December
There is a mine for silver, and a place form which gold is extracted. Job 28
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Recipes For The Month of December
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December 1
"It is good enough to talk of God while we are sitting here after a nice breakfast looking forward to a nicer luncheon, but how am I to talk of God to the millions who have to go without two meals a day? To them God can only appear as bread and butter."
~Mohandas K. Gandhi
"If you ask the hungry man how much is two and two, he replies four loaves."
~Hindu Proverb
Coconut Bread
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1 cup toasted coconut
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
In a large bowl, combine coconut, flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. In a separate bowl, mix the egg, milk, oil and vanilla. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients and stir until blended. Pour the batter into a greased 9" x 5" loaf pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until golden brown and loaf springs back to touch. Cool for 5 to 10 minutes and gently invert our. Serve immediately or cool in airtight container.
*Often we forget in our business and excitement of preparing fo the upcoming season that many people in our world country and own community go hungry. Not always just for physical nourishment, but the also hunger emotionally and spiritually. This season, donate your time and comfort, food and drink to one of the many charitable organizations. That is what caring for God's people and the the sharing of the coming of Jesus is all about.
"From December to March, there are for many of us three gardens-
the garden outdoors,
the garden of pots and bowls in the house,
and the garden of the mind's eye."
~Katherine S. White
December 2
"Rub-a-dub-dub,
Three men in a tub;
Ad who do you think they be?
The butcher, the baker,
The candlestick-maker;
And all of them gone to sea."
~Nursery Rhyme
"Gardeners, I think, dream bigger dreams than emperors."
~Mary Cantwell
Stuffed Beef Rolls
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8 thin slices top round of beef, approximately 2 - 3 inches by 5 - 6 inches
3 strips bacon, only cooked about half through, and chopped
1 1/4 cups fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts
1/8 cup finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 egg, beaten
1/8 cup apple juice
1 cup flour seasoned with salt and pepper
2 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 cup vegetable or beef broth
1/2 cup red or Merlot wine
2 onions, thinly sliced and separated
Trim slices of beef and lay flat. Ina small bowl, combine bacon, bread crumbs, water chestnuts,celery, parsley, basil and pepper. Pour egg over stuffing and toss until uniformly coated. Add apple juice and blend together until all moistened. Spread each slice of meat with stuffing, and roll up evenly. Tie together with fine stirring; for best results, use 2 pieces of spring per roll. One oat a time, toss in seasoned flour. Heat the oil in a large skillet and brown beef rolls lightly. Remove and place in a baking casserole. Ad 1/4 cup of the seasoned flour to the skillet, brown well, gradually add the broth and bring it to a boil. Pour over the beef roll; and the wine and onion slices. Cover casserole and bake in 350 degree over for 1 1/2 hours. Gently snip and remove the strings before serving.
December 3
"It is good enough to talk of God while we are sitting here after a nice breakfast looking forward to a nicer luncheon, but how am I to talk of God to the millions who have to go without two meals a day? To them God can only appear as bread and butter."
~Mohandas K. Gandhi
"If you ask the hungry man how much is two and two, he replies four loaves."
~Hindu Proverb
A Different Kind of Fruit Cake
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2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
4 eggs
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup chopped nuts
7 ounces baked coconut
1 cup maraschino cherries
2 mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla
In a large mixing bowl cream the sugar and oil. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder,baking soda and salt. Stir flour mixture into creamed batter gradually, beating until well blended. add carrots, nuts, coconut, cherries, bananas and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into greased 10-inch tube pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Cool, wrap well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several days. Cake may be serve plain or iced with Cream Cheese Frosting. Freeze unfrosted.
*If you run in fear of the thought of fruit cake, your memory bank may need an updated version to replace old and out date impressions. A Different Kind of Fruit Cake includes many more fresh and recognizable ingredients than traditional versions. And while it is still somewhat dense, it is moister and sweeter than some of those locked in our memories. Hopefully you will enjoy this new treat.
December 4
"Bay serveth to adorn the House of God, as well as Man, to procure warmth, comfort, and strength to the limmes of men and of women by bathings and anoyntings."
~John Parkinson
Friendship Soup
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For Beans:
1 pound yellow split peas
1 pound navy beans
1 pound red lentils
1 pound Great Northern
1 pound pinto beans
1 pound black-eyed peas
1 pound yellow soybeans
1 pound green split peas
1 pound kidney peas
1 pound baby Lima beans
1 pound red peas
1 pound black beans
1 pound garbanzo beans
1 pound barley
Combine all dried beans, Portion out 2 cups into zip-lock bags; makes about 12 packages. Put beans into pint size canning jars, decorate wit ribbon and include the following recipe for a door prize at your next women's get together.
For Soup
2 cups bean mix
1 pound ham, diced
2 quarts water
1 (16 ounce) can tomatoes
2 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Wash bean mix. Cover with water and soak at least 3 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse well. In a large pot, combine all ingredients. Simmer at least 4 hours, or until all beans are tender. Remove bay leaf.
December 5
"Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves."
~Son of Solomon 7:12 (KJV)
"Working in the garden...gives me a profound feeling of inner peace. Nothing here is in a hurry. There is no rush toward accomplishment, no blowing of trumpets. Here is the great mystery of life and growth. Everything is changing, growing, aiming at something, but silently, unboastfully, taking its time."
~Ruth Stout
A Big Old Salad
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1 head broccoli
1 head cauliflower
2 cups seedless grapes, either red or green, or both
1/2 cup almond, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup salad dressing
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
Chop broccoli and cauliflower into bite size pieces and place in a large bowl. Add grapes and almonds. In a tight sealing container, combine salad dressing, vinegar and sugar and shake well to mix. Pour over the vegetables and toss to coat. Chill several hours before serving.
*To keep grapes crisp and crunchy, soak them in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes; drain and keep in a plastic sealed bag in refrigerator. This method usually works well for other produce too. such as lettuce greens. Serve salad with Garlic Thai Kabobs or Olive Stuffed Tomatoes with Carrot Bran Muffins or Apricot Cake.
"All the animals excepting man know that the principal business of life is to enjoy it."
~Samuel Butler
December 6
"I took the day to search for God,
And found Him not. But as I trod
By the rocky ledge, though woods untamed,
Just where one scarlet lily flamed,
I saw His footprints in the sod."
~Bliss Carman
"For flowers that bloom about our feet,
Father, we thank Thee;
For tender grass so fresh and sweet,
Father, we thank Thee;
For the song of bird and hum of bee,
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in Heaven, we thank Thee."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Spicy Tomato Cocktail
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1 (46 ounce) can tomato juice
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
Celery stalks with leaves
Olives, lime and lemon wedges, strung on cocktail sticks
In a large pitcher, combine tomato juice, lemon juice. Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, sugar, pepper and hot sauce. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours. Fill chilled glasses with ice; pour tomato juice mixture to fill. Garnish with celery stalks and olive sticks.
*This is an excellent alternative for those choosing non-alcoholic beverages during the holidays. It is also a great way to boost vegetable intake, which can be challenged during this time of the year. Remember to try to consume a minimum of 5 to 6 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, closer to 7 to 8 is becoming more the recommendation. This will help keep up the immune system, keeping us healthy while interacting with so many people in close quarters. You will be thankful of a holiday season filled with song and laughter instead of coughs and sniffles.
December 7
"I wonder if it is a bird
that sings within the hidden tree,
Or some shy angel calling me
to follow far away?"
~Grace H. Conkling, "Nightingale"
"That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy. a perfect poem o a rescued soul. Who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had."
~Robert Louis Stevenson
Chocolate Halo Sugar Cookies
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1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 package round chocolate peppermint wafers
Mint chocolate chip ice cream
In a large mixing bowl, cream powdered sugar and butter. Mix in egg, vanilla and almond extract. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Mix dry ingredients into butter mixture. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours. Divide dough in half and roll out on a floured board. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 inch round shapes. Place onto non-stick cookie sheets. Bake in 375 degree oven for 7 toi 8 minutes, or until very lightly browned. As soon as cookies come form the oven, place a chocolate wafer in the center of each. Let cool and serve with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Cookies freeze well.
*Now is the time to start thinking about your holiday preparations. Some people start baking now, freezing item s and then they have a wide assortment to choose from with needed. Others decide to just make a few special item and treasure them. These will hopefully make either persons' list. Holiday cookie cutters can also be used to make favorite cookie shapes.
December 8
"Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again."
~Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NIV)
"O Children, wake, for a fairy world
Is waiting for you and me,
With gems aglow on the meadow grass,
And jewels on every tree.
The hedgerows glitter, the dark woods shine
In dresses of sparking white,
For while we slumbered, the Ice Queen passed
~Lucy Diamond
Cranberry Jeweled Pumpkin Bread
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2 1/4 cups flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup cranberries, chopped
2 cups powdered sugar
4 - 5 teaspoons milk
In a medium bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. In a mixer bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin. Pour pumpkin mixture into dry ingredients. Stir in cranberries. Spoon into 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake in 350 degree oven for 60 minutes. Cool for 5 to 10 minutes before removing from pan. After cooling for several more minutes, mix powdered sugar and milk together and glaze each loaf.
*A cranberry garnished tray of sliced Cranberry Jeweled Pumpkin Bread is beautiful when served at a holiday party surrounded by crystal and candles. The loaves also freeze well, so make in advance and save time during the busy season Glaze after thawing.
December 9
"Friendship is like a garden of flowers,
fine and rare;
It cannot reach perfection except
through loving care;
Then, new and lovely blossoms
with each new day appear-
For Friendship, lie a garden
grows in beauty year by year."
~Anna Holden King
"Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it."
~Johann Wolfgang Van Goethe
Lemon Carrots
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1 pound carrots
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 lemon, sliced
3/4 cup maple syrup
Fresh finely chopped parsley
Wash, peel and julienne slice carrots. Ina small saucepan, combine carrots with salt and water. Heat to boiling, cover and cook 10 minutes. Uncover and cook until liquid evaporates. Add butter,lemon slices and syrup to pan. Leave uncovered and cook on low, simmering several minutes. Turn carrots several times to glaze. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
*Try serving over Parslied Rice with Beef Stuffed Onions and Country Dill Bread. For an upcoming Christmas party, plan on serving Lemon Carrots as an appetizer by spearing several slices onto cocktail sticks, as well as Full Moon Strawberries and Pecan Balls.
"God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in December."
~J. M. Barrie
December 10
"God,I can push the grass apart
And lay my finger on Thy heart.
The soul can split the sky in two,
And let the face of God shine through."
~Edna St. Vincent Millay
Spinach Sesame Orzo
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 cup pine nuts, crushed with knife or rolling pin in plastic bag
3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 teaspoon butter
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons milk or cream
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoon chopped oregano
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, if desired
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Put sesame seed and pine nuts on a plate and toast in microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring several times. Set aside. Cook orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. In a medium skillet, over medium heat, melt butter. Add spinach and garlic and cook until spinach is wilted. Stir in milk, cheese, oregano, black pepper and cayenne, if desired, Add pasta and cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. sprinkle with toasted sesame seed and pine nuts. Serve immediately.
*The combining of the nuts, spinach, dairy products and pasta make for a meal that is "complete" in protein. However, many people would prefer more"substance" and would consider this a side dish. I recommend serving with Broiled Mhai-Mahi with Dill Sauce or Ginger Chicken along with Buttered Brussels Sprouts and Vanilla Bean Fruit Salad.
December 11
"Here is a list of things for you to think on when you get the blues. They are but creature comforts, to be sure, but creature comforts have a certain pagan, non-moral power to seethe the soul, a peculiar power which neither religion not philosophy possess:
- A chimney that draws well.
- Real cream.
- Sweet perfect butter.
- A fat book, containing a bully story, that will last a week.
- A spring of pure water.
- A wood, in summer, with long grass, and a brook.
- A new friend, who has never heard any of your jokes.
- A woman whose face lights up when she sees you.
- A man (if you're a woman) who likes you and is afraid of you.
- Shoes that don't hurt.
- The power to enjoy all these things and not be ashamed of yourself.
"
~Dr. Frank Crane
Old Fashioned Butter Cream Pudding
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1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
2 eggs yolks, beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
In a heavy medium saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in cream and milk, Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Gradually stir about 1 cup of the hot mixture into egg yolks. Return mixture to saucepan. Cook and stir 2 minute more. Remove form the heat. Stir in butter and vanilla till butter melts. Pour into a bowl. Directly on top of surface, cover pudding with clear plastic wrap. Cook without stirring at room temperature. When cooled to desired temperature, spoon into serving cups. Serve with cream or whipped cream.
*Aahhh, if this isn't one of the most simple creature comforts of this world, perfect for lifting the blues, for warming our bellies on a chilly night. Now, we all realize we can't indulge all the time, but once in awhile it sure does feel good.
December 12
"I'd sell my love for food any day. The rice bowl is to me the most valid reason in the world for doing anything. A piece of one's soul to the multitudes in return for rice and wine does not seem to me a sacrilege."
~Han Suyin
"Dried peas and beans, being rather on the dull side, much like dull people respond readily to the right contacts."
~Irma S Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker
Herbed Chick Peas and Rice
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1 1/2 cups brown rice
1/2 cup dried chick peas
3 cups water
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cloves, mashed
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup finely minced parsley or cilantro
Chopped onion, parsley, lemon wedges for garnish
Soak the rice and chick peas overnight in water to cover. Drain, rinse, and put into a heavy pot with the water and on e of the bay leaves. Cook according to package directions, usually 45 to 50 minutes, until tender. While peas and rice are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook over medium heat until browned, about 7 to8 minutes. Remove form the heat. Ina small sauce pan, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons oil along with the remaining bay leaf, the cumin powder and garlic, Saute over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minute, until you can smell the cumin. Add the cumin mixture, lemon juice and parsley or cilantro to the cooked chickpeas. Stir gently to combine, removing the bay leaves. Serve immediately.
