My - the weekend is over and I must say - "It was a busy one!" Busy but mostly rewarding. Gwen and I met at the church at 8:30 Saturday morning and by about 10:30 - we had the equivilent of 12 Sopapilla Cheesecakes made! - It took about 18 cups of sugar, 24 -8 oz. packages of cream cheese and I'm not even sure how much butter and vanilla was used. Oh - and 24 cans of crescent rolls. We then delivered them to the ETCA gym for the evening's annual dinner and auction. Then I came home and made the icing for my strawberry cake and completed my Cherries Jubilee for the auction. They both turned out really nice - guess I held my mouth just right!! Just an old saying! Today Michelle and Maura and I went to church and then to Chili's for lunch! Travis woke up all stuffy and feeling really bad so Michelle and I basically tried to stay away most of the day. This evening after church we went grocery shopping and to the drug store. I have spent the last hour and half cleaning my kitchen of clutter. It seems to grow overnight! I proably made 10 trips to the recycle bin and garbage! It is clean clutter -- but we get so much junk mail and most of the time I don't want to bother with looking at it so it stacks up! Sure looks better now!! When I get in this mood - nothing is sacred -- well I didn't throw away any cookbooks or recipes!
Tonight as our preacher was talking - he mentioned all the "quick fix" things this world offers! People want their marriages, their jobs, their mates "quick fixed." There are books "on How to --- quickly!" You fill in the blank. I let my mind wander for a few minutes and thought about how this also applies to cooking. How many books I've seen on "Fast suppers", "Quick desserts", "Super fast breakfasts" - and I realize those are sometimes necessary -- but I've also heard people say "If it has over 3 ingredients - I won't make it!" Well - let me tell you -- they are missing out on some very good food! Cooking is an art that takes time - study, practice, patience, study, and following! Where else do we find these principals? The Bible - right! There are two things that to me are very rewarding! One - when I follow God's advise (or commandment) and love someone that needs love but doesn't want you to know it - or I have helped someone! Equally rewarding to me is to follow a new recipe and have it turn out exactly as it should! How many of you have attempted to make bread from scratch? I don't mean banana nut bread out of a box - I mean made with yeast and kneading, and letting it rise, then making out the loaves or rolls - and letting it rise again - then baking? It takes time, practice, patience, following the recipe exactly! Then comes the reward -- seeing it rise even higher in the oven and the sweet aroma that fills the house! Helping someone come to know Christ takes the same - study, time, practice, patience and following God's instructions. Then our actions are a sweet aroma to God! So whatever you do - take the time to do it right -- don't search for a "quick fix!"
Early this summer I am going to be helping with a wedding and preparing food for it. I am about to start making some different dips, etc., for the bride-to-be and her family to try - to see which they would prefer for the guests! It will take time but should be worth the effort!
This afternoon I watched (basically it was mostly just listening)a video taking about loosing weight and the foods that were bad for us -- and I thought I was pretty savy about these things but I was wrong about quite a few. They said that the whole wheat bread that is pushed as being so healthy is not really and it also turns to sugar (OUR NO. 1 ENEMY) and that we should look for a bread that is made from sprouts and nuts. I already have been buying the Ezekiel bread (you can find it at Drug Emporium) and it is made from sprouts and other good things. (I was told you could eat the entire loaf in one day and not gain weight!) Also listed on the "bad list" was Canola Oil,- which I thought was "the good stuff!" In addition, was pasta (even the wheat kind), the packaged microwaveable foods - such as Weight Watchers and Lean Cusine, and orange juice. (They all turn to fat in our bodies!) The good list included - of all things - rice, sprouts, all fruits, vegetables - sweet potatoes (not the white ones), butter, olive oil, eggs, bacon,avacados,and nuts. So - I bought some chicken and ground turkey, brocolli, lettuce, and asparagus. I am going to try to prepare Michelle and I healthy foods for lunch! I'll just have to fit that in with everything else I do. So - I am still going to give you lots of recipes -- some with really good ingredients and some with really bad ingredients - but that do taste really good! Looking through a magazine today - searching for pictures of plants for my little niece I ran across this recipe and it sounds so good!
NEW SOUTH JALAPENO PIMENTO CHEESE
1 (8oz)block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shreded
1/2 (oz) block mild Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1- 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 (7 oz.) jar diced pimentos, drained
1/2 (12 oz.) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained
1/4 cup drained pickled jalapeno pepper slices
1/8 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Process first three ingredients in a food processor 45 seconds or until well blended. Add pimento and next 4 ingredients, and pulse 5 to 6 times or to desired consistency. Cover and chill. Serve with crackers or bread slices.
This is really different from my recipe that I've already given you - but it peaked my interest! So try it -- and let me know!!!
The next recipe I am giving you is one I plan to make this week -- not quite sure why I bought so many groceries - we are supposed to go out to eat the first two nights of the work week! First to El Charro's for Sue and I to celebrate our birthdays together and then on Tuesday - we are going to FISH CITY GRILL because they are generously donating 15% of their entire day's proceeds to the American Red Cross - another one of my passions! So - I sure want to do my part!!! Hope you will too!!!
BROCCOLI SALAD (Jon Carole's version)
1 Bag (Sam's) broccoli rosettes
1 Large red onion, chopped
1/2 cup bacon bits
1-1/2 cups dried cranberries
1 large can mandarin oranges, chopped
1-1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper - Optional
Place the broccoli into a colander. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil; pour over broccoli. Immediately rinse with ice water (have this premade!) Chop the broccoli into small bite size pieces (about the size of a nickel); add the bacon bits, mandarian oranges, cranberries and onion. Mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and peppers. Pour over broccoli mixture and chill well!
Now for some more words from HANDBOOK 2010
SOCIETY
1. Call your family often.
2. Each day give something good to others.
3. Forgive everyone for everything.
4. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
6. Remember - what other people think of you is none of your business.
7. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!
Have a blessed evening - get up refreshed and ready go do something good! Take the time to bless someone else. God's Will - I'll be back!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
MY GOODNESS - FRIDAY NIGHT AND IT IS ALMOST GONE!!
Gee - it is already after 11 o clock - and I have to be at the church at 8:30 to help make desserts for the ETCA auction! Oh well - it's been later in the past and I made it!! There is not a lot I want to tell tonight! Just try to make it to the ETCA auction tomorrow night!! I just got through taking a "Cherries Jubilee" out of the oven and before that a really beautiful strawberry cake. The Cherries Jubilee is in a heart shaped pan that I will give up (all for charity) and the Strawberry Cake is in a really beautiful white casserole dish and will be enclosed in the cutest, most unusual cake carrier I have ever seen. It is designed for a sheath cake or a dozen or more cupcakes and is decorated like a birthday cake. I found it at Sweet Gourmet - and if you have ever read my blog - you know that is one of my favorite stores of all! I really had to battle the devil with him telling me how much I could use that carrier and "it was so neat" - but the good Lord helped me decide that I wanted East Texas Christian Academy to make as much money as possible and God's Will - it will be part of the Strawberry Cake
package!!
Last night I told you that I made A Baked French Toast with Raspberry Preserves! Well I did and I cooked it and the sausage balls this morning and took them to work! The sausage balls are always a hit and everyone marvels at the taste - Travis' own special touch!! They also enjoyed the french toast and really bragged on it and several asked for the recipe - so I guess it was a hit too! So - here it is - with the slight modification I made:
INGREDIENTS FOR THE FRENCH TOAST:
1-1/4 cup raspberry preserves
Ten 4 by 4 by 1-inch thick sliced bread
1-1/4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
6 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup toasted pecans
Confectioners sugar
Maple syrup
Butter 13 x 10 inch baking dish. Spread preserves evenly over 1 side of each slice of bread. Cut slices diagonally in half, forming triangles. Arrange triangles crosswise in dish, preserve side up and overlapping slightly. Whisk milk and next five ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour custard over bread. Let bread stand 1 hour, basting occasionlly, or cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 for approximately 50 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven, let set for about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and toasted pecan pieces. Serve with maple syrup!
One more Tidbit from Handbook 2010.
Society:
1. Call your family often.
2. Each day give something good to others.
3. Forgive everyone for everything.
4. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.
5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
6. What other people think of you is none of your business.
7. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will - stay in touch!!
WELL - I am certain I will have lots of corrections in the morning - but you get the idea - enjoy life - thank God for everything you have - and look for opportunities to do good. God Bless each of you - see you tomorrow!
package!!
Last night I told you that I made A Baked French Toast with Raspberry Preserves! Well I did and I cooked it and the sausage balls this morning and took them to work! The sausage balls are always a hit and everyone marvels at the taste - Travis' own special touch!! They also enjoyed the french toast and really bragged on it and several asked for the recipe - so I guess it was a hit too! So - here it is - with the slight modification I made:
INGREDIENTS FOR THE FRENCH TOAST:
1-1/4 cup raspberry preserves
Ten 4 by 4 by 1-inch thick sliced bread
1-1/4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
6 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup toasted pecans
Confectioners sugar
Maple syrup
Butter 13 x 10 inch baking dish. Spread preserves evenly over 1 side of each slice of bread. Cut slices diagonally in half, forming triangles. Arrange triangles crosswise in dish, preserve side up and overlapping slightly. Whisk milk and next five ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour custard over bread. Let bread stand 1 hour, basting occasionlly, or cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 for approximately 50 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven, let set for about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and toasted pecan pieces. Serve with maple syrup!
One more Tidbit from Handbook 2010.
Society:
1. Call your family often.
2. Each day give something good to others.
3. Forgive everyone for everything.
4. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.
5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
6. What other people think of you is none of your business.
7. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will - stay in touch!!
WELL - I am certain I will have lots of corrections in the morning - but you get the idea - enjoy life - thank God for everything you have - and look for opportunities to do good. God Bless each of you - see you tomorrow!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
THURSDAYS - WHAT DOES THAT DAY MEAN TO YOU?
What does Thursday mean to you? Nearly Friday? Time to eat out? Another day? Don't have to go to church tonight? A certain TV show is on? Just wondering - I guess the thing it means to me is it is closer to the weekend and its expectations - and the day my house will be clean and shining and smelling so good when I get home! I have this wonderful lady that comes once a week and oh my goodness - I used to dread weekends because I knew I was going to spend all of Saturday cleaning house or face it being dirty all the next week - not something I would accept - so we cleaned! She is raising two little boys alone and my heart just bleeds for her. She is so so sweet and appreciative of the work. She is really an amazing woman! Young, beautiful and trying so hard to make a good life for her little family.
Tonight I made enchiladas and if you have ever had El Charro's original enchiladas - these taste like them - without the grease. I am trying to keep some of my "Original Texas Chili" in the freezer and tonight I used some of that over the enchiladas -- they are so easy -- and were really great. I also had some tamales I had bought earlier from a couple of great cooks so our dinner was delicious. We also had some of the best Salsa I've ever tasted -- actually it tastes just like it just came from the garden. This really neat lady I just met from the Arp area made it and shared it with me! She is an amazing lady - she has about 40 acres and grows 350 tomato plants, about 4 varieties of bell peppers, onions, and I can't even count how many different peppers she grows to make this wonderful salsa. She is so full of knowledge and is a sweet, sweet, generous person. I am so thankful for the opportunity to meet her and get acquainted. Not for the salsa and jam she gives me (although we really enjoy it)but to just know someone like her and to learn at her feet.
I made a new breakfast dish tonight and will let you know how it turns out! It is baked raspberry french toast! It is suppose to have an almond syrup to go along with it -- but I don't have any sliced almonds and I am thinking maybe I will make a pecan syrup up in the morning to serve with it. Travis is making me some sausage balls to go along with it. I will take all of this to work and surprise my co-workers. They are really special people!
Do you always follow a recipe for sausage balls or have you ever made them. Most of them are bisquick, cheese and sausage - and they were always good until Travis altered the recipe: You still used the basic ingredients - then add sage, crushed red pepper and either fresh or dried jalapeno -- and then you have a fantastic sausage ball. Well - you know what my Thursday evening was like - cooking and creating - and cleaning! That's ok - It was fun!
I visited Sweet Gourmet today - and oh my goodness - if I thought it was a picture at Valentines - it was even more a vision of Easter! The big bunnies, the eggs, the ribbon toparies - a sight to behold. And I told you how it was cleaned out at Christmas -- well it is well stocked now - with many new products that sound wonderful. I bought some new products by Ferrer - that she found at a show in California. The Brava Sauce says it is Hot Spanish Tapas sauce for potatoes and BBQ. I could not resist opening it for a taste and it is absolutely delicious -- doesn't taste like salsa but has a hot taste of maybe french dressing with hot peppers, garlic, and almond. My description does not do it justice. I also bought a bottle of the ferrer's Gazpacho Spanish Cold Soup -- same color as the Brava Sauce and I haven't tried it yet - but with only 80 calories per cup full - who can resist? Anyway - if you haven't been - now is the time to check out Sweet Gourmet - you will feel like you are going through the bunny trail - and tell them I sent you! I don't get anything from it -- just want Pam to know how much I appreciate all the effort she makes to give Tyler a wonderful store in which to visit and shop!! None like it!!!!
I have a wonderful recipe SOMEWHERE for an Angel Food Cake that features almonds and if I can find it, I want to enter an "almond dessert" contest but I have not found it yet!! Tonight I want to give you a recipe I created, entered in a Cooking Light contest and forgot all about. One night I was looking through an issue of the Cooking Light magazine and I nearly fainted - there was my recipe!! Published. Since then they have put it in two of their cookbooks. Such an honor. It says in the book: "Garnished with fresh cilantro,chicken and rice are turned into a complete supper that's ready in a dash." - Jon Carole Gilbreath, Tyler, Texas
1 large onion, chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 Can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1 Cup uncooked long grain rice
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz. each)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cumin
3/4 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
Minced fresh cilantro, optional
In a large skillet, saute the onion, jalapeno and garlic in oil until tender. Add broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper and cumin. Place over rice mixture. cover and simmer 10 minutes. Turn chicken and cook 5 to 10 minutes longer or until juices run clear.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Now you know my claim to fame!!!
Tonight I want to share more from Handbook 2010
Personality:
-1. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is.
-2. Don't have negative thoughts on things you can't control. Instead
invest your energy in the positive present moment.
-3. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
-4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
-5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
-6. Dream more while you are awake.
-7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
-8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her
mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
-9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
-10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
-11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
-12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems
are simply part of the curriculum that appears and fades away like
algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
-13. Smile and laugh more.
-14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Two more nights with words from Handbook 2010. So far - good advise!!
Take care - have a blessed night - pray for someone you are mad at - seek God in everything you do and with His Will - join me again.
Tonight I made enchiladas and if you have ever had El Charro's original enchiladas - these taste like them - without the grease. I am trying to keep some of my "Original Texas Chili" in the freezer and tonight I used some of that over the enchiladas -- they are so easy -- and were really great. I also had some tamales I had bought earlier from a couple of great cooks so our dinner was delicious. We also had some of the best Salsa I've ever tasted -- actually it tastes just like it just came from the garden. This really neat lady I just met from the Arp area made it and shared it with me! She is an amazing lady - she has about 40 acres and grows 350 tomato plants, about 4 varieties of bell peppers, onions, and I can't even count how many different peppers she grows to make this wonderful salsa. She is so full of knowledge and is a sweet, sweet, generous person. I am so thankful for the opportunity to meet her and get acquainted. Not for the salsa and jam she gives me (although we really enjoy it)but to just know someone like her and to learn at her feet.
I made a new breakfast dish tonight and will let you know how it turns out! It is baked raspberry french toast! It is suppose to have an almond syrup to go along with it -- but I don't have any sliced almonds and I am thinking maybe I will make a pecan syrup up in the morning to serve with it. Travis is making me some sausage balls to go along with it. I will take all of this to work and surprise my co-workers. They are really special people!
Do you always follow a recipe for sausage balls or have you ever made them. Most of them are bisquick, cheese and sausage - and they were always good until Travis altered the recipe: You still used the basic ingredients - then add sage, crushed red pepper and either fresh or dried jalapeno -- and then you have a fantastic sausage ball. Well - you know what my Thursday evening was like - cooking and creating - and cleaning! That's ok - It was fun!
I visited Sweet Gourmet today - and oh my goodness - if I thought it was a picture at Valentines - it was even more a vision of Easter! The big bunnies, the eggs, the ribbon toparies - a sight to behold. And I told you how it was cleaned out at Christmas -- well it is well stocked now - with many new products that sound wonderful. I bought some new products by Ferrer - that she found at a show in California. The Brava Sauce says it is Hot Spanish Tapas sauce for potatoes and BBQ. I could not resist opening it for a taste and it is absolutely delicious -- doesn't taste like salsa but has a hot taste of maybe french dressing with hot peppers, garlic, and almond. My description does not do it justice. I also bought a bottle of the ferrer's Gazpacho Spanish Cold Soup -- same color as the Brava Sauce and I haven't tried it yet - but with only 80 calories per cup full - who can resist? Anyway - if you haven't been - now is the time to check out Sweet Gourmet - you will feel like you are going through the bunny trail - and tell them I sent you! I don't get anything from it -- just want Pam to know how much I appreciate all the effort she makes to give Tyler a wonderful store in which to visit and shop!! None like it!!!!
