Pilgrim Gnome saying “Raise your turkey leg high in thanks to God!”
When I cook a turkey or chicken I try to use the bones to make broth for gravy or soups. This year I had 2 turkeys to cook. If you have ever processed bones for broth, especially turkey bones, you know what a mess it can be. Turkey is very oily. First you simmer the bones and then strain them out of the broth. I did the first batch in the Crockpot for hours and hours. After I processed the first carcass I thought to myself, “Nope! I am not going to do the second one. That is enough.” After letting the broth chill I skim off any fat that has risen to the top. I then freeze the broth in Ball jars for future use. The house smells delightfully of turkey, turkey, turkey!
Then my son taught me that if I caramelize the bones in the oven and then simmer, the broth will be even better. Of course, I was challenged to try his method. I keep telling that young man he should write a cookbook!
Simmering with vegetables to reduce into a rich broth.
Of course, my son, the chef, was absolutely correct. The next batch of broth was stunning. Best gravy I have made in years.
We had a lively feast with a prayer of thanksgiving and much stuffing into mouths. Dressing, two kinds of sweet potatoes, gravy, butter rolls made from scratch, mashed potatoes, turkey and more turkey. The person bringing the corn pudding had to work so alas we had none of that. The pies were tasty as was the made from scratch banana sugar-free pudding. (Except the cookies in it were not sugar free.) Gourmet cookies that sent my glucose soaring, but oh yum. Those were dangerous!
Is there something you do traditionally with your turkey bones or other holiday meal? I encourage you to write it down for your family. They will eventually benefit from what you learn along the way!
I make a cream soup with wild rice and turkey. It ought to be outrageously good with this new broth!
Turned the corner on the big 75. Bob is taking great delight in saying things such as, “I have never kissed a woman this old before.” Smart aleck, he is two years old than I am!
It has been a grand celebration of turning 3/4 of a century. Whew! There have been flowers and cake, gifts and greetings galore. We modified my favorite coconut cake because with Type 2 diabetes it was just not good for me. (But the old recipe was so yummy!) This year I bought a Pillsbury sugar free chocolate cake. I asked Bob to add coconut to the batter. He then topped it with cool whip mixed with coconut. Oh it is yummy and I do not have a terrible spike in my blood sugar after eating it!
So yes, when I took the photo I also had eat a forkful, or two!
Every year and most holidays Bob makes me a card using one of his photos. This photo is a mural on a wall in downtown Cincinnati. I was so excited by the mural I could not wait to show it to him. He took the photo shortly after his knee replacement surgery. The little girl obviously has an imaginary friend with her in the mud puddle. He reminds me of the book series I read with the children about Little Bear.
I named it “Birthday Dance!”
I have been unable to find who designed this mural, but I just love the imagination involved!
Since our birthdays are three weeks apart we literally celebrate by finishing one and beginning another. Here we have his cake and card. THE favorite birthday cake for Bob.
His beloved carrot cake. I finally obtained currants this year instead of raisins.
When I saw this card at Target there was NO hesitation to purchase it.
Notice the she snow-person is missing her nose! Talk about sacrifice!!
He SO deserved this card. We decided it might be the best card of the decade! Each year I debate baking two of his cakes. He gives away most of it and is sad when that last sliver hits his plate. Happy birthday to each of you readers in what ever way you celebrate! Have joyous year!
There is a new place near us called David’s. When we first visited there many of their appetizers were half price, including the freshly baked pretzel.
Bob’s phone is next to the tray to give you an idea of the size of this thing!
The pretzel comes with a little cup of Queso cheese and a little cup of ranch dressing. Now they no longer reduce the price on the pretzel. (They were likely losing money on it!) In fact when we returned recently we had decided to make the jumbo pretzel our dinner. We ate much of it, but carried 2/3s of it home.
If you like the warm pretzel from Sam’s Club, (I like it with Parmesan cheese), this one is WAY over the top of that!
My husband and I discovered early on that there thing he likes to eat that I detest. There are things I like to eat that he can eat for one meal, but does not want it repeatedly as leftovers. One of his favorite dishes is seafood pasta. He has learned and perfected his own recipe for that dish.
I was writing the blog entries as I usually do. I could hear him in the kitchen and remembered that he planned to cook his sauce this morning. I went about my prayers and writing. When I decided to take a break after 1-1/2 hours I had forgotten his kitchen work. I opened the office door and the sauce fragrance almost knocked me down! There is something about shrimp, olive oil, garlic and clams simmering in clam juice and wine that I was not prepared for at 10:00 AM! I can imagine Dana and Kathy beating a hasty path to our door upon reading this.
