Late it is - but that is my M-O -- right, but tonight it really is! We just watch a semi-funny - and maybe a little real -- movie - "Couples Retreat" - parts of it probably fit more couples than couples will admit!
For two days I've walked around in a cloud - so amazed and so thrilled about what has happened! Just got to share! On March 22 and March 23 I mentioned a wonderful book "Let's Have Lunch" by Marshall Howard - a world renouned auther and modivational speaker. I emailed and inquired about buying some of the books and he personally called me. We visited and I mentioned my little blog. He wanted the address! Then that very night and the next day too on his blog http://marshallhoward.blogspot.com - he actually said nice things about my blog, quoted me, and added a link to my blog from his. Now he is not just anybody but a man that has traveled the world giving seminars, talks and the writer of this wonderful book. He has spoken to nearly every organization in the USA - American Heart Association, over 60 United Ways, Acura Motors,The Salvation Army, Pepperdine University, California State University, Northwest Airlines, March of dines, Make a Wish Foundation, and many, many more! I am impressed -- but awed that he took the time to personally call me and then quote my blog for two days!! If you ever have the opportunity to hear him - it is worth the cost twice over -- it will change your life!! Check him out!!!
Thank the good Lord - it is Friday night and although I have a tough Saturday and Sunday ahead of me -- I am thankful!!
Tonight I want to give you a recipe that a dear friend sent me today. She got it off a French cooking school web. Now I have not had the time to make it yet -- and knowing me -- who knows what I might feel it needs! Already - just looking at it -- it definitely needs GARLIC!!!
PASTA SHELLS WITH SAUSAGE, TOMATOES AND CREAM
"A hearty and ever so tasty pasta dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes! Sea shell pasta - conchiglie - is the perfect shape to capture the creamy tomato sauce and sausage. Try this recipe for a quick and savory winter dinner."
1/2 lb. mild Italian Sausage
2 Tbsp. butter
1 large can (28 oz.) diced Italian tomatoes with juice
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary or dried
Couple of dashes of hot crushed red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 lb. sea shell pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-reggiano cheese
In saucepan, cook sausages in boiling water for 3 minutes; remove sausages from water and whe cool enough to handle, slice into thin rounds.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butte over medium to medium high heat, add sausage rounds and cook until lightly browned. Add tomatoes (with juice), rosemary and hot pepper flakes. Bring to a slow boil, then simmer over low heat for 6 to 8 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.l
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil (addomg a tablespoon of salt if desired -- I WOULD DESIRE --; add pasta and cook til al dente (approx., 11-13 minutes)/
When pasta is almost done, put tomato sauce back on medium to medium high heat and add the parsley and cream. Stir and cook until slightly reduced, about 3-4 minutes. Taste for salt.
Add cooked, drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly, adding 1/4 cup of grated parmigiano cheese. Serve immediately with estra cheese on the side.
Sounds good - I will let you know what I change besides adding Garlic!!!!
Well I mentioned it is late and tomorrow I am going to decorate the fellowship hall at church for our Banquet honoring the 20 seniors we have graduating!! So for tonight - after a long and exciting week - I encourage each of you to be the very best, help someone less fortunate - and please join me again!! God's will - I will have more to say!!!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
TAKING CARE OF HUBBY AND NOT AT CHURCH!! FANTASTIC RECIPE!!!!
As I have said before "Facebook is addictive and very time consuming" and I've got to figure out how to eliminate some of the stuff I get!! Bad, bad, me - I didn't go to church tonight - but not so bad - Travis went to the doctor today with his foot that had a beam dropped on it last week - it looks like a big balloon just waiting for someone to puncture it so it can burst and it did not have any broken bones but is "crushed" to quote the doctor. That on top of waiting for the doctor's office to schedule a heart cath - and working too hard - he was too tired to even go get something to eat and come home. That is when my love and respect for him kicked in and I decided to also skip Wednesday night church and cook a meal and stay home with him. I really think God understands and approves. I made the recipe that I had on my blog last night -- Caribbean Turkey Burgers with Tropical Salsa. Well readers - let me tell you - I did add some seasoning! First off I have to admit I didn't have Parsley flakes and used Sweet basil flakes. Then I added a clove of pressed garlic, some salt, and a little extra seasoning of Penzey's black pepper, and Mural of Flavoring. I did goof at the grocery store - was looking at price I guess - not product - and picked up "chunk" pineapple instead of crushed so I just put it in the blender and made crushed!! Added all of the 8 ounces to the turkey - as I said I didn't have Parsley so I used Sweet basil and then for the Salsa - I chopped up a fresh Mango (in place of crushed pineapple] - didn't want to buy a carton of orange juice for 1 Tablespoon of OJ - so I used 1 Tablespoon of pineapple juice and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Then to the recipe I added 1 clove of garlic, minced; black pepper, salt, some dried green and red bell pepper flakes I had (Penzey's of course), a little Mural of Flavoring and in place of Parsley I substituted Cilanto (which is what should go in Salsa in the first place) and it was delicious! In addition to the delicious grilled (they started out a little dry so I put "Margarita Mix" in spray bottle and kept spraying the four burgers and they turned out perfect!) burgers, I made my Pasta Salad by using the little spirals made from spinich and carrot and regular with toasted walnuts and the wonderful Asian vegetables that are packaged and all you have to do is microwave for 5 minutes. Added a littsalt, pepper, 1 clove of garlic minced (remember???? this is my "miracle cure ingredient!!)and another dash of Penzey's Miracle of Flavor! Change your recipe -- it needs the extra "Zing!"
Just got to tell you - today the most amazing and exciting thing (to me) happened. I had told you - back in March - about a book I was reading - "Let Have Lunch" by Marshall Howard and how wonderful it was and how appropriate it was for either church, work or fund raising! Well I was looking at the site and getting information so I could order some for the incoming Board of the Red Cross and I received a phone call! Shock -- it was Mr. Howard - calling me! We talked for almost 15 minutes and he gave me some insight about how to engage more of my board members and was the nicest person I've been in contact with in a long time. I ordered the books and can't wait to get them distributed to future key board members! Now that is how to not only build a business but create a relationship. Later I looked at my blog - which I just happened to mention - and he had not only checked it out but posted a comment! I am amazed - an so very honored. He is a world famous man with contacts all over the world and he takes the time to contact me and look at my little blog!
Last night I was reading Titus 3 and was blown away -- surely I had read it before - but it spoke to me last night!! If you have read many of my blog postings you know I have talked about being kind, finding a good deed to do- and on and on about doing good to others. TITUS 3 says in verse 1 :"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good." (2)"To slander no one, to be peaceful and considerate, and to show true humility toward every man." 8) "This is a trustworthy saying." "And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be carefully devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."
God's Word - Good enough for all of us!
One recipe: My sister's Lasagne - she always made the best and then she quit amd she may have even lost the recipe -- so sis - here it is and save me a helping!!
LASAGNE BY ALICE
1 lb. lean ground meat
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1- 1 lb. can (2 cups) tomatoes
2-6 oz. cans tomato paste
10 oz. lasagne or wide noodles
3 cups fresh Ricotta or cream style cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese
2 Tablespoons dried parsley flakes
2 beaten eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 lb. mozzsarella cheese, thinly sliced
Brown meat slowly, spoon off excess fat. Add next 5 ingredients. Simmer uncovered 30 minutesw, stirring occasionally.
Cook noodles in large amoung of boilings salted water until tender; drain and rinse. Combine remaining ingredients, except mozzarella.
Place half the noodles in 13 X 9 X 2 inch baking dish. Spread with half the cottage cheese filing; add half the mozzarella and half the meat sauce - repeat the layers.
Bake in a moderate oven (375 degrees) about 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Filling will set slightly. Makes 8 to 10 servings!!
MY MEMORY MAY ELAPSE ON SOME THINGS BUT THIS WAS THE BEST LASAGNE I HAD EVER TASTED - OR LET ME CORRECT MYSELF - "THE BEST I HAVE EVER TASTED!"
Sis - you did it once -- please do it again!!!
God Bless each of you. Follow God's instruction - do a good deed! Tomorrow - God's Will!!!
Just got to tell you - today the most amazing and exciting thing (to me) happened. I had told you - back in March - about a book I was reading - "Let Have Lunch" by Marshall Howard and how wonderful it was and how appropriate it was for either church, work or fund raising! Well I was looking at the site and getting information so I could order some for the incoming Board of the Red Cross and I received a phone call! Shock -- it was Mr. Howard - calling me! We talked for almost 15 minutes and he gave me some insight about how to engage more of my board members and was the nicest person I've been in contact with in a long time. I ordered the books and can't wait to get them distributed to future key board members! Now that is how to not only build a business but create a relationship. Later I looked at my blog - which I just happened to mention - and he had not only checked it out but posted a comment! I am amazed - an so very honored. He is a world famous man with contacts all over the world and he takes the time to contact me and look at my little blog!
Last night I was reading Titus 3 and was blown away -- surely I had read it before - but it spoke to me last night!! If you have read many of my blog postings you know I have talked about being kind, finding a good deed to do- and on and on about doing good to others. TITUS 3 says in verse 1 :"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good." (2)"To slander no one, to be peaceful and considerate, and to show true humility toward every man." 8) "This is a trustworthy saying." "And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be carefully devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."
God's Word - Good enough for all of us!
One recipe: My sister's Lasagne - she always made the best and then she quit amd she may have even lost the recipe -- so sis - here it is and save me a helping!!
LASAGNE BY ALICE
1 lb. lean ground meat
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1- 1 lb. can (2 cups) tomatoes
2-6 oz. cans tomato paste
10 oz. lasagne or wide noodles
3 cups fresh Ricotta or cream style cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese
2 Tablespoons dried parsley flakes
2 beaten eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 lb. mozzsarella cheese, thinly sliced
Brown meat slowly, spoon off excess fat. Add next 5 ingredients. Simmer uncovered 30 minutesw, stirring occasionally.
Cook noodles in large amoung of boilings salted water until tender; drain and rinse. Combine remaining ingredients, except mozzarella.
Place half the noodles in 13 X 9 X 2 inch baking dish. Spread with half the cottage cheese filing; add half the mozzarella and half the meat sauce - repeat the layers.
Bake in a moderate oven (375 degrees) about 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Filling will set slightly. Makes 8 to 10 servings!!
MY MEMORY MAY ELAPSE ON SOME THINGS BUT THIS WAS THE BEST LASAGNE I HAD EVER TASTED - OR LET ME CORRECT MYSELF - "THE BEST I HAVE EVER TASTED!"
Sis - you did it once -- please do it again!!!
God Bless each of you. Follow God's instruction - do a good deed! Tomorrow - God's Will!!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Guess what??? I was so tired by the time I cooked dinner and "held it over" until Travis got through giving our three little furry children their haircuts(Harley on the right; on the left is my little black girl, Lexie, and Beemer bringing up the rear -- before the haircuts!) and then cleaned the kitchen that I could not even think beyond getting ready for bed -- so I skipped another night. Certainly not because I didn't want to write and share but knew I would not make sense!
Tonight I am going to share one of my favorite recipes:
FRUITED CHICKEN SALAD
3 cups cooked and chopped chicken (4 chicken breasts)
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1 cup chopped (very small) celery
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup A(green or red) grapes - cut in half
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper (or more to taste)
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon tarragon seasoning
1 tsp. Fox Point seasoning (this comes from Penzey's in Dallas(and is optional!)
1 cup Hellman's mayonnaise with about 3 tablespoons orange juice stirred in.
1 cup Cool Whip
Combine all of the ingredients - mixing well except the Cool Whip. Just before serving fold in the Cool Whip. Serves about 12 sandwiches or large servings on lettuce! Guaranteed to please!!!
Our preacher and his sermon topic have generated some comments and interest from the "unchurched." Yes - his sermons are about Sex and "Is Sex Spiritual?" To answer the question - his answer is Yes - to enjoy the fun (and yes - from the pulpit Sunday morning he said "Sex is Fun - there I've said it "Sex is Fun!") He quickly added "in the context of marriage!" He compared the variety of sex partners to a band aid that you put on - and it helps heal something - but if you continue to pull it off and put it on - it loses its ability to stick and becomes useless or used! I believe he has agonized over these sermons but fully believes that this topic is avoided at all costs and as young people begin to have those strange erotic feelings - not knowing the cost - they start experimenting - and then are never able to fully appreciate the pure adoration of one another! They need to know that God is holy and he wants His children to be holy and pure. Anyone that wants to hear the sermons can log in to shilohroad.com and listen to his sermons.
The next time I cook - here is the recipe I am going to make:
CARIBBEAN TURKEY BURGERS WITH TROPICALO SALSA
Burgers:
1 pound ground turkey
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained and divided
2 Tablespoons green onion, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon Parsley Flakes (either McCormick or Penzey's
2 teaspoons McCormick or Penzey's Jerk seasoning
Tropical Salsa
1/2 cup crushed pineapple or chopped mango
1 Tablespoon jalapeno pepper, very finely chopped
1 Tablespoon orange juice
1/2 tsp. Parsley flakes
4 hamburger buns
lettuce
DIRECTIONS:
1. Lightly mix together turkey, 1/3 cup crushed pineapple and next three ingredients. Shape mixture into 4 burgers
2. Mix together all Tropical Salsda ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Grill burgers over medium heat or in nonstick skillet for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until done. (165 degrees F internal temperature.) Place on hamburger rolls. Top with Tropical Salsa and lettuce.
Hope you try these recipes - and enjoy them!
Think about this: "What can you do to lift someone's spirit?" Just an encouraging note on Facebook or a phone call - or a good deed! We all need to think of others first - and not "I don't have the time" to "I will make the time!" God's will - let's meet back here soon!
Tonight I am going to share one of my favorite recipes:
FRUITED CHICKEN SALAD
3 cups cooked and chopped chicken (4 chicken breasts)
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1 cup chopped (very small) celery
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup A(green or red) grapes - cut in half
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper (or more to taste)
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon tarragon seasoning
1 tsp. Fox Point seasoning (this comes from Penzey's in Dallas(and is optional!)
1 cup Hellman's mayonnaise with about 3 tablespoons orange juice stirred in.
1 cup Cool Whip
Combine all of the ingredients - mixing well except the Cool Whip. Just before serving fold in the Cool Whip. Serves about 12 sandwiches or large servings on lettuce! Guaranteed to please!!!
