Free Republic

Sounds like they were begging for trouble. Ya know, one day they just may get what they are asking for.

And that just may be the the operative phrase for a Government reaction, "What they are asking for'. Chaos, turmoil, violence, may be the 'the justification' for Government to expand, to maintain, to exert its ever expanding control over the US populace.
Just be careful out there!

I cannot decide if this is Jimmy Fallon or Russell Crowe in drag???

If I recall correctly, Hillary Clinton wanted the WH Marines to serve drinks, dispose of empties at WH functions. Seems Pentagon immediately corrected that thought.

(REFER: Gary Aldrich's book "Unlimited Access")...Also Hillary wanted the Secret Service to carry their luggage even while disparaging them to her daughter Chelsea.

Thought Rush had 14,000,000 listeners daily???

Though his audience did decrease from the 1990's 20,000,000.

Hmmmm...White House ‘talking points’ being passed around. Next they state Rush lacks ‘gravitas’... ;)

FYI...related thread...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3019307/posts....
Lamar Alexander: Sebelius fundraising ‘arguably an even bigger issue’ than Iran-Contra

Sure, cooking can be fun... on the weekends. When there’s no pressure to just get something on the table because everyone is starving. But during the workweek? It’s just one more exhausting time suck making life a nearly-impossible grind. Especially for moms with little children.

Then the operative phrase is ‘on the weekends’.

If one cooks on the weekend simply increase the recipes necessary for weekday dining. For instance when I’m preparing lasagna, I make enough meat/veggies sauce in a large electric roaster. Then it’s just an assembly line technique to assemble 3/4 lasagnas, one for an upcoming meal, 2/3 for freezing. Another example, the electric roaster allows me to make 38 cabbage rolls (with spare ribs/Kielbasa) for numerous freezer containers.

Frozen meals and/or utilizing slow cookers can be tremendous time savers. In the morning place a ham/roast/chicken in the slow cooker ready for the evening's meal. Dinner can be augmented with previously prepared casseroles/side dishes.

I don’t know if there are ‘home cooking’ businesses in your area, (my area has four). On Saturdays you go into one of these ‘home cooking’ businesses , decide on the varied menus, pick out the necessary ingredients, cook (staff will assist if necessary) for a morning/afternoon. The staff then packages/flash freezes your meals. You then have enough for your family’s two week meals.

"America, it is said, is suffering from intolerance. It is not. It is suffering from tolerance of right and wrong, truth and error, virtue and evil, Christ and chaos. Our country is not nearly so much overrun with the bigoted as it is overrun with the broadminded... In the face of this broadmindedness, what the world needs is intolerance."
(Fulton Sheen's "A Plea for Intolerance," 1931)

The Obama Administration is a blueprint for Fabian Socialism

“Fabianism feeds on Capitalism, but excretes Communism.”

“The Fabians believe in ‘easing’ into absolute power by deceit. The Communists and Fascists believe in attaining power quickly by violence.”

‘Communists are Socialists with guns…

-- “The Road We Are Traveling”, Stuart Chase, 1942

--“The Road Ahead”, John T. Flynn, 1950

--“ Outline Political History of the Americas”, Wm. Z. Foster , 1951

“Keynes at Harvard: Economic Deception as a Political Credo”, Zygmund Dobbs 1960

“The Great Deceit: Social Pseudo-Sciences’, Zygmund Dobbs 1964

“Death by Government” R. J. Rummel, 1997

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2841565/posts---Who founded Fabian Socialism in the United States?

I believe there is a FReeper who has created a very detailed timeline for it, going back to when they were requesting extra security for the consulate several months before.

FYI...

a href=http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3017017/posts?page=39#39

They are the children of LBJ.

Hmmmm...after almost 49 YEARS have passed since the LBJ's 'Great Society' "entitlements" passage...may be more appropriate to revise it to read:

"They are the children, grandchidren, great grandchildren of LBJ.

it’s cold, so we don’t have—I think a mistake was to call it global warming. It isn’t global warming. It’s climate change … but it’s a left-wing problem,” she said

Evidence has shown that the earth's temperatures cycles have been cooling since mid 1998. Nevertheless, the progressive liberal agenda (control and more control) ignored this cooling of climate.

Seems ever since the term 'global warming' became a punchline (since 2007-2008) for so many jokes/satires/seminars...the Progressive liberal elites' new stance/position/creed was that this new (since 1998) evidence was now to be referred to as 'climate change'.

Climate change in that any weather system, any weather pattern (even local) is due to this 'evil', threatening 'climate change'.

