Rolls, Sticks, & Crunch

Mock Cinnamon Rolls.

That's not what they are really called, just my personal name for them :)

Peppermint Marshmallow Sticks

Toffee Crunch

{Must of not gotten a "final" picture; anyway, this was not high on my list!}

More to come!

Pinterest {Easy, Festive Treat}

RECAP

Pinterest {Better than Twix Bars}

Tonight we have a college & career get together and I decided to try making these "Better than Twix Bars" off my recipes board on Pinterest.

Better than Twix Bars

Shortbread layer:

2 sticks salted butter, at room temperature

1 cup confectioners' sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups flour

FOR THE CRUST:

1) Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line 9" x 13" pan with nonstick foil.

2) In a bowl, beat together the butter, sugar and vanilla. Add the flour. Mix till it comes together.

3) Press it evenly into the pan.

4) Prick the crust all over with a fork {I found that the dough was too soft, so I baked it for 10 minutes before pricking and it was fine.}

5) Bake 35-45 minuets until the crust is lightly golden brown on top and the edges are deeper golden brown. {This step fluctuates with different ovens so watch carefully; remember you want to go with the lower time adding as needed. Also, convection ovens bake/cook foods in less time.}

 Remove from the oven and immediately run a knife around the edges to loosen the crust. Set it aside to cool completely. 

 

Caramel layer

20 ounces Kraft Caramels, unwrapped of course! (I bought some from our local Bulk Barn--MUCH cheaper!)

3 tablespoons heavy cream (I used Neilson's fresh Whipping Cream 35% M.F.}

FOR THE CARAMEL LAYER:

Melt the caramel and cream over low heat in a small saucepan {I sat a metal bowl onto a pot for use as a "double boiler"}. Pour the caramel over the cooled crust and set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill and firm up.

Chocolate layer:

18 ounces milk chocolate, melted (I used 2 bags of chocolate chips)

1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (if chocolate is too thick for pouring--I used sunflower oil)

Now, you have two options for the placement of the chocolate.

EASIEST OPTION:

Melt the chocolate slowly in a double boiler or over very low heat. If it seems very thick, add a tablespoon of shortening to thin it. Pour evenly over the chilled caramel layer and spread to cover all of the caramel. Return to the fridge until the chocolate is well set. Cut into bars or squares. It's best to store these bars in the refrigerator but take out a few minutes before serving.

Yummiest OPTION:

Cut into bars once the caramel has chilled and dip each bar individually into the melted chocolate. Lay on wax paper in fridge until set.

Enjoy!

Toddlers' Laws

Toddler Property Laws

1. If I like it, it's mine.

2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.

3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.

4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.

5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.

6. If I am doing or building something,all the pieces are mine.

7. If it looks like mine, it is mine.

8. If I saw it first, it's mine.

9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

10. If it's broken, it's yours.

Let the Lord Have His Way

I first learned this song in my home church several years ago. At the time, it seemed this song was the "theme" song for both the church and school. Anyway, I remember taking a copy of the song back to college and soon we were singing it during dorm devotions as well.

On the last Sunday of the month, the Youth Choir sings a song that they have been practicing all month long. Today's song was, Let the Lord Have His Way. I think the first verse is common; the last two were written by a lady in our church in response to the Pastor's request for more verses for the song! I hope this song can be a prayer, a reminder, a challenge...a blessing--for you.

Let the Lord Have His Way

Let the Lord have His way,

In your life ev'ry day,

There's no rest, there's no peace,

Until the Lord has His way.

Place your life in His Hand,

Rest secure in His plan.

Let the Lord,

Let the Lord have His way!

Let the Lord take control,

Give your heart, give your soul.

Trust His Word, God knows best,

He'll see you through ev'ry test.

In the storm, in His will--

Hear His voice, "Peace be still."

Let the Lord,

Let the Lord take control!

Let the Lord be seen in you,

Ev'ry day in all you do;

In your words, in your smile--
Is He there all the while?

Let His love flow right through,

Touching friend and neighbour too.

Let the Lord,

Let the Lord shine through you!

Verse 1 written by J.M Henson, 1941, renewed 1969 Faith Music
Verses 2&3 written by Lisa Cross

Timeless Treasures {Nature}

Feasting Friday's {Cake Mix Cookies}

I was introduced to cake mix cookies while I was in college. I love the simplicity, and the taste is also quite good! I didn't have too many opportunities to make them though and when I went to my friend's house for spring break and her brother {or maybe I instigated it} challenged me to a contest, I accepted {I was going to bluff my way to victory}. I forget now who won, but ever since then, WCB claims that he "taught" me how to make them. So untrue.

