Cooking and Cracker Jack

Today's interview was with John Donahue, writer for The New Yorker editor of "A MAN WITH A PAN: CULINARY ADVENTURES OF FATHERS WHO COOK FOR THEIR FAMILIES". John does most of the cooking for his wife and two daughters. He's always had a passion for food (because he loves to eat!) and his interest grew right after his daughter was born. It seemed he was spending more time in the kitchen and now he does the cooking, the prep, the menu and grocery planning and really enjoys all of aspects of cooking for his family. His book features 34 men; their favorite recipes as well as their stories, adventures and advice.

The book is not just about food; but about our changing families and lifestyles. It is also delicious entertainment for the "kitchen stool cook" as well as being an invaluable resource for new and seasoned home chefs.

Did you know that it was on this day in 1983 when "Cracker Jack" was first introduced at the Chicago World's Fair? Frederick Rucekheim and his brother Louis sold it as "Candied Popcorn and Peanuts". After they figured out a way to keep it from sticking together (a carefully guarded secret), they renamed their product after one sampler exclaimed, "That's crackerjack!", -which at the time was a colloquialism meaning "of excellent quality".

They got free publicity after the song "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was released in 1908 and beginning in 1912, a prize was included in every box.

Do you remember the prizes? Animals, toys, puzzles... The ones I always hoped to find were the circus wagons with a different animal in each one. I would line them up in my bedroom. Wonder whatever happened to my collection? Wonder if it would be worth anything today? I did look on line and found out that some Cracker Jack prizes are valued at more than $7000 today! Don't look for any prizes in Cracker Jack today-now you just get a paper prize with either a riddle or joke.

Some people think "Cracker Jack" was the very first junk food. What do you think? And what was your favorite Cracker Jack prize?

Pyramids and Playing Games

How would you rate your vocabulary? Good? Great? Stupendous?
I thought mine was pretty good. I usually do well on the Reader's Digest words/vocab page but I found out differently after reading "THE WORD PYRAMID".

Marissa Hirsch, a 2011 graduate of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Liconshire, Illinois got the idea for this book when she was in middle school, worked on the book for about a year and published it when she was 16. Marissa believes that just like the old adage "you are what you eat" it is also true that "you are what you speak".

If your communications skills and vocabulary are exemplary, you'll go farther in life. Her book is a handy little guide destined to help enrich your vocabulary and utilize the expressive power of the English language. She's grouped the pyramids into three categories: Body, Mind and World and has rated each one. Level "F" is the most common, least effect form and Level "A" is the highest level. For example: the pyramid she showcases is Clothing. The most common word is clothing (grade F), dress (grade E), fashion (grade D), outerwear (grade C), tabby (grade B) and toggery, habiliments and tatterdemalion (all grade A).

It's a fun little book, and also one that you can use to impress and influence others and to "provoke a battalogical epiphany, inducing a metamorphosis in your personal liguistic zetigiest"

We had great fun on the program today because it was "Recess at Work" day and the question I posed to my listeners was this: "What is your favorite childhood game". Either played at recess or during the long summer break.

Do you remember "Annie, Annie Over"? We used to play that with a softball, or sometimes our kickball. You called out the phrase, sent the ball over the roof of the garage and if it wasn't caught, one person from that side was "out".
Or how about "Red Rover", "Red Light/Green Light", "Kick the Can", "Captain May I?", "Miss and Switch", "Pom Pom Pullaway" and "Chalk the Rabbit"? We also got responses like "Hopscotch", "Kickball", "Four Square", "Tetherball" and "Crack the Whip".
One of our family favorites in summertime was "What Color is my Bird?" On a hot summer afternoon we'd assemble on the steps of our front porch. One person held the glass of water and spoon and thought of a color. He/She would go down the line, asking each of us if we knew the color of the bird they were thinking of. The person who guessed correctly would get one spoonful of water splashed on them (to help cool off during those hot sumer days). It was lots of fun, although sometimes we would get carried away and throw the full cup of water at someone. NOT a good idea-even if it was really warm!
We would also have marathon kickball games in the backyard. We'd gather all the neighbors, lay out the bases and boundaries in our backyard and play all day. We'd break for lunch and then come back at it again! Good Times that's for sure!
Do you have fond memories of games you used to play?

