Christmas Carol - The Twelve Days of Christmas

Christmas Carol - The Twelve Days of Christmas-Christmas

Christmas symbolizes many things and it is not just confine to Christmas carol or trees, which is obvious in many Christmas hymns. It is common to hear separate songs every holiday but one favorite hymn that truly stands out and it is none other than the Twelve Days of Christmas. If you are wondering about the meaning of this Christmas carol, great read on.

Christmas

If you are customary with the English history, you know that from 1558 to 1829 practicing Catholicism is a crime in England. Catholics in the old days in England are banned from practicing their religion and refrain from using whatever that symbolizes their faith. No religious worshipping allowed whatsoever and so all has to be done in quiet and in private.

In fact, population are not allowed to procure and declaring that you are a catholic is dangerous as well. This posed a problem for many people, as they have no way to hand down their tradition and beliefs to the next generation, without the authorities getting a wind of it. Since practicing their religion is a crime that is punishable by death, it is foremost that they worship in secret.

In order to keep the tradition alive, a Christmas carol that symbolizes the spirit of Christmas was created and this is where the apparently safe "The Twelve Days of Christmas" came in and come to be a guide for many Catholics. The meaning of each verse in the hymn is a direct link to the tradition of Catholicism.

The following are verses in the favorite Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and what it meant at that time:

1st verse - "True Love" it naturally referred to God

2nd verse - "2 Turtle Doves" it refers to the old and new testaments of the bible.

3rd verse - "3 French Hens" - It symbolizes the religious confidence and stands for faith, charity and hope.

4th verse - "4 Calling Birds" The 4 birds refer to the 4 gospels or evangelists mentioned in the bible.

5fth verse - "5 Golden Rings" is the first 5 old testament.

6th verse - "6 Geese-a-laying" it refers to the 6 days of creation of the world.

7th verse - "7 Swans-a-swimming" is referring to the seven sacraments

8th verse - "8 Maids-a-milking" refers to the 8 beatitudes

9th verse - "9 Ladies dancing" is the 9 fruits determined as the holy spirit

10th verse - "10 Lords-a-Leaping" is unquestionably the 10 commandments

11th verse - "11 Pipers piping" is the 11 apostles just to Jesus Christ

12 verse - "12 Drummers drumming" is the Apostle's Creed 12 points

Although for many years, the custom of Catholicism is forbidden there are still ways to pass the tradition and that is by singing Christmas carols. So, when you are singing the favorite hymn or hear it playing, remember the meaning to appreciate the attempt of the population during those dark times in England.

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Recipe for Traditional Swedish Christmas Cookies or Pepparkakor

Recipe for Traditional Swedish Christmas Cookies or Pepparkakor-Betty Crocker Christmas Cookies

In any traditional Swedish home, the smell of these home baked cookies will be found wafting throughout the home at Christmas time. The Swedes really love cooking for the holiday season and the Christmas Eve celebration is the highlight of the year.

Betty Crocker Christmas Cookies

Don't be worried by the literal translation of Pepparkakor, which means pepper cookies, it may have been that in olden times there was a little pepper in the recipe, but now there's just a tasty mix of spices.

Christmas Spice Cookies or Pepparkakor

Makes about 2 dozen cookies

8 ounces (2 sticks) butter 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon light corn syrup 1/4 cup orange juice 2 teaspoons orange zest 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground cloves

1. Preheat oven to 400˚ F.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Stir in egg, corn syrup, orange juice, and orange zest.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Stir flour mixture into the creamed butter until combined.

4. Roll dough out to 1/8 inch and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the oven. Cool cookies on wire racks.

These are a wonderful cookie recipe for children to make and taste even better when cut out with all manner of shape of cookie cutters!

Enjoy making and eating this traditional Swedish cookie recipe.

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Breakfast Pizza

Breakfast Pizza-Betty Crocker

A breakfast or dessert pizza is delicious and easy to make. It does not matter whether or not you are an experienced cook or an amateur. It does not take much time either, and leaves you with a tasty reward.

Betty Crocker

The first step is to make sure you have all the ingredients you need. You will need to purchase sugar cookie mix of whatever brand you prefer. That is what makes up the pizza crust. Next, you will need to get the sauce. I generally use cream cheese, preferably whipped, because it is easier to spread on the crust. If you are going for more of a desert pizza than a breakfast pizza, you can interchange it with cream cheese icing. Both ways are delicious. You will also need to purchase fresh fruit, which will be the toppings on your pizza. I recommend strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis, but any fruit will suffice.

The second step is to cook the crust. Depending on what kind of cookie mix you get, the preparation may vary. Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie mix requires one egg and a half cup of butter to be added to the mix. Follow the directions on container of your cookie mix. Then spread the dough into a pizza pan. The directions should tell you whether you need to grease the pan. Try to spread it evenly throughout, but don't worry if it doesn't look very high; it will rise while baking. Bake as the directions say, or until the edges are golden brown. Then take it out to cool.

The last step is putting together the pizza. While it is cooling, you can cut your fruit. Small slices are best. Once you think your crust has thoroughly cooled, ice it with the sauce of your choice. Then take the fruit slices and place them where you want them on the pizza. You can do a ring of one type of fruit and then another, forming a pattern. Alternatively, you can just place the pieces sporadically. If you know that some of the people who will be eating the pizza like strawberries but not blueberries, or any variation of liking one fruit and disliking another, you can do the pizza half and half, or make sections.

Now your pizza is finished, and ready to be enjoyed. You can bring it to a party or get together to share with friends, or just have it as a nice snack for yourself. As you can see, making a breakfast pizza is quick and easy, and definitely worth the effort.

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China's Chocolate Market Dominated by Foreign Brands

China's Chocolate Market Dominated by Foreign Brands-Christmas Cookies

Foreign chocolate brands such as Dove, Cadbury and Hershey's have now captured about 70% of the Chinese chocolate market. As Barry Callebaut, the world's largest chocolate manufacturer with 25% of the global market, recently opened its first chocolate factory in China in Suzhou City, the top 20 chocolate companies in the world have now all entered the Chinese market. But in the face of global competition, China's local chocolate companies have been further suppressed down the value chain.

Christmas Cookies

Second largest chocolate market

As the CHF 4 billion-revenue-per-year Barry Callebaut set up its first production line in Suzhou, a complete multinational chocolate industry chain is also emerging. Industry insiders suggested that this would be a blow to local Chinese chocolate companies in this globalized competition. It further indicated that keeping up with international competition is particularly important, or the Chinese industry chain will become even more vulnerable.

In recent years, the global chocolate market has notably slowed down, with only 2-3% growth per annum. This is mainly because per capita chocolate consumption in developed countries is already at a high level, averaging 11 kg. On the other hand, China's per capita chocolate consumption is only 0.1 kg, and its domestic chocolate market has been growing at a staggering 10-15% per year, with an estimated market potential of US.7 billion. Thus China has become the world's second biggest chocolate market only behind the US. The world's top 20 chocolate companies have all entered China, and there are more than 70 imported or JV chocolate brands in today's Chinese market.

Barry Callebaut has made it clear that they are coming to share and participate in China's economic growth. It plans to build the Suzhou factory into the largest among its 38 factories globally, and achieve a 6-fold sales increase in the next five years via the Suzhou factory's high capacity. "We hope we can fully utilise this factory's capacity to rapidly increase output from 25,000 tons to 75,000 tons, making it the world's largest chocolate factory," said Barry Callebaut CEO Patrick De Maeseneire.

Multinational ambitions

It is understood that Barry Callebaut's new plant in Suzhou will become the company's Asia-Pacific headquarter, as well as a sales network centre for serving China and multinational food manufacturers and specialised customers. Major brands, such as Cadbury, Hershey's and Nestle, all currently have large quantity of outsourcing manufacturing contracts with Barry Callebaut, whose OEM output of cocoa liquor and chocolate products amounts to 15-20% of each of the three major brands' annual output. So the Swiss Barry Callebaut is indeed the Big Brother of the global chocolate industry.

In fact, even before the arrival of Barry Callebaut, China's local chocolate companies had already been losing market shares to multinational competitors. The US Hershey's has determined to plough the Chinese market, planning to achieve 23% share of the local market by 2010 and the runner-up position in China. Meanwhile, Korean and Japanese chocolate producers are also accelerating their entry into the Chinese market.

