The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.
service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
** LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN, 30th Naval Construction Regiment, OIC, Logistics Cell One, Al Taqqadum, Iraq
SADNESS ...
On Dec 14 we will be initiating a new member. Ivanhoe's future meetings will be THIRD Thursday at 7:30. Time for a visit from other Chapters.
Born in Pennsylvania, of Ukrainian descent and son of a coal miner, Palaniuk worked in the coal mines until the 1930's when he started a career as a professional boxer. Using the professional name Jack Brazzo, Vladimir Palaniuk won 15 consecutive matches -- 12 by knockout -- until losing his 16th by decision.
World War 2 came knocking about that time; Vladimir joined the Army Air Corp and began training as a B-24 pilot. During training, an engine failed on his bird, and he suffered severe facial injuries and burns either during the bail-out process or when the bomber crashed -- I've heard both stories.
He required extensive plastic surgery -- resulting in a distinctive gaunt look -- and was discharged from the US military in 1944.
Not one to mope, Vladimir graduated from Stanford University in 1947 with a B.A. in Drama and pretty much instantly wound up on Broadway.
Three years after his Broadway debut, Vladimir Palaniuk was discovered by Hollywood.
Not content with a commanding screen presence, Palaniuk painted and sold landscape art, wrote and published poetry, spoke Ukrainian, Russian, Italian, Spanish, French and English.
Most folks knew him as Jack Palance.
Rest in peace, sir.
** Shared by Betty Ross
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you need to contact Margaret before the 13th, try calling at Kit Wells, 206-784-9438
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got a great state to be "to".
I just got back from our first IMPACT meeting and I'm all jazzed about it.
California used to have Grand Chapter Instructionals (GCIs) We looked forward to seeing our Grand Officers instruct in floor work, etc.
However, this was a WOW! IMPACT stands for Involving Members Promoting Active Change Today.
Without giving it all away, I would recommend it to every CA member. Each Grand Line Officer took a section and did a presentation. The final speaker was Loyal Stark! The lunch wasn't bad either. lol
There will be four more during the year. I hope you CA folks make an effort to attend one of the sessions.
So, Laurel, we'll see you in October I hope.
Have a Happy Holiday.
** June Hoerler, PM, Vacaville Chapter 28, Vacaville, CA GGC
Internet
ScamBusters Q&A ... SSA
<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>
Question: I'm a senior and got an email yesterday from the
Social Security Administration that says if I don't respond
by tomorrow, I'll stop receiving Social Security! Is this a scam??
Answer: Yes, it's a scam. In November, the Social Security
Administration issued a security alert about a new phishing scam aimed at
seniors.
The subject line of this supposed Social Security Administration
email is: Cost-of-Living for 2007 update.
The email claims its purpose is to inform Social Security recipients about the 3.3% Social Security benefit increase for 2007. It also contains the following statement:
"NOTE: We now need you to update your personal information. If this is not completed by [a date close to today's date], we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely."
The recipient is then directed to a bogus phishing website that is designed to look like the Social Security Administration's website.
At the phishing website, victims are asked to create a password and to confirm their identity by providing their Social Security number, credit card information and bank account information.
Action: Delete the email. Do NOT visit the website. Recognize that the Social Security Administration does not send out emails that require you to give out your personal information, nor do they use scare tactics and short deadlines via email to pressure you to update your account.
For more information, you can see the Social Security Administration News Release about this scam alert. http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/colaPhishingScam-pr.htm
To learn more about phishing scams, visit: http://www.scambusters.org/phishing.html
Please share this with all your family and friends...
On October 5 Alderwood Chapter was pleased to have a surprise initiation. Jeremie Royal, son of Valerie and Steve Morgan and grandson of Millie and Doug Searles, was initiated into Alderwood Chapter by dispensation from the Worthy Grand Matron. Jeremie was home on leave from serving in Iraq and expressed wishes to join the chapter. He also is a Master Mason and a member of Doric Lodge. The officers did a wonderful job of ritual with only one day notice and no practice. Under good of the order Jeremie presented the chapter a flag that had flown on an apache helicopter as it protected the border of Iraq and Syria. He also presented a flag to his parents. The chapter along with Welcome Court and Robert Burns Lodge chaired by Valerie Morgan have been sending packages to the men through Jeremie for two years and this was a way those men said thank you to us. At refreshment Jeremie showed us pictures he had taken in Iraq and explained them to those present. We are proud to have Jeremie a member of our chapter.
*
Just a note to let you know, that no matter what you hear in the news, during the next few days, we are all fine and safe. Don't worry. I promise I will stay safe.