Comfort Food and Cleaning Tips

COMFORT FOOD.
While the phrase evokes something different for everyone, one thing is certain: comfort food is not just the kind of food we eat; it is the kind of food we hunger for!
On today's show I had the chance to interview James Oseland, Editor-in-Chief of SAVEUR magazine, about the recently released cookbook, "SAVEUR-THE NEW COMFORT FOOD-HOME COOKING FROM AROUND THE WORLD".
When I think of comfort food the first thing that comes to mind is a great tasting homemade chicken pot pie! Yum! Or a S'more made at midnight in the microwave when my children were little, (because they'd had a bad dream, or couldn't sleep). Some people love a warm and gooey grilled cheese, a juicy hamburger, macaroni and cheese or Mom's homemade chicken soup. (Is your mouth watering yet?). The true definitioin of comfort food may be hard to pinpoint, but basically, it's any food that makes us feel good, right?
The book is filled with more than 200 stunning photographs, first person stories from some of the magazine's most acclaimed writers as well as information about the ingredients, techniques and memories associated with the recipes.
The unique feature is the fact the SAVEUR broadens the definition of "comfort food" because it showcases over 100 authentic home-style recipes from around the world and covers everything from appetizers to drinks.
This is an EXCELLENT book and one that you will "Savor"!

Spring is almost here and gone...have you done your "spring cleaning" yet?
We talked about cleaning tips and how you can clean like a professional. Here are few key things to remember:

• Start in the room that is the farthest from the front door (usually the bedroom


• Start your cleaning at the right of the door frame and always work top to bottom; left to right


• Finish by vacuuming or mopping the floor as you make your way out the door


• Apply cleaning solution to the tub/shower area before you continue with the top/bottom; left/right system. Wipe the tub/shower last.


• The kitchen should be your last stop. Begin to the right of the stove since that is usually the messiest area in the room.

Money and Mishaps

Today I spoke with Karen McCall, author of 'FINANCIAL DISCOVERY-DEVELOPING A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY". Karen is the founder of The Financial Recovery Institute and has been working with many different individuals for over twenty years. She doesn't guarantee that the book will make you a millionaire-well it might, but she makes no promises! Many American have gotten used t living way above their means, maxing out credit cards and living the high life. Whether you are a young person just starting your career path, or someone who is already living on a tight budget, or even someone unaffected by the current economic crisis, we can all benefit from Karen's difficult life lessons and fninacial triumphs. Her book showcases stories of hope from all walks of life.
Karen says we need to look at our beliefs, our emotional connection with money and finances and the biggest mistake we make is when we are in a "state of denial"-a "money coma". This is a great book if you just need a little push in the right direction for controlling your finances or if you need help in a BIG way. You can check out more information at her website: http://www.financialrecovery.com/

Today was "Kitchen Klutz's of America" day. We talked about various kitchen mishaps and I posed the question both on air and on "Facebook"- What is your most recent (or most memorable) kitchen mishap? I got a lot of great response from my listeners
-sirloin tips made with brown sugar
-eclair dessert made with farm fresh whole milk-tasted like soap suds
-caramel apple salad made with Cool Whip-Lite (to save calories) and it turned to "soup"
-made lasagna and forgot to add the noodles
-made a cherry pie when first married. seemed to take all day to prepare. when ready to put in oven, noticed that there was flour on bottom of pie plate. tried to wipe it off by raising it up over head and of course lost control and it fell to the floor!
-using salt instead of sugar when making sugar cookies
-using soap flakes instead of instant mashed potato flakes

I've had a number of mishaps...
A few of the most memorable:
-making chili for the very first time. I put everything in the crock pot (uncooked macaroni included!) When I went to check it a few hours later, the pasta had absorbed all the liquid and it was one big bowl of "mush"!

-making a broccoli slaw salad that I had gotten from my sister. I bought all the ingredients at the store, assembled it and took it to a family get together. My brother took one bite and hit a sunflower seed. I had used the kind that were in the shell-(didn't even know you could get the other kind!) and I hadn't bothered to remove the shells! We still laugh about this one.

What is your favorite kitchen mishap? Let me know....

Book Nook Line up for this week:

Monday, May 23rd at 10:05am
Diane Kredensor, "OLLIE AND MOON", children's picture book author

Tuesday, May 24th, at 10:05am
Harold Holzer, "LINCOLN ON WAR: OUR GREATEST COMMANDER IN CHIEF SPEAKS TO AMERICA", a collection of Abraham Lincoln's speeches, letters and writings from the famous to the obscure and what we can learn from them

Wednesday, May 25th, at 10:05am
James B. Stewart, 'TANGLED WEB: HOW FALSE STATEMENTS ARE UNDERMINING AMERICA, FROM MARTHA STEWART TO BERNIE MADOFF", explores the lying addiction of the rich and famous.

Thursday, May 26th, at 10:05am
Fred Alan Wolf, "TIME LOOPS AND SPACE TWISTS: HOW GOD CREATED THE UNIVERSE". The author explores how consciousness and science are related.

