On My Mind Today

There are many recipes for whoopie pies, and many companies out there today selling them. None of them compare to the ones made with this recipe that I was given years ago by a good friend. They are truly old fashioned, easy to make and absolutely delicious! Old Fashioned Whoopie Pies   1-1/2 cups Sugar 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 1/2 cup sour milk   Combine: 1/2 cup cocoa and 1/2 cup hot water 2-2/3 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda   Drop on a cookie sheet - size of a tablespoon. Bake at 350 degrees (10 to 15 minutes). Remove from cookie sheet and cool.   Filling: 3 tablespoons flour 3/4 cup milk Cook until thick and lumpy. When cool beat until smooth and then add: 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup shortening Whip until creamy.   Put filling between two cookies; repeat until all cookies are used.   

From the time we are born we begin to learn about life. We learn to talk and walk, gain knowledge as to how things are done, and then how to make our way in the world.  The years go by and before we know it we are busy raising children and working, all the while these life lessons being absorbed, but not always noticed. Unfortunately we are so wrapped up in daily routine that we don't realize the important lessons we are being taught. And when we finally are done with the child rearing and running on the proverbial treadmill at work, it hits you. The realization of what is truly important, and also the realization of how precious time is. It doesn't seem fair that we wait that long to figure it out. It's amazing how clear things become when you reach a certain age. To truly be happy you must make your passion your work. If you do this then it will never feel like work. Every moment needs to be cherished - especially those watching your children grow. Never take good hea

 Growing up I was taught that in the spring you went through your home and did a thorough cleaning. Erasing all the dust and stale air that had accumulated over the winter when the house was closed up. It was our routine and one that I took with me as I became an adult and had my own home to take care of. I would take 2-3 days each spring and go from top to bottom ensuring that I did not miss a thing. Ceilings and walls were dry dusted (scuff marks washed off the walls). Curtains and blinds were taken down and washed, windows scrubbed and screens dusted before hanging the window treatments back up. Every kitchen cupboard was emptied and wiped down. Same with the refrigerator, and there were always things found at the back of a shelf that made their way to the trash. Made me wonder why they were ever purchased since they did not get used. Beds were stripped and all the bedding cleaned. Closets emptied and anything no longer of use was given away (or thrown away). Furniture was dus

A while back my sister shared this recipe with me and I tucked it away. In my search for something to make for dinner I rediscovered it. This white chili is incredible and a nice change from traditional chili. It is also lower in calories and fat with 0 mg of cholesterol, which is a bonus! White Bean and Chicken Chili   1 tablespoon Canola Oil 3 large boneless chicken breasts Salt and Pepper 2 onions, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 - 4 oz. cans roasted green chilies, drained 1 tablespoon ground Cumin 2 - 15 oz. cans white beans, rinsed and drained 4 cups low sodium Chicken Stock   1. Warm skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, and place in skillet. Cook 6 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a plate. Drain all but 2 tablespoons fat from the pan. Sauté onions and garlic for 5 minutes. Stir onion mixture, chilies, 1 cup water, cumin, chicken, beans and broth into slow cooker.   2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, stirring

There is no doubt that this winter has been cold, snowy, windy and long. Most of us feel it is the winter that will never end, and our bodies are weary from the constant beating from this brutal season. It seems the mantra I hear every day is "will this ever end?" Mother Nature treats us to one, possibly two, days of sunshine and a bit of warmth only to turn around and give us cold, rain, sleet or snow once again. Each time this happens it is like an attack on our souls that are yearning for those long summer days. Although it has been one of the longest and coldest in many years, I can finally say I see a light at the end of the tunnel. This past weekend I uncovered my flower bed and the once brown dead leaves are showing signs of fresh green growth. The herbs in the garden surprised me too. Just a few warmers days with some rain and the chives appeared. I even dare to dream of fresh chives in my salad within two weeks with the cooperation of the weather. The lake that h

Recently I was looking for something different to bring to a party as an appetizer. In my search I came upon a recipe for Avocado Deviled Eggs so I decided to give it a try. As we all know, people will either love it or hate it. Turns out they are very good, and were a big hit. These deviled eggs would also be an excellent addition to your Sunday brunch. Easy to make and your company will be asking for the recipe. Avocado Deviled Eggs   12 Extra- Large Eggs 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (I used Lite Mayonnaise) 1 tablespoon Dijon-style Mustard 1 teaspoon caper juice or sweet or dill pickle juice 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Dash of bottled hot sauce (or a bit more if you like things spicy) 1 ripe Avocado, peeled and seeded Snipped fresh chives (optional)   1. Place eggs in a single layer in a large sauce pan. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by at least 1 inch, add 4 tsp. white vinegar and pinch of salt (will make eggs easier to peel). Bring to a rapi

There is too much immediate gratification for children today. Whether it be television, the Internet or their parents, many children don't have to wait for anything. In our effort to ensure our children have what they want and do what they want, we neglect to realize we are not teaching them how to take care of themselves. We are also not teaching them that you have to work for what you want in life, and sometimes you have to fail to succeed. Even in school sports the rules are changing. I recently heard that in some schools they are looking at passing a new rule that anyone who tries out for a sport gets to be on the team. I feel that all they would learn from this is that they don't have to work hard to make the team. There are many children who work extremely hard to become a better player so they can make the team. What message are we giving these kids - that they are wasting their time working hard? Social media can be a wonderful thing, however if that is the majority

About a year and a half ago I finally took the time to write three children's stories based on my grandchildren. This was something I had wanted to do for a very long time, and the feeling of accomplishment was one of the most rewarding in my life. There is nothing I can compare to the feeling I get when I am writing and creating. For someone who has always been an organized, analytical personality, I have found as I get older my desire to tap into my creative side is all consuming. Since I finished writing these stories, my dream has been to find an illustrator and complete the process to bring them to book form. I can envision the day when I am able to share these books with my grandchildren. As with any endeavor the one thing that holds us back are our finances. Taking a risk monetarily is not an easy one. I have spoken to a few illustrators over the past year, and they did amazing work, however I was not able to move forward. Recently I was talking with a friend who complet