Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Hawaiian Volcano Mauna Kea ~ Lemon Refrigerator Bites ~ National Chocolate with Almonds Day

 

Good 51º clear sunny morning. 

 

Yesterday we topped at 102º.

 

 

Picture of the Day

 

 

 

 

Interesting about a Hawaiian volcano....

 

In Hawaiian, Mauna Kea means "white mountain", a reference to its summit, which is usually snow capped in the winter time. The mountain's name has been shortened from its original, traditional Hawaiian name: Mauna a Wākea ("Mountain of Wākea"). It is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii. Standing 13,802 feet above sea level, its peak is the highest point in Hawaii  and second-highest peak of an island on Earth.

 It is about a million years old, and has thus passed the most active shield stage of life hundreds of thousands of years ago. In its current post-shield state, its lava is more viscous, resulting in a steeper profile. Late volcanism has also given it a much rougher appearance than its neighboring volcanoes due to construction of cinder cones, decentralization of its rift zones, glaciation on its peak, and weathering by the prevailing trade winds. Mauna Kea last erupted 6,000 to 4,000 years ago and is now considered dormant. The peak is about 125 ft. higher than Mauna Loa, its more massive neighbor.

Much of the mountain is however under water. When measured from its oceanic base, Mauna Kea is over 33,000 feet tall, making it the world's tallest mountain from base to summit, beating out even Mount Everest. Also, Mauna Kea is now over a million years old, and has thus passed its most active stage of life hundreds of thousands of years ago.

In Hawaiian mythology, the summit of Mauna Kea was seen as the region of the gods, a place where benevolent spirits resided. Poliʻahu, deity of snow, specifically called the mountain's summit his home.

If you want to read more, go here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauna_Kea

 

 

From Mr. Food

Sometimes you want something sweet that doesn't weigh you down and these Lemon Refrigerator Bites are just the trick! They're light and refreshing and perfect for the summer weather! These creamy, chilly, little bites of Heaven are exactly what everyone is gonna be craving this time a year, so go ahead and make a double batch of this lemony-cool dessert.

 

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed

 

1. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter; mix well. Press crumb mixture firmly into prepared baking dish and refrigerate until ready to fill.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and condensed milk until smooth. Beat in lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir in whipped topping just until mixed. Pour into graham cracker crust.
3. Refrigerate 6 hours, or until filling is firm. Slice into 2-inch squares and serve.

 

**Garnish with lemon zest and blueberries, or your favorite fresh fruit.

 

 

Historically this date.........

1874 – The Mounties begin their March West

1947 – Reports are broadcast that a UFO crash landed in Roswell, New Mexico.

1948 – The United States Air Force accepts its first female recruits into a program called Women in the Air Force (WAF).

1960 – Francis Gary Powers is charged with espionage resulting from his flight over the Soviet Union.

Interesting read (click on his name). I had heard about him back then, but never paid much attention.

2011 – Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched in the final mission of the U.S. Space Shuttle program.

And births this date include...

1907 – George W. Romney, American businessman and politician (d. 1995)

1908 – Nelson A. Rockefeller, 41st Vice President of the United States (d. 1979)

1918 – Craig Stevens, American actor (d.2000)

1932 – Jerry Vale, American singer (d. 2014)

 

1934 – Marty Feldman, English comedian and actor (d. 1982) .... strange

 

1935 – Steve Lawrence, American entertainer and singer

 

1947 – Kim Darby, American actress

 

1949 – Wolfgang Puck, Austrian chef and restaurateur

 

1951 – Anjelica Huston, American actress

1958 – Kevin Bacon, American actor

1961 – Toby Keith, American country music singer-songwriter

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Thursday. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

National Chocolate with Almonds Day on July 8th each year offers combo deal to celebrate. What a great way to wrap up chocolate and almonds in one package. Celebrate it by giving some to a friend or neighbor.

When it comes to adding almonds to chocolate, the options are plentiful. From cakes to chocolate bars, puddings and cookies we can celebrate this National Day with snacks and desserts galore! Whether you pick up a chocolate bar or make something from scratch, this holiday will surely hit the spot. This timeless combination brings smooth chocolate and crunch to snack time. However, it also adds a warm nuttiness to cakes and brownies. Add both to ice cream or mousse for a richer flavor or elevate other divine desserts such as cheesecake and custards.

Chocolate syrup with chopped nuts drizzled over your favorite pastry adds just a hint of sinful flavor. And when popcorn screams for added crunch, chocolate and almonds answer the call. The options are unlimited for this combo, don’t doubt it.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ALMONDS:

• reduce the risk of heart attack
• lower ‘bad’ cholesterol
• protects artery walls from damage
• help build healthy bones and teeth
• provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss
• lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals
• help provide good brain function
• nourish the nervous system
• alkalize the body

HOW TO OBSERVE

Try this Chocolate Almond Cake recipe to celebrate. Other simple ways to enjoy chocolate and almonds are by sipping coffee flavored with the combination. 

A favorite of mine is ...