Remember the onslaught of hurricanes of 2005 (Katrina...)...and the prediction of more numerous/bigger/devastating hurricanes predicted in the oncoming years? Never materialized. In fact 2005 just approached the hurricane record of 1933. 2004/2005/2006 winters in Europe/Russia set all time record lows.

Rains too much, rains too little; snow too much snows too little; temperatures too high, temperatures too low; Too windy, no wind; a sequence of hurricanes, an absence of hurricanes, tornadoes forming, absence of tornadoes; Arctic ice melting, Antarctica ice forming; etc...

All attributable to climate change of which ONLY the GOVERNMENT elites can exercise control, change industry, regulate/change humans' actions, can save 'us' from ourselves.

The Bush administration was a long time ago

How so very true...

The Benghazi terrorists attack happened under 7 MONTHS ago...and this Administration considers that event happening a long time ago...

Yet the Bush Administration ended under 64 MONTHS (5.33 YEARS) ago..and this Administration considers the Bush years as current events.

But as one 'smart, knowledgeable' Obama Administration sage stated...

“What difference, at this point, does it make?”

Hillary Clinton (January 23, 2013)

john boehner... you are truly a traitorous bastard, a horrible leaderless drone and a disgrace to America

Bless his heart...

Related article...

Dayton Daily News (Apr 24, 2013)....
Feds seize home in illegal worker probe...
Half-million home bought by owner of Dayton roofing company seized by federal prosecutor

— The federal government is seizing bank accounts worth nearly $2 million and a half-million dollar home from the owner of a longtime Dayton roofing company accused by federal officials of using illegal workers, falsifying documents and money laundering.

According to allegations in a federal civil lawsuit, Williams Brothers Roofing and Siding Co., Inc. and its owner Greg Oldiges are accused of transporting and using illegal immigrants to generate millions of dollars of profits and money laundering. The suit was filed April 15 in Dayton’s Southern Ohio District Court. No criminal charges have been filed.

The criminal investigation is ongoing and involves “officers, employees and other individuals associated with” Williams Brothers. United States Attorney Pamela Stanek said any civil forfeiture is based on criminal violations, but that investigation could take several weeks. She added that civil forfeitures often come before criminal indictments in these type of cases..................................

ALWAYS, in All WAYS, it's about getting more revenue and NEVER about spending reductions. NEVER about reducing government fraud/waste/abuses. The Democrats can't grow the economy so they as usual, will tax whatever they can!

. Once again, increasing tax revenue for the ever expanding Government entitlement programs.

And once again….”The trouble with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money”

ALWAYS, in All WAYS, it's about getting more revenue and NEVER about spending reductions. NEVER about reducing government fraud/waste/abuses. The Democrats can't grow the economy so they, as usual, will tax whatever they can!

Once again, increasing tax revenue for the ever expanding Government entitlement programs.

And once again….”The trouble with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money”

BUT....BUT...but...

All of the MSM TOLD us the Terrorists bombers' actions were due to their exposure 'failed' American culture.

FU, Roofers Union! suffer like the rest of us...

Like the rest of us???? I agree with your intended sentiment...but the 'rest of us' does not include the multidude of corporations/unions, since 'Obamacare' (passed March 2010), that have applied for and received waivers for being included under this Affordable Care Act.

I’m just surprised that Obama hasn’t blamed the bombing on the sequester..

Two of his 'underlings' (Barney Frank and Steny Hamilton Dem (Maryland 5th) did just that...

I do not believe so. I do not recall his participation on that one subject.

RIP and God Speed from another Class of ‘98

How wonderful that he was able to live such an adventurous and fruitful life and be part of so many lives for so many years. I'm sure that having his preserved wisdom, his creativity, his zest for principle and love will be a great joy for us all. Having fondest internet memories of Dr. Raoul will be a comfort in the time ahead, as who he was will always live on in each our hearts.

In a similar vein...

Hmmmmm..the irony

The Food Stamp Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is actually proud of the fact it is distributing the greatest amount of free meals and food stamps ever. In fact, it's now running ads across the U.S. (USDA Ad Buys) to encourage more use of food stamps.

Meanwhile, the National Park Service, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, asks us to
"Please Do Not Feed the Animals."

The stated reason for the policy is because the animals soon grow dependent on handouts, forget how to fend for themselves, and starve to death if nobody is there to feed them.

Hmmmmm...Thus endeth today's lesson.

Hmmmmm…perhaps you should try the movie “Stripes” instead…

“This is not the current meme,” insisted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev). “Woodward’s rummaging through statements made by the President more than a year ago is inappropriate. The President’s says that the cuts forced by the sequester are dumb and arbitrary. Whether it was originally his idea is no longer relevant.”

