The economy picked up drastically over the last few days as metereologist once again predicted a winter wonderland filled with 5-7 inches of the fluffy white stuff.  Colonial and Sunbeam were the expected winners with Nature's Own running closely in third place.  Mayfield Dairies had a whopping increase in sales reported.  The little ones were sorely disappointed in the texture of the white blanket covering the area as the ice was cold wet and would not mold itself into a snow man no matter what tricks were used. 

Insurance companies breathed a sigh of relief when drivers decided to stay at home in the warmth of their homes.  The $3+ a gallon for the gas contributed greatly to the lack of traffic and the unusual use of good sense by drivers. 

It is reported that children are in revolt due to the inability to get Big Macs and Wendy's double stacks and are refusing to eat peanut butter on plain white bread.  However, these same children have found a new favorite drink - milk!  Hopefully the stores have restocked as it has been announced that local schools will be closed again tomorrow.

Cooking On My Mind

The cooler mornings stirs my craving to start a pot of soup and something to take care of my sweet tooth.  Some delicious Broccoli and Cheese or flavorful Potato Soup would really be yummy.  I have promised Dad for two weeks a pot of vegetable soup and that would work wonders also.  The smell of onions, celery and garlic in a rich chicken broth gets the saliva flowing and comforts the mind and body.  

I discussed with my nephew this week - he is a great Paula Dean fan -  possibilities for our Thanksgiving Dinner.  He is a wonderful cook and always surprises us with his delicious creations.  I thought I might need to give him a heads up so he could start planning which dishes he would like to bring.  I know, we still have two and half months to go, but I told you these cool mornings get me going.  I can already taste the cranberry salad with the cream cheese and pecans just flowing over my taste buds and bringing a smile to my face.

I think I will bake more bread this year also.  It isn't good for the waistline, but it is a sure stress reliever and makes me happy.  There is nothing better than a good sweetbread fresh from the bread machine.  Yes, I cheat!  That machine can bring forth the same delectable aromas and the wonderful taste as my mixing and kneading ever thought about and in much less time. 

I haven't checked the pecan trees this year, but I am hoping that we have a decent crop.  Some toasted pecans drizzled with butter would be real good about now, but the time is not too far away.  The squirrels not only raped my corn feeders this year but also took every pear off three trees and got most of the plums to boot.  Anything with a seed was fair game this year for those little varmints and I intend on getting some back in the form of squirrel dumplings in the not too distant future.  They are nice and plump after a summer filled with eating. 

Well, I think it is time to start the potato soup so I will leave you with your thoughts for now.  Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Monkey Bread

An easy and filling hot breakfast bread which the kids will love! Perfect for those coming in from the snow!

4 - 10 count cans of refrigerator biscuits
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon

Grease tube cake pan then sprinkle bottom with chopped nuts. Cut each biscuit dough section into quarters (4 pieces) placing pieces in tube cake pan. Melt butter, then mix in sugar and cinnamon. Pour butter, sugar, cinnamon mixture over the biscuit pieces making sure all is covered. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. When done, invert onto plate and EAT!

For extra gooey sweetness, dip monkey bread pieces in warmed syrup.