Local companies not in the local market

Although the rapidly growing Chinese chocolate market is good news for its local chocolate companies, Chinese consumers today are frequently referring to foreign brands such as Dove, Cadbury, Hershey's and Ferrero but seldom mentioning local brands.

As a foreign product, China only has a chocolate manufacturing history of less than 50 years, so there is inevitable gap behind foreign brands in terms of production techniques and technologies. Due to inappropriate processing equipment and incomplete production facilities, product quality assurance is difficult for many local chocolate companies. Furthermore, most Chinese chocolate companies are weak in product R&D, resulting in slow product changes and updates. At present, most local chocolate companies are stuck in an embarrassing situation of low product quality.

The above industry issues have costed local companies' opportunities to participate in the competition for the Chinese chocolate market. Multinational chocolate brands have come to the Chinese market one by one since the 1990s, and now they are in a dominant market position. With their considerable financial power, multinationals can play their technological and cultural cards, as well as promoting their premium quality and unique tastes, to rapidly capture the Chinese market.

As Barry Callebaut finally entered the Chinese market, its Suzhou factory will make chocolate production even cheaper for multinational brands. For local Chinese companies that are mostly in the low-end market, they may no longer hold this market segment firm.

Keep up with the globalization

Statistics showed that there are about 63 large-scale local chocolate companies in China, with annual production of 150,000 tons. Statistics from industry associations also revealed that China currently has about 250 chocolate companies in total.

Industry insiders pointed out that the Chinese food and beverage industry is a highly and internationally competitive market. The vast potential of China's chocolate market is not only for foreign brands, but is also laid in front of local chocolate producers. The local chocolate industry is now in a structural change and survival-of-the-fittest stage, and no doubt the entry of foreign brands will present challenges to the local industry. But if local chocolate companies can participate in this international competition, it could not only drive the chocolate demand from Chinese consumers, but also promote development of China's chocolate market.

Local Chinese chocolate companies need to constantly improve their product quality, select finer raw ingredients, upgrade production facilities, adopt international technologies, enhance product innovation and brand management. Only then can they compete with multinational companies on a level-playing field, and make a breakthrough in this foreign-dominated Chinese chocolate market.

For more information on Chinese businesses, please visit www.chinabizintel.com

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Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?-Christmas Cookies

Valentine's Day is many things to different people- a chance to start new relationships, rekindle old ones, or remind that special someone how wonderful they really are. Others feel it is just another "Hallmark" holiday where they are expected to do something for unknown reasons. Regardless of your hopes, expectations, or reservations about Valentine's Day, chocolate has long been a favorite gift for lovers.

Christmas Cookies

Since the days of the Aztecs chocolate has been used as a gift. Today a box of luxurious quality chocolate says a thousand "thank you's", "good luck", or "I love you". Chocolate can be given as a way of saying "congratulations", "I am sorry" or "get well soon". On Valentine's Day chocolate clearly says "I LOVE YOU!" Chocolate is more than food, it not only fills your belly but also makes you feel soooo good. Elaine Sherman wrote "Chocolate is heavenly, mellow, sensual, deep, dark, sumptuous, gratifying, potent, dense, creamy, seductive, suggestive, rich, excessive, silky, smooth, luxurious, celestial. Chocolate is downfall, happiness, pleasure, love, ecstasy, fantasy ... chocolate makes us wicked, guilty, sinful, healthy, chic, happy." What more could you want to say to your lover on Valentines Day? Even the scientific name for the tree from which chocolate is derived, Theobroma cacao, translated from Greek, means "food of the gods".

Why does chocolate evoke so many feelings and emotions for us? Chocolate has long been associated with passion, romance and love. This association may go all the way back to the Aztecs. They believed chocolate was a source of spiritual wisdom, incredible energy and elevated sexual power. Chocolate was widely used as a nuptial aid and was widely served at wedding ceremonies. The Aztecs did not know chocolate as we do today; they consumed the cocoa as a drink. Reports indicate that the Emperor Montezuma consumed large quantities of the drink every day and always fortified himself with a cup before entertaining his harem. The explorer Cortes reported to Carlos I of Spain that chocolate is "... the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink enables a man to walk for a whole day without food." From the earliest times, chocolate was considered a substance of power and a source of vitality.

Chocolate has been a subject of study since the first shipment from Veracruz arrived in Spain in 1585. But modern science has made some interesting findings that may help explain our lust for quality chocolate. Chocolate contains organic substances known as alkaloids. The most important of these substances is theobromine, which works as a stimulant to the kidneys. Stimulants in chocolate also affect the central nervous system, with effects similar to caffeine, which is also present in chocolate. A chocolate bar may contain as much as 200 mg of theobromine but only about 25 mg of caffeine. Another important substance found in chocolate is phenylethylamine, which is part of a group of chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins have an effect similar to amphetamine and are found naturally in the human body. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, the mood is lifted and feelings of positive energy are reached. The sensation known as "runners high" is caused by endorphins released during exercise. Phenylethylamine levels in the brain have also been linked to "falling in love". One more chemical found in chocolate is seratonin. Seratonin is known for its calming properties. The presence of these chemicals may explain the multitude of feelings chocolate evokes.

Debra Waterhouse, author of Why Women Need Chocolate, conducted a survey and found: 97% of women reported cravings, 68% of which are for chocolate, 50% would choose chocolate over sex, and 22% were more likely than men to choose chocolate as a mood elevator. These findings could easily be interpreted as a result of how chocolate makes us feel. I don't know why more women choose chocolate than men, for I am a man and I love chocolate.

Critics would say that the benefits of eating chocolate are small when compared to the sugar and fat contained in a chocolate bar. The best chocolate, dark chocolate with high cacao butter content has no added fat, as well as a high percentage of cacao solids and correspondingly less sugar. Although chocolate will never be considered a health food based on its nutritional value, it is still good for you! Good for your heart and soul-anything that helps relieve stress and makes you feel so good must be.

Receiving a nicely wrapped box of chocolates causes a sense of anticipation. The pleasure of unwrapping the box, the sensual smell, lifting the soft seductive papers, the look of the smooth dark chocolates. When it finally passes your lips and starts to instantly melt filling your mouth with exquisite pleasure. The taste and smell flood your senses with overwhelming ecstasy. Eating it slowly, taking time to enjoy and savor every bit. What better way to start off an evening of love?

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First Ironman? The Ten Most tasteless Mistakes

First Ironman? The Ten Most tasteless Mistakes There's lots of trial and error complex when you're attempting your first Ironman. These days there's lots of advice floating nearby out there and it can get confusing at times. After over 20 years on the Ironman scene, I've seen some of the same mistakes made over and over again by first time Ironman triathletes.