Yet, in the last four weeks...when Obama utilizing his amazing ability of capricious misdirection, set forth the sequester was the Republican's idea, the Republican's lack of earnest negotiations....it WAS relevant.

Amazing, simply amazing that this Administration gets away with such arbitrary behavior. Of course the Republicans' lack of an adequate message AND messenger contributes to Obama's slight-of-hand deviousness.

Hmmmmm...if I recall correctly...the 'Won' had his hair dyed a dark color before the 2012 election. And of course that includes last August 2012.
Only since Dec/Jan has the 'Won' shown a graying head?.
Or is my recollection in error???

And if 10% is good enough for G-D, it’s good enough for the gov’t!

Hmmmmmm....will that be your 'final answer' in your upcoming IRS audit???? ;)

...the Republican Party keeps arguing issues, when it really needs to have people in the public eye, who are articulate and passionate about our worthy American foundations and heritage ....

Seems the performane (public eye) of Senator Cruz (R-TX), in the first month of his Senate term, has shown himself as one Conservative that 'stands for something'.
I'll take whatever encouragement that's out there.

their = there...sheeesh!

Q: How can you tell when a Congressman connected with a crime is a Democrat? A:When an AP story doesn't mention his party.

AND/OR

When their is a (R) or (Rep) in front of the Representative's name...thus most assume a Republican.

Parents are allowing their kids to do less and less activities that involve risk. In the old days, a kid breaking his arm was no big deal. A kid getting in a fight was no big deal. These days, its a crisis.

Yes it's a crisis nowadays as parents have experienced lawsuits (filed against/to), draconian Child Services regulations, a severe coarsening on our culture, the inherent dangers of today's society, peer pressure to push the envelope...etc.

One less day of a Major telling me the landing gear “felt” like they were slow to retract, not sure though.

FYI… ;)

Apparently, after every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a 'gripe sheet', which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems; document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.

Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humour. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by Qantas' Pilots and the solutions recorded by maintenance engineers.

Pilots: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
Engineers: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

Pilots: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
Engineers: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

Pilots: Something loose in cockpit.
Engineers: Something tightened in cockpit.

Pilots: Dead bugs on windshield.
Engineers: Live bugs on back-order.

Pilots: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
Engineers: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

Pilots: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
Engineers: Evidence removed.

Pilots: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
Engineers: That's what they're for.

Pilots: Suspected crack in windshield.
Engineers: Suspect you're right.

More Exchanges Between Qantas Pilots and Their Engineers

Pilots: Number 3 engine missing.
Engineers: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

Pilots: Aircraft handles funny.
Engineers: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

Pilots: Target radar hums
Engineers: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

Pilots: Mouse in cockpit.
Engineers: Cat installed.

And perhaps, the best Qantas joke...

Qantas Pilot: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
Engineers: Took hammer away from midget

Yep, he’s a wannabe tough guy but this right here reveals that he’s really just an 0bama Phone Lady.

Hmmmmm... just in line for free stuff...

Retorts for feminists encounters...

"I'm not holding the door because of your sex, I'm holding it because of your age,"

or

"I act like a gentleman even when a woman doesn't act like a lady."

Most fervent prayers for all to have a most
blessed, safe, joyous Christmas Season

He said: 'They have a culture that seems not to encourage achievement.

For years I've heard the derisive term 'acting White" directed toward a minority member achieving some positive distinction, some positive academic success, by 'breaking the cycle'.

union protests tied to the expected passage of "right-to-work" legislation this week in the state capital.

But...but...but isn't this Bill simply a mater of now allowing workers a freedom of choice...

...yeah that's the ticket!!...non union workers are pro choice! ;)

Hmmmmm..seems ants, grasshoppers and a little red hen come to mind. And perhaps some armed Koreans on a roof.

Do Republicans Stand For Anything?

The question was posed in 2002. Seems ten years later the question has been addressed...no they do not. No message, nor adequate messenger.

From the article:

The incident caused serious fallout. Jcrane, Inc. owner Jack Stull said in a letter that he would continue the work but would not replace the sign. “I’m through with appeasing, I’m tired of political correctness, and I’m no longer fearful of their media or their lawsuits," he insisted. "I will stand for truth.”

If only we could transfer some of his DNA into the spine of the present Speaker of the House!!

I'm not usually a vindictive person, but when it comes to deep blue Marxist states, I'm learning to be. With joy. From now on, whenever I hear of layoffs and plant closings in blue states I will grin like Liberace and say, “I hope you like your new country......You voted for it!”.................