Bay leaves were used by the early Greeks in their temples to ward off evil sprites. Early Romans used bay wreaths as crowns to keep them safe from lightning and thunder. Like the Greeks, some of the first Christians hung bay leaves in their churches, and bay leaves are still used in some churches around Christmas for their decorative and fragrant appeal. Try incorporating them into a homemade wreath for you home.
December 13
"Who wants a pancake,
Sweet and piping hot?
Good little Grace looks up and says,
'I'll take the one on top.'
Who else wants a pancake,
Fresh off the griddle?
Terrible Theresa smiles and says,
'I'll take the one in the middle"
~Shel Silverstein
Buttermilk Pancake Stackers
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3 eggs
2 cups buttermilk
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoon melted butter
Separate eggs into separate medium bowls. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form and set aside. Beat egg yolks and add 1 cup buttermilk. In large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder. Add 1/2 of dry ingredients to egg yolk and stir. Add remaining 1 cup buttermilk and then gently add remaining dry ingredients. Add melted butter. Fold in beaten egg whites. Fry immediately on greased hot griddle.
Grandma's Homemade Syrup
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2 cups dark brown sugar
1/3 cup corn syrup
1 cup water
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
In medium saucepan over moderate heat, combine brown sugar, corn syrup and water. Stirring constantly as it heats, bring to a boil and boil 2 minutes more, without stirring . Remove from heat and add maple flavoring. Serve immediately.
December 14
"Make we merry both rich and poor,
For now is the time of Christmas!
Let not man come into this hall,
Groom, page, nor yet marshal,
'But that some sport he bring withal!
For now is the time of Christmas!
If that he say he cannot sing,
Some other sport then let him bring!
That it may please at the feasting
For now is the time of Christmas!
If he say, he can nought do,
Then for my love ask him no mo!
But to the stocks then let him go!
For now is the time of Christmas!"
~Fifteenth Century Carol
Peanut Butter Cups
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1/2 cup melted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup peanut butter
2 1/2 pounds chocolate almond bark
Mix the melted butter, powdered sugar and peanut butter together in small mixer bowl. Form mixture into small balls and flatten a little; set balls on plate. Put the chocolate almond bark into large glass measuring cup and melt in the microwave. Pour a little chocolate into the bottoms of miniature paper baking cups. Immediately put peanut butter balls on top of chocolate and pour more chocolate to cover balls. Let set at room temperature until cool, then store in air tight container.
*These little sweet treats are one of my favorites! They are quick and easy to make and can be stored for weeks. They can fill in those little holes on a cookie tray or work nicely as an edible holder for name cars at the table. Just glue a per-written name card on a toothpick, let dry and stick into the Peanut Butter Cups. And, my most favorite of all, eaten frozen from the freezer!
December 15
"Dinner, a time when... one should eat wisely, but not too well, and talk well, but not too wisely."
~W. Somerset Maugham
Hot Crab Dip
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2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (8 ounce) carton sour cream
4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 pound crab meat
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided in 2
In a bowl, combine all ingredients except half of cheddar cheese. Spread into a greased 1 1/2 quart baking casserole and top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake in 325 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Serve immediately with toasted Sunflower Bread.
Sunflower Bread
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1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
Combine whole wheat flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. Combine the eggs, buttermilk, molasses and oil. Combine the wet ingredients with the flour mixture and blend well. Stir in the sunflower seeds. Pour into a greased 9" x 5" loaf pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown.
December 16
"She was a natural - born cook...
People gnawed their fingers and bit their tongues
just to smell the steam when she lifted the pot lid."
~Julia Peterleins
"Woman who beef too much find herself in stew."
~Chinese Proverb
5 Hour Oven Stew
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1 1/2 pounds round steak, cubed
5 potatoes, cubed
2 cups cut up carrots
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
2 cups beef broth
2 cans diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tapioca
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Put steak, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, corn and beef broth into a crock pot or large baking casserole and cover. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, tapioca,ma sugar, salt and pepper and pour over meat and potato mixture. If cooking in a crock pot, set on low and simmer for 7 to 8 hours. For baking in the oven, bake in 275 degree oven for 5 to 6 hours. Add water or beef froth if stew becomes too thick. Serve immediately.
*Her is another recipe to incorporate during the holidays when all is crazy. It can simmer away in the crock pot while all the other festivities are going on, ready when you are. And about these time of the season, many are starting to tire of the cinnamon or pumpkin scented candles, so to walk into a home and be embraced by the aroma of hot beef and potatoes can be very refreshing and grounding. Serve with a muffin that you have make along ago and frozen, such as Potato Onion Muffins or Freckled Corn Muffins.
