DECADENT DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES & TUESDAY TIPS

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

This recipe is super simple to make and comes from Real Simple Magazine.  Chocolate fans rejoice!

INGREDIENTS

1. 1/2cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2. 1/2cup granulated sugar
3. 1/2cup brown sugar
4. 1large egg
5. 1teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6. 1 1/2cups all-purpose flour
7. 1/4cup unsweetened cocoa powder
8. 1/2teaspoon baking soda
9. 1/2teaspoon baking powder
10. 1/2teaspoon salt
11. 1/2cup milk-chocolate chips
12. 1/2cup semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat your oven to 350°F. Cream the butter and sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed. Lower to medium speed and add the egg and vanilla. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. On low speed, add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips.
2. Form the dough into approximately 1 1/2-inch balls. Place on parchment- or foil-lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
3. Bake until the centers are just set, about 12 minutes. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

NEW MOVIE RELEASES - 2016

Are you a movie fan?  Are you looking forward to any sequels or new movies in 2016?  Looks like quite a few are on the list for next year which look exciting.  Zoolander 2, Captain America - Civil War, Pride & Prejudice, Independence Day Resurgence, Batman vs Superman,  Star Trek Beyond,  Bourne 5, X-Men: Apocalypse, Let It Snow and The Secret Life of Animals.  What's your favorite?

UNIQUE DAYS IN SEPTEMBER

Today is September 8 and we're celebrating International Literacy Day and National Pardon Day!

Some other unusual days to celebrate this month:

September 11 - Make Your Bed Day and No News is Good News Day

September 13 - Fortune Cookie Day and Positive Thinking Day

September 16 - Collect Rocks Day

Check out your own special day at:  http://www.holidayinsights.com/

 

DID YOU KNOW?

Everyone knows about taking the ASVAB to get into the military, but many may not know that there is a list of over 100 illnesses which will disqualify you for entry and includes verified diabetes or heart disease.  There is also a height requirement for men to not be shorter than 60 inches or above 80 inches.  Women can't be shorter than 58 inches(4 ft. 10 inches) or taller than 80 inches.

WHAT ARE YOU READING THESE DAYS?

I'm still in Thriller mode and reading an edge of your seat novel called The Insider Threat by Brad Taylor.  What's keeping your attention lately?

STRESS-FREE SUNDAY, SWEETS & STUFF

Before we get started, let's give a super shout out to my girl Kim of http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/, who lovingly does her weekly meme every Sunday about news, reviews, books and other great info.  

As you know, it's very rare that I remember what happened yesterday, let alone an entire week.  This time around I do remember, and for me that's a little scary.(lol)

Also, I'm woefully behind on responding to comments, but I promise to get back on track soon.  Your feedback and responses always make my day!  

Anywho, here is the Sunday recipe:

POOR MAN'S CAKE


INGREDIENTS
1 1/3 Cup Raisins
1 1/4 Cups Water
1 Cup Cold Water
1 1/2 Cups Olive Oil or Canola Oil
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
3 Cups All Purpose Flour
6 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/8 Teaspoon Ground Clove
1 Cup Whipped Cream

DIRECTIONS
1.  Combine the raisins and 1 1/4 Cups Water in a small saucepan, cooking over medium heat, and stirring frequently for about 15 minutes.  Remove from the heat, then stir in the cold water.  Let stand until it's lukewarm, about 1 hour.

2.  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and flour a 12x7 1.2 inch baking pan. Or whatever you have for baking.

3.  Combine the sugar, oil and baking soda in a medium bowl, mixing well.

4.  Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and cloves in a large bowl, mixing well.  Add the sugar mixture, mixing well until crumbly.

5.  Finally, add the raisin mixture to the flour mixture and mix until it's all well blended.  Spoon into the prepared baking pan and place in the oven.  This should take about 45-50 minutes, but test with a toothpick by placing it into the center and coming out clean.  Transfer your cake to a wire rack or until cooled completely.  Serve with whipped cream or icing of your choice.

For something different, this can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen, then warmed up the next day and spread with some yummy honey butter for breakfast.

