For Tuesday, May 26th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, MAY 26TH, 2015

26 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 6:02 am

Sunset:  8:51 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

May 26 is National Blueberry Cheesecake Day, giving you just one more reason to indulge in a creamy blueberry dessert. And since blueberries are considered one of the healthiest fruits, you can treat yourself to a luscious slice of blueberry cheesecake without feeling all that guilty. 

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

If you're looking for me just follow the trail of blueberries.

 Ariana Grande 

I’m a big fan of impossible pies and when I found this recipe for Impossible Blueberry Cheesecake, I knew it would be perfect to have today, except that it is too warm to turn the oven on.

EASY BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE

 
1 c. sugar,divided
1/3 c. butter
1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
3 pkg., 8 oz. each, cream cheese
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 can blueberry filling or topping

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. To prepare crust: In a medium saucepan, place 1/4 cup sugar and butter; heat until butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in graham cracker crumbs; press mixture evenly over the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan. In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in remaining 3/4 cup sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla until well blended. Spoon blueberry filling evenly over crust. Carefully pour cream cheese mixture over blueberries. Bake just until set; 45-50 minutes. Cool. Chill until cold, about 2 hours or longer. Cut into 24 squares. 

I do have some fresh from the grocery store blueberries in the fridge so I looked for a way to make my own blueberry pie filling and this is what I found

BASIC BLUEBERRY PIE FILLING  

4 c. fresh or frozen blueberries
1 c. sugar
3 tbsp. cornstarch or 6 tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg
1 c. water
2 tbsp. lemon juice

Mix dry ingredients in saucepan. Add water gradually. Bring to a boil, add blueberries and cook 3 or 4 minutes until clear and thickened, stirring constantly but carefully to prevent berries from crushing. Remove from heat, add lemon juice. Use in recipes calling for blueberry pie filling. 

Since I won’t be turning on the oven I’ve decided to make blueberry cheese cake pancakes and here’s the recipe I found for them.

1- 8 oz package cream cheese, softened 

2 eggs 

 2 cups self-rising flour 

1/3 cup sugar 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1 1/4 cups milk 

 2 tablespoons butter, melted 

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

 1 1/2 cups blueberries

In a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese until creamy; add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition.

 In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt; make a well in center of mixture.

 

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese mixture, milk, butter, and vanilla, stirring well; pour into well of flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in blueberries.
 

Lightly grease a griddle, then heat over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto griddle. Cook pancakes until tops are covered with bubbles and edges begin to brown; turn and cook other side. Repeat until all batter is used. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Note:  If you don’t have self rising flour make your own. Combine 1 cup of all purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Anyway you eat them, blueberries are good and good for you !  I didn’t have any pictures of blueberries to share today so I decided to share some of the blue sky days around here.

Hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are true super foods. Naturally sweet and juicy, berries are low in sugar and high in nutrients - they are among the best foods you can eat.

Joel Fuhrman

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

2796.  For blueberries, good for you and good to eat

2797. for plenty to do inside, it looks like rain

2798. for a normal day, they are wonderful

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

 

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Eating is necessary, but cooking is an Art.

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma