The Gingerbread Man Christmas Tree

Remember a few months ago when I said I was making my Gingerbread man ornaments? Well- here they are... sort of.
Aren't they just the cutest? Funny thing about these little guys- an accidental stop by Gabriel Brothers one blustery November day resulted in scoring five of these ornaments for 25 cents each. I would have gotten so many more, but this other lady snatched up the rest before I even had a chance to get any more! I had to ask her if I could just have one of hers, so that I would have five.

It's the closest I ever came to getting into a brawl in a department store! But finding these alleviated the need for me to make any... and my hand-crafted jobbers weren't any where near as adorable!

(As you can see, I still do not know how to set the date on this camera...)

Bring Us the Figgy Pudding

I hadn't planned on any blog posts this week, but curiosity has gotten the best of me, and I thought I'd share some of my research here.

I've always been in love with the idea of celebrating Christmas with an old-fashioned Victorian-esque holiday dinner, complete with goose and figgy pudding. Okay, the goose I get. The figgy pudding, on the other hand isn't so common these days. The Internet is great for researching all of those great mysteries in life, such as "What is figgy pudding, anyway"? Well, read on as I unravel the history of this Victorian Christmas staple, courtesy of wisegeek.com:

"In actuality, figgy pudding is more of a cake than a pudding. There have been recipes for figgy pudding since the 15th century, although its popularity as a Christmas dessert probably reached its peak during the late 19th century. Several factors have significantly hampered the wholesale expansion of the figgy pudding industry, including an interminably long cooking time, an exotic ingredients list and a cringe-inducing dependency on saturated fats for texture.

There are numerous recipes for figgy pudding, from a traditional steamed version similar to modern bread pudding to a pastry-covered blend of figs, dates, fruits and spices. Nearly all figgy pudding recipes call for three or four hours of steaming. This is accomplished by placing a metal bowl with the figgy pudding mixture into a larger bowl partially filled with boiling water. The indirect heat generated by the boiling water cooks the figgy pudding evenly and slowly. This is equivalent to using a bain marie water bath for individual ramekins filled with batter.

The most traditional figgy pudding recipe is very similar to a carrot cake base blended with a custard. Chopped figs are added for flavoring and texture, along with chopped dates or apples when available. The spices in a figgy pudding are similar to carrot or spice cake - cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg are commonly used. Heavy cream, eggs, sugar and milk help to create the custard. For additional flavoring, many traditional figgy pudding recipes also call for liqueurs such as cognac or rum. Non-alcoholic extracts can also be used.

Some figgy pudding recipes call for a loaf of fig-infused bread to be crumbled into the mixture, while others suggest standard breadcrumbs. As if this weren't enough, the most faithful recipes also call for the addition of an animal fat called suet. Suet is a form of fat found near an animal's kidneys. Pure butter and shortening can be substituted if suet is not available locally. All of these ingredients are mixed together in a metal bowl or pudding mold and placed in a larger pot for steaming over a fire.

Only three or four short hours later, those house-squatting carolers demanding their figgy pudding can finally be appeased. Steaming was a very popular cooking method before the days of regulated heating. Even if the source of the heat were inconsistent, the food itself would still cook fairly evenly. Even so, the unveiling of a figgy pudding was often a defining moment for the cook. The dessert would be either a solid success or a soggy mess. Charles Dickens hints at this figgy pudding moment-of-truth during the Cratchit's dinner in his novel, A Christmas Carol."

So the mystery of figgy pudding is no longer a mystery for me. There is one other somewhat-related Victorian Chirstmas tidbit I like to share. Like the song that demands figgy pudding, the Christmas goose isn't without mention in an older, less popular song for Christmas. I always envisioned street carolors in Victorian dress somewhere in London singing merrily with their stiff accents:

"Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat.

Please put a penny in the old mans hat.

If you haven't got a penny, a hay-penny will do.

If you haven't got a hay-penny, then God Bless You!"

And for anyone who doesn't know, a hay-penny is a half a penny. This truly is an old song, for who pays for anything with pennies any more, much less half of one!

Suzy Snowflake

Click on the following link to enjoy a vintage holiday classic... from my childhood, yes- but also from my Mom and Dad's!

A Brief Hiatus for the Holidays

As always, my plans far exceed what happens in reality, and I must apologize for not having more Christmas blog entries to share. I intended on sharing some of my most-guarded Christmas cookie recipes with you all, but the fact-of-the-matter is I have only time for baking them right now, so tapping out the recipes on this blog just isn't optional.

Funny how, even though I've been preparing for the holidays since September, I'm still remembering all those "little" things that need to be done... like search high and low for genuine mistletoe since my Mom pointed out that the silks just "aren't the same". And scrambling through the stores for all of those last-minute gifts for those I've forgotten. And picking up that box of baking soda which somehow was left off my baking shopping list. Do you know I haven't even sat down to watch Christmas cartoons with TJ yet?

I haven't even mailed cards yet. Too bad nobody appreciates intentions. I intended on sending you are card, but... and I intended on having you over for dinner, but... and I intended on taking you to the Nutcracker Ballet, but... Too often I am just that- a butt...

But, alas a working girl just can't squeeze in all of those extra things some times. And I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't find that mistletoe or if I only have time to bake 5 different types of Christmas cookies instead of 10 this year.

I've never been one for New Year's Resolutions, but I'm actually looking forward to 2010 because I've got some exciting news to share, and I'm actually going to make some resolutions this year. This past year has taught me a valuable lesson, and I'm going to take my new life lesson and make 2010 better than 2009- which isn't saying too much because in all honesty we've actually had a great 2009!

