Healthy No Bake Choco-Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Cookies....Yum!

Last week we had temps in the 100's.  One day 106...crazy for Springtime!   Wanted to make some healthy cookies, but, didn't want to heat up the house.  I googled no bake cookies and found some, but, didn't want to use the refined sugar and processed oats.  I adjusted the recipe by using unprocessed old fashioned oats which I put in the blender to make a coarse oat flour.  Still had lots of texture to it.   Was careful not to blend it too long or it would turn into oat flour.  I also replaced the 2 cups of sugar the recipe called for with 3/4 to 1 cup of honey, and instead of butter,  used about 1/4 cup of oil that had formed on the top of my peanut butter instead of butter.  They turned out to be quite yummy!  Here's the recipe if you would like to try them!

NO BAKE CHOCO-PEANUT-OATMEAL COOKIES

Ingredients:

1 cup honey

4 tablespoons cocoa

1/4 cup oil (from peanut butter or coconut)

1/2 cup milk

1 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups old fashioned oats blended (not super fine…still a little chunky)

Waxed paper

In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, the honey, cocoa, oil and milk. Let boil for 1 minute then add peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal. On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls, or roll into balls after mixture has cooled a bit.  You can leave them round or smoosh them down a bit.  Let cool and enjoy!

Lovely Shabby Chic, Beach Cottage and Rustic Decor...Created by Joe and Michelle of Shabbyshores.

Today I would like to share 

Shabbyshores...the lovely work of my dear friends Michelle and Joe Endicot.   

They create beautiful upscale shabby-chic, beach cottage and rustic decor.  Lovely mirrors, chalkboards, jewelry boxes, shelves and even have a "man cave" section in their shop.

Here is an excerpt from their about page in their Etsy shop:  

"We are husband and wife team who live in sunny Southern California, we have two teenage boys. We find previously owned home decor items like mirrors, jewelry boxes, furniture, wooden boxes, framed chalkboards and so much more and turn them into upscale rustic, beach cottage, shabby chic home furnishings, giving them a brand new life. Come and browse through our little shop and maybe you will find that special piece to add a splash of Southern California to your home."

http://www.shabbyshores.etsy.com

Here some examples of their work and what some of their customers are saying about Shabbyshores:

"This mirror truly is fabulous. It is the perfect addition to my little girl's nursery! The piece is beautiful and incredibly sturdy, and I can't say enough about the care with which it was packed for shipping. I'd highly recommend this seller."

"Love love love these guys! The vintage chalkboard looks gorgeous in my kitchen! Michelle was very communicative, my package arrived well in time. I couldn't be happier! :) Thank you again for this lovely addition to my home."

"High quality item as promised and discussed on email. Before it was even shipped, they provided multiple images on email & communicated the whole time. Highly recommended and I plan to have them make me more items!"

I have known Joe and Michelle for over 20 years and am so honored to call them my friends.  Michelle is also a talented singer/songwriter and ministers to the kiddos at Cottonwood church in Los Alamitos.  She is so gifted and blesses the lives of so many....including mine.  You can find her music on iTunes!

www.shabbyshores.com

What to do with Carrot Pulp! Healty Chia Seed Brownies and Carrot Fruit Bars

I've been juicing and really loving it!  There's one thing that bothers me... throwing away all that pulp!  I decided to do a little investigating and found you could bake and cook with the pulp.  Carrot works best.  I adapted this recipe from a carrot cake recipe I had.  It took a bit of trial and error, but, I have Hubb's approval of this recipe and  believe me, he's a picky eater. 

A little bit of work making my own brown rice flour and chia seed gel, but, it was worth it!