Our preacher and his sermon topic have generated some comments and interest from the "unchurched." Yes - his sermons are about Sex and "Is Sex Spiritual?" To answer the question - his answer is Yes - to enjoy the fun (and yes - from the pulpit Sunday morning he said "Sex is Fun - there I've said it "Sex is Fun!") He quickly added "in the context of marriage!" He compared the variety of sex partners to a band aid that you put on - and it helps heal something - but if you continue to pull it off and put it on - it loses its ability to stick and becomes useless or used! I believe he has agonized over these sermons but fully believes that this topic is avoided at all costs and as young people begin to have those strange erotic feelings - not knowing the cost - they start experimenting - and then are never able to fully appreciate the pure adoration of one another! They need to know that God is holy and he wants His children to be holy and pure. Anyone that wants to hear the sermons can log in to shilohroad.com and listen to his sermons.
The next time I cook - here is the recipe I am going to make:
CARIBBEAN TURKEY BURGERS WITH TROPICALO SALSA
Burgers:
1 pound ground turkey
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained and divided
2 Tablespoons green onion, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon Parsley Flakes (either McCormick or Penzey's
2 teaspoons McCormick or Penzey's Jerk seasoning
Tropical Salsa
1/2 cup crushed pineapple or chopped mango
1 Tablespoon jalapeno pepper, very finely chopped
1 Tablespoon orange juice
1/2 tsp. Parsley flakes
4 hamburger buns
lettuce
DIRECTIONS:
1. Lightly mix together turkey, 1/3 cup crushed pineapple and next three ingredients. Shape mixture into 4 burgers
2. Mix together all Tropical Salsda ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Grill burgers over medium heat or in nonstick skillet for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until done. (165 degrees F internal temperature.) Place on hamburger rolls. Top with Tropical Salsa and lettuce.
Hope you try these recipes - and enjoy them!
Think about this: "What can you do to lift someone's spirit?" Just an encouraging note on Facebook or a phone call - or a good deed! We all need to think of others first - and not "I don't have the time" to "I will make the time!" God's will - let's meet back here soon!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
THE EVENING IS ABOUT OVER - AND IT'S BACK TO WORK TOMORROW!
Another Sunday night -- they seem to come sooner and sooner -- well after Friday that is!!! Another rousing sermon from our preacher - he is doing a great job with such a sensitive (to some) subject! I don't think my Mom could handle it! ha!
I have been looking through a cookbook named "Southern Season" and it says "An authentic guide to traditional East Texas cooking!" And it really is -- and in reading some of the recipes I recognize many that my Mom and grandmother made! Hot Water Cornbread, Bacon or Sausage with Cream Gravy, Fried Salt Pork with Cream Gravy, Okra and Tomatoes and many, many more. I was looking at the ingredients and it is a wonder any of us lived past 30. For instance - in the Okra and Tomatoes it says use "1/4 cup drippings from salt pork, bacon or ham." Now I have made Okra and Tomatoes but in the place of basically "fat" I have used 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil to saute the onion! And they never cooked beans or peas or soup without some fat meat in it! Now here is one recipe WE NEVER HAD!! Possum Stew! Yuk -- even the book says: Possum, because of its greasy texture, was not an East Texas delicacy, and some people never at it. The possum should be cleaned as soon as possible after shooting. It should be hung up for 48 hours; it will then be ready to be skinned and cooked." Now if you want the recipe - let me know and I will send it to you!! How many takers do you think I will get???
I am really going to try and see how healthy we can eat this week. Have you tried the "Greek Yogurt" called Fage and pronounced Fa-yeh! It doesn't have any of the additives that the sweet and fruity ones have. IT is the pure stuff and with just a little Splenda or just added a little (and I mean less than 1 tablespoon full) of grated mozzarella cheese - and I am going to try adding a few slices of fruit - it is very good. I was eating the 2% and the entire carton only has 130 calories and actually there is plenty for 2 servings! Even though I tried to be careful last week - I wasn't careful enough and I can tell my clothes are not as loose I like for them to be!! So - back to the 1000 calories per day!!
Do you like salmon? I really don't but I did try (and then adjusted) a recipe that makes even me think it is good. So - if you like Salmon - or would like to - try this recipe!
WALNUT AND PARSLEY CRUSTED SALMON
(Salmon Fillets or whole Salmon)
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
1/4 cup fresh packed parsley or mint
1 clove of garlic, peeled
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. lemon juice
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 tsp. Cayenne pepper (optional)
Combine walnuts, parsley ( or mint), garlic and oil in food processor and process until fine. Stir in lemon juice and season to taste (add the salt pepper and cayenne!)
Place salmon skin down on foil-lined baking dish. Spread tops and sides with walnut pesto. Cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 425F
Roast salmon (fillets) 10 to 15 minutes depending on thickness or (whole salmon) 20 to 25 minutes - or until fish is slightly pink in the center and flakes easily. Using a large metal spatula, carefully transfer salmon to serving plate. Garnish with walnut halves and parsley.
(NOTE: A similar recipe called for MINT in the place of parsley - but parsley is so healthy I substituted and think it is better!)
Here is another fish recipe that I really like and need to make again soon!
FISH TACOS
Take fish (either tilapia or catfish), cut into half - making strips. I then use Bodacious Barbeque rub (they sell their rub!!)and rub all over the strips! Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place fish on foil covered pan and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes - depending on thickness of fish or until fish is flaky.
While fish is baking, heat a skillet until it is hot, then take flour tortillas, on at a time, sprinkle with a little water, turn that side down into the hot pan, leave about 1 minute, sprinkle the other side, turn and leave about 30 seconds. Take up and put into a piece of foil and close. This may be placed in a warm (200 degree oven or toaster oven - continue to do however many you need. I usually make about 2 per person. When fish is done, take tortilla, place a couple of strips of fish, shredded cabbage, or you can use lettuce and tomato - a couple of slices fresh avacado, a few leaves of cilantro and fresh salsa. Roll. Serve with rice and more fresh salsa!!!
Now that is some healthy cooking. Try it and enjoy it! Enjoy a blessed rest tonight and remember - be kind - you might save a life! God's will - I will return tomorrow night!!
I have been looking through a cookbook named "Southern Season" and it says "An authentic guide to traditional East Texas cooking!" And it really is -- and in reading some of the recipes I recognize many that my Mom and grandmother made! Hot Water Cornbread, Bacon or Sausage with Cream Gravy, Fried Salt Pork with Cream Gravy, Okra and Tomatoes and many, many more. I was looking at the ingredients and it is a wonder any of us lived past 30. For instance - in the Okra and Tomatoes it says use "1/4 cup drippings from salt pork, bacon or ham." Now I have made Okra and Tomatoes but in the place of basically "fat" I have used 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil to saute the onion! And they never cooked beans or peas or soup without some fat meat in it! Now here is one recipe WE NEVER HAD!! Possum Stew! Yuk -- even the book says: Possum, because of its greasy texture, was not an East Texas delicacy, and some people never at it. The possum should be cleaned as soon as possible after shooting. It should be hung up for 48 hours; it will then be ready to be skinned and cooked." Now if you want the recipe - let me know and I will send it to you!! How many takers do you think I will get???
I am really going to try and see how healthy we can eat this week. Have you tried the "Greek Yogurt" called Fage and pronounced Fa-yeh! It doesn't have any of the additives that the sweet and fruity ones have. IT is the pure stuff and with just a little Splenda or just added a little (and I mean less than 1 tablespoon full) of grated mozzarella cheese - and I am going to try adding a few slices of fruit - it is very good. I was eating the 2% and the entire carton only has 130 calories and actually there is plenty for 2 servings! Even though I tried to be careful last week - I wasn't careful enough and I can tell my clothes are not as loose I like for them to be!! So - back to the 1000 calories per day!!
Do you like salmon? I really don't but I did try (and then adjusted) a recipe that makes even me think it is good. So - if you like Salmon - or would like to - try this recipe!
WALNUT AND PARSLEY CRUSTED SALMON
(Salmon Fillets or whole Salmon)
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
1/4 cup fresh packed parsley or mint
1 clove of garlic, peeled
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. lemon juice
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 tsp. Cayenne pepper (optional)
Combine walnuts, parsley ( or mint), garlic and oil in food processor and process until fine. Stir in lemon juice and season to taste (add the salt pepper and cayenne!)
Place salmon skin down on foil-lined baking dish. Spread tops and sides with walnut pesto. Cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 425F
Roast salmon (fillets) 10 to 15 minutes depending on thickness or (whole salmon) 20 to 25 minutes - or until fish is slightly pink in the center and flakes easily. Using a large metal spatula, carefully transfer salmon to serving plate. Garnish with walnut halves and parsley.
(NOTE: A similar recipe called for MINT in the place of parsley - but parsley is so healthy I substituted and think it is better!)
Here is another fish recipe that I really like and need to make again soon!
FISH TACOS
Take fish (either tilapia or catfish), cut into half - making strips. I then use Bodacious Barbeque rub (they sell their rub!!)and rub all over the strips! Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place fish on foil covered pan and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes - depending on thickness of fish or until fish is flaky.
While fish is baking, heat a skillet until it is hot, then take flour tortillas, on at a time, sprinkle with a little water, turn that side down into the hot pan, leave about 1 minute, sprinkle the other side, turn and leave about 30 seconds. Take up and put into a piece of foil and close. This may be placed in a warm (200 degree oven or toaster oven - continue to do however many you need. I usually make about 2 per person. When fish is done, take tortilla, place a couple of strips of fish, shredded cabbage, or you can use lettuce and tomato - a couple of slices fresh avacado, a few leaves of cilantro and fresh salsa. Roll. Serve with rice and more fresh salsa!!!
Now that is some healthy cooking. Try it and enjoy it! Enjoy a blessed rest tonight and remember - be kind - you might save a life! God's will - I will return tomorrow night!!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
A TRIP REMEMBERED - MISSION REMINDED - AND THANKFUL TO BE HOME!
Saturday night!! I can't believe it has been so long since I visited with you! I tried - but I never could figure out on my Iphone how to correct the last word from azing to amazing!! Did it tonight!!! What I was trying to tell you was that Tulsa, Oklahoma - the center of the USA has a waterway that has been dug out of ranch land that reaches all the way to the Mississippi River and they can ship these huge barges from there to New Orleans in seven days. When I say huge - I mean huge -- they hold about 7 to 8 truck loads (18 wheeler trucks) or about 70 tons of cargo -- wheat, grain, steel, oil, you name it and it can be barged out of there! We got to go out on a tugboat - converted to a party boat for a catered barbeque and see first hand the barges and some of the 70 industries that have settled there! Again I just have to say amazing!
Tammy and I had a good Red Cross meeting and when you attend something like that you come back renewed and ready to send the message out -how important the Red Cross is - not just when there is a hurricane or tornado - but daily -- as someone's house burns down, or someone dies and the soldier in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Fort Hood needs to come home -- and we are the only way he or she can get permission! IT was a good meeting! The flight back had the potential to be very scary but we must have had an excellent Pilot - they said he "skirted" thunderstorms all the way to Dallas but we were never aware of any problem - he kept us steady as a rock and landed us in Dallas as smooth as a baby's butt!!!
Today I chased flowers all day -- we went to Hughes - where I've always bought ferns - and geraniums! None of either -- well -- that I would have!! Finally found some really pretty bougainvillea at Al Horanea's and Lowes so now I think it will be really pretty again out back!! We ate tonight at Joe's Italian and sorry to say I did not like it and will choose Little Italy or almost any place else before there again!!
To be honest - I cooked Monday night and that was it!! I am ready to get back in the kitchen and do something really good!
Tonight I want to share two recipes- the first one is:
BROCCOLI CORNBREAD
2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix
4 eggs
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
1 Box frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
Mix well and pour into a 9x13 pan that has been well sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes in 375 degree oven!! Very good!!
Have you ever made Flan? Have you ever had Flan? It is a Mexican dessert that is really easy to make and is a hit whenever it is served!
QUESO NAPOLITANO FLAN
4 Eggs
1 Large can Evaporated Milk (I like Pets for this!)
1 Can Eagle Brand Milk - Blend the eggs and milks 3 full minutes.
Add: 1 teaspoon vanilla.(I add 2 to 3 teaspoons!)
Carmel:
Make sure skillet or thick pan is completely dry. (I use my iron skillet!) Put into skillet 1 Cup sugar. Start with high heat and stir all the time. Adjust to low heat as it cooks. Cook until sugar is liquid. (Don't overcook!) Spread in bottom of dish. Add egg and milk mixture. Bake in water at 300 degrees for 1 hour until brown. Keep water at high level - but be careful to not allow water to splatter in flan.
Remove from heat and allow to cool. Put into refrigerator and let get cold. Turn out onto platter and serve!!!
My sincerest hope is that you will try some of these recipes and if you don't understand something you will either call or write me! Have a blessed "rest of the weekend" and God's will I will be back on schedule!!
Tammy and I had a good Red Cross meeting and when you attend something like that you come back renewed and ready to send the message out -how important the Red Cross is - not just when there is a hurricane or tornado - but daily -- as someone's house burns down, or someone dies and the soldier in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Fort Hood needs to come home -- and we are the only way he or she can get permission! IT was a good meeting! The flight back had the potential to be very scary but we must have had an excellent Pilot - they said he "skirted" thunderstorms all the way to Dallas but we were never aware of any problem - he kept us steady as a rock and landed us in Dallas as smooth as a baby's butt!!!
Today I chased flowers all day -- we went to Hughes - where I've always bought ferns - and geraniums! None of either -- well -- that I would have!! Finally found some really pretty bougainvillea at Al Horanea's and Lowes so now I think it will be really pretty again out back!! We ate tonight at Joe's Italian and sorry to say I did not like it and will choose Little Italy or almost any place else before there again!!
To be honest - I cooked Monday night and that was it!! I am ready to get back in the kitchen and do something really good!
Tonight I want to share two recipes- the first one is:
BROCCOLI CORNBREAD
2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix
4 eggs
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
1 Box frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
Mix well and pour into a 9x13 pan that has been well sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes in 375 degree oven!! Very good!!
Have you ever made Flan? Have you ever had Flan? It is a Mexican dessert that is really easy to make and is a hit whenever it is served!
QUESO NAPOLITANO FLAN
4 Eggs
1 Large can Evaporated Milk (I like Pets for this!)
1 Can Eagle Brand Milk - Blend the eggs and milks 3 full minutes.
Add: 1 teaspoon vanilla.(I add 2 to 3 teaspoons!)
