The Bryan Times - June 3, 2019 - Strawberries & Patriotism

Welcome June! We're all hoping the warmer temps will stay with us this month! June also brings strawberry season and Flag Day. Be sure to celebrate Flag Day on June 14th by flying the Stars and Stripes. 

Tips for displaying Old Glory: 

Don't display a flag at night unless it's illuminated.  If lighting isn't possible, make sure to take yours down at sunset. 

Always be sure the union (the blue field) is at the top left if you hang the flag from a staff projecting from a window or building. 

Never allow the flag to touch anything beneath it. 

Be sure to retire frayed or worn flags - they're no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country.  Please don't just trash them. Most American Legion or Veterans posts host flag-burning ceremonies for this purpose. 

A dear friend gave me this recipe 20 years ago.  She made it for every reunion or potluck all summer long.  It's a delightful dessert. 

(Hint: If you want to save time, you can use a 16 ozs. pkg. of ready-made sugar cookie dough for the crust and mix an 8-oz. pkg. of cream cheese with a 7-oz. jar of marshmallow cream for the filling.)

"Lightened" Strawberry Pizza

STRAWBERRY PIZZA

1-1/2 c. all purpose flour

1 c. cold butter, cut into chunks

1/3 - 1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. chopped pecans

1 - 8 oz. cream cheese, softened (reduced fat is fine)

3/4 c. powdered sugar

1 - 8 oz. tub (lite) Cool Whip, thawed

4 c. cleaned, sliced fresh strawberries

1 - 16 oz. pkg. (sugar free) strawberry glaze

Preheat oven to 350*. In large  bowl, combine flour, butter, brown sugar and nuts. Spread on 14" pizza pan or smaller-sized cookie sheet. Bake 12 - 15 minutes until browned. Cool.

In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar; beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and spread over cooled crust. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set up.

In large bowl, combine fresh strawberries and glaze until coated. Spread out over cream cheese filling, then top with dollops of Cool Whip to serve. Keep leftovers refrigerated. Serves 10 - 15, depending on how you cut it. 

Do you know how to make fresh strawberries last longer?  Try this 'trick'..Just mix 2 cups of cold water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a large bowl and soak fresh strawberries (with tops on them) for about 20 minutes! Drain in a colander, rinse them and then lay the strawberries on a towel or paper towels to dry completely, about an hour. (A key to keeping them fresh) Refrigerate until ready to eat. (You won't be able to taste the vinegar!) 

If you are privileged to know Delores Cook from Bryan, you may have tasted these amazing melt-in-your-mouth goodies. (You can just imagine how quickly the COOKS and the BAKERS became friends!) This unusual cookie dough intrigues me. The batter is similar to pancake and they bake only 5 minutes at 450*. They also make wonderful 'shortcake' for your strawberries so enjoy them soon, with or without berries. 

SPECIAL SUGAR COOKIES 

2 c. buttermilk

2 tsp. baking soda

2 c. oil

3 c. sugar 

(I use 2-1/2 c.)

4 eggs

6 c. flour

6 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 Tb. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 450*. Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silpat. 

In small bowl, place buttermilk and baking soda; allow to stand while mixing oil, sugar and eggs in large bowl. Add buttermilk mixture, beating until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, salt and vanilla, beating until well blended. 

Drop by tablespoonsful onto prepared cookie sheet; sprinkle with sugar if desired. (Don't be alarmed - dough will spread) Bake 5 - 6 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool. Allow cookie sheet to cool a couple of minutes before baking next batch. These freeze nicely.  Yield: about 5 dozen.

"Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows." - Helen Keller (a blind woman) 

The Bryan Times - May 20, 2019 - Memorial Day (by my hubby)

My dear husband (MSgt. Ronald E. Baker, Ret. Air Force) is the most patriotic person I know.  He served 3 tours in Vietnam and is now 100% disabled because of the effects of Agent Orange.  He has been a speaker for a number of military services locally. I want to share excerpts from the speech he shared at the Pioneer Memorial Day service in 2009. To say I am proud of him barely skims the tip of the iceberg.

"Our most precious asset as Americans is liberty. Most of Europe is free because American men fought to loose them from the bands of fascism, socialism, and communism. America is free because men were willing to die to preserve and protect our liberties as spelled out in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights. The rights and privileges of our society cannot be allowed to be squandered or given away to any person or group of people, no matter their ideology.

