Old Fashioned Whoopie Pies

Everytime I make these my kitchen smells like my childhood. :-)

Old Fashioned Whoopie Pies

18 servings

1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

2 2/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
for filling

3 tablespoons flour
dash salt
1 cup milk
3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

In a small bowl, combine cocoa and water; mix well. Cool for 5 minutes. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add cocoa mixture, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients. Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk; mix well. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove to wire racks to cool. In a saucepan, combine flour and salt. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; cook and stir over medium-high heat until thick. Remove from heat. Transfer to a bowl; cover and refrigerate until completely cool. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar and vanilla. Add chilled milk mixture; beat for 7 minutes or until fluffy. Spread filling on half of the cookies; top with remaining cookies. Store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Linked to Cast Party, Gooseberry Patch Recipe Roundup.

Some of my favorite quotes about "beauty". :-)

"Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic."

~Rosalind Russell

"Of all the things you wear,

your expression is the most important."

~Janet Lane

"There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness."

~Lady Blessington

Time Tested Beauty Tips

(often misattributed to Audrey Hepburn -

she did like this poem, but did not write it)

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair,

let a child run their fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;

one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,

the figure that she carries,

or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from her eyes,

because that is the doorway to her heart,

the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,

but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives,

the passion that she shows,

and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!"

~Sam Levenson

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 18

1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice.
6 A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall.
12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame.
14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.
17 The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
23 A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Inspiration

"Have nothing in your house

that you do not know to be useful,

or believe to be beautiful."

~William Morris

from "Creating a Beautiful Home" by Alexandra Stoddard

"Have a time and a place for everything, and do everything in its time and place, and you will not only accomplish more, but have far more leisure than those who are always hurrying, as if vainly attempting to overtake time that had been lost."

~Tryon Edwards

from The One Minute Home Organizer by Emilie Barnes

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 17

1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
4 A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.
5 He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
6 Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
7 Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
8 A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.
11 An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official will be sent against him.
12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.
13 If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.
16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.
21 To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool.
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.
24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.
26 It is not good to punish an innocent man, or to flog officials for their integrity.
27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Spicy Potato Wedges

Spicy Potato Wedges
4 servings

4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 potatoes, cut into wedges

Combine the first nine ingredients; add potatoes and toss to coat. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, turning once. Enjoy!

Linked to Gooseberry Patch Recipe Roundup

Half Way Point

At our house, the first half of summer is officially over -

six and a half weeks are gone...
but we still have six and a half weeks left! :-)

"Chess is a terrific way for kids

to build self image and self esteem.”

~Saudin Robovic

...especially when they beat their mother. ;-)

Knitting Again

My knitting and I haven't been speaking lately. Something about a dropped stitch maybe and lots and lots of ripped out yarn - a "misunderstanding" if you will... ;-)

Sweet sister-in-law to the rescue!

She had us kiss and make up and now we're friends again.

A poncho is the plan. :-)

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 16

1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.
15 When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 15

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3 The eyes of the healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.
8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits him whLORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4 The tongue that brings o leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
11 Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD how much more the hearts of men!
12 A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.
17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply and how good is a timely word!
24 The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.
25 The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.
26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.
27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.
32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Spaghetti and Italian Meatballs

Spaghetti and Italian Meatballs

4 servings

1/2 pound ground beef
1 egg
3 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon basil

1/4 teaspoon marjoram

1/4 teaspoon thyme

1/4 teaspoon dried onion

1/4 teaspoon parsley

1/8 teaspoon sage

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 jar (14 ounces) spaghetti sauce
hot cooked spaghetti
additional parmesan cheese

Combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese and spices; mix well. Shape into 2 in. meatballs; brown in a skillet over medium heat. Drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until meatballs are done. Serve over spaghetti; sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Blueberry Banana Bread

Blueberry Banana Bread
8 mini loaves

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup fresh blueberries

Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, beating just until combined. Stir in bananas. Fold in blueberries. Pour into greased mini loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Enjoy!

It's so dark outside this afternoon and we might have rain for the first time in weeks...I just had to bake something! :-)

Summer Veggie Salad

Summer Veggie Salad

8 servings

1 carrot, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup fresh sugar snap peas
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 yellow squash, thinly sliced
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 sweet red pepper, diced
for dressing -
6 tablespoons olive oil
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon garlic
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

In a large saucepan, bring 4 in. of water to a boil. Add carrots, beans, peas, zucchini and squash; cook for 4 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a bowl; add onions and red pepper. Combine oil, lemon juice, vinegar, parsley, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper; mix well. Pour over vegetable mixture and toss to coat. Enjoy!

I didn't get to this recipe last week so I made it for lunch today and served it with a little pasta. Very tasty and so good for you!

Linked to Gooseberry Patch Recipe Roundup.

~ for today ~
Monday July 13, 2008

Outside my window...it's raining!

I am thinking...about how much we need rain.

I am thankful for...the rain. :-)

From the kitchen...heritage schoolhouse supper menus.

I am creating...a knitted poncho.

I am going...to run some errands soon.

I am wearing...a pink t-shirt, black capris, and black flip flops.

I am reading...homeschool curriculum catalogs.
I am hoping...to make some curriculum decisions soon.

I am hearing...the dishwasher and my husband's ham radio.

Around the house...I'm doing laundry and paperwork.

One of my favorite things...Bath and Body Works honeysuckle lotion.
A few plans for the rest of the week...cousins spending the night, planning next year's homeschool, maybe some thrift shopping?

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...daisies on the back window.

Please visit The Simple Woman to read more daybooks.

Have a Happy Monday!

"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."

~Nathaniel Hawthorne

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."

~Frederick Keonig

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com

"Botanical Butterflies" by Katie Pertiet

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 14

1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him.
3 A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.
5 A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.
6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his.
15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.

Supper Menus
July 14th-19th

Monday
spaghetti and italian meatballs, crusty french bread, caesar salad
Tuesday
make your own sub sandwiches, potato chips, sugar cookies
Wednesday
hamburgers, spicy potato wedges
Thursday
skillet fried chicken tenders, mashed poatoes, biscuits, lettuce and tomato salad
Friday
homemade pizza, whoopie pies

Please visit Menu Plan Monday for more menu plans.

Making a Bola - Part 2

After you have woven all four skeins of fun fur onto your bola, you are ready to remove the straws.

Push all of the fun fur off the straws and onto the yarn.

Cut the tip off of each straw to release the yarn.

Tie the end of your fun fur and the first two ends of yarn into a knot.

Then tie the fun fur and first two ends of yarn in a knot with the third end of yarn.

Continue to tie knots until all the ends are secure and then tie all the ends together in a knot two or three times.

Cut off the ends.

Push the knot inside and fluff the fun fur around to hide it.

Now that you have secured one end, lay out your bola completely and make it the length of your choosing by pushing the fur looser or tighter.

After doing this you are ready to tie up the other end in the same way as before.

And now your bola is complete! They look very nice with sweaters and turtlenecks in the winter. You can wear them any way you might wear a scarf - around your neck and over one shoulder, hanging down on either side of a jacket, or brought together and pinned with a broach. Done in a pink fun fur they make an excellent addition to a little girl's dress up box! :-)

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 13

1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.
3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.
24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
25 The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.