Tag Archives: tradition

It’s Sugar Coma on Day 4 of Christmas

28 Dec

Cookies, cookies and more cookies. Starting around Thanksgiving I start stocking up for my cookie marathon for Christmas. It’s a tradition to bake at least six different kinds and mix it up with chocolate covered pretzels and chex mix.

For 25 years I’ve made cookies to share and give as gifts. It’s what my kids know and have come to depend on during the holidays. This was especially evident in the excitement I heard as my youngest Marine Corp opened his care package the week before Christmas.

I took a full container  to work (Hamilton Color Lab) everyday the week before Christmas to and shared them with my co-workers and customers. Every night I came home with an empty container.  I swear some customers came in just for the cookies. Which made my day!

Peanutbutter Kiss cookies

This is the easiest recipe you will find, and I should really make them year round, but then they wouldn’t be so special around the holidays.

Ingredients (I believe this is even gluten free)

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • Hershey kisses

Directions

  1. Combine the peanut butter and  sugar. Add egg and mix well.
  2. Mixture will will thicken as it sits but can be refrigerated to ease handling
  3. Roll into 1″ balls
  4. Bake at 350F for 8 minutes (this results in a really nice soft cookie)
  5. Remove from oven and press a Hershey Kiss into the middle
  6. Let set on cookie pan and remove to rack to cool
  7. The chocolate will soften from the heat of the cookie but will return to it’s normal consistency within a few hours so give them some time before packaging or bagging.

Some of my favorites over the years include (it’s my goal to include recipes for all of these)

  • Cake Sugar Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip
  • Double Chocolate Chip
  • Molasses spice cookies
  • Oatmeal chocolate chip
  • Candy Cane
  • Lemon Sugar Cake Cookie
  • Chocolate Peppermint
  • Butter Spritz Cookies

Homemade Christmas Cookies

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Season Of Christmas Continues, Day 3

27 Dec

This is the first year my youngest son wouldn’t be home for Christmas. He’s  a U.S. Marine stationed in California, pulling 24 hour shifts so he can come home on the second block leave.

A week before Christmas he called on the phone and reminded me that he wanted LOTS of food when he got home, especially my cookies, pretzels, and deer jerky. Little did he know a care  package was on it’s way with everything included on his list.

Along with all his favorite treats was this tree , don’t know if he put it up (I hope so), but I wanted to send a piece of home his way. (His older brother, stationed in Arizona, also got a care package)

Christmas tree for my Marine

But it is my youngest Marine who got the special treatment this year. He is a corrections officer in the Brig and received the box during his 24 hr “sleep break”. He called and opened the box on the phone with me, which I love. I got to hear the excitement in his voice as he pulled out the Chocolate Covered Candy Cane Christmas Peeps, Reeses Candy Canes, and deer jerky from the stocking. When he opened the cookie tin, he exclaimed “Oh my God, this smells soooo good!!” Thank you, thank you!

I always send a Santa hat, to be worn when they open their presents and add a little frivolity and holiday spirit.

Does a Mom good to hear appreciation from her sons. Makes me want to send another box really soon. But, I don’t have to.

He’s coming home tomorrow night for a 10 day leave!

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#9/52: Shamrock Shake, It’s That Time of Year

1 Mar

It’s that time of year again. March 1st, the day I can officially enjoy a Shamrock Shake (ok I bought this last night, I couldn’t resist) I’m also not one to be trending either, but on Twitter, #ShamrockShake is the promoted trend today. According to McDonald’s 2012 is the first year the Shamrock Shake is available nationwide. Wow, didn’t know that.

Last year I learned a few historical facts about the Shamrock Shake. Maybe those in the Midwest don’t relate, but since it was originally released in Connecticut I have very fond memories at an early age.

Why is it that a mint flavored shake is so tasty? I mean really. Mint? Should make you pucker just at the thought. But McDonald’s has found that magical combination of sweet, smooth and minty in one combination that is just delectable.

There is such a passion for this frosty drink a website tracks the appearance every year. Shamrockshake.com tracks the locations where they can be found, and yes, I added the McDonald’s 1-80 Gretna Exit to the list.

So until they run out enjoy the “Luck of the Irish” and St. Patricks Day with a Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s.

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Day 312: Cinnamon Rolls

24 Nov

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Normally I like the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in a tube, you know the ones found in the dairy case. Homemade cinnamon rolls can be too sticky and sweet for me, I like the bread texture.

Now I have found a better substitute, Rhodes cinnamon rolls. We had them in church and they were fantastic. It you remember to take them out the night before you can fix them in the morning, otherwise the “fast” ride method in the oven works in just 1 1/2 hours. Delicious!!!

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Day 311: Prepping For Thanksgiving

24 Nov

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Friday is out Thanksgiving day with family together, so today I’m baking and prepping. Stay tuned for the rexipe when its finished and declared a sucess

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Day 297-298: Honoring my Dad on Veterans Day

11 Nov

My Dad was a private quiet man. He served in World War II and in Korea. However I know very little about his WWII experience other than he was in the Navy, on a destroyer operating one of the big guns at Normandy and in the Pacific. His papers and commendations were all lost when he arrived home on New Years Eve and put his sea bag down in Times Square. Someone else picked it up. Considering he used his brothers ID to get in at age 16 I don’t know what I can find out.

For the sake of possibly finding anybody who served with my Dad I’m listing his full name: Leo Thomas “Terry”  Tyrrell, his nickname in WWII was Tiny Terry the Terrible. He wasn’t very big, 5’6″ and weighed 125 lbs sopping wet. But, from what I understand you didn’t want to mess with him. He fought like a little bantam rooster. I often compare his physique to Clint Eastwood, not an ounce of fat on him.

Leo Tyrrell, Korean War Memorabilia

Leo Tyrrell, Korean War Memorabilia

He reenlisted in the Korean War with the Army airborne and I do have his papers and airman’s wings which I treasure greatly. (There is a longer story on this shadow box which I will relate later) He was a paratrooper and after the war worked for a parachute factory in Manchester Connecticut. The area is now called Silk City. For many years he didn’t talk about the war, but he would watch all the black and white television shows on WWII and occasionally he would say “I sat there, that’s what I did.” I wish I had paid more attention when I was a kid.

Here’s to my Dad and all the veterans today that served our country and have given us the freedom we enjoy today. We are a safer country and world for what you did many years ago. We salute you.

Veterans Honor Memorial Flag

Veterans Honor Memorial Flag

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Where Poppies Grow, In Flanders Field

11 Nov

I could make it to the Elmwood-Murdock Veterans Day program this year, so I’m posting last years tribute from the high school choir. It’s my favorite  and never fails to give me chills.

Thank you to all our veterans who have served and who are now serving in the United States Marines, Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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Day 288-290: High School Football

10 Nov

High school football, the central point of every fall Friday night in a small town. It’s the center of the social scene, the place to be seen and to see people and watch some football. Elmwood-Murdock high school has been conference district champions for the past 13 years and make the state playoffs every year I can remember.

Nebraska, High school football

Nebraska, High school football, obviously doesn't want me to take his picture

Class C2, Nebraska Football

Class C2, Nebraska Football

High School Football Cheerleaders

High School Football Cheerleaders

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Day 277: Red Door, Nebraska City Church

8 Nov

Now that I’ve learned the significance of red doors on church’s I’m on the lookout for red doors to photograph. My first red door was in Connecticut, this one I found in Nebraska City at the oldest Episcopal church in Nebraska, founded in 1857.

Red Door at a church in Nebraska

Red Door at a church in Nebraska

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Day 263-267: Memories of Childhood

4 Nov

As I went through my Mom’s things this summer I ran across a box of my school papers and artwork from elementary school. I really think she kept every little thing I drew. Obviously I couldn’t keep everything, just selected a few things that I remembered drawing that had special meaning. The rest I tried to document in pictures.

Enjoy a trip down memory lane, it was the 1970′s, life was simple, The Monkees were popular, we didn’t have to wear bike helmets, skateboard knee pads, and could stay out all day without checking in with our cell phones. Life was indeed simpler.

Peanuts Lunchbox from 1970's

Peanuts Lunchbox from 1970's

Pinocchio soundtrack 33 rpm Record

Pinocchio soundtrack 33 rpm Record

Monkees' record from a Cereal Box

Monkees' record from a Cereal Box

Here is a sign of technology. Who remembers cereal boxes records? Real records printed on the backs of Froot Loops and Tony the Tiger (Frosted Flakes) you cut out of the cardboard? This Monkees record was one of them. Pretty amazing. I remember wearing this record out by playing it over and over again, Archie was another Colgem record I remember. This is actually for sale, along with other 1970′s childrens records including the Disney movie soundtracks on 33 rpm records.

If you’re interested let me know. At some point they will go on eBay.

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