A Jigsaw Puzzle a Day

Happy Holidays!

Click on the puzzle below and enjoy putting it back together.

Pumpkin Nut Bread

Here's a recipe for anyone that is interested. I just finished making 24 mini loaves to hand out to neighbors and friends. The orginal recipe called for 1 cup of oil and 3 cups of sugar. It also required that you sift all dry ingredients before adding.

Pumpkin Nut Bread

4 eggs
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup apple sauce
1 can pumpkin (16 oz.)
2/3 cup water
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 1/3 cups flour
1/2 to 1 cup nuts (I add pecans, but walnuts would probably be very good also)

Beat eggs. Add sugar and cream. Add applesauce, pumpkin, and seasonings in that order mixing after each addition. Add flour one half cup at a time alternating with water. Add nuts.

This recipe makes either 3 large loaves or 6 small loaves. Bake at 350 degrees until loaves are brown (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes for large and between 50 and 60 minutes for the small loaves)

Bits and Pieces

1. Joe and I gave blood for the first time yesterday. We were at East Jefferson because our good friend,, Marion was having knee surgery when I saw a sign that said that they needed O negative blood. I was scared, but there was really nothing to it. They gave us crackers, juice, and a free t-shirt.

2. I think that Joe and I have the prettiest Christmas tree that we have ever had. Of course, Chloe loves it too! There are no ornaments on the lower branches. I just love Christmas!

3. Joe and I took Austin out for his 10th birthday yesterday. He chose Raising Canes to eat. Not bad for fast food. If anyone needs one more present for a young girl or boy, they have the cutest puppy there with removable antlers and sunglasses for $6.99.

4. The Liggio motor coach is headed to Burnsville on Christmas evening loaded down with presents and passengers. Mary, Steve, Nita, Kelsey, Madison, Reggie, and Jami are coming along for the trip. I hope we see snow!

5. Michele and Adrian's dog, Peanut, ate my sister's Christmas present!

6. I'm baking pumpkin bread today and bringing it to my neighbors! Yum, yum.

My Christmas List

As I sit to make my Christmas list
and think of things I need,
I realize that these are things I WANT!
Is this a sign of greed?

I think of all the hungry people
who really need food to eat.
A hot meal would be wonderful, but
even a slice of bread would be a treat.

It’s easy to turn your back
and look the other way.
But when you get to heaven,
what will God have to say?

I knew I needed to change my ways
and that I better do it quick.
I chose an angel from the tree at church
so I could play St. Nick.

I was beginning to feel somewhat better
so when I went to the grocery store.
I took a card off their Christmas tree
because I knew I needed to do more.

I like this feeling of giving.
Playing Santa Claus is a lot of fun.
I think I'll do it all year long.
I've only just begun.

Looking Out the Window

It's Thursday morning.
And what do I see?
All walks of life
passing by me.

The lady in pink
is out for the day
with a camera on her shoulder
and a dog who wants to play.

Here comes a prissy man
in his leather jeans so tight.
I wonder where's he's headed.
He's certainly quite a sight.

Next is a young man
in a yellow baseball hat
He adjusts his blue tooth ear phone
and now he's ready for a chat.

As I sit in my hotel window
and take in the view
it comes to my attention.
I have many things to do.

Is it beignets and coffee
or the flea market today?
Or will we just wander
and do whatever we may.

The French Quarter has
so many things to do and see.
I love the atmosphere.
It's a great place to be!