Anyway, I made cake mix cookies tonight and added mini M&M's as a treat for the M girls.

Ingredients

1 Box of Chocolate Cake Mix

{I have found that chocolate tastes best, but white is alright if you add chocolate chips}

2 Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla

1/3 cup of Oil

Chocolate chips, Vanilla chips, PB chips, M&M's,.....you can be creative and come up with lots of different combinations-- or just have it plain.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Mix eggs, vanilla and oil; add cake mix. Stir in any extra ingredient(s). Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls {I use a mini ice cream scoop} onto cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Cool {if you can wait that long:} and eat!

Super yummy.

Life After Death

Today we had a memorial service for a gentleman who recently lost his battle with cancer.

It seems that more and more, this word cancer keeps cropping up everywhere.

Mr. S was told by the doctors that he had about 3 months to live. I'm sure that he had thoughts about death, but more importantly, what would happen after death.

Being given a death sentence sure has a way of making people face the reality of there being an afterlife. I think in circumstances such as these, God--in His grace--is giving a sinner a last chance to accept His gift of salvation.

This man was not a member of our church--one of his sons comes--so I really did not know him. But, you know what? I will see him one day in Heaven. Because he received the grace of God and called on Jesus for salvation. And through his death, over 100 people who came to his memorial service heard the same Gospel that was told to him--some for the first time. And people were once again given the opportunity  to decide what they were going to do with Jesus. Some perhaps will shrug it off and say, "Ah, I'm young yet". Others will go on believing how they always have, blinded to the Truth. Some will give it deep thought until the business of life crowds in and they forget about it. And one or two might get saved. Regardless, the Word of God has been planted in their hearts and minds, and God promises that "it will not return void".

God is not willing that any should perish, and in His grace He calls to sinners--at whatever age, and whatever stage in a person's life.

What will YOU do with Jesus?

Feasting Friday's {Coffee Cake}

Before the clock strikes midnight, I wanted to give you this coffee cake recipe I used tonight. Having a streak of not following recipes, I kinda created a variation. I best like cooking/baking by using a recipe as a springboard to creating something new. Most often it doesn't work out too well, but sometimes I hit gold :)

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

3/4 cup milk, or as needed

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

{Streusel Topping}

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup butter

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour, 2/3 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

2.In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Crack an egg into a measuring cup and then fill add milk to make 1 cup. Stir in vanilla. Pour into crumb mixture and mix just until moistened. Spread into prepared pan. Sprinkle top with streusel.

3.Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Monday Moments {In Memory}

I thought I would write about early risers.

Or people who sleep in.

I thought about my irrational fear of flying.

Or how I went through the whole month of March with not one drop of chocolate just to prove to those who personally know me that I don't just consume chocolate to live. I do eat from other food groups.

But all of this was inconsequential in light of the news that I received this past weekend.

One of the sweetest ladies that I know, went Home to be with the Lord. She had a long battle with cancer, and although her body was racked with pain, she was such an encouragement through the emails she sent me.

While I was in college, she would send me cards and letters that would contain some money as well as pictures of my family.

She made the best Mississippi Mud Pie, and knowing that I loved it would make it for many church gatherings. She gave me the recipe in my junior year of high school and I have since made it several times. And I will always think of her.

She was a delightful lady with a wonderful French accent. I enjoyed our conversations, and she was and always will be an example to me.

I can't really reconcile my mind with the picture I have--robust, full of health and vigor--to what people have described for me. I am glad. Not because I'm hard-hearted, but because the memory I have of her is how she was the last time I saw her--almost two years. I have a beautiful picture not tainted by cancer.

And now, she is in a Place where there is no more suffering; no more pain. She is in the presence of God Almighty, singing His praises.

I am so glad that there is an answer for what happens after we die. A lady I was acquainted told of her BIL's sickness and eventual death and how he was in "limbo". Swinging between Heaven and Hell in purgatory. Hoping against hope that he would be good enough to go to Heaven.

How sad. How very sad. I tried to talk to her and show her how the Bible says how we can know for sure where one spends eternity, but she was so steeped in her religion, that she felt sorry for me! Because I know where I'm spending eternity! How Satan hath blinded her eyes!

There are so many religions, but only one answer--Jesus Christ and salvation through Him alone.

