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  • Table of Contents by: admin

    February 2, 2012, 12:16

    This page contains the site table of contents. Use it to quickly find content on this website.


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  • Category: Family Stories  (13)
    • MY WILD CHILD by: JanChapman

      December 26, 2022, 15:56

      MY WILD CHILD        I should have known something strange had arrived, for at birth, the scales tipped at ten pounds, nine ounces. The…

    • And Yet Another Atypical Thanksgiving by: JanChapman

      February 18, 2018, 15:23

      AND YET ANOTHER ATYPICAL THANKSGIVING November 25, 1982   I should have sensed a foreboding: The preparations began on Tuesday with a trip to the…

    • THE APRIL FOOLS by: JanChapman

      January 21, 2013, 11:41

             April the First--known to most of us as “April Fool’s Day”, has always been my favorite make-believe-not-so-real hokey holiday.      …

    • THE HUNTER by: JanChapman

      January 12, 2013, 11:43

      I am left with pictures in an old photo album. Sepia. Faded. Roughened edges. There she is: A hunter’s cap shrugged close upon her darkened locks. A vest;…

    • THE GIFT by: JanChapman

      January 12, 2013, 11:04

                If someone were to ask you “What was the best gift you ever received?” how would you answer? I’m talking about the purchased kind. A…

    • CRIME DOESN'T PAY by: JanChapman

      December 1, 2012, 10:00

                "Chimmie, will you play a game of Candy Land with me?"           “Yes, honey--just let me finish up a few things here in the…

    • GRANDCHILDREN, PERCEPTION AND HANDS by: JanChapman

      November 16, 2012, 06:37

           The year was 1986. My first born grandchild, Mark Jr., was almost two and beginning to talk--although we were barely able to understand him. His…

    • What Goes Around Comes Around by: JanChapman

      April 26, 2012, 14:16

                Over the years, Tom and I palled around with three other couples.  We all lived within a few houses of one another.  After the first five…

    • His Legacy by: JanChapman

      April 20, 2012, 07:30

      “Monday is your birthday. What would you like?” He chuckled and replied: “I’d like to be around to see it.”   Star athlete--footba…

    • December, 1942 by: JanChapman

      March 31, 2012, 07:47

                A white out---windshield wipers reluctantly grinding back and forth in monotonous cadence---trying desperately to repel the snow. This was …

    • Shirley Temple Be Damned by: JanChapman

      March 25, 2012, 13:23

              I should have known while still in my mother's womb that I was not destined for greatness.  Emerging, misshapen feet first, all knobby-kneed,…

    • Flowers For M'Lady by: JanChapman

      March 24, 2012, 16:01

                Do you remember the first time you viewed the crevices on the moon’s surface thru a telescope?   Or the presentation when served a d…

    • September, 1954 by: JanChapman

      March 5, 2012, 13:43

           My parents had driven me to the Army base in New York, along with my three month old son, Michael.  An army transport plane was to carry us, along…

  • Category: My Musings  (1)
  • Category: Novels  (11)
  • Category: Other  (5)
    • THE VEGETABLE ZOO by: JanChapman

      October 20, 2019, 13:35

      No description found for this item.

    • JAN CHAPMAN'S SHRIMP MOUSSE by: JanChapman

      January 14, 2019, 05:27

      About 3/4 lb. cooked and cleaned shrimp, diced 1 and 1/2 packets Knox unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup cold water 1 can Campbell's Cream of Shrimp soup--UNDI…

    • SUNDAY EVENIN' GAL by: JanChapman

      January 3, 2013, 09:04

      Lyrics for a Country/Western song. Three singers with guitars on stage: Girl: The Sunday Evening Gal--- Woman: The Wife and Mother-- Man: Husband/Lover…

    • Haiku for Old People by: JanChapman

      November 4, 2012, 15:35

      Guess they have arrived Sags, bags and wrinkles that is None there yesterday   Dead as a doornail I never saw a doornail At least a…

