My little niece has gained a new little sister a few months back, this post is to honor her new role and the role of so many others in this world. Please note the below does not apply to "The Golden Child" as he is inherently above this common law. Furthermore, this is not a criticism of parents or their ability to have multiple children. It is simply an amalgam of my own observations.
Mabel you are a middle child and get used to it. Just a few truths that you are going to need to accept, in order to live a life free of bitterness and strife.
1. Yes, you will get bossed around but never have enough authority to boss those younger than you around until your too old for it to matter.
2. No, you will never be as_____ as your older sibling or as _____ as your younger sibling, Form your own identity or someone will create it for you.
3. Yes, Your parents love you, no you will probably rarely get their undivided attention and time that your siblings will have, just learn to be independent and happy to be so capable.
4. No, it is not likely that you will have friend s that are exclusively yours. Most will find great pleasure in playing with your whole brood- this is a great opportunity to play games that you can't play with just a few players.
5. Yes, you have got it life is not fair, and according to some crazy PhD. somewhere, you will likely not be president. It is okay; what do they know anyway? You are your own independent person, who has the opportunity to deal with older and younger peers. This can be used to your advantage over the years.
6. Yes, people love you and realize you are an individual but learn to answer to your siblings names at home school, and anywhere your family is well known, it just helps avoid confusion.
7. NO, your clothes will likely never belong to just you, they will be hand me downs, that your younger siblings will steal from your drawers anyway.
8. Yes, you will be the butt end of more jokes than anyone else in your family. Even the Golden Child can not escape this fate.
9. No, you will not likely get near as much praise for the exact same action as either of your siblings. The elder will be the for runner and the baby--- well parents spoil the baby of the family...that's the way it is.
10. Yes you will be in trouble more than your fair share. Your parents likely didn't notice the wrong doing when the oldest was starting it, your youngest sibling will be victimized instantly, and the blame will fall on you. Learn to plead your case, don't whine, and if you do get punished; well we all have a little share in the blame so take your own.
Good news dear. When the day seems kind of dreary and now one else is doing anything to fix it, you have the unique ability to bring smiles to everyone. You have experience catering to each family member due to your need for alliances to protect yourself. So here is the easiest peace making peanut butter cookies you can pull of in less than 20 min. Smile and savour your life no matter the implications. It is still going to be better than you could ever dream.
Peace Making Peanut butter Quickies
1 cup Peanut butter of choice- not natural
1 Cup sugar of 3/4 c honey
1 egg
Mix together, drop by rounded teaspoonfuls, and bake on cookie sheet for 10-12 min depending on the size in a 350 degree oven. Cool on pan 5 min, transfer to cooling rack.
The yummy smell will calm troubled hearts and cheer angry souls. Good luck fellow sandwich child, your life holds the promise of a fabulous future.
Love Mrs. Brownie
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Spring is Here!
The sun is shining. What more need I say. We all are ready for the glory of taking in the warmth on our faces, fingers and toes, as winter has finally been beaten into submission. Thank goodness, cause people were getting anxious for the chance to ditch the coat. Well, in honor of this beautiful day I am posting a recipe for California bars. They are sublime with a touch of the goodness of the West Coast. Enjoy them thoroughly, outside as they travel well and are perfectly accompanied by a large helping of sunshine. For those living in different areas waiting for the divine moment when you too may take a deep breathe of fresh air, as you run through the house opening windows to free it from the winter glum. These have just enough zest to add a sparkle to a dreary day.
California Bars
1/4c shortening
1/2 c soft butter
1 1/2 c sugar
4 egg yolks or two whole eggs.
1/2 t orange ext
1/2 t orange zest
1/2t salt
1/2 t turmeric- optional but fabulous
1/2 t ginger
1t baking soda
2 t cream of tartar
2 c flour
1/4-1/3c buttermilk or plain yogurt.
Topping-optional
2 T Honey or marmalade- warmed
1/4 c sliced or slivered almonds.
Cream first three ingredients until well combined- not fluffy
add eggs and continue mixing. Then in one fell swoop add all ingredients down through the flour. I know it is a list but it truly is good. start machine and then add in 1/4 c dairy of choice adding more if dough doesn't come together and has dry spots. Spread into grease 9x13 pan. Spread and sprinkle topping if using. Bake 25-28 minutes in an oven preheated to 350. They will have a golden raised edge and still look slightly soft in the center.
Smile and Savour
We certainly did.
Mrs. Brownie
Smile and savour
California Bars
1/4c shortening
1/2 c soft butter
1 1/2 c sugar
4 egg yolks or two whole eggs.
