A visit to the Mount Clemens Farmers Market is sure to spark your holiday spirit

AP Photos/Matthew Mead

With all of the warm weather we've had, last night's dusting of snow caught many of us (especially those in shorts) off guard. Can you believe Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away? If you're looking to create a dinner using supplies fresh from the garden, the Mount Clemens Farmer's Market is open today and tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then one more week before winter. 

Macomb County famers will not only be selling fresh fruits and vegetables including butternut squash, apples, cider, mushrooms, eggs, cauliflower, broccoli, and potatoes but also honey, pasta, baked goods and autumn plants and fall floral arrangements, to adorn your Thanksgiving Day table.

Not sure how to store the fruits and vegetables so they keep longer than a week? The farmers at the market can offer some great tips.

When you go dress for the weather as it is an open air market. Part of Michigan’s charm is its weather and the Mount Clemens Farmers Market will be open rain or shine until Nov. 19.

For more information visit Mount Clemens Farmers Market or email mcfarmersmarket@gmail.com

In case you're looking for inspiration J.M. Hirsch, Associated Press Food Editor offers this recipe for squash and cranberries, which often end up alone at the Thanksgiving table.

The trouble with cranberries at the Thanksgiving table is that they so often end up alone.

These wonderfully tart and sweet berries generally are relegated to a sauce. If they are luckily, they might merit inclusion in a tart. But that's about it.

But there are plenty of other ways to work them into the meal. Not that you want a cranberry overload, but this year perhaps skip the sauce and find another way of giving the cranberries a presence at the table.

The stuffing - or dressing, depending on where you grew up - is a no-brainer. Fresh, frozen or dried cranberries are delicious mixed into savory stuffing. Consider cutting back the liquid in the stuffing just a bit, as fresh and frozen cranberries will contribute their juice during cooking.

A handful of cranberries (don't go crazy) can be added to the bottom of the turkey roasting pan, where their juices will blend with those of the bird and vegetables. The resulting gravy will be wonderful. I've even heard of people rubbing cranberry sauce under the skin of the turkey before roasting.

I like to use dried cranberries in a side of roasted vegetables. In this incredibly simple recipe, I roast carrots and butternut squash, then toss them with slivered almonds and dried cranberries. The result is nutty, crunchy, roasted, sweet and savory, wonderful mouthful.

Of course, as with all of my recipes, flexibility rules so feel free to substitute whichever winter squash or root vegetables you prefer for the butternut and carrots I call for. Likewise, my seasoning choices are tasty, but use whatever flavors you favor.

Also, this recipe is forgiving on cooking time and temperature. Roast the vegetables at whatever temperature you have the oven set for your turkey. If it varies much from the 375 F called for below, just keep an eye on it. The vegetables should be nicely browned, lightly crisp and tender at the center.

ROASTED SQUASH WITH ALMONDS AND CRANBERRIES

Start to finish: 1 hour (20 minutes active)

Servings: 8

2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks

2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

1/4 cup olive oil

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

1/3 cup almond slivers

1/2 cup dried cranberries (sweetened is fine)

Zest of 1 lemon

Heat the oven to 350 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.

On the baking sheet, combine the squash and carrots. Drizzle the oil over the vegetables, then use your hands to mix until evenly coated. Sprinkle the thyme, garlic powder and cumin over the squash and carrots, then mix well. Season with salt and pepper.

Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender inside and lightly browned and crisp outside. Add the almonds and cranberries, toss well, then transfer to a serving bowl. Top with lemon zest, then taste and adjust seasoning.

Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 210 calories; 90 calories from fat (38 percent of total calories); 9 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 32 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 7 g fiber; 320 mg sodium.

TODAY'S MUSE
Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones are those we can't even describe, aren't even aware of -- Ellen Goodman.

Colossal book sale at St. Peter Lutheran Church is good for readers and Macomb County families

Dianne Wetzel, co-chairperson, Shelly Penzien, MCF founder and Pat Ball, volunteer.

