Annie's Shadow

I'm thinking of my dear mother today, on her birthday....this would have been her 86th!  Hard to believe she's been gone for six years now...it doesn't feel like that long ago.  She was taken home to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve, 2004 ~ a bittersweet remembrance!  On one hand, it makes Christmas's a bit more unique when I gather with my family and the presence of each of my parents is missed ...add to it the vivid memory of my mom's last breath which remains etched in my mind and deep within my heart.  Yet, there is something extremely powerful about her going home to heaven on Christ's birthday...as if she had a personal invitation to the party!  I could imagine the angels, greeting her as she entered heaven's door and the  inexplicable joy she experienced  when she saw the face of God!  Despite our bittersweet remembrance, I am certain I will see her again! I'll see my wonderful dad as well....and all those who went before me!  It doesn't make me miss them any less, however.


I feel very fortunate to have had a beautiful relationship with my parents...and my mother was not only a great role model for me, but also a friend, encourager, comforter, and my personal hero! As a child, like "Mary's little lamb", I would follow her everywhere...always by her side. We'd go "visiting" on a regular basis. She had seven brothers and she was the youngest of eight...the only girl. Imagine that!  She said she was very happy to finally have another female in her life...but I wonder if she ever tired of my attachment to her hip?!  As we would make our regular visits to one of her seven brother's homes, they would see us approaching and say..."here comes Annie and her shadow!"  :)  It's o.k... there is no-one I'd rather be the shadow of!  Her fun sense of humor never failed to amuse us...laughter filled our home...and I still feel her positive influence daily! She taught me so much...and I feel her teaching me still...as her presence remains in my heart!  So...Happy Birthday to my mom who's spirit lives on!



Annie's Shadow


They called me Annie's Shadow,
As I clung to her so tight,
And glued myself right to her hip,
So she wouldn't leave my sight,

The love she gave was without measure,
A wellspring...a priceless treasure!
Loving memories will never fade...never escape my mind...
So much of her will always by right here by my side!


Yes, they called me Annie's shadow,
As I clung to her so tight,
I miss her more than words can possibly describe,
Though she's no longer here to touch or see,
Her spirit lingers vibrantly!


The legacy she leaves behind,
Is one of kindness and delight,
She loved the life she lived,
And she lived it right!


So when I see a shadow,
Dancing in the wind,
I remember Annie's spirit,
And the joyful life she lived!


Yes, they called me Annie's shadow,
As I clung to her so tight,
No regrets, no need to blush,
I wear the name with pride!


(written by Lorraine  Brown, copyright 2008)

Do you have a bucket list?

Would you share your list with me?

Is there something great you want to do...

Something grand you'd like to see?

Grab your list of great ta da's...step out of your comfort zone,

Keep a record of accomplishments regardless of their size,

You'll be amazed at how you've grown...

You'll see the world through new eyes!

Did you make a "ta da list" for your life...things to check off one by one?

Until your done?

Until you've learned so much, reached for the stars, gasped in wonder at a sight unseen?

Just what is your biggest dream?

Will you share that wish with me?

Lorraine Brown (copyright 2010)

Recently, I had a fun conversation with a dear friend regarding some of the things we would like to do...our "bucket lists", if you will.   What fun it is to hear what others want to do...what plans, hopes, dreams, goals they have!  I was amazed to see that my friend and I had many of the same items on our lists!  I'm hoping we can check back...re-visit our lists eventually...finding that we've checked off many of the items with a big "TA DA"!!!  My list is rather long...so long that, at times, I believe if I want to get everything checked off, there won't be time to sleep. Well then...

I’ll sleep when I die                           

Time doesn’t stand still,
So why should I,
Got too much to do,
I’ll sleep when I die.


Gotta live, work & play,
Before the sun sets,
Gotta live for today,
Don’t want regrets.


Want to travel the world by air land and sea,
Read lots of books, lounge on the beach,
Ski the black diamond, fly an airplane,
Sail a catamaran in the south of Spain,


Learn a few new languages, write book or two,
Become the best gourmet cook you ever knew!
Learn to play the guitar, write a country song,
About a life well lived…Get the world to sing along…
My list is soooo long!


Yep, time doesn’t stand still,
So why should I,
Got so much to do,
I’ll sleep when I die.


Wanna dance like Ginger Rogers & Fred Astair,
Live every single day with out a care!
Laughin’, learnin’, breathin’ it all in,
Oh, how I wish this was just the beginnin’!


Hey maybe I’ll invent a way,
To make time slow down and lengthen the day,
‘Cuz time goes too fast to live, work AND play!


Then if I sleep till noon,
There’ll still be time,
And I won’t feel as if sleep is a crime.


