Sunday, May 9, 2021 - Happy 114th Mother's Day America! Enjoy this easy 1-2-3 cookie recipe (1907)

 This is a reposting of previous MD blogs with minor updates. Enjoy!

Did you know  Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's favorite twitter account is his mom, Marcia Dorsey? 

@marciadorsey   Marcia Dorsey

"To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow." ~ Maya Angelou, American poet, memoirist and civil rights activist

🗽

"A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. 

And candy!

You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment." ~~ Anna Jarvis, Founder of the Mother's Day holiday in the United States, (1907) on the true meaning of mothers.

Photo left, photo collage of my mom to celebrate Mother's Day.

Photo right (courtesy of Wikipedia) of The International Mother's Day Shrine was designated a National Historic Landmark October 5, 1992. 

The Shrine, constructed in 1873 is located at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church at 11 E. Main Street in Grafton West Virginia. Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church also called the "mother church" of Mother's Day, was incorporated as the International Mother's Day Shrine on May 15, 1962, as a tribute to all mothers.

Here's the lovely animated  Mother's Day doodle for 2019, adorable duck mom with her ducklings, love the animations especially the third one - so precious.

Also enjoy this lovely, bicycle-themed doodle (May 2014).

Happy 105th Mother's Day America

Below is MD blog post from 2018 with minor updates from previous MD postings. Enjoy!

Happy 104th Mother's Day America
Mother's Day, this year is Sunday, May 14th and always a great day to celebrate love, friendship and moms.

Did you know that U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in his 1914 presidential proclamation, by the U.S. Congress proclaimed the very first Mother's Day celebration?

Mother's Day was originally created by Anna Marie Jarvis in 1907 when she had a memorial to celebrate her Mother, Ann Jarvis who passed away on May 12, 1905. Anna's mother Ann Jarvis had founded Mothers' Day Work Clubs in five cities to improve sanitary and health conditions. The Mothers' Day Work Clubs also treated wounds, fed, and clothed both Union and Confederate soldiers with neutrality. Anna Marie Jarvis never married and had no children. She and her sister Ellsinore became disappointed with the commercialization of Mother's Day. They spent their family inheritance campaigning against what the holiday had become. Both died in poverty.

Yellow roses are very popular on Mother's Day as they indicate joy, gladness, friendship and "I Care?" Our way of remembering and celebrating is sharing our photo of beautiful bouquet of 2 dozen yellow roses my husband and I presented to our mom in May 2011. And I like to share her special cookie recipe.

As a child my mother would often bake all sorts of foods, pies, desserts, cakes and cookies. One of my favorite, all time cookies is a famous Italian cookie called "Anginette" (aka Anginetti), in the USA popularly called "Lemon Drop Cookies." The great thing about this cookie is that it is popular all year round and with just a few ingredients, anyone can prepare and bake this great cookie in less than 30 minutes. {Photo left, our mom, and photo below right me and mom on my Wedding Day, March 2008)

I use to always enjoy rolling the dough into extra long cigar shapes and coiling the cookie into 2 and 3 tiers high with my mom and grandmother. The sky is the limit in regards to creativity; although Anginetti are delightful plain they are lovely and appetizing garnished with frosting and sprinkles. The prep time including rolling the dough into cigar shapes was slightly less than 15 minutes and it baked in 8 minutes. I try to bake these as much as I can. I once baked Anginettes and decided to bring in a tray for an early meeting where I was leading a direct marketing presentation to a group of about 30 people. The cookies were a big hit as was my presentation. Besides adding a personal touch, they were a surprise breakfast treat especially while sipping coffee and tea.