    • What's An 'Other'? by: JanChapman

      April 26, 2012, 13:23

      My son Mike, set up my Blog, and one of the categories appears to be one titled "Other".  I'm in a quandary as to what this means.  One would assume that…

  • Category: Poetry  (14)
    • THE VEGETABLE ZOO by: JanChapman

      February 6, 2013, 12:06

      The Red Pepper Princess and the Green Bean Queen ate up all their veggies, both the red and green. Now the Carrot Kid liked his pickles too, and they…

    • NOW I LAY YOU DOWN TO SLEEP by: JanChapman

      January 12, 2013, 10:28

      Gossamer sheers flutter in the morning breeze. I lie beside him and gaze upon his shrunken self, then gently sponge away the remnants of a yesterday. N…

    • THE QUEUE by: JanChapman

      January 12, 2013, 10:26

      I dress, drive, then arrive. They enter--nervous, queasy Wishing they were elsewhere. So do I. Checking urns of flowers Searching for their…

    • TRACES by: JanChapman

      January 12, 2013, 10:22

      A pair of shoes not yet discarded. Your fingers tied those laces. Gray hairs lodged in a comb--not mine. My hair’s been blonde for ages. Frizzled…

    • LEFT TO MY OWN DEVICES by: JanChapman

      January 12, 2013, 10:18

      St. Vincent DePaul collected your clothes. The shelves from floor to ceiling which once held rows and rows of buffed and polished shoes now hold…

    • CATHARSIS by: JanChapman

      January 12, 2013, 10:11

      The setting sun, its golden path splays across the water from furthest point to nearest shore, beckoning, beckoning, then no more. Whiskey-ste…

    • 'OL RED by: JanChapman

      January 11, 2013, 17:33

      Ah hankered bein’ a cowboy. No sissy girl me-- plaid shirt, metal six-shooter with explodin’ caps-- ‘n chaps! Them chaps smelled ‘n…

    • The Horizontal State by: JanChapman

      November 8, 2012, 00:22

      Would that I could float through life in a horizontal state-- It seems that when I'm prostrate, I don’t look antiquate Once I’m perpendicular, all…

    • His Legacy by: JanChapman

      April 20, 2012, 07:30

      “Monday is your birthday. What would you like?” He chuckled and replied: “I’d like to be around to see it.”   Star athlete--footba…

    • Regret Too Late by: JanChapman

      April 2, 2012, 17:43

      I was my parent’s daughter, I was my husband’s wife, I was my children’s mother; I yearned to have my life. Now, too late, I realize some…

    • Fashionista's Agony by: JanChapman

      March 7, 2012, 06:50

      RED SHOES, WHITE SHOES, BROWNS AND BLUES GOD, THERE ARE SO MANY HUES! LEATHER, PLASTIC, FABRIC TOO. STITCHED AND MOLDED, ASSEMBLED WITH GLUE. SLIP-O…

    • Eden by: JanChapman

      February 27, 2012, 18:40

      Long ago I had a pet-- sort of. I was four, or five or six. Can’t remember which. Memories tightly squirreled in the coin purse of my…

    • Rules and Regulations by: JanChapman

      February 4, 2012, 14:56

      Who makes these rules and regulations with their attitudes and platitudes looking down the bridges of their bespectacled, collectacled…

    • Ruination by: JanChapman

      January 29, 2012, 11:05

        A slash of wrist A knotted twist Bottle of booze--a plastic bag Douse of chloroform on a rag An ocean plunged A life expunged Overdo…

  • Category: Recipes  (51)
    • Category: Appetizers  (6)
      • Chicken Liver Pate by: JanChapman

        April 17, 2012, 13:30

        I could eat this by the spoonful, however it's best served with little toast points, or the small packages of party rye or pumpernickel bread. Ingredients: …

      • Asparagus Roll-Ups by: JanChapman

        March 18, 2012, 06:53

        I have included this recipe in three categories:  Sandwiches,  Appetizers, and Vegetables.  This is nice for a ladies light spring luncheon.  If…

