Tuesday, February 2, 2016

CHOCOLATE MUD CHEESECAKE & HOMELESS BLOGGERS




Ingredients

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Directions

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  1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
  2. Mix together the animal cracker crumbs, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix until evenly moistened. Press into the prepared springform pan and set aside.
  3. To make the filling, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, the cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons instant coffee, and the cornstarch in the bowl of an electric mixer; stir until blended. Add the softened cream cheese and beat until the sugar mixture has been incorporated and no lumps of cream cheese remain. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, adding the vanilla extract with the last egg. Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, then pour into the prepared crust.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C) and continue baking 2 hours. Turn off the oven, and let the cheesecake stand in the oven for 2 hours more before opening the door. Remove and cool to room temperature.
  5. Once the cheesecake has cooled, melt the chocolate chips and milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, and spread the marshmallow cream evenly over the top. Spread or drizzle the chocolate over the marshmallow cream and sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped pecans overtop. Chill completely before serving.  Thanks to Allrecipes for this tasty chocolate treat!
























When we think of those who are homeless, disheveled clothing, body odors, cups for handouts, or sign holding is what comes to mind.  But did you know that according to the National Health Care for Homeless Council, the true definition of homelessness is this: "A homeless individual is defined in section 330(h)(5)(A) as “an individual who lacks housing (without regard to whether the individual is a member of a family), including an individual whose primary residence during the night is a supervised public or private facility (e.g., shelters) that provides temporary living accommodations, and an individual who is a resident in transitional housing.” A homeless person is an individual without permanent housing who may live on the streets; stay in a shelter, mission, single room occupancy facilities, abandoned building or vehicle; or in any other unstable or non-permanent situation. [Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C., 254b)] An individual may be considered to be homeless if that person is “doubled up,” a term that refers to a situation where individuals are unable to maintain their housing situation and are forced to stay with a series of friends and/or extended family members. In addition, previously homeless individuals who are to be released from a prison or a hospital may be considered homeless if they do not have a stable housing situation to which they can return." 

With that definition, you may be surprised to know that the people you work with, meet in the pharmacy, or see sitting in a supermarket parking lot, are actually homeless and hungry.  So that means that some of the bloggers you know may be using the library, McDonald's or other places to blog every day, but could be living in their car, sleeping on someone's couch, or in a shelter. Some even have kids that need to get to school on a daily basis.But somehow, something drives them to keep blogging and focusing on the positive, no matter what.

Sadly, the people who end up in this type of situation are more embarrassed than you can imagine, and they're often looked down upon.  Many are ill. Even if they're lucky enough to live with a relative or friend for a short period of time, they're considered to be the black sheep of the family, ridiculed and treated differently.  The showers they've been accustomed to taking is a thing of the past. They can't find a job, they've left abusive relationships, they're veterans who are unable to get back on track, or they can't take the nonsupport of family who profess to be helping. Just because you see them blogging, does not mean they are okay. They feel alone, frustrated and unloved. On holidays they'll read about families who are enjoying a good meal, or watching movies on television.  This is the plight of the homeless.







16 comments:

  1. Great article hun, it's amazing how many people fall into this category, and you'd never even know it.

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    1. Hey Little Lanie, I've missed you! Hope all is well. So true, never know who is going through things. BIG Hugs...Ro

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  2. That's why being kind is always a good motto to have in our everyday lives. Because we'll never know what the other person is going through at any given time.

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    1. Kindness, whenever possible is key, for sure! Big Hugs...

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  3. Very true. You never know what is going on with someone. Lots of us, I think, try to put on a happy face when online and being social but you just never know the struggles or hardships someone is going through.

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    1. So true. I suspect many of are really struggling, yet we do hide hide in an attempt to stay positive, or perhaps fear that we may turn someone off. Hugs...

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  4. We have many homeless people at my library, they can have at least a warm, comfortable place while it's open. A few of our readers complain of their smell, but what should we do ? Release them out on the cold streets ? No way ! We also have some mild lunatics, that were released from hospitals because they couldn't afford to be treated... We recently had a message from one of our trade unions that talked about a coworker's homeless family - they slept in a car every night, a civil servant paid by the town of Paris ! How sad is that ? I don't understand a rich country that doesn't take care of their homeless, sick and even beaten women, there are so many among us ! So many things we don't know about, mostly because people are ashamed to talk about it, it's... I have no words for this...

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    1. I can just imagine their embarrassment, Red, that they can't shower and know people are talking about them, but at least they are warm, as you mentioned. The thought of someone working for the town of paris and still having to sleep in their car truly saddens me. Like you, I just don't understand how this, along with abuse is so rampant. BIG Hugs...

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  5. They did a story on the news last night about a woman working for a local college who is homeless. She said she makes $23,000 a year and can't afford $800 a month for rent. Her employers were saying they had no idea...how about paying her a little more? $23,000 is no longer a livable wage. But the story was saying Nashville needs more affordable rent options. Rentals are ridiculous now. It's hard to find an apartment/home for less than $1,000 a month but if you buy a home, you can get your mortgage down as low as $500 a month here. We have a lot of $100,000 homes around town if you aren't picky about where you live or how nice your house is...

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    1. Wow! That's horrific and sadly so true. Here is someone supporting our young people without a place to call home. Wish I would have seen this. So true. Hard to afford $100 rent, then add in utilities and you're pretty much screwed. Hugs...

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  6. It's so upsetting (not to be political) the news that Bernie Sanders broke of how the top dogs are richer than the poor combined. I'm all for rewards and getting what you worked for, but it's a tough pill to swallow when these people could easily stpo hunger if only they share a small portion of their wealth.

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    1. Girl, this is an area where I can get on my soapbox, but I'll stay on the floor for safety reasons. (lol) I cringe to think about the number of homeless women, many who are veterans and have served our country, and hungry kids are in the US. Floyd Mayweather is one who doesn't believe in giving to charities or helping others, yet he brags about his millions daily. He believes if he gives his money away, he'll end up being broke. I don't think anyone is saying to give away every dime, but I believe that we are all put on earth to provide service to others in some way. I believe everyone would be so much happier. Big Hugs...Braine

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  7. The chocolate pie is so awesome looking that I can almost taste it. :)

    I actually did know that definition b/c part of the population in my caseload meet this criteria to gain our services. There are people that I admire so much for doing what they have to do for themselves and their children. I'm always so rewarded when I can help them get a leg up or teach them something so they can help themselves get a leg up.

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    1. Yay to chocolate, Sophia! I think it's so wonderful that you are able to provide support for those so desperately in need. What a blessing you are! Hugs...

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  8. Great article on the homeless. I love cheesecake so thanks for the recipe :)

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    1. Thanks a bunch Kim, and I've been keeping you and your lovely family in prayer. Cheesecake is good, but it's even better with chocolate!

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