The Powerful, Patriotic Backstory of It's a Wonderful Life
Even in hard times, we can celebrate the birth of Christ. As Stacie shared, "Be encouraged: Your surroundings and people's reactions do not determine your worth. You're priceless. You're loved by the King of kings. Focus on the stable presence of Jesus, born in a stable for you. He suffered rejection, too. But none of that stopped God's plan and victory! Remember that, too. 'But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ'" (I Corinthians 15:57).
This Christmas, let's remember what Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." When we accept Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we can know that we are saved from sin, death, hell, and the effects of anything bad on this earth. When we know Christ, we possess eternal victory. Yes, God saves us from our sins; He forgives us and gives us eternal life as a gift through the blood of Jesus Christ. And, the birth of Christ marks the beginning of what Jesus did for us.
And, this Christmas, we urge you to accept the greatest Christmas gift you will ever receive: Accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of your life. You can receive Jesus into your heart right now. Just sincerely pray a prayer like this:
"Dear Jesus, please forgive me for my sins. I believe that You died for me and took the punishment for my sins in my place. I want to receive the gift of salvation and eternal life. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. Jesus, I place my trust in You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen."
(You can learn more at http://prayingpals.org/knowgod.html.)
May we all reflect on the importance of healing, hope, and new life that we receive through Jesus Christ this Christmastime.
Shared with God's love in our hearts for you,Carrie and Stacie
This Christmas, let's remember what Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." When we accept Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we can know that we are saved from sin, death, hell, and the effects of anything bad on this earth. When we know Christ, we possess eternal victory. Yes, God saves us from our sins; He forgives us and gives us eternal life as a gift through the blood of Jesus Christ. And, the birth of Christ marks the beginning of what Jesus did for us.
And, this Christmas, we urge you to accept the greatest Christmas gift you will ever receive: Accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of your life. You can receive Jesus into your heart right now. Just sincerely pray a prayer like this:
"Dear Jesus, please forgive me for my sins. I believe that You died for me and took the punishment for my sins in my place. I want to receive the gift of salvation and eternal life. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. Jesus, I place my trust in You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen."
(You can learn more at http://prayingpals.org/knowgod.html.)
May we all reflect on the importance of healing, hope, and new life that we receive through Jesus Christ this Christmastime.
Shared with God's love in our hearts for you,Carrie and Stacie
How to Bring Christmas to Our Military
At Christmas, we must help bring back the true meaning to our troops, veterans, and their families. Many families will not have loved ones -either because of serving abroad or the ultimate sacrifice of a loved one dying for our country.
So, let's all do our part for veterans, troops, and military families to feel loved this Christmas. · Prepare a package: Send Christmas care packages to our troops. · Contact nursing homes.· Contact nursing homes and ask for a way to send a bouquet, a box of gifts, or have Christmas bedside table arrangements delivered in honor of all veterans or military widows/widowers in the home.· Ask if there would be a way to send cards to all or even just one of them.· Or just send an e-mail. If you have kids, include pictures of drawings by your kids to veterans or their widows/widowers.· Order a meal for a military family. Military families sacrifice so much, too. If you know a family whose husband, wife, son, daughter, mom, or dad can't come home for Christmas, reach out to them. Do something to acknowledge them and offer your thanks and prayers.· Order pillows for servicemen and women. Our servicemen and women do without many comforts so that we can live in freedom and peace. For example, did you that when troops are deployed they don't have a pillow to rest on? You can change that through Project Pillows. Click here to learn how you can help. It's easy and so helpful.· Send something to someone currently serving.· Send old-fashioned Christmas cards that could add a splash of Christmas color to military quarters.· Or, send acceptable Christmas decorations.· Write e-mails and attach files that include photos to print off and use for décor. If anything, it will be a day brightener for the recipient.· Offer to help schedule a Skype call to bring a friendly face from back home into his/her life at Christmas. Not all military families have the technology to Skype with their loved ones in the military. Loan your smartphone or laptop for a specified time so they can Skype with their loved one over Christmas. Now that would be an incredible gift!· Keep a gift card in your purse or wallet. That way you are ready to encourage a veteran on a moment's notice.· Keep your eyes open. If you see a need, put some thought into what you can do to help. It's amazing how a small gesture of thoughtfulness can mean so much.
