Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking
The more often you repeat something the more likely it is to stick in your mind. I mentioned a while back that I'm participating in a scripture memory group this year which involves memorizing two Bible verses a month. I was enthusiastic and persistent in January with my first two verses. I kept a card out where I could see it and worked on the verse most days. Today is the last day of February and honestly I haven't done nearly as well this month on my next two verses.
Committing something to memory involves mindfulness, repetition, persistence and frequency. It does not just happen by osmosis. I looked at my verses a few times this month, but didn't put in as much effort as I did in January. Ideally I'd be committing the new verses to memory as well as reviewing the past ones.
Whether it's studying for a test or memorizing verses, repetition has always worked for me. But in order for that to work, I have to actually do it not just think about it. Good intention must be followed by action. So, in order to get these verses into my head in as many ways as possible, I'm going to type them out for today's post. Here are the verses I've chosen so far, starting with the most recent.
Those who live by the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. -Romans 8:5-6
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. -James 3:17
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. -Deuteronomy 8:3
Whatever is pure, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. -Philippians 4:8-9
Food for Thought: "The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph." -Author unknown (possibly Marvin Phillips)
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Random Recipe Wednesday: Cauliflower Casserole
Let's talk about impulse purchases again. The good thing about food is its short shelf life, meaning there's less chance to accumulate clutter. Cookbooks, on the other hand, have a very long shelf life. In fact, they spend most of their life on the shelf. As my cookbook collection continues to grow I must be very careful about what I allow to live on my shelves. A friend of mine recently introduced me to The New Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen. She received it from her grandma as a wedding gift and has been enjoying it ever since. I was immediately drawn in by the unique recipes and new ideas. However, I was determined that no matter how much I wanted to finish reading it, I wouldn't go home and impulse buy a copy. (Why yes, I do read cookbooks like books, thanks for asking.)
In order to delay my purchase I decided to first check out a copy from the library and see if it was truly shelf-worthy. After paging through and noting numerous recipes I couldn't wait to try, I was on the verge of a decision. Is this cookbook really unique and inspiring enough to deserve a spot on my shelf? While teetering on the edge of this decision, I found a used copy at a second hand store. You may remember I'm a sucker for a good deal.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Tuesday's Twist: Sweet Potato and Squash Soup with Citrus and Sage
Tuesday's Twist: A basic recipe with a fun twist. In other words, just another excuse for me to play around with weird recipes I've been dying to try.
The great debate over creamy vs. crunchy peanut butter is a cousin to the soup conundrum. Generally I prefer a chunky soup with a variety of textures, but one sip of this silky smooth soup and had me swooning for another spoonful. Now that I've mentioned peanut butter and used far too much alliteration let's begin. I'll start by warning you that I was in a terribly indecisive mood while planning this pot of winter warmth. You know, the kind of mood where I just want to add everything instead of keeping it simple. Yeah, too many options and I get carried away.
A spoonful of creamy velvet was the one thing I was sure about here. But our soup must be silky soft without using heavy cream. Enter two secret ingredients, cauliflower and Greek yogurt. After making a version of this cream-free cream of mushroom soup, I was sold on using cauliflower and Greek yogurt for a thick and creamy, ultra-smooth soup with extra protein but without the fat. Lately there's been multiple versions of baked potato soup using the cauliflower trick for low-carb creaminess. If it works with potato soup, why not sweet potato?
The great debate over creamy vs. crunchy peanut butter is a cousin to the soup conundrum. Generally I prefer a chunky soup with a variety of textures, but one sip of this silky smooth soup and had me swooning for another spoonful. Now that I've mentioned peanut butter and used far too much alliteration let's begin. I'll start by warning you that I was in a terribly indecisive mood while planning this pot of winter warmth. You know, the kind of mood where I just want to add everything instead of keeping it simple. Yeah, too many options and I get carried away.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Mindful Monday: Untangling Thoughts
Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.
