Saturday, November 4, 2023

Being Dead is No Excuse – A Cookbook Review

The official Southern ladies guide to hosting the perfect funeral.

Book Cover of the cookbook "Being Dead Is No Excuse"

The Southern Cookbook to Die For

Being Dead is No Excuse is a cookbook compiled by Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays filled with true Southern recipes for hosting an authentic Southern funeral.

Each chapter in the book includes those Southern-style recipes necessary if you plan to die tastefully (tongue-in-cheek pun here) any time soon. A definite 'must-have' cookbook throughout the Mississippi Delta where there is a strong sense of community, and being dead is no hindrance to belonging to it.

At Southern funerals, everybody is obsessed with the notion that there won't be enough food and out-of-town guests will go away hungry (Sally Stephens is out of town, so who's going to bring stuffed eggs?). They don't want another death brought on by starvation! At Delta funerals Campbell's cream-of-mushroom soup drenches fresh vegetables. If you wonder why this is so, you have to realize that it acts “As An Extender”. LOL.

The most humorous cookbook I have ever read, plus some fun recipes to try whether you are Southern or not. A Mississippi Delta funeral needs comfort foods, proper etiquette, and, of course, The Restorative Cocktail? (What does one do when a family gets three sheets to the wind and eats the entire feast the night before a funeral?)

From the Southern-style Green-bean Casserole (like stuffed eggs and pimiento cheese, it's a standard at Delta Funerals – because we've been deprived of fat, salt, and sugar too long - think bacon drippings in the ingredients!) to Cheese Grits to Beef Tenderloin (or the alternative Pork Tenderloin), ham, and chicken, tons of Southern dishes make their way to the table. Don't forget the Homemade Vegetable Soup – a favorite comfort food served with corn bread. Or the Liketa Died Potatoes – a true Southern favorite (made with corn flakes, hash browns, cheddar cheese soup and sour cream). And, naturally, the funeral meal wouldn't be complete without Mary Mills Chocolate Sheet Cake.

Summary

A girlfriend gifted me with this cookbook several years ago when I was living in the South, and just reading the chapters will have you laughing uproariously. And the recipes themselves are deliciously delightful. The perfect cookbook for a true Southern send-off!

Being Dead is No Excuse Cookbook is available here on Amazon

*For more Cookbook Reviews, click here.

*Review of the cookbook Being Dead is No Excuse, written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Friday, November 3, 2023

Extreme Heat Resistant Gloves for Baking, Cooking or Grilling Reviewed

My son recently gave me a pair of extreme heat resistant gloves to use when I am baking or cooking in the oven. I immediately loved them for the exact same reason I prefer gloves over mitts in outdoor wear. I have the use of my fingers which means I can get a better grip on ovenware.

Plus, the gloves come far enough up my arm that they prevent burns to my wrists. Previously, that was not a problem. However, when we were forced to purchase a new oven a few years back, I quickly realized the racks inside the oven were set in slightly different places then they were in my old oven. I found that out when I burned my wrist on the center rack, twice, because it sits a little higher. Of course, I know that now, but it is nice to have the added protection provided by these new oven gloves.

He gave me the blue gloves because my favorite color is blue. I also like the "flowing water" design on the gloves. They are also available in orange or red, which resemble fire.

The gloves are one size which means the glove fingers are longer than my fingers, but that is okay. It actually offers room for my long finger nails.

The construction of these gloves is impressive! The black fabric is aramid fiber, which is better known as Kevlar, the trademarked name of the same fiber made by Dupont. The blue design is made of silicone and the gloves have a cotton lining on the inside for comfort.

The makers do give the warning that the gloves are made for heat resistance, not flame or hot liquid.

Extreme Heat Resistant Gloves for Cooks

Extreme Heat Resistant BBQ Grill Gloves, Oven Mitts, Protection Up to 1472°F, Aramid Fiber, Non-Slip Silicone.

I would recommend these gloves to anyone who cooks. I have used oven mitts my entire life, but I much prefer the freedom of dexterity offered by gloves. I also like the non-slip silicone design that allows me to get a better grip on bakeware.

Extreme Heat Resistant up to 1472°F/800°C
Grill or Oven Use
Non-slip, 2 Sided Silicone Coverage
Made of Aramid Fiber
Cotton Liner
Long Sleeve Length for Added Protection
Loop for Hanging
Washable: Machine or Hand
Hang to Dry

heat resistant gloves for baking, cooking or grilling

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The Beauty Doctor, Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard ~ A Book Review

The Beauty Doctor is a work of fiction set in the early 1900's when the medical field was in it's infancy. Regulatory bodies were not yet in place and quackery abounded.

