Leap Year Day Poses Golden Opportunity

Next week we all get an extra day.

No, the government hasn’t given us a holiday nor extended the work week.  It’s Leap Year! February 29! A day we didn’t get last year nor will we get one in 2013. But this year we do—an extra twenty-four hours to spend as we wish.

The question is, how should we spend it? An entire day to use is something to think about.  For those earning hourly wages, it’s a bonus in an otherwise short month. For those salaried, it’s an extra day to work before payday. But for those of us who want to make the most of it, February 29 is an opportunity to do something special.

How many times have you heard someone say, “If only I could see my friend one more time.”  Or “If only I had another hour with my mother.” That friend or that mother has either moved away or been promoted to God’s heaven, and the person left behind is feeling the loss. Time with them is gone, never to be regained.

Well, why not make use of the extra day and spend that hour you were wishing for NOW?  Go see someone you cherish and have lunch. Call a friend that’s a long distance away. Bake a batch of cookies and share them.  Spend the moments making memories. That way when the friend moves or a loved one passes on, you can look back and say, “I made extra time for her or him while they were still part of my life.”  You’ll still miss them, but you’ll have the memory to savor.

For each of you, I’m passing on a recipe as a way of making time with you. I cut it off a cake mix box years ago and forgot it. Last Christmas, though, I discovered it hovering in my recipe file and decided to make the cookies for my family. They enjoyed the new taste, so much so my son keeps asking for more.

So here it is. Enjoy your Leap Year Day with these:

1 package Betty Crocker butter pecan cake mix

1 teaspoon soda

2 eggs

2/3 cup shortening or softened butter

1 tablespoon light molasses

Granulated sugar

Mix half the cake mix (dry) and the soda. Stir in eggs, shortening and molasses.  Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining cake mix.  Chill at least an hour.

Heat oven to 375. Shape dough into 1-inch (or smaller) balls. Dip tops in granulated sugar. Place on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let set on pan until firm (about five minutes) Makes 5 dozen cookies.