It's been a while since I've really thought out loud here. Monday's and Thursday's posts have been full of verses, thankful lists or random facts, but nothing in depth or too thought provoking. I was pondering just why that is and came to a few conclusions. During those glorious warmer months I went on long walks most days. A few hours each day of fresh air, sunshine and nature gave me plenty of time to unwind and digest my thoughts. During the winter I'm wrapped up in my cocoon of a blanket wishing I had an excuse to just hibernate until spring. My thoughts stay wrapped up too, and I take less time to untangle them. My mind could use a good spring cleaning. Come to think of it so could my room, but that's another story.
Perhaps my avoidance is related to contentment. Some of the thoughts I've delayed untangling relate to issues I keep hoping will untangle themselves given enough time. But isn't that part of the problem? If this, when that, as soon as ____, then, yes surely then I'll get to that. But what about now? What if "then" is just an unreachable, ever-increasing ideal that never materializes? I must learn to be content with the now, to enjoy the moment whatever it may bring or not bring. Because dwelling too much on the maybe's, what if's, or what could have been's, results in missing the fullness of the present.
And that reminds me why I often avoid untangling my thoughts, it's messy and confusing. It takes time, patience and thought. What's that? You say thought is required to think things out, who would've thought? Surface level is easy, or at least cleaner and faster. It's much safer to tell you there are 11-1/2 bananas sitting on my counter than to hash out my perspective on a topic I'm not too sure of. That being said, this is not always the place to share those thoughts. However, I do need to be more mindful by untangling them in one way or another. Okay, now that I've untangled some thoughts about thoughts, I think I'll wrap it up here before I tie my tongue in knots.
Food for Thought: "Life is so urgent it necessitates living slow." -Ann Voskamp
It's been a while since I've really thought out loud here. Monday's and Thursday's posts have been full of verses, thankful lists or random facts, but nothing in depth or too thought provoking. I was pondering just why that is and came to a few conclusions. During those glorious warmer months I went on long walks most days. A few hours each day of fresh air, sunshine and nature gave me plenty of time to unwind and digest my thoughts. During the winter I'm wrapped up in my cocoon of a blanket wishing I had an excuse to just hibernate until spring. My thoughts stay wrapped up too, and I take less time to untangle them. My mind could use a good spring cleaning. Come to think of it so could my room, but that's another story.
Perhaps my avoidance is related to contentment. Some of the thoughts I've delayed untangling relate to issues I keep hoping will untangle themselves given enough time. But isn't that part of the problem? If this, when that, as soon as ____, then, yes surely then I'll get to that. But what about now? What if "then" is just an unreachable, ever-increasing ideal that never materializes? I must learn to be content with the now, to enjoy the moment whatever it may bring or not bring. Because dwelling too much on the maybe's, what if's, or what could have been's, results in missing the fullness of the present.
And that reminds me why I often avoid untangling my thoughts, it's messy and confusing. It takes time, patience and thought. What's that? You say thought is required to think things out, who would've thought? Surface level is easy, or at least cleaner and faster. It's much safer to tell you there are 11-1/2 bananas sitting on my counter than to hash out my perspective on a topic I'm not too sure of. That being said, this is not always the place to share those thoughts. However, I do need to be more mindful by untangling them in one way or another. Okay, now that I've untangled some thoughts about thoughts, I think I'll wrap it up here before I tie my tongue in knots.
Food for Thought: "Life is so urgent it necessitates living slow." -Ann Voskamp
Friday, February 22, 2013
Flashback Friday: Old-Fashioned Lemon Pudding Cake
Flashback Friday: Revisiting a recipe from long ago
Pudding cakes are just that, cake and pudding. During baking the the cake layer rises to the top while a pudding forms on the bottom. Whipped egg whites float to the top of the batter and form a light, delicate cake. Underneath this sponge cake is a soft, silky pudding similar to custard.
