Thanksgiving Wishes & Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Maybe a bit late for today's dessert table but if you still have some sweet potatoes in the pantry, here is a yummy recipe!

Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue Topping
AllRecipies.com

Ingredients:

Graham Cracker Crust: 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers 1/3 cup white sugar 5 tablespoons butter, melted 1/8 teaspoon salt Sweet Potato Pie Filling: 1 1/2 cups canned sweet potatoes, drained and mashed 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup whipping cream 3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground mace 1/4 teaspoon salt Meringue Topping: 2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 tablespoon milk 2 egg whites 1/4 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2.	Mix the graham cracker crumbs together with 1/3 cup white sugar, butter, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a mixing bowl. Spread evenly over the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie pan. (I used a deep dish pan)
3.	Bake the graham cracker crust in preheated oven until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool on a rack.
4.	Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
5.	To make the sweet potato filling, place the mashed sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl. Whisk in the brown sugar, whipping cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, mace, and salt until smooth and evenly blended. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the baked graham cracker crust.
6.	Bake the pie in preheated oven until the center is set, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a rack.
7.	To make the marshmallow meringue, place the marshmallows and milk in a pan; cook over low heat, folding mixture gently until marshmallows are half melted. Remove pan from the heat. Continue folding until marshmallows melt completely, and the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
8.	Place the egg whites in a separate mixing bowl, and beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup white sugar, and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla and salt. Gently fold the egg whites into the marshmallow mixture, and spread over the top of the pie. 9. Return the pie to the oven and cook until the meringue is toasted, 5 to 10 minutes. (sorry about the numbering ~ blogger is being obstinate)

Outdoor Wednesday ~ Raking, Running & Relaxin'

Spent a delightful weekend with dear little Keri

After two sweeps of the rake, Keri declared raking was "hard work" and she'd much rather make lovely bouquets of the dried Sedum I was tossing in the leaf pile.

Rolling in the huge mountain of leaves was also a fun alternative.

But the most fun of all was running up and down the sidewalk with Raider!
Raider loved every moment!

We also did a lot of...A stick-to-your-ribs breakfast for lots of energy to rake all of those leaves!

And then we enjoyed a very sweet movie...

UP
(to view, first scroll to playlist at bottom of this page and pause)


UP: Movie Trailer - The best bloopers are here

This video trailer doesn't show the sweet, loving relationship between Mr Carl Fredrickson and his wife Ellie but it is a precious part of the movie.
Note: The Bad guy really is ruthless to the core!
My opinion: I Love this movie! (and if you're like me, you might just shed a tear or two)

♥
My name is Doug, I just met you and I love youI am linking to Susan's Outdoor Wednesday ~ click button to visit all the other participants @A Southern Daydreamer!

TWD ~ All The Flavors of Thanksgiving

All-In-One Holiday Bundt Cake
Just like Dorie says... all your favorite flavors of Thanksgiving all wrapped up in each delicious bite! Pumpkin, cranberry, apples, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger with a finish of maple syrup in the glaze.

Tuesdays with Dorie (TWD) recipes taken from
Baking From My Home to Yours
by Dorie Greenspan

Britin of The Nitty Britty hosted this week and shares the recipe on her blog.
Also linking to The Shabby Chic Cottage for her Recipe Party.

Mosaic Monday ~ Sisters

Happy Birthday to My Dear Sister!
♥

The birthday girl is the pretty blond
I have always looked up to and loved my big sister!
I think this will always be one of my all time favorite pictures!

There is no better friend than a sister. And there is no better sister than you.

Author Unknown

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.

Marion C. Garretty

Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connections can supply...

Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814

There can be no situation in life in which the conversation of my dear sister will not administer some comfort to me.

Mary Montagu

How do people make it through life without a sister?

Sara Corpening

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.

Author Unknown

In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips.

Author Unknown

A sister is a forever friend.

Author Unknown

Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.

Carol Saline

Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow.

Benjamin Disraeli

To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.

Clara Ortega

An older sister is a friend and defender - a listener, conspirator, a counsellor and a sharer of delights. And sorrows too.

