Big Ticket Tour comes to Highland

Join Smile FM Saturday, March 21st at Cornerstone Church in Highland for another Big Ticket Tour to decide which bands will grace the Indie Stage at the Big Ticket Festival of Gaylord this June. The following bands will be battling it out, three will win. Come root for your favorite or just come to enjoy some of the areas finest bands.

Five Rows Back
Michael Maher
Messenger
Jeff Taylor
Eternal Drive
Commonthread
Thirteen:8
Jason Wright
Dusty Bones
Kill Floyd Jones

Ways to Save Money $$$

Jenn & George talked about some great ways to save some money during these tight economic times. Click on the Dollar to see the whole list.

WinterJam 09 - Grand Rapids!

WinterJam 09 in Grand Rapids was off the hook!

Lines formed at noon

Temperatures in the upper 30's

11,600 seats available

11,400 seats filled

2000 lives changed with the exceptance of Christ!

Now that's what it's all about!

We are looking forward to WinterJam 09 in Ypsilanti on Saturday (3/14) at EMU Convocation Center in Ypsilanti.

$10 at the door - no ticket needed.

Doors open at 5 PM

WinterJam Winners

Congratulations to the Winners of the WinterJam tickets. The winners have been notified by email. We are looking forward to seeing lives transformed in Grand Rapids on Thursday and in Ypsilanti on Saturday. Both of the venues for WinterJam are very large and we do not forsee having to turning concert goers away. Please come join us for a night of great music and worship. For more concert information visit http://www.jamtour.com/.

The books you must read to your little ones

This is a list that I'm putting together (with help from the Smile FM listeners...) What are the books that Jenn (and all other moms and dads of really little children) absolutely must read to their kids?

Of course, Bible stories are at the top of the list... but here are some more ideas:

Peter Rabbit
The Chronicles of Narnia
I love you forever
Curious George
The very hungry caterpillar
One fish two fish red fish blue fish
Green Eggs and Ham
Hop on Pop
Good Night Moon
Princess & the kiss

And Faron's personal favorite "Everyone Poops" (There really is a childrens book with this title!)

Email your ideas to diceman@smile.fm

Music Boat Cruise 4 Two Winner

We would like to congratulate Amber Johns for winning the Cruise 4 Two Giveaway Contest! We think it was a "God Thing" that she was selected as the winner from almost 5,000 entries. She is battling a life-threatening form of cancer and is looking forward to some quality time with husband and 5 year old daughter.

Tips to save $$$ on your grocery bill

Jenn & George talked about tips to save $$$ on grocery shopping. 80% of valuable coupons come from the Sunday Paper Inserts. Find our how to save big bucks on your weekly shopping.

Do you qualify for help with your mortgage?

Find out what the government has to offer via their new website.

Sonicflood concert ticket winners

Congratulations to our Facebook friends who won 4 tickets to the Sonicflood concert this Saturday (3/7) at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lansing at 7 PM.

Winners : Brandie, Jamie, Kristy, Mary & Jason

Paul Harvey Tribute

This song was featured on the Morning Espresso show with Jenn & George.

Become a part of the Big Ticket Street Team or a Church Partner

The Big Ticket is looking for people who are passionate about the ministry that is happening at the Big Ticket Festival and want your help get the word out. How can you help? By becoming a Street Team Member or a Church Partner.

As a Street Team member you are asked to:
Hang up posters around your community/surrounding communities
Place brochures in businesses and churches and anywhere else people may see them
Get Church and Youth videos into surrounding churches and follow-up with them to make sure they show them to their congregation.
All materials will be mailed to you.

To be a Church Partner you are asked to:
Encourage that Big Ticket be a church event. Use provided promotional material to share the ministry of the Big Ticket Festival to your congregation (Included brochures, posters and Church promo video and Youth promo video) and participate in a month of daily prayers for the festival and the people who will be attending.

Get a awesome t-shirt for your effort!