Pudding cakes are just that, cake and pudding. During baking the the cake layer rises to the top while a pudding forms on the bottom. Whipped egg whites float to the top of the batter and form a light, delicate cake. Underneath this sponge cake is a soft, silky pudding similar to custard.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Thursday's Thoughts: Wisdom
Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking
To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. -Job 12:13
Teach us to number out days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. -Psalm 90:12
How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. -Psalm 104:24
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. -Psalm 111:10
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. -Proverbs 2:6
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning. -Proverbs 10:13
When pride comes, then come disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. -Proverbs 11:2
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. -Proverbs 19:11
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. -1 Corinthians 1:25
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. -Ephesians 1:7-8
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. -James 3:17
Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patience, peace, hope, trust, free, joy, wait, truth, self-control, love
Food for Thought: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. -Proverbs 23:24
To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. -Job 12:13
Teach us to number out days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. -Psalm 90:12
How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. -Psalm 104:24
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. -Psalm 111:10
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. -Proverbs 2:6
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning. -Proverbs 10:13
When pride comes, then come disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. -Proverbs 11:2
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. -Proverbs 19:11
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. -1 Corinthians 1:25
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. -Ephesians 1:7-8
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. -James 3:17
Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patience, peace, hope, trust, free, joy, wait, truth, self-control, love
Food for Thought: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. -Proverbs 23:24
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Random Recipe Wednesday: Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
You know my obsession of trying weird and random things with food? We're going to focus a little more on the random than the weird by (temporarily?) replacing Weird Recipe Wednesday with Random Recipe Wednesday. Wait, it's more like renaming than replacing, because knowing me the recipe will likely involve some sort of weird factor anyway. Okay, now that that's out of the way let's get started.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Tuesday's Twist: Saltine Scotcheroos
Tuesday's Twist: A basic recipe with a fun twist. In other words, just another excuse for me to play around with weird recipes I've been dying to try.
For those of you unfamiliar with scotcheroos, they're basically a Rice Krispie bar addicted to peanut butter and chocolate. As if that's not enough, our chocolate-peanut butter addiction is intensely magnified by the addition of butterscotch. The history of the name scotcheroo is quite elusive, so you'll have to settle for my tale of how today's saltine twist came to be. Chewy, gooey peanut butter bars kissed with chocolate and butterscotch need no improvements, but then again a little salty with all that sweet can't hurt either.
For those of you unfamiliar with scotcheroos, they're basically a Rice Krispie bar addicted to peanut butter and chocolate. As if that's not enough, our chocolate-peanut butter addiction is intensely magnified by the addition of butterscotch. The history of the name scotcheroo is quite elusive, so you'll have to settle for my tale of how today's saltine twist came to be. Chewy, gooey peanut butter bars kissed with chocolate and butterscotch need no improvements, but then again a little salty with all that sweet can't hurt either.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Mindful Monday: Randomly Seen and Heard
Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.
Random bits and pieces that have squirmed across my mind lately.
1. Did you hear about the meteor that exploded over Russia last week? I've watched too many sci-fi shows for my imagination to stop there. What if...? Whatever it was, the shock wave blew out glass windows, injuring 1,200 people.
2. Right now I'm reading The Girl on the Cliff by Lucinda Riley. The story alternates between the past and present, and during an interlude I came across the following paragraph that made me think. "I wish I could say that we have learned our lesson. But humans rarely look back in the past, until they have made the same mistakes. By which time their opinions are considered irrelevant, as they are apparently too old to understand the young. Which is why why the human race will remain as flawed yet as magical as we are." Hmm, interesting.
3. Speaking of what we can learn from history, a friend mentioned this book over the weekend. It's about a bunch of unsolved puzzles from the past that indicate an advanced ancient civilization we no longer know about. For example, there are detailed maps dating back to the 1500's that accurately show the coastline of Antarctica Without modern-day technology, how did they accurately sketch a coastline buried beneath a mile of ice? What about the geometrical shapes and 5-mile long perfectly straight line drawn in the dessert sand? I'm curious to pick up a copy of the book and see what other signs of ancient civilization are out there.
