It seems Wednesday's are one of the times we rush the most! IT would be so easy to just say "I am too tired!" or "Let's just rest tonight!" or "There won't be anything going on tonight" or "Let's just go eat a good meal and relax!" -- because we get home and by 5:30 - it is rush, rush, rush -- we've got to feed and walk our babies (Schnauzers), Travis has to take a bath, I have to freshen my make-up - then rush to get food (always a problem trying to figure out where we can get something in a hurry and choke it down- and we are always too late to go eat at the church's meal), then go pick up our sweet niece rushing her so we can get there by 7:00. But as we arrive and get out of the car - people are waving and speaking and then inside - it is even more of that. Life gets exciting and then we go to class - and wow - we learn something new - or we get a better perspective on some verse in the Bible or we hear a story that makes you want to reach out to someone! Was the pushing yourself, the rush worth it? - You bet it was!! IF you don't come to class on Wednesday night, you are missing some of the best fellowship there is - and a closeness to Jesus you don't always get on Sundays! Our ladies class was out this week for spring break (our lecturer, Diane Litton is in Peru visiting her family!) so Michelle and I went to Mark's class. IT was very good - they are using a book by Phillip Yancy to study more about Jesus and who he ministered to -- and how we should minister to our community! Jesus did not go in bars and houses of ill repute looking to save them - they came to him either by intent or by God's intervention! Don't we come in contact each day with those who are lost and need a guide?
I think you are probably saying "Ok, this blogs says Jon Carole Cooks! Where are the recipes??" You are right but when something is on my heart - I need to say it. Fresh opens tomorrow -- you should have seen all of the cars there today - representing all of the work going on inside! Can't wait to see it -- but will probably wait a couple of weeks! I am not one that wants to go to anything the first week or two it has opened. Haven't been to BJ's yet - have had good and bad reviews -- guess I will go and decide for myself!
I made a brisket and potato salad for our Sunday lunch at church and had some fabulous feedback on the potato salad, as well as the brisket. My sister wanted to know if I remembered how I made it and I do! So here it is -- the thing about Potato salad - you can change it weekly and it will be just as good or better than the last time you made it. I have found the one thing that makes it better is use Yukon Gold Potatoes. They are a tad more expensive but worth it!
POTATO SALAD
1 - 5 lb. bag Yukon gold potatoes
2 hardboiled eggs, chopped
1 stick butter
1 Tablespoon salt
2 tsps. Penzey's Fresh Ground black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
1 to 1-1/2 cups Light or fat free Mayo
2 tsps. Penzey's dry mustard
1 tsp. Penzey's cayenne pwd.
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1 small jar diced pimentoes
2 tablespoons either apple cider vinegar or Seasoned Rice Vinegar (what I used)
1 Tablespoon Penzey's Fox Point
2 Tablespoons Penzey's Celery seed
Directions:
Peel and cut the potatoes into quarters. Put in large sauce pan and cover with water. Boil until fork tender. Drain - leaving a bit of water in the pan. Add butter and mash potatoes and butter until fairly smooth. Add remaining ingredients and stir until well combined. TASTE AND SEE if it needs more salt or pepper and if it is thin enough. (Remember when it is chilled it stiffens up some) If it seems too dry - add another 1/4th to 1/2 cup mayo. take up in bowl and either serve immediately or cover and place in refrigerator until ready to serve!
(Note -- you can use any brand where I said "PENZEY'S -- that is just the brand I use and love!!! Of course you can cut recipe in half - still use 2 eggs!!)
Well - that is it tonight. Hope you try it and get as many raves as I did!!! Would love to know. I never get any feed back and sometimes feel like I am just talking to cyberspace!!! You can leave comments!!!
Have a blessed evening -- and reach out and help others!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
GREAT FOOD MAKES HAPPY PEOPLE
Wow - how long has it been? Seems like it just gets too late to start a blog every night when I finally get through with other things - like cleaning the kitchen, etc. Maybe with the time change - it will trick me into thinking it is not as late as it really is! I actually have cooked some good food since the last post. Our "sheparding" roup met at church after services and I took a beef brisket that has slowly cooked all night and then I added a special sauce - a recipe I got from a new cookbook Travis had bought on Saturday "The Niman Ranch Cookbook" and everyone that ate some bragged on it! The cookbook is awesome - tells all about how the people on the ranch raise the cattle, how to cut it and how to cook it. Only problem is that most recipes take 9 to 14 hours to cook - so I will probably just make sauces! The potato salad was well received too! Then I just made the old standby Chocolate cake (that I have actually posted 3 times)that is easy but good. Last night I grilled chicken legs - that were well seasoned with olive oil, and just about every spice I owned. Of course I sprayed often with apple juice while grilling. Just served those with turnip greens and collard greens -seasoned with garlic, pepper, and Fox Point, and then just baked some sweet potato fries and hush puppies. Tonight I was ready to go to LaPlazita's! The food was delicious but they over charged us again. We had not been in over a month because of the same thing -- they don't give you a ticket and then they just start putting amounts into the adding machine. We love the food -- but don't like the system - and it will probably be a long time before we go back again!
I seasoned the brisket with Penzey's Fresh Ground blackpepper, fresh pressed garlic (probably about 6 cloves), lots of liquid smoke, and Penzey's Red and Black pepper. Then I poured some Port Wine over it and then sprinkled one package of Sazon Goya over it. Wrapped it in foil and let it sit out about 2 hours. Then at 11 pm, I put it in a 250 degree oven and let it cook until about 4 am, when I took it out of the oven. Travis sliced it and below is the recipe for the sauce that we put over it:
BO'S BARBEQUE SAUCE
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 small yellow onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced (I used 2 cloves)
1 cup katchup
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar (I used 4)
1 tsp. dry mustard (had just bought some at Penzey's)
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (used teaspoon)
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ( I used 1/2 tsp. Penzey's crushed red pepper)
Kosher salt to taste
(I also added 2 tsp. sugar -- seemed a little bitter without!)
Heat the olive oil in small sauce pan over medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring often for about 3 minutes, until soft. Stir in the katchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sugar melts. Season to taste with salt then taste and adjust the seasonings to your taste. THAT IS WHEN I ADDED THE SUGAR! Just before serving - pour over the sliced brisket and heat in a 350 degree over until good and warm. Enjoy!!
How many of you love those Red Lobster Cheese Biscuits? Well - you know that is about the only thing I like there. So - this recipe was sent to me! Let's try it and see if it is the real McCoy!!!
RED LOBSTER CHEESE BISCUITS
2 Cups Bisquick
2/3 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup grated Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Mix all together, drop by spoonfuls on cookie sheet. Bake @ 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Brush top of biscuits with 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 tsp. garlic powder, and 2 tsp. parsley flakes.
SOMEONE PLEASE TRY THESE AND LET ME KNOW HOW THEY ARE!!!
Have you ever wished God had written down all of the things we should do -- like made a list for us. Well - He made us smart enough to figure it out - but here is what someone broke it down to -- and I think it is very good! We would be much better if we did this:
Rules from God for 2011
1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7
3 . Be Quiet!! Say nice things and learn to listen.. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!..... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as w e have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!... To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6
VERY SPECIAL DELIVERY
May the Lord open up
The windows of heaven
And pour you a blessing
That you will not have room
Enough to receive it all.
May the Lord bless
You exceedingly and abundantly,
Above all you could ever hope for.
May the Lord bless you
That you may walk in a
Financial overflow..
May you fall in love with Him
For the rest of your days
In the Name of Jesus .
Amen!
Let ' s just see Satan stop this one.
All you do is.. Send this on !
Good advice!! I hope you try the recipes - the brisket and sauce was really GOOD! Are you still trying to find someone to bless with a good deed? We all need to be vigilant and look for someone who needs a friend -- even if it is just to pay for the car in line behind you at McDonald's with the message: "Just pass it on!"
