Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The beginning travels into the vegetarian world


This is my first attempt at vegetarian cookies. Mind you they do have butter, but it could easily be margarine to become a vegan recipe. I found it on an eggless website. I used chocolate chips instead also. I have to let you know they are a bit dry, but that's the butter. I think margarine would make them much more moist. They're different, but they worth the adventure. Will I visit the Krispie Kookie realm again? Probably not.

I plan on becoming completely vegetarian this year. It's best for my body. I'm not doing it for ethical reasons. I come from a long line of cattle ranchers. Now, my parents do ranch Irish Dexter Cattle, but they raise them as pets. Seriously! My folks do not sell or kill their cattle. It's costing them a fortune, but my Dad is happy. My Mom loves the calves, and names them all. They raised ducks and chickens as well. All of the chickens have been killed by wildlife, and not my parents. They do eat the eggs though. This is where I make the stand as well. I will not turn from dairy or eggs.

This choice is also for me, not any other reason. I enjoy eggs, and I like cheese. I like a good ice cold glass of chocolate milk as well. So, I will remain an lacto/ovo vegetarian. I have no desire to go vegan. I am happy for those that do it, that is fine for them.

I do not believe that ranchers and farmers are causing global warming. I do believe that if these people are left to keep all of their animals that the methane would be determintal to the earth. So, I support all ranchers and farmers. I have no problem with hunters either. As long as they don't sit up on a blind and shoot deer/other animals like they are fish in a barrel. That annoys the hell out of me. Be more like my Uncle and get down with a bow and arrow and hunt like a real hunter.

Okay, I didn't mean to get on a box about vegetarianism. I'm simply trying to post a decent cookie recipe.

So, here it is:

Krispi Kookies (the way I made them)

Krispie Kookies
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups plain/all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup soft butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
2 cups rice krispies/puffed rice
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
Sift together the flour and cinnamon.Set aside.Cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy and light. Add dry ingredients with the rice and chocolate chips. Mix well.

Drop by level tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until cookies are a pale golden brown.


Try them, you might like them...they're like a sweet crumbly butter cookie.

Lines and Shadows


Lines and Shadows
Originally uploaded by NikonLady
In life I have always loved butterflies. In the last three years I've really been compared to butterflies as well. My growth in my spiritual path and in general.
A very dear friend told me when I left Fort Hood that it was if I came out of my chrysalis and was finally learning how to fly. When I got my assignment in Germany he told me it was time for me to truly stretch my wings and fly free, discover myself and life. I've been doing just that for six months. I'm truly at peace and I'm flying again.
Recently I found out that my assignment was going to be cut a bit shorter than I was led to believe. Instead of taking the same road all the others did. I chose to be positive about it. A co-worker even told me that I was taking quite a positive attitude towards everything. Well, growing up as an Army Brat the one thing that is constant in our lives is Change!
I will live where I'm meant to live as long as I'm meant to live here, then I'll move on to the next place.
Just as a butterfly's life is designated to be for a certain amount of time, so is mine. I'll cling to the mesh for as long as I'm meant to. Then, I'll let go and float.

Blessed be...


Thursday, June 24, 2010

Discovering


Oh, joy and oogie happiness! I've discovered Crafster.org (thank you DD!), and I am completely addicted.
You know what I love about the site? You can't join a swap until you've been part of the site for at least a month, and have posted 15 times. Now, babbling people like me can do that in one sitting. However, you can't just be on there racking up points for saying things like - "great" "wonderful" "hi" - no you have to make a contribution, or sincerly ask questions. It's truly a wonderful new addiction.

Now, because of Craftster I've discovered a bunch of incredible crafty people. I'm reading blogs, and learning stuff. I'm loving it. Really I am.

Discovering - it's what life is all about!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Giggly time

I've found that thing called PEACE again. I'm curling up with it and holding on tight. I'm so happy right now in life it's awesome. You know what? I deserve it. I've had enough strife in my life. I'm thankful for the choices I've made, the friends I have, and most of all the family I have in my life.

I've been quite giggly lately. Actually, down right silly. But I'm glad. It's a nice change of pace. I know...those of you that KNOW me...are thinking...Um, Dee??? When are you NOT happy?

Well, I have been way too much in the last few years. Some of it had to do with some friends, or people I THOUGHT were friends that walked out of my life - and left an ugly mark as they did. Kind of like that mark that you get in your...well, you get the point.

I'm happy...and I just wanted to say thanks!