Thursday Tidbit:  You don’t have to follow a recipe exactly. You can even change the ingredients.

I know because this past week my best friend, Marcy Howard, and I hosted a Breast Cancer Survivor’s Luncheon.  We served Yellow Squash Bisque, it will be on the blog soon, Chicken Salad, croissant rolls and an amazing dessert that we purchased.  We served the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens surrounded by grape tomatoes, sliced hearts of palms, sliced cucumbers and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese.  When I thought about the salad dressing I wanted something a little sweet but also with a citrus flavor.  I remembered a Lemon Vinaigrette recipe that we use for Apples of Gold so I started with that.  I added and changed several ingredients but left the oil to vinegar ratio the same.  Changing the ratio could cause your dressing to be too oily or too tart.  I just kept adding ingredients till I got the flavor I liked. Now my taste is probably different from yours you might like it sweeter or maybe not.  Starting with a basic recipe and changing it to your taste makes cooking personal and fun.

The luncheon was such an uplifting time.  Marcy had set her table with a beautiful fall theme.  I love fall colors don’t you? The women at the luncheon were so inspiring with their testimonies and the stories of their journey with breast cancer.  We all know someone who has battled this devastating disease.  Yet at the same time there are so many survivors helping the next one to make it through. They extend hope and peace to each other.  I have not had breast cancer but I was with Marcy every step of the way through her treatment so I am a co-survivor.  I know there are many of you who are doing the same.  Each woman there said they had to depend on God for their strength and that they felt His presence in every decision and treatment they went through.  They were so thankful for the support of their families, friends and fellow Christian brothers and sisters.  Now they are giving back by mentoring other women just starting the journey, they are going back to radiation centers and talking and praying with patients, one young woman is starting a blog to encourage young women to be aware that breast cancer is not just for women over 50.  She was 31 when diagnosed and feels her age group needs a voice and she is seeking God’s direction on how she can be that voice.  I could go on and on how they are using such a hard thing in their life to be such a source of joy now as they help others who are put in their path.  I pray that God through man will provide the cure.

Happy Thursday –– Try the Honey Lemon/Lime Vinaigrette on your next salad and feel free to change it up. It will be “The Best You Ever Made”

PS:  I am so glad to be back blogging.  This year I changed jobs after 27 years at one Dental Office to help a young dentist start a new practice and that has been a big project but I love a project.  Bill and I built a new home and moved the middle of September another great big project so Tidbits of Joy got put on the back burner.    I can’t wait to share pictures of our new kitchen and blog some yummy fall recipes.