I am not sure that I can do that from here but wanted to share how we live. It's not so bad. I have good books to read, a lamp to read by and even a camping lamp for those nights when we don't have electricity. I really don't want for anything. But there are many here who are not as fortunate as I or in a place where they have access to "stuff" like I do. So think of them in your prayers. It is especially hard for all of us right now.
And to all of you who have sent Christmas Cards. They have brightened up our office and my little room. I thank you all for them. And I am sorry I cannot reciprocate- no Christmas cards over here and I didn't think to bring them with me. I was able to get a little fake tree at the PX and we are making homemade ornaments to decorate it. I will make this a good Christmas for those around me- as much as I can.
Take care of each other.
** Cheryl Dean, PM, Lily of the Lake #41, Lemoore, CA GCC, and Station Manager, American Red Cross, Baghdad Iraq
Christmas in China: The Christian children of China decorate trees with colorful ornaments. These ornaments are made from paper in the shapes of flowers, chains and lanterns. They also hang muslin stockings hoping that Christmas Old Man will fill them with gifts and treats. The Chinese Christmas trees are called "Trees of Light." Santa Claus is called Dun Che Lapo Ren which means "Christmas Old Man." The non-Christian Chinese call this season the Spring Festival and celebrate with many festivities that include delicious meals and pay respects to their ancestors. The children are the main focus of these celebrations; they receive new clothes and toys, eat delectable food and watch firecrackers displays.
Christmas in Germany: Christmas preparations start before Dec. 1. December 6 is Nikolaustag, St. Claus day; children leave out a shoe or boot outside the door in hopes of receiving treats in them. The Adventskranz (advent wreath) is placed on a table lying flat, with four red candles in the center of the wreath. One candle is lit each Sunday in December and the fourth on Christmas Eve. On January 6 Catholic boys and girls dress up as kings for three kings’ day. They sing carols and collect money for donations to different project.
Christmas in Australia: Christmas in Australia is often very hot. Whereas the northern hemisphere is in the middle of winter, Australians are baking in summer heat. It is not unusual to have Christmas Day well into the mid 30 degrees Celsius, or near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A traditional meal includes a turkey dinner, with ham, and pork. A flaming Christmas plum pudding is added for dessert. In the Australian gold rushes, Christmas puddings often contained a gold nugget. Today a small favor is baked inside. Whoever finds this knows she/he will enjoy good luck. Another treat is Mince Pies. The warm weather allows Australians to enjoy a tradition which commenced in 1937. Carols by Candlelight is held every year on Christmas Eve, where tens of thousands of people gather in the cities to sing their favorite Christmas songs during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The evenings are lit by as many candles singing under a clean cut night sky. Australians surround themselves with Christmas Bush, a native plant which has little red flowered leaves. Christmas shopping is often done in shorts and t-shirts. At many beaches Santa Claus arrives on a surfboard, or even on a surf lifesaving boat.
** Alderwood Chapter #185 Newsletter ...
As soon as the Doctor says it is OK, LeRoy and I will be going down to Arizona (I just want to go along for the ride a little touch of warm weather), to bring our 5th wheel back. We will not be staying in it, but it just contains too many things we need to leave it there.
Our mailing address until spring will continue to be: 543 Mecca Drive, Billings, MT 59105 (our daughter, Tana Taylor's address).
I would again like to thank everyone for their support and prayers. It may be awhile, but I hope to see each of you on the Star Trail soon.
Star Love,
My heart is burdened for the future of Star and so I constantly seek ideas to help our chapter grow. Just recently I mailed a questionnaire to all of the inactive members to find out why they are not attending, in case there is something we can do to help, such as provide a sitter, or transportation.
I am also asking for suggestions they might have for making the meetings more appealing to see if there is something we can try that will motivate people to start attending again. The response is slow, but I hope many of them will reply and if they do, I will pass on what I learn.
Our town is small and people have a lot of clubs and activities to choose from. Travel distance isn’t an issue, but these days, people are just tired or committed elsewhere. Our focus for the last year has been to be as visible as we can in the community so that people know we are here and might express an interest. We have been in 2 parades and will be in the Christmas Light Parade in a few weeks. We held a New Years Eve party, served food at 3 Horse Show competitions,
had a booth at the fair, a pancake breakfast and an ice cream social. We also did an act in the Senior Circle Talent Show and spoke on the local radio show! In addition we did our usual service projects. We just keep plugging away and hope to attract new members. It may just take time and we hope the tide will change and people will take another look at the Masonic Organizations.
