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Enjoy!

Ramblings...

Shared by Richard, Bradenton, FL...

Here's to T-bone steaks, yellow roses and friendship.

READ THIS!!!! and then re-read it. Especially the last part...

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 7 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories. He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew that he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands. He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on. Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two.

Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak. Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.

She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know." I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. "My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the steaks". And cherish every moment you have together."

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone. I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding line. As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for." She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision.

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel. Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are. (Please read all of this, it is really nice)

This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this to your friends.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf. Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind. Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden. Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord for my family. There are many who are lonely. Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry. Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job. Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life. Pass this on to the friends you know. It might help a bit to make this world a better place to live, right? A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone to treasure. For friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place.

YOU ARE MY FRIEND!

God bless you and yours.

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Wolf in Chef's Clothing: The Picture Cook and Drink Book for Men
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Did You Know?...

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A great way to help A to Z Recipes continue making its way to your inbox is one that requires NO money. eBay offers a cash incentive to its affiliates whenever they introduce their service to others. This costs YOU nothing. All you must do is sign up for FREE, place a FREE bid on any item within one month of signing up (the sooner you do...the sooner A to Z Recipes gets paid), remain an eBay member for ONE month, and that's it. Period.

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COOKING TOOLS:

These are helpful tools; sites (not downloads) that you could add to your desk top.

Cooking Units Converter:
Converts metric, imperial, etc. units.
http://www.unitsconverter.net/

Recipe Quantity Calculator:
This is a WONDERFUL tool, especially for those who cook for one or two:
http://www.fruitfromwashington.com/Recipes/scale/recipeconversions.asp

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A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions About The Passion of The Christ
Ascension Press:
75,000 copies sold in the first 2 weeks!
Price: $5.95
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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.

Re: OPEN LETTER TO WILLIAM IN CANADA

Dearest Maggie and the rest of the A2Z Recipes Family,

The reading of William's letter was a little blurry because of tears in my eyes. I had to look up the word nefarious in the dictionary.

According to The Second College Edition of The American Heritage Dictionary: nefarious adj. Extremely wicked or infamous; evil.

How someone could describe Larry in such a manner is beyond my comprehension. Larry is a loving, caring, and giving person. In return I care about him.

I told my husband that I loved Larry. He wanted to know who Larry was. I told him that he was the guy from Canada that sent in the Coconut Cake recipe. His reply, "That is alright. I love him also." LOL.

Larry's fan club just keeps on growing.

William, I'm so sorry that you are having financial trouble. I know deep in my heart that you will overcome it. My hope and prayer is that when you overcome it, you will have become a better person. Hard times does one of two things to us. We get the choice of which. It is either that we are better or bitter.

William, please choose better. It may not mean anything to you but know that I will be praying for you. I wish you the best of everything.

Barbara, Chula Vista, CA

Dear A2Z Family,

I've been fishing in Canada for two weeks and just now caught up on the mailbox activity. I'd love to know more about all of you. I know Larry is from Perth, Ontario which is the closest town to the camp where we stay and we go there frequently. How about the rest of you? Anyone out there from Ohio? I'm from Swanton, just west of Toledo; although my hometown is Barberton. I moved to Northwest Ohio in 1968.

I'm sorry Maggie's trip is so far away from me. Perhaps one time, she'll head this way. Or . . . perhaps I'll head toward Texas!

Please, let's hear from ya'all.
Pam, OH

From Maggie---there are a LOT of folks chatting in the Discussion Forum, too!


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Discussion Forum

A to Z Recipes Family Reunion Plans

My family is planning a road trip in late June and I'd love to meet some of you along the way. We will be driving to Florida (from the Houston, Texas area). If you live near one of these cities, maybe some of us can finally meet, face to face.

How about a cup of coffee? Great! Let's meet! Here is my schedule for when and where I will be:

-Wednesday morning, June 23rd, Biloxi, MS
-Saturday noon, June 26th
Chili??™s Bar and Grill
9925 US Hwy. 441
Leesburg, FL 34788-3922
Phone: 352-315-4005
Fax: 352-315-4009

If you'd like to discuss this, make plans, offer some feedback, help me decide exactly where in each city to meet, you may do it right here and now.

