Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Three Recipes and A Happy Tummy
I had a request for three recipes that I enjoy. I thought I'd pass them along to you, with love, for a really, really good meal, dessert, and a snack for later (if you can fit it into your digestive tract!!)
Enjoy!
MAIN COURSE:
Chicken Scampi
I was taught this recipe from a New York Italian, an authentic recipe his mom used to make. It serves seven, because an Italian cook always cooks enough for everyone and guests! Authentic Italian? Yes, and you can make it and turn your home into an Italian kitchen at the same time. Eat-ta! Eat-ta!
7 Chicken Breasts
2 Tablespoons Butter
4 Cloves of Garlic, minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
(Prepare this recipe either on the stove or in the oven.)
Melt butter - add garlic, salt and pepper. Lay chicken on top, turning each one over to coat both sides with butter mixture. Bake or cook till done.
Top with Marinara Sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve hot.
Marinara Sauce
In a saucepan, saute on top of stove:
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
Add:
2 (15 oz) cans of crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
Sprinkle in, to taste:
Oregano, Basil, Italian Seasoning, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon salt.
Cook well. Serve with pasta and meat.
DESSERT:
Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses
This recipe is delicious with espresso or hot coffee as a light dessert or snack. Easy to make and easy to eat... watch out, they are addicting!!
4 Egg Whites
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Cup Sugar
1 Bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add salt, cream of tartar and vanilla. Add the cup sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Add and fold in chocolate chips.
On parchment paper lined baking sheets, scoop the meringue mixture by scant 1/4 cupsful. With a spoon, make a "peak" on top for effect.
Bake at 225Degrees for approximately 1.5 hours (until dry and starting to turn golden brown.)
Cool and serve.
SNACK:
Hidden Valley Ranch Oyster Crackers
This recipe is delightful for a snack on Movie Night with the Fam. Word of Caution: this snack is addicting and will be gone unless you pay attention! Extras freeze well; you may grab them by the handsful from the freezer, but refer to above mentioned Word of Caution!!
12 oz. Plain Oyster Crackers
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Mix
1/4 Teaspoon Lemon Pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
3/4 Cup Salad Oil (I use Olive Oil)
Combine Ranch Mix and oil. Add spices, mix together and pour over crackers. Stir together until coated. Place on a baking sheet.
Bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Do NOT brown.
Cool and serve.
**Did I mention to refer to above Word of Caution?** (Ask me how I know!!!)
Enjoy!
MAIN COURSE:
Chicken Scampi
I was taught this recipe from a New York Italian, an authentic recipe his mom used to make. It serves seven, because an Italian cook always cooks enough for everyone and guests! Authentic Italian? Yes, and you can make it and turn your home into an Italian kitchen at the same time. Eat-ta! Eat-ta!
7 Chicken Breasts
2 Tablespoons Butter
4 Cloves of Garlic, minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
(Prepare this recipe either on the stove or in the oven.)
Melt butter - add garlic, salt and pepper. Lay chicken on top, turning each one over to coat both sides with butter mixture. Bake or cook till done.
Top with Marinara Sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve hot.
Marinara Sauce
In a saucepan, saute on top of stove:
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
Add:
2 (15 oz) cans of crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
Sprinkle in, to taste:
Oregano, Basil, Italian Seasoning, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon salt.
Cook well. Serve with pasta and meat.
DESSERT:
Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses
This recipe is delicious with espresso or hot coffee as a light dessert or snack. Easy to make and easy to eat... watch out, they are addicting!!
4 Egg Whites
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Cup Sugar
1 Bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add salt, cream of tartar and vanilla. Add the cup sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Add and fold in chocolate chips.
On parchment paper lined baking sheets, scoop the meringue mixture by scant 1/4 cupsful. With a spoon, make a "peak" on top for effect.
Bake at 225Degrees for approximately 1.5 hours (until dry and starting to turn golden brown.)
Cool and serve.
SNACK:
Hidden Valley Ranch Oyster Crackers
This recipe is delightful for a snack on Movie Night with the Fam. Word of Caution: this snack is addicting and will be gone unless you pay attention! Extras freeze well; you may grab them by the handsful from the freezer, but refer to above mentioned Word of Caution!!
12 oz. Plain Oyster Crackers
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Mix
1/4 Teaspoon Lemon Pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
3/4 Cup Salad Oil (I use Olive Oil)
Combine Ranch Mix and oil. Add spices, mix together and pour over crackers. Stir together until coated. Place on a baking sheet.
Bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Do NOT brown.
Cool and serve.
**Did I mention to refer to above Word of Caution?** (Ask me how I know!!!)
Monday, November 8, 2010
A Talk on Love with Charlie Brown
What Love is - - versus - - what Love isn't
And in finding out what Love is - - we discover what Love isn't
So, what isn't Love?