You see, the plan is to have the two of them over for dinner to meet each other and eat this dish Bob makes. I on the other hand will have something I like to eat. Nope, I’ve never tasted his sauce. Those who like that sort of thing say it is delicious. Mom ruined any hope of me ever eating fish with her exaggerations and tall tales. Such as, making salmon cakes for dinner using canned salmon and telling me there were no bones in it. The most brave I became was Mrs. Paul’s fish sticks. Once I left home I discovered that tuna steaks are quite tasty, as long as they are well done. In Ireland I was able to eat salmon, but here I have to make myself. Crab cakes are good. Coconut shrimp is tasty but not really good for me!
I tell Bob when it comes to clams and oysters, “I don’t eat bait!” Just pass me by when serving fish. Taking the photo for you, I was reminded his magic sauce also has butter and bay scallops in it!
I give thanks for this wonderful husband who is not afraid to take on the cooking tasks he enjoys! I just pray I never get dementia so he can tease me and try to get me to eat bait. You wouldn’t, would you, Bob? He is an incurable tease. He just might try it should things ever go that way.
This month we finally made it to the Cincinnati Art Museum. Bob wanted to see the exhibit “Farm to Table.” Such a catchy contemporary title, don’t you think? It featured food in works of art and as the museum says, “The exhibition showcases over sixty paintings and sculptures, including the work of Claude Monet, Eva Gonzalès, Victor Gilbert, Paul Gauguin, Jules Dalou, and Vincent van Gogh, artists who examined the nation’s unique relationship with food. The bounty of France’s agriculture and the skill of its chefs had long helped to define its strength and position on the international stage. ” For more details click on the link below.
The painting above was huge. The features on the faces of the sheep enchanted both Bob and me.
Here is the description of another painting.
We studied the painting and discovered many unusual details such as the man with his hand on the bottom of a woman. What caught my attention the most was the woman along the back wall. Is she crocheting or knitting?
I find the detail almost unimaginable. How did they paint these?
We finally decided she is likely knitting and holding her needles in continental fashion. Obviously, she was relaxed and enjoying her work in the midst of the hubbub!
I give thanks to God for those talented enough to paint these amazing descriptions of daily life. To me, some of them actually looked as accurate as photographs.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”– 1 Peter 4:10
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
I have a few neighbors that need a home cooked meal now and then. Since I have never learned how to cook for just two people, it is my pleasure to share with those people. Usually they get whatever we are having for dinner that day.
One gal is divorced, has raised 5 kids mostly on her own, and now lives with some nasty chronic illnesses. She works mostly from home and puts in long hours. She recently hit a few financial snags with appliances breaking down, car repair, plus the cat was diagnosed with diabetes requiring medications. She has appreciated anything I drop off. My husband does not like watermelon so recently I shared some cut up melon with her since I cannot eat a whole one before it goes bad. I could almost hear her dancing with delight as she texted her response at finding the melon along with green beans and ham at her door.
Another fellow was widowed a few months ago. His wife had Alzheimer’s disease. He went to see her at the nursing facility every day for 2-1/2 years. He lost a tremendous amount of weight. His stability even with his walker began to be in question. When she finally took her last breath he was a physical wreck. I told him we need to fatten him up! I took him a couple meals. Once when I delivered food he was assembling a foot cycle machine similar to the photo below.
He told me he is determined to get his strength back so he can take walks in the neighborhood. I took him some green beans with ham and potatoes last week. I left it on his porch and texted that I had left it for him. I went early in the morning and did not want to disturb him in case he was sleeping in. He shortly texted back that he got it.
If he comes down the street in his car he always stops to speak. He never drives away now without saying “How’s Bob? I love you!
When I was walking Lucky the other evening he was working in his garden. He came wobbling across the grass towards me. I cringed not wanting him to fall. When he got close enough to speak over his barking dogs, he dropped his city ways and spoke in his Indiana country twang, “Them was some good beans!” He had not commented on the food previously. I took his words as a high compliment!
We are told in Scripture to love our neighbors and share one another’s burdens.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12: 30-31
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NRSVUE
Is there someone you could reach out to with love and compassion? If not with food, perhaps with other things you are capable of? Often, most everyone just wants a listening ear and a kind heart to come close. Do not let those the Lord sends your way remain invisible. Give a smile, send a note card. Simple things are usually the best!!
Unpacked. Mail read. Laundry still whirling in the machines. inches and inches of rain. More spring birds than before we departed. Went to church Sunday morning and reconnected with our loved friends there.
Then joy arose as I cooked Sunday after dinner with worship music playing and me singing to the Lord on high, the Christ within. One neighbor recently lost his wife to Alzheimer’s. I told him when we returned I would bring him food. He has lost so much weight. Joy at being home. Joy at being able to provide for another. The joy of the Lord is my strength!
