Sunday, Sunday

YOUR AGE BY EATING OUT

Don't tell me your age; you probably would tell a falsehood anyway-but your waiter may know!

YOUR AGE BY DINER & RESTAURANT MATH

DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!

It takes less than a minute.
Work this out as you read

Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!

This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to go out to eat.
(more than once but less than 10)

2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)

3. Add 5

4. Multiply it by 50

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1758... If you haven't, add 1757.

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.

You should have a three digit number

The first digit of this was your original number. (I.e., How many times you want to go out to restaurants in a week.)

The next two numbers are

YOUR AGE ! ------ (Oh YES, it is!)

THE IS THE ONLY YEAR (2008) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS

(it worked for me!)

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I get in email, as I am sure many of you do, the Betty Crocker newsletter.  The latest edition features a very scrumptious but easy looking dessert!

Strawberries and Cream Dessert Squares

So far these have received a 4 spoon rating on the 5 spoon scale.  Would you believe the base is made from sugar cookie mix??

Here is the recipe from the Betty Crocker website:

Prep Time:30 min

Start to Finish:2 hr 30 min

Makes:20 servings

Crust

1 pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 egg

Filling

1 cup white vanilla baking chips (6 oz)

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

Topping

4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/3 cup water

10 to 12 drops red food color, if desired

1.
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 15x10x1- or 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms. Press evenly in bottom of pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

2.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips uncovered on High 45 to 60 seconds or until chips are melted and can be stirred smooth. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in melted chips until blended. Spread mixture over crust. Refrigerate while making topping.

3.
In small bowl, crush 1 cup of the strawberries. In 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Stir in crushed strawberries and 1/3 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in food color. Cool 10 minutes. Gently stir in remaining 3 cups strawberries. Spoon topping over filling. Refrigerate 1 hour or until set; serve within 4 hours. Store covered in refrigerator.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

And just for those of you who care to know the dietary information, it is as follows:

Nutrition Information

1 Serving: Calories 270 (Calories from Fat 120); Total Fat 13g (Saturated Fat 8g, Trans Fat 1g); Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium 150mg; Total Carbohydrate 34g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 24g); Protein 3g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 35%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 2 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Betty also says you can make it your way by adding 4 cups of your favorite fresh fruit!

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Yesterday. before making a very special trip to the hospital, I stopped off at the local book store to pick up some books.  You see, on certain special occasions, I love to give books.  I love to give gifts, period.  Put I did pick up something for me as well.  I picked up Dorothea Benton Frank's new book, "Bulls Island"

I have only read chapter 1, but the biggest thrill thus far was in the Acknowledgements.  She hints that her earlier novel (#2 I think), "Plantation" is being made into a movie.  I can't wait to finish this book, and I can't wait until "Plantation" makes it to the big screen.  HMMM....I wonder who will play Caroline, and I wonder who will play Miss Lavinia, and for that matter, who will play Caroline's brother and his trampy wife???

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Finally, the reason for the trip to the bookstore was to pick up a Baby's First Bible, 2 little interactive books, a fire truck book, and for the new mommy, Dr. Dobson's Bringing Up Boys. You see, I think all children should have as many books as possible, and you already know my love of reading, I just want to pass along the life long joy!. Anyway...long story short...my DH's twin sister's daughter (my niece by marriage), Alicia welcomed her first baby to the world on April 11! He was 8 lbs 4 oz. and was 20 1/2" long.  I finally got to meet Camden Blaze (leaving out the last name here) last night and he is absolutely adorable and so far a very good baby boy!  Congrats to Alicia, Camden, and family on your bundle of joy!  Alicia, I am so proud of you!!

As for the other gift, I got my SIL, the new grandmother, an azalea to plant in Camden's honor.