Welcome to The Better Baker!

I’m thrilled to be able to connect with folks online - this is a new experience for me, and at this point, is rather overwhelming, but with my daughter’s assistance and expertise, I hope to make this an inviting place for you to visit often.

I really do enjoy cooking in general. My mom gave me freedom in the kitchen when I was growing up, I married a man who is willing to eat anything, and we both love hosting company, so my ‘career’ in the kitchen has snowballed over the years, and I’m excited about how my outreaches are being expanded.

I’ve had a few recipes published by the American Profile publication. I won $100 in 2006 for my Butternut Squash Casserole. It is one of two in the AP "Blue Ribbon Winners" cookbook. I also have five recipes in their "Hometown Recipes for the Holidays" cookbook. I truly do enjoy time in the kitchen.

I even like washing dishes.

I recently began typing up recipes to have my own cookbook published...it is a time consuming process, but it feels good to get the ball rolling toward making that lifetime goal a dream come true.

I’ve also had a short testimony of God’s provision for us in a needy time, published in "Christian Miracles". The format is similar to Chicken Soup for the Soul books, with many authors in one book. I enjoy opportunities to speak publicly.

But I have to say that I’m not a professional speaker - only a professional talker!!

After being recognized in our local newspaper for my national recipe ‘fame’ through American Profile, I have recently been asked by a local newspaper to write a monthly column...and include recipes. Appropriately - the column is entitled "The Better Baker".

I married my high school sweetie, Ron "Bean" Baker. We have endured some, but mostly enjoyed, our 41 years of wedded bliss. We have been blessed with 3 children, and 7 precious grandchildren. Being Nana and Papa are the biggest blessings in our lives....and we appreciate the thought...

GRANDKIDS MAKE LIFE GRAND!

Ron is 100% disabled from his exposure to Agent Orange - he served 3 tours in Vietnam as a proud Marine. He’s diabetic, so the last few years, I have leaned more toward healthier dishes, and low/no sugar recipes.

Something I’m fond of are quotes - some would call them ‘wall plaques’, but I appreciate them, and hope to share some with you often. One of my favorites is...

LIFE IS SHORT...EAT DESSERT FIRST.

P.S. - You can probably find new posts from me about once a week just to get warmed up.  Later, when I'm an "expert" at this, I'll be posting more often!  Thanks for visiting - and please feel free to leave comments and questions!

Eating Well in the Good Ol' Summertime

Just about anyone could eat more fruits and veggies, and summertime is a great time to enjoy more of them. But you don't want to purchase a lot, and then have to throw it away because they haven't been eaten. That's definitely a waste of money and nutrition.

According to the Produce for Better Health Foundation:

• Fewer than 15% of school-aged children eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables needed every day.Over half of all elementary school-aged children eat no fruit on any given day.
• Three out of 10 elementary school-aged children eat less than one serving of vegetables a day.
• One-quarter of all vegetables eaten by school aged students are french fries.

What's a mother to do?

The amounts recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is - younger children should eat atleast 1.5 cups each of fruits and vegetables every day. Older, and more active children should be eating up to two cups of fruit and 3.5 cups of vegetables each day. (Amounts are based on recommended calorie intakes for sex, age, and activity level: Check out www.mypyramid.gov to find out the amounts you and your children should be aiming for.

Here's some ideas to help you get your kids steered in the right direction when it comes to consuming enough of these nutritious foods....

• Take your children to the grocery store or open air market and let them choose a fruit or vegetable they like or would like to try.


• How about giving them each $5 and letting them do shopping on their own - not allowing bread or candy to be among their purchases.


• Add berries to their cereal; shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes to their sandwiches; finely chopped carrots or broccoli added to soups, or other dishes, will give them the nutrition they need, without them even realizing it.


• Encourage fruits and vegetables as snacks. Serve fruit as a dessert, and keep a dish of fruit visible to your family. They will be more likely to eat more without thinking about getting something sweet instead.


• Give them fresh baby carrots and/or celery for snacking, along with their own little cup of ranch dressing for dip.

Apple Smiles

Here's a fun thing I did for my kids when they were growing up and have done it for my grandchildren as well. If you can make eating 'fun', you're more likely they will eat more nutritionally without a fight.

Take a red apple and cut it in half - core it, and slice it into 8 or 10 slices...to make 'lips'. Spread one side of two apple slices, with peanut butter, lay mini marshmallows on top to make 'teeth' and put the other apple slice on top. I can just about guarantee you'll make them smile as well - and that will be good for mom too.

Order a Copy of My Cookbook!

How to Order 

Recipes & Recollections from The Better Baker

Pay Pal

To use a credit or debit card, send payment to my email address
( thebetterbaker@gmail.com ). Then don't forget to email your
mailing address to me and let me know how many books you'd like.
I'd love to personalize each one with your name(s).