DEALS
I haven't left the house much lately, but when I did yesterday - boy, did I hit the mother lode!  Spotted a yard sale where i scored a brand new black blender for just $.25!  Lots of new Scentsy aromas in a basket for just $ .25!  Poison, Obsession and lots more bottles of perfume in a really cool basket for yep, you guessed it - just $.25!  Brand new Glue Gun - $.25!  A brand new digital camera still in the package - $.25! A giant basket of tablecloths, potholders, towels, etc. - $.25 By the time we got out of there, I spent the whopping amount of just $6.00 AND the owner gave me some more FREE stuff just because I kept giggling like a school kid and thanking her for her kindness. (lol)  Her mom was in hospice, so she needed to clear out a lot of the things from her home for a little extra cash, but mostly because they were going to sell the home.  Wow!

BOOK RELEASES
As an avid reader, I look to other blogs to get ideas on new books and authors.  I had a little time and searched new releases for November and the list is amazing! Tom Clancy, David Baldacci, Nora Roberts Richard Paul Evans, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Isabelle Allende, Elizabeth Hoyt and more!  Lots more books for the TBR pile - yay!  What new release are you salivating for?

YOUR THOUGHTS
My son is grown, but according to a news article the other day, there seems to be a new trend of parents going shopping, to doctor's appointments or interviews and leaving their young ones in McDonald's or toy stores while they're gone.  This was actually played on "What Would You Do?" the other day. I have my opinion about this type of practice, but wonder what you think?

JUST ONE MORE THING
Having no electricity sucks, living without a roof over your head has got to be the pits, needing to pay costly car repairs sounds rough, not being able to find a job is horrible and add to that, the plight of living with a terminal illness.  There are so many people in the world today who are struggling. I mean, my goodness - there are kids who go to school hungry every day!  Victims of domestic violence leave their homes fearing for their lives and veterans are being forgotten. One person even got on Facebook threatening to end his life because he can't pay the rent for his family! Every person has the right to do with his or her money what they will, but when I see Floyd Mayweather, who happens to also be an abuser,  family members who have money, yet want to make a point, or other wealthy individuals who flaunt their wealth so shamelessly, my heart feels the pain.  Bill Gates,

Ellen Degeneres and Oprah are just a few of the people I've heard of  who give and give and give, helping so many people in need.  I don't know if any rich people are reading this blog.  I don't know if someone has lost his or her job and is struggling to make ends meet.  My hope today is that someone, somewhere, connects to get the things they need to start over.  Perhaps that wealthy person needs a genuine friend, maybe someone can have the water bill paid, or even the offer of a job. One kind act can make a difference in someone's life.

TASTY TUESDAY

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• INGREDIENTS
• 4 Boneless, skinned chicken(or get rotisserie chicken from the store
• 1 (12 ounce) package bow tie pasta
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/4 Cup Prepared Pesto
• 1 (12 Ounce) Jar Roasted Red Peppers, drained and cut into pieces
• Grated Parmesan for Serving

DIRECTIONS

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.  Season chicken with salt and pepper.  Warm oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Cook until no longer pink, for about 5-6 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut into pieces.  If using chicken that's already been prepared, just quickly warm up as needed.

Add the pasta to the boiling salted water and cook until done, for about 11 minutes or as the directions say.  Drain well, then return to pot and add the pesto.  Add chicken and red peppers.  Toss and season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.  When ready to serve, add the grated Parmesan.

EARN/SAVE SOME EXTRA CASH

Remember those gift cards you never got around to using? Use www.giftcardgranny.com, www.cardpool.com or www.raise.com to buy or get rid of them for something you can use.

Call to schedule your appointment to sell last year's Fall clothing at a local consignment store, then just sit back and wait for the cash to come in.

If you live near a Carlie C's (IGA), (they currently have 17 stores in NC)take advantage of MAJOR meat deals by shopping no later than 9am! Steaks, hamburger meat, etc. are so deeply discounted on a daily basis that you won't believe your savings! Check with your butcher in other grocery stores to find out which days meat will be marked down.