Together we can make a difference. We urge you to do something this Christmas season to support and pray for our heroes and their families. America, now is the time to unite and stand with our military. We need them...but they also need us.
So, let's all do our part for veterans, troops, and military families to feel loved this Christmas. · Prepare a package: Send Christmas care packages to our troops. · Contact nursing homes.· Contact nursing homes and ask for a way to send a bouquet, a box of gifts, or have Christmas bedside table arrangements delivered in honor of all veterans or military widows/widowers in the home.· Ask if there would be a way to send cards to all or even just one of them.· Or just send an e-mail. If you have kids, include pictures of drawings by your kids to veterans or their widows/widowers.· Order a meal for a military family. Military families sacrifice so much, too. If you know a family whose husband, wife, son, daughter, mom, or dad can't come home for Christmas, reach out to them. Do something to acknowledge them and offer your thanks and prayers.· Order pillows for servicemen and women. Our servicemen and women do without many comforts so that we can live in freedom and peace. For example, did you that when troops are deployed they don't have a pillow to rest on? You can change that through Project Pillows. Click here to learn how you can help. It's easy and so helpful.· Send something to someone currently serving.· Send old-fashioned Christmas cards that could add a splash of Christmas color to military quarters.· Or, send acceptable Christmas decorations.· Write e-mails and attach files that include photos to print off and use for décor. If anything, it will be a day brightener for the recipient.· Offer to help schedule a Skype call to bring a friendly face from back home into his/her life at Christmas. Not all military families have the technology to Skype with their loved ones in the military. Loan your smartphone or laptop for a specified time so they can Skype with their loved one over Christmas. Now that would be an incredible gift!· Keep a gift card in your purse or wallet. That way you are ready to encourage a veteran on a moment's notice.· Keep your eyes open. If you see a need, put some thought into what you can do to help. It's amazing how a small gesture of thoughtfulness can mean so much.
Together we can make a difference. We urge you to do something this Christmas season to support and pray for our heroes and their families. America, now is the time to unite and stand with our military. We need them...but they also need us.
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Photo of Stacie and Carrie by Bree Peterson Photography
Why the Nativity?
Why the Nativity? draws from both the Old and New Testaments. Pastor, author, and theologian Dr. David Jeremiah provides answers to some of the most thought-provoking questions surrounding the most pivotal moment in human history—the birth of Jesus Christ!
Featured Bible Verse
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"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Featured Quote
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"The story of redemption begins in Bethlehem when God became flesh, when Christ came to be one of us, to join into the humanity experience, and ultimately in his humaneness, go to the cross, not leaving anything of his divinity behind. And on that day outside of Jerusalem, God died in his Son's body so that you and I could be set free."
-Dr. David Jeremiah
Unite the USA's
Featured Veteran of the Month: Tibor Rubin
Tibor Rubin, Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient
The Powerful, Patriotic Backstory of It's a Wonderful Life
By Carrie Stoelting, OD and Stacie Stoelting Hudzinski
Every year, Americans feel moved by It's a Wonderful Life because of its core messages of child-like faith, the importance of family and friends, and new beginnings. Everyone relates to the main character of the movie, George Bailey, who was played by Jimmy Stewart, who emerges from hopelessness with renewed faith in God. But did you know that the backstory to the movie and its leading man could well equal or surpass the inspiration of the movie itself?
Let's rewind to 1941, when Jimmy Stewart's made a selfless, patriotic decision.
The Real-Life Selflessness of Jimmy Stewart
Leading up to 1941, Jimmy Stewart experienced a thriving career in Hollywood. He had just won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Philadelphia Story. Yet suddenly the popular movie star made a bold, selfless decision: He was the first major movie star to enlist in World War II, thereby leading the way for other actors to do likewise.
