Peppernuts

These spicy little cookies are a traditional Christmas treat in many German families. Individuals familiar with Peppernuts generally have strong opinions and preferences regarding flavor, color, size and texture of the tiny cookies. Some individuals, for example, prefer them larger than I make them, pillow-shaped and lighter in color. Some bakers of Peppernuts insist the dough must be rolled out and cut with a nickel-sized round cookie cutter in order to achieve a more uniformly round shape. Once, I even saw a bowl of individually iced Peppernuts! You make them how you like them; whatever you decide regarding size and method will surely result in a delightful, aromatic, spicy treat. EnJOY!

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2/3 cup butter
1 egg
2/3 cup dark corn syrup
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground star anise
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 cups flour

Mix. Let rest in refrigerator 24 hours. Roll dough into rolls, approximately finger thickness. Chill rolls until firm. Slice rolls with a sharp knife into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place discs on parchment-lined pan, and bake until brown (approximately 4-6 minutes) in 350 degree oven. Allow to cool; then store in airtight container. Hint: Peppernuts are most content when stored in a glass jar or metal cookie tin.

Terri's Peanut Clusters

These are quick, easy and yummy!

Ingredients:
7 squares white almond bark
24 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
32 oz. salted, dry-roasted peanuts

Melt almond bark in double boiler; add chips and stir until melted. Add peanuts; stir to coat. Drop on waxed paper. Chill.

Here are my chips and the "almond bark" hanging out in the top of a double boiler. I couldn't find "almond bark", so I used white chocolate baking squares.


Salted, dry-roasted peanuts:



The chocolate is beginning to melt together in the top of a double boiler:



Here it's smooth & creamy and ready to pour over the peanuts:



Stir to coat the peanuts:



Drop by teaspoonfuls on waxed paper:



Ta da! These little clusters freeze well.


I think it would be fun to experiment with this recipe. It would be easy to add other types of nuts or dried fruit pieces, for example. Or maybe we could skip the nuts, add some peppermint flavoring and some crushed peppermint candy.

Hmmmm....

Now all this chocolate-y nuttiness has me thinking of an old sign that used to hang in my dad's workshop: "Women are like candy bars; half sweetness, half nuts". Whatever, Dad!

Blessings of JOY to you and may all of the people that you meet be nutty and sweet!

My Christmas Tree

It's not the actual tree that's become so special to me. The tree is fake. It came in a box, and it is factory-wrapped in white lights. It is compact and sets up in three easy steps. We bought it on sale after Christmas a few years ago.



What's dear to me is all the stuff I hang on it every year. The assortment has become a collection that tells a bit of a story about us, the owners of the fake tree. And the ornaments have become the center of a quiet tradition of remembering and practicing thanksgiving at Christmastime.

Sheldon deserves the credit for starting this quiet tradition. He sent me the ornament that started it all in a care package years ago before we were married. I thought it was a very sweet gesture, and I still smile about how he addressed the package to his "Sweatheart".



Sheldon and I celebrated our 13th Wedding Anniversary this year, and every Christmas his gift to me has been another ornament for the tree. Most of them have a white, heart-shaped style like this one:



But sometimes the ornament reflects a significant event that occurred in that year like this one:



Or this one:



Not all of the ornaments on my tree are from Sheldon. We are blessed with sweet family and friends and neighbors who share their lives and love with us, so the tree reflects the privilege and beauty of living in relationship with others.

Here is a garden elf from a neighbor and friend:



And the pig Jesse made in '04:



And the lump Saul made in '04:



My sister made these replicas of the shortbread cookies my mother bakes every year:



My mom crocheted a lovely collection of snowflakes and covers for my shiny red orbs:





And this little Santa Face is also homemade by mom. It reminds me of the Christmas Trees I enjoyed as a child.



My dad contributed several red hearts, handcrafted from wood and painted by his hand:



I have several ornaments from Pam now. The photo doesn't capture the layers of gorgeous color on this one she dipped--so adeptly!



And here's one from Stef:



One year at a Cookie Party I made these ribbon and wreath ornaments with friends:





This little angel reminds me of my church family. Everybody got one at a Christmas Brunch a few years ago:



This is my Noodle Angel from Kathleen. She's given me quite a few angels over the years. I'm surprised at how well this little thing has held up!



This is a chubby, happy angel I purchased myself; I like her attitude!