J. K. Rowling, Nicholas Sparks, Charles Dickens and Stephanie Meyers, they were all there. Thousands of authors listed in alphabetical order and stacked in neat little rows so patrons could find their favorite titles quickly. 

If you love books this is the sale of all sales and for worthy cause. Every item sold during the Macomb Charitable Foundation's sixth annual Second Story Used Book Sale, through Nov. 13, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Macomb Township will benefit a needy family in Macomb County.

"We have been collecting books for well over a year," said Dianne Wetzel. "I said we had 30,000 but I've been told we probably have a lot more than that. We also have tons of games and puzzles, DVDs and CDs. It's a major undertaking but it's worth it."

The funds from the sale will support the charity's goal to alleviate the suffering of children and their families by providing financial assistance for items such as but not limited to; food, clothing, personal care items, rent/utility assistance, vehicle repair, educational assistance and when available personal and spiritual mentoring. 

"We are blessing two families with vehicles they can use," said Shelly Penzien, founder of the Macomb Charitable Foundation. Progressive Insurance in Sterling Heights took two vehicles that were in an accident and in need of body work but in good working condition and asked a couple of collision shops to fix them up so they could be donated to a family in need. Thanks to Progressive's initiative and the work done by Gentiles Collision in Shelby Township and Metropolitan Lincoln Mercury in Garden City two families who experienced homelessness but have managed to get back on their feet will have transportation and thanks to the sales of the books car insurance and licenses.

"One of our families is a single dad with a 15-year-old daughter. The mom just passed away in January from breast cancer," Penzien said. "The second family is a mom, dad and two children. The dad worked in construction but his hours just didn't add up and they lost their rental property. The Macomb Charitable Foundation assisted both of these families. Now they're out of the motels and one is in low-income housing and the other in an apartment."

The temporary book emporium, which was once housed in one office but has grown to cover 2,000 square feet, will feature a variety of books, including fiction and nonfiction for adults, teens and children. Shoppers will find hundreds of hardcover and paperback titles organized by popular authors or topics such as self-help, historic or biography. Looking for a holiday story by Debbie Macomber? How about a children series? Among the thousands of clean and, in most cases, like new titles are many children and teen series including "Harry Potter," "Magic Treehouse," "Little House on the Prairie," "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and "Junie B. Jones."

Penzien smiled at Dianne and Bill Wetzel who were working feverishly to get things at the sale set up and ready to go. Parishioners and students from the school were among the volunteers standing by to help with the sale. "This couple here... they are just wonderful," Penzien said of the Wetzels. "They work all year on this event and it shows."

The books cost 50 cents for paperbacks and $1 for hardcover. On Nov. 12, 13, buyers can fill a bag for $5. Hours: today from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Nov. 11 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Nov. 13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

St. Peter Lutheran Church is at 17051 24 Mile Road, Macomb Township. For more information about the Macomb Charitable Foundation click here

TODAY'S MUSE

The person and the society are yoked, like mind and body. Arguing which is more important is like debating whether oxygen or hydrogen is the more essential property of water -- Marilyn Ferguson.

Choir from small charter school in Fraser near top to win 'Glee' contest

Fraser’s Arts Academy Choir member Chanell Marko.

The Arts Academy in the Woods is proof that a small choir can have a big voice.

Although facing much larger schools operating on bigger budgets, a video featuring the Arts Academy Choir is running neck-and-neck with its top competition in this year's Glee Give a Note Contest.

Coral director Kristina Vidal could not be prouder of what her choir has achieved in a matter of weeks. "A lot of the members were seniors who graduated last year so this is a whole new group," said Vidal. "Their flexibility and what they can do? They sing classical, jazz, pop. They're up for anything and for them to just drop everything for two weeks and dedicate themselves to this project - it's inspiring."


In support of their choir and their own dreams, students at the 10-year-old charter school in Fraser, which has less than 300 enrollees, decorated the walls, inside and out. On any given day, you'll find young performers practicing in the halls, gymnasium and even outside on the sidewalk. Administrators liken their school to the set of "Fame" rather than the Michigan Merit Curriculum High School that it is.