4. I recently heard about a study showing that though Americans are among the wealthiest, we are the most unhappy. No matter how much we have, our culture says it's not enough and that we must have more. I think the key to being happy is to be satisfied and content regardless of what we have. Gratitude is a great place to start.
5. In case you didn't notice, the days are getting longer. More daylight!!!
6. Did you know that President's Day is not the official name of today's federal holiday? The official name of the third Monday in February is Washington's Birthday.
7. Did you see the fingernail moon last week? It was breathtaking. Not a good thing to notice while you're driving. The the fingernail was small, but you could practically see the whole moon. A few nights later I couldn't help but notice how bright the stars were. I love it when constellations seem to just pop out of the sky. If a cold bug like me stops to gaze despite the frigid temperatures, you know it must be beautiful.
Food for Thought: "Like all magnificent things, it's very simple." -Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting
Random bits and pieces that have squirmed across my mind lately.
1. Did you hear about the meteor that exploded over Russia last week? I've watched too many sci-fi shows for my imagination to stop there. What if...? Whatever it was, the shock wave blew out glass windows, injuring 1,200 people.
2. Right now I'm reading The Girl on the Cliff by Lucinda Riley. The story alternates between the past and present, and during an interlude I came across the following paragraph that made me think. "I wish I could say that we have learned our lesson. But humans rarely look back in the past, until they have made the same mistakes. By which time their opinions are considered irrelevant, as they are apparently too old to understand the young. Which is why why the human race will remain as flawed yet as magical as we are." Hmm, interesting.
3. Speaking of what we can learn from history, a friend mentioned this book over the weekend. It's about a bunch of unsolved puzzles from the past that indicate an advanced ancient civilization we no longer know about. For example, there are detailed maps dating back to the 1500's that accurately show the coastline of Antarctica Without modern-day technology, how did they accurately sketch a coastline buried beneath a mile of ice? What about the geometrical shapes and 5-mile long perfectly straight line drawn in the dessert sand? I'm curious to pick up a copy of the book and see what other signs of ancient civilization are out there.
4. I recently heard about a study showing that though Americans are among the wealthiest, we are the most unhappy. No matter how much we have, our culture says it's not enough and that we must have more. I think the key to being happy is to be satisfied and content regardless of what we have. Gratitude is a great place to start.
5. In case you didn't notice, the days are getting longer. More daylight!!!
6. Did you know that President's Day is not the official name of today's federal holiday? The official name of the third Monday in February is Washington's Birthday.
7. Did you see the fingernail moon last week? It was breathtaking. Not a good thing to notice while you're driving. The the fingernail was small, but you could practically see the whole moon. A few nights later I couldn't help but notice how bright the stars were. I love it when constellations seem to just pop out of the sky. If a cold bug like me stops to gaze despite the frigid temperatures, you know it must be beautiful.
Food for Thought: "Like all magnificent things, it's very simple." -Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting
Friday, February 15, 2013
Flashback Friday: Great-Grandma's Rye Bread
Flashback Friday: Revisiting a recipe from long ago
I interrupt my citrus soup spree with a thick, hearty slice of bread. Because really, what pairs better with hot soup than homemade bread? Okay I wouldn't pair this particular bread with those particular soups, but interruptions don't usually go together now do they?
Right, so this bread. The recipe belongs to my great-grandma, Hattie, whose Soda Cracker Pie we made a few weeks back. Apparently the neighbor kids would hang around the back door begging for hot scraps of crust. It didn't take me long to figure out why. At first I thought the loaf was a little to dense and dry, but I found myself nibbling at it every time I walked past, especially the crust. I almost wish I did have to beg for a piece, then there'd be a little more left.
I interrupt my citrus soup spree with a thick, hearty slice of bread. Because really, what pairs better with hot soup than homemade bread? Okay I wouldn't pair this particular bread with those particular soups, but interruptions don't usually go together now do they?
