On the morning of April 26th, Mommy and I enjoyed a ladies brunch with friends. It is yet to be discovered who revealed that it was my birthday so the group could sing to me 
.
The featured speaker, Mrs. Grinnell, gave an excellent presentation on herbs. I appreciated her technique of covering much information in a small time frame, and focusing on the practicality of using herbs. (more…)
As winter is over, and the need for a fire (at least in Oklahoma) is finished for now, it is time to plan for next year's winter. Besides storing wood, collecting firestarters is an important consideration. Some friends of ours told Mommy how to create firestarters from common household items. Here is the recipe: (more…)
Germany is known for its baked delicacies. One of these delicacies is Nürnberger Lebkuchen, a treat we always enjoy. I am glad to have finally found a recipe to make it!
Nürnberger Lebkuchen (original recipe here)
Ingredients:
½ cup butter
¾ cup + 1 Tbsp. sugar
3 large eggs (or 4 small)
2 ¼ cups + 2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 cup milk
1 Tbsp. Lebkuchen Spice (see below)
2 Tbsp. cocoa
1 ½ cups finely ground almonds
½ cup + 1 Tbsp. ground candied fruit
¾ cup craisins or raisins (softened in hot water, drained, and chopped)
½ – 1 tsp. imitation rum extract
Beat the butter, sugar, and eggs well until foamy. Gradually add the remaining ingredients until well mixed.
Spread the batter thickly on wafer papers and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. (If you do not have baking wafers, place dough in flat rounds on greased baking sheet.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until firm to the touch. Immediately remove cookies from baking sheet.
Recipe makes approximately 50 2 ¾ inch cookies.
Glaze:
While rounds are still warm, glaze tops with powdered sugar icing or melted chocolate. Let cool and store in a tin.
Lebkuchen Spice (original recipe here)
Mix together the following ingredients (all should be ground):
4 Tbsp + 3 tsp. Cinnamon
3 tsp. Cloves
¾ tsp. Allspice
¾ tsp. Nutmeg
1/8 tsp. Coriander
1/8 tsp. Cardamom
½ tsp. Ginger