Here are the top ten mistakes that I feel you should certainly try and avoid. Just perhaps it will give you a better shot at achieving your Ironman goal. (1) Overtraining Almost without fail, the first time Ironman will go into the race overtrained. The hardest thing to learn about your training, is when to rest. Its certainly difficult to convince some athletes that rest is an primary component of their Ironman preparation. Some will insist on training no matter how tired they are or how sore they are. They will fully forget to factor in the physical and thinking attempt they expend at work every day. Worse yet, as the big day approaches, they will start their taper far too late. They continue to pound out the mileage for fear they'll lose the conditioning they worked so hard to achieve. Here are a few tips: If you begin a workout, and just know its going to be a struggle--you just have no energy--stop the work-out and go home. You obviously need more rest. When it gets certainly bad, take an whole week-end and do "nothing" connected with Ironman training. Go away for a few days. You won't lose a thing and will resume your training rested and refreshed. As far as tapering, your longest workout day should be "4 weeks" before race day. Begin your taper there. (2) Poor Diet It's practically sad to see the attempt some habitancy put into their ironman training only to stall their compel and stamina growth with an improper diet. Avoid the junk food, eat a allowable equilibrium of complex carbs, protein and fat. Heighten a allowable diet with vitamin supplements. (3) Improper Final Week Preparation Its so easy to get caught up in the hype on ironman week. Too much time is spent in restaurants eating food you don't normally eat. Far too many athletes will do the swim course several times or hammer out long bike rides or pound through ten mile runs in the blazing heat. None of this helps you. You must stay relaxed and get lots of rest that final week. Before you arrive at the venue, make sure you have a plan set out for the whole week, right up to race morning. (4) Improper Pre-Race Hydration Either athletes will drink too much or not enough important up to the race. You should start hydrating several days before the race. The rule of thumb is, when urine is clear and copious, you are properly hydrated. Too much drinking will flush too many nutrients out of your ideas and could lead to hyponatremia. More is not better. "Don't" drink too much on race morning. You don't want fluid sloshing nearby in your stomach during the swim. (5) Improper Race-Eve Preparation The day before the race is crucial! You shouldn't be doing much of anything. Rest is the order of the day. Stay out of the sun. Eat your final large meal early in the day.(I never ate after 4 p.m. On that last day). This gives your digestive ideas time to work. Do what you must do. For instance--bike check-in, pre-race meeting and then go back to your room and relax. (6) Poor Swim Strategy It's an Ironman tradition to have mass swim starts and I can't see that changing anytime in the near future. Most races have upwards of 2000 starters in a congested swim area. To convince yourself that the best strategy is to ensue the course markers is a formula for disaster. To decide to wait a microscopic or so, and then ensue the markers is still a disaster. When you look around, their will be hundreds of others waiting as well. Go in with a workable strategy. Avoid the crush. I have an exquisite swim strategy on my website. (7) Mistakes In Transition The last place you should be running, is in the transition area. If this is your first Ironman, there is certainly nothing to be gained by it. It will drive your heart rate up. It will cause you to make mistakes. Take your time. In the chaos that surrounds you, keep in your own relaxed space. (8) Going Out Waaaay Too Fast On The Bike Relax!! Don't eat or drink for twenty minutes or so. Let your body adjust to the new demands you're placing on it. Then begin to fuel up for the bike ahead and keep nutrition and fluid on an even keel for the whole bike ride. Spin at a nice relaxed pace for the first 40 km or so and then pick it up a microscopic to the pace you feel you can assert for the bulk of the ride. (9) certainly No Run Plan Don't just go out and wing it. Have a well-conceived run plan. Train months ahead for how you plan to cope the marathon. Its likely that not even 1% of first time ironman hopefuls will run the whole marathon. So train for this. Do long run-walks in training. In other words, try a three hour training run like this. Run for the first 30-45 minutes and then begin walking for two minutes and running for 12-15 minutes at a steady workable pace. Keep repeating this for the whole run. In effect, what you're doing, is practicing walking the aid stations and running in in the middle of as much as possible. When you leave the bike-run transition try and get in as much mileage as you can before you begin walking. (10) certainly No Eating-Drinking Plan For The Run As the marathon strengthen and your vigor and stamina are being challenged to the max, the normal reaction is to try eating a bit of everything ready at the aid stations. This is someone else disaster in the making. The last thing you need is cookies, fruit, coke, etc., etc. Trashing your stomach. If you trained all year with gels and a certain type of exchange drink, then that's what you should stick with. Don't make the mistake of searching in any place for a miracle cure. Is isn't there. The Ironman hurts. That is the nature of the beast. Don't let it get the best of you. Fight through it with an eating and drinking plan that you've concept out long before race day. Everything I've mentioned here is covered and discussed on my "Ironstruck" website. I would be particularly concerned with having a allowable diet and overall-race plan. Take the guess-work out of race-day. Know exactly what your swim plan will be. allowable diet and vitamin supplements are a must. Make sure your Ironman plans cover everything up to and together with the race. First Ironman? The Ten Most tasteless Mistakes Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

How to Choose a Theme For a Charity Event

How to Choose a Theme For a Charity Event Charity events raise a lot of money for fundraising causes and gain a lot of attention for the charity or cause running the event. But with more charities springing up every day representing a diverse number of causes, how can you get your fundraising event noticed by fundraisers and the media?

The best charity events don't follow a cookie-cutter approach - they are themed for each charity. They may also have a secondary theme that makes the event stand out. Charity themes are those that make each event unique to your charity. For example, charity balls are very common, but have you ever been to a charity ball where you can bring your pet? This would be a perfect, and unique, way to fundraise for an animal charity. The event stands out because it's fun, different, and it also represents the charity perfectly. Other charity-themed event ideas: Pink parties for breast cancer charities Kid-friendly events for children's charities Athletic events for sport charities Pet-themed parties for animal causes Environmental events for green charities Consider who your target fundraising audience is and what charity you're representing to come up with an ideal theme: Climb a mountain for Sport Relief, hold a tree-planting party for Greenpeace, or hold a pink bake sale at a local community centre. All of these ideas are much more interesting than generic charity events like dances, balls or parties. You can also choose a secondary theme for your fundraising event. This can be anything but should tie in with what's going on in your community. Seasonal events like Halloween, Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day parties are popular. You can also look to your local community for inspiration. For example, if you live at the seaside, a beach party might be the perfect charity event for your fundraising efforts. Look around you for ideas and have fun with it. Anything that will make your charity event stand out from the others is an idea worth considering. How to Choose a Theme For a Charity Event Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Top 10 Most Wanted Toys for Christmas 2011 - 2012

Top 10 Most Wanted Toys for Christmas 2011 - 2012 If you are searching for the best presents to buy the itsybitsy ones in your life, then you can stop now. I put together a list of the top ten hot Christmas toys for this year so you can spend more time enjoying the last month of 2011 and less worrying about whether you are the buying toys that kids certainly want.

#1 LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Educational, but your kids won't know it! Includes 100 plus studying games, apps, ebooks, videos, built-in camera and video recorder. Also adjusts to each child's skill level, has an interactive color touch screen and more wrapped in a sturdy, but light-weight package. Encourages children to learn and be creative at their own pace. Parents can also keep track of their child's improve online and with emails. Ready in green or pink. #2 Monster High Dolls from Mattel Not like your commonplace Barbie-like doll. Each doll is the offspring of a excellent infamous monster. For example, Draculaura is the daughter of Dracula, Abbey Bominable is the daughter of the Yeti. Almost everything Monster High associated is going to be popular this Christmas, but the dolls will be the best sellers! Specifically the Monster High Abbey Bominable and Toralei Stripe Dolls since they are newer and a itsybitsy harder to find. #3 Air Swimmers This is a clever new type of remote-controlled vehicle by William Mark Corporation. There are two designs available, the shark and clown fish. The Air Swimmers use helium and are powered by four triple A batteries. They are designed to stay inflated for any weeks and "swim" through the air easily. This a fun convert from the typical remote-controlled car or plane. Indoor use only though. #4 Lite Sprites by Wowwee These dolls and accessories use color and light to express their moods and feelings. Each sprite has a unique personality and purpose and they all consist of the Sprite Sisterhood. There is a Tree of Life accessory from which the individual sprites can hang from. So I suggest pairing the tree plus one or two sprites if the recipient doesn't own any other Lite Sprite toys. There are abundance of other accessories Ready if they do, like the wand and assorted play sets. #5 Hot Wheels Wall Tracks These are car tracks that you can attach to the walls. This is the latest convert to the approved Hot Wheels floor racing tracks. I give them credit for coming up with something very distinct instead of just adding yet other loop. You can buy the starter set or a specific track set. The sets can be used alone or associated to the other wall tracks to create a larger race course. Don't worry about the walls, Hot Wheels is using 3M Command Strips to attach the tracks so your paint or wallpaper won't be destroyed. At least not by the 3M strips anyway. #6 Sing and Glow Rapunzel This doll is based on the Disney movie, Tangled, that came out earlier this year. Rapunzel's hair would glow when she sang a certain song. Just like the movie, the doll Rapunzel lights up and sings. There are two distinct versions of the Rapunzel doll from Tangled and they both have similar names. One has a light on her back so when it is on, it appears that her hair is glowing and she sings her song, "I See the Light". The other one uses a wand. When in comes into feel with her gown, she lights up and sings her song. #7 Rock Star Mickey by Fisher-Price Last year, Dance Star Mickey was the "must have" Christmas toy. This year it's Rock Star Mickey. He dances, sings, "rocks out". He does head bops, leg kicks, a split and plays the guitar with his nose. He'll even teach you his dance moves. This is by all means; of course for the younger age group. It's recommended for ages 2 and up, but I wouldn't go past 6 years old. #8 Let's Rock Elmo by Sesame Street Elmo seems to be a huge hit every Christmas, but this year I think he's going to be even more popular. This time, he comes with a microphone, a tambourine and a drum set. What's certainly cool is that he interacts with other Let's Rock instruments(sold separately). He knows when you are playing any of the Let's Rock instruments (guitar, keyboard or microphone) and starts playing with you. He also sings 6 songs. Personally, I like this toy great than the Rock Star Mickey, but it boils down to who your child loves more. #9 Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll It seems like all of the Lalaloopsy dolls will be popular this Christmas, but I believe the Silly Hair Doll versions will be extra popular. I was once a wee lass and the main thing I loved about my dolls was the ability to play with their hair. Lalaloopsy doesn't have the typical Barbie doll hair. The strands are thicker, bendable rubber so you can twist, curl or straighten them. Includes hair accessories and a pet with a bendable tail. I certainly like these dolls! I think they are creative and a nice convert from the stereotypical girl's doll. #10 Xia Xia Pets by Cepia These are collectible hermit crabs that are colorful. They do a crab walk when you press their claws. There are four crab characters in all and each comes with a small friend under their shell. There are abundance of accessory shells and playsets too. I know, I didn't quite understand the request for retrial whether until I found out that the point is to obtain and trade the shells. If there will be multiple kids nearby the same age occasion presents together then maybe buy one for each child so they can trade after occasion if they want. Top 10 Most Wanted Toys for Christmas 2011 - 2012 Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Cupcakes - Delightful Topping Suggestions