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
Huh! I knew the part about the joy of the Lord is your strength. I forgot the part about sending to food to those who have nothing prepared. God surprises me SO often! What a delight our God is.
The break from routine going to Florida was fine. The motel room more than livable. The bed so high off the ground that I practically fell out the first night.
Eventually we longed for our home with better lighting. Our usual surroundings. Our familiar abode. Our bed. Our own pillows. Even the dog who was suffering through continuous thunderstorms. (Actually, she was sleeping in bed with our Grandgirl and getting spoiled rotten!)
And now we are here. And we both hope to thrive more for the respite from routine, even as we participate in the routines again. I have so much work to do to edit selections for a booklet on prayer. I was able to set it aside for the duration of the trip. Now I need to figure out how to rearrange my schedule to accommodate editing and contacting the newly hired editor.
So if I miss a few days posting to this blog I hope you will understand and will be praying for me?
We found a very few shells. Enjoyed the breeze off the ocean tremendously!
Have I shared with you how much I like Wite-out? Not the fancy skinny applicators, but the old fashioned brush-on style. Bic makes it now. Took me forever to find it, but finally in the stationary aisle of a very, very large Kroger store. They call it correction fluid but I have found new uses for it.
We have electric sockets in our kitchen island. The plug on almost every one of my appliances is black. I get tired or figuring out, now does the plug go this way or that? So I plug in the appliance then mark what I see as the topside of the plug with a swipe of Wite-out. No more guessing on that mixer, crock pot, and air fryer!
One of the biggest objections we have to our new house is the lighting seems inadequate. When I go to plug in my iPad and keyboard at night it is almost impossible to see the placement socket. You guessed it! A little touch of Wite-out to outline the socket in white and voila-la! Easy to find and put that chord right in there.
Last summer Sister Corina taught the Journey Together in Stitches group how to do card stitching. I made intertwined hearts for a card for Bob. Then I researched other patterns on line. I found one that spoke to me of our son’s wife. It is a fairy sitting under a flower with 4 wings and golden hair. This pattern was one of the hardest things I have ever made. I almost gave up and threw it away several times. In the beginning I had to start completely over as the lower area did not look right. Then finally last week I was down to wire. Either finish it or pitch it. I got it finished. Here is part of the difficulty.
Pattern has a copy right that’s why I made it so small.
When you pierce the paper you wind up with a bunch of dots. If you see lines on this paper it is where I drew them to help me.
Then one is directed to sew with sewing thread from A to B, etc.
Here is the finished project that almost never was!
I was tickled that she seemed to really like it. I told Bob if I ever choose a pattern as complicated as this again to stop me and tell me, “NO!”
We actually found in our used frames a solid wood frame that seemed more fitting. Hardest gift of the 2024!!
I wrote this last week. It never showed up for Bob. Few seemed to see it, so I am posting it again! No clue what happened.
We can learn to rejoice in even the smallest blessings our life holds. It is easy to miss our own good fortune; often happiness comes in ways we don’t even notice.
PEMA CHÖDRÖN
I recently shared a recipe with a friend for making Thanksgiving dressing. I learned from my sister’s mother-in-law that if you shape it into balls and bake it is much tastier than if you stuff it in the turkey. Stuffed dressing always seems soggy to me! My friend made and served dressing balls at her Thanksgiving feast and they were a hit. We love them, too!
DRESSING BALLS 1 bag=4c, 2 bags=8c Makes 20 balls Saute 1/2 cup margarine 1 cup chopped celery 1 small onion diced Add 4 Tablespoons dry, chopped parsley 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1-1/2 teaspoon sage 1 teaspoon thyme 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Put 2-14 oz. bags of dry bread cubes in very large bowl. Pour hot spice mixture over cubes and begin to stir. Gradually add 3 more cups of broth until you can form bread cubes into baseball sized servings.
Spray oven-proof glass pan with oil. Form and place balls in pan. Pour some broth over for heating. Cover with foil. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, heat 10 minutes covered and 5-10 minutes uncovered at 325°.
After my mother died suddenly in 1975, I was furious when I realized just how many of her recipes she never wrote down. It took me years to try to find recipes similar to what she made. I made it my practice to write my recipes out so my kids could have them when I was gone. When we got our first computer I put the recipes into the computer and printed out copies for me, and my children. To this day I continue this practice.Oil the pans. About 2 hours before baking, cut off amount needed and return rest to fridge. Shape while cold. Cover and let rise on counter 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Brush with melted butter.
