I am on a rant this week. I will have to say that there are not a lot of things that makes me any madder than to see the American flag hanging in tatters. I applaud anyone that is patriotic enough to fly the symbol of our great country, but, please, people, have enough respect for it that when it is in shreds, dispose of it properly. Momma Said, “Take it to a drop off point and let the veterans dispose of it with dignity.”
I fly my flag with the honor it deserves. It is not just a scrap of material, it is a symbol of sacrifice and freedom. Our soldiers wear it on their sleeves; it is flown over our capital and government buildings and in front of homes throughout the land. I am proud to be an American and think the flag should be shown nothing but respect.
For all the people out there that are not proud to be called Americans, Momma Said, “Pack your bags and find somewhere else to live.” I have seen sites on the internet that in some communities, homeowner associations are making people take their flags down. They say they don’t want to offend anyone. Well this offends me greatly when you tell me I can’t show my patriotism.
If you cannot show your patriotism in being an American by flying our colors, then what is the purpose of the Bill of Rights or the Constitution? I think this country has gotten too politically correct for its own good. We try to placate everyone from other countries and forget the reason for OUR flag. As Momma Said, “If you don’t like the freedoms this country has to offer, then just go somewhere else.”
Now that my rant is over, I think we all need some comfort food. I had someone ask for a cookie recipe that I hope everyone likes.
Old Fashioned Christmas Raisin Delights
This is an old classic cookie that will bring back many fond memories to those who eat these delightful cookies.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 3/4 cups raisins
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
DIRECTIONS:
1.To Make The Dough: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together; set aside.
2.Cream the butter with 3/4 cup of the brown sugar and the white sugar. Beat in the eggs, milk and vanilla. Mix at high speed for 2 minutes, then reduce speed and gradually blend in the flour mixture. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 3 hours.
3.To Make Raisin Filling: Grind the raisins. In a medium saucepan combine the ground raisins, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup water, salt and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 3 minutes.
4. Combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the water and mix until smooth. Add to the raisin mixture and continue to simmer until thick. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, stir in the chopped nuts.
5. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheets.6.
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 3/4 inch rounds. Place rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Place a heaping teaspoon of the raisin filling on the cookie round and top with another round. Crimp the edges closed.7.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 8 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on sheet until just barely warm.