Bone Broth

Last week I attempted my first bone broth using neck bones. It was very unsuccessful and I boiled the bones from thursday night to monday day off and on. I even switched to a crock pot in desperation. photobone broth

The broth was delicious, but the bones never softened.

photo

Today I’m trying knuckle bones on the advice of the HEB butcher.

Bake in the oven at 425 degrees for 40 minutes. Place into a large pan of water, add 1/4 c of apple cider vinegar, and simmer for 8 hours. I’m not sure I will be able to hang out till midnight, but I’m going to give it a shot.

The best part of this cooking adventure was to hear my husband say, “Making bone broth?…I feel like I’m married to a french chef”.

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Squirrels

My backyard in Texas is a wonderland for two particularly playful squirrels that cause us to laugh hysterically from time to time.

The male squirrel is all guy, and you can tell that spring is in full bloom where he as day after day he seeks to swoon his lady, putting on his best little Fred Astaire dance for Little Miss Lady, the Ginger Rodgers of the backyard ballroom.

Forget Dancing With The Stars, we have Dancing photoWith The Squirrels, only their’s is a three-dimensional dance floor that extends into the trees and from roof top to roof top.

Fred lays around all day on our oak tree as if depressed, his arms and legs dangle from the branches of his perch unless he gets hungry, at which point he gets off his wooden couch at goes foraging for something to eat (Ladies know what I’m talking about).

Its funny, when his lady friend shows up its as if someone cued the lights and said “action!” Then, wow, what a performance: leaping and chirping loudly at our dog Daisy from his tree perch as if saying “beat it dog, my lady just arrived.” On one particular day he stood up on two legs and began to shake his booty from side to side, tail flickering in the wind and swaying from side to side.

I could almost hear Luther Vandrose and Lou Rawls singing backup for the little guy. It didn’t take a squirrel expert to help me realize that romance was in the air. Our ill informed desert dog Daisy, who never saw a squirrel until our recent move, has no idea what to think, nor did she care, Fred and Ginger were about ready to start dancing…

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Loquat Salad

photo (93)My neighbor Clara sent an email to everyone to bring baskets and pick loquats.  I was not sure what to expect, but found this newfound fruit spectacularly juicy with the consistency of a plum. As it turns out, logquats are also called Japanese Plum.  We chatted while we picked,  and she shared stories from her childhood. and how her mother came to visit, bringing with her one seed from an old neighbor’s loquat tree.  Clara planted the seed and our whole neighborhood is enjoying the fruit from the tree.

 May we be kind and generous with what the Lord has shared with us!   

A perfect salad for a graduation party with Japanese lanterns!

20 loquats peeled and pitted

1 c cooked Quinoa

Juice of 6 limes

1 shaved carrot

1 chopped tomato

1 chopped red pepper                                       photo (94)

1 chopped orange pepper

1 chopped green pepper

Handful of spinach!!!

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Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar Snap Peas are a lovely addition to your garden and grow about 3 feet tall.photo (92)

Plant your seeds in the spring and in two months you will have delicious farm to table in 30 seconds as you walk your crop from the back yard.
The recipe is very simple. Snap off one end of the pea, toss in boiling water till it turns bright green and serve. This only takes 5-10 seconds so stay close and be attentive to your peas and q’s!

photo

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Words That Heal – Part 5

Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise in later life. Proverbs 19 v.20 HCSB

Providing expectations for your children and young adults that live in your home is tiring.

ITC - exhausting.

Is it worth it!

Margaret Thatcher  left a powerful legacy for young men and women throughout the world.

In the movie the Iron Lady,  Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher remembers

her father provided clear instructions for her as she was growing up.

He did not leave her in the dark on his expectations.

Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your character for it becomes your destiny.

Words wound when accusations are laid out. Words cut when punishment arrives in a  harsh sarcastic tone.

Instruction must heal and encourage.   Occasionally our children may come to us for advice. Hold your thought before answering and see what Gods Word says. When the answer is not present in scripture, pray and wait with them.

Watch as God reveals His good and wonderful things to your children.

NOTE – The Term ITC comes from Barbara Tompkins who has taught”The Moms Class” in Tucson,  Arizona for the past 31 years.

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Words That Heal – Part 4

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and whan you get up.  Deuteronomy 6:7 NIVUK

On Good Friday we visited the Blanton Museum at the University of Texas with our daughter and a friend.
We have visited almost all the museums in Austin, and the expression – save the best for last – certainly fit here.
As our daughter grew we would always give her a clipboard with paper and pencil and eventually a sketch book. We pushed her in her stroller even as she was far too old and would visit for just as long as her interest held and left, making it a special memorable visit. Sometimes we would stay for an hour, but not much longer.
Museums give a great reference to see larger than life examples of Bible greats of the faith.
We were walking by the head of Goliath held by David and we overheard a little boy gasp in awe.

“What is that Mom?”
She and the grandmother dismissed him. “It’s just a myth”
Todd and I saw them walk away and everything in us wanted to shout “its true! “
God can step in the most challenging situations and give His strength and His power. David was just a boy when He slayed Goliath with a stone.photo (83) I will never forget that young man and I’m praying for people around him to speak truth into his life.
Never underestimate the hope you can share as you are interacting with your child, their friends, a neighborhood friend just as you walk along.
Gods Word heals, gives strength, imparts hope, it saves, it gives wisdom. Those are just a few that come to mind.
You are special to me. You are a child of the Most High God.

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Gluten Free Tabbouleh with Mango

Prep time 15 -20 minutes

1 cup quinoa rinsed and drained and cooked

1/4 c HEB Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Juice of 6 Key Limes

1 c chopped fresh parsley                                   photo (61)

1/2 ts. salt

1 c of cucumber …diced

1/4 c diced red pepper

1 small diced Vidalia onion

1 c chopped cherry tomatoes

1/2 c chopped mango

Perfect company dish you can prepare the day before.  Great side dish with salmon or lamb. Excellent picnic dish.

PS I was not sure if this would turn out.  I wanted to serve it for Easter, and skip the bulgur wheat to help out all my gluten-free guests. They loved it!

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Words That Heal – Part 3

This weekend the world takes a breath, shops close early, and families spend time together in prayer, fasting and contemplation of Gods sacrifice of His Son Jesus.photo (81)Ecce Homo  circa 1623 Daniele Crespi    “Behold the Man”

Our family viewed at The Blanton yesterday on Good Friday. Notice Pilate touching Jesus arm.

The world becomes quiet.

 Quiet waiting before The Lord in prayer will give Him a chance to change your mood. The situation may not change, but you will have changed for the better in spite of the situation” Robert A. Cook

Psalm 88 v.1,2 is a cry of desperation  Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out before You day and night. May my prayer reach Your Presence;  listen to my cry.

There are times we must walk dark valleys and we can only get on our face before Him and plead.

Our hearts are so tainted we let sin bloom dark.
Jesus let the eyes of our hearts open to Your calling.
When words escape you let quiet rest in your soul and sing softly and praise His wonders.

Jesus took the penalty of our sin,  your sin, and my sin.
When Jesus died on the cross our sin was covered with His blood.
He died in our place.
“But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.” Isaiah 53:5

His Words spoken out loud heal our wounds.
Praying for each of you!
2 Corinthians 5:21

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Words That Heal – Part 2

Have you ever been somewhere and watched a wife nag and berate her husband?

Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife.

Proverbs 21:9

Have you felt the fear that creeps over her children as they cringe and attempt to hide as Dad gets verbally assaulted.
As a shop girl I saw a lovely woman become quite ugly as she lit into her husband nagging about his lack of something.
I shudder to think of her two daughters self-esteem.
 I wonder will they catch her hot temper and play it out someday on their co-workers, children, husbands?

Beware of criticizing or nagging others.

The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 21:23
Holy Week is stressful as we prepare for company.
Make a plan now and refuse to let unkind remarks be your legacy.
A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious treasure. Proverbs 24:3,4
This week gives yourself permission to unplug and fill your heart and home with Jesus.photo (23)
Wait and see the words that heal that come from your rested heart and mind.
Praying for you!

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Perfect Gluten-Free Biscuits

My family loves a delicious, moist and flaky biscuit.
The base for my recipe is Bisquick Pancake and Baking Mix.

A friend found it for me at HEB in Texas.photo (73)
2 cups Bisquick Gluten Free Mix
1/3 cup of Smart Balance (Buttery Spread)
2/3 cup of milk
4 egg yolks
Heat oven to 400 degrees
Cut Smart Balance into mix with a fork.
Stir in remaining ingredients and measure batter with an ice cream scoop.
Bake 15 minutes or until the tops are very light brown.photo (76)

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Words that Heal

Today is the second day of Spring and I came across a great message to begin fresh in our families, a second chance to begin new with a promise from God.photo (69)

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.  The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.  Proverbs 15:1,2

In other words… speak words that heal, encourage, and respect your child for who they are.

Think of the strong-willed child and catch them being persistent.

Strong-willed children will not easily give in to the demands of peers, and the blessing is watching them choose to stand alone and not follow the foolish behaviour of others.

The strong-willed, filled with God’s Holy Spirit is a thing of beauty as they persevere and choose the way of honor.

When others are quickly swayed, they are sensible, watching their steps.

Verse 4 of Proverbs 15 states another promise.

A tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.photo (72)

We spent time on will and spirit this spring in my Mom’s Class, todays lesson from the bible is a great reminder to speak words of healing.

May our Lord Jesus anoint you as you give life to your families with your words.

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Corned Beef

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!

It’s not too late to buy a Corned Beef and prepare a very simple and easy dish for friends and family.

 

                                                       photo (54)   

Step One:   

Wash carrots, potatoes, cabbage and rinse the beef thoroughly.

Step Two:

Cook beef with pickling spices in a large pot on a low simmer for two hours.

Step Three:                                                                Corned Beef

Place cabbage, carrots, potatoes,and a little salt and pepper into the pot after two hours and simmer for about 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and your dinner is ready and waiting

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow

May the soft winds freshen your spirit

May the sunshine brighten your heart

May the burdens of the day rest light upon you

And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

and the rain fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again my friend

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand

May God be with you and bless you

May you see your children’s children

May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings

May you know nothing but happiness

from this day forward

But rich or poor, quick or slow,

May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward

May the joys of today be those of tomorrow.

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The Carrot

We have been growing this carrot all winter in a pot.

photo (50)

Its sautéing in butter with about five cloves of garlic.photo (52)

 

Tonight it will be a lovely accompaniment to baked chicken and rice and a little broccoli, it will be the smallest part of our dinner but it will be the star of the night.

photo (51)

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Red Winter Wheat Berry Scones

Our local literary society read Mansfield Park this month celebrating the 200th anniversary of the publishing of Pride and Prejudice. Two great authors on my mind today, Ann Kroeker and Jane Austen.

The following is my attempt to serve something Jane may have enjoyed two hundred years ago and Ann Kroeker and I have enjoyed many times over the years.

A friend offered to grind wheat berries in his Vitamix, and my challenge began. The flour was very coarse.photo (44)

My scone recipe comes from Tea and Inspiration , by Mary Pielenz Hampton page 33.

Order a copy from Ann’s link to Amazon on her blog.  AnnKroeker.com

I associate scones with Ann and celebrate her today and God’s great love for me as we became friends almost twenty years ago. Ann encouraged me to write my blog and mentors me as I pen online to all of you.

I use only a tablespoon and 1/2 of sugar, and I think that is a big part of the success in the flavor. I also use non-salted organic butter.

Begin by cutting 1/2 stick of butter in tiny pieces and dropping into 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1-2 tablespoons of sugar mix thoroughly with your hands until  tiny particles of butter coat the flour. Drizzle in 2/3 c of whole milk and flatten into a circle with your hands, and place it in Saran wrap and then fold a towel over it to seal and make sure the moisture stays in tact.

This will keep a couple of hours until you are ready to bake, and you can stack several.

The scones go in the oven at 425 degrees as your family arrives home.photo (45)

Ten minutes to hot scones, preserves, clotted cream and pair with a nice Darjeeling tea make a late afternoon or early evening party. My husband is home with a horrible cold, so I served his afternoon scone with butter.photo (47)Ann sent this lovely trivet with a gift set of scone mix and jams to welcome our family to Texas.

photo (46)I am enjoying mine with crème.

Happy Ann Kroeker Day!

Recipes makes 6 scones

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Potato

We had a nice surprise in our planter this morning. The beautiful lavender and burgundy sweet potato flowers produced one lovely potato.

photo (26)

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Discipline is Love

Parenting from the middle is no place to parent.

I notice runners stay in the middle of the road as they weave in and out of our neighborhood.

The middle is not exactly a safe place. Leaving your children to run down the center of the street is unsafe.

It is a perfect place for a flat surface for the runner, but not for a child.

Choosing to stand back when our children are young and let them figure it out on their own is a recipe for a child without self-control. They will run down the middle not knowing boundaries.

photo (27)

I love to walk on the sidewalk canopied by trees.   Depending on what time I hit the pavement, I’m fully shaded as long as I take the protected side of the street under the lush boundary of the leafy trees keeping me cool as I stroll.

Walking my dog down the middle of the road would be a bad habit  in the unfortunate instance she takes off and tours the neighborhood without me. Disciplining our pets to walk on the sidewalk shows them love even if they can’t understand it.

The middle leaves you open and when it comes to parenting it gives your children confusion.

Barbara Tompkins of the Moms Class in Tucson, Arizona teaches us to ITC.

Instruct, Train and Correct.

Barbara is a teacher, seminar leader, and inspirational speaker. She holds a B.A. in English and Elementary Education and an M.A. in Education. Barbara has taught the Moms Class every Tuesday morning during the school year for over thirty years.

Privileged to attend her class in Arizona, and I’m still studying under her leading the Moms Class in Texas with my friend Rebecca Price.

We are so grateful she is sharing her materials and her wisdom, experience and encouragement to our Texas Moms.

Barbara instructs us all tirelessly holding her Bible, encouraging us all with love.

Discipline to follow through even when exhausted shows our children love.

Instructions, guidance and training and correcting  gives our children freedom in the boundaries we’ve set and coached them on.

Confident choices made with boundaries we’ve set.

Today we started another Mom’s Class at Hope Bible Fellowship and the Spring Semester will focus on giving our children love through setting boundaries, giving instruction and training.