INGREDIENTS:
► Eggs 6
► Baking Powder 4 - 6 teaspoons max
► Baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon
► Flour 6 cups
► Vanilla 1 - 2 teaspoons
► Sugar 1 - 2 cups (can substitute with alteratives, e.g., splenda, equal, etc.)
► Butter 4 sticks (can substitute with vegetable oil)

OPTIONAL ICING:
► Powdered Sugar (aka Confectioners Sugar) 3 tablespoons
► Milk, Lemon Juice or Water (just a dash, about 1/2 teaspoon)

OPTIONAL OTHER:
► Lemon or Orange Skin (grated or peeled, optional with flour mix)
► Caraway seeds, almonds, walnuts, cream cheese, etc.
► Be Creative
Step 1 : Make Dough (5 min) 
► Prepare oven at 375°; In large bowl combine ingredients
► Eggs
► Baking Powder
► Flour (put about half and add the remaining flour while mixing in bowl)
► Vanilla
► Sugar (or alternative, e.g., splenda, equal, etc.)
► Butter 

Step 2 : Knead, Cut & Shape Dough (10 min) 
► Knead dough when ready divide into amounts enough to roll into long cigars (about 6" to 8 inches); Then create circular coil shapes. Place in baking tray. Makes about 36 cookies or so depending on shape and size of cookies. You can make many more if you use a simple flat, round conventional shape cookie, but then again, it won't have the look and feel as a true, anginette. 
Step 3 : Place tray in 375° oven (8 - 18 min) 
► Depending on your oven, bake anywhere from 10to 20 minutes, keep watching and when the cookies are golden brown color on the bottom it is done. If you want to have frosting, mix the powdered sugar and water and stir until paste like. Wait at least 10 minutes for baked cookies to cool and dip cookies into frosting mix, or simply pour a little on each. Should set within 15 minutes. Can serve plain or with the traditional sugar frosting. Be creative, try cutting a few plain ones and adding cream cheese in the middle.
► Don't forget to wait at least 10 minutes before adding the icing and sprinkles or serving without icing.
Total time - 23 - 33 Minutes 


   
These cookies are great plain or with icing. There are different textures and styles. The neutral-colored frosting was made using lemon instead of milk with powdered sugar.

“The sweetest sounds to mortals given. Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven” -- William Goldsmith Brown (1902-1982);
Survivor of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Later he wrote a book about his experiences on the ship, and had his story featured in the documentary, Titanic: 

The Legend Lives On, as well as a children's book about the disaster, Inside the Titanic.
Below is our mother's Eulogy from her Funeral Mass. May our mom RIP knowing how much she is loved and remembered.

 

Photo right (courtesy of Wikipedia) of The International Mother's Day Shrine was designated a National Historic Landmark October 5, 1992. T

he Shrine, constructed in 1873 is located at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church at 11 E. Main Street in Grafton West Virginia. Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church also called the "mother church" of Mother's Day, was incorporated as the International Mother's Day Shrine on May 15, 1962, as a tribute to all mothers.



Will update Google doodle for this year when ready. In the meantime, enjoy this lovely, bicycle-themed doodle (May 2014).

Happy Mother's Day America

Below is MD blog post from 2015 with minor updates. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day America
Mother's Day, this year is Sunday, May 14th and always a great day to celebrate love, friendship and moms.

Did you know that U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in his 1914 presidential proclamation, by the U.S. Congress proclaimed the very first Mother's Day celebration?

Mother's Day was originally created by Anna Marie Jarvis in 1907 when she had a memorial to celebrate her Mother, Ann Jarvis who passed away on May 12, 1905. Anna's mother Ann Jarvis had founded Mothers' Day Work Clubs in five cities to improve sanitary and health conditions. The Mothers' Day Work Clubs also treated wounds, fed, and clothed both Union and Confederate soldiers with neutrality. Anna Marie Jarvis never married and had no children. She and her sister Ellsinore became disappointed with the commercialization of Mother's Day. They spent their family inheritance campaigning against what the holiday had become. Both died in poverty.

Yellow roses are very popular on Mother's Day as they indicate joy, gladness, friendship, and "I Care?" Our way of remembering and celebrating is sharing our photo of a beautiful bouquet of 2 dozen yellow roses my husband and I presented to our mom in May 2011. And I like to share her special cookie recipe below.