From a blog comment on a Drudge link:

Congratulations to the Democrats and Young People! You now own it and you can't blame Bush.

-- The next terrorist attack, you own it.

-- Can't get a job after graduation, you own it.

-- Sky rocketing energy prices due to Obama's EPA shutting down the energy producing states, you own it.

-- A nuclear Iran, you own it.

-- Bowing to Russia, you own it.

-- Another severe recession, you own it.

-- A volatile border with Mexico, you own it.

-- Trouble getting good health care, you own it.

-- Higher health insurance costs and health care costs, you own it.

-- No budget, you own it.

-- Our allies mistrust, you own it.

-- Another trillion of debt, you own it.

-- More Benghazi situations, you own it.

-- No one willing to join the military, you own it.

-- Trouble getting a loan to buy a home, you own it.

-- More dependency on food stamps, you own it.

-- Trouble finding good employment, you own it.

-- Several part time jobs instead of a good job, you own it.

-- A World Government, you own it.

-- The UN governing the United States instead of ourselves, you own it.

-- A Senate that will not bring any legislation to the table even if it is "Dead on Arrival", you own it.

-- China controlling our world trade trampling all over us, you own it.

-- Loss of our freedoms as we have known it in the past, you own it.

-- A dictatorship instead of a democracy that follows the Constitution, you own it.

-- Less take home pay and higher living costs, you own it.

-- Driving a car that looks like a toy, you own it.

-- More government corruption and lies, you own it.

-- More toleration of extreme and fanatical Islamists, you own it.

-- Terrorist attacks called work place incidents, you own it.

-- Your revenge instead of love of country, you own it.

-- President George Bush is out of it now, and there is not another good man for you to vilify and lie about.

-- In a way I am relieved that another good man will not be blamed when it was impossible to clean up this mess you voted for.

Have a good day. God bless the United States! God is our hope now.

Hmmmm.....

The Ghosts of Hungarian Communism Haunt U.S. Oct 22, 2012: Thomas Peterffy, who in 1965 fled Communist Hungary, recently put out an ad stating:

I grew up in a socialist country, and I have seen what that does to people. There is no hope, no freedom, no pride in achievement. The nation became poorer and poorer, and that’s what I see happening here. As a young boy I was fantasizing about one day going to America, making a success of myself, the American dream. America’s wealth comes from the efforts of people striving for success. Take away their incentive with bad-mouthing success and you take away the wealth that helps us take care of the needy. Yes, in socialism the rich will be poorer, but the poor will also be poorer. People lose interest in really working hard and creating jobs. I think this is a very slippery slope. It seems like people don’t learn from the past. That’s why I’m voting Republican and putting this ad on television".

AND...

"It is with a strange feeling that those of us who come from the Soviet Union look upon the West of today. It is as though we were neither neighbours on the same planet, nor contemporaries -and yet we contemplate the West from what will be your future, or look back seventy years, to see our past suddenly repeating itself. And what we see is always the same, always the same as it was then: adults deferring to the opinion of their children; the younger generation carried away by shallow worthless ideas; professors scared of being unfashionable; journalists refusing to take responsibility for the words they squander so profusely; universal sympathy for revolutionary extremists; people with serious objections unable or unwilling to voice them; the majority passively obsessed by a feeling of doom; feeble governments; societies whose defensive reactions have become paralysed; spiritual confusion leading to political upheaval.What will happen as a result of all this lies ahead of us. But the time is near, and from bitter memory we can easily predict what these events will be".
Excerpt from "West's Betrayal of Civilisation" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Wouldn't buried lines be protected from any kind of solar flare? All the lines in my neighborhood are buried.

Has your neighborhood ever experienced power outages? My entire neighborhood has underground utility lines. Yet a downed tree, a downed power pole some miles away...still disrupts my community. Those other overhead lines still provide/service my area...thus my area is vunerable at times. Though I'm in an area that has some priorites...so while surrounding areas my be without power for days/weeks, we're blessed/fortunate to only experience a few hours of disruption,

My 12 Days of Christmas….

cookies…

cookies…

cookies…

RAINBOW COOKIES (ITALIAN)

Prep Time: 45 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 10 Hours 30 Minutes
Servings: 63
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 ounces almond paste/ rec filling (12 oz)
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 4 eggs,
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Almond extract ½ - ¾ TBs
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 drops red food coloring / gel
• 6 drops green food coloring / gel
• 1/4 cup seedless red raspberry jam
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, Melted
2 TBS butter
1/2 tsp corn syrup OR butter shortening???
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Line three 9x13 inch baking pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, break apart almond paste/filling with a fork, and cream together with butter, sugar, and eggs. When mixture is fluffy and smooth, mix in almond extract, stir in flour to form a dough. Divide dough into 3 equal portions. Mix one portion with red food coloring, and one with green food coloring. Spread each portion into one of the prepared baking pans.
3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned. Carefully remove from pan and parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks.
4. Place green layer onto a piece of plastic wrap large enough to wrap all three layers. Spread green layer with raspberry jam, and top with uncolored layer. Spread with apricot jam, and top with pink layer. Transfer layers to a baking sheet, and enclose with plastic wrap. Place a heavy pan or cutting board on top of wrapped layers to compress. Chill in the refrigerator 8 hours, or overnight.
5. Remove plastic wrap. Top with melted chocolate chips/butter/corn syrup OR shortening, and refrigerate 1 hour, or until chocolate is firm (better, if overnight). Slice into small squares to serve.
NOTE: CAN FREESE JUST BARS..THEN WHEN NEEDED CUT INTO RECTANGLES
----OPTIONS / TIPS: Adding some almond extract to it really enhanced the almond flavor. Another thing that helps is to melt the chocolate (without cracking) with 2 tablespoons butter and a 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
• suggest using ALMOND FILLING instead of paste. This will make them moist and is easier to mix. Use almond extract, it makes the difference. Use gel food coloring instead of liquid. Use enough to get true rich colors. omit the apricot jam
• I take the parchment paper and make it large enough to put under the pan on each side which makes it MUCH easier to spread.
• make it easier by just spraying the pans with non-stick cooking spray instead of parchment paper and the cookies easily come out.. spray the pans with a little spray oil or use some butter then put the parchment paper in the pan (this keeps the paper from moving around when you are spreading the dough
• those having trouble with the spreading: use 3 aluminum pans (usually 3 for 99 cents at the 99 cent store)and spray with ALOT of pam.
MAKING ALMOND PASTE..
Ingredients
1 pound blanched almonds 1 (16 ounce) package confectioners' sugar 3 egg whites 1 teaspoon almond extract
Directions
1. Grind almonds in a blender. Thoroughly mix in confectioners sugar. Beat egg whites slightly, then stir into the almond mixture. Add almond extract, using your hands to blend the heavy mixture.

PEANUT BUTTER CUP COOKIES

Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour 35 Minutes
Servings: 40
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 40 miniature chocolate covered peanut butter cups, unwrapped
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda; set aside.
2. Cream together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and milk. Add the flour mixture; mix well. Shape into 40 balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan.
3. Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into each ball. Cool and carefully remove from pan
…..Options/hints:
a. **Freeze PB Cups, unwrap, then pop back into freezer--until cookies are out of oven.**Allow middles to "sink" a bit before adding the pb cup(should happen when removed from the oven after 8 minutes) the "sink" will prevent the sides of the cookie from cracking.**ABSOLUTELY refrigerate the pan before removing cookies for cooling rack... BUT**Decorate with sprinkles BEFORE refrigerating pan--place decor quickly, as the chocolate will start to melt. Shifting placement of the decorations will be tricky!
b. they dont look like they're done cooking after 8 minutes, but they are. Dont make the mistake of overbaking them

CHRISTMAS WREATHS

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 30 Minutes
Servings: 18
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 teaspoons green food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp of almond extract OR peppermint extract
• 3 cups cornflakes OR frosted flakes cereal
• AND can fill in with 1 cup Rice Krispies
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon red hot candies
Options: --also used springles and coconut to decorate
--melted white chocolate and drizzled it on top for a "snow" effect
--white decorating crystals
--added a red licorice bow
DIRECTIONS:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows, and cook until melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in the food coloring, vanilla, and cornflakes.
2. Quickly drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto waxed paper, and form into a wreath shape with lightly greased fingers (spoon a glob onto the waxed paper and use your fingers form a wreath by pulling from the middle out). Immediately decorate with red hot candies. Allow to cool to room temperature before removing from waxed paper, and storing in an airtight container
…..Hints:
a. shortcut for molding the wreaths is to drop a ball of the mixture onto wax paper and take the end of a plastic spoon, stick it in the middle to make a hole, then spin it around to make the wreath.
b. put a plastic sandwich bag over your hand and it won't stick to you (or the bag)
c. you can also keep the mixture warm in a slow cooker while you're shaping the wreaths.