Advocates and Asparagus

Thirteen years ago, Brian Monaghan was given a death sentence-his doctor had found two brain tumors and he was given 3-6 months to live. While he was battling cancer, his wife Gerri was fighting on his behalf; acting as his advocate and ensuring that he received the best possible care. Together they beat the odds. Brian and Gerri share their experience and offer a road map for navigating the medical system in "WHEN A LOVED ONE FALLS ILL: HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PATIENT ADVOCATE" and I talked with them on Tuesday.


Their story is an incredible and powerful one and took me back twenty-five years ago when my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. She was not quite three years old and I became her advocate and ally. Many of the "50 Tips" that Brian and Gerri share were things that I did as well.

• Trusting your own intuition. (I knew something wasn't right when I saw all the bruising on her legs)


• Carrying a notebook, asking questions and writing things down. (There were many different chemos, plus I had to learn to draw blood from her catheter for testing at our local path lab so I needed to know what the results meant).


• Make memories and share stories (We took a trip to Disney World during the middle of her treatment. Grandpa, Grandma, aunts, uncles and siblings and had a once in a lifetime experience!)


• Always think in terms of "we". (I didn't receive the chomo, the "pokes", the radiation-but I felt that we were fighting this battle together!).


• Celebrate the milestones. (We did that this past January when my daughter hosted a twenty-five anniversary celebration for doctors, nurses, friends and family who supported during the tumultuous time.

This book is an incredible tale of survival, love and committment and is a "must read" for everyone facing tough medical challenges.

It seems like spring as been a long time coming. One of the best "flavors" of spring is fresh asparagus. We've been sharing recipes for asparagus soup, quiche and more... When freezing asparagus remember these tips:

• Select young tender spears with tightly closed tips


• Wash thoroughly and sort by size


• Trim stalks be removing the scales with a sharp knife


• Cut into even lenghts to fit into freezer containers.


• Blanch small spears for 1 1/2 minutes; medium spears for 2 minutes; and large spears for 3 minutes. Cool and drain well.


• Pack spears into freezer containers and freeze. Or for smaller amounts, freeze on cookie sheets prior to placing in containers
  
  

Rhubarb and Rodgers

On Monday my "Book Nook" guest was Rob Reischel, sports writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. We talked about his newest book, "AARON RODGERS: LEADER OF THE PACK". Rob was planning on writing a book about the 2010 Packer Season and he'll be the first to admit that he didn't think they had a chance of getting to the Superbowl. After clinching the NFC title in Chicago, Rob's publisher told him they wanted the book to be about Aaron and that he had until one week after the SuperBowl to complete it. Talk about a deadline!

The book covers Aaron's early career is filled with stats and covers some little known information as well. For instance-when Aaron went to Butte Community College he asked to wear #12 (which was his high school number), but it was take. He then asked for #8 (the number of his boyhood hero-Steve Young), but it was also taken. He then asked for #4 because he loved how Brett Favre played. Little did he know that a few years later, he would be back-up the Favre. There are TONS of photos and it makes a great gift for any Packer fan, Aaron Rodgers follower or CHEESEHEAD.

I really hope the lock-out issue will be resolved before the beginning of the 2011 season. We want to be able to tout "WORLD CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS" each and every week. GO PACK!


It's that time of year when the rhubarb is ripe and ready for picking! We've been talking about rhubarb and sharing recipes the last few days. If you don't have a patch in your backyard or garden, you can pick some up at your local grocery store-or at the nearest Farmer's Market.
Here are a few tips:
*Buy thinner, brightly colored stalks that are firm but not dried out at the ends.
*Cut the leaves off before cooking.
*Slice horizontally (against the grain)
* Add sugar (to taste) as the acidity is quite bracking.
*Try cooking down with ginger and star anise for complex but easy condiment.


You might want to try these jams:
Pineapple Rhubarb Jam
5 c. sliced rhubarb 3 c. sugar 3 oz. pkg. Strawberry JELL-O 1 medium can crushed pineapple Place rhubarb in saucepan. Stir in sugar and bring to boil. Boil for 15-20 minutes. During last few minutes of cooking, stir in pineapple. Remove from heat. Add JELL-O and stir until dissolved. Place into hot jars and seal.

Blueberry Rhubarb Jam
7- 1/2 c. rhubarb, cut up 2- 1/2 c. sugar 1 (16-20 oz.) can blueberry pie filling 2 small pkg. raspberry JELL-O Combine rhubarb, sugar & pie filling in saucepan. cook mixture until rhubarb gets soft. Stir in JELL-O until well dissolved. Pour mixture into glass jars and store in refrigerator. (Also freezes well).

Rhubarb Compote
2 1/2 pounds rhubarb, cut into 1" pieces
1 lb. strawberries, quartered
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. apple juice
1 Tbsp. grated orange zest
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
In large heavy-bottomed pot, combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, apple juice and orange zest. Bring to simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat and gently simmer, stirring occassionally, until rhubarb has broken down and mixture has thickened, 55-65 minutes. Stir in vanilla. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled-on toast, pancakes, waffles or ice cream.

