Grandma’s Stories

Jan 15th “HOW TO MAKE ALMOND CRUMBLE COOKIES”

To Celebrate the  Chinese New Year – one must have this cookie to give to all the LUCKY Guests – that you have invited to bring in the NEW YEAR!

Because of their symbolic meanings, certain dishes are eaten during the Chinese New Year. These lucky foods are served during the 16-day festival season especially New Year’s Eve, which is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

In this video, School of Wok Founder Jeremy Pang demonstrates how to make Almond Crumble Cookies – a dish symbolising family togetherness in the Chinese culture.

Jeremy Pang’s Almond Crumble Cookies

50g flaked almonds

20-25 red glace cherries

The Cookie Dough

200g butter

200g caster sugar

1 egg

200g plain flour

200g self-raising flour

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 small dab of yellow food colouring (optional)

Preparation

Whisk the butter and sugar together to form a uniform ‘sugary paste’. Whisk the eggs in and mix well, either by hand or on a medium speed in a dough mixer with the k-hook attachment. Once the egg has been well combined with the butter and sugar paste, add the vanilla extract, yellow food colouring if using, then sieve both the plain and self-raising flour into the mixing bowl and slowly combine all the ingredients with your hands, or if using the dough mixer, do this on speed 1.

Once well mixed, the crumble topping should resemble a cookie dough. Remove from the mixing bowl, on a floured surface roll out the crumble topping to about 3-4mm thick. Use an 8 – 9cm diameter round cookie cutter to cut the crumble topping into the right sized circles to cover the buns. Use the back of a butter knife to gently make a crisscross# pattern on each crumble topping surface, but make sure not to cut into it completely.

Tip: A little yellow food colouring will help to enhance the changes in colour across the crumble topping, giving you that classic Hong Kong bakery ‘Pineapple’ effect, should you wish to use it.

Making the Cookies

Roll the almond crumble topping into a long cylinder roughly 4cm in diameter. Then slice the cylinder into 1cm thick rounds. Place all the cookies onto a greaseproof tray or a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, allowing at least a centimetre of space between each cookie. Lightly press 1 red glace cherry on each cookie and then a small scattering of flaked almonds around the centre of each cookie.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C, then place the cookie tray into the centre rack of the oven and bake for 12 minutes until lightly browned around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes on the tray before removing to a cooling rack. Once the cookies are at room temperature, place in an airtight container to keep crunchy and have as a small snack alongside a cup of Hong Kong milk tea!

Jan 15th “Getting ready to Celebrate Chinese New Year”

“Start getting ready,  for another CELEBRATION – the  “2019  Year of the PIG” –  on Tuesday, February the 5th, 2019  – check your calendar NOW!”

Chinese New Year is set to take place month. The date varies annually in accordance with the Chinese lunisolar calendar, but this year it will take place on Tuesday 5 February. 

The associated festivities typically run for two weeks, from New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month.

Celebrated not just in China but overseas in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines as well as Chinese communities across the world, every year is characterised by one of the 12 spirit animals of the Chinese zodiac.

************ 2019 marks the Year of the Pig.************

How is the Chinese New Year celebrated?

The festivities begin with a thorough house cleaning, a symbolic ritual intended to sweep the accumulated dust and detritus of the passed year from the home. This allows the occupant to begin the new calendar with a clean slate.

Red paper lanterns and banners bearing poetic inscriptions are hung as decorations, the colour believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Children are likewise handed “luck money” in red envelopes during the season to encourage good fortune.

Special ceremonial foods eaten at the Nian Ye Fan family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve include poultry, pork and fish dishes, spring rolls, noodles and vegetable taro cakes. Precisely what is served varies from region to region: jiaozi dumplings are customary in the north and niangao, a glutinous rice cake, in the south.

Apples and mandarin oranges are offered as emblems of peace and wealth.

Prayers are said at temple and incense lit to remember lost ancestors, while many stay up late to watch China Central Television’s Spring Festival Gala, a four-hour spectacular broadcast since 1982 that routinely attracts 800m viewers. It is thought to be the world’s most-watched programme.

Fireworks are ignited on New Year’s Day to banish old ghosts and evil spirits from the hearth while lion and dragon dance troupes take part in town centre parades, accompanied by dancers bearing gongs and traditional drums.

Other dates honoured during the two-week Spring Festival include Horse’s Day, on which the Ghost of Poverty is driven out, and the Jade Emperor’s Birthday, on which prayers are offered to the first god in the Daoist pantheon.

To wish someone a happy new year in Mandarin, the phrase is “Xin Nian Kuai Le”. In Cantonese, it is “San Nin Faai Lok”.

What does the Year of the Pig signify?

The pig is the last of the zodiac animals, having overslept and arrived late to the great meeting to which all of the creatures were summoned by the Jade Empreror, according to custom.

The beast is associated with wealth, emotion and intuition, its accompanying natural element being water.

People born in one of the Years of the Pig – most recently 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 or 2007 – are said to be realistic and retiring in nature.

While frugal with money and motivated by aquisition, they enjoy life and are not afraid to treat themselves.

Men born in the Year of the Pig are focused but gentle, trusting but calm. Women are exciteable and sociable.

They are said to be most compatible with partners born in the years of the tiger, rabbit or goat and least with those from snake and monkey years. 

The colours yellow, brown and grey and the numbers two, five and eight are considered lucky for pigs; blue, green, one, seven and nine are unlucky.

Jan 15th “Once upon a TIME” = “four of the most USED Words”

Every one uses “WORDS” all day long  – but it is,  the HOW and WHY –  that just some  “WORDS” seem to be over used!

“TEN – 10 – Most used Words”

“Before you read   further,  Do you,  ALREADY  know what   the  “10”  most used words are?”

************************************************************************

What is the  “GOOD WORD”  for today?

Some days – when listening to the conversations of  some  people around me – I have to start wondering – “are they listening to their-selves?” “Is what they are saying – just to get someone to react  to  them in a way that will end  in an up-setting  manner, to all around –  – not thinking,  that the words that are expressed too fast and furious – can never ever be put back in to the mouth – since they did truly come from the heart!

If my Mother were alive – she would let you know – “under no circumstances – do I want to hear that kind of language!”  My Mother knew her words – and there was not a word that she could not spell and when she would take dictation – she could take the entire conversation down in shorthand and then type the whole conversation from her notes – and since she worked for the government – there was not a mistake anywhere!  Letter perfect – and without mistakes.

Just listening to a program the other day about, WORDS and that there were ten (10) words,  that are used more often than all the rest of our WORDS.  “Once upon a time” – the “first four”  of the ten words – is the beginning of almost all of the stories that we hear. In fact – as I remember,  when as a small child – almost every story that – I would start to tell – would start with those very same “4” words,  “Once upon a time!”   Still, today it is so easy to start to tell a story  and or almost any little interesting item of idle conservation,  with that,  “Once upon a time”  – just  getting the mouth started  – talking in some  fashion of  thinking and trying to say something – and letting the listeners know, that  this is  going to be a  great story!

“I LOVE YOU!”   Those are the next three (3) words. And since February 14th is just around the corner – “I LOVE YOU” will be communicated at least a million times or more?  Everyone knows that if you can say – “I LOVE YOU” – no matter what you did – either right or wrong  – you will be  forgiven – and you are now the best thing, since sliced bread!

“I’m SORRY!”  These two words will clear your slate – once and for all causes – no matter what – you were accused of doing –  YOU are  NOW  elevated and  will be waited on – just as if you are the “KING of Hears!”  The only problem with most of us HUMANS – is that,  we just do not know up front – the miraculous power for the words – “I’m SORRY!”  If and when there develops  a situation,  that starts to brew into something that – will soon start,   maybe WWIII – “I’m SORRY” will splash water on that fire so fast – and the very best of things will soon follow.