That being said, I must bid you all adieu, for it's likely I will not be posting again during this week of Christmas. After the holiday, I will surely have pictures and stories to share, for both blogs, so please check back in the first week of January!

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas, with my wishes for a fabulous 2010!

And God bless us, everyone!

Recipe of the Week; USE-THAT-LEFTOVER-TURKEY-WHITE-MEAT TORTILLA SOUP

So its 11 days after Thanksgiving, and I've got a gallon-size Ziploc full of white meat- the least favorite of everyone in my household.

What to do?

Fix a big pot of soup, of course! But not just any soup- no bland turkey noodle here!

This recipe I'm about to share is basically an adaption from a state of Oklahoma cookbook I once borrowed from my friend Dyan. It's not quite the same as the one in the book, the original calls for chicken, which of course would be just fine. I'm going to share my post-Thanksgiving turkey version. I suggest not veering to far from this recipe, only because it's a very ingredient-laden soup, and it takes just the right combination of stuff to have the right consistency and flavor.

Don't be scared, however- this soup is really easy, and can be ready in 1/2 an hour or so. Like all my favorite soups, there are tasty options with garnish, but the tortillas are necessary- otherwise we can really call it "tortilla" soup, now can we?

INGREDIENTS

2 to 3 cups left over turkey, cut into large pieces

1 can (or two cups) chicken or turkey stock

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 to 3/4 package taco seasoning

1 can golden hominy, drained

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained*

1 can ranch-style beans, OR 1 can pinto beans, drained

1 can diced tomatoes

8 oz. jar green chilie salsa, or salsa verde

1 small can diced green chilies

*ensure that the black beans are rinsed well, to avoid the soup from turning a murky grey color

For Garnish-

about 10 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips

shredded cheddar/jack cheese blend

fresh cilantro or parsley

scallions, white and green parts, sliced

sour cream

avocados, sliced

Start soup by sauteing onions and garlic in a little olive oil for a few minutes. Add chicken stock, tomatoes (with the juice), salsa, and diced green chilies and turkey. Add taco seasoning, about a half a package to start, and stir everything together.

Bring to a boil. You may add more stock to adjust soup thickness to your preference if necessary.

Reduce to simmer, and add beans and hominy. Stir and taste, adding more taco seasoning if the soup isn't seasoned enough. Be a little conservative at first, to avoid the soup being too salty.

Allow soup to simmer for about 20 minutes or so, the turkey should have broken down into smaller pieces.

Meanwhile, fill a small skillet about half way up with vegetable oil. When the oil is hot enough for frying, drop in a small handful of the tortilla strips and allow them to cook until crunchy. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. You may lightly salt the strips as you remove them to the paper towels. Continue this process until all the strips are fried.

To serve the soup, ladle into bowls and sprinkle grated cheese on top. You may add sour cream, cilantro, scallions and avocados (or any combination of these garnishes) to the top of the soup as well. Top off with some of the tortilla strips, poking them vertically down into the soup.

**For convenience sake, you could substitute tortilla chips instead of frying your own strips, but I really don't recommend that. The homemade strips are really what make this soup unique, and store-bought chips could be too salty.

You could also throw in a diced jalapeno for a little more heat, if desired.

Return to Bethlehem

Last evening we enjoyed a quick trip to Bethlehem. Our church puts on an annual tour of the city, complete with live animals and soldiers willing to arrest you if you don't pay your taxes upon entering the city.

I realize I should have mentioned this online prior to the event, but unfortunately last evening was the last night for tours.

It's a wonderful way to break from the hustle and bustle of this busy time of year to reflect on the the true meaning of Christmas, to which I bid you all Peace on Earth, and truly Good Will Towards Men.

Good Tidings of Great Joy

Well my friends, my Thanksgiving holiday went fabulously, and with nary a slap while we all indulged in the macaroni-and-cheese!

Funny how once a certain holiday or season is over, immediately any reference or reminder of it suddenly seems so out-of-fashion. So once the last bite of sweet potatoes had been gobbled up, the fall decorations were promptly boxed up and the mistletoe and holly begin to grace the banisters. Lights suddenly surround windows, and somewhere in the background I hear Burl Ives wishing us a "Holly, Jolly Christmas!"

As you are aware, I have been working on Christmas since the spirit hit me in October. Other than the baking and wrapping, for the most part I'm way ahead of the game this year! Only a few gifts left to purchase, and I can sit back and relish in the joy of the season!

My only controversy this year is whether or not to put up a real tree or find a nice faux somewhere.

I'm not blessed with a very large living room, so sadly a large bushy tree isn't an option. What to do, what TO DO! Well, at any rate my gingerbread men will have a branch to hang on, soon I am certain.

That being said, I must run off... it's starting to cool considerably outside and I hear my kettle whistling. Time for some comfort and joy in a pretty Christmas mug!

Thanksgiving blessings to all. May you have a day full of love, laughter, and thankfulness. -Miss Toni

Bonus Holiday Recipe; SLAP-YOUR-MOMMA-GOOD MACARONI AND CHEESE

Because tomorrow is the day where we concentrate on food, I'm going to post a bonus recipe and tell you the history behind it.

I've mentioned this dish in a previous recipe, and I've also mentioned in my last post that I'm pretty much a stickler for the Thanksgiving staples. You may not think that macaroni and cheese is Thanksgiving-ish in anyway, but let me tell you that in my husband's family it most certainly is. Not only does his Thanksgiving menu offer the typical turkey and such, growing up his holidays have always been flavored with a lot of soul and southern comfort. Food, that is- not the drink. The drink comes out later on in the day when the domino case is busted out.