I believe there is a majority of Americans who want to preserve our freedoms, maintain the rule of law and order, and keep the pursuit of happiness as the forefront of our national policy. Those of us who hold to these goals will never stop fighting for freedom. We will never compromise on liberty.  We will not give in to totalitarianism. We will not give in, give up, or submit to any form of government, religion or ideology that would take away what this country has long stood for in the world, namely our liberty and justice for all her citizens. We can never take our freedom for granted. Our responsibility is to preserve it at all costs. 

Our freedom is the most precious legacy we can pass on to our children. There can be no alternative that would satisfy the sacrifices made by those who have defended our liberty with their very lives.  As we look back today over our nation's history,  we must also acknowledge those who are at this very moment fighting on other battlefields in our world to recapture or preserve freedom from the grasp of evildoers who would enslave men and families in false religious cults, dictatorial governments, and the insanely narcissistic men who consider themselves to be gods in their own eyes.

So then, what do we owe our fallen heroes?  Well,  I believe we owe them our very lives.  Their blood was shed so that you and I could be here secure in our freedom.  Our rights to assemble, speak freely, believe in our Creator, travel and trade amongst ourselves with relatively few restrictions,  are all just a few of the many wonderful opportunities afforded to a people who are truly enjoying liberty the way God intended.

The cost has been high. It may get much higher in the near future.  There are still those who would love to see our nation fall. They are of that evil empire that former president Ronald Reagan warned us about. We cannot forsake all that our nation has stood for and all that our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have died for, as well as those who are carrying the banner of a freedom-loving country to various other nations in turmoil around the world. We must rally around our flag once more. We must pray for those in harm's way, today and always. It is our duty. It is our responsibility. And it is our honor. Let's not fail to take a stand for freedom. Let's pay our debt as fully as those who have gone before us...no matter the cost."

It's great to have foodie fun and celebrate the holiday with red, white and blue yummies. Use r, w & b sprinkles on cupcakes or jello. Make a flag shape on top of white frosted brownies or dessert with berries and marshmallows, using a pretzel rod for a 'pole'. Outline the shape of a star with strawberries and fill in with blueberries. Layer blueberries and strawberries between vanilla yogurt or pudding and angel food cake to make a parfait. Be creative, but whatever you do: Celebrate the holiday with a special foodie dish!

Enjoy a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend.

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.  We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. ~ President Ronald Reagan 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!

My dear husband (MSgt. Ronald E. Baker, Retired Air Force) served 20 years in the military.  We are still very stirred when someone takes time to shake his hand and thank him for his service.  Every now and then, someone will salute him, and it always brings me to tears. 

I.AM.SOOOO.PROUD.OF.THIS.MAN!! 

My handsome Marine served 4 years in the USMC - 3 tours in Vietnam...
2 years, 2 months and 22 days...when he came home (& married me!) then he went to Parris Island, SC to become a Drill Instructor. (He is  presently 100% disabled because of exposure to Agent Orange).  His strong Marine spirit keeps him going as he's on dialysis and deals with many health issues. 

OORAH!! 

He then served 16 years in the Air Force and did an outstanding job of running the base correctional custody facility at Fairchild AFB, WA.  Here he is holding drill competition and speech competition awards (2 of the 4 that were given to his class of 39 members) at the NCO Academy when we were stationed at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. 

This next photo was one that was published in our local newspaper after I had a tea party with 2 of our granddaughters and some of their friends several years ago. (The girls are now 17 & 19!) 

As a 'team' they 'built' a flag by pushing plastic dixie cups through...our chain link fence...the neighborhood enjoyed it for the whole summer. 

ENJOY AN AWESOME 4TH!!  

Don't forget to stand for the flag! 

​

Flashback Friday - Patriotic Foodie Fun

WELCOME TO FLASHBACK FRIDAY!  Hope you'll enjoy these tasty 

treats to help add celebration to your upcoming holiday....

Oh how fun to celebrate the Red, White & Blue with this lovely dessert gracing your table! 

Red, White & Blue Poke Cake

The base is a sugar cookie mix, topped with a white chocolate mixture...topped with sweetened raspberries and blueberries...a perfect summertime dessert. 

Raspberries & Cream Dessert Squares

Using licorice and frosting gel, you can make these cute cupcakes...made with

buttermilk...a 'star' at your picnic table! 

American Flag Cupcakes

Easy enough the kids can help. Cut out star-shaped angel food cake and thread it with bananas and  berries....with a creamy simple dip recipe.  

