We did not have many plans to celebrate Independence Day weekend this year. We kind of just relaxed and took it easy.
We did get together with friends on Saturday night to play Rummikub. and Sunday night/late afternoon we got together with friends who were babysitting their grand-dog!
Meet Knicky (named after the Knicks team) who is 6 months old.
He kept us well entertained while the four of us attempted to eat dinner and then play couples Canasta.
Knicky is full of energy and very playful. We stayed in with our friends because they were concerned and didn't want to leave Knicky alone in case he became frightened by the fireworks (which were blasting all around our area and quite loud.
Surprisingly, the noise, which started at local houses as early as 6:00 PM, did not bother Knicky in the least.
Knicky loves laying and sleeping in these low vine-like bushes
Is anyone old enough to remember the early days of television ?
My friend Maxine told me a story about a conversation she had with her 5 year old grandchild that brought back memories of TV shows from when I was a little girl.
It was a hot summer's day and my friend Maxine was wearing a short sleeve shirt. Her grandson looked at her arms and asked why her skin on her arms was hanging. She replied that it often happens when one gets older. Her grandson continued to look and then replied. I guess that's what happened under your chin too. Kids often say such funny things innocently!
When I was young, Art Linkletter had a TV show called Kids Say the Darndest Things (1952-1969).
The show was very entertaining and funny. Art Linkletter was the host and he would have a panel of 4 or 5 school age children that he would ask questions about life. If you have never seen or heard of the show, you can watch one of his original shows on YouTube. I've linked one of his shows below.
After watching some of the original episodes on Netflix, I realized how much things have changed over the years. Simple behaviors that were acceptable in the 1950's and 1960's would never fly today.
I noticed that Art Linkletter kept touching the kids on the shoulders, their thighs, etc. Years ago that seemed very normal and harmless, but not now. He would probably be arrested for touching kids to that extent.
Another questions addressed getting spanked routinely as if it were normal and accepatable. In the video below his question is. Who do you prefer to spank you, your mom or your dad? Can you imagine that question today!!
Attitudes, behaviors, and what's acceptable has really changed from the1950's and 1960's until today.
Another show I loved and always watched was It'sHowdy Doody Time which aired in the 1950's.- I'm showing my age-
The TV screen in those days was often blank until 4:00 pm when Howdy Doodie would suddenly begin. Have you ever heard the expressions- no comments from the peanut gallery? The peanut gallery was the large group of kids in the audience on The Howdy Doodie Show.
Kids would line up in front of the TV just waiting for a show. Kid shows also played on Saturday mornings. The remainder of the time, there were no shows or just the news. Eventually when advertising was introduced to television, the time and variety of airing began to expand.
Although television was invented in the late 1920's- it wasn't until the late 1940's that a few thousand people finally owned a TV set. We my parents purchased a TV set in 1954, there were very few shows aired- Much of the time the screen was blank.
Soft and chewy, these simple cookies make a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
Do you like eating oatmeal for breakfast?
These easy to make mashed oatmeal breakfast cookies are a tasty and healthy alternative to a bowl of oatmeal. Without sugar, flour or any processed additives, this flourless cookie recipe could become a family favorite.
Oats are a whole grain, and studies show eating oats may provide many health benefits including reducing risks of heart disease, lowering blood sugar levels, and helping with weight loss. Oats are also loaded with nutrients and antioxidants and just a 1 cup of dry oats supplies 8 grams of fiber and 13 grams of protein.
The convenient gluten-free cookies (I always use these certified gluten-free oats-affiliate link) are prepared by using just a fork for mashing the banana and a small bowl.
The best part of making these cookies is that they can be made on the spur of the moment since they use so few ingredients and require very little work. The base of the cookie is oatmeal and mashed banana which I then sprinkle with cinnamon and ground cardamom. Of course any seasoning or additions of your choice would be a nice addition such as raisins, chopped dates, chopped apples, or chopped walnuts.
I picture eating them when I don't have time for a proper breakfast or when I'm traveling or on the run.
