Publisher's Desk...
Good morning and I hope your Easter was pleasant. I worked and it was very busy. Being busy is good (in my opinion) as it keeps the hands on that clock spinning faster. Unfortunately, when you work in public safety, busy also means someone's life is not going as planned and that can be bad. I woke up nice and early yesterday (my body is still on nights so I didn't get much sleep). As I try to do every day, I snuck outside on the porch in my jammies to look at the sky (and get a feel for the weather). We've had some bad weather lately, lots of storms, etc. Any way, the sky was hazy and the moon appeared as nothing more than a fluorescent cotton ball; clouded over but still a source of light in the dark morning sky. I was overcome by a deep sense of appreciation for all we have been given.
Being Easter morning, I was even more mindful. About then a danged June bug flew into my hair (I have long hair) and almost made me lose my religion, lol. As much as I believe my roots (not my hair!) are religious, it doesn't take much to make me realize that all my eggs might not be in one basket, lol. However, I know that most of you reading this right now probably share that estimation of yourself from time to time.
Oh, one more thought about yesterday (see? I told you I was losing it)...I had a lovely surprise visit by my two younger children at work (their father was visiting with them). They brought me a beautiful carved wooden box filled with all sorts of chocolates. They know I love boxes in all shapes and sizes (I collect them) and this one is beautiful. They also know that I will give
them the chocolates as I am not as big a chocoholic as them. I was very pleased by them thinking of me. I had to mentally "regroup" (and find that lost religion, lol) when I got home as the house was a mess...
We have a great issue for you today and I hope you enjoy it. If you were one of those who helped, accept my thanks! If not, I'll give you another chance for tomorrow's issue. Get busy! See ya.
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Enjoy!
Ramblings...
Clean Out the Closets of your Life
By Patricia Fripp*, CSP, CPAE
Clean out the closets of your life. Have you ever looked at the clothes in your closet with a critical eye: the bargain shoes in the wrong color; the expensive suit you got on sale that never fit; the "great" shirt that was a gift from someone you love?
I had all of those items in my closet. Then a wardrobe consultant friend came over and made me clean out the clothes that didn't fit or that no longer represented my self-image. It was an exhilarating feeling. Now the clothes I wear make me feel and look great, and project the image I like.
Your clothes closet isn't the only hiding place for negative things in your life. You have a self-image closet too. Take a serious look at what you find there. Try cleaning it out. Throw out ideas that no longer fit your lifestyle or your experiences.
Clean your closet of certain old friends as well -- the ones who have become acquaintances. Too often we spend our energies with people whose interests have grown apart from ours.
Clean the negative people out of your life's closet. Some folks cannot accept your achievements, insisting it's only a "fluke" when you finally attain a great goal. Their own insecurities require them to shoot other people down. It is time to let them know you are proud of your achievements, and then move on to someone who will support you in your endeavors.
Closets may be hiding places for our outmoded clothes and ideas, but they are also where we store the building blocks for our daily lives. Don't let them get cluttered with outdated ideas.
*About the Author:
Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE is a San Francisco-based executive speech coach, sales trainer, and award-winning professional speaker on Change, Customer Service, Promoting Business, and Communication Skills. She is the author of Get What You Want!, Make It, So You Don't Have to Fake It!, and Past-President of the National Speakers Association. She can be reached at: PFripp@Fripp.com, 1-800 634-3035, http://www.fripp.com
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Did You Know?...
Eat More Leafy Greens To Reduce PMS Symptoms
By: News Canada
(NC)-Eating foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats, along with too
much caffeine and alcohol can trigger premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in many women.
PMS is controlled by the hormone estrogen - too much or too little causes moods
to fluctuate, depression, anxiety, food cravings and bloating about a week
before a period begins.
To help keep estrogen levels balanced, avoid cravings for sweet and salty
foods since they will magnify PMS symptoms, notes Sam Graci, nutritional
researcher and author of the new book - The Food Connection: The Right Food at
the Right Time. Stay away from dairy products and meats that are high in
saturated fats, as well as caffeinated beverages, which raise the blood levels
of estrogen and cause headaches, irritability and anxiety.
To help reduce symptoms of PMS and balance estrogen levels, eat at least two
to three servings of colorful fruit and a large leafy green salad, along with
whole grains such as oatmeal or seven-grain cereal. These foods are high in
fibre, which helps keep estrogen levels balanced. In addition, start each day
with a nutritional supplement such as greens+?„?, a balanced formula of 23
vitamins, minerals, organic and nutrient-rich foods. One serving of greens+ is
the equivalent of six organic salads. The nutritional supplement also packs
plenty of natural soy ingredients, which contain phytoestrogens to keep estrogen
levels balanced.