"Winter is the time for comfort - it is the time for home."
~Edith Sitwell
December 17
"In the depths of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invisible summer."
~Albert Camus
"I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear; The Son of God discloses.
He speaks, ad the sound of His vice is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me within my hear is ringing.
I'd stay in the garden with Him though the night around me by falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe, And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known."
~Hymn written by Austin Miles
Party Pink Citrus Salad
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3/4 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons vinegar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon fresh finely chopped mint
2 ruby red grapefruits, peeled and sectioned
2 oranges, peeled and sectioned
1 cup red seedless grapes
1 cup watermelon balls
Fresh mint sprigs
Combine cranberry juice, orange juice, vinegar, oil, sugar and mint into a tight sealing jar. cover and shake well to blend. Set aside. Place prepared grapefruit, oranges, grapes and watermelon in a large salad bowl. Shake dressing again and pour over fruit; toss gently to coat. Chill for several hours; toss salad again before serving. Garnish generously with fresh mint sprigs.
*Be sure to display this salad in a beautiful crystal or seasonal serving dish, to complement its festive colors. Another interesting twist is to top individual dessert dishes of the salad with small frozen balls of ice cream or sherbet. Very refreshing on a winter evening after a dinner meal of Spinach Lasagna or Crazy Spicy Corkscrew Pasta.
December 18
"Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with choice fruits,henna and nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and aloes, and all the fines spices. You are a garden fountain, a well of flowing water streaming down from Lebanon."
~Song of Solomon 4:13-14 (NIV)
"If odours may worke satisfaction, the are soveraigne in plants and so comfortable that no confection or the apothecaries can equall their excellent Vertue."
~John Gerard, The Herball, 1597
Cinnamon Thumbs
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5 tablespoons sugar
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
In a medium bowl, cream together 5 tablespoons sugar and butter. Add flour and vanilla and mix well. Roll golf ball size pieces of dough into oblong cookies and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in 300 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until just starting to brown and are firm to the touch. Mix remaining 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon together. While still warm, roll cookies in cinnamon mixture. Cool and store in air tight container. These cookies freeze well.
*Cinnamon, with its sweet and pleasing aroma, has been valued spice ancient times. Legend has it that the Queen of Sheba gave cinnamon to King Solomon. It was one of the spices used to make holy ointment for the Tabernacle. Today, baking with cinnamon offer an aromatic invitation into the home. And these Cinnamon Thumbs are delightfully light cookies that are perfect additions to holiday cookie trays or can be served anytime of the year at bridal showers or afternoon tea. Or have with a cup of chamomile tea or one of the other herbal teas suggested on page 35 to help ease away any holiday stress or seasonal sore throats.
"In a drear-nighted December
Too happy, happy tee,
Thy branches ne'er remember
Their green felicity."
~John Keats
December 19
"Faith needs her daily bread"
~Dinah Mulock Craik
"The personal value of, and interest in , gardening obviously derives as much from the relaxation that the practices provides as from the appreciation of the garden itself. The home garden, like the Roman atrium or the Spanish patio, can be a place of repose and seclusion: it can offer a protected corner form the winds of nature as well as from the winds of everyday concern. The therapeutic effect of gardening has been expounded by many; it has a salutary value not only because it requires physical work but also because it fosters a hopeful and anticipatory mood conductive to contentment."
~Britannia Encyclopedia
Garlic Bubble Bread
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1 loaf frozen bread dough
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
Thaw dough until soft. In a small bowl blend butter, egg, garlic powder, parsley and salt together. Cut off pieces of dough about the size of walnuts. Dip each piece in the butter mixture. Place pieces in a greased loaf pan until dough is all used. Cover and let rise until double in size. Bake in 375 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until browned and firm to touch. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator and reheat.
*If you are prepared and keep frozen bread dough in your freezer, here is another quick recipe when you are strapped on time, yet want to bring something just a little special to the meal. It will be much appreciated by all. serve with Pepper Steak or Creamed Cabbage and Ham Soup.
"When a man's stomach is full, it make no difference whether he is rich or poor"
~Euripides
December 20
"Nose, nose, jolly red nose,
And what gave thee that jolly red nose?
Nutmeg and ginger, cinnamon and cloves,
That's what gave me this jolly red nose."
~Thomas Ravencroft
"What is sauce for the goose may be sauce for the gander,
but is not necessarily sauce for the chicken,
the duck, the turkey, or the guinea hen."