BANANA CRUMB MUFFINS

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes Ready In: 35 Minutes Servings: 10 ….MANY MORE IF MADE AS MINI--MUFFINS
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 bananas, mashed
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp of vanilla
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup butter, melted OR 1/3 cup canola oil
• Streusel Topping
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 TBSP chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon butter
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg, vanilla, cinnamon and melted butter OR oil. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.
……OPTIONS/TIPS: • be sure to not overmix.
• the advice of other bakers and added 1 tsp of cinnamon to the banana bread mix and then used 1/3 cup oil instead of butter.
• added 2 TBSP chopped walnuts to the crumb topping

CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY COOKIES

Recipe Yield 36 cookies
INGREDIENTS (DOUBLED):
• 1 cups white sugar ; I cup brown sugar
• 2 egg (maybe dry) OR 3 for more chewy/soft cookie
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract OR cherry extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 (10 ounce) jars maraschino cherries
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS:
This recipe's Ingredients were scaled (doubled) to yield a new amount. The directions below still refer to the original recipe yield of 18 cookies.
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl. Add egg and vanilla and beat well. Add the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder and stir until smooth. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls about the size of a walnut (larger if desired). Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press center of each ball with thumb.
3. Drain cherries and reserve juice. Place a cherry in indentation of each cookie ball.
4. ** In a saucepan, heat condensed milk and chocolate chips until chips are melted. Stir in 4 teaspoons of cherry juice. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of mixture over each cherry and spread to cover cherry. (More cherry juice may be added to keep frosting of spreading consistency.) Or pipe frosting (zig-zag) over cherry/cookie
5. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
OPTIONS/TIPS:
• 1) doubled the batter but not the chocolate sauce, 2) used a half cup of white sugar and a half cup of brown sugar, 3) placed the cherry in the center of the cookie immediately after I took them out of the oven, 4) drizzled the chocolate on after the cookie cooled. I also cut the cherries in half before inserting them into the center just to stretch the jar of cherries.
• I use cherry extract instead of vanilla, so you will have more of the cherry taste. It really does make a difference. In the icing I use the whole can of condensed milk, add more cherry extract and extra cherry juice from the can. I mean about 1/4 cup or more. The more you use the more cherry and chocolate taste you will get.. I think they taste better the second day!
• I did use 2 T (6 tsp) cherry juice in the frosting, and ** it still needed more. Next time I will also add some cherry juice to the cookie. I think those changes will make it amazing
• ** halved the icing recipe and still had a bit leftover.
• The glaze is excellent and should be drizzled on before being baked. Do not add on any additional baking time or they will dry out. The moisture of the cherries makes them perfectly soft by the next day.

FROSTED NUTMEG LOGS

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Ready In: 35 Minutes
Yields: 27 servings
INGREDIENTS:
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
FROSTING:
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half cream
• Sprinkle nutmeg
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and extracts; mix well. Combine the flour, nutmeg and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
2. On a lightly floured surface, shape dough into 1/2-in.-wide logs. Cut into 2-in. pieces. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 11-14 minutes or until center is set and edges are lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
3. For frosting, in a mixing bowl, combine the butter, confectioners' sugar, extracts and enough cream to achieve a spreading consistency. Frost cooled cookies. Rake the frosting with fork tines..for bark ‘look’
(hint) Sprinkle some nutmeg on the frosting while it's still wet for a really festive look

SPICY OATMEAL CRAISIN COOKIE

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes
Ready In: 50 Minutes
Servings: 36
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/4 cup butter flavored shortening
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ** ½ tsp baking powder (OPT)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups rolled oats
• cup raisins (OR Craisins (soaked in warm water))
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (white)
• 1/2 cup walnuts
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the oats and raisins, chocolate chips, walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 9 to 11 minutes until light and golden. Do not overbake. Let them cool for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets to cool completely. Store in airtight container.
OPTIONS / TIPS:
• Used all butter
• soaked the raisins/CRAISINS in just-boiled water for 5 minutes (this plumps them and prevents them from getting hard/dried out in the oven).
• only used about ¼ tsp of the cloves but also added some powdered ginger, freshly grated nutmeg & allspice
• noticed one pust the nuts in them they don't spread out as much. So press them down gently and they will made a perfect cookie
• to use cool cookie sheets and to keep the batter cold. The cookies will be fluffier instead of flattening out during baking
• added nutmeg, dried orange peel, ginger, allspice and extra cinnamon. Baking time was best around 8-10 minutes for especially moist cookies.
• **added 1/4 tsp. baking powder to avoid any flattening or spreading
• will admit, just used pumpkin pie spice in place of the other spices, them much better.