To Sign up to be on the Street Team Click on this link:
http://www.bigticketfestival.com/streetteamapplication.cfm
To Sign up to be a Church Partner Click on this link:
http://www.bigticketfestival.com/churchpartner.cfm

For more information go to www.bigticketfestival.com

Facebook Friends Win Sonicflood Tickets

There are advantages to being our friend! Congrats to 5 of our Facebook friends. They won a Sonicflood cd and two tickets to the concert this Saturday, 3/7, 7 PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lansing.
Jenny & Kris Fleischer
Larry Austin
Jennifer Strygulec
Bonnie Bindig
Steve Loftin
Will be receiving their goodies in the mail.

Big Ticket Tour Winners

The ballots have been cast and the winners for the Traverse City and Grand Rapids Big Ticket Tours have been chosen. Congratulations to the winners and we will see you on the Indie Stage at the Big Ticket Festival in Gaylord this June.

Traverse City winners:
Hail Your Highness
Jason Taylor
Kwestion
Grand Rapids winners:
Sargent Avenue
Icris
Rick Hopkins

Stay tuned for the winners of the Highland and Lansing Tours coming up on March 21st & 28th.

Ultimate Date Night Winners

Our winners will be headed to Pennway Church of God in Lansing for an evening of non-stop music, comedy and fun at the Ultimate Date Night with Jay and Laura Laffoon on Friday, February 27th.

Bernie Arend of Bellevue
Theresa Blacker of Ovid
Jo Bostwick of Owosso
Chana Campbell of Howell
Doreen Cook of Jackson
Tracy Corrette of Eaton Rapids
Rick Gull of Whitmore Lake
Cheri Harrison of Marion
Dennis Hawn of Haslett
Geralyn Klein of Howell
Kelly LaGrave of Lansing
Joshua Mayes of Lansing
Tim Pettit in Howell
Dawn Pike of Lansing
Jim Rathburn of Lansing
Chris Raymo of Monroe
Sue Tock of Petoskey
Mike Vallo of Lansing
Jamie Welch of Lansing
& Troy Whaley of Perry

Rate your faith walk; A personal Test

I found this in the book 77 Habits of Highly Inneffective Christians- Faron

This helpful scientific exam will aid you in evaluating your spiritual state of being.

1. The Bible is..
a. my guide
b. the Good book
c. on the coffee table under the newspaper

2. People know I am a Christian because...
a. I love God with all my being and others as myself
b. I got to church every Sunday, except when there is a big game on
c. there's a fish symbol on my car

3. I've talked to someone about Christ
a. in the last week
b. in the last year
c. in the last decade, if you count saying "god bless you" when someone sneezed

4. the biggest priorities in my life in order are
a. God, my family , my work
b. my family, God, my work
c. my work, my family, my stamp collection, my computer, God

5. The ultimate goal of my life is..
a. to hear God say "well done"
b. to lead others to Christ by words and example
c. to be happy

Ticket winners to the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show

Congratulations to the winners of two tickets to the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show at the Rock Financial Showplace February 28th - March 1st.
These winners can expect their tickets in the mail:
Ronald of Lansing
Katherine of Bellevue
Leah of Clio
Richard of Flint
Michelle of Flint
Madelynn of Woodhaven
Lori Jo of Owosso
Susan of Lansing
Katie of Howell
& Michelle of Fowlerville

Outdoorama ticket winners

Congratulations to the winners of 5 tickets to the Outdoorama. These lucky folks will get to enjoy the great outdoors - indoors at the Rock Financial Showplace, February 28th - March 1st.
George of Calumet
Casie of Portland
Sarah of Monroe
& Dawn of Caro
The winners will receive their tickets in the mail.

Bands for Big Ticket Tour in Grand Rapids Selected

The Indie bands have been chosen for the Big Ticket Tour in Grand Rapids on February 28st at Resurrection Life Church - Ground Floor Cafe' located at 5100 Ivanrest Avenue. Grandville, MI 49418 .
The crowd will help decide which of these bands will play on the Indie Stage at the Big Ticket Festival in June. So come cheer on your favorite band.

