On My Mind Today

From Taste of Home contributor, Karen Howard, Lakeville, MA, this cheesy and tangy quiche is sure to be a hit at your next brunch. It is easy to prepare and ready in about an hour. Her tip to spread mustard on the bottom of the crust adds another layer of flavor. I used Dijon mustard and it was great! Zucchini Quiche Dough for single crust pie 3 tablespoons butter 4 cups thinly sliced zucchini (about 3 medium) 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 large eggs, room temperature 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 cups shredded mozzarella 2 teaspoons prepared mustard (I used Dijon mustard) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a lightly floured surface roll dough to a 1/8" thick circle; transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim crust to 1/2 inch beyond rim of plate; flute edge. Refrigerate while preparing filling. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add zucchini and onion; ...

Once again, the fall season has arrived, and we anxiously await colorful leaves. As the show slowly begins before our eyes, Mother Naure may have other things in store. A storm is brewing along the shore, a Nor'easter is what they claim. Very strong winds and heavy rain, can bring destruction along its path. Many wait anxiously for what's to come, not knowing the impact they will endure. But, if our eyes are open to Mother Naure's show, there is much beauty for us to embrace. Colorful leaves and calm waters on lakes, the sky with billowing clouds like cotton. As the evening begins and the sun starts to set, brilliant blue, pink and gold color the sky. The calm before the storm is what we call it, brining spectacular beauty before our eyes. If we glance away for even a few seconds, it will turn abruptly to evening darkness. Next time a fall storm is coming up the coast, take some time to stop and look around. The beauty of Mother Nature may surprise you, in the calm before t...

Socializing and sharing our lives with others is a wonderful thing. What we receive in these interactions is many times far more than what we give. The knowledge and insights gained from our social "dances" make us more well rounded, interesting people. There is also something to be said for solitude - spending time with ourselves so to speak. Enveloping ourselves in silence gives our mind the time to slow down and sort through the many things that have gathered there during our typical noisy days. In the time we spend alone, we can learn to like who we are and find out that we truly enjoy time with this person we have become. We can find peace in our souls and maybe discover the path our life should be on. The more we learn about "us", the more we have to offer others. After the calm of the silence, we will find that we are more open to the world around us. Ready to take in new people and experiences again - to grow and learn. Also ready to give of ourselves once m...

Several years ago, I found some healthier options for desserts made with pumpkin in First for Women magazine. They cited some facts regarding the benefits of pumpkin: It prolongs satiety - one cup of pumpkin contains only 83 calories but has 8 grams of fiber which is almost a third of your daily need. Per a USDA study, people who increased their intake of this filling nutrient decreased their overall calorie intake by 10%. It balances blood sugar - Pumpkin is rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, which reduces the risk of insulin resistance by 51% (per Japanese scientists). This makes pumpkin a great way to prevent fatigue, belly fat and cravings that can come from insulin resistance. Half a cup of pumpkin contains 100% of the RDA of vitamin A, which revs the body's production of sickness-fighting T cells. Plus, once ingested, the squash's alpha-carotene converts to retinol, which spurs skin-cell renewal and collagen production. Here are some great new ways to make your favorite desserts...

Seems like only a few short days ago that we welcomed summer with such joy after a long winter and cold spring. Ready for all the fun activities on the lake and at the ocean; so many days ahead to enjoy the heat of the sun on our cold weary bodies. Even though we think that we never want those hot summer days to end, we always seem to be ready for a change when they do. So here we are again entering fall; my favorite time of year with the warm sunny days and cool nights. A time when open windows allow the fresh crisp air to flow through and clear out the staleness from a long hot summer with a closed home and A/C running. Nights of sound and restful sleep as we snuggle under covers with the cool night air. The leaves will soon be changing to show off their brilliant colors. The apples are ready for delicious homemade pies and fall flowers will begin to grace the doorsteps on many homes. With the cooler days we will start to prepare our comfort foods that have been set aside during the ...

My mother once told me, "the more you do, the more people expect you to do". Wise words, and they apply to both our personal life and work life. I have always believed in working hard, doing the best job I can do and, in most cases, going above and beyond what was expected. Most of the time this effort is appreciated, however there are instances where I have been taken advantage of. Some people are more than willing to let you do not only your own work, but theirs too. I enjoy helping others both at home, and at work before I retired. When doing for someone else it gives me a feeling of satisfaction knowing that I have helped another person. Their thanks and appreciation are all I need; I'm not looking for grand gestures on their part or public acknowledgement for what I have done. The most difficult thing for those who give their time and energy to others is the knowledge that some will easily take advantage of them. These people have learned over time that if they wait ...