Order By Mail

To order my cookbook by mail, please send a check to:

Marsha Baker
PO Box 938
Pioneer, OH 43554

Price

Cookbooks are $15 plus $4 shipping for each. 

(Ohio residents add $1.05 for tax.)

If you don’t know me personally, I prefer that you pay through Pay Pal.  

Contact me for another payment option if necessary.

Leader Enterprise - August 2009

Cancer. Too many of us are more familiar with it than we care to be, either directly or indirectly.

August 30,2008 was a life changing day for our family. Our then-three year old grandson, Caden, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was a shock to all of us. His mom had taken him to the dr. for another health issue and the doctor decided to run bloodwork. Caden was admitted to St. Vincent’s Children’s hospital in Toledo that afternoon and his first round of chemo began the next day. (Thank the good Lord for great doctors like Dr. Bell!)

There are so many good folks in the world, and the support systems that our son, Dave, and wife, Lyn, and family have encountered along the way are worth bragging about. They play a huge role in helping Dave’s family maintain some sanity on this crazy ‘journey’ on life's road.

We learned early-on about the (free) Caring Bridge website. Caden has his own page-- his parents can post pictures & updates. Subscribers can get an email every time there is new info which saves tireless hours of trying to communicate with friends and family.

A family from our area, who had just finished treatment for their own child with leukemia, visited Dave & Lyn in the hospital the first week Caden was there. Along with offering support and encouragement,they also told them about Angel Hugs.

Dave signed Caden up to be a member of that program. These ‘angels’ have given much encouragement on many occasions. Volunteers send cards, packages, and gifts - just to bring smiles to many needy families going through this tumultuous time.

Another wonderful program is Chemo Angels. Two ‘angels’ are assigned to the patient,and send cards and care packages to keep spirits up.

One of Caden's "angels" is an actress. She sent Caden a Toy Story movie poster with a hand written note that reads "Howdy Caden! Much love,Tom Hanks." For his June birthday, Caden received a CD with his favorite cartoon character- Spongebob Squarepants- repeating Caden’s name, wishing him a happy day. What special RAINBOWS in the storms of life!

SuperSibs is a program for the siblings of the patient() that helps include them in the whole recovery process. Even though much attention is put on Caden, members of "SS" remind Caden's big sisters - Charlie, 10 and Chloe, 8 - that they are still very important people too.The girls have received trophies for being such great supporters of their little brother, personalized pillow cases and books with the theme of being a sibling to someone who has a serious illness (happy endings of course).

The family has also received support from the county Cancer Assistance Agency. They provide assistance with medical bills, prescriptions, travel costs and have resources and referrals for many other places and people that individuals with cancer needs.

Two of Dave’s aunts, Carol and Vicki, outdid themselves last fall by holding a benefit for Caden. They are planning another at the end of Sept in Pioneer. What great blessings!

Last, but hardly least, our church- Hillsdale Baptist -has shown much support for Dave and family, not only financially, but have been a great encouragement with cards and prayers and gifts. They showered Caden with many gifts for his recent birthday, and included family members as well.

These words have been spoken by pastor Rick Warren and I think we can say we experience the truths expressed here...

"At all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for."

At this point in time, Caden has had more spinal taps, chemo and bloodwork than you can imagine. He’s had a great summer, laughing and playing, and even learning to swim at home. He’s even grown a full head of hair again, but is getting ready to begin a stronger round of chemo, (hopefully his last) so may be bald again before long. He has physical therapy two times a week, and has a good prognosis - we’ve learned to take life one day at a time. After a year of aggressive treatment, we look forward to a slower pace-once-a-month treatment,for up to 3 years. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Caden and our family during these up and down days.

Caden’s picture was on the front page of the Toledo Blade last Thursday,August 13th,as he was being read to, while at the hospital for treatment. Another special and enjoyable ‘pit stop’ on this race called life.

Since it’s the time of year when many gardens are proliferating zucchini to enjoy, I wanted to share a favorite recipe.It was tough to choose which one, so I plan to share another next month.

ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE

4 cups peeled, diced zucchini
1 grated carrot
1 grated onion
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 box stove top stuffing
salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Boil zucchini in salted water for 4 minutes and drain. Add remaining ingredients and mix together in large bowl. Place in greased 8" X 8" casserole dish. Top with 1 cup crushed corn flakes mixed with 1/4 cup melted margarine or butter. Bake 45 minutes uncovered.

For variety,use your favorite zucchini bread recipe, and substitute ½ cup of baking cocoa to replace an equal amount of flour,and enjoy chocolate zucchini bread.

Quote for the Day:We make a living by what we get.We make a life by what we give.-Winston Churchill

Leader Enterprise - September 2009 - Handwritten notes

Do you enjoy receiving cards in the mail? I sure do. It’s a big reason why I love sending them too. Those’ little’ things can make a big difference in someone’s life.