Doors open at 1:30 PM
Coming to Grand Rapids:

• IMMINENT
• MYSYNDICATE
• RICK HOPKINS
• ICRIS
• CHRIS JANE
• TRINITY FT LORD

Congratulations to these bands for making it through the first round.
The band selection for the Big Ticket Tours in Highland & Lansing will be posted later this week.

Visit http://www.bigticketfestival/ for more information.

Join Jenn on Friday at the Jeremy Horn Concert in Ashley

Smile FM will be joining recording artist Jeremy Horn at benefit concerts on February 20th and 21st at 7:00 p.m. at the East Washington United Brethren Church in Ashley, which is north of M-57, west of Clio. Proceeds from the concerts will benefit teen mission trips. For ticket information check out the Family Fun Calendar at www.smile.fm

Join Jenn at the Big Ticket Tour - Traverse City

The Indie bands have been chosen for the Big Ticket Tour in Traverse City on February 21st at New Hope Church.
The crowd will help decide which of these bands will play on the Indie Stage at the Big Ticket Festival in June. So come cheer on your favorite band.

Doors open at 1:30 PM
Coming to Traverse City:
JERICHO ROAD
HAIL YOUR HIGHNESS
KWESTION
JASON TAYLOR
TABITHA SUZETTE
JAYSON CHAMBERS
PLOWSHARE
BECOMING YESTERDAY



Congratulations to these bands for making it through the first round.
The band selection for the Big Ticket Tours in Grand Rapids, Highland & Lansing will be posted later this week.

Visit http://www.bigticketfestival/ for more information.

Manafest Live ticket giveaway on Facebook

Congratulations to our latest Facebook Friends FCFS contest for a pair of tickets to the Manafest Live concert @ the Center in Port Huron, February 20th.

The winners are:

Cody of St. Johns

Jennifer of Lansing

Jenny of St. Johns

Matthew of Port Huron

Anthony of Davenport

Melissa of Flint

Michael of Lansing

Amanda of Saginaw

Jennifer of Flint

Melissa of Lansing

Taking the Dare

Five Smile FM listeners will be taking the Love Dare after winning the book featured in the movie "Fireproof".
Congratulations to:
Brenda of Midland
Bryan of University Center
Elaine of Alpena
Nichole of Brownstown
and Pamela of Rock.
The winners will receive their books in the mail.

Faron met Jesus

Faron and his wife Crystal attending the National Religious Broadcasters convention over the weekend, and they ran into Jesus. It was a little weird actually.

Do you love Smile FM?

Five Facebook Friends won a pair of tickets to the David Crowder Band Concert on February 19th, 7 PM at Spring Arbor University on Wednesday night by posting that they loved Smile FM on our "wall". Congratulations to :

Skylar of Spring Arbor
Rachael of Fenton

Shanelle of Lansing

Alexandra of Bay City

and Sarah of Monroe

Ticket Winners of PEAK Winter Rock Out with Kid Run Kid and Lightswitch

Congratulations to the winners of four tickets to the PEAK Winter Rock Out at Central Church of the Nazarene in Flint on February 13th.

Michele of Holly

Deborah of Owosso

Shelly of Grand Blanc

Rose of Grand Blanc

Joy of Saginaw

Holly of Saginaw

Robin of Grand Blanc

Candice of Flint

Alicia of Grand Blanc

Philip of Lapeer

Acquire the Fire ticket winners

Congratulations to the winners of five tickets to Acquire the Fire on February 13th & 14th at the Palace of Auburn Hills

Mike of Williamston
Linda of Bay City
Alisha of Owosso
Kelly of Monroe
Lynn of St. Johns
Matt of Davison

Facebook FCFS Quick Quiz Winner

Amy of Lansing was the winner of 4 tickets to see "The Dead" at the Riverfront Theatre in Lansing by naming our morning show hosts in a impromptu quiz on facebook. Amy even spelled their names right!

