BONUS OATMEAL COOKIES

For those that need more FIBER in our diets!!!!

BONUS OATMEAL COOKIES

2 1/4 cups Oats 3/4 cup butter (softened)
1 cup wheat flour 1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup bran 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 t baking soda 1 egg
1/2 t salt 1 T water
1 cup raisins 1 t vanilla

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cream together butter and sugars in small bowl, add egg, water and vanilla and mix well. Add to dry mixture and stir in raisins. Drop by spoonful on cookie sheets. Bake about 10 min at 350 degrees.

Audrey and Cooper's visit

TRIBUTE TO WILBUR

My uncle Wilbur Chamberlain(my mother's brother) passed away Saturday May 29, 2010. He was a wonderful, kind and gentle man. He was the oldest son and he took care of his mother and siblings when his father passed away. He then cared for the next generation (his nieces and nephews) by making sure they had the basic necessities (food and clothing). He gave true charity to others and was a hard worker. My dad and him used to spend many hours playing Pinochle. I'll never forget his great sense of humor. I am sure he is happy now as he is back with his wife who died a few years ago. He was loved by all the family and we will miss him.

Welcome our baby grandson COOPER DAVID COHEN

He is so adorable. I can't seem to get enough of him. He is growing and changing every day and is so relaxed and easy going (so far). Cooper actually looks very much like Marissa when she was a baby. He has the same nose, mouth and round face. I am really enjoying visiting with the whole family here!!!

CRISPY COCOA BARS

Here is my 2nd attempt to post this recipe. My computer crashed in the middle of it last time. Sadly the computer was beyond repair. Needless to say, now we have a new one.
This recipe is for Marlyce who has been requesting it. It is an old standby. Which means when you have little time to make a treat this is a good one to make. It is Yummy!!!

CRISPY COCOA BARS

6 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1 pkg 10 oz marshmellows or 4 cups mini or 40 regular size
1/3 cup Hershey's Cocoa (unsweetened kind)
4 1/2 cup rice crispies cereal
1/2 cup chocolate chips or peanut butter chips

Melt butter and peanut butter in large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmellows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in cocoa well. Add cereal and chips stir until well coated. Press mixture evenly into buttered 11X7 or 9X9 pan. Cool and then cut into squares.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARISSA!!!!

Here you were at about 7 months old. You were so incredibly cute!!! That round face with not much hair. You were past your fussy stage and were so much of fun!!!
Today you are 27. Happy Birthday to my daughter!!!!!

Love you, MOM

WHOLE WHEAT BREAD

These days we keep hearing how important it is to incorporate whole grains into our diets. Many of you who know me, know that for years I've been making my own whole wheat bread. It tastes so much better than what you can buy and with some practice and an investment in the right equipment, it is actually very easy. The recipe that follows that I use is from a small sandwich shop that closed down years ago.
You will need to purchase a wheat grinder if you don't already have one. go to www.blendtec.com
You will also need a heavy duty mixer. These are also sold on the blendtec web site. The BOSCH ones are also good. I use a Bosch, it is probably about 25 years old. It accidently fell off the counter about a month ago and with a few minor adjustments it still works like a charm.
You can buy wheat flour and knead the bread by hand but I don't think you will get the same results. If you are serious about trying this out, send me a message. I am happy to help.

WHOLE WHEAT BREAD

3 CUPS HOT WATER (I microwave 2 cups for 2 minutes and then add an additional lukewarm cup) my microwave is powerful
1/2 cup oil (canola works well)
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 Tablespoon fresh yeast (store in freezer, it stays fresher longer)
2/3 cup gluten flour (you can generally find this at health food stores)
2 cups bread flour (you can use regular flour here)
4-5+ cups *freshly ground wheat flour (white wheat or red wheat) Note: this amount can vary some.
*grind just what you need or store the extra in the freezer-the ground up wheat loses some nutrients if left out for more than 24 hours.

Place hot water, then oil, honey, salt and gluten in mixer bowl. Turn on low speed and add yeast then flour 1 cup at a time until dough pulls away from sides of bowl. Be careful here too much flour makes a dry bread. When the dough is pulled away for the most part, set speed at high for 5 minutes. Place in large glass or metal mixing bowl, cover with damp towel and place in warm oven (proof cycle or oven light on is sufficient) Let sit until doubled in bulk, usually about 20-25 minutes. Place in 2 greased loaf pans and let sit again for about 15 minutes or so (until dough rises just a little over the top of the pan) Bake in preheated oven 375 for about 35 minutes. Place on baking racks and let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

GOOD LUCK