The Heartbeat of Motherhood - with the American Heart Association

My mother was a powerhouse of love and industry.

She raised 4 children and never sat still long. She was always cooking, canning, making, baking, sewing, crafting, gardening or planning. She was always doing for others, volunteering at her kids schools or for the many community clubs and organizations she belonged to. She rarely took time for herself, and I believe that contributed to her early death at age 57.

Cancer took my beloved mother, but previously she had suffered a serious heart attack that did lasting damage and prevented her from living her life to the fullest.

I wish my mother had known that heart disease is a woman’s greatest threat, and the warning signs of heart attack and stroke, so that she could have made lifestyle choices to control some risks, as well as getting the tests and treatments she needed.

I don’t know if my mother would be with us today if she had, but I know that her life while she was still here would have been better for it!

I think of my mom every day, but try to do something each Mother’s Day that would make her smile. I’ve found a great way this year - donating in her name to the American Heart Association. You can do this for your mom too!

They have wonderful supporters in Valerie and Lee Shapiro, who are matching all digital donations up to $500,000, so our contributions can go twice as far! When you donate, you get to choose an e-card to send to your mom, or a mother-figure in your life, letting her know of the special and meaningful way you are honoring her on Mother’s Day - and everyday - while helping so many in her name! Go here to make your donation:

One very special group of women this will help is expectant mothers. Did you know that cardiovascular disease is sadly the number 1 killer of new moms and accounts for 1/3 of maternal deaths? I was shocked to hear that statistic! It’s so critical for women to learn their risk factors and prioritize their own health before, during and after pregnancy. For themselves and their babies!!

I'm teaming up with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement to spread awareness about the connection between pregnancy and cardiovascular health. I know you and your mom will agree, losing even one mom is too many. We have to reclaim today for a better tomorrow and there’s another really powerful way we can do that this May.

We’re encouraging women to learn important health numbers that can help them determine their risk for heart disease: total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index ​​(BMI).

Knowing your numbers can allow you to take action early, address your personal risk factors, and lower your chance of developing heart disease later in life.

Are you taking care of yourself? Do you know the risk factors and steps you can take to minimize the chance that you will suffer a serious cardiac event or stroke? If you’ve never given it much thought before, please do so now!

If you are someone like my mom, who had a hard time thinking of herself because her life was one of selfless commitment, please think of all those who would be devastated if harm were to come to you. Do it for you, do it for them.

Take care of yourself and the heart that beats so strongly for the ones you love!

Teriyaki Salmon Skewers

Serving up a special brunch to Mom this coming Mother’s Day? Wow her with these tasty teriyaki salmon skewers on May 8th!

Super simple, super delicious, super special, after mixing up the teriyaki sauce, these come together quickly and are a complete show-stopper! They are rich in heart-healthy omega-3’s too! Serve with rice and your favorite veggies, or along side a mixed green salad for a full meal deal.

Mom - or any special lady in your life - will be impressed with your culinary skills and the care you took to show her that she deserves to be treated like the queen she is!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon minced ginger

• 2/3 cup water + 2 tablespoons

• 2/3 cup soy sauce

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless salmon cut into 1-inch cubes

• 8 - 8” wooden skewers - soaked in water for at least one hour to prevent burning

• sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in bottom of a small saucepan.

2. Saute the minced garlic and ginger over med-low heat, about 1 minute.

3. Turn heat to high, add the 2/3 cup water, soy sauce, sugar and vinegar and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat to low, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.

5. Mix the cornstarch with 2T water to dissolve, then whisk into sauce to thicken.

6. Simmer for a few minutes.

7. Divide sauce into 2 bowls, one for basting, the other for serving.

1. Toss salmon chunks with half of the basting sauce then thread onto skewers using similar portions for each skewer (about 1/4 of a pound each).

2. Arrange with space between each on baking tray and baste with more sauce.

3. Place under broiler for 3-4 minutes, turning once, and basting before placing back under the broiler to finish cooking, another 3-4 minutes.

4. Remove from broiler and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving 2 skewers per person.

I know Mom is going to love this splendid and celebratory meal, and I hope it helps to make her day - and yours - a very special one.

I wish my own mama were here to spoil, but I’m sure she’ll be enjoying the equivalent of a Mother’s Day grand banquet in heaven. What a special gift we were given when we were given mothers! And equally, what a special gift it is to BE a mom.

Just one more way we’ve been blessed in this life full of blessings we live!

Put Your Best Face Forward with Laura Geller

I love being able to share my favorite finds with all of you!

I’ve been raving about Laura Geller’s beauty products for a few years now. You know I feel naked without my lipstick, and when I put on my Laura Geller lips, I feel like I’m dressed for a fancy ball!

Whatever your go-to product is (my sister won’t go out without mascara,) Laura Geller helps you to put your best face forward!

Right now, they are promoting a “Cult Classics Full Face Kit”, that contains many of my favorite products.

This 6-piece kit includes full-size Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer in Hydrate, Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color-Correcting Foundation, Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues, Baked Original Highlighter in French Vanilla, Modern Classic Lipstick in Regal, and their Retractable Kabuki Angled Brush.

• Quench your skin’s thirst with this two-in-one moisturizer and primer and save time on your beauty regimen.

• Even out your skin tone and disguise blemishes and age spots with the multidimensional, color-correcting pigments from Balance-n-Brighten Foundation.

• Add a fresh pop of color on your cheeks with Blush-n-Brighten and put your features in the spotlight with the Baked Original Highlighter.

• Sculpt your lips with creamy, lightweight color with our Modern Classic Lipstick.

• Ideal for both loose and pressed powders, use this travel-friendly Kabuki Brush to add foundation, color, highlight, or contour the face.

• Right now they’re including a FREE pretty pink make up bag too!