But for now…
Time won’t stand still,
So why should I,
There’s too much to do, I’ll sleep when I die!

(written by Lorraine Brown copyright 2007)

:)  Did I mention that I want to learn Italian?!   :)

I'd love to visit Tuscany! 

("È una bella città.")

~~

Do you have a "TA DA" list?

If you do...

Just what is your biggest dream?

Will you share that wish with me?

School Buses and Comfort Food!

While I realize it's still summer...and I want to hang on to every last moment of this season...and it is not "officially" over until September 22nd...I'm beginning to feel a bit of fall in the air. The nights are suddenly much cooler now and sleeping with the windows open is a welcome relief to the constant night-time hum of the air conditioning during our long heat wave. 

As much as I will miss my favorite season, seeing school buses forces me to prepare myself to say goodbye to the freedom summer brings.  I don't look forward to wearing coats again...and  I'll miss the liberty my feet experience from May through September in my open shoes, sandals and flip flops as I look down at my pedicured toes.  I won't say goodbye easily.  My heart belongs to summer.  Yet there is something beautiful about autumn's colors; the smell of crisp air; and curling up in front of the fire wrapped in a warm "snuggy" on a chilly night. 

Oddly enough, today I was craving my "not so traditional" Smokey Chicken Paprikash!  I usually don't think about it in the summer.  It's definitely a chilly weather dish and somewhat of a comfort food for me. It is a lighter version of an old favorite, transformed by using skinless, boneless breasts of chicken along with low fat cream cheese.  I love adding "smoked" paprika to give it a unique autumn-like flavor. The cream cheese adds a smooth and creamy texture without becoming heavy. 

With the transition from summer to fall...nature's brush stroke of autumn colors...cooler air...and back to school routines, comes the realization that the changing seasons bring a refreshing variety to life...so for this reason, I'll embrace the new season as I re-arrange my closets, bring out my sweaters and closed toed shoes...put a log on the fire and cook a comforting meal. 

Smokey Chicken Paprikash

Prep time: 10 minutes |Cook time: 20 minutes |Total time: 30 minutes |Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tbsp. of Olive oil (approx.)
2 Cloves Garlic  (crushed or pressed)
1 Large white onion (chopped or sliced)
1/2 cup(s) of Chicken broth
1/4 cup(s) of White wine (approx.)
1 eight oz. pkg, Cream Cheese (1/3 less fat)
1 tbsp. of Smoked paprika
1/8 tsp. of Finely ground black pepper (approx.)
1 Pkg. egg noodles (or any other noodle or rice)
2 quart(s) of Boiling water (for noodles)
1/2 tsp. of Salt (for boiling water)

Steps:
*Place a large pot of water with 1/2 tsp. salt over medium heat and bring to boil for the noodles.
*In a large skillet or sauté pan, drizzle olive oil and add garlic.
*Add chicken to pan and sprinkle with black pepper. Begin to cook over medium high heat.
*As chicken begins to brown, add onion and continue to sauté until onions appear translucent and
  chicken is cooked through.
*Add white wine while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of pan.
*Stir in chicken broth and cream cheese until blended.
*Stir in smoked paprika.
*Cover and simmer for approx. 5 - 10 minutes.
*Add noodles to boiling water. Boil according to pkg. directions (approx. 8-10 minutes) and drain.
*Spoon noodles into serving dish and top with Smokey Chicken Paprikash.
*Garnish with a few sprigs of snipped parsley and serve immediately with a side salad or your favorite
  vegetable.  I love cool, crisp cucumbers with this dish!
* Enjoy the smokey flavor and the creamy consistency of this not so traditional paprikash!

Truffles, Crème Brule & Soul Mates

On this date, seventeen years ago... A Summer, Sunday evening, I married Greg, the love of my life!
It was a magical day, as it should be. The weather was picture perfect from beginning to end. Friends and family were coming from near and far to witness this occasion at... the Chicago Historical Society! At first, we were apprehensive about choosing this location because we wanted to make sure that we were not having our wedding in a place which honored the accomplishments of man rather than in the house of God. Our pastor quickly put our minds at ease when he reminded us that it is not the building which matters because God is all-present, all-knowing...He knows our hearts and He who designed marriage will bless us as we choose to honor Him as we become one. What a relief it was to hear this reminder! So...we planned our day according to our desires, but in dedication to God as we asked Him to lead us and bless us along the way.


Interestingly, the Historical Society is located directly across the street from our church. Before we became engaged, we toured the building on a Sunday afternoon in May. I had remarked that this would make a great place for a wedding, not thinking it would ever be my own and not knowing that the following week we would be engaged! Yes, the following week, my husband took me to one of the most elegant French restaurants in the city for my birthday. We had a fabulous dinner and then...dessert...my favorite part of the meal, especially at this restaurant.