May God bless you and keep you!!
I seasoned the brisket with Penzey's Fresh Ground blackpepper, fresh pressed garlic (probably about 6 cloves), lots of liquid smoke, and Penzey's Red and Black pepper. Then I poured some Port Wine over it and then sprinkled one package of Sazon Goya over it. Wrapped it in foil and let it sit out about 2 hours. Then at 11 pm, I put it in a 250 degree oven and let it cook until about 4 am, when I took it out of the oven. Travis sliced it and below is the recipe for the sauce that we put over it:
BO'S BARBEQUE SAUCE
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 small yellow onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced (I used 2 cloves)
1 cup katchup
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar (I used 4)
1 tsp. dry mustard (had just bought some at Penzey's)
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (used teaspoon)
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ( I used 1/2 tsp. Penzey's crushed red pepper)
Kosher salt to taste
(I also added 2 tsp. sugar -- seemed a little bitter without!)
Heat the olive oil in small sauce pan over medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring often for about 3 minutes, until soft. Stir in the katchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sugar melts. Season to taste with salt then taste and adjust the seasonings to your taste. THAT IS WHEN I ADDED THE SUGAR! Just before serving - pour over the sliced brisket and heat in a 350 degree over until good and warm. Enjoy!!
How many of you love those Red Lobster Cheese Biscuits? Well - you know that is about the only thing I like there. So - this recipe was sent to me! Let's try it and see if it is the real McCoy!!!
RED LOBSTER CHEESE BISCUITS
2 Cups Bisquick
2/3 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup grated Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Mix all together, drop by spoonfuls on cookie sheet. Bake @ 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Brush top of biscuits with 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 tsp. garlic powder, and 2 tsp. parsley flakes.
SOMEONE PLEASE TRY THESE AND LET ME KNOW HOW THEY ARE!!!
Have you ever wished God had written down all of the things we should do -- like made a list for us. Well - He made us smart enough to figure it out - but here is what someone broke it down to -- and I think it is very good! We would be much better if we did this:
Rules from God for 2011
1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7
3 . Be Quiet!! Say nice things and learn to listen.. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!..... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as w e have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!... To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6
VERY SPECIAL DELIVERY
May the Lord open up
The windows of heaven
And pour you a blessing
That you will not have room
Enough to receive it all.
May the Lord bless
You exceedingly and abundantly,
Above all you could ever hope for.
May the Lord bless you
That you may walk in a
Financial overflow..
May you fall in love with Him
For the rest of your days
In the Name of Jesus .
Amen!
Let ' s just see Satan stop this one.
All you do is.. Send this on !
Good advice!! I hope you try the recipes - the brisket and sauce was really GOOD! Are you still trying to find someone to bless with a good deed? We all need to be vigilant and look for someone who needs a friend -- even if it is just to pay for the car in line behind you at McDonald's with the message: "Just pass it on!"
May God bless you and keep you!!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
THURSDAY EVENING - A RAMBLING POST
Good evening-- it is pretty late but I feel I really want to connect with each of you! Today we had a conversation about - of all things - cornbread -- think that would have been a discussion in the North? Anyway - we were trying to think of all the things that are either made with cornbread, the different kinds of cornbread, or what you normally (or not so normally) eat with cornbread. Now where that came from-not sure who could explain that! Ok - think, think, think! Cornbread dressing (of course) yes - absolutely deliciou unless it is saturated in sage or has cream of chicken soup - also - Mexican cornbread casserole, then there is regular corn bread, JC's Jiffy cornbread, Mexican cornbread, brocolli cornbread and hundred of version of "homemade": cornbread! Then you can eat cornbread with chili, soup, buttermilk (uck!), plain and with butter, soup, blackeye peas, beans of all sorts, and on and on and on! Amazing - so many great recipes from an ol Soouthern standby!! Probably because corn meal was all they had! How amazing and creative those women were!!
I looked through my blog today - got all of the way through April 2010 when I could not go any further and realized I have probaby duplicated several recipes several times - but with way over a hundred posts - I forget some of the recipes and if they are numerous -they were exceptional then I remembered them or cooked them again and felt I had to share. One is the Chocolate Sheath Cake - with cinnamon - I think I found it 3 or 4 times - but it is worth it!!! Whichever post you retrieved - the chocolate cake( with great fudge icing) is worth the effort!!!
We went to Don Juans tonight -- so guess I gained another pound even though I only ate one chicken enchilada with verde (green sauce) and salad. But of course there is chips, tortillo's, and hot sauce)to pad the hips!!
Our church "sheparding group" is meeting this Sunday for the first time and we are to take potluck food. I am trying to decide on something that will shine and everyone will appreciate and enjoy. Travis suggested Chicken and Dressing - but although delicous - it is not easy and not the showy dish I want!
I really want to know how to add movies, poems, words that pertain to my blog and think it would really enhance it. It might also gain me another reader or two.
Here is a recipe that I may have already posted - but way back then is too far to look and find it - so here it is:
MOM'S COCONUT PIE
Scant cup of sugar
2 Ttsp. flour, rounded
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup coconut
4 eggs
In saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt. Into 2 cup measuring cup put 4 egg yolks; beat and finish filling with milk to 2 cups. Add milk mixture to flour-sugar mixture, stiring well. cook (continuing to stir) over medium heat until it thickens. Add 1 tsp. vanilla and 1/2 tsp. butter flavoring. Pour into baked 9 inch crust.
MERANGUE:
6 EGG WHITE
1 TABLESPOON CREAM OF TARTER
1/2 CUP SUGAR
1/2 TSP. VANILLA
Beat egg whites until stiff. Add, while continuing to to beat, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Beat until stiff. Pile on top of pie, sealing edges. bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until meringue becomes a golden brown. This is my families' favorite dessert and I hope they enjoy this one.
Ok - time to give up and turn in! First - a reminder -- HAVE A BLESSED MONTH and call me any time I might help! Everyone -- do something wonderful -- some one who would have believed we really loved HIm!!! I wish each of you a blessed evening.
I looked through my blog today - got all of the way through April 2010 when I could not go any further and realized I have probaby duplicated several recipes several times - but with way over a hundred posts - I forget some of the recipes and if they are numerous -they were exceptional then I remembered them or cooked them again and felt I had to share. One is the Chocolate Sheath Cake - with cinnamon - I think I found it 3 or 4 times - but it is worth it!!! Whichever post you retrieved - the chocolate cake( with great fudge icing) is worth the effort!!!
We went to Don Juans tonight -- so guess I gained another pound even though I only ate one chicken enchilada with verde (green sauce) and salad. But of course there is chips, tortillo's, and hot sauce)to pad the hips!!
Our church "sheparding group" is meeting this Sunday for the first time and we are to take potluck food. I am trying to decide on something that will shine and everyone will appreciate and enjoy. Travis suggested Chicken and Dressing - but although delicous - it is not easy and not the showy dish I want!
I really want to know how to add movies, poems, words that pertain to my blog and think it would really enhance it. It might also gain me another reader or two.
Here is a recipe that I may have already posted - but way back then is too far to look and find it - so here it is:
MOM'S COCONUT PIE
Scant cup of sugar
2 Ttsp. flour, rounded
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup coconut
4 eggs
In saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt. Into 2 cup measuring cup put 4 egg yolks; beat and finish filling with milk to 2 cups. Add milk mixture to flour-sugar mixture, stiring well. cook (continuing to stir) over medium heat until it thickens. Add 1 tsp. vanilla and 1/2 tsp. butter flavoring. Pour into baked 9 inch crust.
MERANGUE:
6 EGG WHITE
1 TABLESPOON CREAM OF TARTER
1/2 CUP SUGAR
1/2 TSP. VANILLA
Beat egg whites until stiff. Add, while continuing to to beat, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Beat until stiff. Pile on top of pie, sealing edges. bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until meringue becomes a golden brown. This is my families' favorite dessert and I hope they enjoy this one.