INGREDIENTS:
► Eggs 6
► Baking Powder 4 - 6 teaspoons max
► Baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon
► Flour 6 cups
► Vanilla 1 - 2 teaspoons
► Sugar 1 - 2 cups (can substitute with alteratives, e.g., splenda, equal, etc.)
► Butter 4 sticks (can substitute with vegetable oil)

OPTIONAL ICING:
► Powdered Sugar (aka Confectioners Sugar) 3 tablespoons
► Milk, Lemon Juice or Water (just a dash, about 1/2 teaspoon)

OPTIONAL OTHER:
► Lemon or Orange Skin (grated or peeled, optional with flour mix)
► Caraway seeds, almonds, walnuts, cream cheese, etc.
► Be Creative
Step 1 : Make Dough (5 min) 
► Prepare oven at 375°; In large bowl combine ingredients
► Eggs
► Baking Powder
► Flour (put about half and add the remaining flour while mixing in bowl)
► Vanilla
► Sugar (or alternative, e.g., splenda, equal, etc.)
► Butter 

Step 2 : Knead, Cut & Shape Dough (10 min) 
► Knead dough when ready divide into amounts enough to roll into long cigars (about 6" to 8 inches); Then create circular coil shapes. Place in baking tray. Makes about 36 cookies or so depending on shape and size of cookies. You can make many more if you use a simple flat, round conventional shape cookie, but then again, it won't have the look and feel as a true, anginette. 
Step 3 : Place tray in 375° oven (8 - 18 min) 
► Depending on your oven, bake anywhere from 10to 20 minutes, keep watching and when the cookies are golden brown color on the bottom it is done. If you want to have frosting, mix the powdered sugar and water and stir until paste like. Wait at least 10 minutes for baked cookies to cool and dip cookies into frosting mix, or simply pour a little on each. Should set within 15 minutes. Can serve plain or with the traditional sugar frosting. Be creative, try cutting a few plain ones and adding cream cheese in the middle.
► Don't forget to wait at least 10 minutes before adding the icing and sprinkles or serving without icing.
Total time - 23 - 33 Minutes 


   
These cookies are great plain or with icing. There are different textures and styles. The neutral-colored frosting was made using lemon instead of milk with powdered sugar.

“The sweetest sounds to mortals given. Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven” -- William Goldsmith Brown (1902-1982);
Survivor of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Later he wrote a book about his experiences on the ship, and had his story featured in the documentary, Titanic: 

The Legend Lives On, as well as a children's book about the disaster, Inside the Titanic.
Below is our mother's Eulogy from her Funeral Mass. May our mom RIP knowing how much she is loved and remembered.

Happy 138th Labor Day America (or 126th when it became an official holiday); With Covid19 and the "Black Swan Effect" are we ignoring the Labor Day fashion trends?

 This is a re-posting of previous annual Labor Day blog posts by AllThingsDigitalMarketing.  (Although this post has been minimally edited with relevant #COVID19 information, some static information remains from earlier posts) 

Happy 138th Labor Day America (or 126th when it became an official holiday)!  

“Labor day is a great American holiday that people celebrate by going out and buying products made in China.” American television host and comedian; Host of CBS Late Show with David Letterman, recently surpassing Johnny Carson for having the longest late-night hosting career in the USA, on the irony of Labor Day

Letterman photo above courtesy of Wikimedia.org

 I won't be keeping Letterman's famous Labor Day quote (see above) up for next year.  Unless our world rebounds pre-COVID19; however China tariff exclusions extended through the end of 2020.  I do believe in miracles. Do you?

Do you still wear white after Labor Day? Apparently, the answer is a big no for many.

With COVID19 all around the world, I don't think people will be buying much fashion this year. Even Pantone's in on color trending with COVID19 in mind with Classic Blue 19-4052 as their Color of the Year. 

 With #COVID19 there is a global "Black Swan Effect" and worldwide fashion will most likely have very serious consequences perhaps fashionists as we know them will be no longer en vogue'. 

According to The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company, "The devastating impact of the virus has decimated the industry, leaving fashion businesses exposed or rudderless across the board..."  More information at "The State of Fashion 2020" report.  (black swan photo to right courtesy Wikipedia.org)

Today is Labor Day. Happy 138th Labor Day America! Let’s admit it, this holiday has been amazingly ironic over the past decade and a half - COVID19 will never be the same.