The "Glee Give A Note" contest is sponsored by Fox and the creator of the popular television series "Glee," Ryan Murphy, along with the National Association for Music Education whose mission is to give at-risk music programs the chance to get a much-needed boost when it comes to dealing with budget reductions. By visiting the "Glee Give A Note" website, people can vote for their favorite music program. The contest is awarding a total of $1 million to music programs in the form of 73 different prizes, consisting of three $50,000 grand prizes, 10 $25,000 first prizes and 60 $10,000 second prizes.

"This is the first time we've ever entered," Vidal said. The first round of voting ends Monday, and as long as the AAW choir stays on its present pace, its chances of making it into the second round look good.

"AAW students will tell you, as one student does at the video's end, 'The Arts Academy in the Woods saved my life,' " said Maxwell Spayde, principal at the school. "A haven for creative, innovative and unique students, many of whom experienced bullying at their old schools, AAW offers fine and performing arts classes in addition to rigorous academics. The video speaks for itself. This is a school that does not stop believing."

The second round will be coming up and there's a good chance the small charter school from Fraser will be among the schools competing. Follow them at Glee Give A Note

Workshops offer tips for the holidays

One of the things fall ushers in, besides the desire to curl up with a good book, is our passion for crafts. The poor economy is one reason people are making their own decorations, but the start of the holiday season, traditionally, has always been a great time to stretch oneís creative muscles. And itís for this reason craft workshops are booming.


Among the first to fire the cannon this holiday season is English Gardens. Founded in 1954, English Gardensí annual Holiday Open House (going on today) offers homeowners their first chance to see the latest in terms of fall and winter products, as well as DIY workshops on everything from making a bow to sprucing up your old decorations. 


Bow workshops
The make-and-take bow clinics will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 12-13; and 1 and 3 p.m. Nov. 19-20. Participants who register in advance online (www.englishgardens.com) will receive step-by-step instructions on how to create a bow and leave with one theyíve created. 
The fee is $5, plus the cost of ribbon.  


Free repairs on Christmas lights


One event that is sure to help a lot of people is a free lighting repair clinic conducted by Ultra Lit Technologies. With tight budgets, the last thing people want to do is purchase a new set of lights because of one bad bulb. During the clinic, members of Ultra Litís Lightkeeper Pro team will not only fix peopleís lights, but introduce the public to Lightkeeper Pro, a nifty little tool that allows you to repair light sets quickly and easily. 
The ìYule Mule,î as the company calls its repair truck, will be stopping in
cities all across the United States and fixing peopleís Christmas lights, including indoor and outdoor miniature light sets, pre-lit trees, lighted wreaths and yard dÈcor at no charge. The Michigan tour will include stops at English Gardens stores: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 11 in West Bloomfield; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 in Royal Oak; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13 in Clinton Township.


Christmas season premiere
If you attend todayís open house, be sure to check out the display of LED Christmas Garden Stakes ($39.99). Iím guessing these are going to sweep the country as quickly as the icicle lights did when they were first introduced. They come in white, blue, red and multicolor and appear to be very easy to install. Thereís also LED twigs, although theyíre not quite as big as the stakes.
Rumor has it even Santa Claus is curious about the lights. While heís there, heíll be posing for Christmas photos.
Send your comments or home and garden tips to Gina Joseph, The Macomb Daily, 100 Macomb Daily Drive, Mount Clemens, MI 48043, or email them to gina.joseph@macombdaily.com.

‘The All Night Strut Holiday Show!’ returns to Detroit’s Gem

Let the holiday shows begin. Detroit’s Gem Theatre will present “The All Night Strut Holiday Show,” Nov. 23-Dec. 31, a two-act musical that carries audiences through the Depression, World War II and the post war boom. It’s an evening filled with jazz, blues, bebop and classical songs composed by legendary songwriters like Hoagy Carmichael, Frank Loesser and Duke Ellington.

The return of “The All Night Strut Holiday Show,” at Detroit’s sparkling Gem commemorates its inaugural appearance at the venue 20 years ago, which resulted in the show’s longest run in history.