Ok - time to give up and turn in! First - a reminder -- HAVE A BLESSED MONTH and call me any time I might help! Everyone -- do something wonderful -- some one who would have believed we really loved HIm!!! I wish each of you a blessed evening.
Monday, February 28, 2011
WHAT IS PRAYER TO YOU? AND HOW TO PRESERVE A HUSBAND!!
Good evening! It has been a long day - some of it painful - more than just my sciatic nerve - but it has certainly demanded its attention!
Last night Travis and I finished the most awesome 3 part series video series on prayer. Did you know that prayer was not created by God just so we could say to God: "give me, give me, give me, or don't let me, or let me, let me, let me?" When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He didn't say, "Teach you to pray, just go talk to God, that's all it is to it!" He said: "Okay, I will teach you how to pray." Go to Matthew 6:6-13 and see what Jesus tells them. Place and time is important, get alone, praise God, then surrender your will, and ask him to give you your daily bread and to forgive us and to not lead us into temptation. It is an amazing revelation and can change our lives. Even though God doesn't tell us how long to pray - I found out if you start praising God and thanking Him for his all He has created and all He has done for you, and how awesomely great He is -- you can spend quite a long time doing this. Now surrendering your will takes a whole lot longer --oh sure there is a lot you can easily give over to God but it is hard to totally surrender everything to God -- there are some things we want to do that we know God will say: "Whoa - do you think that pleases me?" No, we don't want to bring those things up -- but until we do - God cannot completely give us all He wants to and our relationship won't be complete! Then recognize He gives us everything we own - so why do we try so hard to hold onto every earthly good? And definitely ask God to forgive us - wait a minute "as we forgive those who sin against us' -- I have to do that too? Well - that is what God says -- so guess I had better get busy! What about you? And to lead us not into temptation - I think God can keep us from following temptation if God has our total attention and will. This is just a very short synopsis of the video - but it is so much more rich and compeling. Ask me and I will give you the name of the video.
Here is a precious story I just loved -- human, compassionate - and God's power, maybe??
THE PASTOR'S CAT
This particular story just made me laugh. Every time I think about it, the vision of that poor cat just amuses me to no end. Hope the story leaves a bright spot in your day. Whoever said the Creator doesn't have a sense of humor?
Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.
The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.
That's what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke.
The tree went 'boing!' and the kitten instantly sailed through the air - out of sight.
The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he prayed, 'Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,' and went on about his business.
A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, 'Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?'
She replied, 'You won't believe this,' and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, 'Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it.' She told the pastor, 'I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her.'
Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor.
Anyone can count the seeds in an apple; but only God can count the apples in a seed.
Are you good at making cookies. Cookies are not my favorite thing to make -- they never turn out how I want them to, but here is a recipe from my childhood - that I loved for Mom to make.
CHERRY WINKS
2-1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup dates
1 cup candied cherries
Mix wells, Roll in balls, then in crushed corn flakes. Bake at 325 degees until lightly browned. Ummmm - take me back to the day when I would enjoy a cookie or two - and not have to worry about gaining weight!!!
One final thing tonight -- here is something pretty cute and pretty accurate:
PRESERVED HUSBANDS
Be careful with your selection. Do not choose the young, and take only such varieties as have been reared in good moral atmosphere. When once decided on and selected, let that part remain forever settled and give your entire thought to preparation for domestic use. Some insist on keeping them in a pickle, while others are constantly getting them into hot water. EVEN poor varieties may be made sweet, tender, and good by garnishing with patience, well sweetened with smiles and flavored with kisses. Wrap well in a mantle of charity. Keep warm with a steady fire of domestic devotion and serve with fruits of constrant devotion and milk of human kindness. When thus prepared, they will keep for years.
Amazing - what does this ring of? Maybe teaching of the Bible??
Have a blessed evening and pray God will bless you with someone else to bless with kindness.
Last night Travis and I finished the most awesome 3 part series video series on prayer. Did you know that prayer was not created by God just so we could say to God: "give me, give me, give me, or don't let me, or let me, let me, let me?" When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He didn't say, "Teach you to pray, just go talk to God, that's all it is to it!" He said: "Okay, I will teach you how to pray." Go to Matthew 6:6-13 and see what Jesus tells them. Place and time is important, get alone, praise God, then surrender your will, and ask him to give you your daily bread and to forgive us and to not lead us into temptation. It is an amazing revelation and can change our lives. Even though God doesn't tell us how long to pray - I found out if you start praising God and thanking Him for his all He has created and all He has done for you, and how awesomely great He is -- you can spend quite a long time doing this. Now surrendering your will takes a whole lot longer --oh sure there is a lot you can easily give over to God but it is hard to totally surrender everything to God -- there are some things we want to do that we know God will say: "Whoa - do you think that pleases me?" No, we don't want to bring those things up -- but until we do - God cannot completely give us all He wants to and our relationship won't be complete! Then recognize He gives us everything we own - so why do we try so hard to hold onto every earthly good? And definitely ask God to forgive us - wait a minute "as we forgive those who sin against us' -- I have to do that too? Well - that is what God says -- so guess I had better get busy! What about you? And to lead us not into temptation - I think God can keep us from following temptation if God has our total attention and will. This is just a very short synopsis of the video - but it is so much more rich and compeling. Ask me and I will give you the name of the video.
Here is a precious story I just loved -- human, compassionate - and God's power, maybe??
THE PASTOR'S CAT
This particular story just made me laugh. Every time I think about it, the vision of that poor cat just amuses me to no end. Hope the story leaves a bright spot in your day. Whoever said the Creator doesn't have a sense of humor?
Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.
The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.
That's what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke.
The tree went 'boing!' and the kitten instantly sailed through the air - out of sight.
The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he prayed, 'Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,' and went on about his business.
A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, 'Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?'
She replied, 'You won't believe this,' and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, 'Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it.' She told the pastor, 'I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her.'
Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor.
Anyone can count the seeds in an apple; but only God can count the apples in a seed.
Are you good at making cookies. Cookies are not my favorite thing to make -- they never turn out how I want them to, but here is a recipe from my childhood - that I loved for Mom to make.
CHERRY WINKS
2-1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup dates
1 cup candied cherries
Mix wells, Roll in balls, then in crushed corn flakes. Bake at 325 degees until lightly browned. Ummmm - take me back to the day when I would enjoy a cookie or two - and not have to worry about gaining weight!!!
One final thing tonight -- here is something pretty cute and pretty accurate:
PRESERVED HUSBANDS
Be careful with your selection. Do not choose the young, and take only such varieties as have been reared in good moral atmosphere. When once decided on and selected, let that part remain forever settled and give your entire thought to preparation for domestic use. Some insist on keeping them in a pickle, while others are constantly getting them into hot water. EVEN poor varieties may be made sweet, tender, and good by garnishing with patience, well sweetened with smiles and flavored with kisses. Wrap well in a mantle of charity. Keep warm with a steady fire of domestic devotion and serve with fruits of constrant devotion and milk of human kindness. When thus prepared, they will keep for years.
Amazing - what does this ring of? Maybe teaching of the Bible??
Have a blessed evening and pray God will bless you with someone else to bless with kindness.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
THURSDAY NIGHT - ONE MORE WORK DAY!!
Went to this wonderful new chiropractor today and she was so young and so strong and wonderful. She is Ashley Warren Feldman (I think that is right) and she has an office right next to Style Salon and Spa. Really helped my back that went crazy on Tuesday - where I could not sit, stand, and certainly could not bend over -- but I am better! Tonight I went to our Pilot Club's President's house for her to hand over lots of responsibilities to us for a few weeks. Her husband took sick suddenly and it was discovered he had widespread cancer and in a day or so of the diagnosis, he passed away. It was a hard meeting - especially since I am President-Elect - but I will do the best I can - combined with being Chairman of the Red Cross this year - but I am sure everything will work. The meeting was also sad - because her husband was our treasurer and friend. I guess it just proves - we really don't know what tomorrow holds. God holds us in his hands and only He knows! But I am convinced that He knows best in all situations and will help us day by day if we call upon Him.