~Alice B. Toklas
Gingered Chicken
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1 - 1 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled ad sliced
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
6 chicken breasts, skin on
Make the marinade by putting ginger, garlick vinegar, soy sauce and sugar in food processor and blending well. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for 1 to 3 hours. Arrange the chicken, skin side down, or a foil lined baking pan. Reserve the extra marinade. Bake in 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. Turn the pieces and baste with more marinade. Bake another 10 minutes. Spoon with remaining marinade add pan juices and bake 15 minute more or until chicken thoroughly baked. Serve immediately.
*Offering light, simple meals during the holiday seasons is often appreciated, as we are constantly bombarded with cookie trays, rich appetizers and festive drinks (we have no one to blame but ourselves). Serve with fresh vegetables, such as a Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing or Early Harvest Salad and for a whole grain bread, look back to Wanda's Whole Wheat Batter Bread.
"The gardening season officially begins on January 1st and end December 31st."
~Marie Huston
December 21
"Autumn to winter, winter into spring,
Spring into summer, summer into fall -
So rolls the changing year, and so we change;
Motion so swift, we know not that we move."
~Dinah Maria Mulock Craik
"In water lives the fish, my spirit in God's hand."
~Angelus Silesius
Blackened Salmon Salad
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1 pound salmon steaks
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups jicama slices
1 cup sliced red onion
2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
Ranch dressing
Clean and pat the salmon steaks dry with paper towel, if needed, Cut into 3 to 4 ounces pieces and set aside. In a small bowl, combine paprika, onion powder,garlic powder, oregano, thyme and peppers, Rub on all surfaces of salmon. On foil lined baking sheet, broil salmon 7 to 8 minute on each side, or until salmon flakes easily. Cut salmon into strips. Combine warm salmon, spinach, romaine jicama, red onion and tomatoes in large serving bowl. Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
*On this shortest, darkest day of the year, as the seasons roll o, it perhaps seems fitting to match the food with the mood. But the spices have a way of sparking the taste buds with an inner fire, to be match with an inner spirit. These days are in God's hand, and are for from dark. This "blackening" recipe can be used with other thick fish teaks, chicken or beef steaks. Some people even lie to user it on vegetables, including corn-on-the-cob and zucchini steaks. Serve with Herb Croutons or Country Dill Bread.
December 22
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord"
~-Luke 2:8-11 (NIV)
"Lord, Thank You for our homes. Thank You for people who love us, for places where we can go to rest, for times to simply be together with our families. But even more, Lord, we thank You for throwing open the doors of heaven, welcoming us to a place of eternal rest and joy and love. Thank You for coming to our earth so we can all go home to You. Amen."
~Unknown
Chocolate Kiss Towers
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2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 square (1 ounce) semisweet chocolate, grated
42 milk chocolate kisses
Baking cocoa
In a mixing bowl, bet egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and beat 5 to 6 minutes, or until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and bet 5 to 6 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. Beat in extract. Fold in grated chocolate. Insert a medium open start tip in a pastry or plastic bag with cut corner, Fill with the egg white mixture. On a lightly greased baking sheet. Pipe approximately forty 1-inch circles. Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each. Pipe egg white mixture from the base to the top until kiss is covered. Dust with cocoa. Bake in 325 degree oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until just lightly browned. Remove from sheet immediately and let cool. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
*Are you felling panicked? There is nothing better than a little culinary therapy in the kitchen. Make sure everything you make is something you absolutely love making and eating. That way when you share with family and friends, your love will be deeply heartfelt.
December 23
"For God so loved the world that He gave --
His Word - so that we might know truth...
A Gate - so that we might enter His kingdom...
The Light of the World - so that we no longer walk in darkness and despair...
The Bread of Life - to feed our hungry souls...
The Living Water - to refresh and empower us...
The Resurrection and Life - so that we could live eternally with Him."
~David Taylor
Poppy Seed Bread in a Jar
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3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons pappy seeds
3 eggs
1 1/8 cups cooking oil
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoons butter flavoring
1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup powdered sugar
Blend together flour, salt, baking powered, sugar, poppy seeds, eggs, oil, evaporated milk, 1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla in large mixing bowl. Pour carefully into six wide-mouth pint canning jars until slightly over half full. Place jars on a cookie sheet. Bake in 325 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until browned and firm to touch. In the meantime, prepare glaze by combining the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, butter flavoring, almond flavoring, nutmeg, orange juice and powdered sugar. Pull jars out of the oven one at a time and pour glaze over hot bread. Immediately apply and firmly tighten two piece canning lid. The lid will form a vacuum seal as the jar cools. Jars may be stored at room temperature or in the freezer. The bread is safe to eat as long as jars remain vacuum sealed and fee of mold. Decorate the jars with seasonal ribbon and name cared and give as a simple holiday gift. Add red food coloring to cake mixture prior to baking to add an addition festive touch.