It was also a time of social upheaval as well. Women were just starting to demand attention not only for their family ties, but also for their own inherent worth as individuals. It was a time when the old and the new were very much at loggerheads with each other and social status was not the defining standard.

Many people made fortunes selling snake oils that promised all kinds of magical results and often times these potions and lotions were causing some very serious problems.

European trends on what constituted beauty abounded. Hence some very unsavory characters who called themselves "Doctor", managed to make themselves known to those who were wealthy and could afford their services. Working on these women's weaknesses was what worked for them. Subtle and sometimes not so subtle augmentation could make a woman feel beautiful and therefore much more attractive to her peer group.

The Beauty Doctor is the story of a young woman (Abigail), whose father was a decent doctor, and in whose footsteps she had hoped to follow. She routinely would aid her father when he made house calls and became quite efficient and proficient at many of the tasks she assisted with. What she needed now was the proper education to continue in her quest to become a doctor in truth. Alas, such was not to be the case, Abigail's father has died and her mother remarried. The new step father was not adverse to make lewd advances to his beautiful new step-daughter.

Stunned by this turn of events in her life, she decides to leave home and ask a friend for sanctuary. Arthur has taken her into his home. Being part of New York society at that time, it was only shortly after her arrival in the Hennessy Family that Arthur knew he would have to propose so that the family could keep their heads held high in their social circle. Again Abigail's life is taking a turn she did not wish for herself. She wants to become a doctor and has to find a way to do just that.

At the party to introduce Abigail to the rest of New York society, Abigail finds herself seated next to Dr. Franklin Rome, who is accompanying another wealthy socialite to this affair. He has a way about him. ""Beauty is power," Dr. Rome told her. "And with enough power, one can achieve anything." And here the plot thickens. Abigail sees a possibility that might just get her out of this engagement and further her own desires.

What follows is a twisting and turning story of her introduction to what we know today as cosmetic surgery.

This book was a very interesting story and you could picture yourself watching these lives unfold. What lengths some people would go through for their own sometimes perverse ideas of what human beauty should be and look like. I'm sure you will find it interesting and thought provoking. So many ideas being put forth by the new medical establishment and funded by those who have the money to do so.

This book certainly makes you see what was possible in an unregulated profession such as medicine was and why it's a good thing that regulations are in place today. It's a history lesson that I won't forget anytime soon for sure.

For anyone who enjoys historical novels and the development of society as we know it today, this book will surely be a hit. The Beauty Doctor scores more than 4 out of 5 stars on it's Amazon ratings.

I was given an advanced copy of the second edition by #booksirens.com in exchange for my honest review,

I would not hesitate to recommend this as a great book to read and/or enjoy with a book club. It certainly makes you stop and think!

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Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Celebrate Halloweens Links To Nature Reviewed.

Happy Halloween!! Wishing everyone a fun and happy time! Halloween can be a fun celebration for those who participate.

On the very cusp of saying goodbye to summer and hello to winter time it is an important time in the calendar.

Today we find many ways to celebrate this season and the Halloween festival. We decorate our homes with orange and black, spiders and ghosts and ghouls, or a display of gorgeous squashes outside the front door. We might go trick or treating with young children dressed in amazing inventive fancy dress or go to parties dressed in Halloween costumes.

Some of us buy decorations for our homes, others craft their own and some even become family traditions. Even if you don't decorate or do anything yourself it can be fun driving or walking around the neighbourhood looking at all the inventive decoration. It is a festival that everyone can be involved in if they wish.

Nature Relating to Halloween, Festival Of Samhain

With all this going on I was reflecting on the origins of Halloween and how it relates and links to nature. Halloween has a strong connection to nature through its ancient origins and the season of this celebration.

Halloween developed from the ancient Celtic pagan festival of Samhain pronounced sow win. This festival has deep roots in nature and marks the point of transition between summer and winter or from the new life, growth, light and warmth of the summer time to the lower light levels , slowing down of plants and leaf loss, darkness and colder days throughout the winter months. So this festival marked the change of seasons as seen in nature and the constant rhythm of life and death.

During Samhain, and as the nights drew in and became much colder, people would naturally gather around warm bonfires. These fires symbolised the warmth and light of the sun and of course provided physical warmth so crucial in the cold nights. In addition they were a spiritual beacon, with the belief that they were guiding the spirits of the departed back to the Otherworld.

People believed at this time of year that the barriers between this world and the other world were broken down and that meant the living could interact with the other world more easily.

To disguise themselves they dressed as monsters and various animals so that the fairies would ignore them and thus avoid being kidnapped to the other world.