Carmel:
Make sure skillet or thick pan is completely dry. (I use my iron skillet!) Put into skillet 1 Cup sugar. Start with high heat and stir all the time. Adjust to low heat as it cooks. Cook until sugar is liquid. (Don't overcook!) Spread in bottom of dish. Add egg and milk mixture. Bake in water at 300 degrees for 1 hour until brown. Keep water at high level - but be careful to not allow water to splatter in flan.
Remove from heat and allow to cool. Put into refrigerator and let get cold. Turn out onto platter and serve!!!
My sincerest hope is that you will try some of these recipes and if you don't understand something you will either call or write me! Have a blessed "rest of the weekend" and God's will I will be back on schedule!!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
JUST A HELLO FROM TULSA
Hello from Tulsa! I can't write much on this Iphone-not too good at texting but I don't know if you've missed me or not but I have missed the conversation even if it was one way!! Saw an amazing thing last night! Did you know that in the center of the heartland there is Port in Oklahoma that has a waterway that reaches over 600 miles and can transport over 60,000 lbs from Tulsa to New Orleans in seven days! It is called Tulsa Port of Catoosa! Amazing!!! Will try and catch up when I get home!
Monday, April 19, 2010
RECIPES - WONDERFUL MEMORIES MADE - AND WORK!!!
Here it is - a recipe I promised - and I promise -"it is delicious!!"
MANGO - STRAWBERRY SALSA
½ large white onion – cut in large pieces
½ Red or orange bell pepper (I use green when red are too expensive!)
3 garlic cloves (either minced well or pressed)
1 –2 Hot Jalapeno, chopped well (more if not hot enough)
1 ripe Mango – sliced off seed
1 Pint Fresh Strawberries – cut in half
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Sugar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
½ cup cilantro – chopped
In processor: Start with onion, bell pepper, jalapenos, and garlic, - process until ingredients are chopped to small pieces. Add mango, strawberries, cilantro, salt, cumin, and sugar and process just a few seconds until mango and strawberries are small chunks.
(Careful or you will have mush!) Taste and make sure there is enough salt.
My sister inspired me to make sure I got that posted tonight! She said she kept looking for it -- so Sis - here it is! So glad you enjoyed the real thing!!
Today I completed my emotional journey -- I arrived at Rose Stadium a few minutes before 9 am - dressed in long white pants, tennis shoes and a Red Cross blue sweat shirt my sweet daughter had -- and I still nearly froze to death -- after 80+ degree weather last week! Only in Texas!! But the chill - the cold neck - and the sneezing I developed are all worth it - and the thought of all the cold was wiped away with "Harmony and Understanding' from TJC singing the National Anthem! That was worth all the cold and discomfort! And to witness those wonderful soldiers praised by our State Representative Louie Goumert and see him personally shake hands with each soldier there today was worth any discomfort we felt. I will vote for him any time he runs - his morals and dedication to this nation are honorable! It was an exciting day - culminated by the release of the men and women of the 136th Military Police Army Guard stationed in Tyler, Texas. Can you imagine the happiness and peace that resides in their homes tonight?
I am trying to get my thoughts organized about what I need for my trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the Red Cross meeting -- what to wear - we get to the airport about 10 minutes before the first meeting begins! Duh - business casual -- what does that mean to a woman? A skirt and blouse, pants and jacket (I already know it will be cold) or capris and cute jacket?? Who knows what I will wear or put in that suitcase??? I will be doing that about 11 pm tomorrow night (have to leave about 7 am for Dallas Love!)because Travis insists I must go to a World Mission Dinner tomorrow night. I must respect his wishes -- I just hope he honors me and stays up as late as I will have to!
All day today I cooked those wonderful beans - the ones from Colorado! I served them with a little hominy and corn dish I created, and jalapeno cornbread, and ham! The beans were wonderful -- took a lot of seasoning but well worth the tasting and the adding of more spices! Just add more spices, salt, pepper - a little chili powder or anything anything you have that adds flavor! The cornbread had corn and jalapeno added. Then I did a thick slice of ham in the oven. Added some honey, grated fresh ginger and brown sugar. Baked at 350 until thoroughly heated and then topped with a sauce that was created from my imagination!
Cranberry, Raspberry and Blackberry Sauce
Melt:
1/4 stick butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup white wine - whatever is available
Add: 1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup frozen blackberries
(fresh raspberries and blackberries can be used - if available!)
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook about 15 minutes - using a fork - mash fruit! Spoon over ham just before serving. I really think it would be great on any pork dish - braised pork chops, lamb chops or pork loin.
I really hope you try and enjoy this sauce - I just thought it would be good - created it as I went - and we loved it!!
May God bless you with a restful night - and when you awake - let your first thoughts be of God and how great He is - and tell Him (in prayer) of the blessings you feel! God's will I will have more for you tomorrow and then - unless I bravely take my computer through entry into the airport - I will return on Friday night! Thanks to all of you who take the time to read through my thoughts, concerns, and recipes!
MANGO - STRAWBERRY SALSA
½ large white onion – cut in large pieces
½ Red or orange bell pepper (I use green when red are too expensive!)
3 garlic cloves (either minced well or pressed)
1 –2 Hot Jalapeno, chopped well (more if not hot enough)
1 ripe Mango – sliced off seed
1 Pint Fresh Strawberries – cut in half
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Sugar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
½ cup cilantro – chopped
In processor: Start with onion, bell pepper, jalapenos, and garlic, - process until ingredients are chopped to small pieces. Add mango, strawberries, cilantro, salt, cumin, and sugar and process just a few seconds until mango and strawberries are small chunks.
(Careful or you will have mush!) Taste and make sure there is enough salt.
My sister inspired me to make sure I got that posted tonight! She said she kept looking for it -- so Sis - here it is! So glad you enjoyed the real thing!!
Today I completed my emotional journey -- I arrived at Rose Stadium a few minutes before 9 am - dressed in long white pants, tennis shoes and a Red Cross blue sweat shirt my sweet daughter had -- and I still nearly froze to death -- after 80+ degree weather last week! Only in Texas!! But the chill - the cold neck - and the sneezing I developed are all worth it - and the thought of all the cold was wiped away with "Harmony and Understanding' from TJC singing the National Anthem! That was worth all the cold and discomfort! And to witness those wonderful soldiers praised by our State Representative Louie Goumert and see him personally shake hands with each soldier there today was worth any discomfort we felt. I will vote for him any time he runs - his morals and dedication to this nation are honorable! It was an exciting day - culminated by the release of the men and women of the 136th Military Police Army Guard stationed in Tyler, Texas. Can you imagine the happiness and peace that resides in their homes tonight?
I am trying to get my thoughts organized about what I need for my trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the Red Cross meeting -- what to wear - we get to the airport about 10 minutes before the first meeting begins! Duh - business casual -- what does that mean to a woman? A skirt and blouse, pants and jacket (I already know it will be cold) or capris and cute jacket?? Who knows what I will wear or put in that suitcase??? I will be doing that about 11 pm tomorrow night (have to leave about 7 am for Dallas Love!)because Travis insists I must go to a World Mission Dinner tomorrow night. I must respect his wishes -- I just hope he honors me and stays up as late as I will have to!
All day today I cooked those wonderful beans - the ones from Colorado! I served them with a little hominy and corn dish I created, and jalapeno cornbread, and ham! The beans were wonderful -- took a lot of seasoning but well worth the tasting and the adding of more spices! Just add more spices, salt, pepper - a little chili powder or anything anything you have that adds flavor! The cornbread had corn and jalapeno added. Then I did a thick slice of ham in the oven. Added some honey, grated fresh ginger and brown sugar. Baked at 350 until thoroughly heated and then topped with a sauce that was created from my imagination!
Cranberry, Raspberry and Blackberry Sauce
Melt:
1/4 stick butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup white wine - whatever is available
Add: 1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup frozen blackberries
(fresh raspberries and blackberries can be used - if available!)
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook about 15 minutes - using a fork - mash fruit! Spoon over ham just before serving. I really think it would be great on any pork dish - braised pork chops, lamb chops or pork loin.
I really hope you try and enjoy this sauce - I just thought it would be good - created it as I went - and we loved it!!
May God bless you with a restful night - and when you awake - let your first thoughts be of God and how great He is - and tell Him (in prayer) of the blessings you feel! God's will I will have more for you tomorrow and then - unless I bravely take my computer through entry into the airport - I will return on Friday night! Thanks to all of you who take the time to read through my thoughts, concerns, and recipes!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
ANOTHER BUSY BUT GREAT SUNDAY!
Another great Sunday with two more vital lessons from Mark! He is tackling a tough subject in a sensitive - but very frank way. This morning he preached on how God wants more from than virginity of a young woman - he wants purity from all of us - man and woman alike! Tonight he simply sat in a chair and read selections from Revelations about Heaven (and we sang songs about Heaven). Travis said he thought there for a while he must have a bus outside with a police escort (there was one in our parking lot with its lights on) loading up to go to Heaven! He said he was ready to get on it! He was only teasing but it was a powerful lesson about where we need to think about we want to go when we die! Good job Mark!
This morning Travis told the congregation about our wonderful day yesterday and how moving it was to be in the crowd that greeted the 136th Military Police Army Guard as they arrived home from Afghanistan. Our two guys - Cliff and Chris had to meet muster at 8:30 this morning but then made it to church a little after nine. When Travis said they were in the audience - the entire church stood and gave them a standing ovation! They deserved it and a lot more!
I went to a baby shower this afternoon and it is always fun to watch such happy expectant mothers! Rachel is expecting a baby girl and the things you can buy for little girls is just amazing. She got some of the sweetest and cutest clothes!
Tonight I want to share a recipe with you that is very old - but very good!
MANDRIAN ORANGE CAKE
1 package Duncan Hines Yellow cake mix
3/4 cup Canola oil
4 eggs
1-11 oz. can Mandrian oranges, with juice
Combine and mix well. Pour into three greased and floured 9 inch cake pans. Cook at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
ICING
1 -20 OZ. can Crushed Pineapple, drained
1 -9 oz. Cool-Whip
1 Large package vanilla instant pudding
Whip together well and ice each layer of cake with the most on the top layer and sides! Refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve! Easy and very good!
I am sure you have lots of recipes for Party Weiners - but here is one that is so easy and sure to please!
PARTY WEINERS
2 pkg. tiny weiners or 2 pkg. of regular weiners (get a good brand - and I would use low fat!)
2 cups Plum jelly
1 cup Prepared mustard
combine and heat to melt jelly. Add 2 Pkg. of either little weiners or regular size cut into bite size. Serve hot!
Here is a recipe I am planning to make as soon as I know I can buy a "Good" watermelon!
TEXAS WATERMELON FIRE AND ICE SALSA
3 CUPS Texas (of course) watermelon, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup Texas green peppers
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 Tablespoon Texas Cilantro, chopped (In the summertime you had better settle for Cilantro from a cooler place than Texas or you won't have any!!)
1 Tablespoon Texas Green onion
2 Tablespoons Texas Jalapeno peppers (Now those you can get from Texas - hopefully from my own pepper plants!)
Combine ingredients; mix well and cover. Refrigerate one hour or more!
Now to critique: Well first - I think this would need some salt, pepper, more onion, at least 2 cloves garlic minced or I prefer pressed, and at least 1/4th of a good sweet onion. Then I would definitely add about 1 tsp; sugar and 1 tablespoon of cumin. Any really good salsa has cumin. Then I think you would have an awesome salsa!!
The 10 o clock news just came on -- so if I stop now I should get the rest of the clothes folded, pick up whatever toys Harley has dragged out - and get ready for bed! I should be there by 11! So I hope you have a very blessed week and you will make an effort to make something different and great for you or your family this week!
We are starting a new Women of the Word Bible class this week on Wednesday nights at church entitled "Attributes of God!" Have you every really thought about God and the words in the Bible that describe God! You really get to know God when you study this. I hope if you read this - you might join us in this study! I am so sad that I won't get to attend the first night - but I am getting the lesson and hope I will be there next week! This week I will be spending two nights in Tulsa, OK (understand I am in for a real treat - ha!)for the Red Cross! Take care and I encourage you to start looking for God's attributes. Start with Psalms 139 - In Verse 1 "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. 2) You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3) You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways!" God knows us - do we know Him??
This morning Travis told the congregation about our wonderful day yesterday and how moving it was to be in the crowd that greeted the 136th Military Police Army Guard as they arrived home from Afghanistan. Our two guys - Cliff and Chris had to meet muster at 8:30 this morning but then made it to church a little after nine. When Travis said they were in the audience - the entire church stood and gave them a standing ovation! They deserved it and a lot more!
I went to a baby shower this afternoon and it is always fun to watch such happy expectant mothers! Rachel is expecting a baby girl and the things you can buy for little girls is just amazing. She got some of the sweetest and cutest clothes!
Tonight I want to share a recipe with you that is very old - but very good!
MANDRIAN ORANGE CAKE
1 package Duncan Hines Yellow cake mix
3/4 cup Canola oil
4 eggs
1-11 oz. can Mandrian oranges, with juice
Combine and mix well. Pour into three greased and floured 9 inch cake pans. Cook at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
ICING
1 -20 OZ. can Crushed Pineapple, drained
1 -9 oz. Cool-Whip
1 Large package vanilla instant pudding
Whip together well and ice each layer of cake with the most on the top layer and sides! Refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve! Easy and very good!
I am sure you have lots of recipes for Party Weiners - but here is one that is so easy and sure to please!
PARTY WEINERS
2 pkg. tiny weiners or 2 pkg. of regular weiners (get a good brand - and I would use low fat!)
2 cups Plum jelly
1 cup Prepared mustard
combine and heat to melt jelly. Add 2 Pkg. of either little weiners or regular size cut into bite size. Serve hot!
Here is a recipe I am planning to make as soon as I know I can buy a "Good" watermelon!
TEXAS WATERMELON FIRE AND ICE SALSA
3 CUPS Texas (of course) watermelon, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup Texas green peppers
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 Tablespoon Texas Cilantro, chopped (In the summertime you had better settle for Cilantro from a cooler place than Texas or you won't have any!!)
1 Tablespoon Texas Green onion
2 Tablespoons Texas Jalapeno peppers (Now those you can get from Texas - hopefully from my own pepper plants!)
Combine ingredients; mix well and cover. Refrigerate one hour or more!
Now to critique: Well first - I think this would need some salt, pepper, more onion, at least 2 cloves garlic minced or I prefer pressed, and at least 1/4th of a good sweet onion. Then I would definitely add about 1 tsp; sugar and 1 tablespoon of cumin. Any really good salsa has cumin. Then I think you would have an awesome salsa!!