Right, so this bread. The recipe belongs to my great-grandma, Hattie, whose Soda Cracker Pie we made a few weeks back. Apparently the neighbor kids would hang around the back door begging for hot scraps of crust. It didn't take me long to figure out why. At first I thought the loaf was a little to dense and dry, but I found myself nibbling at it every time I walked past, especially the crust. I almost wish I did have to beg for a piece, then there'd be a little more left.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thursday's Thoughts: True Love
Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking
Happy Valentine's Day. You were made to crave unbroken love. God's love for you is the only love that will truly satisfy. It's the only love that lasts forever and will never break. He loves you. Yes, you. No matter what.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8
But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. -Nehemiah 9:17
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. -Psalm 103:11
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. -Psalm 106:1
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. -Proverbs 10:12
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. -Lamentations 3:22
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. -Zephaniah 3:17
'Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength'....'love your neighbor as yourself'.' There is no commandment greater than these. -Mark 12:30-31
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. -Luke 6:27
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. -John 13:34
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. -John 15:9
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. -Romans 5:5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. -Ephesians 3:17-19
May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. -2 Thessalonians 3:5
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. -1 Peter 4:8
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are! -1 John 3:1
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. -1 John 4:18
We love because he first loved us. -1 John 4:19
Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patience, peace, hope, trust, free, joy, wait, truth, self-control
Food for Thought: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13
Happy Valentine's Day. You were made to crave unbroken love. God's love for you is the only love that will truly satisfy. It's the only love that lasts forever and will never break. He loves you. Yes, you. No matter what.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8
But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. -Nehemiah 9:17
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. -Psalm 103:11
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. -Psalm 106:1
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. -Proverbs 10:12
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. -Lamentations 3:22
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. -Zephaniah 3:17
'Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength'....'love your neighbor as yourself'.' There is no commandment greater than these. -Mark 12:30-31
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. -Luke 6:27
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. -John 13:34
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. -John 15:9
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. -Romans 5:5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. -Ephesians 3:17-19
May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. -2 Thessalonians 3:5
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. -1 Peter 4:8
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are! -1 John 3:1
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. -1 John 4:18
We love because he first loved us. -1 John 4:19
Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patience, peace, hope, trust, free, joy, wait, truth, self-control
Food for Thought: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Random Wednesday: Kitchen Commotion
I'm still not feeling up for our usual Weird Recipe Wednesday, so you're just going to get some random bites of what I've been up to in the kitchen and such. More likely than not, weird will be involved after all.
1. Grapefruit: I've eaten more grapefruit over the past few months than in my entire life. Somehow I just can't seem to get enough of the tart, juicy citrus flavor. I usually just eat them plain, not even with sugar, but I wanted to try broiling one just this once. The heat from the broiler was nice, but I'm not really into warm grapefruit. Or waiting an extra 10 whole minutes for breakfast. What's your favorite way to eat grapefruit?
2. I can now say I've grilled quail breast outside in the middle of winter. Oh the things I learn at work. Food-safe rubber gloves are not as warm as mittens. A winter coat with long sleeves is not helpful when reaching into a tub of marinating quail breasts and trying to get them on the grill as quickly as possible before you freeze.
3. Last Saturday I made these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Yum. Thanks to Madison for the suggestion and Amber for the recipe.
4. "Tastes like beef" is the new "tastes like chicken." I made a version of this slow cooker Honey-Sesame Chicken and my family couldn't believe it was chicken. Between the dark sauce and the fact that the chicken was shredded, they all thought it was beef roast. Weird. I used an extra dark, mushroom-flavored soy sauce, added ginger and sesame oil and sprinkled cashews over the top before serving. (plus a few other changes I can't remember off-hand)
5. After spending 8 hours in the kitchen at work you would think the last thing I would want to do when I get home is play in the kitchen. Wrong. I start making Homemade Yellow Cake Mix within minutes of walking in the door. I'm hoping to try a browned butter version next.
Food for Thought: "Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the use of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success." -Louisa May Alcott
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Tuesday's Twist: Lemon-Ginger Quinoa Soup
Tuesday's Twist: A basic recipe with a fun twist. In other words, just another excuse for me to play around with weird recipes I've been dying to try.