      • Jack Corn Dip by: JanChapman

        March 5, 2012, 12:34

        This recipe is a real crowd pleaser---always a favorite!  Try not to microwave it, as it may separate! Ingredients: 2 C grated Jack/jalopena cheese 3…

      • Gus Puffs--the Simplest Appetizer in the World! by: JanChapman

        March 1, 2012, 12:08

        Ingredients: 1 C Helman's Mayo 1/2 C Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese 1/2 C Chopped Green Onions Technique: Mix all three ingredients together,…

      • Guacamole by: JanChapman

        February 27, 2012, 10:04

        Ingredients: 4 or 5 dark, ripe avocados  2 garlic cloves, 2 or 3 jalopenas-finely minced Juice and zest of 3 or 4 limes  (try my hint of freezing…

      • Steak Tartare by: JanChapman

        February 4, 2012, 11:28

        Over the years, whenever I take this recipe to a cocktail party, all the men gobble it down.  The women are a little more hesitant. Perhaps it harkens back…

    • Category: Beverages  (3)
      • Mojitos by: JanChapman

        February 18, 2018, 14:57

        A bunch of Expensive White Rum a splash of simple syrup muddle a supply of fresh mint Freshly squeezed lime juice a partial bottle of club…

      • "Mary's Gone Hotsy Totsy"!  by: JanChapman

        March 5, 2012, 12:44

        THE GREATEST BLOODY MARY'S IN THE WORLD! Rub lime juice around rim of desired glass and dip into a mixture of ground cumin and celery salt Into the…

      • Easy, but oh, so good, Margaritas by: JanChapman

        February 4, 2012, 15:14

        What a great way to begin (or end) the day. Ingredients: 1 small can or half a large can Minue Maid Frozen Limeade. 1 1/2 same can full of Tequila 1…

    • Category: Cookies  (1)
      • The Most Decadent Cookies by: JanChapman

        February 8, 2012, 13:35

        Ingredients: 2 sticks unsalted butter (the faint of heart should probably stop right here!) 3/4 C packed light brown sugar 3/4 C granulated sugar 1…

    • Category: Desserts  (1)
    • Category: Dressings, Marinades, and Sauces  (4)
      • A Grand Vegetable Dip by: JanChapman

        April 17, 2012, 11:01

        This is such a good vegetable dip, that any kid (or adult) who doesn't like veggies will gobble them up when they're paired with this: These are the…

      • Pesto by: JanChapman

        April 11, 2012, 17:44

        This is a favorite recipe of my children, and one I learned in cooking school.  Fresh basil is a must, and if you can't find it, then don't make it. Ingredi…

      • Lemon Aeoli by: JanChapman

        March 18, 2012, 06:18

        Lemon Aeoli is a nice, tangy alternative to tartare sauce or cocktail sauce for any type of seafood Mix together and refrigerate: 1 C  Helman's…

      • Secret White French Dressing by: JanChapman

        February 6, 2012, 15:26

        I kept this great French dressing secret for years.  The time has finally come when I need to share it with my friends, and family.  It keeps for quite a few…

    • Category: Eggs and Cheeses  (2)
      • Devilish Deviled Eggs by: JanChapman

        April 12, 2012, 13:22

        I know, I know---you're going to tell me all deviled eggs are alike---NOT! First--Do you REALLY know how to hard-boil an egg so that it's easy to peel? …

      • Frittata by: JanChapman

        February 5, 2012, 10:18

        This recipe of mine was also published in "Five Star Sensations" cookbook:  It is great for a brunch, as an appetizer, or for a light dinner. Can be served…

    • Category: Fish and Seafood  (2)
      • Basque Fish Stew by: JanChapman

        March 6, 2012, 08:23

        This is a rather long recipe and best if begun a couple of days before you plan to serve it, but it's well worth the effort.  It is meant to be the entree,…

      • Cedar Planked Salmon by: JanChapman

        February 5, 2012, 10:56

        The secret (not so secret) to this recipe is to soak the cedar plank weighted down under water for at least four hours.  It not only brings out the flavor of…