You can find the Cult Classics Full Face Kit
and so many more incredible (and affordable!) luxurious beauty products at
LauraGeller.com.

Be sure to use promo code LAURA25 for 25% off your purchase!

Global Mercy® | Transforming Lives

Mercy Ships has been transforming lives for over 40 years. And now, they can do even more to help people who are suffering thanks to the launch of the Global Mercy® — the first custom built hospital ship of its kind.

So many people in the world have no access to healthcare and as a result they live in pain or fear of death while suffering from curable conditions. With the support of volunteers and donors, Mercy Ships goes to these communities to perform free surgeries that help mothers see their babies for the first time and little boys and girls run around with their friends. They change lives through the work they do.

The new Global Mercy will also have state-of-the-art teaching facilities so local healthcare professionals can get medical training — this will allow the work of healing to continue long after the ship leaves.

You have an opportunity to be part of Mercy Ships’ next mission. If you’ve ever had the thought that you’d like to do something that truly makes a difference in the life of someone, you can learn more HERE about volunteering with Mercy Ships.

Perhaps yours will also be the next life that is transformed!

"Hey, It's Delilah" | New DAILY Podcast

Hey everybody, I have some exciting news!

On Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14th, 2022, I’m launching a new DAILY podcast! It’s called “Hey, It’s Delilah”, and will drop every Monday through Friday.

Yes, I’ll still be doing my bi-monthly podcast, “LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah”, which gives me an opportunity to have long, lovely conversations with fun and inspiring guests, but “Hey, It’s Delilah” will be a different.

Each episode of this new daily, will be just 10-15 minutes in length and made up of a variety of my favorite radio moments, curated around a central theme. It will be a mixture of calls, stories, dedications, dilemmas, and topics I want to talk with you about.

Every day I’ll share something new. Perhaps the theme will be about finding true love, or discovering yourself. Becoming a parent or adjusting to an empty-nest. Reuniting with an old friend, rekindling and old flame, rebuffing an old belief… It could be about making up, or moving on. It will always be about matters of the heart.

Listen to “Hey, It’s Delilah”, on your way to work, during your lunch break, on your way home, or before you turn out the light'; anytime you could use a little emotional hug.

Subscribe on iHeartPodcasts or wherever you get your podcast fix!

Soup's On! Pozole

Cold weather is soup weather!

Whether you’re coming in dripping wet or shaking off snowflakes (Where I’m from it’s usually the first, but occasionally we DO get some of the other stuff!) a comforting bowl of steaming soup makes all the discomfort Old Man Winter can dish out quickly disappear!

A favorite that can be thrown together quickly is traditional Mexican pozole (posole) - a rich, brothy soup made with pork (or chicken), hominy, and red or green chiles. 

There are countless variations on the theme, and that’s one of the best things about it. As long as you have a big can of hominy in the pantry (Since discovering this soup many years ago, I always do!), some left-over meat, and chicken broth, you can modify and make-do! Here’s a few links to recipes on the web: Posole Rojo, Authentic Mexican Pozole, and Chicken Pozole Verde.

The bowl pictured above used well-seasoned pulled pork that was left over from taco’s the night before.

It was made by sautéing some onion in butter, then adding a 32oz box of chicken broth, 25oz can of white hominy, half a pound of pulled pork, a 4oz can of diced green chiles, and half a cup of salsa. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer 15 minutes before ladling into serving bowls.

Garnish (load it on!) with shredded cabbage, diced green onion, cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Add radish and avocado if you have it!

Grilled corn tortilla’s (or tortilla chips) make a great addition too.

Years ago my sister called and said, “Do you remember being served hominy when we were growing up?” My answer was no - but my mouth did, and it wasn’t a pleasant memory! We laughed, because that was her recollection too.

Our grandfather grew a lot of corn in his abundant garden, and we both remember him making hominy by soaking dried corn kernels in a concoction of lye… and while we don’t actually remember it being served to us, we DO remember the result had a very unpleasant texture.

All this to say that canned hominy in your pozole is nothing like my childhood memories! Instead, it is hearty, slightly chewy, and quite delicious!

So, throw a big pot of pozole together sometime soon, make it as mild or a spicy as you please, and you’ll soon experience comfort as ancient as the Aztecs!

SCRUMPTIOUS | DECEMBER BOOK CLUB

Scrumptious

Oh December, delightful, decadent, delicious December!

So many things to do! So many things to make! So many things to eat!!! But if you (like me) have grown a little tired of the same-old, same-old, I’ve got a treat for you; a SCRUMPTIOUS treat!

My book club pick for the month of December is a big, beautiful cookbook, “Scrumptious”, by Christy Denny.

Christy has years of experience as a recipe writer for both Betty Crocker and General Mills, and writes the very popular blog, “The Girl Who Ate Everything”. (Woman after my own heart!) Her love of eating is life-long, and as one of 10 siblings, a wife, and mother of 5, cooking took it’s natural place in her life.

Scrumptious, is her second cookbook and it’s filled with over 100 recipes that are extremely family friendly! They are tasty, and thankfully, not overly-complicated. She heard her followers when they said they needed recipes to make their lives EASIER, and filled this cookbook with all the answers to the question of what to make for dinner, breakfast, and sweet treats. There are pages and pages of gorgeous photos, which are a feast for the eyes before even making it to the belly!

I’m especially happy with the big selection of One-Pan recipes, because, as a mom to too-many-to-count I’m usually looking to feed a big crew, fast! The ability to do this deliciously (and make a pretty presentation to boot) has me nearly breaking my arm patting myself on the back so enthusiastically! Scrumptious even has a whole low-carb/Keto-friendly chapter that Christy’s husband was heavily involved in making, that’s given me some great ideas when a few members of my big extended crew comes to visit.