In addition to fibre and soy, eat plenty of "good" fats - Omega-3 Essential
Fatty Acids (EFA). Fish such as salmon or tuna are the best source of these EFAs,
which are said to help reduce headaches, irritability and anxiety.
For more information about greens+, call 1-877-500-7888, or visit the web
site at
www.greenspluscanada.com.
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The Mail Box...
Welcome to The Mail Box where a2z family members may send mail for all to read. It is expected that opinions, suggestions, etc. posted here be done with kindness and respect for all involved. If you have a message for the group, please send it to maggieblackwell@hotmail.com with "Mail Box" as subject. As in ALL items for posting, your first name and location must be included in the message. Posting is at the discretion of the publisher.
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![Empty Nest Cookbook]()
Empty Nest Cookbook
Item No: 60434
Price: $16.95
Over 200 original recipes and 25 full menus that marry old-style family cooking with the more sophisticated culinary yens of a working couple--who no longer have to worry about cooking for the children! No matter if you're feeding your hubby, or preparing for a family visit, or entertaining a house full of guests, you'll appreciate these delicious, yet simple creations of everything from appetizers to desserts. This 288-page soft cover book is also spiced with essays and anecdotes for this unique transitional period of life.
Discussion Forum
Our discussion forum at QuickTopic for our topic "Eating and Cooking Healthier" is well under way. To join in (or just to read) use your web browser to go to:
A to Z Recipes Discussion Forum
You don't have to register or sign in, and you can choose to receive email for newly posted messages -- just click the
Subscribe button when you get there.
NOTE:
Maybe once you get to the site using the above link, you could add it to favorites. Links that are easy to find are more likely to be used again.
Next Monthly Theme...
Recipes Mom Used to Make
Did you swear by your Mom??™s Chicken and Dumplings? Was her Meatloaf simply the best in the world? How about the way she used to make creamy Rice Pudding? Perhaps your Mother??™s prize recipe was one handed down to her by her own Mother and she shared it with you. This topic should yield some of the finest theme recipes since A to Z Recipes began as we hope to share precious memories from our childhood with the ???family??? here. When you send along your prized favorites, I hope you will also share something about yourself, your Mother, and how the family reacted to the recipe being served. I love this theme and hope you will too...maybe enough to pass along a couple of your favorites with all of us? In honor of Mother??™s Day, please send along your ???Recipes Mom Used to Make???. My thanks go to
Pam H. from Swanton, OH, for the great theme idea! Now, here is the NEW set of rules:
A to Z Recipes continues with its popular Theme Issues. We will share theme recipes and post them on the first Sunday of each month. Send your recipes no later than the last Friday of each month to have them posted in the next monthly theme issue. You may send in TWO of your favorite theme recipes and in ONE email. If the number of recipes exceeds those needed in the issue, the publisher will post as many from every submitter as possible and save the remaining recipes for the following Sundays of that month. The rules for recipe submissions for the monthly theme issues are the same as ALL recipes submitted for posting.
The rules are as follows:
As a service to your fellow readers, please send only recipes that are in a form that others could easily copy and save for their own use. Recipes that would require a lot of editing or cleaning up or use non-standard measurements should not be submitted. Recipes without a name and location of sender may NOT be posted or posted without any credit given. There will be NO recipes posted that are from other recipe-zines. A to Z Recipes protects the privacy of its readers and does NOT publish email addresses. There will be no exceptions.
The deadline for May's theme issue is Friday, April 30th.
Theme recipes must have subject: "Recipes Mom Used to Make" and will be posted on Sunday, May 2nd.
As usual, only recipes are to be sent to: A to Z Recipes Inbox
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Crazy Corner...
Art Linkletter was right...
Shared by Richard K, Bradenton, FL
Science Sillies From 5th & 6th Graders
The spinal column is a long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top, and you
sit on the bottom.
It is so hot in some places that people there have to live in other places.
Momentum is something you give a person when they go away.
Mushrooms always grow in damp places which is why they look like umbrellas.
The alimentary canal is located in the northern part of Indiana.
Thunder is a rich source of loudness.
Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun, but I never have
been able to make out the numbers.
When planets run around and around in circles, we say they are orbiting. When
people do it, we say they are crazy.
One of the main causes of dust is DIRT.
A monsoon is a French gentleman.
To keep milk from turning sour, keep it in the cow.
Genetics explains why you look like your father, and if you don't, why you
should.
