tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15457543286163092572024-03-13T16:07:57.594-06:00Food for Thought...and Thoughtsferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-90908993811852789382021-03-20T19:53:00.010-06:002023-02-27T08:00:16.314-07:00Incredible Lasagna<p>Ok, so this recipe is born of multiple iterations and experiments. It is officially ready for publishing! It's a delicious and relatively more healthy version of lasagna. It carries a protein/fiber punch, is extremely filling, and the texture and cheese make this lasagna a mouthwatering comfort food without quite as much guilt ;) </p><p>Hope y'all enjoy it!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Total Time: 1.5 hours</b></h2><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Prep: 20 minutes</li><li>Baking: 50 minutes</li><li>Cooling: 20 minutes</li></ul><div><b>Servings:</b> 12</div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Ingredients:</b></h2><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>an 8-ounce box of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Explore-Cuisine-Green-Lentil-Lasagna/dp/B01LW6DGQ4" target="_blank">Green Lentil Lasagna</a></li><li>2 cups of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Textured-Vegetable-Protein-Ounce-Multi-pack/dp/B005GWSTQ4" target="_blank">TVP (textured vegetable protein)</a></li><li>30 oz of tomato sauce (this can be spaghetti sauce if you like)</li><li>2 large onions, diced</li><li>1 can of diced tomato (14.5oz can)</li><li>1 lb of ground turkey</li><li>2 tablespoons of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Better-Than-Bouillon-Vegetable-Original/dp/B00J2PXGN2" target="_blank">Vegetable base bouillon</a></li><li>Olive oil</li><li>2 cups of ricotta</li><li>4 cups of shredded mozzarella</li><li>Grated parmesan - optional</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Seasonings:</b></h2><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Basil</li><li>Garlic powder</li><li>Salt</li><li>Pepper</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Kitchen Gear:</b></h2><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 medium fry pans</li><li>1 large bowl</li><li>1 large lasagna pan (at least 12" by 18", with 2+ inches of depth)</li><li>Aluminum foil</li></ul></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Instructions:</b></h2></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b><b>Part 1 - Preparing the ingredients</b></h3><div>Put both fry pans on medium heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil to both pans. Brown the ground turkey in one, and fry up the diced onions in the other. Add 1/2 a teaspoon of salt, dash of pepper, and teaspoon of garlic to the turkey while it cooks. Make sure to make the ground turkey fine/crumbly - as best as you can.</div><div><br /></div><div>While the onions and turkey cook, get a large bowl and empty the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into it. Add 2 tablespoons of basil and a tablespoon of garlic to the bowl, and mix. </div><div><br /></div><div>Boil 2 cups of water, add the 2 tablespoons of bouillon and dissolve into the water. Add the 2 cups of TVP to the hot water and let it soak to absorb the water. ~5 minutes</div><div><br /></div><div>When onions are starting to become transparent, empty the pan into the large bowl of sauce. </div><div><br /></div><div>Add the TVP to the large bowl, and stir. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the ground turkey is done cooking, add to the bowl and stir.</div><div><br /></div><div>Start preheating the oven to 400 degrees F.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Part 2 - Assembling the Lasagna</h3><div>Prepare the pan by taking to large cuts of aluminum and combining them to make a double-wide sheet. TIP: put two sheets together, fold one long edge over itself a few times, then open the fold. </div><div>Place this double-wide sheet into the pan and press it into the shape of the pan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Create another double-wide cut for the topper. Set aside.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Use a large spoon and scoop enough of the bowl mixture into the pan to make the first layer.<br /><br /></li><li>Next, use 1 cup of the ricotta and spread a layer into the pan. TIP: use two small spoons and do small dollops throughout the pan.<br /><br /></li><li>Next, use 1 cup of mozzarella and sprinkle over the ricotta.<br /><br /></li><li>Next, put six of the lasagna sheets into the pan without overlapping. It's okay if there are some small gaps throughout.</li></ul></div><div>Repeat the bulleted steps one more time. This will use up the noodles and ricotta.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Final layer:</b> Spread the remainder of the bowl mixture in the pan. Top with remaining mozzarella. Feel free to sprinkle some parmesan as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cover the pan with the foil from earlier. Try to 'tent' it a little in the middle so that the cheese doesn't stick to the foil. Crimp edges well to seal the contents within the pan/foil. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Part 3 - Bake time!</h3><div>Place the pan in the oven, bottom-most rack, centered.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bake for 50 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Remove from oven, turn off, and (with mitts still on) remove the top foil.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let sit for at least 20 minutes before cutting and serving!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Alternatives for even more healthy lasagna:</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Reduce ricotta, mozzarella, and olive oil by half</li><li>Remove turkey completely and use only the TVP</li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-53093362265786664222018-11-22T20:20:00.001-07:002018-11-22T20:23:24.869-07:00Almond Flour PancakesBreakfast - Makes 8 to 12 pancakes roughly 6 to 8 inches in diameter<br />
Takes 30 minutes to prepare and cook<br />
<br />
<h3>
Summary</h3>
These pancakes are extremely tasty, with great texture and crisp edges. Although they are called "Almond Flour" pancakes, they are not without regular flour - so no, they are not gluten-free.<br />
<br />
<b>Tips</b><br />
When working with Almond Flour, you may need to remove clumps. For example, when you first open the bag, everything about the consistency is loose and great. Once you put it in the freezer to keep fresh, clumps will form and it becomes a real pain in the ass to break back down. Sifting doesn't do this well since Almond Flour tends to have a bit of moisture and easily gathers into clumps. Be ready to add the flour to a separate bowl and press the clumps down into a loose flour.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Ingredients </b></h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 1/2 cups of Almond Flour </li>
<li>1 cup of flour</li>
<li>2 tablespoons of sugar</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon of salt</li>
<li>2 cups of milk</li>
<li>2 tablespoons of melted butter</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of vanilla</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Directions</h3>
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Mix all dry ingredients into a medium bowl</li>
<li>Stir in the rest of the ingredients until clumps are gone - hand beater is fine</li>
<ol>
<li>NOTE: Batter will be rather thin compared to typical pancake batter</li>
</ol>
<li>Heat a small/medium sized skillet over medium heat</li>
<li>Lightly butter the skillet - wait until melted well, then add roughly 1/2 cup of batter to the skillet. </li>
<ol>
<li>NOTE: Like a crepe would be made, lift skillet slightly and rotate around to cover the bottom of the skillet</li>
</ol>
<li>Cook the pancake until light brown - flip and cook the second side until light brown</li>
</ol>
<div>
Serve pancakes hot with syrup, or whatever toppings desired.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Make them thinner and you can use these as a wrap with a savory filling.</div>
ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-79238173731301614712013-10-17T13:42:00.002-06:002018-11-22T20:25:46.314-07:00Colorful Chicken AlfredoEntrée - serves 5 - 6 people<br />
<br />
Takes 20 minutes to prepare and cook<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Ingredients </h3>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups of uncooked colorful spiral noodles</li>
<li>2 - 12oz cans of chicken breast</li>
<li>2 jars of regular alfredo sauce</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Oregano</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Raise water to a boil in a 2+ quart pot</li>
<li>Cook noodles in boiling water for 10 minutes</li>
<li>While cooking noodles, on medium heat, mix alfredo, seasonings, and chicken breast into a 1 quart pot</li>
<li>To get as much of the alfredo out of the jars, add 2-ish tablespoons of water, recap, shake up, and pour into the pot.</li>
<li>When the noodles are done, combine noodles and chicken alfredo sauce into desired bowl</li>
</ol>
<br />
Serve! :0)<br />
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
</ol>
ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-3941472674715084042013-10-12T16:26:00.001-06:002013-10-12T16:26:38.749-06:00Spinach Scallops
<br />
<div style="color: #17365d; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Spinach Scallops</span></div>
<br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
Entrée - serves 4 -5 people</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
Takes 30 minutes to prepare, cook, and serve.</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><span style="color: #9c9691; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>
<br />
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">12-14
small/medium size fresh (not frozen) scallops</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">4 tablespoons
butter</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">3 tablespoons of
lime juice</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">3/4 cup of raw
oats</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">2 cups fresh baby
leaf spinach</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 cup of shredded
colby jack cheese</span> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" value="1"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Get the fry pan
heated to medium-high heat</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Add butter to get
it melted</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Add all the lime
juice to the melted butter</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Immediately add
the scallops</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Let fry on this
