Thankful for Unusual Things by Kandy Derden

Things to Do: Being Thankful for Unusual Things

I’m grateful I have these snippets of time rattling around in my brain. A friend of mine has no memories of her childhood. I can’t imagine living my life without knowing the history of how I arrived where I am today.

For example, I remember waking up in the church nursery when I was still small enough to fit in those mini beds. It’s been a long time, but I recall them being at arm’s height. The assumption is they were designed so the workers didn’t have to bend over to pick us up.

Fast forward to my second birthday when I received my first set of wheels. It was a tricycle which I still had until a little over a year ago. Vivid memories of my first day of kindergarten are still abundant also. Elementary school was eventful with the loss of my eraser on the first day; I can even recall the name of the girl who found it for me. We moved when I was nine and I can still tell you the names of most of my class mates that year. I can show you my high school locker and follow my daily schedule including teacher’s names.

Okay, so none of that is vitally important or particularly interesting. However, one memory I revisit occasionally is exactly when I discovered my favorite season: autumn! Being in college at the time, I was busy doing what I always did: studying! Except, on this particular day, I kept getting distracted. Every few minutes, I found myself staring out the window. Why? It was still the same view; nothing had changed. Or had it? Given time to examine it more closely, I realized how beautiful the fall colors were, including a brilliant blue sky. The air was clear and crisp with a gentle breeze just strong enough to give the fallen leaves a slight rustle.

Oh, I had looked at it before, many times in fact. But I had never really ‘seen’ it.

At that time, our church printed a weekly bulletin with the order of service, prayer requests and upcoming event announcements. Each week, there was a lovely, appropriate color photo on the cover. I kept my favorite which I still might have around here somewhere. It was a photograph of fall foliage at its peak. The caption is what made it so meaningful for me. “Oh, be less beautiful, or be less brief.” I don’t remember who they were quoting, but I agree! As beautiful as it is, I find it sad to see it fade away so quickly.

By Kandy Derden Things to Do Editor

Being Thankful for Unusual Things

Lesson learned. Now I make it a priority to slow down and focus on the beauty. Perhaps I should do that in other areas as well. When dieting, it is recommended to slow down and enjoy your food. Take time to savor every bite. I’ve learned to do this when judging a food contest or when I sample a recipe for the first time. I concentrate on the appearance, aroma, texture, flavor and ability to satisfy.

Here’s one recipe which accomplishes all of the above. This is a variation of an old chocolate stand-by. It has been adapted for all who enjoy fall for the foods we traditionally enjoy this time of year. You know the ones: turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, hot rolls and pumpkin pie. I’ll let you in on a little secret. Spoiler alert: all these foods are available all year long. Shocker! Right? Yet somehow, we still like to anticipate all the culinary delights associated with holiday traditions.

Imagine an oatmeal cookie crossed with a pumpkin pie combined with subtle notes of caramel creating perfectly spiced chewiness. Delicious!

Have no fear. There is no need to just imagine it. Such a combination is now available. This is one you don’t need to wait for. Whip up a batch and enjoy them now – and later. Remember children generally prefer cookies over pie and the menfolk can enjoy them easily during the football marathon following family dinner.

Be forewarned, your family might adapt the quote “Be less beautiful or be less brief.” They may choose something more like “Oh be less tasty, or be more abundant!” It’s okay to want more for several reasons. This is a very healthy cookie made with oats, so it is gluten free. It is fast and easy, requiring very little effort to adapt it to your own taste. Consider also how it is a space saver in your oven. It won’t compete with your turkey, ham, casserole, rolls or pies for baking time.

Additionally, this recipe is one which won’t explode, kill, demolish or even put a strain on your Thanksgiving Feast budget. So go ahead! Make something different: something they will remember.

NO-BAKE PUMPKIN

SPICE COOKIES

2/3 c. pumpkin puree (canned) 1 ½ c. brown sugar, lightly packed ½ c. butter or margarine ½ c. sea salt caramel baking chips (butterscotch, white chocolate or cinnamon chips may be substituted) [As a side note, I used caramel bits which were soft, but yummy. To compensate, I added sea salt.] 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice [I’m not wild about pumpkin pie spice because it has a tendency to be overpowering. So I chose to enhance the pumpkin flavor by using cinnamon and ginger. You

November, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -13-

may also add a hint of cardamom if desired.] 4 c. quick oats

Using a double or triple thickness of paper towels, roll them into a cone and scoop the pumpkin inside. Gently squeeze out extra moisture from the pumpkin and use the pulp left inside the paper cone. You will have roughly half to two thirds of the pumpkin left after squeezing. This is a very important step and worth the time it takes to remove excess moisture.

Add the pumpkin to a large sauce pot over medium heat along with sugar, butter, baking chips, and spice.

Heat until mixture starts to simmer, about 5 – 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Boil 1½ minutes, stirring constantly. [I didn’t list it in the recipe, but at this point, I added 1 teaspoon of vanilla.]

Remove from heat, add the oats and stir until fully coated.

Drop cookie mixture by heaping tablespoon onto a lined baking sheet, then refrigerate until set, about 20-30minutes.

That’s it. Six ingredients, one pot and 15 minutes - plus patience while they cool.

I have no doubt making and sharing this delightful new concoction is one of those otherwise insignificant moments in history which I’ll remember. It will be stored away in the ‘fond memories file’ of my brain until time to be recalled annually.

For all this, and more, I am truly thankful!