This cookbook will make an EXCELLENT Christmas gift for anyone who, well, EATS. Young adults living on their own for the first time, couples, young families, established families, grandparents… Truly, it’s chock-full of fresh, fabulous ideas than anyone and everyone will find useful. And the results are absolutely scrumptious!

Get your copy HERE!

Christy Denney and her family.

My 12 Stockings of Christmas 2021

All through the year, I keep an eye out for products I want to share with my friends and listeners during my 12 Stockings of Christmas Sweepstakes.

I’ve collected 11 fabulous items this year that includes beautiful Christmas dećor, personal papering products, something to keep your toes warm and toasty, sweet treats, savory eats, and sipping tea, as well as lots and lots of music!

Now is the time!!! November 26th through December 22nd, be listening to my radio program for the KEY WORDS for each of the gifts I’m including in my 12 stockings this year. When you hear it, text to 48484 to enter! Or enter HERE.

Here’s everything you’ll find if you win one of my 12 Stockings of Christmas:

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Balsam Hill has been the leading retailer of highly realistic artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor for over a decade. I always find something wonderful to add to my 12 Stockings of Christmas!

Last year they launched their most realistic artificial tree yet, the Balsam Hill Fraser Fir, with 40 different tip variations replicating what you would find in nature. It was only after mine had been up for nearly 2 months did folks start to question how my gorgeous tree was staying so fresh looking!

In addition to everything you could possibly need to get your home into the holiday spirit; signature trees, elegant ornament sets, wreaths, swags, garlands, sprays, picks, ribbons, bows, and flickering flameless candles, they also have a multitude of timeless décor options for other seasons! When the holidays are over, be sure to check out their spring floral collection and their fall foliage and décor items.

Balsam Hill is a company that always gives back to their community, and they are very supportive of my foundation, Point Hope, for which I am eternally grateful!

This year I am adding their 12-piece French Country ornament set to my gift pile. Inspired by antique French baubles, these glass ornaments are reminiscent of the subtlety and sophistication of French design. Each piece is handcrafted from thick mercury glass and comes in a variety of finishes that add texture and contrast to your holiday decorations. They will add sparkle and an understated elegance to your tree!

BALSAM HILL

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This year my kids and I discovered Annie’s Kit Clubs and loved them so much I’ve included a one year subscription in my 12 Stockings of Christmas give-away!

Kit’s from Annie’s provide a much-needed break from school work and screen time, and the kids get a great sense of satisfaction completing each new project. Annie’s is a subscription service; after signing up, new craft kits are sent each and every month. It’s always a happy day when there’s an Annie’s package in the mail!

There are subscriptions tailored to a huge variety of skills and interests and many seasonal projects too; textiles, knitting & crocheting, paper crafts, beading & jewelry, and Paul Adam’s favorite, the Young Woodworkers Club. We enjoyed making Christmas ornaments for the tree and the kids love seeing their creations on display!

An Annie’s Kit Club subscription is a welcome gift that gives all year long! Make Christmas shopping easy with Annie’s Kit Clubs, and take advantage of a 75% discount off your first kit when you use the promo code RADIO!

ANNIE’S KIT CLUBS

(I’ve also discovered Annie’s has a Book Club subscription too - another great gift idea!)

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“A Sentimental Christmas with Nat King Cole and Friends”, is a special addition to my 12 Stocking of Christmas gift collection. I’m adding both the CD, and, for a touch of nostalgia, the vinyl album, to my fully stuffed stockings.

It’s a very special album that features reimagined versions of his classic songs, and new duets with some of today’s biggest stars - all possible through the magic of modern technology. Favorites include Nat’s recording of “The Christmas Song”, with the addition of John Legend, “The Very Thought of You”, with Kristin Chenoweth, “O Holy Night”, with Calum Scott, and 8 more timeless Christmas classics.

“Sentimental Christmas with Nat King Cole and Friends”, will make a lovely Christmas gift for young and old.

This beautiful collection is sure to bring warm memories flooding back while you’re also busy creating new ones. Make sure you put a copy underneath several Christmas trees!

A SENTIMENTAL CHRISTMAS WITH NAT KING COLE AND FRIENDS

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Laura Geller Beauty products are designed especially for women over 40, and I am so appreciative!

I’m adding their 4-piece Matte Finish Full Face Value Set to my 12 Stockings Sweepstakes.

Put on a fresh face with these essentials that include their Double Take Baked Versatile Powder Foundation, Baked Blush-n-Brighten, Baked Original Highlighter, and the Retractable Kabuki Angled Brush! This kit is a travel-friendly design to take with you wherever you go!

Laura Geller Beauty offers a full-line of beauty product, many of which have become my favorite, like their foundation primers and their luscious lipsticks.

Find something special for all the women on your gift list when you visit Laura Geller on line. Use promo code LAURA25 for 25% off your order!

LAURA GELLER BEAUTY

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I’m tucking autographed, deluxe versions of Train’s amazing holiday album, “Christmas in Tahoe”, with its fun, cheerful approach to some great holiday classics, into each of my 12 gift piles.

You’ll hear 12 traditional Christmas songs and three originals written by the band. Favorites include “This Christmas", "Oh Holy Night”, and“Blue Christmas”, as well as the original “Shake Up Christmas”, and many more. “Christmas in Tahoe Deluxe” is a great stocking stuffer for everyone on your list!

Adding to the fun, The Hallmark Channel has announced a new movie, “Christmas in Tahoe,” starring Grammy-winning Train frontman, Pat Monahan, alongside Laura Osnes, Kyle Selig, and George Lopez. It features all the great music from the “Christmas in Tahoe” album!.

“Ever since having made our Christmas album, “Christmas in Tahoe,” it’s been a dream of mine to bring it to life on the screen,” says Monahan. “Hallmark has now made that dream a reality.”