Teaching our children, discipline is love.

Discipline is love.

The Lord bless you and protect you;

the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you;

and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-26

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Cedar Fever Tea

This past week I’ve suffered from Cedar Fever.

Sleep is challenging, so I’m resting in God’s Word.                     

Upon thy Word I rest,

so strong, so sure!

So full of comfort blest,

So sweet, so pure!    

                                   photo (23)

 Francis Ridley Havergal 

I’ve consumed a bit of chai tea to help decongest. Cardamom is a natural decongestant.

Chai is a tea made from  sweet and fragrant cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon  and black tea.
The following is my home-brew free of black tea.
All the medicinal benefits without the jitters.

Two cardamom pods split and ground in a mini processor.

One small ginger about the size of your thumb nail ground in the processor.

Place ground items in tea strainer and sprinkle liberally with cinnamon.

Conquer your Cedar Fever!

Pour hot water over mixture and enjoy!

P.S. Split pods gently with a sharp knife.

photo (24)

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Cedar Fever Split Pea Soup

photo (28)Austin is a challenging place for Cedar Fever sufferers. Sunday night pollen erupts from our Cedar trees.

The Split pea soup I make requires just a few items and is a wonderful gift to drop off in a Ball jar for friends under the weather.

Begin by cubing a 1/2 onion, 3 carrots. Saute in evoo and toss in one cup of rice till it sizzles.  Set aside.  This is your thickening secret!

Wash the bag of split peas thoroughly and boil for 5 minutes and turn down the heat to a simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.

photo (29)I had a Smithfield ham bone (thank you Pop!) with meat still on it from Christmas. Toss this in and add the above mixture simmering till all the meat falls off.

I have also used brisket for my split pea soup and it is equally robust for the job.

Dress up this split pea with a sweet aroma.

Add cardamom for a rich satisfying flavor.

Crush the pods by using a dedicated coffee grinder. I use my grinder to make almond flour and just wipe clean with a cloth.

Use 10 pods for the medicinal benefit.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit in 2013!

P.S. Cardamom is a natural expectorant.

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Begin the New Year Gluten-free! Aunt Grace’s Chocolate Chess Pie

photo (25)1 Gluten-free pie crust

4 eggs

2 c sugar

2 squares of chocolate ( use four for Ghiradelli)

2 sticks of unsalted butter

pinch of salt

2 tsp. vanilla

Mix eggs and sugar. Melt chocolate and butter over low heat, very slowly. combine egg mixture and chocolate mixture and add salt and vanilla. Bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.

photo (26)

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Charise’s Magic Potatoes

A friend of mine brought an enormous sack of organic, non-gmo potatoes to share with our church family at Hope Bible Fellowship.

Charise encourages me every day through her posts to add healthy rich herbs and spices with natural antibiotics to give my system a boost.

We have a  health-conscious congregation and it was a great blessing to everyone.

As you can see from my recipes, I’m not as careful as most  cooks in the church.

I love to use butter, and sour cream and cheese.
I decided to make a potato dish every day.

It was fun to get creative, challenge myself in my cooking (which can get lazy) as I make my favorites over and over.
Monday - Cubed and sautéed potatoes with pumpkin to serve with the morning eggs with thyme.
Tuesday - Mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, thyme, and sour cream and butter.      photo (22)
Wednesday – Scalloped potatoes with garlic, chili powder…extra cheesy!
Thursday - Baked potatoes with basil and garlic.
Friday – Boiled potatoes served with peas, fresh mint and pats of butter.
Saturday - Baked steak fries in the oven topped with rosemary.

Weighed myself Sunday morning and I had magically lost 3 pounds eating potatoes!

God Bless Charise for sharing the goodness of God’s great bounty!

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Cod Almondine Gluten-free

Craving the crusty delicious cod dish, but not wanting to exclude a family member, I gave my best shot with substitutes.
Toast 1 piece of Udi’s white bread and chop after it is a bit dried out with a cleaver.
Melt 4 tbs.of butter
1/2 cup of slivered almonds                                    
1 ts salt
Small dab of mayo on each fillet
4 pieces of cod
1/2 c almond flour pressed flat onto a plate to very lightly coat cod

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Lightly oil a glass Pyrex dish
Combine melted butter, almonds, and bread crumbs set aside.
Coat the cod very lightly in the flour.
Place cod into the pan and dab a teensy bit of mayo on each filet.
Spoon almond, butter and bread crumb mixture onto fillets.
Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees.                                                       

Note: the first time I made this I used 2 tablespoons of salt.
It was awful. My family feigned they were no longer hungry.

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How to Carve a Pumpkin

 1. Be prepared. Buy your pumpkin early in the month.

Last year I waited till October 31st to select a pumpkin. Walking up to HEB  all I could see were Cinderella Pumpkins. I lifted the heavy, fancy pumpkin, a watermelon, paid, and drove home dejected.

I picked up pumpkins for everyone in the moms class last week and gave them the pumpkin prayer.

I did not tell them of last years pumpkin shortage.

Todd said he would be unable to carve the fancy squash, but how about Larry the Cucumber with the watermelon? The trick or treaters loved it and enjoyed having their photos taken with Larry. I cowered in the dark humiliated as  friends walked by.  Over and over I explained I did not buy a pumpkin early enough in the month. One friend laughed hysterically

“Girl you have got to get it together next year, you are living in Texas now”

2.Have faith in others abilities. I have handed off pumpkin carving for 26 years. I have faith in Todd’s carving abilities.

Know when to let the experts step in.

3. Be ready with cold drinks, newspapers, a fall snack of some sort. I plan to drop by the Bee’s Knees in Cedar Park for a couple of tasty gluten-free snacks for my skilled carver. Avoid the carving area by snapping photos and appearing  busy by washing pumpkin seeds in the kitchen.

4. Tell stories from earlier years. One year we served hotdogs.  “Halloweenies” are still spoken of fondly on our old street in Lake Forest.

5. If someone asks you to carve a pumpkin and the whole thing makes you nervous. Don’t.

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Answers to Prayer

Would you like to see immediate answers to prayer?
If I can show you how to pray in a simple way would you be willing to try?
First step:
Pray for something you know is God’s will.

Step two:

Watch and wait in the center of the passage.

Think of His word steeping in me as tea leaves steep and bloom fragrant in a teapot.

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise”

Psalm 145: 1-3

Just a few minutes before a memorial service our parking lot had just a few cars.

I was really sad. How would people hear about her life and her legacy and her praise of the Saviour through being present and loving to children.  A life whispering and singing for the Lord to His little Ones.
Ann Kroeker coaches us to walk the parking lot at our churches and pray over the spaces in her book Contemplative Mom.    Contemplative Mom by Ann Kroeker. Colorado Springs, Colorado 2000
It was cold, I was all dressed up, my hair would go from fluff to flat, but out I went and walked the spaces.
God impressed upon my heart how tucked in Hope Bible Fellowship is in a neighborhood, and to pray for its visibility to family and friends trying to find it.
Right before my eyes, cars pulled in.
We celebrated a life well-lived for Jesus for 92 years living out Psalm 145:1-3 in her care and cuddling of babies.