His decision was unique: Initially, Jimmy was drafted into the Army, but he was rejected because he was underweight for his height of 6 foot 3 inches. He could have literally walked away. But instead he worked hard to gain the needed pounds and ultimately enlisted with the Air Corps. At the time, Jimmy Stewart said, "This country's conscience is bigger than all the studios in Hollywood put together, and the time will come when we'll have to fight." He knew that he had skills to contribute. At the time, Jimmy Stewart was a 33-year-old Hollywood icon who was also an accomplished private pilot. He became a U.S. Army Air Force aviator and earned his 2nd Lieutenant commission in early 1942. Jimmy was also assigned to starring in military recruiting films, attending rallies, and training younger pilots. He received those assignments because of his huge popularity with the American public.
But Jimmy wanted to do more.
A Valiant Request
In his heart, he wanted to fly combat missions in Europe. By 1944, Jimmy felt frustrated that the war was passing him by, so he took action. He approached his commanding officer and asked to be transferred to a unit about to be deployed in Europe. His request was reluctantly granted.
At this point, Jimmy was a Captain and was sent to England for 18 months. He flew B-24 Liberator bombers over Germany. Yet, during his time overseas, military leaders tried to keep the popular movie star from flying over enemy territory.
Once again, Jimmy made a selfless decision: He refused special treatment. He took matters into his own hands and assigned himself to every combat mission possible. He wanted to do everything in his power to serve his country.
By the end of WWII, Jimmy Stewart became one of his unit's most well respected and decorated pilots.
Strongly conscientious and a man of faith, Jimmy Stewart served as a highly devoted, heroic member of the service. In fact, during the war, it wasn't the fear of losing his own life that troubled Jimmy. Instead, he grappled with the fear of making a wrong decision which would cause his comrades to die in combat. The stress of combat and responsibility weighed on him.
After WWII ended in 1945, Jimmy returned to Hollywood. But the heaviness of war came at a high personal price.
How WWII Affected Jimmy Stewart on the Inside and the Outside
War accelerates the aging of many, and the ravages of WWII wore away Jimmy's pre-war youthfulness, After the war, Jimmy returned from war with a gaunt, sickly appearance. This made re-entry into his previous career more challenging. It also did not help that, in his absence, other youthful leading men had emerged and filled his spots in Hollywood. Actors like Gregory Peck suddenly received the roles otherwise given to him. It was depressing.
But director and fellow WWII veteran Frank Capra called Jimmy Stewart with the idea of “It's a Wonderful Life.” And Jimmy ultimately took the role.
“It's a Wonderful Life” and Jimmy's Battle with PTSD
While filming the movie, Jimmy battled what is now called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He rarely slept, but when he did sleep, he suffered from nightmares of planes exploding and men — his men — falling through the air screaming. (In one mission alone, Jimmy Stewart's unit lost thirteen planes and 130 men, most of whom he knew personally.)
Jimmy Stewart's personal pain infused him with tremendously powerful, emotional energy seen in “It's a Wonderful Life” as George Bailey. Co-star Donna Reed was an eyewitness of the filming and said, "This was not a happy set."
Due to their own post-traumatic stress, veterans Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra would second-guess how scenes should be done and seemed fixated on worrying that they would make mistakes. As a result, “It's a Wonderful Life” took several months to film. This caused it to be a very expensive, exhausting production. In the end, it cost over $3 million to complete the movie.
How God Used Lionel Barrymore to Encourage Jimmy Stewart
Lionel Barrymore portrayed Mr. Potter, the villain in the movie. But, in real life, Lionel Barrymore was a blessing. He helped Jimmy recover through encouragement and counsel.
During the production, Jimmy Stewart was questioning aloud whether acting had purpose. Yet it was Lionel Barrymore who helped him understand the importance and powerful impact entertainment can have on humanity. Movies like “It's a Wonderful Life” offer people a wholesome, welcomed escape from their troubles with a positive message. And “It's a Wonderful Life” touches lives to this day. Filming was therapeutic and healing for Jimmy. With God's grace, he was able to express joy and passion in the movie's closing scenes. No one can erase that beautiful scene or the jubilant voice of Jimmy Stewart when he famously shouted, "Merry Christmas, Bedford Falls!"