I’d love to see our Masonic Lodges interact with us as I feel that would be a boost for all of us, and am looking at ways to make that happen.
Thanks to all of you for providing such terrific information.
** Linda Kral, Conductress, Roswell #10, Roswell, NM GGC
Another great place to shop for gifts for them (or anyone) is the Dollar stores........ men's socks, large bottle of lotions, candies, boxed cards......... I usually buy enough for 6 to 10 gifts, as our chapter is getting smaller and the box less full.
** Kay Ernst, WM, Star Chapter 69, Ontario, OR
When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred. -Thomas Jefferson
- December 7 ... GL: Hospitality Visit
-
December 7 ... OES: OV; Tyler Chapter & Corinthian Chapter;
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December 8 ... GL: Bunco Dinner.
-
December 9 ... GL: Defiance Lodge, No. 22, Installation, Tacoma, 1:00 PM, Ladies. Tux
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December 9 ... GL: Hospitality Visit.
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December 10 ... GL: Landmark on the Sound Christmas Party, Des Moines, 1:00 PM, Ladies
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December 10 ... OES: Landmark on the Sound Christmas Party, Des Moines.
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December 10 ... OES: Western Washington Grand Representative Dinner, Tacoma.
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December 11 ... GL: Hospitality Visit.
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December 12 ... GL: Hospitality Visit.
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December 13 ... GL: Nile Shrine Meeting; TU.
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December 13 ,,, OES: Pierce County PM Luncheon, 12 Noon; Tacoma.
-
December 14 ... GL: Yakima Temple Board Association, 5:00 PM.
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December 16 ... OES: Reception for Associate Grand Conductress, Marge Ramsdell, Tacoma.
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December 16 ... GL: Olympia Lodge, No.1, Installation, Tumwater, 1:00 PM, Ladies
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December 16 ... EKS: Christmas Party.
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December 18 ... GL: EXCOM Meeting, Landmark on the Sound, 1:00 PM
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December 18 ... GL: Landmark on the Sound Board of Trustee, Des Moines; 2:00 PM
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December 20 ... GL: Hospitality Visit
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December 21 ... GL: Hospitality Visit
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December 22 ... GL: Hospitality Visit
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December 25 ... MERRY CHRISTMAS
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December 27 ... GL: Installation of Officers of Steilacoom Lodge, No. 2, 7:30 PM.
-
December 31 ... NEW YEARS EVE!
OES: Events with Worthy Grand Matron
CTU = Casual Team Uniform - blue Masonic tee-shirt, slacks.
NOVEMBER:
Evening Star
Grand Coulee Dam ... David Marrs Pacific ... Art Herring Welcome ... Robert Shaw
Waitsburg
Alki
Faith
Maple Leaf
DECEMBER:
Everett .. Frank Pascoe Bethel ... Bliss Settergreen
Tyler
Corinthian
Santa Claus
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the way my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true. Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything.
She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." "Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun.
"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but I never had I shopped for anything all by myself.
The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.
Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby
Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."
I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes.
That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care..
And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!
** Shared by Dian Miller
THE SECRETARY/TREASURER CLUB OF KING COUNTY
Cordially invites you and your Worthy Matron to our
ANNUAL LUNCHEON
HONORING
SANDRA HENRY KATIE GLESSING
Grand Secretary Grand Treasurer
and the
Heritage Grand Family
Saturday, January 13, 2007 … 12:00 Noon
Doric Masonic Center
619 North 36th St
Seattle, WA
Cost is $8.00
Reservations and Advance Payment requested by Jan. 6th to
Sue Burnett, Secretary
24523 SE 133rd Street
Issaquah, WA 98027
Regrets , Please notify:
Sue Burnett, Secretary supernet1@aol.com (425) 392-8112)
Marlena Weimer, President cohomar@comcast.net
(425) 483-5624
Friend or Foe in 2006?
NAUGHTY:
1. Banana Republic – Web site has ‘Holiday Gift Guide’ with no mention of any Christmas.
2. Bed, Bath & Beyond – No mention of any holidays.
3. Barnes & Noble – Web site says Gift guide, Holiday gift
baskets, Holiday sled,
4. Best Buy – Web site says ‘Unique gifts for the season’ ‘Holiday gift ideas.’ Spokesman said
they consider the use of ‘Merry Christmas’ to be disrespectful.