Story after story…connections were told and her gift was her sweet spirit of love. It changed them.

She loved them well and led them to Him by who she was.

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Simple Ways to Experience the Divine

When we think of spending time with the Lord, it is as simple as looking at the sky and seeing a cloud a little differently than perhaps others might see it.

I was enjoying the sunset and a large Z seem to appear in the clouds.

It was a nice coincidence after sending off a wedding gift to a couple just a few days before.

The first letter of their last name begins with Z.

I had a couple of items monogrammed for them with their last name.

I lifted them to God.

The Lord bless and protect …

The Lord make His face shine upon …

Lord please be gracious to… Lord give them favor…

Lord give them peace… Bless them.  Numbers 6:23-26

A text came, the husband injured, not seriously, but at the hospital.

The wife was so comforted to know I was praying.

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Calm Down and Be Quiet

God allows us to walk through circumstances so that we can better minister to others.   As I begin a new Moms Class this Fall I have found myself thinking “How will I teach the moms about quiet time as I no longer have days filled with diaper changes and late night bottles? How will my experiences contribute to where they are in their current circumstance?”

Last week was simply insane, and moving into Saturday I was so busy I forgot to eat.  later that same evening I received a call from one of the moms and it was then that I realized that the last time I had eaten was the day before.  Oh how I had compassion for my friends with little ones in that moment.

I was experiencing in some small way, the busyness of their everyday lives.

So here is a practical tip for time with the Lord.

Cynthia Heald coaches to keep everything in your “tent”.  Exodus 33 gives reference to Moses meeting with God in the tent of meeting.  What your tent looks like on any given day is up to you. I have a black fabric laptop case that has my Bible, Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost for His Highest”, my YWAM (Youth With a Mission) Personal Prayer Diary Planner, a note pad and an inspirational book I’m reading. I have a tiny handbag I tuck into my briefcase and away I go.  When stopped in line at the bank, waiting to meet someone, or the parking lot at school, I pull something from my tent and let God speak to me through His Words.

As I write to you it is thundering overhead. Think of the tent as your shelter from storms.

My Mom’s class teaching was brief.

Calm down and be quiet before Him. Referencing Isaiah 7.

Ann Kroeker recommended we spend the hour in silence alone with the Lord, with a journal and a Bible.

And so we did.

The week ended at Grief Group where we all lit candles and softly whispered our beloved’s name and sat still watching the flames and the smoke rise to heaven.

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Step into Fall

I’m ready for fall.

I just saw one singular gold leaf cascade down from the sky as I was strolling this morning.  The air crisp and the sun piercing through, it  seemed to light up the little brown leaf as it tumbled from heaven…like a little gift just for me.

HE notices me.

While attending my Grief Group yesterday I shared about my sister Peg and all her great accomplishments. How much I miss her, and how she always noticed little details about me. She knew fall was my favorite time of year.

It was so great to share and be heard.

Fall is a time of rejuvenation for me. I eat healthier, hike more often, and my writing is more structured as my days are more scheduled.

I’ll be revisiting a favorite book “Contemplative Mom” by Ann Kroeker with a group of Mom’s on Tuesday mornings.
I hope you’ll join me wherever you live in the world and begin the season by setting aside private moments with Jesus.

Anxious?

When you are caught in the grip of a mood, go stand before the Lord, and (like Elijah) stay there, until the storm passes over and you hear the still small voice of God.

Shirley Rice

Allow Him to step into all aspects of your life.
I’m a woman of letters old and new, my first this fall will be to the Lord….

Listen and study and put into practice the disciplines of Jesus.

He sets my day. He informs my work.

Join me.

Quote from Cynthia Heald’s “Loving Your Husband” page 75, Shirley Rice, The Christian Home:A Woman’s View (Norfolk, Va.; The Tabernacle Church of Norfolk, 1965) pages 49, 52-53
Sent from my iPhone

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Southwestern Okra Frittata

The okra keeps growing in our drought here in Texas. I am wondering if I have enough recipes to start a series on Okra recipes. I have never cooked with okra till this past month as we watched it thrive and grow even with little to no water.

We cook frittatas to accommodate our gluten-free family member.                

They are easy and filling.

No oven required!

Serve at dinner or breakfast.

Whisk 6 eggs with a tbsp. of baking powder. Set aside

Saute chopped onions, garlic, and 1 cup of sliced okra.

(Pick before it is 4 inches long.)

1 c of shredded cheddar.

Pour all ingredients into a hot skillet. Reduce heat slightly,  and watch closely for about 3-4 minutes and flip over using 1 very large spatula, or two small.

Garnish with cilantro.

  We toasted a tortilla over the burner and sliced to make chips.

Dab with hot sauce and enjoy!

During Moms in Prayer this morning we all prayed that every fiery trial our child endures will serve to fortify and purify their faith…even as gold is refined by fire.

It was a great reminder to me as I toss hot sauce on my eggs each morning to focus on the beautiful faith we receive as we trust and follow His direction in our own fiery trials.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

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Steamed Pumpkin

Skin pumpkin just like a cantaloupe and slice in the same way.
Pour an inch of water in the bottom of a pan and toss in the sliced pumpkin.
I served with chicken breasts topped with pesto and a side dish of steamed kale doused with balsamic vinegar.

Waiting for something to grow in our lives takes patience.

Therefore, be patient brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. James 5:7-8

The pumpkin picked too soon would have been bitter.

What to do while you wait?

Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one’s heart to a dear friend. People who have no secrets from each other never want subjects of conversations; they do not weigh their words, because there is nothing to be kept back.                          Fenelon

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Okra Frittata

Over at the Southards we are enjoying all things okra.

Savor each bite packed full of nutrients.

Enjoy the company you are with fix your gaze and be curious. Celebrate that moment hearing their heart.

Wait and listen.

You simply can’t imagine what insights and the happiness you’ll experience when you catch those thoughts running ahead and capture the moment with your neighbor, your child, your spouse.

I was really focusing on my husband and just hearing what was on his mind when wala….he whipped up this dish.

Slice the okra and toss in the frying pan with a little sliced garlic.
Simmer on low and chop the remaining ingredients.
2 Texas Hill Country sausage from HEB or the local favorite.
1/2 of a sweet potato (cubed)
1 medium-sized sweet onion (chopped)
1 large handful of kale (chopped)
Saute till thoroughly cooked through
Top with 5 whipped eggs and a tablespoon of baking powder.
Bake in toaster oven till eggs are slightly golden.
Allow dish to cool and slide out of frying pan for presentation

Great gluten-free dish and looks like a Quiche after it sets up in the fridge.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

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Fried Okra

We have a nice crop of okra in our garden.

Then He will send rain for your seed that you have sown in the ground, and the food, the produce of the ground, will be rich and plentiful.  Isaiah 30:29 HCSB

 

It is one of the simplest side dishes to prepare for your family or friends.

Rinse well and slice pods.

Dip in egg yolk.

Place okra in a bowl of flour with salt and pepper. (Cornmeal is a nice substitute as a  gluten-free option)

Shake bowl tossing okra liberally with flour.

Toss a drop of water in the oil to make sure it is sizzling hot.

Fry in a couple of inches of oil till golden brown ( about ten minutes).