My hands are always cold, always. Whenever I shake hands with someone there is an 85% chance they will comment on how cold my hands are. This is followed by a 15% chance that they will continue to hold my hands for an awkwardly long time attempting to warm them up. Not my thing. Clearly you're telling me I must make hot bowls of soup more often to warm up those chilly hands. I like the way you think.
My hands are always cold, always. Whenever I shake hands with someone there is an 85% chance they will comment on how cold my hands are. This is followed by a 15% chance that they will continue to hold my hands for an awkwardly long time attempting to warm them up. Not my thing. Clearly you're telling me I must make hot bowls of soup more often to warm up those chilly hands. I like the way you think.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Mindful Monday: Continuing Thanks
Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.
I'm still finding it very helpful to list the things I'm thankful for. If I don't physically make a list, it gets pushed aside and lost in my mental scramble of things to do. Crazy, hectic chaos seems to take over and everything feels off. It is only when I pause and mindfully think of all I have to be thankful for that my day is suddenly better.
a busy schedule
structure
a day to sleep in
books to read
new cookbooks
tasks accomplished
reminders
grace
patience
health
a good movie
the patter of raindrops on the window (is it really raining in February?!)
puddles
salt to melt icy driveways
shoveled sidewalks
turquoise sweaters
pajama pants
vibrant colors
the promise of spring
hot chocolate
warm bowls of soup
hot dish water on cold hands
slippers
imperfection
thought-provoking books
opportunity to practice self-improvement
chances to learn
tips and advice from those with experience
a willingness to share and teach
success at new ventures
communication
hot water
finding the lost shoe I've been looking for
a thoughtful person helping scrape ice off my car
adventures that make good stories
Food for Thought: "And when I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
I'm still finding it very helpful to list the things I'm thankful for. If I don't physically make a list, it gets pushed aside and lost in my mental scramble of things to do. Crazy, hectic chaos seems to take over and everything feels off. It is only when I pause and mindfully think of all I have to be thankful for that my day is suddenly better.
a busy schedule
structure
a day to sleep in
books to read
new cookbooks
tasks accomplished
reminders
grace
patience
health
a good movie
the patter of raindrops on the window (is it really raining in February?!)
puddles
salt to melt icy driveways
shoveled sidewalks
turquoise sweaters
pajama pants
vibrant colors
the promise of spring
hot chocolate
warm bowls of soup
hot dish water on cold hands
slippers
imperfection
thought-provoking books
opportunity to practice self-improvement
chances to learn
tips and advice from those with experience
a willingness to share and teach
success at new ventures
communication
hot water
finding the lost shoe I've been looking for
a thoughtful person helping scrape ice off my car
adventures that make good stories
Food for Thought: "And when I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
Friday, February 8, 2013
Flashback Friday: Marshmallow Pinwheels
Flashback Friday: Revisiting a recipe from long ago
These playful pinwheels were quite the treat when I was growing up. What kid doesn't like Jell-O Jigglers? Can you imagine the excitement when the Jigglers have a marshmallow layer and are rolled into a spiral? Just in case that imagination of yours isn't quite as young as it used to be, I'll give you a few reminders. These little guys give you full permission to play with your food. They're just begging to be unrolled, twisted, peeled apart and, of course, wiggled before eating. Finger food at its finest.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Thursday's Thoughts: Heteronyms
Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking
It's time for a little fun with words again. Heteronyms are words that have the same spelling but a different meaning and pronunciation. It's kind of entertaining to try and use both words in the same sentence.
The tear in the paper caused him to shed a tear.
After playing his bass guitar, he sat down to a meal of grilled bass.
I'd be content with the book if the plot had a little more content.
Following his performance on the bow and fiddle, he took a bow and accepted the gift tied with a bow.
He shot his bow and arrows from the bow of the ship.
The dove dove from the tree in a swift motion.
It was a close call, but she managed to close the door just in time.