The Wonderful Life of Jimmy Stewart
Jimmy Stewart went on to make many more movies over the following decades. He was awarded 12 civilian and military medals, two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and numerous Lifetime Achievement awards from different institutes. Jimmy Stewart also remained in the USAF Reserve. He was promoted to brigadier general on July 23, 1959. He retired from the service on May 31, 1968.
Jimmy Stewart did experience a wonderful life: His long, successful marriage encouraged others in their commitment. He had four beloved children. And his faith in Christ grew stronger as he aged. Then, at the age of 89, he joined the Lord in 1997.
Yes, “It's a Wonderful Life” tells a powerful message of healing, hope, and new beginnings, but its back story does, too. Merry Christmas!
Every year, Americans feel moved by It's a Wonderful Life because of its core messages of child-like faith, the importance of family and friends, and new beginnings. Everyone relates to the main character of the movie, George Bailey, who was played by Jimmy Stewart, who emerges from hopelessness with renewed faith in God. But did you know that the backstory to the movie and its leading man could well equal or surpass the inspiration of the movie itself?
Let's rewind to 1941, when Jimmy Stewart's made a selfless, patriotic decision.
The Real-Life Selflessness of Jimmy Stewart
Leading up to 1941, Jimmy Stewart experienced a thriving career in Hollywood. He had just won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Philadelphia Story. Yet suddenly the popular movie star made a bold, selfless decision: He was the first major movie star to enlist in World War II, thereby leading the way for other actors to do likewise.
His decision was unique: Initially, Jimmy was drafted into the Army, but he was rejected because he was underweight for his height of 6 foot 3 inches. He could have literally walked away. But instead he worked hard to gain the needed pounds and ultimately enlisted with the Air Corps. At the time, Jimmy Stewart said, "This country's conscience is bigger than all the studios in Hollywood put together, and the time will come when we'll have to fight." He knew that he had skills to contribute. At the time, Jimmy Stewart was a 33-year-old Hollywood icon who was also an accomplished private pilot. He became a U.S. Army Air Force aviator and earned his 2nd Lieutenant commission in early 1942. Jimmy was also assigned to starring in military recruiting films, attending rallies, and training younger pilots. He received those assignments because of his huge popularity with the American public.
But Jimmy wanted to do more.
A Valiant Request
In his heart, he wanted to fly combat missions in Europe. By 1944, Jimmy felt frustrated that the war was passing him by, so he took action. He approached his commanding officer and asked to be transferred to a unit about to be deployed in Europe. His request was reluctantly granted.
At this point, Jimmy was a Captain and was sent to England for 18 months. He flew B-24 Liberator bombers over Germany. Yet, during his time overseas, military leaders tried to keep the popular movie star from flying over enemy territory.
Once again, Jimmy made a selfless decision: He refused special treatment. He took matters into his own hands and assigned himself to every combat mission possible. He wanted to do everything in his power to serve his country.
By the end of WWII, Jimmy Stewart became one of his unit's most well respected and decorated pilots.
Strongly conscientious and a man of faith, Jimmy Stewart served as a highly devoted, heroic member of the service. In fact, during the war, it wasn't the fear of losing his own life that troubled Jimmy. Instead, he grappled with the fear of making a wrong decision which would cause his comrades to die in combat. The stress of combat and responsibility weighed on him.
After WWII ended in 1945, Jimmy returned to Hollywood. But the heaviness of war came at a high personal price.
How WWII Affected Jimmy Stewart on the Inside and the Outside
War accelerates the aging of many, and the ravages of WWII wore away Jimmy's pre-war youthfulness, After the war, Jimmy returned from war with a gaunt, sickly appearance. This made re-entry into his previous career more challenging. It also did not help that, in his absence, other youthful leading men had emerged and filled his spots in Hollywood. Actors like Gregory Peck suddenly received the roles otherwise given to him. It was depressing.
