Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day!

I couldn't resist sharing this beautiful heart of rose petals with you which I found on the 'Net. 

Valentines Day is one of those special days when cupid is very busy. A friend of ours who works at a flower shop claims this is the busiest day of the year for him. I think that's marvelous!

Valentines Day isn't just for lovers however. It's for sons who want to bless their moms with something special just to let her know she's special. It's for children who exchange valentine cards at parties and it's for those who want to do a little something extra for those they love.

I know Valentines Day can be a lonely day for those who have lost someone important to them. I have a friend who lost his wife to cancer and I know she is always close in his thoughts on this day. 

I also know there are shut-ins who have nobody. No family or friends close by to share the day with them. If you know someone like that then do something nice and bless one of them with a card or a flower. Who says Valentines Day is just for lovers?

Every year I get my mom a Valentine card and a bouquet of flowers and it makes her day. She is in a Home now and my father as well as all of her friends are gone. 

The Home is filled with folks who are lonely and my heart breaks for them. 

Have you watched the movie, The Notebook? It is a wonderful story about young love in which the young couple grows old together and eventually she gets lost except for glimpses of the past which come back to her when he reads their story to her. 

Keep in mind the old folks of today. They were once young and vibrant and full of life and vigor. 

Love is in the air and it is for everyone!

Have a lovely Valentines Day weekend dear friends and remember to thank God for His extravagant love for you.  

A bell is no bell 'til you ring it,
A song is no song 'til you sing it,
And love in your heart
Wasn't put there to stay -
Love isn't love
'Til you give it away.~ Oscar Hammerstein, The Sound of Music 

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Recipe for Cranberry Muffins

Good afternoon my dear friends! Today's recipe is: 

Cranberry Muffins

I think some of you were under the impression that I was having my kitchen renovated. I wish! Rather, I had some cabinets come loose from the wall and just about crashed holding my everyday china as well as one of my good sets. My two Royal Albert teapots were also displayed above those cabinets so it gave us a bit of a fright when there was a loud crack very early one morning. 

I was somewhat dismayed having my dishes spread out on every surface in the kitchen. I am thankful however that the dishes were not broken. 
We managed until a friend came over and put the cabinets back together again and affixed them to the wall so they will stay put. I did get some spring cleaning done too in the process.

I have been planning to paint my cabinets white but my back just won't allow me to do that so for the time being they will remain oak.

Now, on to the recipe. As I mentioned in my tea post, this is an old recipe. Not sure where I found it, perhaps an old TV Guide, remember those?

Anyway, these muffins are the best I've eaten. They are moist and buttery with the tang of orange in them. My father loved them and so does my hubby. Don't be fooled by their flat tops. They resemble home made crumpets.

Early North American settlers called the bitter red fruit "crane berries" because the cranes feasted on them. Slightly sweetened and folded into a buttery muffin batter, they become a breakfast feast for modern celebrants.

CRANBERRY MUFFINS
2 cups cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups sifted flour
2 TBSP baking powder
1 tsp salt
4 TBSP sugar
2 TBSP grated orange or tangerine rind
2 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup melted butter

Combine the chopped berries with the 1/2 cup of sugar. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and remaining sugar. Combine the rind, eggs, milk and melted butter. Add liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients, blending just until dry ingredients are thoroughly dampened. Stir in cranberries. Fill buttered muffin tins and bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 2 dozen muffins 

These muffins are lovely for breakfast, tea time, or a snack. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Have a lovely Valentines Day!

Sharing with these lovely parties:

Share Your Cup Thursday
Home Sweet Home

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi