Chocolate Toffee Scones

This is not a food blog.  This is just a recipe.  A really good recipe that I make every now and then and inevitably get asked to share.  I'm all about sharing.  

Chocolate Toffee Scones

3 1/2 Cups flour

1/2 Cup sugar

1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 crushed Heath Bars

1/2 Cup toasted pecan pieces 

2 Cups whipping cream

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine all dry ingredients.  

Whip 2 Cups whipping cream and fold into dry ingredients.

Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. 

Knead gently until soft dough forms and shape into a 5" wide x 1" thick strip. 

Cut rectangles, then halve into triangles. 

Place on lightly buttered cookie sheet. 

Brush with melted butter & sprinkle lightly with sugar. 

Bake until lightly brown, 15ish minutes. 

Fresh out of the oven, they are to die for.  Add a cup of coffee with a shot of Bailey's and you've got yourself a great morning.  

Enjoy.

I'm not gonna cry...(for long).

Howard Labadie was a merry old soul.  While I mourn the loss of one truly great man, I celebrate the life he lived so well.  These are some of the things that I will miss most about Howard…

That smile.

Everyone loved Howard.  Everyone.  He was always smiling… even when he was “resting his eyes”.  When you met Howard, you immediately felt his warmth and kindness.  He loved interacting with people, and was never lacking in the conversation department.  He had a way of always making you feel welcome and special.  His optimistic outlook on life was contagious, and his appreciation of the beauty in each day made you want to hang out with him. 

Those Howard-isms.

Howard loved sitting on the front porch overlooking Crystal Lake.  What a view!  He would say, “If you’re lucky enough to be at the cottage, you’re lucky enough.” 

Howard would say a lot of things over and over, especially the things that really resonated with him, or funny sayings… the “Howard-isms” as we call them. Eyes would roll, occasional protests grumbled as another line would make its way out, but we all secretly loved hearing him share them, over and over again.  



One of my favorite quotes regarding his membership at Crystal Downs, a rather exclusive country club designed by Alister Mackenzie was this, “I’m a member, but I don’t belong.”  

A simply great guy.
Howard was a humble man.  He enjoyed nice things, but it was the simple things in life that he really loved, like champagne cocktails at the cottage on Sunday afternoons, or smoking a cigar with the boys on the back deck while Judy served up some of her amazing hors d’oeuvres.  Ok, I guess “simple” is relative, but Howard came from simple beginnings, and while he enjoyed the richness of life, he knew that his greatest blessings were his loving wife and his beautiful family and friends.  

His tears.

Howard had battled with health issues for several years.  When faced with his own mortality, he became very cognizant of what really mattered in life.  He was quite emotional when it came to recognizing life’s blessings.  Howard couldn’t get through a toast without fighting back tears.  He choked up when talking about Judy, the love of his life.  His shoulders shook in silence when he tried to fight back the tears, and he would usually just give in to them.  I loved this most about Howard.  He was a deep, caring man with a huge heart. 

I could go on, but I'll end for now with a little prayer that Howard always added at the end of his pre-dinner grace.  We have made it our own, and we always think of "Grandpa Labadie" when we say it.

Howard, may your soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Big love to the entire Labadie family.

Honoring Others

I read an entry in a daily meditation book today, written by a cancer survivor. 

He wrote this about how his way of being changed post-cancer…

I enter every meeting with another being saying to myself, “If I only have this time on earth with this person, if I may never see them again, what is it I want or need to ask, to know?  What is it I want or need to say?”

This is quite the opposite of how most of us live.  We fully expect to see our friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances again and again.  Think of your day today.  Who did you meet?  Who did you speak to?  How would your conversation have gone if you knew today were your last encounter?  What would you have said or asked? 

Here are a few of my encounters from today, and some things I would have said…

family next to me in church –We really didn’t have time to visit, but your family is beautiful.  Your little toddler girls swaying together to the music were so sweet to watch, and your adorable baby boy with the huge brown eyes that sparkle made me wish we never lost that spirit of pure love.  As I stood next to my 20 year old, 5’ 10” daughter, all that I could think of is the song “Don’t Blink”.  Enjoy every minute.

Mona – Thank you.  Thank you for always giving, going the extra mile, and smiling.  You always have the most warm, welcoming smile.  You do so much for our church and our community, with so much grace and humility.  You are an inspiration.

Michelle – I don’t really “know-know” you, but I feel like I’ve known you all my life.  You are funny, kind, generous, and just great to be around.  You are an amazing mom, and that is clearly your most cherished role in life.  Trust yourself.  You’re doing great.  Keep being and sharing your awesomeness.

Amanda – It is so cool to watch you teach.  You teach like you live… really open to experience fully whatever the moment brings.  I love how engaged you are, how funny you are, and how you live and love this life.  Keep growing and living big!

Lindsay – My funky friend.  You always make me smile, or crack me up… usually both.  You know that I think you’re amazing.  I know that you know that we’re both exactly where we’re meant to be.  I’m just glad to call you my friend.  Firework. That’s you.  Shine on.

My kids – (I can’t say all that I want to say in this blog.  My kids would kill me, or die of embarrassment.)  I love each one of you beyond words.  Being your mom is the greatest gift.  I mean that.  You probably can’t fully get that until you become a parent, but it’s true.  Always choose love over fear.  Trust yourselves, you’re awesome.  Do what you love.  Know that all that you need is already within you.  Keep the faith.

I love you Hailey.  I love you Reid.  I love you Carter. 

Who did you encounter today? How would your exchange have been different if it were the last time you ever saw them?  What might you have said/asked? 

I believe people come in and out of our lives for a reason.  Imagine that every person you meet has something to share with you to help you on your journey.  Imagine that you could help, through word or deed, each person you encounter.  What if that were your purpose?  How would that change how you see and interact with others?  Honor the exchanges, even the little ones.  Every life matters.  Every person could use a lift from time to time.  Be the one.  Make a difference.  Today.