But director and fellow WWII veteran Frank Capra called Jimmy Stewart with the idea of “It's a Wonderful Life.” And Jimmy ultimately took the role.
“It's a Wonderful Life” and Jimmy's Battle with PTSD
While filming the movie, Jimmy battled what is now called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He rarely slept, but when he did sleep, he suffered from nightmares of planes exploding and men — his men — falling through the air screaming. (In one mission alone, Jimmy Stewart's unit lost thirteen planes and 130 men, most of whom he knew personally.)
Jimmy Stewart's personal pain infused him with tremendously powerful, emotional energy seen in “It's a Wonderful Life” as George Bailey. Co-star Donna Reed was an eyewitness of the filming and said, "This was not a happy set."
Due to their own post-traumatic stress, veterans Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra would second-guess how scenes should be done and seemed fixated on worrying that they would make mistakes. As a result, “It's a Wonderful Life” took several months to film. This caused it to be a very expensive, exhausting production. In the end, it cost over $3 million to complete the movie.
How God Used Lionel Barrymore to Encourage Jimmy Stewart
Lionel Barrymore portrayed Mr. Potter, the villain in the movie. But, in real life, Lionel Barrymore was a blessing. He helped Jimmy recover through encouragement and counsel.
During the production, Jimmy Stewart was questioning aloud whether acting had purpose. Yet it was Lionel Barrymore who helped him understand the importance and powerful impact entertainment can have on humanity. Movies like “It's a Wonderful Life” offer people a wholesome, welcomed escape from their troubles with a positive message. And “It's a Wonderful Life” touches lives to this day. Filming was therapeutic and healing for Jimmy. With God's grace, he was able to express joy and passion in the movie's closing scenes. No one can erase that beautiful scene or the jubilant voice of Jimmy Stewart when he famously shouted, "Merry Christmas, Bedford Falls!"
The Wonderful Life of Jimmy Stewart
Jimmy Stewart went on to make many more movies over the following decades. He was awarded 12 civilian and military medals, two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and numerous Lifetime Achievement awards from different institutes. Jimmy Stewart also remained in the USAF Reserve. He was promoted to brigadier general on July 23, 1959. He retired from the service on May 31, 1968.
Jimmy Stewart did experience a wonderful life: His long, successful marriage encouraged others in their commitment. He had four beloved children. And his faith in Christ grew stronger as he aged. Then, at the age of 89, he joined the Lord in 1997.
Yes, “It's a Wonderful Life” tells a powerful message of healing, hope, and new beginnings, but its back story does, too. Merry Christmas!
Christmas at the White House
Mamie Eisenhower’s Fudge
Ingredients 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup butter, divided 3 milk chocolate candy bars (two 7 ounces, one 1.55 ounces), broken into pieces 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 4-1/2 cups sugar 2 cups chopped walnuts Directions Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil and butter the foil with 1 tablespoon butter; set aside. In a large heat-proof bowl, combine the candy bars, chocolate chips and marshmallow creme; set aside.In a large heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the milk, sugar and remaining butter. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 4-1/2 minutes. Pour over chocolate mixture; stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in walnuts. Pour into prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm. Using foil, lift fudge out of pan; cut into 1-in. squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Ingredients 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup butter, divided 3 milk chocolate candy bars (two 7 ounces, one 1.55 ounces), broken into pieces 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 4-1/2 cups sugar 2 cups chopped walnuts Directions Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil and butter the foil with 1 tablespoon butter; set aside. In a large heat-proof bowl, combine the candy bars, chocolate chips and marshmallow creme; set aside.In a large heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the milk, sugar and remaining butter. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 4-1/2 minutes. Pour over chocolate mixture; stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in walnuts. Pour into prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm. Using foil, lift fudge out of pan; cut into 1-in. squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Melania Trump’s Star Cookies(Tested size: 40-44 cookies)
Ingredients2 cups flour1/2 teaspoon baking soda6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature1 cup confectioners' sugar2 large egg yolks plus 1 large egg white, preferably at room temperature2 tablespoons sour cream
DirectionsCombine flour and baking soda in a bowl or on a sheet of a waxed paper.
Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer; beat on medium speed until creamy and well incorporated. Stop to scrape down the bowl. Add the egg yolks and white one at a time, beating on medium speed after each addition, until smooth and well incorporated. Stop to scrape down the bowl.
On low speed, gradually beat in sour cream and the flour mixture, just until a soft dough forms with no trace of flour left. Divide in half.
Place one half between two sheets of parchment or waxed paper, rolling to an even thickness of 1/8 inch. Place on a baking sheet (with top and bottom papers) and refrigerate or freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a few baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
Working quickly, remove the top sheet from one half of the chilled, rolled-out dough. Cut out as many stars as you can, transferring them to a baking sheet as you work (spacing the cookies 1 inch apart). Once the dough begins to soften and becomes hard to work with, pop it back in cold storage and use the second batch of firmed-up dough. Re-roll scraps, as needed. It’s also helpful to chill the cutouts on baking sheets that await oven time; baking them straight from cold storage.
Bake (middle rack) one sheet at a time; turn the sheet front to back after 5 minutes. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the stars are just beginning to brown on the edges. Watch closely; once the browning starts it goes fast.
Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack; cool the cookies completely (on the sheet) before serving or storing.
Ingredients2 cups flour1/2 teaspoon baking soda6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature1 cup confectioners' sugar2 large egg yolks plus 1 large egg white, preferably at room temperature2 tablespoons sour cream
DirectionsCombine flour and baking soda in a bowl or on a sheet of a waxed paper.
Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer; beat on medium speed until creamy and well incorporated. Stop to scrape down the bowl. Add the egg yolks and white one at a time, beating on medium speed after each addition, until smooth and well incorporated. Stop to scrape down the bowl.
On low speed, gradually beat in sour cream and the flour mixture, just until a soft dough forms with no trace of flour left. Divide in half.
Place one half between two sheets of parchment or waxed paper, rolling to an even thickness of 1/8 inch. Place on a baking sheet (with top and bottom papers) and refrigerate or freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a few baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
Working quickly, remove the top sheet from one half of the chilled, rolled-out dough. Cut out as many stars as you can, transferring them to a baking sheet as you work (spacing the cookies 1 inch apart). Once the dough begins to soften and becomes hard to work with, pop it back in cold storage and use the second batch of firmed-up dough. Re-roll scraps, as needed. It’s also helpful to chill the cutouts on baking sheets that await oven time; baking them straight from cold storage.
Bake (middle rack) one sheet at a time; turn the sheet front to back after 5 minutes. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the stars are just beginning to brown on the edges. Watch closely; once the browning starts it goes fast.
Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack; cool the cookies completely (on the sheet) before serving or storing.
Nancy Reagan's Vienna Chocolate Bars
Ingredients1 cup butter, softened1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided2 large egg yolks2 ½ cups all-purpose flour1 (10-oz.) jar seedless raspberry preserves1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels4 large egg whites, at room temperature¼ teaspoon table salt2 cups finely chopped pecans, lightly toasted
DirectionsPreheat oven to 350°. Line a 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pan with aluminum foil; lightly grease foil. Beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until well blended. Add egg yolks, and beat until combined. Gradually add flour, beating at low speed 1 to 2 minutes or just until combined. Press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, and spread preserves over crust. Sprinkle with chocolate morsels. Beat egg whites and salt at high speed, using whisk attachment, until foamy. Gradually add remaining 1 cup sugar, 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating until glossy and stiff peaks form. Fold in pecans. Gently spread egg white mixture over chocolate mixture.Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until meringue is browned and crispy. Cool completely on a wire rack (1 hour). Cut into bars.
