On My Mind Today

 Life, and dinner, would be dull if we didn't try new things. This easy slow cooker recipe is delicious and has been added to my go to recipes for when mealtime gets a bit boring. For a little kick hot sauce can be added when served. Enjoy! Cuban Style Braised Steak and Peppers   1/2 cup dry white wine 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano salt and pepper 1 - 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes 1 medium onion, sliced 2 red peppers, sliced crosswise 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 Tablespoon capers, roughly chopped 1 pound flank steak, cut crosswise into 3-inch pieces (flank steak can be expensive - I used sirloin tips instead) 1 cup long grain white rice 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed olives, quartered, plus 1 Tablespoon olive brine Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving.   1. In a 5–6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the wine, cumin, oregano and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. 2. Stir in the tomatoes (and their juices), onion, peppers, garlic and capers. Nestle the stea...

 A very dear friend of mine once told me that with every ten years that pass, you will see and feel a marked difference. I have become more aware of her true words as each decade goes by. I have no problem with getting older; after all, it's inevitable and there is no use in fighting it. What we do, and what we reap from it, determines how we deal with it. We need to do our best to stay healthy and active. As the old saying goes, "if you don't keep moving, then eventually you can't move at all." Getting some exercise each day is a must. We need to keep our minds active in order to stay sharp. Whether we like to read, write, do crossword puzzles, or a myriad of other things, the more we do the sharper our minds remain. Socialization is vital. Stay in touch with family and friends; gather together as much as possible. These connections not only keep us active but also boost our energy and mental well-being. Plus, connecting with younger relatives keeps us current wi...

There is so much heaviness that we carry these days from the chaos around us. Sometimes, it seems almost impossible to move forward with positivity and purpose. However, we cannot let them win and steal our joy.  Now that we are in the late spring season, there are so many things that can restore our faith in all that is good. The season where Mother Nature awakens what has been beneath the soil during the cold winter months, and the trees suddenly display their fresh green leaves to hide the new nests filled with baby birds waiting to hatch. After dreaming all winter about warmer days, the arrival of ducks and geese signal the new season is about to begin. When the first haunting call of the Loons is heard, it touches the soul and lifts the spirits. This beautiful sound has been missed like a long-lost friend, and we are blessed that they will share their song from now until fall.  Birds return from wintering in warmer climates and the bird bath becomes a gathering place once...

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 ...