I have a wonderful recipe SOMEWHERE for an Angel Food Cake that features almonds and if I can find it, I want to enter an "almond dessert" contest but I have not found it yet!! Tonight I want to give you a recipe I created, entered in a Cooking Light contest and forgot all about. One night I was looking through an issue of the Cooking Light magazine and I nearly fainted - there was my recipe!! Published. Since then they have put it in two of their cookbooks. Such an honor. It says in the book: "Garnished with fresh cilantro,chicken and rice are turned into a complete supper that's ready in a dash." - Jon Carole Gilbreath, Tyler, Texas
1 large onion, chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 Can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1 Cup uncooked long grain rice
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz. each)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cumin
3/4 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
Minced fresh cilantro, optional
In a large skillet, saute the onion, jalapeno and garlic in oil until tender. Add broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper and cumin. Place over rice mixture. cover and simmer 10 minutes. Turn chicken and cook 5 to 10 minutes longer or until juices run clear.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Now you know my claim to fame!!!
Tonight I want to share more from Handbook 2010
Personality:
-1. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is.
-2. Don't have negative thoughts on things you can't control. Instead
invest your energy in the positive present moment.
-3. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
-4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
-5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
-6. Dream more while you are awake.
-7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
-8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her
mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
-9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
-10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
-11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
-12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems
are simply part of the curriculum that appears and fades away like
algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
-13. Smile and laugh more.
-14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Two more nights with words from Handbook 2010. So far - good advise!!
Take care - have a blessed night - pray for someone you are mad at - seek God in everything you do and with His Will - join me again.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
MANY WONDERS OF GOD ARE PRESENT ON THIS EARTH
Wednesday evening and it is getting late but I have lots to tell! If any of you missed me last night I'm sorry - I just could not get my brain to work right and say what I wanted so I just decided to wait! I received two different emails that had a lot of things to say that I want to share - not all tonight or I would still be here in the morning typing! One was entitled "Our Orderly God" and I found the facts amazing - not that I don't know He is able to do all - but that He put so much detail into everything He made in order for us to know He is real! God's accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs. For example:
- the eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days
- those of the canary in 14 days
- those of the barnyard hen in 21 days
- the eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days
- those of the mallard in 35 days
- the eggs of the parrot and ostrich hatch in 42 days.
(Notice, they are all divissable by seven, the number of days in a week!)
- The lives of each of you may be ordered by the Lord in a beautiful way for His glory, if you will only entrust Him with your life. If you try to regulate your own life, it will be a mess and a failure. Only the One Who made the brain and the heart can successfully guide them to a profitable end.
God's wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant. The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other quadruped is so made. God planned tht this animal would have a huge body, to large to live on two legs. For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily.
The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first. How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!
God's wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains.
- Each watermelon has an even number of strips on the rind.
- Each orange has an even number of segments.
- Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.
- Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.
- Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row and even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.
- The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.
All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and the Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundredfold - all even numbers.
God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specific times during the day, so that Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!
Thus the Lord in His wonderful grace can arrange the life that is entrusted to His care in such a way that it will carry out His purposes and the plans, and will be fragrant with His presence.
Only the God-planned safe life is successful. Only the life given over to the care of the Lord is fulfilled.
If I ever start repeating recipes - please let me know because I may give you some of my favorites more than once. The recipe I am giving you tonight was given to me in 1970 (before some of you that are reading this were even born!) and I made it for a cooking contest the Marshall paper had and in the vegetable section - it actually won 1st place! I was thrilled because I had not had a first place anything since I won 1st in a school contest saying a poem! So here is my award winning CORN RICE CASSEROLE
1 Stick butter melted
1/2 onion and 1/2 bell pepper - chopped
Saute onion and bell pepper in butter. Add 2 cans cream style Corn. Beat 1 egg. Add egg and 1 tsp. salt and 1 tablespoon sugar. Cook small box (I don't think you can buy "small" boxes anymore - so about 1-1/2 to 2 cups) minute rice. Add to corn mixture. Add 1 small jar pimentos. Butter casserole dish and add Corn/Rice mixture. Top with grated cheddar cheese. Bake 25 minutes in 275 degree oven. WIN PRAISES FROM YOUR FAMILY!!!
Do you know what "sliders" are? The week before the first Wednesday night I cooked at church I announced we were having "sliders" and so many people asked "what are sliders!" Well you probably know by now - but they are very small hamburgers. The patties we made were about 8 to a pound of meat and we put them on little dinner rolls. They can be made up out of just the meat or the meat can be seasoned -- I seasoned ours with pepper, garlic, and a little Penzey's Foxpoint. Some call for cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce and some call for seasoned salt, ground sage and pepper - what ever flavor you like. Then you can add slices of cheese or lettuce and tomato! They are just good! I do like to make a variety of mayonnaise to use on them!
Roasted Red Pepper Mayo
1 roasted red pepper (from a jar of roasted red peppers)
1 Cup Mayonnaise
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano, salt and black pepper to taste - and if you don't taste - use 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper
Stir together and let sit about 30 minutes to an hour before serving so seasonings can marry!
Chipotle Lime Mayo
2 Chipotle peppers in adobe sauce
1 Cup mayonnaise
2 tsp. finely minced lime peel
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste.
Stir together and let sit about 30 minutes to an hour before serving so seasonings can marry!
OR be creative and mix your own! Experiment!!!
Now before I sign off: Let me give you an extra word of wisdom from the Handbook of 2010:
Health
1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a begger.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 20 to 30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
That's it for the night. I will have to correct my typos tomorrow - but God's will - have a blessed night - and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us tomorrow - AND DO A GOOD DEED!
- the eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days
- those of the canary in 14 days
- those of the barnyard hen in 21 days
- the eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days
- those of the mallard in 35 days
- the eggs of the parrot and ostrich hatch in 42 days.
(Notice, they are all divissable by seven, the number of days in a week!)
- The lives of each of you may be ordered by the Lord in a beautiful way for His glory, if you will only entrust Him with your life. If you try to regulate your own life, it will be a mess and a failure. Only the One Who made the brain and the heart can successfully guide them to a profitable end.
God's wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant. The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other quadruped is so made. God planned tht this animal would have a huge body, to large to live on two legs. For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily.
The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first. How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!
God's wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains.
- Each watermelon has an even number of strips on the rind.
- Each orange has an even number of segments.
- Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.
- Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.
- Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row and even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.
- The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.
All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and the Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundredfold - all even numbers.
God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specific times during the day, so that Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!
Thus the Lord in His wonderful grace can arrange the life that is entrusted to His care in such a way that it will carry out His purposes and the plans, and will be fragrant with His presence.
Only the God-planned safe life is successful. Only the life given over to the care of the Lord is fulfilled.
If I ever start repeating recipes - please let me know because I may give you some of my favorites more than once. The recipe I am giving you tonight was given to me in 1970 (before some of you that are reading this were even born!) and I made it for a cooking contest the Marshall paper had and in the vegetable section - it actually won 1st place! I was thrilled because I had not had a first place anything since I won 1st in a school contest saying a poem! So here is my award winning CORN RICE CASSEROLE
1 Stick butter melted
1/2 onion and 1/2 bell pepper - chopped
Saute onion and bell pepper in butter. Add 2 cans cream style Corn. Beat 1 egg. Add egg and 1 tsp. salt and 1 tablespoon sugar. Cook small box (I don't think you can buy "small" boxes anymore - so about 1-1/2 to 2 cups) minute rice. Add to corn mixture. Add 1 small jar pimentos. Butter casserole dish and add Corn/Rice mixture. Top with grated cheddar cheese. Bake 25 minutes in 275 degree oven. WIN PRAISES FROM YOUR FAMILY!!!
Do you know what "sliders" are? The week before the first Wednesday night I cooked at church I announced we were having "sliders" and so many people asked "what are sliders!" Well you probably know by now - but they are very small hamburgers. The patties we made were about 8 to a pound of meat and we put them on little dinner rolls. They can be made up out of just the meat or the meat can be seasoned -- I seasoned ours with pepper, garlic, and a little Penzey's Foxpoint. Some call for cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce and some call for seasoned salt, ground sage and pepper - what ever flavor you like. Then you can add slices of cheese or lettuce and tomato! They are just good! I do like to make a variety of mayonnaise to use on them!
Roasted Red Pepper Mayo
1 roasted red pepper (from a jar of roasted red peppers)
1 Cup Mayonnaise
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano, salt and black pepper to taste - and if you don't taste - use 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper
Stir together and let sit about 30 minutes to an hour before serving so seasonings can marry!
Chipotle Lime Mayo
2 Chipotle peppers in adobe sauce
1 Cup mayonnaise
2 tsp. finely minced lime peel
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste.
Stir together and let sit about 30 minutes to an hour before serving so seasonings can marry!
OR be creative and mix your own! Experiment!!!
Now before I sign off: Let me give you an extra word of wisdom from the Handbook of 2010:
Health
1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a begger.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 20 to 30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
That's it for the night. I will have to correct my typos tomorrow - but God's will - have a blessed night - and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us tomorrow - AND DO A GOOD DEED!
Monday, February 22, 2010
MONDAY - A CONTRADICTION OF HAPPENINGS AND THOUGHTS
Finally - Monday is winding down and is almost over! What a day - challenging and hopefully rewarding! So much has raced through my mind today that I wanted to share! Mark our preacher at Shiloh just shared some pictures of the Jefferson Memorial and it brought back so many memories of my last trip to DC! I have been several times for the Red Cross - but one of the most memorable was taken one month after 9-11! I was chairman of the Board at that time and the Exec, Tammy Prater and I were summoned to Washington. On every corner, at every garage entrance(above and underground), at every Federal building (of which there are hundreds) there were armed guards! I had never seen anything even resembling this except in the movies. It was truly like walking onto a movie set. (Never really saw one of those except in Marshall when Don Johnson came to town to film "One Hot Summer" and I got to go out and watch for an afternoon!) Another story -- back to Washington - besides the guards - what still stands out in my mind was when we went into the main Red Cross building (and they were expecting us) - they took our ID's (driver's license) and kept it until we left the building!!! I was ready to get out!!! On the plane going and coming - everyone looked suspicious (probably even us -- I remember Tammy had to take a drink from her water bottle before she could board with it in Tyler!) (Tyler was tougher than Dallas or Washington DC) A memory I will always remember and pray I never have to repeat!!
Oh thank goodness - they have caught the two guys that have been setting the church fires - they are not anything like what I expected or the law enforcement officers I had spoken to had expected! Just children -what caused such hatred? A question only God knows the answer to -- their poor parents are stunned and so is their community -- but thank God - this horrible tragedy is over!! I keep asking what caused these boys to turn so evil. Their families are shocked - the nation is shocked - is that why they did it?
So - snow is coming!! Really??? Let's just wait and see!!
Tonight - Travis still feels weak and informed me he did not want anything "greasy" to eat. I asked him when was the last time I served "greasy?" I suggested spaghetti - and he said "What about Potato Soup?" - so I responded "OK - potato soup it is!" At the moment it sounded terrible to me (and I will probably have leg cramps from all the CARBS) - but that is what we had! IT was delicious! I didn't go look up my wonderful "Potato Soup" recipe -- I just peeled and cut up about 6 medium potatoes - already growing big ol "eyes", finely chopped up 1/2 medium yellow onion and put it on to boil; after the potatoes were fork tender, I added a little fox point, a little dried minced garlic, about 1/8th tsp. cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon dried red and green bell peppers (of course - from Penzey's) salt, black pepper and about 1/4 tsp. Penzey's Sweet French basil. Then I added about 2/3 can Cream style corn (the rest went into the cornbread I made) Cooked until potatoes were tender before I added the above ingredients. Then I added a little (about 1/4 cup milk) and about 1/4 cup Whipping Cream - (I would have added Half and Half if I had it on hand -- but didn't so Whipping cream worked great). Soup was wonderful when paired with JC's Jiffy Cornbread - less the jalapenos -- of course - I had them on the side!!
WELL - after four days off - and then a 7:30 to 5:30 day - I am exhausted and pray God will watch over and keep you the whole night through and we can meet again tomorrow. Thanks for reading. God Bless and until tomorrow -- Cook something great (try a new recipe - or better yet - do a kind deed and make God happier!
Oh thank goodness - they have caught the two guys that have been setting the church fires - they are not anything like what I expected or the law enforcement officers I had spoken to had expected! Just children -what caused such hatred? A question only God knows the answer to -- their poor parents are stunned and so is their community -- but thank God - this horrible tragedy is over!! I keep asking what caused these boys to turn so evil. Their families are shocked - the nation is shocked - is that why they did it?
So - snow is coming!! Really??? Let's just wait and see!!
Tonight - Travis still feels weak and informed me he did not want anything "greasy" to eat. I asked him when was the last time I served "greasy?" I suggested spaghetti - and he said "What about Potato Soup?" - so I responded "OK - potato soup it is!" At the moment it sounded terrible to me (and I will probably have leg cramps from all the CARBS) - but that is what we had! IT was delicious! I didn't go look up my wonderful "Potato Soup" recipe -- I just peeled and cut up about 6 medium potatoes - already growing big ol "eyes", finely chopped up 1/2 medium yellow onion and put it on to boil; after the potatoes were fork tender, I added a little fox point, a little dried minced garlic, about 1/8th tsp. cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon dried red and green bell peppers (of course - from Penzey's) salt, black pepper and about 1/4 tsp. Penzey's Sweet French basil. Then I added about 2/3 can Cream style corn (the rest went into the cornbread I made) Cooked until potatoes were tender before I added the above ingredients. Then I added a little (about 1/4 cup milk) and about 1/4 cup Whipping Cream - (I would have added Half and Half if I had it on hand -- but didn't so Whipping cream worked great). Soup was wonderful when paired with JC's Jiffy Cornbread - less the jalapenos -- of course - I had them on the side!!
WELL - after four days off - and then a 7:30 to 5:30 day - I am exhausted and pray God will watch over and keep you the whole night through and we can meet again tomorrow. Thanks for reading. God Bless and until tomorrow -- Cook something great (try a new recipe - or better yet - do a kind deed and make God happier!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
SUNDAY - GOOD LESSONS AND GOOD FRIENDS
Oh my goodness - what a gorgeous day! I took the dogs outside this afternoon and it was like a spring day - warm - light breeze blowing -- the hawthorne starting to bloom! Can it be true -- we might have snow again on Tuesday? My IPhone is starting to show little snow flakes on the Tuesday forecast! The snow is so beautiful and I think all of our hearts may race a little faster -- I know I call my sister and she gets Maura up -- and I call my 92-year-old mom and she rushes (well slowly rushes) to the window to watch the magical flakes come down. Such a mysterious time when we all become a little livelier and excited. One of the most beautiful sights are limbs of trees holding a wedge of snow as it is showing off a beautiful diamond or other jewel. Actually I guess it is a jewel - one God has given us to enjoy for a short time! Even as in my heart I sing "Let it Snow, Let it Snow," I then think about the poor folks that went without electricity for several days and the hardships that provided -- and I think "How can I be so selfish?" But you know what -- whatever I want or think -- the weather is one thing we will never understand and never control - just one of God's mysteries to either enjoy or endure! He knows best - and I feel sure the people that endured the power outage found either a renewed sense of togetherness or an appreciation of the blessings they had enjoyed before the outage - and that we did not experience!
Today our Education minister preached in place of our preacher who is in Washington DC with his daughter and a whole group of 8th graders! Charles did an excellent lesson from I and II Samuel - entitled "The Rock!" He so aptly pointed out that God is our Rock and whether we struggle with finances, loss of jobs, loss of a loved one, a struggling marriage, a rebellious child, sickness -- whatever - so many struggles we have -- God is our ROCK -- and through His Son - we have a ROCK that is there to hang onto and trust and that ROCK will either comfort, guide, direct, or help in whatever our struggle is! He will see us through! Thanks Charles for reminding us of this ever present ROCK we have available!
As I promised - in the Tyler paper yesterday, there was an article about one of the producers from the ABC show "Extreme Makeover." Kim Lewis, the former Kimberly Bandy, from Tyler, was interviewed and said, "Life can get so quick and fast-paced." She goes on to say "What the show reminds us is that we should step back and help those around us in need, because we can always help somebody. No matter how well off you are or aren't, you can always help somebody!" WHAT HAVE I BEEN TELLING YOU???? I also heard a story about Ty Pennington and how the show started. He had been wanting to do a Reality Show and was driving through the back woods of Alabama and went past this woman and her daughter standing outside the ugliest house he had ever seen with paint brushes in hand and he backed up - looked again - pulled away and went back again. Finally he stopped and the lady sent the girl inside and he asked her why they were trying to paint the ugliest place in the whole countryside. And the mother explained: "My daughter has cancer and we spend ever penny we can get our hands on for the treatments to try and keep her alive!" He knew at that moment what his show would be! I know you've heard they are coming to Tyler -- and if you have the real desire to help and have the time - maybe there is time to sign up!