HEALTHY BROWNIES:
Mix together:
2 cups brown rice flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/3 cup stevia powder (or sweetener to equal 1 cup sugar)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt

In blender combine:
6 eggs

1 cup chia seed gel (made w/ 1 cup almond milk & 1/4 cup Chia seeds. Combine and let them set for a couple of hours stirring occasionally.
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup water
Blend until the chia seeds are dissolved

Add blended ingredients to the dry ingredients.
Add 2 cups carrot pulp from juicing. I pack the carrots into the measuring cup.
Optional, but, yummy...
1 cup chopped walnuts.
Mix it all up real well. I use clean hands. It will have the texture of meatloaf.

Add to a 9 x 13 inch pan you have sprayed with pam.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until firm when you press it in the center.

CARROT FRUIT BARS:
Same as above but, Instead of cocoa, add 2 tablespoons Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of ground clove into the brown rice flour, baking soda, sweetener and salt mixture.
Add 1 cup raisins and 1 cup chopped walnuts. They turn out like a dense fruit bar. Really good. I made these first!  Richard even liked them!

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until firm when you press in the center.
Cool and cut in brownie sized squares.

Please visit my facebook page and "like" to be included in upcoming giveaways

www.facebook.com/buttonwilloe

What's a Wombat??? Special Cake Topper for a Special Friend

My dear physical therapist is getting married and she once told me that her fiance calls her a wombat and she calls him a kangaroo...

I took a mental note because I wanted to make a special gift for her.  "What in the world is a Wombat?"  I thought.  Got home, googled it,  and to my surprise, it's a very cute creature from Australia!   I was so happy to make this for her and her sweetheart.  The smile on her face when I gave it to her blessed my heart.
If you'd like to see some of my other creations you may click on the following link:  
www.buttonwilloe.com 

Welcome to Buttonwilloe Designs by Linda for Personalized Ornaments, Wedding Cake Toppers, Minatures and Holiday Jewelry ~

Ever since I was just a little girl I loved playing with clay. I began sculpting little bears and other animals to give to friends and family. It made me so happy to see the smiles on their faces.

With their encouragement, I started doing local craft shows with my husband in the early 1980's and have been online since 2009.

Whether you collect them yourself, or give them as gifts, it's my hope my designs will bless your heart and make you smile.

Designs are original and copyrighted...all rights reserved

www.buttonwilloe.etsy.com

RECIPE OF THE WEEK : HUNGARIAN COMFORT FOOD ~ CHICKEN PAPRICASH

This is a very special recipe. It brings back sweet memories of my Daddy. He used to make it often and taught me how. I miss you Daddy...

Now for the recipe...

CHICKEN PAPRICASH

1 whole chicken cut cut up or thighs or all white meat pieces

1 medium onion diced

2 tablespoons veg. oil

2 tablespoons paprika

1 teaspoon salt (you can add salt to taste after)

Water (or chicken stock if you use all white meat)

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup flour

In a large pot saute onion in oil until translucent. Add Paprika and salt and mix.

Add chicken and stir around and coat the chicken with the mixture.

Add water just to cover the chicken and simmer until the chicken is done. All white meat doesn't take as long. I simmer the whole chicken parts about one hour. White meat only, about 30 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the pot. Remove the skin and bones. (this is why I like to use chicken tenders... so much easier) Set chicken aside.

Put sour cream in a bowl with the flour. Add a little cold water or chicken stock to it and mix well. Gradually add this to the pot to thicken the sauce stirring constantly while it is on medium heat. You may have to add more flour and water if it isn't thick enough and repeat the process. Don't add more sour cream though.

That's it! Serve with noodles, rice or spetzel. Delicious!

Homemade Photography Light Box

We all know how important good photographs are for listings of our handmade items for online sales. I have heard that light boxes are the answer to many of the problems that can occur when photographing at home. They can be costly, but, I was able to make one for free!!!

This light box didn't cost me a thing! I made it with found objects from around the house. If you don't have some of these items at home, you can buy them very inexpensively. Be very careful using the razor blades...we don't want any injuries. Obviously not a project for unsupervised children.

1. You'll need a cardboard box. Mine is 12 x 12 x 12...If you don't have one, you can find one behind most retail establishments...or ask a neighbor!