It Is Well

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

{Chorus}

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is all a matter of perspective

… A look at the Diary of a pet.


Excerpts from a Dog's Diary.....



8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!



9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!



9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!



10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!



12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!



1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!



3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!



5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!



7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!



8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!



11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary…


Day 983 of my captivity....



My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.



Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.



Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Fools.



There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.



Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.



I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.



The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe, for now....


Hope you had a good chuckle! Now you'll know what your cat is really thinking, after all, didn't you always want to know?

Have a good Lord's Day!

Feasting Friday's {DIY Chicken Strips}

This week's dish is based off of Pioneer Woman's Homemade Chicken Strips. I'm always forgetting to have all the necessary ingredients though, so mine is a little bit different from hers. Plus, I have this little habit of deviating from written recipes. Sometimes the end result is quite interesting. Anyway, to get the original recipe, click on the link above.

PW's recipe uses buttermilk and since I don't have that on hand, I googled substitutes. In 2 cups of milk, I put in about two tablespoons of hot and spicy pickle juice and one tablespoon of lemon juice. While that sat, I worked with 3 good-sized frozen chicken breasts which I partially thawed out. I rinsed, dried, and cut them into strips. I then placed them in a bowl, and poured about one and half cups of the buttermilk so they could soak. In another bowl, I combined about one and half cups of flour, garlic powder, cayenne powder, salt and pepper. After mixing thoroughly, I added half a cup of buttermilk and lightly mixed with a fork. I think I might have put too much in because it became rather clumpy, so next time I'll probably just use one fourth of a cup.
When the mixture was ready, I breaded all my strips and placed them on a plate. I didn't have vegetable oil on hand, so I just used olive oil. I fried the strips up, and although they weren't a deep golden color {because of the oil?} they did taste really good with my homemade dipping sauce sauce.

Tomorrow, I'll chop up the strips and make Chicken Cesar Salad. Yum!

My Life Is Yours

My Life Is Yours to Control

With my whole heart I humbly seek you;

Now use my life, O Lord, I pray.

I yield my stubborn will completely;

May your commandments light my way.

{Chorus}

My life, Lord, is yours to control;

I give You my heart and my soul.

I'll seek Your will, never mine,

Rich treasure to find.

Give wisdom to choices I make,

Along ev'ry path that I take.

So when I complete life's race,

"Well done", You will say.

Your Word has promised me the vict'ry,

And all I need to do is claim

Your strength to soar with wings as eagles,

To walk, to run, and not to faint.

Words and Music by Rodney and Jimmelynn Rice

Science Class in Kindergarten

My students were super excited for science class today. We talked about how God created the world around us, as well as God's plan for every one in the whole world. After that, they got to glue their baby pictures in their books and we discussed what they have learned since babyhood. Finally, we moved on to the interactive, FUN, part of science: Experiments & games :) Today we covered 3 of the five senses.

The first one was sight. They had a picture in their book and they named all the things they could see. Then, I had a tray with eight items on it: chapstick, cell phone, keys, piggy bank, wallet, applesauce, Tylenol, and a pack of gum. They had 10 seconds to look at the items and then tell me what they saw. It was interesting to note that, although I did it twice with them, they could only recall 5 items each time.

We also played a little game in which one of the students left the classroom and the others switched around while one student faced the blackboard. The goal was to see if the student who faced the blackboard would be able to name the missing student upon turning around. I think it would have worked out really well if we had a bigger class--with four students {2 boys & 2 girls} it wasn't a difficult exercise for them.

Next we talked about our sense of smell. I blindfolded Superman and had him smell three items: onion, lemon, and perfume. He was able to get the perfume, and the onion but couldn't name the lemon until after he saw it. That was interesting to me as well. I'm going to have one student try during each science lesson with different items, so we'll see how the other kiddos do.

Then was my favorite: taste! It was hilarious watching their faces! I had some unsweetened chocolate {but I didn't tell them it wasn't sweet, haha} lemon juice, marshmallows, and chips. Something bitter, sour, sweet and salty.

Of course, they were really excited to see the chocolate {who wouldn't be?} but as soon as they stuck it in their mouth--one could definitely tell they ate something horrid.. So, in my kindness, I let them eat the marshmallows next :) I really do love my students.

After that, each child was wary when I offered them some lemon juice...their faces just puckered up! The whole time I heard "Eww!" "Yuck!" "May I have more marshmallows?"  We finished our class time by eating something salty--chips.

