On My Mind Today

From Nagi at  recipetineats.com ,  these buttery, crispy smashed potatoes will be  your new favorite potato recipe.   Ultra-crispy  on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these taste like buttery  French  fries, but  they  look completely different.  Forget squashing them neat and flat – the more nubbly the surface, the better the crunch! Ultra-Crispy  Smashed Potatoes 1.4 lb. small potatoes (12 - 14)  2 - 2.4 lb. medium potatoes (6 - 8), cut into large chunks 1 tbsp salt (for boiling) 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1 tbsp olive oil 3/4 tsp salt (for sprinkling) 1/4 tsp black pepper Finely chopped parsley, optional garnish Cook potatoes: Bring a pot of water to the boil, add 1 tbsp salt. Cook potatoes until soft - small ones should take around 20 to 25 minutes, medium ones might take 30 minutes. It's ok if the skin splits. Alternatively, steam or microwave them. Preheat oven to 400℉. Steam dry: Drain the potatoes and let...

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. Every time I return my first thought is I am home. Her beauty is breathtaking, and even though I have seen many beautiful places in my travels, nothing compares to, or speaks to me, like 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 w...

Propaganda - In formation, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. Propaganda can be true, but many times false, and is used to push an issue. During World War I the use of propaganda emerged as modern media outlets were on the rise, and was refined into an art. The sole purpose was to spread information (or misinformation) and rumors for political purpose. There are seven techniques used to spread propaganda: Name Calling: Using negative or discriminatory words to arouse suspicion and prejudice. To create the dislike of a group of people they attack their beliefs, leaders and religion. Glittering Generalities: Making generalized statements using slogans or catchphrases. Usually, they involve the ideas of love, honor, glory, family values, freedom or patriotism that will inspire pride. The statements say very little so they cannot be proved or disproved. Transfer: Using a revered symbol to promote the prop...

From the pages of my well used and always reliable Betty Crocker Cookbook, this applesauce cake is moist and delicious. It takes no time to mix up, and is great for that last minute dessert you need. This one I prepared for a longtime friend that we had not seen for quite some time. He showed up with Italian pastries, so I can also tell you that it freezes well. Nice to have something sweet on hand for our next guest. Applesauce Cake 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1-/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1-1/2 cups applesauce 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 1 cups raisins (optional) 1. Hat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 13 x 9 pan, 2 round layer pans, or a tube pan. 2. Beat all ingredients in a large mixer bowl on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, about 30 seconds. Beat on high speed, scraping bowl occasional...

We live in a society where the mindset is to throw things away if we feel we no longer have a use for them. Our landfills are overflowing with things that should not be there; much of it toxic to the ground, and some of it tossed when it still may have a purpose. Many years ago, the trend turned to manufacturing things for a single use - plates, utensils, paper towels, diapers and so much more. Marketers convinced everyone that these new and innovative items made our lives so much easier, no fuss, no mess. Nobody thought about the consequences to the earth. There were times, such as during the depression or during war, that people were very cautious about what they used, and didn't throw things away needlessly. There always seemed to be something else they could do with an item after its initial purpose was done. Out of necessity came many innovative and creative ideas on how to use a "used" item. Growing up we were taught ways to reuse everything from paper bags to coffe...

  "Legends say that Hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The Hummingbirds delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning, and that laughter is life's sweetest creation." ~ Unknown A few Hummingbird facts: They are native to the Americas and are among the smallest birds measuring 7.5-13 cm in length. Their name comes from the fact that they flap their wings so fast (about 80 times per second). They can fly right, left, up, down, backwards and even upside down. They can hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern, and fly at speeds up to 49 mph. They live for 3 to 5 years. Their bright radiant color comes from iridescent coloring like on a soap bubble or prism and are used to attract mates. Out of the more than 300 species, 12 of them summer in North America and winter in tropical areas. Hummingbirds migrate individually and only during the day. Their migration ca...

This recipe for Chicken Francese is from  www.saltandlavender.com  and  has golden  pan-fried  chicken in a delicious buttery lemon sauce. I recently made it when my  granddaughter  was here, and she can be a bit of a picky eater, and not much of a lemon lover. It was a big hit with her, and we loved it too. You can make this restaurant favorite at home in about half an hour! Chicken Francese 2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise Salt & pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 cup flour + 1 tablespoon flour divided use 2 eggs lightly beaten 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup chicken broth or 50/50 chicken broth and dry white wine 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 lemon sliced into thin rings For serving: chopped parsley, freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, to taste Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner cutlets. Place them between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and then pound thin (to about 1/4...

 Whether times in our life are good or bad, I do believe that there is always a lesson we are supposed to learn. The question is, are we open to receiving the message? Too often we are caught up in whatever is going on to see what is right in front of us. When wonderful things happen like getting married or having a child, we sometimes are so wrapped up in making plans, or caring for a fussy baby, that we don't fully appreciate these blessings. The days filled with sunshine and fun with family and friends pass far too quickly. An exciting new job, promotions at work, traveling to new places, and so many more great moments in our life. Perhaps we have fleeting moments of appreciation, but are we receiving the message? These wonderful times are ones we need to never forget, as we will need these memories and lessons later in life. Even in difficult times, there is a lesson for us to learn. We may not always understand why we are given stress, struggle or sadness, but if we are o...