Christmas desserts 2016

December 25, 2016 - Here is my contribution to Christmas dinner at the Fesler's:  Butterscotch pie, Chocolate Pie and Cheesecake.  Not much else going on .  I haven't bought any gifts.  I just cannot get into this holiday.  That's all I have to say about it.

My last post mentioned listing a couple Pendleton Jackets on Ebay.  Well, the blue XL sold for $33 and is on its way to Washington DC. The red one did not sell but I will relist it after the holidays.

To the left is my office floor.  It is filled with packing material and various items waiting to be listed.  I am going to have to get a lot better at selling to make some of this mess worthwhile.  Shipping is like a big puzzle.  I try to find the cheapest and safest method of shipping.

Listing on Ebay

December 15, 2016: It is 5 degrees in Anderson, Indiana today.  I have been keeping myself busy on these cold days by listing things on EBay,  So far, I've had $80 in sales

Listing next are these Pendleton Wool Jackets found in the closet.  I drug out part of my massive button collection in an attempt to find a replacement leather button for one of the sleeve cuffs. Since the top red jacket is not in the best shape, I may list it with one of the others (one with missing button).   Won't that be a deal no one can refuse?

I noticed a vintage L.L. Bean jacket hanging in the barn storage.  I remember my mother wearing that one.  I never thought much of it then, but she always had a good eye for good labels and .......if I don't start wearing it myself, it may be the next item listed.

Ready for the Christmas party

 I'm going to an event on Friday in Indianapolis.  I needed something a little bit dressy.  I tried on a couple dresses and decided that with the weight I've gained I didn't need to be showing my legs. So, I ended up with this red sparkly top.  I'll wear my black skinny pants and wedge heel black suede boots.  I haven't bought a new winter dress coat in years! What I've got will have to do!

Goodwill: Shop, Donate, Shop, Donate, Shop

I dropped off some things at the Goodwill a couple of days ago.  Of course, I thought I should go in to check selling prices so I could declare the right amount for tax purposes.  While there, I ran across a skirt exactly like this one, at right,  posted on Ebay for $45.00.  The one at the store was a medium, new with tags; the one on Ebay is small, new with tags.  I passed up buying the one at Goodwill.  I am "watching" the one on Ebay. . . so far no bids received.  Click here to view it. I was proud of myself for not buying something to post when I have so much at home,

  I  did purchase a set of 4 silicone lids and discovered that these were originally quite expensive.  They are Charles Viancin Hibiscus like the set shown below.  Mine were only  $3.50; these priced at $40.95.  Top Left is a Vintage Maid divided vegetable dish, brown drip pattern.  I needed that, too!   When I was married way back around 1975, Pflatzgraf Gourmet was the dish type we had.  I am still toting those around to this day and have a cabinet full as well as a lot of pieces in the barn.  Several other companies - Hull and Vintage Maid for two - have a similar brown drip pattern.  That's it a day of shop, donate, shop, donate.

Mom's Christmas Recipes - Homemade Soft Carmels, Cheesecake

I am going to try another of Mom’s recipes today.  This one is for CARMEL CANDY.  The soft ones.  I’ve been a little hesitant to try it because it is different than most I see on the internet.  This one calls for a whole pound of butter!  Most of the recipes I researched have a little less sugar and are asking for 1 CUP of butter.  However, I doubted her on the cheesecake recipe only to find out it was right on. That one follows this candy recipe:

Mom’s Homemade Soft Carmels

1 lb butter                     3 cups sugar

½ tsp salt                      1 can Eagle Brand Milk

1 pint Karo white syrup

Bring Karo to a boil, add butter bring to a boil again.  Add sugar and salt.  Add milk slowly.  Stirring constantly.  Cook 30 minutes.   Add nuts and pour on buttered candy sheet.  This made about 3-3/4 # of candy.  As you can see the 1# of butter came out fine.

Mom’s Cheesecake – New York Style

Cream well to soften.........3(8-oz) pkg of cream cheese. 

Beat until stiff...................4 egg whites.

Blend in. . . . 1 cup sugar + 2 Tbsp flour.  Combine with cheese mixture. Add 1 tsp vanilla.

Pour into *prepared 9” springform pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean.  Then proceed to add topping below.

* If graham crackers (about 15 squares): 1 ¼ cup crumbs, 2 Tbsp Sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter. 

I like to use other, sweeter cookies crumbled for the crust.  I omit the sugar in that case.

Topping: Mix together and spread over top:  2 cups thick sour cream, 2 Tbsp sugar, ½ tsp vanilla.  Bake 5 minutes longer at 475 degree (very hot oven). 

When removed from oven, I like to sprinkle the top with the lemon jello (pdw).

