Keep on following..

I think that I forgot to mention to all those who follow me here, that I have a new blog. Perhaps y'all thought I just ran out of things to say- not likely :) Please check out the newest post on my tumblr blog.

NEW BLOG!

-Sarah

What can this mean? Part 2

Back to business.

"Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it."

I'm sorry, did I miss something again? Mosques? Hijabs? Are we talking about America or Egypt? We are addressing Egypt, but in a way that sounds as if we are one and the same.  We can relate, but let's not act as if we are buddies with the nations that hate Israel. MOre on that later....

"So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations - to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity."

You cannot begin speaking of Islam's essential "part in America", and finish the sentence by saying we are to love our God. He is referring to The God. The God of his "Christianity". But people, if one is a Christian, then one knows that there is no other God than our God! And if we are to be boastful of the fact that Islam, a religion that worships another god-Allah- how can we claim both?! We cannot! Islam, along with other religions does have a place in America and freedom of religion, yes. But we do not advertise ourselves as a Muslim nation! Egypt does!  Palestine does! Syria does! But America, America is a free nation, and what many call a Christian nation (though we know that to only be the view of Christian Americans. (We can no longer claim to be agents of God as a nation with our choices) Israel is God's nation. Light does not have company with darkness. It is the hard, honest truth. I have been so down-spirited lately because this I know! I love people so much but hate the actions of their lives at the same time! We must be a light in a dark world, but at some point we must let go and let God make the changes, because we cannot live in darkness with them. That is somewhat off topic, but moving on.

"In Ankara, I made clear that America is not - and never will be - at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people."

Remember in the last post when I said there would be more than one kicker in this speech? You just read blow to the stomach number two. Israel is down for the count and fumbling to regain its balance.
I am looking for feedback on this comment. Maybe I am being un-Christian like to say this, but Islam is at war with us! Should we stand idly by? Please help me out here. These Muslim extremist followers are taught to kill the infidels. Infidels indicating "those who do not believe"- in their case, those who don't believe in Allah. Does this not automatically put us at war with them, or at least them at war with us? Perhaps now would be the appropriate time to bring up the plight of Israel. Yes, I think it has waited long enough. The Middle East, Palestine is who we are addressing specifically now, hates Israel. Vehemently hates Israel. Notice the last line, President Obama says that we reject what all religions reject: killing the innocent. Newsflash: not all religions believe that. In fact, a sect of the one he is defending is the greatest opposition to that statement. Remember what I just said about killing infidels? Those "infidels" are innocent people! Someone doesn't care about killing innocent people.

"We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon."

 Where are we stumbling upon this money? Oh yes, that money tree President Obama planted in his backyard when he took office. It is spring now and it should be flourishing with billions of dollars to help build in Afghanistan. Especially since we have just finished paying off our 14.4 trillion dollar debt. Marvelous.


Okay is another rare point on which I believe the President has gotten something right:
"Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future - and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron."
Indeed, we need to now leave Iraq to their own. We can assist them in democratization, but we will not run Iraq.

"And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year."

That didn't last long. We are back to fuel for this fire igniting my passions right now. How have we acted contrary to our ideals? By defending ourselves? It looks as if I must get on a GITMO tangent. Oh how I wasn't going to bring this up, but the President brought it up himself. I am dumbfounded that the President still brings this up, no especially brings this up, since the capture of Osama Bin Laden. Yes, I had to bring him into this. Because, interrogation tactics used on people in GITMO helped the CIA to find Osama Bin Laden. Hmm, you mean the tactics the President had tried to, and has now outlawed, and the prison he promised to shut down in the beginning of his term were both instrumental to the capture of the world's most wanted man? Hmm...safe to say that if President Obama had had his way from the start, had the rational Congressman not over ruled him, we could still be living in the fearful shadow of Osama Bin Laden. Yet he still pursues the shutting down of this prison meant for the harshest criminals set against our nation. What does he want to do with them? Send them to our state jails of course. Hey, we have at least one terrorist involved in the 9/11 attack on our hands here in SC. No, this is not okay Mr. President. Additionally, the Feds are prosecuting the CIA for their use of intense interrogation on  Khalid Sheikh Mohammed who gave us the contact information for a courier linked to OBL. That's like saying sorry for what we did. "I am sorry we had to interrogate you and make you experience a little bit of fear and pain. We just really needed that information. But don't worry, as soon as we've gotten what we needed from you, we will punish those who harmed you in any way. And tell your buddies in Guatanamo they will have more freedom soon." The President might as well have said that to KSM.

