Today's Quote

“Money will buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail.”

― Richard Friedman

The Wayback Juke Box - Fred & his Playboys - Judy In Disguise

Triple-threat Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients* 10 ounce bittersweet chocolate, chopped
* 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks
* 3 large eggs, at room temperature
* 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar
* 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 6 tablespoons flour
* 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
* Ganache
* 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
* 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream


Preparation

* 1. Make cookies: Put chopped chocolates and butter in a medium metal bowl and set bowl over a pan of simmering water. Cook, stirring, until melted, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

* 2. Whisk eggs, sugar, espresso powder, and vanilla into chocolate mixture. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into chocolate mixture until evenly mixed, then stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Wrap dough airtight and chill until firm enough to hold its shape, 50 to 60 minutes.

* 3. Meanwhile, make ganache: Put chopped chocolate and cream in a medium metal bowl and set bowl over a pan of simmering water. Cook, stirring, until melted, then let cool. Cover and chill, stirring occasionally, until firm enough to spread, about 1 3/4 hours and up to 2 days. If ganache becomes too firm to spread, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for a few seconds to soften, then stir.

* 4. Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 2-tbsp. portions of dough onto sheets, spaced about 1 in. apart. Press dough to flatten into even 1/2-in.-thick rounds. Bake until cookies no longer look wet and you can feel a slight crust on top, about 10 minutes (don't overbake); switch position of baking sheets halfway through. Let cookies cool on sheets on racks.

* 5. Generously spread flat sides of half of cookies with ganache and top with remaining cookies. (You may have a little leftover ganache.)

* Make ahead: Chill filled cookies airtight up to 2 days, or freeze. Serve at room temperature.


Note:
The cookies are most irresistible if they're still soft after baking; test-bake one to judge how long they take in your oven.

Website of the Day

MakesMeThink.com (MMT) MMT is an online community where people share daily life stories that provoke deep thought and inspire positive change.

Sometimes the most random everyday encounters force us to stop and rethink the truths and perceptions we have ingrained in our minds. These encounters are educationally priceless. They spawn moments of deep thought and self-reflection that challenge the status quo and help us evolve as sensible individuals.

Easy Turkey & Biscuits

Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Serves: 5

Got some leftovers...give them new life in this simple biscuit-topped oven dish, made with turkey, veggies and a creamy sauce.







Ingredients:

1 can (10 3/4 ounces)  Cream of Celery Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 can (10 3/4 oz.)  Condensed Cream of Potato Soup
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups cooked cut-up vegetables
2 cups cubed cooked turkey or cooked chicken
1 package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (10 biscuits)

Directions:

Stir the soups, milk, thyme, black pepper, vegetables and turkey in 3-quart shallow baking dish.
Bake at 400°F. for 15 minutes. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Stir the turkey mixture.
Evenly top the turkey mixture with the cut biscuits. Bake for 15 minutes or until the turkey mixture is hot and bubbling and the biscuits are golden brown.

Recipe Tips:

Preparation Shortcut: To microwave the vegetables, arrange the vegetables in a 2-quart shallow microwave-safe baking dish and add 1/4 cup water. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes.

99% interviews 1%

We're all just so much poop on this mans shoes......."NOTHING" great ever came out of the 99%.  Ignorant bastard.

Tell the Senate to Clean Up the House's Mess

FYI the house is controlled by the Republican's.

I am continually stunned at how some members of Congress blatantly contradict themselves with their votes that violate their self-proclaimed values. Although some members of Congress are vehemently defenders of the rights of states to decide their own laws, last week the House of Representatives passed a bill which will force individual states - including states with more responsible gun ownership laws - to accept the carrying of concealed weapons by virtually anyone.

In other words, the House has become so cowed by the well-financed NRA, that many members are violating their own values! And the House is also making our communities less safe. HR 822, will allow people with violent histories to carry concealed weapons across state lines irrespective of state laws. Law enforcement would be powerless to stop them. Tell your Senator to do what the House refuses to do by opposing H.R. 822!

You can also call (202) 224-3121, ask for your Senators and urge them to vote NO on this dangerous bill.

The truth is that we are tired of violence. While countries like Finland, Australia, and England experienced less than 40 gun deaths in one year, the U.S. experienced 9,484 during that same period.

You may have recently heard the first interview with Representative Gabrielle Giffords since the violent shooting in Tucson last January. Amazingly, this is the first piece of legislation the House has taken up since this terrible shooting that took eight lives. It is evident that House leaders are more attuned to the powerful, monied lobbyists than to caring for basic human welfare.

