Rice Krispies

Thanks to my great-granddaughter I am rediscovering the joy of Rice Crispy Treats...of course we bent the original recipe and I think it is a hit, right out of the ball park. Using the old fashioned "stove top" method, I melted a half stick of butter (use the real stuff, now, not margarine or any other alternative), added a full bag of caramel swirl marshmallows, which we found at Wal-Mart, and once the goo was melted down good, I added about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon or so of vanilla. In my big wooden mixing bowl, that I use for making bread, I had dumped a generous 6 cups of the famous crispy rice cereal and then poured the whole pot of the sticky stuff over it, stirred it up with a wooden paddle and, 'voila', a really great quick treat, all grown up and still suitable for the kiddies. I'm thinking the next batch I will have to add some chopped nuts to it; probably some lightly toasted pecans or walnuts would be the most compatible. I noticed there is a growing availability of flavored marshmallows which makes me think that a whole new wave of recipes might be in the making. If you come up with one, let me know, either by email or Face Book. Now that we're sitting with Izzy every day that Kaylanne is working, I'll be in search of things to do with her. At only two years old, she is already exhibiting a love of cooking and helps me in the kitchen as often as I let her. She is already proficient at stirring and measuring, with a special flair for adding just the right amount of salt. I think it is because she likes to lick her palm afterwards.
We have enjoyed the sneak peek at spring with its warmer temperatures. I had a case of cabin fever far worse than I realized. The visits to the playground with Izzy have become a regular outing, several times a day. Although it is raining today, I plan to check out the community services to find her some kind of activity. We have discovered an in-door pool so I'm hoping to get her into some type of swim program and get her 'tuned up' for a summer of visits to the beach. A community theater gives me hope of some interesting and artistic outlets, also. It seems centuries since I've had to drive a little girl to ballet or girl scouts, but it would appear God has a few more in store for me.
Kaylanne seems totally delighted with her new job at the market where she is working. A long list of benefits that will be hers, with time, has her thinking about the future and getting into a routine. While we were in the Wal-Mart (getting the marshmallows) a very handsome man flirted with her and while we were putting our groceries into her car he struck up a conversation with us. She dismissed him; he was too old for her by her own standards, but I'm sure the attention lifted her spirits a little. We had a pleasant discussion on the way home about her expectations and what she's looking for in a companion. I am proud of this young woman and see a little of myself in her. Of course, she is doing much better in managing her young life that I was at her age.
Well, Poppa Tom is watching cartoons with our little angel and I had better get going on my research to find some fun stuff to do today. Maybe the zoo, but for sure, even with the drizzle, it is a beautiful day outside and I need to get out of this little nest. I'll be looking forward to hearing from some of you with your own special cereal treat recipes. So, that's about it, in a nutshell.

In a Nut Shell for this week...Friday, 1/21/11

While shopping at Publix this week I came across an interesting sounding broth while looking for chicken stock. College Inn brand has introduced a culinary broth called Thai Coconut Curry for only $2 for a 32 ounce box. Tonight Kaylanne was visiting with Isabella and all I had was a little leftover chicken and some fresh asparagus. I pulled out the new broth and we added a can of coconut milk, sliced up some of the chicken and chopped several spears of asparagus into small pieces. As the broth and coconut milk were heating, I stirred in about 1/2 teaspoon of Thai Curry paste and after a preliminary tasting added a little orange zest and a couple of heaping teaspoons of...get this...key lime yogurt. I also had about 2 cups of leftover basmati rice in the fridge so once the soup base was hot, all of the other ingredients were stirred in and "voila", a delicious soup in minutes using just what I had 'on hand'. I could live on this soup! The next time you are shopping and see something interesting...pick it up. You never know what will happen with it once you get it into your pantry. I now have a new favorite ingredient to keep on hand. Already my brain is grinding out ideas for ways to use this wonderful, flavorful stock.
We have been trying to get Kaylanne to understand the universal law of "you reap what you sow" and how it applies to every aspect of life, including your finances. If one spends what they don't have and just keep on spending when they cannot afford it, they open an outward flowing conduit that can only be stopped by a virtual tourniquet on spending if one is to save their financial life. On the other hand, if you only spend less than what you have coming in, save money and avoid spontaneous buying, the flood gates will open inward and money will not be an issue in your life, you will always have an abundance...as long as you follow the rule of keeping your ledger in the black. She has been filling out employment applications in search of a job, while being very careful in her spending, and now the job offers are pouring in. She will actually have the enviable position of being able to choose the job with the best earning potential and working conditions that appeals to her.
She is still in "miser mode" and dreaming of furnishing her new digs. I'm trying to convince her to wait until she finds something she absolutely loves, thinks about long after first seeing it and finds it to be something of great quality for a fair price. If she can continue to apply the old "YRWYS" law as she goes about furnishing her home, I have every belief that she will find herself living comfortably, happily and feeling a great sense of accomplishment and gratification with her life. Patience is always a virtue and results in great reward when paired with deliberate, intentional actions of prudent and frugal spending. God affords us so much in life that is satisfying and enjoyable that is completely free for the asking. He blesses us beyond our wildest expectations when we prove ourselves good stewards of his many graces and all we have to do is get out there and follow his will for us. Of course it doesn't happen by just sitting on the couch and watching "Wheel of Fortune" or indulging in lottery tickets; we do have to get out there and contribute to our community, our jobs and families and keep our lives in forward motion. There is a commercial I've seen on the television several times (don't ask me what they're selling, I don't know) that quotes another universal law..."things that are static have a tendency to remain static and things in motion have a tendency to stay in motion". We all know it is easier to keep something moving than it is to start it off from a dead stop.
On that note, I guess I'd have to include staying in shape. I find that if I just sit around reading, watching t.v., crocheting or doing little else, I become less and less motivated to do anything. When Izzy is around and I'm having to chase her, walk with her to the play ground, come up with fun activities and play with her, I feel better and more motivated to eat better because I want her to eat better. If you think about it, I'm sure you can apply these basic laws of nature to your life and remind yourself how easy it is to get the ball rolling in your direction to improve you life. I guess that's about it in a nutshell...