Fireproof dvd winners from the Win Stuff page

Congratulations to our Fireproof DVD winners.
Winners will receive their dvd's in the mail.
Joyce of Charlotte
Sharon of Lansing
Jonathan of Manton
Jean of Wolverine
Deborah of Owosso
Kimberly Ann of Fowlerville
Jennifer of Battle Creek
Coleen of Durand
Cory of Jackson
Charlene of Cadillac
Veronica of Monroe
Craig of Midland
James of Alpena
Susan of Interlochen
Cheryl of Byron
Barbara of Brutus
Lori of Brooklyn
Jeff of Midland

Save some dough at the Grocery Store

Jenn talked about this on Sunday Morning, the 7 items to avoid or substitute that can add up to big savings on the grocery bill. See the article.

J-Mac~A Hoop Dream

What the story of Rudy is to college football, Jason McElway (J-Mac) is to highschool basketball--and then some. Diagnosed with autism at the age of 2, J-Mac as a teenager went from high school basketball team manager to bringing down the house as a basketball legend in the last 4 minutes of Greece Athena Highschool's basketball game in February 2006.

You may have, unknowingly seen his face during a Superbowl commercial recently.

This is your feel good story of the day--if not the week-- that even after 3 years continues to travel high speed around cyberspace inspiring and encouraging. And a video story you probably won't be able to watch just once!

A "Hanky Advisory" is in effect as you watch this most amazing & historic story.

Who's got the Germiest Jobs??? Ewwww!

According to experts, work can make you sick. Jenn & George talked about the 9 germiest jobs. See the whole list and pass the wipes!

A positive music alternative to every style of music

If you are new to listening to Smile FM, and you really like the fact that we play songs with great lyrics, you might want to check out this website. You may find Positive Hit bands that sound alot like some of the bands that you use to listen to...
http://extreme-youth.com/Christian_music_comparison.html

Looking to get away? Check out these unique hotels!

Jenn & George talked about some of these unique vacation opportunities. Check out more!

Angel Wars Trailer

Angel Wars, The Messegners from Angel Wars on Vimeo.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas (from George & Brian)

1. Skip the restaurant and plan a special “time for two” either on a patio over looking a garden or on a boat sailing down a moonlit river or sea. (George & Brian recommend finding some place WARM for a cold Michigan Valentine's Day). Choose to pack a picnic basket with foods that triggers off memories. Take along music or compose a song to sing to her.

2. Gather pictures or video clips of your time together then put together an album with specially written captions and a witty heading.

3. If you are going to be away on Valentines Day meet online for a special chat. Make it a cyber date—the World Wide Web will close up the distances.

4. Avoid the run of the mill activities and plan to go to an amusement park or fair. (Again, George & Brian recommend an INDOOR amusement park during the winter months :o)

5. If you know of a movie she has been dying to see –get it and plan an evening enjoying the film. (George recommends the move Fireproof, just released on DVD).

6. If she loves gizmos get her a digital camera or video phone.

7. Don your apron and chef’s hat and cook a special meal.

8. Pamper her by gifting her a session at a spa she loves.

9. Plan a weekend get-away and take her somewhere special.

10. Pot a special plant for her. One that will grow and bloom along with your relationship. (Brian recommends a cactus... that way, if she doesn't have a green thumb, it will still have a higher chance of survival... at least for a while :o)

The Cold Facts about Global Warming! (courtesy Warren P.)

Snicker Apple Salad (aka Carmel Apple Salad - from Brian Dumont)

Chopped Snickers candy bars
Chopped Apples (any kind... I like Granny Smith)
Whipped Cream

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Chill and serve cold. Garnish with caramel syrup if desired.

Cheese Dip (from Brian Dumont)

16oz. sour cream
16oz. cottage cheese
8oz. finely shreaded cheese (colby/jack or other)
1 cup of chopped green onions
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon cumin
crushed pepper corns to taste

*optional - 1 chopped fresh jalepeno pepper
(Brian recommends not rubbing you eyes right after handling... ouch!)

Combine all ingredients. Mix well. Chill and serve with tortilla chips, hot wings, etc. Very yummy!

See the Movie Fireproof in 60 seconds!