After we first got married, we were living in Phoenix for our first several Thanksgivings, and his family was a good four hours away in northern NM. His sisters Tammy and Von, along with their kids and eventually a grandkid or two would drive down the day before, and stay usually until Sunday. Since it was the only time throughout the year that we really got to see them, we threw a feast that lasted for days... At any given Thanksgiving we had no less than 10 to 12 people staying at our house. Who needs a hotel when we have sleeping bags?? As and added bonus, they could swim while dinner was being cooked!

Somehow I was nominated to make the macaroni and cheese. It seemed like a strange thing to me at first, but I just went with the flow and found a recipe I thought everyone would enjoy. It happened to be from a cookbook I had by Patti LaBelle. Her recipe was originally titled "Over-the-Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese".

So I gathered the ingredients, and added a little more cheese than the recipe called for. This recipe is really more cheese than macaroni, but that's okay!

When the mac-and-cheese was pulled from the oven my sister-in-law Von was the appointed taste tester, to which she took her first bite and said- "This macaroni and cheese is sooooo good it makes me want to slap my Momma!"

From that Thanksgiving forward, I have been faithfully making this dish, meanwhile thanking everyone for NOT slapping their Momma while indulging.

So- if you're ever looking for the best (slapping optional) recipe for macaroni and cheese, look no further, my friends!

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds elbow macaroni
10 tablespoons plus 3 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup shredded Muenster cheese
3/4 cup shredded New York Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup shredded Monetary Jack

3/4 cup shredded Colby cheese
3 cups half-and-half
2 cups Velveeta , cut into small cubes
3 large eggs , lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a deep. large casserole dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the oil, then the elbow macaroni, and cook until the macaroni is just tender, about 7 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain well. Return to the cooking pot.In a small saucepan, melt 10 tablespoons of the butter. Stir into the macaroni.

In a large bowl, gently toss the shredded cheeses to blend by hand.

To the macaroni, add the half-and-half, 3/4 of the shredded cheese blend, the cubed Velveeta, and the eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the buttered casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/3 of shredded cheese and dot with the remaining butter. Bake until it's bubbling around the edges, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.

Recipe of the Week; ALMOND-CRANBERRY SQUASH BAKE

Thank goodness for the folks at Taste of Home. Like I don't have enough recipes I've been wanting to try out for years! Thumbing through their book gave me a plethora of new ideas to serve up along with the usual turkey and mashed potatoes.

I'm pretty traditional when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, I don't serve anything weird like eel or alligator. (Although alligator is actually quite tasty- I'll reserve that for my Mardi Gras-inspired dinner in February.)

That being said, I mentioned before I like to take the common ingredients that are customary with Thanksgiving and serve them in different ways, like with my Pumpkin Bisque I plan on debuting this year.

So it goes with this recipe I found in this year's Taste of Home Christmas cookbook. Although I can't say it's a regular dish at Thanksgiving, I have served different types of squash casserole-type dishes around this time of year. This one in particular seemed to tickle my fancy, but we shall see if it ends up being only a one-time deal!

INGREDIENTS

4 cups mashed cooked butternut squash

4 tablespoons butter, softened, divided

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 can (16 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

In a large bowl, combine the squash, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Stir cranberry sauce until softened, spoon over squash.

Combine the almonds, brown sugar and remaining butter; sprinkle over cranberry sauce.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

A Glorious Thanksgiving to You and Yours

Recipe of the Week; CURRIED PUMPKIN BISQUE

Perhaps the previous post leads you to believe that I'm a Thanksgiving Scrooge. It's not true- I adore Thanksgiving!

So much, in fact, that I'll be eating it on Thursday, Friday, and again on Sunday. Thankfully I'm only responsible to cook one dinner, the rest are up to relatives!

I like to try things that are pretty much Thanksgiving dinner staples in non-traditional ways, and pumpkin just seems to be served one way- in pie. Well, this year it'll be the first course and the last course!

My slow-cookers get a lot of use over Thanksgiving, usually with Todd's collards and my "Slap Your Momma Good Macaroni and Cheese". I'll post that recipe soon, and tell you all how it got it's name.

Anyway, I've always wanted to serve a pumpkin soup, and I think I found a recipe that looks both tasty and not very labor intensive. No, I haven't actually made this yet... but here's a preview of one of my experiments for Thanksgiving 2009. I got this recipe from one of Mom's old slow-cooker books. As it says:

"Heavy cream, milk and mushrooms are stirred in at the end of the cooking time for body and texture. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

INGREDIENTS

1- 29 oz. can solid-pack pumpkin

4 cups chicken broth

2 medium onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, pressed

1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon sugar

2- 4 1/2 oz. cans mushroom stems and pieces, drained

sour cream, chopped scallions, and/or crispy bacon for garnish

In a 3 1/2 quart slow-cooker, mix together the pumpkin, broth, onions, garlic, curry powder and seasoned salt.

Cover and cook on high heat setting 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Carefully puree the hot soup in 2 or 3 batches in a blender or food processor until as smooth as possible. Return to slow-cooker. Stir in the cream, milk, sugar, and mushrooms. Cover and cook on high 15 to 30 minutes longer. Serve garnished with sour cream, scallions and/or bacon bits.

Thanksgiving, What's Not to Love?

WARNING- The following post is so horribly sarcastic and pessimistic, you may not believe I authored it. But oh, I did.

I am thankful for Thanksgiving for many reasons. Yes, the huge dinner is wonderful. All the prep... the sleepless night before spent baking pies... the rush to get a huge turkey, only to find I'm out of room in my freezer... the debate with my husband over which is better, cornbread dressing or stuffing in the bird... fighting with my son to eat his green bean casserole.... fussing over every detail, from the garnish to the place settings... hating Martha Stewart for always having the perfect table and dinner... feeling so horribly stuffed and tired after eating that I could just explode... wait a minute, UURRCH!