side for 8 minutes</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Before flipping
all the scallops, add half the oats to the scallops</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Flip scallops</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Fry for another 5
minutes</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Add the rest of
the oats</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Add all spinach
to the top layer, careful not to let it touch bare areas, only the
scallops</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Add the shredded
cheese to the top of the spinach evenly</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Let cook another
8 minutes</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Remove from heat
- cheese should be melted - serve!</span></li>
</ol>
ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-60688748367066338942013-07-06T15:51:00.001-06:002013-07-06T16:09:35.702-06:00Cheesy Squash<h2>
<span style="color: blue;">Cheesy Squash</span></h2>
Side dish – serves 4 to 5 people<br />
Takes 30 minutes to prepare, cook, and serve.<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ingredients</span></span></h3>
<ul>
<li>1 medium to large size yellow squash (9 to 12 inches)</li>
<li>4 tablespoons butter</li>
<li>1 teaspoon pepper & salt</li>
<li>1 cup of shredded Mozzarella Cheese</li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
First: Get the fry pan heated to medium heat<br />
<div>
</div>
Second: Add butter to get it melted<br />
<div>
</div>
Third: While butter is melting, thinly slice squash as an angle (thin as in 2 millimeters thick or so)<br />
<div>
</div>
Fourth: Once all sliced, add to melted butter in pan<br />
<div>
</div>
Fifth: Add pepper and salt – flip and turn slices of squash to make sure they get somewhat coated in butter, pepper, and salt.<br />
<div>
</div>
Sixth: Cover – let cook 10 minutes<br />
<br />
<div>
Seventh: At 10 minutes cooking time, uncover, rotate, flip, and bring bottom slices to the top (they should start to appear transparent).</div>
<div>
</div>
Eigth: Re-cover and let cook another 10 minutes.<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Ninth: At the 20 minute mark (or in other words, next 10 minute end mark), uncover and flip slices. Check to see if they all appear transparent. If so, turn to low heat and add the cheese in a layer across all the squash slices. If not transparent yet, recover and cook for 5 more minute and repeat until all are transparent. Then proceed to cheese.</div>
<div>
</div>
Tenth: With heat on low and cheese evenly sprinkled across, re-cover and let the cheese get melted – about 5 minutes.<br />
<div>
</div>
Eleventh: Serve warm and enjoy the buttery, cheese, squashy, goodness!!!ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-24163643805398921902013-03-02T09:27:00.000-07:002013-03-02T09:27:17.861-07:00Delectable Morning Scramble<h2>
<span style="color: blue;">Delectable Morning Scramble</span></h2>
Enough for 4-5 people<br />
Takes 15 minutes to prepare, cook, and serve.<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Ingredients:</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>9 - 10 Eggs, Scrambled</li>
<li>2 tablespoons butter or oil</li>
<li>8 oz of your favorite cheese</li>
<li>3 tablespoons of Chives</li>
<li>2 tablespoons of bacon bits</li>
<li>1/4 cup of Wheat Germ </li>
</ul>
First. Get pan heated to medium heat<br />
<div>
</div>
Second. Scramble eggs while pan is heating up<br />
<div>
</div>
Third. Once hot, add the butter or oil and spread around pan<br />
<div>
</div>
Fourth. Add in the scrambled eggs to begin cooking<br />
<div>
</div>
Fifth. Immediately add chives, bacon bits, and Wheat Germ. Stir<br />
<div>
</div>
Sixth. While cooking, shred up the cheese (if bought by the block).<br />
<div>
</div>
Seventh. Once shredded, add to your egg mixture and continue stirring, flipping, etc.<br />
<div>
</div>
Eighth. Now, turn the heat down to low-medium. <br />
<div>
</div>
Ninth. You want the cooking to slow down so that the cheese is melted and spread within the mixture evenly.<br />
<div>
</div>
Tenth. Flatten mixture into pan and cover.<br />
<div>
</div>
Eleventh. After 2 minutes of being covered, check mixture by flipping portions over to see how well it's cooked. If the egg is getting cooked, turn the rest over, cover again for 2 minutes.<br />
<div>
</div>
Twelfth. By this time, the egg throughout the mixture should be cooked.<br />
<div>
</div>
Thirteenth. You can now serve this yummy wonderful, cheesy, goodness!!ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-90213503894453904422013-02-26T20:21:00.002-07:002013-02-26T20:21:23.287-07:00Pizza Bread Extravaganza<h2>
<span style="color: blue;">Pizza Bread Extravaganza</span></h2>
Requires at least half a loaf of the <a href="http://victoria-amanda-hughes.blogspot.com/2013/02/italian-herb-bread.html">Italian Herb Bread</a><br />
<div>
</div>
Estimated prep/cooking time: 20 minutes<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Ingredients:</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>1 small package of sliced pepperoni</li>
<li>2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese </li>
<li>Half a loaf of the Italian Herb Bread</li>
<li>Any other toppings - optional </li>
</ul>
First step: Using a toaster oven, lay out as many slices of the Italian herb bread on a small pan.<br />
<div>
</div>
Second step: Add shredded mozzarella cheese to cover each slice evenly<br />
<div>
</div>
Third step: Add Pepperoni (and any other toppings desired)<br />
<div>
</div>
Fourth step: Pop in the toaster oven on toast setting until cheese is melted and beginning to get browned spots.<br />
<div>
</div>
Fifth step: Remove and serve!<br />
<div>
</div>
Very delicious and easy to make if Italian Herb Bread is already on hand. No spices or tomato sauce needed since the Italian twist is already coming from the bread.ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-20935292690482246882013-02-26T20:07:00.003-07:002013-02-26T20:19:28.356-07:00Italian Herb Bread<h2>
<span style="color: blue;">Italian Herb Bread </span></h2>
Makes two loaves – 24 slices each – 65-85 calories a slice<br />
<div>
</div>
Estimated prep/cooking time: 2 ½ hours (most of which is wait time for rising or baking)<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Ingredients</span> </h3>
<ul>
<li>6 to 7 cups of Bread Flour (you can use all-purpose flour, but it just seems to taste better with bread flour – unbleached) </li>
<li>1 tablespoon of Salt </li>
<li>3 tablespoons of Sugar</li>
<li>2 tablespoons of Basil </li>
<li>1 1/2 tablespoons of Oregano</li>
<li>1/2 cup of ground flax</li>
<li>1/4 cup of cracked wheat (or wheat germ)</li>
<li>2 tablespoons of Shortening </li>
<li>2 packages of regular or quick acting active dry yeast (or 1 ½ tablespoons of yeast)</li>
<li>2 ½ cups of VERY warm water (120 – 130 degrees Fahrenheit) </li>
<li>2 – 8 ½ x 4 ½ x 2 ½ inch loaf pans (greased)</li>
</ul>
First step: Mix about 3 ¼ cups of the flour, the sugar, salt, yeast, oregano, ground flax, basil, and cracked wheat– use a dough cutter to be sure that the shortening mixes in well – if you don’t have a dough cutter, use a fork to be sure the shortening gets broken up well. <br />
<br />
Second step: Next using an electric hand beater, add all the water and mix with beater for 2 minutes on medium-low speed. Scrap the bowl plenty! If, while mixing, the dough becomes too thick – add a couple tablespoons of water.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Third step: The dough should be a thick, but liquid enough mixture that slides from the spoon, not drops. At this stage, add a cup of flour at a time and stir with a spoon until it comes to a consistency you can handle with your hands.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Fourth step: When to the right consistency mentioned above, add flour to a surface, upend dough onto the floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and stretchy in its consistency. (Five minutes should be enough though)<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Fifth step: Add flour to the bottom of the bowl just used for mixed and add the recently kneaded dough – set in a semi-warm place – cover with a towel.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Sixth step: Let the dough rise for at LEAST an HOUR – no less. Dough will probably rise above the rim of the bowl.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Seventh step: An hour later – punch down dough (punch down: to press your fist into the direct center of the risen dough straight down to the bottom, angle outward, and lift up and out from the bowl – the dough will be draped around your fist as you lift it out<br />
.<br />
<div>
</div>
Eighth step: Set the recently punched dough onto a floured surface – separate into two equal amounts. Leave the two pieces for 5 minutes to rest.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Ninth step: Next, using a rolling pin, stretch out each piece into a 9”x18” flat piece. The easiest way to get this into a rectangular shape, grab the piece, get shaped into a general round 12 inch long piece, and begin rolling out – using the corners of the piece to help stretch towards a rectangular shape.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Tenth step: Once rolled out, using the end closest to you, fold 1/3 onto 1/3:<br />
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSbPh9af1dYxt3CJZ6PMa2ScgPGY6JlxDTh3it5ruP6czNEaWJUrDgEotapx_8uYCOe1sqqCZR50v1GR8GNKRYmL2tbWI2uFwLHzGvRDOHi-DLpbKxBmaCrb4TfrJRN7R4Q3okOOjFrBu/s1600/Screenshot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSbPh9af1dYxt3CJZ6PMa2ScgPGY6JlxDTh3it5ruP6czNEaWJUrDgEotapx_8uYCOe1sqqCZR50v1GR8GNKRYmL2tbWI2uFwLHzGvRDOHi-DLpbKxBmaCrb4TfrJRN7R4Q3okOOjFrBu/s400/Screenshot.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Eleventh step: Next, you can use the folded end to start wrapping into a roll (tightly).<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Twelfth step: Once wrapped, pinch the flat edge to the roll of dough to close it off. It won’t look nice where it’s been pinched closed against itself, but the good news is that you’ll be turning the roll to make the pinched crease facing down.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Thirteenth step: Once the creased edge is facing down, the two ends still show the roll. To finish off the shaping of the loaf, make your hand flat, use the edge of your palm (pinkie to wrist) to press in a chopping motion, straight down on the ends – you’ll have some dough on the other side of your hand – fold these flaps under the loaf.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Fourteenth step: Place the newly shaped loaf into a greased loaf pan – place in a warm spot and cover to allow rising while repeating steps 9 thru 13 on the second piece of dough.<br />
<br />