Now for cooking: How many of you hate tuna fish? How many of you like tuna fish? I challenge all of you with either situation - try my newly created "Gourmet Tuna Fish Salad" and I really think if you hate it - you will like it and if you like tuna fish - you will love it!
JC'S GOURMET TUNA FISH
2 Small cans Solid White Albacore tuna - packed in water
2 Eggs Boiled, peeled and chopped
2 heaping tablespoons Light Hellmann's mayo
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1/4 tsp. Penzey's Fresh ground black pepper
Several dashes of Penzey's Fox Point seasoning (a mixture of salt, shallots,chives, garlic, onion, and greenpeppercorns)
1 Big Dash of Penzey's Very Hot Crushed Red Pepper
1 Big Dash of Penzey's Loose leaf Cilanto
1/4 cup chopped Walnuts
Directions: Drain cans of tuna, rinse with cold water, and pat dry with paper towel. Place into a medium size bowl and carefully break up tuna with fork until flaky, add rest of ingredients and mix until well blended. Best to sit a little while to combine flavors. Then put a good heaping (or more) tablespoon on slice of wheat bread, top with fresh spinach (and if you don't like spinach - omit) and top with another slice of bread. Travis said it was very good!!! You can also place on wheat bread, cibbata bread or tortilla. Add slice of fat free cheese and put on hot grill pan or panini pan and top with press and bake until slightly browned. Don't forget to spray both sides of grill pan or grill pan and press. TRY IT - YOU'LL LOVE IT!! Now if you don't have Penzey's spices yet - just substitute something similar or go to Dallas and buy some!!!! Or let me know what you want and I will pick it up for you!!!
I've got an idea - try it -- and then let me know "Yes, I like it" or "NO, NO, NO". You can go on Facebook and reply or post a reply right here!
Changed the picture at the beginning of Blog because Travis said no one knew that was a Chocolate Cream Pie with Mile High Meringue or a Cherry Meringue Pie- so this morning I changed it to A PIECE OF PIE - showcasing the meringue - and the bite Travis took out of it before I could get the picture!!!
I took a Sopapilla Cheesecake (Published on March 7, 2010) to the friend's (that lost her husband) house on Saturday. They are all from Syrucuse, NY and her brother was there. I told him that I had a Sopapilla Cheesecake and he said "never heard of it" and it was still hot and smelled so good. Then Gregg's (the deceased) sister could not even pronounce it. I told them I was giving them a little taste of the Southwest or Southern Hospitality. When I saw them on Sunday they were rolling their eyes heavenly and saying how delicious it was. Her brother said "and it was warm!" Guess they don't eat their desserts warm. I am going to fax the recipe to my friend and she will send it on to her brother! Fun!!
I am addicted - don't get worried - to the tea at Cafe Tazza - and I don't even like tea - but the one in the middle - the Tazza tea is delicious. Not sweet - but has the flavor of ginger, cinnamon, and not sure what else! They will sell me a gallon but not the tea bags or recipe! Going to have to figure that one out - can't keep buying it!!!
We really want to go to Plano Saturday and watch those awesome ETCA girls play basketball. My car is sounding very strange- just started - thank the good Lord it is still under warranty - so I don't know if we will risk driving it or get Lexus to come get it!! Have you ever thought about all the Lord really provides us?? I often forget and think I paid for this or that - and truthfully He paid for everything - with His Son!!
Have a wonderful evening. Look forward to a wonderful Friday - one of the day's God created - and do something good for another. My sister did today - precious lady - she called early and asked how she could help me -- so she took Michelle to work and I was 15 minutes early to work!
May God bless each of you!!!
Now for cooking: How many of you hate tuna fish? How many of you like tuna fish? I challenge all of you with either situation - try my newly created "Gourmet Tuna Fish Salad" and I really think if you hate it - you will like it and if you like tuna fish - you will love it!
JC'S GOURMET TUNA FISH
2 Small cans Solid White Albacore tuna - packed in water
2 Eggs Boiled, peeled and chopped
2 heaping tablespoons Light Hellmann's mayo
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1/4 tsp. Penzey's Fresh ground black pepper
Several dashes of Penzey's Fox Point seasoning (a mixture of salt, shallots,chives, garlic, onion, and greenpeppercorns)
1 Big Dash of Penzey's Very Hot Crushed Red Pepper
1 Big Dash of Penzey's Loose leaf Cilanto
1/4 cup chopped Walnuts
Directions: Drain cans of tuna, rinse with cold water, and pat dry with paper towel. Place into a medium size bowl and carefully break up tuna with fork until flaky, add rest of ingredients and mix until well blended. Best to sit a little while to combine flavors. Then put a good heaping (or more) tablespoon on slice of wheat bread, top with fresh spinach (and if you don't like spinach - omit) and top with another slice of bread. Travis said it was very good!!! You can also place on wheat bread, cibbata bread or tortilla. Add slice of fat free cheese and put on hot grill pan or panini pan and top with press and bake until slightly browned. Don't forget to spray both sides of grill pan or grill pan and press. TRY IT - YOU'LL LOVE IT!! Now if you don't have Penzey's spices yet - just substitute something similar or go to Dallas and buy some!!!! Or let me know what you want and I will pick it up for you!!!
I've got an idea - try it -- and then let me know "Yes, I like it" or "NO, NO, NO". You can go on Facebook and reply or post a reply right here!
Changed the picture at the beginning of Blog because Travis said no one knew that was a Chocolate Cream Pie with Mile High Meringue or a Cherry Meringue Pie- so this morning I changed it to A PIECE OF PIE - showcasing the meringue - and the bite Travis took out of it before I could get the picture!!!
I took a Sopapilla Cheesecake (Published on March 7, 2010) to the friend's (that lost her husband) house on Saturday. They are all from Syrucuse, NY and her brother was there. I told him that I had a Sopapilla Cheesecake and he said "never heard of it" and it was still hot and smelled so good. Then Gregg's (the deceased) sister could not even pronounce it. I told them I was giving them a little taste of the Southwest or Southern Hospitality. When I saw them on Sunday they were rolling their eyes heavenly and saying how delicious it was. Her brother said "and it was warm!" Guess they don't eat their desserts warm. I am going to fax the recipe to my friend and she will send it on to her brother! Fun!!
I am addicted - don't get worried - to the tea at Cafe Tazza - and I don't even like tea - but the one in the middle - the Tazza tea is delicious. Not sweet - but has the flavor of ginger, cinnamon, and not sure what else! They will sell me a gallon but not the tea bags or recipe! Going to have to figure that one out - can't keep buying it!!!
We really want to go to Plano Saturday and watch those awesome ETCA girls play basketball. My car is sounding very strange- just started - thank the good Lord it is still under warranty - so I don't know if we will risk driving it or get Lexus to come get it!! Have you ever thought about all the Lord really provides us?? I often forget and think I paid for this or that - and truthfully He paid for everything - with His Son!!
Have a wonderful evening. Look forward to a wonderful Friday - one of the day's God created - and do something good for another. My sister did today - precious lady - she called early and asked how she could help me -- so she took Michelle to work and I was 15 minutes early to work!
May God bless each of you!!!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Kneading Bread Dough
This should be a great visual aid to kneading bread - which is a little different than what I have said in the following blog.
Learn and enjoy the joy of homemade bread!