Imagine American’s celebrating workers, particularly in light of our country’s high unemployment rates which are a lot higher than our government reports. And now with this pandemic there is so much more uncertainty.  

Also, this otherwise beautiful Labor Day and Fall season will go down in history as the most violent disrupting 2020 presidential election year and with major economic and consumer consequences.

Stats and economy aside, all across America, this holiday which was once symbolic for back to school, the end of the summer and the archaic fashion trend – where wearing white after Labor Day is a fashion faux pas – have all been passé for years. Fashion trends rarely pay attention to this rule.

Also back to school shopping is now done during the end of July and month of August.

Labor Day photo left courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos

According to Pantone Color Institute® "Fall 2018: the theme for fall is "Autumnal hues that evoke the feeling of leaves on the forest floor, rich plumage and twilight reveal a modern fall pallette of deep and rich tones and rich tones with outbursts of colorful surprise!"  

(To go directly to Pantone's color spectrum image above, follow the Link above or copy/paste https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/pantone-ranks-leading-10-fall-colors-for-a-pre-fashion-week-forecast-11140358/) 

Nail Art Inspiration for Pantone 2018 Fall Colors in NYC 



Purple is taking the world by storm for 2018 

"As designers and consumers alike continue to transition away from cyclical trends, and instead focus on self-expressive colors that evade antiquated seasonal structure, we are seeing very notable non-traditional choices."   ~~ Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute®

Will you be incorporating the Pantone 2018 Color of the Year in work and wardrobe? We'd love to know. Please share your answer in the comments section below.

Labor Day also marks the beginning of bargain shopping and also when sports excitement begins as the NFL and college football seasons begin. 


NFL photo left courtesy of Wikimedia.org


For the many attentive parents and their children, it's the end of summer reading programs and making sure all of their children's book reports and other assignments are in order!

In a world of digital, it is also a great idea to use the internet for exciting news and interesting ideas. SchoolsNYC.org, SummerReading.org, and Scholastic.com are very helpful sites.

So much happens over the summer and discussing a few books (or just 1)that your child has read, (a simple question will do) is a great refresher and memory exercise. This also best prepares your child for the first day of school.

What about vacation? Talk about a great memory or event during summer family visits and travels.
Back to School photo above courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.


HISTORY (sources: Wikipedia.org and HISTORY Channel)

One hundred and thirty three years ago (1882), Matthew Maguire, a machinist, first proposed the holiday while serving as secretary of the CLU (Central Labor Union) of New York. Others argue that it was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor in May 1882, after witnessing the annuallabour festival held in Toronto, Canada. Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday on February 21, 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated Labor Day.

In the United States, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country.

In many countries, the working classes sought to make May Day an official holiday, and their efforts largely succeeded. In the United States and Canada, however, the official holiday for workers is Labor Day in September. This day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, who organized the first parade in New York City.

After the Haymarket Massacre, US President Grover Cleveland feared that commemorating Labor Day on May 1 could become an opportunity to commemorate the affair. Thus, in 1887, it was established as an official holiday in September to support the Labor Day that the Knights favored.

Labor Day weekend: what to do. 
(or copy/paste https://www.timeout.com/newyork/labor-day)

Please share this on your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media networks you enjoy! Thanks! 

Do celebrate Labor Day? What are your plans?

RESOURCES 
▐■  TimeOut Labor Day Weekend -https://www.timeout.com/newyork/labor-day▐■  In Praise of the American Worker, Life Magazine http://www.life.com/image/first/in-gallery/48141/in-praise-of-the-american-worker
▐■  The History of Labor Day, United States Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/laborday/history.htm

▐■  History of Labor Day, Knights of Labor, http://web.archive.org/web/20070930082656/http://progressivehistorians.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2041

▐■  Labor Day, Wikimedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

▐■  Wear White Immediately -- We'll Show You How (PHOTOS), Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/04/wear-winter-white-photos_n_2789912.html

▐■  You Can’t Wear White After Labor Day? These 7 Fashion-Tech Founders Say Otherwise, Fueled.com http://fueled.com/blog/you-cant-wear-white-after-labor-day-these-7-fashion-tech-founders-say-otherwise/


This is a re-posting of prevous annual Labor Day blog posts by AllThingsDigitalMarketing. Please visit this blog frequently and share this with your social media and professional networks. Thanks.