Cupcakes - Delightful Topping Suggestions Cakes and pastries have been favorites amongst people for ages now. The sumptuous creamy fluffy cakes are a big hit with all age groups especially the kids. If you are looking to learn how to bake a few of these little wonders, look no further! The answers are all here. Read on to find out more about the ingredients and the varieties that are possible to bake when it comes to cup cakes.

The all time favorites are the vanilla flavored one which though extremely simple is a time tested recipe. With a few common ingredients from your pantry you can create a batch of freshly made cupcakes. All purpose flour, eggs, sugar and a pinch of baking powder with a dash of milk is all it takes to make muffins. The moulds into which the batter can be poured can be purchased from the neighborhood supermarket. For the secret ingredients to make your batch of cupcakes special are just what is required to be called the world's best mom or aunt or sister! Right from the evergreen chocolate cupcake to the more unique flavors such as the carrot cupcake or the date and raisin ones one can try adding their own personal touch and flavor to it. Another thing that makes cupcakes so versatile is the toppings! Cream toppings either made of fresh whipped cream or the icing sugar toppings. There is also the option of the butter icing. Depending on the style and fancy of the consumer the toppings can be made for a wide range of occasions. Recipes for cup cake frostings are dime a dozen and picking the right one can sometimes be overwhelming and first timers are bound to have a few queries. Here we shall see the common icing types and which the best cakes they work for. A basic icing can be the butter icing though rather simple can be fantastically done and can be quite a hit with the kids. Adding sprinkles or colorful chips of icing sugar can be exciting for the little ones. A richer option for the topping is a chocolate ganache frosting. An experienced hand may be required but several books offer a step by step method to tackle it. Those looking for a unique twist on the topping and willing to yield to fresher tastes, a lemon icing can be tried. Though a bit sour, when made well the cupcake tastes rather special. Pull out your aprons and whip up a batch with any of these delicious toppings and invite your friends over! Cupcakes - Delightful Topping Suggestions Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

A Brown Derby First - The History of Chiffon Cake

A Brown Derby First - The History of Chiffon Cake There are many types of cake. Sponge, chocolate, and butter cakes are some of the many varieties available to us. At a certain time though the only kinds available were exactly those kinds of cake which is fine, but what would we have missed without some of the delightful varieties like my favorite, chiffon. Its light airy nature may seem daunting at times but when I think of that texture that mixes with many different flavors, my desire for the cake overcomes my feelings that I don't want to take the time to do it. That being said I know someone did something right when they first invented this cake. By some small effort I was able to come up with how this delicate and moist cake came about. It was as follows.

Chiffon cake is a cake that is primarily made with oil instead of butter, making it a delightful balance between angel food cakes and butter cakes. Harry Baker was an insurance agent from Hollywood who is credited with the recipe of the first chiffon cake in the 1920s. He was someone who always dreamed of a cake that was a combination of sponge and butter cake. In 1927 was when it was officially created, but he jealously guarded his secret recipe. Everyone wanted the recipe. After all, it was the first original cake recipe in 100 years and, therefore; everyone wanted a piece of it. Both MGM and RKO gave screen time to Baker's creation. The chiffon cake was slowly put into the Brown Derby restaurant where it was the featured dessert on the menu. It was kept secret until the 1940s when it was sold to General Mills. Baker went public with the recipe after wartime restrictions were released. When seeing an ad about the Betty Crocker empire he started to pursue a negotiation with General Mills. They absolutely would not make a negotiation until the secret ingredient was revealed. It took them eleven months to come out with the perfect recipe for their cookbook. In 1948 it was finally perfected and hit all the magazines. It was shortly thereafter turned into a corporate scheme to promote their Silkasilk flour and their Wesson oil in 1948. The promotion of General Mills' chiffon cake recipe was most likely the reason that chiffon cake is as popular as it is today. Every baking book holds at least one chiffon cake recipe including the ever famous Betty Crocker Cookbook. Eventually advertising came to a point where people had to send away for the recipe book as opposed to already getting the recipe put in the article. You don't see it too often at birthday parties anymore and it is rarely heard of today unless someone knows their cakes quite well, but when all is said and done it is a glorious cake. It is like an angel food cake with some actual substance to it, making it the perfect cake for many. Just trying serving a delicious chiffon cake at any party and be amazed by the reception it receives. Then amaze them with your stunning knowledge on how this cake was once the featured dessert at the Brown Derby and your party will be sure to be a hit. Chiffon cake anyone? "Pecan Nutty Chiffon Cake"* Ingredients: 7 separated eggs, 4 to 6 tbs of non-fat milk, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 and ½ tsp of vanilla extract, ¾ cup of Splenda, ¾ cup of sugar, ½ cup of softened butter, 1 tsp of baking powder, 4 cups of confectioners' sugar, 1 tsp of salt, 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1 tsp of salt, ½ tsp of cream of tartar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and ¾ cup of water. In a mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, Splenda, baking powder, and salt. Add the oil, egg yolks, water, and vanilla; beat until smooth. In another bowl beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold into egg yolk mixture. Fold in the nuts. Spoon batter into an ungreased 10 inch tube pan. Cut through the batter with a knife to remove the air pockets. Bake at 325 degrees for about 60 minutes. Immediately invert the pan and cool completely. Run a knife around the sides and the center tube of the pan. Invert the cake on a serving plate. For the frosting combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve the desired consistency. Frost top and sides of cake. Enjoy the perfect party pleaser. Base of recipe from Taste of Home and then I molded it from there. A Brown Derby First - The History of Chiffon Cake Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

How to Get Along With Cancer, Leo, Virgo

How to Get Along With Cancer, Leo, Virgo AstroMagnetism

Getting Along Does Not Mean Loving Its easy listening to people go on about key sun sign qualities which are based actually upon personal experience. Since 1975, I have listened at parties and get togethers; and realized that most people are talking about their particular Cancer, their most beloved buddy - Leo, or their hated parent - Virgo. When you hear people talk about a sun sign, you are most likely hearing about two or three (at the most) intimate, close (hated or loved) relationships they had with those signs. Our short hand way of reconciling these complex issues is blended with personal experience, artistic interpretation, along with astro talk and ancient texts which speak about the signs. A quick way to start an argument is to dispute over a sun signs chief characteristic. To be sure, there is no absolute fixity about this topic. However, there are elements of the sun signs which apart from subjective experience do tend to shine a light the way we manifest our characters in this earthly realm. The Point of this Article: The "Getting Along" Intuition - I will cover the other signs in other articles, but the intuition involved in Getting Along with the various Sun Signs has to do with picking up from each Soul what is the main tune that they are playing. What is the main message beaming out of their eyes? Look for the core of what a Sun Sign is and then observe them playing their song and manifesting themselves in their particular unique ways. Once you have a fix on that, then ride along with them and appreciate them for what they are and see how it plays out in the external world. Then your patience concerning that perceived reality allows you to envelope them with a bubble of tolerance. This all ends up benefiting you, as you make your way through the field of human relationships. These could be called "tricks" to getting along. I emphasize getting along, and do not emphasize, the words persuade, dissuade, win and argument with, dominate or seduce. Those topics are for other times. Getting along is, in a sense, what life first asks us to do, and in a way, its the hardest thing we are asked to do, especially with certain sun signs. So, what I am trying to impart is that you want to "get along" so that you can be well thought of, and perhaps even positively reviewed as a friend, buddy, associate, subordinate or superior. Cancer - "I am not a crab. Its just that the beach is the best place for my family." - Cancer - the Crab, the Moonchild is a complex sun sign. The word "getting along" should really be emphasized here. They don't really care about being easy to get along with, unless they have a vested interest in you, the enterprise, the event. If they have this vested interest, they can charm you to the heights. But that's only if their family or their business is involved. The emphasis on crab is an easy image to bring a level of understanding to. They skitter along the beach in front of the ocean. They know how to gather resources in for their family. And they are smarter than all the other animals because at their front door, the most resplendent life-producing element on the planet is constantly dropping its tidal waves of vitality right there. The ocean -- giver of life. The Moonchild is a statement about their predictable mood changes. Don't think of them as unpredictably moody. Think of them as predictably moody. They go from quarter moon, to half moon, then full, then waning. down to the new moon, then waxing. There is a level of sureness there. Their loved ones only have to wait. The trouble is that you can't go up to a cancer and ask them what phase of the moon they are in, you just have to smile and wait, and see where they are at. But outwardly - They are like Betty Crocker. They can run a corporation from a phone booth. They are enterprising, hardworking, sweet moody people who are quite intense. That intensity though, is subsurface. They are not intense so you will be intimidated. They are intense because, they are intense. And they will do their best to hide that intensity; often with minimal success. How do you get along with Cancer? Ask about the family. Ask about the business (often an entrepreneurial effort). Don't say anything negative about their family, or interview them as if you know a secret about their family. The little crab claw will come up and snip you on the nose. Admire Cancer's family and business efforts. But don't be too cloying or you will appear to be insincere. Cancers hate artifice, insincerity, the appearance of manipulation and too much charm. If you are trying to get along with a Cancer, approach with an open-faced look of admiration and respect and don't be flippant. Cancer's hate flippant, if it seems disrespectful. Cancers are sincere. Love that about them. To get along with your Cancer loved one or friend, don't try to overinfluence them. If they embrace you as part of their family, half of what they do will be to fix your booboo, and alter your bad habits. Don't worry, that's love. Love them for it. Forget about if they don't have the "nice touch". Leo - "My Claws are for combing my main, so I can look good basking in the Sun." - Yes, Leos are great warriors and fighters, but just like the real lion, they are not into fighting as much as looking like they are great fighters. The Sun rules Leo the Lion, so it is not hard to get along with them. Shine your light of admiration on them and they will beam back at you with a gleamy appreciative smile. (Think Bill Clinton). Under the topic of getting along that will appear not to be an issue at all -- unless you cross them, or they think you crossed them, or disrespected them, or ignored them. Then Leo can bite your head off and spit it out with hot-blooded fury. Stay clear of the temper. That is rule number one for getting along with Leo. Admire, respect, and avoid offending. Leo is gracious and loving and they like to do things for people. If they look good while they are being grand, then that is all the better. Leo likes leading. If they are not in charge, they try to be in charge, or look like they are next in line. Keep seeing a big generous smile that seems to say -- "I invented smiling and I am currently blessing you with its grandeur." Leos are fun. Leos are great at parties. Leos are good back slappers and love to have a "pride". It is rather ironic that the word "pride" has to do with the lion's offspring, because that is what they are "proud of their offspring". Their pride then is a reflection of their leadership and strength. When the Sun beams at you in the noon day heat, is their anything but warmth you are feeling? Getting along with Leos comes in two phases: 1) Let them beam at you in the beginning and pay respects and beam back at them. 2) If you start thinking that all that glowing charm is insincere and you wince when it appears that they really don't care about you -- keep smiling and don't ask them for deep love. Just be content with the kind of love they give. They are not going to stop and pay particular attention to you, unless someone else is looking at the same time. Get used to that idea and then give them leaway and let them get the attention. They are good friends to have. They are very bad enemies to have. So do your best. Virgos - "I am about perfection and service. Let me serve you my way and you will be fine." - When you meet someone who is "virginal" you are meeting a collection of virtues which almost seem to oppose one another. There are not too many virginal people around these days, so imagine someone from an old movie or a novel. The Virgo, the Virgin, sees the world in a certain way and they see all the rules that go into that world. They try to keep them. They try to help other people to observe those rules and they will serve you with those attempts. The oppositional ideas come when you don't see the world like they do. Then they criticize you. Virginal "criticism" as such, does not exist for the Virgo themselves. They are just righting you on the path. How can that be criticism for heaven's sake? You are on this path, you are about to go off the path, they are pulling you so you won't get hurt. That is not criticism. If you call it criticism then you just don't understand. That is the way the Virgo looks at things. They are not conflicted internally. Internally, they continue to see the world with their clarity. All the confusion and the suffering out there is because people just don't get how to stay on the path. Getting along with Virgos has to do with letting them love and serve you the way they want to. Do not push a different world view on them. Little bits of criticism will start firing off at you. Remember that when you get "criticized" they are probably also, helping you or serving you in some way, so it is very difficult to get angry with them. As they nudge you a bit, and look down on you a bit, remember they are "virginal", they are doing their best to help you. If you come into disfavor with them, they will tend to label you in their virginal way, and label you as a "bad person". If you are a bad person, it does not mean that they hate you, and probably won't really harm you extremely, but they will probably up the temperature on the heat of their criticism. That's a sign that they may have given up on you just a little bit. But don't let that get you down. If a Virgo is important for you to get along with, its easy to get back in their graces as long as you start behaving better. Their purpose is to serve you in their perfection. Try to get back in that place and you will have a nice time being cared for by these virginal types. Just try to keep from disappointing them. How to Get Along With Cancer, Leo, Virgo Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Cake Decorating - Icing For Decorations

Cake Decorating - Icing For Decorations It can be difficult to choose what medium to decorate with. Fondant is highly popular but quite expensive. Moreover, let's face it - fondant is not for beginners. I learned the hard way after wasting a lot of it. When it comes to cake decorating, icing is used to make many decorations from flowers to specialty designs or borders. Just icing the cake is an issue for many novices. You probably relate to having had some issue with icing and that is common. What you need to do is go talk with others and get their advice, tips and tricks too.

Cookbooks, kits and a monthly email newsletter are not going to help you much. Yummy Arts can though and when you visit, you'll see why and how. Just try and imagine one site, one community that has literally everything you need. You can go and get your ideas, then you can watch a video and learn or enhance a skill, then you can talk with others along the way, or email for support and answers. Then you can post your finished creation for everyone to see, talk about and learn from. You won't need another resource of any kind, jut a lot of time to practice cake decorating; icing included. I know you're probably like me and have to see for yourself and seeing is believing when it comes to cake decorating. I can't imagine what you could do to a professional portfolio if you have Yummy Arts as your secret weapon, but those that are professional attest to the substantial rise in orders and income. I encourage you to do yourself a favor and invest one time in one resource. You'll get all you want and more, including that gorgeous cake you're about to make and decorate. Good luck. Cake Decorating - Icing For Decorations

Unusual Christmas Cookies

Unusual Christmas Cookies Try some of these unusual combinations to liven up your cookie change and bring a smile to the family table this holiday season. They are quick and easy and you probably won't see them on any other tables, but they are oh, so good.

Cola Gingerbread also known as Ginger Soda Bread When I was a teen my grandmother made these and brought them with her when she came to visit for the holidays. I can still remember the taste today. And now, as an adult, I know why mom and dad would only let us have one. It was the topping! To one package of gingerbread mix add 3/4 cup of cola. Mix well. Stir in one tablespoon of instant coffee and 1 tablespoon of grated orange peel. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees. Gingerbread is done when it springs back when touched lightly in the center. Cool for ten minutes. Serve topped with whipped topping, or if you want the traditional topping for this treat serve with hard sauce. The method follows. Hard-sauce: To 1 cup confectioners sugar add two tablespoons of brandy or whiskey. Stir until blended and the sauce is stiff. You may have to add added sugar on a humid day, or a petite less. Spread onto cooled cookies. You can also adornment with candied ginger for a petite something extra. Vinegar And Cocoa Cookie Sounds strange but these are delicious. Add a few colored sugar sprinkles to the frosting to give them a festive flair. Sift together three cups of flour, two cups of sugar, a 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and ten level tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder in a bowl and set aside. In an additional one bowl mix together 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 3/4 cup salad oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Add to dry mix. Stir in up to 1/2 cup of water a petite at a time. Compound should be a soft batter but not runny. Drop onto a greased baking sheet and Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Frost with your favorite frosting. Mayonnaise Cake Cookies This may sound surprising but mayonnaise is a blend of eggs and oil, so it makes sense that during the depression my grandmother would think of using it to bake some family treats. To make them more festive for the holidays and special events, grandma would add some nuts and candied cherries to the batter. Sift together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 cup sugar. Cream 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon each, vanilla and almond extract. Add dry Compound and stir until well blended. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls and bake on a greased baking sheet 10 - 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Frost with your favorite fudge frosting. Corn Meal Cookies Another family favorite, these will leave you wanting more. And more. And more! you will need: 1 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon lemon extract 1 cup raisins 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts 1/4 cup dried apricots 1/4 cup dried cherries 3 cups cake flour 1 cup yellow corn meal 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cream shortening. Add the sugar, eggs, and passage and cream until light. Toss the raisins in 1/2 cup of flour and add. Sift the remaining dry ingredients and add, mixing well. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto a greased cookie sheet. Flatten out with a fork. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes. Cool. Makes about 60 - 2 inch cookies. Store in airtight package for up to a month. Flak-O-Roons Funny sounding but delicious none the less. Whip these up and you will be an instant hit. 3 egg whites 1/2 teaspoon salt stirred into 1 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups rice flakes 2 1/4 cups coconut- flaked 1 cup chocolate chips Beat egg whites until stiff adding sugar gently until soft peaks form. fold in cereal and coconut. Drop from a spoon onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cool. while cooling, melt the chocolate chips. Using a spoon drizzle the cookies with the melted chocolate in a pleasing pattern. Makes about 3 dozen cookies. Optional: You can use white baking chips or a thin frosting tinted with food coloring if you like. I hope your family enjoys these as much as mine do. Unusual Christmas Cookies

Book report For: A Christmas variety Anthology, Spicy

Book report For: A Christmas variety Anthology, Spicy Book chronicle for: A Christmas Collection, Spicy Anthology Various authors Victory Tales Press Isbn: 1456304461 Avail in ebook and print 4.5 Stars

Authors Kit Prate, Ca Paris, Cheryl Pierson, and Laura Shinn come together for this spicy anthology of Christmas stories that will have readers believing in the magic of the season - and love. Each story has an unique setting and a heartwarming authenticity that will draw the reader into the romance of Christmas. Kit Prate pens Feliz Navidad. A historical western, Gabriel Hawkins seeks revenge for a boy he raised, but Christmas has other ideas. Will Gabriel find revenge or happiness at the end of his journey? Gabriel's story is intriguing, leaving the reader to wonder what will happen as they turn the pages. The ending captures the same milieu of hope that Christmas does. Ca Paris crafts a contemporary romance with "Underneath the Mistletoe." Scott and Tiffany are best friends who long for more, but it isn't until they share a kiss under the mistletoe do they survey changing the dynamics of their relationship. I nothing else but enjoyed Scott and Tiffany as characters. The association was realistic. There's all the time a special magic when you fall in love with your best friend. The story will warm the reader's heart. White Christmas by Cheryl Pierson is other contemporary romance. Derek Pierce is a firefighter. Carlie Thomas is a nurse who watches over him during the holidays. Both have suffered losses and Christmas is a bittersweet time of the year for them. Can the magic of Christmas heal their wounded hearts? Pierson's writing is crisp, spellbinding the reader on an emotional level. Christmas is about hope and love, and the story captures that effortlessly, reminding us of the think for the season. The Hands of Time by Laura Shin blends romance, magic, and history seamlessly. It's the late 1600s and Lady Graciela Scott is sent into a snow globe after being put under an enchantment. Only her true love can set her free, but will time allow them the opening to find each other? I beloved this tale. Shinn captures the essence of a fairytale, aka Sleeping Beauty, and brings it to life in the story. As Christmas hope endures the test of time, so does Graciela and Ken's love. The anthology's stories are all sophisticated in nature. The love scenes are tasteful, yet sensual, and full of chemistry. Each story is loosely linked as they evoke the theme of hope during Christmas. This spicy anthology is a satisfying holiday tidbit. Reviewed by: S. Burkhart Book report For: A Christmas variety Anthology, Spicy

Autumn in a Soup Thermos

Autumn in a Soup Thermos I am one of those people who anticipate with glee the clear crisp autumn mornings. Give me gloomy gray clouds with a slight rainy mist moving over the blooms of spring and two things will immediately happen: the closet will resemble an end-of-summer department store clearance rack as the fall wardrobe takes over, and the stove top will brim with comfort food. And of all the politically incorrect comfort dishes bursting from my flour-dusted and grease-stained mid-1950's edition Betty Crocker cookbook, my favorite fall cuisine would have to be soup.

Soup (the creamier, the better!) transports me to my grade school days, wearing my little red jumper dress, where upon twisting the plastic cap on my Partridge Family thermos I am rewarded with a whiff of mom's Slumgullion soup. To this day I'd lay bets that the smell of that soup wafting on a stiff fall afternoon breeze brought my test scores up at least twenty percent. Once a week mom would magically create a soup our huge pot she jokingly called "the cauldron." and the resulting aroma that would seep into every corner and crevice of our home wasn't of this world. Like the cartoons of the day, I could imagine my feet being lifted off the ground, nose sniffing the air, as I floated toward the simmering taste of heaven coming from the kitchen. Mom had many names for her consommé concoctions; Italian Delight, Everything but the Kitchen Sink, or my favorite: Slumgullion Soup. And I loved every slurp, despite the outrageous names. When I grew older, and asked mom for the recipes to her incredible soups, she let me in on The Big Secret: every one of her soups was made from leftovers. They weren't exactly recipes, she stammered, a little embarrassed at the thought. How could she not have recipes for her incredible gourmet soups? I couldn't fathom that these bowls of bliss which I so closely connected with my wonder years weren't going to be passed down for future generations. I was almost incensed until I realized that while they may not have been pulled from the pages of a gourmet magazine or from hand-scrawled notes long-stored in great grandma's recipe trunk, these soups were put together out of a combination of financial necessity and love. I know that now. Just last night I peeked in the fridge and pawed through the cupboards pulling out the left over ground beef, some broth, an assortment of canned vegetables, and the ubiquitous jar of spaghetti sauce. I made my (mom's, really) Minestrone Mumbo for my husband, my parents, and my daughters. It tasted just like those old school days. Mom smiled, "You got this out of great grandma's secret recipe trunk, didn't you?" "Sure did Mom, just like you did." Minestrone Mumbo (Serves six) 1 lb. ground beef 4 potatoes (diced) 1 can of corn with liquid 1 can of green beans drained ½ to ¾ bag of shell noodles (any noodle will do) 1 cup of fresh vegetables (zucchini is what I prefer) 6 tsps, or cubes of beef bouillon 1 jar of red spaghetti sauce Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Brown the ground beef in pan and drain out fat. Salt and pepper the meat. Boil the potatoes in water until soft. Once potatoes are soft, drain out enough water so that the potatoes are just covered. Adjust stove temperature to medium and add drained ground beef. Make sure the water is at a small boil and add your dry noodles. Cook until noodles are tender. Add can of corn with juice, can of green beans drained, any other vegetable you would like, and 6 tsps or cubes of beef bouillon, then simmer. Taste to make sure there is enough beef flavor from the bouillon. (Sometimes it can need more or less bouillon; it just depends on the day, so make sure to taste. At this point, pour in the jar of spaghetti and bring the pot back up to a simmer. (This soup can also be made with chicken and chicken broth instead of beef broth, and Alfredo sauce in place of red sauce. It's great with a little bit of Parmesan cheese and cornbread, or French rolls. You'll probably even have leftovers to pour into the school Thermos, as well. Autumn in a Soup Thermos

My Dad's Spice Cabinet is Bigger Than Your Dad's!

My Dad's Spice Cabinet is Bigger Than Your Dad's! I'm certain my wife is tired of being told how "lucky" she is (not by me!). I know who the lucky one is. While I was gallivanting around the country in the '90s trying to build a career in sales and marketing, she was holding down the fort and raising three children (who, by the way don't mind being told they are lucky!) practically solo. I'm the lucky one; she just chose well! Nonetheless, in stereotypical fashion, when we encounter friends and acquaintances in social settings, if the conversation comes around to food -- and it often does -- my wife gets to hear it, "You are sooooo lucky your husband cooks!" (Sounds like a kept woman to me!)