Oh - this is a cooking blog isn't it? Well it seems I have a lot more to say about a lot of things than just cooking -- although I do love to cook - or create! Today coming home from Church, Maura, my seven-year-old niece asked me to make her some brownies WITHOUT NUTS -- so I made brownies this afternoon. I made them from a recipe I had gotten years ago from a friend, Ann Land. I split the recipe into two dishes - with and without(nuts that is!) She took the "withouts" home with her! I will share the recipe tomorrow - Rich but delicious!!! Today made me think of grilling and a delicous little meal that Travis prides himself on "creating!" Yeah!!
GRILLED CHICKEN WRAP
Prepare 1 package per person:
1 skinned chicken breast (seasoned with cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, minced garlic,, fresh rosemary, tarragon or seasoning of your choice -- JUST BE SURE AND SEASON!!!)
New Potatoes, sliced
Onion, sliced
Squash, sliced
Quarter of cabbage
OR any toher vegetable of your choice
(Sometimes ours just has onion, potatoes and squash and sometimes we add tomatoes -- Create and use what your family loves!)
Place some seasoning (salt, pepper, Penzey's Foxpoint would be good!) on veggies. Put chicken on a piece of foil, sprayed with cooking spray (large enough to seal over chicken and veggies) and place vegetables on top of chicken. Place 1 dot of butter on top of veggies. Tightly wrap foil and place on grill for about 30 to 45 minutes turning at least once. Open and enjoy a great meal.
Something else Travis does that is wonderful! Take a big Red Onion (or Noonday would be good too) peel off the outer skins, cut into quarters (not all the way through) and put a little cajun seasoning, salt and pepper on it, add a spot of butter, wrap in foil and cook on grill for about 20 minutes. Delicious with any food you are eating!!!
While we are grilling tonight -- I love to strip corn on the cob of its silks, soak the corn( still in shuck) in water for about 15 to 20 minutes, place on the grill and grill until tender. You can also take cleaned corn - out of shuck, butter real well and grill. NOTHING IS ANY BETTER!!!
Now I would not advise planning to do any of this grilling until Tuesday's "forcasted" weather is over!!!
Have a blessed and restful evening - and come back for more - God's Will - I will be here tomorrow!!!
Today our Education minister preached in place of our preacher who is in Washington DC with his daughter and a whole group of 8th graders! Charles did an excellent lesson from I and II Samuel - entitled "The Rock!" He so aptly pointed out that God is our Rock and whether we struggle with finances, loss of jobs, loss of a loved one, a struggling marriage, a rebellious child, sickness -- whatever - so many struggles we have -- God is our ROCK -- and through His Son - we have a ROCK that is there to hang onto and trust and that ROCK will either comfort, guide, direct, or help in whatever our struggle is! He will see us through! Thanks Charles for reminding us of this ever present ROCK we have available!
As I promised - in the Tyler paper yesterday, there was an article about one of the producers from the ABC show "Extreme Makeover." Kim Lewis, the former Kimberly Bandy, from Tyler, was interviewed and said, "Life can get so quick and fast-paced." She goes on to say "What the show reminds us is that we should step back and help those around us in need, because we can always help somebody. No matter how well off you are or aren't, you can always help somebody!" WHAT HAVE I BEEN TELLING YOU???? I also heard a story about Ty Pennington and how the show started. He had been wanting to do a Reality Show and was driving through the back woods of Alabama and went past this woman and her daughter standing outside the ugliest house he had ever seen with paint brushes in hand and he backed up - looked again - pulled away and went back again. Finally he stopped and the lady sent the girl inside and he asked her why they were trying to paint the ugliest place in the whole countryside. And the mother explained: "My daughter has cancer and we spend ever penny we can get our hands on for the treatments to try and keep her alive!" He knew at that moment what his show would be! I know you've heard they are coming to Tyler -- and if you have the real desire to help and have the time - maybe there is time to sign up!
Oh - this is a cooking blog isn't it? Well it seems I have a lot more to say about a lot of things than just cooking -- although I do love to cook - or create! Today coming home from Church, Maura, my seven-year-old niece asked me to make her some brownies WITHOUT NUTS -- so I made brownies this afternoon. I made them from a recipe I had gotten years ago from a friend, Ann Land. I split the recipe into two dishes - with and without(nuts that is!) She took the "withouts" home with her! I will share the recipe tomorrow - Rich but delicious!!! Today made me think of grilling and a delicous little meal that Travis prides himself on "creating!" Yeah!!
GRILLED CHICKEN WRAP
Prepare 1 package per person:
1 skinned chicken breast (seasoned with cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, minced garlic,, fresh rosemary, tarragon or seasoning of your choice -- JUST BE SURE AND SEASON!!!)
New Potatoes, sliced
Onion, sliced
Squash, sliced
Quarter of cabbage
OR any toher vegetable of your choice
(Sometimes ours just has onion, potatoes and squash and sometimes we add tomatoes -- Create and use what your family loves!)
Place some seasoning (salt, pepper, Penzey's Foxpoint would be good!) on veggies. Put chicken on a piece of foil, sprayed with cooking spray (large enough to seal over chicken and veggies) and place vegetables on top of chicken. Place 1 dot of butter on top of veggies. Tightly wrap foil and place on grill for about 30 to 45 minutes turning at least once. Open and enjoy a great meal.
Something else Travis does that is wonderful! Take a big Red Onion (or Noonday would be good too) peel off the outer skins, cut into quarters (not all the way through) and put a little cajun seasoning, salt and pepper on it, add a spot of butter, wrap in foil and cook on grill for about 20 minutes. Delicious with any food you are eating!!!
While we are grilling tonight -- I love to strip corn on the cob of its silks, soak the corn( still in shuck) in water for about 15 to 20 minutes, place on the grill and grill until tender. You can also take cleaned corn - out of shuck, butter real well and grill. NOTHING IS ANY BETTER!!!
Now I would not advise planning to do any of this grilling until Tuesday's "forcasted" weather is over!!!
Have a blessed and restful evening - and come back for more - God's Will - I will be here tomorrow!!!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
SATURDAY - ONE ADVENTURE AFTER ANOTHER
My, My - what a day! Started out at a little restaurant in Edom (Edom's Marketplace) for breakfast - only to find they working the little guy waiting on tables, cleaning table, etc., to death,-- and then to find out they were closing on the 28th. Sad - such a neat concept!!
I was so lucky and blessed to get to attend the 3rd annual Celebrity Cooking Event at the Woman's building. I cheated a little - threw a little makeup on (remember - I am not to wear makeup for a week because of eye surgery ) and away I went -- and IT WAS WONDERFUL.. A cooking class in Tyler, TX. My dream world! And STEPHEN PYLE was wonderful. Of course part of that may be because he was cooking "my kind of food!" - Southwest and all about chiles and the difference between Chiles and peppers! I loved it. He roasted some chiles and the aroma was wonderful. He was knowledgeable, friendly, funny, entertaining, and not to mention - extremely talented. I was seated at the back - partially hidden by a -pilar - and as he asked questions about cooking, peppers and chiles,and - other cooking questions and sadly he could not see my hand - indicating I knew the answer. I finally realized that and stopped trying but none the less the food he prepared was unbelievably good and I can't wait to go to the Stephen Pyle restaurant in Dallas!!
Today's Tyler paper had two articles that I just had to cut out and save to share with you! One was from Paul Powell - I respect that man so much - although he may have a different doctrine than me - I know we both believe in God and His Son and that our redemption comes from Him. This week's article talks about our expectations and how things often don't work out how we expected them to and we have disappointments, heartbreaks, and dreams are scattered. Then he pointed out that we need to "hang onto hope!" He reminds us that Meadowlark Lemon, the old Harlem Globetroter star said,"The most useless statistic in sports is the halftime score. More than one game has been won in the second half, in the last two minutes and even the last second." He goes on to point out "Our God is a God of second chances so DON'T GIVE UP!" "God is not through with you yet. The fact is God's not through with you even if you are through with Him. He's not through with you until you are through with you!" So keep trusting and believing. As Yogi said, "It ain't over until its over!" I just thought all of this was worth repeating and reminding each one of us -- God loves us and is just waiting for us to do better!!!
The other article - well I will share it with you tomorrow. You know if you pull up many cooking sites - they all have a contest going on - and I think about entering them - but I truly am very busy with work, cooking, studying, church, and cooking and housework!! And hey - THEY are kind of like being a guest on a local TV show -- you purchase all of your food, props, etc., and hurry and set up and then they rush you right though the presentation. The first one I did, I was making a Mango Salsa. Well - duh - to make Salsa - you have to run the food processor. Some brillient programer scheduled a "precious" cat as the "next act." So just as they take a break and I turn the processor on to finish the salsa, the cat goes crazy and eveyone acts like it is my fault! You pay a tremendous price - just to be on TV - but most of us think it is worth it! Tonight I am not going to give you a recipe - but an enouragment - find someone that needs a friend and be that friend. Today we read in the paper where one of the sweetest ladies we had ever know known died and it made us sad. She always took care of her husband and daughter. I just pray for them and have the confidence that God will take care of them. In the meantime - we all need to step forward with "sincere" offers to help. God Bless each of you - take care, and look for me tomorrow evening.
I was so lucky and blessed to get to attend the 3rd annual Celebrity Cooking Event at the Woman's building. I cheated a little - threw a little makeup on (remember - I am not to wear makeup for a week because of eye surgery ) and away I went -- and IT WAS WONDERFUL.. A cooking class in Tyler, TX. My dream world! And STEPHEN PYLE was wonderful. Of course part of that may be because he was cooking "my kind of food!" - Southwest and all about chiles and the difference between Chiles and peppers! I loved it. He roasted some chiles and the aroma was wonderful. He was knowledgeable, friendly, funny, entertaining, and not to mention - extremely talented. I was seated at the back - partially hidden by a -pilar - and as he asked questions about cooking, peppers and chiles,and - other cooking questions and sadly he could not see my hand - indicating I knew the answer. I finally realized that and stopped trying but none the less the food he prepared was unbelievably good and I can't wait to go to the Stephen Pyle restaurant in Dallas!!
Today's Tyler paper had two articles that I just had to cut out and save to share with you! One was from Paul Powell - I respect that man so much - although he may have a different doctrine than me - I know we both believe in God and His Son and that our redemption comes from Him. This week's article talks about our expectations and how things often don't work out how we expected them to and we have disappointments, heartbreaks, and dreams are scattered. Then he pointed out that we need to "hang onto hope!" He reminds us that Meadowlark Lemon, the old Harlem Globetroter star said,"The most useless statistic in sports is the halftime score. More than one game has been won in the second half, in the last two minutes and even the last second." He goes on to point out "Our God is a God of second chances so DON'T GIVE UP!" "God is not through with you yet. The fact is God's not through with you even if you are through with Him. He's not through with you until you are through with you!" So keep trusting and believing. As Yogi said, "It ain't over until its over!" I just thought all of this was worth repeating and reminding each one of us -- God loves us and is just waiting for us to do better!!!
The other article - well I will share it with you tomorrow. You know if you pull up many cooking sites - they all have a contest going on - and I think about entering them - but I truly am very busy with work, cooking, studying, church, and cooking and housework!! And hey - THEY are kind of like being a guest on a local TV show -- you purchase all of your food, props, etc., and hurry and set up and then they rush you right though the presentation. The first one I did, I was making a Mango Salsa. Well - duh - to make Salsa - you have to run the food processor. Some brillient programer scheduled a "precious" cat as the "next act." So just as they take a break and I turn the processor on to finish the salsa, the cat goes crazy and eveyone acts like it is my fault! You pay a tremendous price - just to be on TV - but most of us think it is worth it! Tonight I am not going to give you a recipe - but an enouragment - find someone that needs a friend and be that friend. Today we read in the paper where one of the sweetest ladies we had ever know known died and it made us sad. She always took care of her husband and daughter. I just pray for them and have the confidence that God will take care of them. In the meantime - we all need to step forward with "sincere" offers to help. God Bless each of you - take care, and look for me tomorrow evening.
Friday, February 19, 2010
SEEING GREAT ALREADY - CAN READ A COOKBOOK WITHOUT CHEATERS!
Here I am - as promised! Everything is going great -- today Dr. Wick said my eyesight was great for the day after surgery and I told him "Well, you did a good job then!" He kind of grinned -- he looks 19 but would have to be 30 plus to have accomplished all that he has! I can even read a cookbook without cheaters! I felt really bad about being away from work for two days because one of the other loan officers took sick and was out too. I know it caused a hardship on the other one - but Gay I know you did a great job and I thank you. I would have rescheduled but it was too late when I knew he was sick!
Be sure and vote on March 2 or during the early voting, which has already begun! Make sure you vote on Proposition #4 – AND please vote YES
The question is Yes or No: “The use of “God,” prayers, and The Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as permitted on government buildings and property.” I think that it is very important that Christians take the time to stand up and be heard - and I am so proud of Texas for having the foresight - and perhaps even guts to put it on the ballot!!! So just make the time and stand up for GOD!!!
How many of you look at a recipe and think "with some help - maybe this would be delicious?" I look at so many recipes that are so bland and common place and think "boring!" But I often take another look and think - wow - if you added this, that, and the other - it would be tasty! One of the things I recently did that to was Broccoli and Chicken Crepes. It just called for 2 cups chicken, 1 Box cooked (frozen) broccoli, and 1 cup cheese sauce. That was the filling for crepes. Too bland for me! I thought the concept was good - just needed help so I added 1 tsp. tarragon, 1 can sliced water chestnuts (drained), 1 small jar diced pimentos (drained), salt, pepper, and about 1/8th tsp. of cayenne pepper. To the crepe batter (Yes - I made my own), I added 1 tsp., Penzey's Foxpoint. The sauce was a Swiss cheese sauce I also made - by the recipe!! Everyone bragged on the dish - even my Mom -- I had cooked hers early and took them to her! All of this to say - when you look at a recipe - study it and think about what would make it better! In my first blog or two I talked about having a sense of adventure and use some creativity - so please try it!
I am excited - with one "naked eye" (Doctor's orders- no make-up near the eye for 1 week) I am going to the Celebrity Chef event at the Woman's Building - which is a cooking class - so I am sure I can learn lots -- if not - well, maybe - just maybe - I can teach him something!! Will let you know!!!
The other day Gay brought a dessert to the Bank that I tasted and for the taste could have eaten the pan -- but I did restrain myself!! It was
CHERRY JUBILEE. She graciously shared the recipe and it was her Mom's recipe!
Ingredients:
Crust:
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup sugar
1 stick butter (melted)
Filling:
1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (softened)
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla (Optional - I added this!)
Topping
1 Can Cherry Pie Filling
Crust: In a 9" round metal baking pan (Cake pan works perfect) sprayed with Pam; Mix together the crumbs and sugar until well blended. Pour in the melted butter, blend, and form the crust to the pan. Take care to press the crust evenly to the sides. The back side of a large spoon works great for this. Set aside.
Filling: Mix cream cheese and sugar together. Use beaters to make sure blended well. No lumps! Add eggs and vanilla - Mix on high speed for to minutes to whip the mixture. Pour into crust.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 27 minutes.
Topping: Wait until pie is completely cool (I put in refrigerator for about 30 minutes) and pour pie filling on top! CHILL before serving.
MY OWN NOTE: Travis doesn't really like Cherries so I used Peach Pie Filling and he loved it! The cherries do make a lot prettier Jubilee!!!
I listened to an interesting letter read by the late Paul Harvey on You Tube today. IT is called "Paul Harvey, A Letter From God" and made some very interesting remarks. Of course, we know God didn't write it -- but what it did was point out that God wants us to become more aware of Him and enjoy our relationship with him - and what he wants most is for us to Love One Another and be kind to one another! So let's all work on being kinder to one another - and finding someone we can help!!
Have a blessed evening - and God's Will - talk to you tomorrow night!!!
Be sure and vote on March 2 or during the early voting, which has already begun! Make sure you vote on Proposition #4 – AND please vote YES
The question is Yes or No: “The use of “God,” prayers, and The Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as permitted on government buildings and property.” I think that it is very important that Christians take the time to stand up and be heard - and I am so proud of Texas for having the foresight - and perhaps even guts to put it on the ballot!!! So just make the time and stand up for GOD!!!