"To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist."

The President continued by laying out the rules for Palestine and Israel to respect each other and allow each other to "exist".  But doesn't he know that asking Hamas to end violence and recognize Israel is like telling a pig to bark? It is absurd and no one has heard of such a thing. Hamas exists to ensure that Israel ceases to exist.

"America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true."

This statement. This statement is the most angering to me. I haven't heard anyone mention this one yet, but to me, semantics is crucial. Now, I am not an Etymologist, but notice how President Obama said "Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away", and that "Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state". His wording- my gracious do you realize what he just said? He made it sound as if Israel needs Palestine, but Palestine will have to put up with Israel and realize they won't just "go away". The moment I read those words my heart ached for Israel. How can you call yourself an ally Mr. Obama?

"All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be..." 

This cannot be! The mothers of Israelis and Palestinians will not see their children in harmony because the mothers of Ishmael and Isaac were at contention, and saw not their children in peace. God intended for Israel to be at peace when He told Abraham that he would have a son to be the father of nations. But when Abraham stepped out of God's will to do things his own way, that perfect will of God was tainted, and from then on God did not intend for Palestine and Israel to be at peace. He knew they would be enemies, because of the sins committed by their fathers. 

"...when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer." 

He is still quoting from the Koran! How can you relate God's will with the words of the Koran? You cannot! He really believes that Mohammed and Christ can coexist as the rulers of men! He is truly confused!  

"There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments - provided they govern with respect for all their people." 

Another small nugget of truth.

 "Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat."

It is not the President's responsibility to ensure the Muslims can perform zakat. Zakat is the Muslim equivalent of a tithe, or 2.5% of earnings given to charity and the poor to ensure salvation. I'm sorry, isn't this entanglement of church and state? Would the President ever have any right to be sure that I was allowed to give my tithe to my local charities or the church? God forbid, the ACLU would shove that money down our throats before we could utter "no". It seems to me that American Muslims are President Obama's "teacher's pets" and the promotion and protection of Islam is his pet project.

" Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit - for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism."

When and where have we prohibited this?

"On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world."

Are we supposed to become best friends with the Muslims now? Please forgive me if I sound racist. I am certainly not hating on the Muslims. But are we forgetting how different their customs and way of life is form ours? This could be so very dangerous to us. There are Islamic communities all over the nation, the largest one being in NY, secluding themselves in communes and in many plotting against the very country in which they live.  They are pulling the wool over our eyes, the wool clothing they wore coming into our country to hide their wolves.

"The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek - a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together." 

I end by saying Mr President, what you want is a Utopia. You are far beyond optimistic, you are idealistic of things that may never come to pass. I am not being a cynic or a pessimist, I am being real. Not every good thing will come to fruition. We are a sinful and broken world, and we cannot expect God to bestow His blessings upon us so long as we forsake His children. Israel needs our support, and you Mr. President, have just stabbed them in the back.

"The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you."

 President Obama did more than appeal to the Islamic/Middle East community yesterday, he bent over backwards to express his unwitting willingness to ensure the survival of Islam, in the Middle East and in America. And I leave this speech failing to remember any good thing he promised for Israel. He asked Israel to retreat to their pre-1967 borders. This means Israel would have to give up land they won, the Golan Heights- land previously used as a firing station against them.  They cannot do it Mr. President.

I am ashamed to say that after reading this speech, I did not feel like an American, I felt betrayed by the man elected to preserve our freedoms and do what is right for all the nations around us, not just the Islamic ones. I don't know what else to say Mr. President, except that I am sickened by this plight for the Palestinians, ignoring the plea of Israel.

What can this mean?

I don't really know how to go about this, I am so- I don't even know how I feel! Frustrated? Alarmed? Annoyed? Astounded? All of these I suppose, which makes for one long blog post. I am not even going to apologize for how long this may become-perhaps I will need to break it up in sections. But let me say, as I read this article Pres. Obama's Middle East Speech, I felt sick. Perhaps you need to read it first so you don't feel like I am ranting or being unreasonable. Trust me, you won't believe your eyes. So the only way I can think to start this off is to piece up the speech.  Let's start with his introduction:

"I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum.