I'm a "foodie," but let me say for the record, ANY spouse, man or woman, whose mate cooks three or more times a week is fortunate -- doubly so if the quality of the food is consistently high (which would be the case at our house). My interest in food, particularly the preparation of same, goes back 30 years to my tuna noodle casserole days as a college student living on my own. My mother's tuna noodle casserole was a staple in my house during my formative years, so when I rented my first apartment as a college sophomore, my roommates were introduced to Clara's Tuna Casserole. I picked it because it was easy. The rest, as they say, is history. After a couple years alternating between tuna casserole, hot dogs, Campbell's chicken noodle soup and Domino's pizza, it was time to kick things up a notch. After all, man cannot live on Domino's alone! Having worked as a short order cook in high school at a popular home-town diner, I knew my way around a kitchen a little bit. I asked for one thing for Christmas in 1980 -- a cookbook -- and true to form, Santa came through with my very own Betty Crocker Cookbook (actually, it was from Mom). By then, I was sans roommates, so cooking for one wasn't the most efficient, but nonetheless, I forged ahead, determined to expand my culinary horizon. Lo and behold, the quality of the leftovers began to improve! I married my wife the summer after graduating from college, and I've been cooking for her ever since. My second cookbook -- the classic New York Times Cookbook -- was a gift from my mother-in-law. I was pretty handy with a sketch pad and a box of pastels as a kid, but I chose a non-artistic career path, so I believe my discovery of cooking was preordained. It allowed me to satisfy my creative tendencies while serving a genuinely practical function -- we all gotta eat. HOUSE RULE: You don't have to finish it, but you at least have to try it. That's really the only hard-and-fast rule at the dinner table in our house, and it enabled us to greatly expand our children's palates when they were youngsters. That can be a two-edged sword, for if I dared serve a meat dish without an accompanying sauce, I'd be sure to get the evil eye from my daughters. "What, Daddy, no sauce? May I be excused?" Ultimately, my children grew up with a tremendous appreciation for good food and the effort that goes into it, not to mention the importance of fresh ingredients. As you might imagine, our dinner table hosted dozens of our children's friends over the years, and the House Rule applied to them too. The only exception involved allergies. As a result, we exposed hundreds of kids to dishes they had never experienced, and expanded their culinary worlds in the process too. Our kids' friends knew - and still know -- that an invitation to dinner at the Stauffer house was a special opportunity, and we were blessed to have quite a few of them join us more than once. What about our friends? Did the House Rule apply to them too? You bet! Having friends join us for dinner, or hosting a group for a football game or holiday represents some of our most memorable and enjoyable social occasions. Our idea of a good time is hanging out with friends, noshing on some top-notch home-cooked goodies complemented by some good wine and a few cocktails. For us, it doesn't get any better than that. GOD BLESS THE INTERNET I'm a strong believer that if you can read, to a certain extent, you can cook. Therefore, given basic requisite supplies and equipment, there's no reason anyone should eat bad, or even mediocre food, if you have access to a cookbook or the internet. The greatest resource for world-class recipes has become, without question, the internet. Websites like Epicurious.com, FoodNetwork.com and Allrecipes.com -- to name a few -- have become my primary source for new recipes. To an extent, the web has virtually eliminated the need for the average consumer to purchase expensive cookbooks. Most sites include user ratings, so a good rule of thumb is to stick to recipes that receive the maximum rating. Many sites also include degree-of-difficulty ratings and nearly all include preparation time estimates, so even the beginner or novice can determine whether to tackle a recipe. The highest rating on Epicurious.com, for example, is four forks. I never download a recipe that averages a collective rating of less than 3 1/2 forks, and generally I pull only recipes rated four forks. Over time, I have collected enough quality recipes downloaded from the internet to fill a 3 1/2" D-ring binder, and I add to the collection routinely. Ladies, it's been said that the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Guys, take it from me, it works the other way around too. Just ask my wife, and my daughters, and my neighbors' wives, and my friends' wives! Bon Appetit! My Dad's Spice Cabinet is Bigger Than Your Dad's!

How to Have the Best Christmas Yard Decorations Ever!

How to Have the Best Christmas Yard Decorations Ever! One of our most favourite family traditions at Christmas is to take a driving tour of the neighbourhood to enjoy everyone's Christmas yard decorations. Some habitancy put up a few, some habitancy go all out, but whichever way they go, they are all fun to see. If you are planning to do some decorating this year you will be amazed at what's out there!

The one no ifs ands or buts cool thing about Christmas yard decorations is the wide variety and selection available, and this seems to just keep expanding every year. There is also something available in practically every price range too! Before venturing out to shop for your covering Christmas decorations, it's a good idea to plan a decorating task so you know exactly what you want. Here are a few tips to help you conclude what sort of decorating you should do. The first thing to consider is the area that you want to decorate. If you are doing this for the first time it is wise to pick a small area of yard to decorate. The one thing you can always do is expand your collection. Once you know where you want to place your outdoor decorations, the next thing to consider is entrance to electricity. If there is no way to plug your lawn ornaments in, you may have to go with unlighted Christmas lawn ornaments. These might comprise painted wooden figurines such as carollers, Santa or a nativity scene. If you enjoy a more natural look, you may want to consider a grapevine reindeer decorated with red bows and evergreen boughs. A Christmas tree can be quite impressive without lights when adorned with oversized weather proof ornaments and garlands. These unlit decorations will of course be most sufficient while the day since they are not lighted. consider placing them close to the house where they may still be somewhat lighted by an outdoor lamp. If you do have entrance to an electrical outlet, then your decorating options will be greatly increased. Now the whole wide selection of lighted Christmas yard decorations is available to you. If you want to go very simple, a lighted tree is a great option. A straightforward decorated tree could be the beginning point of your decorating plan and you could expand from there each year. Another very beloved selection in covering Christmas decorations are the brightly colored balloon type decorations that look like large inflatables. These yard ornaments are kept upright by a fan that runs constantly whenever they are plugged in. Once the fan is turned off, however, they deflate. These inflatable decorations are generally quite large so be sure that you have enough space for one before you invest. They are a very beloved selection for families with young children as their sharp colors, animation and cute characters are quite sharp to the younger set. If you are finding for more classical Christmas lighted outdoor decorations, you may prefer the approved lighted wire frame structures that are available. These consist of a white wire frame adorned with many white lights that define their shape. They are available in a variety of designs and sizes fluctuating from large life size reindeer to small trees and angels. Whichever type of Christmas yard decorations you choose, you are sure to spread some extra holiday cheer to those who pass by your yard day or night. How to Have the Best Christmas Yard Decorations Ever!

Easy and delicious No-Bake Cookies

Easy and delicious No-Bake Cookies Cookies have all the time been one of the world's popular snacks. Either chewy, chocolaty, or nutty, these treats can be enjoyed any time of the day. Even Santa Claus can't resist their sweet goodness and all the time eats his fill before he leaves each house. Prepackaged cookies of all varieties are easily ready in snack bars and grocery stores, but nothing can ever assess to homemade cookies. Not only do you operate the freshness and potential of the ingredients used to make them, you can customize recipes with add-ins that you want. Cookies go well with any time of the day, like morning meal and snack or Tv time, and are excellent as adorable packages of edible giveaways for any extra occasion. Manufacture cookies at home can be lots of fun, especially when you make them with kids or that extra someone. Don't forget to mix in what they call the "secret ingredient," which is well no inexpressive at all.