Dessert always arrived under a silver dome and the presentation was the most dramatic, elegant, and somewhat decadent. I had ordered their renowned crème brule. The waiter announced my dessert, removed the dome as only he could, and presented me with...something other than crème brule....a small gold foil bag with beautiful foil wrapping inside which surrounded a chocolate truffle. I knew this was a truffle before opening the wrapping because I had given this exact same gift to Greg a while back. So...he either didn't like it and was returning it to me as a "gag gift", or loved it so much that he wanted to buy one for me also???  I set the bag aside as the waiter then presented me with dome number two....my crème brule. Now we were talking...I would get to the bag later...I needed to eat this creation...immediately! Greg asked “don't you want to see what is in the bag?” I said, "Sure, after dessert, if that's o.k. with you." I noticed by the look on his face that it wasn't what he had planned, so I decided to humor him and open the bag. As I lifted the shiny gold wrapping from the foil lined bag, I noticed that is was a bit more sparkly than I had remembered. As I looked closer, I saw that around the foil, perched atop the truffle, was the most beautiful diamond ring I'd ever seen! I can't remember if I said anything...I think I just gasped as I tried to remove the ring from the foil wrapping, my hands shaking like a leaf! Greg was on one knee, ready to make his romantic proposal which I'm sure he had rehearsed to perfection. He told me that I am the love of his life and that he had waited all his life for me and asked "will you marry me"! Ahhh...those words! The power of those four amazing words! My heart must have stopped for a moment or two as I was overcome with emotion. I said "Of Course", "Of Course"! We hugged, We kissed, We laughed... then I grabbed the ring and shoved it onto my finger! Fortunately, by this time, he knew me all too well and he was able to offer his commentary on my impulsive action in the same way he always did and still does, allowing me to see the humor in my quirky self, bringing me to laughter! I immediately pulled the ring off, handed it to him (not thinking that he might be worried that I had changed my mind) – then I asked him, " will you please place it on my finger?"  As we left the restaurant, a horse and carriage was waiting to take us through the city. The entire time it felt as though we were floating on a cloud. I was touched even further the next day when I called my parents to tell them "I'm engaged".  My mom said, “I know darling. He was here a few days ago to ask for our blessing. It has been so hard to keep it a secret!"


Three months later...wedding day!  A whirlwind! We had known each other for several years, first as acquaintances and then as friends, so although we only started dating in January, were engaged in May, and married in August....we knew that this was right!

What a thrill it was to have our wedding at the Historical Society! There was a specific area of the building that we sectioned off for our wedding. A large curved staircase descended from the upper level. I had always dreamed of walking down a grand staircase and meeting my groom at the alter. We had a small alter at which the pastor and my husband- to- be stood waiting. My father waited at the bottom of the staircase as I took his arm and he walked me the remainder of the way to the alter and gave his blessing to each of us as the ceremony began.

Four of our very talented friends blessed us as they sang a few of our favorite songs during the ceremony. Afterwards we had an hors d’oeuvre reception, and several champagne toasts, danced our first dance and then before we knew...the evening was drawing to a close. I tossed the bouquet as my husband whisked me away to the limousine waiting to take us to the airport....we would be in Hawaii the very next day! Oh what a dream come true!

Seventeen years later and I still have goosebumps when we reminisce about our day...a day only the two of us can appreciate in the same way and share with the same emotion. A day that two became one in the presence of God and many witnesses. We continue on the journey now, hand in hand, with God in the center.

Our day in history...our journey...our love...our life together...Happy Anniversary to my dear, loving husband...the love of my life.

~~~~ I almost forgot to mention :)  ~~~~

After we became engaged, Greg reminded me of our very first meeting.  It was at the grand opening of an establishment in the city seven years earlier. I was invited by a date.  Greg was there for his job.  We were introduced, and went our separate ways.  He said, when I walked away, he turned and silently prayed "God, that is the type of girl I want to marry...someone just like her."  Five years passed before we would see each other again. We bumped into each other at church and over the next couple of years, we would occasionally socialize within the same circle of friends. Finally, we ended up at a dear friend's New Year's Day party where it all began. January first, 1993...Engaged in May...Married in August.  Little did Greg know that his prayer would be answered...maybe on a different time schedule than his own, but it was answered.  I probably don't have to tell you that I often remind him that I am the answer to his prayers! :)  ~Just saying! ~

Of course, although I may not have prayed such a specific prayer myself, I can say that those I did pray were also answered and as each year passes, I can see God's wisdom in the timing of it all!




~ When I was just a girl ~                      (written by Lorraine Brown/copyright 2006)

When I was just a girl I wrote a poem a bout a soul mate,
Didn’t know exactly what it meant,
But I had a feeling deep inside my heart,
That something good would be heaven sent.


Wrote about love even thought I didn’t know it,
Realizing that this feeling would be years away,
Even then I knew that something good existed,
Never knowing how I’d feel today.


And now I know that a soul is deep,
And it’s filled with a love I can’t explain,
A true and a pure love that will keep,
And it’s constant through the laughter and the pain.


A love so big I wrote about it in a poem,
And something told me even then that it would be,
The fullness and the joy of coming home,
The comfort and the peace inside of me.


When I was just a girl I wrote a poem about a soul mate,
Didn’t know exactly what it meant,
But I had a feeling deep inside my heart,
That something good would be heaven sent.

***(So, I guess, unknowingly, I prayed for you even then, Greg! And it was so worth the wait!)***

Quinoa, "the gold of the Incas"!



I think my first experience with Quinoa was approximately ten years ago. I've always been a fan of healthy cooking and constantly in search of unique ideas to add more nutrients and less fat and sodium to our meals. Quinoa is actually a seed which is related to spinach, beets and swiss chard...although it has an appearance of a grain. It has a light fluffy texture with a bit of a crunch and a mild nutty flavor.

It can be creamy and it makes a great substitute for rice or other grains...and it is gluten free!



Quinoa is rich in nutrients such as manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus, and is a high protein food...rich in all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein!

You can find it in your supermarket in pre-packaged boxes near the other grains and rice.  It is also available in bulk as well as larger bags in some stores and is easy to find in most health food stores or natural supermarkets. I prefer the smaller pre-packaged boxes because sometimes bulk bins can harbor moisture or bacteria. It will keep longer if kept in the refrigerator but a cool, dry location is also good.


When cooking Quinoa, I prefer making it like rice...with two parts of liquid to one part of Quinoa according to package directions. It takes approximately 15 minutes to cook and when ready, it will fluff up nicely with a fork. It makes a tasty and satisfying accompaniment to many dishes.


Quinoa is also great for breakfast, with fruits and nuts and a touch of honey, maple syrup or brown sugar and cinnamon. I recently found Quinoa flakes, available as a breakfast food, but I prefer the traditional whole Quinoa for taste as well as texture.  In addition to the traditional, there are several varieties, including red. 

With the many uses for Quinoa, as well as its delightful flavor and texture, I can see why this nutrient packed  seed we use as a grain was once considered
"the gold of the Incas."

I was craving this following dish all day, so I thought I'd share with you something that I've been making for a long time...I call it "Mediterranean Chicken with Quinoa".  It's another easy one...here goes!


Mediterranean Chicken with Quinoa

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces

Approx. 3 Tbsp. Olive Oil

3 cloves garlic, pressed or finely chopped

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 (14 ounce) cans organic diced tomatoes

approx. 1 cup green olives (sliced into thirds)

approx. 1/4 cup white wine
1/2 tsp. oregano

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric (according to your taste preference)

dash black pepper

2 cups Quinoa and 4 cups water, prepared according to pkg. directions.....(basically, place both in saucepan, bring to boil, cover and reduce to simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat for a few minutes and fluff with fork and serve)

In large skillet with olive oil, sauté garlic, onion and chicken until no pink remains and chicken begins to brown.

Sprinkle with black pepper.

Add white wine while scraping browned bits from pan.