I thought I was supposed to be thankful!

Oh, but I am! I am thankful! Don't get me wrong, I really love the idea of Thanksgiving. I enjoy spending the day with family and over eating. I enjoy getting harassed by my brothers and ignored by my husband while he watches football. (Seriously- he doesn't watch the Lions any other time they are on TV, why is it so important to watch them on Thanksgiving Day?) I enjoy it when my Dad points out what a lousy Mother I am. I just love it when my niece spills her food everywhere and eats all of the olives.

Oops- there I go again.

Maybe I really don't like Thanksgiving. Let me try to focus on what I do like instead:

1. Having the day off from work.
2. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
3. Anticipating Black Friday shopping the next day.
4. Trying new and fun things with canned cranberries.
5. Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving cartoon (what's wrong with toast for Thanksgiving, anyway?)

You know, that's really all I can think of. I don't know why lately I've become a little disillusioned with Thanksgiving. You would think it's right up my alley. I do have some great memories of dinners growing up, where Aunts, Uncles and countless cousins would gather at my Grandparents' country home and devour turkey with all the fixin's.

Then there was the time my Dad stuffed a turkey with unpopped popcorn kernels, thinking they would pop as the turkey cooked- it didn't happen. Or the one Thanksgiving when my father-in-law for whatever reason stuffed his turkey with Vienna sausages and hot dogs.

Okay, all that aside, I believe the reason I'm not feelin' very Thanksgivingish these days is because we have it all wrong. We don't reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. If we did, we'd be sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner with Al-Qaeda and negotiating peace. Isn't that what the Pilgrims and Indians did?

And when you really understand on the history of Thanksgiving, you realize that the Pilgrims left England to avoid the persecution of the English King so that they could in turn go about persecuting the Native Americans. What's to be so thankful about there? That I'm a descendant of people who pillaged and plundered in order to rule this land that was built on the backs of slaves while it's Native people were eventually run off and forced to live on a desolate reservation in the desert? Yes, look at me beaming with pride.

Do you know that turkey wasn't even eaten on the first Thanksgiving? The most detailed description of the "First Thanksgiving" comes from Edward Winslow from A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, in 1621:

"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, among other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed upon our governor, and upon the captain, and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

So when was the last time venison was on your Thanksgiving menu, I ask?

Anyway, I'm hopeful that I'll be in better spirits in the upcoming week. I plan on posting some new recipes that I want to try for Thanksgiving dinner. I guess the purpose of this post is to yes, celebrate the season, but also ask that we not forget the reason and the history behind the holiday.

GOD BLESS OUR VETERANS

"It's easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you" -Author Unknown

"Give me Liberty, or give me death!" -Patrick Henry

Halloween, Tricks-or-Treats!

I started to draft this blog post the week I had to go out of town for work, so unfortunately it's a "Post-Halloween post". I'll be back on schedule with my two weekly posts starting Monday. My apologies!


As a true believer that Halloween is simply a fun evening for all ages, not a time to sacrifice black cats and worship Satan (let's face it, if that's what you're into, you can do that on any night), here are my general rules for making a successful Halloween, in no particular order:

1. You must eat candy on Halloween night, and for at least a week afterwards. Eat the chocolate first, it's without argument the best stuff in your bag. Throw those nasty Good 'n Plenty in the trash!

2. You have to carve at least one pumpkin. Painting one is NOT a reasonable alternative. Get your hands icky and scoop out all that glop. Toast the seeds in your oven, don't waste 'em!

3. Your costume must be original, designed and fashioned with your own hands, or with help from sensible adults. You don't have to know how to sew, just be clever with what's out there. TJ was once a white pillow case ghost. He had a piece of ratty muslin wrapped around him for added effect, and little rubber spiders hot glued around the fabric. The whole costume cost around $4.00, which sums up my next rule:

4. You don't have to spend a fortune on your costume, unless you REALLY want to. I never REALLY want to.

5. Your get-up should really remain a secret until the big night. You don't want to risk someone copying your idea!

6. TJ and I have our own little Halloween ritual, which is similar to he rule about leaving out cookies for Santa. We leave a handful of candy corn at our bedside on Halloween night. This ensures us that the vampires will not suck our blood. Didn't you know that vampires LOVE candy corn? If you leave it by your bed on October 31st, it's guaranteed that you will not wake up with holes in your neck. Wouldn't you know that when TJ woke up last November 1st, all but one piece of candy corn had been eaten- he was spared!

7. You have to watch It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, during the Halloween season. Period. TiVo it if you must. Does anyone remember the Garfield Halloween cartoon? You know, "can-dy, can-dy, can-dy!" Why isn't that on anymore?

8. If you don't get any trick-or-treaters where you live, consider moving. Which also goes hand-in-hand with my final rule of the season:

9. Hand out good candy, or you won't get any trick-or-treaters. I made this horrible mistake one year many Halloween's ago while living in Phoenix. I was rushed to get candy, and I picked up a bag of, well, whatever was leftover. Needless to say, it was mainly a mix of old-fashioned hard candies. While nostalgic and fun for adults, kids tend to favor candy bars and Nerds and the like. Well, a cute little Rhett Butler put me in my place, because he told me "Yuck, I don't like this kind of candy". His Dad who was standing behind him started to glow red, even without the help from make-up. Boy, did I learn my lesson.

Hope you all had a great Halloween!

Recipe of the Week; THE CREEPIEST COOKIES AROUND

My online research resulted in a slew of new cookie ideas for Halloween. It's no secret that I love to bake- my kitchen will become a laboratory for cranking out edible insects and bloody body parts all this upcoming week! Here are a few of my favorite ideas, I hope you try at least one!

LADY FINGERS

Every Christmas I make a recipe known in my family as Lady "Fingers", which essentially are petite and pretty "tubes" filled with fantastic homemade filling. This recipe is also called "Lady Fingers", which eerily do resemble fingers...

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 egg

2 tsp almond extract

2 tsp vanilla
2 2/3 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup whole blanched almonds

raspberry jelly

In bowl, beat together butter, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla.

Stir dry ingredients together, then add to wet and stir thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.

Working with one quarter of the dough at a time and keeping remainder refrigerated, roll a scant tablespoon full of dough into a thin log shape about 4" long for each cookie. Squeeze close to center and close to one end to create knuckle shapes.

Press almond firmly into the end of the cookie for nail. Using paring knife, make slashes in several places to form knuckle. You want them a bit thin and gangly looking, since they'll puff a little when you bake them.

Place on lightly greased baking sheets (or use silicone sheets or parchment); bake in 325F oven for 20-25 minutes or until pale golden. Let cool for a few minutes.

Meanwhile, melt jelly over low heat in a small saucepan. Carefully lift almond off of each finger, spoon a tiny amount of jelly onto nail bed and press almond back in place so the jelly oozes out from underneath. You can also make slashes in the finger and fill them with jelly. You can slice the ends off, to get a good "severed" look, then dip them into the jelly.

Here's another version, with a little green food coloring worked into the green cookie dough.

NUTTER BUTTER GHOSTS

So easy, a five-year-old can do it! (Or a caveman!) And mine will, just as soon as I run out and pick up a bag of those Nutter Butters! This is a wonderful and simple cookie idea, especially for busy Moms who have to prepare treats for their kids' Kindergarten glass... ugh.

2 squares BAKER'S White Chocolate

6 Nutter Butter cookies

Decorations, such as decorating gels and mini chocolate chips

MICROWAVE chocolate in small microwavable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min., stirring after 45 seconds. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. COAT cookies with melted chocolate. Place on sheet of wax paper, then decorate as desired.

LET stand until chocolate is set.

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU... KIDDIES

I guess if you're going to be eating fingers, you might as well enjoy and eyeball as well. Take two, they're small! Shouldn't it be wrong to eat something that is staring back at you?

1-1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
12 ounces white candy coating, chopped
1 tablespoon shortening
brown, blue and green M&M's
Red Decorating gel

In a small mixing bowl, cream the peanut butter, butter and vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar. Shape into 1-in. balls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt candy coating and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip peanut butter balls into coating; place on waxed paper. Place M&M’s, plain side up, on top. Let stand until set. Use red gel to create “bloodshot” eyes.

SPOOKY SPIDERS

What little witch or devil doesn't indulge in the occasional spider? Well, if you happen to be a vegetarian spook, I highly recommend this meatless alternative!

1 pouch Betty Crocker peanut butter cookie mix
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon water
1 egg
36 chewy caramels in milk chocolate
Black or red string licorice
1/3 cup (72) miniature candy-coated chocolate baking bits
black decorating gel (from 0.68-oz tube)


Heat oven to 375°F. In medium bowl, stir cookie mix, oil, water and egg until dough forms. Shape dough into 36 (1-inch) balls. On ungreased cookie sheets, place 2 inches apart.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately press 1 chewy caramel in center of each cookie.

Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

Cut licorice into 8 (2-inch) pieces for each spider. Attach legs by sticking into chewy caramel. Use baking bits for eyes and black gel to make pupils in eyes.

And just in case you wish to enjoy something that isn't dripping with blood or going to bite you first, I'd like to close with a pretty Halloween cookie idea. The colors are great and this cookie is a little less scary. Simply whip up a batch of your favorite roll-out cookie dough recipe, and use a flower cookie cutter. Decorate using all the wonderful colors of fall, turn a cookie that looks great in springtime pastels into an autumn appropriate sweet treat!

'Tis the Season for A-Haunting

This time of year seems to bring out a little more local ghost activity. Is it because of the longer nights? Perhaps the colder weather helps to mask the smell of rotting flesh. Or, it just could be my overactive imagination, because subconsciously I like to be scared once in awhile.

I've always been intrigued with Ghost Stories, and good 'ol PA is full of them. Now, I can't honestly say I've ever been privy to any supernatural activity, but telling Ghost Stories in October is about as necessary as passing out cute little cards on Valentine's Day. To be perfectly honest, I'm a little skeptic when it comes to believing some of the following stories, but I find a certain nostalgia, even romanticism in sharing a creepy tale once in awhile. Here's a few of my favorites, some places I've been.

Because of its tragic history, it's only natural that the town of Gettysburg runs amok with Spirits. I've long been a Civil War buff, and I do believe there really is something quite haunting about the town.

The Jennie Wade House, Gettysburg, PA

"If there is anyone in this house that is to be killed today, I hope it is me, as Georgia has a little baby." -Jennie Wade

"The Jennie Wade House is a two story, modest red brick structure, sturdily made, and originally was a duplex done 1800s' style. It has the customary cellar and attic as well. A wall divided the brick structure from attic to first floor, creating two rental units. The house is now a museum and is open for tours.

This historic house looks very much like it did back in 1863. Authentically furnished from cellar to attic, The Jennie Wade House Museum is not only a shrine to a heroic martyr but has become a museum of life and living during the American Civil War.

Taking the tour will give the visitor a glimpse of life in the Civil War era, and perhaps a paranormal experience!