2. A ruler.

3. Razor blade or matt knife.

4. Sharpie or pen.

5. Scotch tape.

6. Tracing or tissue paper.

7. white copy paper.

Mark out the lines with the ruler and sharpie where you will need to cut out a square on three sides of the box. I measued in 1 1/2 inches all the way around. Then cut carefully with your razor blade or box cutter.

Cut tracing paper or tissue paper to cover the holes and tape in place with scotch tape.

Put a piece of copy paper in the back and bottom of the box.

I had these telescoping hallogen lamps I use at craft shows. Caution! Hallogen lamps get very hot! Do not leave them un attended. You should not leave any lamp unattended when used this close to paper!!!They worked very well. You can use any desk lamps you may have. Daylight bulbs are best. You can buy them at hardware store.

This next photo is the result! Pretty good just as it is, but, it could easily be a little better!

I went to www.picnik.com . It's a free online photo editing site! I simply used the quick fix feature (far left tab) and saved it to my computer! What do you think?

You can do it, too!

Vegan Healthy and Delicious No Guilt Brownies! YAY!

This is for my friend Karen!

Today is her birthday! Happy birthday sweet friend!

Here is the recipe:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine and mix well:

2 cups of whole wheat flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 rounded tablespoon stevia sweetener (I use NuStevia brand...the best tasting)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups unsweetened applesauce

Push combined ingredients to one side of the bowl and make two holes (caves) in the mixture.

In one cave, add 1 1/2 tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar

In the other cave add 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

On the empty half of the bowl, add 2 cups of unsweetened applesauce

In measuring cup put 1 cup of filtered water and 1 tablespoon instant coffee (optional)

The coffee really enhances the chocolate flavor though.

Pour the water/coffee mixture into the bowl and mix everything together well.

Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with non stick spray and pour mixture into it.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes

Cool completely before cutting into 24 squares. Each square about 50 calories

They are actually much, much tastier the next day.

Enjoy! Guilt free!

Visit Karen's studio at:

http://www.kgkrafts.artfire.com/

Sweet Little Angels

These little angels are handmade from real noodles by my friend Michelle.

She makes them in many different styles. I just love these that are holding a little baby. They are available in pink, blue and green. A very sweet gift for new parents.

You can view her shop on Etsy here:

www.michellesshop.etsy.com

Featured Artist: Michelle Endicott

I'd like to introduce you to Michelle. She is a blessing, and a very dear friend. She has a sweet, sweet spirit and a very special gift that I just have to share with you.

Here are a few questions and answers so you can get to know her a little, and the inspiration behind her talent.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am a wife, a mother of two teenage boys, a singer/songwriter, and a Christian trying to fulfill my purpose on this earth:)

What is the inspiration behind your music and craft?

I started writing music when I was pregnant with my first son Josh, and while on a walk one day I felt God whisper to me to "hide the Word of God in hearts of children through music). He impressed upon me how when you mix His Word with music it is so powerful and much easier to memorize.

Have you received any special accolades in your field?

Well I guess the kind of accolades I get are mostly from parents telling me how their children love my music and memorize it very quickly, and children as young as 2 years old coming up to me and singing it for me!!!

Do you have a favorite verse or quote?

"I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you" Psalm 119:11

What makes you smile?

Seeing people go after their dreams, children laughing, my two teenage sons growing into young men and starting to see their purpose and gifting's God has put in them, and hanging out with my husband of almost 20 years makes me smile:)

Anything else you'd like to share?

I would like to share that I wish everyone would know that they have a special purpose here on earth, and that God has given each one of them special gifts and talents, no one gets left out. When they realize this and start walking in their destiny, nothing can be more satisfying:)

Where can we find your products?

My music can be downloaded at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Michelle-Endicott/246564780963

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/MichelleEndicott

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/michelle-endicott/id253034312

All God's Creatures Great and Small

This is Seemore. We rescued him in 1997. He had fallen out of his nest into our front yard. The poor little thing didn't have any feathers and had a hole in his abdomen about the size of a quarter. There was only a thin membrane holding in his intestines. We took him to the vet and we were assured with proper care that he would survive and the hole would eventually heal over and feathers would cover his tummy.