Patriotic Berry Kebobs

Leader Enterprise - May 24, 2017 - Memorial Day

American Flag Cupcakes

(Recipe calls for 'doctoring' a cake mix for super good results)

Did you know May is National Military Appreciation Month?  Please don't forget to thank a vet, or better yet, several of them. My sincere thanks to all vets who have sacrificed for our freedoms.  

As we get ready to celebrate Memorial Day and remember those who have sacrificed, I decided to scour my Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul book for a short story. I've read it through once before, but this tear-jerking story did not jump out at me until this time around. When I saw the name of the author of this story, and that he was a Marine, I gasped.  I know a Nick Hill that is a Marine!! After some investigating, I made a call and confirmed this story was written by our own Williams County Marine Nick Hill, from West Unity. So I couldn't be more excited about sharing this one with you all! (This was published years ago when Nick and his family lived in Colorado). 

From Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul 

"TO ANY SERVICE MEMBER" 

"During the Persian Gulf War, I was stationed aboard the naval amphibious ship USS Nassau. As a senior Marine intelligence analyst, my workdays were routinely twelve to sixteen hours long.  Like all the veterans, we looked forward to receiving mail from home. 

Unlike the Vietnam War, the Gulf War found support among most Americans.  As a result, we soldiers received an enormous amount of "To any service member" mail from the States.  I never took any of those letters, since I wrote to my wife and two children on a daily basis, as well as occasionally writing notes to my daughter's classroom, and I didn't feel I had time to write to anyone else.

After five or six months of hearing the mail orderly announcing the availability of "To any service member" mail, I decided to take a few of the letters.  I planned, as time permitted, to drop them a line telling them "Thanks" for their support.

I picked up three letters, and placed them in my cargo pocket and proceeded back to work.  Over the next week or so, I started responding to the letters.  When it came time to answer the third letter, I noticed it had no return address, but a Colorado postmark, which made me think longingly of home.  I had missed spending Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's with my family, and I was really lonesome for them.

I opened the card and started to read the letter enclosed.  About the third or fourth sentence down, it read "My daddy is a Marine over there, if you see him tell him hi and I love and miss him".  This statement really touched me and made me miss my family even more.  I looked down to the signature --and sat in stunned silence as tears filled my eyes.

My own daughter Chris had signed the letter." ~Nick Hill 

Two of my granddaughters had a 'grand ole time' making these cupcakes with me years ago. 

AMERICAN FLAG CUPCAKES 

1 (16 - 18 ozs) boxed yellow cake mix 

1 c. buttermilk (or milk)

1/3 c. oil 

4 eggs 

1 pkg. red Twizzlers Pull 'n' Peels licorice candy

blue gel in a tube (or frosting tinted blue) 

Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin tins (about 2 dozen) with papers. In large bowl, combine all ingredients, beating about 2 minutes until smooth. Fill papers about 2/3 full - bake about 15 minutes until done.  Insert toothpick to be assured they're done or just touch the tops; they should spring back. 

Cool to room temperature; frost with favorite white frosting. For longer stripes, ut licorice in pieces about 1-1/2" long. Cut those in half for shorter stripes, then 'peel'. Starting at the bottom of the cupcake, lay three of the longer "stripes". Then place three smaller "stripes" on the upper right hand corner above the longer stripes. Add gel (can use blue tinted frosting and a toothpick) dots for stars. 

Freedom is the last, best hope of earth. - Abraham Lincoln 

Patriotic Rice Krispy Treats

This is a simple and fun way to add a festive touch to any patriotic holiday.

I sold these at my farmer's market stand for Memorial Day and they were a real hit. I'm making them again for July 4th weekend. 

I've seen a number of ideas, but I went with this one I saw at Lil' Luna,  She has a great picture tutorial so be sure to check her out. And her colors are nice and vibrant too! 

PATRIOTIC RICE KRISPY TREATS 

6 c. Rice Krispies cereal

1 (10 ozs) pkg. mini marshmallows

 3 TB. butter

red & blue food coloring (gel colors are brighter)
I think the colors 'fade' as these set up, so make them
brighter than what you think they should be....

 Divide the rice krispies and marshmallows in three parts for the three layers (2 cups rice krispies and about 2 cups marshmallows)


Spray 9" X 9" (or 8" X 8") pan with non stick cooking spray; set aside. 