Yesterday, we went to visit my 96 year old mother in law in her assisted living facility.
I had to be out most of the day, so I kept these cookies in a baggie in my purse for a healthy snack on the drive home. Having these healthy cookies on hand kept me from making a less healthy choice and filling up so I wasn't starving when I walked in the door.
The amazing thing is that they actually taste sweet and delicious.
They are a soft cookie and don't usually get hard and crisp up- but I actually like soft cookies.
A friend, (Stephanie S.), said that she adds a little gluten-free flour to the mix to achieve a crispier cookie.
You can make them in advance and they will last up to three days.
They are very allergy friendly as they are naturally gluten-free, oil-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut free.
It's a great treat when you are having company and someone has a food restrictions. This may be a safe cookie.
Optional: chopped apple, chopped walnuts, raisins, chopped dates, etc.
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
In a small bowl, mash a large ripe banana. Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, and ground cardamom and any other mix-ins of your choice. Using a tablespoon, spoon heaping tablespoons onto a parchment covered cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, checking to prevent burning. Remove cookie sheet from oven and allow to cool . Using a spatula remove and place on a plate.
Sharing this post on Weekend Cooking where everyone is welcome to share a food related post. Come see what's cooking this weekend.
My Notes:
1. This recipe makes about 9-10 cookies . Double the recipe for a larger amount.
2. When I use a tablespoon to drop the cookie batter, I round out the mound.
3. Make sure your banana is ripe and large- otherwise use two bananas.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and am not trying to give medical advice. The information in this blog post and all my blog posts are for informational and educational reasons only. Always check with your medical doctor before making changes in your diet and for medical advice.
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Polenta is a simple creamy side dish made from plain old corn grits.
Corn grits are popular in Northern Italy as a savory side dish or in the American South as a breakfast cereal sometimes sweetened with honey.
I hadn't cooked polenta for a long time, so I had forgotten how easy it is to make and how tasty and versatile it can be as a side dish.
Although the basic polenta recipe is bland, it can be made with a flavorful vegetable broth and perked up with spices and other condiments.
In the past, I've made a rich and delicious Polenta and Eggplant Stew Appetizer (link to recipe and post). The stew is made with interesting ingredients including white wine. I used cookie cutters to cut the polenta into individual appetizer portions.
I've also made in the past a pea and fresh corn polenta mold (recipe) link) that was quick and easy and molds in 10 minutes. Perfect summer side dish eaten hot or room temperature.
I actually posted these recipes over 10 years ago and probably haven't made polenta since then. Truthfully, I just forgot about it because I was following a lower carb diet.
Now that I eat carbs again (following McDougall Starch Solution Diet) (affiliate link to the book) and having great success losing and now maintaining my weight by eating whole food healthy carbs but lowering oil and fat, I'm back to eating polenta.
It makes a great quick and easy side dish, and as you can see from my photos- it can be topped with a variety of toppings. I cooked mine in broth and then topped it with fire roasted red pepper strips packed in water from a jar. You could also top with a chunky salsa.
Polenta will take on the shape of whatever bowl or pie plate you use
What is the difference between Italian polenta and Southern grits ?
I recently learned the difference on a blog called, Trendgredientby Alea - "a mom, a small business owner, and a food enthusiast" who has wonderful recipes on her blog. She is Southern and explains all about the difference between Southern made grits and polenta- they truthfully look similar- but they are not the same...
Ingredients:
2 cups of flavorful vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 cup of corn grits
1 small jar of fire roasted red peppers OR
1 cup of chunky salsa
Directions:
Bring the broth and water to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and then slowly add the grits and stir consistently until all liquid is absorbed for about 5 minutes. Spoon the mixture into a small glass serving bowl and allow to set at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Invert the bowl onto a plate. Top with roasted red peppers or chunky salsa.
Notes:
1. This recipe serves 4-6 for a side dish. If you want to feed more, double the recipe.
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The best way to get the most health benefits from an avocado