But for those who are in a hurry and want to make appetizing cookies without the wait or risk of having issue baking them - we're all too familiar with that acrid burning smell wafting from the oven, aren't we? - there are no-bake cookie options that result in just as yummy, though much easier to prepare, decadence. When you bake cookies, the heat enables the flour and other ingredients to cook. It can make the cookies crunchy, crumbly, soft, or chewy. But no-bake cookies also offer a great texture without nearly as much effort. Here are some sure-fire no-bake cookie recipes that will be a hit with everyone. Combine dry ingredients in a saucepan: two cups of sugar and a third cup of cocoa. Next, slowly pour in a half-cup of milk, followed by one-fourth cup of butter. Place the aggregate over medium heat and stir occasionally until butter melts and aggregate starts to boil. When you observation that the ingredients have dissolved and the aggregate is combined fully (usually about 2 minutes), remove the pan from heat. Immediately add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract and half a cup of peanut butter to the aggregate (make sure to do this while it is still hot). Next, add two and a half cups of oats and stir to mix thoroughly. Allow the "dough" to cool enough to handle but so long that is sets, then spoon your desired size serving onto wax paper. The median serving for one hearty cookie is about two spoonfuls per cookie. Allow cookies to set for about one hour, or until the cookies reach a chewy but solid consistency. If you're game, you can also add or substitute other ingredients for a collection of tasty confections. For instance, use brown sugar instead of white for extra sweetness and crunch, dried fruits such as strawberries or cranberries for healthier treats, or toasted coconut or chopped nuts for a bite full of surprise and goodness. It is very easy to modify, personalize, and generate your own cookie formula with homemade no-bake cookies. Experiment and have fun! If you're in a super hurry, most grocery market offer the selection of prepackaged no-bake cookies. Simply remove them from the packaging, result the instructions on the box - most require that you just add water and butter - chill them in the fridge for a few minutes, and enjoy! Easy and delicious No-Bake Cookies

How to Make Character Cookies

How to Make Character Cookies Everything genius is simple. After examining separate recipes, it is inherent to halt that the tastiest cookies are made from easy dough with minimal expenses and all you need to use while baking is your fantasy. However, the form of your cookies is prominent as well. It is much more inspiring to make character cookies where all your fantasy could be used and implemented. And it is where you will need to use separate cookies molds.

Modern cookies molds are made of high ability materials that can create an traditional shape of your cookies while not spoiling the taste. Today you could pick from sheet steel with anti-burning-on layer molds or silicon ones. These molds are used for baking cookies from batter. As well classic cookies molds are made from either sheet steel or alimentary molds. Using such molds you can make cookies in assorted forms. As well there are cookies patterns using which you are able to cut up to 10 character cookies at once. Today you could buy separate cookies mold sets that look like separate animals, flowers or heart. Different character cookies molds could satisfy the fantasy of any cook. Such character molds will be needful while making ready for separate occasions. For example, cookies in the shape of heart will be suitable for Valentine's Day and cookies that look like Christmas tree or snowman will be suitable for the Christmas Eve. Today separate molds for creating character cookies could be bought both offline and online. As well if you find some time for researching, you will be able to find exactly what you need. Cookies molds are a great way to make any of your dreams a reality in the form of character cookies. Such molds are able to offer you a lot of obvious emotions on your kitchen as well as they will give you an opportunity to please your guests with character cookies. How to Make Character Cookies

Pfeffernusse German Cookies method

Pfeffernusse German Cookies method This is a former recipe for Pfeffernusse cookies which are often made in Germany during the Christmas holiday season. They are spicy, crisp, peppery cookies which are wonderful for dunking in milk or coffee. Their taste even improves with age when kept in a sealed air-tight box at room temperature. Baked cookies can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter or margarine 3/4 cup dark molasses 1/4 cup honey 2 large eggs 4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seeds 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar for dusting Directions: Grease cookie sheets and set aside. Melt butter or margarine over medium-low heat in a saucepan. Stir in the molasses and honey and continue to heat and stir until composition is creamy and well blended. Remove the saucepan from heat. Allow to cool to room temperature. Stir eggs into the cooled mixture. In a large mixing bowl, join the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, anise seeds and salt until well blended. Stir in the molasses composition and mix well until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate dough for 1 to 2 hours. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Roll dough into small balls about 3/4 inch in diameter. Place dough balls 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake in preheated oven 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Use a spatula to move cookies to a cooling rack. Place powdered sugar in a plastic bag. Adding a small number of cookies at a time, shake gently to coat thoroughly with powdered sugar. Recipe yields about 5 1/2 dozen cookies. Pfeffernusse German Cookies method

Peanut Butter Cookies - another relax Food

Peanut Butter Cookies - another relax Food Growing up, the only 'store-bought' cookies I remember having at our house were fig newtons, and jam-filled, chocolate-covered marshmallow biscuits that our father bought from a Cookie-Reject storehouse in a neighbouring city. Those cookies were sometimes disfigured, sometimes void of jam, but otherwise delicious. And they were cheap. Other than that, the cookies we ate were homemade, from scratch, by mom.

Mom owned a Sunbeam© Mixmaster that she used to blend the cookie ingredients together into dough that was then whether rolled into balls and flattened with the back of a fork, or dropped by teaspoon onto a greased baking sheet, depending on the recipe. Mom's Peanut Butter cookies were the rolled and flattened variety that were then placed in a hot oven until lightly browned and oh, so delicious. Fortunately, no one in our house was allergic to nuts, so we enjoyed Peanut Butter cookies practically weekly, and when my children were little, I also made a ton of these cookies, telling myself that at least they were getting some protein with the sugar and the flour and the butter. Mothers are good at justifying choices made. Mom and I were no exceptions. Try these cookies the next time you're looking for a tasty treat. You'll be glad you did. And if you happen to use a Mixmaster© to blend the ingredients, take a moment and remember my mum and all the other mothers that came before us, baking wholesome treats with their pre food-processor machines. Thanks, mom. Peanut Butter Cookies ½ cup butter ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup white sugar 1 egg 1 ½ cups flour 1 tsp. Soda ½ tsp. Salt Directions Cream the two butters together, add sugar, egg, and then the flour sifted with soda and salt. Drop onto greased cookie sheet and press with back of fork. Bake in moderate (350°F) oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned. Peanut Butter Cookies - another relax Food

How To Make And Decorate Your Very First Cake

How To Make And Decorate Your Very First Cake It's 3 o'clock on Thursday afternoon and your best friend has just asked you to make a cake for her son's birthday... On Saturday! The only problem is the last cake you made came out of an easy bake oven 20 years ago. Oh no!! So here's what you need to do in order to make this magical moment happen. First things first, take a big deep breath in and don't panic. You can do this. Trust me.

Cancel any girls night out, appointments, pedicures, etc... you're going to need these precious moments! You have two days to pull this off, and you bet you will! Now anyone can make a cake, it might not be all that pretty (or edible for that matter) but it's really not as hard as it looks or sounds to be. Decide if you are going to make this cake from scratch or if you want the help of lovely lady by the name of Betty Crocker - she's awesome. If you decide you want to go from scratch make sure you have a good recipe on your hands. Ask whoever has given it to you if it's a real hit or was just okay. Don't touch anything that's too difficult. You can impress them another time. If you decide to go the Betty Crocker route it's a great choice and an easy one. Run out to your nearest grocery store and pick up a few boxes of whatever flavor has been requested. If you don't have a cake pan, pick one up while you're there. Also, don't forget all the ingredients, these kind of come in handy. Flip the box over and read carefully everything you'll need to make this masterpiece. It's usually only a few things, enough to fit into one hand and you're ready to go. Now it's Thursday night, do you start baking the cake or do you wait until tomorrow? Definitely don't wait until Saturday unless you love being completely stressed out and pushed to the last minute. Hopefully you're not that kind of person! You can bake your cake on Thursday, freeze it overnight and start decorating it on Friday after you race home work. This gives you enough time just in case something goes terribly wrong. Back to making your delicious cake! In the kitchen, get you cake pan ready, greased to perfection and have all your ingredients out on the counter, easily accessible. Follow the directions on the box and pour batter into your cake pan, about 3/4 full. This will leave some room for it to rise nicely. When the timer goes off make sure you do the all-important toothpick check. Grab a toothpick and insert it into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean it's ready, if not then you need to leave it in for a few more minutes. Test again. Let you cake cool completely before you attempt to remove it from the pan, unless your best friend wants the cake to look like it went through the blender. Once you've taken it out of the pan wrap it well with saran wrap and place it in your freezer for a good nights sleep - it will still be there in the morning! Friday afternoon, take you cake out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. While this is happening you will make your delicious icing recipe to cover this beautiful cake. You can make this from scratch as well or you can run out and grab icing in a can/tub/box etc... it's all the same! Decide if it will need any food coloring and adjust as needed. Taking a wide spatula or butter knife start spreading out large globs onto your cake, making sure to get most of the icing on the cake and not the countertop! Smooth out the frosting as best as you can - this may take awhile but it's one of the most important steps in cake decorating. Once your cake has been completed iced you can decorations, sprinkles, cake toppers or anything you'd like. Make it unique and make it your own! Now that you've made your first cake you're on your way to making bigger and better cakes.... And you just might have caught the cake decorating bug! How To Make And Decorate Your Very First Cake