Different Twist on Hot Cocoa Mix

Hot Cocoa
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Hot water


Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly.
In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.
Fill your mug half full with the mixture and pour in hot water.
Stir to combine. Seal the rest in an airtight container,
keeps indefinitely in the pantry. This also works great with warm milk.

Recipe from Food Network

Van Buren Quote

"It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't."

~ Martin Van Buren ( 8th U.S. President 1837-1841 )

The only president whose first language was not English (it was Dutch.)

Basil Cream Chicken

This is one of the easiest chicken dishes to make.
Serve it with salad and bread and you've got a great meal.

I double this recipe for 8 servings.

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup minced onions
3/4 pd sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
hot cooked & drained fettucine

1. Saute chicken, onions, and mushrooms in oil for 4 minutes.
2. In large saucepan, melt butter, sitr in flour until smooth.
3. Add chicken broth, bouillion and cream.
4. Stir in basil and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes.
6. Combine with the chicken mixture.
7. Serve over fettuccini.

Frances, My Favorite Badger

I love to read books to little ones and there are so many that I think are good. The Frances books by Russell Hoban fit in my extra special category. They are written with a little wit, there are lessons to be learned, and the illustrations are fun which make them great to read over and over again. There are several in the series but I find myself reading these the most.

A Bargain for Frances where she learns about "no backsies" and sharing.

Bread and Jam for Frances for fussy and picky eaters.

Bedtime for Frances for those who battle bedtime.

Bible Reading Ideas

Nancy Wilson has written a great post on Bible reading.

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness

A couple of years ago we read a biography about the life of Gladys Aylward. She was a missionary to China. She was denied by the mission board, considered unqualified. So, she set out by herself, determined to go to China. She took a job and worked until she had enough money to buy herself a ticket there. It was a great read aloud. There is also a movie about the life of Gladys. We recently watched The Inn of the Sixth Happiness again and I highly recommend watching it after you've read all about her. Be prepared to set aside a little extra time for the movie - it's 2 hours and 37 minutes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladys_Aylward

Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958) -Ingrid Bergman

Jane Austen

Our new book selection is Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.
We'll meet again in eight weeks so get started and enjoy!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northanger_Abbey

http://www.amazon.com/Northanger-Abbey-Modern-Library-Classics/dp/0375759174

Beginner Bible Memory

It is amazing what 2-3 year olds can memorize. Following are some
of the verses I use for beginning Bible memory. I also love to use
the Catechism for Young Children which is available from
Christian Education and Publications.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might
not sin against Thee.

Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul, and with all your mind."

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.


The first five questions from the Catechism for Young Children:

1. Who made you? God.
2. What else did God make? God made all things.
3. Why did God make you and all things? For his own glory.
4. How can you glorify God? By loving him and doing
what he commands.
5. Why ought you to glorify God? Because he made me
and takes care of me.

Romeo & Juliet

Brownie Pudding

From the 1953 Better Homes and Garden Cookbook:

1 cup sifted enriched flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons melted shortening
3/4 to 1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 3/4 cups hot water

Sift together flour, baking powder, granulated sugar,
2 tablespoons cocoa, and salt. Add milk, vanilla
and shortening; mix until smooth. Add nuts.
Pour into greased 8x8x2 inch pan.

Mix brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa; sprinkle
over batter. Pour hot water over entire batter.
Bake in moderate oven 350 degrees 40-45 minutes.

So True!

Children are unpredictable.
You never know what inconsistency
they are going to catch you in next.

~F.P. Jones

For the New Year

Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
And the changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see;
I ask Thee for a present mind,
Intent on pleasing Thee.

I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child
And guided where I go.

Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoever estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate .
And a work of lowly love to do
For the Lord on Whom I wait.

~ Anna L. Waring 1850