Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Dropping By
Dear friends, it has been a few days...weeks...months...ok, it has been almost two years! I will be working harder to be at this keyboard with more frequency again. Whether there is anyone reading on the other end of this screen or not, I find I miss the feel of the keys beneath my fingertips and the easy flow of the words before me. So, more to come...See you soon!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
One woman's trash...
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Procession
Imagine a hero entering a bright city. His armor shines as he sits tall in his horse, hands extended, waving at the crowd. Children run alongside his steed, tossing flowers in his path and calling out his name, hoping to catch even a glimpse of him. For his faithful service and loyalty to the king, a reward awaits him inside the city. This triumphal procession pulses with life and anticipation and joy.
Now imagine our same hero, only this time he has been captured by his enemy, fallen prey to his foe's deception which lead to a trap. Rather than riding in atop his horse, he is bound and dragged behind the beast of his nemesis. He stumbles and falls, trying in vain to keep his bloody feet under him. The jeering crowd jockeys for position alongside the road so they can kick dust at him, spit on him, hurl insults. Children run near and throw rotting fruit and stones which hit him on his already beaten body. Following this display, only death awaits him beyond the city gate. This funeral procession pulses with bitterness and hatred and fear.
The gospel is said to be either the fragrance of life or the smell of death to those who hear it. For those who listen and believe, what awaits them is this triumphal procession of life, beginning now, but carrying into eternity where the King of Kings will welcome him into His glorious city, as a son finally come home. But for those who reject the mercy and grace God offers, their road leads only to destruction. We all begin with this terrible separation from God, a chasm forged by sin itself, but to those who refuse to believe the gospel, that chasm remains and the prince of this world shares his doom, bitterly victorious in his successful deception.
Have you shared the good news of the gospel with someone recently. Will you be there, as if with fresh flowers in hand, the sweet fragrance of life to offer? When we fail to do so, we might as well be standing idly by, rotting fruit in our hands, the stench of death in the air, indifferent to the horror that awaits them.
I am personally challenged this week by the Spirit in me that reminds me that I have an urgent responsibility to share Christ with others. In John 6, Jesus asked his disciples if they, too, would leave Him after He shared some hard teaching with them. Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
I am praying that God will give me many opportunities to share those words of life.
Now imagine our same hero, only this time he has been captured by his enemy, fallen prey to his foe's deception which lead to a trap. Rather than riding in atop his horse, he is bound and dragged behind the beast of his nemesis. He stumbles and falls, trying in vain to keep his bloody feet under him. The jeering crowd jockeys for position alongside the road so they can kick dust at him, spit on him, hurl insults. Children run near and throw rotting fruit and stones which hit him on his already beaten body. Following this display, only death awaits him beyond the city gate. This funeral procession pulses with bitterness and hatred and fear.
The gospel is said to be either the fragrance of life or the smell of death to those who hear it. For those who listen and believe, what awaits them is this triumphal procession of life, beginning now, but carrying into eternity where the King of Kings will welcome him into His glorious city, as a son finally come home. But for those who reject the mercy and grace God offers, their road leads only to destruction. We all begin with this terrible separation from God, a chasm forged by sin itself, but to those who refuse to believe the gospel, that chasm remains and the prince of this world shares his doom, bitterly victorious in his successful deception.
Have you shared the good news of the gospel with someone recently. Will you be there, as if with fresh flowers in hand, the sweet fragrance of life to offer? When we fail to do so, we might as well be standing idly by, rotting fruit in our hands, the stench of death in the air, indifferent to the horror that awaits them.
I am personally challenged this week by the Spirit in me that reminds me that I have an urgent responsibility to share Christ with others. In John 6, Jesus asked his disciples if they, too, would leave Him after He shared some hard teaching with them. Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
I am praying that God will give me many opportunities to share those words of life.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
National Pancake Day!
If it is good enough for IHOP, it is good enough for our kitchen! In honor of National Pancake Day, I thought I would share our very favorite pancake recipe. It has been tweaked and doubled and made to fit our family perfectly. Add blueberries, chocolate chips, dried apples, etc. to your own imaginative taste! Enjoy!
Pancakes
3 cups flour (use half white and half whole wheat if you like)
2 eggs
2 cups milk (buttermilk is even better)
6 T melted butter (use the real stuff)
1/4 cup sugar (sub brown sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon if you are doing apple pancakes)
2 T baking powder
1 t salt
1/4 cup real vanilla (I know this is a lot...it is worth it - yummy!)
Mix just until combined and ladle onto a hot griddle. Serve with syrup, fruit, and all the other yummies (My husband is a huge fan of bacon, so I will often cook the bacon first so there is a bit of bacon grease on the griddle - I do drain off most of it - in which to cook the pancakes. He loves that bacony crispy, greasy edge around his cakes! Hey - I never claimed these were healthy, just hearty and homey and every inch of their diameter is comfort food!)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Two are Better than One
You’ve seen them in the check-out lane at Meijer. They whisper sweet somethings in your ear as you slowly roll your cart along the conveyor belt. As you turn your back on them, you look at your food, satisfied with the fruit and veg on the belt and plan for tonight’s quick supper as you eye the box of pasta and jar of sauce. Still, sometimes it is impossible to ignore their siren song and the inevitable happens. A candy bar ends up in your cart. You slip it in your purse as you pay, and you polish it off before you pick up the kids from preschool. There are perks to being the grown up. One of them is that you don’t always have to act like one and nobody needs to know!
A favorite of mine (and let’s face it, there are lots of favorites when chocolate is involved!) is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. You can’t go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter and you can’t go wrong with the sweet, two for one deal in that little package. Two are better than one. Seriously. Twice as nice.