And to be equally blunt, this is an abdication of leadership. We now need to tell the Senate to lead and prevent HR 822 from becoming law.

Website of the Day

From VSL

Alexander Chen is a Brooklyn-based musician–artist–Google employee. The incredible Les Paul Google Doodle, which appeared earlier this year, was his invention. And now Chen’s come up with an evolutionary descendant called Baroque.me.

Chen’s creation is a playable visualization of the famous first prelude from Bach’s cello suites. “Using the mathematics behind string length and pitch,” Chen explains, “it came from a simple idea: what if all the notes were drawn as strings? Instead of a stream of classical notation on a page, this interactive project highlights the music’s underlying structure and subtle shifts.” If you’re like us, it may take you a moment or two to understand just what’s happening on your screen—but it won’t take much longer to appreciate how awesome it is.

Wall Street Banks Earned Billions in Profits in Secret Fed Loans Made During the Financial Crisis

In the lead-up to the financial crisis that crippled the American economy and plunged the country into a recession, the Federal Reserve made trillions in undisclosed loans to struggling banks and financial institutions, according to official documents obtained by Bloomberg News. Six of the country’s largest banks then turned those loans into more than $13 billion in previously undisclosed profits.

Read more

Liam Neeson is a funny guy!

Another Blonde Joke

A blonde calls her boyfriend and says, "Please come over here and help me.....I have a killer jigsaw puzzle, and I can't figure out how to get it started".
Her boyfriend asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?"

The blonde says, "According to the picture on the box, it's a tiger."

Her boyfriend decides to go over and help with the puzzle. She lets him in and shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table. He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to her and says, "First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a tiger".

He held her hand and said, "Second, I'd advise you to relax. Let's have a cup of coffee, then ..........." he sighed, "let's put all these Frosted Flakes back in the box.

Kentucky Hot Brown

If you’re not familiar with the decadent deliciousness of a real Kentucky Hot Brown, then you’re missing out on one of the holidays’ greatest (and, unfortunately, most fattening) culinary delights. You’re also missing out on one of the tastiest ways to use your leftover holiday turkey.


Ingredients for cheese sauce

• 
  
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Melt butter in a saucepan; blend in flour. Add milk, cheeses, and seasonings, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Set aside.


Ingredients for assembling sandwiches

• 
  
• Eight slices trimmed toast
• 1 pound sliced turkey breast
• Eight slices tomato
• Eight slices bacon, partially cooked
• 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
• Sprigs of parsley

Directions

Place toast in baking dishes. Arrange turkey slices on toast and cover with hot cheese sauce. Top with tomato and bacon. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake at 400° F until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.

Today's Quote

"Devotion is commitment at a deep cellular level. When you are devoted, the universe will align itself to give you what you desire."

Rich German

Leadbelly - Irene goodnight

Today's Blissful Place

How to Save $10,000 by Next Thanksgiving

OK. So you want to save an extra $10,000 by next Thanksgiving. How can you do it?

You've heard the usual finger-wagging frugality lessons over and over. And you already do the obvious things, like cutting back on lattes, raising your insurance deductibles and steering clear of expensive stores.

But what else can you do if you really, really, really want to save? We tapped financial advisers, business contacts, friends and acquaintances to hear what they had done to save money.

Read more

Teen won’t apologize for insulting Kansas governor: ‘I would do it again’

WOW! How lucky are the people of Kansas - they apparently have no serious issues in their state allowing the governors administration to focus on 'tattling on teens'. Unfriggin believable! You're in public life....time to take your skirts off and thicken your skin.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback (R) shouldn’t hold his breath waiting for an apology from the teen that he tattled on for writing a disparaging tweet.

Emma Sullivan, 18, told The Associated Press late Sunday that she isn’t giving in to Brownback’s demand for an apology because it wouldn’t be sincere.

Sullivan was hauled into her principal’s office Friday and ordered to write letters of apology after someone from Brownback’s office contacted the tour organizer to complain about the offending note on the social networking site Twitter.

Read more

Ohio takes child from parents for being too fat

It’s almost like a scene from a distopic novella: Authorities in Ohio last week determined that an overweight 8-year-old boy was simply too fat, so they took him away from his parents.

Officials told the Cleveland Heights family that they were not controlling his weight well enough. The boy was reportedly over 200 pounds, well into the “severely obese” category, according to Cleveland’s Plain Dealer newspaper.