Book Nook Line up for this week:

Monday, May 16th at 10:05am:
Rob Reischel, "AARON RODGERS: LEADER OF THE PACK", a great read with plenty of photos beginning with Aaron's high school football career and forward. Rob only had about a week after the superbowl to get everything pulled together and although he had lots of articles he could go back to, he still had to get interviews get organized in a hurry! You'll find out how Aaron ended up with the #4 jersery while playing for Butte Community College in 2002 and how he hasn't just beaten the odds in the NFL-but he did it back in high school and junior college as well.

Monday, May 16th at 10:35am:

Gracie Cabnar, founder of the RECIPE FOR SUCCESS FOUNDATON, as a way to combat childhood obesity. Her program is now set to go national as the "SEED-TO-PLATE EDUCTION PROGRAM" and she was one of six "real life heroines, honored by Harlequin in their 7th annual "More Than Words" competition.

Tuesday, May 17th at 10:05am:

Brian and Jerri Monahan, "WHEN A LOVED ONE FALLS ILL", talk about how to be an advocate for your loved one.

Wednesday, May 18th, at 10:05am:

Diane Krendesor, "OLLIE AND MOON", children's author

Thursday, May 19th at 10:05am:

Wendy Williamson, "I'M NOT CRAZY, I'M BI-POLAR"

Friday, May 20th, at 10:05am:

Ray Graham, "POTTINGER'S PROPHESY", will talk about how what we eat now will have an effect on future generations.

Figure Skating and Fudge!

Figure Skating and Fudge

Had a fun interview with Kristi Yamaguchi today. Besides being an Olympic Gold Medalist, Dancing with the stars champion, wife, mother and philanthropist, Kristi is now a successful children’s storybook author. In fact, her book, DREAM BIG, LITTLE PIG, debuted at the #2 slot on the New York Times bestsellers list when it was released this past March.

The illustrations are charming-in fact, you’ll smile as soon as you see the cover! And the story content won’t disappoint either. It’s a very fun book to read aloud.

“Poppy” is a little pig with lots of dreams. But following her dreams isn’t as easy as it sounds. Her best friend and her family encourage her to keep believing and to have fun doing it. And although Poppy tries ballet, singing and becoming a super model…before she finds that she really like to ice skate.

Part of the proceeds of each book will benefit Kristi’s “ALWAYS DREAM” foundation for early childhood literacy programs. Make sure you get a copy of this delightful storybook for your special little one!


It is Nutty Fudge day today and I shared the following recipe:

Nutty White Fudge
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 Tbsp. milk
2 c. confectioners’ sugar
2 (1 oz.) squares white baking chocolate
½ tsp. vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnutsIn mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth. Gradually add sugar. Beat in melted chocolate. Add vanilla and salt; mix well. Stir in walnuts. Spread into buttered 8” square pan. Chill for 4-5 hours before cutting. Store in refrigerator.

Trials, Tubas and Tea

On Friday I had a chance to speak with Michael Griesbach, Assistant District Attorney for Manitowoc County and author of, "UNREASONABLE INFERENCES: THE STEVEN AVERY STORY UNVEILED".

You may recall that Steven Avery was wrongly accused of sexual assault back in 1985 in Manitowoc. He was sent to prison and served 18 years before he was released-mainly due to new ways to test DNA. Then, two years later he was arrested (and subsequently) convicted for the murder of a young woman from Green Bay. The book focuses on innocence and guilt and on the specific misconduct on the part of the former Manitowoc County prosecutor and Sheriff. A fascinating, up-close look at our justice system. If you're interested in real-life crime stories, this one's for you. It also gives you a little better background into an event that was an important part of our Wisconsin history. If you want to pick up a copy of Mike's book, stop in at BookWorld, in Beaver Dam or Watertown Book World- they have it in stock.

TUBA DAY is always celebrated on the First Friday in May and was founded by Joel Day in 1979. He was a high school tuba player, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and started the holiday as a result of a lack of respect for tubas and tuba players. Did you know that tubas can weight between 12-50 pounds? That the first tuba was patented in 1835 in Germany? And that the deep sounds provide a lot of character and "oomph" to concert music? Here's to all tuba players!

Did you play a musical instument while in school?

And finally....

National Beverage Day was also observed on Friday. What's your favorite? Tea? Iced or otherwise? Coffee-Starbucks or homebrew? Beer? Soda? Wine? I'm a "Pepper" as I love the taste of DR. PEPPER!

Happy Mother's Day ~ Mom!