I learned to make yeast rolls that can be refrigerated until you are ready to use the dough (several days). Then you shape the rolls or coffee cake and let the dough rise before baking. Makes those holiday meals less hectic and they are SO tasty. Beats every store bought roll we have ever had. Eventually the arthritis in my hands said NO! to forming that cold dough. Caused me a lot of pain. First Emily took over the rolls, then eventually my husband took it over when Emily left home. He realized that I had not written out the step where you let the dough rise on the counter. Oops. I just assumed. This year he realized I did not write out, grease the pans. Another oops.
The other day Emily (daughter) called and said she had given her recipe to a friend, but forgot to copy the backside of the recipe card. How to shape and bake them. (LOL) I updated the recipe saying to GREASE THE PANS and sent her a copy.
What touched me with a small gratitude was that she not only liked my recipe, but shared it with a friend. That might seem small to others, but to me it was huge! “Even the smallest blessings.”
Have you been keeping up with a gratitude list? Perhaps you can make this a week of noting even the smallest things?
The hard frost we have had for several nights has finally killed off the nasturtium vines that are trailing all over the garden. Did not have the heart to pull them earlier as they were blooming right up to the end. I was pondering when it might warm up enough to get those vines into the trash. Then I realized I could simply remove them from the porch and let them disintegrate in the flower bed! Genius tiny blessing. If I wait until it warms up those vines will be soggy and ugh!
Elephant Ears beginning to succumb to wintry weather. They are now totally dead.
One more small blessing. Bob was telling friends about me making dressing balls. It was a small gathering of people who knew each other well. Suddenly the 82 year old at the table asked, “I just have one question. Would someone tell me what turkey balls are?” The table went quiet. Eventually one guy began to giggle. Then the table erupted in laughter. Oh my. The woman placed her hands over her mouth and turned red as she realized what she had said. My sister’s mother-in-law likely would not have approved, but they found it hilarious and could not stop laughing. Bob explained I would shape the dressing into balls to serve with the turkey.
Keep looking for treasures, even tiny ones, for your gratitude list!
The local Kroger chain had an offer for purchase a certain amount of groceries and get a Turkey for 49 cents a pound. I bought one. Whew are having dinner with 9 people. I had a turkey in the freezer and was not absolutely certain when I thawed it that it would be okay. So I cooked two turkeys! And they both look and taste great. We will certainly have leftovers!! Saved a turkey leg for our grandson who likes to pretend he is eating like a caveman!
Well, I had to be in Kroger again and now that there is room in the freezer I just could not resist that great price. I picked up a turkey using the plastic mesh and put it in the cart. At the checkout I left it in the cart and use the bar scanner to ring it in.
Took it out to the car and once I had a place cleared I again used the mesh to put it in the back of the car. When I got home I lifted it out of the trunk using the mesh, but on the way to the freezer I also supported the weight with my other hand. The thing was not frozen!!
What?!? I know it takes 3 days to thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator and even then there might be ice in the center. How long had this thing been thawed? I might never know. Was it safe to refreeze it? I did not want to know. I was worried about if it was even safe to consume. I had also bought it at a Kroger not close to my home. Grrr.
I had been running errands for hours and decided to take at least a short rest before I dealt with this.
I went to my local Kroger to see what could be done. My receipt had a time stamp on it. I figured I was good. There was a long line at the service desk. I had promised myself an afternoon Starbucks coffee. I purchased that first to ease the long wait.
The poor guy at the customer service desk looked as if he had been tortured for hours by angry, unhappy, nasty, customers. I gave him a smile. Told him to take a deep breath and told him my almost unbelievable saga.
He told me to go find a turkey as close to the weight of the original one as possible. When I returned to the line he was having an even worse day and had to call in someone in to deal with one outraged customer. Some shopping service had doubled the items on her shopping list and charged her bank account. She was livid.
I told him I found one within one pound of the unfrozen turkey. I told him I thought I owed him about 49 cents. He took my receipt, scanned the two turkeys and at first was so flustered he thought I owed him $7 and something. Then realized he forget to enter the reduced price and eventually said, “Yes, ma’am. that will be 49 cents please.”
This turkey was frozen solid and now lives in my freezer. I prayed for the poor fellow all the way home. In fact writing this I am moved to pray for all the retail workers who are having to put up with bad attitudes from customers. Kindness and gratitude cost us nothing. We should spend it lavishly! We are mostly an ungrateful bunch with “first world problems.” Stephen summed it up just before he was stoned for speaking truth.
“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” Act 7: 51-53 NIV
More than once God calls His people stiff-necked and ungrateful. Lord, please forgive us.
We need to get a load of gratitude. Perhaps this day is a time to begin a new habit that will benefit us always. Research says that listing at least 3 things we are grateful for each day can do us a world of good. So I urge you to begin today! What a great way to finish out the year!!
I think I likely need a small toy dump truck as an object lesson to myself about spreading a dump truck of gratitude every single day!
Treasures in Plain Sight, A Christian Blog 