The 10 o clock news just came on -- so if I stop now I should get the rest of the clothes folded, pick up whatever toys Harley has dragged out - and get ready for bed! I should be there by 11! So I hope you have a very blessed week and you will make an effort to make something different and great for you or your family this week!
We are starting a new Women of the Word Bible class this week on Wednesday nights at church entitled "Attributes of God!" Have you every really thought about God and the words in the Bible that describe God! You really get to know God when you study this. I hope if you read this - you might join us in this study! I am so sad that I won't get to attend the first night - but I am getting the lesson and hope I will be there next week! This week I will be spending two nights in Tulsa, OK (understand I am in for a real treat - ha!)for the Red Cross! Take care and I encourage you to start looking for God's attributes. Start with Psalms 139 - In Verse 1 "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. 2) You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3) You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways!" God knows us - do we know Him??
Saturday, April 17, 2010
A DAY GIVEN UP FOR OUR TROOPS - WOULD NEVER TRADE IT!!!
May God always bless our Nation and our Troops! I had the honor and privilege today to serve our country (or so to speak)even though it meant a change of plans. The Red Cross was invited to participate in a private ceremony and barbeque for the returning 136th Military Police Army National Guard returning from Afghanistan - and since I am Chairman elect (in July) I felt it was my duty to give up a day I had planned for Travis and I to be there! Little did I know that it would turn into a day neither Travis or I would ever forget and certainly not regret! The first part of the morning was spent waiting -as well as getting everything set up (ice, drinks, etc.), giving out water to waiting family members - many who had driven many miles to get there - because they were two hours late (typical I understand of the military) but then we found out the Commander had decided to stop in Ruston, Louisiana and have lunch. In about 3 hours - anticipation began to build and build. We knew when they passed Shreveport, then Marshall, then Longview - and finally 15 minutes away, 5 minutes away and then hold your breath - one minute away! Then -- we heard the motorcycles - and in they rolled -- the motorcycles driven by a local Vietnam veteran's group (who by the way were shunned by so many when they returned home) and then in rolled 4 huge busses (Greyhound size)! Oh I need to tell you the street (out past the old KLTV station on East Erwin) was lined with people and flags all the way to Loop 323 - what an emotional sight! I had seen this on emails but to see it in person was a lifetime experience! What an honor to be among the first to welcome them home! They were given about 30 minutes to hug and hug and love their families and then there was a short program after which we served barbeque and all the trimmings to all who chose to stay and eat! There was also about 600 chocolate and vanilla cupcakes to greet them! One sweet young soldier girl took a glass of Chick-fil-A sweet tea and said "Oh Chick-fil-A is my favorite tea and I have missed it so much!" Thanks to Chick-fil-A for donating gallons and gallons of tea and lemonade and every soldier welcomed it -- the sweet tea being the #1 favorite!! Thanks Ed King for being so very generous and you and your tea and lemonade were so very much appreciated. Every one of the soldiers was appreciative and polite and thanked us for being there - what? WE THANK THEM!!!! A wonderful day that I am thankful I lived to see!!
I don't really have a recipe tonight -- just soak in the wonderful country we live in - and go eat a Chick-fil-A - and thank those folks for being so kind to OUR NATIONAL GUARD!!! May God bless and keep each of them and each of you!! I promise I will have more good recipes starting tomorrow!!!
I don't really have a recipe tonight -- just soak in the wonderful country we live in - and go eat a Chick-fil-A - and thank those folks for being so kind to OUR NATIONAL GUARD!!! May God bless and keep each of them and each of you!! I promise I will have more good recipes starting tomorrow!!!
Friday, April 16, 2010
FRIDAY NIGHT AND SO HAPPY TO JUST STAY HOME!!!
Subway never tasted so good and it has never felt so good as to have Friday almost in the past! It has been another "Freaky Friday" with some really strange acting people! We checked and there is not a full moon! I told Kathy "they walk among us and vote!" I am so late because we just watched a really good (with the exception of some really bad - but realistic language) but we all agreed we felt like we were watching a movie about Kris Kristoferson! It was "Crazy Heart" with Jeff Bridges. I am excited about tomorrow - our troops are coming home to Tyler! The 136th Military Police Army National Guard that has been serving in Afghanistan is arriving in Tyler about noon tomorrow and as part of the Red Cross Travis and I get to help with a private welcome barbeque for them and their families. IT is especially exciting because two of the guys go to our church! There will be a public welcome at Rose Statium at 10 o clock am on Monday!
Next week I will be going to Tulsa, Oklahoma on Wednesday and coming back on Friday for Red Cross training. Much of the training will be focused on fund raising and how important donations are to our chapter. We are desparately needing donors' dollars because of the tragic fires that we have been having right here in Tyler, Smith County. Every single dollar counts!
Have you ever made Homemade Pizza? Nothing is better. One time I made HM pizzas for church on Wednesday night and I believe everyone enjoyed them. One of the favorites was the barbeque chicken one! One of my favorites is Pizza Margherita - perfect in its simplicity. I love making my own pizza crust but if you are not ready to tackle that task (even though it is very simple -- just buy one already made up or use the Pilsbury one you just unroll! How hard is that???)
Pizza Margherita
Because of it simplicity - use the freshest and best ingredients!)
1 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees), divided
2 cups and about 2 tablespoons bread flour
1 pkg. dry yeast
1/4 tsp. sugar
4 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Cooking spray
2 tablespoon yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup Basic Pizza sauce
1-1/4 cups (5 oz.) thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Combine water, yeast and sugar and let set about 5 minutes. Add olive oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and flour. Using dough hook, knead about 5 minutes. Cover and let sit about 30 minutes. Press or roll dough out to fit a 12 inch Pizza pan ( or larger if you want thinner crust - which I do). Let sit about 20 minutes and then sprinkle with remaining salt, and sprad Basic Pizza sauce evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Arrange cheese slices evenly over pizza. Bake at 550 degrees for about 11 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cut pizza into 10 wedges and sprinkle evenly with basil.
Basic Pizza Sauce
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 - 28 oz. can tomatoes
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic to pan and cook one minute. Remove tomatoes from can, reserving tomatoes. Crush tomatoes. Stir in tomatos, juices, salt and oregano into garlic mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. (OR BUY A JAR OF PIZZA SAUCE AND ADD EXTRA GARLIC TO IT!)
ENJOY!!
Have a wonderful weekend -- God's will I will be back tomorrow night with the story of the returning troops - returning to their normal life with their sacrificing families and our duty to welcome them back as the heroes they are - willing to sacrifice their life, if necessary, for our safety from the terrorists that threaten us! God Bless each of them!
Next week I will be going to Tulsa, Oklahoma on Wednesday and coming back on Friday for Red Cross training. Much of the training will be focused on fund raising and how important donations are to our chapter. We are desparately needing donors' dollars because of the tragic fires that we have been having right here in Tyler, Smith County. Every single dollar counts!
Have you ever made Homemade Pizza? Nothing is better. One time I made HM pizzas for church on Wednesday night and I believe everyone enjoyed them. One of the favorites was the barbeque chicken one! One of my favorites is Pizza Margherita - perfect in its simplicity. I love making my own pizza crust but if you are not ready to tackle that task (even though it is very simple -- just buy one already made up or use the Pilsbury one you just unroll! How hard is that???)
Pizza Margherita
Because of it simplicity - use the freshest and best ingredients!)
1 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees), divided
2 cups and about 2 tablespoons bread flour
1 pkg. dry yeast
1/4 tsp. sugar
4 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Cooking spray
2 tablespoon yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup Basic Pizza sauce
1-1/4 cups (5 oz.) thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Combine water, yeast and sugar and let set about 5 minutes. Add olive oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and flour. Using dough hook, knead about 5 minutes. Cover and let sit about 30 minutes. Press or roll dough out to fit a 12 inch Pizza pan ( or larger if you want thinner crust - which I do). Let sit about 20 minutes and then sprinkle with remaining salt, and sprad Basic Pizza sauce evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Arrange cheese slices evenly over pizza. Bake at 550 degrees for about 11 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cut pizza into 10 wedges and sprinkle evenly with basil.
Basic Pizza Sauce
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 - 28 oz. can tomatoes
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic to pan and cook one minute. Remove tomatoes from can, reserving tomatoes. Crush tomatoes. Stir in tomatos, juices, salt and oregano into garlic mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. (OR BUY A JAR OF PIZZA SAUCE AND ADD EXTRA GARLIC TO IT!)
ENJOY!!
Have a wonderful weekend -- God's will I will be back tomorrow night with the story of the returning troops - returning to their normal life with their sacrificing families and our duty to welcome them back as the heroes they are - willing to sacrifice their life, if necessary, for our safety from the terrorists that threaten us! God Bless each of them!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL NIGHT - THANKS TO MANY HELPFUL FRIENDS!
Hmmm - scary -- I hear about 10 different sirens going off and it is 9:40. I just pray it is not another apartment fire -- any fire is such a tragedy - but when the Red Cross responds to an apartment fire it always costs thousands of dollars and we just struggle with having the funds to help. There have been so many apartment and single family fires right here in Smith County so every donation is needed and used right here in Tyler, TX.
The Wednesday night meal is over and I believe based on the comments - it was a success! The fajita meat was wonderful and everything else was good! I am hoping the desserts were enjoyed!! I think I went over the amount collected but I think the people who attended would agree it was worth it! I will try to be more conservative next month!!!
I make a very simple but delicious enchilada and my sister asked if I had posted the recipe and I guess I thought it was too simple but here it is:
JC's Chicken Enchiladas
3 t0 4 chicken breasts - cooked and pulled apart in bite size pieces (or you can use a rotisserie chicken!)
1 onion, chopped
1- 2 cup pkg. shredded cheese (I like the Mexican blend)
1 pkg. tortillas (Flour works better for enchiladas)
Oil for heating tortillas
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper (Remember Pensey's is best)
1 Tsp. Pensey's Fox Point
2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Rose City Mild)
9 X 13 Baking dish (sprayed with Pam or such spray!)
Mix chicken with salt, pepper, Fox Point, hot sauce and a couple of tablespoons of broth. (You don't want it soggy - just soft!)
Take a skillet and put just a little oil in it - maybe 1 tablespoon and heat a tortilla - the object is to get it pliable so that it folds easily - the take that tortilla and blot it with paper towel (basically just lay it on the paper towel). Then add about 2 tablespoons chicken about 1 tsp. onion and 1 tablespoon cheese. (I don't measure these - I just grab some and put chicken, onion and cheese on each one!!) Roll up the filled tortilla (Now an Enchilada) and place seam down in prepared dish. Continue to heat tortillas (add more oil as needed) and fill until dish is full or you have made as many as you want!) Cover the top with grated cheese - and if you have it - crumble some of the great Mexican melting cheese on it! Bake at 250 degrees - just until cheese is melted and enchiladas are hot. Serve with tomatoes and lettuce. Oh - and salsa and guacamole is always a great side!!
The salsa I made for tonight was great - although most people bragged on the "Pico de galo" and that was okay with me as long as they bragged on it!!
I will give you the recipe but just not tonight. My body and my mind is tired. I chased groceries for 3 days or nights and then bought bananas this afternoon for the banana pudding. I would say the Snicker treats were the hit of the night with everyone trying them and then discussing them. I love it when something hits "the spot!"
Please tune in tomorrow for more - and remember - "IT is better to give than receive!" I had some very giving people help me tonight - Pam and Harry VanScoder, Gwynn Shultz and Travis Gilbreath! Without them the meal would not have been ready and that would have been a disaster! Special thanks to Michelle Gilbreath who helped decorate, Sue Walker who helped serve and clean up, and to Deanne Smith who helped clear tables and vaccumed! So many special people! Thank you!!
God Bless each of you and if it is His Will - I will return with more recipes!!
The Wednesday night meal is over and I believe based on the comments - it was a success! The fajita meat was wonderful and everything else was good! I am hoping the desserts were enjoyed!! I think I went over the amount collected but I think the people who attended would agree it was worth it! I will try to be more conservative next month!!!
I make a very simple but delicious enchilada and my sister asked if I had posted the recipe and I guess I thought it was too simple but here it is:
JC's Chicken Enchiladas
3 t0 4 chicken breasts - cooked and pulled apart in bite size pieces (or you can use a rotisserie chicken!)
1 onion, chopped
1- 2 cup pkg. shredded cheese (I like the Mexican blend)
1 pkg. tortillas (Flour works better for enchiladas)
Oil for heating tortillas
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper (Remember Pensey's is best)
1 Tsp. Pensey's Fox Point
2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Rose City Mild)
9 X 13 Baking dish (sprayed with Pam or such spray!)
Mix chicken with salt, pepper, Fox Point, hot sauce and a couple of tablespoons of broth. (You don't want it soggy - just soft!)
Take a skillet and put just a little oil in it - maybe 1 tablespoon and heat a tortilla - the object is to get it pliable so that it folds easily - the take that tortilla and blot it with paper towel (basically just lay it on the paper towel). Then add about 2 tablespoons chicken about 1 tsp. onion and 1 tablespoon cheese. (I don't measure these - I just grab some and put chicken, onion and cheese on each one!!) Roll up the filled tortilla (Now an Enchilada) and place seam down in prepared dish. Continue to heat tortillas (add more oil as needed) and fill until dish is full or you have made as many as you want!) Cover the top with grated cheese - and if you have it - crumble some of the great Mexican melting cheese on it! Bake at 250 degrees - just until cheese is melted and enchiladas are hot. Serve with tomatoes and lettuce. Oh - and salsa and guacamole is always a great side!!
The salsa I made for tonight was great - although most people bragged on the "Pico de galo" and that was okay with me as long as they bragged on it!!
I will give you the recipe but just not tonight. My body and my mind is tired. I chased groceries for 3 days or nights and then bought bananas this afternoon for the banana pudding. I would say the Snicker treats were the hit of the night with everyone trying them and then discussing them. I love it when something hits "the spot!"
Please tune in tomorrow for more - and remember - "IT is better to give than receive!" I had some very giving people help me tonight - Pam and Harry VanScoder, Gwynn Shultz and Travis Gilbreath! Without them the meal would not have been ready and that would have been a disaster! Special thanks to Michelle Gilbreath who helped decorate, Sue Walker who helped serve and clean up, and to Deanne Smith who helped clear tables and vaccumed! So many special people! Thank you!!