I wish I had pictures, but I was laughing too much--We had a great day today and their excitement for science class is really contagious!

Feasting Friday's {Spicy No Crust Quiche}

The original recipe for this dish I got from Richella at Imparting Grace. I had a pound of sausage that I didn't know just how to use. At lunch on Tuesday, I was asking the other ladies when one said to pair it with eggs; then I read about Crustless Quiche! I also decided to make taco meat for the week and rather than cook them separately, I cooked the sausage and ground beef together. I was a bit apprehensive that it would be a flop, but both dishes were surprisingly good.

This, by the way, is the first time I've made quiche as well as eating it!

Ingredients:

10 whole eggs

1 cup grated Pepper Jack cheese

1 cup grated Cheddar cheese

1 cup milk 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

salt and pepper to taste

garlic powder

crushed red pepper

1 lb.Jimmy Dean Hot sausage

1 lb. ground beef

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook sausage and beef together. I added about 2 tablespoons of the red pepper, and about 1 tablespoon of garlic powder because I like to drown the taste of the meat {I really don't like to eat meat, and I'm more of a chicken fan :}. Drain fat. I then took out about half of the mixture to use in the quiche and left the rest in the pot. To which I added 1 packet of taco seasoning and made as directed.

Beat eggs. Put the baking powder in a small bowl and add just a little bit of milk to make a paste. Once it is a paste consistency, slowly add the rest of the milk--stirring all the while {This will keep the baking powder from being lumpy.} Pour in with the eggs and add the cheese. Mix well. Stir in meat. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out fairly clean.

What Would You Do?

When I read this story, it touched my heart. When I read anything about children with Down's or have a chance to interact with them, it resonates deep within me. This story in particular made me think of my childhood Sunday School class--when we had a lady who had Down's Syndrome in our class--and reflect on how we treated her. This story also brought back memories of my sweet little friend, LL, for the time I was at college. I saw how her little classmates and friends showed her kindness--and put to shame college students who didn't know the meaning of showing kindness to someone who was handicapped.

I am also hopeful for the time when my little sister grows up, and she will know that not everyone out in the big, wide world is mean-spirited...some actually care.

**********************************************************************************


At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.

After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: "He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?" The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued. "I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped, comes into the world, opportunities to realize true human nature presents itself--in the way other people treat that child." Then he told the following story:

Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?"

Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team; but, the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in  spite of his handicaps.

Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and a few boys nodded approval, why not? So he took matters into his own hands and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning." Shay struggled over to the team's bench and put on a team shirt with a broad smile. His father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing the other team put aside their desire to win for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over, the pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the first baseman, out of reach of all his team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever ran that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, struggling in his efforts.

By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball--the smallest guy on their team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first time. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and he too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the way Shay!" Shay reached third base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and those watching were on their feet screaming, "Shay, run home!" Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.

"That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "The boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world." Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy and coming home and seeing his mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

The Dating Game

My project for today was going through all my containers and tossing out what I didn't need. The containers are not huge, and for the most part, had very little in them. Why then did I have all these containers? To take up space. Literally.

Anyway, I started going through all my college papers--reading a paper here and there, trying to make heads or tails of class notes from my freshman year-- and wondered if these papers were worth keeping. I stopped when I came across the title:

How A Girl Should Look At A Guy

{dated, September 15, 2006}

Is he spiritual

Does he pray

Does he love God

Does he have wisdom

Does he want God's will more than anything else

Does he have character

Is his room/house clean

Does he do what he is told, as well as above and beyond

Is he manly? Don't get a guy who will follow fads.

Is he loyal

Does he always listen to authority

Is he a good money manager

Does he treat his parents well

Does he have leadership qualities

Is he stable

Does he have convictions

Is he physically clean

Is he goal oriented

Is he unselfish

Is he active in his church

Is he considerate and kind in how he treats others

Does he have sound judgment on decisions

Does he control his temper

What type of friends does he have

Is he a hard worker

Does he have a healthy body

Does he tithe

Does he have discernment

Is he real/transparent

What a list!! The tables could be turned and this could also be titled "How A Guy Should Look At Girls". This list was given as a guideline to all of us mostly immature college students, but it definitely got me thinking when I read it this afternoon.

This one is a keeper, put aside for further thought {and blogging posts} sometime in the near future.

By the way, I was able to whittle down my my college things into one legal sized envelope {I started with three} and I only have two containers that have stuff in them! I am liking this purging and organizing.