To commiserate - sympathize - have pity on - empathize - to offer condolence
A feeling of sorrow - feel badly tomorrow - to console with essence
It touches your heart - you feel a part - yet you judge like Descartes
"I think, therefore I am" - but do you really give a damn - or are you just my Paschal lamb?
You hurt; I'm there - I'm very aware - not of you, but your despair
Your need fulfills me - your pain, it thrills me - it's what-i-get-to-do that fills me!
It may seem like Love - it may look like Love - but it isn't Love
It's reminiscent of - uncharacteristic of - actually devoid of - Love
It's really self-centeredness needing a fix
So, what is Love?
It's compassionate - kindhearted - decency uncharted - to place the other first
It's reaching outward - another's safety preferred - to be good unrehearsed
It's more than pity - it deals in gritty - passes through committee
Comes alongside need - to detail pays heed - runs to-your-side full speed
You hurt; I'm there - your burdens I'll share - right next to you with prayer
Your wholeness fulfills me - your healing, it thrills me - seeing you win is what fills me
It's making you happy - generating sappy - bringing bliss quite snappy
It's contendedness - extravagantness - the blessedness - of Love
It's really the exactness of going beyond self centeredness' needing a fix and fixing its need
And that's what Love is, Charlie Brown.
And in finding out what Love is - - we discover what Love isn't
So, what isn't Love?
To commiserate - sympathize - have pity on - empathize - to offer condolence
A feeling of sorrow - feel badly tomorrow - to console with essence
It touches your heart - you feel a part - yet you judge like Descartes
"I think, therefore I am" - but do you really give a damn - or are you just my Paschal lamb?
You hurt; I'm there - I'm very aware - not of you, but your despair
Your need fulfills me - your pain, it thrills me - it's what-i-get-to-do that fills me!
It may seem like Love - it may look like Love - but it isn't Love
It's reminiscent of - uncharacteristic of - actually devoid of - Love
It's really self-centeredness needing a fix
So, what is Love?
It's compassionate - kindhearted - decency uncharted - to place the other first
It's reaching outward - another's safety preferred - to be good unrehearsed
It's more than pity - it deals in gritty - passes through committee
Comes alongside need - to detail pays heed - runs to-your-side full speed
You hurt; I'm there - your burdens I'll share - right next to you with prayer
Your wholeness fulfills me - your healing, it thrills me - seeing you win is what fills me
It's making you happy - generating sappy - bringing bliss quite snappy
It's contendedness - extravagantness - the blessedness - of Love
It's really the exactness of going beyond self centeredness' needing a fix and fixing its need
And that's what Love is, Charlie Brown.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Light and its Consequences
I've been thinking about light lately.
Assumptions:
1. Without light, I cannot see.
2. Light makes everything manifest, i.e., it defines the things around me and makes my experience of life more healthy.
3. In my opinion, light represents truth.
Supposition:
I am walking around an unfamiliar room in a complete blackout, one in which I have never before been. I have eyesight, so my other senses still very much depend on that fifth sense. I do not know the the dimensions of the room, let alone any obstacles within the room (such as placement of furniture and other three dimensional objects). The only way for me to experience the room is to start to walk, bump into something, reroute and start over until I have completed my self-guided inspection to my satisfaction. It would take me a while to experience the room without stubbing my toes, unless I also used my hands as "feelers," thus, shortening the exploration time, but still limiting my capacity for understanding the room.
If I left the room before the lights were returned and was only able to tell others about the room based on my own experience in the dark, it would be quite subjective due to the fact that I would have been hindered by my senses plus been prejudiced by the emotions of my lack, i.e., pain and anger from stubbing my toes, frustration and indecision based on my inability to see. I would have a limited "view" of the room. I do not think other sighted people would be able to distinguish the room in which I had explored based on my original estimate of it. I could not tell them what color were the walls, how high were the ceilings, where the doors were in placement to the windows, etcetera. Sure, I would have "felt" the room, but unless I had a three dimensional memory, I wouldn't be able to explain it in a way a sighted person could experience it.
As soon as light comes into this picture, things take on a different look, literally. I am now able to see the floor plan and colors, styles and placement of the furniture. I am able to distinguish the height, width, and length of the room. I would be aware of the state of cleanliness and messiness within the walking areas. I could safely say that I would be able to "look" about and experience that same room and totally be able to describe the room to others with a high degree of accuracy.