I look forward to meeting with each of you and perhaps hearing what you have to say about us meeting in YOUR area next.


Discuss a2z Family Reunion

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.

500 Five Ingredient Recipes
By Better Homes and Gardens
Price: $14.95
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Next Monthly Theme...

Star Spangled Recipes

So, what would a theme so named mean, exactly? Well, I am hoping to liven things up a bit around the a2z house. What we'll be looking for in the month of June (hint: the theme issue is to be posted on July 4th) are recipes that either have "red" "white" and/or "blue" in the title - or - recipes that are red, white, and/or blue in appearance. It's really simple and could be great fun.

Here are some examples:
"Beet Salad" (red in appearance)
"White Chocolate Mousse" ("white" in appearance and title)
"Mom's Blue Cheese Dressing" ("blue" in title)
"Strawberry Cream Pie" ("red" and "white" in appearance)
"Blueberry Pancakes" ("blue" in appearance and title)
"Creamy Fruit Salad" ("red" cherries, "blue" berries, "white" whipped cream)

For those of you who find themes difficult because you do not have recipes of a certain persuasion, the gig is up??¦everyone has a recipe that will fit in here. I am looking forward to first-time participants as well as our "regulars". Now is a perfect time to spend a few minutes sending in a recipe to share. If you don't, I will certainly be "blue".

Here is the recipe submission 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 July's theme issue is Friday, June 25th.

Theme recipes must have subject: "Star Spangled Recipes" and will be posted on Sunday, July 4th.

As usual, only recipes are to be sent to: A to Z Recipes Inbox

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Betty Crocker's Quick & Easy Cookbook
By Betty Crocker Editors
Price: $17.95
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Crazy Corner...

ALL Shared by Jean, Syracuse, NY...

Pfizer Corp. announced today that VIAGRA will soon be available in liquid form and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage
suitable for use as a mixer. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one.

Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the names of "cocktails", "highballs" and just a good old
fashioned "stiff drink" Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of, Yep, you guessed it.

"MOUNT & DO."

The doctor, who had been seeing an 80-year-old woman for most of her life, finally retired.

At her next checkup, the new doctor told her to bring a list of all the medicines that had been prescribed for her. As the young doctor was looking through these, his eyes grew wide as he realized she has a prescription for birth control pills.

"Mrs. Smith, do you realize these are BIRTH CONTROL Pills?!?"

"Yes, they help me sleep at night."

"Mrs. Smith, I assure you there is absolutely NOTHING in these that could possibly help you sleep!"

She reached out and patted the young Doctor's knee. "Yes, dear, I know that. But every morning, I grind one up and mix it in the glass of orange juice that my 16 year old granddaughter drinks...And believe me, it helps me sleep at night!"

In the beginning, God created the earth and rested.
Then God created Man and rested.
Then God created Woman.
Since then, neither God nor Man has rested.

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Love is not blind.
That's why they make lingerie...

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Your Favorites...

BRIE EN CROTE WITH APRICOTS

~Submitted by Edna, Decatur, IL

Small round of Brie
1/3 cup apricot preserves
1 can crescent rolls

Flatten crescent roll dough into large rectangle. Mash seams together. Place cheese in center of dough and spread preserves over top of cheese. Bring up dough around cheese, pressing tightly all seams to seal.

Bake at 375 for 30 min or until dough is browned. Let cool 30 minutes before serving or cheese will be too runny.

BAKER??™S WHITE FROSTING

~Submitted by Lillian, FL

Beat for 3 minutes:
?? C. Crisco shortening
1 tsp salt
2 tsp. vanilla

Add:
1/3 C. water
1 box (1 lb.) powdered sugar. Beat WELL.

Add:
Another box of powdered sugar
1/3 C. water. Beat WELL again

Store, covered, in refrigerator. This will keep for months, if stored in refrigerator. It is an excellent frosting for any type cake. If you want a different flavor, use another flavoring in place of vanilla, or use both flavorings. You can use Chocolate extract and it will give it a white chocolate taste.