I like to microwave the marshmallows. Place them in a large microwave safe bowl along with 1 Tb. margarine for a few minutes or until they start to puff up. Stir well and add the food coloring (I used a bit of blue gel I had leftover, then added blue food coloring...same with the red - Original recipe suggests adding 1/4 – 1/3 tube of the gel food coloring which makes the colors pretty and bright). Add the 2 cups of Rice Krispies and stir well. Press into prepared pan. 
Repeat process with each layer; press well into pan.  (I used a large metal spatula - sprayed with non stick cooking spray) to press firmly into pan, 
Let stand in pan until set up then cut and serve.   

Or simply top your 'plain' rice krispies with red and blue mini M & M's and sprinkles.

It's an attention getter. 

Linked to 
Weekend Potluck
Meal Plan Monday

Whatever you do, enjoy a wonderful and safe 4th! 

It's right around the corner!!!!!!!!!! 

​

3 Perfectly Patriotic Dishes for the 4th {Blast from the Past}

Red, White & Blue Poke Cake

American Flag Cupcakes

Cut out pieces of angel food cake into stars...thread on a skewer along with berries and bananas (or marshmallows) for a festive treat. Serve with 

2-Ingredient Nutella Dip

Patriotic Berry Kebobs

Leader Enterprise - Memorial Day - May 25, 2016

   

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who benefit from those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we don't observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our family members, our loved ones, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:

• by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes. 
• by visiting memorials. 
• by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon. 
• by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

My dear husband (MSgt. Ronald E. Baker, Ret. Air Force)  is the most patriotic person I know.  He served 3 tours in Vietnam and is now 100% disabled because of the effects of Agent Orange.  He has been a speaker for a number of military services locally. I want to share excerpts from the speech he shared at the Pioneer Memorial Day service in 2009. To say I am proud of him barely skims the tip of the iceberg.

"Our most precious asset as Americans is liberty. Most of Europe is free because American men fought to loose them from the bands of fascism, socialism, and communism. America is free because men were willing to die to preserve and protect our liberties as spelled out in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights. The rights and privileges of our society cannot be allowed to be squandered or given away to any person or group of people, no matter their ideology.

I believe there is a majority of Americans who want to preserve our freedoms, maintain the rule of law and order, and keep the pursuit of happiness as the forefront of our national policy. Those of us who hold to these goals will never stop fighting for freedom. We will never compromise on liberty.  We will not give in to totalitarianism. We will not give in, give up, or submit to any form of government, religion or ideology that would take away what this country has long stood for in the world, namely our liberty and justice for all her citizens. We can never take our freedom for granted. Our responsibility is to preserve it at all costs. Those men and women whom we honor here have already paid that price for the way of life we now enjoy. 

Our freedom is the most precious legacy we can pass on to our children. There can be no alternative that would satisfy the sacrifices made by those who have defended our liberty with their very lives.  As we look back today over our nation's history,  we must also acknowledge those who are at this very moment fighting on other battlefields in our world to recapture or preserve freedom from the grasp of evildoers who would enslave men and families in false religious cults, dictatorial governments, and the insanely narcissistic men who consider themselves to be gods in their own eyes.

So then, what do we owe our fallen heroes?  Well,  I believe we owe them our very lives.  Their blood was shed so that you and I could be here secure in our freedom.  Our rights to assemble, speak freely, believe in our Creator, travel and trade amongst ourselves with relatively few restrictions,  are all just a few of the many wonderful opportunities afforded to a people who are truly enjoying liberty the way God intended.

The cost has been high. It may get much higher in the near future.  There are still those who would love to see our nation fall. They are of that evil empire that former president Ronald Reagan warned us about. We cannot forsake all that our nation has stood for and all that our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have died for, as well as those who are carrying the banner of a freedom-loving country to various other nations in turmoil around the world. We must rally around our flag once more. We must pray for those in harm's way, today and always. It is our duty. It is our responsibility. And it is our honor. Let's not fail to take a stand for freedom. Let's pay our debt as fully as those who have gone before us...no matter the cost."

I think it's great to have foodie fun and celebrate the holiday with red, white and blue yummies. Use red, white and blue sprinkles on cupcakes or jello. Make a flag shape on top of white frosted brownies or dessert with berries and marshmallows. Outline the shape of a star with strawberries and fill in with blueberries. Layer blueberries and strawberries between vanilla yogurt or pudding to make a parfait. Be creative, but whatever you do: Celebrate the holiday with a special foodie dish!

Enjoy a safe Memorial Day weekend and don't forget to thank a vet for their service and sacrifice.