Sunday, May 12, 2019 - Happy 105th Mother's Day America! Enjoy this easy 1-2-3 cookie recipe

This Mother's Day blog posting is a reposting from previous Mother's Day blog posts. Enjoy!

Did you know  Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's favorite twitter account is his mom, Marcia Dorsey  @marciadorsey?  Marcia Dorsey 

🗽

"A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. 

And candy!

You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment." ~~ Anna Jarvis, Founder of the Mother's Day holiday in the United States, on the true meaning of mothers.

Photo left, photo collage of my mom to celebrate Mother's Day.

Photo right (courtesy of Wikipedia) of The International Mother's Day Shrine was designated a National Historic Landmark October 5, 1992. T

he Shrine, constructed in 1873 is located at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church at 11 E. Main Street in Grafton West Virginia. Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church also called the "mother church" of Mother's Day, was incorporated as the International Mother's Day Shrine on May 15, 1962, as a tribute to all mothers.

Here's the lovely animated  Mother's Day doodle for 2019, adorable duck mom with her ducklings, love the animations especially the third one - so precious.

Also enjoy this lovely, bicycle-themed doodle (May 2014).

Happy 105th Mother's Day America

Below is MD blog post from 2018 with minor updates from previous MD postings. Enjoy!

Happy 104th Mother's Day America
Mother's Day, this year is Sunday, May 14th and always a great day to celebrate love, friendship and moms.

Did you know that U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in his 1914 presidential proclamation, by the U.S. Congress proclaimed the very first Mother's Day celebration?

Mother's Day was originally created by Anna Marie Jarvis in 1907 when she had a memorial to celebrate her Mother, Ann Jarvis who passed away on May 12, 1905. Anna's mother Ann Jarvis had founded Mothers' Day Work Clubs in five cities to improve sanitary and health conditions. The Mothers' Day Work Clubs also treated wounds, fed, and clothed both Union and Confederate soldiers with neutrality. Anna Marie Jarvis never married and had no children. She and her sister Ellsinore became disappointed with the commercialization of Mother's Day. They spent their family inheritance campaigning against what the holiday had become. Both died in poverty.

Yellow roses are very popular on Mother's Day as they indicate joy, gladness, friendship and "I Care?" Our way of remembering and celebrating is sharing our photo of beautiful bouquet of 2 dozen yellow roses my husband and I presented to our mom in May 2011. And I like to share her special cookie recipe.

As a child my mother would often bake all sorts of foods, pies, desserts, cakes and cookies. One of my favorite, all time cookies is a famous Italian cookie called "Anginette" (aka Anginetti), in the USA popularly called "Lemon Drop Cookies." The great thing about this cookie is that it is popular all year round and with just a few ingredients, anyone can prepare and bake this great cookie in less than 30 minutes. {Photo left, our mom, and photo below right me and mom on my Wedding Day, March 2008)

I use to always enjoy rolling the dough into extra long cigar shapes and coiling the cookie into 2 and 3 tiers high with my mom and grandmother. The sky is the limit in regards to creativity; although Anginetti are delightful plain they are lovely and appetizing garnished with frosting and sprinkles. The prep time including rolling the dough into cigar shapes was slightly less than 15 minutes and it baked in 8 minutes. I try to bake these as much as I can. I once baked Anginettes and decided to bring in a tray for an early meeting where I was leading a direct marketing presentation to a group of about 30 people. The cookies were a big hit as was my presentation. Besides adding a personal touch, they were a surprise breakfast treat especially while sipping coffee and tea.