The film will premiere as part of the network’s annual “Countdown to Christmas” programming event. The first airing is on Sunday Nov 28th.

CHRISTMAS IN TAHOE

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I’ve discovered a great line of footwear and I’m thrilled to share them as a new 12 Stockings of Christmas gift! I’m slipping a gift card for LAMO Footwear into each of my 12 stockings this year.

LAMO is a heritage brand that’s been around for over 25 years. They have everything from boots, to slip-on’s, to slippers, footwear for every member of the family for all 365 days of the year! I wear mine around the house and around the farm; they’re super cozy, comfy and oh-so stylish.

I also love that they LAMO gives back, donating over 1100 pairs of shoes to nurses on the front lines during the pandemic - amazing!

If you’re looking for one-stop shopping this holiday season (without having to leave your house) visit lamofootwear.com. If you use promo code HOLIDAY25, you’ll get a 25% discount!

LAMO FOOTWEAR

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Soulful songstress, Norah Jones, has created her very first holiday album ever! “I Dream of Christmas”, includes 13 tracks in all, 6 of them brand-new original pieces. What a lovely surprise this is! I had to add autographed copies to my 12 Stockings of Christmas!

I was able to sit down with Norah for a long lovely chat that you can listen to on my podcast, LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah. We both profess our love for Christmas music all year long, and we talk about our favorites from the album. “Christmas Calling” was the single released ahead of the album and Norah confesses that of all the new music, she has a particular fondness for this one. I have my own favorite - you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out which it is. (But let me say, I see MANY dedications in it’s future!)

While the album is imbued with the mellow, melancholy sound of Norah, it’s also warm, welcoming, and brimming with belief in all that is good and hopeful. The best news? It’s available RIGHT NOW!

Dream a little dream with Norah. It’s a must have for every music person on your list.

I DREAM OF CHRISTMAS

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I have fun seeking out the perfect gifts to add to my 12 Stockings of Christmas Sweepstakes each year - I’m so happy to be adding autographed copies of Brett Young’s, “Brett Young & Friends Sing the Christmas Classics”, to the mix.

This is Brett’s first holiday album, and he’s gathered a star-studded lineup of collaborators including Colbie Caillat, Darius Rucker, and Maddie & Tae, to help him celebrate the spirit of the season.

The eight-track collection of classics is sure to bring everyone on your list lots of yuletide cheer! Songs include “White Christmas”, with Caillat, “Let it Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow”, with Maddie & Tae, and Brett’s own unique rendition of “Silver Bells”.

Fans will have the chance to experience the album on the CMT Christmas Crossroads event, “Brett Young and Friends”, airing on CMT in December. You can check local listings for times.

The album feels like home, and it is a great addition to your Christmas music collection!

BRETT YOUNG & FRIENDS SING THE CHRISTMAS CLASSICS

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My 12 Stockings of Christmas Sweepstakes is about sharing wonderful discoveries. One this year is Fishpatrick’s, fresh, flavorful albacore tuna from my hometown on the Oregon Coast! Each of my gift packs will include a sampling of their 4 fabulous flavors!

“Fishpatrick” has been a fisherman and respected business owner for over 20 years. He and his family are known for providing great customer service and for their product’s top-quality flavor and freshness! Fishpatrick’s canned albacore is a specialty gourmet food that you and your family are going to love as much as me and mine!

They offer 4 canned albacore products. Salt Free, Sea Salt Added, Garlic Jalapeño, and Smoked. Salt Free is simply a nice chunk of albacore in the can, (no water or oil is ever added to any of their BPA-free cans.) Sea Salt Added has a small pinch for a hint of additional flavor. Garlic Jalapeño is very mild with a dash of sea salt, granulated garlic, and fresh jalapeño. And the Smoked is marinated with kosher salt, brown sugar and spices, then lightly kippered with kiln dried alder.

It all comes directly from the fisherman to you for the best price and the best quality. Purchase a gift pack, or buy it by the case to enjoy all year long. (Make sure to share with appreciative family and friends!)

FISHPATRICK’S

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I love tea and the calm, soothing feeling that comes with every sip, so I’m welcoming Bigelow Tea back into my 12 Stockings of Christmas gift package with a generous sampling of their wonderful brews!

I’m sure you know Bigelow from their signature blend, “Constant Comment”, the original recipe that started it all. To this day it’s blended only by someone with the Bigelow last name and remains a closely guarded family secret. Cindi Bigelow, third generation President and CEO, joined me recently on my podcast series, and shared the fascinating Bigelow story - Listen In!

Bigelow has expanded far beyond their original recipe and now produces an abundance of flavorful blends. Their Bigelow Benefits is a wonderful line of teas that support everyday wellness, body and mind. Benefits features blends like Lemon & Echinacea, supporting the immune system, and Lavender & Chamomile, to help with sleep. With many delicious flavors, Benefits uplift, relax, and help reduce stress. There’s a perfect cup for any time of day.

Staying hydrated this holiday season is important too! Try the new Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion, it’s a new way to love your water. Flavors like Watermelon Cucumber Mint infuse in cold water, for a simple and refreshing way to achieve daily hydration. Zero calories. No artificial anything.

I could go on and on; I think Bigelow has a tea for everything!

BIGELOW TEAS

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My 12 Stockings of Christmas just aren’t complete until I’ve added my favorite candy, Almond ROCA, the sweetest gift of all! Almond ROCA is the Christmas candy of my youth, and I believe every Christmas stocking should include some of those classic gold-foil-wrapped pieces - so I’ll be sure to add more than a few to the 12 I’m giving away!

Every batch is made with rich creamy butter, California almonds, and the best quality chocolate! The ROCA selection is large! Almond, Cashew, Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel, Peppermint, and Mocha - They’ve even added Extra Dark ROCA, to their list of sweet treats.