He had to be hand fed every four hours. It was so cute. When ever he'd see me he'd flap his little arms and open his mouth wide for me to put the food in. Had to stick my finger way down his throat. As you can see in the above photo, he developed feathers and grew into a big beautiful bird. In this photo, he is still very much a baby. He grew to be twice that size. We called him Seemore Poops-a-lot for obvious reasons. (lol!)

He lived in our kitchen. Loved to be on the floor. Peeled the wallpaper off the walls, but, I didn't care. I loved that bird. I built a lovely big cage for him, but, he was only closed up in it at night.

We had two kitties and a dog at the time and one time our little dog was in the kitchen and Seemore nipped at the fur on her back legs and I thought we had a dead crow on our hands. But, alas! No one was hurt. The kitties were terrified of him.

We wanted to keep him, but, could no longer do so in the house. I phoned a wildlife rescue to find out the best proceedure to release him and they told me he couldn't just be let go because he didn't know how to be a wild crow. He would have to be rehabilitated.

It broke my heart. I wanted him to live in our back yard. How I cried the day we took him to the wild life rescue. They placed him in a huge aviary (about 60 feet square with an adult raven. They told us that Seemore would mimick the raven and hopefully eventually be rehabilitated. I was in tears when we left that place. I was not allowed to even visit him because he had bonded with me and I would inhibit his rehabilitation.

I had all I could do to not call every day to see how he was doing. Finally after 2 weeks, I could no longer stand it. I phoned and was told that he was doing great and would soon be released, but, not until they were sure he would survive on his own.

It's been 13 years ago now. I still remember how sweet and cuddley he was. So affectionate. And smart! If we had not had our dog and kitties, he would still be with us today. Whenever I see crows, I think about my little Seemore and wonder where and how he is. They can live a very long time. I hope he is well.

JAMIE'S MIRACLE...worth repeating

I'd like to introduce you to a very special person. His name is Jamie Gillentine. He is a husband and father of three small children, a good swimmer and surfer "dude".It was a beautiful day at the beach with friends and family when suddenly things drastically changed. Jamie dove head first into a wave and hit a sandbar. The 6th cervical vertibrae was shattered and splinters pierced and severed his spinal cord. Instantly he was paralized from the neck down.He was face down in the water and would have drowned if he could not go face up. He doesn't now how, no one was near him, but he was turned over and able to breath and call out for help.Jamie had to have surgeries and for many months had to wear a "halo". That is a device that holds the head and neck so that it remains stable. (by screws drilled into the head). The following short youtube shows Jamie as the Lord began to heal him and he began to regain mobility. He had physical therapy 5 days a week. The video spans several months and shows his progress in physical therapy. I have seen this many times and still am in awe of this miracle. Our Father is so wonderful!Jamie Gillentine is Pastor over missions at our church Anaheim Vineyard in So. Cal. I pray you will be blessed and encouraged as you watch and listen.

I originally posted this back in March, but, with so many new friends, I wanted to share it again.

Click on the blue link below and you will be able to see the wonderful progress Jamie has made. God is so good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DivRJm65ADc&feature=related

If you have any comments on this post, I'd love to read them. Simply click the "comments" just below and you will be able to leave yours. Thanks so much and God bless you.

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER ~ ERNIE & CHARLIE

We adopted Charlie in January as an adult kitty from the Cat's in Need Rescue in our community. He's between two and three years old. We brought him home and instead of running to hide until he got used to his new surroundings, he just jumped up on the bed and sprawled out as if he had always been here.

We had hoped he and our eleven year old kitty Buddy would become friends, but, that didn't happen. Charlie tormented Buddy terribly.

