Sweet & Savory ~~ Red Velvet Candy Cane Cupcakes

If you're asked to bring the dessert to your Christmas family gathering, office party, or neighborhood caroling group, these super moist, ultra chocolaty cupcakes are sure to please!

STEP 1 INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• Combine and mix until light and fully
• Add 4 large eggs to mixture, one at a time

Add the following and mix on low setting of your mixer:

• 2 Tbsp. & 2 tsp. red food coloring
• 1/2 tsp. Vanilla
• 1 Tbsp. & 1 tsp. distilled white vinegar
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

STEP 2 INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS:

While the above listed ingredients are being thoroughly blended on the low setting of your mixer, place the following dry ingredients inside a large bowl and gently whisk together before adding to the liquid mixture:

• 8 Tbsp. Dark Cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. salt, optional
• 2 2/3 cup cake flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. baking powder

STEP 3 INSTRUCTIONS:

• When mixture is thoroughly blended, fill paper baking cups 2/3 full.
• Bake in 350 oven for approximately 18 minutes if using a dark non-stick pan.  
• You may have to bake for 2-3 minutes longer if using an aluminum pan.
• Test the centers of the cupcakes with a toothpick to make certain they are cooked completely through.

STEP 4 INSTRUCTIONS:

• Cool to room temperature on cooling racks and frost with your choice of frosting.
• I prefer the cream cheese variety with these cupcakes as I deem it really enhances the flavor.

FROSTING RECIPE:

• Mix the following ingredients in mixer bowl on medium speed until thoroughly blended:
• 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• Dash of salt, optional
• 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 - 3 to 4 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• You may need to use a little hot water or additional lemon juice to achieve the desired spreading consistency of the frosting.
• Decorate with sprinkles, candy canes, or something else of your choice.
• Recipe yields approximately 2 1/2 dozen cupcakes.

The combination of the sweet & tangy in these luscious cupcakes and the frosting is scrumptious!  

Happy Baking & Desserting!

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Answers in Faith ~~ Implementing Your Love Language

Amidst the season of gift giving, is receiving gifts your love language?  Do you happen to know your love language?  It took me awhile to discover mine, and believe it or not, it was through adverse circumstances that I fully recognized it!

Here's a great website link for more information on this vital subject: 

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/communication-and-conflict/learn-to-speak-your-spouses-love-language/understanding-the-five-love-languages

The following quote from the Focus on the Family article best describes my love language, i.e., Words of affirmation:

"One way to express love emotionally is to use words that build up.  Solomon, author of ancient Hebrew Wisdom Literature, wrote, 'The tongue has the power of life and death' (Proverbs 18:21, NIV).  Many couples have never learned the tremendous power of verbally affirming one another.

"Verbal compliments, or words of appreciation, are powerful communicators of love.  They are best expressed in simple, straightforward statements of affirmation, such as:

'You look sharp in that suit.'
'Do you every look incredible in that dress!  Wow!'
'I really like how you're always on time to pick me up at work.'
'You can always make me laugh.' "

As I previously mentioned, when someone hurled a cutting word my way, it bothered me greatly and diminished my creativity.  Conversely, as an example, when I would bake something special for my family, my husband would say, "Wow, that looks like it belongs in Sunset magazine!"  The compliments made me flourish and have remained as jewels in my heart.  

Now you might comment, "Well, no one likes to be ridiculed or verbally attacked." Agreed, but when God has created us with our specific love language, assaults thereon deplete our reservoirs of creativity and the ability to function in our given language.

The five love languages are not solely for couples.  Since they are resident within each one of us, they are to be exercised and lavished upon our children, grandchildren, co-workers, neighbors, or whomever.  

If you're unsure of your language, there are online quizzes that you can take to discover yours!

I decided to exercise my love language toward my youngest grand kiddos this year when specifically selecting the above words of affirmation for them.  I typed their first and middle names and using the first letter of each name, I blessed them with words that will still be inside their spirits as well as their picture frames for many years to come.

For those of you who have read my book titled Stirrings of The Spirit, you are very familiar with why these grandchildren are such special treasures since God miraculously spared their mother's life twenty-five years ago.

I hope you don't mind the extra-large picture in this post as I wanted to convey the full context of my message.

Plan to bless someone by discovering and implementing your love language. You're sure to make this world a better place if you do!

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Sweet & Savory - Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Just thinking about the scrumptious combination of cheddar cheese and creamed broccoli makes my mouth water!  This soup is a lunch or brunch favorite.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. thyme
• a few drops of hot sauce (I used Cajun Sunshine)
• 3/4 tsp. salt, optional
• 1 medium onion, pureed
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1/8 tsp. garlic pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 4 Tbsp. flour
• 4 Tbsp. butter
• 2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• Croutons, bread, or crackers

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Place chicken broth, onion, broccoli, garlic pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and hot sauce inside a large sauce pan or stock pot.
• Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
• Cover and simmer for 12 minutes or until broccoli is softened.
• Remove the bay leaves.
• Pour mixture into food processor and pulse until smooth.
• Pour into large bowl.
• Melt butter in sauce pan in which you cooked the broccoli.  
• Add flour and salt until a paste forms.
• Add milk and cook, stirring continuously, until mixture thickens.
• Add cheddar cheese and stir until dissolved and mixture is smooth.
• Pour in broccoli mixture and heat until well blended.
• Use additional chicken broth or hot water to thin, if necessary.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve with bread, crackers, or croutons.
• Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese before serving bowls or cups of soup.
• Serve with freshly fried, crumbled, drained, bacon chunks.

Enjoy!

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Sweet & Savory ~~ Kids Love to Bake!

Do you have kiddos or grandkiddos who like to bake?  If so, this is a real easy recipe for them to try. Grab those aprons, and bake on!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• Dash of salt, optional
• 1 cup chunk style or plain peanut butter
• 1 pkg. any brand of yellow cake mix (I used Pillsbury)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Place water, eggs, vanilla, salt, peanut butter, and 1/2 pkg. of cake mix inside a large bowl.
• Mix with mixer or spoon until well blended.
• Fold in remaining half of cake mix until thoroughly blended.
• Roll dough into shapes the size of walnuts and place on ungreased baking sheet.
• Dip fork in flour and flatten the dough by making a criss-cross pattern on the top of each cookie.
• Bake in 375 degree oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
• The cookies will set up a little bit after you remove them from the oven, so don't overbake them.
• Cool cookies on a cooling rack.
• Yields approximately 3-4 dozen cookies.

FUN SUGGESTIONS:

• If the kiddos or grandkiddos would enjoy making peanut butter and jelly cookies, do not make criss-cross pattern in the dough.  Dip a teaspoon in flour and make a depression in the ball of dough. Fill with approximately 1/2 tsp. of your favorite jam or jelly.
• Serve with milk, juice, or hot chocolate.
• If you have a relative or neighbor who can no longer bake, share a few with them!

Happy Baking & Enjoy!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Inspirational Twelve Days of Christmas"

On the first day of Christmas                                        

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Faith for any situation.                               

On the second day of Christmas,                                

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Grace to stand in Him,                                                   

and faith for any situation.                                                

On the third day of Christmas,                                     

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                   

and faith for any situation.   
                                         

On the fourth day of Christmas,                                 

My true Lord gave to me:                                                               

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.                                           

                                                                                                 

On the fifth day of Christmas,                                      

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Character built in the crucible!                                                        

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                            

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.   

On the sixth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me.
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.                                

On the ninth day of Christmas,  
My true Lord gave to me:                                                                          

Truth to speak in love,                                                    

Joy to spread to others,                                                   

Abundant love when needed,                                     

Hope as my soul’s anchor,                                            

Character built in the crucible!                                   

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.                                            

                                                                                                 

On the tenth day of Christmas,                                    

My true Lord gave to me:

Understanding of His word,                                        

Truth to speak in love,                                                   

Joy to spread to others,                                                   

Abundant love when needed,                                     

Hope as my soul’s anchor,                                            

Character built in the crucible!                                    

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.   

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
The gift of discernment,
Understanding of His word,
Truth to speak in love,
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Peace that passes understanding,
The gift of discernment,
Understanding of His word,
Truth to speak in love,
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.                                     

Isaiah 9:6 ~~ “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

Jesus is the King of Kings, and there is nothing like the life He brings!   By Him, In Him, and Through Him we have our faith, grace, abilities, perseverance, character, hope, love, joy, truth, understanding, discernment and peace. 

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Sweet & Savory ~~ Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

Here's another full guest table entree pleaser for your holiday meal planning which will serve a dozen people, if need be.

INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS FOR STEP 1:

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 2 Tbsp. diced garlic
• Olive oil
• Garlic Pepper
• Parmesan cheese

• ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
• Saute garlic in olive oil until tender. 
• Lightly brown chicken breasts on both sides, sprinkling with Garlic Pepper during process.  
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on both sides.
•  Let chicken rest and cool for 10 minutes.
• Cut into bite size pieces.

INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS FOR STEP 2:

• 2 cans Cream of Celery Soup
• Milk or water
• 1 Tbsp. diced garlic
• 1 small jar diced Pimentos
• 2 Tbsp. hot sauce (I used Cajun Sunsine)
• 2  small cans sliced water chestnuts
• Garlic Herb bread crumbs or flavor of your choice
• 2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese
• 2 cups dried Penne pasta noodles, cooked according to package directions, and thoroughly drained

• ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
• In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the soup with 2 soup cans of milk or water, whatever you choose to use.
• Add the garlic, hot sauce, pimentos, and water chestnuts.
• Stir until combined.

ASSEMBLY & COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

• Place one-half of cooked chicken into bottom of greased 9 x 13 baking pan.  (I prefer to use a glass pan for this recipe).
• Add one half of cooked Penne pasta noodles
• Pour one half of soup mixture over top.
• Sprinkle one cup of Cheddar cheese on top.
• Sprinkle bread crumbs over mixture.
• Repeat above steps.
• Place sheet of aluminum foil lightly over entree, but do not fold foil down onto the sides of the baking pan. This will prevent noodles from drying out during the initial baking stage.
• Bake for 35-35 minutes in 350 degree oven.
• Remove foil for the last 10-15 minutes.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve with bread, rolls, or crackers.
• A garden salad is a nice accompaniment.
• Consider pairing this recipe with a little cup of soup.  My Broccoli Cheddar Soup would be a great suggestion. Stay tuned as I plan on floating out this recipe later in the month.

Bravo to all of my fellow cooks and chefs out there in Holiday Land.  Cook on! Your friends, family, and comrades will love you all the more.  

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Sweet & Savory - Chipotle Chile Pepper Pinto Bean Soup

'Tis the season for delicious soups and stews. This one is sure to warm you from head to toe!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups pinto beans (I soak 2 cups of dry pinto beans overnight with 1 tsp. baking soda and water.  Drain in colander before placing inside crock pot, stock pot, or sauce pan.)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. garlic, diced
• 1 cup boiled, diced bratwurst or smoked sausage (place sausage in medium saucepan and simmer gently for about 15 minutes which helps to remove some of the excess calories.)
• 2 tsp. Chipotle Chile Pepper
• 1 tsp. ground kosher salt, optional
• 1 - 15 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 - 15 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Add water to achieve desired consistency

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS:

• This recipe can be prepared in a stock pot or saucepan on top of the stove or in a crock pot.
• If using a crock pot, cook on high level for approximately 6 hours to assure that beans are thoroughly cooked.
• Serve with bread or rolls.
• Diced potatoes can also be added to the recipe, if desired.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Bake a pan of diced green chile cornbread and serve with this delicious soup.
• Cooked rice is also a tasty accompaniment. 

Soup's on, so enjoy!

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Sweet & Savory - Terrific Turkey Pot Pie

Are you looking for some great ideas of what to do with that leftover turkey from holiday meals?  Well, here is one answer for you!  This turkey pot pie is sure to please your dinner guests.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
• 1 can cut green beans, drained
• 3 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice (I used long grain brown rice)
• 1 cup mayo (or yogurt if you desire less calories)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 small can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp. freshly ground salt, optional
• 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup sour cream
• a few drops hot sauce (I prefer to use Cajun Sunshine)
• two pie crusts for a 9-10 inch pie plate (you can make your own or purchase those pre-fab jobs in the refrigerator section of your local grocery store)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Saute onions and peppers in olive oil.
• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and mix thoroughly.
• Place bottom pie crust in pie plate.
• Spoon turkey mixture into pie plate.
• Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
• Place top pie crust over cheese and make 4-5 slits in crust.
• Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour or until top crust is golden brown.

HELPFUL HINTS & SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• This pie is delicious served with turkey gravy.
• Serve with rolls or garlic bread and salad.
• This pie freezes well if you desire to make it ahead, place in freezer, and bake at a later date.

Happy Holiday Dining!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Always The More"

As I reflect upon the countless blessings

            That You have showered down on me,

I am thankful for each and every one of them,

            Even for those blessings I cannot see.           

For unconditional love that flows from Your heart,

            For the breath of life You breathe into me,

For the gift of salvation and words of eternal life,

            For the gift of grace and mercy in a time of need.

For the gift of forgiveness that is freely given,

            For the unspeakable joy that floods my soul,

For the peace that calms the raging storm,

            For the gift of healing that makes me whole.

For Your light that shines in the darkest of nights,

            For the gift of faith and hope when all else fails.

For the song of deliverance when I am afraid,

            For the freedom I have to worship You above all                             else.

For Your gift of redemption, my soul is redeemed.

            For your Presence in my life that You are here.

For Your promise that You have overcome the world,

            And Your words to us to be of good cheer.

For the gift of my family, loved ones and friends,

            There are not enough words to adequately express,

For the many ways You have shown me Your love,

            And that through them my life is truly blessed.

           

For You alone are the One I worship and praise,

            You are the One I am living for.

For You, oh Lord, are a God Who is never-the-less,

            For You are a God Who is always-the-more.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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