Water vapor gets together in a big cloud. When it gets big enough to be called a
drop, it does.
There is a tremendous weight pushing down on the center of the Earth because so
many people are stomping around there these days.
The cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation. Evaporation gets blamed for a
lot of things people forget to put the top on.
You can listen to thunder and tell how close you came to getting hit. If you
don't hear it, you got hit, so never mind.
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Love is not blind.
That's why they make lingerie...
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Your Favorites...
RICH SWEET ROLL REFRIGERATOR DOUGH
~Submitted by Edna, Decatur, IL
3/4 cup milk scalded
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
1 stick butter
1/2 cup warm water
2 packages yeast
1 egg
4 cups flour
After scalding milk, stir in sugar, salt and butter. Cool to lukewarm. Sprinkle yeast over warm water. Stir in with lukewarm milk mixture along with half of the flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour to make a stiff batter. Cover tightly with waxed paper. Refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours. Dough may be kept in fridge for 3 days.
After cooling use dough to make favorite sweet roll recipe....I usually make cinnamon rolls. Allow dough to rise to double before baking. I use this recipe to make the cinnamon rolls the night before, allowing them to rise over the night in the fridge. Take them out approx 20-30 min before baking (if using glass pans don't put cold dish in hot oven!) Make the coffee, feed the dog, get the paper, etc. Pop into oven, have cup of coffee and read paper while smelling delicious smell of cinnamon rolls baking. It won't be long until your peace and quiet is gone with the rest of the family pouring into the kitchen.
CHICKEN CORDON BLEU CASSEROLE
~Submitted by Treva, NC
2 pounds skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
Bread Crumbs
1 Egg mixed with 1/2 cup Milk
8 oz Swiss cheese, cubed
8 oz ham, diced
1 can (10oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
Dip chunks of chicken in egg and milk mixture, then into bread crumbs, coating well. Brown in a little oil until golden. Place chunks in baking dish, add cubes of Swiss cheese and small pieces of ham. Mix cream of chicken soup with 1 cup of milk; mix well and pour over all. Bake about 30 minutes at 350?° or until tender and bubbly.
STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH
HERBED GRILLED VEGETABLES
~Sent in by Larry Holmes, Ontario, Canada
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium-size onion, chopped (about ?? cup)
?? cup diced red bell pepper
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
1 pound fresh spinach, stemmed, rinsed well, and patted dry
?? teaspoon salt
?? teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
?? teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, 4 to 5 ounces each
?? cup canned low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
Herbed Grilled Vegetables (recipe follows)
In 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat, heat 1 teaspoon oil; add onion, red pepper, and garlic; cook about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until onion is softened. Add spinach; cook, covered, 2 to 3 minutes until spinach is wilted. Stir well to coat spinach with oil and seasonings; remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
Place chicken breasts, smooth side up, on work surface; using sharp knife, cut pocket 3 ?? inches long and 2 inches deep in side of each. Spoon spinach mixture into pockets, dividing evenly.
Wipe skillet clean; add remaining teaspoon oil; heat over medium heat. Add stuffed chicken breasts; cook about 5 minutes on each side until well browned, turning carefully. Add chicken broth and vinegar; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, about 2 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Arrange chicken breasts on serving platter; pour pan juices over. Serve accompanied by Herbed Grilled Vegetables.
Makes 4 servings.
Herbed Grilled Vegetables:
1 tablespoon each olive oil, lemon juice,
chopped reach oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
?? teaspoons each salt and black pepper
1 large red onion, cut into 4 thick slices
1 large yellow squash, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 large fresh, ripe tomato cut into 4 thick slices
Heat broiler; position rack about 6 inches from heat source. In small bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper; stir well to mix. Set aside.
Place onion slices and squash chunks in single layer on rack in broiler pan; brush with some of oil mixture. Broil 5 minutes until vegetables are well browned. Turn vegetables carefully, using tongs; brush again with oil mixture. Broil 4 minutes; add tomato slices to pan. Brush tomato slices with remaining oil mixture; broil about 3 minutes longer until vegetables are browned and tender.
PARMESAN BISCUITS
~Submitted by: Rita, Hampshire, England
Source: Rick Stein from Fresh Food
Makes 30 biscuits
Preparation time less than 30 minutes
Cooking time 10 to 30 minutes
Ingredients:
125g/4.1/2 oz chilled butter, cubed
125g/4.1/2 oz plain flour
25g/1oz freshly grated parmesan
salt and freshly ground black pepper
pinch cayenne pepper
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
2. Rub the butter into the flour, by hand or in a food processor, until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.