JUST ONE MORE THING

The other day I visited a blog where someone innocently asked a question about a topic, and within seconds all hell broke loose on that site.  The cruel comments were batted back and forth like tennis balls and no one thought about letting up. Needless to say, the administrator kicked off both people and they were blocked. A few followers moved on as well due to the drama.  Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but when character assassination rears its ugly head, that seems like a little too much.  What I hope would happen is that even though this is an on-line relationship,  those two could reconnect to apologize,agreeing to disagree, but I'm not sure that may ever come to fruition. Has this ever happened on your blog?  How was it handled?

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STRESS-FREE SUNDAY & STUFF

Before we get started, let's give a super shout out to my girl Kim of http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/, who lovingly does her weekly meme every Sunday about news, reviews, books and great info.  

Do you ever have that feeling when you can't wait for summer, then when it's almost over you're thrilled?  I feel that way because the new Fall programs and returning favorites are right around the corner.  What do I eagerly await the most? The Blacklist, Gotham, Scandal and new episodes of Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. I'm not answering the phone, opening the door, or checking e-mails when either of those programs come on.  They deserve my undivided attention.  What about you?  Is there something you've been waiting for to come back on this season?

As usual I don't remember what happened last week except for two things.  I re-opened my Twitter account, which is totally different from Facebook AND my phone which had been reported as stolen (not by me) was received in the mail.  Yep, someone really needed a phone and decided it was best to use my name to get another one fraudulently.  Meanwhile, MY phone was deactivated! Took a while to get straightened out, but finally received my new phone.

Take a lookie see at the cucumbers that have come out of the monstrosity I call The Front Yard Garden and be amazed my friends.  Can you believe it?  Two more are almost ready to be picked and I will attempt to turn them into magical pickles. 

Almost done with David Silva's latest novel, The English Spy, which has taken me a little longer than normal to finish.  That doesn't mean the suspense isn't keeping me on the edge of my seat. 

Don't forget if you live in the NC area and like spicy food, visit the CCB Plaza in Durham for their second annual Jerkfest on September 12 from 9am - 8pm.  They're having a Jerk Wing Eating Contest and a Jerk Cook Off along with LIVE music, kids' activities and plenty of food.  Admission to the event is FREE.

Many people may not know that my boyfriend Jason Statham from Transporter, Spy and other movies, is an excellent driver and performs almost all of his own stunts.  Despite that, he actually failed his driving tests about 3 times.

JUST ONE MORE THING
Have you ever had a really good book that you put on your TBR pile which keeps growing and growing, only to find it years later?! (lol) That just happened to me the other day, and I felt truly nutty.  How about you, have you lost any books lately?

SHARING SATURDAY

One of Jan's personal photos from her blog.

Earlier this morning while visiting a few blogs, I noticed one that I normally follow had disabled her comments and contact section because of public disinterest.  When I saw that, it made me sad that a person who had started her blog about 3 years ago felt that no one cared.  Her posts are about lovely photos that she takes, and thought-provoking poetry, and to me they make an impact.  

In January this year, my New Year's resolution was to visit new blogs because I felt that if someone was willing to put their thoughts  and lives on display for the world to see, he or she had something to say.  For the first time ever, I've been able to keep a resolution because I wasn't crazy enough to do the dieting thing again that had always been an epic fail every dang year! 

Some topics from blogs and social media fit in with my lifestyle, and a few do not.  For me, it's the kindness shown, the finding of a new novel, the pics or places, the kookiness of the person, the outright anger that a person feels or simply the fact that I always learn something new that keeps me hanging out in other places.  

Dress designed and made from nature

Dress designed and made from nature

So this Saturday is all about sharing some of the things I've seen throughout the blogosphere or social media as a shout out.  If I'm behind on  visiting your blog lately, or I'm late on commenting back, I haven't forgotten you and will get back on track soon.  Meanwhile, I hope this blogger friend sees this post and reactivates her comments again.  I see you Jan, and I care. 

Golden African sunsets on Masai Mara.

Walkway on the Grand Canyon

Apples and Pears

Lion made from a watermelon