That extra weight puts people at risk for diabetes, hypertension and other weight-related disorders, doctors say.

Read more

Lobsterman Jim Henry Learns to Read at 91, Writes Book at 98

When retired Stonington lobsterman Jim Henry was 91 he decided it was time he taught himself how to read and write.

And now seven years later, at the age of 98, Henry is a published author.

Henry recently signed copies of his just-released book, "In a Fisherman's Language," at Academy Point, the senior housing project where he lives. A larger public signing is being planned for December, and the book will be soon be available at www.fishermanslanguage.com.

The book is a collection of short stories such as the time he was unable to save a fellow fisherman who fell overboard, his time as professional boxer and his arrival by boat from Portugal with his parents. Many of the stories involve his career on the ocean.

Read more

10 Things Debt Collectors Won't Tell You

Continuing its series of dirty little secrets about various industries, Smart Money now looks at debt collectors. Learn the magic words to stop their calls.

Elizabeth Warren: First Ad: "Who I Am"

Breathe

Breathe.

Breathing can transform your life.

If you feel stressed out and overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you
and release the tensions.

If you are worried about something coming up, or caught up in
something that already happened, breathe. It will bring you back to
the present.

If you are discouraged and have forgotten your purpose in life,
breathe. It will remind you about how precious life is, and that each
breath in this life is a gift you need to appreciate. Make the most
of this gift.

If you have too many tasks to do, or are scattered during your
workday, breathe. It will help bring you into focus, to concentrate
on the most important task you need to be focusing on right now.

If you are spending time with someone you love, breathe. It will
allow you to be present with that person, rather than thinking about
work or other things you need to do.

If you are exercising, breathe. It will help you enjoy the exercise,
and therefore stick with it for longer.

If you are moving too fast, breathe. It will remind you to slow down,
and enjoy life more.

So breathe. And enjoy each moment of this life. They're too fleeting
and few to waste.
-

Tip: Put the word "Breathe" as a screensaver or desktop pic, or put
it up as a note on your wall or fridge or on your desk. Then do it
every time you see the word.

The Four Feathers - Trailer

Slow-Cooker Chicken and Pasta Soup

Serves 6
Hands-On Time: 05m
Total Time: 5hr 30m

Ingredients

* 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
* 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 4 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
* 1 medium onion, halved
* 2 garlic cloves, smashed
* 2 bay leaves
* kosher salt and black pepper
* 1/2 cup small pasta (such as stellette or alphabet)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
* crackers, for serving


Directions

1. In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, place the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, 6 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

2. Cook, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours (the low setting will make total cooking time 8 ½ hours).

3. Twenty minutes before serving, transfer the chicken to a bowl. Remove and discard the onion and bay leaves. If the slow cooker is on the low setting, turn it to high. Add the pasta to the slow cooker, cover, and cook until tender, 15 to 18 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, shred the chicken. When the pasta is cooked, stir the chicken into the soup along with the parsley. Serve with the crackers, if desired.

Another Blonde Joke

As a blonde crawls out of her wrecked car, the local sheriff asks her what happened.

The blonde began, "It was the strangest thing! I looked up and saw a tree, so I swerved to the right. Then I saw another tree, so I swerved to left. Then there was another tree, and another and another ..."

The sheriff thought for a minute and then said, "Mam ... I don't know how to tell you this, but the only thing even resembling a tree on this road for thirty miles is your air freshener."

there were two blondes, and they had just came from a store.

The blonde that owned the mustang had locked her keys in the car. She was trying to pick the lock when she stoped to rest for a second.

When she sat down, her friend said, "Hurry up, it's starting to rain and the top's down!"

Today's Quote

"A good laugh overcomes more difficulties and dissipates more dark clouds than any other one thing."

Laura Ingalls Wilder

1867-1957, Author

The Wayback Juke Box - 'Jesus Is A Mighty Good Leader' Skip James, Delta Blues Guitar

Pet Photo's

In Memoriam

New York! New York!

Hunger in America, By the Numbers

Last year, 17.2 million households in the United States were food insecure, the highest level on record, as the Great Recession continued to wreak havoc on families across the country. Of those 17.2 million households, 3.9 million included children. On Thanksgiving Day, here’s a look at hunger in America, as millions of Americans struggle to get enough to eat in the wake of the economic crisis.

Read more

The Little White Lie Cake

Have you ever told a white lie? You are going to love this, especially all of the ladies who bake for church events:

Alice Grayson was to bake a cake for the Baptist Church Ladies' Group in Tuscaloosa, but forgot to do it until the last minute. She remembered it the morning of the bake sale and after rummaging through cabinets, found an angel food cake mix & quickly made it while drying her hair, dressing, and helping her son pack up for Scout camp.

