"Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare. They are consumed in 12 minutes. Half-time takes 12 minutes. This is not coincidence." Erma Bombeck, American humorist I've been cooking a long time and I like to make things from scratch. So, for me, Thanksgiving has become a chance to pull out all the stops. But, when… Continue reading Fancied-up box stuffing
JOY JOURNAL BLOG
Always something there to remind me
"I can't seem to find Funkytown on Google Maps." bumper sticker wit It is probably difficult for Millennials or Gen Z-ers to imagine, but there was once a time when one could pump gas or buy groceries without listening to music. There are yearbooks to contend with, as well. Here I am in my 1980s… Continue reading Always something there to remind me
Moo-free maple/cashew popcorn
“Oh, no!" Hazel wailed. "Popcorn! Our fatal weakness!” Rick Riordan, The Blood of Olympus Sometimes you just need to snack. That is easier said than done in a household that includes vegetarians and omnivores, a couple non-dairy types and one who eats no gluten. Half the typical glaze (and the calories), but all the sweet… Continue reading Moo-free maple/cashew popcorn
In defense of small and quirky
"A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of." Ogden Nash, American poet I once knew a couple who were clever in ways that made their very presence a delight -- even if their skills didn't bring much cash to their bank accounts. They milked a small herd of goats to… Continue reading In defense of small and quirky
Simple Saturday cake
“Romance novels are birthday cake and life is often peanut butter and jelly. I think everyone should have lots of delicious romance novels lying around for those times when the peanut butter of life gets stuck to the roof of your mouth.” Janet Evanovich, American novelist Cake is not my go-to dessert. That is brownies.… Continue reading Simple Saturday cake
