Calas! Calas! Donuts!

I admire the women of old who sold their hot calas early in the mornings on the streets of New Orleans.  They made a livelihood out of what they knew how to do best:  donuts!  Women have always been in the kitchen stretching their imagination, grains, and vegetables from their gardens to feed their families.

The calas are made of slightly mashed cooked rice (1 and 1/2 cups), 1/2 cup sugar, 3 beaten eggs, 2 and 1/2 tsps baking powder,  cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla extract is optional, and flour to make the batter hold together.  Deep fry by the spoonfuls in hot oil until golden which does not take long.  Roll the hot calais in a sugar and cinnamon mix or sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.  Serve with your morning coffee.

This recipe was inspired by my favorite chef, John Besh in New Orleans, as seen on a PBS station.

 I can't go out on the streets, holler calas, and sell my donuts nor am I able to attend any formal parties to help feed the hungry but I can indulge myself with a good BBQ lunch at Sonny's who will give "Hope for the Holidays" with a $20 donation that will go to the Salvation Army to provide turkeys to families in need this holiday season.

It is of utmost concern and astonishment that there are so many men, women, and children in food lines across my city, the nation, and the world.

It is also important to check out the charities to find out how much their CEOs make per year and how much actually goes to the charities they chair.

Thank you for visiting my blog

Oklahoma Monetary Relief

We really don't know when it might be our turn to experience a disaster.  If it should happen to any one of us, I hope our neighbors are there to help.  We are indeed our brother's keeper.  I don't think that we can get away from that responsibility.

In the last few years, there have been severe hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding--natural disasters that we have been unprepared to handle.  Often there has been little or no time to prepare for evacuation or to seek shelter.

Unfortunately, at this vulnerable time for those directly involved in the disaster and for those who are willing and able to help, there are pitfalls.  There are so many people wanting to take advantage of this situation for their own gain.

If you feel compelled to help in the Oklahoma Relief, donate money to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army.  I feel these two organizations are in the best position to do the most good in a bad situation.

God bless you and God keep you safe.