Fifteenth step: Once both of the pieces of dough are formed into loaves and placed in the loaf pans, let rise for 35 to 50 minutes (or until double).<br />
<br />
Sixteenth step: Once close to being done with rising – preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. <br />
<br />
Seventeenth step: Once pre-heated, place loaves on the top most shelf of the oven, as close to the center as possible.<br />
<br />
Eighteenth step: Bake 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow sounds when tapped with the flat edge of a knife.<br />
<div>
</div>
Nineteenth step: When done, remove from oven, immediate remove bread from pans and allow cooling for 1+ hour before slicing up. If desired, brush top of the loaf with melted butter.<br />
<br />
Tip for slicing – be sure to let the knife do the cutting. Meaning? Use a nice bread knife – if you are not sure, use a nicely serrated edged knife – and all the edge to do the slicing by using a ginger back and forth motion. Sometimes even using the slicing at a 45 degree angle from the side is fairly more effective than straight across the top.<br />
<br />
Bread keeps for about 14 days in the fridge, 7 days outside the fridge, several months in the freezer.ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-29103095224780557042013-02-26T19:51:00.002-07:002013-02-26T20:05:56.644-07:00Scrumptious Cheese Bread<h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Scrumptious Cheese Bread</span></h2>
Makes two loaves – 24 slices each – 75-95 calories a slice <br />
<br />
Estimated prep/cooking time: 2 ½ hours (most of which is wait time for rising or baking) <br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Ingredients</span> </h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6 to 7 cups of Bread Flour (you can use all-purpose flour, but it just seems to taste better with bread flour – unbleached)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 tablespoon of Salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 tablespoons of Sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 tablespoons of Basil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/3 cup of oat meal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">¼ cup of chopped onion (the dried spice type – if you use fresh onion, cut back a little)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 tablespoons of Shortening</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 packages of regular or quick acting active dry yeast (or 1 ½ tablespoons of yeast)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 ½ cups of VERY warm water (120 – 130 degrees Fahrenheit)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For later – ½ cup of shredded cheese – your choice of type</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 – 8 ½ x 4 ½ x 2 ½ inch loaf pans (greased)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
First Step: Mix about 3 ¼ cups of the flour, the sugar, salt, yeast, onion, basic, and oat meal – use a dough cutter to be sure that the shortening mixes in well – if you don’t have a dough cutter, use a fork to be sure the shortening gets broken up well. <br />
<br />
Second Step: Next using an electric hand beater, add all the water and mix with beater for 2 minutes on medium-low speed. Scrap the bowl plenty! If, while mixing, the dough becomes too thick – add a couple tablespoons of water. <br />
<br />
Third Step: The dough should be a thick, but liquid enough mixture that slides from the spoon, not drops. At this stage, add a cup of flour at a time and stir with a spoon until it comes to a consistency you can handle with your hands. <br />
<br />
Fourth Step: When to the right consistency mentioned above, add flour to a surface, upend dough onto the floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and stretchy in its consistency. (Five minutes should be enough though) <br />
<br />
Fifth Step: Add flour to the bottom of the bowl just used for mixed and add the recently kneaded dough – set in a semi-warm place – cover with a towel. <br />
<br />
Sixth Step: Let the dough rise for at LEAST an HOUR – no less. Dough will probably rise above the rim of the bowl. <br />
<br />
Seventh Step: An hour later – punch down dough (punch down: to press your fist into the direct center of the risen dough straight down to the bottom, angle outward, and lift up and out from the bowl – the dough will be draped around your fist as you lift it out. <br />
<br />
Eighth Step: Set the recently punched dough onto a floured surface – separate into two equal amounts. Leave the two pieces for 5 minutes to rest. <br />
<br />
Ninth Step: Next, using a rolling pin, stretch out each piece into a 9”x18” flat piece. The easiest way to get this into a rectangular shape, grab the piece, get shaped into a general round 12 inch long piece, and begin rolling out – using the corners of the piece to help stretch towards a rectangular shape. <br />
<br />
Tenth Step: Once rolled out – add half the shredded cheese to the top 2/3’s of the rectangle – next, using the end closest to you, fold 1/3 onto 1/3: <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSbPh9af1dYxt3CJZ6PMa2ScgPGY6JlxDTh3it5ruP6czNEaWJUrDgEotapx_8uYCOe1sqqCZR50v1GR8GNKRYmL2tbWI2uFwLHzGvRDOHi-DLpbKxBmaCrb4TfrJRN7R4Q3okOOjFrBu/s1600/Screenshot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSbPh9af1dYxt3CJZ6PMa2ScgPGY6JlxDTh3it5ruP6czNEaWJUrDgEotapx_8uYCOe1sqqCZR50v1GR8GNKRYmL2tbWI2uFwLHzGvRDOHi-DLpbKxBmaCrb4TfrJRN7R4Q3okOOjFrBu/s400/Screenshot.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
Eleventh Step: Next, you can use the folded end to start wrapping into a roll (tightly). <br />
<br />
Twelfth Step: Once wrapped, pinch the flat edge to the roll of dough to close it off. It won’t look nice where it’s been pinched closed against itself, but the good news is that you’ll be turning the roll to make the pinched crease facing down. <br />
<br />
Thirteenth Step: Once the creased edge is facing down, the two ends still show the roll. To finish off the shaping of the loaf, make your hand flat, use the edge of your palm (pinkie to wrist) to press in a chopping motion, straight down on the ends – you’ll have some dough on the other side of your hand – fold these flaps under the loaf. <br />
<br />
Fourteenth Step: Place the newly shaped loaf into a greased loaf pan – place in a warm spot and cover to allow rising while repeating steps 9 thru 13 on the second piece of dough. <br />
<br />
Fifteenth Step: Once both of the pieces of dough are formed into loaves and placed in the loaf pans, let rise for 35 to 50 minutes (or until double). <br />
<br />
Sixteenth Step: Once close to being done with rising – preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. <br />
<br />
Seventeenth Step: Once pre-heated, place loaves on the top most shelf of the oven, as close to the center as possible. <br />
<br />
Eighteenth Step: Bake 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow sounds when tapped with the flat edge of a knife. <br />
<br />
Nineteenth Step: When done, remove from oven, immediate remove bread from pans and allow cooling for 1+ hour before slicing up. If desired, brush top of the loaf with melted butter. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Tip for slicing</em></strong> – be sure to let the knife do the cutting. Meaning? Use a nice bread knife – if you are not sure, use a nicely serrated edged knife – and all the edge to do the slicing by using a ginger back and forth motion. Sometimes even using the slicing at a 45 degree angle from the side is fairly more effective than straight across the top. <br />
<br />
<em>Bread keeps for about 14 days in the fridge, 7 days outside the fridge, several months in the freezer. </em>ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-55651823788732836772013-01-27T10:45:00.004-07:002013-01-27T17:31:35.254-07:00Eggs in a Basket - Hughes Style<h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Eggs in a Basket - Hughes Style</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Estimated cooking/prep time combined: 15 - 20 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Feeds 3 - 6 people</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Ingredients</span> </h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6 Slices of <strong>toast</strong> - your choice on what kind</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4 oz <em>sliced</em> <strong>cheese</strong> (Colby jack is nice)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6 <strong>eggs</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4-6 tablespoons of <strong>minced onion</strong> (the dried spice type is good, and easy)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 tablespoons of <strong>dried Chives</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Oil</strong> <em>or</em> <strong>butter</strong> </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>First Step:</strong> In a large frying pan, heated to medium, add one tablespoon of oil/butter.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Second Step:</strong> Toast the slices of bread to get a gentle browning added.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Third Step:</strong> Cut out a half dollar coin size circle out of the middle of each - if you have a donut shaping set, the smallest one can achieve this really easily for you.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fourth Step:</strong> Add two slices of toast to the pan (or more if there's room) and crack an egg into the center of each. Try and help the whites stay on top of the toast while the yolk drops into the center hole.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fifth Step:</strong> Add the onion and chives to this side as it fries.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sixth Step:</strong> Let the egg cook at least 1 minute, but do not flip until you've tested whether the egg stays put underneath. To test, use your utensil to lift it up slightly - if it breaks and spills some egg onto the pan, set it back down to allow it to cook and seal itself back in. If it does break, flip over.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Seventh Step:</strong> Once flipped, immediately add a slice of your cheese to the cooked side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Eighth Step:</strong> Let cook for 1 to 2 minutes.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ninth Step:</strong> Flip again onto the cheese side to help the cheese melt further - 15 to 20 seconds - then put on plate to serve.</span></div>
ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-42269344418931614532013-01-26T22:31:00.002-07:002013-02-02T09:20:10.733-07:00Heavenly Chicken Alfredo<h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Heavenly Chicken Alfredo </span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Estimated cooking/prep time combined: 30 - 45 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Feeds 5 - 8 people</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Ingredient</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">s</span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 Package of <strong>angel hair pasta </strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2-3 pieces of boneless/skinless <strong>chicken breast</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 cup of diced <strong>onion</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <strong>Fresh cilantro</strong> - finely diced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2 teaspoons of <strong>Basil spice</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 teaspoon of <strong>pepper</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 teaspoon of <strong>salt</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2 jars of <strong>Alfredo</strong></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>First Step:</strong> In a large pot, bring the water boiling for the angel hair pasta - follow package instructions for cooking.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Second Step:</strong> Get a large frying pan heated to medium-high with some oil of your choice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Third Step:</strong> Dice up chicken breasts to the size of you choice - preferably 1 inch cube-like shapes or smaller.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fourth Step:</strong> Place defrosted chicken breast pieces in pan and begin cooking thoroughly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fifth Step:</strong> Add the basil to the chicken.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sixth Step:</strong> While the chicken is cooking, add the Alfredo sauce to the completed angel hair pasta.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Seventh Step:</strong> Add in onion, finely diced cilantro, pepper, and salt to the sauce and noodle. Stir.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Eighth Step:</strong> Once the chicken is cooked thoroughly, add to the noodles and sauce - mix in well - serve.</span></div>
ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-85312273378356339232013-01-26T21:57:00.000-07:002013-01-27T17:32:01.628-07:00Gourmet Hamburgers<h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gourmet Hamburgers</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Estimated cooking/prep time combined: 30 - 45 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Makes about 6 sandwiches</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ingredients </span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Your choice of bread</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 lb of <strong>lean ground beef</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 small <strong>sweet onion</strong> - diced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 <strong>Green Bell Pepper</strong> - diced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 4 oz of <em>shredded</em> <strong>Colby Jack Cheese</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 teaspoon of <strong>salt</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 4 oz of <em>sliced</em> <strong>Colby Jack Cheese</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <strong>Canola </strong></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>First Step:</strong> In a frying pan, get Canola Oil heated at medium. </span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Second Step:</strong> In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef with the onions, bell pepper, salt, and shredded cheese until evenly distributed. </span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Third Step:</strong> Shape a handful of the beef mixture into a ball, pack tightly. Repeat until all of the mixture is used up. </span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fourth Step:</strong> Put one ball at a time into the pan, pressing down into a flatter shape of your preference. </span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fifth Step:</strong> Cook on each side for about 3 to 5 minutes until the center is cooked thoroughly enough for your taste. **Be sure to add the sliced cheese when you've flipped the burger. </span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sixth Step:</strong> Toast the bread you plan to use (optional). </span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Seventh Step:</strong> With the recently toasted bun, add your patty and serve.</span>ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-99182770066415022013-01-26T19:41:00.001-07:002013-01-27T17:31:54.170-07:00Sloppy Chicki-Joe's<h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sloppy Chicki-Joe's</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Estimated cooking/prep time combined: 15 minutes</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Estimated cooking/prep time including the buns: 3 to 4 hours</em></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ingredients </span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 4 Hamburger buns made from the "Traditional Roll Dough" recipe</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shaped to be 4 inches in diameter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One batch of dough makes 10 to 12 buns; depends on thickness</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 large can of <strong>Chicken chunks</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 4 to 6 oz of <strong>Colby Jack Cheese</strong> - Shredded</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 small <strong>sweet onion</strong> diced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2 teaspoons of <strong>Oregano spice</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 teaspoon of<strong> Apple Wood Smoked Salt</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1-2 Tablespoons of <strong>Chives</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2 Tablespoons of <strong>Canola Oil</strong></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>First Step:</strong> In a frying pan, get Canola Oil heated at medium.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Second Step:</strong> Add onions to pan.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Third Step:</strong> As you are adding the chicken, be sure to break the chunks into shreds.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fourth Step:</strong> Add Oregano, salt, and chives.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fifth Step: </strong>After a few minutes, start stirring the mixture, flipping over sections and using edge of spatula to break up chunks further. Keep the mixture evenly spread on the pan.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sixth Step:</strong> Once the onions are starting to turn transparent, add the cheese to the even mixture evenly. Reduce heat to low.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Seventh Step:</strong> Take halved buns and pop in toaster on bagel setting - slightly brown the inner sides.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Eighth Step:</strong> Once the layer of cheese is melted on top of the chicken/onion mixture, you can begin adding parts of the layer to your buns.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ninth Step:</strong> With the recently toasted bun, carefully pick up a section at a time to add to a bun. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tenth Step:</strong> Cut sandwich in half and serve hot.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">These were really easy to slap together and DELICIOUS!!! Enjoy :)</span>ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-6113073643686646982011-12-17T15:44:00.000-07:002011-12-17T15:44:13.609-07:00Update - DecemberSo with 37,000+ words, I should really start getting more of this book finished. After all, with so much already written, it really should be worked on more. Maybe I'll do that on my time off for the Holidays when my little guy will let me, :)ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-52793590910608417652011-06-02T20:31:00.001-06:002011-06-02T20:35:18.316-06:00Side thoughts - Obama has not "failed"The idea that <strong>Mitt Romney</strong> annoucnes in this article: <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43254760">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43254760</a>, is that Obama has "failed" this country. Of course <strong>Romney's</strong> taking advantage of the lack of knowledge that American citizens have due to not being informed enough of our government's structure. The things that we're having so much trouble with currently is much to be blamed on our Congressmen/women. Too often, we as a society would prefer to have a singular source to sacrifice as the scape goat, but in this case, we all need to realize that much of our problems are due to facist and money grubbing congressmen/women that take money from LOBBYIST's to pass the bills that companies pay these lobbyists to pursue. The people in charge are being paid off to do whatever is bid of them. OBAMA has been trying to get LOBBYIST's out of the picture so that any laws or bills passed by congress are NOT going to be as influenced by the money shoved in their face and perhaps start looking at the real problems at hand, like the middle and lower class struggles. The lower and middle class that keep this economy rolling!!<br />
<br />
So, as I found on the above mentioned website, a Discussion at the bottom of the article has comments, and one person posted something I want to share here.<br />
<br />
The 244 ACCOMPLISHMENTS of President OBAMA:<br />
<br />
ETHICS<br />
• Ordered the White House and all federal agencies to respect the Freedom of Information Act and overturned Bush-era limits on accessibility of federal documents (2009)<br />
• Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible (2009)<br />
• Placed limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House (2009)<br />
• Placed limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration (2009)<br />
• Signed a measure strengthening registration and reporting requirements for lobbyists (2009)<br />
• Ordered that lobbyists must be removed from and are no longer permitted to serve on federal and White House advisory panels and boards (2009) <em>* Note: After saying he would not hire lobbyists, a few have been hired in the Administration</em><br />
• Companies and individuals who are delinquent on their taxes or owe back taxes are no longer allowed to bid for federal contracts (2009)<br />
• Initiated the “e-Rulemaking Initiative” (in cooperation with Cornell University) to allow for online public “notice and comment” of federal laws and initiatives (2010)<br />
• Issued the “Open Gov Directive” ordering all Cabinet departments to promote transparency and citizen participation in their policies (2010)<br />
• Signed extensions on banning lobbyists from serving on agency boards (2010)<br />
• Developed the “Don Not Pay List” with data on contractors and recipients of federal funds who are deemed to be ineligible because of fraud and abuse (2010)<br />
<br />
GOVERNANCE<br />
• The White House website now provides information on all economic stimulus projects and spending, along with an unprecedented amount of information on our government (2009)<br />
• Ended the Bush-era practice of circumventing established FDA rules for political reasons (2009)<br />
• Ended the Bush-era practice of having White House staff rewrite the findings of scientific and environmental regulations and reports when they disagreed with the results (2009)<br />
• Limited the salaries of senior White House aides (salaries cut to $100,000) (2009)<br />
• Has urged Congress to adopt “Pay-Go” (whereby each dollar of spending is offset by a dollar in cuts or revenues, which was used in the `90s but abandoned in the `00s) (2010)<br />
• Has been holding open meetings with Republican leaders, although they complain of a lack of access and information (2010)<br />
• Signed the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (2010) <em>* Note: To curb wasteful spending </em><br />
• Tasked federal agencies to develop plans for disposing of unneeded real estate and then to eliminate unnecessary or non-economical lands, properties, etc. (2010)<br />
<br />
NATIONAL SECURITY<br />
• Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane (which wasn’t even used in Iraq/Afghanistan) and other outdated weapons systems (2009)<br />
• Announced his intention to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay (2009) <em>* Note: The closure has been delayed due to massive opposition but it remains on the agenda.</em><br />
• Stated his interest in housing terrorists at a new federal “super max” facility in the US (2009) <em>* Note: this has been delayed in the face of massive opposition but it remains on the agenda</em><br />
• Cut the expensive Reagan era missile defense program, saving $1.4 billion in 2010 (2009)<br />
• Cancelled plans to station anti-ballistic missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic (2009)<br />
• Replacing long-range, expensive missile systems with more efficient smaller systems (2009)<br />
• Increased US Navy patrols off the Somali coast in response to pirating (2009)<br />
• Established a new cyber security office and appointed a cyber security czar (2009)<br />
• Ordered the first nation-wide comprehensive cyber threat assessment (2009)<br />
• Instituted a new Nuclear Posture Review, revising US nuclear deterrence policy to encourage more nations to join the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (2010) <em>* Note: Components of the policy include: a pledge to stop nuclear testing; a pledge to not build a new generation of nucs; identifying nuclear terrorism, rather than a launch from another nuclear state, as the major threat; a pledge to not use nucs on a non-nuclear state in a conventional conflict; etc.</em><br />
• Executive orders to block payment, transfers, exports, etc… of individuals and organizations support the regimes of North Korea, Iran, Somali pirates, and other foreign threats (2010)<br />
• Presidential Memoranda to extend certain provisions of The Trading with Enemies Act which was to expire in September 2010 (2010) <em>* Note: This includes freezing assets and banning trade that benefits the Cuban regime; however further efforts at normalizing travel to Cuba are supported </em><br />
• Signed bill for southwest border security and increased funds and agents on the Mexican border (2010)<br />
• Signed the Comprehensive Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act to deal with foreign regimes like Iran and North Korea (2010)<br />
<br />
IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN<br />
• Began the phased withdrawal of US troops from Iraq (2009); continuing the withdrawal (2010)<br />
• Changed the US military command in the Afghan conflict (2009)<br />
• Tasked the Pentagon to reorganize US policy in Afghanistan; the new policy includes 30,000 additional troops deployed, priority training of Afghan forces, developing agriculture and infrastructure, limiting aerial bombing, etc. (2009)<br />
• Ordered the Pentagon to send additional helicopters to assist US Marine units and Special Forces in Afghanistan (2009)<br />
• Increased unmanned drone strikes on Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan (2009)<br />
• Ended the Bush-era “stop-loss” policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date (2009)<br />
<br />
MILITARY & VETERANS<br />
• Ordered the Pentagon to cover expenses of families of fallen soldiers if they wish to be on site when the body arrives back in the US (2009)<br />
• Ended the Bush-era “blackout” imposed on media coverage of the return of fallen US soldiers (2009) <em>* Note: The media is now permitted to cover the story pending adherence to respectful rules and with the approval of the fallen soldier’s family </em><br />
• Ended the Bush-era “black out” policy on media coverage of war casualties (2009) <em>* Note: Full information is now released for the first time in the War on Terror</em><br />
• Ordered better body armor to be procured for US troops (2009)<br />
• Funding new Mine Resistant Ambush Vehicles (2009) <em>* Note: The old Hummers were very vulnerable to roadside explosives and an alarming percentage of our soldiers lost in Iraq were on account of IEDs</em><br />
• Working to increase pay and benefits for military personnel (2009)<br />
• Improving housing for military personnel (2009)<br />
• Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses (2009)<br />
• Ordered that conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other neglected military hospitals be improved (2009)<br />
• Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military to a post-Cold War, modern fighting force (2009) <em>* Note: Bush announced in 2001 his intention to do this but backed off the reforms after 9/11, which include: new procurement policies; increasing the size of Special Ops units; deploying new technologies; creating new cyber security units; etc.</em><br />
• Ended the Bush-era practice of awarding “no-bid” defense contracts (2009)<br />
• Improving benefits for veterans as well as VA staffing, information systems, etc. (2009)<br />
• Authorized construction of additional health centers to care for veterans (2009)<br />
• Suspended the Bush-era decision to purchase a fleet of Marine One helicopters from suppliers in favor of American made helicopters (2009)<br />
• Ordered a review of the existing “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military (2010)<br />
• New GI Bill for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan (2009)<br />
• Signed bill providing assistance for caregivers of veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan (2010) <em>* Note: The omnibus bill does the following: Training, funding, and counseling for caregivers; promoting pilot childcare programs for women vets under treatment at the VA; independent oversight to prevent abuse; readjustment counseling for National Guard and reservist units; etc.</em><br />
• Eliminated co-payments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled (2010)<br />
• Fulfilled campaign promise to have combat troops (90,000) out of Iraq by August 31, 2010 (2010)<br />
• Established a new interagency task force to assist veterans owning small businesses (2010) <em>* Note: The efforts include promoting federal contract opportunities, improve access to loans and capital, mentor assistance programs, etc.</em><br />
• Signed The Families of Fallen Heroes Act, which covers the moving costs of immediate family members of those lost in service (military, intelligence, and security personnel) (2010)<br />
<br />
FOREIGN POLICY<br />
• Closed the Bush-era “secret detention” facilities in Eastern Europe (2009)<br />
• Ended the Bush-era policy allowing “enhanced interrogation” (torture); the US is again in compliance with Geneva Convention standards (2009) <em>* Note: Obama has permitted some controversial interrogation techniques to continue</em><br />
• Restarted international nuclear non-proliferation talks and reestablished international nuclear inspection protocols (2009) <em>* Note: Bush withdrew from non-proliferation talks and dismantled the inspection infrastructure</em><br />
• Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009) <em>* Note: These were suspended under Bush</em><br />
• Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions (2009) <em>* Note: These were suspended under Bush</em><br />
• Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office (2009)<br />
• Banned the export of cluster bombs (2009)<br />
• Overturned Bush-era plans to increase the US nuclear arsenal (2009)<br />
• Authorized the Navy SEALS operation that freed by force the US shipping captain held by Somali pirates (2009)<br />
• Restored the US commitment to the UN population fund for family planning; overturned the ban on providing funds internationally for family planning (2009) <em>* Note: The family planning efforts were suspended under Bush</em><br />
• Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return “home” to visit families (2009)<br />
• Extended an offer of engagement (free from sanctions and penalties) to Iran through December 31, 2009 (Iran did not accept the offer) (2009)<br />
• Sent envoys to the Middle East and other parts of the world, reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy (2009)<br />
• Authorized discussions with North Korea and the private mission by former president, Bill Clinton, to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons (2009)<br />
• Authorized discussions with Myanmar and the mission by Senator Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive (2009)<br />
• Renewed loan guarantees for Israel (2009)<br />
• Signed the USIFTA trade agreement with/for Israel (2009)<br />
• Authorized a $550m advance for Israel (six months prior to the scheduled date) in order to accommodate Israeli’s economic and financial needs (2009)<br />
• Continued agreements with Israel for cultural exchanges, immigration, etc. (2009)<br />
• Spoke on Arab television, spoke at an Egyptian university, and met with Arab leaders in an effort to change the tone of US-Arab relations (2009)<br />
• Ordered the US to finally pay its dues to the United Nations (2009)<br />
• Attended the Summit of America’s meeting in Trinidad and Tobago (2010)<br />
• Dispatched several envoys and initiated talks with numerous nations (2010)<br />
• Signed a nuclear limitation treaty with Russia (2010) <em>* Note: The agreement calls for both countries to reduce their nucs by one-third (1,500) and launch systems by half (800)</em><br />