Enjoying my treat, I am reminded of a great passage from Ecclesiastes, penned by the wise King Solomon, divinely inspired by the Living God. I believe the broadest application of the verses is for friendship in general, but I can’t help but see how it applies to our closest earthly relationship, our marriage.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl. 4:9-12
Two are better than one. In the garden of Eden, when God created Adam, He saw that it was good, but He also said it was not good that Adam should not have anyone like him. So God created Eve to be like Adam. More than that, she was created to help him. What a lovely, wonderful plan God had! He foreknew the need Adam would have to experience the close, human connection with one like him in marriage, and God also understood that He was calling Adam to do some big, important things and he would do well with someone to come alongside him as he endeavored to obey his Maker. The simple fact is that God, Himself, is sufficient for all that we need. However, He saw fit to give us others in our lives to be one avenue through which He meets those needs.
As wives, we have the special privilege of walking alongside these men God has given us and holding their hands, eyes on theirs, and saying to them what God says to each of us, with conviction and commitment, “When we work together we will accomplish much, so let me help you. When you stumble, I will be there, not to point one finger at you, but to reach down with all five, hand spread, grip firm, and pull you back to your feet. When the shadows and dark invade and you can’t see what lies ahead, and you face the frightful, swirling storms of life, I will be there beside you to help fight off the bitterness, the biting wind, the fear, the cold. I will warm you with my words and with my presence. When you do battle, and your foe is too great for one, I will not desert you. We will fight, shoulder to shoulder or back to back and together we will defend ourselves, our marriage, our family. When we go forward, day by day, moment by moment, into the perilous, exciting, sometimes dangerous world, I will not leave your side. When the going gets hard, I will stay. I will fight for you. I won’t quit. Instead, you will hear my words in your ears, reminding you that together we can face what comes. I will remind you most importantly, that together means not just you and me, but you, me, and the awesome, powerful, sufficient, changeless, Mighty God who made us and gave us to each other, forming a three stranded cord that is not easily broken.”
Truly, peanut butter cups are a sweet treat and two are definitely better than one, but marriage is sweeter, and though, like chocolate, there can sometimes be a darker, bitter side, we will stick. Like the peanut butter on the roofs of our mouths, we will stick and remember that indeed, two are better than one.
A favorite of mine (and let’s face it, there are lots of favorites when chocolate is involved!) is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. You can’t go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter and you can’t go wrong with the sweet, two for one deal in that little package. Two are better than one. Seriously. Twice as nice.
Enjoying my treat, I am reminded of a great passage from Ecclesiastes, penned by the wise King Solomon, divinely inspired by the Living God. I believe the broadest application of the verses is for friendship in general, but I can’t help but see how it applies to our closest earthly relationship, our marriage.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl. 4:9-12
Two are better than one. In the garden of Eden, when God created Adam, He saw that it was good, but He also said it was not good that Adam should not have anyone like him. So God created Eve to be like Adam. More than that, she was created to help him. What a lovely, wonderful plan God had! He foreknew the need Adam would have to experience the close, human connection with one like him in marriage, and God also understood that He was calling Adam to do some big, important things and he would do well with someone to come alongside him as he endeavored to obey his Maker. The simple fact is that God, Himself, is sufficient for all that we need. However, He saw fit to give us others in our lives to be one avenue through which He meets those needs.
As wives, we have the special privilege of walking alongside these men God has given us and holding their hands, eyes on theirs, and saying to them what God says to each of us, with conviction and commitment, “When we work together we will accomplish much, so let me help you. When you stumble, I will be there, not to point one finger at you, but to reach down with all five, hand spread, grip firm, and pull you back to your feet. When the shadows and dark invade and you can’t see what lies ahead, and you face the frightful, swirling storms of life, I will be there beside you to help fight off the bitterness, the biting wind, the fear, the cold. I will warm you with my words and with my presence. When you do battle, and your foe is too great for one, I will not desert you. We will fight, shoulder to shoulder or back to back and together we will defend ourselves, our marriage, our family. When we go forward, day by day, moment by moment, into the perilous, exciting, sometimes dangerous world, I will not leave your side. When the going gets hard, I will stay. I will fight for you. I won’t quit. Instead, you will hear my words in your ears, reminding you that together we can face what comes. I will remind you most importantly, that together means not just you and me, but you, me, and the awesome, powerful, sufficient, changeless, Mighty God who made us and gave us to each other, forming a three stranded cord that is not easily broken.”
Truly, peanut butter cups are a sweet treat and two are definitely better than one, but marriage is sweeter, and though, like chocolate, there can sometimes be a darker, bitter side, we will stick. Like the peanut butter on the roofs of our mouths, we will stick and remember that indeed, two are better than one.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmastime is here...
...Happiness and cheer
We are officially on Christmas break and my little family couldn't be happier! Even now I can hear little hands dragging through piles of matchbox cars, or is it legos? There is a soft hum coming from the direction of my daughter, as she absent-mindedly makes her way through her Christmas carol repertoire. The fireplace is keeping us toasty and there will be cookie baking soon. Are you enjoying these precious days with your kids home from school? What will you do to help them create memories to cherish? Will you bake with them (see www.janbrett.com for a great Gingerbread Baby recipe)? Perhaps you'll pop corn and string it while you watch a movie (White Christmas is a favorite around here). I hope you plan to sip hot chocolate, piled high with marshmallows, and snuggle in a cozy spot with a great book (For little kiddos, look for Bear Stays Up, Harold at the North Pole, and Cranberry Christmas; for bigs, you can't go wrong with The Bobbsey Twins or Happy Hollisters, and for you, I love The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society). Don't forget to sled with the kids (if you have snow, which we don't, boo hoo) or take a meandering walk through the woods (why not pick up pine cones while you're at it). Have soup on the stove for when you get back inside. Chicken is always a favorite.