Let okra cool slightly on newspaper before serving.

 Serve with iced tea.

Perfect summer dish.

May the peace of God be with you…

The love of Jesus enfold you…

And the Spirit of Christ fill you.

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Aunt Grace’s Breakfast Casserole

Jesus is Lord over my spirit, my soul, and my body. Philippians 2:9-11

Jesus has set Aunt Grace apart.

She is an intercessor, a woman of prayer.  Her prayers and lifted hands brought peace to my husband’s Mom as she was on her way to Jesus. Uncle Tom and Todd had stayed bedside all night. When Grace arrived she brought comfort to Marilyn as she spoke to her unconscious soul with God’s Word, speaking words of praise and power and praying for healing.  And she gently touched her cheek and brushed her hair with her fingers.  Her presence, her touch and her words brought almost immediate comfort as could be seen on the heart rate monitor.  Immediately her elevated heart rate dropped and normalized at a much less labored rate.  My husband had wondered whether or not her soul was still with her unresponsive body.  Grace’s presence and the resulting physical response by his mother gave comfort that she was.  As the family prayed together in the remaining time, Marilyn began her walk into eternal life.

Whenever I visit Grace my faith is strengthed.  Her own faith, and her genuine interest reflected in the questions she asks and the attention she devotes to the conversation reveal someone who listens intently.  Time stops in these moments and I feel valued.

Whenever I enter Uncle Tom and Aunt Grace’s home I am wrapped in love. Her tiny fairy-like frame and gentle hands, and her lilting South Carolina accent always greet me with the most tender hug of welcome.  I have learned that a visit to her lovely home brings rest to this weary traveler, and her special brand of southern hospitality creates a peaceful environment. The beautiful setting of her home is a natural by-product of her career as an interior decorator, and I’ve always thought this home could easily be featured in an issue of Architectural Digest.  Breathtaking!

The level of her hospitality is a rarity in todays busy world, yet for her it is simply a way of life.  Fresh flowers in the bedroom, chocolates on the pillows, a crystal water decanter filled with ice cold water, and a bathroom with an assortment of luxurious necessities all say “Welcome to my home, you are special.”  No southern hospitality is complete without iced tea, and the whole process of sitting down to tea is a delight.  She prepares the most delicious meals, staging them in advance so that she has time to visit with me once I arrive.  All of this demonstrates her love, and I am filled to overflowing, and I feel like royalty.  Better than royalty I am family, and despite my being a Yankee, I feel as though I am an honorary member of the Southern Club.

In these visits the stress of a long distance road trip just melts away and I feel at home.

In the Gospel of John Jesus says “in My Father’s house there are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you.”   Uncle Tom and Aunt Grace give you a chance to imagine what that might be like as I always feel as though I am welcomed into the presence of God through their love and blessing.

Here is a breakfast casserole I enjoyed from Aunt Grace.  May you be blessed by it!

6 eggs beaten
1 c cheddar cheese grated
2 c milk
1 ts salt
1 ts dry mustard
1 -1 1/2 lbs. sausage cooked and crumbled
6 slices of bread cubed

Place cubed bread into buttered 9 x 13 pan
Sprinkle sausage over bread.
Combine all other ingredients and pour over bread and sausage mixture.
Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
Serves 6

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Ten Ideas For Wedding Showers

I was recently messaged by a very old friend that she would be hosting a wedding shower and would love some of the ideas I’ve used in the past. Pastor’s wives have the privilege of hosting when immediate family live out-of-town. I love to have parties, but hosting showers is hands down my favorite.

1. Mail out a small card for attendees to offer advice for the bride (enclose in the invitation).  Crane paper is best when available.

It is often the funniest moment of the event. Find the heaviest card stock available and within your budget for the invitation and the keepsake card.

2.  Ask an admired and beloved woman in the circle of family/friends to give a short meditation 3-7 minutes on the marriage union and what  they will need and not need from the group as they enter a very challenging transitional stage of their life.   Great quote to include….

I have often regretted my speech- never my silence”     Publius

3. Save all the ribbons from the unwrapped gifts and create a magnificent bouquet for the bride to carry at the rehearsal.   In the south often a substitute bride will be chose from the bridesmaids to serve the honored role in rehearsal.  Growing up in Iowa, of course, I carried my ribbon bouquet.

4. Every bride has a favorite flower. My flower 26 years ago was a deep pink rose…today I still stop as I walk my sweet Daisy and smell the pink roses when they are in bloom here in Texas.

Some brides love camelias’, Gerber daisy’s, hydrangea’s are popular. If at all possible have a few dispersed in the room in a color to match the bridesmaids dresses.

5. The punch must also match the dresses and if sherbet is not available in the color you need…plan ahead and make it yourself. Sherbet in punch is sooo good!

6. Photos of the bride as a little girl. This is just a sweet addition to cause all to pause and reflect on.

7. Display in a side room  a little glimpse of the brides trousseau…perhaps just two outfits…the departing outfit and shoes and the swimsuit, cover up and sandals.

(I recommend brides switch into an outfit when they leave on their honeymoon, this allows for a trusted friend or family member to drop the dress by the cleaners for preparation and storage).

My Uncle Fred and Aunt Bernice from Seattle hosted a party at the hotel where everyone was staying after our Riverboat Cruise wedding reception. We changed into casual dress and it was fun to stop by very briefly to bid goodbye to everyone before we left for Cancun.

8. My friend Barbara Tompkins recommends giving two wrapped frames,  one with the brides family of origin and one with the bride and groom. The gift represents leaving and cleaving.  Stating this in front of the brides family and her fiance’s family is significant. Families can wreak havoc on a new couple when they need time just to separate and solidify as God intended.

The next two suggestions are from Barbara.

9. A monogrammed guest towel. This gift represents serving one another. Barbara suggested this gift also and attaching verses on cards about serving the Lord.

10. Measuring cups… you cannot measure Christ’s love.

P.S. Barb also likes to give two baseball caps to remind the couple no one wins if you are competitive with your spouse.

Marriages grow stronger every day with Christ at the center. Make all your choices with the Word for direction.

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:23 ESV

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Todd’s Ultimate Crab Soup

As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thessalonians 1:3 NLT

Todd had begun preparing the soup early in the morning when the distinctively sweet and spicy smell of Old Bay seasoning, the aroma our family associates with our family vacations for over twenty-five years on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, worked its way down the stairs and into my bedroom.  It was the arrival of a time-honored family beach vacation tradition – crabs!  Only this day we would be enjoying crab soup for Sunday dinner when we returned from our Sunday morning worship at the Corolla Chapel.  His inspiration?  An old Maryland crab house named Eats his family used to stop at every year as kids while driving down the Eastern sea board.  They all agree it is the best crab soup they have ever eaten, and strangely, he has perfected his efforts over the years using turkey, a suitable substitute when crabs are not readily available or cost prohibitive.

As a pastor my husband serves every day caring for the needs of others and inspiring and enriching all our lives, especially mine.  We have dined at many fine Outer Banks restaurants over the years, but my favorite dining has always been at the beach house and enjoying my husband’s cooking, a creative outlet for him and a break for me.

