from shirley's cottage

There’s no such thing as a free lunch
My granddaughter is excited about starting her second year in college. She was telling me her schedule, and then mentioned her friend was taking math and economics. When she said Econ, I thought of when I had Econ in high school. I imagine it is much different today. I had a no nonsense, teacher, Mr. Palmer.
He always came up with some saying or motto that made you think about the lesson at hand. One of his favorites was, "There’s no such thing as a free lunch." He added, "Yes, boys and girls, in the long run, nothing is free: not even air and water". He would go on to say eventually we paid for everything in one way or another.
He was right. The other day I had a low tire. The air pump was out of order in the first station I tried. The next station had a machine that charged for air. I didn’t have any money with me. After all, I was going for free air. Or so I thought.
Then there is water. For those of us that have to buy water because of so much iron in our wells, I read the average cost is just under $1,000 a year. And if you ever have to have a new well, plan on a second mortgage or using your kids’ college fund. Free water? Of course, some of us have a water bill. Free water?
I admit this is a little tongue in cheek. I don’t expect someone to dig a well for nothing, or give me cases of water.
But, sometimes it is nice to get a little gift or something free–with no strings attached. It is the strings that make you nuts.
For example, in my mail, I received a very lovely envelope with an embossed bird on it. . I could get a free year of Bird and Flower Magazine, just for putting the sticker on the card and sending it back. Oh, yes. The small print said you had to subscribe to two years at twenty bucks a year.
I always liked the one that invites you to a free dinner at a nice hotel.. All you had to do was listen to a pitch about time-sharing condos. (And if you don’t sign up, they charge you for the dinner.)
Mr. Palmer was right. Eventually you pay for everything. My dad used to say, "Everyone has to make a buck." He was right, too.
I really don’t want anything free, anyway. (Except maybe a free lunch now and then.)
This recipe is free, and pretty darn cheap to make. To buy biscotti to have with your coffee or tea is good, but pretty pricy. I have always said I would make my own, but being the procrastinator that I am, I just got around to trying it. It’s somewhat time-consuming. Next time I’ll make two batches and freeze. The good thing is it is a Weight Watchers recipe, and no one will ever know if you don’t tell them. (For you WW’ers, only 3 points)
Biscotti, from Weight Watchers, Simply the Best
you will need:
2 1/4 cups flour
2 t baking powder
½ cup sugar
5 T margarine
2 eggs
1 ½ grated lemon zest
1 t vanilla
1 cup slivered almonds, finely chopped (I omitted nuts and added white chocolate chips)
With electric mixer at high speed, beat all except flour, baking powder and nuts or chips
Gradually add the remainder, until combined. Do not overmix.
Divide dough in half. Moisten hands and shape into two logs, 12 x 1 ½ .
Place on nonstick baking sheet and flatten each with moistened rolling pin to ½ inch.
Bake at 350 for 18 minutes.
On a cutting board, cut each log into 12 diagonal pieces with a serrated knife dipped in water.
Lay cut side down back on baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.
Cool, and store for one week in air tight container or freeze in foil up to three months.
You’ve worked hard. Put your feet up, pour your brew, and enjoy. You deserve it.