Enjoy these days. Relish the rollicking running in and out and in and back outside again. Pleasure in the peace of a pile of kids with a plethora of page turners. Savor the sweet sticky smooches of candy cane lips. Build snow forts or blanket forts or eat under the dining room table. Set aside the every day (you didn't really want to do laundry today did you?) and dive headlong into the childish delight in today. Have fun with each of these days. Unwrap them like a gift placed before you at the dawn of each wool gray morning.
Happy happy winter vacation! Bliss!
We are officially on Christmas break and my little family couldn't be happier! Even now I can hear little hands dragging through piles of matchbox cars, or is it legos? There is a soft hum coming from the direction of my daughter, as she absent-mindedly makes her way through her Christmas carol repertoire. The fireplace is keeping us toasty and there will be cookie baking soon. Are you enjoying these precious days with your kids home from school? What will you do to help them create memories to cherish? Will you bake with them (see www.janbrett.com for a great Gingerbread Baby recipe)? Perhaps you'll pop corn and string it while you watch a movie (White Christmas is a favorite around here). I hope you plan to sip hot chocolate, piled high with marshmallows, and snuggle in a cozy spot with a great book (For little kiddos, look for Bear Stays Up, Harold at the North Pole, and Cranberry Christmas; for bigs, you can't go wrong with The Bobbsey Twins or Happy Hollisters, and for you, I love The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society). Don't forget to sled with the kids (if you have snow, which we don't, boo hoo) or take a meandering walk through the woods (why not pick up pine cones while you're at it). Have soup on the stove for when you get back inside. Chicken is always a favorite.
Enjoy these days. Relish the rollicking running in and out and in and back outside again. Pleasure in the peace of a pile of kids with a plethora of page turners. Savor the sweet sticky smooches of candy cane lips. Build snow forts or blanket forts or eat under the dining room table. Set aside the every day (you didn't really want to do laundry today did you?) and dive headlong into the childish delight in today. Have fun with each of these days. Unwrap them like a gift placed before you at the dawn of each wool gray morning.
Happy happy winter vacation! Bliss!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A Wise Man Once Said...
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
It wasn't just any wise man that penned these oft-quoted words. No, it wasn't The Byrds. It was King Solomon. His wisdom was a special blessing from God and these words are God-breathed, inspired truth from the very heart of God. It would seem almost foolish to try to mess with these timeless and profound truths, but if you will indulge me, I am struck with some personal applications. Consider it my effort to apply the truth of this particular passage of Scripture to my life this week.
1 There is a time for everything, (but, I fear, not nearly enough time to do everything! What am I missing?!)
and a season for every activity under the heavens (there seem to be seasons when there are almost too many activities under this family's roof!):
2 a time to be born and a time to die, (and a time to grieve with friends who face the latter rather than the former)
a time to plant and a time to uproot, (and a time to rake and rake...and rake)
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, (and a time to admit defeat with the houseplant in the other room, pitch it, and start again)
a time to tear down and a time to build, (and a time to do both - we are nearing the end of our addition! Hooray!)
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, (I love the times when one turns to the other - this usually means I am with dear friends)
a time to mourn and a time to dance, (I mourn with my friend, and I remember that we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. I think I will refrain from dancing, lest I cause anyone else to mourn)
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, (a time for a ground breaking, perhaps...I just participated in one recently...A wonderful new facility for the elderly, where Christian hearts will put their hands to good use loving the aging saints)
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, (it's always a good time to embrace my husband and children...and praying and trusting God for each of our faithfulness in our marriage - in here lies the refraining)
6 a time to search and a time to give up, (Black Friday anyone?)
a time to keep and a time to throw away, (I'll be moving into a new closet soon!)
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, (this is my mom's job - thanks for all the altering and fixing you've done lately!)
a time to be silent and a time to speak, (Have you heard the words of Emerson? Let us be silent that we may consider the wonderful works of the Lord? Or perhaps with words of James, "Let us be swift to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," Lord, may my words be few and filled with truth)
8 a time to love and a time to hate, (love God, one another; hate evil, sin...)
a time for war and a time for peace. (maybe it's a war on stains? a war on tub scum? War on mildew? or, elevating things, a war against pride, selfishness, temptation, an unbridled tongue...If it be possible, as much as is in you, live peaceably with all men)
Seasons change. Here in the chilly north, we've seen hail and snow already. The leaves have lost their vibrancy and made their brown beds in heaps in yards and ditches. Our pumpkins awake kissed with frost and the last of the fall mums shiver as they raise their heads to the far-off rays of November sun. The freshly sharpened pencils that once graced school desks have been replaced by their homelier cousins, all stubby and bitten and bereft of erasers. Mornings dawns with a persistent, blaring alarm with no accompanying wake-up call from the sun. It is sometimes hard to say goodbye to the crisp sweetness of fall, bracing myself for the long cold winter ahead. This year, will you join me in my effort to embrace the changes and trust God to get us through whatever season of life in which He places us, reaching for His guiding hand, trusting Him for each step, whether they be through cheerfully rustling leaves, muddy puddles, uncertain icy patches or deep drifts that threaten to hold us cold and fast in one spot?
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
It wasn't just any wise man that penned these oft-quoted words. No, it wasn't The Byrds. It was King Solomon. His wisdom was a special blessing from God and these words are God-breathed, inspired truth from the very heart of God. It would seem almost foolish to try to mess with these timeless and profound truths, but if you will indulge me, I am struck with some personal applications. Consider it my effort to apply the truth of this particular passage of Scripture to my life this week.
1 There is a time for everything, (but, I fear, not nearly enough time to do everything! What am I missing?!)
and a season for every activity under the heavens (there seem to be seasons when there are almost too many activities under this family's roof!):
2 a time to be born and a time to die, (and a time to grieve with friends who face the latter rather than the former)
a time to plant and a time to uproot, (and a time to rake and rake...and rake)
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, (and a time to admit defeat with the houseplant in the other room, pitch it, and start again)
a time to tear down and a time to build, (and a time to do both - we are nearing the end of our addition! Hooray!)
