Thought of the Day
“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill
December 7th 2025
December 6th 2025
Thought of the Day
Have order without confusion and show compassion on others.
Baked Soft Pretzels
This warm, chewy baked soft pretzel recipe is quick, easy, and the perfect salty snack.
Ingredients
- For the Dough
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for bowl)
- For the Baking Soda Bath
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- For the Topping
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse salt (pretzel salt or sea salt)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
Add salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
3. Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 450°F.
4. Shape the pretzels
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20–22 inch rope and twist into pretzel shapes.
5. Baking soda bath
Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a gentle boil. Drop each pretzel into the water for 20–30 seconds, then remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Egg wash and salt
Brush each pretzel with beaten egg. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
7. Bake and enjoy
Bake for 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown. Brush with butter right out of the oven and enjoy!
Furry Friday: Meet Sparky!
About Me:
Sparky is a dog who loves with his whole heart. He is friendly and affectionate with everyone he meets. Sparky prefers being near people and will happily nap by your side on the couch (most often with at least some part of his body touching yours) or at your feet. He is still learning about personal space, but he is capable of resting independently and out of sight. Sparky deeply enjoys belly rubs and his gentle snores are endearing.
Sparky is a playful boy with a nice medium energy who loves extra strong chew toys and a rope to prance around with. He entertains himself quite well with his toys and has not put his mouth on any item in the house that doesn’t belong to him. He is a curious boy who will follow you around to see what you’re up to. Sparky is potty-trained and sleeps in his crate overnight without making a peep. He also did great with his bath!
Sparky is excellent on leashed walks around the neighborhood and greenways and non-reactive to passing dogs. Sparky wants to please and is very treat-motivated. (He takes treats gently.) He knows sit and down already and is working on stay, come, and place. He is making strides at learning to rest on his bed while we eat dinner instead of coming to the table. He responds well to calm and firm verbal commands and correction.
If you want a devoted snuggle buddy and stellar companion who truly thinks the world of you then please meet Sparky!
Sparky 261757
Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier
Sex: Male
Age: 6 years and 4 months
Weight: 55.5 pounds
Spayed/Neutered: No
Location: Shelter
Date In Shelter: 7/7/2025
Powered by The Aluminum Company of North Carolina!
Your number one choice for windows, doors, gutters, and exterior home remodeling. Visit them at aluminumcompany.com for a free estimate.
December 5th 2025
Thought of the Day
You are never too old to reinvent yourself.
Homemade Hot Cocoa
This classic hot cocoa is a decadent way to warm up as it gets cold outside.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (any kind works)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Candy cane crumbles
Instructions
1. Make the base
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and about 2 tablespoons of the milk to form a smooth paste.
2. Add the milk
Slowly whisk in the rest of the milk, then heat just until steaming.
3. Add the chocolate
Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
4. Finishing touches
Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, and pour into mugs. Then, top with your choice of whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy cane crumbles and enjoy!
December 4th 2025
Thought of the Day
The show must go on.
Easy Tomato Soup
It’s time for some warm comfort food this season. Enjoy this super easy, cozy tomato soup that will keep you warm on chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded mozzarella or parmesan, fresh basil, red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Build the base
In a large pot, combine tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
2. Add cream and seasoning
Lower heat and stir in the cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Warm for 2-3 minutes.
3. Serve and enjoy
And just like that, you’ve made a delicious, creamy tomato soup! Enjoy with crackers or a grilled cheese for the ultimate cozy meal.
December 3rd 2025
Thought of the Day
Sometimes, the wrong train takes you to the right station.
Gingerbread Cookies
‘Tis the season to start enjoying some winter favorites! These gingerbread cookies are classic, fun, and the perfect way to start off the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- gingerbread person cookie cutters (optional)
- Icing ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of lemon juice (optional, helps balance sweetness)
Instructions
1. Make the base mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla and mix until smooth. Then, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat and prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Create the cookies
Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, then cut out the gingerbread people shapes and transfer them to the sheets.
4. Bake
Bake 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how soft or crisp you prefer. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack.
5. Make the icing
Stir together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, vanilla, and lemon juice. Add more milk in tiny amounts until the icing reaches a smooth, pipe-able consistency. Then, put the icing into a plastic bag and cut off the corner when you’re ready to decorate.
6. Decorate your gingerbread
Now for the fun part! Let the gingerbread cool, then decorate them with the icing however you’d like.
7. Enjoy!
Let the icing set, then enjoy this tasty wintry treat.