Kaake Family Blog

Our brave men leading the parade. Jon giving a card to a veteran. Today was such a wonderful day! I thought instead of sitting at home and watching a 3 minute long video on Veteran's Day, we'd go ahead and go to a local Veteran's Day Parade. While getting ready to go, I had the kids make Veteran's Day cards for the veterans we'd see while we were there; not realizing it'd be at least as much of a blessing to us. It was so neat seeing the kids hand out the cards and the surprise and then extreme gratefulness that followed. It not only brought tears to my eyes but the eyes of the receivers. Too often, we don't realize just how much these wonderful men and women have done for us. While one veteran was up giving a speech, he told us of the time he had just returned home from Vietnam. He was so proud to be a soldier and be serving his country. THe battle was long, hard and many people had died. Instead of returning home for a hero's welcome, this man ...

Here are some of my favorite holiday recipes that are not only very yummy, but healthier too. I will be adding more very soon. Cut-Out Sugar Cookies - without the sugar by The Nourishing Apron I would actually call them honey cut out cookies if it were me.  I added in lemon flavoring.  I think a cream cheese, honey and lemon icing would be very yummy!  I also rolled mine a bit thicker and had to bake for 18 minutes. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups flour 3/4 cup cold butter 1 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 cup honey. Directions: 1. Pulse butter and flour in food processor till mixture resembles course crumbs. 2. Drizzle honey and extract through the top hole of the processor while pulsing till mixture begins to hold together. 3. Gather dough into a ball and wrap in plastic.  Refrigerate at least 2 hours.  Roll into 1/8 inch thick and cut into desired shapes.  Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 300 degrees for 8-10 minutes. 4. Remove to a wire wrack t...