On My Mind Today

In the UK they are known as Fondant Potatoes, and in the US, they are hardly known at all. They are buttery, crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle and worth a try. These are the most delicious potatoes I have had in a long time! They would certainly be a great addition to any of your holiday gatherings. Enjoy! Melting Potatoes (Fondant Potatoes) 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1-1/2 cups chicken broth 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed and peeled Note: Use potatoes at least 1-1/2 inches in diameter. DO NOT  use a glass baking dish. Adjust rack to upper-middle position. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Square off ends of potatoes and cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick disks. Toss them with melted butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in a baking pan and roast until the bottoms are browned, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from oven and using fl

"Take patriotism away, and the nation's soul has fled." ~ Edward Mark Deems We all know people who believe flying or displaying the American flag makes them a patriot; that this symbolic gesture is proof of their patriotism. Then others will bellow and boast of their love of country and patriotism, but what their words are truly exhibiting is prejudice, conceit and hatred.  Yes, true patriots fly the American flag. However, the flag does not belong to one person or group, and it certainly does not belong to a political party. It represents the freedom, dignity, and true meaning of being an American, and it belongs to all of us. Having pride in our country is commendable, but true patriotism is recognizing that your welfare is deeply intertwined with the general welfare of your fellow countrymen. If you are to prosper, then everyone else must also prosper. In difficult times it is more important than ever to come together. Standing alone while spouting about your rights an

Of all the seasons in New England, fall is my favorite. The warm days and cool nights of early fall breathe life into my soul and energize me. The beauty of mid fall when the leaves put on a breathtaking display of red, orange and gold is a vision unlike any other. Then late fall arrives when the days and nights get cooler, the leaves fall from the trees and November arrives. November, one of my least favorite months (with March being the other); gray days with little sunshine to warm our bones and brighten our spirits. If it were not for Thanksgiving at the end of the month, and Christmas in December, it might be extremely difficult to get through the darkness. November can bring gloomy moods if we allow it to, so I try to find some fun and enjoyment even on these days. When my oldest daughter was around two, we happened to be looking out on a cool, gray November day. The wind was blowing hard, and the leaves were falling from the trees. As I stood staring out the window a wonderful v

From Jill Mills at kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com , these pumpkin pie cupcakes have the delicious flavor of a pumpkin pie, and a similar texture. They only take a short time to prepare, and about 20 minutes baking time. Once they are cooled and chilled, just top with whipped cream and enjoy! The only problem you might have, is not eating too many at one sitting.  Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes 1 - 15 oz. can of pure pumpkin puree 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup evaporated milk 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder whipped cream for topping Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk and whisk until smooth. In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder and whisk until combined.  Pour dry mixture into pumpk

We all have friends. Some come into our lives for a while and then slowly fade away. I have always believed that they come into our lives for a reason, and once the need has been fulfilled, they are gone. Either we needed them during that time, or they needed us. Either way, it was a good thing for both. Then there are the friends that come into our lives and are with us forever - through good times and through bad. The connection we make with them just feels right from the moment we meet. These lifelong friends are truly a blessing. I am very fortunate to have some amazing lifelong friends. Whether we see each other often or only occasionally, we are able to pick up where we left off. From the moment we say hello the conversation flows easily and feels like the warmth of a hug. If things are going great, we share in the joy, and if things are rough, we lift each other up. We listen or give advice depending on what is needed. We laugh together as we share humorous stories from our live

The sun has risen on a brand-new day, and what is it all the cheery people say? Put on a smile, turn that frown upside-down, and everything is sure to go your way. Sometimes these words give us a good start, and our happy heart begins the new day. We move through the morning with ease, hoping this sunshine mood will remain. The trials and tribulations we live with, most days are handled with little effort. But every now and then we will falter, and the weariness and sadness move in. We know not the stress others may have, that put brick walls up in their way. Hard as they may try to knock them down, They will end up feeling defeated again. Everyone has their burdens to bear, there is nobody immune from hard times. For those fortunate to carry a lighter load, have compassion for those with heavier weight. The words of others that we read each day, preaching how to live a light filled life. Think positive advice, even well intentioned, can make others feel like a failure again.  There ar