5. Dick’s Sporting Goods – Web site says gifts and has images, but no mention of Christmas.
6. Eddie Bauer – Customer service would not recognize Christmas, they ‘don’t want to offend
Jews, those who celebrate
7. Gap – ‘Holiday Survival Guide’ no mention of Christmas.
8. Home Depot – Web site says Holiday Store and
9. K-Mart – Selling ‘Holiday trees’ and ‘Holiday wreaths’.
10. Lowes – in 2005, Lowes stated they would modify their ads and no longer say things such as ‘Holiday trees’, however, their website has Holiday Living department and Holiday gift cars. Will not allow employees to greet customers with ‘Merry Christmas’.
11. Old Navy – Web site has ‘Holiday Gift Guide,’ ‘
12. Petsmart – Has a Holiday Shop and Luv-a-pet ornaments.
13. Toys ‘R’ Us – No mention of Christmas. ‘Toys ‘R’ us aims to be neutral in this regard. We endeavor to make our stores festive, while respecting that our customers celebrate many different customs throughout the holidays.’
NICE
1. Dillards – Advertising their Christmas catalog.
2. JC Penney – Web site has their Christmas shipping countdown.
3. Joann Fabrics – Offers Christmas and
4. Kohl’s – Christmas is all over TV, print and radio ads.
5. L. L. Bean – Advertising and distributing their Christmas catalog.
6. Linens ‘N Things – Has a Christmas Shop and Christmas Checklist.
7. Macy’s – ‘Merry Christmas’ on the homepage of their website.
8. Michaels – Website has a Christmas section.
9. M&M-Mars Candies – Will have read and green candies with pictures of Christmas trees and angels among other images.
10. Target – Website says Christmas Décor, though the physical
store has
11. Wal-Mart – Has a Christmas Shop, plays Christmas carols and employees can say ‘Merry Christmas’.
12. Sears – Stores have signs that say ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Happy Holidays’ although Website just says ‘holidays’.
1. Which is your favorite color: red, black, blue, green, or yellow?
2. Your first initial?
3. Your month of birth?
4. Which color do you like more, black or white?
5. Name of a person of the same sex as yours.
6. Your favorite number?
7. Do you like California or Florida more?
8. Do you like a lake or the ocean more?
9. Write down a wish (a realistic one)
** Shared by Margie Hemming ...
HINT 2: To keep canvas shoes clean longer: When the shoe is clean and dry, apply spray starch on the entire surface. This will keep it cleaner longer and allow for easier cleaning the next time around.
HINT 4: When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead - no white mess on the outside of the cake.
HINT 5: Should you turn off your gas pilot light in the off-season? YES. Turning off the pilot is better for the appliance in a number of ways. Here Are The Reasons:
1. The thermocouple which monitors the pilot flame has a limited life, being in the flame constantly. Turning the pilot off at the end of the heating season will prolong the life expectancy of the thermocouple or thermopile, as the case may be.
the inside of the firebox or the furnace heat exchanger, the condensation is acidic and will cause corrosion of any parts it comes into contact with, over time. In the case of a gas fireplace with a glass front, the minimal amount of by-products of combustion will quickly condense on the glass under certain conditions and will leave behind that white residue that gas fireplace owners are so familiar with. So, in addition to burning approximately 20,000 btu's of gas per day for no good reason, you are shortening the life expectancy of the thermocouple or the thermopile, and you could be shortening the life of the appliance through corrosion. With fireplaces, You can see an increase in those hard to remove deposits, on the glass which require a special ceramic glass cleanser to remove. Homeowners who regularly turn off the pilot (also turn off the main gas supply to that appliance, as well) save money on gas, the appliance will last longer, look better and components such as the thermocouple will last years longer. As for bugs that find their way into the burner compartment. It's usually a good idea to have the appliance cleaned and checked at the beginning of each heating season.
Chocolate
Velvet Torte
from Campbell's Kitchen
1/2 pkg. Pepperidge Farm Frozen Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet)
1 lb. semi-sweet chocolate, cut up
1 cup heavy cream
1 egg yolk
1 pt. raspberries OR strawberries
Directions: THAW pastry sheet at room temperature 40 min. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. UNFOLD pastry on lightly floured surface. Roll into 12" square. Cut off corners to make a circle. Press pastry into 9-inch springform pan. Prick pastry thoroughly with fork. BAKE for 20 min. or until golden. Cool in pan on wire rack. PLACE chocolate and cream in saucepan. Heat and stir until chocolate softens. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Add some chocolate mixture into egg yolk and stir well. Return egg mixture to remaining chocolate mixture and stir well. Cook and stir 1 min. Pour mixture into pastry crust. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hr. GARNISH with raspberries. Serves 8.
Kitchen Clip: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of ice cream.