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, (I love the times when one turns to the other - this usually means I am with dear friends)
a time to mourn and a time to dance, (I mourn with my friend, and I remember that we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. I think I will refrain from dancing, lest I cause anyone else to mourn)
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, (a time for a ground breaking, perhaps...I just participated in one recently...A wonderful new facility for the elderly, where Christian hearts will put their hands to good use loving the aging saints)
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, (it's always a good time to embrace my husband and children...and praying and trusting God for each of our faithfulness in our marriage - in here lies the refraining)
6 a time to search and a time to give up, (Black Friday anyone?)
a time to keep and a time to throw away, (I'll be moving into a new closet soon!)
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, (this is my mom's job - thanks for all the altering and fixing you've done lately!)
a time to be silent and a time to speak, (Have you heard the words of Emerson? Let us be silent that we may consider the wonderful works of the Lord? Or perhaps with words of James, "Let us be swift to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," Lord, may my words be few and filled with truth)
8 a time to love and a time to hate, (love God, one another; hate evil, sin...)
a time for war and a time for peace. (maybe it's a war on stains? a war on tub scum? War on mildew? or, elevating things, a war against pride, selfishness, temptation, an unbridled tongue...If it be possible, as much as is in you, live peaceably with all men)
Seasons change. Here in the chilly north, we've seen hail and snow already. The leaves have lost their vibrancy and made their brown beds in heaps in yards and ditches. Our pumpkins awake kissed with frost and the last of the fall mums shiver as they raise their heads to the far-off rays of November sun. The freshly sharpened pencils that once graced school desks have been replaced by their homelier cousins, all stubby and bitten and bereft of erasers. Mornings dawns with a persistent, blaring alarm with no accompanying wake-up call from the sun. It is sometimes hard to say goodbye to the crisp sweetness of fall, bracing myself for the long cold winter ahead. This year, will you join me in my effort to embrace the changes and trust God to get us through whatever season of life in which He places us, reaching for His guiding hand, trusting Him for each step, whether they be through cheerfully rustling leaves, muddy puddles, uncertain icy patches or deep drifts that threaten to hold us cold and fast in one spot?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Grain Powered
Do your kids play hard? Do you work hard? Around here, I'd like to think we do things with gusto - work hard, play hard, sleep hard! So, today I decided to try a hard core snack for my little crew. I modified the original recipe a bit to accommodate my pantry. Disclaimer: The original called these "bars," but mine never really stuck together enough to be cut. When I tried, I decided this was more of a granola type deal. ;0) Enjoy!
1 1/2 cup crispy brown rice cereal (these are like Rice Krispies, but made from brown rice)
1 1/4 cup rolled oats (I'm sure you could use quick oats, but I used rolled)
1 cup dried fruit (I used 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup dried blueberries)
3/4 cup nuts (I used pecans, which are more kid-friendly around here than walnuts)
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup oat bran
3 T crystallized ginger
1 cup pure maple syrup (orig called for brown rice syrup)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 t salt
1 t vanilla
Combine cereal, nuts, oats, oat bran, dried fruit, and ginger in a large bowl. Bring syrup, sugar and salt to boil, stir about a minute. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour over dry mixture until well coated. Spread into a prepared 9x13 pan (recipe called fro coconut oil. I just used Pam.) Allow to set (like I said, mine never did - so if you allow it to cool, then just dig in, I think you'll be satisfied.)
~ recipe adapted from Heidi Swanson, Super Natural Cooking
>
1 1/2 cup crispy brown rice cereal (these are like Rice Krispies, but made from brown rice)
1 1/4 cup rolled oats (I'm sure you could use quick oats, but I used rolled)
1 cup dried fruit (I used 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup dried blueberries)
3/4 cup nuts (I used pecans, which are more kid-friendly around here than walnuts)
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup oat bran
3 T crystallized ginger
1 cup pure maple syrup (orig called for brown rice syrup)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 t salt
1 t vanilla
Combine cereal, nuts, oats, oat bran, dried fruit, and ginger in a large bowl. Bring syrup, sugar and salt to boil, stir about a minute. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour over dry mixture until well coated. Spread into a prepared 9x13 pan (recipe called fro coconut oil. I just used Pam.) Allow to set (like I said, mine never did - so if you allow it to cool, then just dig in, I think you'll be satisfied.)
~ recipe adapted from Heidi Swanson, Super Natural Cooking
>
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
How majestic!
When was the last time that you had a moment when you stopped to truly appreciate the marvelous creation around you? I think we often take for granted this grand display that is before us, wherever we are on God's green earth. I took this picture while on vacation in Tennessee. You know how people sometimes call a place, "God's country?" While there may be places, like these misty mountains, that remind us with a louder proclamation that we have this great Creator, let's try to always remember that the evidence of His handiwork is all around us. Perhaps you hear the Creator's whisper in the stillness of morning, dew fresh on your grass and garden. Maybe you discern His voice in the cry of tree frogs as dusk falls. Some might witness the majesty of His greatness as the sun heaves itself up and over sky scrapers, dwarfing them with its grandeur. Wherever you live, whatever you see outside your window as you scrub dripping dishes or fold seersucker sundresses or file mountains of papers, join me in praising the One who spoke the world into being with the power of His Word.
LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]
You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
It's Not Easy Being Green
What do you get when you take perfectly yummy and traditional smoothie ingredients like milk and frozen fruit and add things like protein powder and green, leafy vegetables? You get a smoothie worthy of Popeye! So, I know that "green smoothies" are not new. Earthy, healthy vegetarians and vegans all over have probably been concocting and drinking these power-packed little uglies for ages. However, they are new to me. A dear friend, one who encourages me in all good things, recently texted me a picture of her first green monster, and has since shared with me her thorough enjoyment of them. So, this week I decided to try them. I've made three and this is my favorite combination so far. I'm thrilled that I found a way to like this because, wow, they are healthy and sustaining. I really am not hungry for hours and hours after sipping one of these thick things! ;0)
East your heart out Popeye!
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup chopped, peeled kiwi
two handfuls fresh spinach
1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder (look for unsweetened) I actually used only about 1/2 - 3/4 scoop
1 cup almond or soy milk - today I used light soy
Blend in blender until smooth. This makes a pretty big smoothie - either share with someone or reduce amount as desired - don't save it. It is not good leftover.
East your heart out Popeye!
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup chopped, peeled kiwi
two handfuls fresh spinach
1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder (look for unsweetened) I actually used only about 1/2 - 3/4 scoop
1 cup almond or soy milk - today I used light soy
Blend in blender until smooth. This makes a pretty big smoothie - either share with someone or reduce amount as desired - don't save it. It is not good leftover.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Back to Basics Sandwich
ABC Sandwich
(no, that doesn't mean already been chewed...)
Apple - Granny Smith, cored and sliced thin
Bacon - 2 or 3 crispy strips (I like thick cut)
Cheddar - 1 slice white or any sharp Cheddar cheese
Dijon Mustard - spread on whole grain bread
Enjoy!
Fyi - this is great if you also add lettuce and tomato!
Grain (whole grain) bread and
Ham
(no, that doesn't mean already been chewed...)
Apple - Granny Smith, cored and sliced thin
Bacon - 2 or 3 crispy strips (I like thick cut)
Cheddar - 1 slice white or any sharp Cheddar cheese
Dijon Mustard - spread on whole grain bread
Enjoy!
Fyi - this is great if you also add lettuce and tomato!
Grain (whole grain) bread and
Ham
Husband of my youth
Our anniversary is this Friday. We will celebrate our 17th year of marriage. This summer marks 21 years since we started dating, and about 23 years since this handsome boy walked into my life. He was thin and tall, dark-haired and handsome. We were friends first and for a very long time before he first held my hand and the twinkle in his eye changed to a special look that was just for me. We laughed together then. Lots of laughter. We walked and talked together on soft, summer beaches. We drove around in his little stick shift (which he handily taught me how to drive) and listened to music and shared our dreams. We watched movies and ate junk food. We raced down sand dunes and snow hills. Did I mention we laughed? :D
Once, when we were engaged, a well-meaning person, witnessing our laughter and youthful messing around, asked if I realized that this buddy of mine was going to be my husband. I think this person thought we were too young (we were 20 and 21), or having too much fun just goofing around (we may have been having a water fight at the time!) to be taking seriously what we were about to undertake together. I got the impression he thought we were going to have to stop being buddies so we could be husband and wife.
He was right and oh, so wrong. He was right because we were young and we were buddies. We loved to have fun together, and we had no idea what we were getting into together! At 20, as I looked into the face of my handsome groom, I had no idea what the years would hold. Does any bride or groom?
That early concerned bystander was wrong, though. I'm so glad we didn't take his words to heart and stop being buddies. We never stopped. We love each other more today that we had the capacity to love on our wedding day. But also, we really really like each other. We are still friends. We still laugh. Actually, we laugh a lot (did I mention we have four children and a giant, beast of a dog?). We still watch movies (the junk food has to be kept in moderation now, though). We still walk (hand in hand unless our hands are full of wagon handles and ice cream cones and sticky little fingers) and drive (road trips that sometimes test the bounds of sanity) and talk (catching up - "What do we have going on this week?) and talk (serious business..."Number 3 had an incident at school today..."). Now, though, we also share so much more. God has built us a family. He has sustained our marriage. He has given us ministry together, ways to serve Him. He displays His grace and His splendor in the day to day of our family.
I am thankful for my husband. He is a joy to me. The life we have is the one I never imagined in front of that church on an oppressively hot June day. It has gone beyond the scope of my naive twenty year-old understanding. They say that the young are the ones dreaming about the future. That may be, but it is the rest of us, living out the future one precious, unexpected day at a time, that truly understand the stuff that dreams are made of.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Aunt Lindsey's Sticky Popcorn
If ever a day called for a fun after school snack, it is an April Monday that started with us waking up to snow! As one friend so aptly put it, it would have been a beautiful and thrilling scene had it been the first snow of the season. Instead, we are closer to May than March and we had finally put away all the bundling gear and the snow was a little disappointing! As #4 innocently mis-quoted the old saying recently, "April Fools bring May flowers!" The snow was no April fool's joke, and neither is this yummy treat. Enjoy!
(Oh, and a word to the wise, stale marshmallows just make for "stuck popcorn" not sticky popcorn. Just trust me and go get a fresh bag! ;0)
12 large marshmallows (or about half a bag of minis)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter
1 bag microwave popcorn (I wouldn't use kettle, as this recipe makes the popcorn sweet enough!)
Melt marshmallows, brown sugar and butter in microwave, at 30 second intervals, stirring after each time, until marshmallows are very soft, large and fluffy (this is fun to watch!) Stir until a thick sauce develops. Pour in large bowl (spray it first with some cooking spray) with the popped microwave popcorn and toss until well coated.
Note: Make sure you get out the un-popped corn before you add the "sticky."
Eating it right out of the bowl in which you made it is fun. All hands on deck! Or, place a serving in cute plastic cups. I'd avoid anything like paper towels or napkins, - yikes!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Baker's Dozen
It's been so long, that I thought I would take a few minutes to reconnect. I've been busy living life, as I am sure you all have. Isn't it fun to see spring starting to peek through the last vestiges of winter snow and mud? Have you seen a Robin yet? How about a crocus? For us, spring means the bayou is finally ice-free and we get the treat of having lots of migrating birds pass through our little water stop. We've had Merganser Ducks lately. They are big and striking. I'll include a picture soon.