We brought Ernie home June 1st. He was one of a litter of feral kittens found in a neighborhood near us. He's a poly-dactyl kitty. He has six toes on each of his front paws and five on each of his back. They are also known as Hemingway Cats because Ernest Hemingway introduced them to this country and to this day, even though he has long passed, the descendants of his original polydactyl casts live and are cared for on the property he lived on in Florida.

He and Charlie have become best buds. They play, romp and wrestle and when things get a little too feisty, Tink steps in to referee.
When playtime is over, Charlie and Ernie cuddle up together and Charlie even grooms him. The baby loves it.

And Buddy? Well, he's just as happy as can be now that Charlie isn't pestering him anymore. He enjoys watching them play.

I'm so happy they all get along so well. What a blessing!

Father's Day

Today is Daddy's first Father's Day in heaven. I have been thinking about what I could write on this special day....

I decided to write about one of my favorite memories of him.... Daddy dressing up like Santa Claus. He did it for many years and we really believed it was the real Santa. Mom would wake us up after midnight on Christmas Eve to tell us Santa was coming. Outside the door we'd hear a big "ho, ho, ho!" and Mom would open the door and there he would be with his bag of gifts. (we didn't have a fireplace) We'd sit on his knee and just be in awe of him. I remember the year I realized Santa was really Daddy. I felt a little disapointed then, but, as I matured, it just made me love him more knowing he went to all that trouble for us to have a magical Christmas and make us feel so special.

Thank you, Daddy. Happy Father's Day.... I miss you so much.

June 14th Flag Day ~ Daddy's birthday

Today is Flag day. Did you know there is a special day every year set aside to honor our flag?

Daddy was born on flag day. That's the reason I can remember it. For his birthday celebrations we'd decorate red white and blue. Today, Daddy would have been 91 years old. Just above is a photo taken on his 88th birthday.

It's hard to believe it's been a month and a half since Daddy passed on to heaven.

Last night Tinkerbelle started barking like crazy. Later we found something left on our front porch. Tinky heard the visitor. They had left a package beautifully wrapped up in red, white and blue. It was from a very dear friend named Julie. The card was so sweet. Here is part of what she wrote....."special prayers to our father in heaven today as your daddy spends his first birthday with Jesus. May he comfort you and encourage your heart like only He can." Brings tears to my eyes.

Inside the package was a case to hold the Veteran's Memorial Flag that was draped across Daddy's casket. It is now proudly displayed in our dining room with a photo of him, his wrist watch, and a little figurine I made for him on his 80th birthday.

Flag Day has always been a special day, but, it's even more precious now.

Jesus, please give Daddy a birthday hug and kiss for me.

Times Remembered....

I was going thru some of Daddy's things today and found several figurines I had made for him over the years for special occasions. The figure of the little girl is from Father's Day in 1978. The birthday bear was for Daddy's 80th birthday. The Santa ornament wasn't dated, but, I can tell it's an oldie. Daddy used to dress up like Santa Clause when we were young children. He used to sing "I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause", so I put a little kiss on Santa's forehead. It's musical and plays that tune.
The little bear for Father's day play's the tune "You are my Sunshine". That was another song Daddy used to sing often. He's singing with the angels now.

I sure do miss you, Daddy. I really do.

A Fab-U-Lous evening with the FabFour

Just above is a photo I took last night of the Fab Four at the Rose Center Theater (sorry for the blur) The next is a photo I found online of the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl in 1964.

The Beatles were introduced to America earlier that same year. Oh my goodness! How many remember seeing them on the Ed Sullivan Show?

When we found out they were going to appear in person at the Hollywood Bowl we so wanted to be there. My sister was able to get tickets for us along with my two best friends.

When they came on the stage they literally looked like beetle bugs...so tiny...our seats were way up high about three rows from the very back. There were no big screens back then...we had a pair of binoculars shared by 4 of us. It was very exciting. My first concert ever. It was just a couple of weeks before my 14th birthday.