 Let's stop him right there. I googled that last phrase. Now, I know that google-ing something may not be the most reputable way of  gaining information, but for now it will do. The first site I came upon held this description for the Muslim phrase with which President Obama greeted the people of the Middle East today.

"When Islam came, Allah prescribed that the manner of greeting among Muslims should be 'Assalaamu alaykum'  and that this greeting should only be used among Muslims and not for other nations. The meaning of salaam (literally, peace) is harmlessness, safety and protection from evil and from faults. The name al-Salaam is a Name of Allah, may He be exalted, so the meaning of the greeting of salaam which is required among Muslims is, 'May the blessing of His Name descend upon you.'"

My first question is, "why is our President of the United States of America greeting the Middle East with a religious greeting. Now, it would be different if he wished to greet them in their native language. Yes, obviously it is polite and maybe even impressive to greet a nation with a common salutation in their language- say if he traveled to Germany he said hello in German. But this greeting he used is one of religious connotation, not  lingual connotation. Note that he says that he brings greetings of peace from the Muslim communities in America. It seems to me that he is not representing America as a whole, he is representing fellow Muslims. Where is the greeting from the U.S.? Or are we too hostile to bring greetings to them? I will go with the latter.

 

"We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world - tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights."

As for this section, obviously I don't expect the President to rain down hatred upon these nations for the horrid crimes committed by the Muslim extremists, but I think this is quite an understatement. "Some" of his fellow Americans view Islam as hostile. Some? When is the last time you spoke to someone and they said, "Oh, the deaths caused by the terrorist attacks, yeah that was bad. Anyways..." No! Obviously there is always the exception to the rule or statistic, but I would venture to say that significantly more than "some" view these extremists as more than "hostile". (Sigh) Let's continue.

"As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do - to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart."

This is astonishing to me. Yes, I would say that this is the kicker of the speech, but I would be lying, because his whole speech is full of this sort of speech. But what really gets me is that in the paragraph right after this one, President Obama specifies that he is now a Christian, but had experience with the Muslim faith when he lived in Indonesia. If he is a Christian and not a Muslim then, why is he quoting "the Holy Koran" and not the Bible as a foundation for guiding principles? Note that I am not questioning his faith, only God knows a person's true heart, but I AM saying that a Christian is known by their fruits, their actions, and their words. What Christian do you know that would choose to quote the founding book of Islam to back up his actions? I just don't understand.  Throughout this whole speech, the President is going out of his way- over and beyond- to relate to the people of the Islamic faith. As if he has to lay out all of the cards on the table and say, "by the way, many Americans are Muslims too, so we support you". Is that really necessary?

"As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam."

Here he goes on to applaud Islam for the development of Algebra, music, etc. I'm sorry, I fail to see how we are indebted to Islam for this. First of all, Muslims were not the only ones to make these discoveries. Sure they paved the way for brilliant inventions, but we have given them enough praise for these things, we are now addressing a religion that hates us!

"I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story."

"And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers - Thomas Jefferson - kept in his personal library."

 Is he using the fact that Jefferson had the Koran in his library as significant evidence for its importance in America and our government? It seems he is using this to pull at the heartstrings of those who quote our Founders. I fail to see how this relates. Moving on.

"So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear."

President Obama is priding himself and sounds privileged at the fact that he lived in three continents that practiced Islam, before finally reaching the land at which it was "revealed".  And since when is it the duty of the president of the United States to defend the majority religion of another nation?! Yes, America supports freedom of religion. But it is not the job, much less the duty of our president to single out one religion and defend it against stereotypes. My God he won't even defend Christianity! Christianity is being picked apart in the courts and he is doing nothing about it! For the record, I emphasize duty above in italics because I feel this is a powerful word. The definition of duty as an obligatory task, conduct, or service, arising from one's position- according to Merriam-Webster online. Okay, so I can see how (as I said before) the position of President renders a duty to protect the freedom of the people as a whole, but to single out Islam to me is a bit much. Too much.
So you know that I am not making a one-sided argument, I will also add things that I think he did say right. But keep in mind that the things he did say right are almost obliterated when put in the larger concept of what he said wrong. When I say wrong, I mean as a Christian, his utter defense of another religion, and one that hates us at that.

