The Grapevine: Holidays and Cold Weather
By Rosalyn Queen on November 11, 2014 from The Grapevine
There are several holidays to commemorate in November. First, we need to recognize our Veterans and at least say Thank You for their service. Next, we need to start planning and preparing for Thanksgiving. The first item of business is to remind ourselves why we celebrate this holiday. We all have a lot to be thankful for and this is the time of the year when we can change our attitudes and realize if we only look around there are those who are less fortunate than we are. Next, let’s work on the menu for Thanksgiving dinner. I know that most of us will have the traditional turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Why not get a little creative and try a pumpkin cake. I found a recipe where you use a yellow cake mix and instead of water put I 15 ounce can of pumpkin in the mix along with the eggs and oil. Place in loaf pans and bake as directed on the box. When serving top with some whipped cream and it is almost like eating pie, but just a little different. Here is a Pilgrims Bread pudding recipe. The ingredients you will need are four slices of bread; 1/3 cup apple juice concentrate; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup molasses or substitute honey; 3/4 cup milk; 2 eggs; 1/2 teaspoon ginger and a dash of salt. Blend the bread in a processor until crumbly. Put the breadcrumbs in a bowl; In another bowl mix together 1/2 cup milk, apple juice, eggs, cinnamon, ginger molasses and salt. Pour the mixture over the crumbs and mix together. Pour into an 8 X 8 greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Pour 1/4 cup of milk over top and bake for another 25 minutes. Serve warm. Remember to always make plenty as left overs are great to share that evening or the next day and remember to share with those who might be alone.
The Calabria West Virginia Italian Heritage Association sponsored Antonia Prosperti who is a historian from San Giovanni in Fiore as a guest speaker on Sunday, November 9. She presented a prospective on the History and Culture of San Giovanni in Fiore. The event took place at Muriale's Restaurant and was open to the public. For more information or if interested in speaking with Ms. Prosperti, contact the Folklife Center at FSU in Fairmont.
A Happy Birthday to my friends, Carol Ovies Lafferty and Candi Hagi. May they have many more.
If the weather forecast is right we will be getting cold weather sooner than later. I hope that you are winterized. For us, old folks, be sure to get your flu shot and make certain to dress up warmly when going outdoors. Please be careful so as not to fall. Many of us, have accidents which will lead to other complications. We need to get out doors but plan on a lot of indoor activities to keep you busy so as not to get depressed. Now is the time to knit or crochet, or read a good book. Plan on going out to the afternoon matinee to see a new movie and that way you will be home before dark and you will get a discount price. Make plenty of soup and share it with your neighbor. There is nothing better than hot soup and a sandwich when the snow starts to fly.
I can report that I am done with my Christmas shopping. I have promised myself that after I purchased the money envelopes I would not do any shopping and I intend to keep this promise to myself. You can still get in the spirit by just going to the mall and watching all the young parents and kids getting ready.
Keep in touch with me at spanishqueen86@aol.com, I love to hear from you and until next week "Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine."
.jpg)
