Just for Peter

Below is the recipe you requested. :)

1 pkg oreos *
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
Two kinds of dipping chocolate **

Mash oreos until fine. I usually put them in a ziploc and use a rolling pin to mash them. A food processor would probably work as well.

Thoroughly blend in cream cheese (fingers are usually the best option on this one). Roll into small balls. If the mixture is too sticky to work with put it in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

Melt the chocolate and dip each ball and place on wax paper on a cookie sheet. The best way I have found to dip them it to place them on a toothpick and set it in the melted chocolate. Use a spoon to cover the ball with chocolate and then remove it with both the spoon and toothpick. If you just use a spoon, you will end up with huge globs of chocolate at the base of each bonbon, but if you use a toothpick the ball generally falls apart. The two together seem to work well. :)

Drizzle each bonbon with the opposite color of chocolate. This is easiest if you put the melted chocolate in a small ziploc and cut off a corner then drizzle. Thanks to Jeanette for this tip. :)

Place the cookie sheets in the freezer until chocolate is hard.

Now for more of my personal notes:

* Any kind of oreo is fine. I usually just use the regular but most recently I tried mint and they were really good as well.

**Almond Bark dark and white chocolate work really well for the dipping. :)

Enjoy!

One Year Ago Today

But there's nothing half so sweet in life

As love's young dream.

-Thomas Moore

Hungry for Homemade Bread??

Jeffrey and I made twelve loaves of bread yesterday! We purchased a new grain grinder, and have already put it to good use. They turned out nicely. I think I've been out of practice as some of them weren't as "pretty" as my previous ones. Most people wouldn't care as they taste pretty good. But girls are always looking for beautiful things, eh? Jeffrey thought the entire experience was quite fascinating. Someday I'll let him do the bread by himself. Now that should be interesting.

Bread is the king of the table and all else is merely the court that surrounds the king. The countries are the soup, the meat, the vegetables, the salad, but bread is king.”
Louis Bromfield, American novelist (1896-1956)

The Kitchen

I love the sunshine in the kitchen,
The glory of the light awakens
All the familiar textures of pot and china.
This is the home of the house,
The center of its warmth,
The articulation of its love,
In the rise of bread, the crust of pie,
And the richness of gravy.
It is the place of your caring,
Fleshed out in the daily details,
Too small to be noted one by one,
But each constructing the heart of the house.

Your delight in us is incarnated here,
And this is the place of our true receiving.
Here we come hungry, thirsty and in our need,
To meet the kindness of your hands.
And your friends came,
Finding a warmth they sought and a love they craved.
Not a pretentious place,
A good cause or a moral crusade.
If you will, another Nazareth,
Hidden in the wilderness of the world,
Where kindness feeds a poor Christ and his friends,
And bids them come in from the dark.

-Tim Marks

Of Ladles and Poetry

We were privileged to go and spend Sunday evening with the Harrison family. In the midst of the socializing somebody left the Harrison's ladle in our soup. We discovered it in our bowl upon returning home. Joanna used her creativity to alert Mrs. Harrison:

Walking into your house was such a pleasure

To see your smiling faces it was joy beyond measure

We talked, we sang, and we prayed

We ate food that we brought and some that you made.

And then to my surprise out you came with lighted candles

It was so kind and thoughtful that when we left we took a handle

What I am really trying to say…

Is that we took your ladle and hope to return it long before May.

Mrs. Harrison caught on quickly and responded with this:

Oh, what a joy your message was to read,

To delight in the fun of your fine poetic deed.

To remember the sweetness of being in His presence,

To share both in song and prayer filled with reverence,

To eat at the table spread with food and with love,

To laugh and to talk of things below and above,

We hope your return is far sooner than May.

A pleasure it would be to have you any day.

Just bring your smiling faces, each one a gem to us,

But, now, about the ladle, please don't make a fuss!

Add it to your kitchen, this would be our plea,

To have our ladle serving, a privilege it would be.

We have other ladles for serving up the soup,

So may it join the ranks of the Cole family troop.

We can't close this little ditty, before our thanks we share,

For Love's Abiding Joy, your friendship, and your prayer.

Apparently I didn't realize what wonderful poets surround me. We all thought these poems were neat. Now, how do we respond to her last poem with a poem of our own?