• Hosted nuclear non-proliferation summit for several nations (2010)<br />
• Executive Order to establish support offices in the State Department to assist the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan (2010)<br />
• Presidential Memoranda to continue drug interdiction support with Columbia (2010)<br />
<br />
ECONOMY<br />
• Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants…) (2009) <em>* Note: Bush was the first president since Herbert Hoover to not make infrastructure a priority</em><br />
• Authorized the US auto industry rescue plan and two GMAC rescue packages (2009)<br />
• Authorized the housing rescue plan and new FHA residential housing guarantees (2009)<br />
• Authorized a $789 billion economic stimulus plan (2009) <em>* Note: 1/3 in tax cuts for working-class families; 1/3 to states for infrastructure projects; 1/3 to states to prevent the layoff of police officers, teachers, etc. at risk of losing their jobs because of state budget shortfalls</em><br />
• Instituted a new rule allowing the public to meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (in as quickly as one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying (2009)<br />
• Authorized a continuation of the US financial and banking rescue plans initiated at the end of the Bush administration and authorized TARP funds to buy “toxic assets” from failing financial institutions (2009)<br />
• Authorized the “Cash for Clunkers” program that stimulated auto sales and removed old, inefficient, polluting cars from the road (2009)<br />
• Convened a “jobs summit” to bring experts together to develop ideas for creating jobs (2009)<br />
• Ordered the FDIC to beef up deposit insurance (2009)<br />
• Ended the Bush-era policy of protecting credit card companies (2009) <em>* Note: In place of the old policy, new consumer protections were instituted and the industry’s predatory practices were banned</em><br />
• Authorized the federal government to make more loans available to small businesses and ordered lower rates for federal loans to small businesses (2009)<br />
• Placed a 35% tariff on Chinese tires and a few other products such as pipes after China was found to be illegally “dumping” exports below cost (2009) <em>* Note: Clinton, Bush I, and Reagan all refused to “get tough” on China’s predatory trade practices; Bush II refused four times during his presidency</em><br />
• In November 2009, Obama extended unemployment benefits for one million workers<br />
and expanded coverage for some existing homeowners who are buying again (2009)<br />
• Called on Congress to deliver a “Jobs bill” (2010)<br />
• Credit card companies are prohibited from raising rates without advance notification or arbitrarily if customers are paying bills on time (2010)<br />
• Signed a bill to extend unemployment benefits set to expire (2010)<br />
• Signed historic Wall Street reform bill (2010) <em>* Note: Designed to reregulate and end abusive practices and promote consumer protections</em><br />
• Signed the HIRE Act to stimulate the economic recovery (2010) <em>* Note: The bill includes: tax cuts for small businesses who hire someone unemployed for at least two months; small businesses can write off their investments in equipment this year; etc.</em><br />
• National Export Initiative established to enhance federal support (technical assistance, training, trade missions, etc.) and coordination efforts to help US businesses export products and services (2010)<br />
• Initiatives to promote a “Wireless Broadband Revolution” (2010) <em>* Note: Among other things, broadband is finally being considered as necessary infrastructure, with efforts to expand use, access, and spectrum…</em><br />
• Expanded agricultural credit to farmers during current economic crisis (2010)<br />
• Signed bill - US Manufacturing Enhancement Act (2010)<br />
• Signed bill - Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance (2010)<br />
<br />
TAXES<strong><br />
</strong><br />
• Negotiated a deal with Swiss banks to permit the US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals (2009)<br />
• Ended the Bush-era policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs (2009) <em>* Note: The new policy promotes in-sourcing investments to brings jobs back to the US</em><br />
• Signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which provides small tax cuts for 95% of “working families” (2009) <em>* Note: The tax cuts were not as big as was suggested during the 2008 campaign</em><br />
• Convened an advisory board that is looking into simplifying the tax code (2009)<br />
• Ordered the closing of offshore tax safe havens (for individual and business tax evaders) (2009)<br />
• Reduced taxes for some small businesses to stimulate the economic recovery (2009)<br />
• Extended the Home Buyers Credit for first-time home buyers (2009)<br />
• Proposed doubling the child tax credit (2010)<br />
• Called for the repeal of the capital gains tax for small businesses (2010)<br />
• Proposed rolling back the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans (2010) <em>* Note: This would be for families earning over $250,000/year and would return their tax rates to the 1990’s level</em><br />
<br />
BUDGETING<strong> </strong><br />
• Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut federal spending (2009)<br />
• Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify wasteful spending and practices (2009)<br />
• Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient (2009)<br />
• Overturned the Bush-era practice of not listing certain federal programs in the federal budget (2009) (2010) <em>* Note: Bush did this (so did Reagan) in an effort to hide programs and make the budget look smaller; such “off budget” items are now included in the annual budget</em><br />
• Full appropriations for war are now included in the budget (2009) (2010) <em>* Note: Bush did not list many of the appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, and War on Terror</em><br />
• Funds for emergency appropriations are now included in the budget (2009) (2010)<br />
• Proposed a three-year freeze on federal discretionary spending beginning in 2011 (2010)<br />
• Is in the process of cutting 120 federal programs identified as either wasteful or unnecessary (2010)<br />
• Established a bipartisan commission on fiscal responsibility, staffed by House and Senate members and private citizens, tasked with submitting proposals to balance the budget (2010) <em>* Note: In the face of Republican opposition, the powers of the commission were watered down</em><br />
• Established a bipartisan commission on the future of Social Security, tasked with submitting proposals to preserve and strengthen Social Security (2010) <em>* Note: In the face of Republican opposition, the powers of the commission were watered down</em><br />
• Cut $20 billion from federal budget and has pledged to cut at least this much every year (2010)<br />
• Ultimately decided to cancel planned new presidential helicopter fleet and stick with marine One (2010)<br />
• Freezing all discretionary spending for next three years, except on national security (2010)<br />
• Presidential Memoranda to freeze discretionary awards, bonuses, etc. for federal political appointees (2010)<br />
• Beginning to use “Pay-As-You-Go” (Pay-Go) to offset budget expenditures with budget cuts or revenue enhancements (2010)<br />
<br />
HEALTHCARE<strong> </strong><br />
• Removed Bush era restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research (2009)<br />
• Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research (2009)<br />
• Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children (2009)<br />
• Established an independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare (2009)<br />
• Reversed some of the Bush-era restrictions that prevented Medicare from negotiating with pharmaceutical firms for cheaper drugs, allowing government to again competitively bid (2009) <em>* Note: Obama had promised to lift all restrictions but, while he did negotiate with drug companies for them to lower their costs the deal only lifted some restrictions</em><br />
• Expanding government vaccination programs (2009)<br />
• Issued new disease prevention guidelines and priorities for the CDC (2009)<br />
• Authorized the FDA to finally begin regulating tobacco (2009)<br />
• Tasked federal labs to prioritize research on and deployment of H1N1 vaccines (2009)<br />
• Asked multiple congressional committees to bring forward a healthcare reform bill; held dozens of public hearings and town halls on the issue (2009) (2010)<br />
• Established a new council on National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health to be chaired by Surgeon General and charged with promoting healthy lifestyles and integrative healthcare (2010)<br />
• When accusations to the contrary arose, an Executive Order was signed to reaffirm that federal funds are not to be used for abortion services (2010)<br />
• Historic healthcare reform bill signed - $940 billion over 10 years (2010) <em>* Note: 32 million additional Americans will receive healthcare coverage and costs will be lowered for most Americans, but many of the goals are phased in over four years</em><br />
<em>Components of the bill</em><em> </em><br />
- <em>Prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to individuals/family members with pre-existing health conditions; a temporary plan is being developed to cover high-risk individuals with pre-existing conditions until the full reforms go into effect in 2014</em><br />
- <em>Prevents insurance companies from placing lifetime limits on benefits</em><br />
- <em>Bans “rescission” so insurance companies can’t cancel coverage if individuals keep their policies current or if they become ill</em><br />
- <em>An individual’s out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are capped</em><br />
- <em>Closes the “donut hole” (Part D) for Medicare prescription drug coverage (under Bush, Medicare helped pay for drugs up to $2,600 and above $4,550, but individuals had to pay 100% of the costs in between these amounts); now Medicare helps cover costs irrespective of the amount – seniors will now pay only 25% of drug costs up to $4,550 and only 5% of drug costs above that amount</em><br />
- <em>In 2010, an emergency provision will offer seniors a $250 rebate on the costs incurred within the “donut hole”</em><br />
- <em>Individuals living at or below the poverty line were eligible for healthcare under Medicaid, but by 2014 individuals/families living slightly above (making up to $14,404/$29,327) the poverty line will also be eligible for benefits</em><br />
- <em>Individuals/families making less than $43,320/$88,200 per year will qualify for government subsidies to help purchase health insurance</em><br />
