"I've got a cluster of shrapnel, trying every second to crawl
its way into my heart. This--stops it. This little circle of light. It's part
of me now, not just armor. It's a... terrible privilege.". Today has been emotional for me, but only in warm, positive ways.
Tears have filled my eyes, and gratitude has filled my heart. Why? Because 365
days ago, on May 4th, 2012, we saw "The Avengers". 365 days ago, on May 4th, 2012, Tony Stark/Iron
Man profoundly changed my life with that line. "Its a... terrible privilege.". Wow, one year. I never could
have imagined that I'd be inspired by such a character as Tony Stark, or the
path God would set me on afterward. A journey
toward self-acceptance. We saw "Iron Man 3" in some local theater
yesterday. What an amazing one-year anniversary
event!! We did not see it in the theater where Tony Stark reached through
its screen with his muscular arms and grabbed me. Touched my heart. No, we saw it elsewhere!! However, I entered this
theater wide-eyed and observant, as if awaiting another life-changing impact. I
witnessed their "Iron Man 3" movie poster. This theater's
old-fashioned looking light fixtures. Red beams which illumined their stairs.
Diverse people who entered long after us, as we arrived a bit early. Kids.
Adults. Teenagers. This guy wearing an Iron Man T-shirt. Yes, I observed
everything--for memory's sake--just in case Tony Stark "spoke" to me!!
And.... Nothing!! Isn't that just like
Tony Stark? Now, I will not give away any "spoilers" from
"Iron Man 3". I can keep
secrets, remember? But, I will say this. It was very, very, very good!!
So, in celebration of 365 days since Tony Stark/Iron Man did change
my life, I decided to do something crazy. Crazy,
even for me!! I am self-described as being "artistically-challenged".
Yet, I baked Rose arc reactor biscuits this morning!! Yes, arc reactor biscuits!! What on earth was I thinking? That I am
freakin' Martha Stewart?! Anyway. I used this circular cutter. Then, I took a
knife, and carved an upside-down triangle. Inside it, I carved this smaller
upside-down triangle. Three lines. And, that is it!! They are far from being
flawless. But I am proud of them!! And they taste like cinnamon!! Mmmm!!
Rose would rate this recipe four "paws" way, way up!!
Fruity Biscuits
The berries
used in this recipe make the biscuits an unusual purplish color. {They are brown!!} If you use raspberries only, they'll be
pink, which can make a fun Valentine's Day or Christmas biscuit. If you don't have
blueberries or raspberries on hand, you can try some other type of fruit. This
biscuit's sweetness is a real treat for dogs with a sweet tooth.
--For the egg wash--
1 egg
Pinch of salt
--For the batter--
1 cup whole wheat flour, plus extra for rolling {I used white flour for rolling!!}
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup soy flour {We haven't any soy flour.
So, because the rebel within me loves to use alternate ingredients, I did 1 1/2
cups whole wheat flour and 1 1/2 cups white flour!!}
2 tablespoons flax seed meal or wheat germ {I chose wheat germ.}
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) {Mine were frozen!!}
1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen) {Mine were frozen!!}
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon safflower oil {We haven't
any safflower oil. So, as again, the rebel within me loves to use alternate ingredients, I did canola
oil!!}
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 375 F. For the egg wash, beat one egg in a small bowl and add a pinch of
salt. {I whisked it!! Because I am a rebel!!} Set aside. {For the future. When baking
arc reactor treats, I will leave out this egg wash. Why? Because the egg seeped
through my arc reactors, hiding its art!!}In a large bowl, combine the flours, flax seed meal or wheat germ,
and cinnamon. In a food processor, {I think
that any blender will work just as well, for those who do not own food
processors!!} combine the water, fruit,
honey, oil, the two eggs, and vanilla. Pulse until smooth. Pour the liquid
ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir to combine. (Don't fret if there
are little pieces of fruit visible.) {No visible pieces of fruit. However,
I did run into some minor complications right about here. First, my dough was a
bit dry. So, I added water. Just a little
bit!! Then, the dough was so gooey, that it bonded to my hands!!
Literally!! I defeated gravity with it!! So,
I began to knead my dough on our floured countertop. At last, something that I
could work with formed!!} Knead the
dough in the bowl until it makes a nice ball and turn it out onto a lightly
floured surface. {Dramatic eye roll. This rebel should have followed
instructions!! Whatever.} Roll out to a
1/4-inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters. Place biscuits on ungreased
baking sheets. {I misread that. I greased my pan!! Oh well!!} Using a pastry brush, brush egg wash on top
of each biscuit. Bake for 15 minutes or until tops are browned. {I baked
twelve treats at a time for 25 minutes!!} For
crunchier cookies, turn the oven down to 200 F and bake for an additional hour
or two, or until they reach the desired crunchiness. Store at room temperature
in a loosely covered container. {To avoid any molding, I froze most of my little
arc reactors!!}