God Bless each of you and if it is His Will - I will return with more recipes!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
WHEN DO WE SLOW DOWN AND SAY NO?? NOT ANY TIME SOON I AM THINKING!
Well I am trying to beat the clock! Last night it was eleven when I got my kitchen cleaned up the second time and honestly - I would not have made good sense if I had tried to write - I was so tired. I got home about seven (from beauty shop and Walmart) - cooked dinner (delicious pork chops), cleaned up and about nine started making Sopapilla Cheesecake, Strawberry and Mango Salsa, Hot tomato salsa, and then cleaned up again. THis morning I made Snicker Treats - all for sweet Kathy's birthday! I just could not get anything else made so I had Sonic make 16 jr. breakfast burritos and had to freeze most of them for the rest of the week -- so many other employees brought wonderful food and we had a birthday feast to celebrate Kathy's birthday!
At lunch in place of lunch I went to Super 1 (always such a treat) and bought most everything I lacked for the meal tomorrow night! Actually they are probably nicer at Super One than any place else. The manager's assistant that helped me do the church "customer charge" was one of our church members and she is a delight! This afternoon I worked at the church for a couple of hours with Harry and Pam and we got tons of onions cut up, salsa made, and bell peppers cut for tomorrow night. Amazing how long that can take! I will go to the church about 1:30 tomorrow and hopefully in about 4 hours we will be able to serve up a great meal! With God's help - it can be done!!
If you haven't read or read and tried the Snicker treats - check out the recipe and try it out on your family. Don't tell me you are dessert handicapped and just can't make dessert -- can you use a pair of sissors and cut off the ends of a little Snicker bar? Then you can make this dessert and the rewards are worth the 15 minutes you do it!!! TRY IT - YOU WILL LIKE IT!! If you go to Shiloh - then you get to try them without the 15 minutes - we are making about 96 of them tomorrow. Of course some will have Milky Ways and Three Musketeers because they have no peanuts. They will be labeled!!
I will see how the new Salsa recipe comes across tomorrow night. I made almost a gallon of it! If it is a success I will give you the recipe -- otherwise - Silence!! It is definitely time I sign off since tomorrow is such a busy day. Have a blessed nights sleep or wonderful God given day - and talk to you soon -- depends on God's will and if I survive tomorrow night!!!
At lunch in place of lunch I went to Super 1 (always such a treat) and bought most everything I lacked for the meal tomorrow night! Actually they are probably nicer at Super One than any place else. The manager's assistant that helped me do the church "customer charge" was one of our church members and she is a delight! This afternoon I worked at the church for a couple of hours with Harry and Pam and we got tons of onions cut up, salsa made, and bell peppers cut for tomorrow night. Amazing how long that can take! I will go to the church about 1:30 tomorrow and hopefully in about 4 hours we will be able to serve up a great meal! With God's help - it can be done!!
If you haven't read or read and tried the Snicker treats - check out the recipe and try it out on your family. Don't tell me you are dessert handicapped and just can't make dessert -- can you use a pair of sissors and cut off the ends of a little Snicker bar? Then you can make this dessert and the rewards are worth the 15 minutes you do it!!! TRY IT - YOU WILL LIKE IT!! If you go to Shiloh - then you get to try them without the 15 minutes - we are making about 96 of them tomorrow. Of course some will have Milky Ways and Three Musketeers because they have no peanuts. They will be labeled!!
I will see how the new Salsa recipe comes across tomorrow night. I made almost a gallon of it! If it is a success I will give you the recipe -- otherwise - Silence!! It is definitely time I sign off since tomorrow is such a busy day. Have a blessed nights sleep or wonderful God given day - and talk to you soon -- depends on God's will and if I survive tomorrow night!!!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
SUNDAY NIGHT - AND A NEW WEEK BEGINS!
Sunday night! It is almost a night I dread because tomorrow it starts all over -- work, work, and more work! Guess Sunday night is kind of like Christmas Night - all the anticipatation - and fun and it's all over.
My sister and I (along with Michelle and Maura (my niece) took my Mom (92) to her niece's 80th birthday party on Saturday. It was in Haughton, LA - just the other side of Bossier City! Mom wanted Popeye Chicken but we took her to Ralph and Kaco's! Just couldn't see going to Sheveport and eating at Popeyes! The party was slightly depressing. Everyone looked so different -- we had not seen several of them in probably 15 years. One of my cousins was so cute and fun when we were young. He had dark hair and was handsome in the way many guys from Louisiana are - and what a shock he was! Shorter than we remembered, no hair, and worse than that - no teeth. I absolutely did not know him! Really, really sad! I took some pictures but could not make myself take one of him! He was still sweet though!
I am cooking for church Wednesday evening - so that means lots of trips to gather everything up! I was up in the attic today finding all of my Mexican decorations - I have tons of hats, a few blankets - two old parots and some jalapeno lights! I may make it harder than it has to be but if I am going to do something I like to go all out and do the very best I can! We are having fajitas, beans and rice and deserts! Oh - and home make hot sauce!
This afternoon I took about 10 minutes and made the Snicker Treats and they were a big hit! Really delicious -- Travis asked how hard it was and I told him the hardest part was cutting off the ends of the snicker wrappers! I am going to make them for Kathy's party on Tuesday and for Wednesday night -- so I guess we should buy some "Snicker stock" - it will definitely have to go up from the amount I am going to have to buy!
Our preacher has tackled a tough subject from the pulpit - "Is Sex Spiritual?" The resounding answer is "Yes - in its' purest form!" If a man and a woman stay focused on the Cross - then everything they do is serving the other!" He will have three or four more lessons concerning Sex - all of them with a biblical application. I am sure the subject made a few people uncomfortable - but he and our Elders feel like this is a subject that is thrown at everyone - from young to old - from TV to Billboards and peers -- and it needs to be addressed scripturally! He also reminded us that the world looks at us and that is how they know Christ or know we are hypocrites! Let's be careful we are the person God wants us to be! Tonight his sermon was from Ephesians 5 - and he preached about how husbands can be real jerks or pattern their life after Jesus and treat their wives as treasures! WONDERFUL LESSON!
Have you ever made Cheese Puffs? They are fun little bites that are great at almost any kind of party! Here is the recipe - so why not try them?
CHEESE PUFFS
2 Cups grated natural cheese
1/2 cup butter
1-1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. paprika
48 small stuffed olives
Blend cheese with butter. Stir in mixed flour, salt, and paprika. Mix well. Wrap 1 tsp. dough around each olive. Arrange on a flat pan. Freeze. Put in a plastic bag. Freeze. Store in freezer. When ready to use, remove from bag, arrange on cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Makes 48 puffs!
From dessert to salad!
Frozen Cranberry Salad
1 can (1lb.) whole cranberry sauce
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
1 Mashed banana
1 large carton Cool Whip
Mix all ingredients and freeze in paper lined muffin tins. Makes 12!
Ok - let's face it - Friday's are often freaky - and Monday is usually even crazier -- so let's get ready - resolve to make it a good day that God has given us to do something worthwhile in (Resolve Jon Carole, Resolve!)and thank God for our blessings! Have a blessed rest tonight and God's will - I will share more tomorrow!
And remember: "Man does not live by bread alone - he needs buttering up once in a while!"
My sister and I (along with Michelle and Maura (my niece) took my Mom (92) to her niece's 80th birthday party on Saturday. It was in Haughton, LA - just the other side of Bossier City! Mom wanted Popeye Chicken but we took her to Ralph and Kaco's! Just couldn't see going to Sheveport and eating at Popeyes! The party was slightly depressing. Everyone looked so different -- we had not seen several of them in probably 15 years. One of my cousins was so cute and fun when we were young. He had dark hair and was handsome in the way many guys from Louisiana are - and what a shock he was! Shorter than we remembered, no hair, and worse than that - no teeth. I absolutely did not know him! Really, really sad! I took some pictures but could not make myself take one of him! He was still sweet though!
I am cooking for church Wednesday evening - so that means lots of trips to gather everything up! I was up in the attic today finding all of my Mexican decorations - I have tons of hats, a few blankets - two old parots and some jalapeno lights! I may make it harder than it has to be but if I am going to do something I like to go all out and do the very best I can! We are having fajitas, beans and rice and deserts! Oh - and home make hot sauce!
This afternoon I took about 10 minutes and made the Snicker Treats and they were a big hit! Really delicious -- Travis asked how hard it was and I told him the hardest part was cutting off the ends of the snicker wrappers! I am going to make them for Kathy's party on Tuesday and for Wednesday night -- so I guess we should buy some "Snicker stock" - it will definitely have to go up from the amount I am going to have to buy!
Our preacher has tackled a tough subject from the pulpit - "Is Sex Spiritual?" The resounding answer is "Yes - in its' purest form!" If a man and a woman stay focused on the Cross - then everything they do is serving the other!" He will have three or four more lessons concerning Sex - all of them with a biblical application. I am sure the subject made a few people uncomfortable - but he and our Elders feel like this is a subject that is thrown at everyone - from young to old - from TV to Billboards and peers -- and it needs to be addressed scripturally! He also reminded us that the world looks at us and that is how they know Christ or know we are hypocrites! Let's be careful we are the person God wants us to be! Tonight his sermon was from Ephesians 5 - and he preached about how husbands can be real jerks or pattern their life after Jesus and treat their wives as treasures! WONDERFUL LESSON!
Have you ever made Cheese Puffs? They are fun little bites that are great at almost any kind of party! Here is the recipe - so why not try them?
CHEESE PUFFS
2 Cups grated natural cheese
1/2 cup butter
1-1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. paprika
48 small stuffed olives
Blend cheese with butter. Stir in mixed flour, salt, and paprika. Mix well. Wrap 1 tsp. dough around each olive. Arrange on a flat pan. Freeze. Put in a plastic bag. Freeze. Store in freezer. When ready to use, remove from bag, arrange on cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Makes 48 puffs!
From dessert to salad!
Frozen Cranberry Salad
1 can (1lb.) whole cranberry sauce
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
1 Mashed banana
1 large carton Cool Whip
Mix all ingredients and freeze in paper lined muffin tins. Makes 12!
Ok - let's face it - Friday's are often freaky - and Monday is usually even crazier -- so let's get ready - resolve to make it a good day that God has given us to do something worthwhile in (Resolve Jon Carole, Resolve!)and thank God for our blessings! Have a blessed rest tonight and God's will - I will share more tomorrow!
And remember: "Man does not live by bread alone - he needs buttering up once in a while!"
Friday, April 9, 2010
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF "ANGEL?" - MINE IS "FRIEND!"
Oh my - it is really late but at least I am not asleep like I was last night! Facebook just takes time! We ate at El Charro tonight -- so the two pounds I lost were probably replaced with 3 more! We usually stay home and have Pizza on Friday nights but Travis said "Not Pizza" - he had pizza for lunch! Michelle and I shared Tony's Taco's - the least fat thing on the menu - but the chips and hot sauce get me every time!!
I was just reading an email and one of the sayings I came across was: "The love of God is like an ocean, you can see from where it comes, but you can never see where it ends!" That reminded me of sitting on the beach in Galveston or Florida or Gulf Shores, Alabama, or some place in Mexico or Costa Rica -- but it also reminds me of a life! We see where it comes from - the Mother of the child - but in we can never see where it ends! When one is a Christian - we can imagine where it ends - in Heaven -- but we can't really see that! Something to think about!
I think I will repent and go ahead and give you this wonderful, delicious, and believe it or not - super easy recipe -- so you can try it out on your family this weekend. Surely one of you will try it. So here goes---
Snicker Snacks (I had to give it a name -- I was never told what the name was!)
1 Can Crescent Rolls (might better make it two cans!)
8 (or 16 for 2 cans) snack size Snicker bars
1 Cup Powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons Milk
Unroll the crescent rolls and separate the triangles. Place one snack Snicker bar on each crescent roll (one at a time) and fold the triangle over the snicker bar until none of the Snicker is showing and seal all seams. Do all of the triangles and snickers. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees until the cresent rolls have risen and are done and golden brown. Remove from oven. Mix the powdered sugar and milk and drizzle over the snicker rolls. Then bite into one and experience true pleasure. (If someone is allergic to peanuts - use Milky Ways!)
Did you know Angels do exist? They do but sometimes they don't have wings -- we call them Friends!
Here is an easy Chicken Sour Cream Enchilada recipe from my Mom- who says she "doesn't like Mexican Food!" Too bad -- we are taking her to Shreveport tomorrow to her niece's 80th birthday party and we plan to eat at Superior Grill - great Mexican food!! Speaking of the niece - my cousin - she never acts or dresses her age! I went to a store I had never been in before "NEON DIRT" and it was so much fun - I went around it about 3 times and loved it all! Gaudy is all I can say! I bought the "birthday girl" a "gaudy" necklace and earrings! I think she will love them! They were just "so her!"
CHICKEN SOUR CREAM ENCHILADAS
1 - 12 Count tortillas
Chicken broth
1 large fryer cooked (or about 4 chicken breasts), cooked and chopped into bite size
1-1/2 lbs. Longhorn cheese, grated
1 large onion, chopped)1 to 2 cloves of minced garlic (not in Mom's recipe) but I recommend!_
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 - 8 oz. carton Sour cream
1 - 4oz. can chopped green chiles
Mix small amount of broth with chicken. Dip tortillas in broth. Put a tablespoon of chicken, cheese and onion in each tortilla. Roll up and place seam down in baking dish. Mix Cream of Chicken soup, sour cream, and drained chiles. Pour over enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes - until bubbly hot!
Well - there you go! That is about all I have for tonight! Hopefully I will get in early tomorrow evening and will have lots to tell. Have a blessed nights sleep - do a good deed or two this weekend and God's will - meet me here again!
I was just reading an email and one of the sayings I came across was: "The love of God is like an ocean, you can see from where it comes, but you can never see where it ends!" That reminded me of sitting on the beach in Galveston or Florida or Gulf Shores, Alabama, or some place in Mexico or Costa Rica -- but it also reminds me of a life! We see where it comes from - the Mother of the child - but in we can never see where it ends! When one is a Christian - we can imagine where it ends - in Heaven -- but we can't really see that! Something to think about!
I think I will repent and go ahead and give you this wonderful, delicious, and believe it or not - super easy recipe -- so you can try it out on your family this weekend. Surely one of you will try it. So here goes---
Snicker Snacks (I had to give it a name -- I was never told what the name was!)