Gem & Century Theatres are at 333 Madison Ave., Detroit. For tickets and show times, visit The Gem Theatre or call the box office at 313-963-9800.

DAYTRIPPING

Looking for more to do this weekend? Check out this listing of family-friendly events going on in the Detroit Metro area;

Classic cocktails

Mixologists from bars and restaurants around Metro Detroit work the “Throwback to the Classic Cocktail,” a “Fall Local Roots Dining Event,” 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10, at Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn. Tickets are $65, reservations required, call (313) 982-6001. The event will feature the winning drink from the Drink Michigan Cocktail contest, Tom Swift.

Harvest dinner

Jefferson Chapter No. 489 Order of the Eastern Star serves Harvest Dinner noon-5 p.m. Nov. 6, at the Jefferson Masonic Temple, 22000 11 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores. Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 6-12, free 5 and younger. Call 586-777-0043.

Euchre party

Ray Township Fire and Rescue Ladies Auxiliary hosts euchre party, 6:30 p.m. with play at 7 p.m. Nov. 5, at Wolcott Mill Camp Rotary, 20505 29 Mile Road east of Wolcott Road. Admission $15; proceeds to those in need in the community and scholarships. Call 586-749-8464.

Vendor show

“Shop Till You Drop” vendor show 1-5 p.m. Nov. 5, sponsored by Century 21 AAA North in Fiddler’s Cove Shopping Center, 71050 Van Dyke, Romeo. Free admission; includes raffles, refreshments, giveaways. Call (586) 752-0600.

Swing Dance

Big Band Big Floor Big Crowd XXVI features swing dancers and Lindy Hoppers and Rhythem Society Orchestra and Satin Dolls, doors open 7 p.m., dance lesson 7-8 p.m., at Detroit’s Masonic Temple Crystal Ballroom. Admission $20; www.swingdetroit.com.

Craft shows

Crafty Buyers Shoppe, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 19, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 20, at Warren Woods Tower High School, 27900 Bunert, Warren. Call 586-439-4402.

Chippewa Valley High School Band Boosters holiday craft show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 12, at the school on 19 Mile Road west of Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township. Admission $2, free parking; no strollers. For detaisl, 586-713-8888 or cvhsbandprogram@gmail.com.

Veterans’ dinner and craft sale, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11, at Royal Oak First United Methodist Church, 320 W. Seventh St. Evening includes dinner, displays of war memorabilia, music, sponsored by United Methodist Women. Advance tickets only, $12 adults, $6 ages 6-12 years, available at the church 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.

Mom-to-Mom

Mom-to-mom sale, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 5, at Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe. Admission $2 9-10 a.m., $1 after. No strollers.

Hospital fundraisers

Our Heart Walk teams of Henry Ford Macomb Hospital’s Warren Campus hosting “Mega Event” vendor sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 4, at the hospital, 13355 10 Mile Road, Warren. Also, the teams are planning scrapbooking/crafting days Nov. 5 and Dec. 3; fee $10 includes beverage and light lunch. Call 586-759-7345.

Community theater

Richmond Community Theatre presents “Arsenic and Old Lace,” 8 p.m.

Nov. 4-5 and 2 p.m. Nov. 6, at the Richmond Center of Performing Arts, 69169 Parker St. at Churchill. Tickets $15 adults, $10 students and seniors, $5 ages 7 and younger. Call 586-727-9518. 

Heart of the Hills Senior Players present “Hooray For Hollywood,” 2 p.m. Nov. 3-4 and 7 p.m. Nov. 5, at Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden, and 2 p.m. Nov. 16-17 and 7 p.m. Nov. 18, at Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois. Tickets for either location, $12 advance, $14 at door; call 586-268-8400 or 248-524-3484 or visit www.hohplayers.org.

OPC 650 Players present “Diva’s and Divo’s” musical review, noon Nov. 3, 8-10, at OPC, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester. Tickets $14 with lunch; also shows at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 and 11, tickets $11. Call 248-608-0251.

Ridgedale Players present “Return Engagements,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 12, and 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 13 at the theater, 205 W. Long Lake Road, Troy. Tickets $15 adults, $13 students and seniors. Call 248-988-7049.

‘Celtic Christmas’

Anchor Bay Community Foundation’s Annual Singing Christmas Tree Concert “A Celtic Christmas,” 7 p.m. Nov. 29, at Anchor Bay High School Performing Arts Center on County Line Road south of 26 Mile Road. Concert features New Baltimore Interfaith Choir, bagpiper, art and dancers. Free, donations accepted to benefit community grants and scholarships. Call 586-421-4694.

Irish history

Irish Genealogical Society of Michigan 15th anniversary celebration seminar Nov. 19, at Monaghan Knights of Columbus, 19801 Farmington Road, south of Eight Mile Road, Livonia. Registration 8 a.m., program 9:15 a.m.-5 p.m. Fee $35, includes vendors, prizes, guest speaker Nuala Farell Griffin.

MCREST benefit

Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team 4th benefit concert featuring Don White and Matt Watroba, 8 p.m. Dec. 3, at Warren Consolidated Schools Performing Arts Center, 12901 15 Mile Road, Sterling Heights. VIP seats $30, reserved $20; to order call 586-415-5101 or visit www.mcrest.org.

Fishing clubs

Vanguard Trout Unlimited for fishing enthusiasts meets 7:30 p.m. second Thursday monthly at Rochester’s Dinosaur Hill. Also, Fishing Buddies Fishing Club gathers 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Rochester Hills OPC, 650 Leticia Drive. Call 248-375-1931.

‘Michigan’s Harvest’

“Michigan’s Harvest: Food, Family and Community” program series runs through Nov. 19, at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township. The program includes more than 30 free presentations, a series of five free exhibits and three special events (admission fee). For series and registration information, www.MacombCenter.com or 586-286-2222 or 586-445-7348.

Senior volunteers

Senior Companion Program of Macomb, sponsored by Catholic Services of Macomb, needs volunteers age 55 and older to provide companionship and support to other area adults. Volunteers must meet income eligibility guidelines and have reliable transportation; benefits include a tax-free stipend for their services. Call 586-756-1435.

Line Dancing

Line dancing and couples classes, Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. beginners, 7:15 p.m. beginner plus, 8:15-9 p.m. couples, at Roseville Recreation Center, 18185 Sycamore, east of Gratiot, north of Interstate 696, $5 per session. Call 586-777-7242 or countrycuzzins@wowway.com.

Blind bowlers

Macomb Blind Bowlers for visually impaired and/or blind individuals 18 and older, league bowling 11:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Fraser Star Lanes, northeast corner of 14 Mile and Garfield roads. Fee $10 per week. Call 586-360-9543.

Square dancing

Patches Squares dance club hosts beginning square dance lessons, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First United Methodist Church of Warren, 5005 Chicago Road. First class (no matter when dancers start) is free, $3 for following sessions. Call 248-613-3169.

Noel Night

Free 39th Annual Noel Night 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 3, in Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center Area, features more than 40 participating institutions such as the DIA, Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit Public Library. Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping, family crafts, music, theater and dance groups. Free shuttle service between participating venues. Visit Noel Night or call 313-420-6000.

Collectors show

Military Collectors’ Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 4, sponsored by Men’s Auxiliary to VFW Bruce Post No. 1146, 28404 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores. General admission $5. Refreshments available; patrons may bring military items to sell, trade or display.

Palette Club

Lakeside Palette Club has studio space 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays in Room 111 of Adult Education Center on Masonic near Jefferson. Call 586-350-4518 or visit Lakeside Palette

Chrysler Museum

Unique Vehicle Pairs Spotlight Series and Collector’s Club specialty exhibits throughout the year at Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills. For a complete schedule, visit wpchryslermuseum.org. Admission $8 adults, $7 ages 62 and older, $4 ages 6-12.

