Cathy Burnham Martin's Blog, page 27

National Bobblehead Day

Bobbleheads date back to “temple nodder” figurines, including Buddha, in 17th century Asia. The first in the Western World were made in Germany in the late 1700s and were called “nodders” or “bobbers.”

 

 

 

 

The first sports bobblehead was a generic 1920s version for basketball. Whether we consider a plethora of professional athletes, politicians, or superheroes, bobbleheads have been with us for a long time. Now, for National Bobblehead Day, you can even have a custom bobblehead made of yourself. Hmmmm… I do not imagine that most of us like the image of someone bonking us on the head, however.

A Chip Off the Old Cookie

For National Shortbread Day, I thought I toss in a twist on the standard, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookie. With Potato Chip Cookies, you get all that sweet decadence with a balanced touch of saltiness tossed in and a touch of crispiness, too.

Super Simple Potato Chip Cookies
These cookies were introduced to me by a church friend in Marco Island, Florida. She was asked to make them for every event! There were never any leftovers.

2 sticks butter, softened
½ c sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 ½ c flour
½ c medium-finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
1 c coarsely crushed potato chips
Confectioners’ sugar (for rolling & dusting)

Cream butter and sugar together till fluffy; stir in vanilla. Add the flour ½ cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon. Then mix in the nuts and chips. Drop sticky dough by heaping teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes till edges are golden. Transfer hot cookies to wire cooling rack and let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.

KISS Tips: Though it’s tempting to eat the cookies while still hot, let them cool completely for crispness. This recipe is easily doubled. These do not freeze well; store airtight at room temperature.

Quotation Worthy

I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authority by someone recognized wiser than oneself.

— Marlene Dietrich (1901 – 1992)
German-born American actress

Throughout 2024, I posted some 220 quotations from a broad range of people and centuries. I shared words from authors and activists, poets and pacifists, politicians and pioneers, socialites and scientists. I enjoy reading thoughts that inspire, encourage, and help me feel grounded. Hoping a few touched you, too, I look forward to sharing more in 2025.

Food Fest!

I enjoy sharing recipes on my website and social media articles. In 2024, I am pleased to note that I shared some 4 dozen recipes with you. Some have been previously published in my various cookbooks; others are new. They ranged from appetizers and beverages to entrees and desserts. Here is the full list of my recipes shared via my website & social media in 2024.

 

APPETIZERS & SNACKS
1970s Cheese Fondue
Asian Dipping Sauce
Buffalo Style Pretzels
Gulf Coast Guacamole
Oysters in Bacon
Marti’s Marvelous Pretzels
Moon Over Buffalo Chicken Wings
Onion Pretzels
Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Pizza Dip
Roasted Cream Cheese
Rumaki
Super Simple Beer Cheese
Super Simple Chicken Taquitos

BEVERAGES
Bloody Mahhhvelous Mary
Mulled Wassail
Orange Pineapple Rum Punch

SOUP
Hot-and-Sour Soup
Mushroom Hot-and-Sour Soup
Souper Simple Asparagus Soup

BAKED (non-dessert)
Garlic Bread
Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Bread
Cheesy Garlic Bombs
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Raisin Bread Loaf

 

Photo by Jay Wennington

BRUNCH, LUNCH & ENTREES
Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Crabby Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Hot Pastrami Reuben
Perfect Grilled Steak
Sausage & Cabbage
Sesame Scallop Kebabs
Spinach Mushroom Omelet
Super Simple Hot Pastrami Sandwich
Super Simple Marvelous Meatloaf

VEGGIES, FRUITS, SIDES
Cranberry Applesauce
Fried Cabbage
Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Super Simple Truffle Fries
Sweet Potato Souffle

 

Photo by Priscilla du Preez

DESSERTS
Almond Joyous Chocolate Chip Cookies
Arkansas Possum Pie
Blonde Brownies
Glenna Burnham’s Gingerbread Boys & Girls
Papa’s Apple Pie
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Super Simple Apricot Macaroons
Triple Chocolate Mousse

Survive This!

Photo by Gabrielle Maurer

 

 

“Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery.”

— Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1970)
British philosopher

Now We’re Cooking!

“The biggest seller is cookbooks and the second is diet books – how not to eat what you’ve just learned how to cook.”

— Andy Rooney (1919 – 2011)
American radio & television writer

Happy New Year!

 

All the best wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2025!

Win Freedom

May peace find the hearts and actions of those who would destroy it for others. God bless all who are serving to help make this a better world for the rest of us. May 2025 bring health and happiness to you and all those you love.

“Freedom is never given; it is won.”

— A. Phillip Randolph (1889 – 1979)
American civil rights activist

And a New Day Brings Us Closer to a New Year

Photo by Melody Zimmerman

 

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

— Seneca (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (4 BC – 65 AD)
Ancient Rome philosopher & statesman

To Scale or Not to Scale?

Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova

 

Hmmmm…. National “Get on the Scales” Day must have been created by someone who hates good foods, fun times, and fabulous friends.

“Avoid any diet that discourages the use of hot fudge.”

— Don Kardong (1948 – )
US runner, author, & former Olympic marathon runner