The costumes worn by people during Samhain often included elements of nature such as leaves, animal skins, or masks made from a range of already harvested crops from the fields. In this history, we can see the origins of where our current costumes enjoyed at Halloween may have originated.

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Gathering Crops And The Pumpkin

The close connection between the time of Halloween and the harvest season reflects the importance of nature and its crucial link to our lives.

This time of year is traditionally associated with the gathering of crops in from the fields. This is undertaken in order to have food to sustain us and stave off hunger during the long cold winter time, with a good crop ensuring our wellbeing in the worst harsh winter months.

It is also important to prepare our homes and gardens for the cold sometimes harsh winter months and for us to adjust from the long easier summer days and warmth to the often harsher, colder and darker winter.

Pumpkins are a prominent symbol of Halloween frequently used as decoration inside and outside our homes, with talented artistic carvings, fun lighted carvings and sometimes competitions. In addition delicious Pumpkin recipes abound at this time of year.

Pumpkins and squashes represent the bountiful harvest and the abundance provided by nature. I love to see the pumpkins and squashes growing in the fields and they are satisfying and wonderful to eat. Originally turnips were used filled with coal for displays but this later switched to pumpkins.

I really enjoy seeing all the amazing carvings and abundant displays in homes and gardens at this time of year. It certainly brightens up the often dull, low light afternoons and evenings.

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Overall, Halloween's origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain and its association with the changing seasons and harvest demonstrate its innate connection to nature and the natural rhythms of life.

This is just a brief look at the ancient festival and its relation to nature and how we celebrate today. There is certainly much more to its fascinating history, but here is just a glimpse of how it relates to nature.

So enjoy and celebrate Halloween and this change of the seasons and spare a thought for our ancestors with their beliefs and connections to the natural world.

Large Orange Red Pumpkin with Ridged Skin

Here are amazing and fascinating articles about Halloween from recipes to decor and more written by the talented contributors on Review This Reviews

Halloween Articles By Contributors On Review This Reviews

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Monday, October 30, 2023

Cookbook Review: Betty Crocker Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies

Imagine, "Pies That Magically Bake Their Own Crust". The Betty Crocker Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies cookbook has been a very welcomed addition to my kitchen. With just several ingredients, Bisquick, an egg, and milk I have been able to make savory and sweet pies and have over 130 pages of recipes to try.

As someone who isn't incredibly talented in the kitchen but likes good food, I have tried baking pies in the past. (Sams recipe?). Combining my lack of experience with my lack of time and energy, I am always looking for hardy - but extremely easy - meal ideas. These Impossibly Easy Pies hit the mark perfectly. I can whip one together very quickly after work, pop it into the oven, and dinner is ready by the time I walk the dogs and feed the chickens.

My favorite so far is the chicken pot pie.

Stir together these ingredients and place in a pie plate:

2 cups of chunks of cooked chicken (I used canned chicken)
1 cup of frozen peas and carrots (I used a frozen vegetable mix that also included green beans)
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped onion

Stir together the Bisquick, egg, and milk. Pour this mixture over the vegetable mixture. Bake.

The final product is a hot, filling, delicious, comfort food. In my household, as a single person, I am left with extra portions to use for my lunches at work.

Betty Crocker Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies

I have begun to use a can of cream of chicken soup, the frozen vegetables, and the cooked chicken chunks routinely. Making a creamier version of the meal.

I did find that my cookbook recommends one part Bisquick to two parts milk. This makes a thin crust that forms more evenly over the top of the dish. The recipes on the internet reverse that to two parts Bisquick and one part milk. I prefer that amount as it makes more of a thick biscuit or dumpling topping (as seen in the my photo).

This week I am going to make a beef pot pie - with a can of vegetable beef soup, frozen vegetables, and grilled chunks of steak.

Additional Tips:

I found my copy of Betty Crocker Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies cookbook at a store called Ollies for only $3.99. If thrifting is your thing, have a look at the discount stores.

Similar recipes can be found on the internet. I usually refrain from the expense of the cookbook purchase by using the internet. However, in this case, having the book with all of the different menus in one place is easy and inspiring. In this case, having the printed version is helpful to consider the varieties of pies that could be made.

The cookbook has a contents section that lists the pies into chapter based on the ingredients. Such as Beef, Chicken and Turkey, Ham/Sausage/Bacon, Fish and Seafood, Meatless, Fruity, and Sweet-Tooth Temptations. They also list some of the pies into these helpful categories:

All-American Supper
Summer Dinner on the Deck
Mexi-Meal
Sunday Brunch
Kids' Choice
Thanksgiving
Special Occasion Dinner
Appetizer Party

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Sunday, October 29, 2023

Check Out This Stunning Affordable King-Sized Grey & White Quilted Bedspread! 5 Star Review

Affordable and Gorgeous King Sized Bedspread

As usual, there are often frequent changes in my home.

