Who else loves this song? We live in troubled and challenging times.  For now, let’s savor the moments of the cherished traditions that will endure no matter how uncertain the world around us seems.

Ingredients 1/2 cup soft butter 1 cup honey 2 eggs 1 1/4 cups pumpkin 2 1/2 cups sifted flour 3 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ginger 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1 cup raisins (optional) Directions Cream butter. Add honey and eggs one at a time. Add pumpkin. Mix dry ingredients together then add to pumpkin mixture. Gradually stir in nuts and raisins. Drop by rounded [...]

This is our very first post from a series of posts about Handmade Gifts.  We are featuring the brilliant and passionate work of Scott Michael Ringo in this series.  If you like this handmade gift idea, make sure you keep reading.  At the end of the post, I am going to tell you a few things about Scott that you won’t believe! Hard Candy in decorative jars and tins Everyone loves edible gifts, and hard [...]

Do you still have all of your college textbooks sitting around in your basement or worse yet, in your living room? Do you have some books you once wanted to read and never got around to finishing? Let’s face it some of that stuff wasn’t all that great the first time around and what is the likelihood you are going to read it again? Save some time and loose some pounds, donate your unused books [...]

Gina the Elf Asked Elfster: Love Elfster. Using with my family and office! We are using Elfster with my family only to have a running list of what every person wants (we all buy for one another). My sister in law wants martini glasses. Is there a way I can inform the group that I bought her martini glasses without her finding out? The Answer from Elfster If she put the Martini Glasses on her [...]

Here is a holiday door bell that plays Christmas tunes when you ring it.  I thought the purchase of our dog’s “Always Nice, Never Naughty” collar in 2005, represented the extreme of holiday flare.  Should I allow myself to venture to a new extreme?  I am thinking my kids would love this.  Heck, they already ring the doorbell a half dozen times whenever we step on the porch. Via Baron Bob Note to self:  It’s [...]

Risotto is such a wonderfully versatile dish. This version is fantastic on its own, or add any number of your favorite things. 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp butter 1/2 lb. orzo (rice-shaped pasta) 1/2 cup small diced onion 2-3 cloves minced fresh garlic 1/2 cup dry white wine 4 cups chicken stock 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1/2 cup grated parmesan Heat oil and butter in a saucepan. Add orzo and toast lightly – about [...]

My family always breaks this one out on special occasions and it is an absolute favorite. We have found it works great on both beef and chicken. Maybe you want to be adventurous and try some other varieties. 1 cup oil 3/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup prepared mustard 1 tbsp. cracked black pepper 2 cloves garlic Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or [...]

This one is from my beloved aunt Becki who continues to prove that lots of good things besides wheat and wind energy come from Kansas! The recipe calls for it to be served with your favorite “scooper”! Try tortilla chips, crackers, toasted baguettes, rye chips or a spoon! 1 can black beans drained 1 can black-eyed peas drained 1 can shoepeg corn drained 1 can tomatoes and green chilis 4 bunches chopped green onions 1 [...]

This recipe originates from a cook book that a college friend’s mom gave him which is believed to be a collection from Southern Living magazine. If you make it we can almost guarantee that you will have lots of friends at the dinner table. 2 16.5 oz cans yellow cream corn 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 4 oz. can chopped green chiles (drained) 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion 1 cup milk 2 large [...]