I know, because they have in mine.

I mail 50-70 cards each month, so I think it’s safe to say I have a passion for doing so. It doesn’t take a lot of time invested to brighten someone’s day.

In this day and age when written communication, other than email, is almost nil, a short message of hope can be a ray of sunshine in a dark world when someone is struggling. Writing a card is one small way to encourage one another.

Among the best things about a hand written note is that it means so much to see the personal touch that comes with seeing someone’s handwriting. A card can stand on your counter or table to be reviewed again and again. The few minutes taken to add your own words can mean so much.

If you are one who doesn’t know what to say, simply tell the recipient that you are thinking of them, are there for them, and that you’re sorry for...whatever the situation. Keep your message simple and remember that anything from the heart will be meaningful and beautiful.

A book "When You Need the Right Words" published by New Seasons is available from Current catalog or online at www.pilbooks.com. It has many ideas for any occasion to help express what you’re feeling in your heart.

I realize these are times of economic crisis, but you really don’t have to spend a lot of money to let someone know you care about them. And you don’t have to have a special gift to reach out to someone at any point in time.Trust me-the reward you receive for thinking of someone else, is worth far more than the money you spend to make it happen.

One of the nicest cards I’ve ever received was a plain white postcard, but the words my friend expressed in that little note,spoke highly of who I am,and stirred my soul deeply. It is kept in a dresser drawer with many other keepsake cards I’ve received. When I’m having a down day, I pull those old cards out and am uplifted. How rich we can feel to be reminded there are those who care about us. A quote I appreciate reads "Never miss an opportunity to give sunshine to the day of someone who needs a few encouraging words."

Hallmark has a line of greeting cards for 99 cents each and the dollar stores have lovely cards also. Walgreen’s carries boxed cards for $1 each. I am a member of American greetings online, and for a minimal fee every year, I can print all the cards and projects I want. What a bargain!

Years ago, I read about two friends who lived across town from each other, and how their busy lives kept them from getting together. They determined to begin the ‘ministry of the postcard’ and made time to send a written note to one another each month. What a difference they made in each other’s world.

Tuck little ‘surprises’ inside a card....a bookmark, a tea bag, or a paper sachet. Those small items seldom need additional postage, but be sure to check with the post office when sending anything bulky. It’s always a thrill to receive pictures also. You can purchase little "Pass it On" cards,with a simple thought or scripture on them. Hallmark has tear-off post-it notes in tablet form with quips and quotes to uplift and encourage.

Five minutes, a first-class stamp, (or 28-cent post card stamp) and your personal note can bless someone with a brighter,r icher day. Pick up your pen and begin now in the ‘write’ direction.

A friend recently asked me my favorite kind of recipes. Without having to ponder, I said "Desserts!" Then quickly added that my second favorite is vegetable dishes. Because many of us have canned or frozen veggies from our gardens this summer, I wanted to share some of my favorites this month. These will be in my own cookbook, which I hope to have published and in my hands by next fall.

This first one is a new one for me and I loved it from the first bite-hope you enjoy it too. Green beans may be substituted for the asparagus if you prefer.

ASPARAGUS AND CORN WITH HONEY-MUSTARD GLAZE

1 lb. Fresh asparagus spears
1 cup frozen corn
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. Honey
1/4 tsp. Pepper

Snap off tough ends of asparagus; discard. Cut spears into 1-inch pieces.

In 2-quart saucepan, heat ½ cup water to boiling. Add asparagus and corn; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 5 to 8 minutes or until asparagus is crisp tender;drain. In small bowl, mix mustard, honey and pepper. Stir into hot vegetables and serve.

ULTIMATE CREAMED CORN

2 - 1# bags frozen corn or 5 - 6 cups fresh frozen
12 ozs. block cream cheese,cut into cubes
2/3 cup milk
½ cup butter or margarine,melted
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Spread corn over bottom of 3-4 qt. slow cooker.Top with cream cheese cubes. In small bowl, stir together remaining ingredients; pour over corn and cream cheese. Cover; cook on high setting for 2-3 hours. Stir well before serving. Corn will hold on low heat up to 2 hours,stirring occasionally.

ZUCCHINI SOUP

4 c. sliced zucchini
1 medium onion, chopped
3 T. Butter
1 cup water
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 cup half and half
1 tsp. Basil
salt and pepper to taste

In large saucepan,saute onion in butter for several minutes. Add zucchini and water. Simmer about 25-30 minutes. Remove from heat and whir in blender (Be cautious-I suggest letting it cool 10 minutes first-it will be very hot). Return to saucepan. Stir in soup til smooth, then add milk, half and half, and seasonings. Heat to simmering. Makes 4 servings.