SUGARED BLACK RASPBERRY TEA COOKIE

Petite, crunchy, black raspberry filled thumbprints, dipped in granulated sugar, and studded with miniature chocolate chips. These cookies freeze well
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Ready In: 45 Minutes
Servings: 36
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• (10 ounce) jar black raspberry jam
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter with brown sugar and 1/3 cup white sugar. Blend in the vanilla and milk. Mix in the flour and corn starch. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
3. Form the dough into 1 inch balls, and roll in the remaining white sugar. Place on the prepared cookie sheet, about 1 1/2 inches apart. Use your finger or thumb to press straight down into the center of each ball, making a well for the jam. Neatly fill each cookie with a small amount of jam.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until cookies are just beginning to turn golden around the edges. Let cookies cool before eating.
……OPTIONS / TIPS:
• used raspberry and apricot jams and drizzled the finished cookies with some melted chocolate chips and oil, which made for a very attractive presentation
• Thirteen minutes was almost too long. Watch these carefully. Overbaking dries eggless cookies quickly

MOLASSES SUGAR COOKIE

Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Ready In: 3 Hours 40 Minutes
Yields: 36 servings
INGREDIENTS:
o 2 cups white sugar OR green & red
o 1/2 cup molasses
o 2 eggs
o 4 cups all-purpose flour
o 4 teaspoons baking soda
o 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
o teaspoon ground cloves
o teaspoon ground ginger
o teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. Melt the shortening in a large pan on the stove, and cool.
2. Add sugar, eggs, and molasses, beat well.
3. In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together and add to the pan. Mix well and chill 3 hours or overnight.
4. Form into walnut-size balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8-10 minutes.
6. Store in an airtight container to keep from getting overly crisp. If they do lose their softness, an easy way to restore it is to place one slice of fresh bread in the container with the cookies for a couple of hours or overnight and they will be soft again!
…..(VARIOUS hint 1) 1) Instead of 2c. granulated sugar as written in the recipe, I used 1c. granulated sugar and 1c. brown sugar; 2) I used butter-flavored shortening; 3) I baked the cookies right away without refrigerating the dough; 4) I only used 1/2t. salt; 5) I used a baking stone, baked the cookies for 10 minutes, took them out of the oven, let them sit for one minute on the baking stone, then removed the cookies and placed them on a cooling rack.
(hint 2 Definitely watch cooking time...if you like a chewy cookie, stick to the approx. 10min bake time-they may look too undercooked but that is fine. If you like a crispy cookie, let them go 2 mins longer. They definitely go from being chewy to being crispy QUICK so watch the time!!
(hint 3))…drizzle with a buttercream frosting

SPRING LIME TEA COOKIE

are light, buttery tea cookies bursting with citrus flavor
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 50 Minutes
Servings: 24
INGREDIENTS:
o 1/3 cup milk
o 1/2 cup butter, softened
o 3/4 cup white sugar
o 1 egg
o 2 teaspoons lime zest
o 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
o teaspoon baking powder
o 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
o 1,2- drops green food coloring
o 2 tablespoons lime juice (bit of zest)
o 1/4 cup white sugar (OR powdered sugar)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine the 2 teaspoons of lime juice with the milk, let stand for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the lime zest and milk mixture. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda, food coloring, blend into the creamed mixture. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes (or longer) in the preheated oven, until the edges are light brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. To make the glaze, stir together the remaining lime juice (bit of zest) and sugar (OR powered sugar) TOUCH OF GREEN food coloring.... . Brush onto cooled cookies.
…..OPTIONS / TIPS:
• Not quite "limey"enough. add more lime zest and juice!
• substitutes (orange zest, and powdered sugar in the glaze
• add more lime juice/zest, and will use powdered sugar for the glaze.
• made a thicker glaze with 1/2 a cup of sugar powder and about 3 tbsp of lime juice.

STAINED GLASS COOKIE
Melted candies surrounded by dough to resemble stained glass windows

serving: 60
INGREDIENTS:
o 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
o 3/4 cup HONEY
o 1/3 cup water
o 3 cups all-purpose flour
o teaspoon baking soda
o 1/2 teaspoon salt
o 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
o 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
o 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
o 5 3/4 ounces ‘Jolly Rancher” or similar hard candies
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter or margarine, brown sugar and honey until smooth. Blend in water. Stir together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add flour mixture to creamed mixture; blend well.
2. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
3. Cut out paper stars, bells, or other christmas motifs. Trace onto a sheet of aluminum foil.
4. Roll pieces of dough into ropes about 1/4-inch wide. Outline the designs with ropes of dough. Press ends lightly together.
5. Separate candies by color. In a blender or food processor, coarsely crush candies. Fill in dough outlines with the candies.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 4 to 5 minutes or until cookie is set and candy melts. Cool on baking sheet
……Options/hints:
line pan…used tin foil covered with nonstick spray

CRANBERRY PISTACHIO BISCOTTI

used other nuts instead of pistachios with success. If your pistachios are salted, omit the 1/4 teaspoon salt from the recipe
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour 20 Minutes Servings: 36
INGREDIENTS:
o 3/4 cup white sugar
o 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
o 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
o 2 eggs
o 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
o 1/4 teaspoon salt
o teaspoon baking powder
o 1 tsp orange zest OR UP TO 1 TBP (depending on your taste)
o 1/2 cup dried cranberries
o 1/2 cups pistachio nuts
o DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F
2. In a large bowl, mix together oil and sugar until well blended. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, then beat in the eggs. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder; orange zest, gradually stir into egg mixture. Mix in cranberries and nuts by hand.
3. Divide dough in half. Form two logs (12x2 inches) on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Dough may be sticky; wet hands with cool water to handle dough more easily
4. Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until logs are light brown. Remove from oven, and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven heat to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
5. Cut logs on diagonal into 3/4 inch thick slices. Lay on sides on parchment covered cookie sheet. Bake approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until dry; cool…
.drizzle some frosting over add the combination of almond extract and orange juice into the frosting drizzle
….Options/hints:
WET YOUR HANDS while working with the very sticky dough
1 tsp. of orange zest and added it right into the batter
slivered almonds instead of the pistachio nuts
melted white chocolate in the microwave and dipped on end in, then sprinkled with red and green colored sugars
substituted dried cherries and whole almonds, pulsed together in a food processor, for the cranberries and pistachios

Container City II at Trinity Buoy Wharf,
London in September 2012

All four Both sides are claiming victory!

Hamas/Egypt/Hitlery/Obama and Israel.

CRANBERRY WALNUT RELISH
Servings: 8
-- oven baked relish...Orange marmalade / apricot is stirred into cranberries and walnuts --
INGREDIENTS:
-- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
-- 3/4 cup white sugar
-- 1 (6 ounce) orange marmalade
-- 1 (6 ounce) apricot preserves
-- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
-- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
-- 1 teaspoon orange zest
--……Option: ½ cup shredded apples ..(I like multiple flavors)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place cranberries in a shallow 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with sugar, cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
2. Remove from oven and sprinkle with walnuts. Re-cover and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from oven and stir in marmalade, apricot orange zest and lemon juice. Mix well. Cool to room temperature. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving

BROCCOLI CASSEROLE
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Ready In: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Servings: 10
INGREDIENTS:
-- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup *(OR cream of broccoli / celery / chicken)
-- 1 cup mayonnaise
-- 2 eggs, beaten
-- 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
-- 1 can water chestnuts (chopped -- we like the added crunch)
-- 1 small can mushrooms (chopped)
-- 3 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
-- 12 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
-- salt to taste
-- ground black pepper to taste
-- Ritz Crackers (crushed)
-- Butter
-- 2 pinches paprika
DIRECTIONS:
1. --Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. --In a medium bowl, whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, egg, onion, water chestnuts, and mushrooms.
3. --Steam frozen broccoli until slightly tender (to take the bitter broccoli taste off).
--Using a rubber spatula, scrape soup-mayonnaise mixture on top of broccoli, and mix well.
--Sprinkle on cheese, season to taste with salt, pepper and mix well.
--Spread mixture into prepared buttered baking dish, and cover with crushed Ritz crackers and dot with butter and paprika.
4. --Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour in the preheated oven until bubbling.

CHEESY GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
INGREDIENTS:
-- 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of mushroom (OR broccoli) soup
-- 1 cup shredded American-Cheddar cheese blend (4 oz)
-- 1 can water chestnuts (chopped --we like the added crunch)
-- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
-- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen cut green beans, thawed, drained
-- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped (1/2 cup)
-- 1 small chopped onion (1 cup)
-- 1 1/2 cups Cheddar French-fried onions (from 6-oz can)
DIERECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 350’F. In 1 ½ quart casserole, stir together soup, cheese blend and soy sauce.
2. Stir in green beans, bell pepper, 1 cup of the onions, water chestnuts.
3. Cover…bake about 30 minutes or until beans are tender and mixture is heated throughout.
4. Stir, top with remaining ½ cup onions.
5. Bake uncovered(about 5 minutes longer) or until onions are brown and crisp

The media and all liberal suckers will never want to connect the dots for the dumb asses that put Obango back in the White House...