- <em>All individuals must have health insurance or face a government fine; all large (over 50 employees) employers must offer health insurance to employees or pay a fine</em><br />
- <em>Small businesses can get a tax credit if they offer health care</em><br />
- <em>There are hardship exemptions if individuals can’t afford health insurance</em><br />
- <em>Families can keep their children in college on their plans through age 26</em><br />
- <em>Promotes health insurance “exchanges” so consumers can buy “wholesale”</em><br />
- <em>Creates consumer assistance offices to help consumers file complaints or appeal decisions from insurance companies; beginning in 2011, insurance companies can no longer make excessive rate hikes without justification and approval, and those doing so may be barred from participating in new health insurance exchanges </em><br />
<em>Funding sources</em><em>:</em><br />
- <em>Large employers (over 50 workers) that don’t offer health benefits will be charged a $2,000/worker fee; if the employer offers coverage but employees instead purchase federally subsidized insurance the fee is $3,000/worker receiving federal subsidies or $750/worker (whichever is lower) </em><br />
- <em>Annual fees on pharmaceutical companies ($27 billion), health insurance companies ($60 billion), and medical device-makers ($20 billion)</em><br />
- <em>Annual penalties on individuals who do not have health insurance (up to a maximum of $695/person)</em><br />
- <em>Increase in the Medicare payroll tax from 1.45% to 2.35% for individuals making $200,000+ and families making $250,000+</em><br />
- <em>3.8% tax on unearned income for millionaires</em><br />
- <em>Insurance companies will be subject to a tax on each high-end insurance plan (so-called “Cadillac” plans) they offer</em><br />
<em>Miscellaneous</em><em>:</em><br />
- <em>Illegal immigrants are not eligible for insurance or subsidies</em><br />
- <em>By Executive Order, such federal funding can’t be used for abortion</em><br />
- <em>The federal government will assist states by covering all of the increased expenses of expanding Medicaid coverage (90% of costs after 2020)</em><br />
<br />
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT<strong> </strong><br />
• Removed a ruling that now allows individual states to enact automotive fuel efficiency standards above federal standards (2009)<br />
• Offered attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles (2009)<br />
• Overturned Bush-era rule that weakened the Endangered Species Act (2009)<br />
• Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government (2009)<br />
• Ended the Bush-era policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions (2009)<br />
• Signed a measure requiring energy producing plants to begin producing 15% of their energy from renewable sources (2009)<br />
• Announced that the federal government would reengage in the long-delayed effort to clean up “Superfund” toxic waste sites (2009)<br />
• Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production (2009) <em>* Note: Much of Obama’s energy reform was killed by Senate Republicans</em><br />
• Proposed a new refuge for wild mustangs (2009)<br />
• Cancelled several Bush-era mountain-top removal and mining permits (2009)<br />
• Reengaged in international treaties and agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009)<br />
<em>* Note: Bush had withdrawn from such efforts</em><br />
• Asked Congress for an energy reform and “cap and trade” bill (2009) <em>* Note: The Congress failed to pass such a bill</em><br />
• Developing plan to lease US coastal waters for wind and water-current energy production (2009)<br />
• Overturned Bush-era policies that allowed uranium mining near national parks such as the Grand Canyon (2009)<br />
• Expanded the Petrified Forest National Park (2009)<br />
• Signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act that protects millions of acres of scenic, historic, and recreational lands and trails (2009)<br />
• Requiring that government buildings and facilities be retrofitted to save energy costs (2009) <em>* Note: These green retrofits are moving very slowly</em><br />
• Authorized studies in several western states to determine how to support large-scale solar installations (2009)<br />
• Attended the Copenhagen talks and, after the talks were stalled, negotiated an international (voluntary) agreement on reducing carbon emissions and raising funds to assist developing nations in offsetting carbon emissions (2009)<br />
• Banned importation of pythons in response to a growing population of pythons damaging the Florida Everglades (2009)<br />
• Committing the federal government to increasing research and use of renewable, clean energy sources such as wind, biomass, etc. (2009)<br />
• Executive orders establishing a federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all federal operations (2009) (2010)<br />
• Called for exploring the possibility of additional off-shore oil drilling in the Gulf, Atlantic, and off Alaska (but not in ANWR) (2010)<br />
• Agreed to consider increases in nuclear energy production and requested a study on the feasibility of nuclear power plant construction (2010) <em>* Note: Nearly all energy initiatives were defeated by Republican opposition in Congress</em><br />
• Increased investment in clean energy projects (2010)<br />
• Executive Order to develop a new strategy for and commitment to ocean and lake resources, and for scientific research on water quality (2010)<br />
<br />
RIGHTS<strong> </strong><br />
• Instituted enforcements for equal pay for women (Lilly Ledbetter Bill) (2009)<br />
• Appointed Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina, to the Supreme Court (2009)<br />
• Held the first Seder in White House (2009)<br />
• Appointed a diverse Cabinet and diverse White House staff (2009)<br />
• Spoke at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organization (2009)<br />
• Signed the first major piece of federal gay rights legislation that includes acts of violence against gays under the list of federal hate crimes (2009)<br />
• Reversed the Bush-era practice of politicizing Justice Department investigations and prosecutions against political opponents (2009)<br />
• Pushing for some of the 9/11 perpetrators to be tried in federal court (2009) <em>* Note: The process has moved at a snail’s pace and, in the face of opposition, Obama has remained quiet</em><br />
• Signed an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Bill to provide federal research and support for treating the disease (2009)<br />
• Allowed the State Department of offer same-sex benefits for employees (2009)<br />
• Proposed that the Pentagon repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy; placed a “freeze” on current efforts to remove alleged homosexuals from the military (2009)<br />
• After eight years of neglect, the Justice Department and EEOC are again enforcing employment discrimination laws (2009)<br />
• Convened the White House Tribal Nations Conference, inviting representatives from 564 federally-recognized Indian tribes (2009)<br />
• Provided increased school projects for Indian lands and increased funds for the Indian Health Service (2009)<br />
• Signed an Executive Order mandating that his Cabinet develop plans to work with and consult Indian tribes on issues impacting Indian lands (2009)<br />
• Commissioned a study to develop alternatives to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)<br />
• Called for federal agencies to look into recognizing gay partnerships in terms of benefits (2010)<br />
• Signed an Executive Order for the President’s Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2010)<br />
• Increased funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2010)<br />
• Signed Executive Order to promote the federal government as a “model employer” when it comes to hiring the disabled (2010) <em>* Note: This includes new efforts to increase the recruitment, hiring, and training for the disabled</em><br />
• Programs to assist Spanish speakers with the US Census (2010)<br />
• Elena Kagen appointed to Supreme Court (2010)<br />
• Tasked all federal agencies to develop new strategies to address HIV/AIDS (2010)<br />
• After organizing studies on the topic in 2009, tasked the Pentagon to eliminate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)<br />
• Signed Fair Sentencing Act (2010) <em>* Note: The Administration continues to deescalate marijuana interdiction and raids; increased dramatically the amount of cocaine one must possess to be sentenced to jail; eliminated mandatory sentencing for first-time drug abusers and simple possession</em><br />
<br />
EDUCATION<strong> </strong><br />
• Authorized construction funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access in K-12 public schools (2009)<br />
• Increased funding for school construction (2009)<br />
• Increased funding available for student loans (2009)<br />
• Expanded the national youth service program (2009)<br />
• Streamlined the federal student loan process to save $87 billion over the next 10 years (2009)<br />
• Changed the rule to allow students struggling to make college loan payments to refinance their loans (2009)<br />
• Beginning discussions with Congress for education reform (2009) <em>* Note: Much of Obama’s education reform has been sidelined by opposition in Congress</em><br />
• Initiated a “Race to the Top” competitive federal grant program for states who develop innovative policies (2009)<br />
• Instituted a “judgment review” allowing families with student loans to petition to have their current financial status determine the loan rather than the previous year’s finances (2009)<br />
• Launched “Educate to Innovate,” a public/private partnership making $236 million available for science, mathematics, and technology education programs (2009)<br />
• Proposed capping the maximum amount students must pay on student loans (as percentage of their income) (2010)<br />
• Proposed reducing student loan obligations for individuals going to work in community and public service jobs (2010)<br />
• The federal government will offer direct student loans, cutting out the cost of private banks (“middle man”) who increase the costs in order to make a profit (2010)<br />
• Increased investment in technologies for schools/education (2010)<br />
<br />
DISASTER RESPONSE<strong> </strong><br />
• Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness (2009)<br />
• FEMA once again reports directly to the president (2009) <em>* Note: Bush removed FEMA (prior to the Hurricane Katrina disaster) from this status</em><br />
• Demonstrated an immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters (2009)<br />
• Ordered that funds be released and red tape be streamlined for the ongoing Hurricane Katrina recovery effort in the Gulf Coast (2009)<br />