"But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words - within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: 'Out of many, one.'"

Yes, he was right to make the same requirements of the Muslims, to drop their stereotypes of us Westerners. But notice how many fewer words he used on our defense.We are a place of freedom for many, and our Latin motto says such. But just wait until we finish this whole speech, by the end you will have forgotten anything right he may have said.

So what can this mean for us? We have already seen in the first few paragraphs of President Obama's speech that he is on the track of bowing down to Islam. Honestly I feel betrayed as an American. In the next section we will see what this can mean for Israel.

I am making it a point to break this speech up into several posts, partly for your reading ability, and partly because I cannot do this all in one sitting. So this concludes my first commentary on the President's speech. Please read the parts to come.

Now THAT is a brownie....

Red Velvet Brownies

Line pan with foil by trimming two long foil pieces to a 9-inch width. Fit strips, crossing each other, in the pan.

Total: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Yield: Makes 16 servings

Ingredients

• 1  (4-oz.) bittersweet chocolate baking bar, chopped
• 3/4  cup  butter
• 2  cups  sugar
• 4  large eggs
• 1 1/2  cups  all-purpose flour
• 1  (1-oz.) bottle red liquid food coloring
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  baking powder
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract
• 1/8  teaspoon  salt
• Small-Batch Cream Cheese Frosting
• Garnish: white chocolate curls

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil.

2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals.

Whisk in sugar

 Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition

 Gently stir in flour and next 4 ingredients.

Pour mixture into prepared pan.

3. Bake at 350° for 44 to 48 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 2 hours).

4. Lift brownies from pan, using foil sides as handles; gently remove foil. Spread Small-Batch Cream Cheese Frosting on top of brownies, and cut into 16 squares. Garnish, if desired.

I was going to make the cream cheese frosting, when I thought that I would cheat and use a can of chocolate frosting we already had. I really would rather home make my own frosting, but if I had done that, I would have had extra, and I know what would happen if I had extra icing :)

Southern Living, DECEMBER 2010

With Love and Confection...

Well it is true what they say- time flies. I know this because I have my first Christmas party on Monday. Monday! Hmm..this means I am just starting my baking for the season. For this I am very excited though, because I haven't cooked in awhile. For me, it is so relaxing to spend a Saturday afternoon, listening to oldies and trying out new recipes.

Today, I listened to my Pandora radio station, tuned into the Platters. I just LOVE listening to music from the 40's, 50's and mid-60's. The songs were so sweet, and the singers could actually sing!

Anyways, today I tried my hand at confections. You see, it has been awhile since I have attempted confections, and I consider this the first time I have been successful.

I can cook well and bake well, but when it came to making candy apples, they never got hard; The one time I made fudge, I affectionately dubbed it my "liquid fudge".  I used to make my dad peanut brittle all the time, which that did come out good, but it didn't lessen my dislike for the candy thermometer.

I suppose I always got scared and pulled the pot off the range too soon, worried whatever it was would burn. Instead, my sugary confection would never harden.

But no matter now! Because today, I successfully made Buckeyes, Butter mints, Pralined Pecans, and Red Velvet Brownies :)

I will post the red velvet brownies later, after I ice them.



Peanut Butter Balls (Buckeyes)

Peanut Butter Balls 2 cups (500 grams) creamy peanut butter 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 - 2 1/2 cups (230 - 290 grams) confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar Chocolate Coating 9 ounces (255 grams) semi sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons (25 grams) shortening Directions: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the peanut butter, unsalted butter, and salt in a microwaveable bowl, and heat in the microwave for about one minute or until just soft (check and stir the ingredients every 20 seconds).  Stir in the vanilla extract and confectioners sugar and mix until it has the consistency of a dough (add more sugar if necessary). Roll the dough into 1 inch (2.5 cm) round balls. Place on the cookie sheet and refrigerate for about one hour, or until firm. Melt the chocolate and shortening in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Dip the balls, one at a time, in the melted chocolate, making sure the entire ball is coated with chocolate. Then, with two spoons or a dipping fork, remove the peanut butter ball from the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.  Place the chocolate covered balls back on the baking sheet. When all the balls have been dipped in the chocolate, place in the refrigerator until the chocolate has set. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/candy/PeanutButterBalls.html#ixzz16XenI6J2

