English Emma Blooms

Aaron reads from his advent prayer book.  I light the advent candle and Joel looks very alarmed.  Later he said that we should all get lighters like that and then have a sword fight with them.  Don’t worry, our lighters are put away where he can’t get them

Toby had his first experience with snow in Michigan but we had our first experience with Toby and rain when we got back.  He loves the rain!   Here is our drenched dog!

Jill was a dream herself in selling my cards while I passengered back from Thanksgiving in Michigan.   Thanks to all those who gave us their money!   i got home in time for the last hour of the sale.  I showed up greasy and dehydrated from travel but everyone was very kind regardless. Thanks especially to Amber!  I am sorry I missed you but I saw your name in the guest book.  It wasn’t quite as good as seeing you but it was as good as I could get.  

At the intersection of I-69 and I-94 is an untold treasure: Marshall, Michigan!  If it was not for Jenny Hoban we would have never discovered it!   Jenny and Liam were going to meet us in Marshall given that is it half way between where she lives and where we spent Thanksgiving  AND it is on our way home to Indianapolis.  Jenny and Liam ended up not being able to meet us but we stopped in Marshall anyway.  What a pleasant surprise!  We spent two hours there poking around and we had lunch at a greasy spoon that served breakfast for lunch.  We took Toby for a walk and Aaron got to look at an architectural  antique (aka big junk) store.  BTW, Toby is a great traveler.  He snuggles up next to Joel and sleeps the whole  way.  

both in Michigan!   The first was at Grandma’s (or Great Grandma’s) house in Grand Rapids and the second was in Wyoming at Papa’s house.  Joel’s Grandma goes to New Orleans for Thanksgiving to see her sister. I am glad that Joel gets to spend Thanksgiving with his Great Grandma as I remember spending my holidays with my Great Grandma (aka Moe moe) We missed Natalie, but at least she was there in picture

I thought we would do the best of books lists early this year!  That might give every body ideas for Christmas presents! Send me the names of the best books you read this year and I will publish a list in a couple of weeks.   Thanks! Love,   Emma xxx No matter who you are, there’s something you are trying too hard at Ray Bennett, MD

CAKE MIX COOKIES 1 package of cake mix (any flavor) 1 large egg 1/4 cup of oil 1/4 cup of water 1 cup of chopped nuts, raisins, oatmeal, coconut, chocolate chips, etc. (anything you like in cookies) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, egg, oil, and water. Beat until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredient (s). Drop by teaspoon about 1 inch apart onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until done. Makes about 4 dozens. Yummy!

INGREDIENTS 1-2 large cucumbers (or 4-5 le mon cucumbers), peeled, quartered lengthwise, then sliced crosswise 1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill, basil, or Thai basil* 2-3 Tbsp seasoned rice vinegar Salt and pepper to taste *To chop the basil, chiffonade it by stacking the leaves on top of each other, rolling them up like a cigar, and taking thin slices from one end to the other.

Hummus Casserole RECIPE RATING: PREP TIME      15 Min COOK TIME      10 Min READY IN      25 Min INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground beef (optional) 1 medium onion, chopped (optional) 1/4 teaspoon allspice (optional) salt and ground black pepper to taste 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 cup pine nuts 4 cups hummus spread 3 pita bread rounds paprika, for garnish 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice  Add to Recipe Box DIRECTIONS In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until meat is no longer pink and onion is transparent, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain fat. Season with allspice, salt, and pepper; set aside. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the pine nuts to coat with oil. Continue stirring until the nuts turn golden brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside. Assemble by spreading half of the hummus over the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. Tear the pi

Hi, all you animal lovers! This is pretty simple... Please ask ten friends to each ask a further ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site! Please pass it along to people you know. http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/ AGAIN, PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS!

Short-Crust Pastry 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cold butter 3 tablespoons ice water Cut butter into flour using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles tiny split peas or bread crumbs. Add water and form into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll pastry out 2-inches larger than pie plate. Bake at 400*F (205*C) for 18 to 20 minutes for baked pie shell, or follow directions of recipe calling for unbaked pastry shell. Makes one 8 or 9-inch pie crust. Recipe may be doubled.

Curry Couscous Prep: 5 min.   Cook: 10 min. For 3 servings: 3/4 tsp. olive oil 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. scallions, chopped 3 Tbs. chopped almonds 1/2 tsp. curry powder 1 clove garlic, minced 2 cups water 1-1/2 tsp. unsalted butter 2-1/4 tsp. parsley, chopped 1 cup couscous Heat oil in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté scallions 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in next 3 ingredients and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in next 3 ingredients. Heat to boiling. Stir in couscous and remove from heat. Cover and let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.