There is NO job more important than that of a mother. Mom needs to be a nurse, teacher, chauffeur, cook, comforter, guidance counselor, head entertainment committee member, housekeeper, and so much more. Often she takes on more than one role at any given time.

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Many times we are who we are, because of our mothers.

Six months before I turned five, my Mom was caring for me and four other siblings.

FIVE under FIVE!

When I was eight, I missed the last 3 months of school because I had rheumatic fever. My brother and sister were home because of a kidney infection. We all should have been in the hospital but my parents didn't have health insurance so Mom carried us to bathroom, recorded all "intake/output" measurements, our temperatures four times a day, brought our meals to us on trays; kept us entertained and never complained.

Mom let us build forts (with sheets and blankets) in living room on rainy days; gave us pot lids, pans, & kazoos to form a "band" and let us march around the neighborhood; never limited our imaginations; always believed in our dreams and loved each one of us unconditionally. She ignited a love for books and reading by sharing "chapter" books with us every night before bed-and as we got old enough, letting us read the stories to her as well.

My first memory dates back to when I was three or four. Mom and I were laying on my bed, gazing out the window and watching a gentle rain fall.

I have learned so much from my Mom. She has been a wonderful role model. Wise, witty, and WONDERFUL!

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful mother and to all mothers today and everyday!

This week's Book Nook:

Monday, May 9th at 10:05am ~ Trey Rodgers, otherwise known as THE YARD DOCTOR. He'll talk about great lawn tips and the new Briggs & Stratton lawn hotline.

Monday, May 9th at 10:35am ~ Darell Hammond, founder and CEO of KaBOOM!, a not for profit, based in Washington , D.C. dedicated to makin sure there is a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. He'll talk about his book, "KABOOM! HOW ONE MAN BUILT A MOVEMENT TO SAFE PLAY"

Tuesday, May 10th at 10:05am ~ Lauren Chattman, 'BREAD MAKING: A HOME COURSE. CRAFTING THE PERFECT LOAF"

Wednesday, May 11th, at 10:05am ~ Cindy Duerst and other Leadership Beaver Dam members will be in the studio to talk about their upcoming food drive with Central Wisconsin Community Action

Wednesday, May 11th at 10:30am ~ THE GARDEN DOCTOR-DICK ZONDAG from Jung's Garden Center will be here to answer all your gardening questions

Thursday, May 12th at 9:40am ~ Kristi Yamaguchi will be here to talk about the release of her first children's book, "DREAM BIG, LITTLE PIG". The book encourages everyone to follow their dream because you will succeed as long as you believe.

Friday, May 13th at 10:05am ~ Laura Duksta, "YOU ARE A GIFT TO THE WORLD"

Gold Medals, Green Houses, and Good Health!

Do you remember what you were doing during the summer of 1984? I was a young mom with 2 darling daughters and a 16 year old gymnast needed a perfect score (10) in order to win gold at the Summer Olympic games in Los Angeles. Mary Lou Retton captured the gold, and our hearts during her final performance and I had a chance to speak with her on Wednesday.


She is currently a mom of 4 girls (all very active and athletic in their own right) and is the spokesperson for Special Olympics. She is currently partnered with Proctor and Gamble to help raise funds so that at all Moms of Special Olympic athletes can travel to the Summer World Games in Athens Greece in July.



You can help out by going to facebook.com/thankyoumom. P&G will donate $1 to Special Olympics everytime someone "friends" the site. So don't wait....do it today!







On Thursday, I broadcast my show live from Hoekstra's Market and Greenhouse (between Fox lake and Randolph 1/2 mile north on Hwy "A").
If you've been waiting for spring...you'll find it at Hoekstra's! WOW! All the beautiful greenhouses just "BURSTING" with color! So many choices of hanging baskets, planters, pots and other gift ideas for mom (Mother's Day is Sunday!) or just for yourself! Their open house is this weekend, Friday, 5/6 and Saturday, 5/7.

And did you know that gardening is good for your health?

• Exposure to fresh air and sunshine (which is your best source of Vitamin D)


• You'll get a great workout digging, hoeing, carrying water buckets


• You can get your "picky" eaters involved right from the beginning. (Planting, waterting, weeding, harvesting and finally EATING!


• Gardening can boost your mood. Did you know that studies have shown that receiving flowers makes people feel better. Imagine flowers blooming all summer long-what a great mood enhancer!


• It's been proven that gardening will help improve your memory, too!


• You'll add nutrition to your diet. Carrots are high in Vitamin A, tomatoes give healthy doses of Vitamins A & C and whereas bell peppers can contain pesticide residue when purchased from the grocery stores-you'll get a much healthier version if you grow your own, plus they contain a ton of phytonutrients.