INGREDIENTS:
► Eggs 6
► Baking Powder 4 - 6 teaspoons max
► Baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon
► Flour 6 cups
► Vanilla 1 - 2 teaspoons
► Sugar 1 - 2 cups (can substitute with alteratives, e.g., splenda, equal, etc.)
► Butter 4 sticks (can substitute with vegetable oil)

OPTIONAL ICING:
► Powdered Sugar (aka Confectioners Sugar) 3 tablespoons
► Milk, Lemon Juice or Water (just a dash, about 1/2 teaspoon)

OPTIONAL OTHER:
► Lemon or Orange Skin (grated or peeled, optional with flour mix)
► Caraway seeds, almonds, walnuts, cream cheese, etc.
► Be Creative
Step 1 : Make Dough (5 min) 
► Prepare oven at 375°; In large bowl combine ingredients
► Eggs
► Baking Powder
► Flour (put about half and add the remaining flour while mixing in bowl)
► Vanilla
► Sugar (or alternative, e.g., splenda, equal, etc.)
► Butter 

Step 2 : Knead, Cut & Shape Dough (10 min) 
► Knead dough when ready divide into amounts enough to roll into long cigars (about 6" to 8 inches); Then create circular coil shapes. Place in baking tray. Makes about 36 cookies or so depending on shape and size of cookies. You can make many more if you use a simple flat, round conventional shape cookie, but then again, it won't have the look and feel as a true, anginette. 
Step 3 : Place tray in 375° oven (8 - 18 min) 
► Depending on your oven, bake anywhere from 10to 20 minutes, keep watching and when the cookies are golden brown color on the bottom it is done. If you want to have frosting, mix the powdered sugar and water and stir until paste like. Wait at least 10 minutes for baked cookies to cool and dip cookies into frosting mix, or simply pour a little on each. Should set within 15 minutes. Can serve plain or with the traditional sugar frosting. Be creative, try cutting a few plain ones and adding cream cheese in the middle.
► Don't forget to wait at least 10 minutes before adding the icing and sprinkles or serving without icing.
Total time - 23 - 33 Minutes 


   
These cookies are great plain or with icing. There are different textures and styles. The neutral-colored frosting was made using lemon instead of milk with powdered sugar.

“The sweetest sounds to mortals given. Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven” -- William Goldsmith Brown (1902-1982);
Survivor of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Later he wrote a book about his experiences on the ship, and had his story featured in the documentary, Titanic: 

The Legend Lives On, as well as a children's book about the disaster, Inside the Titanic.
Below is our mother's Eulogy from her Funeral Mass. May our mom RIP knowing how much she is loved and remembered.

 This Mother's Day blog posting is a reporting from previous Mother's Day blog posts. Enjoy!

Did you know  Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's favorite twitter account is his mom, Marcia Dorsey  @marciadorsey?  Marcia Dorsey 

🗽

"A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. 

And candy!

You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment." ~~ Anna Jarvis, Founder of the Mother's Day holiday in the United States, on the true meaning of mothers.

Photo left, photo collage of my mom to celebrate Mother's Day.

Photo right (courtesy of Wikipedia) of The International Mother's Day Shrine was designated a National Historic Landmark October 5, 1992. T

he Shrine, constructed in 1873 is located at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church at 11 E. Main Street in Grafton West Virginia. Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church also called the "mother church" of Mother's Day, was incorporated as the International Mother's Day Shrine on May 15, 1962, as a tribute to all mothers.



Will update Google doodle for this year when ready. In the meantime, enjoy this lovely, bicycle-themed doodle (May 2014).

Happy 104th Mother's Day America

Below is MD blog post from 2015 with minor updates. Enjoy!

Happy 104th Mother's Day America
Mother's Day, this year is Sunday, May 14th and always a great day to celebrate love, friendship and moms.

Did you know that U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in his 1914 presidential proclamation, by the U.S. Congress proclaimed the very first Mother's Day celebration?

Mother's Day was originally created by Anna Marie Jarvis in 1907 when she had a memorial to celebrate her Mother, Ann Jarvis who passed away on May 12, 1905. Anna's mother Ann Jarvis had founded Mothers' Day Work Clubs in five cities to improve sanitary and health conditions. The Mothers' Day Work Clubs also treated wounds, fed, and clothed both Union and Confederate soldiers with neutrality. Anna Marie Jarvis never married and had no children. She and her sister Ellsinore became disappointed with the commercialization of Mother's Day. They spent their family inheritance campaigning against what the holiday had become. Both died in poverty.