We've recently put another king-sized bed in one of the bedrooms (especially for company).

The new bed, of course, needed new bedding.

When it comes to beds, I'm admittedly quite particular. The way they're made can make or break the overall look, and I'm definitely not a fan of that loosy-goosy appearance. That's why I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one sits perfectly flat, just the way I like it.

Note that this is a bedspread, not a duvet! Duvets require an insert; this is not that.

Patterned Quilt Bedspread in Black, White and Grey

Available on Amazon - Multiple Colors and Sizes - This one is California King Size

A Gorgeous New California Bed-Spread for a Reasonable Price:

No puffy look here: If you're after a thick, billowy appearance, this might not be your pick. However, for me, it's just perfect. It boasts a sleek and even presence on the bed that I prefer.
Height matters: This bedframe is 16 inches off the floor. Though this particular bedspread doesn't quite reach the floor (a preference of mine is that it would reach the floor), it still looks incredibly stylish. I measured it beforehand, so it wasn't a surprise, but it's worth noting.
Five stars: In my book, this quilt set earns a solid five stars. It's not only good-looking but also of acceptable quality. The subtle plaid and floral pattern is very pretty and adds a unique touch to the space. Plus, it's lightweight, making it a breeze to handle. And let's not forget the value for money – it's certainly a steal.

Black, White and Grey Patterned Quilted Bedspread

Now, Let's Dive Into the Details of the Quilt Set Itself:

Unveiling the Quilt Ensemble:

This quilt set is a king-sized masterpiece composed of three essential elements. It boasts one Quilt measuring an expansive 96"x106" and a pair of Pillowcases at 20"x36". Together, they redefine the ambiance of your space with a captivating fusion of grey florals and plaid.

Elegant Floral Fusion:

The design is an amalgamation of floral motifs and paisley prints that gracefully adorn the washed patchwork. This infusion exudes an undeniable charm and a timeless elegance, bestowing upon this Quilt set the well-deserved status of the centerpiece in my bedroom decor.

Luxuriously Soft Microfiber Craftsmanship:

Crafted from the finest soft microfiber, this Quilt guarantees a cocoon of warmth and is not too warm all year round. Its versatility is further amplified by its reversible feature, allowing you to effortlessly alter your decor to match your ever-evolving mood.

All-Weather Versatility and Adaptability:

What sets this Quilt apart is its remarkable adaptability. It's an inviting cocoon during the breezy spring and sweltering summer months and is warm enough in the autumn and winter with extra blankets if needed.

Effortless Maintenance and Enduring Beauty:

Caring for this Quilt is a breeze. According to the manufacturer, it can be machine-washed in cold water, and a gentle tumble dry on a low setting is all it takes to keep it pristine. It resists fading, shrinking, and wrinkling. I still need to wash it, so I can't personally attest to the claim by the manufacturer. Although it's light enough that I can understand why it's easy to wash.

Bedspread quilted in black, white and grey patterns

Available on Amazon

In summary, if you're looking for a quality bedspread for a very reasonable price, you have to check this one out. It comes in multiple sizes and colors, and they're all gorgeous. What a deal.

Would I buy another? Yes, absolutely.

A 5-star review from Me! ★★★★★

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Saturday, October 28, 2023

Book Review: Blessings of the Lost Girls by J.A. Jance

A Brady and Walker Family Novel

Fans of author Judith (J.A.) Jance love her three popular series, one starring Joanna Brady, another J.P. Beaumont and the series with Ali Reynolds. She also wrote a short series (5 books) about the Walker Family featuring Native Americans from the Tohono O’Odham reservation in Arizona.

In this review of her latest book, Blessings of the Lost Girls, Jance combines members of the Walker Family and characters from the Joanna Brady series in an exciting adventure that includes Joanna's daughter Jenny and Brandon Walker's son-in-law, Dan Pardee.

Synopsis of Blessings of the Lost Girls

The story begins with a background of the serial killer who is the villain in the novel.

Then we are introduced to Danial Pardee, a former member of the Shadow Wolves Border Patrol, who patrol the U.S./Mexico border along the Tohono O’Odham Nation Reservation in Arizona. Now he is a field officer in the newly formed MIP agency (Missing and Murdered Indigenous People), an agency under the Department of Interior. The main purpose of MIP is to investigate and put right how law enforcement agencies all over the country had dealt with both solved and unsolved cases involving the deaths and disappearances of Native American victims.