    • Category: Meats  (2)
      • Beef Brisket by: JanChapman

        February 28, 2012, 16:20

        This is one recipe that everyone should have-- cooked, sliced and in the freezer awaiting the arrival of surprise guests.  So easy to heat up at a moment's…

      • My Mother's Chop Suey by: JanChapman

        February 5, 2012, 11:10

        My husband, Tom always said one of the reasons he married me was so he could continue to enjoy his mother-in-law's chop suey.  Much better than he was able to…

    • Category: Miscellaneous and Helpful Hints  (5)
      • Beans, Beans, The Musical Fruit! by: JanChapman

        April 29, 2012, 15:24

        I keep containers of black beans, canneloni beans, and edamame (I don't really know if that's a bean or not, but you get the idea.) My favorite brand of…

      • Additions to Salads by: JanChapman

        April 29, 2012, 15:11

        A salad can be as simple or creative as you wish. One of my favorite salads is to assemble two or three types of lettuces in a large bowl and then over the…

      • As Far as Chicken is Concerned by: JanChapman

        April 11, 2012, 17:23

        In this day and age, it makes no sense to sweat over a hot oven baking a chicken if you plan to use the meat for chicken salad, chicken ala king,  chicken…

      • Fresh Herbs by: JanChapman

        April 2, 2012, 10:59

        There is nothing like a fresh herb or two to enhance a dish. I have maintained herb gardens for over thirty years and they never cease to bring me comfort,…

      • A Few Good Things to Keep in Freezer at All Times by: JanChapman

        February 27, 2012, 09:54

        Frozen rounds of carmelized onions Take leftover orange juice, lemon juice or lime juice and pour into ice-cube trays and freeze. The orange ice-cubes…

    • Category: Pasta, Grains and Legumes  (3)
      • Orzo Chicken Salad by: JanChapman

        June 23, 2012, 13:55

        I had a variation of this made by my granddaughter, Patty when I visited their home in Colorado.  It was awesome, and I must admit, I had never tasted orzo…

      • Tabbouli by: JanChapman

        April 29, 2012, 14:56

        I may have to add to or 'tweak' this recipe in a few days, for my true recipe is in Ohio.  I will try to dish this out by memory. Ingredients: One box…

      • Cannellini Beans--(doctored up--but they taste pretty damn good!) by: JanChapman

        February 8, 2012, 14:08

        Years ago, I attended an intimate party in Naples with three other couples.  My children's orthodontist prepared the dinner:  Sea Bass with cannellini…

    • Category: Pies and Cakes  (4)
      • My Favorite Pie Pastry Recipe by: JanChapman

        May 16, 2012, 07:49

        I know there are many ways to make a pie crust, but to me, this is the flakiest of all the ones I've tried: For a nine-inch pie--two crusts, although often…

      • Rhubarb Custard Pie by: JanChapman

        May 16, 2012, 07:37

        From the time he was a little boy, my oldest son, Mike, requested this pie rather than a cake with candles, for his birthday. I have never cared for plain…

      • Sour Cream Coffee Cake by: JanChapman

        April 12, 2012, 13:02

        The first time I tasted this cake, I offered to BUY the recipe from my hostess; however, she was kind enough to share it.  After my family ate it for the…

      • Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie with Gingersnap Crust by: JanChapman

        February 27, 2012, 09:43

        This is especially good around the holidays! Preheat oven to 325 degrees Place 1/2 C pecans , 1/2 C sugar,  and 1 C gingersnaps, broken up (about 20 to…

    • Category: Poultry  (1)
      • Chicken Ala King by: JanChapman

        January 30, 2012, 12:20

        Back in the 1930's my mother belonged to a very prestigious bridge club.  That is to say, all the women would gussy up for the Friday night-once a month-…

    • Category: Salads  (3)
      • Additions to Salads by: JanChapman

        April 29, 2012, 15:11

        A salad can be as simple or creative as you wish. One of my favorite salads is to assemble two or three types of lettuces in a large bowl and then over the…