When she took the cake from the oven, the center had dropped flat and the cake was horribly disfigured and she exclaimed, "Oh dear, there is not time to bake another cake!" This cake was important to Alice because she did so want to fit in at her new church, and in her new community of friends. So, being inventive, she looked around the house for something to build up the center of the cake. She found it in the bathroom - a roll of toilet paper. She plunked it in and then covered it with icing. Not only did the finished product look beautiful, it looked perfect. And, before she left the house to drop the cake by the church and head for work, Alice woke her daughter and gave her some money and specific instructions to be at the bake sale the moment it opened at 9:30 and to buy the cake and bring it home.

When the daughter arrived at the sale, she found the attractive, perfect cake had already been sold. Amanda grabbed her cell phone & called her mom. Alice was horrified-she was beside herself! Everyone would know! What would they think? She would be ostracized, talked about, ridiculed! All night, Alice lay awake in bed thinking about people pointing fingers at her and talking about her behind her back.

The next day, Alice promised herself she would try not to think about the cake and would attend the fancy luncheon/bridal shower at the home of a fellow church member and try to have a good time.

She did not really want to attend because the hostess was a snob who more than once had looked down her nose at the fact that Alice was a single parent and not from the founding families of Tuscaloosa, but having already RSVP'd, she couldn't think of a believable excuse to stay home.

The meal was elegant, the company was definitely upper crust old south and to Alice’s horror, the cake in question was presented for dessert! Alice felt the blood drain from her body when she saw the cake! She started out of her chair to tell the hostess all about it, but before she could get to her feet, the Mayor's wife said, "what a beautiful cake!" Alice, still stunned, sat back in her chair when she heard the hostess (who was a prominent church member) say, "Thank you, I baked it myself."
Alice smiled and thought to herself, "God is good.”

The No New Gifts Holiday Challenge

by Leo Babauta.

Are you ready to participate in the mad shopping frenzy that we partake in every year, not only on Black Friday but all holiday season long?

Are you ready for an incredible burst of spending, for racking up credit card debt, for the stress of buying things for everyone on your list?

Are you ready to consume an insane amount of resources, to have a huge impact on the environment, to work long hours to pay for all that?

Yep, it’s the holiday season again, and with it comes the worst season for consumerism ever.

I say, let’s opt out.

My family and I are issuing a challenge to all my wonderful readers, to the world: The No New Gifts Holiday Challenge.

What is this crazy challenge? It’s simple — follow all these rules:

Buy no new gifts during the holidays.
Wait, whaaat? Don’t fret, there are alternatives:

Make gifts, like crafts or construction type gifts.
Bake or cook consumable gifts like cookies.
Give the gift of your service — wash cars, give a massage, babysit, clean a house, mow lawns, etc.
Buy used gifts at thrift stores.
Donate to charity, as a group.
Volunteer at a charity together.
Have a shared experience together.
Create something, together, instead of consuming.
Give to others things you don’t need (a good sewing machine, etc.).
Find gratitude for what we already have.
Are you in? Take the challenge! It’ll be fun, you’ll save a ton of money, and your family will get creative. Read on.

Don't get spun by Internet rumors

Just because you read it on somebody's blog or in an email from a friend or relative doesn't mean it's true. In fact, it's probably not. See the list of the false or misleading viral rumors that are seen most often.

Serves 8
Hands-On Time: 30m
Total Time: 1hr 10m

Ingredients

* 1 refrigerated pie crust
* 2 to 3 ripe bananas, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
* 2 cups Vanilla Pudding
* 1 cup heavy (or whipping) cream, whipped to a soft peak
* chocolate shavings for garnish






Directions

1. Place the piecrust dough in a 9-inch pie plate. Line the pie plate with the dough, then prick the dough several times with a fork. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

2. Line the dough with foil, tightly fitting it into the edge and up the side. Fill with pie weights or uncooked rice and bake 15 minutes at 400° F. Remove the foil and pie weights and bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden. Let stand until cool.

3. Line the bottom of the pie shell with the bananas. Spoon the pudding over the bananas and smooth to cover. Spread a layer of the whipped cream on top, and garnish with the chocolate shavings. Serve immediately or keep in the refrigerator until needed, for a maximum of 2 hours

15 Best Cyber Monday Deal

Where to find the Web’s biggest discounts.

5 Reasons the Religious Right Should Stop Whining About Being Persecuted

For decades Christian conservatives have claimed persecution. Their powerful hold on Washington tells a different story.

READ MORE

Falling - An Alternative to Planking

Here's the joke....

A customer was continually bothering the waiter in a restaurant; first, he'd asked that the air conditioning be turned up because he was too cold, then he asked it be turned down because he was too hot, and so on for about half an hour. Surprisingly, the waiter was very patient, he walked back and forth and never once got angry. So finally, a second customer asked him why he didn't throw out the pest. "Oh I don't care." said the waiter with a smile. "We don't even have an air conditioner!"

Salsa-Beef Chili

Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:50 min
makes:8 servings (1 1/4 cups each)

1 lb extra-lean (at least 90%) ground beef
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (14.5 oz each)  no salt added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 jar (16 oz)  mild or medium salsa
1 can (15 oz)  tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz)  dark red kidney beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (15 oz)  black beans, drained, rinsed
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
Reduced-fat sour cream, if desired
Chopped green onions, if desired

1. In 4-quart nonstick Dutch oven, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain. Return to Dutch oven. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute.

2. Stir in all remaining ingredients except sour cream and green onions. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. To serve, top individual servings with sour cream and green onions.

Today's Quote

"Be careful what you spend your day touching because it will shape your mind, your body, and your heart."

Sam Keen

Speaker and Author

More proof of American's being kept ignorant by media

Would Jesus Join the Occupy Protests?

In the holiday season, many Christians take pride in helping the poor – by donating food and toys – but U.S. religious leaders have stayed in the background of challenges to an inequitable economic system, leaving that Jesus work to mostly secular young people of the Occupy movement.

Read more

The Sex Addiction Epidemic

It wrecks ­marriages, ­destroys ­careers, and saps self-worth. Yet ­Americans are being ­diagnosed as sex ­addicts in ­record numbers. Inside an epidemic.

Today's Blissful Place

Here's the joke....

A group of foreign dignitaries are visiting Israel. At the end of the tour, they are taken to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They look at the tomb and read the following inscription: ABRAHAM SCHWARTZ BORN 5694 DIED 5733 A GOOD MAN AND A GREAT FURRIER.

The visitors are incredulous. They ask the guide, "How can this be an unknown soldier if the grave has his name?"

Their host responds, "Sure, as a soldier he was unknown, but as a furrier -- he was the best!"

How OWS Techniques Are Used to Protest Politicians

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Turkey Tetrazzini

This is an easy recipe to make a tasty dish-turkey tetrazzini. To shake things up this Thanksgiving, why not make this great meal? It can even be made before hand and baked right before eating. Easy and delicious!

Serves: 6

Cooking Time: 20 min
Ingredients

* 1/2 pound vermicelli
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 1/2 cups mushrooms, sliced
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk, warmed
* 2 tablespoons sherry
* 1/4 cup parsely, chopped
* 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated, divided
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 2 cups cooked turkey, cut into chunks
* 1/2 cup blanched silvered almonds, for topping

Instructions

1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the vermicelli (al dente) according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart casserole.

3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter, add the mushrooms, and saute until just tender.

4. Stir in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the flour is no longer visible.

5. Gradually, add the milk, stirring constantly, and simmer until the sauce thickens.

6. Add the sherry, parsley, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and pepper.

7. Combine the turkey and the vermicelli with the sauce.

8. Spoon the mixture into the casserole and top with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and almonds.

9. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Chocolate Silk Pie

Serves 6-8
Hands-On Time: 15m
Total Time: 3hr 15m

Ingredients

* Shortbread-Pecan Crust
* 2 pints heavy cream
* 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
* 6 tablespoons sugar
* 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 6 large egg yolks
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
* 1 tablespoon cocoa



Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine half the cream, the chocolate, and 3 tablespoons of the sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until the chocolate melts. In a bowl, combine the cornstarch and the remaining sugar. Add the egg yolks and whisk.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of the warm chocolate mixture to the egg mixture. Whisking constantly, slowly add the egg mixture to the pan. Cook, still whisking, until thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the vanilla and butter. Whisk until the butter melts.

3. Pour the filling into Shortbread-Pecan Crust. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the filling. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 48 hours. Sprinkle with the cocoa. With an electric mixer on medium-high, beat the remaining cream. Serve with the pie.

Website of the Day

Shape Type a letter shaping game.

