ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25TH, 2016
28 DAYS UNTIL FALL
Sunrise: 6:48 am
Sunset: 8:11 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today is Kiss and Make Up Day which is a great way to end a spat. Everyone has an argument, a fight, or a tiff once in a while. Family, friends, lovers, no one escapes without an occasional fight. Today is a day to end the fight, kiss, and make up. So remember not to take loved ones for granted and appreciate the good stuff in your relationship. Top it all off with a big smooch and you’ve fully embraced the spirit of the day
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Love's sweetest language is a kiss.
Robert Herrick
Life is short and for me there is no time at all for bitterness, angriness or arguments. We must always remember that and make up now rather than later. You never know when you might get a chance to say I’m sorry again.
The longer I live, the more it makes sense to forgive and forget. Especially when it comes to close friends and family; there are few things that are unforgivable.
Remember always that a little kindness and understanding go a long way. Some people like to hold onto their hurts, feeding them with hate and anger until they solidify into grudges. Life is really too short for all that.
Todays pictures were taken in the back yard here at my house. The roses are having their second blooming and are always a wonderful sight. There was a busy bee on the Rose of Sharon pictured who appeared to be spotted, but on closer inspection, he was covered in pollen. Our temps have returned to the mid to upper 80’s here and according to the long range forecast that will be the norm for the next week too.
I hope you all have a GREAT day. Happy Thursday !
WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN
There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!
National Brownies at Brunch Month
This is a recipe for thick, fudgy, chewy homemade brownies made completely from scratch. You will never make a box mix again!
Chewy Fudgy Homemade Brownies
1/2 cup salted butter
8 ounces coarsely chopped quality semi-sweet chocolate
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons flour
2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Frosting, optional
1 and 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
2 Tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
salt, to taste
Melt the butter and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Or melt in a medium microwave safe bowl in 20 second increments, stirring after each, in the microwave. Remove from the heat, pour into a large mixing bowl, and allow to slightly cool for 10 minutes.
Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line the bottom and sides of a 9 by 9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Set aside.
Note: I prefer just to grease and flour a pan rather than use parchment paper. It works either way but you do have to cut the brownies in the pan when using my method.
Whisk the granulated and brown sugars into the cooled chocolate and butter mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla. Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the edges of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs when the brownies are done. All ovens are different, so keep an eye on them after 30 minutes and use the toothpick test to see when yours are finished.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out of the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut into squares. For neat squares, use a very sharp knife and wipe it clean with a paper towel after each cut.
For the optional frosting: sift together the confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder to assure there are no lumps. Set aside. With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sifted sugar and cocoa powder alternately with the heavy cream and vanilla. Beat on low speed after each addition. Once all added, beat on high speed until creamy and combined for at least 2 minutes. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. Frost the brownies before or after cutting into squares, whichever you prefer.
The brownies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week. For longer storage, these brownies freeze well for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
COUNTING MY GIFTS
A kiss is just a pleasant reminder that two heads are better than one.
Author Unknown
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
4165. for kisses and hugs too, they say I care
4166. for brownies, yum
4167. for my loved ones, they are always appreciated
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.
Almighty and eternal God,
Protect our military
as they discharge their duties
with the shield of your strength,
may the power of your love
enable them to return home in safety
that with all who love them
they may ever praise you for your loving care.
AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters
and Paramedics and EMT’s
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
ADVICE FOR TODAY
In trying to get our own way, we should remember that kisses are sweeter than whine.
Author Unknown
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
2 comments:
Such pretty pictures from your backyard! I liked the recipe for the brownies too. It is always good to forgive quickly those we think have wronged us and to let it go instead of having bitterness descend upon us. Good reminder to make sure we do forgive, especially those we love.
betty
Richard and I always followed the rule to never go to bed mad at each other. We always kissed and "made Up". But I carried a bit of resentment sometimes. So I don't know if that is really a good rule. I think sometimes you just need to fight it out!! LOL Have a great weekend, Ma!
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