Stir in tomatoes, olives, oregano and turmeric. Cover and
simmer on low heat (with the lid vented slightly) for approx. 15 minutes.

When Quinoa is ready, spoon into serving bowls and top with chicken mixture and serve immediately.

If desired sprinkle a little asiago or parmesan cheese on top. 
It's great accompanied with a green salad or a side of steamed broccoli (or both)  ;)

This dish is full of flavor! Every time I make this, my husband says "it smells like Sunday"! ...cozy, comforting and home!

Enjoy! (4-6 servings - depending on who you are feeding :) -  prep time: 15 min; cook time: 15 min; total time: 30 minutes).

* (great the next day, as the flavors intensify!)

 

First Place?!!!

What an exciting week it has been!

I've been writing like crazy...recipes, poems, short stories...entered a recipe contest as well as a couple of poetry contests! A few weeks ago, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and enter one of my poems in a contest...entitled: "Highland Park Poetry 2010 Funny Poetry Contest".

I've been writing poetry since childhood...my collections range from deep, introspective and poignant to light-hearted, frivolous and silly. My sense of humor has been described as a little off beat and sometimes even a tad sarcastic. My take on life often has a "Seinfeld" sensibility in that I notice the humorous and yes the ridiculous snapshots of various situations as I observe the happenings of every day life.

It was a kick that the first contest I had the courage to enter was one for a "funny" poem...So many poignant, emotional writings, and ...I entered a contest for a funny poem. I sealed the envelope, cringed, flinched, blinked and dropped my submission into the mailbox.

A couple of weeks later I received an e-mail and...gasped in amazement when I read the words: "Congratulations Lorraine, Your poem "Cheaters" has won First Place in our poetry contest"! My reaction: "First Place?! First Place?! Won?! Won First Place?! Ahhhhh!!!!!!!~ I can't believe it!" Then the silly happy dance followed!

I asked my poetry friends, "Does this mean that I am an award winning poet?!" The resounding reply was... "YES!!" 

Wow! And all because of Presbyopia! Yes...despite my husband's laughter every time I say the word (he actually thinks I'm making it up)... it is an actual medical term for the dreaded over forty need for reading glasses! As much as I complain about this stage in life and all the lovely things that accompany it, I have to say that I am probably more grateful for this inability to read the fine print than anyone! After all...it gave me the subject matter which would eventually become my prize! 😏

My poem, "Cheaters" is featured in the Highland Park Poetry Muses Gallery during the entire month of July!



Cheaters

By Lorraine Brown ~
1st Place - Non-Resident :

My husband calls me four eyes,
How rude of him to say.
It reminds me I'm getting older,
Along with all the gray!

The lenses change my point of view,
It's amazing how well I can see,
Of course, when I don't wear them...
He looks better to me!

Now I carry these cheaters everywhere with me,
Except when I can't find them...
Am I also losing my memory?!

It's uncomfortable to face the facts I've tried desperately to deny,
But the time has come to just give in 'cuz my vision doesn't lie!

I'd rather see what's in front of me,
Than trying to pretend
That I'm still the girl I used to be...
A fib I can't defend!

The day I gave in to the specs
Was the day I found liberty,
'Cuz it was more than simple text that I was finally able to see!
Even though I still struggle with carrying them around,
It's not as monumental as the freedom I have found.

So he can make fun of my cheaters,
His day is coming too,
When he'll have as many eyes as me -
And a clear point of view!

Even though when I don't wear them...
My hubby looks better to me,
With two eyes or with four,
I still love what I see... Oh sweet liberty!!!

A GREAT BIG BOX

I was working as a model/actress. One summer, I was hired by 3M, to do a skit with a fellow actor at a trade show. I played the role of a nurse who assisted in surgery, demonstrating their new surgical prep product. The skit was fun and humorous and we pulled in some nice sized crowds. I was having the time of my life traveling around the country with this client. This was just one of the many clients I was privileged to travel with for similar types of corporate presentations. My life, at that point in time, had been very carefree...not a worry in the world.

Evenings were filled with some of the most fascinating restaurant experiences, all on the company tab of course; accompanied also by the most interesting conversations with fascinating individuals. Somehow, one evening, the conversation turned to the subject of purpose and goals and the question of what would we want to have written on our tombstone. At the age of twenty something, I thought this was a bit too heavy for me so I answered with a flip Scarlet O'Hara fashioned answer -"I'll think about it tomorrow...tomorrow is another day!" Then my serious follow up ... "But I just want peace in my life".

I look back on that latter comment and realize that it was really poignant...not in an "I'm so spiritual" way...but more of a subconscious, yet deep-rooted desire for God. I believe He was tugging on my heart. Perhaps I was thinking that even though life was so fast and fun and carefree, it would eventually have to slow down and I might want to think about getting serious about life and figure out what I want to do when I grow up...not to say that hmmmm years later, I've got it all together...sometimes I feel like I still have so much growing up to do. The child still lives inside of me!