2 Cartons of Chicken broth

1 pound can of petite diced tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

12 Blue Claw Crabs, steamed and ready to go for the soup
From these, remove the dead man (lungs) and discard, then pull off the legs and separate the shell, saving to boil for a broth  added to the soup.

From the chest peace, break chest in half, leaving the meat inside and placing these large pieces into the broth with the claws.
Old Bay seasoning to taste.  My husband uses a lot

A touch of sugar to offset the spiciness

Salt
Pepper
Bag of fresh or mixed frozen veggies (corn, butter beans, carrots, green beans)
1-2 large cans of lump crab meat (blue claw crabs)

 Slice two cups of okra

2-3 cloves of chopped garlic

1 bottle of beer (optional)

Shrimp or fish (as a substitute for crab meat)

Bring to a boil, then simmer.

Serves 14-16

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Brian’s Linguine with White Clam Sauce

2 dozen steamed clams…steam till they open! Watch closely it does not take long.
1 lb. linguine, cooked
1 c olive oil
1 c chopped onion
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans, 8 oz. , minced clams…including liquid
1/2 c water

1 Tbsp.parsley flakes
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Simmer onion and garlic until golden. Add clams (do not drain), water, parsley, oregano,
salt and pepper simmer 5 minutes. Serve over  linguine.

The original recipe was in “Taste and See”.  We all knew it was his recipe.

(Brian did not recieve credit for it when it was published. )

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Marie’s Banana Pudding Cake

These last months have been very sad and physically draining with my beloved sis Peg’s passing. I was able to recover at the home of our friends Worthe and Marie.  Our families have been friends for half a century and we have been best of friends for 20 years. They were our first visitors after our daughter was born. We have shared the wonder and awe of life and highs and lows over the years.  Everyone loves Marie and she is a living breathing example of Proverbs 31:10-31.

Marie is a great cook.   She makes the most amazing hamburgers and homemade pizza, and her very comforting banana pudding dessert I recently enjoyed at her peaceful lakefront home is classic.

The original recipe was probably on a box, but I could not find it so here is how Marie made it.  

Glass Pyrex pan sprayed with Pam

6 bananas  (sliced thin)

1 box of vanilla wafers

2 large boxes of vanilla pudding

6 cups of milk

Make pudding with milk and set aside. Line the bottom of the pan with bananas. Place vanilla wafers on top of the bananas.  Spoon gobs of pudding sporadically over the top… leave enough for another layer. Line another row of bananas and top off with another layer of vanilla wafers.  Spoon remaining pudding and smooth over the top of all.

My pan was too big so I made a quick meringue.

6 egg whites

6 -12 tbs. of sugar

Whip with beater till stiff peaks form.

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Red Velvet Cake

I’ve been making this cake for twenty-five years now.  The cake seems to take on a life of its own and will improve every time you attempt to make this grand and elegant southern favorite.  It has long been my husband’s  favorite  birthday cake.  This cake takes time, focus and a clear head, so I set two days aside to prepare the cake in stages, making room on my calendar to do so.    Do not try to answer the phone, text, answer the doorbell or multitask in any way shape or form while in process.

                                                      

The original recipe was from Marilyn Southard,  my mother-in-law, a wonderful Southern lady from Alexandria, Virginia who last year went home to be with the Lord.  Red Velvet is her birthday cake legacy.  She always made delicious desserts, and whether we traveled to the  mountains, or the beach she talked about her great love of God as we talked, laughed and cried together while cooking for our family.    As great a cook and mother/mother-in-law as she was, I remember her most for her faith in the Lord, strength of character, and her exemplary work ethic without sacrificing anything of her femininity, power and sense of style. For me she defined what it means to live well for the Lord.

Here’s my recipe:

1 c shortening                                            

4 oz. red food color

3 c sugar

4 T. cocoa

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

2 tsp. salt                 

2 tsp. soda

2 c buttermilk

2 T. vinegar

5 c. sifted cake flour

Frosting

20 T. flour

4 c. sugar

4 c. sweet milk

4 tsp. vanilla

4 c. butter

Cream shortening, sugar.  Add and beat eggs, add salt, buttermilk and cake flour.  Make a paste of food coloring, cocoa and vanilla and beat into batter.  Mix in at last-minute, but (do not beat): soda and vinegar.  Bake in 4 cake pans/ layers at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.  Frosting : Cook flour and milk over medium heat until thick.  Chill.  Cream butter and sugar. Add chilled paste along with vanilla.  Beat until fluffy.  Ice cooled cake.

I made this frosting  the wrong way for ten years, mistaking “sweet milk” for sweetened condensed milk.  I couldn’t understand why I had to pat it on in handfuls until Marilyn, walked me through the recipe very slowly and caught my error.  Turns out “Sweet milk” is a southern expression for whole milk where she grew up.  The two of us would chat throughout the two days leading up to my husbands birthday and although she is in heaven I like to think she can hear my thoughts as I continue to chat  with her.  That’s my hope anyway.  She’s probably busy singing Handel’s Messiah with the angels, but pretty sure Jesus let her know I was making her cake.

( I doubled the ingredients from the original recipe to make four layers)

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My Father

Today my family will celebrate the anniversary of my father’s departure from this life. He passed on four years ago.  I’m still so sad he is gone.  I visited his final resting place on Father’s Day last year and  placed a bunny topiary. Difficult to face his headstone with mother’s name etched  without an ending date.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.

Psalm 55:22 NIV                   

I walked by a bed of broken glass one of my neighbor’s is using as a landscape planter. The glass describes how I feel when I visit my Mom and my Dad is not beside her. We quickly run off and do something fun together, but his absence is always there. It hurts and cuts all over. Sometimes the memories twinkle in the sun and I smile, but most of the time it just painful.

Our family motto “ be prepared”.  We had everything you might need for any impending disaster…even a generator. He taught us responsibility and structure by modeling it.

When I graduated from high school I took a trip with my girlfriends to Lake Geneva.  He said “Have a great time” and handed me a map.  Our successes and failures were our own. We were never scolded or lavishly rewarded for grades or achievements.  In college I had my first really awful grade. Feeling dejected, I visited  Mom and Dad to show my report card. He pulled out a report card from his desk (we attended the same university) and we had the same grade. No words  exchanged.

He smiled and we laughed…no condemnation.

No preparation for this. I miss his blue eyes. He hardly ever smiled, but when he did it was powerful and stayed with you.

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.   Hebrews 13:5

My friend Kim C. sent me a lovely sympathy card. For four years I have kept it on my desk as a great source of comfort.

Kim and I  watched and waited as his health declined. She cares deeply for others and her great love and prayers sustained me on days I just breathed in Jesus and out Jesus.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie dow in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters, He restoreth my soul.

Psalm 23:1-3

My father loved everything associated with airplanes. He was an engineer and worked on all sorts of projects throughout his lifetime of designing things that fly, one particular helicopter was his favorite and when we went to take a test flight, I was little, I was whining,  but understood when my Mom said this was our bread and butter, so enjoy yourself and I did.

I gave him this airplane and it just makes me smile when I look at it.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NIV

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Breakfast for a Texan

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Jack called yesterday and asked if he could spend the night. A lifelong friend was gravely ill and he would not make it for dinner, but he looked forward to spending the night and breakfast in the morning. He remembered my husband’s birthday is this weekend and even brought a gift in the midst of a very heavy evening. His friend went home to  Jesus at 10:30 pm.

Jack is a Texan. How do you cook breakfast for a Texan when you are  Iowan?

I began cooking around 7:30am and everything was ready in 15 minutes.

Grill sausage on very hot pan seering all sides…turn to low and place a few slices of french bread in the grease around the sausage. (Texas Toast) Image

Crumble 1 sausage in the bottom of your frying pan, turn up heat and slice garlic very thin and place all around the pan. Lower heat to 4 for gas.Image

Scramble two eggs into the pan…toss generous amounts of cayenne pepper on everything.

Add Cilantro and perhaps some sage or thyme…whatever is available and garnish your plate with salsa.

My husband makes a green chili sauce that is perfect with eggs.

(Recipe is  classified)

Place toast in a covered basket to keep warm and two corn tortilla’s for the eggs.

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Elgin Sausage is the only sausage we serve in Texas.

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Breakfast Tacos

Surprise your family with breakfast tacos and a  little latin music. I used my phone and played it while everyone enjoyed the fun morning meal.  My sister Peg sent the lovely placemats with peppers and chilis.

The night before cook sausage and store in the frig. I followed the directions on the Jimmy Dean package.

Cook Pinto beans with a little of the leftover juice from the sausage, salt and pepper to taste and as they become a bit mushy.

Drain all water from pinto beans and store in the frig.

Finely chop lettuce and store in the frig.

Flour tortillas

Shredded Cheddar

Place all ingredients on the tortilla fold and weight with a heavy pan, toast in a frying pan with just a small amount of oil.

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Cinco de Mayo Breakfast


Happy Cinco de Mayo!

We will be enjoying many great dishes this weekend, but I thought I’d share a simple one I prepare for my family for breakfast.
Prepare rice and beans at least a day before. I am not one to veer from the recipe printed on the bag.
Buy one bag of black beans and one bag of whole grain brown rice.

Scramble two eggs

Prepare Pico de gallo …

1 c cilantro

1 c tomato

3 limes

1 c onion

1/2 scallions

1 clove of garlic

Chop everything and place in a jar squeeze enough lime to make it have a slight kick in flavor and salt and pepper to taste.

Spray a little olive oil on frying pan and place tortilla and layer in a little rice, beans, eggs, pico de gallo and top with another tortilla and weight with the heaviest pan available. My family likes a little cheese on theirs but we have this without cheese and it is muy deliciouso either way.

I served it with a kale juice as a nod to my friend Margaret Turewicz. We spent ten days in Puerta Vallarta and she drank Kale juice every day. Our daughter and I could hardly watch her drink it, but now we understand how great you feel. I mix mine with just a little fruit…apple or berries of any kind in the blender to hide the bitter bite of the kale.              

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Mother’s Day Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and I made sure my gift arrived first to my Mom’s.

( first of my brothers and sisters… haha).                                                   

Mom needs not a thing, but she did mention after opening her gifts, she’d love some chocolate chip cookies! I made this recipe today with very little sugar and used teaspoons to measure out the dough so each one will be just sweet enough, but not too much for my Mom.

When we focus on what is good and beautiful in someone, whether or not we think that they “deserve it”, the good and beautiful are strengthened merely by the light of our attention. When we choose to see and appreciate what is good and beautiful in our children, that goodness can’t help but grow, and their beauty blossoms forth.                      Katrina Kenison

Thank you Mom for appreciating the good and beautiful in your children.  Blessing us with love as we flowered before you.

Mom Southard’s recipe is my base …page 161 of her cookbook “Taste and See” Southard Family Favorites

1 12 ounce bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
2 c flour
1 tsp, salt
1 stick of unsalted butter
1 stick of margarine
1/2 – 3/4 c sugar crystals – the larger crystal will fool your taste buds
(depending on how daring you are!)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all the ingredients stirring in the chocolate chips.  Bake for 8-9 minutes and remove from baking pan speedy quick or the bottom of the cookie will darken!

Kenison, Katrina “The Gift of an Ordinary Day” Grand Central Publishing N.Y., New York pg. 169

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Aunt Pitty Pat’s Cherry Cobbler

1 c sugar
1 c flour
1 c milk
1 stick butter
3 tsp. baking powder
1 can of unsweetened cherries,

(Fresh cherries  in season are best)

Sweetened to taste with agave nectar.

Preheat oven to 375. Melt butter in glass Pyrex. Pour on top of the melted butter, the batter made with the sugar, flour, milk and baking powder. Have ready the fruit heated with extra agave or sugar to taste. Pour the hot fruit over the batter. Swirl the top with a spatula and sprinkle brown sugar to cover the top.  Bake for 25 minutes.

Aunt Pat was Marilyn’s cousin I used her recipe for the base and added a few twists…hence the name. She developed the base and deserves the credit.

Aunt Pat was a beautiful lady who loved Jesus and served as a devoted mother and wife traveling the world as an Air Force wife sharing Jesus with everyone she met.

She was born in Virginia but lived out her days in the great state of Texas.

Aunt Pat lived in New Braunfels and was a great hostess.  My first visit to Texas 28 years ago was in her lovely home.  She ironed Todd’s shirt his first day in the Air Force. I never did get the hang of it so by the time we moved to California I became very grateful for the base dry cleaners.

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Chocolate Torte

1 3/4 c sugar

1 3/4 c flour

3/4 c Hershey’s Cocoa

1 1/2 ts baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

2 tsp. of squeezed orange juice

1 c vanilla soy milk

1/2 c canned pumpkin

1 c boiling water

The basis for my recipe came from the back of the Hershey’s Cocoa container.

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray Pam on two round cake pans and lightly flour. Combine all ingredients in order, blending well and boiling water in for the last couple minutes. Bake 30 minutes.

Frost with 4 c confectioner’s sugar, 5 Tbsp. vanilla soy milk,

3-4 ts. of fresh squeezed orange juice.  Blend till smooth and fill between layers generously and over the top.

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Oh Kale it’s a Wrap

My friend Becky was joining me for lunch yesterday and with only a quick fifteen minutes to relax I told her I would bring our lunches. The City of Austin is encouraging us to cut plastic from our lives, so in lieu of water bottles, I filled 2 small mason jars with filtered water for our beverage.  Classy.  In a hurry, I slapped together the strangest combination of ingredients and produced a most delicious Kale, hummus and roast beef egg roll wrap.  OK, it doesn’t sound great, but what joy it brought me when I took my first bite.  Turns out Becky couldn’t make it, so I doubled down on this delightful surprise with little worry of consuming too many calories.  Yum!  here’s what I did:

Lay kale leaf flat tearing off stemfof
Place generous dollop of roasted garlic hummus in the center
4-5 slices of roast beef
2 slices of tomato
2 slices of hot pepper jack cheddar
1 tsp. of horseradish (optional)
Wrap contents in wax paper tightly and weight a heavy book or marble if you have it for just a minute or two.
Place contents in egg roll wrap (wheat)and brown slightly in pan with just a drop of vegetable oil.  Substitue any meat, vegetable, evoo, or spring roll wrap (rice) would do nicely also.