How many of you look at a recipe and think "with some help - maybe this would be delicious?" I look at so many recipes that are so bland and common place and think "boring!" But I often take another look and think - wow - if you added this, that, and the other - it would be tasty! One of the things I recently did that to was Broccoli and Chicken Crepes. It just called for 2 cups chicken, 1 Box cooked (frozen) broccoli, and 1 cup cheese sauce. That was the filling for crepes. Too bland for me! I thought the concept was good - just needed help so I added 1 tsp. tarragon, 1 can sliced water chestnuts (drained), 1 small jar diced pimentos (drained), salt, pepper, and about 1/8th tsp. of cayenne pepper. To the crepe batter (Yes - I made my own), I added 1 tsp., Penzey's Foxpoint. The sauce was a Swiss cheese sauce I also made - by the recipe!! Everyone bragged on the dish - even my Mom -- I had cooked hers early and took them to her! All of this to say - when you look at a recipe - study it and think about what would make it better! In my first blog or two I talked about having a sense of adventure and use some creativity - so please try it!
I am excited - with one "naked eye" (Doctor's orders- no make-up near the eye for 1 week) I am going to the Celebrity Chef event at the Woman's Building - which is a cooking class - so I am sure I can learn lots -- if not - well, maybe - just maybe - I can teach him something!! Will let you know!!!
The other day Gay brought a dessert to the Bank that I tasted and for the taste could have eaten the pan -- but I did restrain myself!! It was
CHERRY JUBILEE. She graciously shared the recipe and it was her Mom's recipe!
Ingredients:
Crust:
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup sugar
1 stick butter (melted)
Filling:
1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (softened)
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla (Optional - I added this!)
Topping
1 Can Cherry Pie Filling
Crust: In a 9" round metal baking pan (Cake pan works perfect) sprayed with Pam; Mix together the crumbs and sugar until well blended. Pour in the melted butter, blend, and form the crust to the pan. Take care to press the crust evenly to the sides. The back side of a large spoon works great for this. Set aside.
Filling: Mix cream cheese and sugar together. Use beaters to make sure blended well. No lumps! Add eggs and vanilla - Mix on high speed for to minutes to whip the mixture. Pour into crust.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 27 minutes.
Topping: Wait until pie is completely cool (I put in refrigerator for about 30 minutes) and pour pie filling on top! CHILL before serving.
MY OWN NOTE: Travis doesn't really like Cherries so I used Peach Pie Filling and he loved it! The cherries do make a lot prettier Jubilee!!!
I listened to an interesting letter read by the late Paul Harvey on You Tube today. IT is called "Paul Harvey, A Letter From God" and made some very interesting remarks. Of course, we know God didn't write it -- but what it did was point out that God wants us to become more aware of Him and enjoy our relationship with him - and what he wants most is for us to Love One Another and be kind to one another! So let's all work on being kinder to one another - and finding someone we can help!!
Have a blessed evening - and God's Will - talk to you tomorrow night!!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK IS GONE - ALREADY SEVEN WEEKS INTO NEW YEAR
I just looked up at a calendar we have hanging in the office and it says: "Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing life is made up of little things!" A truer statement could not be made! You see people that "have made it big" and not taken care of the little things that make their life worthwhile. Look at OUR latest example - Tiger Woods - one of the most respected athletes in quite a while - but he didn't take care of the things that should have mattered most. Now he has lost the respect of so many, lost his wife and family, lost much of his income -- and what does he have now? This could happen to all of us if we don't value the truly important things in our life that matter!
Travis came home from his retreat with his job - sick! He either has a miagraine headache or the sinus infection has finally taken hold and is not letting go! I had thought my garbage and dog duty would be over this afternoon -- but he feels so bad I would never want him to take back over. Of course tomorrow after the cataract surgery I won't be suppose to lift anything over about 20 lbs -- and that sixty pounds of dogs can pull and jerk me over -- tonight Lexie (our little black girl) saw a bird and thought she could fly too and catch it. Then she saw a man running and thought that was her invitation to try and catch him! She is one bad little girl when outside.
Today was a very busy and interesting day. I had approved a loan for a lady I did not know and she had called on Friday when I was out with my Mom and what I was told was that she said she could not come in because of the weather. Then she called Tuesday and was mad because no one called her. To make matters worse - she went to the wrong branch today and was really mad because no one told her where I was. I decided to see if the advise I received from my Mom when I was in Jr. High would still work. Back then there was a teacher that no one liked or could get along with -- she just brought out the worst in all of us. I went home mad about something she had said or done every day. Probably some of the best advise I ever received was when my Mom said: "Carole, why don't you try being nice to her - it does not matter what she says or does - just be kind and nice." And I did -- and it was amazing how she responded -- I guess she was so use to no one being nice - she ate it up. Her husband was an alcoholic and she had a terrible home life and did not know what kindness was. We became friends and I really began to respect her and enjoy her class. Well - the lady today came in ranting and raving and I calmly told her how sorry I was and we started talking and now I know that dear lady's entire life history, how many kids she has, about the daughter that died at 32, the wedding she gave that daughter's daughter, her grandchildren (have even see their pictures!) She came in hating Southside and by the time she left she hated her bank and told me I had made her day. She went to the car and brought me a jar of homemade Cajun Salsa and strawberry jam. She has 40 acres and plants 350 tomato plants each year, grows all the peppers, tomatoes, etc. The Salsa is the best I've ever eaten! IT tastes like it was picked from the garden last night! She needed someone to care about her!
How many of you like Broccoli and Cheese Soup? How many think it must be hard to make? Well - guess again. It is super easy and super good.
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE SOUP
3 Cans Cream of Mushroom soup
3 Cans Lowfat Milk (measure in soup cans)
1 small jar Kraft jalapeno Cheez Whiz
2 - 10 o. pkg. chopped frozen broccoli
1 stick butter
1 small onion, chopped fine
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper* optional - but I sure put it in!!!
Saute onion in melted butter. Cook broccoli in microwave according to directions. Combine the onion, broccoli and other ingredients in medium saucepan. Simmer 30 minutes.
Travis loves my Homemade Banana Pudding - the one that I cook on the stove and he likes to eat while it is still warm. (I gave you the recipe in an earlier blog) but here is another one that is very easy - and very popular - the bowl is always cleaned out when I take it any place!
BANANA PUDDING SUPREME - given to me by Judy Boles Hamm
1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
4 bananas sliced
2 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand milk
2 cups milk (just plain milk)
1 - 5.1 oz. pkg. Instant vanilla pudding
1 Box Vanilla wafers
1- 8 oz. carton Cool Whip
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in Eagle Brand, milk, and pudding mix. Fold in 1/2 of the Cool Whip. Layer pudding, cookies, and bananas. Top with remaining Cool Whip. Chill. Enjoy!!!
I hope you try these and enjoy the raves I have had for both dishes! I also hope you have read some of Mark' blog "Tell Me A Story" - you can go to www.shilohroad.com and link to it there! Some of them are really thought provoking! I also hope you have a blessed evening and God's will - I will be back soon. (I may not can see tomorrow night but by Friday I should be fine!) So - take care - think of someone you can lift a burden for or help in some other way - they walk among us and we need to find a way to help!
Travis came home from his retreat with his job - sick! He either has a miagraine headache or the sinus infection has finally taken hold and is not letting go! I had thought my garbage and dog duty would be over this afternoon -- but he feels so bad I would never want him to take back over. Of course tomorrow after the cataract surgery I won't be suppose to lift anything over about 20 lbs -- and that sixty pounds of dogs can pull and jerk me over -- tonight Lexie (our little black girl) saw a bird and thought she could fly too and catch it. Then she saw a man running and thought that was her invitation to try and catch him! She is one bad little girl when outside.
Today was a very busy and interesting day. I had approved a loan for a lady I did not know and she had called on Friday when I was out with my Mom and what I was told was that she said she could not come in because of the weather. Then she called Tuesday and was mad because no one called her. To make matters worse - she went to the wrong branch today and was really mad because no one told her where I was. I decided to see if the advise I received from my Mom when I was in Jr. High would still work. Back then there was a teacher that no one liked or could get along with -- she just brought out the worst in all of us. I went home mad about something she had said or done every day. Probably some of the best advise I ever received was when my Mom said: "Carole, why don't you try being nice to her - it does not matter what she says or does - just be kind and nice." And I did -- and it was amazing how she responded -- I guess she was so use to no one being nice - she ate it up. Her husband was an alcoholic and she had a terrible home life and did not know what kindness was. We became friends and I really began to respect her and enjoy her class. Well - the lady today came in ranting and raving and I calmly told her how sorry I was and we started talking and now I know that dear lady's entire life history, how many kids she has, about the daughter that died at 32, the wedding she gave that daughter's daughter, her grandchildren (have even see their pictures!) She came in hating Southside and by the time she left she hated her bank and told me I had made her day. She went to the car and brought me a jar of homemade Cajun Salsa and strawberry jam. She has 40 acres and plants 350 tomato plants each year, grows all the peppers, tomatoes, etc. The Salsa is the best I've ever eaten! IT tastes like it was picked from the garden last night! She needed someone to care about her!
How many of you like Broccoli and Cheese Soup? How many think it must be hard to make? Well - guess again. It is super easy and super good.
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE SOUP
3 Cans Cream of Mushroom soup
3 Cans Lowfat Milk (measure in soup cans)
1 small jar Kraft jalapeno Cheez Whiz
2 - 10 o. pkg. chopped frozen broccoli
1 stick butter
1 small onion, chopped fine
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper* optional - but I sure put it in!!!
Saute onion in melted butter. Cook broccoli in microwave according to directions. Combine the onion, broccoli and other ingredients in medium saucepan. Simmer 30 minutes.
Travis loves my Homemade Banana Pudding - the one that I cook on the stove and he likes to eat while it is still warm. (I gave you the recipe in an earlier blog) but here is another one that is very easy - and very popular - the bowl is always cleaned out when I take it any place!
BANANA PUDDING SUPREME - given to me by Judy Boles Hamm
1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
4 bananas sliced
2 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand milk
2 cups milk (just plain milk)
1 - 5.1 oz. pkg. Instant vanilla pudding
1 Box Vanilla wafers
1- 8 oz. carton Cool Whip
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in Eagle Brand, milk, and pudding mix. Fold in 1/2 of the Cool Whip. Layer pudding, cookies, and bananas. Top with remaining Cool Whip. Chill. Enjoy!!!
I hope you try these and enjoy the raves I have had for both dishes! I also hope you have read some of Mark' blog "Tell Me A Story" - you can go to www.shilohroad.com and link to it there! Some of them are really thought provoking! I also hope you have a blessed evening and God's will - I will be back soon. (I may not can see tomorrow night but by Friday I should be fine!) So - take care - think of someone you can lift a burden for or help in some other way - they walk among us and we need to find a way to help!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
GOOD EATS WERE THE ORDER OF THE EVENING
Today was a long - hard day! Well - guess it was from about 4:30 a.m. until now and lots of hours of work to do! Tuesdays after a Monday off (and in my case - Friday off also) are especially hard! The paper had quite a shock in it today -- three of the obituaries in the paper today were people Travis and I went to school with. They were older - but not that much older - and one I even thought I liked for a while! I've not seen any of them in probably 20 to 30 years but it is still shocking and sad. It just shows us how fragile life is and how we must live each day as it is our last! You may say "How depressing" but not really if we think about Heaven and what we have waiting for us!
I cooked Michelle and me an awesome dinner tonight - (Travis would have wanted more variety - but it was SOOOOOO good!) I took a package of chicken thighs - skinned and trimmed all the fat off - washed good, put into a 9 x12 baking dish, then drizzled with olive oil and preceeded to season - first - lots of Penzey's black pepper, a little Penzey's salt, some Penzey's minced garlic; Penzey's Foxpoint; and Penzey's 4/S Spicy Season Salt. I poured a little white wine in the bottom of the dish and baked at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes. Oh my goodness - they were company worthy! I had baked all eight - we ate two each so Michelle has two for lunch and I told Mom I had her two - her response was: "Well if it has garlic - I don't want them!" I am just going to scrape the little pieces off and she will hopefully never know!
Those chicken thighs coupled with baked sweet potatoes were wonderful. Know how to bake "Sweet Potatoes" in a hurry?? Wash well - cut off the ends and anything that doesn't look good - cut an X in both ends, wet well and wrap in paper towel. Place in microwave for 10 to 15 minutes - until they are soft -- then take foil pieces, spray with cooking spray - add a little salt and place potatoes on foil and wrap. Place in pan and put in oven until chicken is done!! I melted a tad of butter (about 1 tsp.) and added a dash or two of cinnamon and drizzed on potatoes! Yummm- delicious and how could something be so good and -- healthy too? But it was!!!!
I promised something probably not so healthy tonight -- but most say it is so good - it doesn't matter. The other night I said there were as many coconut pie recipes as coconuts -- well there are probably more Chocolate Pie recipes than cocoa beans! But I would put this one at the top. I cannot take credit for it -- except to recognize its quality - the recipe was published in a church recipe book several years ago and I've used it ever since. Thanks Nadine for sharing:
CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE
1-1/4 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup all purpose flour
1/4 Cup cocoa
Dash of salt (about 1/8 tsp. for those who don't understand dash!)
4 Egg yolks
2 Cups Milk
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring (of course I use Mexican)
1 Baked 9 inch pastry shell (I used store brand in a box already rolled)
Meringue -- I always make my Mile High Meringue
In saucepan, combine first four ingredients. Set sugar mixture aside. Combine egg yolks and milk; stir into sugar mixture. Add butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. (Press plastic wrap over pie mixture until ready to pour in pan. --- REMEMBER -- press it down to touch the pudding.) Make meringue. Pour into pastry shell. Spread meringue over hot filling, sealing to the edge of pastry. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until meringue is golden brown - not burned - just golden!
Now surprise someone with this wonderful pie (so everyone says -- remember I just make them - I don't eat them -- because I don't eat sweets - especially chocolate!)
Three recipes in one night! Enjoy -- think about someone who needs a meal and make them this meal - including the pie. They will think you are wonderful and so will God. He wants us to do for others!!!!
God Bless each of you - have a good nights rest - hopefully you won't have to get up at 4:30 - and God's Will - more tomorrow night!
I cooked Michelle and me an awesome dinner tonight - (Travis would have wanted more variety - but it was SOOOOOO good!) I took a package of chicken thighs - skinned and trimmed all the fat off - washed good, put into a 9 x12 baking dish, then drizzled with olive oil and preceeded to season - first - lots of Penzey's black pepper, a little Penzey's salt, some Penzey's minced garlic; Penzey's Foxpoint; and Penzey's 4/S Spicy Season Salt. I poured a little white wine in the bottom of the dish and baked at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes. Oh my goodness - they were company worthy! I had baked all eight - we ate two each so Michelle has two for lunch and I told Mom I had her two - her response was: "Well if it has garlic - I don't want them!" I am just going to scrape the little pieces off and she will hopefully never know!
Those chicken thighs coupled with baked sweet potatoes were wonderful. Know how to bake "Sweet Potatoes" in a hurry?? Wash well - cut off the ends and anything that doesn't look good - cut an X in both ends, wet well and wrap in paper towel. Place in microwave for 10 to 15 minutes - until they are soft -- then take foil pieces, spray with cooking spray - add a little salt and place potatoes on foil and wrap. Place in pan and put in oven until chicken is done!! I melted a tad of butter (about 1 tsp.) and added a dash or two of cinnamon and drizzed on potatoes! Yummm- delicious and how could something be so good and -- healthy too? But it was!!!!
I promised something probably not so healthy tonight -- but most say it is so good - it doesn't matter. The other night I said there were as many coconut pie recipes as coconuts -- well there are probably more Chocolate Pie recipes than cocoa beans! But I would put this one at the top. I cannot take credit for it -- except to recognize its quality - the recipe was published in a church recipe book several years ago and I've used it ever since. Thanks Nadine for sharing:
CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE
1-1/4 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup all purpose flour
1/4 Cup cocoa
Dash of salt (about 1/8 tsp. for those who don't understand dash!)
4 Egg yolks
2 Cups Milk
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring (of course I use Mexican)
1 Baked 9 inch pastry shell (I used store brand in a box already rolled)
Meringue -- I always make my Mile High Meringue
In saucepan, combine first four ingredients. Set sugar mixture aside. Combine egg yolks and milk; stir into sugar mixture. Add butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. (Press plastic wrap over pie mixture until ready to pour in pan. --- REMEMBER -- press it down to touch the pudding.) Make meringue. Pour into pastry shell. Spread meringue over hot filling, sealing to the edge of pastry. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until meringue is golden brown - not burned - just golden!
Now surprise someone with this wonderful pie (so everyone says -- remember I just make them - I don't eat them -- because I don't eat sweets - especially chocolate!)
Three recipes in one night! Enjoy -- think about someone who needs a meal and make them this meal - including the pie. They will think you are wonderful and so will God. He wants us to do for others!!!!
God Bless each of you - have a good nights rest - hopefully you won't have to get up at 4:30 - and God's Will - more tomorrow night!