Application:
The light presents a dimension of truth to the experience. It brings to "light" the visible arena of the room. The truth of the room brings with it not only a new experience of the room, but it unfolds the reality of the world in which I live. Because I am able to distinguish with my sight, I eliminate pain, anger, frustration and other emotions that my limited experience in the dark afforded me. As well, I am able to share my experience more fully and with greater accuracy.
When light separates darkness within my life, I begin to realize that there is a reality of separation between truth and untruth. Actions that I may have performed in the dark are now able to be seen from a new, educated and distinguished perspective. I once may have acted selfishly because all I could experience was myself and my own emotional health. Now I am able to distinguish the pain my actions have inflicted on others and the sorrow I feel for those action require a choice for a new action, namely an apology and assurance of changed behavior.
The light was the difference. The light brought about new information which I certainly needed to make comprehensive decisions to my new choices in living. The truth is unveiled by the separation of the darkness by the light. The truth of the situation brings changed behavior and a moral compass that I hadn't experienced before.
I must make a further note. When light comes into our lives and "highlights" bad behaviors, rotten thinking and sassy words, I have found that it may become easier to turn off the light instead of feeling remorse over the bad actions, morose thoughts and hurtful words. It may feel easier to stop the light so I can return to my previous state, thus deceiving myself into thinking I cannot change myself. Or I may focus on what the light is highlighting in my life and become depressed or anxious to the point that other unhealthy thoughts and actions ensue, such as self denigration or suicide; thus, the new course of deceived action may appeal more than a changed behavior from the light.
Conclusion:
A final thought is simply this: as I follow what the light is unfolding before me - as I recognize what I have done in the darkness - I begin to espouse an enlightened pathway of choices and behaviors. My way follows a lifestyle separating light from darkness and I am free to live a healthy, governed existence with no regrets or remorse.
To me, the consequences of having light in my life where I am able to enjoy a full, abundant life while sharing that experience with others close around me is immeasurable. I am far from being fully enlightened, but I am on a journey towards it. I find myself staying away from the deceptive dark areas that used to govern my experience. I put my faith in a God who helps light my path so that I may return to it should I walk off for a short time.
Having light in my life has changed me. My joy of living has increased. Regrets become fewer and are further apart. I am more healthily loving and respecting of myself which has granted me with pleasant surprises and unexpected opportunities of being able to help mentor others with my example and through outright active participation at others' requests. The fact that I am an example of the journey to healthy living is another pleasant surprise and blesses me to no end.
Yes, light is good. Yes, light has consequences which provide opportune choices. My experiencial suggestion is for one and all to look towards and stay in the light, to get out of and avoid the dark, and lastly to choose a healthy lifestyle of enjoying the consequences of light in your own life.
Assumptions:
1. Without light, I cannot see.
2. Light makes everything manifest, i.e., it defines the things around me and makes my experience of life more healthy.
3. In my opinion, light represents truth.
Supposition:
I am walking around an unfamiliar room in a complete blackout, one in which I have never before been. I have eyesight, so my other senses still very much depend on that fifth sense. I do not know the the dimensions of the room, let alone any obstacles within the room (such as placement of furniture and other three dimensional objects). The only way for me to experience the room is to start to walk, bump into something, reroute and start over until I have completed my self-guided inspection to my satisfaction. It would take me a while to experience the room without stubbing my toes, unless I also used my hands as "feelers," thus, shortening the exploration time, but still limiting my capacity for understanding the room.
If I left the room before the lights were returned and was only able to tell others about the room based on my own experience in the dark, it would be quite subjective due to the fact that I would have been hindered by my senses plus been prejudiced by the emotions of my lack, i.e., pain and anger from stubbing my toes, frustration and indecision based on my inability to see. I would have a limited "view" of the room. I do not think other sighted people would be able to distinguish the room in which I had explored based on my original estimate of it. I could not tell them what color were the walls, how high were the ceilings, where the doors were in placement to the windows, etcetera. Sure, I would have "felt" the room, but unless I had a three dimensional memory, I wouldn't be able to explain it in a way a sighted person could experience it.
As soon as light comes into this picture, things take on a different look, literally. I am now able to see the floor plan and colors, styles and placement of the furniture. I am able to distinguish the height, width, and length of the room. I would be aware of the state of cleanliness and messiness within the walking areas. I could safely say that I would be able to "look" about and experience that same room and totally be able to describe the room to others with a high degree of accuracy.
Application:
The light presents a dimension of truth to the experience. It brings to "light" the visible arena of the room. The truth of the room brings with it not only a new experience of the room, but it unfolds the reality of the world in which I live. Because I am able to distinguish with my sight, I eliminate pain, anger, frustration and other emotions that my limited experience in the dark afforded me. As well, I am able to share my experience more fully and with greater accuracy.