I love giving and getting Brown & Haley confections the whole year through. Everyone should try the new ROCA bites that come in several delectable flavors. They’re just the right size to slip into those holiday stockings that have been hung by the chimney with care. (And to carry with you for some self-indulgence while out running holiday errands.)

Brighten someone’s day with the gift of Almond ROCA. Visit them online or find them at all your local retailers.

ALMOND ROCA

Remember, be listening to my radio program, and when you hear the KEY WORD for each of my 12 Stockings gifts, text it to 48484 or enter it [HERE], for an opportunity at winning one of these 12 bundles of gifts.

Good luck!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Mmmmm. I haven’t made my annual skating in Central Park trip to New York now for a few years. I miss seeing all my East Coast friends, I miss the city that never sleeps, Broadway performances, window displays, and boy, oh boy, do I miss Junior’s sandwiches and cheesecakes!!!

This little number showed up on a holiday table recently and alllllmost scratched my cheesecake itch. (The flavor was there, just not the jostling crowds, noises, and endless energy found in the Junior’s dining room!)

It’s your basic graham cracker crust cheesecake recipe, all dressed up in fall finery with the addition of 15oz of pumpkin and her spicy companions we just can’t seem to live without.

Wow your family and your guests, or simply indulge yourself with this decadent little treat.

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 Tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon
  
  

Filling:

• 3 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

• 15oz canned pumpkin

• 4 large eggs

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 350˚F.

Crust:

1. Use a food processor to pulse graham crackers to create fine crumbs .

2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Dump into a 9” springform cheesecake pan and use a cup, glass, or large spoon to press the mixture down covering the bottom of your cake pan and pushing 1/3-1/2 of the way up the sides.

3. Bake at 350˚F for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool before adding cheesecake filling.

Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and brown sugar on smooth (no lumps, bumps, or chunks!).

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, sour cream, pumpkin pie spice, salt and vanilla extract. Add this well-combined mixture to the cheesecake filling and continue mixing on low speed just until uniform in color and consistency.

3. Pour filling into pre-baked crust, place in oven on middle rack, and bake at 350˚F for 1 hour. Turn off heat, prop the oven door open slightly, and allow to cool for 1 hour. *

4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool a bit longer, until the cheesecake reaches room temperature. Then cover and refrigerated at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Just before serving, remove from its springform pan (run a knife along the sides, then release the spring and remove the rim.)

6. Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon or pumpkin spice mix.

   *Note - If you are comfortable doing so, use the water-bath method to bake. Cheesecakes love moist environments and this will help to prevent the top from cracking and the center from falling. (If you’re NOT all that comfortable with water-baths, skip it!)

Pumpkin Spice - Ooh So Nice!

The season of pumpkin spice EVERYTHING is upon us!

It’s a season I love, not just for it’s spice blend, but that certainly makes it all the sweeter! The fall harvest is in, and there are a pile of sugar pumpkins begging to be make into treats: pies, loaves, muffins, bars, cookies, and so much more! And what do they all call for? Pumpkin spice!

If you buy the mixture from your grocery store it can be pretty spendy. So I like to mix up a big batch from the mix of individual spices I alread have in my pantry, its far more economical and oh so handy to have it at the ready whenever I have a hankering.

Divided into smaller portions, it also makes a great gift for friends and neighbors, perhaps accompanying a batch pumpkin treats!

Here’s what you’ll need to mix up a batch (of about 10 Tablespoons):

Ingredients:

• 6 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

• 4 tsp. ground ginger

• 4 tsp. ground nutmeg

• 3 tsp.ground allspice

• 3 tsp. ground cloves

Directions:

1. Mix to blend thoroughly

2. Store in airtight container(s)

Back-to-School Blackberry Scones

For most of the country, school is going to be back in session - IN PERSON - at least as we begin this new school year. I don’t know about yours, but MY kids are ecstatic!

Gone are the moans and groans I’ve grown used to over the nearly 40 years I’ve been at this motherhood thing, and in their place is such joy and enthusiasm over in-classroom learning I’ve never seen before! It’s got me excited too! (Yes, I DO realize the learning aspect has little to do with the anticipatory glee - it’s all about seeing friends again!!)

If you still have some plump juicy blackberries hanging around begging to be picked before the falls rains set in (Oh please, oh please, we NEED the fall rains!) all you need is a cup of them to mix up a batch of these scones and make your kids first school morning even sweeter than they could have imagined! If you go the extra step and add the lemon glaze, you’ll be so glad you did! It adds a touch of sweetness and the citrus is a nice crisp contrast to the soft warm sconce.

There are two main points to remember when it comes to making scones - one, it’s ALL ABOUT THE BUTTER. The colder, the better! And, don’t over-work the dough; give it a light touch, pat gently into place before cutting into wedges.

Give ‘em a try!

Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup butter, cold and cut into cubes or you can use frozen butter and grate it in.

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup blackberries

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• zest and juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 Tablespoon of each)

• splash of cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Next, add the cold butter. A pastry cutter works great if you’ve used cold butter cut into cubes. If you’ve grated in frozen butter, just toss it to coat well. (All butter should be no larger that pea-sized.)

4. In another bowl, whisk egg and cream together. Combine with dry mixture, and mix with a fork, just enough until dough comes together.

5. Add the berries to the dough, gently turning into the dough, trying not to squish too much juice out of the berry.

6. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a round shape about 1” thick. Using a sharp knife dredged in flour, cut the round into about 8 wedges of the same size.

7. Transfer to a a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown on top.

8. Serve warm or continue with the next step to add a lemon glaze.

9. While the scones are baking, make the glaze. Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with the zest and the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Add a splash of cream if glaze is not thin enough. (Conversely, add more powdered sugar if you want a thicker glaze.)