Yellow roses are very popular on Mother's Day as they indicate joy, gladness, friendship and "I Care?" Our way of remembering and celebrating is sharing our photo of beautiful bouquet of 2 dozen yellow roses my husband and I presented to our mom in May 2011. And I like to share her special cookie recipe.

As a child my mother would often bake all sorts of foods, pies, desserts, cakes and cookies. One of my favorite, all time cookies is a famous Italian cookie called "Anginette" (aka Anginetti), in the USA popularly called "Lemon Drop Cookies." The great thing about this cookie is that it is popular all year round and with just a few ingredients, anyone can prepare and bake this great cookie in less than 30 minutes. {Photo left, our mom, and photo below right me and mom on my Wedding Day, March 2008)

I use to always enjoy rolling the dough into extra long cigar shapes and coiling the cookie into 2 and 3 tiers high with my mom and grandmother. The sky is the limit in regards to creativity; although Anginetti are delightful plain they are lovely and appetizing garnished with frosting and sprinkles. The prep time including rolling the dough into cigar shapes was slightly less than 15 minutes and it baked in 8 minutes. I try to bake these as much as I can. I once baked Anginettes and decided to bring in a tray for an early meeting where I was leading a direct marketing presentation to a group of about 30 people. The cookies were a big hit as was my presentation. Besides adding a personal touch, they were a surprise breakfast treat especially while sipping coffee and tea.

INGREDIENTS:
► Eggs 6
► Baking Powder 4 - 6 teaspoons max
► Baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon
► Flour 6 cups
► Vanilla 1 - 2 teaspoons
► Sugar 1 - 2 cups (can substitute with alteratives, e.g., splenda, equal, etc.)
► Butter 4 sticks (can substitute with vegetable oil)

OPTIONAL ICING:
► Powdered Sugar (aka Confectioners Sugar) 3 tablespoons
► Milk, Lemon Juice or Water (just a dash, about 1/2 teaspoon)

OPTIONAL OTHER:
► Lemon or Orange Skin (grated or peeled, optional with flour mix)
► Caraway seeds, almonds, walnuts, cream cheese, etc.
► Be Creative
Step 1 : Make Dough (5 min) 
► Prepare oven at 375°; In large bowl combine ingredients
► Eggs
► Baking Powder
► Flour (put about half and add the remaining flour while mixing in bowl)
► Vanilla
► Sugar (or alternative, e.g., splenda, equal, etc.)
► Butter 

Step 2 : Knead, Cut & Shape Dough (10 min) 
► Knead dough when ready divide into amounts enough to roll into long cigars (about 6" to 8 inches); Then create circular coil shapes. Place in baking tray. Makes about 36 cookies or so depending on shape and size of cookies. You can make many more if you use a simple flat, round conventional shape cookie, but then again, it won't have the look and feel as a true, anginette. 
Step 3 : Place tray in 375° oven (8 - 18 min) 
► Depending on your oven, bake anywhere from 10to 20 minutes, keep watching and when the cookies are golden brown color on the bottom it is done. If you want to have frosting, mix the powdered sugar and water and stir until paste like. Wait at least 10 minutes for baked cookies to cool and dip cookies into frosting mix, or simply pour a little on each. Should set within 15 minutes. Can serve plain or with the traditional sugar frosting. Be creative, try cutting a few plain ones and adding cream cheese in the middle.
► Don't forget to wait at least 10 minutes before adding the icing and sprinkles or serving without icing.
Total time - 23 - 33 Minutes 


   
These cookies are great plain or with icing. There are different textures and styles. The neutral-colored frosting was made using lemon instead of milk with powdered sugar.

“The sweetest sounds to mortals given. Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven” -- William Goldsmith Brown (1902-1982);
Survivor of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Later he wrote a book about his experiences on the ship, and had his story featured in the documentary, Titanic: 

The Legend Lives On, as well as a children's book about the disaster, Inside the Titanic.
Below is our mother's Eulogy from her Funeral Mass. May our mom RIP knowing how much she is loved and remembered.