Wednesday, February 23, 2011

A NIGHT OF ENLIGHTMENT AND LEARNING

Good evening or morning - whichever time it is when you read this! What a day - it is so hard to be where there is so much tension - but good things do happen. The good thing was our Bible class tonight. It is a study of James and if you recall, James starts out telling us "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many times, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4) Coincidentally Mark's blog today "Winnie Cooper has a Theorem" was about Danica McKeller, a young TV star of the 80's TV show "The Wonder Years". After that stint she went to UCLA and she discovered her love of math. She eventually, after accomplishing many other goals, has written several books to encourage young people in their pursuit of mathematical knowledge. I was already convicted by the lesson in James that I need more perseverance in pursuing my goals. I have persevered in obligations - such as family, work, etc., but I've given up on other things that seemed too hard or too outrageous - even though some of then would have completed me. I've always had a love of literature and writing, but never worked hard enough to be published. Yes, I do have a couple of recipes published - but I want a book of recipes and ideas published and I want to write a children's book -- guess I'd better work harder at that - or I will be older than that 91 year old who was having her first book published!!! Thanks James, brother of Jesus, Diane and Mark! I needed that! Speaking of recipes - I don't think I have ever given you the recipe for Hawaiian Bread -- you know that sweet, delicious and very expensive bread and rolls you can purchase at your local grocery store! Well - for lots less money, and very little time, you can make it - and gather the compliments for yourself.

HAWAIIAN BREAD 1 package yellow cake mix (no pudding in the mix) 2 packages Active Dry yeast (I would not recommend the "rapid rise") 1/2 tsp. salt 2-1/2 cups warm water 1 tsp. vanilla 5 cups flour 4 tablespoons melted butter Combine the cake mix and yeast. Next, combine salt, vanilla, and water. Add cake mixture to water and salt mixture. Add flour last. Mix well and knead lightly. Let rise 1 hour. Knead lightly again, pat out and cut for rolls. Let rise until double. Bake at 375 degrees. When brown, brush with melted butter and bake a little longer. Makes 24 rolls. You can also make one large round loaf by putting in a bundt pan or in 2 loaf pans. NOTE: To test for doneness - thump top and if it sounds hollow - it is done!

ALSO: "KNEADING" seems to scare people off from trying bread recipes. Just place the dough on a floured pastry sheet, dust with flour and take hand and make a loose fist. With knuckles and ball of your hand (the fat part under your thumb)press and pull the dough gently turning the dough. You will begin to feel it change under the pressure. (I have posted a second blog that shows a video on how to knead bread - it will really help you grab hold of the concept and become better faster!!!Hope this helps - it just takes practice to perfect. Now Enjoy the bread!!! Now who loves cooking in Crock Pots? Crock Pot Cooking is an easy way to put a meal on the table soon after you come home - or family comes home. It does take some planning (which I most often forget to do), but it can be something families look forward to - not dread! Here is a great Crock Pot Green Enchilada recipe.

CROCK POT GREEN ENCHILADAS 1 or 2 lbs. ground beef (be sure and use low fat like 93-7 or 96-4) 2 small cans diced green chiles 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 1 large package corn tortillas 1 large onion, chopped 1 lb. cheddar cheese, grated. Brown ground beat. Mix together diced green chiles and cream of mushroom soup. Layer crock pot on bottom and sides with corn tortillas. Next layer meat, sauce, onion, and cheese. Relayer until crock pot is full. Cook at least 3 hours on low heat. (NOW THAT IS THE ORIGINAL RECIPE - BUT I SUGGEST THIS: Be sure and add 2-3 cloves garlic, minced, to meat just before finish browning - add salt and pepper (be sure and use Pensey's Fresh Ground Black Pepper - it is the best!!) to taste. In place of mushroom soup - replace with 2 cans Hatch Green Enchilada sauce. For extra heat - add 1 minced jalapeno. In place of Cheddar cheese, use Mexican Cheese! Serve with LIGHT sour cream. GUARANTEED BETTER!)This would also be good made with shredded chicken!!

bWell - it is going to be 11:00 before long, Michelle is leaned over on the table - asleep I suppose - so I guess I had better finish and wish you all a good night. Please find someone that needs a friend, needs a hug, needs a good deed - and DO!!! God Bless all of you!

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