Just a walk down life's path

It is always lovely when we can experience some of life's many simple pleasures; and although today started off kind of slow, after four games of Crazy Rummy with Tom, we popped into the little red car and drove into the Gulf Shores State Park and stopped at the nature trail. We had driven past this spot innumerable times while camped in the park, on our way to the local WalMart or grocery store, pharmacy or restaurant; and always said, "We need to see what that is all about" as we continued on our way. Today, with a clear blue sky overhead and chilly temperature, we bundled up and started across the little wooden bridge to the paved trail. As we trod the bridge a couple greeted us and mentioned that they had seen an alligator while taking a moment to show us the evidence on their digital camera. You just 'gotta' love this modern digital age...anyway, we embarked upon our stroll and found ourselves headed into what appeared to be a Spanish moss draped wooded cave. The path meandered through trees heavily adorned with the lace of the grayish green filaments giving the forest a kind of primeval appearance. The sun dappled the ground with shade and dry leaves, disturbed by the flight of the squirrels, rustled as we continued on our way. We did see the alligator, on the far side of a pond, with his head and upper body submerged in the tea colored water and his sizeable tail on the bank, in full sun, looking like a large log. We could only speculate as to his size, but he appeared to be quite the grand specimen.
I guess we walked for about half an hour before we decided to retrace our steps. Except for a couple of bicyclists, all of the other visitors seemed to have gone and we were left to enjoy the quiet. This time of year evening comes so early and the lengthening shadows heralded the beginning signs of sunset and we could feel the temperatures significantly dropping. It felt good to have spent a little time in the fresh air and even though my muscles felt a bit tight, my legs (long overdue for some exercise) tingled as we approached the car. I have to admit that the leather seats and toasty interior felt pretty good as we buckled up for the drive back.
On the way home we stopped at the Dollar Store for some tortilla chips and salsa so we could finish off some leftover taco filling in a salad. Nothing like a satisfying meal without having to cook...if you don't count reheating in the microwave.
Now I'm just finishing up a tasty cup of hot cocoa, laced with some O'Reilly's White Chocolate Irish Cream and looking forward to a movie on the boob tube.
Oh yes, one last thought. One of the several benches that lined the walking trail was inscribed with a bible reference, Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
I guess that's about it, in a nutshell.

In a Nut Shell

When I was a kid, other kids used to try to tease me by calling me "Nutshell" instead of Nashelle; the only problem with the ribbing was that it never bothered me. Actually, I kind of liked it so they stopped after a short time and I was more disappointed to have lost my 'nick name' than I had ever felt being teased about my unusual name. I think part of the acceptance of the moniker was that my mom often concluded a story by saying "That's about it, in a nutshell" so it seemed to me that to be considered the 'end of the story' was actually a kind of compliment.
Lately I have had so many people approach me and tell me that they miss reading my columns that I have become kind of embarrassed about being so lazy. Part of my silence has been that we haven't been doing much traveling lately, so writing a bit titled "Boomers on the Road" seemed to invalidate anything I had to write about. So, just as "Food for Thought" morphed into "Boomers on the Road", my articles will now be morphed into "In a Nutshell", a kind of tongue in cheek reference to being the 'end of the story' while allowing me the latitude to write about anything that comes to my mind. I hope you all like the outcome of this latest incarnation of my writing. I've tried 'blogging' but just can't seem to get into it. I never know if anyone is reading my stuff on the internet and I know that with the Tribune, at least I have a built in readership.

We came into Quitman on Monday, following New Year's Day, to return Kaylanne and Isabella to the farm after a blissful week long visit. Tom and I had spent the Christmas holiday with the family at the homestead, staying in Tom Junior's living room and sleeping on the futon. Izzy and Kaylanne came back with us to Gulf Shores to investigate the possibility of relocating down here.

Being a tourist destination, this area has many opportunities for employment in the hospitality business and the campus of Falkner State College, located right in town, has a great culinary school which appeals to Kaylanne and her dream of becoming a pastry chef. After looking at several possible investment properties, Kaylanne has decided that the move is the right thing for her future and she has leased a great little two bedroom apartment and will be returning later this month to move in and start her job search. I gotta admit that I am over the moon with the thought that she will pursue a career in food service and be close enough to us that I can be with Izzy while Kaylanne works; at least until Isabella is ready to enroll in a pre-school. We have already scoped out a great little school at the United Methodist Church that is convenient.

Speaking of food.....on Monday, while we were in town, Tom and I went over to Stonewall to visit Christy's, located in my old restaurant location, and had a tasty lunch of tender pot roast followed by a warm peach cobbler. I opted to have it without the scoop of ice cream and it was wonderful with lush cinnamon tones. The food is honest and straight forward, the service made us feel like celebrities and the decor, reminiscent of my old place, was cozy and comfortable. I know Clarke County is glad to finally have this great team in business, offering breakfast on Saturdays, brunch on Sundays and lunch all week long; they're also serving dinners on Wednesday evenings as well as Thursdays and Fridays.

Well, I guess that's about it for this week. It's nice to be back. God's blessings on each of you in the coming year. Happy New Year, everybody...