Mariah Carey's Music

Madonna's 1980s music

Interracial unions

I have no issue with interracial relationships.  Why is there such a difference?  What difference does it make?  There is racism in the world and that is why it matters to so many, including myself.  I am hypocritical in my views because I feel that exclusively mating out of one's race is not something that I would do because I will mate with someone within my race just as much as I would of another race or ethnicity.  My views are of a personal preference. Also,  I don't feel one has to explain why someone is in a relationship with someone who is of a different race or ethnicity.  I believe that a person will find those same characteristics that one looks for no matter what the race, color, or ethnicity. 

It is sad that many people think they are ungodly or just unlawful.  That has happened in this country and it is so sad because a chunk of the US population were viewed as second class citizens and were treated as such.  They were considered lesser than the majority and some of that mindset and the racial hatred still remains in all races.  How the US systematically and stereotypically treat people is nothing short of a sin.  It is wrong. I have my pet peeves, yes, such as the racial confusion of the kids due to these unions.  What is really confusing them in my eyes is the racist attitudes of those who are against interracial unions, not the parents, but the racism that exists in our society. 

There is also nothing biblical against interracial unions.  Israelite men were to put away their foreign wives not because of their race or nationality, but because of the paganism that existed in those nations.  The point is, we are not to be unequally yoked.  An unbelieving spouse could end up being a negative influence on the believing spouse.  Yet a believing spouse could also be a good influence on the unbelieving spouse.  That is how I view interracial unions.

Macaroni and Cheese

I am in love with macaroni and cheese.  It is my favorite comfort food.  I even watch video about how others create their mac n' cheese recipes.  Of course, it is a Southern favorite.  Thus, it is a favorite of mine.  Even though it has British roots, mac n' cheese is loved by all, especially since I know that I am a proud Southern girl.   Here is another recipe for macaroni and cheese

Macaroni and Cheese

1 lb. box macaroni noodles
4 cups grated cheese(s) (any cheese will do)
Cracker barrel cheese
1 can Campbell's cheddar cheese soup
1 box cream cheese or neufchatel cheese, softened
6 oz. velveeta cheese product
1 cup milk
1 stick butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup half-n-half cream
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup sour cream
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper (black, white, or red, it doesn't matter)
1 Tbsp. French's yellow mustard or 1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or tabasco sauce
1 1/2 tsp. paprika

Cook the macaroni noodles as it is written in the package then drain in a colander and set aside.  In a large pot, make a roux of the milk and the butter.  Keep in mind not to let the roux brown.  Slowly pour in the milk and stir.  Add in the evaporated milk, cream, and buttermilk.  After a while, the sauce will thicken.

Next, add the grated cheeses; stir until incorporated and the cheese is melted.  Then add in the cheese soup, velveeta cheese product,  and the cracker barrel cheese.  Stir until the cracker barrel cheese and the velveeta cheese product melts.  Take the large pot off of the stove, which is set to medium temperature,  so that it can be set aside.  Next, pour in the macaroni noodles and stir into the cheese sauce.  Stir until well incorporated.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix thoroughly the egg yolks, cream cheese, and the sour cream.  Once well-mixed, and that mixture into the pot, which is placed on top of the stove.  The stove should still be set to medium.  Next, add in the mustard, hot sauce, and the spices and stir well.

Pour macaroni mixture in a greased baking sheet.  Also, sprinkle macaroni mixture with grated cheese, bread crumbs, or anything else that you wish to sprinkle with such as bacon or ham.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and the macaroni browns.  Once taken out of the oven, let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes.  Then serve.

Animals

I was wondering what I should write today.  It hasn't been easy to write about many different things since when I am sheltered.  But I do however, have some knowledge of animals.  Though we are to have dominion over animals, we are to love them and take care of them.  I hope that I have done well to take care of my cat.  I love animals and I believe that they shall be treated humanely.  But I do wonder how lowering the cat and dog population is humane.  I was watching "Too Cute" last night and it has me to wondering.  Cats and dogs do have feelings just like we do.  They feel hurt and they are joyful.  They feel pain just like we do.  I just love animals, especially puppies and cats of all ages.  Kittens and puppies are just the cutest.

Three bean chili with ground beef

Three Bean Chili with Ground Beef

1 cup dried black beans
1 cup dried navy beans
1 cup dried red kidney beans (dark or light)
1 1/2 cups chickpeas
1 large onion
1 pound ground beef
1 can diced or stewed tomatoes
1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 pack lipton onion soup
1/2 green bell pepper
2 Tbsp. lemon pepper seasoning
2 Tbsp. chili seasoning
1 tsp. taco or salad seasoning
1 tsp. seasoning salt
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
6-8 cups water
1 cup mild salsa
1 bottle chipotle sauce
2 cans spaghetti sauce

Soak beans and chickpeas overnight.  Wash the beans and add the water.  Let it cook on medium for 1-3 hours until beans are tender.  Pour water off of beans and rinse with cold water.  After they are rinsed in the colander, put beans back into the pot.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, ketchup, white vinegar, seasonings, salsa, nutmeg, spaghetti sauce,  and chipotle sauce.  Once mixed, set bowl aside.

In a large pot, brown the ground beef and drain.  Once the beef has been drained, add the onion and the bell peppers.  Cook until the vegetables are softened.  Add the salts, pepper, and soup to the meat-vegetable mix.  Then add in the beans and slowly add in the sauce.  Also, add in an extra 2 cups of water.  Let it simmer for an hour to 2 hours until the chili thickens.  Then serve.

Couponing

Couponing is a hobby of mine.  Not only does it save money, it is also relaxing.  I know I spend a lot on ink, but it is worth it.  I started couponing not too long ago, but I am not an extreme couponer.  I would like to be an extreme couponer.  I do wonder how people save so much and spend so little.  The downside to extreme couponing is that it looks like highway robbery, but legal.  On the other hand, it isn't legal or unethical to do extreme couponing.  It is a time consuming, yet fun activity.  Not everybody can afford to pay for all of their groceries with whatever money they have without coupons so why not save?  I really appreciate those with large families and those who wish to donate to military families and to the poor. 

I wonder how much money stores would really lose or make if everyone would manage to become an extreme couponer.  Like everything else, there are rules that have to be followed and I have never known an extreme couponer to be a rule breaker.  Rules are there for a reason.  Sometimes the good have to suffer those rules along with the bad rule breakers.  The rule breakers are at fault here, not the average citizen and certainly not the average couponer.  It feels good to save money and present coupons at the store.  Like I said, I wonder what it will be like to be an extreme couponer who has little room left in their home because of the fruits of their labor.