December 24
"Simple Simon met a pieman,
Going to the fair;
Says Simple Simon to the pieman,
'Let me taste your ware.'
Says the pie man unto Simon,
'Show me first your penny.'
Says Simple Simon to the pieman,
'Indeed, I have not any."
~Nursery Rhyme
"O God, who makes us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your only son Jesus Christ; Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him when he comes... who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen"
~The Book of Common Prayers
Sweet Potato Pie
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2 (9-inch) pie crusts
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled, chunked and boiled until soft
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 can evaporated milk
Place boiled sweet potatoes and butter into a mixing bowl and mix. Add sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and evaporated milk and mix until smooth. Divided mixture between the two unbaked pie crusts. Bake in 350 degree oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
"For God so loved he world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
~John 3:16(NIV)
Rejoice this eve, the eve of Jess Christ's birth.
December 25
"A Christmas Prayer:
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the work, the health, the food
and bright skies which make our lives
delightful for our friends in all parts of the earth."
~Robert Louis Stevenson
Christmas Cherry Rolls
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2 packages dry yeast
3/4 cup lukewarm water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups boiling water
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten well
2 teaspoons alt
7 - 8 cups flour
1 - 2 tablespoons melted butter
1 can cherry pie filing
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 - 3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon hazelnut extract
In a 2 cup glass measuring cup, mix the yeast, water and sugar. Set aside and let rise until doubles in size, 5 to 10 minutes. Pour boiling water over shortening and sugar. Mix well; let cool slightly . Add eggs, salt and yeast. Add and blend 1 cup flour at a time, until dough is stiff. On a floured surface pour out dough and knead for 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and soft. Put into greased bowl. cover with damp cloth and set in warm area to rise until doubled in size. Punch down and shape into 2 inch balls. Place on greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Brush with butter. Allow to rise until doubled in size. With thumb, press center of dough to make indentation. Fill each roll with 1 tablespoon of cheery filling. Bake in 375 degree oven for 15 minutes, until brown. Mix powdered sugar, milk and hazelnut extract and drizzle over cooled rolls. Serve immediately or freeze.
*May Jesus Christ' coming bring to each one of us the peace and hope that he desires to give.
December 26
"God bless the master of this house,
Likewise the mistress too.
May their barns be filled with wheat and corn,
And their hearts be always true.
A merry Christmas is our wish
Where're we do appear,
To you a well-filed purse, a well-fill dish,
And a happy bright New Year!"
~English Wassailer's Song
Glazed Stuffed Ham
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1 (12 - 15 pounds) fully cooked bone-in ham
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
6 cups day old bread cubes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped thyme
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup cream corn
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1.2 cup orange or apple juice
Place ham fat side up in roasting pan. Bake in 325 degree oven for 2 to3 hours, or until ham is thoroughly reheated. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter and saute onion and celery until tender, but do not brown. Add bread cubes, parsley, thyme, sage, pepper, salt , cream corn and vegetable both. Toss gently until mixed . If stuffing seems too dry, sprinkle with more vegetable broth. Set aside. In a medium saucepan combine brow sugar, corn syrup and orange or apple juice. Heat until sugar is melted and mixture just starts to bubble. When ham is heated, take from oven and make 1 1/2 inch deep diagonal cut in ham about 1 1/2 inches apart. Press stuffing into cuts. Brush ham with brown sugar glaze. Place back in oven and continue baking for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Brush frequently with glaze. Serve immediately.
December 27
"Time is an herb that cures all disease."
~Benjamin Franklin
Cordon Bleu Casserole
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4 cups cubed coked turkey
3 cups cubed cooked ham
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoon butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup walnuts
In a large bowl, combine turkey, ham and cheese; set aside. In a large saucepan, saute onion in 1/4 cup butter for 4 to 5 minutes,or until tender. Add flour and stir to form a paste. Gradually add cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; boil 1 minute or until thick. Add dill, mustard, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat. Pour over the meat mixture and toss to mix. Soon into a greased 9" x 13" baking pan. Toss bread crumbs, buster and dill; stir in cheese and walnuts. Sprinkle over the casserole. Bake uncovered, in 350 degree oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Serve immediately.
*Now that Christmas has passed, many of us don't feel quite as enthusiastic about cooking, as we are all cooked out and ready (and willing!) to relax. But, it seems everyone still demands to eat, and there are all those leftovers! This tasty, easy recipe is great for using up those leftovers. Let it bake while you enjoy yourself. Serve with Potato Corn Chowder, Fluffy Dill Popovers or Sweet Potato Muffin.