Ingredients1 cup butter, softened1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided2 large egg yolks2 ½ cups all-purpose flour1 (10-oz.) jar seedless raspberry preserves1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels4 large egg whites, at room temperature¼ teaspoon table salt2 cups finely chopped pecans, lightly toasted
DirectionsPreheat oven to 350°. Line a 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pan with aluminum foil; lightly grease foil. Beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until well blended. Add egg yolks, and beat until combined. Gradually add flour, beating at low speed 1 to 2 minutes or just until combined. Press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, and spread preserves over crust. Sprinkle with chocolate morsels. Beat egg whites and salt at high speed, using whisk attachment, until foamy. Gradually add remaining 1 cup sugar, 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating until glossy and stiff peaks form. Fold in pecans. Gently spread egg white mixture over chocolate mixture.Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until meringue is browned and crispy. Cool completely on a wire rack (1 hour). Cut into bars.
Jackie Kennedy's Strawberries Romanoff
Ingredients2 pounds strawberries, halved (or quartered if large)¾ cup powdered sugar1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice⅛ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon vanilla extractVanilla ice cream
DirectionsGently stir together strawberries; powdered sugar; fresh lemon juice; and kosher salt in a large bowl. Spoon mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Roast at 400°F until strawberries are softened and mixture is bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes. Remove from oven; stir in vanilla extract. Let stand 30 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients2 pounds strawberries, halved (or quartered if large)¾ cup powdered sugar1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice⅛ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon vanilla extractVanilla ice cream
DirectionsGently stir together strawberries; powdered sugar; fresh lemon juice; and kosher salt in a large bowl. Spoon mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Roast at 400°F until strawberries are softened and mixture is bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes. Remove from oven; stir in vanilla extract. Let stand 30 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Abigail Adams: Apple Pandowdy
Pastry Ingredients1 and 1/2 cup flour1/2 cup shortening1/4 teaspoons salt1/4 cup butter, melted3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
Pastry DirectionsCut the shortening into the flour and salt with a pastry cutter. Sprinkle the ice water over dough, adding only enough to hold the dough together. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness, brush with 1/4 cup melted butter. Cut pastry in half. Place one half on top of the other. Cut again and again until you have 16 separate pieces piled up. Press them lightly together, then chill the dough for 1 hour. Roll pastry again and cut in half. Roll one half to fit the bottom of the baking dish and the other to fit the top.
Filling Ingredients1/2 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 teaspoon nutmeg1/4 teaspoon salt10 Newtown Pippin apples**1/4 cup molasses3 tablespoons melted butter1/4 cup water
Filling DirectionsCore, peel and slice the apples. Mix with sugar and spices and put in pastry-lined dish. Combine molasses with butter and water. Pour over apples. Cover with top crust and seal. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Then reduce heat to 325 degrees."Dowdy" the dish by cutting the upper crust into apples with sharp knife. Bake one hour or until the apples are bubbling vigorously. Serve hot with ice cream or whipped cream.
Pastry Ingredients1 and 1/2 cup flour1/2 cup shortening1/4 teaspoons salt1/4 cup butter, melted3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
Pastry DirectionsCut the shortening into the flour and salt with a pastry cutter. Sprinkle the ice water over dough, adding only enough to hold the dough together. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness, brush with 1/4 cup melted butter. Cut pastry in half. Place one half on top of the other. Cut again and again until you have 16 separate pieces piled up. Press them lightly together, then chill the dough for 1 hour. Roll pastry again and cut in half. Roll one half to fit the bottom of the baking dish and the other to fit the top.
Filling Ingredients1/2 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 teaspoon nutmeg1/4 teaspoon salt10 Newtown Pippin apples**1/4 cup molasses3 tablespoons melted butter1/4 cup water
Filling DirectionsCore, peel and slice the apples. Mix with sugar and spices and put in pastry-lined dish. Combine molasses with butter and water. Pour over apples. Cover with top crust and seal. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Then reduce heat to 325 degrees."Dowdy" the dish by cutting the upper crust into apples with sharp knife. Bake one hour or until the apples are bubbling vigorously. Serve hot with ice cream or whipped cream.