Another Week, Another Mary Kay

I'd like to know why every week I find a news article of a new female teacher arrested for committing sexual crimes against a male student. With few exceptions, these women have been young, blonde, and pretty. Pamela Rogers Turner of Tennessee (pictured above) is a perfect example. One of these teacher-rapists even taught at my old junior high school. Why is this such a trend lately and why haven't these women been treated like the evil, vile criminals they are? Turner is getting nine months in jail and eight years probation. Would this be her sentence is she were a man? I hear men lament that there were no "Mary Kays" when they were in school. If my son was a victim of a pedophile, man or woman, I would want that person to stay in prison until he or she was old and gray. Turner raped a thirteen year old child and all she gets is nine months in jail. Where is Justice and who removed her blindfold?

Sugar High Friday #11 - Coffee

Had I not visited Lovescool this morning, I would have completely missed this month's Sugar High Friday. The theme for August is coffee. The instant I found that out, I knew exactly what I would enter: Espresso Biscuits a la Martha.

I first saw the recipe about 7 or 8 years ago when I had a subscription to Martha Stewart Living. These were the first cookies I baked from scratch. Last Christmas I included them in my cookie sampler tins which I gifted to select friends and family. Everyone was delighted. An Espresso Biscuit is a coffee-lover's dream. It appears to be crispy but this cookie melts in your mouth and delights your tastebuds with its glorious combination of espresso, chocolate, and confectioner's sugar.

Espresso Biscuits

Makes 16

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon finely ground espresso beans (I use Pilon brand espresso.)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350° with two racks spaced evenly apart. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Sift together flour, cocoa, and espresso beans; set aside.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture, scraping down sides of bowl twice.

3. Roll 2 1/2 tablespoons of dough between the palms of your hand to form a ball. Place on prepared baking sheet; repeat with remaining batter, spacing cookies 2 inches apart. Using a dinner fork, press tines into dough, and gently press into biscuit shape. Bake biscuits just until firm to the touch, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

While I eat these delicious cookies, I shall listen to Bach's Coffee Cantata. (You can get a free subscription to download it from Classical Music Archives here.)

Quote of the Day: Summer Date

No need for a calendar,
I mark my year
In purples and golds,
And the hour they appear.

Wild are the flowers
Grown by nature's decree;
Weeds to some,
Joy to me.

-Donna-Jean A. Breckenridge

Read the rest of Donna-Jean's lovely poem here.

Free JCPenney 25% Off Coupon

I have a 25% off coupon available to anyone who'd like it. Coupon is good through August 24th on purchases from the catalog or online. Just email me and I'll send you the coupon code.

The Baker's Catalogue Sale

The Baker's Catalogue is having a 40% off sale of several items, including this cute Sunflower Pan. For even more sale items, visit here. Also of note: a Cherry Ruffled Apron, Star-shaped Popsicle Molds, a Window Herb Garden kit, and a Heart-shaped Tart Plate.

Happy Birthday to My Husband!

Today, H has reached the ripe, old age of 30. I shall relish calling him old - until January when I shall catch up with him upon my own 30th birthday. I think him much more handsome than even he was at 17. He has many more white hairs, too. Unfortunately, most have my name on them.

So, how do I love him? Let me count the ways...

I know no better husband or father. He is gentle and thoughtful. He is patient beyond belief. I am constantly amazed at his knowledge and wisdom. He is honest and forthright. He knows who he is and is never concerned with how others may think of him. He works hard to provide our needs and wants. He loves his family devotedly. As a gem among stones, he is a man among men.

Happy birthday to my dear, sweet husband!

Cross Stitch Name Tag

I love this Victorian name tag. I always hate to wear those stickers which usually have my name written by someone with sloppy and unreadable handwriting. I think wearing this lovely name tag suits me better. The question is, though, am I silly enough to make this and wear it? Maybe.

More free patterns here.

Thanks to the lovely Carmon and her pretty, new apron for the link.