Senior club

2nd Horizon Club for ages 60 and older, meets noon Fridays at Mount Clemens Rec Center, 300 Groesbeck, light lunch, cards and socializing. For details, 586-463-7711. No fee to join.

Farmers Market

Mount Clemens Farmers Market open 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 19, at 141 North River Road. Locally grown products, including flowers. Visit www.mountclemensfarmersmarket.com.

Volunteers needed

* Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Macomb needs educational support volunteers in county elementary schools and Head Start programs during 2011-12 school year. Also, opportunities for tutoring adults through Macomb Adult Literacy. For details, contact RSVP of Macomb, (586) 756-1430 or rsvp@csmacomb.org.

* Macomb Literary Partners needs volunteers to help adults become better readers; applicants trained to tutor an adult 2 hours per week, with training sessions held on weekends or evenings. Call 586-286-2750.

* Detroit Historical Guild seeking volunteers interested in participating in historical activities, including flea markets at Historic Fort Wayne, tea parties, excursions to historic sites, etc. Call 586-777-5898.

Features Editor Debbie Komar contributed to this list.

Oh happy day: 'The proof is in the pudding'

My father - who considered sandwiches an opportunity to express one's creativity – loved bread pudding. He used to make it from scratch, following a recipe loaded with sultanas (golden) raisins, currants and brown sugar that he inherited from my grandmother.

If you've never tried it, than today is the day to do it, as it is British pudding day. 

Really. The tradition dates back to the early 20th century, when, according to British folklore, a generous lady, seeing undernourished gypsy children playing in local fields, decided to feed them. She had nothing more than a pie crust, evaporated milk and brown sugar, but she used it all to make them a batch of sweet tarts. Here in the United States pudding characteristically denotes a sweet milk-based dessert similar in consistency to egg-based custard, but in Britain pudding refers to rich, starch- or dairy-based desserts such as tarts and bread pudding. Henceforth, pudding has become a British tradition, present in many bakeries and often on school dinner menus at this time of year, according to Florence Sandeman of Recipes 4 Us, which provided the following recipes to try:

The Gypsy Tart

Cook time: 30 minutes plus cooling

Servings: 4

9 ounces of pie crust pastry

Icing sugar or plain flour

1 6-ounce can of evaporated milk (chilled)

5 1/2-ounces of soft dark brown sugar

Cocoa powder or grated chocolate (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly dust a work surface with icing sugar or plain flour, roll the pastry out thinly and place it in an 8-inch flan tin (tart and quiche pan).

Using a butter knife, trim off the excess pastry at the pan's edge. Then, after pricking the bottom of the pastry all over with a fork, line the case with parchment or greaseproof paper and fill it with baking beans (also known as pie or baking weights).

Important: Turn the oven down to 350 F. Then bake the crust for 10 minutes.

Once the time is up, pull the crust out of the oven and remove the baking beans/weights and paper. Then return the crust to the oven and bake it for another 10 minutes.

While it is cooking, place the chilled evaporated milk and sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat it for 10 minutes. The mixture will thicken and become light, fluffy and toffee-colored.

After 10 minutes, pull the crust out and set it aside to cool, while you continue to beat the evaporated milk mixture for 5 more minutes. Do not skimp on this timing as it makes a big difference.

Once it has the desired thickness, pour the mixture into the crust and bake it for another 8 to 10 minutes. Do not over bake. The filling still will be very soft and tacky but will firm up as it cools. Cool at room temperature, not in the fridge.

Serve as it is with whipped cream or ice cream or lightly dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle with grated chocolate.

English Bread Pudding

Cooking time: 60 minutes

Servings: 4

6 slices well-buttered bread

2 ounces of sultanas (golden raisins)

4 eggs

1 ounce of sugar

20 ounces of milk

A dab of freshly grated nutmeg (or from the spice rack)

A little extra sugar

Preheat oven to 325 F and grease a 3-inch deep casserole pan.

Cut off the crust from the buttered bread and cut into bread into quarters (triangles or squares). Set aside four quarters for the top and arrange the rest in layers in the dish, sprinkling the raisins between each layer. Top with the reserved quarters.

