On My Mind Today

A short while ago I harvested the last of my cucumbers, and found this recipe for refrigerator bread and butter pickles online at browneyedgirlcom . It is an easy recipe, and a great way to use up the last of the cucumbers from your garden with no canning equipment required. Many years ago I canned bread and butter pickles, and these taste just as good without all the work! Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles 5½ cups - about 1½ pounds thinly sliced (about ¼-inch) pickling cucumbers 1½ tablespoons kosher salt 1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup white vinegar ½ cup apple cider vinegar ¼ cup light brown sugar 1½ teaspoons mustard seeds ½ teaspoon celery seeds ⅛ teaspoon ground turmeric Combine cucumbers and salt in a large, shallow bowl; cover and chill 1½ hours. Move cucumbers into a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Drain well, and return cucumbers to bowl. Add onion to the bowl and toss with the cucumbers. Combine the granulated sugar, white vin...

It is easy to lose ourselves in the midst of daily routine. By the time we get done with the must dos, and perhaps a few of the should dos, the things we would like to do seem to always be left behind. When we are young, we believe that there is an endless amount of time, and we look forward to enjoying everything we imagine our future will hold. We do not see any limitations when it comes to time as we have so many years ahead of us. However, when we reach our senior years, time becomes elusive, and we struggle to find enough of it.  The most elusive of all is time for ourselves. One would think that when we reach retirement there would be an abundance of time, and surely enough to have time alone. Unfortunately, as each year passes there is a greater chance of facing health issues which can rob us of the precious ability to pursue solitary time. It may be our own health, or our partner's, but either one can fill our days with the must dos which are priorities. Without the capabil...

Fall in New England - a time to enjoy the beautiful colors of the foliage, feel the sun warm our face on a cool day, and smell fresh baked goods wafting through the house. All of these things bring to mind memories from my childhood. My mother is a great baker, and there were always fresh baked goods in our home. Growing up we knew that even after a tough day at school we would arrive home to the delicious aroma of cookies, pies, cakes or whoopie pies. All of our friends loved coming to visit because they were not used to having these treats at home and thought we were the luckiest kids in the world. I'm sure that we tended to take all of this for granted as it was commonplace in our home. Every Saturday night my mom would make homemade pizza and our closest friends would try to make sure they were present for this weekly indulgence. Fortunately I learned from watching my mother as she created all of these great homemade treats. Once I had my own family they too would come home and...

Once again Food Network Magazine has shared another great recipe! Courtesy of Steve Jackson for Food Network Kitchen, these pull-apart sandwiches combine the great flavors of chicken parmesan and garlic bread. The bread slices have a nice thick layer of garlic butter, and are filled with breaded and fried chicken tenders, tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Once they come out of the oven just pull apart and enjoy the amazing flavors!   Chicken Parmesan Pull-Apart Sandwiches 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for frying 6 cloves garlic, 4 thinly sliced and 2 finely grated 1 - 28 ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, crushed 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano salt and freshly ground pepper 6 chicken tenders - 8 ounces each (I used frozen chicken tenders and baked them in the oven) **If frying the chicken tenders you will need: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup breadcrumbs** 1 each 14-inch loaf semolina or other crusty Italian bread 6 tablespoons ...

Technology is great, but there is something to be said about writing a letter. Not only can it bring a smile to the recipient's face, but also allows the author of the letter to share their thoughts, hopes and dreams with someone they care about. To release all the things that have been running around in our minds just waiting to be shared with a confidant. I remember growing up how excited I would be to receive a letter from a family member or friend - anticipating what they had to say as I opened the envelope. After reading every word carefully I would sit down and send a reply. And so it would go as we shared our feelings and thoughts back and forth over the years. Somewhere along the way we have lost this art of writing letters and the joy it can bring to write and receive such a letter. In 2012 I decided that I was going to start writing letters to my grandchildren who were then ages 9, 4 and 2 (yes even the 2 year old). I wanted to make sure that they knew me in a way that co...

"Time may pass, places change but memories...they are forever. " ~Wisdom Dictionary ~ As the years go by we become keenly aware of the elusiveness of time. What appears as an infinite amount of time to see and do, suddenly becomes almost impossible to find. When I was younger I took for granted the good times with family and friends. It never crossed my mind that these gatherings filled with fun and laughter would some day be gone, and all that would remain would be the ghosts of memories in my mind. That is the folly of youth. The wisdom of age lets us know every moment is precious; to be enjoyed to the fullest. We hang on to every moment trying to stretch it out for as long as possible; as if we can make it last forever by wishing it so. Every hug from family and friends; each funny memory shared filling a room with laughter, and each photo taken thinking it will freeze time. We hold these close and try to ensure we have as many of these moments as possible. I am blessed to...

For a recent dinner with friends I was asked to bring dessert, so I searched for something different to share. I cannot remember where I found this, so I have had to put the recipe together from memory. I can tell you that it was delicious and a big hit. I hope that my memory has served me well, and that you and your family or friends will enjoy it too. Mixed Berry Crisp Filling: 5 cups mixed fresh berries of your choice (blueberries/raspberries/strawberries/blackberries) ** If you use frozen berries - see note below ** 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 teaspoons corn starch 2 tablespoons orange juice, apple juice, or water Topping: 2/3 cup old fashioned oats 2/3 cup all purpose flour 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut in cubes Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 ½ inch deep dish pie plate or similar sized baking dish. Set aside. Topping: In a large bowl, combine oa...

Regardless of the path life takes us on, there is always one place that feels like home. We may travel the world and live in many other areas, but that one place we return to comforts our soul. Perhaps it has something to do with family and memories, or maybe it is simply the beauty of our surroundings making us feel like gentle arms are comforting us. Although we may never know exactly what draws us there, we will always be pulled back to feel the peace and contentment only it can provide. For me that one place is Vermont. This is where I was born, and where I lived for many years at various times of my life. Each time I return my first thought is how much it feels like home. Her beauty is breathtaking, and even though I have seen many beautiful places in my travels, nothing compares to the beauty of Vermont. The changing of the seasons ensures there is always something new and different to see. Just as we begin to tire of the cold snowy winters, spring arrives on our doorstep with hi...