Beatles, Business and Birth Order

If you grew up with (or are just a fan) of The Beatles, you'll want to get a copy of 'COME TOGETHER: THE BUSINESS WISDOM OF THE BEATLES". (written by George Cassidy and Richard Courtney). The book seamlessly integrates nuggets of business "do's and don'ts" with interesting stories about the greatest rock and roll musical group EVER!

I talked with Richard Courtney, a successful real estate developer and huge Beatles fan. (He's been a follower since the age of 8!). The book has 100 chapters-but don't let that scare you-each one is no more than a page to a page and a half. It's set chronologically and has tons of information about each of the four "young lads from Liverpool". If you're looking to start your own business, if you already have a business and are looking for tips on how to make it better, this is the book for you. Find out how THE most successful business franchise of all time can help YOU!

Today, May 2nd is "Siblings" Day. Are you the oldest? A middle child? The baby? Or an only child? Are you aware of how your birth order affects your love life? (I found this information on match.com )

If you're the oldest:

*You are a born leader (most US presidents were first borns)

*You take charge, like to plan and always remember birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine's Day

*You are also old-fashioned (in a good way)

Your challenge: you need to become more spontaneous. You hate suprises.

Best Match: the youngest child. It's a case of opposites attracting. You help the last born become more organized and the last born helps you lighten up.

If you're the middle child: *You have a reputation as an insecure mess (Think Jan Brady). But you are actually a stable and loyal partner *You are not spoiled *You work for every perk, including a happy relationship. *You alwasy try to put others at ease. Your challenge: You need to open up because you're sometimes "hard to read". You can be secretive and you're not the best communicator when you're upset so learn to speak up instead of holdidng your anger in and you'll have a more harmonious relationship Best Match: Youngest child. Middles aren't as threatened by last borns as they are by exacting first borns.

If you're the youngest: *You're all about fun! *You like to have a good time Your challenge: you are not too financially dependable. (It comes from being well taken care of all your life). You also use your charm and charisma to be a bit "manipulative". Best Match: Either oldest (they serve as a good counterbalance in a "parent-child" sort of way, or middle child (they value friendships so they totally understand why you love being the life of the party).

The only child: *You are a "rock solid" citizen and a "sweetie" *you are super reliable and like the "oldest" child but to the extreme *You are punctual and true to your word *Always willing to help a friend in need
Your challenge: You are a bit of a perfectionist. Also cautious and pragmatic (and you can be very slow to make the first move). Best Match: the youngest child because you balance each other out. The baby of the family adds spontenaity and romance while you make sure you two aren't dining by candlelight because the electric bill never got paid!

I thought this was a fun perspective on siblings, spouses and significant others!

Book Nook Line up for this week:

Monday, May 2nd at 10:05am:
Elizabeth Carlson, "SCREAM QUIETLY", a personal account of how the author and her family survived and escaped Nazi Poland during WWII. Elizabeth now resides in northern Wisconsin and she will be at the Randolph Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, May 7th at 7pm to do a presentation and book signing.
and
Monday, May 2nd at 10:35am
Jerol Anderson, "IS IT SAFE?", another local author (Cambridge, WI) whose mystery novel is about a young woman who goes into the Witness Protection Program after seeing a murder. Jerol will be at Watertown BookWorld this Saturday, May 7th from 10:30am-2pm.

Tuesday, May 3rd, 10:05 am
Richard Courtney and George Cassidy, "COME TOGETHER: BUSINESS WISDOM OF THE BEATLES". We'll be talking with George about the lessons today's entrepeneurs and business leaders can draw from the failures and triumphs of the most famous musical group.

and
Tuesday, May 3rd, 10:35am:
Aaron McCargo, Jr., author of "SIMPLY DONE, WELL DONE". Aaron is a chef on the Food Network and has a great new cookbook that he'll be talking about.

Wednesday, May 4th: 10:05am
Mary Lou Retton (of Olympic Gold fame!) will be on the program to talk about a cause near and dear to her heart ~ Special Olympics.

Thursday, May 5th, I'll be doing my show LIVE from Hoekstra's Market and Greenhouses in Randolph, so if you're in the vicinity, stop in to say "Hi!"

Friday, May 6th, 10:05am
Michael Griesbach, author of "UNREASONABLE INFERNECES" is the facinating story of the Steven Avery murder case and the events of the previous twenty years.


Lots of great interviews this week...

Butter and Babies

As a kid, do you remember holding a dandelion under chin?

We talked about it on the show last week. (It was Dandelion Day on Tuesday, April 5th). If there was a yellowish reflection, that meant you liked butter, right? I don't know the origin of that practice but I think I ALWAYS had the yellow color reflected under my chin! I loved butter and still do. On today's show I shared some interesting facts about butter.

Have you wondered which is better salted or unsalted?