Last night we were transported back in time. We were all singing along to those familiar early Beatle songs. This was a very small venue and a benefit concert for the Westminster police department. After the show, the "boys" came out for a "meet and greet". The musician who plays "George", my favorite, is a brand new papa. His first son was born 2 weeks ago. I was able to squeeze in and congratulate him. He was very sweet. Got a photo to show you. I'll be posting that another time.

Here is a clip of Ardy singing Yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o10DhNZfmEY&feature=related

Is it a coincidence or a gift?

Many years ago...in 1964 the Beatles came to America. I was 14 years old. My sister, me and friends became fast fans. We were so excited to get tickets for their performance at the Hollywood Bowl. We were seated way up high in the "nose bleed" section. There were four of us and we all shared one pair of binoculars!

That same year, my mom passed away.

My Daddy passed away a couple of weeks ago. After his funeral we had a reception at my brother and sister-in-law's house. I was talking to friends and we began to reminisce about the "good old days". Of course the Beatles came up in our conversation, and then we got to talking about the FabFour, an awesome Beatles tribute band we had seen a couple of years ago.

When I got home, later that day, I checked my email and there was one from the FabFour...seemed strange, I had never heard from them before, though I have been on their website. It was an invitation to an unscheduled performance in a nearby town. I got tickets and we are going tonight. I am so excited! Coincidence...or a gift from my Dad?

The Fab Four is absolutely the best Beatles tribute band around. Sound just like them. Play and sing everything live and even have their mannerisms down pat. When I saw them the last time, I found myself smiling through the entire first set of the early Beatles....my favorite. It was so much fun. There were folks there in their 80's all the way down to toddlers. Most sing along to the very familiar songs.

If you live in Southern California, the performance is at the Rose Theater in Westminster. Tickets may still be available. Box office opens at 2 pm pacific. No online sales, but, you can order over the phone and pick them up at will call.

If you are a Beatles fan, you will love the FabFour. If you'd like to take a peek...click the link below to see...keep in mind, these are not the Beatles! Hard to believe...they're spot on. You can hear the audience singing in the background,too.

Here is the link for the Rose Center Theater in Westminster California:
http://www.rosecentertheater.com/index.php?step=directions


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVPi_WFMsw0

Fab four website: http://www.thefabfour.com/

Memorial Services for Louis Anthony Heringes Sr. (Daddy)

Family and friends gathered together yesterday, May 6th 2010 to celebrate the life of Louis A. Heringes Sr. (Daddy)

The service took place in a little church in Upland California that was built in 1910. It was a lovely old building.

Pastor Don Roy from Pathway Church in Garden Grove, opened with a beautiful prayer and noticed there were baby birds chirping. (It sounded like they may have nested in the rafters of the ceiling.) He made mention of how appropriate that was...a symbol of new birth...Daddy has just begun his new life in heaven. Pastor Don's kindness and comforting words meant so much to Richard and me and our family and friends. The Lord used him in a wonderful way.

My husband Richard sang a very sweet song called Goin' Home". One of the verses say,"one day I'll be sleeping when death knocks on my door and I'll awake to find that I'm not homesick anymore...I'll be home...I'm goin' home...where I belong." (That's just how it was for Daddy. He passed so peacefully from this life into eternity.) A few stood and shared sweet memories and stories.

The service ended with a beautiful version of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" (Glory, Glory, Hallelujah...one of Daddy's favorites. )

Everyone seemed happy to receive their little kiffles in remembrance of Daddy.

We then had a police escort to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The service there was so moving. It was extra special to see that the color guard were veterans of WWII.
Some of them looked very frail, but, they proudly stood on both sides as Daddy's casket was carried into place. We all followed after. My sister Darla, brother Louie Jr. and Richard and I sat in front to receive the flag.

A gentleman stood and welcomed us and spoke so beautifully thanking Daddy for his service to his country and offering his condolences. Next those dear veterans gave Daddy a 21 gun salute. Then we heard the sound of taps being played very slowly and sweetly.