Monday, February 15, 2010
WHAT A DAY - PRESIDENT'S DAY -- USED TO BE GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY
Had the day off from the bank - but would have surely accomplished more there than here! It seems the day was long - but very unfruitful!! I did finally get some exchanges made and some of that wonderful Carmel Corn made for Michelle to take to work tomorrow -- BUT guess I could spend the rest of the week and not get everything done I wanted done today!! Wait - I did make my sister some enchiladas and gave her Chili to put over them! Sure hope they were as good as they smelled!! My Iphone is going off like crazy and I just posted on FB -- "could that guy possible be in love with three different women?" I forgot to mention I am talking about that cute little "creep"--- The Bachelor!!" I feel so bad - I did not get the "PILOT LIGHT" ready for tomorrow! Tons of excuses - but I've always overcome all of them until today. I went to work and there was some kind of security thing where I could get internet and everything else but the one drive to WORD - where I had all of the information stored. So ladies - if any of you are reading -- you will get your copy of the Pilot Light in the mail! I am so sorry - I feel like a complete failure!!
I have been thinking about the Words that were common place and used daily years ago and are now obsolete! ok - just a few "obsolete" words and phrases! Obsolete or old fashioned or "country" -- whatever - how many do you remember??
1) Glove Box - Under the dash - the place to store the Instruction book and other things to lock up - that is still where I put my insurance card!
2) Trunk - the back of the car where you could put luggage - and groceries!
3) Washing Powder - (used this the other day and was told "You must have grown up in the country!" - the Laundry detergent that goes in the "washing machine!"
4) Ice Box - The "refrigerator!"
5) Davenport - "the sofa"
6) Arithmetic - "Math" - "Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, Talk to the tune of the hickory stick!" BET KIDS DON'T HEAR THAT, DO THEY??
7) Trousers - men's pants
8) Slacks - ditto - men's pants
9) Rain bonnet - these are so obsolete - I don't know what to call it - an unberella - I suppose!!
10) Tarnation - a "curse" word
11) Dagnastic - an even worse "curse" word
12) Root cellar - a place to store vegetables
13) Dish rag -- that is what we used to wash dishes with and dry dishes with -- whoever heard of a "dish cloth?"
I know there are tons more - but that gives you the idea of how things change. The ONE that never changes is God and His Word - what He said years and years ago - still stands! Man may change -0ur vocabulary may change - but God never changes and his expectations of us and his commands to us - stand firm! We can read the Bible and know what pleases Him and how we are to live. So Read -- Read -- Read!!!
It was amazing the feedback I had regarding the meal we did last Wednesday night and one of the most often mentioned things was the salad - so tonight I am going to pre-empt the Chocolate Pie and give you the salad recipe -- Just hold on for tomorrow and the best Chocolate Pie ever!!
Mitzi's Green Salad (named for a dear, dear friend who shared this with me!)
INGREDIENTS:
Fresh leaf lettuce
Red Onion
1/4 Cup butter
1 Pkg. Ramen Noodles - uncooked and crunched (discard the seasoning pkg)
Feta Cheese
1 Cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
Melt the butter, and add the walnuts and Ramen noodles. Slowly brown over low heat. Let drain on paper towels.
DRESSING:
Combine the following:
1 cup Canola Oil
1 cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
2 Tablespoobs Light Soy Sauce
Large ground pepper to taste
Blend all together and refrigerate -- you won't need it all - but don't worry - it keeps a long time!
Just before serving mix nut and noodle mixture with lettuce and onion. Mix and toss well. Add approximately 1 Cup dressing. Sprinkle with feta cheese!!
Enjoy!!
Did I tell you Travis left town for 3 nights (with his job) so I have dog duty, food duty, garbage and recycle duty - plus getting Michelle and I to -work on time and trying to get her home too! I know he does it every day - well - the dog, garbage and recycle) but I don't remember him ever putting make-up on himself or Michelle or doing her hair -- but I trust those who plan these trips will someday be left to do all that I must do alone for the next few days! I will be up at about 4 a.m. to take the dogs out and - oh my goodness - it is 10:30 and they must go out for the evening! Got to go!! Have a blessed evening and please pray for me -- I need a good spirit - and strength too!
I have been thinking about the Words that were common place and used daily years ago and are now obsolete! ok - just a few "obsolete" words and phrases! Obsolete or old fashioned or "country" -- whatever - how many do you remember??
1) Glove Box - Under the dash - the place to store the Instruction book and other things to lock up - that is still where I put my insurance card!
2) Trunk - the back of the car where you could put luggage - and groceries!
3) Washing Powder - (used this the other day and was told "You must have grown up in the country!" - the Laundry detergent that goes in the "washing machine!"
4) Ice Box - The "refrigerator!"
5) Davenport - "the sofa"
6) Arithmetic - "Math" - "Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, Talk to the tune of the hickory stick!" BET KIDS DON'T HEAR THAT, DO THEY??
7) Trousers - men's pants
8) Slacks - ditto - men's pants
9) Rain bonnet - these are so obsolete - I don't know what to call it - an unberella - I suppose!!
10) Tarnation - a "curse" word
11) Dagnastic - an even worse "curse" word
12) Root cellar - a place to store vegetables
13) Dish rag -- that is what we used to wash dishes with and dry dishes with -- whoever heard of a "dish cloth?"
I know there are tons more - but that gives you the idea of how things change. The ONE that never changes is God and His Word - what He said years and years ago - still stands! Man may change -0ur vocabulary may change - but God never changes and his expectations of us and his commands to us - stand firm! We can read the Bible and know what pleases Him and how we are to live. So Read -- Read -- Read!!!
It was amazing the feedback I had regarding the meal we did last Wednesday night and one of the most often mentioned things was the salad - so tonight I am going to pre-empt the Chocolate Pie and give you the salad recipe -- Just hold on for tomorrow and the best Chocolate Pie ever!!
Mitzi's Green Salad (named for a dear, dear friend who shared this with me!)
INGREDIENTS:
Fresh leaf lettuce
Red Onion
1/4 Cup butter
1 Pkg. Ramen Noodles - uncooked and crunched (discard the seasoning pkg)
Feta Cheese
1 Cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
Melt the butter, and add the walnuts and Ramen noodles. Slowly brown over low heat. Let drain on paper towels.
DRESSING:
Combine the following:
1 cup Canola Oil
1 cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
2 Tablespoobs Light Soy Sauce
Large ground pepper to taste
Blend all together and refrigerate -- you won't need it all - but don't worry - it keeps a long time!
Just before serving mix nut and noodle mixture with lettuce and onion. Mix and toss well. Add approximately 1 Cup dressing. Sprinkle with feta cheese!!
Enjoy!!
Did I tell you Travis left town for 3 nights (with his job) so I have dog duty, food duty, garbage and recycle duty - plus getting Michelle and I to -work on time and trying to get her home too! I know he does it every day - well - the dog, garbage and recycle) but I don't remember him ever putting make-up on himself or Michelle or doing her hair -- but I trust those who plan these trips will someday be left to do all that I must do alone for the next few days! I will be up at about 4 a.m. to take the dogs out and - oh my goodness - it is 10:30 and they must go out for the evening! Got to go!! Have a blessed evening and please pray for me -- I need a good spirit - and strength too!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A BIRTHDAY WORTH REMEMBERING
What a blessed day - I woke up with a Birthday kiss - no - not Travis - but Lexie - my little black girl - the four legged one!!! We were on our way to Dallas - all bathed, shampooed, and made up by 8:30 this morning. The closer we got to Dallas - the whiter and brighter it got! It was still beautiful there - still like a winter wonderland! We had great food - Mexican at Desparado's - one of my favorite places! Then Travis and Michelle bought me some really pretty clothes and jewelry! Then we went to my very favorite store in Dallas - Penzey's -- where I bought spices for two of my friends, my sister and myself. We even posed for pictures!! I am one lucky lady!! Then best of all - we made it home safely!! God is so good!!!
I read Lee Vickery's article in the Wednesday cooking section about "What is Love!" I've posted that on my wall and will see if I get any response. If I do - I will share tomorrow! My list includes:
God is Love!! Love is giving up something special for someone else! Love is going out in the cold and filling up your car with gasoline! Love is putting drops in your love's eyes because she can't hit the eye! Love is saying you are sorry over and over if necessary! Love is saying thank you for the smallest things! Love is a sloppy stolen kiss from your favorite four-legged pet! Love is being greeted with barks and wags. Love is reaching over and grabbing someone's hand - just because! Love is a smile exchanged. Love is thinking of the same place to eat at the same time. Love is a home cooked meal cooked special just for the one you love! Love is taking you out to eat when you are too tired to cook! Love is wanting what you want first! I could go on - but I want to know what you think love is!!!!
I am not going to talk about beans tonight -- I don't think that would be appropriate - being valentines and all. I did see a valentine card for a husband and it showed 4 feet entwined and it say: "Sometimes I lay next to you and think how lucky I am and how much I love you" -- (open the card) and it says: "And sometimes I lay there and think: "I am never going to cook beans again!" Just had to share that since I've been talking about the healthy benefits of beans!
I wish there was a big posted list or a billboard of people and things that we each could go to and choose something to do or someone to help! But I think God expects us to find our own way of helping someone or doing a good deed! Let's all make sure we do this!!!
Ok - gals and guys -- it is time to reach another level of cooking! Tonight I have a valentine dish for the one you love!! It is ROAST TENDERLOIN DIANE
1/4 Cup dry white wine
1/4 cup brandy
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. snipped chives
1-12/ tsp. sat
1 Tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (definitely Penzey's)
1 (2 lb.) Beef tenderloin
2 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp. butter
Combine wine, brandy, lemon juice, chives, Worcestershire, and pepper. Place meat in plastic bag; set in loaf pan. Pour marinade over meat and zip the bag closed. Let stand no longer than 2 hours at room temperature or overnight in refrigerator, occasionally pressing bag against meat to distribute the marinade. Pat meat dry with paper towel. Place tenderloin on rack in shallow roasting pan. Bake at 425 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes, basting meat occasionally with about half of the marinade. In small saucepan, heat the remaining marinade, the water and butter until mixture bubbles. Slice meat and arrange on platter. Spoon sauce over meat. Serves 6! (NOW DON'T WORRY - THE ALCOHOL COOKS OUT AND JUST LEAVES A GREAT FLAVOR!) Serve with roasted potatoes (or baked) and a delicious salad.(Don't forget to season your salad bowl!!) ENJOY -- AND WATCH HIS EYES LIGHT UP!!!
Have a great evening and a very Happy Valentines day tomorrow!!!!God's will I will be back with more tomorrow!!!
I read Lee Vickery's article in the Wednesday cooking section about "What is Love!" I've posted that on my wall and will see if I get any response. If I do - I will share tomorrow! My list includes:
God is Love!! Love is giving up something special for someone else! Love is going out in the cold and filling up your car with gasoline! Love is putting drops in your love's eyes because she can't hit the eye! Love is saying you are sorry over and over if necessary! Love is saying thank you for the smallest things! Love is a sloppy stolen kiss from your favorite four-legged pet! Love is being greeted with barks and wags. Love is reaching over and grabbing someone's hand - just because! Love is a smile exchanged. Love is thinking of the same place to eat at the same time. Love is a home cooked meal cooked special just for the one you love! Love is taking you out to eat when you are too tired to cook! Love is wanting what you want first! I could go on - but I want to know what you think love is!!!!
I am not going to talk about beans tonight -- I don't think that would be appropriate - being valentines and all. I did see a valentine card for a husband and it showed 4 feet entwined and it say: "Sometimes I lay next to you and think how lucky I am and how much I love you" -- (open the card) and it says: "And sometimes I lay there and think: "I am never going to cook beans again!" Just had to share that since I've been talking about the healthy benefits of beans!
I wish there was a big posted list or a billboard of people and things that we each could go to and choose something to do or someone to help! But I think God expects us to find our own way of helping someone or doing a good deed! Let's all make sure we do this!!!
Ok - gals and guys -- it is time to reach another level of cooking! Tonight I have a valentine dish for the one you love!! It is ROAST TENDERLOIN DIANE
1/4 Cup dry white wine
1/4 cup brandy
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. snipped chives
1-12/ tsp. sat
1 Tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (definitely Penzey's)
1 (2 lb.) Beef tenderloin
2 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp. butter
Combine wine, brandy, lemon juice, chives, Worcestershire, and pepper. Place meat in plastic bag; set in loaf pan. Pour marinade over meat and zip the bag closed. Let stand no longer than 2 hours at room temperature or overnight in refrigerator, occasionally pressing bag against meat to distribute the marinade. Pat meat dry with paper towel. Place tenderloin on rack in shallow roasting pan. Bake at 425 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes, basting meat occasionally with about half of the marinade. In small saucepan, heat the remaining marinade, the water and butter until mixture bubbles. Slice meat and arrange on platter. Spoon sauce over meat. Serves 6! (NOW DON'T WORRY - THE ALCOHOL COOKS OUT AND JUST LEAVES A GREAT FLAVOR!) Serve with roasted potatoes (or baked) and a delicious salad.(Don't forget to season your salad bowl!!) ENJOY -- AND WATCH HIS EYES LIGHT UP!!!
Have a great evening and a very Happy Valentines day tomorrow!!!!God's will I will be back with more tomorrow!!!
Friday, February 12, 2010
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY - AND GOD'S BLESSINGS ABOUND!!!
It is Thursday night! Have you looked outside? God's glory surrounds us! I just wanted to get in the car and drive and drive and drive. This reminds me of a time when Travis was in the Army and it had been my dad's birthday and Travis waited until it was too bad to travel safely but he had to back in Fort Hood by the next morning so he left. Left determined - but also left a very scared and worried young wife. We did not have cell phones back then so all we could do was trust he could make it. He tells us now that he jumped curbs, slid around corners, and doesn't to this day know how he made it back - except for the Grace of God. God is good!!
THIS WAS ALL WRITTEN THURSDAY EVENING AND I WAS TOO TIRED TO FINISH. NOW IT IS FRIDAY EVENING AND I WILL CONTINUE!
I know I have said: "WHAT A DAY" often - but today was truly one of those. My Mom,(remember 92) had a pacemaker "installed" today and everything went wonderfully well. They told her she is in great health -nothing else wrong - and I think that at 92 she might think something should be wrong -- but we are so thankful for her and acknowledge completely how blessed we are!! Thanks for the prayers too!!
Today at the hospital I saw a lady from church - she walked in and offered to help with my Mom and I recognized her and said "You'd better take good care of her." She was so sweet and said she wished she had known we were going to be there today. Of course I did not know where she worked but she is so precious and was so sweet to Mom. I was so proud to tell my Mom and sister that we go to church with her! Thanks Deanne!!!
I left off on Wednesday talking about beans and how healthy they are - great fiber, protein and filler. Let's talk about fiber tonight! According to studies the average American consumes only about 15 grams daily - definitely to the detriment of both our hearts and our waistlines. According to Dr. Ralph Clinque, one cup of cooked beans (or two thirds of a can -- Canned are ok - just don't seem as healthy) provide 12 grams of fiber -- not quite half the recommended daily amount needed (21 to 25 grams) per day for women and 30 to 38 grams for men. The difference in fiber content means that meat is digested fairly quickly, whereas beans are digested slowly, keeping you satisfied longer. Besides beans are low in sugar, which prevents insulin in the bloodstream from spiking and causing hunger! I know I have eaten some things and not long after - I am starving! Other times I can go for hours and hours without feeling hunger!! Hmmmm- guess there is something to this Fiber thing!! Eat some beans -- and here is a wonderful, old recipe we have had for years!! Arizona Beans - from a deceased Aunt from - where - well Arizona, of course!!!
1 Small pkg. dried pinto beans
1 onion, chopped
2 -3 cloves garlic - pressed or minced
2 to 3 tablespoons Tony Chesario - (can't spell it) or any good Cajun seasoning that is hot and spicy!)
Salt and pepper
1 or two whole jalapenos
Soak beans overnight, rinse and put on to boil with onion, jalapeno peppers, and garlic. (you can add meat but I don't because of FAT). Cook until begin to be fork tender and then add spices, salt and pepper to taste. At this point I like to take out whole jalapeno peppers (I once heard they absorb the gas) and add a chopped up one - or two. Continue to cook until tender like you like it -- and enjoy some great - hot beans!! Add this to my homemade (with Jiffy) cornbread (have you tried adding the vanilla yet? Believe me - it is good!!!! Anyway - together you already have a great meal!! WELL after this - you certainly deserve something sweet! How about a sweetheart of a cake - often made this time of the year -- no not especially for valentines - but for my birthday!! Tonight I got an email requesting this recipe and I was very, very honored because she is such an excellent cook too! THanks Charisse for the compliment!!!
STRAWBERRY JELLO CAKE
1 Pkg. Duncan Hines White Cake mix
1 small package strawberry jello
1/2 small carton frozen strawberries (reserve other half for icing!)