      • Nicoise Salad by: JanChapman

        March 19, 2012, 16:06

        This is the most wonderful summertime recipe.  Serve on a beautiful large white or green platter to show off the produce in all it's splendour! * FOR THE…

      • Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil by: JanChapman

        February 8, 2012, 13:52

        This is an especially pretty salad to go with an Italian supper.  All the colors in the Italian flag---red, white and green! Ingredients: Nice big, fat,…

    • Category: Sandwiches and Breads  (5)
      • Sliced and Toasted Baguettes by: JanChapman

        April 26, 2012, 10:58

        Buy yourself a good baguette--Panero's makes a Asiago cheese baguette that's to die for. Slice it into slices about 1/3 inch thick on the diagonal. In a…

      • Pork and Beef Barbecue by: JanChapman

        April 2, 2012, 09:58

        A great crowd-pleaser.  Freezes well and can be pulled out at a moment's notice for a 'go-to' meal, and oh, so easy! Ingredients: One pound pork, cubed…

      • Asparagus Roll-Ups by: JanChapman

        March 18, 2012, 06:53

        I have included this recipe in three categories:  Sandwiches,  Appetizers, and Vegetables.  This is nice for a ladies light spring luncheon.  If…

      • Baked Party Sandwiches by: JanChapman

        March 6, 2012, 07:43

        The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it your own with a little tweaking of the ingredients.  Ideas to follow recipe. The day or night…

      • Homemade Croutons by: JanChapman

        February 4, 2012, 13:56

        I kid you not---Once you've made homemade croutons, you'll never buy another store-bought box again.  Also, stored in airtight containers, they keep forever! …

    • Category: Soups  (4)
      • Grandpa Tubaugh's Potato Soup (Without The Ashes.) by: JanChapman

        March 7, 2012, 07:12

        This family recipe of mine has appeared in a couple of cookbooks and given space in our local paper. It was called this, because my mother's father, A.J.…

      • Basque Fish Stew by: JanChapman

        March 6, 2012, 08:23

        This is a rather long recipe and best if begun a couple of days before you plan to serve it, but it's well worth the effort.  It is meant to be the entree,…

      • Chicken Congee by: JanChapman

        February 6, 2012, 15:47

        This is a nice, comforting recipe for anyone who is down in bed with the flu.  Or, for that matter, anyone who is NOT in bed with the flu.  A little bit of…

      • Jan's Gazpacho by: JanChapman

        February 4, 2012, 11:52

         Some of my favorite memories are of my two granddaughters, Paige and Patty from the time they were very young .  There they were---hunkered up to the…

    • Category: Vegetables  (10)
      • THE VEGETABLE ZOO by: JanChapman

        February 6, 2013, 12:06

        The Red Pepper Princess and the Green Bean Queen ate up all their veggies, both the red and green. Now the Carrot Kid liked his pickles too, and they…

      • A Tasty Tomato Accident! by: JanChapman

        April 26, 2012, 07:01

        Have you ever 'invented' a tasty dish --by accident?  Well, I did last evening. There I was--staring at two half-filled containers of little red and yellow…

      • A Grand Vegetable Dip by: JanChapman

        April 17, 2012, 11:01

        This is such a good vegetable dip, that any kid (or adult) who doesn't like veggies will gobble them up when they're paired with this: These are the…

      • Very Special Brussels Sprouts by: JanChapman

        March 18, 2012, 11:28

        This is my favorite Brussels Sprout recipe given to me by Lynne Kreger--a great cook and a great friend. 2 pounds little Brussels sprouts, outer leaves…

      • Italian Antipasto of Vegetables by: JanChapman

        March 18, 2012, 11:13

        I am a great lover of vegetables and feel that any meal should have tons of them! This recipe can be served hot, cold, or room temperature. Great for an…

      • Asparagus Roll-Ups by: JanChapman

        March 18, 2012, 06:53

        I have included this recipe in three categories:  Sandwiches,  Appetizers, and Vegetables.  This is nice for a ladies light spring luncheon.  If…