10. Brush warm scones with half the glaze, wait until they have cooled a little bit (10-15 minutes) and brush again. Serve.

Oodles and Oodles of Zoodles!

Zucchini growers know this truth, there are always waaaaaay too many zukes.

Most of us end up resorting to a sort of “ding dong ditch” with our over-abundant harvest - we hang bags of them on neighbors doorknobs and fence posts, place them on car hoods, and we put them in mailboxes; anywhere we know you’ll find them and hopefully EAT them! They are gladly given “gifts” from the garden (and relief from the constant worry of “what do we DO with them all????”)

Fellow produce producers, I’m here to help. When you’ve baked your last zucchini loaf, broiled your last zucchini spear, fried your last zucchini medalian, zoodles is the answer to all your, “what do I do with them now?!” zucchini questions.

There are many different “zoodle” makers out there and prices vary, but most are under $20 and come with a variety of attachments that can be used with other veggies too. Find them at any store that sells kitchen goods (Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Fred Meyer’s, etc.) I love mine, and the kids get a kick out of turning the little crank handle and watching it spit out long twisting threads of zucchini noodles.

We quick fry them in hot oil and either eat them as a side dish, or sometimes I’ll add shrimp, chicken, or pork and it becomes a meal-in-one. It’s got none of the carbs traditional noodles have, and loads more nutrients and fiber, so I feel pretty good about eating them along side a thick slice of homemade sourdough bread. (How’s that for rationalizing bad behavior?)

The best part is, we can go through pounds and pounds of our prolific little problem and save our bewildered neighbors the consternation of what THEY are going to do with the dozens of donations they’re finding on their doorstep daily!

Here’s a quick recipe if you’d like to try it out:

Ingredients:

• Oodles of zoodles

• Enough oil to coat the bottom of a fry pan - I’ve been using avocado oil, but you can use olive, coconut, or sesame oil - whichever you prefer.

• Your favorite seasonings; salt, pepper, garlic, or any ethnic blend. (I like to pair Tex-Mex with shrimp, Italian for chicken, and Asian with pork.)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a fry pan large enough to hold your portion of zoodles * Note - the zoodles will reduce in size by about 1/2, you may want to work in batches for a large serving.

2. Gently drop zoodles in hot oil, so that you hear a definite “sizzle”, allow to brown/caramelize before turning - approximately 2-3 minutes.

3. Season with your favorite mixture. It can be as simple as salt and pepper, or you may decide to spice things up a bit with garlic, cayenne pepper, or an Italian, Mexican, or Asian blend.

4. Turn gently once or twice, until zoodles have become translucent and are cooked through - less than 5 minutes.

5. Serve as a side or add grilled shrimp, chicken, or pork for a satisfying all-in-one main.

Your zoodles, your way. Oodles of ‘em! I hope you enjoy!

It's Christmas - In July - With Balsam Hill!

Christmas comes but once a year… OR DOES IT? Don’t tell the folks at Balsam Hill, they celebrate - and decorate - all the year through!

Their special Christmas in July Sale runs from the 1st of July through August 2nd. You can save up to 50% on trees and décor plus get FREE SHIPPING!

It’s always the right time to be thinking of the miracle of Christmas and I’ve never been able to pass up a Christmas shop - or sale - no matter the month displayed on my calendar.

Bring the joy of the holidays to your summer with the steals and deals you can find at Balsam Hill’s Christmas in July Sale!

(Psst: It's also the perfect time to buy a Christmas tree to avoid shipping delays during the Holiday Season!)

There’s a woodland wonderland waiting to arrive on your doorstep from Balsam Hill.com!

"Living Brave," A Book We All Need

Living Brave

Life throws us many curve balls. Why some of us have to duck, dodge, and deal with far more than others is a mystery. How does one stay hopeful? Resilient? Happy, even?

Shannon Dingle, writer and disability advocate, helps us to understand in her new book, “Living Brave.”

She knows a thing or two about survival in times of trauma and upheaval, and has learned how to embrace the preciousness of life amid it all.

After surviving sexual abuse and trafficking as a child, Shannon was left with lasting disabilities. And yet she rose. She blossomed. She thrived. She married and became a mom - six times over. Life was good. And then it wasn’t. A rogue wave hit her husband while their family was on vacation tragically ending his life, leaving her a widowed mother of 6, deep in grief.

“The grief of the aftermath of losing her love and life partner sits at the heart of Living Brave, where Shannon’s searing, raw prose, illustrates what it looks like to take brave steps on the other side of unimaginable loss.

Through each challenge, she reveals the ways she learned to walk through them to the other side, and find courage even through the darkest moments. Living Brave gives women permission to wrestle with difficult topics, to use their voice, to take a stand for justice, to honor the wisdom of their bodies, and to enact change from a place of strong faith.”

This is a book anyone who has ever wondered “How do I get through this?” needs. Which means it’s a book we ALL need. To live, it is said, is to love. It is also to experience loss and pain. For some, like Shannon, there are other elements, abuse, trauma, and disability.

Image by Amy Paulson Photography

Let her invite you into her life and share her experiences with you, so that you might find some insight and inspiration on how to deal with whatever curve ball life has thrown at you and remain hopeful still.

Here’s where you can get your copy of LIVING BRAVE.

Fresh Corn, Tomato, & Cucumber Salad

This colorful salad recently appeared at a family gathering.

Amongst delicious, but not the healthiest choices, (yes, I’m talking to you, bratwurst, Doritos, and potato salad!) it was a fresh, welcome addition to the early summer banquet table.

It’s easy to mix together, and you can adapt it to whatever you’ve got in the fridge.

