Momma Said

It is hard to believe that Nov. 10, 2018 marked the 18 year anniversary of Mom’s passing.  I know people say that the pain decreases as time goes by, but that is a load of bull.  I miss Mom every day and long to talk to her again.  I get so much inspiration for this little thing that I do every week.  I just wish all of you could have met her. She spoke her mind and if she didn’t like you, she would let you know.

She was not a shy or bashful person.  She was straight forward and in your face.  She was a force to be reckoned with.  I miss her fire and spunk.  She never seemed to get tired and was always one step ahead of everyone.  I don’t know how she got so much work done in one day and always by herself.  After I moved back to the area I helped her when I could but most times she was up at the crack of dawn and was usually done by the time I could help.

I know everyone has a soft spot in their heart for their mother and it should be that way.  Everyone needs someone they can look up to and aspire to be.  I wish I had Mom’s spunk and self confidence.  She taught me to work hard and take pride in what I do.  I try every day to meet those standards.  Sometimes I feel disappointed with myself, like I don’t work hard enough or I don’t try harder to meet my potential.

I try to think I make her proud and if she were still here I would hear Momma Say “Way to go Kid.”  I am on my own and work hard to make a home for myself and my pets.  They are my little family and I think she would approve.  Every time I have a job I need to do, I think how would Mom do this?  She is my idol and I feel privileged to have known her.  I just wish it could have lasted longer.  Give thanks to your family this week and hold them close because, Momma Said, “Time is a fickle mistress and it can sneak up on you fast.”  I never imagined 18 years could pass so quickly.

Caramel Apple Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup apple sauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups apple, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup soft caramels, cut in half (optional)
• Directions

1. Mix the sugars, yogurt, apple sauce, oil and eggs in a large bowl before mixing in the mixture of the flours, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
2. Mix in the apples and caramels, pour into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until lightly golden brown on top and a toothpick pushed into the center comes out clean, about 40-50 minutes.

Option: Serve topped with homemade caramel sauce

Caramel Sauce Recipe

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

Mix the brown sugar, half-and-half, butter and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until it gets thicker. Add the vanilla and cook another minute to thicken further. Turn off the heat, cool slightly and pour the sauce into a jar. Refrigerate until cold.