HISTORY:
Mary Virginia Wade was born in Gettysburg in 1843, and grew up in a house with her family that could be found also on Baltimore Street. She was called Jennie. In 1863, this local girl turned 20, and was living with her sister Georgia, her brother-in-law, Louis and her baby nephew in one unit of this red brick house, while Susan McClean, the owner of this structure, lived in the other unit. Jennie also had a love of her own, Johnston "Jack" H. Skelly. When the Civil War broke out, both Louis and Jack joined the Union forces. Jack became Corporal, and then Sergeant Johnston Skelly. Both went to fight the war a long way from home.

Jennie, Georgia and Susan McClean had kind hearts, and let the orphan children from the nearby orphanage escape their hard, abusive existence for awhile, and play at their house, enjoying a few happy times, a kind of oasis away from their sad reality of suffering at the hands of their abusive orphanage director with personal issues and temper problems. The orphanage was originally located at 785 Baltimore Street .

Then their situation took a turn for the worse, when Union and Confederate troops clashed in a bloody conflict on the fields and town of Gettysburg. Jennie, Georgia and Susan's house was smack dab in the middle of the fighting, in "NO MAN'S LAND." Not only was this a landlord's nightmare, but it goes without saying that it was incredibly dangerous for the occupants as well.

Jenny, Georgia and Susan were warned to leave because of their precarious situation. While Susan left, both the sisters baked bread and gave out water to passing Union troops, perhaps thinking about their own loved ones, far away and also probably fighting the confederate soldiers on some distant battlefield. Their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wade, also came to help, hoping to keep their daughters safe, as well as help Union soldiers.

During the first two days of the battle, a cannon ball landed in the dividing wall in the attic, but it didn't explode. While many bullets hit the outside of the house, none came inside. However, sometime during the third day of the battle, a stray bullet that was shot by a confederate soldier, holding his position in the Farnsworth House attic, came through two wooden doors of their home, striking poor Jennie in the back as she was baking bread in the kitchen. Jennie was the only civilian killed in this bloody 3 day battle, and she was remembered as a martyr to the cause, an example of courage and patriotism.

When soldiers came to take her body, her mother insisted in having Jennie put in the cellar, until it was safe to move her. Soldiers stayed with the body until she could be buried in a temporary burial spot. Finally, Jennie's remains were buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery with honor. Her grave is honored by a lovely statue and an American flag.

The Entity of Jennie Wade
Jennie was killed while in the middle of an urgent mission; Making bread for hungry soldiers. She didn't get to finish the batch she was working on. People who die in the middle of an important task or work goal, often try to continue what they were doing before they died unexpectedly.

She is perhaps still waiting to hear the fate of her beloved, Jack, who she knew was fighting in a battle. Jack was taken prisoner and died from his wounds at Winchester. Jennie never found out. Their mutual friend, Wesley Culp, who had joined the Confederacy, was supposed to bring her the news as he had been there when Jack died and had promised Jack he would tell her. Unfortunately, Wesley didn't have the chance because he died on July 3rd in the Gettysburg Battle, on Culp's Hill.

Unfinished business concerning loved ones has caused entities to hang onto this world.

The Children Entities
Perhaps these children didn't survive because of abuse they received, diseases, the hardship of war,or dumb kid accidents. They so enjoyed their time with the kind-hearted, loving souls who lived here, and all the fun they had in the house, that they have stayed here after they had passed.

The Two Male Entities
They perhaps are tied to the house due to emotional issues as neither act like they are too happy, and can't let go to the other side. Some entities mourn the loss of a loved one, perhaps blaming themselves, while others are just upset because they died before they were ready; A common occurrence during war.

MANIFESTATIONS:
a) Female Entity - Jennie Wade
An apparition of a young woman, presumed to be Jennie, has been seen around the house, who is apparently still baking bread, as the aroma of freshly baked bread delights the living.
Her favorite perfume which was rose-scented is noticed as well by visitors and museum caretakers.
b) An Unknown Male Entity
Thought by some to be her father, this male presence, felt and sometimes seen, has been noticed by the living to be hanging out in the cellar.
c) Another Unknown Male Entity
He is known to haunt the upstairs area. He smokes cigars and on occasion lets invisible ashes fall on visitors for chuckles. He needed another lesson or two in the social graces.
d) Unknown Entities of Friendly Children have made their presences known throughout the house. They have been known to yell a friendly greeting, "Hey!" If they take a liking to a person, they have been known to grab onto this favored person's ankles in an affectionate way and travel with this person during the tour. Other times, they have touched the person's hand.

On the second floor, the Entities of Children like to swing on the chains which are part of the roped off areas that have antique furniture, to prevent visitors sitting or touching the displays.
They like to play with the bed-skirts around the bottom of the beds in the upstairs bedrooms.

On the first floor, these Entities of Children like to play downstairs in the first floor bedroom, on the rug in from of the deacon's bench. As it is in this room that the downstairs stories are told, the little entities like to play with visitors' jewelry or tug on coats."

I like the story of Jennie Wade for several reasons. I believe she was a kindred soul who only wanted to serve her country in the best way she knew how. If only baking bread was considered an act patriotism today!

Heading just a bit further south into West Virginia, the tales about the ghost of abolitionist John Brown run wildly through out the town of Harper's Ferry.

When I was about 13 or so, we made a visit to this quaint town, and the history was not as fascinating to me then as the ghost stories that were shared by the locals. Like the story of [another] Jenny, whose billowing skirts caught fire while standing too close to the fireplace. Poor frightened Jenny ran outside screaming, only to be struck by the night train. Many conductors to this day swear they occasionally see a blazing ball of fire screaming towards the train, only to disappear into the dark night.

Many other tales of woe circulate within the town's history; but don't ever let that prevent you from visiting this most picturesque town!