Next was the presentation of the flag that was draped on Daddy's casket. Two soldiers carefully removed it. It was amazing to see the care and respect they showed as they slowly and reverently folded it. Then, one of the soldiers holding the flag knelled down and personally offered his condolences to the family as he presented the flag.

Pastor Don then shared a beautiful poem and comforting words and Scripture.

At the very last, Richard stood and invited everyone to sing Daddy's favorite song "God Bless America". I could just imagine him smiling and singing along waving his arms directing the "choir" just like he did the day before he passed.

There was a lovely reception for family and friends at Louie & D'Ann's house. (my brother & sister-in-law)

It was all beautifully bitter-sweet. Sad to think Daddy is no longer here with us in the physical sense, but, ever so sweet knowing he is safe with Jesus reunited with my mother and so many who have gone before.

Needless to say, there were many tears shed yesterday. Even as I write they are welling up. I expect that will happen from time to time for a while.

I love you and will miss you sweet Daddy...untill we meet again.

If you would like to listen to the the song "Goin' Home" by B.J. Thomas, just click on the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQgx98jmZQ

This is a beautiful version of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" (Glory, Glory Hallelujah) by Andy Williams:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVF6uFanJxs&feature=related

My sister Darla, brother Louie Jr. and I want to thank our family and friends for the lovely cards, flowers, food, prayers and comfort so freely given at this difficult time.

Kiflis~ A gift from Daddy

Kiflis (pronounced kee-flees) are a traditional Hungarian cookie pastry not only sweet to the taste, but, their meaning is very precious. I found this definition online while searching through recipes:

Kifli means "a kiss on the forehead followed by a soothing comforting hug."

Tomorrow is Daddy's memorial and funeral. We are preparing Kiflis today. We're going to put them in cello bags and attach a little note to them and give them to the guests at Daddy's memorial service as a gift from him.

Daddy had made Kiflis at Christmastime for many years, but we never realized the meaning behind them...all these years we thought they were just yummy cookies. Every time I make these special little treats, or even think about them, they will remind me of him. Perhaps it's time to start a new tradition...making them for Father's Day...Thank you, Daddy. I love you and miss you.

Kifli Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound ( or 2 cups ) cream cheese softened at room temperature

2 cups butter softened at room temperature
7 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

powdered sugar

2 cups filling: nut, lekvar (prune), or apricot

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees

1) Cream butter and cream cheese till fluffy.

2) Stir together flour and salt and add it to the creamed mixture.
3) Cover; chill one hour

4) Divide dough into several pieces. Lightly dust rolling surface with powdered sugar, roll each portion approximately 1/8 inch thick (as you would a pie crust) and cut into 2 inch squares. Keep the remaining dough pieces in the refrigerator until you are ready to roll them out.
5) Place a dot (a little less than one teaspoon) of filling in the center of each square. If you use too much it will ooze out in the baking and make a mess. I usually do a test cookie and bake it to see if the amount of filling is correct.

6) Lift up two diagonal corners of the dough to center, pinching together to seal.

7) Place dough on un-greased cookie sheet. Bake till firm and slightly golden. (about 12-15 minutes).

8) Cool on wire racks. Sift powdered sugar over slightly warm pastries.

9) Store loosely covered in a cool dry place. (they freeze nicely...just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing )

FILLING FOR KIFLIS

Lecvar (prune) or apricot filling:
2 Cups dried prunes or apricots, chopped into fine bits (food processor or by hand)

Water
Sugar
Place chopped fruit in sauce pan and cover with water
Add 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste, prune may not even need sugar)
Bring to boil and simmer very low until a thick jam-like consistency

You may need to add water as it cooks. Keep a close eye on it. You'll want to cook it until it is a paste like consistancy.

If you choose to use store bought jam or preserves, cook it down to remove most of the moisture. If the filling isn't thick enough it will ooze out in the baking an make a big mess. Be sure to bake a test cookie to determine the amount of filling to add.

It sounds like a lot of work, but, they are so delicate and delicous.