Use the olive oil and vinegar you’ve got around. Regular, extra-virgin, rice, white wine, red wine, whatever. Try the recipe’s “secret ingredient” of Montreal Steak Seasoning (a dry mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and who knows what) or substitute your favorite seasoning blend. Add avocado, rinsed and drained black beans, scallions if you don’t have red onion, mozzarella cheese, or feta crumbles… Add sunflower or roasted pumpkin seeds just before serving if that tickles your fancy. Your salad, your way.

Here’s the recipe for the one pictured!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil 

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 3 generous tablespoons McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning (or salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste)

• 2 cans of whole kernel corn, drained, or 6 ears fresh corn cooked, cooled, and cut from cob (about 4 cups)

• 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled, and diced

• 1 large red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced

• 1/2 large red onion, diced

Directions:

1. Whisk together the oil, vinegar, and seasonings in a small bowl.

2. Combine corn, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in a large bowl.

3. Pour the vinaigrette over the veggies and toss to coat.

4. Let stand for about 10-15 minutes then give a taste test and adjust seasonings if needed, adding salt, pepper, garlic or others (Italian blend) to your likings.

5. Serve.

Fresh, light, and healthfully delicious. Go ahead and indulge in the other picnic favorites, but leave a little room on that flimsy paper plate for some of this goodness!

Perfect for your Father’s Day, 4th of July, or any summer gathering.

Father's Day Gift-Away!

Last month I put together some pretty Mother’s Day packages and gifted them away to some very deserving moms. So it only seems fair that THIS month I do something similar for a few lucky dads!

My Father’s Day Gift-Away includes some good reads, good eats, and a gift card that’s good to go (on your own little shopping excursion.)

I’m including both books from my June Book Club, The Immortals and In Times of Rain and War. Both stories take place during World War II, one being non-fiction and the other an historical novel.

The first is titled, The Immortals, by Steven T. Collins. This is well-researched work of non-fiction tells the story of the four famous chaplains serving the SS Dorchester, (known as “The Immortal Chaplains”) and a previously unsung fifth hero who risked his life to save others when the ship with over 900 men on board went down in World War II.

The second volume in this Father’s Day pack is a phenomenal work of historical fiction, In Times of Rain and War, by Camron Wright, author of the best-selling novel, The Rent Collector. It is a story of a German citizen trgubg trying to keep herself and her secret alive during the Blitz in London, and Lt. Wesley Bowers, an American soldier training with a London Bomb Disposal company…

It is described as “a gripping and heartbreakingly beautiful story about the strength and resilience of the human heart and spirit, reminding us there is always hope in hard times.”

You can learn more about each on my June Book Club page, HERE.

Choose which volume you’d like to read while the grill is heating up, because I’ve recently made a new discovery that I’m sharing in my gift-away package, Oshēn Salmon.

Oshēn Salmon is vibrant, DELICIOUS, and sustainably raised Atlantic salmon that has a perfect combination of healthy omega-3s (DHA & EPA). Guaranteed seven days fresher than your local retailer. No hormones or heavy metals are included so you're eating salmon and only salmon.

An insulated package of fresh Oshēn Salmon will be delivered to your door. Each box will contain two (2) packages of 2 steaks each, or 4 total servings. A special treat for a special dad!

And, if that’s not enough, I’m tucking in a $25 gift card to The Home Depot so you can buy yourself some new grilling tongs to turn your salmon - or anything else that catches your fancy!

A long-time sponsor of mine, The Home Depot has it all. Which department you spend it in is your choice, Patio, Gardening, Tools. Lumber, Paint… the options are practically limitless!

The Father’s Day Gift-Away sweepstakes
will run from
Wednesday, June 2, through Friday, June 11.

Simply write to me HERE and tell me who and why you think should receive this gift-pack of goodies. I’ll choose 5 winners at random.

Thanks dads for the important job you do. For all the love, support and guidance, YOU RULE!

Building Happy Families with Annie's Kit Clubs

I’ve found a new friend and ally in Annie’s Kit Clubs!

Summer is winding down and soon we’ll all be spending more time INDOORS than we are outside. I’m so glad I have Annie’s Kit Clubs packages arriving regularly! With crafting kits for every member of the family, it’s one more reason to avoid screen time, and make something we can be proud of instead!

Annie’s is a subscription service. Sign up and receive craft kits in the mail on a regular schedule. They have something for every member of the family and every interest; textiles, knitting & crocheting, paper crafts, beading & jewelry, woodcrafts… There are subscriptions tailored to a huge variety of skills and interests and many seasonal projects too!

I’m especially fond of their Young Woodworkers Kit Club - a woodworking craft kit series designed for children from 7-12 years of age. Paul Adam is still a little young but he can complete many of the steps with a helping hand from me, Papa, or his older sisters.

He feels so proud when he’s finished a project - like this catamaran destined for the duck pond - and I know he’ll carry a love of woodworking and the skills he’s learning well into adulthood.

This fall is a great time to get back into something you once loved or try something new. Kits are delivered to your door with all the supplies you need to get creative.

Check out Annie’s Kit Clubs and the incredible crafts they have to offer HERE
and receive 75% off your first Young Woodworkers Kits
with the promo code “RADIO.”

DeVon Franklin | "Live Free: Exceed Your Highest Expectations"

I’ve been a big big fan of all things DeVon Franklin for a long while now. That’s why I can heartily recommend his new book, “LIVE FREE: Exceed Your Highest Expectations.”

As you may already know, DeVon Franklin is an award-winning film producer, NYT bestselling author, and motivational speaker. He was a guest on my podcast, LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah, along with another one of my favorite people, Chrissy Metz, after directing the heartwarming, faith affirming, film, BREAKTHROUGH. And before that, I was fortunate to have a small, (ok tiny… ok, teeny tiny) speaking part in THE STAR the sweet animated film he also directed.

