a great time to have some family fun and create a mini log cabin out of pretzels. Abe Lincoln was famous for wearing a top hat. The cookie and candy top hat snack treat is fun to make out of a Keebler fudge stripe cookie, rolo candy and chocolate icing.

Jello week continues::: Jello Parfait

• 
  
• 
  
• 5 packages of Strawberry Jello mix
• Water
• 2 cups of Cool Whip, plus more for topping
• strawberries, to top each parfait

Layer 1: Combine 1 cup boiling water in a bowl with a packet of strawberry jello mix. Stir until the mixture is dissolved. Add in one cup of cold water and stir. Evenly divide this mixture among the cups you’ll be using. Refrigerate until set, 1-2 hours.
Layer 2: Combine 1 cup boiling water in a bowl with a packet of strawberry jello mix. Stir until the mixture is dissolved. Add in one cup of cold water and stir. Add in 1 cup of cool whip, and stir until mixed. Evenly divide this mixture among the cups you’ll be using, layering on top of the previous jello layer. Separation may occur, causing a lighter and darker layer. Refrigerate until set, 1-2 hours.
Layer 3: Combine 1 cup boiling water in a bowl with a packet of strawberry jello mix. Stir until the mixture is dissolved. Add in one cup of cold water and stir. Evenly divide this mixture among the cups you’ll be using. Refrigerate until set, 1-2 hours.
Layer 4: Combine 1 cup boiling water in a bowl with a packet of strawberry jello mix. Stir until the mixture is dissolved. Add in one cup of cold water and stir. Add in 1 cup of cool whip, and stir until mixed. Evenly divide this mixture among the cups you’ll be using, layering on top of the previous jello layer. Separation may occur, causing a lighter and darker layer. Refrigerate until set, 1-2 hours.
Layer 5: Combine 1 cup boiling water in a bowl with a packet of strawberry jello mix. Stir until the mixture is dissolved. Add in one cup of cold water and stir. Evenly divide this mixture among the cups you’ll be using. Refrigerate until set, 1-2 hours.
Before serving top each parfait with cool whip and a strawberry.

Plum Pudding

My father always requested plum pudding at the holidays. You may delighted to find out that plum pudding has no plums in it. The name was given  to the dish during a time period where raisins or other dried fruit were often known or referred to as plums. Plum pudding is also known as Christmas Pudding. The dish is a steamed or boiled pudding that can be served during the holiday season. 

Nutmeg, raisins, nuts, apples, cinnamon, dates and other ingredients. An English tradition has every person in a household simultaneously hold onto the wooden spoon together to help stir the batter. While stirring they are to make a wish as well. 


The term pudding may be a bit confusing to grasp and understand. In England all desserts are referred to as pudding. In America a pudding is a flavored creamy dessert that is milk based. A Plum Pudding is more like a cake, something like a fruit cake. A plum pudding is not baked but rather boiled or steamed. The cooking process used takes 8 or more hours. 

I know you all must be wondering if plum pudding is for the holidays why celebrate February 12th?? There is no reason that I can find but stirring the plum pudding batter is thought to bring good luck and valentines day many like to get lucky.

Plum Pudding

Each pudding serves 12

Fruit Mixture (To be made 4 days ahead)
1 pound seedless raisins
1 pound sultana raisins
1/2 pound currants
1 cup thinly sliced citron
1 cup chopped candied peel
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon mace
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound finely chopped suet – powdery fine
1 1/4 cups cognac
Pudding
1 1/4 pounds (approximately) fresh bread crumbs
1 cup scalded milk
1 cup sherry or port
12 eggs, well beaten
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Cognac

Blend the fruits, citron, peel, spices and suet and place in a bowl or jar. Add 1/4 cup cognac, cover tightly and refrigerate for 4 days, adding 1/4 cup cognac each day.
Soak the bread crumbs in milk and sherry or port. Combine the well-beaten eggs and sugar. Blend with the fruit mixture. Add salt and mix thoroughly. Put the pudding in buttered bowls or tins, filling them about 2/3 full. Cover with foil and tie it firmly. Steam for 6-7 hours. Uncover and place in a 250°F. oven for 30 minutes. Add a dash of cognac to each pudding, cover with foil and keep in a cool place.
To use, steam again for 2-3 hours and unmold. Sprinkle with sugar; add heated cognac. Ignite and bring to the table. Serve with hard sauce or cognac sauce.


