On My Mind Today

From  https://listotic.com , these mini-Italian kabobs are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. This is an easy recipe, and it does not take a lot of time to put them together. Whether you are hosting a party, or looking for something to bring as a guest, these can be made in advance and travel well.  Prep Time: 20 Min Cook Time: 4 Minutes to Cook Tortellini, 2 Hours to Marinade Total Time: 2.5 Hours Yield: 50 Skewers Easy Mini Italian Kabobs 1 (8-9 ounce) package of refrigerated cheese tortellini Approximately 50 salami slices (usually 2 small packages) About 50 cubes of sharp white cheddar (I just buy a block and cut it into 1/4 inch thick pieces) 1 bottle of your favorite Italian salad dressing 1 (6 ounce) can or jar of medium olives (green, black, pimiento stuffed, kalamata, or a combination– your choice!) Toothpicks Cook the tortellini according to the package directions (about 4 minutes). You do not want to overcook them! They're more likely to fall apart ...

Where did you go with your vibrant soul, that once shined bright as a star. In the midst of everyday chaos, did you lose yourself once again? It used to be easy feeling free to dream, never letting things get in your way. These days so much seems to cloud your mind, that barriers hinder your vision of what could be. Torn between the inherent need to do for others, and the yearning to chase a buried dream. Your heart is filled with a desire to care for the ones you cherish, and your soul cries out, what about me? Balance, you whisper, or everyone will lose, yet balance is elusive most days. Pulled here, then there, to make sure that loved ones thrive, and telling yourself tomorrow will be for you. There is great joy in what you do for others, and their happiness is a true reward. But you are empty when there is no time left for you, and your soul feels the void. Don't lose yourself,  take a breath and step back. Remember the dreams, set time aside, and bring your heart and soul back...

"Twas The Night Before Christmas," was written in the early 19th century, and is one of the oldest and most popular Christmas poems. There is a dispute over the author, and the poem has been attributed to both Clement Clarke Moore and Henry Livingston, Jr. over the years. It was first published on December 23, 1823, in the  Troy Sentinel  newspaper in upstate New York. It is also referred to as "A Visit from St. Nicholas" or "The Night Before Christmas." Today I want to share with you the original lyrics to the poem. Hope you will enjoy sharing this with your children and grandchildren. 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,   In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads,   And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,   Had...

When the cold weather arrives in New England, I start searching for soup and stew recipes that can comfort the soul when there is a chill in the air. From Donna Elick at theslowroasteditalian.com , this crockpot potato soup is thick and creamy, and is filled with loaded baked potato flavor. It can be prepped and in the crockpot in a short amount of time, and then just turn it on and let it simmer while you work. Just finish the last couple of steps before dinner and serve with optional toppings like chives, bacon, cheese and/or sour cream.  Crock Pot Potato Soup 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced 1 medium onion, diced 6 cloves of garlic, minced 10 slices cooked bacon, diced 1 tablespoon dried parsley 3 cups chicken broth 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) 3/4teaspoon black pepper 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 12 ounces evaporated milk, or half and half, or heavy cream 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup sour cream Add diced potatoes, diced o...

Christmas, it can bring a lot of stress to our lives, or we can make a conscious decision to relax and welcome the joyful moments. Even before the season begins, the non-stop advertisements start on television, radio, and social media. From toys, to electronics, sports equipment, and even cars. I often wonder who buys a vehicle as a Christmas gift! They are definitely in a much higher income bracket than most people that I know. Regardless of the ad before us, it does nothing but stress us out thinking of gift giving and the money involved. The last few years, I have decided to use my time to enjoy the season as much as possible. There are some gifts to purchase, but with a little effort it can be painless and not break the bank. Truthfully, there is very little that any of us need, and many times a simple thoughtful gift means so much more. Even better than a purchased gift, is a gift of your time. Although I do not bake large quantities of holiday treats as I did in years past, I do ...

With the Christmas holiday approaching, I am once again contemplating who I would like at my dinner table if I had the opportunity to invite anyone. There are so many people that have impacted our world in positive ways, and below is the list of those I would be honored to host. Who would you invite to your dinner table? Events over the last several years have recently had me reflecting on history, and the people who have come and gone leaving a major impact. In the midst of these thoughts one question came to mind; if I could invite anyone to my dinner table, who would it be? The answer was not quite as simple as one might think. As I started to compile my list, I found they would be a multi-faceted and diverse group, and the table would need to be quite large to accommodate them all. The people I have listed below is a small sampling of who I wish I could have the opportunity to talk with. They are religious figures, Native American leaders, Presidents, First Ladies, Civil Rights lea...

This was the first year that I was able to harvest Rhubarb from my garden. Although I am unable to eat it fresh picked as I did in younger years, there is nothing better than fresh Rhubarb for pies and crisps. The recipe below is a combination of two; the traditional apple pie recipe from my Betty Crocker cookbook, and a French style apple rhubarb pie recipe from thekitchen.com . As with any of my fruit pies, I always add more cut fruit than the recipes ask for to ensure a fuller pie. The results of combining the two was a delicious pie filled with great spice flavor. French Style Apple Rhubarb Pie Filling 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or purchased) 2 cups Rhubarb 4-6 cups tart apples, sliced 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla French Apple Crumb Topping 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup firm margarine or butter 1/2 cup packed brown sugar Standard Pastry Recipe 2/3 cu...

The holiday season is upon us, and one thing that is certain, is that we will have a million things on our plate. The holiday shopping and planning gatherings with family and friends can take over the season leaving us worn out. This year, we have come to realize that even though the holiday parties are fun, we need to slow down a bit and really enjoy the season. As with other years, we are asked by family members "what would you like for Christmas?" The truth is, there is really nothing that we need or want in terms of material gifts. When you reach a certain age, you find you want less and not more. This year, we are telling our children that what we want is time with them. Not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year. Time is something that cannot be replaced with things and is something that we remember for a lifetime. Spending time with dear friends is also important. If time allows make a date for dinner or just a cup of coffee to catch up. Even if we can...