After the convention was over, I returned home to Chicago and life was back to it's fast pace and I was up to my usual...one gig after another, a date here and there (mostly where?), and still a bit of a question mark tucked away in the far, back corner of my mind as to where do I go from here and when will that "peace" arrive?

A few months went by. I arrived home to my apartment and my doorman said I had a large package waiting for me in receiving. It was a great big box...from my boss on the 3M gig...a gentleman I knew on a business level only. Accompanying the box was a sweet note from this man about how God had placed it upon his heart to send this package to me and that perhaps, "in this box, you might find the peace you are looking for". I was both curious and, honestly a little hesitant to open it, but...I did. When I discovered what was inside, I realized I wasn't ready for it! Not ready for peace?! Imagine that! So...I tucked it away...untouched...for years!

Fast forward...In a moment of loneliness one day, I glanced to the box tucked neatly into the corner and decided to open it and take a closer look at its contents. Waiting inside was book after book after book, and...a Bible! First I read a book called "Answers to Tough Questions Skeptics Ask" by Josh McDowell and some of my own skepticism's were being resolved. I then started to read the Bible...a Psalm a day, from the suggestion of a friend who said it would be a great way to start until I learned how to use it a little more effectively. I worked my way through the box, reading one book after another, discovering that I was finding a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment in the pages.

During my exploration, I discovered a thin paperback which had appeared to have been really used...a small, tattered book with worn, ragged edges.
I thought, "this one must be good...it shows signs that its pages have been handled many times." The title - "A Closer Walk/A Spiritual Lifeline to God" by Catherine Marshall (from the intimate journals of America's most beloved inspirational writer!) "Well", I thought, "Looks like a good place to start...the title intrigues me...has to be good as worn as it is...over 20 million books in print...plus it's a really small paperback...looks easy enough to get through!"
Don't you just love the workings of a small mind?!!
I can now tell you that it did not take long for me to understand why this little book was so worn. Inside its pages lies so much wisdom! Catherine shared her journey as a writer, as a Christ follower, as a real person who struggled with illness, worry, doubt, impatience, and heartache. This little old book was written decades ago. It's tattered, yellow pages, still applicable to life today!

It was within this little book by Catherine Marshall that I was finally able to begin to learn how to understand the Bible in a deeper way...a more meaningful way...realizing that it applies to my life and meets me right where I am...because it is God speaking to me through His written word!

Catherine's transparency brings her to the reader's level and, as a result, it feels like she is sitting with you, sharing her experiences, which interestingly line up so well with mine.

This person, from a different era still touches me today. It seems that every time I pick up this priceless treasure, I learn something new or I'm reminded of what I need to do in order to BE with God...and Catherine showed me how to comprehend the word as if Jesus was speaking directly to me!

Through its ragged pages, worn and abused, still wielding power, this book speaks to me (just as Jesus was worn and abused when they nailed Him to the cross. He, raised again, is wielding power and He speaks to me. He is the same yesterday, today and forever); and Catherine, a lady of a different time continues her purpose in my life as she mentors me still.

Peace was found in a great big box of books, sent to me by a gentle man with a heart for God.

God bless his soul and I thank God for the prayers and the deeds of the faithful!

The Chocolate Factory!

When I found out that THIS is CHOCOLATE DAY, I was instantly happy! Who doesn't like chocolate? Right? Please tell me you do LOVE chocolate!
And what is your favorite kind of chocolate? Dark, Milk, White, or some wonderful combination of flavors covered in chocolate? How about chocolate covered peanuts; almonds; hazelnuts or malted milk balls? Do you prefer Fannie Mae? See's? Hershey's; Nestle; Ghirardelli? Belgian; American; German or another? Do you ever dream of choclate? What is the best chocolate treat you've ever enjoyed?

I could go on and on...and on.... about chocolate...it always makes me happy!

There is a chocolate factory in Chicago which fills the air with the most heavely aroma. I just love driving by that area...it is as if I've entered a chocolate ozone!