I (Diceman) love this movie! It will be available on DVD Tuesday, Jan 27th. It's a "must- see DVD!" And this is pretty cool, too... you can see the entire movie FIREPROOF in 60 Seconds!
Check It Out

How good of a parent are you?

This is cool. Focus on the Family is offering a resource for families. You can go to this website and get An assessment that shows you the areas of strengths and challenges in your family by identifying the Assets - essential building blocks for success - that your kids have,
A customized Family Action Plan that lays out simple activities you can do to build more assets for your kids.
http://www.parentingcompass.com/Home.asp

Lastest Photos of Jenn's twins

Taken by Shannon Adams at JCPenney's Portrait Studios in Burton. Used by permission.

In God We Trust -Poll

NBC is taking a poll on "In God We Trust" to stay on our American currency. Poll is still open so you can vote. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/

Read the Bible in a Year

Ever want to read through the Bible from cover to cover?? We found a handy tool to help you do just that. They have over a dozen versions to choose from and you can either read through it from the beginning to the end or chronologically or historically. Check it out and start flipping those pages...webpages that is. Jenn has been reading it on her PDA and it's easy to find a few minutes while you're waiting to get caught up. Great New Year's Resolution!

Shopping for a new Diet??

Maybe these diet suggestions can help you! Jenn & George talked about the top 10 diets on the Morning Espresso.

Move over Jenn & George! Here comes Jake & JoJo

Kid's Day Morning Show hosts Jake Hewitt and JoJo Fellabaum record their program for Christmas Day at the home studio of staff engineer Clayton Hewitt (Jake's dad). The kids reminisced about their chilly four hour experience ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at the Walmart in Grand Blanc. JoJo is the daughter of Smile FM's Administrative Coordinator.

Christian the Lion

You'll want to see this if you haven't already. This video comes with a "tissue alert" even if you're not an animal lover.

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus
By Rev. James Spellman of Ohio
*Santa lives at the North Pole... JESUS is everywhere.*Santa rides in a sleigh... JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.*Santa comes but once a year... JESUS is an ever present help.*Santa fills your stockings with goodies... JESUS supplies all your needs.*You have to wait in line to see Santa... JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.*Santa lets you sit on his lap... JESUS lets you rest in His arms.*Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"... JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our head.*Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly... JESUS has a heart full of love.*All Santa can offer is HO HO HO... JESUS offers health, help and hope.*Santa says "You better not cry"... JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."*Santa's little helpers make toys... JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.*Santa may make you chuckle but...JESUS gives you a joy that is your strength.*While Santa puts gifts under your tree... JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.Its obvious there is really no comparison! Jesus is still the reason for the season. Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus.

SevenGlory rocked out at JingleFest in Fenton on Saturday, December 5th after braving the snowy weather on the float in the lighted parade. Brrrr!

E-MAIL WINTER WONDERLAND
Sung to the tune of Walking In A Winter Wonderland

Another "ping",
Are you listenin'?
The puter screen,
Is a glistenin'.
With icons so bright,
They light up the night,
Welcome to the e-mail wonderland!

Gone away,
Are the hall talks.
Here to stay,
Is the IN-BOX.
Flagged "urgent, please read!",
And "answer with speed!".
Welcome to the e-mail wonderland!

In the morning e-mails start to add up.
No lunch today cause messages abound.
Just click away and hope the server stays up.
You can't do your job if it goes down.

10 P.M.,
You're not tired.
The caffeine,
Has got you wired.
The day's not complete,
Till the last delete,
Welcome to the e-mail wonderland!

In the morning e-mails start to add up,
No lunch today cause messages abound.
Just click away and hope the server stays up.
You can't do your job if it goes down.

Until you,
Are retired,
The same old grind,
It is required.
You'll face unafraid,
That message parade.
Welcome to the e-mail wonderland!
Received from: Dave and Barbara's Clean Humor
To subscribe, send a blank email to: bigguyhereagain-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
You will receive an automated confirmation letter which you must reply to
in order to complete the subscription process.

Is this Christmas OVERLOAD???