      • Tomato Pudding by: JanChapman

        March 18, 2012, 06:26

        If you're looking for a new and different side dish---this is for you. Ingredients: 1 ten ounce can Tomato puree 3/4 C water 1/2 sticked unsalted…

      • Chimmie's Mashed Potatoes by: JanChapman

        February 27, 2012, 10:27

        I do believe my children were practically teenagers before they were notified that potatoes actually GREW---they didn't just come out of a box.  Sure beats…

      • Doctored-Up Sauerkraut by: JanChapman

        February 27, 2012, 10:14

        One of the great things about this recipe is that it can be spooned into zip-lock bags and frozen.  It keeps forever!  (Well, almost.) One or two bags of…

      • Carmellized Onions by: JanChapman

        February 4, 2012, 14:08

        This recipe is great for so many things:  Try using them with grilled steaks, added to appetizers, with liver, bacon and these onions, or on burgers. Ingred…

  • Category: Stories  (14)
    • THE APRIL FOOLS by: JanChapman

      January 21, 2013, 11:41

             April the First--known to most of us as “April Fool’s Day”, has always been my favorite make-believe-not-so-real hokey holiday.      …

    • THE HUNTER by: JanChapman

      January 12, 2013, 11:43

      I am left with pictures in an old photo album. Sepia. Faded. Roughened edges. There she is: A hunter’s cap shrugged close upon her darkened locks. A vest;…

    • THE GIFT by: JanChapman

      January 12, 2013, 11:04

                If someone were to ask you “What was the best gift you ever received?” how would you answer? I’m talking about the purchased kind. A…

    • THE BUCKET LIST by: JanChapman

      December 28, 2012, 15:17

             As a newlywed, my mother not only took in boarders, but also did their weekly laundry and ironed their work shirts. For this reason, as long as I…

    • CRIME DOESN'T PAY by: JanChapman

      December 1, 2012, 10:00

                "Chimmie, will you play a game of Candy Land with me?"           “Yes, honey--just let me finish up a few things here in the…

    • GRANDCHILDREN, PERCEPTION AND HANDS by: JanChapman

      November 16, 2012, 06:37

           The year was 1986. My first born grandchild, Mark Jr., was almost two and beginning to talk--although we were barely able to understand him. His…

    • THE BIG BANG SOIREE by: JanChapman

      November 13, 2012, 12:52

            Evie Grossman is known for her beef brisket. She is a party planner, she is picky, picky picky--bordering on anal! An invitation to one of her…

    • What Goes Around Comes Around by: JanChapman

      April 26, 2012, 14:16

                Over the years, Tom and I palled around with three other couples.  We all lived within a few houses of one another.  After the first five…

    • Shirley Temple Be Damned by: JanChapman

      March 25, 2012, 13:23

              I should have known while still in my mother's womb that I was not destined for greatness.  Emerging, misshapen feet first, all knobby-kneed,…

    • Flowers For M'Lady by: JanChapman

      March 24, 2012, 16:01

                Do you remember the first time you viewed the crevices on the moon’s surface thru a telescope?   Or the presentation when served a d…

    • Ruby and Jesse by: JanChapman

      January 30, 2012, 12:46

                 They met as adolescents. Ruby’s family moved next door to Jesse’s on an idyllic Saturday afternoon in the summer of ’38. It became…

    • An Inclement Observation by: JanChapman

      January 28, 2012, 16:57

                  Awakening before the newspaper arrives with the daily crossword puzzle, before the streetlights dim, before the coffee maker embarks…

    • BABY by: JanChapman

      January 27, 2012, 13:42

      Lucy was an old maid. Lucy had been abandoned at the altar many years before--left only with abject humiliation and a wilting bouquet. Lucy hated all men! She…

    • Ralphie by: JanChapman

      January 27, 2012, 09:11

            Ralphie was a nut case. Everyone said so.      Agitated for a few months, his affliction reared its ugly head in earnest the morning of his…