On My Mind Today

Recently I was in search of something to satisfy my sweet tooth, and came across a recipe from years ago. I'm not even sure where it came from, but this is one that I used often when my kids were growing up. They are very easy to make and have always been a family favorite. It calls for chocolate chips, but I have mixed in peanut butter chips. I'm sure M&M's, mint chips and Reese's pieces would work great too! Blonde Brownies 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup butter 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar 2 eggs, slightly beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup chocolate chips 1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1. Mix flour, soda, baking powder and salt. 2. Melt butter in saucepan; add sugar. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing well. 3. Spread in a 13 x 9 inch pan. Sprinkle with chips and nuts. Bake at 350 degrees (325 for glass pan) for 30 minutes (u...

When people hear the word romance they usually think of the grand gestures like a candle lit dinner at an upscale restaurant, a bouquet of beautiful flowers, boxes of fancy chocolates or expensive jewelry. Most of this has been embedded in our thoughts by ad agencies who have created commercials and print ads for jewelers, florists and chocolatiers. At the beginning of a relationship many of these romantic gestures do take place for a couple of reasons. One, our endorphins are in high gear when we are first in love and two, we want to impress a new partner. Nothing wrong with this as it is a natural reaction to want to please a new love. We all know that this beginning romantic stage doesn't last forever. The better we know a person, and become more comfortable with them, we are not as quick to do the grand gestures to impress. It doesn't mean that romance should go out the door and be replaced with complacency; it just means things change with time. Th...

When we are young the thought never crosses our mind that we won't be around some day. Because we are young we believe we will be around forever, or at least that we have a very long time before anything happens to us. Even when we are in our 50's and 60's, as long as we feel good physically, we still tend to believe we have years and years ahead of us. In reality, we never know what is in store for us at any age. However, if we accept this and openly admit it, then we come face to face with our own mortality. Many people are not comfortable with this. The truth is we all need to have the hard end of life discussions no matter how uncomfortable it can make us or the ones we love. Not to do so can put those left behind in a very difficult position, or even worse, at odds with one another over what each one feels your wishes would have been. I have seen how this can tear a family apart and cause damage to relationships that lasts for years, Even young adults who have ye...

Like most people today, I spend the majority of my time doing the things that "need" to be done. The reality is that many of these tasks could wait, and everyone around me would enjoy my company more if I took time to unwind. For me there are a few things that I do that bring peace and solitude to my soul. When I write it clears my mind and brings me to places where I can let everything else retreat into the background. Unfortunately through the busy summer I have not had the luxury of taking much time for this. It has been another "chore" and not the creative release I cherish. Another favorite way to unwind is when I am baking. I had the pleasure of doing this the last two days and made blonde brownies and an apple pie. I am always amazed by how peaceful I feel when I am creating something in the kitchen. With my hands busy my mind relaxes and creative thoughts move in and replace worries that may have been there. Plus the added bonus is enjoying these delicio...

There is a change in the air hinting fall will soon arrive. As the temperatures cool down at night it always makes me think of hot homemade soup. Nothing better after a long day of work, and even better if it's quick and easy to make. This one comes from the Campbell's Kitchen, and if your family loves pumpkin as much as I do then they will enjoy this. Serve it with a homemade corn or spice muffin to make the meal complete. Easy, Creamy Pumpkin Soup 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup) 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 cups chicken stock 1 - 15 ounce can pumpkin (plain) 1/2 cup sweetened applesauce 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup heavy cream 1. Heat the butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, stirring occasionally. 2. Add the flour to the saucepan and cook and stir for about 1 minute. Stir in the broth, pumpkin, applesauce, ginger and nut...

September has arrived and with it my favorite time of year in New England. In a few short weeks fall will arrive, but for now I will enjoy the bright, warm sunny days of September and the cool nights. Still a hint of summer with a preview of what's to come. I don't think there is anything more beautiful than New England in the fall. As the days grow shorter we awaken each day to see the color on the trees grow more and more vibrant. Eventually the colors explode on the mountains and hillsides to the most breathtaking views you will ever see. I have watched this for more years than I care to admit, but I am still in awe each year when I see what Mother Nature has provided. The cool nights provide for great sleeping after the hot summer days. Leaving the windows open to enjoy the smells of fall; snuggling deep under the covers as the cool, crisp air slips in. Puts you into a nice deep sleep that you want to stay in for as long as possible. Swimming and boating on the lake i...