Notes on making Cheesecake:    Be sure to use a larger pan – a 9” instead of 8” springform.  Forget about making a perfect “no crack on top” cheesecake for two reasons.  First, in order to make sure it has cooked long enough - stick a knife in there and make sure it comes out clean!  Second, it won’t make any difference if there is a crack on top because this cheesecake has a wonderful sour cream/sugar topping that covers the top. Also, go ahead and splurge on some lemon jello.  Mom used to shake some of this straight from the package over the topping.  It gives just a hint of lemon flavor.  I think it is even better than lemon zest.

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I really did use all 4 sticks of butter!  This makes a FULL 9 X 13 pan.

Message from Emanuel

Yesterday when I went to the mailbox, I found this CD lying in the grass.  Since some friends and I recently attended a workshop on Angels at the Playful Soul in Indianapolis, I can only assume this Angel is sending me a message.  Here is what I found on EMMANUEL:

Emmanuel is loosely translated as "God is with us." He often carries a long sword that opens multidimensional windows through which magic and miracles can travel. He is often mistaken for Metatron. Emmanuel's name is also sometimes used to identify otherwise nameless angels.

Emmanuel loves the color orange as well as fresh flowers. Butterflies often appear when you call upon him. You will feel the gentle stirring of love, hope, and joy in your heart immediately. Emmanuel reminds us that God is within everyone and everything and that magic and miracles can become a part of everyday life if we are willing to allow them.

Emmanuel will remind you to celebrate every moment and to see the sacred in the mundane. Just as a caterpillar becomes a chrysalis and then transforms into a beautiful butterfly, he will help revamp your life in miraculous ways. When you call upon Emmanuel, expect to be asked to go within and to deepen your self-understanding.

More info on 7 Guardian Angels can be found HERE.

A Golden Milk Party

According to a recent post seen on Facebook,   Golden Milk is a great cure all.  I copied that recipe and hope to soon have a little get together with my like-minded friends where we sample this magic potion.  I also did a little Googling and found Wellness Mama has a great article on the subject HERE.   Another link by Savory Lotus lists the benefits of Turmeric as follows: 

The many amazing health benefits of Turmeric include:

• Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic
• Powerful analgesic for inflammatory pain
• Boosts the immune system
• Promotes healthy digestion
• Anti-carcinogenic
• Liver detoxifier
• Regulates metabolism
• Beneficial for skin conditions
• Promotes healthy cholesterol levels
• Improves brain function and reduces risk of brain disease
• May slow the progression of Alzheimer’s
• May lower risk of heart disease

The first recipe I am posting is the one I originally saw on FB.  The three following are from Wellness Mama.  It looks like you can substitute maple syrup or raw honey for the stevia.  Also, both sources emphasized the importance of some fat (coconut oil) and pepper - for absorption.

Golden Milk Paste
1/2 c water, 1/4 cup turmeric.  Stir 7-10 minutes over gentle heat until thick.  Can be stored up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

2 c coconut milk                        1 tsp chopped ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon                      1 tsp - 1 TBsp turmeric paste
1 tsp coconut oil                      1 pinch stevia
                         4-6 peppercorns

Simmer 10 minutes on low.  Strain to rid of peppercorns and ginger.   Makes 2 cups.  Sprinkle with cinnamon.  Drink immediately.






_______________________Recipes from Wellness Mama_______________________________
Golden Paste: 1/2 cup organic turmeric powder
1/2 cup clean water (no fluoride)
1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
5 Tablespoons virgin coconut oil
In a stainless steel pot cook together: Water, turmeric and black pepper until it forms a thick paste, stir and cook for 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add virgin coconut oil, using a whisk to fully mix in the coconut oil. Finally, transfer to a glass jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.

Golden Milk: 1 tsp. Golden Paste
2 cups Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
1/8 teaspoon Vanilla (Optional)
Molasses to taste.
Pinch cinnamon (Optional)
In a stainless steel pot-gently heat, but do not boil, milk with 1 teaspoon paste. Use whisk
Add molasses and vanilla and cinnamon to taste.


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Ingredients for Turmeric Tea Golden Milk Recipe

2 cups of milk of choice (almond, pecan, coconut and dairy all work in this recipe)

1 teaspoon Turmeric (where to find it)

½ teaspoon Cinnamon (where to find it)

1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup or to taste (optional)

Pinch of black pepper (increases absorption)

Tiny piece of fresh, peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder

Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. First, blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth.
2. Then, Pour into a small sauce pan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
3. Drink immediately

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How to Make a Dry Turmeric Tea Mix

If you’d rather not mix up the spices each time, you can easily make a mixture of the spices and just add to warmed milk when ready.
Mix up:

• 1/2 cup turmeric powder
• 1/4 cup cinnamon powder
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1-2 Tablespoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne (optional)

Then, just add 2 teaspoons of this mix to 2 cups of milk of choice for a faster recipe.
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