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Pumpkin
Chocolate Chip Bundt
Perfect for holiday stuffing, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bundt winning
recipe was created by Erik Lehnardt, Rhodes' Food Service Sales Manager. We
hope you enjoy it with your family and friends throughout the season!
24 Rhodes Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold
1 small box vanilla instant pudding
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin pie mix
Directions: Pour pudding mix into a bowl. Cut 12 of the rolls in half and
dip in dry pudding mix. Place in sprayed bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the
chocolate chips over rolls. In a saucepan, melt butter and sugar together to
form a syrup. Remove from stove top and stir in pumpkin pie mix. Pour half
of this mixture over rolls in bundt pan. Repeat the above process with
remaining 12 rolls. Sprinkle any remaining pudding mix over the top. Cover
with plastic wrap and let rise to one inch below the top of the pan. Remove
wrap and bake at 350°F 40-45 minutes. Cover with foil last 10 minutes of
baking, if necessary, to prevent over browning. Remove from oven and invert
onto serving platter.
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Old-Fashioned
Apple Crisp
>From Taste of Home
Now young adults, our children say this dessert is "awesome"
with ice cream. Everyone who takes a bite nods in agreement! Nostalgic,
comforting, luscious, call it what you will, this is one of those simple,
old-time treats that never goes out of style.
4 cups sliced peeled tart apples (about 3 medium)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/3 cup cold butter or margarine
Vanilla ice cream, optional
DIRECTIONS: Place apples in a greased 8-in. square baking dish. In a bowl,
combine brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and allspice; cut in butter until
crumbly. Sprinkle over apples. Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until
apples are tender. Serve warm with ice cream if desired. Yield: 4-6
servings.
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Crawfish Pasta
Salad
2 pounds crawfish tails
1/2 teaspoon liquid crab boil
2 teaspoons Tony Chachere's seasoning - (Found in Designer Food Shops)
2 cups water
1 (12 ounce) package small shell macaroni
1/2 cup Italian style dressing
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup raw zucchini
2 Tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 Tablespoons dill pickle relish
1-1/3 cups mayonnaise
1/3 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
Salt and pepper to taste
TO PREPARE: Place water, crab boil, and Tony's seasoning in the lower part
of a steamer or rice cooker. Place crawfish tails in top part of steamer and
cover. Bring water to boil, lower to medium and steam crawfish for about 15
minutes. Drain crawfish, reserving the liquid and place crawfish in
refrigerator to cool. Pour crawfish liquid into bottom of steamer and add
enough water to make 6 cups. Cook shell macaroni according to package
directions, drain, and place in a large mixing bowl. Toss shell macaroni in
the Italian dressing. Add chopped onion, celery, zucchini, and pickle
relish.
Stir in cooked crawfish tails.
Mix mayonnaise,
ketchup, and horseradish and stir into salad. Season with salt and pepper to
taste. Serve chilled, on lettuce leaves with soft Italian bread sticks.
NOTE: A simple recipe for summertime with many of the great ingredients of
South Louisiana. This salad can be just as
good made with shrimp. However, be sure to use the broth from steaming the
shrimp to boil the pasta, as this adds to the flavor of the salad. SERVES:
12 – 14
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COOKING TECHNIQUE
Pan braising
Braising calls for browning foods, then cooking in a flavorful liquid such as Swanson® broth, with pan covered, until tender.
- Meat, poultry, fish or vegetables can be braised. Foods that are already tender before cooking (such as fish) need to be braised for a short time; less-tender foods like root vegetables and some meats can braise longer for increased tenderness.
- For even cooking, braise foods together that are uniform in size; or cut them to size—such as stew meat and carrots.
- Develop caramelized flavors by browning meat or vegetables in a skillet first over medium-high heat.
- Add a flavorful liquid, such as Swanson® broth or broth mixed with some wine or juice. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer until tender.
- Remaining liquid in pan from braising can be reduced to make a pan sauce
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Don't Put Grease Down the Garbage Disposal: Grease can solidify and block the plumbing and it also can stay in the pipes and become rancid. To solve this mess, you may need to call a plumber.
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To Make a Good Cup of Coffee: Make sure your coffeepot is clean! Don't just give it a quick rinse with water after you've used it. Over time this will allow the oil from the coffee to build up. Try to clean the pot with hot soapy water as often as you can — at the very least after every third or fourth use. Many pots, filter baskets and lids can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
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Coffee Burned on Bottom of Glass Pot? To remove it, pour table salt over the burned crust in the pot, add some water and let it sit for several minutes. The gunk should loosen and you can wash it as you usually do with hot, soapy water.