Or just a nice way to show their Christmas Spirit??

Impatient Gift Givers

Are you an impatient gift giver?? George from the Morning Espresso wants to know if you are one of those folks that just can't wait to give a gift. If you can't tell, see if this describes you:

When you buy a gift for someone...

• You can't wait to tell them about it.


• You have to drop hints every other day.


• You find yourself buying gifts for yourself when you're supposed to be shopping for others!


• You feel that calendars are over-rated.


• Special dates like Christmas and Birthdays are just another reason to buy someone a gift!
• You have no problem celebrating Christmas in July!

Go ahead, comment on this blog and let us know if you this describes you! Or, maybe you know someone who is like this? What are your thoughts?

More BIG BUCKS taken by Smile FM Listeners!

Although we have already selected our winners, we are still taking pic from our listeners!

Lacie Latson sent this picture to us with her Big 8pt Buck! She took it with a bow on Oct.30th near the Fowlerville area. Very nice looking buck!

Nicole Vroman took this 8pt buck opening morning. It has a 14 3/4" spread and weighed 175lbs dressed. This one's a winner for sure!

Here is Sarah Vroman and her deer. Another whopping 8pt with the same size rack as her sister! Sure is pretty... the buck, that is! Way to go girls!

Get out your magnifying glass...you'll need it for this story!

Needle Sized Art Very incredible story! Not only is this mans art cool but he got a ton of cash for it! Check out the work of Willard Wigan.

What are the best Christmas classics?

At the Diceman's house, we have a tradition. We watch a different Christmas movie or TV special every night from Thanksgiving until Christmas. (That's about 20 nights of viewing, so I guess I'm looking for the top 20 Christmas classics.) Is there anything else that I'm missing?
A Christmas Story
It's a wonderful life
Charlie Brown Christmas
Santa Clause is coming to town
Rudolph
Frosty
The Santa Clause
The Santa Clause 2
Home Alone
Home Alone 2
Miracle on 34th Street
The Year without a Santa Clause
White Christmas
Jingle all the way
The Grinch that Stole Christmas
Scrooge- A Christmas Carol
The Nativity Story
Jack Frost
The Preacher's Wife

Have something to add? email diceman@smile.fm or call the studio line at 888-887-7138 ext 4

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie (from Brian Dumont's wife Jennifer)

Ingredients:
1 pie crust (graham or regular)
1 12 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp milk
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup cold milk
1 4-serving size pkg instant vanilla pudding/pie filling
1 16 oz can pumkin
2 tsp pumpkin spice
1 1/2 cups frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

Mix cream cheese with tbsp milk and sugar in large bowl with wire wisk until smooth. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spread on bottom of crust.

Pour 1 cup cold milk into bowl. Add pudding mix and beat with wisk 1 minute (mixture will be thick). Stir in pumpkin and spices and spread over cream cheese layer.

Refrigerate 4 hours or until set. Serve with additional whipped topping, if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

George's Big Buck Contest

Another batch of our Big Bucks.... just check out these proud hunters! Be sure to scroll down for more pics in other blog entries!



WINNER: Best Bow Hunt

Here is David Hicks from Riverdale and his beautiful 10pt he took on Oct 7th with his bow. Nice! It has an overall spread of 18 inches!

Here is Randy Peterson's deer. It was taken in St. Johns, Michigan with a shotgun on November 20th. It had 9 points, a 14 inch spread, and weighed a ton (at least that's what it felt like!).

Here is a nice looking deer that 13yr old Tyler Wixtrom from Bath took. It is Tyler's second buck and he took it up near Republic, MI... (near Marquette for those of you who live south of the bridge!) It is a 140 pound 8 point with 2 half in. points.









You may recognize this hunter---She is none other than Susan Sherrill-Trott. Susan hosts the PBS show Great Lakes Outdoors with her husband Rob. She is a fan of SMILE FM & wanted to share her spike horn buck with us! It is apx 3 yrs old at 170 lbs. It was taken near Curran, MI.