A NIGHT OF ENLIGHTMENT AND LEARNING
Good evening or morning - whichever time it is when you read this! What a day - it is so hard to be where there is so much tension - but good things do happen. The good thing was our Bible class tonight. It is a study of James and if you recall, James starts out telling us "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many times, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4) Coincidentally Mark's blog today "Winnie Cooper has a Theorem" was about Danica McKeller, a young TV star of the 80's TV show "The Wonder Years". After that stint she went to UCLA and she discovered her love of math. She eventually, after accomplishing many other goals, has written several books to encourage young people in their pursuit of mathematical knowledge. I was already convicted by the lesson in James that I need more perseverance in pursuing my goals. I have persevered in obligations - such as family, work, etc., but I've given up on other things that seemed too hard or too outrageous - even though some of then would have completed me. I've always had a love of literature and writing, but never worked hard enough to be published. Yes, I do have a couple of recipes published - but I want a book of recipes and ideas published and I want to write a children's book -- guess I'd better work harder at that - or I will be older than that 91 year old who was having her first book published!!! Thanks James, brother of Jesus, Diane and Mark! I needed that! Speaking of recipes - I don't think I have ever given you the recipe for Hawaiian Bread -- you know that sweet, delicious and very expensive bread and rolls you can purchase at your local grocery store! Well - for lots less money, and very little time, you can make it - and gather the compliments for yourself.
HAWAIIAN BREAD 1 package yellow cake mix (no pudding in the mix) 2 packages Active Dry yeast (I would not recommend the "rapid rise") 1/2 tsp. salt 2-1/2 cups warm water 1 tsp. vanilla 5 cups flour 4 tablespoons melted butter Combine the cake mix and yeast. Next, combine salt, vanilla, and water. Add cake mixture to water and salt mixture. Add flour last. Mix well and knead lightly. Let rise 1 hour. Knead lightly again, pat out and cut for rolls. Let rise until double. Bake at 375 degrees. When brown, brush with melted butter and bake a little longer. Makes 24 rolls. You can also make one large round loaf by putting in a bundt pan or in 2 loaf pans. NOTE: To test for doneness - thump top and if it sounds hollow - it is done!
ALSO: "KNEADING" seems to scare people off from trying bread recipes. Just place the dough on a floured pastry sheet, dust with flour and take hand and make a loose fist. With knuckles and ball of your hand (the fat part under your thumb)press and pull the dough gently turning the dough. You will begin to feel it change under the pressure. (I have posted a second blog that shows a video on how to knead bread - it will really help you grab hold of the concept and become better faster!!!Hope this helps - it just takes practice to perfect. Now Enjoy the bread!!! Now who loves cooking in Crock Pots? Crock Pot Cooking is an easy way to put a meal on the table soon after you come home - or family comes home. It does take some planning (which I most often forget to do), but it can be something families look forward to - not dread! Here is a great Crock Pot Green Enchilada recipe.
CROCK POT GREEN ENCHILADAS 1 or 2 lbs. ground beef (be sure and use low fat like 93-7 or 96-4) 2 small cans diced green chiles 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 1 large package corn tortillas 1 large onion, chopped 1 lb. cheddar cheese, grated. Brown ground beat. Mix together diced green chiles and cream of mushroom soup. Layer crock pot on bottom and sides with corn tortillas. Next layer meat, sauce, onion, and cheese. Relayer until crock pot is full. Cook at least 3 hours on low heat. (NOW THAT IS THE ORIGINAL RECIPE - BUT I SUGGEST THIS: Be sure and add 2-3 cloves garlic, minced, to meat just before finish browning - add salt and pepper (be sure and use Pensey's Fresh Ground Black Pepper - it is the best!!) to taste. In place of mushroom soup - replace with 2 cans Hatch Green Enchilada sauce. For extra heat - add 1 minced jalapeno. In place of Cheddar cheese, use Mexican Cheese! Serve with LIGHT sour cream. GUARANTEED BETTER!)This would also be good made with shredded chicken!!
bWell - it is going to be 11:00 before long, Michelle is leaned over on the table - asleep I suppose - so I guess I had better finish and wish you all a good night. Please find someone that needs a friend, needs a hug, needs a good deed - and DO!!! God Bless all of you!
HAWAIIAN BREAD 1 package yellow cake mix (no pudding in the mix) 2 packages Active Dry yeast (I would not recommend the "rapid rise") 1/2 tsp. salt 2-1/2 cups warm water 1 tsp. vanilla 5 cups flour 4 tablespoons melted butter Combine the cake mix and yeast. Next, combine salt, vanilla, and water. Add cake mixture to water and salt mixture. Add flour last. Mix well and knead lightly. Let rise 1 hour. Knead lightly again, pat out and cut for rolls. Let rise until double. Bake at 375 degrees. When brown, brush with melted butter and bake a little longer. Makes 24 rolls. You can also make one large round loaf by putting in a bundt pan or in 2 loaf pans. NOTE: To test for doneness - thump top and if it sounds hollow - it is done!
ALSO: "KNEADING" seems to scare people off from trying bread recipes. Just place the dough on a floured pastry sheet, dust with flour and take hand and make a loose fist. With knuckles and ball of your hand (the fat part under your thumb)press and pull the dough gently turning the dough. You will begin to feel it change under the pressure. (I have posted a second blog that shows a video on how to knead bread - it will really help you grab hold of the concept and become better faster!!!Hope this helps - it just takes practice to perfect. Now Enjoy the bread!!! Now who loves cooking in Crock Pots? Crock Pot Cooking is an easy way to put a meal on the table soon after you come home - or family comes home. It does take some planning (which I most often forget to do), but it can be something families look forward to - not dread! Here is a great Crock Pot Green Enchilada recipe.
CROCK POT GREEN ENCHILADAS 1 or 2 lbs. ground beef (be sure and use low fat like 93-7 or 96-4) 2 small cans diced green chiles 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 1 large package corn tortillas 1 large onion, chopped 1 lb. cheddar cheese, grated. Brown ground beat. Mix together diced green chiles and cream of mushroom soup. Layer crock pot on bottom and sides with corn tortillas. Next layer meat, sauce, onion, and cheese. Relayer until crock pot is full. Cook at least 3 hours on low heat. (NOW THAT IS THE ORIGINAL RECIPE - BUT I SUGGEST THIS: Be sure and add 2-3 cloves garlic, minced, to meat just before finish browning - add salt and pepper (be sure and use Pensey's Fresh Ground Black Pepper - it is the best!!) to taste. In place of mushroom soup - replace with 2 cans Hatch Green Enchilada sauce. For extra heat - add 1 minced jalapeno. In place of Cheddar cheese, use Mexican Cheese! Serve with LIGHT sour cream. GUARANTEED BETTER!)This would also be good made with shredded chicken!!
bWell - it is going to be 11:00 before long, Michelle is leaned over on the table - asleep I suppose - so I guess I had better finish and wish you all a good night. Please find someone that needs a friend, needs a hug, needs a good deed - and DO!!! God Bless all of you!
Monday, February 21, 2011
PRESIDENT'S DAY - SO NICE TO SPEND IT WITH FAMILY
Tell me something - just leave a comment or email me! How can one man feel all the same emotions for four women and "feel like I could be a part of this family!" for each one?? The Bachelor was on and Travis and I got tickled at that Brad guy and his very same emotions about four different women. I know they are suppose to keep their feelings a secret -- but really - couldn't he come up with something a little more original! I guessed it - I believe the only sincere thing on the entire show was his discomfort with the funeral home experience - and I definitely could relate. And - yes - he let her go! so dumb - so why did I watch? I was cooking and there was not much else to do! Speaking of cooking:
I cooked a very good (according to Travis) dinner tonight and it was HEALTHY! I need to do more of those - we all do! So here is one for you!