December 28
"They gave each other a smile with a future in it."
~Ring Landner
"I came before you in my need, begging, pleading, my desires to fulfill. 'Turn brass into gold and stones into bread. 'I implored. 'Make others bend to me. You, O Mighty One, My wants can satisfy.' Through planet turns and seasons changes most earnestly did I entreat, confident of my prayers' answers. With absence of thunderbolt or angelic announcement the miracle was done. Now am I satisfied. Though no surplus of bread nor gold have I, nor do others bot to me, yet transformation is realized. The God of surprises indulges me, fulfilling me beyond my asking. The miracle is within - It is I who am changed."
~Unknown
Potato Onion Muffins
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1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup instant potato flakes
1/4 cup sugar
3 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
In a small bowl, beat together eggs, milk and oil. Set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, potato flakes, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder and tarragon. Pour in liquid ingredients and mix until moistened, batter may be lumpy. Fold in cheese. Grease bottom only of muffin cups and spoon in batter. Bake in 400 degree oven for 18 to 25 minutes. Let cool several minutes before turning out of pan. Serve immediately or freeze.
*If you still have leftover mashed potatoes, go ahead and use 1 cup of those, instead of the potato flakes. Warm the potatoes first and they'll mix better.
December 29
"Nasturtiums with
their orange cries
flare like trumpets;
their music dies.
Golden harps
of butterflies;
the strings are mute
in autumn skies.
Vermilion chords,
then silent gray;
the last notes of
the song of day.
Rainbow colors
fade from sight,
come back to me
when I write."
~Eve Merriam
All Colors of the Rainbow Shrimp Cocktail
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1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup orange bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup green chilies, finely chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
1 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1 pound large shrimp, cooked, peeled and deveined
Tortilla chips
In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, yellow and orange peppers, green chilies, onion and garlic, Sprinkle with lime juice, pepper and salt. Toss to coat. Fold in avocado and cilantro. Spoon into 4 to 6 stemmed glasses. Decoratively hang shrimp over the edge of the glasses. Serve immediately with chips.
December 30
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
It's loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth."
~John Keats
"Know, stronger, e'er thou pass, beneath this stone
Lie John Tradescant, grandsire, father, son...
These famous Antiquarians that had been
Both gardeners to the rose and Lily Queen
Transplanted now themselves, sleep here; and when
Angeles shall with their trumpets waken men
And fire shall purge the world. These hence shall rise
And change their gardens for a Paradise."
~G. W. Johnson
Festive Champagne Spritzer
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1 (10 -12 ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup
1 cup orange juice
2 cups champagne or sparkling wine
Let frozen strawberries stand at room temperature 10 to 15 minute to thaw slightly. Pour strawberries and orange juice into blender and blend at low speed until smooth. Pour mixture into punch bowl or large glass pitcher. Gradually stir in champagne and serve immediately. If serving from a punch bowl, make a frozen fruit ring ahead of time. Make a batch of strawberries and orange juice as above, pour into a sprayed mold and freeze overnight. Plunge mold into a bowl of warm water, just up to edge of mold, for 30 seconds and then tip out into bowl. It is best if mold is put into punch bowl before adding spritzer mixture.
*The year is fast drawing to an end, but it has been a thing of beauty that has brought me much joy and I hope for you too. It has been full of sweet dreams, of health and hopefully some quiet breathing. May the bonds of garden, food and words of love forever bind us securely together.
December 31
"I've learned that age is important only if you are a cheese."
~Unknown
"From my last years, last thoughts I here bequeath,
Scatter'd and dropt, in seeds, and wafted to the West,
Through moisture of Ohio, prairie soil of Illinois - through Colorado,
California air,
For Time to germinate fully"
~Walt Whitman
Lavosh Party Platter
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1 large lavosh cracker
2 pounds ham or Canadian bacon, thinly sliced
1/2 to 3/4 pound Havarti cheese, shredded
1 cup diced tomato
1 cup assorted peppers of choice, red, yellow or Jalepeno
1/2 cup black olives
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
Place lavosh cracker on large pizza pan. Arrange ham slices evenly over crust. Sprinkle with the Havarti cheese. Top with tomatoes, peppers and black olives. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper, if desired. Bake in 250 degree oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or just until cheese melts. Break into pieces and serve immediately. Serve only with the full spirit of celebration and sparkling water or champagne!
*And Happy New Year to you all. Please turn back to the Imaginagarden Vision and reflect once again. May what was set out to be accomplished have settled in your heart. Did you become more imaginative, express more creativity in your garden and kitchen? Do you find yourself more relaxed, happier? Closer to God? Did you at least find a new recipe??
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Recipes For The Month Of
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