El Jaleo after Sargent

Ice Storm

No one is going anywhere around here today. We are *iced in* That's what happens in the Atlanta area. More than snow, ice is the cause for school closings etc. This particular ice storm is mild. No loss of electricity, for example. Check out our conditions at my favorite weather site.

There is a possibility that my gardenia bushes will be damaged. These four foot tall bushes flanking my front door are laying flat on the ground. :(

Another Fabulous Sermon

I am so blessed to sit under sound preaching: true exposition of Scripture where Christ is the focus, not the preacher, not the choir, not the decor.

Today's verses were Luke 9:46-50 with a fair amount mentioned from the parallel passage in Mark 10:32-45. We were taught about the nature of *greatness* by comparison and contrast with the life of the disciples (specifically James and John) with the life of Christ. The true and incomparable greatness of Jesus in light of the obvious lack of greatness in the apostles tells all.

I was particularly struck when James and John said *we are able* (Mk10:39) I chuckled and then became embarassed.

Please pray for my pastor. He has been selected to speak at our state pro-life rally to be held this Friday at the Capitol. The original speaker had to decline at the last minute because he is speaking at the Inauguration. Wow.

More Decorating

Recently a frame was chosen for the oil painting which will be hung above the piano in the living room. The canvas is 24"x36". The frame is large and is capable of holding onto the dancer's movements, so one's head doesnt spin when entering the room.

Deep Dark Chocolate Cake

I took this cake to a church dinner recently and am posting the recipe for those who asked.

1 3/4 C flour
1 C boiling water
2 C sugar
2 eggs
3/4 C cocoa
1 C milk (or water)
1/2 C oil
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt

Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed. Stir in boiling water. (Batter will be very thin) Pour into greased and floured 13x9x2 pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes. Cool 30 minutes then frost.

Frosting

1 1/2 C XXX sugar
8 T butter
3/4 C cocoa
1/3 C milk or water or coffee

Blend at high speed with whisk/beater until smooth and spreadable.

Check out an article about my cooking. Under features, click *local flavor*

Birthday Girl

Yesterday was my youngest daughter's 15th birthday. She really has matured into quite a young lady. She has definite opinions. I like that personality trait, even if I dont always agree with them. She gave a tremendous speech at her 8th grade graduation last May, which prompted me to encourage her to take a debate class. She clued me into the Discovery Health Challenge. Might be a good way to help me stay this course.

Birthday Dinner

Roast Lamb
Steamed Asparagus
Steamed Red and Yellow Peppers
Orzo

Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Cake

Pot Providence

Weekly after church there is a congregational dinner for those who want to stay plus visitors are always invited. I like to bring fresh vegetables, as those always seem to be in short supply.
This week I *supplied* a spinach salad (mushrooms, mandarin oranges, vinagrette); steamed carrots; brussel sprouts in lemon sauce, AND (drum roll please) homemade chocolate cake.

Today's fashion flare is a new brooch. You know, those large, gaudy looking ones that are so stylish now. Mine is full of green stones. It reminds me of my great aunt, Beulah! aka Baba. I wore it on a purple wool flannel jacket with matching pleated skirt, green apple-colored silk turtleneck, and a 35 year old silk scarf (greens, pinks, purples). Where is the digital camera when you really need one?

New Years Day Dinner

Roast Pork
Black-eyed Peas w/ChowChow
Sweet Potatoes (no sugar,no pecans, no marshmallows!)
Collard Greens w/pepper sauce
Macaroni and Cheese (homemade)

Cornbread w/real butter
Sorghum Syrup

Tea (unsweet!)

Champagne

I am wearing black pinwale cordoruy pants with a boldly striped French blue/white blouse, accented with the black onyx/silver jewelry I received from my husband for Christmas.

Sage Advice

*Do all you can with what you have in the time you have in the place you are.*

Just heard Nkosi Johnson in an interview with Jim Wooten on NPR. I wonder about this youngster.

Best I can tell this quote is from John Wesley

Do all the good you can

By all the means you can

In all the ways you can

In all the places you can

At all the times you can

To all the people you can

As long as you ever can.

Check out my other site.

Salmagundi

Yesterday I took a respite from the ordinary day and invited a friend for lunch. I set the table in the dining room, using china, crystal, sterling flatware, linen napkins. Are you beginning to get the picture? Classical music was playing in the background. We talked about topics of interest to both of us and made a pact to get together again soon.

We lunched on salmagundi. I had a nice time.

Chocolate Cherry Trifle

One 8x8" brownie square (or other dry chocolate cake)
4 C boiled custard (or vanilla pudding)
4 oz cherry preserves
3-4 Tbs cherry liqueur
1/2 C slivered almonds, toasted
15 oz cherry pie filling(or fresh, pitted cherries, lots)
4 C whipped cream (2 C heavy cream whipped with 2 T xxxsugar until stiff)

In a deep glass dish, place bite sized pieces of cake or brownie. Drizzle with liqueur. Spread cherry preserves as a thin layer. Cover with pudding. Spread a layer of cherry pie filling or use lots of fresh pitted cherries. Sprinkle a few toasted almonds. Repeat the process until all the ingredients are used. Top with a thick layer of whipped creme to seal the trifle. Make decoration on top with cherries and almonds. Cover with saran and refrigerate overnight.

Boiled Custard
(from Joy of Cooking)

4 C milk, scalded
4 egg yolks
1/2 C sugar
1/4 tsp salt

In a double boiler, slowly add the slightly beaten egg yolks to the warm milk. Stir in the sugar and salt. Cook the custard over (not in) boiling water, stirring constantly. The custard should not be allowed to boil at any time. Do not expect it to be as firm as baked custard. It is more like a thick custard sauce. Again stir constantly until it begins to thicken. This takes longer than one would like. Remove from heat. As it cools, beat to release the steam. Before chilling, add flavoring, such as 1 tsp vanilla ( or rum or dry sherry).

Brownies

4 oz unsweetened bakers chocolate
2 C sugar
1 C butter
2 C flour
4 eggs
1 C pecans, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla

Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Remove from heat. Add sugar. Stir. Add eggs one at the time, stirring well after each. Add flour and salt. Stir. Add nuts. Stir. Add vanilla. Stir. Bake in two 8x8" prepared pans at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Pound Cake












1 lb butter
3 C sugar
8 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks
6 eggs
3 C flour, sifted
1 Tbs vanilla extract

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add two eggs, then a cup of flour, then a few chunks of cream cheese beating slowing in the mixer all the while. Repeat the process until all the eggs, cream cheese, and flour are blended into a thick batter. Add vanilla. Put thick batter into a prepared tube or bundt pan. Start in cold oven. Bake 1.5 hrs at 300 degrees.

Cool on wire rack for just a few minutes gently loosing the edges. Invert onto wire rack as soon as possible. Do not leave for any length of time in the pan as the cake will continue to cook and be too dry. Wrap in saran while still warm.

Trifle

Every hostess needs to perfect this elegant dessert for three reasons:

1. It can be made ahead.
2. It is easy to prepare.
3. It makes a pretty presentation.

The basis of this particular trifle is a leftover 8" square brownie cake which has been in my freezer for several months. Even though today is Saturday, I am thinking about this dessert for Tuesday. On hand I have the kirsch (cherry liqueur), fruit preserves, and toasted almonds. I will purchase some fresh cherries on Monday and perhaps a can of thickened pie cherries for backup. I will make a rich, boiled custard and store until ready to assemble. The whipping cream will be done at the last minute. For this task, I highly recommend chilling the mixing bowl and beaters.

If you have time, read this article.

Coconut Cake

Three part entry follows: yellow cake, coconut filling, white icing.

Comments are now enabled on this blog by clicking on the time.

There is nothing like

awaking early, before dawn, before anyone else in the household begins to stir, and reading Scripture. Psalms 25, 35, 55, 85, 115, 145.

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Test Post

This is a nominal entry to see if the change to my template to allow comments was successful. There was so much to say and do since my last post, but each day went by before I had a chance to express myself publically.

Back in Business

This theological stuff is just going to have to take a back seat to cooking and recipes right now. Although chapters 9 through 14 of Mrs. Schaeffer's book get less attention from me, I do intend to work through them.

For over twenty years I have owned and used a KitchenAid mixer. I love to bake cakes. I started cooking when I was eight years old. Today I received a replacement part (wire whisk) which is going to make Thanksgiving and Christmas meals easier to prepare.

Look for my recipes over the coming week: Yellow Cake, Coconut Filling, Seven Minute Icing, Pound Cake, Boiled Custard, Whipped Cream. Maybe I will throw in some non-sweet ones like Cranberry Sauce, Cornbread Dressing, and Mushrooms and Pearl Onions side dish.

Applying Divinely-revealed Political Proverbs

Number Two
Sanctity of Human Life

Find out how your representative(s) vote on legislation pertaining to abortion and euthanasia. Think about those in authority who have influence in these areas, ie your physician. Do you know where abortions are performed in the county where you live?

Often times leaders will side step voicing their opinions on abortion and euthanasia, saying that they dont have the jurisdiction or opportunity (for voting.) However, it IS a good litmus test.

Check out Dr. Grant's blog and sign the petition at the American Family Association.

Do you know anyone who lives and votes in Pennsylvania?