1/2 cup water
4 eggs
3/4 cup Canola oil
2 tsp. Vanilla flavoring
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 13 X 9 pan.
Mix cake mix, strawberries, jello, water, eggs, oil and vanilla. Beat about 2 minutes at medium speed.
Pour into greased and floured pan. Bake for about 40 minutes - Test to be sure it is done. Allow to cool,.
Icing:
3/4 stick of butter, softened
1/2 carton strawberries
1 Box (or about 4 cups) powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
Mix all together until well blended. May add 1 Tablespoon milk for smoother consistency if needed. (I didn't have milk and used sour cream and it made a wonderful icing!!!!)
Spread on cake - and ENJOY!!
Now after that you need something sweet.
Hope this makes up for nothing last night! Have a blessed night and a wondeful and beautiful tomorrow! Trust in the Lord Always.
THIS WAS ALL WRITTEN THURSDAY EVENING AND I WAS TOO TIRED TO FINISH. NOW IT IS FRIDAY EVENING AND I WILL CONTINUE!
I know I have said: "WHAT A DAY" often - but today was truly one of those. My Mom,(remember 92) had a pacemaker "installed" today and everything went wonderfully well. They told her she is in great health -nothing else wrong - and I think that at 92 she might think something should be wrong -- but we are so thankful for her and acknowledge completely how blessed we are!! Thanks for the prayers too!!
Today at the hospital I saw a lady from church - she walked in and offered to help with my Mom and I recognized her and said "You'd better take good care of her." She was so sweet and said she wished she had known we were going to be there today. Of course I did not know where she worked but she is so precious and was so sweet to Mom. I was so proud to tell my Mom and sister that we go to church with her! Thanks Deanne!!!
I left off on Wednesday talking about beans and how healthy they are - great fiber, protein and filler. Let's talk about fiber tonight! According to studies the average American consumes only about 15 grams daily - definitely to the detriment of both our hearts and our waistlines. According to Dr. Ralph Clinque, one cup of cooked beans (or two thirds of a can -- Canned are ok - just don't seem as healthy) provide 12 grams of fiber -- not quite half the recommended daily amount needed (21 to 25 grams) per day for women and 30 to 38 grams for men. The difference in fiber content means that meat is digested fairly quickly, whereas beans are digested slowly, keeping you satisfied longer. Besides beans are low in sugar, which prevents insulin in the bloodstream from spiking and causing hunger! I know I have eaten some things and not long after - I am starving! Other times I can go for hours and hours without feeling hunger!! Hmmmm- guess there is something to this Fiber thing!! Eat some beans -- and here is a wonderful, old recipe we have had for years!! Arizona Beans - from a deceased Aunt from - where - well Arizona, of course!!!
1 Small pkg. dried pinto beans
1 onion, chopped
2 -3 cloves garlic - pressed or minced
2 to 3 tablespoons Tony Chesario - (can't spell it) or any good Cajun seasoning that is hot and spicy!)
Salt and pepper
1 or two whole jalapenos
Soak beans overnight, rinse and put on to boil with onion, jalapeno peppers, and garlic. (you can add meat but I don't because of FAT). Cook until begin to be fork tender and then add spices, salt and pepper to taste. At this point I like to take out whole jalapeno peppers (I once heard they absorb the gas) and add a chopped up one - or two. Continue to cook until tender like you like it -- and enjoy some great - hot beans!! Add this to my homemade (with Jiffy) cornbread (have you tried adding the vanilla yet? Believe me - it is good!!!! Anyway - together you already have a great meal!! WELL after this - you certainly deserve something sweet! How about a sweetheart of a cake - often made this time of the year -- no not especially for valentines - but for my birthday!! Tonight I got an email requesting this recipe and I was very, very honored because she is such an excellent cook too! THanks Charisse for the compliment!!!
STRAWBERRY JELLO CAKE
1 Pkg. Duncan Hines White Cake mix
1 small package strawberry jello
1/2 small carton frozen strawberries (reserve other half for icing!)
1/2 cup water
4 eggs
3/4 cup Canola oil
2 tsp. Vanilla flavoring
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 13 X 9 pan.
Mix cake mix, strawberries, jello, water, eggs, oil and vanilla. Beat about 2 minutes at medium speed.
Pour into greased and floured pan. Bake for about 40 minutes - Test to be sure it is done. Allow to cool,.
Icing:
3/4 stick of butter, softened
1/2 carton strawberries
1 Box (or about 4 cups) powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
Mix all together until well blended. May add 1 Tablespoon milk for smoother consistency if needed. (I didn't have milk and used sour cream and it made a wonderful icing!!!!)
Spread on cake - and ENJOY!!
Now after that you need something sweet.
Hope this makes up for nothing last night! Have a blessed night and a wondeful and beautiful tomorrow! Trust in the Lord Always.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
ANOTHER SUCCESS - THANKS TO SOME GREAT HELPERS AND GOD'S GRACE
Wow - I think it was a winner -- the meal I planned and prepared tonight was awesome. Where could you get a meal of perfectly cooked prime rib type roast, large baked potato with all the trimmings, salad, rolls and choice of Strawberry cake or Red Velet cake for only $4.00? Thanks to those that looked me up and said they enjoyed it -- they are the ones that keep me going and make me thankful that I can share my love of cooking with them! Of course - credit is also due to Gwynn and Sue who took home a huge roast, seasoned it and cooked it all night - as I did. It is interesting how we each used our own creation and seasonings and the meat all tasted wonderful - and you could not distinguish one from the other!! Thanks ladies for a great job!!! Also - a special thanks to Pam and Harry - newcomers to Shiloh for coming and working diligently to make sure everything was as I wanted and did an outstanding job of helping clean up! Great team players and I am grateful to have them! Another thanks to Ruth - her artistic ability always shines brightest when she only has a few vases and flowers to work with. Great job on the tables!! Always a thanks to Travis and Michelle -- I am nothing without them! They are the "wind beneath my wings!" I sometimes (for an instant) get my feelings hurt when I hear someone throw a general "thank you guys" toward the kitchen - when I have worked my heart and soul out on every detail - or they shower all the praise on - say Travis -- but I have thought about that and rudely reminded myself of the scripture that says "Do all things in secret" -- and to slightly paraphrase -- or "if you tell it - you have your reward!" So humility Jon Carole - humility!
I promised information about beans! They are such protein enriched superfoods! They are much more than a meat substitute - the latest dietary guidelines recommend we triple our current intake to 3 cups a week! DO YOU GET YOURS? Beans are comparable to meat when it comes to protein, yet they really shine in terms of fiber and water content, two ingredients that make you feel fuller, faster. Adding beans to your diet help you cut calories without feeling deprived - plus many other health benefits!
I will give you more information tomorrow on the absolute need for beans and how they can help you loose weight, remain healthy and enjoy. So you say they make me feel bloated -- you know the old saying: "beans are the musical fruit - the more you eat, the more you -----! Don't think I will finish that little poem! But not so - if you eat just a few - for instance - if you are making a soup - or even a casserole - throw in a cup of beans -- make whatever you are cooking - healthier - with beans!!
Try this recipe - and I do have more for you!!
CRANBERRY BAKED BEANS
1 -16 oz. can cranberry sauce,jellied
1 - 8 oz. can tomato sauce
2-31 oz. cans pork and beans, undrained
1 Tablespoon prepared mustard (what you have in the frig!}
1/2 Cup onion, chopped
6 slices bacon, halved
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
In a large bowl, combine cranberry sauce, tomato sauce, beans, mustard, and onion. (I would add some garlic - for sure). Place in a greased 13x8x2 baking dish. Lay bacon on top and then sprinkle with brown sugar.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Makes 12 to 16 servings.
Another interesting recipe: ROASTED GREEN BEANS
20 oz. fresh green beans
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss green beans with olive oil and sea salt. Spread out in a single layer on a flat pan (such as cookie sheet). Roast 10 minutes. Turn green beans over and roast another 10 minutes or until green beans are browned or just crispy!
That is the recipe and now my version: Add some garlic and a dash of cayenne pepper! I also do asparagus that way -- and it is WONDERFUL!!!
Ok - you have it for tonight! It has been a God "blessed day" and I thank everyone of you for being in it -- Stay tuned - if it is God's Will - more great info about beans and their benefits to our health and diet and more great "bean" recipes!
I promised information about beans! They are such protein enriched superfoods! They are much more than a meat substitute - the latest dietary guidelines recommend we triple our current intake to 3 cups a week! DO YOU GET YOURS? Beans are comparable to meat when it comes to protein, yet they really shine in terms of fiber and water content, two ingredients that make you feel fuller, faster. Adding beans to your diet help you cut calories without feeling deprived - plus many other health benefits!
I will give you more information tomorrow on the absolute need for beans and how they can help you loose weight, remain healthy and enjoy. So you say they make me feel bloated -- you know the old saying: "beans are the musical fruit - the more you eat, the more you -----! Don't think I will finish that little poem! But not so - if you eat just a few - for instance - if you are making a soup - or even a casserole - throw in a cup of beans -- make whatever you are cooking - healthier - with beans!!
Try this recipe - and I do have more for you!!
CRANBERRY BAKED BEANS
1 -16 oz. can cranberry sauce,jellied
1 - 8 oz. can tomato sauce
2-31 oz. cans pork and beans, undrained
1 Tablespoon prepared mustard (what you have in the frig!}
1/2 Cup onion, chopped
6 slices bacon, halved
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
In a large bowl, combine cranberry sauce, tomato sauce, beans, mustard, and onion. (I would add some garlic - for sure). Place in a greased 13x8x2 baking dish. Lay bacon on top and then sprinkle with brown sugar.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Makes 12 to 16 servings.
Another interesting recipe: ROASTED GREEN BEANS
20 oz. fresh green beans
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss green beans with olive oil and sea salt. Spread out in a single layer on a flat pan (such as cookie sheet). Roast 10 minutes. Turn green beans over and roast another 10 minutes or until green beans are browned or just crispy!
That is the recipe and now my version: Add some garlic and a dash of cayenne pepper! I also do asparagus that way -- and it is WONDERFUL!!!
Ok - you have it for tonight! It has been a God "blessed day" and I thank everyone of you for being in it -- Stay tuned - if it is God's Will - more great info about beans and their benefits to our health and diet and more great "bean" recipes!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
A DELICIOUS MEAL - THANKS TO FRIENDS
Wow - it is late and I am tired. I stayed about 3 hours at the church working and preparing for tomorrow night's meal - and unless a castastrophe takes place - the meal should be good. We got the potatoes washed, seasoned, wrapped and ready to bake. The cakes are baked and ready to ice - the meat is tucked in our ovens - Sue's, Gwynn's and mine - dressing for salad is made, the nuts and noodles are toasted -- so hopefully we will be ready when Mr. Lee shows up at 5:30. None of this preparation or the ability to be ready would be possible if it wasn't for wonderful people like Ruth - it was such a treasure getting to work with her again (we used to have such fun doing hot dogs, treats, planning parties and retreats, and counseling our teens (sometimes not so fun) from Omen Road -- we were a good team and we still are!!!), Travis, Gwynn and Michelle. Thanks ya'll.
Did you get the opportunity to read Mark's blog today about a boy named Addie - it was so good! If you are not following this blog -- it is definitely worth a couple of minutes a day -- it is kind of my "devotional for the day!" It can be found at http://mark-edge-tellmeastory.blogspot.com - and it is worth the time!! Now - Mark - you can pay me next week! No - I am serious - read it - you will like it and gain some wonderful insight into how we should live!
Being with Ruth tonight made me think about friendship and no matter how much time passes - the time passes away so fast when you are with a real friend - and it is like it was only yesterday you were working and planning the "next event" with them! I hope you have a friend like that -- there is nothing better on this earth- unless it is the promise of being with our Lord in Heaven!! You know - we all have a friend like that - if we will only take the time to call on Him!!!
I am going to start telling you about some healthy foods - some facts and recipes -- but tonight I want to tell you and "my dear sister Alice, "HOW TO SEASON A SALAD BOWL"
First thing you should know -- is "YOU SHOULD HAVE A WOODEN BOWL" - but you know what - I was at the church tonight and for as much salad as I was preparing -- there were only these great big plastic tubs! I treated them as if I had the most expensive wooden bowl ever purchased - so season whatever bowl you are using! Pour enough good Olive Oil in the bowl -- probably for a normal size bowl - about 2 tablespoons full, then add to the olive oil - 2 or 3 cloves of garlic - pressed are best, about 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, several dashes of Penzey's Fresh ground black pepper (the only kind I think is worth the money), rub into the bowl and then add lettuce and other ingredients and toss well. You can still use a dressing but this just gives the salad a delicious "gourmet touch!"
Stay tuned for "beans" -- the benefits and recipes to try!!! Now have a blessed night's sleep (no leg cramps I pray) and God's will - I will survive tomorrow night and talk with you again.
Oh - Please pray for my Mom - remember 92 - she is having a pacemaker "installed" Friday and although it is a simple procedure - she is 92!! Thanks!!!
Did you get the opportunity to read Mark's blog today about a boy named Addie - it was so good! If you are not following this blog -- it is definitely worth a couple of minutes a day -- it is kind of my "devotional for the day!" It can be found at http://mark-edge-tellmeastory.blogspot.com - and it is worth the time!! Now - Mark - you can pay me next week! No - I am serious - read it - you will like it and gain some wonderful insight into how we should live!
Being with Ruth tonight made me think about friendship and no matter how much time passes - the time passes away so fast when you are with a real friend - and it is like it was only yesterday you were working and planning the "next event" with them! I hope you have a friend like that -- there is nothing better on this earth- unless it is the promise of being with our Lord in Heaven!! You know - we all have a friend like that - if we will only take the time to call on Him!!!
I am going to start telling you about some healthy foods - some facts and recipes -- but tonight I want to tell you and "my dear sister Alice, "HOW TO SEASON A SALAD BOWL"
First thing you should know -- is "YOU SHOULD HAVE A WOODEN BOWL" - but you know what - I was at the church tonight and for as much salad as I was preparing -- there were only these great big plastic tubs! I treated them as if I had the most expensive wooden bowl ever purchased - so season whatever bowl you are using! Pour enough good Olive Oil in the bowl -- probably for a normal size bowl - about 2 tablespoons full, then add to the olive oil - 2 or 3 cloves of garlic - pressed are best, about 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, several dashes of Penzey's Fresh ground black pepper (the only kind I think is worth the money), rub into the bowl and then add lettuce and other ingredients and toss well. You can still use a dressing but this just gives the salad a delicious "gourmet touch!"
Stay tuned for "beans" -- the benefits and recipes to try!!! Now have a blessed night's sleep (no leg cramps I pray) and God's will - I will survive tomorrow night and talk with you again.
Oh - Please pray for my Mom - remember 92 - she is having a pacemaker "installed" Friday and although it is a simple procedure - she is 92!! Thanks!!!
Monday, February 8, 2010
EVER FELT SO LOST - I DID - NOT GETTING TO POST LAST NIGHT
Wow - thank goodness - I am back on. Tonight I discovered when T was trying to log me on to the internet = he was signed in as himself - not as me - and of course - nothing is set up for him -- so a night wasted and I so missed visiting with you! My head has been full of things I wanted to tell you!!! Yesterday our preacher's lesson was about "Being Gracious for God During Triumph" - and he had some wonderful examples of real life people who gave back their wealth because they realized how blessed they had been, i.e., Paul Newman, Andrew Carnegie, and then he provided visual examples of what successes we could be, and possed the question: "would we use that success to help others!" Man - what an impact! Maybe we are not Paul Newman or Andrew Carnegie - but are we a salesman, a doctor, a business man, an attorney, a carpenter, oh what about a preacher? If God has blessed us - how are we using that blessing! Isn't that right Mark?
I just have to say -- never in my life - have I ever been challenged week after week - to do more - to look further for an opportunity to serve others!!! I love this church, my family here - and the opportunities it offers for us to serve the One we owe our blessings to!
I always get the opportunity to help Travis write his puppet skit for LTC - for whatever age he is working with. It's interesting - he starts it off and then asks me to type it for him - I think he knows I will start editing and adding and finish it for him! It is so much fun - even though I often forget it is for puppets and visualize real kids acting out the play! This year the scripture is from 2nd Samuel 22:32 "FOR WHO IS GOD BESIDES THE LORD? AND WHO IS OUR ROCK EXCEPT OUR GOD?" David asked that so long ago -- Shouldn't we ask that now: "Who is our Rock?"
I am getting ready to cook at church for Wednesday night and I really want to make it special -like an early valentine's present for everyone who attends! Thanks to Pine Cove for getting our meat at a great price, we are able to have a big roast - the carving kind, and with baked potatoes, salad, rolls - and surprise valentine cakes - it should be a memorable meal! Come eat with us and we will invite you to a great class afterwards!! We have wonderful teachers and every day I am thankful for the circumstances that brought us to Shiloh.