PEACH BREAD PUDDING WITH WHISKEY SAUCE

~Submitted by Larry Holmes, Ontario, Canada

Pudding:
2 cups skim milk
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
?? teaspoon cinnamon
?? teaspoon grated lemon rind
?? teaspoon grated nutmeg
2 cups day-old French bread, in ??-inch cubes
1 can (14 ounces) peaches in juice, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons raisins

Whiskey Sauce:
?? cup skim milk
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon rye whiskey (or brandy)

Pudding:
In large bowl, whisk together milk, egg whites, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon rind and nutmeg. Stir in bread; let soak 1 minutes. Stir in peaches and raisins.

Pour mixture into lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish. Bake in 350?° F oven 45 to 50 minutes or until center is lightly set. Serve with Whiskey Sauce.

Whiskey sauce:
In a small saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, whisking constantly, until sauce boils and thickens. Remove from heat and stir in liquor.

Serves 4

CROCKPOT HAMBURGER SOUP

~Submitted by Mary B., Nashville, TN

1-1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced cabbage
1 - 6 ounce can tomato paste
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3 cups beef bouillon or stock*

In a skillet, brown ground beef and drain thoroughly. Add onion, carrots, celery and cabbage. Combine tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and beef stock/bouillon. Add to crockpot with hamburger and stir to blend. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours, or high setting for 3 to 4 hours.

*I used 2 cans of beef broth. I also added about ?? tsp Lawry's salt-free 17 spice seasoning and 2 to 3 squirts of catsup.

STONE CRAB NEWBURG

~Submitted by Jean, Syracuse, NY

Ingredients:

1 lb. Stone Crab claw meat
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
Pinch of hot red (cayenne) pepper
2 cups light cream
2 egg yolks, beaten
2 tbsp dry sherry
2 tbsp flour
1/2 pound wide noodles, cooked

Preparation:

In a large skillet, slowly melt butter. Add salt, paprika, hot pepper and flour. Add cream gradually and simmer, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened slightly.

Stir a little of the cream sauce into egg yokes. Add egg yokes to remaining sauce, stirring constantly.

Add Stone Crab meat. Simmer until heated. Stir in sherry. Serve immediately over cooked noodles.

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Heart Healthy...

CHICKEN WITH SPANISH-STYLE RICE AND TOMATOES

~Submitted by Jean, Syracuse, NY

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut in pieces
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 package (8 ounces) Spanish-style yellow rice
1 pound fully ripened fresh Florida tomatoes, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 sweet green bell pepper, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 to 3 teaspoons chopped pickled jalapenos

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken; sprinkle with pepper; cook and stir until almost cooked through, about 5 minutes, adding garlic for the last 2 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate; set aside.

To the skillet, add rice with seasoning and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until water is almost absorbed, about 12 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, green pepper, beans and jalapenos.

Top with reserved chicken. Simmer, covered, until rice is tender, about 5 minutes longer.

YIELD: 4 portions

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For Two...

INDIVIDUAL MEAT LOAVES

~Submitted by Jean, Syracuse, NY

1 egg
3 Tbs milk
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp onion salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup cracker crumbs
1/2 lb uncooked ground pork
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
3 Tbs vinegar
1/2 tsp prepared mustard

In a medium bowl, beat egg; add milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion salt, pepper and crumbs. Add pork and mix well. Shape into two 5x2 1/2 inch loaves; place in a small baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over loaves. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until no longer pink.

Makes 2 servings.

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Publisher's Choice...

TRADITIONAL SWISS STEAK

A family favorite.

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 1-1/2 to 2 hours
Servings: Serves 4
2 lbs. beef round steak
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 large onion, cut in half and sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 medium bell peppers, sliced into 1/4-inch strips
2 cans stewed tomatoes
1 can beef broth
1 cup water

In skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Saute onion and bell pepper until onion is translucent. Remove and set aside.

In same skillet, saute round steak until browned. Add canned tomatoes, beef broth and water. Add onion and bell peppers.

Turn heat to low and cover with tight fitting lid. Simmer for 45 minutes, or until beef is fork tender or, for Dutch oven, cover with tight fitting lid and cook in preheated 350?°F oven for 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Serve over rice or egg noodles.

Add additional water during cooking if sauce begins to get too thick.

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