As I pass through this area, inhaling deeply, I notice a strange phenomenon....I'm Calm! So incredibly calm. As I glance out my window...left, then right, I see the most pleasant expressions on the faces of my fellow citizens. It is as if they are in a state of limbo between here and heaven...floating on a chocolate cloud! I feel that way too! I drive as slow as possible so that I can linger and breathe in this heavenly aroma for as long as I can. Oddly enough, as I inch my way down the avenue, I realize that everyone else has slowed down along with me...not a single horn beeping at me to move out of the way...not a single gesture telling me which way I should go...not a frown to be found! This simple pleasure of chocolate...wafting through the air...has us spellbound...all of us!

As I turn the corner...the aroma dissipates...now what?! Accelerating to move out of the way of the impatient drivers who obviously did not come from the same direction, I decide I MUST circle around the long city block to re-live the out of body experience just once more before I return to reality! Ahhhh Chocolate! It's CHOCOLATE DAY every day on this side of town!

Perhaps this just a glance of what heaven will be? Oh please God, let there be chocolate in heaven!

Pssssst...
(I'll be sure to recognize my favorite indulgence again! There are several days set aside to celebrate and indulge in chocolate: Chocolate Day on July 7th & National Chocolate Day on October 28th; and…World Chocolate Day on September 4th. There is always a reason to celebrate chocolate!)

Sweet Cherry Surprise!

Call them a Cupcake,

Call them a Muffin,

Call them Sweet Cherry Surprise...




A delight for the tastebuds...

A delight for the eyes!

This delicious little cake is derived from a recipe from my mom's collection. The original recipe did not have a cheescake filling. As one of my recent contributions to the "Real Women of Philadelphia" cooking contest, I concocted my own version and decided to make a cupcake/muffin with the required cream cheese, and it turned out to be a hit here at home.

As much as I like my mom's original recipe for cherry cobbler cake...I think I prefer this embellishment and will probably be making these often. Pie cherries and a light cream cheese filling on top of batter, then baked to become moist, delicious cupcakes...Simple and beautiful!
I hope you like them!


Prep time: 20 minutes ; Cook time: 20 minutes ; Total time: 40 minutes; Servings: Approx. 20

Ingredients:
•2 Sticks unsalted butter, softened
•2 cup(s) of Flour
•5 Eggs (4 eggs for batter and 1 egg for filling)
•1 Tbsp. of Fresh lemon juice
•2 Sticks unsalted butter, softened
•1 Eight oz. pkg. Philadelphia Cream Cheese
•1 & 1/2 cup(s) of Plus 2 Tbsp. Sugar
•1 tsp. of Vanilla
•1 Can cherry pie filling
•1 - 2 TBSP. unsalted butter, softened
•1/2 cup(s) of skim milk (approx.)
•1 cup(s) of Confectioners sugar

Steps:
1.Preheat oven to 350
2.In large mixing bowl, cream 2 sticks butter with 1 & 1/2 c. sugar.
3.Add four eggs
4.Gradually mix in 2 cups flour and 2 Tbsp. lemon juice until smooth.
5.Set aside and combine the filling ingredients as follows:
6.In second bowl, combine cream cheese with one egg, 2 Tbsp. sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla until smooth.
7.Into lined cupcake pans, spoon in cake batter with an ice cream scoop to approx. 2/3 full, then make a slight well in the center of each.
8.Add approx. 2 tsp. cherries, then top with approx 2 tsp. cream cheese filling
9.Bake for approx. 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into cake portion of cupcakes.
10.Remove to wire racks to cool.
11.When cool, remove cupcakes to a platter and drizzle a small amount of glaze over each cupcake and serve!
12.Enjoy! (I also love them warmed up for breakfast with a nice cup of hot coffee)
13. For glaze: combine 1 cup confectioner sugar with butter & skim milk until smooth and the consistency of a glaze.


Cherry Cobbler Cupcakes Video

Patriotic Pie!

Here's a Pie to Salute...

This Pie gets Five Stars!!!!!

find out more below...

Patriotic Pie:

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hr. 30 minutes
Servings: approximately 8 (but not in my house) Did I mention I LOVE PIE?!!!

**you will need a 9 in. pie plate; a six in. square of clean cardboard or poster board;
A small star-shaped cookie cutter; and the following ingredients: *

For Pie Dough:
2 & 1/2 C. Flour
1/4 - 1/2 C. Ice Water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar2 sticks "cold" unsalted butter
For Filling:3 (20 oz.) Cans Cherry Pie Filling
2 & 1/2 - 3 cups Blueberries, 2 tsp. lemon juice, 1 tsp. vanilla; 1/3 cup + 2 TBSP. sugar; 1/8 cup cornstarch; 1/4 tsp. cinnamon; 1 TBSP chilled unsalted butter cut into small pieces. [Combine sugar; cornstarch & cinnamon & mix until blended. Gently toss blueberries with lemon and vanilla, and then gently stir into the cornstarch mixture until coated. Set aside. The butter will be used to dot on top of blues just before baking]. ***

***(If you prefer, you can use one can of blueberry pie filling in place of the fresh blueberries and eliminate this step). I just love fresh blueberries in season, so I go the fresh route when possible...each will be equally delish! ***

For Egg Wash:One egg slightly beaten w/1 TBSP. water

For the Finishing Touch:4 TBSP. Sanding Sugar


Ready to roll-----the dough:
This Pie Crust Recipe is my favorite…I usually make plenty ahead and freeze…It keeps for at least a month in the freezer! Will also keep nicely for at least 3 days in the fridge!In food processor, combine flour, sugar and salt; pulse while adding butter and process approx. 10 seconds or just until it becomes crumbly (like course meal). Add ice water w/ processor running just until dough holds together. Do not over process…we don’t want sticky dough…however, if it seems dry, add a bit more water, a little at a time. Gather dough into ball and divide in half. Press each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic or waxed paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (once again-- it’s nice to make ahead and leave in fridge).

