By DiAnnMills @DiAnnMills
Christmas is swirling in our thoughts. We’ve had great parties, memorable reunions, laughter, hugs, and maybe a tear or two. But it’s all been a grand celebration of our Lord’s birth. With the New Year approaching like a team of runaway horses, what are three quick tips for us to embrace 2017?
Choose joy. This is not about expecting every day to be filled with happiness. Choosing joy is a state of mind, a challenge when life tosses us unexpected trials.
Choose awareness. Too many times, it’s easier to bury our head under the pillow than make a conscientious choice to find out what’s going on around us. A wise person is an informed one about our community, country, and world.
Choose to grow. Cultivate and expand your knowledge. Read. Listen. Communicate with others.
For those who requested the The Best Bread Pudding Recipe, this delicious taste treat is from Paula Deen.
2 cups granulated sugar
5 large beaten eggs
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups cubed Italian bread, allow to stale overnight in a bowl
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 cup chopped pecans
For the sauce
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup white Karo syrup
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.
Mix together granulated sugar, eggs, and milk in a bowl; add vanilla. Pour over cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, mix and crumble together brown sugar, butter, and pecans.
Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.
For the sauce:
Mix together the brown sugar, butter, egg, Karo syrup, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Simmer on very low heat about 10 minute. Pour over bread pudding. Serve warm or cold. Better warm!
Anyone care to share as comment a new favorite recipe they discovered this season?
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DiAnn’s Library Corner
The New Year is a perfect time to plan library activities for your patrons. Be creative! Conduct a poll. Choose to enjoy serving patrons, young and old.
Greetings DiAnn! I love your post. Oh a great recipe and one I ran out of time to make was my mom’s cherry nut roll …I’ve not made it for several years though. Maybe I should dig up the recipe and bake away! I wish you the peace and joy of our Lord!
Hi Sue, thanks for posting during this busy time. If you find your mother’s cherry-nut roll, I’d like a copy! Happy New Year!
Encouragement overflowing with wisdom. Thanks DiAnn. I must avoid sweets, but the tips are like a special recipe – for wisdom.
Hi Frances, you always know the perfect thing to say. Happy New Year, my friend.
DiAnn, Thank you for simple yet profound wisdom. I sense so many are in despair over 2016 and some are desperate for hope for the future but don’t really believe good things are possible. We who know Jesus have eternal, blessed hope, and a very present help in trouble. Here’s hoping for 2017! Hebrews 4:14-16 ?
Hi Carmen, thank you so much. I haven’t found my word or phrase for 2017. So many things we all need to keep our focus on Jesus. Happy New Year!
Wise words indeed.
Happy New Year!
Thank you, Kathleen! Be blessed.
Yes! I found this amazing gluten-free sugar cookie recipe. 🙂 I’m trying to add the link, but it won’t let me. It’s from a site called Natural Chow, “Gluten free cut sugar cookies.”
Love,
Julie
Hi Julie, I wish you so much happiness in the New Year. Love you!
DiAnn, it’s not a new recipe, but a new discovery for me that was quite successful! I learned that my mom’s Broccoli Rice Casserole (traditional: rice, cheese, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup) can be successfully made in a CrockPot and the texture remain of the rice stays in good form.
I don’t always comment, but I surely do enjoy reading your articles, DiAnn. Much love to you and D!
Hi Connie, thanks for the crock pot tip. Never occurred to me to make it that way – and it would stay yummy warm.
Wonderful recipe! Wish I had one to share.
I do offer myself as Taste Tester. Yes, it’s a sacrifice, to offer to taste things which have been created in the kitchen. We must make sacrifices for the good of those we love. “It’s a hard job but somebody has to do it,” the saying goes. I am more than willing to place myself at the table of yumminess to ensure everyone else will enjoy what talented hands have created.
Enjoy the holiday season (what’s left)! Be safe!
Happy New Year!!
Thank you, Jann! Taste tasting is fine. I love to cook – just the time factor. 🙂