When light separates darkness within my life, I begin to realize that there is a reality of separation between truth and untruth. Actions that I may have performed in the dark are now able to be seen from a new, educated and distinguished perspective. I once may have acted selfishly because all I could experience was myself and my own emotional health. Now I am able to distinguish the pain my actions have inflicted on others and the sorrow I feel for those action require a choice for a new action, namely an apology and assurance of changed behavior.
The light was the difference. The light brought about new information which I certainly needed to make comprehensive decisions to my new choices in living. The truth is unveiled by the separation of the darkness by the light. The truth of the situation brings changed behavior and a moral compass that I hadn't experienced before.
I must make a further note. When light comes into our lives and "highlights" bad behaviors, rotten thinking and sassy words, I have found that it may become easier to turn off the light instead of feeling remorse over the bad actions, morose thoughts and hurtful words. It may feel easier to stop the light so I can return to my previous state, thus deceiving myself into thinking I cannot change myself. Or I may focus on what the light is highlighting in my life and become depressed or anxious to the point that other unhealthy thoughts and actions ensue, such as self denigration or suicide; thus, the new course of deceived action may appeal more than a changed behavior from the light.
Conclusion:
A final thought is simply this: as I follow what the light is unfolding before me - as I recognize what I have done in the darkness - I begin to espouse an enlightened pathway of choices and behaviors. My way follows a lifestyle separating light from darkness and I am free to live a healthy, governed existence with no regrets or remorse.
To me, the consequences of having light in my life where I am able to enjoy a full, abundant life while sharing that experience with others close around me is immeasurable. I am far from being fully enlightened, but I am on a journey towards it. I find myself staying away from the deceptive dark areas that used to govern my experience. I put my faith in a God who helps light my path so that I may return to it should I walk off for a short time.
Having light in my life has changed me. My joy of living has increased. Regrets become fewer and are further apart. I am more healthily loving and respecting of myself which has granted me with pleasant surprises and unexpected opportunities of being able to help mentor others with my example and through outright active participation at others' requests. The fact that I am an example of the journey to healthy living is another pleasant surprise and blesses me to no end.
Yes, light is good. Yes, light has consequences which provide opportune choices. My experiencial suggestion is for one and all to look towards and stay in the light, to get out of and avoid the dark, and lastly to choose a healthy lifestyle of enjoying the consequences of light in your own life.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
I Write Therefore I Am
There are few things that tell others who I am like my writings.
Specifically, I write poetry... I'm a rhymer, there it is, in plain English. I enjoy the challenge of constructing what I'm thinking into rhyming words in syncopated rhythm; it makes me concise and gives me joy.
As well, I write prose... the easiest is first person meanderings and ramblings, but also the logical sequencing of thoughts to bring you, the Reader, to my way of thinking at its conclusion, buah-ha-ha-ha!
Very often I include my photographic images... yes, I am a photographer, too... using them as a springboard into ideas and subjects of which I write. Notice is hereby given: even my images may meander and roam... where you do not go, but I call my home.
This blog will be a compilation of thoughts, large and small, to which I am thinking at the moment. I refuse to limit the subject, but rather let my aim be as wide as the universe... and beyond.
Comments are welcomed. I am not afraid of opposing views, but will listen (or in this case, read...) with an open mind and then, unabashedly, continue on with my life, buah-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Here's to a smart start...
Here's to snappy happiness...
My written ramblings will not be vain babblings...
Before you enter...make sure to center... your thoughts... to lots... of openmindeness...
And now, dear Reader... enter at your own risk............... buah-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Specifically, I write poetry... I'm a rhymer, there it is, in plain English. I enjoy the challenge of constructing what I'm thinking into rhyming words in syncopated rhythm; it makes me concise and gives me joy.
As well, I write prose... the easiest is first person meanderings and ramblings, but also the logical sequencing of thoughts to bring you, the Reader, to my way of thinking at its conclusion, buah-ha-ha-ha!
Very often I include my photographic images... yes, I am a photographer, too... using them as a springboard into ideas and subjects of which I write. Notice is hereby given: even my images may meander and roam... where you do not go, but I call my home.
This blog will be a compilation of thoughts, large and small, to which I am thinking at the moment. I refuse to limit the subject, but rather let my aim be as wide as the universe... and beyond.
Comments are welcomed. I am not afraid of opposing views, but will listen (or in this case, read...) with an open mind and then, unabashedly, continue on with my life, buah-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Here's to a smart start...
Here's to snappy happiness...
My written ramblings will not be vain babblings...
Before you enter...make sure to center... your thoughts... to lots... of openmindeness...
And now, dear Reader... enter at your own risk............... buah-ha-ha-ha-ha!
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