GOLDEN TREASURES Written by Arleen M. Kaptur
Certain foods evoke pleasant, comforting memories. Ah, joy of watching golden yellow pats of rich, dairy butter melted and oozing down corn on cob. Each ear totally drenched with this liquid treasure, and taste - well, let’s face it, fresh ears of corn were made by God so that we can enjoy sensual pleasure of sight, smell and taste. Even butter melting in a perfectly baked potato, or an impressive stack of homemade pancakes is a delight. Now these are memories made in heaven and true “comfort” food. Even butter melted on a mound of mashed potatoes can take your breath away. Pure butter is a taste sensation all its own and richly deserves oohs and aahs it invokes. Flavored butter is coming into a tradition all its own. It adds dimension, change of pace, and additional interest and pleasure to any meal setting. Try some of these on anything that craves butter to make it perfect - from toast to that grilled ear of golden kernels. Garlic/parsley butter: Beat 1/2 cup firm butter in an electric mixer until it is consistency of whipped cream. Add 2 tbs. coffee cream, about 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley. Not only do you get taste, but color - gentle and enticing! ********************** Zesty butter: Beat 1/2 cup firm butter in an electric mixer for about 3 mins. or until it has consistency of whipped cream. Slowly add 2 tbs. cold, coffee cream, 3 tbs. prepared horseradish, and 1/2 tsp. salt, Beat until well-blended. A bit of bite but a delight! ********************** Keep in your Freezer butters: Make these jewels when you have some spare time, scoop them with a small-size scoop, roll them gently, place on waxed paper, and freeze. Once frozen, they can be removed and stacked in plastic containers. Remove them about 20 mins. before serving. You will always have some “taste sensations” stashed away to surprise and delight unexpected guests.
| | THE BEAUTY OF A PORCH Written by Arleen M. Kaptur
What is one feature that you can add to your home that will definitely increase its value not only monetarily? There is ingredient of a “special place” to relax, to dream about tomorrow, and to slowly sip a cool, smooth drink on a hot, sticky day. Also, this is a great place to chat with neighbors or visiting relatives, to admire seasons, nature and its abundance of color and change, and to take a catnap when need calls for one. All of above relate to something as simple as a porch. Whether it is on back of house, across front of home, or even to side - there is so much value in having a porch. It can even do duty as a breakfast room where you start your day and anticipate what day will bring over a cup of coffee. It can be an elaborate structure with pillars and graceful archways or it can be as simple as a screen enclosure where you step out from kitchen to delight of sunshine, sweet smell of morning, and sounds of birds. Taking into consideration type of home you have, you can then plan with size, material, and style. Whatever final outcome is, real statement will be comfort and enjoyment a porch can bring. And if you add a porch swing - then you do have makings of a wonderful place just outside of your home. If a porch swing is not in plans, then a padded rocking chair, a few tables, assorted chairs, and plants will do trick. Porches are fun to decorate but they should never become just another convenient storage shed. They should be uncluttered, colorful and comfortable. There should be easy access to home so that food and drink can be easily brought it and out. Porches can be three-season or year-round with a few extras added.
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