Happy 2015- Starting the Year of Right

Happy New Year to all of my friends and family here in blogland.  It is hard to believe that 2014 is over.  I was truly blessed in the past year.  My family suffered no major setbacks during the year.  For the most part we all remained healthy.  There were no deaths in the immediate family but several deaths of extended family members and friends.  Mom was moved into her new home and adjusted very nicely, easing a lot of the stress that was upon us.  We had an impromptu wedding and welcomed our new granddaughter into our lives.  We spent lots of time with family and friends, had a lot of fun and new adventures.  I pray that 2015 is as good to us.

We started off the New Year with our friends, Bob and Cathy, who had spent NYE with us. We stayed up to ring in the New Year with a bang as Frank and Bob went out and celebrated with the traditional firing of guns at Midnight.

This morning we enjoyed some coffee and company and then Frank and I got busy making breakfast. Tingting had gotten me a waffle maker for Christmas that I was anxious to try out and this was the perfect opportunity.

Coffee tastes much sweeter in this mug I got from Little Miss Melody.

In keeping with my New Year's Cookbook resolution, I took the waffle batter recipe from one of my many cookbooks.  This cookbook is called "Cooking with the Best".  It was published by our children's school in 1995.  It is filled with recipes from parents and staff at the school.  The recipe I chose just happened to be submitted by Frank's cousin, Barb.  I served the waffles with fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry syrup. Frank cooked up some pork sausage links and we poured the orange juice.  It was a delicious way to start the year.

Waffles

adapted from Cooking with the Best, submitted by Barb Ziarko

2 c. flour

1 T. baking powder

1 t. salt

2 eggs

1 1/2 c. milk

6 T. butter, melted and cooled

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until well blended.  Make according to directions included with waffle iron to desired crispness.  Print Recipe

Fresh Strawberry Syrup

1 qt. strawberries, hulled

3/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. orange juice

1 c. water

Place strawberries in food processor and pulse a few times, until strawberries are in small pieces. Place strawberries into a medium pan with remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil, stirring while sugar dissolves.  Turn heat to simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes.  Remove to bowl and allow to cool slightly before using on waffles.  Also great for topping pancakes, cheesecake or ice cream.

Print Recipe

Breakfast Pork Sausage

1 lb. pork sausage links

1/4 small onion, chopped

water to cover sausage halfway up

Place all ingredients into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until water evaporates.  Lower heat to med low and cook, stirring until sausage is nicely browned.  Print Recipe