shared at 
Silver Pennies Sundays

posed of nutmeg, raisins, nuts, apples, cinnamon, dates, and many other ingredients. In England, it is tradition to have every person a household simultaneously hold onto the wooden spoon together to help stir the batter. As they stir it they also have to make a wish!no plums! In the 17th century when it was first created, plums were referred to as raisins or any other type of dried fruits. Plum pudding (aka Christmas pudding) is a steamed or boiled pudding usually served during the holiday season. Plum pudding is composed of nutmeg, raisins, nuts, apples, cinnamon, dates, and many other ingredients. In England, it is tradition to have every person a household simultaneously hold onto the wooden spoon together to help stir the batter. As they stir it they also have to make a wish!

vegetarian Chili Recipe

1 medium onion diced
2 stalks of celery diced
1 carrot diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 tablespoon Chili Powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 can diced tomato (14.5 oz)
3 cups vegetable stock or water
salt to taste
1 can kidney beans,drained and rinsed
1 can black beans,drained and rinsed
1 square bittersweet chocolate
3-4 tablespoon cornmeal

Sauté Onion,Celery,Carrot and garlic in vegetable oil for approx 2 minutes Add Chili powder,cumin and Italian seasoning and continue sautéing until vegetable become translucent. Add diced tomato, vegetable stock and bring to a boil.Then lower to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes. Add both cans of bean and simmer for 15 minute longer. Add chocolate square and stir until melted. Sprinkle cornmeal on the top of the Chili and then stir in. Allow to simmer until thickened. Serve with your favorite topping (mine is Cheddar cheese and sour cream!)

Harriet Tubman

February is Black History Month and I would like to pay tribute to one of the greatest Black women in history - Harriet Tubman. My daughter has forever admired her.

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland sometime between 1820 and 1822. She was an abolitionist, a nurse, a Civil War spy, a humanitarian and a suffragist and many other things. Harriet led many along the Underground Railroad as a conductor. The Underground Railroad was established in the U.S. to aid slaves in finding a route to freedom. The help of anti slavery advocates. Hundreds of slaves made their way north to escape the shackles of slavery. Many will continue on to Canada because slavery had already been abolished here.

Harriet Tubman would risk her own life many times to help her people escape to freedom. The nickname Moses was dedicated to her because of her determination to free her people from slavery.  Tubman herself had escaped to freedom from slavery via the underground railroad. She would travel by night using the North Star as her compass. Tubman would arrive in Philadelphia and find work as a domestic. Here she would work to raise money to help her own family escape the bonds of slavery.



Between 1850 and 1860, Tubman conducted approximately thirteen escapes and brought seventy-five slaves to freedom. In 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act had been passed and all escaped slaves were in danger of being returned to their owners. In 1851, Tubman brought her family to St. Catherines, Ontario. On Christmas Day, 1854, she helped her brothers escape and led them first to Philadelphia and then on to St. Catherines where she had established a home for herself. She and her brothers attended the African Methodist Episcopal Church which was just behind her home. It still stands today and is pictured below.

In 1857, Tubman brought her parents to St. Catherines because she learned her father was to be arrested for helping slaves escape. The following year, John Brown visited Tubman at her home on North St. in St. Catherines. Tubman was a strong supporter of Brown.

Harriet would work hard as a cook, laundress, nurse, scout, spy and teacher during the Civil War. The first woman to lead Union Soldiers and defeat the Confederates. More than 700 slaves were freed in the raid. In 1857 Tubman would return to Auburn New York and take her parents with her. Here whe would lead another battle one for women's rights. She would fight til her death in 1913


The legacy that Harriet Tubman left to the world is a great one. She was a courageous woman who was years ahead of her time and she left her mark on the world.
Photo of Harriet Tubman
Courtesy of the Library of Congress 5910
No known restrictions on publication
Photographer: H.B. Lindsay
Photo is believed to have been taken between 1860 and 1875