Praline Pecans

For a sweet treat, try these Praline Pecans. Be sure to use a heavy saucepan, and work quickly when spooning the pecan mixture onto the wax paper.
Prep: 5 min., Cook: 15 min., Stand: 20 min.
This recipe goes with Praline-Pecan Cakes

Yield: Makes about 8 cups

Ingredients

• 1 1/2  cups  granulated sugar
• 3/4  cup  firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2  cup  butter
• 1/2  cup  milk
• 2  tablespoons  corn syrup
• 5  cups  toasted pecan halves

Preparation

Stir together first 5 ingredients in a heavy 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Boil, stirring constantly, 7 to 8 minutes or until a candy thermometer registers 234°.

Remove from heat, and vigorously stir in pecans. Spoon pecan mixture onto wax paper, spreading in an even layer. Let stand 20 minutes or until firm. Break praline-coated pecans apart into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week. Freeze in an airtight container or zip-top plastic freezer bag up to 1 month.

Southern Living, DECEMBER 2005

Butter Mints, by Aunt Dixie 

 1/2 tsp. vanilla flavoring

2 lbs. 10x powdered sugar-sifted

3/4 tsp butter flavoring

8 oz.butter

Combine all ingredients in a mixer, with the hook attachment, until a soft dough forms

Adding color is optional (I added pink to mine for the rosettes I made

Knead dough until smooth. roll and cut, or press into molds. I used rose molds

Let dry for atleast 6-8 hours. Store in airtight container

Ready, Set, Bake!

Oh it's Fall! It's finally Fall!! I absolutely love the weather and good home cooking that comes with this season.

It has been awhile since I have posted, so I am making this one short and sweet. Time to Bake!

I am dedicating this blog to one of my readers- Stephanie Schrolucke. She gave me this beautiful apron for my birthday, and I promised her I would bake a mean batch of cookies in it :)

Isn't it lovely?

I made some Praline Cookies tonight, they smell and taste delightful :)

Aunt Mary Dillon's Praline Cookies

From Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 8 tablespoon(s) (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 cup(s) light-brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup(s) heavy cream, plus more if necessary
• 1 cup(s) sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup(s) pecan halves, toasted and broken into large pieces

---

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and 1 1/2 cups light-brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until fully combined. Add dry ingredients, and beat on low speed until combined.
3. Drop batter in rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until firm and barely golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies from pan to wire rack.
4. In a small saucepan, combine remaining 1 cup light-brown sugar and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add confectioners' sugar, and whisk until smooth. (If frosting thickens, thin with cream.) Add pecan pieces. Place cookies on a cooling rack over a lined baking pan. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon praline mixture onto each cookie.

George Washington Carver knew what's up

Two words: Peanut Butter.
 Why? Because it is the best invention ever. George Washington Carver- genius, Peanuts have to be the most versatile item ever. Remember learning about that in school? Peanuts used for oil, soap, food, clothes, etc. It's like a wonder food- correction, it is a wonder food.

 So I am dedicating a blog post to my addiction. Deja vu, seems Ive mentioned my love for peanut butter before.

I like to believe that since peanut butter is such a wonder, that it wont add pounds on me no matter how much I eat. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'me deceiving myself, considering it's 100 calories per tablespoon! Wow, it sounds worse when I type it out. I guess now would not be the time to mention that I eat peanut bar half a jar at a time.

It pretty much goes with anything and everything. I have tried almost all brands, not much on off brands, but JIF, Peter Pan, Smuckers...I'll eat whatever is on sale. My favorite is probably all natural smuckers, crunchy Peter Pan, and creamy Skippy. One for each type of course. I tried a new type this week, Peter Pan whipped peanut butter. Yum.

Peanut Butter sandwiches- classic

Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich- even bettter

Best combination ever: Chocolate & Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter Fudge- Legit

Peanut Butter Cookies- Comfort food at its best

Liquid Peanut Butter? Heck Yes

They even make peanut butter and chocolate straight out of the jar- I've heard the Peanut Butter Co. is the best, I don't know about that, but this combo was pretty darn good

And the Absolute best BEST invention ever?!
Portable Peanut Butter- thank you!

Getting tired of hearing me ramble on about peanut butter? Good. Because I am going to stop writing and go eat some now