On My Mind Today

From myjewishlearning.com , this coffee cake is one of the best I have ever tasted. Ashkenazi coffee cake has a history going back to 17th century Eastern Europe. The original Jewish coffee cakes called for coffee as one of the main ingredients, but today most are perfect partners for a hot cup of coffee but are totally caffeine-free. If you’re hosting some chocolate lovers, try the chocolate filling. If your family likes raisins, try the raisin-nut filling. The simple combination of pecans and walnuts in the nut filling is delicious. No matter what your choice is for fillings this coffee cake will be a big hit with family and friends. Jewish Coffee Cake Step 1: 3 tablespoons brown sugar 3 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped 3/4 cup pecans, chopped Step 2a: 2 cups sugar 1 cup butter Step 2b: 2 cups flour 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt Sep 3: 3 eggs Sep 4: 8 ounces of sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla Optional fillings: 1/2 cup raisins 1 cup chocolate chips Preheat th...

Life has a way of shaking us up every now and then and redirecting us down a new path. Our vision of what the future holds can suddenly disappear like mist rising from the surface of a lake. The question then becomes how do we adjust to the new "normal" and move forward from here? When confronted with this new future, emotions will run from acceptance and compassion to frustration and feelings of hopelessness. We will do everything we can to understand, and to be there to ensure a good and safe life; however, it does not mean that there will be no discontent. Many of us dream of pursuing forgotten passions when we reach retirement, and it never occurs to us that this will not happen. There is the wish list of the trips that are yet to be planned. So many places to see and experiences to share with one another. As we face reality, and watch passions dwindle and fade, there is a sadness. How could life be so cruel to take these things away? Each new day will bring both normalcy...

After a very long, cold stretch of weather in early spring, warmth and sunshine finally arrived. Of course, it always seems to rush in with days that are far too hot and humid for mid-May. However, we will take it over the lingering cold as it feels good on our winter weary bodies. All winter I think about the flower bed buried underneath the snow. On the cold and dreary days, I spend time pondering what I want to do when the days get longer, the snow melts, and planting time nears. The ground will be ready and filled with nutrients from spring snow - poor man's manure they used to call it. When the first hint of growing season arrives, I take a trip to my local garden center to decide what will grace my flower bed. The Sunpatiens are always the showstopper. They come in several colors, will have a multitude of blossoms from summer into the fall, and are easy to care for. A Million Bell plant takes its place in front of the bird bath next to the Daylilies, and wildflower seeds are ...

If you are a big fan of ice cream, then you will love this easy ice cream cake. This recipe is one my sister gave to me many years ago. With only five ingredients, it takes very little time to put this together. It calls for vanilla ice cream, but you can use any of your favorite flavors. I make mine with 1/2 vanilla and 1/2 chocolate. It makes a good size cake, so it is a perfect dessert for a larger group. Ice Cream Cake Makes 12-15 servings 1 stick of butter 1 Family size package of Oreo cookies 1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream 1 - 15.5 oz. jar of Mrs. Richardson's hot fudge topping 1 - large container of Cool Whip Crush Oreos. Melt butter and add crushed cookies. Press into a 13x9 pan (I use a large round pie holder as it has a lid for storage). Put into the freezer for 1/2 hour. Let the ice cream soften for 5 minutes. Take the Oreo crust out of the freezer and cover with vanilla ice cream. Pour hot fudge sauce over ice cream and spread evenly. Top with the Cool Whip and put in ...

 Anyone growing up in the northeast can relate to the old saying "summer is a short month in New England". The actual duration is the same as anywhere else but depending on the weather it can seem extremely short. As soon as we experience the first warm day our thoughts turn to all the events we want to plan with family and friends, and the coordinating of schedules begins. There are only so many weekends of summer and trying to bring everyone together can be a logistical nightmare. If we are lucky, most people will be available on the same date. For a major event we will have to plan a year in advance. Of course, all of the above needs to be maneuvered around any vacation plans we have made. Whether it is a major overseas trip, traveling locally or visiting another state, these are usually arranged well ahead of the summer season. Once these trips are set, we can only hope we will not miss family gatherings while we are away.  Now all we have to do is pray for the weather to...

Sometimes life throws us off kilter, filling our head with too much to absorb. The ensuing chaos swirling in our brain, can overwhelm even the strongest soul. Noise constantly surrounding us, so much of it out of our control. Unless we are in total isolation, there is no way to find an escape. How do others enjoy the constant din, of voices and external sounds? They seem to thrive on the chaos, still able to function through it all. For those of us who enjoy some solitude, we yearn for days free of artificial sound. No television, radios or cell phones, can help to restore some balance in life. The ultimate way to soothe the soul, is to embrace Mother Nature's sounds. The sound of the birds or calling loons, can release all the tension we hold. We need a few moments to gather our thoughts, to stop the swirling chaos in our brains. May the day ahead bring a few moments peace, to renew our tired soul once more.