Here is the tiniest ornament on my tree, but it represents the biggest, most glorious truth! Jesus was born (like it says in Luke 2) and Jesus died on the cross (like it says in Luke 24) and now I am forgiven and free to walk in joy (like it says in Romans 8)! It's really, really cool to think about how much God loves you and me. He offers life to all who believe! And this is why I celebrate and this is why I hope and this is why I will continue this quiet tradition of remembering who God is and what He has done. I know I can do it anywhere, anytime...but in this season, I do it quite a lot at my Christmas Tree.





It's difficult to hang a nativity set on a tree, so we set them up around the tree:





Thanks for touring my tree with me! I wish you comfort and joy where you are in this day!

Lemons and Optimism, Friendship and Bilquist Day

Yesterday, I was a vendor at the Bilquist Bazaar, a well-organized and well-attended event for folks who love handmade items. It was a fun day to be a vendor...lots of traffic and steady sales until about one o'clock. I loved meeting new customers and I absolutely loved seeing some of my "old faithful" fans again! Thank you for coming out, old faithful fans!

And thank you, Stef and Pam, for bringing me refreshment in the mid-afternoon. You encouraged me with your enthusiasm, and then you helped me in such a very practical way. Thank you for packing up my gear and lugging it all out to the car! You are dears, and I am so very blessed by your friendship!

My top seller on Bilquist Day was the highly favored Lemon Soap; this bar is bursting with bright, lively citrus oils, and the scent is fresh and uplifting. Beware, Melancholy Dollies! When you choose Lemon Soap by Greenfield Soap Co., you are inviting a hefty dose of optimism to your soap dish!




I always look forward to finding out which Greenfield Soap Style will be the most esteemed on any given sale day. It varies, you know, and that is part of the intrigue! For this day, Lemon Soap became the happy favorite, and I understand its a-peel (har!).




Lemons are beautiful, but surprising. Lemons, like many blessings, make a lovely first impression before they reveal a zingy, sour side along with a vast potential for sweetness. If you chew on a lemon, your face will pucker and dance out of sync. I once had a car that was a lemon; I didn't chew on it, but it made me red in the face, and it nearly destroyed my happy dance for quite awhile! There has been much written about lemons. Foodies like to quote (and misquote?) Rilke who speaks of lemon disks sinking into the tea (or the dusky sea?). Lemons permeate or complement; they appear in perfumes, in candies, in drinks. Lemons look nice beside fish on a plate, and it can seem just right to squeeze a lemon over greens in a salad. Lemons, like many blessings, are beautiful and surprising, and I thank you, fans of Greenfield Soap Co., for celebrating lemons for a moment with me!

Wishing you many blessings and the JOY of a thankful heart in all of your sour and sweet affairs,

Susan

GREENFIELD SOAP CO.
susan@amicusdata.com
www.twitter.com/greenfieldsoap
http://greenfieldsoapco.blogspot.com
coming soon: www.greenfieldsoapco.com

"every morning lean thine arms awhile upon the window-sill of heaven and gaze upon the Lord; then with the vision in thy heart, turn strong to meet the day."

Here's An Easy Snack Mix Idea

Kathleen’s Munchie Mix

Place in clean, food safe large bag your preferred combination (about 4 “ice cream pails”—or about 16-17 cups) of all or some of the following: Shreddies Cereal, Crispix Cereal, Cheerios, pretzels, Ritz Bitz, peanuts, fish crackers, bugles, etc. Note: I like to include something with cheese like cheesy ritz bitz, and something with peanut butter (again, like peanut butter ritz bitz) and a little bit of sweet (like a few honey-coated peanuts).

Add ½-1 cup oil and shake to coat. (I find ½ c. is enough for my taste. I prefer extra virgin olive oil; the mild kind which says “good for sautéing and baking” on the label.)

Sprinkle in the following spices to your preference and shake: 4 T garlic salt, 3 packages Ranch Dressing Mix (I only use 2, I think.), 3 T dill weed.

I know, it’s a bit of a vague recipe; be creative and…

Enjoy!

Susan

GREENFIELD SOAP CO.
susan@amicusdata.com
www.twitter.com/greenfieldsoap
coming soon: www.greenfieldsoapco.com

"every morning lean thine arms awhile upon the window-sill of heaven and gaze upon the Lord; then with the vision in thy heart, turn strong to meet the day."

You are invited to come see Greenfield Soap Co. at the
Bilquist Bazaar
on Saturday, November 22, 2008.
Time: 10AM to 4PM
Address: Bilquist Elementary School; 15708 SE Webster Rd; Milwaukie, OR 97267

Look for table # 87!

Greenfield Soaps are $6 each; when you buy 5, you get an additional bar FREE!