1/2 t orange ext
1/2 t orange zest
1/2t salt
1/2 t turmeric- optional but fabulous
1/2 t ginger
1t baking soda
2 t cream of tartar
2 c flour
1/4-1/3c buttermilk or plain yogurt.
Topping-optional
2 T Honey or marmalade- warmed
1/4 c sliced or slivered almonds.
Cream first three ingredients until well combined- not fluffy
add eggs and continue mixing. Then in one fell swoop add all ingredients down through the flour. I know it is a list but it truly is good. start machine and then add in 1/4 c dairy of choice adding more if dough doesn't come together and has dry spots. Spread into grease 9x13 pan. Spread and sprinkle topping if using. Bake 25-28 minutes in an oven preheated to 350. They will have a golden raised edge and still look slightly soft in the center.
Smile and Savour
We certainly did.
Mrs. Brownie
Smile and savour
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Impact
It is amazing to me how life twists and turns into a beautiful pattern of grace and color. The hard times and the exuberant joys give us experience and texture that in truth help to make us whole. In honor of all those who have bestowed a taste of their own vibrancy to my life, I am posting this recipe for Chicken piccata. It is a dish with a light sauce and surprising simple components but a burst of flavor in each bite. A dear friend requested one after tasting it on a special Birthday girl's night out. Thank you to everyone who is willing to give joy to those you encounter. May you have a bit of ease and many smiles throughout your life, and be rewarded with all the joy that heaven can bestow.
To all you who need something to depend on in an uncertain world, when cooking go to the Cook's Illustrated cook books. These recipes are tested over and over again, and tell you how and why each dish is prepared in the fashion they suggest. The following comes from : "The New Best Recipe" I have not been disappointed with their recipes, when I take the time to follow them precisely.
Chicken Piccata
2 lag lemons
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts- tenderloins removed
salt and pepper
1/2 c flour
4 T vegetable oil
1 clove minced garlic- 1 tsp
1 c. low sodium chicken broth
2 T small capers rinsed
3 T softened butter
2 T fresh parsley leaves
1 put heat proof plate in oven and preheat to 200 F
2. Half the lemon pole to pole- trim edges and cut 1 half into 1/8 in slices, set aside. juice the other half and the other whole lemon to obtain 1/4 c juice and reserve.
3. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper, then place flour in shallow bown and dredge cuts in flour shaking off the excess.
4 Hear 2 T oil in 12 in skillet med- high heat until shimmering. Lay half of the cutlets in skillet turning after 2- 2.5 min, and cook 2- 2.5 min longer. Aremove from skillet and place in oven on plate. Repeat process with other half of the chicken.
5. Add garlic to skillet over medium heat saute 10 seconds. Add broth and lemon slices, increase heat to high and scrape bottom of the pano to release the fond ( burned little flavorful bits form the chicken). Simmer until liquid reduces to 1/3 c. roughly 4min. Add lemon juice and capers simmer 1 min. Remove from heat swirl in butter then add parsley. season to taste with salt and pepper. spoon sauce over chicken and serve.
note goes well with gnocchi, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
smile and savour, and thank the test kitchen for a trusted recipe.
To all you who need something to depend on in an uncertain world, when cooking go to the Cook's Illustrated cook books. These recipes are tested over and over again, and tell you how and why each dish is prepared in the fashion they suggest. The following comes from : "The New Best Recipe" I have not been disappointed with their recipes, when I take the time to follow them precisely.
Chicken Piccata
2 lag lemons
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts- tenderloins removed
salt and pepper
1/2 c flour
4 T vegetable oil
1 clove minced garlic- 1 tsp
1 c. low sodium chicken broth
2 T small capers rinsed
3 T softened butter
2 T fresh parsley leaves
1 put heat proof plate in oven and preheat to 200 F
2. Half the lemon pole to pole- trim edges and cut 1 half into 1/8 in slices, set aside. juice the other half and the other whole lemon to obtain 1/4 c juice and reserve.
3. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper, then place flour in shallow bown and dredge cuts in flour shaking off the excess.
4 Hear 2 T oil in 12 in skillet med- high heat until shimmering. Lay half of the cutlets in skillet turning after 2- 2.5 min, and cook 2- 2.5 min longer. Aremove from skillet and place in oven on plate. Repeat process with other half of the chicken.
5. Add garlic to skillet over medium heat saute 10 seconds. Add broth and lemon slices, increase heat to high and scrape bottom of the pano to release the fond ( burned little flavorful bits form the chicken). Simmer until liquid reduces to 1/3 c. roughly 4min. Add lemon juice and capers simmer 1 min. Remove from heat swirl in butter then add parsley. season to taste with salt and pepper. spoon sauce over chicken and serve.
note goes well with gnocchi, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
smile and savour, and thank the test kitchen for a trusted recipe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)