Today is Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of others. It was first held in 1919 to mark the end of the First World War on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
What can we do to remember the gift of freedom? We can start by teaching appreciation. Have you ever watched a child shake the hand of a veteran? There is a feeling of connection and shared gratitude.
My son’s class was once asked to commemorate Remembrance Day. Many children decided to write a letter of thanks to a veteran in their community or family.
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Skyler decided to write to his great uncle, who had served in the Second World War. A few days later, he got a letter of thanks back. This simple exchange of appreciation had such great meaning.
Don’t take for granted your current way of life. Celebrate freedom, remembering those who fought for us.
I remember as a child going to the Legion and eating chili at a luncheon fundraiser. I also remember the laughter of old friends and the storytelling.
SLOW COOKER SPICY CHILI
This hearty chili recipe is waiting for you when you come through the door after a long day. It’s also a good choice for a potluck and can be served with a green salad, sliced raw veggies or over mashed potatoes. Don’t forget a thick slice of fresh bread for dipping.
2 lb. ground beef 900g
1 c. chopped onion 250 mL
1 c. finely diced carrot 250 mL
1/2 c. finely diced peppers[ 125 m
2 cans diced tomatoes not drained, 398 mL
2 cans red kidney beans, drained 398 mL
1 can brown beans in tomato sauce 398 mL
2 tbsp. chili powder 30 mL
2 tsp. taco seasoning 10 mL
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper .5 mL
Brown the beef in a skillet. Add remaining ingredients to a four to five quart (4 to 5 L) slow cooker. Top with beef. Cover and cook on low for up to 10 hours, or on high for about five hours.
Garnish with shredded cheese when serving. Serves eight.
OLD-FASHIONED CARAMEL APPLE CAKE
Comfort food would not be complete without desserts.
1/3 c. oil 125 mL
2 c. sugar 500 mL
1/2 tsp. vanilla 2 mL
2 eggs
2 c. flour 500 mL[
2 tsp. cinnamo 10 mLn
1 tsp. nutme 5 mLg
1/2 tsp. sal 2 mLt
1/2 tsp. baking sod 2 mLa
6 c. apples, peeled and choppe 1.5 Ld
CARAMEL SAUCE:
1/2 c. packed brow sugarn 125 mL
1/4 c. butter, softened 60 mL
1/2 c. whipping cream, not whipped 125 mL
Beat oil and sugar until well blended and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until combined. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and baking soda. Slowly add to the creamed mixture. Fold in apples.
Place batter into a greased 13 x nine inch (33 x 23 cm) baking dish. Bake at 350 F (180 C) for 45 minutes until the top is golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, combine the brown sugar and butter in a saucepan. Over medium heat, stir until the butter is melted and gradually add cream. Stir constantly until bubbles form on the top.
Remove from the heat and serve over cake. Serves eight.
SPICED ZUCCHINI CUPCAKES
Try this more casual treat to accompany a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
1/2 c. oil 125 mL
1 1/3 c . sugar 325 mL
3 eggs
1/2 c. orange juice 125 mL
1 tsp. vanilla 5 mL
2 1/2 c. flour 625 mL
2 tsp. cinnamon 10 mL
1 tsp. baking soda 10 mL
2 tsp. baking powder 10 mL
1 tsp. salt 5 mL
1/2 tsp. ground cloves 2 mL
1 1/2 c. grated zucchini 375 mL
Icing:
1 c. brown sugar
250 mL
1/2 c. butter
125 mL
1/4 c. milk
60 mL
1 tsp. vanilla
5 mL
2 c. icing sugar
500 mL
In a bowl, beat the oil, sugar, eggs, juice and vanilla. Combine the dry ingredients and mix with the creamed mixture. Fold in zucchini.
Fill muffin tins three-quarters full. Bake at 350 F (180 C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool.
Mix icing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and frost. Adapted from tasteofhome. com.
Jodie Mirosovsky is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and a member of Team Resources. Contact: team@producer.com.
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THE DINNER RUSH CONTEST: ENTER TO WIN
IF COMING HOME LATE FROM WORK, RUSHING DURING A BUSY FARMING SEASON OR IF YOU NEED TO EAT QUICKLY BEFORE HEADING OUT TO LESSONS OR A GAME, DINNER HAS TO BE READY. WE ALL HAVE OUR FAVOURITE QUICK MEALS SUCH AS EGGS ON TOAST OR PANCAKES OR A SPECIAL CROCKPOT DISH READY TO EAT WHEN WE WALK IN THE DOOR. WHATEVER YOUR FAVOURITE QUICK FIX MEAL IS, WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO SHARE IT WITH US. SEND SUGGESTIONS AND RECIPES AND YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS TO TEAM@PRODUCER.COM OR BOX 2500, 2310 MILLAR AVENUE, SASKATOON, SK, S7K 2C4 AND WE WILL ENTER YOUR NAME IN A DRAW FOR COOKBOOKS AND BAKING GEAR. VISIT WWW.PRODUCER. COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Entry deadline is Nov. 30. We will share your suggestions in our
column in the new year.