• Unsalted is best because the amount of salt can vary from brand to brand.Salted butter contains more water, which can interfere with gluten development
• Salt masks butters naturally sweet, delicate flavors and can be overwhelming

Where should you store butter?

• Place in back of fridge where it’s coldest. Don't use the compartment in the door.
• Butter will keep for 2 1/2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 4 months in the freezer.
• Place in ziplock bag (before freezing) so that it won’t pick up other odor

Why is it important to use the proper temperature in a recipe?

• Chilled butter-should be cold and unyeilding
• Cold butter melts during baking leaving behind small pockets of air that create flaky layers in recipes like pie dough and croissants.
• Room Temperature-should easily bend without breaking
• Softened butter is flexible enough to be whipped but firm enough to retain the incorporated air-vital to making cakes with a tender crumb.
• Melted and Cooled-should be fluid and slightly warm
• Butter is roughly 16% water; when melted, water breaks from the emulsion and helps create gluten for chewier cookies.

On Monday, I spoke with Lesley Bolton regarding her new book, "THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BABY NAMES: THE MOST NAMES, THE MOST UNIQUE NAMES, MOST IDEA GENERATING LISTS (600+), AND THE MOST HELP TO FIND THE PERFECT NAME."

It really is the most complete baby name book that I have ever seen! Lesley said that it's very important to select the right name. You need to think about your child and most people select a first name that has meaning-not necessarily what the name actually means, but why it has meaning to the Mom and Dad. You also need to consider how the first name sounds (on it's own) and also when paired with the last name. The trend right now is for more traditional, classical names and the Social Security office will release the top 10 for 2011 this May. So stay tuned....

This week's Book Nook:

Monday, April 11th:

"THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BABY NAMES: THE MOST UNIQUE NAMES, THE MOST IDEA GENERATING LISTS, 660+ NAMES AND THE MOST HELP TO FIND THE PERFECT NAME" ~ Lesley Bolton, author of the #1 baby name book in the country will give us an expert's view on the best baby names.

Tuesday, April 12th:

"WILLIWAW WINDS", ~ Sally Bair, a Wisconsin author from Washburn, Wisconsin. (Sally will be in Columbus on Saturday, April 16th at the Columbus Public Library for a presentation and book signing). Her book is fiction but based on the true story of her son's rescue in the Bering Straits.

Wednesday, April 13th:

"MOBY-DUCK" THE TRUE STORY OF 28,800 BATH TOYS LOST AT SEA AND OF THE BEACHCOMBERS, OCEANOGRAPHERS, ENVIRIONMENTALISTS AND FOOLS, INCLUDING THE AUTHOR, WHO WENT IN SEARCH OF THEM". ~ Donovon Hohn, who heard about the mysterious loss of thousands of bath toys at sea and wanted to tell their story.

and at 10:30 Dick Zondag, "The Garden Doctor" joins us for his 30 minute program and will be available to answer all your gardening questions.

Thursday, April 14th:

"ALREADY HOME", ~ Susan Mallery, a New York Times best selling author, her newest novel, tells the story of a woman dealing with family relationships, dating and finding a new direction in her life.

Friday, April 15th:

"6 SECRETS TO STARTUP SUCCESS: HOW TO TURN YOUR ENTREPENEURIAL PASSION INTO A THRIVING BUSINESS" ~John Bradberry talks to us about the things you need to do (and need to know) in order to run your own successful business.

Twinkies and Trilogies

Today is National Twinkie Day!

I haven't eaten a Twinkie in forever, but I remember what a treat it was to find one in my brown bag lunch that I would take to school. That tasty sponge cake and the luscious creamy vanilla filling! YUM! Who doesn't like Twinkies?

Maybe like me, you haven't really given much thought to Twinkies but I uncovered some Twinkie Trivia that might interest you...

• Twinkies were invented in River Forest, Illinois in 1930 by James Alexander Dewar, a baker for the Continental Baking Compan


• Several machines used for making cream-filled strawberry shortcake, sat idle when berries weren’t in season so he conceived a snack cake filled with banana cream and dubbed them “Twinkies”.


• During WWII bananas were rationed and company substituted vanilla cream


• In 1988 fruit and cream filling (strawberry & vanilla swirl) introduced but was not very well received and soon was dropped


• Deep-fried Twinkie debuted at Texas State Fair and now fried Twinkies are sold throughout the US at fairs as well as ball games

Did you also buy into the urban legend regarding the "shelf life" of a Twinkie? It was said that Twinkies could last 20,50, even 100 years due to chemicals used is. NOT TRUE!

They will last at least 25 days or more, because they are made without unstabilized dairy products or eggs and thus spoil slower than most bakery items, however, don't tuck some away to eat 2o years from now!