Back in PA, I grew up hearing the tale of the Lady in White. It was an eerie tale indeed, and often we would travel the Buckhorn Road in which she haunts on our way to Altoona for a day-long shopping trip. The story of the the Buckhorn Ghost, as it is known to locals, is what initially inspired me to include a post of local ghost lore. Here is an excerpt from a website I'd found that explains the reason for the Lady in White. I'd also like to mention that during my many travels on these roads, I haven't been fortunate (or unfortunate!) enough to have run into her. Maybe someday I will!

"A popular legend throughout the Allegheny Mountains is the legend of The White Lady of Wopsy Mountain also known as Wopsononock Mountain. The local people refer to the popular mountain as Wopsy Mountain.

Some people believe there are two White Ladies, another White Lady that roams the Buckhorn Mountain road. Nobody really knows for sure. Although, John Hunter Orr of Altoona, PA, a collector of folk stories, thinks the story started with the Wopsy Mountain story and spread to the Buckhorn Mountain.

There are also several legends of The White Lady of Wopsy Mountain. One legend reports the White Lady is looking through Wopsy Mountain for her baby. The baby was thrown out of the horse carriage while rounding Devils Elbow, a dangerous curve that still exists on PA's Wospy Mountain. The legend says the baby was never found.

Although, of course, the road has been much improved since the horse and buggy days. Drivers are still cautious when approaching Devils Elbow. I'm not sure it's because of the dangerous curve or the legend of the White Lady of Wopsy Mountain, most likely it's both reasons. You actually have to travel the road yourself to understand the eerie feeling you suddenly get when you approach the area. It seems everybody breaths a sigh of relief once you're down the mountain.

There Are Two Legends Of The White Lady

Both legends are very similar. They always begin with newlyweds getting in deadly accidents on the mountain's treacherous roads. Wopsy Mountain and the Buckhorn Mountain have several dangerous curves. The most famous dangerous curve is known as Devils Elbow. This is where the legend of the accident of the White Lady of Wopsy Mountain takes place. There have been a lot of accidents in the area of Devils Elbow. The dangerous curve has caused many experienced drivers to lose control, especially when the mountain is snow-covered and the roads are slick.

The White Lady of Wopsy Mountain's story has the husband dying instantly. The wife regains consciousness only to find her beloved husband's decapitated body.

Mr. Orr says the woman disappears into the woods, wandering around Wopsononock Mountain. She heads west towards Buckhorn Mountain. Yet, she always disappears around the deadly curve at Devils Elbow. She's been seen there many times by people traveling down the steep mountain road. Most sightings only last a second when you suddenly see someone in white on the side of ther road ahead but once you approach the area there is no one in sight.

Sightings of the White Lady of Wopsy Mountain have been reported for many years by many people in the area. As the folk story goes, many people have seen a woman dressed in white, wearing a long flowing gown, standing along the side of the steep, winding Wopsy Mountain Road, near Devils Elbow. Some say she is holding a candle, others report she is holding a lantern.

Many testify to have stopped to offer her a ride down the steep mountain. Once inside the vehicle she seems grateful for the ride but quiet, she smiles a lot, and is extremely beautiful.

It has been reported many times that when they look in their rear view mirror they can't see her reflection, yet when they turn to face her, they see her sitting in their back seat. Before the vehicle reaches the bottom of the mountain, in the area of Devils Elbow, she always vanishes into thin air. "

Well, whether you are a believer or a skeptic with regards to ghost tales, you have to admit it's always a little fun to add some mystery and intrigue to your days during the month of October. I'd also like to mention that while looking up some ghost stories online, I came across this website: http://theshadowlands.net/places/pennsylvania/html It lists hundreds of haunts within the state! I never realized I shared a state with so many ghosts and goblins!

I'll close with one last thing- for those who check in from New Mexico, my husband has told me that the cemetery across from the post office in Gallup is haunted. When he was in high school, he and some friends where "hanging" out there (why?) and they all swear to this day that they saw and old man coming towards them, yelling.

Like a bunch of chickens, they took off running, but when they looked back the man was gone. I can't debate whether or not the sighting actually occurred since I wasn't there, but I tend to believe that the old man was perhaps a vision brought forth with a little help from their friend Bud (weiser!)

HAVE A HAPPY AND HAUNTING OCTOBER, my friends!

Recipe of the Week; SWEET APPLE AND PECAN BREAD

I just love to make sweet breads in the Autumn. Like most recipes I share, this one has a special memory attached to it. During my last fall in New Mexico, my wonderful friend Dyan gave me a barrel (literally) of apples that she and her husband Pat had picked while visiting Delores, Colorado. The little, tangy apples reminded me so much of the apples that I knew growing up in PA, they were uneven and lumpy and small, totally unlike the perfectly red, prissy apples you get at the supermarkets. (Some people just don't know that it's okay to look for worm holes before you bite into an apple!)

I had so many, and I needed to use them up. The added bonus is that I get to break out the medieval-looking apple corer/peeler!


So, I had Dyan and another friend of ours, Miss Lori, over for brunch one brisk fall morning. My brunch had an obvious apple theme- right down to the salt and pepper shakers. It was a good day, and my Apple-Pecan Bread was scrumptious! One thing especially nice about this if you want to serve it for a brunch, you make it a day ahead! It was the first time I made this, and it has become something that we'll enjoy at least two or three times during the fall and winter.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 Tbs. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 tsp. double-acting baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup chopped apples
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl cream butter or margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, milk, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and stir just until well blended. Fold in apples and nuts. Pour into pan. Bake for 1 hour. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Once cool, wrap and let stand overnight before slicing.

You all know that I'm a working girl now, so unfortunately I just don't have time to throw together a brunch on a whim. Being time-strapped and less enthusiastic in the kitchen some days, I must say I'm a big fan of the genius who invented a bread machine! Mine is has a timer, so I can set it start at a certain time, like while I'm at work- and come home to a yummy, fresh-from-the oven bread! For those of us with all the intentions of offering homemade goodies but never enough time to actually make them, here is an equally tasty and easy substitute! Put THAT in your bread machine and bake it!, courtesy of Betty Crocker.

INGREDIENTS

Apple-Pecan Bread

1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3 cups bread machine-appropriate flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons bread machine or quick active dry yeast
1/2 cup chopped unpeeled apple
1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted

Measure carefully, placing all ingredients except apple and pecans in bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Add apple and pecans at the Raisin/Nut signal or 5 to 10 minutes before last kneading cycle ends.

Select Sweet or Basic/White cycle. Use Light crust color. Do not use delay cycle. Remove baked bread from pan, and cool on wire rack.

The Witching Hour Cometh Soon

Now to the Brocken the witches hie,

The stubble is yellow, the corn is green;

thither the gathering legions fly,

And sitting aloft is Sir U'-ri-an seen;

O'er stick and o'er stone they go whirling along,

Witches and he-goats, a motley throng.

Alone old Baubo's coming now;

She rides upon a farrow sow;

A goodly sow and mother thereon,

The whole witch chorus follows anon.

The way is broad, the way is long.

What mad pursuit, what tumult wide!

The wind is hushed, the stars grow pale,

The pensive moon her light doth veil,

And whirling on, the magic choir

Sputter forth sparks of drizzling fire.

I don't know the author or origin of this poem, but I found it online and thought is suited the season. Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did!

Postcard Worthy Pictures of My Pennsylvania

I love October in PA. You can't find a prettier place on the planet when the leaves start to burst with color. I spent a wonderful afternoon in the country yesterday, so hard to believe that this was literally my backyard growing up! Because I could look out my window and see it everyday, I guess I just took it's serenity and beauty for granted.

It's always nice to take a trip down Memory Road. Travel with me, I'd enjoy the company! You can click on the individual pictures to enlarge them to get a more detailed view.

The trips starts here. This is the driveway, leading to my childhood home. It's roughly a quarter mile, I'd say, maybe a little more. You know the old adage "I used to walk to school, uphill both ways?" Well, mine was "I used to trudge through the snow both ways to catch the bus!" It's a little bit of a walk!

At the end of the woods is a clearing, with this grand view, minus the telephone pole, of course. Just 'cause we was country folk, didn't mean we couldn't have one of them thar telephones!

Scenes from the back yard-

I loved running through the corn when I was small, it was truly a wonderland in there!

We hopped in Dad's Rhino and over the river and through the woods we went to Grandpa's house...

It was always a great time at my Grandparents' home. This is were my brother and I learned to swim. We would ice skate in the winter, and after my Pap decided to stock it with a bunch of fish, we would catch blue gill or run around the banks of the pond feeding the fish bread and looking for frogs and turtles.

I'm not certain the age of this barn, but I believe it was constructed when my Pap was young, possibly before he was even born. He turned 91 in September, so you know it's been around awhile! He's never lived anywhere but on the very farm in which he was born!

The barn was a giant fun house- we had ropes we would swing on and fall into the giant piles of straw. The barn cats would often have their litters in the cozy nests of straw, so often the furry friends would make their way up the hill to our house!

Of course, Pap's tractor was totally off-limits. Grandma would often send us up the hill to throw the pigs some scraps...

This was THE best hill for sledding in the winter. We could start at the top, where the trees are and end up all the way down to the house. This picture was taken from the back porch.

There are two Walls-of-Fame at Pap's house. On the first wall he has a small collection of some of this prized hunting trophies, he simply just does not have enough room to display everything he's hunted through the years. The bear especially was a little scary to me when I was little, but I like to pet his soft fur!

On the other Wall-of-Fame hangs the family pictures, starting with my Aunt Nan at the top of the stairs and pictures of her seven children(camera shot couldn't get all of the pictures), and ends at the bottom of the stairs with my Uncle Jim, the youngest, and three of his kids. (He still has two daughters yet to graduate, the rest of us Grandchildren and all grown up and gone!) Yours truly hangs directly below my Dad, the cool cat in the top row, second from the left. Don't knock the hair- it was the 90's, what can I say? My brothers hang directly below me- instead of age, my Grandma hung my brothers and me in the order of which Grandkid she like the most... teehee. (All of my other cousins are hung under their parent in age order.)

Before leaving to head back home, I stopped by my old church. Church was in walking distance, often on warm days we would walk. I can't think of church without remembering the annual picnic every August, and Vacation Bible School. I made my acting debut at the age of four in the Christmas play here. Later on, around the age of 12 or so. I stole the show when I vomited on stage while singing "O Little Town of Bethlehem" in the choir.

Across the street from the church is the cemetery, to which is the final resting place for many of my ancestors and relatives, including my beloved Grandma "Niece", who passed away 10 years ago this past September. This will likely be my place for burial, too.

My Grandma was the best- the quintessential country Grandma, who loved nothing more than to bake a pie and have us kids over on Sundays. My brother Dave actually had a designated "pie shirt" for this weekly occasion. I miss my chubby little white-haired Grandma so much, she passed after I had been living in New Mexico for three years. I always felt particularly special and close to her, as I was named after her.

The day in the country and the drive back couldn't have been more peaceful. I just love a short road trip, and it was the most beautiful fall day, capped off with a vibrant harvest moon glowing overhead and leading me home.

By the way, the date in my camera was obviously off- I don't know how to programme the crazy thing!