Heat the milk in a saucepan but not to the point of a boil. In a large bowl, mix the eggs and sugar then (while constantly stirring) add the hot milk and freshly grated nutmeg.

Pour the mixture slowly over the bread and fruit, being careful not to dislodge the top layer of bread. Then set the dish aside for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle the bread and butter pudding with a little extra sugar and bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is browned and crispy.

Busy Persons Pudding

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4   

3 tablespoons of your favorite jam

4 ounces of butter

4 ounces of sugar

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

4 ounces of self-rising flour

Lightly grease a 30 ounce microwavable bowl. Then place the jam in the bowl, spreading it evenly to cover the base, and set it aside.

Using a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy.

Then stir in the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk the ingredients together.

Add the flour and mix it well before transferring the mixture into the bowl containing the jam.

Before placing the bowl into the microwave, cover it with a microwaveable plate. Then cook the mixture on high for 3 1/2 minutes. If it's still gooey, give it another minute.

To truly celebrate British Pudding Day, serve either dish with a dollop of creamy custard and a cup of tea.

Real Warriors Campaign offers support to American soldiers returning home

USAF photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Barton

127th CES Returns to Selfridge
Members of the 127th Civil Engineer Squadron of the Michigan Air National Guard, at right, returning to their home station at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., on Sept, 1, 2011, after a six-month deployment in Afghanistan.

It's a wonderful occasion when someone in the family returns home from deployment. But it can be a difficult time for the service member who faces the unique challenge of balancing their military service with civilian life -- and especially stressful when it means carrying on without those with whom they served. Playing a major role in helping servicemen adapt to their conditions is the Real Warriors Campaign. 

Sponsored by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, the Real Warriors Campaign (DCoE) is a public education initiative designed to encourage service members, veterans and their families to seek care and treatment for the invisible wounds of war. "Warriors are hesitant to seek treatment for invisible wounds because of a fear that it will affect their career, but that's a myth," said Capt. Paul S. Hammer, DCoE director. "In fact, if you don't seek help, it will affect your career down the road. Symptoms may affect a service member's ability to do his or her job effectively."

The Real Warriors Campaign website arms military personnel with resources to help them deal with transitions and reintegration. Below are examples of what is available to active members of the armed forces, veterans and military families:

DCoE Outreach Center 

For those who need to talk things out, there is the Outreach Center, which allows anyone to confidentially speak with health care professionals 24/7 by phone, through an online Live Chat or through emails. The 24-hour hotline is 866-966-1020 and the email is resources@dcoeoutreach.org.

Military mentors 

At the heart of the campaign are other warriors who are reaching out to their comrades to provide encouraging examples related to their own journey through reintegration. Among the public service announcements and video profiles on the website is that of Staff Sgt. Meg Karuse, an Army Reservist, who overcame the challenges associated with combat stress. She is now sharing the message that it is OK to ask for help.

News military members can use

 The campaign website also features informative articles for members of the military community including those in the National Guard and Reserve who are at all stages of the deployment cycle. Some of the topics covered: How Guard and Reserve veterans can get support from the VA; The Yellow Ribbon Program; The free support program for warriors in transition.

Community message board

 This service enables members of the military to access a forum where they can engage directly with other members of their military community. Visitors to the campaign message boards can join the conversation or start their own dialogue with warriors and their families.

Educational resources

Information such as the Real Warriors Campaign Brochure for the National Guard and Reserve: “7 Tools that Reinforce Psychological Strength can be ordered free of charge.”

E-Cards and constant encouragement. The website also serves as a means for active members of the military, veterans, friends and family to share messages of support and thanks through e-card greetings. Reach out and make a difference today by sending your message to a member of the military, a friend or loved one.

Every service member and their families should feel comfortable reaching out to their units and chain of command for support, said Hammer, "Reaching out is a sign of strength that benefits yourself, your family and your unit."

For further details visit Real Warriors Campaign here For general inquiries, email dcoe.realwarriors@tma.osd.mil.

TODAY'S MUSE

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come -- Anne Lamott.