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Chicken and Dumplings

Place rotisserie chicken in a pot of water. Boil water adding carrot shavings and celery, a little onion and garlic for flavor. Strain chicken and place in fridge to cool.

 I use prepared dumplings from Mary Hill.

After chicken is strained and in the frig.  Bring water back up to a boil and add dumplings one at a time. Turn heat to low, cover and cook 30 minutes.

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The Feast of the Epiphany

The feast of the Epiphany is today and I ‘m tying in a simple dinner of lamb and rice to represent a typical Persian meal.

fof

I’m setting the atmosphere and tone of the meal, by serving dinner on a low table over our Persian rug. Our friends the Riemann’s were over for bible study one night and Curt had a stunned look as he looked at our sofa.  “I have the perfect rug for you in our garage, it matches nothing in our home now that we’ve redecorated.”

Hence our most lavish material gift given by dear friends lays under our feet every day. Heather and Curt brought me a chocolate cake late one evening on my birthday. There was a soft knock at my door, my daughter asleep, husband on a trip and there they were. I cried I was so overcome they knew my birthday. I was new in town and felt very alone. Heather  is one of my favorite people to cry with, our hearts break for the same things, we also laugh, but many tears, so many tears.  She and Curt are living treasures who love well with Christ-like love.  The most lavish of gifts.

The three wise men and their lavish gifts must have been familiar with the Davidic promise to know to travel to Israel.  It seems they knew the Scriptures better than the Jews themselves, certainly better than King Herrod.  Perhaps they were  Persians, descendants of the great empire of Persian King Cyrus who granted permissions centuries earlier to some of the Jews to return and rebuild their holy  temple in the city of Jerusalem fulfilling the prophecy. ( Ezra 1:1-3) But the Bible does not state where they came from, only that they came from the East.  Resting our feet on our colorful persian rug and enjoying a traditional Middle Eastern meal of lamb, we will read about these Magi, wise men, scholars from the East, remembering that where Israel missed the birth of their king, these men went to extraordinary lengths to come and worship him.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory – this was during Herod’s kingship – a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on a pilgrimage to worship Him.”  Matthew 2: vs. 1-2  The Message

My main dish is the lamb.                                                

Rub lamb with kosher salt, olive oil and coat with minced garlic.

The next layer is mint. Completely coat over the garlic with mint. A jar of dried mint will do if fresh is not available.

Place lamb on a roasting rack in the oven at 425 degrees , reduce heat to 325 and continue to cook till internal temp is around 165-175 degrees.

Serve garnished with rosemary or mint sprigs.

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Buckeyes

A simple and quick dessert.
1 cup of peanut butter crunchy or smooth, and 10 tablespoons of butter or margarine adding a tablespoon at a time while mixing. Add 4 cups of powdered sugar and mix till well blended. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Roll into balls and dip in melted chocolate. I use 12 ounces of Ghirardelli premium baking chips in semi-sweet and a 1/2 bar of Gulf Wax or paraffin.  My double boiler broke so I’m making do with the mixing bowl above my pan.

My Mom and Todd’s Mom made these and they are perfect to give as gifts for Christmas or Valentines Day.

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2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 1,600 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 27 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

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Chik fil a without the drive thru

Chik fil a is one of our favorite places in town, and I enjoy studying and writing there before work.  My favorite breakfast item is the chicken biscuit.  Your mouth will water as you enter the restaurant and take your first bite.  It is  delicious and not duplicated.  This is my attempt.

Morning came early today at the Southard household. My small claim to fame with my family are my hot breakfasts. Our daughter’s tennis tournament meant leaving the house at 6:45 this morning.

This fast, easy, and protein and carbohydrate packing breakfast recipe calls for a package of Sr. Schubert’ s rolls from the frozen food dept. and two frozen chicken breasts.
Heat frying pan with one tablespoon of oil. Grapeseed is best for flash-fry, but Wesson or evoo will work.fof

Microwave breasts for five minutes or less I cover mine with Saran wrap. Slice while hot and toss into hot pan and brown slightly. Rolls cook five minutes at 350 degrees. Slice roll in half, place a small pat of butter, salt and pepper chicken and serve as a sandwich.

Leftovers are perfect to wrap in foil and take to work for lunch.

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Company’s coming

Do you get stressed before company comes and not know where to turn?  The following are a few easy things I do to remove steps from my day before company arrives that allow me more time to be present for friends and family upon arrival.
Day 1: Tacos.  The dish I made for the first night is a variation on traditional tacos.

And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in god my Savior, because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His slave…. Luke 1:46-48

Preparing ahead of time.  In life and with company meals, preparation ahead of time  allows  me to magnify Him to others, saving me time in the kitchen for time with family and friends.  I am prepared to be present.

Cook up a pot of black beans and a separate pot of rice 1-2 days before. The rice and beans both have standard recipes on the side of the bags. I follow those directions  and add a little e.v.o.o. and butter to both as they simmer.  Store cooked beans and rice in the refrigerator.
The day before cook up about 3 lbs. of carne picada or other meat of your choice sliced extra thin, seasoning to taste.  I boil mine in a cup of water and drain off before adding one small can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilis, and a nice dose of garlic powder, salt and pepper.

On the day of their visit, buy fresh ingredients:fof

Bag of limes

2 bags of cilantro

4-5 tomatoes

1 head of garlic

1 onion

fresh tortillas….watch for carts rolling into the bread aisle

1 head of lettuce

1 c of apple butter

Plate cilantro into a bowl tearing off leaves gently.  Slice limes in half and place on a small cutting board leaving a few whole for guests.

Make your pico-de gallo.  Finely chop tomatoes, garlic and onion, add salt, pepper and jalapeno pepper to taste…squeeze four to five limes and toss thoroughly.  Add some chopped cilantro.  Chill several hours covered before dinner.

Toss 1 c of apple butter  into carne picada and serve on a heated platter (hearth or oven works well)

Slice lettuce very thin and place on the table, along with your chilled pico- de gallo, tortillas, beans, rice and carne picada. Your feast is ready and your guests will enjoy your company as you join them at the table instead of speaking to them from your kitchen.

I would have missed the neighborhood girls and their four cans of empty shaving cream (pictured above) if I had stayed in the kitchen all evening.

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Friendship with God

Everyday God wants to reach you and share His Glorious Presence.

He has reserved a special moment just for you and it is almost like a secret the two of you share.

I saw Him in those black fierce rolling clouds.

Friendship with God is for those who reverence Him.SONY DSC

With them alone He shares the secrets of His promises. Psalm 25:14 TLB

In Cynthia Healds ”Intimacy With God “page 55, she challenges us to check our lives in terms of how it reflects reverence for God.

Do we “lift our souls to falsehood” or compromise the truth to spare someone’s feelings or make another think well of me.
As we reverence our Lord our families are watching.

Communicating His Truth and His Ways to our children does not always make us popular.

He rewards us as Mothers as we quietly watch the breakthroughs that come into our child’s life.

They see the All-Knowing, Ever-Present God and His plan.

May God bless, honor and favor you in a special intimate way this week.

Happy Belated Mothers Day!

Photo credit to George Lee Southard

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Salad to Go

Stir together 2 tbsp Mayo and 2 tbsp Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce

Spinach and tomatoes

Walnuts

Feta crumbles

photo (84)

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