“I” – this is the last “one” word making up the “ten most used words” – “I” referring to oneself –  what more can one do – but, to use it too much about one’s self – which is a big “No NO” – but,  there is one way to use the “I” – and that is to say, “I LOVE YOU!”  –  That will  forever get you onto the top step of every ladder – in LIFE,  that you will be climbing. 

P.S.  I do enjoy  that line , “I LOVE YOU!” – I’ll bet,  that the more that line is said – “YOU” will be LOVED by so many more  – everyday of your LIFE!    D.V.

Jan 13th “Enjoy the Marshmallow World – TODAY”

“Just sit back and enjoy,  a very special gift,  TODAY – just relax while enjoying!”

“While “DEAN” is singing this song – YOU will see a few scenes – that look just like,  those that I posted for yesterday.”  “The only thing that we  have going on here in  “MISSOURI”  – is  just some more “SNOW” – and would  you believe – that the children and their parents,  must have had,  so much  “FUN”  here yesterday –  that  – they are right back here – on top of the hill at  “Sunset PARK” –  because we are expecting  more   and  “IT”  is coming down –  right NOW – and,  according to the “WEATHER MAN”  we are to receive another couple of inches of the WHITE stuff – called SNOW!”

“This is only a guess  on my part  – but, I do believe, that in order to have FUN  in the SNOW – IT must be snowing and coming down hard and thick – so that you can really feel it  – hitting you right in the FACE – since every part of the body is so well covered,  and with good insulated clothes and boots –  – those little hits,  of SNOW, just tickle you – so much so – that you just have to stay out and on top of the hill,  as  long as you are allowed – as the  “PARENTS”  that are doing the driving – will  always have the last word – on just how much “FUN” we are  all allowed in  this,  one day of playing in the SNOW!”

From where I am  sitting and typing, I can see all of the hill side, down to the  “MISSOURI  RIVER” – and just everything is covered with plenty of  “SNOW” – all of the trees just look like someone stuck    some old  dried up  and dead “tree”  sticks here and there – a few green “FIR  and or Ceder” trees and  or  related types – with each carrying as much “SNOW” as the limbs can safely carry – before falling over – just the best of times for a view of wonder – that only happens at this special time of the year!

“Isn’t it wonderful – all of this beauty,  that our CREATOR  gives to us – and all for  our enjoyment – if we will only take the time to enjoy – while we are here!”    D.V.

Jan 12th “The SNOW falls hard at Sunset Park, but the KIDS play harder!”

“Some ONE – Did Ask and RECEIVED – Plenty of SNOW”

“Can you believe,  so much  “SNOW” – and to be out,  and  in it –  while it is still coming down – by the buckets full – it is not too cold for the children to  be out there – with all of their “Sleighs”  and  “Toboggans” and whatever new items that are made – just for going down the hill – and having the best of  “FUN”  ever – with all of their friends and even some “Moms and Dads”  – watching over  the situation  – just all making a memory that they will never ever forget!

“These children are having so much FUN – they do not,  even know that we are taking this PHOTO from our back porch!”

Just take a look at the size of the “Snow Flakes” –  It could be that  someone in HEAVEN  – forgot to turn off the  “Snow” making machine – and that with an over load up there – they just happen to remember that down in the “Sunset PARK” area – they have not had enough good SNOW to really enjoy – a good ole FUN FAMILY day in that PARK, for a long time.

The best part of this  “SNOW DAY” –  that is if you took the time to go out side – the “WEATHER” was so nice and warm only 31 degrees – not a real cold, wet freezing  day – – one that no one would want to be caught out in – and end up suffering.

  If, this were a clear day – you would be able to see the “Missouri River” –  but when you stop to think about  “TIME and DAYS”  that we each receive  – It is wonderful that,   each and everyday is not exactly like the day before. With the surprise of  “SNOW”  for  the young ones to enjoy and make memories – of these good times,  while being young – keeps all of us thinking about the “7th HEAVEN”   –  that is, “FOOD”   for thought,  that  which you  have enjoyed today – can you imagine – just how much better,  the wonderful times will be for all of us, and that is   for all of  Eternity in HEAVEN with our CREATOR – – You know,  when I think of it – “CARPENTERS” are so “creative” – they can make so many different kinds of things – those  wonderful kind  of things that,   will bring  enjoyment to and for all of us – all the TIME!     D.V.