THE MENU
Pan Grilled Catfish
Mango Salsa
Cold Slaw with Jalapeno Ranch dressing
Baked Sweet potato fries
Hominy with Fresh Ground Black Pepper
Baked Jalapeno Hushpuppies
PAN GRILLED CATFISH
Fresh Catfish fillets (I did three - you do however many you need)
1/2 lime, squeezed
2 Tablespoons Olive oil (I used a great one from Texas Olive Ranch called Rattlesnake Olive Oil -- has some red pepper flakes in it)
Black pepper
Lemon pepper (I used Penzey's and it is wonderful)
Garlic sprinkle (whatever you have that has garlic as the predominant ingredient - I used Penzey's "Salad Sprinkle.")
Rub each side with olive oil and then squeeze lime on each each one. Sprinkle liberally with Lemon Pepper, Black pepper, and garlic.
Get Grilling pan and press very hot, spray each one with cooking spray, place fish in pan and top with press. Cook about 4 to 5 minutes and turn the fish over. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes until fish is flaky. Remove to plate.
Before serving - top with Mango Salsa.
I know I make a good Mango Salsa - more for dipping chips into - so I bought a small container at Brookshires and added only about 1/4 tsp. finely chopped jalapeno to it.
COLD SLAW WITH JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING
FOR THREE:
2 Cups 3 Color Deli Cold Slaw (from bag at Brookshires) Contains - green cabbage, carrots, and red cabbage)
1/4 cup Light Ranch dressing
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons chopped jalapenos (divided use)
2 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Combine slaw mix, onion and 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno. Then combine Ranch dressing, other tablespoon jalapeno, lime juice, and salt and pepper.Stir well. Sprinkle a little more pepper on slaw mix and then pour dressing over slaw and toss.
Now for the hardest of all:
Hominy with Fresh Ground Black pepper
1 Can (for family of 3) Yellow Hominy
Several sprinkles of black pepper (I love Penzey's Fresh Ground)
Bring to a boil in small saucepan - turn down to low and allow to cook for several minutes - careful to not let cook dry. Wow! NOW IF YOUR FAMILY DOES NOT LIKE HOMINY -- GIVE THEM A DIFFERENT VARIETY OF CORN - EITHER A CAN OF WHOLE KERNEL CORN OR BOILED CORN ON THE COB!!!)
Oh - and I found some very good hushpuppies -- they are Savannah Classics -- and they have about three varieties and if you know me at all - you would know I would choose the Jalapeno ones -- but they also had "Sweet Corn" Hushpuppies that really sounded good too. Now as much as I love to make food "From Scratch" - I am not so dumb that I can't recognize some things that are as good or even better than I could make at home. Hushpuppies are one of them. And they were to be baked - another plus! Also - again - when you find something already prepared that wears you out - like peeling and trying to properly slice sweet potatoes - I will choose the frozen ones for fries every time. I've already told you how to do them. DRIZZLE - SEASON - AND BAKE!!
All in all - it was a good healthy meal! Just sorry I didn't get time to make the Cheddar-Jalapeno Bread - but another day - another opportunity.
This morning I had a surprise - but a nice one! My cousin, Robert (on my Mother's side) called me. He sends me lots of great things I share with you! He was on his way to Shreveport to preside at a funeral of another cousin's father-in-law. Life has always consumed both of us and we had never stayed in touch - but at a birthday party for his sister we met again, and it has been very rewarding to get to know him better and hear about his family and life. Thanks for the call, Bob!
Today my sister, Michelle, and Maura found a really neat shop between Gresham and Flint. It is "Peek A Boutique!" I had seen it many times but never stopped, but today we did. It is an amazing little shop with really popular things, like "Miss Me" jeans" and fabulous jewelry created by the owner, Karen Davis. Believe it or not - I tried on a braclet that has been created for Miranda Lambert. I won't reveal what it looked like - but just say - it and it's matching necklace was so fabulous - actually over the top!!! If you've not been there you can check it out at www.peekaboutiquekaren.com.
Tomorrow night I want to tell you about a great series of 3 tapes that can change your life if you will allow it to. No - I am not selling -- just sharing something I watched a few weeks ago in a ladies Wednesday night class and was so taken by it that I ordered my own copy!
Have a great evening -- hope you had a great and useful day. God Bless each of you!
I cooked a very good (according to Travis) dinner tonight and it was HEALTHY! I need to do more of those - we all do! So here is one for you!
THE MENU
Pan Grilled Catfish
Mango Salsa
Cold Slaw with Jalapeno Ranch dressing
Baked Sweet potato fries
Hominy with Fresh Ground Black Pepper
Baked Jalapeno Hushpuppies
PAN GRILLED CATFISH
Fresh Catfish fillets (I did three - you do however many you need)
1/2 lime, squeezed
2 Tablespoons Olive oil (I used a great one from Texas Olive Ranch called Rattlesnake Olive Oil -- has some red pepper flakes in it)
Black pepper
Lemon pepper (I used Penzey's and it is wonderful)
Garlic sprinkle (whatever you have that has garlic as the predominant ingredient - I used Penzey's "Salad Sprinkle.")
Rub each side with olive oil and then squeeze lime on each each one. Sprinkle liberally with Lemon Pepper, Black pepper, and garlic.
Get Grilling pan and press very hot, spray each one with cooking spray, place fish in pan and top with press. Cook about 4 to 5 minutes and turn the fish over. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes until fish is flaky. Remove to plate.
Before serving - top with Mango Salsa.
I know I make a good Mango Salsa - more for dipping chips into - so I bought a small container at Brookshires and added only about 1/4 tsp. finely chopped jalapeno to it.
COLD SLAW WITH JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING
FOR THREE:
2 Cups 3 Color Deli Cold Slaw (from bag at Brookshires) Contains - green cabbage, carrots, and red cabbage)
1/4 cup Light Ranch dressing
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons chopped jalapenos (divided use)
2 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Combine slaw mix, onion and 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno. Then combine Ranch dressing, other tablespoon jalapeno, lime juice, and salt and pepper.Stir well. Sprinkle a little more pepper on slaw mix and then pour dressing over slaw and toss.
Now for the hardest of all:
Hominy with Fresh Ground Black pepper
1 Can (for family of 3) Yellow Hominy
Several sprinkles of black pepper (I love Penzey's Fresh Ground)
Bring to a boil in small saucepan - turn down to low and allow to cook for several minutes - careful to not let cook dry. Wow! NOW IF YOUR FAMILY DOES NOT LIKE HOMINY -- GIVE THEM A DIFFERENT VARIETY OF CORN - EITHER A CAN OF WHOLE KERNEL CORN OR BOILED CORN ON THE COB!!!)
Oh - and I found some very good hushpuppies -- they are Savannah Classics -- and they have about three varieties and if you know me at all - you would know I would choose the Jalapeno ones -- but they also had "Sweet Corn" Hushpuppies that really sounded good too. Now as much as I love to make food "From Scratch" - I am not so dumb that I can't recognize some things that are as good or even better than I could make at home. Hushpuppies are one of them. And they were to be baked - another plus! Also - again - when you find something already prepared that wears you out - like peeling and trying to properly slice sweet potatoes - I will choose the frozen ones for fries every time. I've already told you how to do them. DRIZZLE - SEASON - AND BAKE!!
All in all - it was a good healthy meal! Just sorry I didn't get time to make the Cheddar-Jalapeno Bread - but another day - another opportunity.
This morning I had a surprise - but a nice one! My cousin, Robert (on my Mother's side) called me. He sends me lots of great things I share with you! He was on his way to Shreveport to preside at a funeral of another cousin's father-in-law. Life has always consumed both of us and we had never stayed in touch - but at a birthday party for his sister we met again, and it has been very rewarding to get to know him better and hear about his family and life. Thanks for the call, Bob!