HONORABLE MENTION

This is Rob Trott, TV host for Great Lakes Outdoors. His deer wat taken near Curran, MI and is quite special.
It is a piebald buck and sported a 6 pt rack. Almost 90% white and no abnormalties. Thanks for sharing this one with us Rob!



WINNER: Best Female Hunt

Sarah Palin has nothing on Ruth Gee! She took this 8 pt Buck opening morning in Montcalm County. The buck was nicknamed "Goliath" and has an 18 1/2" spread! She loves hunting and Smile FM concerts too!







MORE BIG BUCKS AND WINNERS LISTED DOWN BELOW! JUST SCROLL DOWN TO SEE 'EM!

Dice-mom's Peanut Butter Balls

My mom makes these, and they are awesome!
Diceman

1 stick butter
3 cups rice crispies
2 cups peanut butter
1 lb of powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Mix and roll into balls

Then melt the following into a double boiler:
12 ounce semi sweet chocolate chips
1 medium choc hershey bar

Dips balls into chocolate.

Need help cooking?

Crisco Pie Hotline: (877) 367-7438
» Butterball Turkey Talk-Line: (800) 288-8372 or www.butterball.com
» Empire Kosher poultry customer hotline: (717) 436-7055 or www.empirekosher.com/index.htm
» Fleischmann's Yeast Baker's Help Line: (800) 777-4959 or www.breadworld.com/
» Foster Farms Turkey Helpline: (800) 255-7227 or www.fosterfarms.com
» General Mills: (800) 248-7310
» King Arthur Flour Co.'s Bakers Hotline: (802) 649-3717 or e-mail questions to bakers@kingarthurflour.com
» National Turkey Federation: www.eatturkey.com
» Nestle Toll House Baking Information Line: (800) 637-8537

Thanksgiving (or anytime) Yummy Fall Fare

SWEET-POTATO STICKS WITH MUSTARD SEEDS AND GINGER

Fresh ginger and yellow mustard seeds make these sweet potatoes much more worldly than their candied incarnations. The cilantro takes them in an unexpected but very welcome direction.

3 1/2 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick sticks
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro Special equipment: a large (11-inch) collapsible steamer basket

Steam potatoes in steamer basket set over boiling water in a 12-inch-wide pot, covered, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer carefully to a platter with a wide spatula to avoid breaking sticks. While potatoes steam, cook garlic and ginger in oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring, until oil begins to sizzle, about 1 minute, then add mustard seeds, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring, until garlic is pale golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Spoon hot oil mixture over potatoes and sprinkle with cilantro.

Makes 8 servings.

OR---

Thyme roasted sweet potatoes
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch-thick rounds
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup fresh thyme leaves, plus 6 thyme sprigs for garnish
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 450°F. In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and toss. Arrange potato slices in single layer on heavyweight rimmed baking sheet or in 13x9-inch baking dish. Place on top rack of oven and roast until tender and slightly browned, about 40 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with thyme sprigs.
==========

AND: (another side-yummy)

12 small yellow onions
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup currants
1/4 cup Pine Nuts
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
4 Tbsp. Organic Butter

1. Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F. While the oven is heating, peel the outer skin of the onion and discard. Scoop out some of the meat from the top half of each onion to form a pocket.
2. Combine the dried cranberries, currants, pine nuts, and sugar. Evenly divide this mixture between the onions and place into each onion pocket.
3. Place the onions into a baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray, standing upright. Evenly sprinkle with the vinegar and top with a small piece of butter. Place into the oven and allow to bake for 30-40 minutes or until soft. Baste the onions with the juice from the pan.
4. Serve warm.

Smile #15 hits the airwaves in Benton Harbor, MI

Smile FM is proud to welcome new listeners in SW Michigan to the family. Our 15th station has gone on the air in Benton Harbor, South Haven and St. Joe area on 88.7 FM, WSIS. We're getting reports of people hearing it as far away as Kalamazoo. Please let your friends and family know about our new addition. If you are already listening in the area, please post and let us know how you like it and how the signal is in your area! Click on the map to see a better picture of the service area.