LESSONS LEARNED

This is a list of lessons that I have learned either recently or over my years of cooking and baking:

1. If someone says "the bigger the risk, the bigger reward"... think not once, not twice, but over and over again about it. What I've learned is bigger the risk, the bigger of a headache, loss, and heartache. The person that says that to you might have some kind of stake in the comment- even if it is they are living vicariously through you.... Ask them why they aren't doing it if the reward will be so great! I'm pretty confident a key to success is minimum risk with great reward- don't let the excitement of the moment conflict you.

2. There are very few things in life that are important. Money is not. Money is a result of doing what you love with a purpose and meaning. If someone has money without those two things- they may appear to be enjoying their wealth, but that are not satisfied and have an eternal hunger that will never be filled.

3. Some of the most precious moments come in just the little things... this surprise bouquet from my amazing sons and beautiful daughter (daughter-in-law, but couldn't love her more if she was my own) was the single biggest blessing of my Christmas.

4. And because I am suppose to be chatting about cooking and baking- when creaming ingredients such as butter, sugar, and eggs- beat or whip your butter first, slowly add the sugar, and then add one egg at a time. Too many ingredients all combined together with non-similar textures will result in a lumpy combination.

5. Don't judge someone else. It is so easy to pick apart their faults or shortcomings, but if the truth be told- for every one thing you can think of that they have done wrong- you've probably done two or three. Don't justify your reasoning. It doesn't change the fact that you are wrong. Don't preach service before self and complete love of country and then do all things possible to avoid paying government taxes by hiding wages- yours or anyone else. Sure, your service before self sounds good- but while you are pointing fingers at everyone else faults, you are still very wrong yourself. Judging others is a waste of time. Worry about how to be the best possible you you can be.

6. Finally, check your nuts! I mean if you are baking and baking with nuts- check them. Make sure they aren't rancid. That is surely a good way to ruin a perfectly delicious baked good.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and I pray that 2013 will bring nothing but joy and happiness to your life. God bless you!