Sunday afternoon was awesome -- yes - personally I am thrilled because New Orleans won the Super Bowl and that little quarterback was so cute with his precious son - and I loved him saying "God is Good" - but better than the Super Bowl was the shower I attended! Nothing of it's kind had I ever been to before! The mother, child, and our dear sister - Diane, the grandmother, were all present via sattelite - we saw them and talked to them -- and we were in Tyler and they were in Peru! What an invention! Another awesome thing happened - I had the chance to visit with someone that I had only smiled and spoken to before - and we had so much in common. We both have tons of recipes, love to cook - and I look forward to getting to know her better!!! Beth - let's visit!!! The entire "shower experience" was a great blessing to me!!! This time I never felt "alone" but a part of a wonderful fellowship!
I have a couple of great recipes for you. Isn't it wonderful if you have someone that has been your hairdresser, and mostly your friend for over 20 years? Jeanine, my friend, gave me this delicious recipe just recently and I made it last night - and it is almost all gone -- and man did I have a pan full. When Harley (you know - my oldest Schnauzer) would hear the oven door open he would come flying into the kitchen because he knew some would drop on the floor! The pan was so full and I did have to stir it and whatever fell on the floor was his. Michelle and I would retrieve the rest and put it back on the pan! Oh - by the way - I took some to work and it is gone!!! Also left some at Mom's but not sure if she tried it or not!! Anyway -- here is: WONDERFUL CARMEL CORN
2 LARGE bags popped Orville's Smart Pop (94% FF) popcorn
1 Can Mixed nuts
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Stick Butter
1/4 Cup Honey
1 Teaspoon vanilla (You know I had to add 2)
Pop corn, put in large bowl, add 1 can mixed nuts. Bring to a boil - brown sugar, butter, honey, butter and vanilla - boil just until sugar is melted. Pour over popcorn and nuts. Put into a large cookie sheet (2 might work better) and drizzle any remaining sugar mixture over it. Stir and put in 250 degree oven for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes. Be sure and do this where you can gather up that what falls and put back in pan! Remove to a large bowl and allow to cool Eat it all --or store in an air tight container! Enjoy -- it is really light and delightful!!
Another great recipe from my past is: Millionaire Pies -- I know it is an old recipe because it is typed on a Southside STATE Bank note pad -- think how old that must be!!! Old it may be - but still delicious! MILLIONAIRE PIE (Makes 2 - and two is good - it is so yummy!!)
Mix 1 large can crushed Pineapple, drained
1 can Eagle Brand Milk
1 Pint Whipping Cream
2 Graham Cracker Crusts
1/3 Cup Lemon juice
1 Cup chopped Pecans
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp. Vanilla (BET IT WOULD BE BETTER WITH TWO!!!)
Add to 1 Pint Whipped whipping cream. Pour into two (2) graham cracker crusts. Chill 3 to 4 hours. Enjoy!!!
Well - this is enough to make you gain a pound or two! Think about the ROCK you depend on -- do something good for someone and come back tomorrow for more good things to eat - and who knows what else. God Bless and if it is His Will - see you tomorrow!
I just have to say -- never in my life - have I ever been challenged week after week - to do more - to look further for an opportunity to serve others!!! I love this church, my family here - and the opportunities it offers for us to serve the One we owe our blessings to!
I always get the opportunity to help Travis write his puppet skit for LTC - for whatever age he is working with. It's interesting - he starts it off and then asks me to type it for him - I think he knows I will start editing and adding and finish it for him! It is so much fun - even though I often forget it is for puppets and visualize real kids acting out the play! This year the scripture is from 2nd Samuel 22:32 "FOR WHO IS GOD BESIDES THE LORD? AND WHO IS OUR ROCK EXCEPT OUR GOD?" David asked that so long ago -- Shouldn't we ask that now: "Who is our Rock?"
I am getting ready to cook at church for Wednesday night and I really want to make it special -like an early valentine's present for everyone who attends! Thanks to Pine Cove for getting our meat at a great price, we are able to have a big roast - the carving kind, and with baked potatoes, salad, rolls - and surprise valentine cakes - it should be a memorable meal! Come eat with us and we will invite you to a great class afterwards!! We have wonderful teachers and every day I am thankful for the circumstances that brought us to Shiloh.
Sunday afternoon was awesome -- yes - personally I am thrilled because New Orleans won the Super Bowl and that little quarterback was so cute with his precious son - and I loved him saying "God is Good" - but better than the Super Bowl was the shower I attended! Nothing of it's kind had I ever been to before! The mother, child, and our dear sister - Diane, the grandmother, were all present via sattelite - we saw them and talked to them -- and we were in Tyler and they were in Peru! What an invention! Another awesome thing happened - I had the chance to visit with someone that I had only smiled and spoken to before - and we had so much in common. We both have tons of recipes, love to cook - and I look forward to getting to know her better!!! Beth - let's visit!!! The entire "shower experience" was a great blessing to me!!! This time I never felt "alone" but a part of a wonderful fellowship!
I have a couple of great recipes for you. Isn't it wonderful if you have someone that has been your hairdresser, and mostly your friend for over 20 years? Jeanine, my friend, gave me this delicious recipe just recently and I made it last night - and it is almost all gone -- and man did I have a pan full. When Harley (you know - my oldest Schnauzer) would hear the oven door open he would come flying into the kitchen because he knew some would drop on the floor! The pan was so full and I did have to stir it and whatever fell on the floor was his. Michelle and I would retrieve the rest and put it back on the pan! Oh - by the way - I took some to work and it is gone!!! Also left some at Mom's but not sure if she tried it or not!! Anyway -- here is: WONDERFUL CARMEL CORN
2 LARGE bags popped Orville's Smart Pop (94% FF) popcorn
1 Can Mixed nuts
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Stick Butter
1/4 Cup Honey
1 Teaspoon vanilla (You know I had to add 2)
Pop corn, put in large bowl, add 1 can mixed nuts. Bring to a boil - brown sugar, butter, honey, butter and vanilla - boil just until sugar is melted. Pour over popcorn and nuts. Put into a large cookie sheet (2 might work better) and drizzle any remaining sugar mixture over it. Stir and put in 250 degree oven for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes. Be sure and do this where you can gather up that what falls and put back in pan! Remove to a large bowl and allow to cool Eat it all --or store in an air tight container! Enjoy -- it is really light and delightful!!
Another great recipe from my past is: Millionaire Pies -- I know it is an old recipe because it is typed on a Southside STATE Bank note pad -- think how old that must be!!! Old it may be - but still delicious! MILLIONAIRE PIE (Makes 2 - and two is good - it is so yummy!!)
Mix 1 large can crushed Pineapple, drained
1 can Eagle Brand Milk
1 Pint Whipping Cream
2 Graham Cracker Crusts
1/3 Cup Lemon juice
1 Cup chopped Pecans
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp. Vanilla (BET IT WOULD BE BETTER WITH TWO!!!)
Add to 1 Pint Whipped whipping cream. Pour into two (2) graham cracker crusts. Chill 3 to 4 hours. Enjoy!!!
Well - this is enough to make you gain a pound or two! Think about the ROCK you depend on -- do something good for someone and come back tomorrow for more good things to eat - and who knows what else. God Bless and if it is His Will - see you tomorrow!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
SATURDAY NIGHT AND ALL IS WELL!!
I missed last night - visiting and giving you a great recipe -- hope you either have the ingredients you need for the one tonight - OR - can go get them tomorrow before game time!! Our wireless router went out - just like a burned out light bulb - so we bought a new one - still can't get it to work - but finally I am plugged in direct - so here I am!
I know I had probably bored you with all the hoop-la about my magic drawer and all of the recipes in it -- well I also had a plastic bag full of even older recipes in another drawer under the oven (maybe now I can clean it out and get a "warming drawer!) Today I hit the "mother-lode" - I found the recipe I knew I had but could not find -- My dad (who died over 15 years ago) had written his Ice Cream recipe out for me -- Good ice cream but nothing spectacular -- the prize to me - was HE HAD WRITTEN IT! The paper is stained and torn, but it is oh so special! I would recognize his hand writing any place and now I have my original! It has always been a special "collector's item to me" and I am so thankful I once again know where it is! It is definitely going in my Dessert Book in a place of honor!!!
A couple of days ago I was listening to the crazy guys - Big D and Bubba - on the radio as I was going to work and one of them said they had gotten their feelings hurt and the other argued that men get mad but don't get their feelings hurt. I've thought about that a lot -- and I really don't remember any man ever saying "You hurt my feelings" but I do vividly remember being told I was wearing my "feelings on my sleeves!" Well if they are, don't you think that is where God put them on women?? Don't you think that is why we are so sensitive to others, even why we cry at sad movies or stories we see or hear? I often cry when I watch movies I've seen before or read an email about some misfortune! I really don't think men understand the difference -- mad is being put out, disgusted, or fed up. Hurt feelings are realizing you are misunderstood, not given the chance to express yourself, or bruised with hurtful words. So do men get their feelings "hurt" or do they just "get mad?" I would love to know what you think!!! As for me - I will still get "my feelings hurt" and will still cry at the misfortune of others - real or in the movies or a book I read!
Now here is a fun and easy - last minute recipe (found it in my old plastic bag!) CHILI CHEESE STUFF
1 LB. Velvetta cheese
2 Cans Hormel or Wolfe chili (no beans)
2 Cans Ranch Style beans
1 Pint Half and Half
1 Can Rotel tomatoes and chiles
Mix, heat and serve on Fritos or whatever you want!!!!
Another great recipe is: PEACH BUBBLE OVER PIE
1 Cup sugar
1 Cup Flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
Mix and add:
1 Cup milk
1 Egg
Melt 1 stick butter in 13 X 9" baking dish. Pour batter into dish. Add 1 large can sliced peaches. Our peach juice over top. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Great served with ice cream or whipped cream!!
The other day my sister and I went to lunch together - really without telling anyone - we shared food and had a great time for about an hour! We had been trying to do this for the last month and I either had a meeting or her hair was dirty - or she had to take Mom to an appointment. We had a really "stolen good time!" That same afternoon I read the following: "I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, "How about going to lunch in half an hour? She would gas up and stammer, "I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday. I had a late breakfast. IT looks like rain." And my personal favorite: "it's Monday!" She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together." I sent this to my sister and told her how glad I was that we had lunch together and that I loved her. She responded with the same sentiments. Please make sure you take the time to be with the ones you love!!!!
Remember: When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift.. Thrown away...Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
Take care - have a blessed evening (or day) and remember 'Smell the roses - while they are blooming!" With God's blessing - be back tomorrow ....
I know I had probably bored you with all the hoop-la about my magic drawer and all of the recipes in it -- well I also had a plastic bag full of even older recipes in another drawer under the oven (maybe now I can clean it out and get a "warming drawer!) Today I hit the "mother-lode" - I found the recipe I knew I had but could not find -- My dad (who died over 15 years ago) had written his Ice Cream recipe out for me -- Good ice cream but nothing spectacular -- the prize to me - was HE HAD WRITTEN IT! The paper is stained and torn, but it is oh so special! I would recognize his hand writing any place and now I have my original! It has always been a special "collector's item to me" and I am so thankful I once again know where it is! It is definitely going in my Dessert Book in a place of honor!!!
A couple of days ago I was listening to the crazy guys - Big D and Bubba - on the radio as I was going to work and one of them said they had gotten their feelings hurt and the other argued that men get mad but don't get their feelings hurt. I've thought about that a lot -- and I really don't remember any man ever saying "You hurt my feelings" but I do vividly remember being told I was wearing my "feelings on my sleeves!" Well if they are, don't you think that is where God put them on women?? Don't you think that is why we are so sensitive to others, even why we cry at sad movies or stories we see or hear? I often cry when I watch movies I've seen before or read an email about some misfortune! I really don't think men understand the difference -- mad is being put out, disgusted, or fed up. Hurt feelings are realizing you are misunderstood, not given the chance to express yourself, or bruised with hurtful words. So do men get their feelings "hurt" or do they just "get mad?" I would love to know what you think!!! As for me - I will still get "my feelings hurt" and will still cry at the misfortune of others - real or in the movies or a book I read!
Now here is a fun and easy - last minute recipe (found it in my old plastic bag!) CHILI CHEESE STUFF
1 LB. Velvetta cheese
2 Cans Hormel or Wolfe chili (no beans)
2 Cans Ranch Style beans
1 Pint Half and Half
1 Can Rotel tomatoes and chiles
Mix, heat and serve on Fritos or whatever you want!!!!
Another great recipe is: PEACH BUBBLE OVER PIE
1 Cup sugar
1 Cup Flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
Mix and add:
1 Cup milk
1 Egg
Melt 1 stick butter in 13 X 9" baking dish. Pour batter into dish. Add 1 large can sliced peaches. Our peach juice over top. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Great served with ice cream or whipped cream!!
The other day my sister and I went to lunch together - really without telling anyone - we shared food and had a great time for about an hour! We had been trying to do this for the last month and I either had a meeting or her hair was dirty - or she had to take Mom to an appointment. We had a really "stolen good time!" That same afternoon I read the following: "I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, "How about going to lunch in half an hour? She would gas up and stammer, "I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday. I had a late breakfast. IT looks like rain." And my personal favorite: "it's Monday!" She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together." I sent this to my sister and told her how glad I was that we had lunch together and that I loved her. She responded with the same sentiments. Please make sure you take the time to be with the ones you love!!!!
Remember: When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift.. Thrown away...Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
Take care - have a blessed evening (or day) and remember 'Smell the roses - while they are blooming!" With God's blessing - be back tomorrow ....
Thursday, February 4, 2010
YOU ASKED FOR IT - HOW TO STOCK A KITCHEN WITH COOKING INGREDIENTS NECESSARY FOR MEALS
The list is here! It was requested and now it is here: "HOW TO STOCK A KITCHEN WITH COOKING INGREDIENTS NECESSARY FOR MEALS" - this has been a labor of love - for the one that asked, and for all of you that wait for it. IT IS ATTACHED TO THE SIDE AS AN ADD ON PAGE! Let me know what you think!!! For years I have been asked, "How do you know what to keep in your cabinet or pantry to be able to cook just good, ordinary food?" That is hard for me --- when I first got married and went to the grocery store the very first time - that little store had never even heard of some of the stuff on my list tonight -- as great as it is - it may not have been invented; Garlic has been here forever, but I'd never heard of it -- my love and dependency on it developed in the last 10 years of a 47 year marriage - YES - I WAS A CHILD BRIDE - I WISH! I have developed a list for you - yes - there are things there that you may not need for years and I may use weekly - but take the list - think about what you cook, (and maybe the recipes I've given you - and choose prudently what will work for you.) Honestly - I could double the list - just looking at my cabinet -- but I want this to be something you can use and grow from experience! GOOD LUCK.
I think I have given you some awesome recipes in the past few days - I hope you will try some of them and report back to me. You need to try some and let me know how they worked out. Tonight I am going to close with a rather lengthy story - but one everyone should read -- yes - I am prejudice - because if you know me - you know I have a precious and beautiful (inside and out) "handicap" daughter - even though she has more poise, more sense of style , more love, more innocence,and more knowledge than most of us will have in a lifetime; she just can't always communicate it back to us. So - dear sweet daughter - this story brought tears to my eyes - even after a lifetime with you - !!!
Tonight I want to share with you a story that came to me on the internet -- it brought me to tears and had I been at home it would have brought me "to my knees!" I think this father speaks for all of us with a "special" child that does not meet "society's idea" - but is God's creation and has a purpose that many don't understand and only those lucky enough to be blessed by their presense hopes to understands!
TWO CHOICES
What would you do? -- You make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice? (THIS IS AN EMAIL THAT HAS BEEN AROUND BEFORE - I ask - why hasn't it disappeared as most others do -- maybe because God intends for it to make a difference!!)
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilites, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: "When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.
Yet my son, Shay cannot learn things as other children do ..He cannot understand things as other children do! Where is the natural order of things in my son? The audience was stilled by the question. The father continued. " I believe that when a child like Shay., who was mentally and physically disabled comes into this world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child. Then he told the following story: "Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" I knew that most of the boys would not want soneone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, I would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spike of his candicaps. I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the nineth inning. Shaw strugged over to the team's bench and with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted. In the bottom of the the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the nineth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the nineth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing the other other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay run to first, Run to first." Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the base line, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, grinning, and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest boy on their team who now had his chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third basemans's head. Shay ran toward third base diliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the base toward home. All were screaming, Shay, Shay, Shay, all the way Shay." Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base and shouted "Run to third!" Shay, run to third."
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, "Shay, run home. Run home!"
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team! "That day,", said the father slowly with tears now rollling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world."
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
And now a little footnote to this story: We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the "natural order of things" I BEG TO ARGUE ABOUT ONE THING: NATURE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH SHAY OR MICHELLE OR JIMMY -- GOD PUT THEM HERE AND THOSE WHO KNOW THEM- KNOW LOVE AND PURITY and HE chose who would care for them!!!!