A body is found in the desert on a ranch near Tucson consisting of nothing but burned bones. It took nearly 3 years, but the bones are finally identified as those of Rosa Rios, a young woman of Apache descent who was a one-time rodeo star. Dan is called to investigate, as the victim was found in his territory. As it turns out, all reports each MIP investigator files are automatically shared with other MIP field agents, which soon leads to other agents contacting Dan with reports of similar cases involving young women of indigenous descent, each of whom had some connection to rodeos. Soon, the agency realizes that Rosa's death is connected to a serial killer.

Dan contacts Joanna Brady, Sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona where Rosa's body was found. Later, Joanna's daughter Jenny, currently a criminal justice major at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, becomes involved in the case due to having once met Rosa at a rodeo.

Turns out, Jenny knows another girl who was once attacked at a rodeo by a man who matches the description of the killer they are looking for. And this girl happens to have saved a pair of eyeglasses which were knocked off the man during the attack. The girl never reported the attack at the time because her Morman family would not have approved of the boy she was dating, but finally agrees to turn in the glasses, from which fingerprints are obtained.

Summary

Between Dan, Joanna and Jenny, and Dan's best friend, Brian Fellows, Sheriff of Pina County in Tucson, a case is put together and the serial killer is tracked down.

*Special Note: Throughout the novel, the author weaves in a few fascinating ancient legends from the (Papago) Tohono O’Odham (Desert People) where the basis of the story begins. The legends, plus the excellent writing of J.A. Jance, makes Blessings of the Lost Girls a very special story indeed. I highly recommend it.

Blessings of the Lost Girls, Book 20 of 20 in the Joanna Brady mystery series, is available in several formats on Amazon

Friday, October 27, 2023

Homemade Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe - Dessert Review

We recently celebrated my father's birthday. When I was going through my recipes, trying to select a cake to bake for him, I remembered his love of pineapple. I decided to return to an old favorite and made a homemade pineapple upside down cake.

For this birthday celebration cake, I made a vanilla cake batter from scratch with pineapple juice instead of milk/buttermilk.

I used a 10" Cast Iron Skillet, which I cleaned before I started. I didn't want the taste of bacon grease or other residue transferring to my cake.

As always, I also pre-measured each ingredient before I started. It is amazing how much salt and sugar look alike when sitting on top of flour. Or how much baking soda can look like baking powder once you start mixing ingredients together.

Here is my recipe and the directions to make my pineapple upside down cake exactly as you see it in the photo.

By the way, the cake was such a hit with the entire family, I will be making it again very soon.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe by Sylvestermouse
ReviewThisReviews.com

Prep Time	Cook Time	Cool Time	Ready In	Yields
20 min.	40-50 min.	60 min.	2 hrs.	8 - 10 servings

Before You Start - set out butter, eggs, sour cream, & milk to warm to room temperature (approx. 30 minutes)

Ingredients - Cake Batter

• 1½ cups Cake Flour (I use Swans Down Cake Flour)

• ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda

• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder

• ½ teaspoon Salt

• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, soften to room temperature

• ¾ Cup of Sugar

• 2 Egg Whites (large eggs)

• ⅓ Cup of Sour Cream

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

• 2 Tablespoons Milk (room temperature)

• ¼ - ½ cup Pineapple Juice (juice the pineapple slices were canned in - save any remaining pineapple juice)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients: cake flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside

2. In a separate bowl, beat the butter with a mixer on high until creamy. Slowly add the sugar, beating on high until creamy again. Beat in egg whites. Then, beat in sour cream and vanilla extract.

3. Pour the dry ingredients (bowl 1) into the wet ingredients (bowl 2) and blend together on low speed. Continue using the mixer on low and slowly add the pineapple juice and milk. Mix on low until well blended.

Ingredients - Top of Cake

• Canned Pineapple Slices - 7 slices (2 - 8oz cans) for 10" cast iron skillet

• Maraschino Cherries - I use 19 cherries

• 1½ Sticks (12 Tablespoons) of Butter

• Brown Sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. (Convection Oven 325°F)

2. Mix the Cake Batter (recipe above)

3. Melt 1½ Sticks (12 Tablespoons) Butter in the Skillet in the Oven

4. Generously Sprinkle Melted Butter with Brown Sugar

5. Place Drained Pineapple Slices on the Top of Brown Sugar

6. Add Maraschino Cherries in the center of each Pineapple Slice and between the slices (if desired)