Beefy Mushroom Meatballs

2 slices bread, torn
2 T. milk
1 egg, beaten
3 T. finely chopped onion
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 T. butter or margarine
2 T. flour
1 can (10-12 oz.) beef consomme
2 cans (4 oz. each) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 T. dried parsley flakes
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. beef bouillon granules
1/2 C. sour cream
Hot cooked noodles, optional
Minced fresh parsley

In a bowl, combine bread and milk. Add the egg, onion, salt and pepper; mix well. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. In a large skillet, brown meatballs in small batches over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain on paper towels.
In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add consomme; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; add the mushrooms, parsley, Worcestershire sauce and bouillon. Add meatballs; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream. Serve over noodles (or rice, in our case:) if desired. Garnish with parsley.
Yield: 6-8 servings

We (Joanna and I) made this several weeks ago. It was very well received, much to our relief.
In other news, I have been reading a very non-interesting book. The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne is (so far at least) as dry at paste. I've been dubbed in our house as the person that loves slow books. I'm not sure I can handle this one. It doesn't seem to have something I can take away from it and apply to my personal life. I mean, I don't live in a creepy house, and really, my name isn't Hephziba or Phoebe! If you want a good book to read, try these out. I just finished reading most of these in the last couple of weeks.
William Wilberforce: Hero for Humanity by Kevin Belmonte-probably my favorite read thus far in this year. Wilberforce has really inspired me.
The Dogs May Bark, but the Caravan Moves On by Helen Morse-an excellent read about a family dedicated to missionary service over in Asia.
Statesmen and Saint by David Vaughn-another book about William Wilberforce. Please, don't ask me which one I liked better because they're both running neck and neck with each other!
Ishmael Worth by Eden Southworth-this book is one of the best I have ever read on what it means to really be a Christian. No matter how low you are, you never compromise your beliefs. The character Ishmael is the essence of Christian manhood. Don't get me wrong, he's very human. But the book shows his struggles and how he overcomes them-by prayer and the study of Scripture. A truly inspirational book.
The Eyes of the World by Harold Bell Wright-I'm currently reading this one. So far it's very good. HBW is one of my favorites.
So, I can't wait until I am done with Hawthorne's book. Another book you don't want to read is this: The Crucible by Arthur Miller. I wanted to cry at the end because these people have no hope. The Crucible takes place around the Salem Witch Trials. I had to read it for school. This book is worse than The House of the Seven Gables or the Scarlet Letter. It also probably ranks as "most depressing book of the year for Jane Cole."
I'm off to practice music. I'll probably play Tarantella by W.H. Squire, or Impromptu in Ab major by Schubert, or mom might ask me to play the Swan by that French composer. Oh joy!

BTW, thanks for commenting Kathy! You should do that more often. *wink wink* Soli Deo Gloria!

Valentine's Day...and I've Got Someone On My Mind

Well..yesterday was special. I spent the day with my sweetheart. Yes, there we are. Happy birthday sis!
In honor of her birthday, I made special homemade pitas. We're going to eat them tonight for her birthday meal. Here's the recipe.
2 packages dry yeast
2 C. warm water
1/2 t. honey
1/4 C. olive oil
1 T. salt
5 to 6 C. whole wheat flour
cornmeal

Now, I altered the recipe. With our bosch machine I mix the water, honey, olive oil, salt and half of the flour. After that is mixed I add the yeast and the rest of the flour. Then I followed their directions.:)
Shape dough into 8 to 10 balls. Cover and let rest for about 30 minutes.
Using a floured rolling pin, flatten each ball into a circle about 8 inches in diameter and about 1/8 in. thick. Dust 2 baking sheets with cornmeal, place 2 of the circles on each sheet, cover, and let rest for about 30 minutes.
The oven is set for 500 F.-very hot for these little breads, and therein lies the secret. Place 1 sheet on the lowest rack for 5 minutes. Do not open the oven during this first baking. After 5 minutes, transfer the sheet to a higher shelf and let it bake for 3 to 5 more minutes. The breads will puff up and be lightly browned when they're ready.

My first couple of pitas were interesting. One was completely flat, the other was quite puffy. I did figure it out and the rest of the pitas were more promising in the end result. We're all looking forward to celebrating Joanna's birthday this evening. (yes, her birthday was yesterday, but we waited a day because of scheduling difficulties:)

It's almost Valentine's Day!

O tell her, brief is life but love is long.
-Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Latest Sewing Projects

I actually made these awhile back. I'm just now getting to post the photos! It's been so very cold lately, that mom has actually worn Jeff's nightcap more than Jeffrey has himself. The nightcaps do keep your head warm.
I posted these photos to help everyone feel cozy in their pajamas in this freeeeeeeeeeezing weather. I can't wait for spring!

Texas Beef and Beans

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 C. diced onion
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 16 oz. Can pinto beans, drained (reserve 3 T. liquid)
1 14.5 oz can sliced tomatoes (drained)
1 small can of sliced black olives (drained)
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

Brown beef and onion. Drain. Add taco seasoning packet and mix according to package directions. Spread in a 9x13 baking dish. Mash pinto beans with a fork or potato masher adding the 3 T. saved liquid. Carefully spread mashed beans on ground beef. Add drained tomatoes and olives. Spread cheese over all. Bake 350 degrees 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and cheese melted.

Janessa made this for supper tonight. Yum! It was quite tasty. Our family thoroughly enjoyed it. (there weren't any leftovers...evidence of a good meal:)
I'm so sorry I haven't updated in...well...a long time. We've had our share of adventures lately. There was the mishap with the van (it almost flipped over...slick ice), Janessa jammed her toe going up the stairs (which has resulted in various limping and hobbling), and Jeremy fell through a ceiling at one of his job sites. Somehow he grabbed two beams and escaped any injury. We have been keeping our heavenly angels very busy. The rest of us are just holding our breath.
On another subject, our pastor preached a very moving sermon on Sunday. He preached for over an hour on the conscience. He explained how we as Christians become immune to certain sins because we allow our conscience to become seared. Needless to say, his sermon was really quite phenomenal. I will leave you all with a quote on this subject that I am seeking to memorize. One of Susanna Wesley's children asked her how to define sin. This was her answer: "Whatever weakens your reason, whatever impairs the tenderness of your conscience, whatever obscures your sense of God, whatever increases the authority of your body over your mind, whatever takes away from your relish for spiritual things, that to you is sin, no matter how innocent it is in itself."

Cookie Pictures

If you notice Jeffrey's face in this one, you can tell that he was sneaking M&Ms whilst I was cooking. He was hoping I wouldn't notice. Delightful child.:)


Joanna looks so cool in this picture!




I put this picture in here just for fun. I wanted to show off my brother's adorable face. Although, he would prefer I call it manly instead of adorable. Notice the tree in the background. Compliments of Janessa's artistic and decorative abilities.

Well, the day is almost here! I was skipping through the kitchen today. I'm acting like a silly schoolgirl because my dear J's are coming. I can hardly wait for Jeanette, Jeremy & Jessica, and Julie to come back for their visit! And of course for J and J's "kid", or "child". I need to come up with a proper name. I think baby works best.:)
Well, I'm off to bed. I am so blessed. God is so good to allow me the privilege of seeing my family all together!

Holiday Cookies!

Well, our family has been struck with a small cold! Jeffrey and Judy are the ones suffering the most. Jed and Mom seem to have a little something. Joseph, Janessa, and Joanna are vowing not to get sick, and I feel fine except for a tickle in my throat which produces hacking coughs. To the Virginia crew: We decided to get sick now instead of when you visit. We thought you all would appreciate that.:)
Speaking of Virginia people, they will be here in two days!!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited?

In other news, we had a traditional cookie baking day on Saturday. I wanted to share a recipe for Rudolph cookies. These were Mom's favorite from the list of Peanut Butter Blossoms, Andes Mint Cookies, Sugar Cookies, and the Rudolph Cookies.

