I recently read the book Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell. It was an easy read, an interesting read, something totally different from what I was expecting.

Gladwell discusses the first two seconds of looking, of knowing something in an instant and of how we make snap judgments. He relates story after engaging story of examples of people making snap decisions and the resulting effects. I was intrigued about the example of Katlin during the O. J. Simpson murder trial, the account of the most expensive war game ever conducted by the Pentagon, and how the failure of rapid cognition by police officers ended up in the tragic murder of Amadou Diallo in the Bronx.

The study about facial reading explained a phenomenon that I have personally experienced but until I read this book I didn’t understand. There’s a fellow I know who makes me slightly uncomfortable when he laughs. Now, one would think that when you are sharing a good natured laugh with someone that there would be a flow of positive feelings. But not with this fellow.

After several years, I finally concluded that every time he laughed, it never affected his eyes. His eyes always seemed cold and harsh. In Blink, Gladwell explains how it is totally impossible for people to consciously use the muscles around the eyes when they are spontaneously delighted. So, as much as this fellow put on the front of laughing good naturedly, he really wasn’t!

Gladwell is a great story teller and provides food for thought. This could be a nice birthday present or Christmas holiday stocking stuffer for those readers on your list.

Enjoy!
Digi-Gram

We’re having a breather in between snowstorms. About two weeks ago, a storm dumped between 1 to 2 feet of snow on some of the nearby cities. A college, two elementary schools, and a junior high school were closed. (I’m sure those students were elated!) We got a measly 2 inches.

Even though we didn’t get much snow, it was still cold. The kind of cold where you want to wrap up in a soft blanket, sip a cup of hot chocolate and read a good book.

I have a great recipe for a hot chocolate mix that I thought I would share for those of you who might be experiencing similar wintery days. It would be great fun to stir up the mix, make a cup, and then share that cozy blanket with a grandchild as you read her a story.

But, before pulling out your blanket, first have some bonding time by making this mix together with your grandchild. It is simple to make and can be an enjoyable experience in the kitchen for grandchild and grandma.

Hot Chocolate Mix

10 2/3 cups of instant nonfat dry milk
1 (6 oz.) jar powdered non-dairy creamer (like Cremora)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 (16 oz.) can instant chocolate drink mix (like Nestle’s Quick)

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Store in an airtight container. Use within 6 months. To use, add 3 tablespoon of the hot chocolate mix with 1 cup hot water. Stir to dissolve.

Some people like to substitute unsweetened cocoa powder for the instant chocolate drink mix and substitue granular sugar for the powdered sugar.

Variations Ideas
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons caramel-flavored sundae syrup for a caramel flavored hot chocolate.
Use a candy cane to stir your hot chocolate. The candy will melt and give a mint flavor to the hot chocolate.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it extra creamier (and a wee bit cooler).
Squirt some canned whipped cream on the hot chocolate and top with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Put in a few mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra chocolaty flavor.
Put in 1 or 2 Hershey Kisses or Hugs in your hot chocolate.
And of course, pop in some min-marshmallows.

This mix can be a great Christmas gift, birthday gift, or Valentine’s Day gift to make with your grandchildren. Your grandchild could then give it to family members or friends. Fill a sandwich sized Ziplock bag with the mix. Add desired extras such as the mini chocolate chips or Hershey Kisses. Put the bag into a mug. Add a spoon or candy stick stirrers. Wrap the mug in cellophane. Include a sticker that gives directions on making the drink.

When you have this mix all made up, you’ll be ready for the next blizzard. I hope you’ll stay toasty warm!

Digi-Gram