For now, I'll leave you with thirteen (that's the generous baker's dozen) things I hope to do during our upcoming spring break at home.
1. Bake bread (This is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen!)
2. Clean windows and screens (maybe if the screens are ready, it'll soon be warm enough to open those windows!)
3. Take naps (I don't think daily is too often when on vacation!)
4. Keep up with my Bible reading (Never take a vacation from that!)
5. Paint the bathroom. (Not sure if this is on my husband's list, though, so we'll see...)
6. Go to a baseball game with friends (Home opener weekend!)
7. Yard clean-up - maybe the ground will be soft enough to plant some spring bulbs!)
8. Clean out the garage (it's not pretty in there...)
9. Visit the library (we need to stock up for a week of lazy afternoons!)
10. Lunch and shopping with my mom (It's just fun, even if we don't buy anything!)
11. Date with my husband (a necessity)
12. Meal planning for April and May (things get hairy when we get back into things after vacation...busy weeks ahead)
13. Drink tea and read books (I'm with C.S. Lewis, no cup big enough, no book long enough or me! :0)
There's nothing like staying home for real comfort. Jane Austen
For now, I'll leave you with thirteen (that's the generous baker's dozen) things I hope to do during our upcoming spring break at home.
1. Bake bread (This is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen!)
2. Clean windows and screens (maybe if the screens are ready, it'll soon be warm enough to open those windows!)
3. Take naps (I don't think daily is too often when on vacation!)
4. Keep up with my Bible reading (Never take a vacation from that!)
5. Paint the bathroom. (Not sure if this is on my husband's list, though, so we'll see...)
6. Go to a baseball game with friends (Home opener weekend!)
7. Yard clean-up - maybe the ground will be soft enough to plant some spring bulbs!)
8. Clean out the garage (it's not pretty in there...)
9. Visit the library (we need to stock up for a week of lazy afternoons!)
10. Lunch and shopping with my mom (It's just fun, even if we don't buy anything!)
11. Date with my husband (a necessity)
12. Meal planning for April and May (things get hairy when we get back into things after vacation...busy weeks ahead)
13. Drink tea and read books (I'm with C.S. Lewis, no cup big enough, no book long enough or me! :0)
There's nothing like staying home for real comfort. Jane Austen
Friday, January 14, 2011
Remarkable
From an outsider's perspective, my days likely appear to be unremarkable. There is much folding of laundry, preparing of meals, wiping of counters, swiping of sticky faces. We come and go much like any other family, to school, shopping centers, soccer complexes, and church. We shuffle paper (seriously, there is so much paper in my life!), cleats, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and schedules. Nothings special here.
But wait. My ordinary life is not as bland as it sounds. My marriage of almost seventeen years is a place of solace and joy and laughter and faithfulness and commitment. My children thrive with health and happiness and security. My deepest parts, the place where my spirit resides, rest easy in perfect, quiet peace, the kind that passes all human understanding, and revels in joy, the kind that bubbles up from a wellspring of life.
We believe in God. I believe in God. This God is the One True God, the God of Abraham, and Isaac, of Israel, and of my heart. He is the Creator of the Universe, the Savior, the God Who Sees, the Redeemer, the Holy One. Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit.
He makes me special. He made me in His image. He calls me His own. He covers me with His Righteousness. He redeemed me and put His claim on me. I am no longer my own, but His.
He makes us special. He guides our family, and provides for us. He is the all-sufficient One who sustains us. Into our ordinary days, He infuses His presence and holds us together.
This is what is remarkable about our lives. He is in it. The Lord of All is in the details of our lives. He protects our marriage, He guards our hearts. He draws our children to Himself, teaching them more and more, instilling them with understanding.
I once saw a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie called the Magic of Ordinary Days. The title often makes me think of my life. However, it isn't magic that we experience. It is the awesome power of a personal God. This is the Supernatural Power of Ordinary Days.
But wait. My ordinary life is not as bland as it sounds. My marriage of almost seventeen years is a place of solace and joy and laughter and faithfulness and commitment. My children thrive with health and happiness and security. My deepest parts, the place where my spirit resides, rest easy in perfect, quiet peace, the kind that passes all human understanding, and revels in joy, the kind that bubbles up from a wellspring of life.
We believe in God. I believe in God. This God is the One True God, the God of Abraham, and Isaac, of Israel, and of my heart. He is the Creator of the Universe, the Savior, the God Who Sees, the Redeemer, the Holy One. Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit.
He makes me special. He made me in His image. He calls me His own. He covers me with His Righteousness. He redeemed me and put His claim on me. I am no longer my own, but His.
He makes us special. He guides our family, and provides for us. He is the all-sufficient One who sustains us. Into our ordinary days, He infuses His presence and holds us together.
This is what is remarkable about our lives. He is in it. The Lord of All is in the details of our lives. He protects our marriage, He guards our hearts. He draws our children to Himself, teaching them more and more, instilling them with understanding.
I once saw a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie called the Magic of Ordinary Days. The title often makes me think of my life. However, it isn't magic that we experience. It is the awesome power of a personal God. This is the Supernatural Power of Ordinary Days.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
What do we know?
There is a song, What do I know of Holy? by Addison Road. I have not always loved the song, but my heart does resonate with the truth that the more I know about God, the more I know Him, the more I realize that there is much much more that I don't know. The songwriter suggests that at one point she thought she had God figured God out, and I confess that I have never presumed to say that. The plain truth is that I am far from understanding the vastness of who my Creator and Savior is. I love the line in the song that says "Where have I even stood, but the shore along Your ocean?" The thought that I have barely dipped my toes into the depths of His Holiness and Love and Sovereignty leaves me a bit breathless.