DeVon is committed to uplifting global communities through entertainment and has leveraged his 20-year Hollywood career and experiences to become a leading authority on inspirational personal and professional development with millions of followers worldwide. Perhaps this is why Variety Magazine named him one of the "Top 10 Producers to Watch,"

DeVon is also the author of multiple bestselling books including THE TRUTH ABOUT MEN, THE SUCCESS COMMANDMENTS, THE WAIT (co-written with his wife, award-winning actress Meagan Good) and PRODUCED BY FAITH.

His highly anticipated fifth book, LIVE FREE: Exceed Your Highest Expectations was just released this month!

He helps teach us how to live free from unnecessary stress and anxiety and lead happier lives by learning to set our own expectations rather than accepting those imposed upon us.

Everything DeVon touches is full of lessons and wonderful advise helping us live more joyful lives. This one will be on my night stand for a long time to come. I want you all to get a copy, and heed the advice he sets forth within! I can assure you that any advice DeVon has to offer is positive, powerful, and empowering, and nothing but good things will come of you following it.

Pick up your copy through DeVon’s own website: LIVE FREE

Dandelion Jelly (Sunshine in a Jar!)

A few weeks ago I shared a post about dandelions to my Facebook page - It garnered over one thousand comments! Many of them were about dandelion jelly. I was intrigued.

I looked up a few recipes and sought the professional services of one of the top dandelion pickers in the country, (my almost three-year-old granddaughter, Rosalie,) to gather the necessary ingredients. Dandelion heads, lots of them.

Rosalie acquired her picking skills very early on and knew, by some deep intuition, that stems were absolutely unnecessary to the task, because she’s never bothered with them. It’s the big beautiful yellow bloom that we’re after, and wow, did she deliver!

If you have no interest what-so-ever in dandelion jelly, you’ll still delight in the photographs my daughter Shaylah took of her pretty little dandy plucker. They make my heart melt.

But if you ARE interested in how to make dandelion jelly, or as i like to call it, Sunshine in a Jar, read on:

Ingredients:

• 1 Large Bowl of Dandelion Heads

• 4 cups Boiling Water

• 4 cups Granulated Sugar

• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

• 1 packet Fruit Pectin

• Steril Jelly Jars, Lids & Rings

• Water-Bath Canner (and all supplies necessary to making jams and jellies: funnel, ladle, jar lifter, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Pick a good sized bowl of clean, fresh, dandelion heads - no stems needed. (Make sure these are from an area free of herbicides, pesticides, animal droppings, and auto exhaust.)

2. Next, cut or pinch off the bottom of the flower - the green bit that holds the petals together - until you have two heaping cups of dandelion petals.

3. Place in a jar and pour 4 cups of boiling water over the petals.

4. Let cool then put a lid on the jar and place in refrigerator over night.

5. The following day, strain the dandelion tea from the petals, squeezing out all the liquid possible. Place the liquid in a stock pot on the stove, and dispose of the petals.

6. Add the lemon juice and packet of fruit pectin to the tea and bring to a boil.

7. Next, add the 4 cups of sugar to the mixture and bring to a boil again, boiling 1-2 minutes.

8. Using a funnel. ladle the hot mixture into clean, sterile canning jars, place clean, sterile lids and rings on them, and tighten to just finger tight.

9. Place in a water bath canner and process 10 minutes.

10. Remove from water bath and place on kitchen towel. letting rest and set for the next 24 hours.

Keep and enjoy some for yourself and distribute the rest as springtime gifts to family and friends.

Everyone will love a little bit of sunshine in a jar!

It tastes a lot like honey with a hint of citrus, and is great on toast, english muffins, or scones!

And it’s sooooo much fun to make with little ones!

Special thanks to Rosalie for her pro picking skills, to Shaylah for the beautiful photographs, and to baby Alice, for cooperating long enough for her mama and big sister to complete the job!

Raised In The Kitchen | May Book Club

I looooove cooking for my large crazy crew!

Seems like I’m always in the kitchen with kids underfoot, over foot, beside me, betwixt me, on stools, and perched on a counter. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Cooking and eating is more than simple nourishment, it’s a time of togetherness; bonding, talking, laughing, and loving.

That’s what popular cooking blogger and author, Carrian Cheney, and I have in common! But the similarities end there, because I am anything BUT organized and thoughtful about my processes. She, however, is! And it’s our good luck that she has the ability to break things down into easily understandable steps, write it out, and share it with all of us. On her blog, and in her new book, Raised In The Kitchen, my May Book Club pick.

Carrian knows that cooking together as a family is the secret to not only raising children well prepared for adulthood but also to mixing ingredients beyond just the dough for cookies--love, unity, and combined hearts. She is well aware that family and memories are made one recipe at a time.

Raised In The Kitchen is a step-by-step guide that covers food prep to clean-up. It includes ingredient lists and easy-to-follow recipes as well as “dollops of heartwarming family stories, insights, and kid-friendly food activities to keep everyone from the tired and overwhelmed mom to the littlest of picky eaters focused on deliciousness in the kitchen.”

It’s got a whopping 75 recipes from basics (like fried eggs & baked potatoes) to beyond (like steak fajitas and chocolate cake,) with a natural progression as cooking skills are developed. Recipes include tips and tricks in the kitchen to build capabilities and confidence.

“Raised in the Kitchen is a cookbook for parents and kids about much more than learning to love to cook. It's about bringing families together and then one day sending those little hands off to their own kitchens, where they will teach their own children the recipes, laughter, and love that shaped their lives.”

Tips on Salt * Breads * Breakfast
Meat 101 * Side Dishes * Knife Safety 101
Main Dishes * Family Bakeoffs * Desserts

Raised In The Kitchen deserves a place in your cookbook library and will become thumb-worn with use as you and your children or grandchildren bond, and grow, and eat your way through every page!

Get Your Copy of Raised In The Kitchen!