3. Stir in the parmesan, seasoning and cayenne pepper.
4. Work the mixture together into a ball and then knead briefly on a work surface lightly dusted with flour until smooth.
5. Cut the dough in half, flatten each piece slightly, then roll out thinly between 2 large sheets of cling film.
6. Lift off the top piece of cling film and cut into 5cm/2in biscuits.
7. Carefully lift them onto a lightly buttered baking sheet, then knead together and re-roll the trimmings to make more biscuits. You should make about 30 biscuits in total.
8. Bake the biscuits for 8-10 minutes until crisp and golden. Leave to cool on the baking sheets. Store in an airtight tin.
SALISBURY STEAK
~Submitted by Linda, CA
1 can golden mushroom soup
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped onions
generous dash of pepper
(No salt)
Mix all ingredients, using only ?? cup of the soup. Shape into 6 patties. Put in a shallow baking dish. Bake at 350?° for 30 minutes. Drain off fat. Mix remaining soup with 1/3 cup water and pour over meat. Bake another 10 minutes.
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Heart Healthy...
WEIGHT WATCHER'S PEACH SCONES
~Submitted by Jean, Syracuse, NY
Makes 8 scones - 4 Points Each
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour?
1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar, divided?
1 teaspoon baking powder?
1/2 teaspoon baking soda?
1/2 teaspoon salt?
2 tablespoons cold butter or stick margarine?
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream?
1/4 cup chopped dried peaches or apricots?
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract?
1 teaspoon fat-free milk?
In a bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add sour cream, peaches and vanilla; stir just until moistened. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead gently 4-5 times (dough will be sticky). Divide dough in half; gently pat each portion into an 8-in. circle on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cut each into four wedges; separate wedges slightly. Brush tops with milk; sprinkle with remaining sugar.?
Bake at 400?° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 8 scones.?
Nutritional Analysis: One scone equals 181 calories 4 g fat (3 g saturated fat) 13 mg cholesterol 295 mg sodium 32 g carbohydrate 1 g fiber 3 g protein Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fruit
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For Two...
MASHED SWEET POTATO WITH CITRUS
~Submitted by Jean, Syracuse, NY
Active time: 10 min
Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr
1 large sweet potato (12 to 14 oz)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425?°F. Prick potato all over with a fork and bake in a small baking dish until tender when pierced with a small sharp knife, about 1 hour. When potato is cool enough to handle, peel off skin with knife. Mash potato with remaining ingredients. Makes 1 serving.
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Publisher's Choice...
CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
(To see web version of newsletter click
here.)
Preparation time: 30 min.
Cooking time: 25 min.
Ideal condiment: guacamole, chiltipin salsa
Shopping List
Monterey jack cheese, sour cream, black olives, green chilies, jalapeno or
yellow finger, corn tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, cream of chicken soup
Food items that are probably in your fridge!
Milk, onion, oil, cooked chicken
Ingredients
1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 cup low-fat sour cream
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies
1 jalapeno or yellow finger fresh, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
12 corn tortillas
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese ,divided
3 cups shredded lettuce
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup finely chopped seeded tomatoes
Serves 6
Step 1
Combine soup, milk and sour cream in a large bowl; stir until well mixed Stir in
chicken, green chilies, jalapeno or yellow finger, and onion. Preheat oven to
350'
Step 2
Spoon 3/4 cup mixture over bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Brush each
tortilla with oil and wrap with a plastic wrap. Microwave on MEDIUM for 2 1/2
minutes to soften tortillas.
Step 3
Spoon a small amount of chicken mixture onto each tortilla, reserving 1/4 cup;
divide cheese evenly among tortillas, reserving 1/4 cup. Roll up tortillas to
enclose filling.
Step 4
Arrange enchiladas in prepared baking dish. Spoon remaining chicken mixture and
cheese on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with lettuce, olives and tomatoes.
Desfrute su comida!
Pre - Prepared Items for even Faster Serving Times
Assemble this casserole the night before. Cover and refrigerate. The next day,
just bake in a 350'f oven for about 35 minutes. Add toppings and serve.
Money Savers
Just look in your pantry to discover creative topping ideas for these delicious
enchiladas. Crushed corn chips or tortilla chips will add inexpensive crunch.
Sprinkle over the top after baking.
Serving Variation
Brown some ground chicken or turkey to use in this recipe when you don't have
leftover cooked chicken on hand.
Betty Crocker's Quick & Easy Cookbook
By Betty Crocker Editors
Price: $17.95
Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.
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