As we begin a new year, I wonder if you, like me, have contemplated New Year's resolutions that involve more vegetables and water and less bread and hot chocolate? Have you considered moving more, TVing less, and simply adopting more healthy habits? I think those are all good ideas. However, I am beginning to wonder.
What if I were to resolve to pursue holiness instead of skinniness, purity rather than perfection, godliness and not good habits, intimacy and not organization? I venture a guess that the Fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control would be more noticeable in my life and these other things that are constant themes in my New Year's Resolutions would become non-issues.
So, join me, won't you, as I ask God and trust God for the changes He wants to make in me, rather than the changes I think I would like to see.
What do I know of Holy? I only know the One Who calls me to be holy as He is Holy. I know that Christ's holiness, along with His perfect righteousness clothes me because I am His.
What do I know of Holy?
by Addison Road
I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
As we begin a new year, I wonder if you, like me, have contemplated New Year's resolutions that involve more vegetables and water and less bread and hot chocolate? Have you considered moving more, TVing less, and simply adopting more healthy habits? I think those are all good ideas. However, I am beginning to wonder.
What if I were to resolve to pursue holiness instead of skinniness, purity rather than perfection, godliness and not good habits, intimacy and not organization? I venture a guess that the Fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control would be more noticeable in my life and these other things that are constant themes in my New Year's Resolutions would become non-issues.
So, join me, won't you, as I ask God and trust God for the changes He wants to make in me, rather than the changes I think I would like to see.
What do I know of Holy? I only know the One Who calls me to be holy as He is Holy. I know that Christ's holiness, along with His perfect righteousness clothes me because I am His.
What do I know of Holy?
by Addison Road
I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hope all is well with you and yours as we head into the new year. Those of you who have kiddos at home this week, enjoy it! :0)
Saturday, November 27, 2010
What's in a name?
Not that we are fickle, or that we thrive on confusion, but we have changed the poor pooch's name again. This time it is a done deal. For various reasons both sensible and silly, we have named the new girl Molly. Number 4 likes to call her Molly Flower. I think he likes her much better than the vegetable Cauli-flower ;0)
Hope your Thanksgiving was a treat and I hope you know we are thankful for you!
Hope your Thanksgiving was a treat and I hope you know we are thankful for you!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
What's for Dinner?
Thought I would share some of our menu for Thanksgiving. I only make things I love, and these are truly yummy!
Enjoy! I will add pictures as I can.
Marcy's Roll's
Dissolve 1 pkg yeast with
2 T warm water and set aside
Mix 2 cups warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
Beat until smooth.
Add yeast mixture and beat well.
Add 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 sticks melted butter
Combine well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, split dough in half and roll each into a circle. Cut dough into wedges and roll each piece into crescent shape. Let rise under a towel on a cookie sheet 1 hour. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
(Actually, someone else is bringing rolls this year, but I will make these this weekend to have with leftovers because we love them!)
Special Creamed Corn
Melt in large saucepan and stir until smooth and bubbly:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
generous pinch pepper
Slowly add:
16 oz whipping cream
16 oz. Half & Half
Stir until smooth.
Add 40 oz frozen corn
12 tsp sugar
2 tsp salt
Bring to boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Simmer about 15 minute, stirring frequently.
(This is not like any creamed corn you have ever had)
Cranberry Sauce
Combine in a medium saucepot and bring to boil over medium heat:
1 pound fresh cranberries, washed and dried
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup water
Reduce heat to simmer and add
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Stir to blend and simmer 5-7 minutes. Add
juice and zest from one orange.
Cool before serving.
(I don't like cranberry sauce and I wanted to eat this like it was dessert! Yummy!)
Recipe courtesy Alex Guarnaschelli - Food Network
Balsamic Root Vegetables
Combine in a large slow-cooker:
(this is a doubled recipe - my slow-cooker is 8.5 quart and we will have 29 people!)
2 lbs parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
4 large red onions, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups sweetened dried cranberries
Layer over top:
3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
Whisk together and pour over vegetables: (do not stir)
2 Tbsp brown sugar
6 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours or until vegetables are tender.
Toss with 2/3 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
(This is new to the menu this year. I've never made it, but doesn't it look great?! I love that it is for the slow cooker, since my over and stove top will be occupied!)
Recipe courtesy Southern Living.
Smoky Bacon-Biscuit Dressing
Biscuits:
Stir together:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
Add
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
Stir until no lumps remain. Drop 1/4 cup batter onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing the biscuits about 1 inch apart. Bake at 425 until the tops are pale golden and bottoms are golden brown 15-18. Makes 1 dozen biscuits.
Cut biscuits into cubes and toast on baking sheet in lower third of oven at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden. Increase oven to 375.
Cook 1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
Drain on paper towels.
Using 3 Tbsp bacon grease, cook:
2 yellow onions, diced
Add and cook until tender:
5 celery stalks, diced
8 oz button mushrooms, brushed clean and sliced
1/4 cup choped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbs chopped fresh sage
2 Tbs chopped fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste
Stir biscuits with bacon and vegetable mixture in large owl and add 5 cups chicken stock, stirring to combine.
Bake, covered, at 375 for 30 minutes, remove foil and bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Serves 10
(Another one that seems complicated but it well worth it. These biscuits are so good you will want to eat them all plain before you even get to make the stuffing!)
Recipe courtesy Williams Sonoma Kitchen.
Brined Herb Roasted Turkey
Dissolve 1 cup salt
1 cup brown sugar
in 2 gallons cold water
Add 2 oranges, quartered
2 lemons, quartered
6 sprigs thyme
4 sprigs rosemary
Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water. Soak in brine, covered and refrigerated, for 4 - 24 hours (mine will be on the porch!)