Pam Brown

Our brothers and sisters are there with us from the dawn of our personal stories to the inevitable dusk.

Susan Scarf Merrell

Sisters share the scent and smells - the feel of a common childhood.

Pam Brown

A sister shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.

Author Unknown

Sisters are blossoms in the garden of life.

Author Unknown

We may look old and wise to the outside world. But to each other,

we are still in junior school.

Charlotte Gray

You keep your past by having sisters. As you get older, they're the only ones who don't get bored if you talk about your memories.

Deborah Moggach

It's hard to be responsible, adult and sensible all the time. How good it is to have a sister whose heart is as young as your own.

Pam Brown

Please visit Mary @ the Little Red House for more Mosaic Monday.

Remembering Sunday Dinner

Most Sundays after church we would stop home to change, pick up our BIG, shaggy dog, and drive to my husbands parents for dinner. His brother would do the same.

Now, Mom became a career lady long before it was common. She began working in the early 1940's and continued until retirement. Cooking was not her favorite thing but she had a few meals that were mainstays.
And they were delicious.

So, for my girls (and grandkids), I am recreating (step-by-step) a very typical Sunday dinner of Pot Roast. As I reminisce, I can visualize the glasses and dishes she served on, the vinyl tablecloth (always floral and blue) and the sweet basket or bowl of plastic flowers.
Fond memories.

Begin by dusting the piece of beef with flour.
It must be Rump Roast.
Brown on all sides in oil.
Don't forget the ends! Remove to a plate.
Chop up an onion or two.
Cook the onions until they look just like this.
Return the roast to the pot and add water (about 5-6 cups). Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer gently until meat is tender (about 2 1/2 to 3 hours) Lower and slower is the best.
Use the large Farberware pot (you know, the one from the set I have been using since my bridal shower 34 years ago)
When fork tender, remove roast to a dish.
Cover with foil.
Grab a pound of carrots... add additional carrots because everyone loves these and a pound just isn't enough.
Peel and slice the carrots into pieces that look just like this.
Scrub and quarter 4-5 potatoes.
Get your bottle of Kitchen Bouquet from the far back of your refrigerator. One bottle will last you most of your married life. You will want to add a couple of teaspoons to the gravy.
Add the carrots, potatoes, Kitchen Bouquet, about 1 tsp salt and pepper to the pot.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are fork tender.
Remove vegetables to a serving dish.
Since you don't have this little aluminum cup and lid that belonged to Grandmom to shake the cornstarch and water in, you can use a cup with about 6 Tbs of cornstarch and 1/4 cup of cold water. (You can also use flour to thicken but it won't make shiny gravy like Grandmom made) Stir together well and whisk it into the gravy to thicken. Cook a few more minutes.
To complete this Authentic Meal you must serve applesauce (pour straight from jar and sprinkle with cinnamon), peas (the frozen kind) and Pepperage Farm dinner rolls (ignore that these are not Pepperage Farm Brand)
Plate up and enjoy this meal straight from your childhood!

Thanks, Grandmon ~ We miss you ♥

Show and Tell ~ Lane Hope Chest

Do you remember these sweet little hope chests? The high schools in our area gave one to each senior girl upon graduation. I received one as did my older girls ~ Abbey graduates this year and we'll see if the tradition continues.

Holy Moly... my high school pics... so 70's!Join Cindy at My Romantic Home for so many more Show & Tell Friday posts!

1 Year Blog Anniversary, Tutorial & Giveaway!

What a joy it has been visiting all of you and getting to know so many dear blogging friends over the past year. Next month will be one year that I began this fun endeavor. Thank you all for your visits and comments!

In appreciation, I made a tutorial for folded paper German Stars. Sometimes they are called Moravian Stars or Froebel Stars. I want to post it early to give you time should you want to make some for decorating your tree, gifts, wreaths or to display in a pretty bowl.

(If you'd rather not make your own, you can enter my Giveaway for a chance to win a dozen stars fully completed and ready to enjoy ~ see below)

My favorite are the pure white... so pristine and elegant. They are very pretty in bright colors too. These remind me of a quilt pattern.
A popular shade of blue... cool and wintry.

(Scroll to bottom of page to Playlist to turn off background music before watching videos)
My tutorial is in two parts
(first scroll to bottom of page to turn off my playlist)
Part 1


Part 2


~*~

As a Thank you gift to my blogging friends, I have folded some beautiful stars, dipped them in paraffin and sprinkled each with sparkly glitter. A string is attached and they are ready for hanging.

(Note: Traditionally these German Stars were dipped in paraffin to help protect them from the outdoor elements. I displayed some on a tree on my porch last year and they suffered no ill effect)
~*~
You can choose from:
A Dozen White Stars.
A Dozen Blue Stars
A Dozen bright Multi-Colored Stars
~*~
I will pick TWO winners of my giveaway!
Contest opened to everyone near and far.

Here's How To Enter

1. Leave a comment on this post for ONE entry telling me what Star color you prefer.

2. Become a follower by clicking the FOLLOW button on the top left sidebar of this page for an additional THREE entries. Please leave a comment telling me you are a follower so I don't miss it. Those who already follow receive these three extra entries too.

3. Mention my giveaway on your blog with a link back to my blog for an additional FIVE entries. (let me know about his too) If you'd like, you can use any picture here for your post.

Entries accepted through December 14th. I will pick the winners on December 15th and post shortly thereafter. Please be sure I have an email address if you don't have a blog so I can contact you if you are one of the winners.

Additional Information added after original post:

In response to some questions I have received about the paper and the wax:

I have used paper like the kind you use for the computer and taped the strips together for the length I needed. Wal-Mart has a pastel package of assorted colors and also a package of Bright primary colors. I find the tape is hardly noticeable even when dipping in the wax. Just be sure to use as little tape as necessary and keep it very smooth with the edges or else you will have trouble sliding the strip through the pockets.

Here is a link to a place I have ordered strips, but I wish they came a little longer. I also wish you could get various colors in smaller quantities. http://highhopes.com/paper.html

Construction paper does not work. I also made stars made with newspaper ads. Use the kind with the slightly shiny surface for colorful stars but regular newsprint can be used as well. All paper darkens significantly when dipped in the wax. Un-waxed stars are pretty too.

Dipping in Wax:

I melt paraffin over a double boiler (actually a metal bowl that fit nicely in a small pot) I added string using a needle and going through one of the outside points. Using the string (and sometimes a fork), I try to dip the stars as quickly as possible, lay them onto a waxed-paper covered cookie sheet and quickly sprinkle on the glitter. I also try to drain out any extra wax that enters the points of the star so it does not puddle and cause globs in the finished star. I tried dangling the stars from a horizontal dowel but found it more difficult to evenly sprinkle the glitter.

When you get the hang of it, try smaller stars (3/4", 1/2" and 1/4" width paper). Tiny ones are more difficult but miniature is always so cute.

Outdoor Wednesday ~ Pesky Persistence

Yes, I know... last week my Outdoor Wednesday included another of these relentless rodents. But how does one dismiss such an inquisitive creature peering in at you so intently?

click pics to see close-up of this little rascals agility and antics.

Maybe he is asking why I make things difficult for him when we both know he is going to get what he wants ~ one way or another.

Quite the acrobat!

Thank you Susan, for hosting Outdoor Wednesday! A Southern Daydreamer. Visit her place to see lots more Outdoor Wednesday posts.

TWD ~ Sugar-Topped Molasses Spice Cookies

This is just my forth time baking with the Dorie bakers and sadly, this time, I didn't achieve the results I was hoping for. Mine were missing the beautiful cracks and crevices that were present in the cookbook photo. They were tasty enough , slightly crisp outside, chewy inside, but were flatter than I would prefer. Dorie said the dough would be smooth and soft but I think my dough needed a bit more flour. I will give this recipe another try as I want them to come out just like the ones Dorie and other bakers made.

Remember the comparison posted about here? I suppose it has more to do with familiarity but my family still prefers our old recipe. Plus, they were easier to make.

Please visit the other Dorie bakers to see how splendid their cookies turned out. Our host for this recipe is Pamela of Cookies with Boys. Visit her for the recipe and to see how wonderful hers baked up!

Elderly woman witnesses to man trying to rob her

I just picked this up from Deby at Apples of Gold and want to pass it along to those who haven't seen it. Truly precious!

Mosaic Monday ~ Soft Pink Roses

Something pretty and pink to share ~ the last Knock Out Roses of the season.A Pink Rose... a symbol of grace and elegance. It is often given as an expression of admiration. Light pink roses, or the pale pink rose, sends a message of joy, gladness, and sweetness. It symbolizes gentility, femininity and refinement.

♥

Please visit Mary @ the Little Red House for more Mosaic Monday.

Purple Finch

Show and Tell Friday ~ Boyhood Treasures

My husband has a small collection of items that somehow survived

from his childhood.

Seeing each treasure helps me know a little about the boy who grew to be the man who has shared my life and walked beside me all these years.

a Little League trophy
a Boy Scout compass and pin
pocket knives
whistles
a Sunday School attendance pin
a tie bar with his initials (probably his first)
and yes,
even teeth from the first pike he caught
(if it was special enough for him to keep, then it is special to me too.)

This poem came to mind while writing this post...

OUR HEROES

By Phoebe Cary

Here's a hand to the boy who has courage
To do what he knows to be right;
When he falls in the way of temptation
He has a hard battle to fight.
Who strives against self and his comrades
Will find a most powerful foe.
All honor to him if he conquers.
A cheer for the boy who says, “No!”
There's many a battle fought daily
The world knows nothing about;
There's many a brave little soldier
Whose strength puts a legion to rout.
And he who fights sin single-handed
Is more of a hero, I say,
Than he who leads soldiers to battle
And conquers by arms in the fray.
Be steadfast my boy, when you're tempted,
To do what you know to be right.
Stand firm by the colors of manhood,
And you will o'ercome in the fight.
“The right,” be your battle cry ever
In waging the warfare of life,
And God, who knows who are the heroes,
Will give you the strength for the strife.
♥

For more Show & Tell Friday, visit Cindy at My Romantic Home.
~*~
Day 13: I am thankful for Music.
I do not play an instrument or sing very well, but I enjoy and appreciate beautiful melodies and lyrics. Music can be fun, relaxing and encouraging. As you may have noticed, I often post about songs that touch my heart.
~*~
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord
Ephesians 5:19b

Ginger Crinkles

So autumn... So yummy!

A recipe I got from a friend
(who got it from a friend, who got it from her grandmother)
back in the early 80's. Crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.
It has been a favorite at our house all these years.

♥

Ginger Crinkles

2 cups flour

3 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp cloves

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1 1/3 cups sugar, divided

1 egg, slightly beaten

¾ cup shortening

¼ cup light molasses

Combine 1 cup sugar with shortening. Add molasses and egg. Combine with dry ingredients. Roll into 1” balls and dip in the remaining 1/3 cup sugar. Bake 8-10 minutes at 350.

~*~

Note: I just realized that one of the November recipes on Tuesdays With Dorie is Sugar-Topped Molasses Spice Cookie. Looks similar to this recipe, so I guess I will be doing a comparison. ooh.. like a Bobby Flay Thowdown... I'll be back with the results
:)

~*~
Day 12: I am thankful for my sight. To see the world about me, to see the faces of those I love, the ease in which I am able to do my daily tasks because I have eyes to see and guide me.

Abbey's English homework assignment is to write how she might describe color to someone who is blind. We talked about this over dinner. It made me think again how we take our sight for granted and how our lives would be changed should we lose it.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Horatio Spafford

Outdoor Wednesday ~ Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

turning to autumn grays and browns

I'm heading over to A Southern Daydreamer to see the other Outdoor Wednesday posts... did you post one too?

~*~I am getting in on this a little late but want to participate with Karla of Karla's Korner to

"blog 30 Days of Thanksgiving... one post of gratitude... every day of November".
Visit Karla here if you would like to join.

Day 11: I am thankful for the loving encouragement given by family and friends through their gifts, notes, calls, concern and even blog comments. God uses them in a mighty way to show his love.

~*~
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits
Psalm 103:2