Today my sister, Michelle, and Maura found a really neat shop between Gresham and Flint. It is "Peek A Boutique!" I had seen it many times but never stopped, but today we did. It is an amazing little shop with really popular things, like "Miss Me" jeans" and fabulous jewelry created by the owner, Karen Davis. Believe it or not - I tried on a braclet that has been created for Miranda Lambert. I won't reveal what it looked like - but just say - it and it's matching necklace was so fabulous - actually over the top!!! If you've not been there you can check it out at www.peekaboutiquekaren.com.
Tomorrow night I want to tell you about a great series of 3 tapes that can change your life if you will allow it to. No - I am not selling -- just sharing something I watched a few weeks ago in a ladies Wednesday night class and was so taken by it that I ordered my own copy!
Have a great evening -- hope you had a great and useful day. God Bless each of you!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A HOLIDAY TOMORROW - LOTS TO DO!!
Good Sunday evening! The last time I posted a blog - I said I was about to pass out from being so sleepy and I didn't mean to"check out" for days -- but the medicine I am taking makes me really sleepy -- but I think my body is gradually getting use to it and I'm much more awake! Church was good today - Worshiping God - our great songleader was out - but Chris Green did a great job both morning and evening services! It was good to see our friends - so many wonderful people, and hearing a great sermon - well except for the reference to "you ol' folks that remember the Beetles!' Just giving Mark a hard time!!! What an era - Elvis, The Beetles, and many more unforgetable singers! Lunch was fun with Maura. It is really seldom that she is not fun and sweet and precious!
I did attend visitation of a good friend's husband - who seemed perfectly fine four weeks ago. It is so sad - they were like a few other couples I know or have known in the past - you don't see one without the other -- they were an extention of one another. I've often been jealous of that -- but now I see how hard it makes death! I think that no matter how bad it hurt - either Travis or me would know how to survive! That makes me really think about our mortality and only God knows when that will be. It makes me want to be a better person and begin to do all the things I dream of doing! Like making a loaf of Jalapeno-Cheddar Loaf. Sounds yummy - and am going to try to make it tomorrow! No - seriously - I do have dreams (maybe bucket list) but I plan to try harder to fulfil some of them! How about you???
JALAPENO-CHEDDAR LOAF
Cook time: 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 Cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
1-1/2 tsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. vegetabble shortening (I may use butter, softened since I don't use Crisco anymore!)
1/2 cup milk
3 Cups all purpose flour, approximately
1/2 cup pickled Jalapenos, drained and chopped
4 oz. (about 1 cup) cheddar cheese, small cubes
PREPARATION:
In a large bowl, add the warm water and slowly stir in yeast until dissolved. Add salt, sugar, shortening, and milk to bowl and stir. Mix in the first 2 cups of flower. If needed, begin adding more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough chases the spoon around the bowl. You do not need to use up all the floor called for in this recipe, or you may need more flour than called for. Turn the dough out onto floured board and knead, adding small spoonfuls of flour as needed, until the tough is soft and smooth, not sticky to the touch. Put dough in buttered bowl, turn dough over so that the top of dough is greased. Cover and let rise in warm spot for 1 hour. Preheat over to 375 F. Punch down dough. Turn out onto floured board and roll dough until 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick. Add cheese and jalapenos and roll dough into a log and set in loaf pan. Cover and let rise for aabout 30 minutes. Score dough by cutting three slashes across the top with a sharp knife. Put in over and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Turn out bread and let cool on a rack or cleaned dishtowel.
Well Cornbread Salad sure stirred alot of interest and some of you might like to try it -- so here is the recipe! Just make sure you make plenty of the dressing!!
CORNBREAD SALAD
2 Boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix
1 Small can chopped green chiles
2 ears Fresh corn, boiled until tender and sliced off of cobs
1 Small bunch fresh broccoli, chopped into small bites
½ Green bell pepper (chopped)
½ Red bell pepper (chopped)
½ Yellow bell pepper (chopped)
½ Red Onion, (chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic, pressed or minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 Cup Light Ranch Dressing
1 Small Carton Light Sour Cream
2 Tablespoons Light Mayo
1-1/2 Cups Shredded Cheese (either Cheddar or 4 Mexican Cheeses)
½ Teaspoon Cayenne pepper (divided)
Mix Corn bread mix as directed on box, or I add 1 tsp. baking soda and use buttermilk in the place of regular milk and add about ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper). Add the small can of Green Chiles and bake until done. When you take out of oven – Cut through the cornbread with a knife to let it dry out some and cool. Combine all of the veggies and add a little salt and pepper to them. When the cornbread has cooled, take and break it into bite size pieces or cut into ½ inch blocks. Add the veggies to the cornbread and top with all of the cheese except for about ¼ cup. Combine the Ranch Dressing, Sour Cream and Mayo, and ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper. Cover the cheese with the dressing and dress it up with the reserved ¼ cup cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to chill for several hours or overnight. Toss well just before serving. This will make about 10 to 12 servings -- not the 80 to 90 servings we made for church's Wednesday meal on Tuesday night before the snow came! It can sit in refrigeration 2 to 4 days and still be good!
I imagine if I go into the living room Travis will be sound asleep - after we ate today - he groomed 3 of the dogs - our Beemer and Lexie - and my sister's Sadie. He still has Liesel and Harley to go -- probably the two hardest Schnauzers of all. But they look so wonderful! He really has a talent -- another one of many.
I took a big part of Saturday afternoon and spent it with Mom. I first took her through the Excel Car Wash - or as Maura and I have dubbed it "Star Wars!" It is absolutely the best in town - the one on South Broadway by Capital Bank - you ride through! Then I took her out to see ETCA campus and from there we picked up a wrap at McDonalds, then went shopping. Came back with a great skirt and another skirt and sweater for her. I really enjoyed our little trip and she was grateful to get out of the apartment and into the sunshine. She enjoyed seeing all of the building that was going on too! My sister takes her places all of the time - but we just found different routes! I want to do that more!!!
So - I am going to sign off - with a reminder -- it is not too late to do something good for someone that needs a good deed or just a friend! Many of us have tomorrow off - a perfect time to make someone's day! Take care and may God bless each of you! Thanks for reading!!
I did attend visitation of a good friend's husband - who seemed perfectly fine four weeks ago. It is so sad - they were like a few other couples I know or have known in the past - you don't see one without the other -- they were an extention of one another. I've often been jealous of that -- but now I see how hard it makes death! I think that no matter how bad it hurt - either Travis or me would know how to survive! That makes me really think about our mortality and only God knows when that will be. It makes me want to be a better person and begin to do all the things I dream of doing! Like making a loaf of Jalapeno-Cheddar Loaf. Sounds yummy - and am going to try to make it tomorrow! No - seriously - I do have dreams (maybe bucket list) but I plan to try harder to fulfil some of them! How about you???
JALAPENO-CHEDDAR LOAF
Cook time: 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 Cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
1-1/2 tsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. vegetabble shortening (I may use butter, softened since I don't use Crisco anymore!)
1/2 cup milk
3 Cups all purpose flour, approximately
1/2 cup pickled Jalapenos, drained and chopped
4 oz. (about 1 cup) cheddar cheese, small cubes
PREPARATION:
In a large bowl, add the warm water and slowly stir in yeast until dissolved. Add salt, sugar, shortening, and milk to bowl and stir. Mix in the first 2 cups of flower. If needed, begin adding more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough chases the spoon around the bowl. You do not need to use up all the floor called for in this recipe, or you may need more flour than called for. Turn the dough out onto floured board and knead, adding small spoonfuls of flour as needed, until the tough is soft and smooth, not sticky to the touch. Put dough in buttered bowl, turn dough over so that the top of dough is greased. Cover and let rise in warm spot for 1 hour. Preheat over to 375 F. Punch down dough. Turn out onto floured board and roll dough until 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick. Add cheese and jalapenos and roll dough into a log and set in loaf pan. Cover and let rise for aabout 30 minutes. Score dough by cutting three slashes across the top with a sharp knife. Put in over and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Turn out bread and let cool on a rack or cleaned dishtowel.
Well Cornbread Salad sure stirred alot of interest and some of you might like to try it -- so here is the recipe! Just make sure you make plenty of the dressing!!
CORNBREAD SALAD
2 Boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix
1 Small can chopped green chiles
2 ears Fresh corn, boiled until tender and sliced off of cobs
1 Small bunch fresh broccoli, chopped into small bites
½ Green bell pepper (chopped)
½ Red bell pepper (chopped)
½ Yellow bell pepper (chopped)
½ Red Onion, (chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic, pressed or minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 Cup Light Ranch Dressing
1 Small Carton Light Sour Cream
2 Tablespoons Light Mayo
1-1/2 Cups Shredded Cheese (either Cheddar or 4 Mexican Cheeses)
½ Teaspoon Cayenne pepper (divided)
Mix Corn bread mix as directed on box, or I add 1 tsp. baking soda and use buttermilk in the place of regular milk and add about ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper). Add the small can of Green Chiles and bake until done. When you take out of oven – Cut through the cornbread with a knife to let it dry out some and cool. Combine all of the veggies and add a little salt and pepper to them. When the cornbread has cooled, take and break it into bite size pieces or cut into ½ inch blocks. Add the veggies to the cornbread and top with all of the cheese except for about ¼ cup. Combine the Ranch Dressing, Sour Cream and Mayo, and ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper. Cover the cheese with the dressing and dress it up with the reserved ¼ cup cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to chill for several hours or overnight. Toss well just before serving. This will make about 10 to 12 servings -- not the 80 to 90 servings we made for church's Wednesday meal on Tuesday night before the snow came! It can sit in refrigeration 2 to 4 days and still be good!
I imagine if I go into the living room Travis will be sound asleep - after we ate today - he groomed 3 of the dogs - our Beemer and Lexie - and my sister's Sadie. He still has Liesel and Harley to go -- probably the two hardest Schnauzers of all. But they look so wonderful! He really has a talent -- another one of many.
I took a big part of Saturday afternoon and spent it with Mom. I first took her through the Excel Car Wash - or as Maura and I have dubbed it "Star Wars!" It is absolutely the best in town - the one on South Broadway by Capital Bank - you ride through! Then I took her out to see ETCA campus and from there we picked up a wrap at McDonalds, then went shopping. Came back with a great skirt and another skirt and sweater for her. I really enjoyed our little trip and she was grateful to get out of the apartment and into the sunshine. She enjoyed seeing all of the building that was going on too! My sister takes her places all of the time - but we just found different routes! I want to do that more!!!
So - I am going to sign off - with a reminder -- it is not too late to do something good for someone that needs a good deed or just a friend! Many of us have tomorrow off - a perfect time to make someone's day! Take care and may God bless each of you! Thanks for reading!!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
NIGHT OF REFLECTION
Good evening! IF this has a lot of spaces and zzzzzzzzzzz's across it - the reason will be because I dropped off to sleep. I am having to take medicine for Shingles - ugly word for an even uglier problem -- thankfully mine is on my hip -- but it is the most painful thing I've ever had -- like a deep burning forest fire deep in my hip. The whole back hurts!! Driving home this afternoon and when I stopped at red lights I had to fight sleep and again - even though Dianne's lecture was wonderful - my head kept nodding forward!
I was thinking about all of the things that I always did - just like Mother - and sometimes it took sooooo long! Like when she taught me to peel an apple -- you had to go round and round and round and round the apple - not only trying to not break the peel but also not get much of the appple. Then there was the story about the woman that had seen her grandmother and mother cut off the end off the roast before putting it in the pot. She thought it was soome kind of magic recipe - but finally she asked the question that no one had ever asked: "Grandma - why do you cut the end of the roast off?" Grandma replied: "Well Honey - it didn't fit my pot!" Oh yes - growing up - we starched and ironed the pillow cases, ironed dad's underwear and other things that have never seen my iron!! About the apples - I cut them in half and sometimes in quarters. Easy to core and much easier and faster to peel. You know if you are peeling an apple - you are either going to slice it or chop it. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS PEELING APPLES FOR APPLE DUMPLINGS! There are lots more - and I will tell you more -- but right now - it is time to cook! Mentioning Apple Dumplings -- my Mom made the best and here is how she did it:
APPLE DUMPINGS
4 large Red Apples 1 Recipe of Pastry OR 1 box of already rolled crust - cut in 4 squares 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 2 or 3 drops red cake coloring - carefully or it will be all over you!!\ FILLING: 1/4 cup sugar 1/4th tsp. vanilla Extra: 1/4 cup butter, softened Directions: Either make your favorite rolled out pie crust - cut into four large squares Peel and core apples (leaving whole) Mix filling together. Take the squares of crust - carefully sit one apple on each square. Fill the core of each apple with filling. . Add a bit of softened butter to the top of each filling and then bring the crust up around the apple - carefully covering all of the apple and sealing at the top. HEAT the sugar, water, cinnamon and red coloring until sugar is melted. Then pour melted sugar, water mixture over the apples. Bake in the 350 degree oven for 30 to 50 minutes -- until browned, and when fork is inserted - apple is tender. Serve hot with ice cream! You can make smaller ones by cutting apples in half -- but you only get half the delicious dessert!!! Maybe it is not the healty recipe -- but remember "An apple a day keeps the doctor away!" Know what - I am quickly fading - so have a blessed night. I would love feedback!! Please let me know what you want!!
Have a blessed evening so your day will be insured a blessing!!
I was thinking about all of the things that I always did - just like Mother - and sometimes it took sooooo long! Like when she taught me to peel an apple -- you had to go round and round and round and round the apple - not only trying to not break the peel but also not get much of the appple. Then there was the story about the woman that had seen her grandmother and mother cut off the end off the roast before putting it in the pot. She thought it was soome kind of magic recipe - but finally she asked the question that no one had ever asked: "Grandma - why do you cut the end of the roast off?" Grandma replied: "Well Honey - it didn't fit my pot!" Oh yes - growing up - we starched and ironed the pillow cases, ironed dad's underwear and other things that have never seen my iron!! About the apples - I cut them in half and sometimes in quarters. Easy to core and much easier and faster to peel. You know if you are peeling an apple - you are either going to slice it or chop it. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS PEELING APPLES FOR APPLE DUMPLINGS! There are lots more - and I will tell you more -- but right now - it is time to cook! Mentioning Apple Dumplings -- my Mom made the best and here is how she did it:
APPLE DUMPINGS
4 large Red Apples 1 Recipe of Pastry OR 1 box of already rolled crust - cut in 4 squares 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 2 or 3 drops red cake coloring - carefully or it will be all over you!!\ FILLING: 1/4 cup sugar 1/4th tsp. vanilla Extra: 1/4 cup butter, softened Directions: Either make your favorite rolled out pie crust - cut into four large squares Peel and core apples (leaving whole) Mix filling together. Take the squares of crust - carefully sit one apple on each square. Fill the core of each apple with filling. . Add a bit of softened butter to the top of each filling and then bring the crust up around the apple - carefully covering all of the apple and sealing at the top. HEAT the sugar, water, cinnamon and red coloring until sugar is melted. Then pour melted sugar, water mixture over the apples. Bake in the 350 degree oven for 30 to 50 minutes -- until browned, and when fork is inserted - apple is tender. Serve hot with ice cream! You can make smaller ones by cutting apples in half -- but you only get half the delicious dessert!!! Maybe it is not the healty recipe -- but remember "An apple a day keeps the doctor away!" Know what - I am quickly fading - so have a blessed night. I would love feedback!! Please let me know what you want!!
Have a blessed evening so your day will be insured a blessing!!
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