Upon realizing that this was a day to celebrate that great American snack cake, I remembered a recipe that I haven't made for many, many years: The Twinkie Dessert. (see below)

Twinkie Dessert 11-12 Twinkies

1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips

5 Tbsp. water

5 Tbsp. sugar

6 eggs, divided

1 container Cool Whip

Cut Twinkies in half, lengthwise and lay cream side up in 9x13” pan. Melt chocolate chips, water & sugar in saucepan stirring occasionally until dissolved. Set aside to cool. Add egg yolks, one at a time; beating well after each addition. In separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold egg whites into chocolate mixture. Pour over Twinkies. Cover with Cool Whip and refrigerate before serving.

All this talk about Twinkies is making me hungry!

In my Book Nook segment today, I spoke with Sherryl Woods about her newest novel, "DRIFTWOOD COTTAGE". It is the first of three (trilogy) novels set on the beautiful, fictional shores of Chesapeake Shores. The story centers around the relationship between Heather Donovan and Connor O'Brien. Connor's parents' divorce and his career as a high powered divorce attorney has left him jaded about marriage. Sherryl believes that women gravitate to these kinds of stories because they have issues that matter to them and that they can relate to; and sometimes readers are disconnected from their families and by following a "series" they can connect with characters that can help them relate to things going on in their own lives. Sherryl also believes in happy endings and this story is a heartwarming account of love, marriage, relationships and all that goes with it.

(The next novel in the series: "MOONLIGHT COVE" will be released at the end of April and the third one, "BEACH LANE", will be available sometime in May.) You can check out her website at http://www.sherrylwoods.com/

Dyslexia and "Dogs"

In our "Book Nook" segment today, I spoke with Nelson Lauver, a syndicated broadcaster, writer, speaker, humorist, award-winning narrator and advocate. His memoir: "MOST UNLIKELY TO SUCCEED: THE TRIALS, TRAVELS AND ULTIMATE TRIUMPHS OF A 'THROWAY' KID" is a facinating read. Nelson was a bright, young boy with undiagnoased dyslexia and he blends humor, story telling, irony and raw emotion as he shares his account of his learning disability and how he overcame it. His book will touch the lives of parents, grandparents, educators at all levels, and individuals who may have a learning disability or have had difficulties in shcool-and it will also resonate with anyone who works with or cares for children. Because he was undiagnosed, he learned to be the "bad kid" and acted out in class in the hopes that the teacher would pass him into the next grade in order to get him out of their classroom. By the time he graduated (104th out of 104 students), he could only read and function at a second grade level. In spite of the emotional and physical abuse, he perserved and today is a highly regarded speaker. His book a very powerful and inspite of all the tragic abuse, it resonates with the power of hope and how it can make all the difference. You might be able to catch his four-minute slice of the American experience "The American Storyteller Radio Journal"-featured on many radio stations across the country. Or check out his website at http://www.americanstoryteller.com/.

It is also Hot Dog Day! And the weather is warming up. A good day for a ballpark hotdog (although the Brewers don't play until tomorrow-and they're at Cinncinnati, so I guess it will have to be a DQ hotdog! We posted this question on facebook: What condiments do like on your hot dog? Ketchup and Onions are MY choice!

Children's Books and Coca-Cola

During the Book Nook segment today, we spoke with Kathryn Cloward, author of the new children's book, "KATHRYN THE GRAPE: JUST LIKE MAGIC". You will fall in love with Kathryn and her magical butterfly friend-Maggie. The book teaches that each of us has our own magic within and children will discover their own strength and fearlessness, learn about making new friends and learn the importance of helping others. The book is the first in the series and Kathryn's next book, "KATHRYN THE GRAPE: COLORFUL ADVENTURE", is due out in June. I encourage you to check out her website at http://www.kathrynthegrape.com/. After interviewing Kathryn, I thought about books that I read to my children. One of my all-time favorites, (and one that I like to give to new moms) is "I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER". I don't remember the author's name, but it is a fantastic book. The main phrase throughout the book, and one that I still say to my (now grown) children is this: "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as you're living, my baby you'll be!". Today is Love Your Children Day. No matter what their age(s) make sure you tell them. Although I no longer read this story to my kids, I just want them to know I'LL LOVE THEM FOREVER! Coca-Cola was invented 125 years ago today. A few bits of trivia for you:

• Coca-Cola employes 139,600 people worldwide


• The company has enjoyed 49 consecutive years with increased dividends


• Their product is sold in over 200 countries


• and is celebrating 125 years in business.

Dr. John Pemberton, a pharmacist in Atlanta, Georgia, produced the first syrup and carried a jug of the new product down the street to the Jacobs' Pharmacy where it was sampled and pronounced "excellent". The first glasses of syrup were mixed with carbonated water and sold for five cents!

So enjoy a coke (cherry coke for me!) today.