I hope you come by and say hello!

Showers of blessings to you,

Susan

susan@amicusdata.com

You are invited to the 30th Annual New Hope Handmade Christmas Bazaar (140 spaces filled with the finest artisan crafts, gifts & foods):

Friday, November 14th @ 10a-6p
Saturday, November 15th @ 9a-5p

Location:
11731 SE Stevens Rd; Happy Valley, OR 97086
(Across I-205 freeway from Clackamas Town Center)

Shop at Greenfield Soap Co. and receive a special gift with your purchase! (Hint: it’s luxurious & sweet & it smells delicious.) Bring a friend and share the fun!

Greenfield’s hefty bars of beautiful soap are made carefully in small batches with plant-based ingredients; they are gentle and sudsy and especially good for sensitive skin! Greenfield Soaps are $6 each; when you buy 5 bars of Greenfield Soap, you get an additional bar FREE!

Consider a Greenfield Gift Set: 2 bars of Greenfield Soap wrapped and ready to give in an attractive box with a tag that says, “homemade with care especially for you to enJOY!”. Price: $14

Personalized Pre-orders welcome! See below for a complete list of soap scents/styles currently available; then email with your order, and I’ll have it ready for you to pick up at New Hope at your convenience. I’ll gladly customize gift sets and soap labels to your preference. Just let me know your color choices, desired wording, etc. and I’ll do my very best to accommodate your special requests.

Have a great day! I look forward to seeing you soon!

Blessings (showers of them!),

Susan

GREENFIELD SOAP CO.
susan@amicusdata.com
www.twitter.com/greenfieldsoap
http://greenfieldsoapco.blogspot.com
coming soon: www.greenfieldsoapco.com

"every morning lean thine arms awhile upon the window-sill of heaven and gaze upon the Lord; then with the vision in thy heart, turn strong to meet the day."


Anise (or Angler's Ace)
Anise with Poppyseed
Calico
Caramel Macchiato
Carrot Seed
Cedarwood Mint with Bentonite Clay Round
Cedarwood & Cinnamon
Chai Whip
Cinnamon Dolce
Citrus Spice
Coffee
Coffee Kitchen Mint
Do NOT Bug Me! Round
Eucalyptus Mint
Evergreen
Gardener's Choice Round
Geranium
Geranium with Pink Clay
Honey, I’m Unscented
Honey Oat
Honey Wheat
Juniper Lime
Lavender
Lavender Oat
Lavender Rosemary
Lemon
Lemon Poppyseed
Mint Medley
Parsley & Lime
Pink Peppermint
Saskatchewan Summer
Saskatchewan Summer with Cornmeal
Shaving Soap (Unscented) Round
Simply Soap Round
Spearmint Orange
Sweet Honey Oat
Sweet Honey Wheat
Sweet Orange
Sweet Orange Oat
Tea Tree
Tea Tree with Oats
Tea Tree & Lavender with Bentonite Clay Round
Tea Tree with Bentonite Clay Round
Tea Tree Lavender Oat
Vetiver
Warm Spice
Washboard Wonder Soap Round

Quiet Retreat

I've just returned from a Quiet Retreat. I feel really tired, but in a good way. I feel like I've had some rare time away to think and play and listen. I mean think, as in think about things that are bigger (like the promises of God) than what's on my task list. I mean play, as in sit on a swing, walk in the forest, giggle with the girls. I mean listen, as in listen to the brook, to the softly falling leaf, to the still, small voice of the Lord. It's work to think and play and listen like this, but it is so very restful for my soul. Why don't I do more of this? I definitely need to do more of this. I NEED to be faithful and purposeful about using the blessings of time and health to listen and pray and celebrate my Lord--for His glory and my own well-being. I was made for this!

"Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

Lamentations 3:21-24

Keeping My Fork

Every now and then I find a pretty fork at Goodwill. I print the following words on a card and attach it to the fork with a ribbon. If I can find one, I stick a small, flat magnet on the fork (on the back at the base of the tines), because then it can be placed on a magnetic surface (with the tines upright) and function as a unique photo holder. It's simple, but also a meaningful little gift for a friend or for anyone who could use a reminder of God's presence and promises.

I once found a fork in the road,
cleaned it off,
and decided to keep it as a reminder
of God’s character
and promises to me.
He is trustworthy,
and when I stand at a fork
in the road
with a decision to make,
I can remember
He holds me and guides me,
for He declares this in His Word.
When I sit at the table
at the end of a full meal,
and my friend tells me to keep my fork,
I can be thankful
for the Lord’s
abundant provision
and look forward
to sweet delights ahead.
In Christ,
when I see my fork,
I am thankful for His mercy
and His blessings upon me;
I remember I am glory-bound in Him,
and the best is yet to come.
I am free
to rejoice
in hope
because, indeed,
God is present
and His promises are perfect.

“Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.”
Psalm 73:23-24

You are invited to visit Greenfield Soap Co. at the following markets and community events in November, 2008:

Gladstone Annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 8
Time:
9 AM to 4 PM
Address:
John Wetten Elementary School
250 E Exeter
Gladstone, OR 97027

Annual Christmas Bazaar on Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15
Time:
Friday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Address:
New Hope Community Church
11731 SE Stevens Rd
Happy Valley, OR 97086

Annual Bilquist Bazaar on Saturday, November 22, 2008
Time:
10 AM to 4 PM
Address:
Bilquist Elementary School
15708 SE Webster Rd
Milwaukie, OR 97267
Look for Table # 87!

Greenfield Soaps are $6 and when you buy 5, you get to choose an additional bar FREE!

Bring a friend and share the joy of homemade soap!

I make the soap carefully, in small batches for you to enjoy. Each bar is unique, gentle, sudsy and especially good for sensitive skin! I hope you will place them in soap dishes throughout your home, and when you walk by or stop to lather up, I hope they'll be a little blessing to you and a reminder of simple, beautiful and good things.

Perhaps I'll see you soon. In the meantime, I wish you blessings (showers of them!),

Susan

Mohawk

This one is for you, Jesse. I hope you are having a great day!

Susan

Balance

This morning I was feeling "mushy" leaving Sheldon at the airport. I hugged him tight, looked right in his eyes and said, "Do you know that I am going to miss you?" And he said, "Do you know that you have knobby knees?". I'm still giggling over this, and when I told Donna about it, she called it "balance". It's a good thing! Thank you, God, for balance and for being so big and for watching over Sheldon on his trek to Alaska!

Air Space Rule

Here is something I know...

When you are trying to smell something and you get so close to the thing you are trying to smell that your nose actually physically touches the thing, it is unavoidable that a transfer of residue will occur between your nose and the thing.

Now here is something I recall...

Personally, I experienced this aspect of our reality most dramatically when I was five and I smelled the yellow lillies my mother brought in from the garden to set on the table. I turned from the flowers to face my mother who smiled and brushed at my cheek with her hand, but I darted away to find Rosie who smelled the flowers too with all the exuberance she could muster. We then stood at the mirror behind the door and, giggling, inspected our stamen-stained reflections.

And here is something I wonder about...

This evening I displayed my soaps at a (very fun and meaningful) public event and I noticed that nearly every person (bless them!) who smelled my soap did so by placing their nose directly onto the bar before inhaling deeply. (I am gagging a little as I write this.) Where are the people who learned to smell a new thing gingerly and with at least a modest amount of air space between the thing and the nose? The question is relevant to me as I work hard to keep my soaps clean and beautiful for my customers to enjoy. Now it really was a pleasure to engage with all the folks behind the noses, and I was certainly glad to see them enjoying Greenfield Soaps, but I must say it did make my skin crawl a little to see all these noses engaging in residue transfer right there before my very eyes! If you are just now realizing your own lack of proper etiquette when it comes to smelling soap, please know I appreciate you and I am smiling as I write this, but for goodness' sake, please be kind and keep the air space rule in mind!

Licorice Allsorts

Licorice Allsorts bring to mind sweet memories of Grandma's Pantry...

On the left side of the cook stove was a door my sister and I were allowed to enter often with Grandma’s permission. This was the door to her pantry, and it smelled so good in there! The pantry was filled, floor to ceiling, with neatly stocked shelves of produce, canned goods, baked goods, flours and spices. We were usually invited to choose whatever we wished from the pantry for our snack. My favorites from Grandma’s Pantry were Licorice Allsorts, Circus Peanuts, Orange Slices, iced wafer cookies, and those chocolate-covered cookies with the wafer on the bottom, a berry filling and marshmallow. Grandma had many delicious and healthful home-made items available, but as a child I wanted the sugary “store-bought” things. We ate popcorn from little boxes too. There was an elephant on the box and a small toy or treat inside. The popcorn was lightly coated with a pink sugar glaze. I always picked the pink popcorn treat, and wondered how Dad could prefer the Cracker Jacks.

Do you love old-fashioned candies too? Which ones take YOU back down memory lane?

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a sweet, sweet day!

Susan