Once dough is chilled, roll out one disk on floured surface into
A 12 in. circle. Press into Pie Plate & up, allowing dough to hang over sides. Roll out second disk into a 10 in. circle and cut into five ½ inch strips. With star-shaped cookie cutter, cut 5 stars from remaining pastry. We’ll come back to these stars and stripes in a moment…Preheat the oven to 425
Now our arts and crafts come in:
Fold the clean 6 inch square of cardboard in half into a wedge.
In upper left corner of pie, stand wedge so that the wide opening is facing the outside side of pie pan and with the point at center of pie.

Fill inside of this wedge with our prepared blueberry filling.
Spoon the Cherry filling into remaining large section of pie crust.
Slowly & carefully remove the cardboard.

Now, with our stars and stripes: starting approx. ½ in from bottom of pie, gently and evenly place 3 strips of dough over cherry filling. Cut remaining 2 strips to fit the top right section. Press all ends into crust. Fold overhanging crust up and over and crimp. Brush rim and stars & stripes with egg wash and sprinkle w/ sanding sugar. Place the five stars in the upper left corner.

Bake 30 minutes at 425. Reduce Heat to 350 and continue baking until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. Remove to wire rack to cool.

Hand Over Heart…Salute…Slice!
Top with favorite ice ream or whipped cream (optional)
Eat Pie & Enjoy! (mandatory) !

GOD BLESS AMERICA !

Remembering Freedom!



(*my friend originally made this pie with strawberries from her garden last summer. It was delish! I'm not sure where this recipe originated, but when she showed me the picture of this pie, I just had to make it, although I tweaked it quite a bit, using fresh berries and my home-made crust which is the my all time favorite! )

Stars Shine and Stripes Remind

As the Fourth of July approaches, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of this country and the freedoms we can sometimes take for granted. I think about the fun celebrations of picnics, parades, and all American hot dogs and apple pie! We have so much to be thankful for; blessed by the bounty of this rich land...in good times and in bad.

Originally, I wanted to simply share my "patriotic pie" recipe with you...which I'll be so excited to post when it's finished...But...

First, I feel the need to pause and honor the brave soldiers fighting for our freedom, as well as those who fought in generations past...some sacrificed their lives so that we could live...some still alive. All fought for freedom's sake! I'm thankful for those still with us to celebrate Independence Day! I'm also grateful to those who loved their country enough to sacrifice to preserve this great land! God Bless You ALL...And God Bless America...Sweet Land of Liberty!


Stars shine and stripes remind

The stars shine bright...
In the darkness of a foxhole,
Or in the glow of celebratory light…
By the fireworks we ignite.
Some forget just what happened in the dead of night,
As the stripes remind us of their wounds,
And blood shed for freedom’s sake,
Today, as well as yesterday…
Make no mistake
Of the sacrifice they make,
While children play,
And music serenades,
As the marching band
Leads our parade...

Let us not forget,
Let us not delay,
Our gratitude to those
Whose coffins lay...
Draped in our flag while taps play.
Let's not hesitate to give thanks
And to celebrate...
The freedoms won by our strong and brave
Of every race and every age...
May we never forget the sacrifice they made.
We salute them now...as we bow
Our heads for grace,
And we take our place...
At the bountiful table
Preserved for us by a remembered face...
Some with us now,
And some we will wait to embrace!

(written by Lorraine Brown/copyright 06/28/10)

God bless those who have served, and those who serve now~~~God bless America!

Wow! I haven't posted anything for a few days...haven't even cooked anything.
We've been having storms here...summer storms...wild winds, lightning, heavy rain...and power outages! I've been waiting for months...all winter...long winter... cold winter...for summer to arrive! I refuse to complain now! Today, it looks as if nothing ever happened, with blue skies, sunshine, low humidity and comfy temps!
This is what I've been waiting for!!! Oh, sweet summer, please stay!!!!!!!

FROM SADD TO GLAD

Awakening to a new season of hope,
Pushing up through the clouds into the light,
Passing through the shadows,
Where life is warm and bright.

Happy to break free from winter's grip on me,
Spring returning to my step,
Warmer weather is the key!
Seasons come and go,
Sunshine melts away the snow,
Winter ends and I'm finally set free!

Bright and sunny days replace the gloom,
Open windows softly bring...
Fresh warm breezes to the room,
Angelic birds begin to sing,
Buds of flowers now in bloom!

Sun kissed faces glow,
Eyes twinkle from the light,
And balmy summer breezes warm the night -
To my delight -
No other season makes me feel so right!

Life takes over me - A sudden burst of energy,
I feel like dancing- my spirit's been set free,
What a difference, A brand new me!
This is how I want to be...
All year through -- Summer suits me to a T!
Gotta keep summer inside of me!!

(written by Lorraine Brown/copyright 03/01/07)