The hustle and bustle of the past weekend is over and the house is exceptionally quiet. Time to have a good book to read and get busy with some crocheting projects that have been set aside for a while. One series of books that I read was written by Gilbert Morris. He wrote of a family in Arkansas from the late 1800s to the 1940s. There are seven books in the series. History was not one of my favorite subjects in school but Morris made it very personal as how the times effect the family, maybe it was because in the later books I could relate to some of the same issues. In fact as I read starting with this large family it reminded me of my parents and how they probably struggled with the same issues especially from World War I era, the depression in the 30s, World War II, the Korean conflict, etc. My father was also drafted to serve in the army in World War I and spent some time in France. Later books told of the how the younger members of the family had to find jobs and decide what their vocations would be that ranged from newspaper reporting, acting, farming, piloting, oil drilling, etc. As the books progressed I learned much more of the history of the United States and its involvement in the various wars and how the homefront coped. I certainly recommend these books if you are interested in history and the deep faith of a family through many different experiences.
What will the New Year bring? No one knows and that is a good thing. I don’t have any particular plans other than to keep on doing what I do now. One never knows from one day to the next what lies ahead but that doesn’t stop us from making plans. There will three more great grandchildren added to our family. We used to tease Grandma S. when we gathered together that she was responsible for all of them. It becomes more difficult each year to have them all come at the same time and we miss those that have other obligations for one reason or another and are grateful whenever they spend some time with us. Whatever is in store for each one of you our wish for you is a blessed new year and good health. We will take whatever comes our way and know it is for our good. Happy New Year everyone.
Warm Cider
2 quarts apple cider
1 1/2 cups orange juice
3/4 cup pineapple juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
Dash of ground cinnamon
Dash ground cloves
In a large saucepan, combine all of the ingredients. Bring to a boil. reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Discard cinnamon sticks. Serve hot in mugs. Makes 10-12 servings. (2 1/2 quarts).
Sausage Rolls
1 1/4 pound bulk pork sausage
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced chives
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
Combine the sausage, onion, chives, basil, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper. Unfold pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Roll each pastry sheet into an 11 x10 inches rectangle. Cut widthwise into 3 1/2 inch strips.
Spread 1/2 cup of sausage mixture down the center of each strip. Fold pastry over and press edges together to seal. Cut each roll into six pieces. Place seam side down on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining paprika. Bake at 350º for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 3 dozen appetizers.
Crab Spread
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon, minced garlic
Paprika
Assorted cracker or vegetables
In a small bowl, combine the first six ingredients. To serve chilled, cover and refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with paprika. To serve warm, spoon into a greased 3-cup baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375º for 15 minutes or until heated through. Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Chunky Pecan Bars
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
Filling:
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chunks
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
Combine the flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350º for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs, sugar, corn syrup, butter and vanilla until blended. Stir in chocolate chunks and pecans. Pour over crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
