Cathy Burnham Martin's Blog, page 57

Let There Be Light

 

“There is a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.”

— Leonard Cohen (1934-2016)
Canadian singer, songwriter, & poet

Bravery

“I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is the victory over self.”

— Aristotle (384 – 322 BC)
Greek philosopher

Merry Christmas, Mom!

 

A Christmas blessing was mine as I got to spend a wonderful week with my merely marvelous mother!

 

 

 

 

And we enjoyed a very special guest at the Ladies Luncheon… our 100-year-old friend Marian Murachanian Major.

 

 

I am delighted to report that Mom is healthy, sharp as a tack, sings in the Fun Chorus. I got to catch a rehearsal as they prepped for their annual Christmas Concert!

 

 

 

And she still volunteers actively, including running the card shop at her independent living apartment complex.

 

 

She again led volunteers in decorating 700 gingerbread boys for the Friends & Family Christmas party… that was utterly outstanding!

 

 

 

 

 

(& yes, that is a caramel fountain!)

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes, I truly must pinch myself. I’m her “Mini Me,” and I work every day to live up to the high barre she has set. Thank you, and Merriest Christmas wishes, Mom!

 

Friendship

“There can be no friendship without confidence and no confidence without integrity.”

— Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
English poet and playwright; creator of first English dictionary

Smile!

“Smile, for everyone lacks self-confidence and more than any other one thing a smile reassures them.”

— André Maurois (1885-1967)
French author

Gingerbread Decorating Time Is Here!

Sir Ronald got to take both daughters to visit The Biltmore in Asheville, NC this past week. The largest single-family residence in America harkens back to a fascinating time in our history. But the gingerbread house of The Biltmore is definitely a masterpiece! Perfect for today… National Gingerbread Decorating Day!

Be a Character

“Character is like a tree and reputation a shadow.  The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”

— Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
American statesman; 16th U.S. President: 1861-65; assassinated following Civil War

It’s Beer-30 Somewhere!

Celebrate National Lager Day with a favorite “cold one.” Or prep some recipe that lets your lager shine. I do not drink any beers, but beer, lager, wines, and other liqueurs work perfectly in various, scrumptious recipes. Here’s one of my go-to tastebud cravings, especially with warm, soft pretzels… okay, tortillas chips are great, too!

Beer Cheese Dip
Yummmmm! Talk about a comfort food appetizer!

¼ c butter
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (or smoked paprika), salt
¼ c flour
¾ c half-and-half cream or whole milk
2/3 c lager or beer (a darker varietal for more bitterness)
2 c shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (freshly shredded from a block)
1 c shredded Gruyere cheese (freshly shredded from a block)

Melt butter over medium heat in saucepan; stir in Worcestershire, Dijon, & seasonings. Remove from heat and stir in flour. Then whisk in ¼ c of the cream until lumps are all smoothed. Return to heat and gradually whisk in remaining cream, while whisking. Continue whisking till smooth. Then whisk in beer. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly before reducing heat and stirring in cheeses till melted and smooth. Serve with big, soft pretzels, tortilla chips, Cortland apple sections, or fresh veggies.

KISS Tips: Always use a block of cheese to avoid unplanned additives in pre-shredded cheese. Replace some or all of the Cheddar with other cheeses, such as Swiss or Pepperjack. The Gruyere cheese can be replaced with Gouda or another melty fave. During serving, this can be kept warm in a mini slow cooker.

The Sun’s Up!

 

“A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.”

— William Arthur Ward (1921 – 1994)
American motivational writer

National Brownie Day

Let’s harken back to my 1998 variation on a popular mint brownie recipe. (We redubbed it with the Café Martin name, as that’s how Ron and I have long referred to our home.) And it’s perfect for the holidays and any other days, too!

 

Café Martin Creme de Menthe Brownies

Brownies:
½ c butter
¾ c sugar (or granulated monkfruit or coconut sugar)
4 large eggs, beaten
1 c sifted flour
½ tsp salt
16‑oz can Hershey’s syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ c Godiva chocolate liquor
½ c chopped pecans

Frosting:
2 c sifted Confectioners’ sugar (or powdered monkfruit or other)
½ c butter, softened to room temp
3 T creme de menthe liquor

Glaze:
1 c (6‑oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 T butter

Cream butter, sugar & eggs till light.  Add flour & salt, mixing by hand.  Stir in syrup, vanilla, Godiva liquor & nuts.  Combine until smooth.  Pour into greased & floured 9×13″ pan.  Bake 25‑30 min at 350°F.  Cool in pan.  Mix mint layer ingredients in mixer. (Add just a touch of green food coloring, if desired.) Spread over cooled brownie layer.  Melt glaze ingredients over low heat in top of double boiler. Stir till smooth; cool only slightly.  Pour over mint layer.  (Will be slightly runny.)  Chill in refrigerator.  Cut into small pieces.

 KISS Tips:  These are very rich, so small pieces are super.  I like to drizzle the glaze layer in fine lines, crisscrossing over the top.