1 Can Crescent Rolls (might better make it two cans!)
8 (or 16 for 2 cans) snack size Snicker bars
1 Cup Powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons Milk
Unroll the crescent rolls and separate the triangles. Place one snack Snicker bar on each crescent roll (one at a time) and fold the triangle over the snicker bar until none of the Snicker is showing and seal all seams. Do all of the triangles and snickers. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees until the cresent rolls have risen and are done and golden brown. Remove from oven. Mix the powdered sugar and milk and drizzle over the snicker rolls. Then bite into one and experience true pleasure. (If someone is allergic to peanuts - use Milky Ways!)
Did you know Angels do exist? They do but sometimes they don't have wings -- we call them Friends!
Here is an easy Chicken Sour Cream Enchilada recipe from my Mom- who says she "doesn't like Mexican Food!" Too bad -- we are taking her to Shreveport tomorrow to her niece's 80th birthday party and we plan to eat at Superior Grill - great Mexican food!! Speaking of the niece - my cousin - she never acts or dresses her age! I went to a store I had never been in before "NEON DIRT" and it was so much fun - I went around it about 3 times and loved it all! Gaudy is all I can say! I bought the "birthday girl" a "gaudy" necklace and earrings! I think she will love them! They were just "so her!"
CHICKEN SOUR CREAM ENCHILADAS
1 - 12 Count tortillas
Chicken broth
1 large fryer cooked (or about 4 chicken breasts), cooked and chopped into bite size
1-1/2 lbs. Longhorn cheese, grated
1 large onion, chopped)1 to 2 cloves of minced garlic (not in Mom's recipe) but I recommend!_
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 - 8 oz. carton Sour cream
1 - 4oz. can chopped green chiles
Mix small amount of broth with chicken. Dip tortillas in broth. Put a tablespoon of chicken, cheese and onion in each tortilla. Roll up and place seam down in baking dish. Mix Cream of Chicken soup, sour cream, and drained chiles. Pour over enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes - until bubbly hot!
Well - there you go! That is about all I have for tonight! Hopefully I will get in early tomorrow evening and will have lots to tell. Have a blessed nights sleep - do a good deed or two this weekend and God's will - meet me here again!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
84 BLOGS AND MORE TO COME!!!
I see I have completed 83 posts before tonight since I started December 30. Time is either flying by or I am just too wordy! If there are 83 posts there must be over 100 recipes! Tonight I attended our "Women of the Word" class on Joy. The class rule is if you didn't get your lesson, you can audit the class but you are not suppose to comment. I had not been attending so I had to remain quiet and it was so hard -- but that is only fair --and I respect that class rule very much! Our last 30 minutes is a lecture and Diane Litton is a pro at speaking. She makes God's word come alive with lessons you can relate to! Tonight the lesson was on "Joy Takers" - Coveting, Fear, Unforgiveness, and Anger. She asked the question "Have you ever been really anger and felt joy?" I haven't and I don't think anyone has! The answer to conquering any of these is prayer and reading God's word - and just like a child you have to tell something over and over to get them to "get it" - we may have to read and pray over and over to conquer our coveting, fear, unforgiveness, or anger! So let's get in the word - and pray!!
Tonight after we got home from church I had to make something for Michelle to take to work tomorrow. They are celebrating a birthday. I made - and if I do say so myself - an awesome Strawberry-Mango Salsa. I just bought "On the Border chips" to eat with it! I used at least if not more - a pint of big fresh strawberries and 1 huge Mango! Monday I bought a whole big box of really big touted as "fresh and just picked" strawberries from California. They were beautiful -- but not too good. They are full of water and not very sweet -- but they did make awesome salsa!!
I found some great Pink Punch recipes today - but can't share them until we choose one for the wedding in June! So many recipes call for sherbet - raspberry, strawberry, cherry - I'm sorry I just don't think that is good punch - so unless the bride requests it - it's not happening!!
Tonight I heard of an awesome, fun dessert - I am going to make it for my assistant's birthday party next week and then I will post it. It involves snickers, bread, and icing! If you need a really easy, fun, and I understand, delicious recipe before then - call or email and I will share ahead of time!!
Do you love the mall pretzels as much as I do? I used to go there at lunch and get a pretzel for lunch - but before I could get home in the afternoon I was having a carb overload and would get clammy and shakey so I had to stop that delicious habit. Well - here is a recipe that mimics the mall pretzels. So make them, eat them - and please don't shake!
MALL PRETZELS
Grease baking sheet and preheat oven to 550 degrees
Mix :
1-1/2 tsp. Yeast
1/2 tsp. Brown sugar
Dash of salt
1-1/2 Cups Water
Let rest for 5 minutes. ADD:
4 cups Bread flour
Knead well. (use your mixer!!)
Let rise for 1 hour.
Take a piece of dough and roll and shape into pretzel. (rollinto a rope, whatever size you prefer, pinch ends of rope and then bring ends of rope to other side of circle.) Dip in 2 cups warm water with 2 tsp. baking soda. Bake at 550 degree oven approximately 8 minutes. Brush them with melted butter and honey (approx. 2 TBLS honey to 1/2 lb. butter) while still hot. Roll in seseme seed.
Think about this: "Courage is not the lack of fear. IT is acting in spite of it!"
Well I have taken up all the time I have for now - so have a blessed night. Wish some of you would tell me success stories of how you blessed someone else! Tomorrow - God's will!
Tonight after we got home from church I had to make something for Michelle to take to work tomorrow. They are celebrating a birthday. I made - and if I do say so myself - an awesome Strawberry-Mango Salsa. I just bought "On the Border chips" to eat with it! I used at least if not more - a pint of big fresh strawberries and 1 huge Mango! Monday I bought a whole big box of really big touted as "fresh and just picked" strawberries from California. They were beautiful -- but not too good. They are full of water and not very sweet -- but they did make awesome salsa!!
I found some great Pink Punch recipes today - but can't share them until we choose one for the wedding in June! So many recipes call for sherbet - raspberry, strawberry, cherry - I'm sorry I just don't think that is good punch - so unless the bride requests it - it's not happening!!
Tonight I heard of an awesome, fun dessert - I am going to make it for my assistant's birthday party next week and then I will post it. It involves snickers, bread, and icing! If you need a really easy, fun, and I understand, delicious recipe before then - call or email and I will share ahead of time!!
Do you love the mall pretzels as much as I do? I used to go there at lunch and get a pretzel for lunch - but before I could get home in the afternoon I was having a carb overload and would get clammy and shakey so I had to stop that delicious habit. Well - here is a recipe that mimics the mall pretzels. So make them, eat them - and please don't shake!
MALL PRETZELS
Grease baking sheet and preheat oven to 550 degrees
Mix :
1-1/2 tsp. Yeast
1/2 tsp. Brown sugar
Dash of salt
1-1/2 Cups Water
Let rest for 5 minutes. ADD:
4 cups Bread flour
Knead well. (use your mixer!!)
Let rise for 1 hour.
Take a piece of dough and roll and shape into pretzel. (rollinto a rope, whatever size you prefer, pinch ends of rope and then bring ends of rope to other side of circle.) Dip in 2 cups warm water with 2 tsp. baking soda. Bake at 550 degree oven approximately 8 minutes. Brush them with melted butter and honey (approx. 2 TBLS honey to 1/2 lb. butter) while still hot. Roll in seseme seed.
Think about this: "Courage is not the lack of fear. IT is acting in spite of it!"
Well I have taken up all the time I have for now - so have a blessed night. Wish some of you would tell me success stories of how you blessed someone else! Tomorrow - God's will!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
DON'T LET LOOKS DECEIVE YOU!!
My goodness I think that was the first Monday night I've missed since I started the blog -- but by the time I got home from buying the store out for groceries and walking the dogs - that is a trip around the block - ever been pulled by about 65 lbs at about 65 miles per hour? That is what it feels like!
Say - don't ever take Mark Edge up on cooking your lunch - you should have seen the "beige" colored potato soup he ate today. He doesn't know you are suppose to read the directions before planning to serve it! I noticed he kept adding crackers to it - many crackers - wonder if it was to disguise the taste???? Some day soon I am going to surprise him with REAL POTATO SOUP!! I think I put a Potato Soup recipe on my blog!!! Yes I did on 2-22-2010 and it was delicious. Check it out!!!
Have you read the email about CLAY BALLS? It is so good I want to give you a short version of it. "A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of clay balls. They didn't look like much but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time into the ocean as far as he could throw! Eventually one of the clay balls dropped and cracked open on a rock.. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! Excited he opened the remaining clay balls and each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the remaining 20 or so clay balls. Then it struck him - he had thrown away maybe 50 or 60 clay balls with their hidden treasures into the ocean. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!"
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person. There is a treasure in each and everyone of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth. May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
There was a woman I once worked with and when she started to work - everyone talked about how ugly she was - just hard to look at. But as the days turned to weeks and weeks to months - our perception of her changed. She was so beautiful on the inside, we no longer saw anything but God shining through her. She worked hard, she was a wonderful mother, neighbor and peer - and a joy to know! Her physical looks never changed but what we saw was a beautful person!
Last night I made a plain white cake from a mix and put a good homemade cream cheese icing with strawberries mixed (beaten) in. It was just a Duncan Hines cake mix that I almost followed directions in cooking. I added 1 tsp. Mexican vanilla and instead of 3 egg whites - I used the whole eggs. I tasted the crumbs off the knife that I cut piece(S) for Travis with and it is delicious. Gave my sister some tonight! Then tonight I made a salad - seasoned my wooden bowl heavily with olive oil, 1 clove of minced garlic, salt, lots of black pepper, a little Cayenne pepper, a little bought black pepper and garlic seasoning and some Pensey's Salsa seasoning. I rubbed it into the bowl really well! (Do you have a wooden bowl for salads? If not you must get one -- Ross often has them at a fraction of the cost at other placed such as Bed, Bath & Beyond.) I added Romaine lettuce, mixed with carrot and a little cabbage, avadcado ( sprinkled with lemon juice to keep from turning brown), cherry tomatoes, halved, about 1/8th onion, chopped, and a small amount of cilantro. There was enough "stuff" in the bowl that I just tossed well and did not need a dressing. D E L I C I O U S! There you go -- SALAD - A- LA- MEXICAN! I added to this meal chicken fried steak cutlets - cooked in olive oil without the big fat batter or deep grease. I had seasoned them well with lots of pepper and other seasonings. I also baked potatoes -- have you ever baked white potatoes? They and the Yucon Gold potatoes are not supposed to not turn to sugar or have as many carbs and they were great tonight. Do you know how to bake a potato in the microwave and them taste like they have been in an oven a couple of hours. Wash the potatoes well and leave them very wet. Take a sharp knife and cut a deep X in both ends of the potatoes and wrap each in a sheet of paper towel. Cook in microwave 10 minutes - test for softness when squeezed. Cook another 5 to 10 minutes depending on size of potatoes. Then take sheets of aluminum foil, spray with Pam, and sprinkle with either Sea Salt or Kosher salt (if you don't have any - go buy some but for now just use table salt!) Then wrap up each potato and place in a dish and put in 350 degree oven until balance of meal is finished and ready to serve.
We have company tonight. My precious little niece is spending the night with us because her dad is having a procedure to remove the rod that has been in his leg about 3 months after having fallen and breaking his leg. SHE told her "MEME" she was glad she was coming because Uncle (Travis) could get her up at 5 so they could visit and have some quality time together! That girl is one mess! We love her so much!!
May God bless each of you with a restful night to awake with a new resolve to be a better person - ready to help someone and be all that you can be. God's Will I will be back tomorrow night.
Say - don't ever take Mark Edge up on cooking your lunch - you should have seen the "beige" colored potato soup he ate today. He doesn't know you are suppose to read the directions before planning to serve it! I noticed he kept adding crackers to it - many crackers - wonder if it was to disguise the taste???? Some day soon I am going to surprise him with REAL POTATO SOUP!! I think I put a Potato Soup recipe on my blog!!! Yes I did on 2-22-2010 and it was delicious. Check it out!!!
Have you read the email about CLAY BALLS? It is so good I want to give you a short version of it. "A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of clay balls. They didn't look like much but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time into the ocean as far as he could throw! Eventually one of the clay balls dropped and cracked open on a rock.. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! Excited he opened the remaining clay balls and each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the remaining 20 or so clay balls. Then it struck him - he had thrown away maybe 50 or 60 clay balls with their hidden treasures into the ocean. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!"
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person. There is a treasure in each and everyone of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth. May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
There was a woman I once worked with and when she started to work - everyone talked about how ugly she was - just hard to look at. But as the days turned to weeks and weeks to months - our perception of her changed. She was so beautiful on the inside, we no longer saw anything but God shining through her. She worked hard, she was a wonderful mother, neighbor and peer - and a joy to know! Her physical looks never changed but what we saw was a beautful person!
Last night I made a plain white cake from a mix and put a good homemade cream cheese icing with strawberries mixed (beaten) in. It was just a Duncan Hines cake mix that I almost followed directions in cooking. I added 1 tsp. Mexican vanilla and instead of 3 egg whites - I used the whole eggs. I tasted the crumbs off the knife that I cut piece(S) for Travis with and it is delicious. Gave my sister some tonight! Then tonight I made a salad - seasoned my wooden bowl heavily with olive oil, 1 clove of minced garlic, salt, lots of black pepper, a little Cayenne pepper, a little bought black pepper and garlic seasoning and some Pensey's Salsa seasoning. I rubbed it into the bowl really well! (Do you have a wooden bowl for salads? If not you must get one -- Ross often has them at a fraction of the cost at other placed such as Bed, Bath & Beyond.) I added Romaine lettuce, mixed with carrot and a little cabbage, avadcado ( sprinkled with lemon juice to keep from turning brown), cherry tomatoes, halved, about 1/8th onion, chopped, and a small amount of cilantro. There was enough "stuff" in the bowl that I just tossed well and did not need a dressing. D E L I C I O U S! There you go -- SALAD - A- LA- MEXICAN! I added to this meal chicken fried steak cutlets - cooked in olive oil without the big fat batter or deep grease. I had seasoned them well with lots of pepper and other seasonings. I also baked potatoes -- have you ever baked white potatoes? They and the Yucon Gold potatoes are not supposed to not turn to sugar or have as many carbs and they were great tonight. Do you know how to bake a potato in the microwave and them taste like they have been in an oven a couple of hours. Wash the potatoes well and leave them very wet. Take a sharp knife and cut a deep X in both ends of the potatoes and wrap each in a sheet of paper towel. Cook in microwave 10 minutes - test for softness when squeezed. Cook another 5 to 10 minutes depending on size of potatoes. Then take sheets of aluminum foil, spray with Pam, and sprinkle with either Sea Salt or Kosher salt (if you don't have any - go buy some but for now just use table salt!) Then wrap up each potato and place in a dish and put in 350 degree oven until balance of meal is finished and ready to serve.
