TOO MUCH INFO & A TREAT WITH MANGO

Before I get started, be advised that if you're looking for inexpensive gas, get a Walmart gift card, then use it at their gas stations to get a few pennies off.  I used it in Coats, NC and grabbed a gas deal of just $1.99 per gallon! YAY!!! I didn't think I'd ever see those prices again in this lifetime.

On to this magnificently simple recipe:

NO-CHURN MANGO SORBET

INGREDIENTS
2 Ripe Mangoes, chopped
1/2 Sweetened Cream of Coconut
1/2 Cup Pineapple Juice
2 Tablespoons Lime Juice
2 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup
1/4 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Cup Unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Spread the mangoes in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.  Freeze until solid, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Place the frozen mango, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, lime juice maple syrup and salt into a food processor.  Pule until the mangoes are finely chopped.  continue to process until smooth, 6-8 minutes, scraping off the sides as necessary.

Transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and freeze until firm, at least 1 hour and up to 4 days.

Serve sprinkled with coconut, if desired.   

LOTTERY WINNER - NOT!
How would you like to buy a $2.00 scratch-off, then realize you were $20,000 richer?  Imagine Ardella Newman's surprise when she was told that the ticket she thought was a winner, was actually issued in error?  Apparently, winning numbers are always listed at the top.  In this instance her ticket had numbers at the bottom, indicating it had been loaded incorrectly and cut off.  Unbelievable, right? She's fighting this with the Virginia Lottery Board.

When I first heard about this, I was a little nervous, because I thought it was a mechanism for more Social Media negativity, BUT Mark Zuckerberg confirms for the first time today that a DISLIKE button is coming soon to Facebook.  The intent of the button is to express empathy, and won't be used for upvoting or not liking a specific post.

This is something that people have been asking about for years and it's coming very soon.

Anyone who knows me, notices that I carry books with me everywhere, and I'll always find a reason to read.  In addition, my home is filled with bookcases and a zillion books.  The other day, someone who has known me for about 8 or so years, commented, that perhaps I should get rid of a some of my books since most I'd already read.  I shook my ear, because surely, I didn't hear that statement very clearly, right?  I've collected books since I was 7 years old.  Some I lost and had to find all over again. Books are precious treasures. Some I may re-read, some I haven't read because they are on the TBR pile and a few are signed copies.  Uh...how about a BIG resounding "NO, I will NOT be getting rid of any of my books!"  Can I get an Amen from my reader friends in the blogosphere today? (lol)  Hugs...

SEXY SWEETS AND SUPER SATURDAY

Thank goodness for men who just get it.  A little while ago I stopped into a store to pick up something for a friend.  The cashier and part owner of the store was on the phone, and when he hung up he told me, "people are just crazy!"  I smiled, waiting for the punch line.  He bagged up the merchandise, then finally spilled the beans.  Yay!  A friend(the one he was on the phone with) of his lost his wife to cancer just last month, which is horrific in itself.  This friend wanted to know if  *Joe planned to attend his wedding later today.  Huh?  Didn't you tell me that your friend's wife died from cancer just last month, but there's now this impromptu wedding going on?  The man in the store told the man, he definitely would NOT be there and asked him how in the world he could get married that quickly. My friends and countrymen/women, I'm scratching my head and asking the same dang question. 

Remember Trisha Yearwood's  cookbook entitled Trisha's Table? Well, here is another good recipe to add to your list to try.  I love the combination of tart and sweet, so this is a really yummy treat!

By the way, there is a difference between a regular lime and a key lime. The key lime is more tart and can taste like a mix of orange and lime, they're smaller and a little more expensive but worth it if you can find them.

KIWI LIME PIE

INGREDIENTS
1 Box Vanilla Wafers, or if you don't feel like it, get a prepared pie crust
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Salted Melted Butter
2 14 Oz. Cans Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Teaspoons Freshly Grated Lime Zest
1 Cup Lime Juice (12 Key Limes or 4 Large Regular Limes
8 Large Egg yolks at Room Temperature, lightly beaten
4-6 Kiwis, peeled and sliced thinly.