As a mother of a child ,that perhaps never had an opportuntity like Shay, has accomplished so much in her life - even though many times she has been taken advantage of -- I must ask -- "What would your choice have been?" I pray it would be: LET'S MAKE IT A SHAY (OR MICHELLE, OR JIMMY OR MARK OR LIBBY) DAY!!!
God bless - " , have a blessed night and look forward to some great recipes tomorrow!
I think I have given you some awesome recipes in the past few days - I hope you will try some of them and report back to me. You need to try some and let me know how they worked out. Tonight I am going to close with a rather lengthy story - but one everyone should read -- yes - I am prejudice - because if you know me - you know I have a precious and beautiful (inside and out) "handicap" daughter - even though she has more poise, more sense of style , more love, more innocence,and more knowledge than most of us will have in a lifetime; she just can't always communicate it back to us. So - dear sweet daughter - this story brought tears to my eyes - even after a lifetime with you - !!!
Tonight I want to share with you a story that came to me on the internet -- it brought me to tears and had I been at home it would have brought me "to my knees!" I think this father speaks for all of us with a "special" child that does not meet "society's idea" - but is God's creation and has a purpose that many don't understand and only those lucky enough to be blessed by their presense hopes to understands!
TWO CHOICES
What would you do? -- You make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice? (THIS IS AN EMAIL THAT HAS BEEN AROUND BEFORE - I ask - why hasn't it disappeared as most others do -- maybe because God intends for it to make a difference!!)
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilites, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: "When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.
Yet my son, Shay cannot learn things as other children do ..He cannot understand things as other children do! Where is the natural order of things in my son? The audience was stilled by the question. The father continued. " I believe that when a child like Shay., who was mentally and physically disabled comes into this world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child. Then he told the following story: "Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" I knew that most of the boys would not want soneone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, I would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spike of his candicaps. I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the nineth inning. Shaw strugged over to the team's bench and with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted. In the bottom of the the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the nineth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the nineth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing the other other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay run to first, Run to first." Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the base line, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, grinning, and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest boy on their team who now had his chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third basemans's head. Shay ran toward third base diliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the base toward home. All were screaming, Shay, Shay, Shay, all the way Shay." Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base and shouted "Run to third!" Shay, run to third."
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, "Shay, run home. Run home!"
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team! "That day,", said the father slowly with tears now rollling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world."
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
And now a little footnote to this story: We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the "natural order of things" I BEG TO ARGUE ABOUT ONE THING: NATURE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH SHAY OR MICHELLE OR JIMMY -- GOD PUT THEM HERE AND THOSE WHO KNOW THEM- KNOW LOVE AND PURITY and HE chose who would care for them!!!!
As a mother of a child ,that perhaps never had an opportuntity like Shay, has accomplished so much in her life - even though many times she has been taken advantage of -- I must ask -- "What would your choice have been?" I pray it would be: LET'S MAKE IT A SHAY (OR MICHELLE, OR JIMMY OR MARK OR LIBBY) DAY!!!
God bless - " , have a blessed night and look forward to some great recipes tomorrow!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
LET'S DO OUR PART AND HELP THE CHILDREN
I feel like I should never eat again - I've had way too much food today! Tonight at church Gwynn and Charisse were in charge of the meal and they treated us to delicious homemade tamales and all of the trimmings. Another member of the church made the tamales and said they started at 10 o'clock last night and finished at three this morning. What servants! Thanks to all of you!
Early this morning I woke up thinking about the article I mentioned last night that I found in the New York Times by Nicholas Kristof about the young girls in Cambodia sold into prostitution often by a relative or friend and how Mr. Kristof bought back their freedom and returned them to their homes. He told how on the trip back to their homes, the girls worried over what their Mothers would think and if they would receive any kind of welcome at all. They knew they could never let their Mothers know what they had been doing. I thought about this and all the children throughout the world who are deserted by their Mom's and how the must feel - growing up without one! My Mom played such an important role in my life and I learned so many life skills from her! There are some things I promised I would do differently and I have - but I believe my values and skills came from her! There is a country song and the girl is singing to the Mom she never knew and it says: "You were never there to teach me how to tie a bow, or see me in my prom dress" and on and on. I looked up some statistics and in 2006, it was reported that there were 500,000 children in Foster Care in the USA. In 1990, the NY Times reported that in the US alone, there were 500,000 underage runaways and THROWAWAYS (by their own parents!) One lady had written an article "Growing Up Without a Mom" and she relates how her Mom died when she was eleven years old and the struggles she had, the wisdom she lacked, and she said "When I became a mother, I felt I lacked something in my motherhood. Oh I wanted to be a Mother, and I loved my children and felt I could be good at being a mom but I also felt very alone." She goes on to say she started subconsiously pulling away from her children, scared something might happen to her, and asking, "what would happen if I weren't here." She said realized much later that she had inadvertently pushed them away. We've seen this happen - if a child is abandoned or not loved during her childhood, many of these women can have children - but can't raise them. One of the saddest thing about this is - regardless - the children love their Moms - no matter what. They crave their mother's attention! We've seen children who are left with others for months at a time with no word from Mom, and when Mom finally calls or shows up - the child is thrilled to death. They have a bond that even neglect or abandonment or abuse can't break! So we ask what can we do? Sadly - not a lot - but if we are in contact with a child abandoned by a parent, be especially kind and loving to them, try to teach them self worth and how much they are loved by the ones around them and that God loves them. Show them God's love and kindness! And Moms - be the parent God intented you to be. Put away selfish desires and think about the life you brought in this world and what is best for them!! Easy for me to say - yes - but I believe if we align ourselves with Christ - we can overcome any obsticle!
Tonight I want to give you an easy, easy recipe that has been a hit at many a get together:
ECHRICH SAUSAGE IN APRICOT SAUCE
2 pkg. Echrich beef sausage
1 Jar Blackburn's Apricot preserves
1/4 cup prepared plain mustard
Cut Echrich sausages into 1 inch pieces. Put in crock pt with apricot preserves and mustard. Let simmer about 45 minutes. Very good. You could also use the little weiners!
Now I am going to share my signature PIMENTO CHEESE
12 oz. Sharp cheddar cheese (large half moon piece) to grate (makes the best) or if you choose for 2nd best - one 2 to 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 - two cup package Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 large jar pimentos
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. sugar
1 garlic clove minced
1-1/2 to 2 cups Hellman's mayonnaise
Stir together really well - taste and add salt if needed. More cayenne is always good!
This is simple and delicious. We used to make Pimento cheese and put all kinds of things - pickle relish, etc., in it and then I ate some made downtown at The Tea Room" above the Antique Store in the old Sears store! It was the best and this is basically their recipe plus of course, the cayenne pepper.
Serve with crackers or makes wonderful sandwiches! Try grilling one!!! Yummm - and I am not even hungry!
Well - once again it is getting late and there is still lots to do - so I will wish you good night - and God's will - sign back on tomorrow!
Early this morning I woke up thinking about the article I mentioned last night that I found in the New York Times by Nicholas Kristof about the young girls in Cambodia sold into prostitution often by a relative or friend and how Mr. Kristof bought back their freedom and returned them to their homes. He told how on the trip back to their homes, the girls worried over what their Mothers would think and if they would receive any kind of welcome at all. They knew they could never let their Mothers know what they had been doing. I thought about this and all the children throughout the world who are deserted by their Mom's and how the must feel - growing up without one! My Mom played such an important role in my life and I learned so many life skills from her! There are some things I promised I would do differently and I have - but I believe my values and skills came from her! There is a country song and the girl is singing to the Mom she never knew and it says: "You were never there to teach me how to tie a bow, or see me in my prom dress" and on and on. I looked up some statistics and in 2006, it was reported that there were 500,000 children in Foster Care in the USA. In 1990, the NY Times reported that in the US alone, there were 500,000 underage runaways and THROWAWAYS (by their own parents!) One lady had written an article "Growing Up Without a Mom" and she relates how her Mom died when she was eleven years old and the struggles she had, the wisdom she lacked, and she said "When I became a mother, I felt I lacked something in my motherhood. Oh I wanted to be a Mother, and I loved my children and felt I could be good at being a mom but I also felt very alone." She goes on to say she started subconsiously pulling away from her children, scared something might happen to her, and asking, "what would happen if I weren't here." She said realized much later that she had inadvertently pushed them away. We've seen this happen - if a child is abandoned or not loved during her childhood, many of these women can have children - but can't raise them. One of the saddest thing about this is - regardless - the children love their Moms - no matter what. They crave their mother's attention! We've seen children who are left with others for months at a time with no word from Mom, and when Mom finally calls or shows up - the child is thrilled to death. They have a bond that even neglect or abandonment or abuse can't break! So we ask what can we do? Sadly - not a lot - but if we are in contact with a child abandoned by a parent, be especially kind and loving to them, try to teach them self worth and how much they are loved by the ones around them and that God loves them. Show them God's love and kindness! And Moms - be the parent God intented you to be. Put away selfish desires and think about the life you brought in this world and what is best for them!! Easy for me to say - yes - but I believe if we align ourselves with Christ - we can overcome any obsticle!
Tonight I want to give you an easy, easy recipe that has been a hit at many a get together:
ECHRICH SAUSAGE IN APRICOT SAUCE
2 pkg. Echrich beef sausage
1 Jar Blackburn's Apricot preserves
1/4 cup prepared plain mustard
Cut Echrich sausages into 1 inch pieces. Put in crock pt with apricot preserves and mustard. Let simmer about 45 minutes. Very good. You could also use the little weiners!
Now I am going to share my signature PIMENTO CHEESE
12 oz. Sharp cheddar cheese (large half moon piece) to grate (makes the best) or if you choose for 2nd best - one 2 to 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 - two cup package Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 large jar pimentos
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. sugar
1 garlic clove minced
1-1/2 to 2 cups Hellman's mayonnaise
Stir together really well - taste and add salt if needed. More cayenne is always good!
This is simple and delicious. We used to make Pimento cheese and put all kinds of things - pickle relish, etc., in it and then I ate some made downtown at The Tea Room" above the Antique Store in the old Sears store! It was the best and this is basically their recipe plus of course, the cayenne pepper.
Serve with crackers or makes wonderful sandwiches! Try grilling one!!! Yummm - and I am not even hungry!
Well - once again it is getting late and there is still lots to do - so I will wish you good night - and God's will - sign back on tomorrow!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
WOW - WHAT A MAN - AND WHAT A BEAUTIFUL COLOR -PINK
Wow - what a compliment! Travis said his boss told him yesterday: "I found you!" Confused Travis asked for clarification. He was told to look up Exodus 31:1-6 and Exodus 36:1. It does describe the man I am married to - and I am so proud of him. He has built some amazing things for Pine Cove and for the misistry at Shiloh! To be honest - his talent amazes me -- guess I am - well at least - one of his greatest fans!!! This has been a hard day at work and I am thankful to be here talking to you! I have a recipe I want to share with you now - early on. We ate at Cheddars on Sunday (and I am suffering withdrawal from the want of Mexican food) - and Travis ordered their Spinach dip and it was very good. This is a "light and healthy" version of one and I think it would be equally as good as the "fat one" we had on Sunday! BAKED SPINACH-and-ARTICHOKE DIP
2 (6 oz.) packages fresh baby spinach
1 Tablespoon butter
1 (8 oz) package 1/3 less fat cream cheese
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mazzarella cheese, divided
Fresh pita wedges or baked pita chips
Microwave spinach in a large, microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 3 minutes or until wilted. Drain spinach well, pressing between paper towels. Chop spinach.
Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add cream cheese, garlic and cayenne pepper; cook three minutes, stirring constantly, until cream cheese melts. Fond in spinach, artichokes, sour cream and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
Transfer mixture to a 1 qt shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 250 degrees for 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately with fresh pita wedges or baked pita chips.
There - with just a few more recipes before Sunday - you should have some food that will wow even the most discriminating critic!
Today I thought about a wonderful young lady that is planning her June wedding and has chosen the color Pink (in all shades) to compliment her wedding party's dresses! To me - pink is the perfect color for a bride to choose -- think about where you find "Pink!" Newborn babies are "pink" - so beautiful and pure; pink cheeks - when you see the one you love (and maybe they don't know yet) so you blush that beautiful pink; pink lips - when you've just been kissed by that special - maybe - one and only - or surprised at a young age with a stolen kiss; or what about that cheek that some innocent girl has slapped because some young man took a liberty she wasn't ready to give; or cheeks that played in the sun too long! All special things to each one! When you combine the different shades of pink - you have a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors and just perhaps - of memories. PERFECT COLOR!!!
If you are ever feeling depressed about our countries' situation and just wish you could escape - or you are disgusted by something you have read -- want to know how to regain your appreciation of this wonderful America we live in? Log in to the New York Times and look up the articles by Nicholas Kristof on Cambodia - and the slavery of young girls there - often sold by their relatives into prostitution and you will hit your knees with Thanksgiving to God for putting you here in this United States of America - even with its' problems today.
The thought of listing the "Essentials of a well stocked pantry" has really become a "project" to me - because I want to lead you right -- so today I Googled it and was amazed at the answers different ones had. I've taken a couple of them, revised them to fit what I think and will share with you soon! You see - my cabinets are very different than when I first got married - so I want to make sure you have essentials and not all the wonderful stuff I have now - that I might use this year and I might not!!
I love my notebooks full of recipes. We ran out of Six Week Muffin mix last week and Travis indicated he was ready for more muffins. (I get up around 5:15 and turn on the oven, get about 3 muffins ready to go in the oven, sit down and read a little of the paper, and then put the muffins in the oven, set the timer and go take my bath.) The rest is up to Travis - get them out and eat!!! Tonight I made the mix up again and instead of looking at least 30 minutes for the recipe - I look in one of the notebooks for the catagory "Orange" (which is "Breads"), found it, found the recipe in less than a minute! Wonderful!!!!
Well - one recipe is probably all you want tonight -- so I will just say - God Bless, Good night - and ask a special favor - Go about doing good tomorrow!
2 (6 oz.) packages fresh baby spinach
1 Tablespoon butter
1 (8 oz) package 1/3 less fat cream cheese
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mazzarella cheese, divided
Fresh pita wedges or baked pita chips
Microwave spinach in a large, microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 3 minutes or until wilted. Drain spinach well, pressing between paper towels. Chop spinach.
Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add cream cheese, garlic and cayenne pepper; cook three minutes, stirring constantly, until cream cheese melts. Fond in spinach, artichokes, sour cream and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
Transfer mixture to a 1 qt shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 250 degrees for 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately with fresh pita wedges or baked pita chips.
There - with just a few more recipes before Sunday - you should have some food that will wow even the most discriminating critic!
Today I thought about a wonderful young lady that is planning her June wedding and has chosen the color Pink (in all shades) to compliment her wedding party's dresses! To me - pink is the perfect color for a bride to choose -- think about where you find "Pink!" Newborn babies are "pink" - so beautiful and pure; pink cheeks - when you see the one you love (and maybe they don't know yet) so you blush that beautiful pink; pink lips - when you've just been kissed by that special - maybe - one and only - or surprised at a young age with a stolen kiss; or what about that cheek that some innocent girl has slapped because some young man took a liberty she wasn't ready to give; or cheeks that played in the sun too long! All special things to each one! When you combine the different shades of pink - you have a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors and just perhaps - of memories. PERFECT COLOR!!!
If you are ever feeling depressed about our countries' situation and just wish you could escape - or you are disgusted by something you have read -- want to know how to regain your appreciation of this wonderful America we live in? Log in to the New York Times and look up the articles by Nicholas Kristof on Cambodia - and the slavery of young girls there - often sold by their relatives into prostitution and you will hit your knees with Thanksgiving to God for putting you here in this United States of America - even with its' problems today.
The thought of listing the "Essentials of a well stocked pantry" has really become a "project" to me - because I want to lead you right -- so today I Googled it and was amazed at the answers different ones had. I've taken a couple of them, revised them to fit what I think and will share with you soon! You see - my cabinets are very different than when I first got married - so I want to make sure you have essentials and not all the wonderful stuff I have now - that I might use this year and I might not!!
I love my notebooks full of recipes. We ran out of Six Week Muffin mix last week and Travis indicated he was ready for more muffins. (I get up around 5:15 and turn on the oven, get about 3 muffins ready to go in the oven, sit down and read a little of the paper, and then put the muffins in the oven, set the timer and go take my bath.) The rest is up to Travis - get them out and eat!!! Tonight I made the mix up again and instead of looking at least 30 minutes for the recipe - I look in one of the notebooks for the catagory "Orange" (which is "Breads"), found it, found the recipe in less than a minute! Wonderful!!!!
Well - one recipe is probably all you want tonight -- so I will just say - God Bless, Good night - and ask a special favor - Go about doing good tomorrow!
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