P.S. Just hope you know which “Carpenter”  that, I was referring to.”

Jan 11th “Let Archangel Raphael guide the way.”

Doreen Virtue

Archangel Raphael is the archangel who is called upon to support in healing, and to guide in all matters involving health. Archangel Raphael uses a variety of healing methods, including direct intervention, where he miraculously and instantly heals ailments; and guidance, where he directs the person toward the best avenues to health.

After reading and hearing thousands of case studies, I believe that God and Raphael choose the best avenues and methods for healing each particular condition. I also believe that there’s a Divine order behind every situation, even if our human minds can’t completely comprehend the whys and hows.

Mostly, human free will is the catalyst and the culprit within each health situation. God and the angels can’t interfere with our freewill choices. They must wait until we freely ask for help before they can intervene.  

So how do you ask for Heaven’s help with health concerns? There are unlimited ways to do so. For example, you can:

• Say your request aloud
• Direct your prayer to God
• Address both God and Archangel Raphael
• Include your preferred religious deity (Jesus, a saint, and so on)
• Think the prayer
• Write the request
• Say the words softly or in a loud voice
• Say the prayer with reverence or with frustration
• Say a supplication prayer, imploring Heaven to address your need (for example, “Please help me!”) 
• Use an affirmative prayer, affirming that help is already given (for example, “Thank you for helping me”)

It’s not important how you ask for help, but only that you do ask for it. Here are important points to remember when requesting Archangel Raphael’s assistance:

1. Ask for help, either aloud or silently. He can only help if you ask, because he won’t violate your free will.
2. Pour your heart out to Raphael, explaining your feelings.
3. Visualize emerald green healing light surrounding the health concern.
4. Notice and follow any Divine guidance that comes to you in terms of intuitive directions as to which action steps to take.
5. Keep asking for help until healing occurs.

When you ask for help, don’t tell God and the angels how to go about it. That’s called “outlining,” and it blocks or slows the answer to your prayers. When you outline, you may overlook the answer because you’re focused on other expectations. Let Heaven lead the way with solutions that exceed human imagination and expectations.

In this video, Doreen Virtue explains some of the core characteristics of Archangel Raphael

When you ask Archangel Raphael for a healing, he immediately goes into action on your behalf. His treatment methods are custom-tailored to each person’s situation and needs. Sometimes he performs direct intervention; and the person will feel strong tingling sensations, followed by a complete and instant healing. Other times Raphael will guide the person to the appropriate healing professional.

Archangel Raphael always says yes to every prayer, affirmation, visualization, letter, or other forms of calling for his help. Whether someone prays on your behalf or you talk to him yourself, trust that Raphael will help you with your health.

It doesn’t matter how you pray, as long as you do pray, as Suzie O’Neill discovered when her life became so stressful that she broke out in shingles on her face, which affected her eyesight. Susie’s eye doctor said that she’d likely lose vision either partially or fully in her left eye.

After the appointment, Suzie came home and was lying on the bed crying, “Archangel Raphael, please don’t let me lose vision in my left eye!”

The shingles cleared up, much to Suzie’s doctor’s amazement, with no damage to her eye. She didn’t tell the doctor, but she knew that it was all because she’d called out to Archangel Raphael to help her eye. She hadn’t asked the angel to heal the shingles, but it cleared up at the same time. 

Suzie’s appeal to Raphael was heartfelt and clear, which is the type of prayer that brings fast results . . . since hesitation about receiving help could block or slow a spiritual healing. So, being 100 percent certain that you want a healing is a foundation of experiencing one.

91

Stay positive and optimistic about your Divine life purpose. You and your mission are needed in this world.