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Good morning. It is very early right now as I must leave the house for a 12-hour shift. So, in order to get this out to you before I leave, I must do it early. I would have preferred an extra couple hours of sleep, but...you wouldn’t have your dose of a2z, now would you? Being a “morning person”, I enjoy getting up earlier than most folks do. Yes, 3:00am is early to me, too. But, by the time most of the world is awake, I am hours into my shift and closer to the time I will get home again. So, I tell myself it evens itself out. Of course, I am yawning when I do, lol.

Enjoy!

Ramblings...

My Attorney

After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him. The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise." When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court: "Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished." Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine." My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy. As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, "There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all." The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips... "This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed." As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and saving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, Paid in Full."

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Did You Know?...

Bread Baking Tip

Shared by Larry Holmes, Ontario, Canada

Sometimes relying on the hollow sound as the determinant of doneness has failed for me; Julia Childs offers the following unfailing tip:

Use instant thermometer - when temperature reaches 200° F. bread is fully baked.

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The Mail Box...

Welcome to The Mail Box where a2z family members may send mail for all to read. It is expected that opinions, suggestions, etc. posted here be done with kindness and respect for all involved. If you have a message for the group, please send it to maggieblackwell@hotmail.com with "Mail Box" as subject. As in ALL items for posting, your first name and location must be included in the message. Posting is at the discretion of the publisher.

Maggie,

I love this new addition to your ezine. It will be great to be able to hear from others too. My request, any and all crepe recipes. This would make a great monthly theme and even I would contribute a recipe or two!!!

Stay well.

Mary Jane, Stockton, CA

Mary Jane,

We could do some crepes! Let’s see what comes in from others, ok? If the response is good, we’ll declare it as a theme. In any event, we’ll get some crepe recipes coming your way.

I believe this section could be a winner, too. And I love to hear from you all and know that you wish to stay in touch with the group. It feels more personal that way. And I thank you for being here with us, Mary Jane (I love the stuff you send for posting, by the way!).

~Maggie~

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Discussion Forum

Our discussion forum at QuickTopic for our topic "Eating and Cooking Healthier" is well under way. To join in (or just to read) use your web browser to go to:

A to Z Recipes Discussion Forum

You don't have to register or sign in, and you can choose to receive email for newly posted messages -- just click the Subscribe button when you get there.

NOTE:
Maybe once you get to the site using the above link, you could add it to favorites. Links that are easy to find are more likely to be used again.

Next Monthly Theme...

Five Ingredients Or Less Recipes

I believe this is a GREAT theme topic, don't you? I had been toying with the idea and then Mary from Nashville, TN solidified things for me when she sent me a slew of great recipes compiled when her local group had their theme of using 5 ingredients or less. Yes, we all enjoy preparing those more complex recipes and serving up something unique (if not spectacular!) to our family and friends. However, there is much to be said in "less is best". Do you have a recipe or two that require 5 ingredients or less to prepare? You know...the ones you rely on when time (or money) is at a minimum and hunger is high? How about that recipe that is so simple ingredient-wise but produces such fabulous results? Please share them with us in what could be a superb theme issue. Now, here is the NEW set of rules:

A to Z Recipes continues with its popular Theme Issues. We will share theme recipes and post them on the first Sunday of each month. Send your recipes no later than the last Friday of each month to have them posted in the next monthly theme issue. You may send in TWO of your favorite theme recipes in ONE email. If the number of recipes exceeds those needed in the issue, the publisher will post as many from every submitter as possible and save the remaining recipes for the following Sundays of that month. The rules for recipe submissions for the monthly theme issues are the same as ALL recipes submitted for posting.

The rules are as follows:

As a service to your fellow readers, please send only recipes that are in a form that others could easily copy and save for their own use. Recipes that would require a lot of editing or cleaning up or use non-standard measurements should not be submitted. Recipes without a name and location of sender may NOT be posted or posted without any credit given. There will be NO recipes posted that are from other recipe-zines. A to Z Recipes protects the privacy of its readers and does NOT publish email addresses. There will be no exceptions.

The deadline for April's theme issue is Friday, March 26th.

Theme recipes must have subject: "Five Ingredients Or Less Recipes" and will be posted on Sunday, April 4th.

As usual, only recipes are to be sent to: A to Z Recipes Inbox

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Anolon Classic Nonstick Cookware Set

Crazy Corner...

THE LOST CHAPTER OF GENESIS

Shared by Jean, Syracuse, NY

Adam was hanging around the garden of Eden feeling very lonely.

So, God asked him, "What's wrong with you?" Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to. God said that He was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman.

He said, "This pretty lady will gather food for you, she will cook for you, and when you discover clothing, she will wash it for you.

She will always agree with every decision you make and she will not nag you, and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you've had a disagreement. She will praise you!

She will bear your children. And never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them.

"She will NEVER have a headache and will freely give you love and passion whenever you need it."

Adam asked God, "What will a woman like this cost?"

God replied, "An arm and a leg."

Then Adam asked, "What can I get for a rib?"

Of course the rest is history......................

RED SKELTON'S OBSERVATIONS ON A HAPPY MARRIAGE

Shared by Larry Holmes, Ontario, Canada

1. Two times a week, we go to a nice restaurant, have a little beverage, good food and companionship. She goes on Tuesdays, I go on Fridays.

2. We also sleep in separate beds. Hers is in Ontario and mine is in Tucson.

3. I take my wife everywhere... but she keeps finding her way back.

4. I asked my wife where she wanted to go for our anniversary. “Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!” she said. So I suggested the kitchen.

5. We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.

6. She has an electric blender, electric toaster and electric bread maker. She said, “There are too many gadgets and no place to sit down!” So, I bought her an electric chair.

7. My wife told me the car wasn't running well because there was water in the carburetor. I asked where the car was; she told me, “In the lake.”

8. She got a mud pack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.

9. She ran after the garbage truck, yelling “Am I too late for the garbage?” The driver said, “No, jump in!”

10. Remember: Marriage is the number one cause of divorce.

11. I married Miss Right. I just didn't know her first name was Always.

12. I haven't spoken to my wife in 18 months. I don't like to interrupt her.

13. The last fight was my fault. My wife asked, “What's on the TV?” I said “Dust!”

Work or Play ?

Shared by Richard K, Bradenton, FL

A man wonders if having sex on the Sabbath is a sin because he is not sure if sex is work or play. So he goes to a priest and asks for his opinion on this question.

After consulting with his superiors, the priest says,

"My son, after an exhaustive search, I am positive that sex is work and is therefore not permitted on Sundays."

The man thinks, "What does a priest know about sex?" So he goes to a minister, who after all is a married man and experienced in this matter. He queries the minister and receives the same reply.

"Sex is work and therefore not permitted on the Sabbath!"

Not pleased with the reply, he seeks out a rabbi, a man of thousands of years' tradition and knowledge. The rabbi ponders the question, then states,

"My son, sex is definitely play."

The man replies, "Rabbi, how can you be so sure when so many others tell me sex is work?"

The rabbi softly speaks, "My son, if sex were work, my wife would have the maid do it."

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Love is not blind.
That's why they make lingerie...

How Can I Help?...

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Your Favorites...

FRUIT DROPS

~Submitted by Mary, TN

1 stick margarine
1 cup brown sugar packed
1/2 lb. chopped dates
1 cup coconut
1/2 tsp. soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg
1 cup walnuts (I use pecans)
1-1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Mix all of the above ingredients well and drop by 1/2 tsp. full on greased cookie sheet, not too close together. Bake at 350 degrees about 10 to 12 minutes.

Makes 60 cookies.

SEVEN LAYER SALAD

~Submitted by Mary B, MI

1/2 head torn lettuce
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 10 oz. package frozen peas
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
4 oz. grated cheddar cheese
6 slices, cooked and crumbled bacon

Arrange the first 5 ingredients in a bowl in layers, in order as given with the lettuce on the bottom. Cook peas according to package directions, spread them hot over the onions. Mix together the Mayo and sugar and spread over the warm peas. Top with grated cheese and bacon. Let stand in refrigerator 6 hours or overnight.

RED SNAPPER WITH PECAN-BANANA BUTTER

~Submitted by Treva, NC

1/2 cup flour
2 tsp. hot paprika
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk
3 Tbs. peanut or canola oil
Four 6-oz. red snapper fillets (you can also use catfish or haddock)
4 Tbs. butter
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Pinch salt
1 large firm-ripe banana, diced
2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
2 Tbs. minced fresh cilantro or parsley

Preparation:

Stir together the flour, paprika, thyme and salt on a large plate. Pour milk into a shallow bowl. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot, not smoking. Dip fish in milk, then flour mixture. Cook in hot oil, in batches if necessary, until browned on the bottom. Turn fillets and brown other side, about 4 minutes per side for 1-inch fillets. Remove to a platter and keep warm.

Drain cooking oil and wipe skillet with paper towels. Heat butter over medium heat and add pecans, nutmeg and salt. Cook, stirring, until pecans are lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add bananas and cook, stirring, about 1 minute or just until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and cilantro. Place fillets on warm plates, spoon some sauce over each and serve immediately.
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation time: 45 minutes

IMPOSSIBLE PINA COLADA PIE

~Submitted by Ann, FL

4 eggs
1/4 c. milk
2 tsp. rum extract + 2 tbsp. milk or 1/4 c. rum
2 tbsp. butter, softened
1 (15 oz.) can cream of coconut
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained
1 c. flaked coconut
1/2 c. Bisquick
1 c. flaked coconut

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease pie plate, 10 x 1 1/2 inch. Beat all ingredients except last cup of coconut until well blended. Pour into plate. Sprinkle with remaining coconut. Bake until knife inserted in center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes.

VEGETABLE & CHEESE PITAS
Makes 4 main-dish servings

~Submitted by Larry Holmes, Ontario, Canada

1/3 cup bottled Italian salad dressing
¼ pound bean sprouts (about 1 ½ cup)
1 10-ounce package sharp Cheddar cheese
1 large carrot
1 medium-sized cucumber
1 medium sized tomato
4 6-inch pitas
4 large lettuce leaves

About 30 minutes before serving:
In large bowl, toss salad dressing and bean sprouts; set aside, stirring occasionally.

Cut Cheddar cheese into bite-sized pieces; shred carrot. Cut unpeeled cucumber lengthwise in half; with spoon, scoop out seeds. Cut cucumber and tomato into bite-sized pieces.

With kitchen shears, cut an “X” through top layer of each pita, cutting up to outer edge of round. To assemble sandwiches, gently cut up sides of pita. Line bottom of pitas with lettuce leaves. Stir cheese, carrot, cucumber, and tomato into bean-sprout mixture; use to fill pitas. Eat sandwiches with knife and fork.

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Heart Healthy...

CHINESE CHICKEN

~Submitted by Joyce, IL

12 oz Chicken breast; skinned & boneless
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 c Broccoli flowerettes
1 c Caulifowerettes
4 Green onion cut in 1" pieces
1/2 lb Mushrooms; sliced
2 Tablespoon Low-sodium soy sauce
3 Tablespoon Dry sherry
1 Teaspoon Arrowroot dissolved in 2 Tablespoons Water
1 Teaspoon Gingerroot
1/4 Teaspoon Sesame oil

Trim any fat from chicken and thinly slice diagonally. In a large non-stick or wok, heat oil and stir-fry chicken 3 or 4 minutes or until cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm. Add broccoli and cauliflower, stir fry 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, sherry and gingerroot; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add dissolved arrowroot, sesame oil, peanuts and chicken. Cook until heated through.

Exchanges:
2 Vegetable
3-1/2 Low-Fat Meat

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For Two...

BEEF-NOODLE DISH

1 tsp oil
½ lb lean ground beef
1/3 cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped celery
1 cup dry medium egg noodles
1¼ cups water
½ X 5½oz can tomato paste
¼ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup ripe olives
½ tsp beef bouillon powder
1/16 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Heat cooking oil in frying pan. Add ground beef, onion and celery. Scramble fry til no pink remains in the beef. Add remaining ingredients. Stir. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until noodles are cooked. Makes 3 cups.

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Publisher's Choice...

APPLE SAUSAGE BAKE
Serves 6

A mix of apples, sausage and a crumbly cheddar-cheese crust. It’s a homey, delicious dish.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons ice water
1 pound bulk breakfast sausage, crumbled
3 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Place flour in a large bowl. Using a pastry blender or knives, cut in shortening until crumbs form. Stir in the cheese. Sprinkle with the water and stir to make a crumbly dough. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. With a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a large bowl, then stir in the apples, onion, brown sugar and cinnamon.

3. Spoon the filling into a deep-dish 9-inch pie plate. Pat the dough lightly on top. Bake for 45 minutes, until lightly browned.

Glass Pie Dome
Show-off your home-baked masterpiece in our elegant Pie Dome.
Seals in goodness so crusts won't go soggy. Hand-blown glass is
heat-resistant to 350F and microwave safe so you can reheat
without drying out dessert. Includes 13" diameter plate and 7"H cover.
Price: $44.95

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