We have company tonight. My precious little niece is spending the night with us because her dad is having a procedure to remove the rod that has been in his leg about 3 months after having fallen and breaking his leg. SHE told her "MEME" she was glad she was coming because Uncle (Travis) could get her up at 5 so they could visit and have some quality time together! That girl is one mess! We love her so much!!
May God bless each of you with a restful night to awake with a new resolve to be a better person - ready to help someone and be all that you can be. God's Will I will be back tomorrow night.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
LTC - A SUCCESS AND I AM HOOKED!
Goodness - it is 10:00 -- and I am just now starting with a thousand thoughts running through my head. Hopefully I can divide them between tonight and tomorrow night!! L T C -- how awesome can it be -- all because of a guy that doesn't want any credit -- TIM HENDERSON -- from what I have been told he (and Denise) plans it all and works for months to make sure everything is just perfect -- not just for Shiloh but for the "whole enchilada!"" Great job Tim - because it was definitely a success!
I usually don't go because of a couple of bad experiences years ago when I went -- but oh my goodness - I loved it and all of the young people were wonderful - actually found out that Casey Mott told his Mom when he was about three and she was singing to him "Mom - you not sing it right!" Now she knows why -- what a voice and using it to praise God! How proud can parents be? And then to have his sister win a scholarship! Lucky family to have such treasures as children! In my opinion - they deserve them and I am so thankful for their being so blessed!
And Whalen Garsa - we knew you were a "show dog" from VBS - but where did you get a voice like that? Travis - is still floating - his 3rd grade puppet team pulled together and with confidence in themselves and God -- they won Gold, no less - and I'm not sure who was happier - the boys or Travis. Check out their pictures on my facebook! And Noah Walker - where did you learn to act like that?? Great job! All of the young people were a sight to behold - they had studied, they had practice- they had applied - and they WON! - The wonderful thing about all of this - they were there - not for glory to themselves but to glorify GOD!!!
Today was a great day! Easter Sunday - celebrated by the Christian world as the day Christ arose from the grave and make it a time of celebration! We know He did rise and some of us celebrate it every week -- and it makes it no less special - just a constant reminder that He died for us, was buried, and Thanks be to God - rose again - with the promise that where He goes - we shall go also! Apart from church services, we had a wonderfully delicious lunch at my sisters - totally without my help! I told her she had "graduated" from "I don't cook" to "Great cook!" I am so proud of her and love her so much! It was a great day - with our Mom there and of course Maura providing the entertainment - as only a seven year old can!
Some time ago I promised a recipe that I made up and it had been published --(tonight you get two I made up); it was actually published twice by "Cooking Light" - once in their magazine and once in their 2007 LIGHT AND TASTY ANNUAL RECIPES."
SANTA FE CHICKEN
1 Large onion, chopped
1 to 2 tbsp. chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp. olive oi1-1/4 cups reduced-sodium 97 % fat free chicken broth
1 (10 oz.) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained)
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz. each)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper (PENSKEY'S IS BEST!)
1/4 Tsp. ground cumin
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Minced fresh cilanto, optional
In a large skillet, saute onion, jalapeno and garlic in oil until tender. Add broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Stir in rice.
Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper and cumin; place over rice mixture. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Turn chicken ; cook 5 to 10 minutes longer or until juices run clear.
Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let cheese stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
("Garnished with fresh cilanto, chicken and rice are turned into a complete supper that's ready in a dash!" Jon Carole Gilbreath, Tyler, Texas
What an honor!! Just wish I had a whole book of those!
The last recipe for tonight is one I made up today. Just came in from church this morning - made it up and think I should post before I forget how I did it -- and it was really, really good - as good as anything I ever created!
Mango Sauce for Ham, meats or cheese
1 Large Mango - peeled and diced
1 small onion, chopped small
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 Cup Sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 Red Bell pepper, chopped
1 small Hot Jalapeno, chopped
1 tsp Salsa seasoning (PENSEY's)(Optional)
1 heaping tbsp. corn starch`in
1/4 cup water
1 tsp. grated fresh grated ginger
1/8 cup white wine
Melt butter and add onion (heat on medium high)and sugar. Stir until butter and sugar are melted. Cook until tender. Add mango, jalapeno, & bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes and add all but wine and water in corn starch. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes. Add wine and then mix corn starch in water, stir well and add to mixture- stirring well. Cook until slightly thick and take up. Enjoy on ham - chicken - or just it eat - pretty good to have been created by me!!!
Well folks - hope you found something of benefit tonight - try the recipes -- this weekend I encountered several wonderful women that just say "they don't cook" and I don't really understand that but am thankful they have understanding husbands - many of whom love to cook -- so there you go! Have a blessed evening - and come back soon! I will return, God's Will!!
I usually don't go because of a couple of bad experiences years ago when I went -- but oh my goodness - I loved it and all of the young people were wonderful - actually found out that Casey Mott told his Mom when he was about three and she was singing to him "Mom - you not sing it right!" Now she knows why -- what a voice and using it to praise God! How proud can parents be? And then to have his sister win a scholarship! Lucky family to have such treasures as children! In my opinion - they deserve them and I am so thankful for their being so blessed!
And Whalen Garsa - we knew you were a "show dog" from VBS - but where did you get a voice like that? Travis - is still floating - his 3rd grade puppet team pulled together and with confidence in themselves and God -- they won Gold, no less - and I'm not sure who was happier - the boys or Travis. Check out their pictures on my facebook! And Noah Walker - where did you learn to act like that?? Great job! All of the young people were a sight to behold - they had studied, they had practice- they had applied - and they WON! - The wonderful thing about all of this - they were there - not for glory to themselves but to glorify GOD!!!
Today was a great day! Easter Sunday - celebrated by the Christian world as the day Christ arose from the grave and make it a time of celebration! We know He did rise and some of us celebrate it every week -- and it makes it no less special - just a constant reminder that He died for us, was buried, and Thanks be to God - rose again - with the promise that where He goes - we shall go also! Apart from church services, we had a wonderfully delicious lunch at my sisters - totally without my help! I told her she had "graduated" from "I don't cook" to "Great cook!" I am so proud of her and love her so much! It was a great day - with our Mom there and of course Maura providing the entertainment - as only a seven year old can!
Some time ago I promised a recipe that I made up and it had been published --(tonight you get two I made up); it was actually published twice by "Cooking Light" - once in their magazine and once in their 2007 LIGHT AND TASTY ANNUAL RECIPES."
SANTA FE CHICKEN
1 Large onion, chopped
1 to 2 tbsp. chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp. olive oi1-1/4 cups reduced-sodium 97 % fat free chicken broth
1 (10 oz.) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained)
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz. each)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper (PENSKEY'S IS BEST!)
1/4 Tsp. ground cumin
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Minced fresh cilanto, optional
In a large skillet, saute onion, jalapeno and garlic in oil until tender. Add broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Stir in rice.
Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper and cumin; place over rice mixture. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Turn chicken ; cook 5 to 10 minutes longer or until juices run clear.
Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let cheese stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
("Garnished with fresh cilanto, chicken and rice are turned into a complete supper that's ready in a dash!" Jon Carole Gilbreath, Tyler, Texas
What an honor!! Just wish I had a whole book of those!
The last recipe for tonight is one I made up today. Just came in from church this morning - made it up and think I should post before I forget how I did it -- and it was really, really good - as good as anything I ever created!
Mango Sauce for Ham, meats or cheese
1 Large Mango - peeled and diced
1 small onion, chopped small
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 Cup Sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 Red Bell pepper, chopped
1 small Hot Jalapeno, chopped
1 tsp Salsa seasoning (PENSEY's)(Optional)
1 heaping tbsp. corn starch`in
1/4 cup water
1 tsp. grated fresh grated ginger
1/8 cup white wine
Melt butter and add onion (heat on medium high)and sugar. Stir until butter and sugar are melted. Cook until tender. Add mango, jalapeno, & bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes and add all but wine and water in corn starch. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes. Add wine and then mix corn starch in water, stir well and add to mixture- stirring well. Cook until slightly thick and take up. Enjoy on ham - chicken - or just it eat - pretty good to have been created by me!!!
Well folks - hope you found something of benefit tonight - try the recipes -- this weekend I encountered several wonderful women that just say "they don't cook" and I don't really understand that but am thankful they have understanding husbands - many of whom love to cook -- so there you go! Have a blessed evening - and come back soon! I will return, God's Will!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
GOOD THOUGHTS CAN PREVAIL - WITH A LITTLE SELF CONTROL
Friday night - a time to relax - right?? Today was "freaky Friday" instead of Good Friday - well at work - for sure! Had some strange things going on - so much so that I missed lunch. Got my nails done this evening and am planning to get up extremely early to leave for LTC in Dallas in the morning. I have so much I want to do at home - but guess it will be here when I get back!!
Oh - the Table of Contents is now published. Just check it out and see the date a recipe or a "HOW To" is published and you can find it much easier!! There were so many I could not remember when they were published.
I had some more very inspiring words for you - but for times sake - and my sake - I am going to give you an Easter Ham that I know will wow your family.
COLA PEPPER JELLY HAM
1 - 12 oz. cola soft drink (to me that would indicate coke or diet coke)
1/2 cup pepper jelly
1/2 cup apple jelly
1 (8 lb. ) bone-in spiral-cut ham
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium saucepan combine coke, pepper jelly and apple jelly. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, whisking well. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for ten minutes, stirring frequently. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour one-fourth of glaze over ham. Bake, uncovered for 30 minutes, bbasting with glaze every 15 minutes. Pour remainder of glaze over warm ham and serve immediately!
Sounds wonderful I think and so will you!!
This is probably the shortest of my blogs in history -- no theories, no sermons, no lectures -- just short and sweet and I am off to get some rest!
Oh - one thing - this morning a car pulled out of a driveway right in front of me- so close that I had to throw my brakes on or ram her. So - on went the breaks and my thought "you idiot" through my head - and then Melody's talk from Sunday kicked in - exchange bad thoughts to understanding thoughts!" - I thought and thought and finally thought "Bet she had to go to the bathroom in a hurry" and I did feel better. It really works -- think positive, put yourself in the other person's place - and try to imagine their situation! Yes - it is hard but it can change your attitude from bad to tolerant - and when we think how Jesus took our thoughts, our sins, our attitudes, our actions to the cross with him - shouldn't we try and do the same??
Thanks for visiting my blog -- have a blessed night (so far no storms), a great Saturday and a wonderful Easter Sunday. God's will - I will be back soon!!
Oh - the Table of Contents is now published. Just check it out and see the date a recipe or a "HOW To" is published and you can find it much easier!! There were so many I could not remember when they were published.
I had some more very inspiring words for you - but for times sake - and my sake - I am going to give you an Easter Ham that I know will wow your family.
COLA PEPPER JELLY HAM
1 - 12 oz. cola soft drink (to me that would indicate coke or diet coke)
1/2 cup pepper jelly
1/2 cup apple jelly
1 (8 lb. ) bone-in spiral-cut ham
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium saucepan combine coke, pepper jelly and apple jelly. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, whisking well. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for ten minutes, stirring frequently. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour one-fourth of glaze over ham. Bake, uncovered for 30 minutes, bbasting with glaze every 15 minutes. Pour remainder of glaze over warm ham and serve immediately!
Sounds wonderful I think and so will you!!
This is probably the shortest of my blogs in history -- no theories, no sermons, no lectures -- just short and sweet and I am off to get some rest!
Oh - one thing - this morning a car pulled out of a driveway right in front of me- so close that I had to throw my brakes on or ram her. So - on went the breaks and my thought "you idiot" through my head - and then Melody's talk from Sunday kicked in - exchange bad thoughts to understanding thoughts!" - I thought and thought and finally thought "Bet she had to go to the bathroom in a hurry" and I did feel better. It really works -- think positive, put yourself in the other person's place - and try to imagine their situation! Yes - it is hard but it can change your attitude from bad to tolerant - and when we think how Jesus took our thoughts, our sins, our attitudes, our actions to the cross with him - shouldn't we try and do the same??
Thanks for visiting my blog -- have a blessed night (so far no storms), a great Saturday and a wonderful Easter Sunday. God's will - I will be back soon!!
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR RECIPES
JON CAROLE COOKS’ RECIPES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Some of the recipes are hidden within the body of the post and others are separated with Headings)
RECIPE DATE PUBLISHED
Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie - 12-31-2009
Old Fashioned Banana Pudding 01-01-2010
Recipe for Friendship 01-02-2010
Green Salsa Verde 01-03-2010
Mango Salsa 01-03-2010
Mom’s Chicken & Dressing 01-04-2010
Giblet Gravy for Dressing 01-04-2010
Mile High Meringue 01-04-2010 & 02-14-2010
Six Week Bran Muffins 01-06-2010
Red Gravy (for dumplings) 01-07-2010
Easy Breakfast Casserole 01-07-2010
Ham and Corn Cheddar 01-09-2010
Jiffy Cornbread 01-10-2010
Chicken Tortilla Soup 01-12-2010
Veg-All Casserole 01-13-2010
Apple Enchilada Dessert 01-14-2010
Corn Casserole 01-16-2010
Pulled Pork Sandwiches 01-17-2010
Anasazi Beans 01-18-2010
Taco Soup 01-18-2010
Veal over Pasta 01-19-2010
Papaya Pudding 01-19-2010
Toffee Bars 01-19-2010
Easy Chicken Tacos 01-20-2010
Pork Chops and Apples 01-22-2010
Steak Marinade 01-22-2010
Banana Bread Cobbler 01-24-2010
Cherry Cream Cheese Sandwiches 01-26-2010
Corn Dip 01-26-2010
Jalapeno Quiche 01-26-2010
Hamburger Chile Con Queso 01-27-2010
Poppy Seed Chicken 01-27-2010
Marinated Vegetable Salad 01-27-2010
“How to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs” 01-29-2010
Armadillo Eggs 01-29-2010
Green Chile Stew 01-29-2010
Omelet in a Bag 01-30-2010
Real Texas Chili 01-30-2010
Casa Ole Green Sauce 01-31-2010
Continue - Page 2
Sweet Jalapeno Peppers 01-31-2010
Dates with Feta Cheese 02-01-2010
Spicy Roll Ups 02-01-2010
Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip 02-02-2010
Echrich Sausage in Apricot Sauce 02-03-2010
JC’s Signature Pimento Cheese 02-03-2010
Chili Cheese Stuff 02-06-2010
Peach Bubble Over Pie 02-06-2010
Wonderful Carmel Corn 02-08-2010
Millionaire Pies 02-08-2010
“How to Season a Salad Bowl” 02-09-2010
Cranberry Baked Beans 02-10-2010
Roasted Green Beans 02-10-2010
Arizona Beans 02-12-2010
Strawberry Jell-O Cake 02-12-2010
Tenderloin Diane 02-13-2010
My Mom’s Coconut Pie 02-14-2010
Mitzi’s Green Salad 02-15-2010
Baked Chicken Thighs 02-16-2010
“Baked Sweet Potatoes in a Hurry” 02-16-2010
Chocolate Cream Pie 02-16-2010
Broccoli Cheese Soup 02-17-2010
Banana Pudding Supreme 02-17-2010
Broccoli and Chicken Crepes 02-19-2010
Cherry Jubilee 02-19-2010
Grilled Chicken Wraps 02-21-2010
Grilled Red Onion 02-21-2010
Potato Soup 02-22-2010
Corn Rice Casserole 02-24-2010
Hamburger Sliders 02-24-2010
Roasted Red Pepper Mayo 02-24-2010
Chipotle Lime Mayo 02-24-2010
Recipe that won contest 02-25-2010
Baked Raspberry French Toast 02-26-2010
New South Jalapeno Pimento Cheese 02-28-2010
Broccoli Salad (JC’s version) 02-28-2010
Marble Pound Cake 03-01-2010
Grape Salad 03-01-2010
Neiman Marcus Monkey Bread (Rolls) 03-02-2010
Apple Bread 03-02-2010
Three Day Coconut Cake 03-03-2010
Monkey Bread 03-03-2010
“How to Peel Tomatoes” 03-04-2010
Peanut Butter Frito Candy 03-04-2010
Baked French Toast 03-05-2010
Continue – Page 3
“How to Roast Pecans (and other nuts)” 03-05-2010
Sopapilla Cheesecake 03-07-2010
Hot Ham Sandwiches 03-09-2010
Honey Lime Berries and Greens 03-09-2010
Mango Salad 03-10-2010
Baked Custard 03-10-2010
“How to Scald Milk” 03-10-2010
Green Enchiladas or Easy Chicken Enchiladas 03-13-2010
Flying Farmer Chicken Salad 03-13-2010
Magic Fruit Cobbler 03-16-2010
Fiesta Chicken 03-17-2010
Riz Biscuits 03-20-2010
Banana Blueberry Pie 03-20-2010
Mad Hatter Salad (a slaw) 03-21-2010
Easy Chocolate Pudding 03-21-2010
Poppy Seed/Almond Angel Food Cake 03-22-2010
Margarita Fish 03-23-2010
Pineapple Cake 03-24-2010
Pork Chops Picata 03-25-2010
Banana Bread (the easy way) 03-28-2010
Pumpkin Bread – 1973 03-29-2010
Peach Pie Fruit Salad 03-30-2010
Best Lemon Ice Box Pie 03-30-2010
Old Fashion Rice Pudding 03-31-2010
Delicious Dirt 03-31-2010
Texas Gold Bars 04-01-2010
Pepper Jelly Baked Ham 04-02-2010
Santa Fe Chicken 04-04-10
Mango Sauce for Ham 04-04-10
"How to Bake Potatoes in Microwave" 04-06-10
Delicious Green Salad 04-06-10
Mall Pretzels 04-07-10
Snicker Snack Treats 04-09-10
Chicken Sour Cream Enchiladas 04-09-10
Cheese Puffs 04-11-10
Frozen Cranberry Salad 04-11-10
JC's Orginal Chicken Enchiladas 04-14-10
Pizza Margherita 04-16-10
Basic Pizza Sauce 04-16-10
A Salute to Our Troops 04-17-10
Mandrian Orange Cake 04-18-10
Party Weiners 04-18-10
Texas Watermelon Fire & Ice Salsa 04-18-10
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Some of the recipes are hidden within the body of the post and others are separated with Headings)
RECIPE DATE PUBLISHED
Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie - 12-31-2009
Old Fashioned Banana Pudding 01-01-2010
Recipe for Friendship 01-02-2010
Green Salsa Verde 01-03-2010
Mango Salsa 01-03-2010
Mom’s Chicken & Dressing 01-04-2010
Giblet Gravy for Dressing 01-04-2010
Mile High Meringue 01-04-2010 & 02-14-2010
Six Week Bran Muffins 01-06-2010
Red Gravy (for dumplings) 01-07-2010
Easy Breakfast Casserole 01-07-2010
Ham and Corn Cheddar 01-09-2010
Jiffy Cornbread 01-10-2010
Chicken Tortilla Soup 01-12-2010
Veg-All Casserole 01-13-2010
Apple Enchilada Dessert 01-14-2010
Corn Casserole 01-16-2010
Pulled Pork Sandwiches 01-17-2010
Anasazi Beans 01-18-2010
Taco Soup 01-18-2010
Veal over Pasta 01-19-2010
Papaya Pudding 01-19-2010
Toffee Bars 01-19-2010
Easy Chicken Tacos 01-20-2010
Pork Chops and Apples 01-22-2010
Steak Marinade 01-22-2010
Banana Bread Cobbler 01-24-2010
Cherry Cream Cheese Sandwiches 01-26-2010
Corn Dip 01-26-2010
Jalapeno Quiche 01-26-2010
Hamburger Chile Con Queso 01-27-2010
Poppy Seed Chicken 01-27-2010
Marinated Vegetable Salad 01-27-2010
“How to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs” 01-29-2010
Armadillo Eggs 01-29-2010
Green Chile Stew 01-29-2010
Omelet in a Bag 01-30-2010
Real Texas Chili 01-30-2010
Casa Ole Green Sauce 01-31-2010
Continue - Page 2
Sweet Jalapeno Peppers 01-31-2010
Dates with Feta Cheese 02-01-2010
Spicy Roll Ups 02-01-2010
Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip 02-02-2010
Echrich Sausage in Apricot Sauce 02-03-2010
JC’s Signature Pimento Cheese 02-03-2010
Chili Cheese Stuff 02-06-2010
Peach Bubble Over Pie 02-06-2010
Wonderful Carmel Corn 02-08-2010
Millionaire Pies 02-08-2010
“How to Season a Salad Bowl” 02-09-2010
Cranberry Baked Beans 02-10-2010
Roasted Green Beans 02-10-2010
Arizona Beans 02-12-2010
Strawberry Jell-O Cake 02-12-2010
Tenderloin Diane 02-13-2010
My Mom’s Coconut Pie 02-14-2010
Mitzi’s Green Salad 02-15-2010
Baked Chicken Thighs 02-16-2010
“Baked Sweet Potatoes in a Hurry” 02-16-2010
Chocolate Cream Pie 02-16-2010
Broccoli Cheese Soup 02-17-2010
Banana Pudding Supreme 02-17-2010
Broccoli and Chicken Crepes 02-19-2010
Cherry Jubilee 02-19-2010
Grilled Chicken Wraps 02-21-2010
Grilled Red Onion 02-21-2010
Potato Soup 02-22-2010
Corn Rice Casserole 02-24-2010
Hamburger Sliders 02-24-2010
Roasted Red Pepper Mayo 02-24-2010
Chipotle Lime Mayo 02-24-2010
Recipe that won contest 02-25-2010
Baked Raspberry French Toast 02-26-2010
New South Jalapeno Pimento Cheese 02-28-2010
Broccoli Salad (JC’s version) 02-28-2010
Marble Pound Cake 03-01-2010
Grape Salad 03-01-2010
Neiman Marcus Monkey Bread (Rolls) 03-02-2010
Apple Bread 03-02-2010
Three Day Coconut Cake 03-03-2010
Monkey Bread 03-03-2010
“How to Peel Tomatoes” 03-04-2010
Peanut Butter Frito Candy 03-04-2010
Baked French Toast 03-05-2010
Continue – Page 3
“How to Roast Pecans (and other nuts)” 03-05-2010
Sopapilla Cheesecake 03-07-2010
Hot Ham Sandwiches 03-09-2010
Honey Lime Berries and Greens 03-09-2010
Mango Salad 03-10-2010
Baked Custard 03-10-2010
“How to Scald Milk” 03-10-2010
Green Enchiladas or Easy Chicken Enchiladas 03-13-2010
Flying Farmer Chicken Salad 03-13-2010
Magic Fruit Cobbler 03-16-2010
Fiesta Chicken 03-17-2010
Riz Biscuits 03-20-2010
Banana Blueberry Pie 03-20-2010
Mad Hatter Salad (a slaw) 03-21-2010
Easy Chocolate Pudding 03-21-2010
Poppy Seed/Almond Angel Food Cake 03-22-2010
Margarita Fish 03-23-2010
Pineapple Cake 03-24-2010
Pork Chops Picata 03-25-2010
Banana Bread (the easy way) 03-28-2010
Pumpkin Bread – 1973 03-29-2010
Peach Pie Fruit Salad 03-30-2010
Best Lemon Ice Box Pie 03-30-2010
Old Fashion Rice Pudding 03-31-2010
Delicious Dirt 03-31-2010
Texas Gold Bars 04-01-2010
Pepper Jelly Baked Ham 04-02-2010
Santa Fe Chicken 04-04-10
Mango Sauce for Ham 04-04-10
"How to Bake Potatoes in Microwave" 04-06-10
Delicious Green Salad 04-06-10
Mall Pretzels 04-07-10
Snicker Snack Treats 04-09-10
Chicken Sour Cream Enchiladas 04-09-10
Cheese Puffs 04-11-10
Frozen Cranberry Salad 04-11-10
JC's Orginal Chicken Enchiladas 04-14-10
Pizza Margherita 04-16-10
Basic Pizza Sauce 04-16-10
A Salute to Our Troops 04-17-10
Mandrian Orange Cake 04-18-10
Party Weiners 04-18-10
Texas Watermelon Fire & Ice Salsa 04-18-10
Thursday, April 1, 2010
APRIL 1 - HOPE YOU DIDN'T FALL FOR ANY WICKED JOKES
Not much time to write tonight - time is fleeting and so am I. I had a conversation today about school days off - and it made me so sad. Did you know that instead of Christmas Holidays - what we always had - they have to be Winter Holidays, and Good Friday is Bad Weather day - and Christmas break is Winter Break? Of course that is in public schools but why did we sit back and allow this? Are we never going to fire the public officials we voted for and find good Christian men and women who will not compromise their position for morals? Yes - church and state might should be separated - but how does God feel about our country when we choose to leave Him out completely?
Tonight I received an email that is worth sharing:
THE SILENT SERMON
This is very uplifting! It blessed me today and I am sure, you too, will be blessed.
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. THe pastor found the man at home along, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The Pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the Pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone - then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the Pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially your firey sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday."
We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. consequently, few listen. SOmetimes the best sermons ar the ones left unspoken! More tomorrow!)
Today my sister said the rice pudding recipe I posted last night made her mouth water. I had more rice so I gave it to her and she was going to make it!!! Thanks dear Sis for the Compliment!!! You'll never know how much I appreciate your words!
Did you pull any April Fool's jokes today? My little seven year old niece called me this morning and I played along with her. She is so precious! My Mom was telling me that I had an aunt on my Dad's side that loved April Fool Day and would go to great lengths to pull the "big one" on her family. One year she baked two large pans of cornbread and then iced them with the most wonderful fluffy white icing. Her boys were excited at the sight of the beautifully iced cake. WHen they cut into it - WHAT A SURPRISE - CORNBREAD! Another time she made homemade crust, rolled it out for fried pies and then filled the pies with rags - scrapes of fabric, sealed them shut and deep fried them! Can you imagine the disappointment, anger - not to mention surprise when they bit into one??
This recipe is no "April Fools joke!"
TEXAS GOLD BARS - Received from "Esther - 1985 (Still good!)
1 Duncan Hines butter golden cake mix
1 egg
1 stick real butter
Melt butter slightly and mix with beaten egg, then mix with cake mix. Press into greased 9 X 13 pan; set aside (Don't use glass pan!)
In blender or with mixer:
2 eggs, beaten and 8 oz. cream cheese
Slowly add 1 Box (if you can't find 1 box - it equals about 4 to 6 cups)Powdered Sugar; Mix this slowly. When creamy, pour over pressed mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes.
Enjoy!!
Good night - have a blessed rest and God's Will - join me again. At some point I have to have something useful!!!
Tonight I received an email that is worth sharing:
THE SILENT SERMON
This is very uplifting! It blessed me today and I am sure, you too, will be blessed.
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. THe pastor found the man at home along, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The Pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the Pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone - then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the Pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially your firey sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday."
We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. consequently, few listen. SOmetimes the best sermons ar the ones left unspoken! More tomorrow!)
Today my sister said the rice pudding recipe I posted last night made her mouth water. I had more rice so I gave it to her and she was going to make it!!! Thanks dear Sis for the Compliment!!! You'll never know how much I appreciate your words!
Did you pull any April Fool's jokes today? My little seven year old niece called me this morning and I played along with her. She is so precious! My Mom was telling me that I had an aunt on my Dad's side that loved April Fool Day and would go to great lengths to pull the "big one" on her family. One year she baked two large pans of cornbread and then iced them with the most wonderful fluffy white icing. Her boys were excited at the sight of the beautifully iced cake. WHen they cut into it - WHAT A SURPRISE - CORNBREAD! Another time she made homemade crust, rolled it out for fried pies and then filled the pies with rags - scrapes of fabric, sealed them shut and deep fried them! Can you imagine the disappointment, anger - not to mention surprise when they bit into one??
This recipe is no "April Fools joke!"
TEXAS GOLD BARS - Received from "Esther - 1985 (Still good!)
1 Duncan Hines butter golden cake mix
1 egg
1 stick real butter
Melt butter slightly and mix with beaten egg, then mix with cake mix. Press into greased 9 X 13 pan; set aside (Don't use glass pan!)
In blender or with mixer:
2 eggs, beaten and 8 oz. cream cheese
Slowly add 1 Box (if you can't find 1 box - it equals about 4 to 6 cups)Powdered Sugar; Mix this slowly. When creamy, pour over pressed mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes.
Enjoy!!
Good night - have a blessed rest and God's Will - join me again. At some point I have to have something useful!!!
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