1/2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. light brown sugar, packed
1/2 C. butter softened
1/2 C. creamy peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 lg. egg
1-1/4 C. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 C. sugar for rolling dough balls
Small pretzel twists
Chocolate chips
Red M&Ms

In large bowl, combine 1/2 C. sugar, brown sugar and butter; beat until light and fluffy. Add peanut butter, vanilla and egg; blend well. Add flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Cover and chill for one hour. Shape into balls for baking: half of balls a little larger than a half dollar, and the second half a little bigger than a quarter. Roll into extra 1/4 C. sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, flatten the larger piece with the palm of your hand or a glass dipped in sugar. Overlap the smaller piece onto the bottom third of the larger piece, flatten cookie uniformity. Place small pretzel twist into upper, outer edges of the larger piece of antlers and two chocolate chips strategically for eyes. Place on red M&M at the middle lowers edge of smaller piece for Rudolph's nose. Bake @375 two inches apart for about 8-9 minutes or until edges are brown. Immediately remove form baking sheet to cool on rack.

Edit: Janessa and I decided that a pancake turner worked best when flattening the cookies.
Also, watch out for sneaky siblings! Rudolph's nose is supposed to be red. Some of my younger siblings went behind my back and gave him blue, green, and brown noses. I'll try to pose the pictures we took in a little while. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

My Favorite Pumpkin Pie

This recipe has become my favorite Pumpkin Pie recipe. I got it from one of my favorite chefs - Sara Moulton. We made this at my house for Thanksgiving this year. It's a little different than other recipes I've used in the past and it seems to be a little more reliable. I also love its very creamy texture.

One pre-baked pie crust

1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup heavy cream
7 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
6 1/2 tablespoons evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch ground clove
Pinch salt
2 eggs
1 egg yolk

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

In a medium saucepan, mix together the pumpkin and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until reduced and thick, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cream, milks, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, salt, eggs, and yolk. Pour the filling into the pie shell and bake until set, about 45 to 55 minutes. Cool and serve.

Thanksgiving on the East Coast

Well, it wasn't the entire family, but Julie, Janessa and I had a great Thanksgiving. The most fun part was squeezing three of us in my little kitchen, but we somehow managed it.

I think Julie and Janessa were having a little too much fun doing the dishes.......


Not sure what Janessa was up to here - I think she was getting ready to raid the fridge for more pumpkin pie.

"Missing" at Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, know that you (Jeanette, Jeremy and Jessica, Julie, and Janessa), are very missed around our table. This Thanksgiving I am so thankful to God for allowing me to have such a large and happy family. Know that you live in my heart, even though your presence will be missed. Thank you Lord, for such incredible blessings in my life.

One of My Signatures....

I recently made this for an office potluck.....and as usual, they got rave reviews. We even had two guys litterally fighting over the last few....pushing, shoving, pulling on each other's clothes....for a minute there I thought I was going to be wearing the meatball. I only wish I could take the credit for inventing the recipe....but I just clipped it from a magazine a few years back. So here you have it......

Barbecued Meatballs
Combine:

3 lb. ground beef
1 ½ c. milk
1 c. quick oatmeal
1 c. cracker crumbs
2 eggs
½ c. chopped onion
½ t. garlic powder
2 t. salt
½ t. ground black pepper
2 t. chili powder

Form into walnut-size balls. Freeze on cookie sheets lined with wax paper. When frozen, transfer to ziplock bags and keep in freezer until ready to use.

Sauce:

2 c. ketchup
1 c. brown sugar
½ t. liquid smoke
½ t. garlic powder
¼ c. chopped onion

Combine sauce and pour over frozen meatballs in baking dish. Bake at 350 for one hour. (Note: You can cook these without freezing them first, but the texture seems to be best if they're baked from the frozen state.)

Mother Mine

O Mother mine, when I was small,
You seemed to me my all in all;
The sunshine shimmered in your face;
The flowers blossomed in your grace.
You laughed with me when I was gay
And kissed my childish tears away-
Mother dearie, Mother cheery, Mother mine.

O Mother, as the years rolled o'er
Our heads, I loved you more and more.
When weakness laid its hand on you
You were so patient, brave, and true;
You seemed the sum of all things good;
My dream of perfect womanhood-
Mother dearie, Mother cheery, Mother mine.

O Mother mine, if I can be
To little ones who look to me,
A mother half so sweet and wise
And tender; if they but surmise
That in your likeness I have tried
To grow, I shall be satisfied,
Mother dearie, Mother cheery, Mother mine.

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Happy belated birthday Marmee!

Caption: Mom at Jeremy's wedding...crying tears of joy.

Final Post-the Dancers

Our Dresses

The Costume Contest Winners!