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, then in a food processor, pulse the vanilla wafers into crumbs.  Add the sugar and melted butter and pulse until fully combined.  Press the mixture firmly into an ungreased 9 inch pie plate.  Skip this step if you take the super quick or (lazy-lol) way by using an already prepared pie plate.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, lime zest, lime juice and egg yolks.  Pour the mixture into the crust and bake for 30 minutes.  The center will still juggle.

Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for 30 minutes.  Top with kiwi slices.  Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

DID YOU KNOW?
If you're looking for a little extra cash for the holidays, now is the time to start job hunting.  Seasonal jobs are cropping up all over in places like Target, Dollar Tree, or Target.  If you'd like to work part time until the holidays are over in smaller locations or specialized areas, check out www.Flexjobs.com, and key in "Seasonal Work".

BOOK SWAG
Nope, haven't been able to get out to Barnes and Noble lately, but I did manage to snag Susan Mallery's latest, Thrill Me, which of course I'm thrilled about.  It's a story about bad boy Del Mitchell who was dumped 10 years ago by Maya Farlow.   At just 297 pages, this looks like a really good read and the reviews from other bloggers are positive.  Also grabbed Brad Meltzer's latest, The President's Shadow, A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley, The Girl Who Slept With God by Val Brelinski and A Bride Needs a Groom.  I think you already know that I still have a massive pile to get through once I get back home. (lol)

JUST ONE MORE THING
Do you hold a grudge?  Lately, I've been running into many who are holding on to things from the past, causing rifts in their relationships with family or some serious angry feelings with friends.  A few don't even remember how the fight started, or some arguments seem pretty small in the scheme of life.  Nonetheless, there are some hurt feelings across the board.  What about you?  Do you say what's on your mind and move on?  Are you sorry, but your friend is still irritated?  How do you resolve the matter?

WIN AN AIRSTREAM AND TRY AN OVERGROWN GARDEN TURKEY MELT

If you're a Canadian or US resident and over 18, get your travel on by entering the  the KOA What’s Behind the Yellow Sign Airstream Giveaway for the chance to win an Airstream 16′ Sport, and a $100 KOA Gift Card.

Enter this fun sweepstakes through October 31, 2016 at 11:59pm.

Website Entry Form | Facebook Entry Form 

One (1) Grand Prize: an Airstream 16′ Sport worth $44,383 and a $100 Gift Card!Sweeties Sweeps

OVERGROWN GARDEN TURKEY MELT

INGREDIENTS

3 Tbsp Mayonnaise

2 Tsp Rosemary

2 Gloves Garlic - Minced, or use the kind in a jar

2 Cups Fresh Spinach - Chopped

1 14-oz Can of artichoke hearts, drained, chopped and dried

2 8-Oz Rounds of Ciabatta Loaves, halved crosswise

6 Oz. Sliced Mozzarella Cheese

1 Medium Tomato, thinly sliced

4 Oz. (or more if you like-lol) Smoked Turkey

1.  Preheat your oven to 400 degrees, then in a medium bowl, combine mayo, rosemary, and garlic.  Add spinach and artichokes, stirring to combines, then set aside.

2.   Remove bread from inside each half to create a 1 inch shell.  Lay each bread half on a baking sheet.  Line each piece with cheese.  Spoon the vegetable mixture onto each bottom bread shell.  Top with the tomato and turkey.  Of course, if you like, feel free to add some turkey, beef, veggie or pork bacon.  Everything tastes better with bacon!

3.  Bake 10 minutes, or until toasted and heated through.  Assemble the sandwiches, and cut in half.  Yummy meal!

Peter Benchely, the author who wrote the hit novel Jaws, ironically spent the last 10 years of his life preserving sharks.  

He felt guilty about the havoc and hysteria  he caused throughout the country for his book.

I

I've been watching Twinning on VH1 because I'm fascinated with twins.  In fact, as a kid, I knew 2 sets of girl twins and one set of really hot guy twins! (lol)  I was 15 and had an incredible crush on these very handsome twins and they never even noticed me.  At 18, they were intent on noticing older women who weren't tomboys.(lol)  They eventually ended up getting married to sisters. One set became very famous engineers, and the younger set I lost track of. They were all identical, but I often wondered if I'd play tricks on people if I had a twin.  What about you?

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.