• Timely and massive relief effort in response to the January 2010 earthquake and ensuing humanitarian crisis (2010)<br />
<em>Components of the response</em><em>:</em><br />
- <em>The FBI’s National Center for Disaster Fraud was tasked to look into possible fraud with organizations soliciting funds for relief </em><br />
- <em>Announced the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund </em><br />
- <em>Established an emergency Haiti Task Force in the State Department </em><br />
- <em>Established a website with information, resources, and a posting of a “person finder” online to help families and friends to locate loved ones </em><br />
- <em>Joint aid and relief planning with the U.K. </em><br />
- <em>Sponsored a resolution in the UN Security Council for additional security and police forces in Haiti </em><br />
- <em>Dispatched the US Navy floating hospital (USNS Comfort) and, within 5 days, 9 naval and relief ships, 5 Coast Guard cutters, 8 Coast Guard aircraft, and 12,000 US military personnel </em><br />
- <em>Initial dispatch of several ships and cargo planes full of humanitarian aid and supplies, 6 search/rescue teams (500 personnel), and 265 Department of Health & Human Services personnel for emergency medical and aid support </em><br />
- <em>Established a mobile US air traffic control center at the destroyed airport in Port-au-Prince </em><br />
• After the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a freeze was placed on new deep water projects (2010)<br />
• Executive Order to establish new security measures to minimize accidental release of bio and chemical agents; new strategies for public health and bioterrorism response (2010)<br />
• Established a national commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon spill to examine facts and report a plan of action; new efforts to prevent offshore spills (2010)<br />
• After a slow start in responding to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the White House is promoting a long-term plan to reconstruct the damaged Gulf and negotiated with BP the establishment of a multi-billion dollar trust fund for victims of the spill (2010)<br />
• Extended national flood insurance program for those in need during current economic crisis (2010)<br />
<br />
OTHER INITIATIVES<strong><br />
</strong><br />
• New federal funding for science and research labs (2009)<br />
• Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program (2009)<br />
• Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program (2009)<br />
• Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud (2009)<br />
• Ordered the DEA to stop raids on medical marijuana usage (2009)<br />
• Ordered a review of existing “mandatory minimum” prison sentencing (2009)<br />
• Signed an order to limit airport tarmac delays and the time passengers had to sit in the plane/on the tarmac during delays (2009)<br />
• Restored the EPA to “Cabinet level” status (2009) <em>* Note: Bush removed the EPA from this status</em><br />
• Beginning discussions with Congress for comprehensive immigration reform (2010)<br />
<em>* Note: Much of Obama’s immigration reform had been stalled by opposition in Congress</em><br />
• Commissioned expert panels and reports from NASA; announced a new direction for human space flight that involves funding a new heavy lift-launcher and jettisoning the Ares 1 program; boosting NASA’s budget by $1 billion in 2011 (2010)<br />
• Ordered a ban on text-messaging for all commercial truck and bus drivers (2010)<br />
• Signed bill – FAA Air Transportaiton Modernizatin and Safety Improvement Act (2010)<br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
P.S. IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING…<strong> </strong><br />
• The Obamas paid for the renovations of the private living quarters in the White House with their own money rather than using the funds provided to all new first families (2009)<br />
• The Obamas reused many Christmas ornaments from previous White House trees rather than buy new ones (2009)<br />
• The Obamas used LED energy-saving lights on White House Christmas tree (2009)<br />
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; donated the award money for the prize to several charities (2009)<br />
• Planted a garden for the White House’s vegetables and flowers (2009)<br />
• Installed a swing set/playground for the Obama daughters and children of White House employees (2009)<br />
• Held over 150 public town halls, press conferences, interviews, etc. in first year in office (2009) <em>* Note: Official numbers are not available on such things, but this seems to be a new record high</em><br />
• Less than 30 days of vacation in first year in office (2009) <em>* Note: Official numbers are not readily available on such things, but this seems to be a new record low</em><br />
...And A FAMILY MAN !<br />
B4B NOTE: Special Thanks to Robert P. Watson, Ph. D., Professor of American Studies, Lynn University who compiled this list and writes " Like all presidents, Barack Obama has made mistakes. But, as a presidential historian, I have been struck by claims being put forward by Obama’s many critics and the news media that he has accomplished little when, in fact, his presidency is easily one of the most active in history." And Thanks to our friend Sherry Lou Meeks.<br />
Thank You Mr. President !<br />
Print It...Pass It On...<br />
SHARE THE FACTS !<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks to MSNBC discussion board user "<a href="http://thetruthandfacts2012.newsvine.com/"><strong><span style="color: #114477;">thetruthandfacts2012</span></strong></a>" for posting for all to see.ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-38732894628900355842011-06-01T22:41:00.000-06:002011-06-01T22:41:44.045-06:00Book UpdatesOver the course of this summer, I'll be finishing off my book. Currently, I have 8 chapters written out with a grand total of 31,436 words. Chapters 9 thru 12 are written, but haven't been edited and shared yet like the first 8. I don't yet have any idea how many chapters the book will be, but I plan to have it finished by the end of the summer before Fall semester starts so as to publish it as an e-Book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Currently, I do not have a Title. As I like to say, the title is under Construction until further notice :).<br />
<br />
<br />
The plan from this point forward is to get skeleton chapters and ideas written out. That is the primary goal to begin with. One to two skeleton chapters done a week is my tentative starting agenda to meet this goal.<br />
<br />
Any pointers or tips are welcome. I greatly appreciate well-meaning advice/criticism.ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-60097526453433239402011-02-24T02:07:00.000-07:002011-02-24T02:09:29.907-07:00My Reality Today<p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">My buddy "Reality" and I are wonderful friends. We've had our disagreements and I've kicked and screamed at Reality many times for the evils endured, but I can look back and see the benefits. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">I first met Reality when I was 4. I didn't understand at the time, but now I see that Reality showed me the dark & cruel side of the human persona. Then when I was 7, Reality introduced me to the concept of hidden truths. At 12, it put me through the trials of heavy heartache and loss (miss you, Dad). At 17, it showed me the hypocrisy of the human identity, but rewarded me with a beautiful & healthy son. I am happy to say that at 21, I can successfully apply all these hardships to my daily life. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Thank-you, Reality, for being a great friend and teaching me. I wouldn't be "me" without you. <span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">I'm looking forward to the years to come.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545754328616309257.post-927117429040483722011-02-11T00:49:00.000-07:002011-02-09T22:37:53.863-07:009th Anniversary<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">February 11<sup>th</sup>, 2011 – The 9<sup>th</sup> Anniversary</span></strong></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">9 Thanksgivings, 9 Christmas’s, 9 New Year’s, 9 Birthday’s, & now the 9<sup>th</sup> Valentine without you…9 years without you has been long and difficult…I am grateful that I have what little, but strong, family to share memories of you with and I cherish the little time that I got to have with you as a child. Between Mom, Zane, and me, we are invincible when we think of you and when we remember all the wonderful days and adventures. You were so strong a person, and so loving and dedicated as a father.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">I can’t help but to wish for a few things: <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal">Wish #1 – that you could have been there when your grandson was born. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal">Wish #2 – that you could have been there when your grandson did his first steps and words. <o:p></o:p></p></span><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Wish #3 – that you were there when I first learned to drive and to teach me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Wish #4 – that you could have seen my face when I got my scholarship. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Wish #5 – that you could have seen me step into my official career. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Wish #6 – that you were there when I needed a hug as life fell apart. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Wish #7 – that you could see how strong Mom could be even when everyone was against her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Wish #8 – that you could see the future that I am carving and fighting for, for Zane.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Wish #9 – that you could see the leaps Mom, Zane, and I have made together through our struggles since your departure and the collapse of our family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Above all else and wishes aside, I can’t wish for you to be back because I’ve realized now that there are things that never would have happened, a child that wouldn’t have been born, and strengths unexplored if you had stayed. It hurts so much to say it and so much to admit it, and I cry every time. I used to wish so feverently that you never died, but I know now that it was not wise to wish such things. I sure miss you Dad, and hope that everything is well. </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Love you always & forever, </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Victoria, Lorraine, and Zane</span></p>ferrety2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/13015452521405834167noreply@blogger.com0