Remove turkey from brinse and rinse well under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels, inside and out. Rub breast side with orange segments and all side with butter. Also rub with following mixture:
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cumin
Place breast side up in heavy roasting pan, stuffing some butter under skin. Stuff turkey with
1 large ionion, cut into 1/8ths
1 stalk celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large carrot, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs thyme
2 sprigs rosemary
1/2 bunch sage
3-4 sprigs parsley
Roast according to weight and instructions on turkey, basting with chicken or turkey stock or broth.
(This looks complicated, but it isn't and it is worth every little bit of effort)
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, Food Netowrk.
Enjoy! I will add pictures as I can.
Marcy's Roll's
Dissolve 1 pkg yeast with
2 T warm water and set aside
Mix 2 cups warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
Beat until smooth.
Add yeast mixture and beat well.
Add 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 sticks melted butter
Combine well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, split dough in half and roll each into a circle. Cut dough into wedges and roll each piece into crescent shape. Let rise under a towel on a cookie sheet 1 hour. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
(Actually, someone else is bringing rolls this year, but I will make these this weekend to have with leftovers because we love them!)
Special Creamed Corn
Melt in large saucepan and stir until smooth and bubbly:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
generous pinch pepper
Slowly add:
16 oz whipping cream
16 oz. Half & Half
Stir until smooth.
Add 40 oz frozen corn
12 tsp sugar
2 tsp salt
Bring to boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Simmer about 15 minute, stirring frequently.
(This is not like any creamed corn you have ever had)
Cranberry Sauce
Combine in a medium saucepot and bring to boil over medium heat:
1 pound fresh cranberries, washed and dried
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup water
Reduce heat to simmer and add
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Stir to blend and simmer 5-7 minutes. Add
juice and zest from one orange.
Cool before serving.
(I don't like cranberry sauce and I wanted to eat this like it was dessert! Yummy!)
Recipe courtesy Alex Guarnaschelli - Food Network
Balsamic Root Vegetables
Combine in a large slow-cooker:
(this is a doubled recipe - my slow-cooker is 8.5 quart and we will have 29 people!)
2 lbs parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
4 large red onions, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups sweetened dried cranberries
Layer over top:
3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
Whisk together and pour over vegetables: (do not stir)
2 Tbsp brown sugar
6 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours or until vegetables are tender.
Toss with 2/3 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
(This is new to the menu this year. I've never made it, but doesn't it look great?! I love that it is for the slow cooker, since my over and stove top will be occupied!)
Recipe courtesy Southern Living.
Smoky Bacon-Biscuit Dressing
Biscuits:
Stir together:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
Add
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
Stir until no lumps remain. Drop 1/4 cup batter onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing the biscuits about 1 inch apart. Bake at 425 until the tops are pale golden and bottoms are golden brown 15-18. Makes 1 dozen biscuits.
Cut biscuits into cubes and toast on baking sheet in lower third of oven at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden. Increase oven to 375.
Cook 1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
Drain on paper towels.
Using 3 Tbsp bacon grease, cook:
2 yellow onions, diced
Add and cook until tender:
5 celery stalks, diced
8 oz button mushrooms, brushed clean and sliced
1/4 cup choped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbs chopped fresh sage
2 Tbs chopped fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste
Stir biscuits with bacon and vegetable mixture in large owl and add 5 cups chicken stock, stirring to combine.
Bake, covered, at 375 for 30 minutes, remove foil and bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Serves 10
(Another one that seems complicated but it well worth it. These biscuits are so good you will want to eat them all plain before you even get to make the stuffing!)
Recipe courtesy Williams Sonoma Kitchen.
Brined Herb Roasted Turkey
Dissolve 1 cup salt
1 cup brown sugar
in 2 gallons cold water
Add 2 oranges, quartered
2 lemons, quartered
6 sprigs thyme
4 sprigs rosemary
Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water. Soak in brine, covered and refrigerated, for 4 - 24 hours (mine will be on the porch!)
Remove turkey from brinse and rinse well under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels, inside and out. Rub breast side with orange segments and all side with butter. Also rub with following mixture:
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cumin
Place breast side up in heavy roasting pan, stuffing some butter under skin. Stuff turkey with
1 large ionion, cut into 1/8ths
1 stalk celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large carrot, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs thyme
2 sprigs rosemary
1/2 bunch sage
3-4 sprigs parsley
Roast according to weight and instructions on turkey, basting with chicken or turkey stock or broth.
(This looks complicated, but it isn't and it is worth every little bit of effort)
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, Food Netowrk.
New Family Member
No, we aren't expecting a baby! Our newest member is the four legged kind. As many of you know, we said goodbye to our dear dog, Sadie, in September, after she had been a sweet part of our lives for more than fifteen years. There was a void around our house after she was gone, and we miss her still!
Having no intention to get another dog any time soon, we recently found ourselves smitten (I admit, for me it was love at first sight) with the face of a big puppy we saw online. Louise (note name change below) was rescued, along with her eleven puppies!!! She was in a foster home, and this young mama (she is about a year old) was the last dog to be adopted from the rescue. As a friend said, how do you not love a dog that watched all her babies get adopted and was left behind?!
So, we have had her about a week and we are thoroughly enjoying her. We are reminded that there are many life lessons for children to learn from having an animal in the house. What rich teaching moments we can have as we take turns walking her and filling her food and water dishes, play with her, and watch out for one who doesn't really have a voice of her own.
Molly is our new special addition. What fun for us and what sweet timing God has as He places conversations and contacts in our days just when we don't know we need them!
She is a Great Dane and, though she could very well be on her way to around 100 pounds, she is still very much a puppy! That is a Granny Smith Apple she has been playing with for about a half an hour!
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