A Resolution & Recipe by Karen Cogan

I'd like to introduce myself and welcome you to this blog. My name is Karen Cogan and I've been writing since I was a child. After numerous articles and short stories, a few years ago, I began to publish books in my favorite genres. I love contemporary romance, inspirational romance and historical romance. I have a number of novels out with one inspirational from The Wild Rose Press and two more coming out soon. I hope you enjoy the following blog and the recipe.

I've never been one to make New Year's resolutions. It's too much trouble to make a list. Besides, if it's things I'm not already doing, I realize I probably won't do them anyway. However, as I thought about this at the beginning of January, I realized that I make resolutions each day. I keep a mental check list of all that I want to accomplish. Often, it is a ponderous list and I get frustrated trying to complete half of what is on it. There's simply too much to do and not enough time.

Does this sound familiar?

As I began to view my time stress in view of eternity, I wondered how I could manage a more realistic view of my time. Though I already prioritize, I need to cut more off the mental "to do". To enjoy accomplishing a few things well each day is my new goal. If I can't write an entire chapter, I can write 500 words. If I need to shop, clean, write and cook, all in one afternoon, I'll cut out whatever can wait (not writing, of course). I'm realizing that much of the stress in my life is self-imposed, put there by unreasonable goals.

In not making any sort of formal resolution, I left myself open to a tyranical daily schedule. So... my goal for 2009 is to enjoy life more and listen to my mental sargeant less. Each day only comes once. What a shame not to feel good about it when it's over!

MONKEY BREAD: 1 tbsp yeast,1tsp sugar, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup shortening, 1 tsp. salt, 1 1/2 cup unsifted flour, 2 eggs, 2 1/2 cups unsifted flour, 1/2 cup butter, 1 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 chopped nuts, 5 tsp. cinnamon,

Dissolve 1 tbsp yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm water with 1 tsp. sugar.
Bring a cup of milk to the boiling point
Remove the heat and add 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 shortening, 1 tsp salt and 1 1/2 unsifted flour.
Mix well and add two beaten eggs.
Add 2 1/2 more unsifted flour and mix in well.
Place in ungreased towel covered bow and let rise until double in bulk. (hint: put a cup of water in the microwave, heat it, then put the bowl in the microwave with the cup; it keeps the dough moist and it rises faster)
Punch down and let rise again.
Knead the dough and mke into balls the size of walnuts.
Melt 1/2 cup butter and set aside.
Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 chopped nuts and 5 tsps. cinnamon.
Dip the balls into the butter, then in the sugar mixture.
Drop in an ungreased tube pan.
Let rise till about 3/4 full.
Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes before removing from the pan.

Along with my new resolution, is my intent to take a little time out for sitting down with friends to share a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. This recipe goes well with either and is perfect for a cold winter day.

Much happiness in 2009!
Karen Cogan
Website: http://karencogan.com/
Blog: http://kecogan.blogspot.com/