Rural Living October 2018
Ahh! The Golf Course Life! October 2018 I have spent a good portion of my life living across from, or actually on, a golf course. I do not play golf. I should, I guess, but I think it requires two things I have in very short supply: patience and a certain athletic...Rural Living September 2018
Walk in the woods was no ‘Teddy Bear Picnic’ September 2018 I have been walking in the woods around here for decades; minus, of course, the two years I was “down” with the new knees. But my new knees are finally cooperating, and I am back at my walks through the...Rural Living August 2018
On Lolling, Innovation and Rural Skullduggery August 2018 Oh, it’s the hottest month of the year — and, this year, that’s saying something — and I can’t stop wishing I had a pool where I could loll around. I am very good at lolling, especially in a pool. I think if I...Rural Living July 2018
A Summer Shark-Tale Memory July 2018 Since I’m spending the summer in a rather unadventurous way — reading on the porch, keeping my eye on birds and wildlife — my mind sometimes wanders to past adventures. So, here’s one for you. I’m sorry it’s coming in the middle...Rural Living June 2018
Pieces of Springtime: Lavender Dust Bunnies, Scary Handymen on the Prowl June 2018 As I write this in late April, spring seems to finally be springing. We didn’t have much snow at all until 10 inches fell several times after the calendar told us it was spring. In...Rural Living May 2018
Words of Wisdom for Fun in the Sun May 2018 I spent much of my youth in a swimming pool. I was on the swim team, in the water ballet troupe, and, basically, in the water as much and as often as possible. Then, after college, I hied to Key West, and...Rural Living March-April 2018
As Spring Approaches, Some Lingering Winter Thoughts Is it spring yet? Probably not, but it’s coming. It must be! March-April 2018 What a winter we had — or didn’t have — here in the mountains. Right now, in late January, it has snowed a grand total of, oh, half an...Rural Living February 2018
Embraceable February! The time to hunker down, cozy up and make the best of things! February 2018 When you think about it, there’s a lot to like about February. It’s the month of love and holidays and snow. It’s the time when staying inside where it’s warm is a great...Rural Living January 2018
Reading and trudging away, into another blessed New Year! I’m quite glad I spent many years of my youth as a dancing fool. January 2018 It’s a new year, and you know what that means: We’ll all be another year older, sooner or later … if we’re lucky. There are many...Rural Living December 2017
It’s the time of year to enjoy your leftovers! The merriment factor is truly off the charts. The din of happy conversation rises to a clamor. December 2017 This is the most difficult column I write each year. While it is due in mid-September, it does not appear in...
Through snow and ice, your electric cooperative lineworkers are there.
Craig Botetourt Electric Cooperative BARC Electric Cooperative Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative Southside Electric Cooperative Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Central Virginia Electric Cooperative Rappahannock Electric Cooperative A&N Electric Cooperative Community Electric Cooperative Prince George Electric Cooperative NOVEC
Melted candy is the magic for sugar cookies with colored windows! Check out this reader-submitted holiday cookie recipe! And, for more recipes, check out www.co-opliving.com/food/recipes.
MAGIC WINDOW COOKIES
Kathy Fleming of Winchester
INGREDIENTS:
¾ cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 ¼ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 bags hard candy in different colors
DIRECTIONS: Mix first seven ingredients to form a stiff dough; wrap and chill for at least one hour. Separate candy by color and crush each color separately, using a mallet or food processor. Roll out chilled dough ¼” thick on floured surface, using cookie cutters that have a circle or other cut-out in the middle. Place cut out dough shapes on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper and lightly greased. Fill cut-out areas with candy until they are filled and level with dough. Bake at 350 for 7-9 minutes, or until cookies are barely golden. Cool so that candy is firm before removing from cookie sheet.