My New Favorite Thing

Sequin Knit Glove

Evil Things Done By Cats

Got an evil cat photo? Send it to me and I will post it.

Damn it Feels Good to be a Banksta (feat. Herman Cain)

Don't Sit This One Out

Michael Moore | Don't Sit This One Out - What's Your Vision for Occupy Wall Street?

Michael Moore, MichaelMoore.com: "This past weekend I participated in a four-hour meeting of Occupy Wall Street activists whose job it is to come up with the vision and goals of the movement. It was attended by 40+ people and the discussion was both inspiring and invigorating.... We are but ten weeks old, yet we have already changed the national conversation. This is our moment, the one we've been hoping for, waiting for."

Read the Article

Harvesting Love

"If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing right. There's no satisfaction in doing anything halfway!" My father preached those wise words of wisdom to me from the time I was old enough to grasp their meaning. And, Dad was right! For me, a job well done brings happiness like nothing else and typically comes after triumphing over a major challenge that generates joy in the lives of those I love.

When my husband, Jerry, and I were given one days notice that his children, Leisa and Chuck, were arriving the following afternoon to live with us, I was dumbstruck, felt completely inept, and was shaking in my boots. I was overwhelmed with fear and knew those youngsters felt the same way, surely even more so. Why would a Mother choose to devastate her children's lives at a moment's notice?

To this day, none of us have an answer. We took custody rapidly so she could never again "toy" with their lives. Leisa and Chuck came to us broken, confused, and anxious about life in a new city, new schools, and without old friends to confide in. Worse yet, a step-mother!

When the most difficult challenge of my life was unexpectedly tossed my way, I said a prayer and gave it my all. On day one, I assured both children they would always be cared for in safe surroundings and that I would never try to take their mother's place. Also, that my utmost hope was to earn their trust and become a friend that they could come to in times of trouble.

Chuck, at nine years of age, had his father available for male conversations. Leisa, at 12 years of age, definitely needed a woman with whom she could easily converse for she was about to be faced with rampaging hormones and a barrage of questions, many of them personal in nature.

Positive results did not come quickly and time crept by at half speed. We all struggled. One day, one week, and one year at a time. We shed tears, had bouts of anger, and dealt with a gamut of emotions like the peaks and dips of a seemingly endless roller coaster ride. Bad days would remind me of every story I'd heard or read about situations like ours and the many marriages that didn't survive!

That's when determination would suddenly grab hold; I'd grit my teeth, re-adjust my attitude and continue to battle the predicament thrust upon the four of us. And, on my most frustrating days, Dad's words echoed a stern reminder of doing the job right! Given time, lots of time, it happened. Eventually true love did grow! I can't put a finger on the precise moment, but gradually love was felt lingering in the air, and little by little tension skedaddled right out the front door.

I'm reminded of a sick, scraggly, withered plant that is surely to die. But, with continued watering, moving it to differently lighted locations, you are astounded to envision what appears to be a minute hint of green. Within a few days a single shiny leaf begins to appear. You see there is hope, you don't give up, and in due time the plant is lush, green, and heavy with glorious blossoms!

The day Leisa informed me I was never to use the word "step" again, more than made up for all the daunting days of years gone by. Her exact words, "You are my mom!" She was a grown woman with children of her own when that time came and possibly the long wait made those words even more cherished. It is said, "Good things come to those who wait." I'm a believer!

Chuck and I always had an unusual and comical way of communicating and I still jokingly refer to myself as Your Wicked Step-mother. Not long ago I referred to myself in that manner as regards Leisa. He stopped me dead in my tracks, "That phrase is reserved for me and me alone!" He and I may be the only ones that know what he was really saying, which was, "I love you."

Even though the journey was thorny, it's rewarding when two now- grown children mainly recall only the good times. Often they remind me of events I've long since forgotten; we laugh and relive those times again. Mealtime had been more important to Leisa and Chuck than I had ever fathomed. To this day, it's a rare visit that their favorite recipes don't sneak into our conversations.

Recently, I flew to Leisa's for a week's visit. Several days before my departure, she called wondering if I could find time to bake Pumpkin Bread. Her request was added to my already staggering "to do" list! I baked, froze two large loaves, and placed them in my carry-on bag. When I plopped them down on her kitchen counter Leisa squealed with delight. My reward was a tight bear hug and "thank you" muttered from a mouth already stuffed full.

While blended families do not always thrive, thankfully ours did. It took tremendous effort from all of us; the end result being a home filled with love. That's what I call happiness than can never be outshined.

Kathleene S. Baker

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