Lead me to something that's not as heavy as lead.
I object to owning anything as useless as that object.
Though you are an invalid, your excuse is still invalid.
Before you resign, you'll have to resign this paperwork.
I must resume the rewriting of my resume.
The rope will wound you if it's wound too tight.
For fun and recreation he enjoyed making a recreation of the original.
She decided to produce a meal consisting entirely of produce.
I'll combine the cookie ingredients while you finish harvesting with the combine.
Hmm, speaking of cookies...I think I'd better just stick to that.
Food for Thought: "Just that maybe...maybe you don't want to change the story, because you don't know what a different ending holds." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
It's time for a little fun with words again. Heteronyms are words that have the same spelling but a different meaning and pronunciation. It's kind of entertaining to try and use both words in the same sentence.
The tear in the paper caused him to shed a tear.
After playing his bass guitar, he sat down to a meal of grilled bass.
I'd be content with the book if the plot had a little more content.
Following his performance on the bow and fiddle, he took a bow and accepted the gift tied with a bow.
He shot his bow and arrows from the bow of the ship.
The dove dove from the tree in a swift motion.
It was a close call, but she managed to close the door just in time.
Lead me to something that's not as heavy as lead.
I object to owning anything as useless as that object.
Though you are an invalid, your excuse is still invalid.
Before you resign, you'll have to resign this paperwork.
I must resume the rewriting of my resume.
The rope will wound you if it's wound too tight.
For fun and recreation he enjoyed making a recreation of the original.
She decided to produce a meal consisting entirely of produce.
I'll combine the cookie ingredients while you finish harvesting with the combine.
Hmm, speaking of cookies...I think I'd better just stick to that.
Food for Thought: "Just that maybe...maybe you don't want to change the story, because you don't know what a different ending holds." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Winter Wednesday: Snowmen Snacks
It's weird that I don't feel like making anything weird. Or maybe it's normal, which would be weird for me. I don't know, it's probably the winter blues. Let's just make it a Winter Wednesday for this week, okay? It's been a little too chilly for real snowmen, so let's bring the fun inside where it's warm.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Tuesday's Twist: Lemon-Basil Lentil Soup
Tuesday's Twist: A basic recipe with a fun twist. In other words, just another excuse for me to play around with weird recipes I've been dying to try.
Chilly winter days call for soup. Fun bowls and spoons definitely help chase away the winter blues. The bowl was a Christmas gift from my mom. It was handmade for the Empty Bowls project to help fight hunger. After a simple meal of bread and soup participants take home an empty, handcrafted bowl as a reminder of the all the hunger and empty bowls around the world. The hand-carved wooden spoon stands up on its own and is nothing short of amazing.
Chilly winter days call for soup. Fun bowls and spoons definitely help chase away the winter blues. The bowl was a Christmas gift from my mom. It was handmade for the Empty Bowls project to help fight hunger. After a simple meal of bread and soup participants take home an empty, handcrafted bowl as a reminder of the all the hunger and empty bowls around the world. The hand-carved wooden spoon stands up on its own and is nothing short of amazing.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Mindful Monday: Self-Control
Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. -Proverbs 25:28
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. -Galatians 5:22-23
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. -Titus 2:2
Then they (older women) can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. -Titus 2:4-5
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. -Titus 2:6
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. -Titus 2:11-12
Therefore, prepare your mind for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. -1 Peter 1:13-14
The end of all things is near. Therefore, be self-controlled and alert so that you can pray. -1 Peter 4:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a lurking lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. -1 Peter 5:7-9
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. -2 Peter 1:5-7
Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patience, peace, hope, trust, free, joy, wait, truth
Food for Thought: "Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. -Proverbs 25:28
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. -Galatians 5:22-23
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. -Titus 2:2
Then they (older women) can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. -Titus 2:4-5
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. -Titus 2:6
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. -Titus 2:11-12
Therefore, prepare your mind for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. -1 Peter 1:13-14
The end of all things is near. Therefore, be self-controlled and alert so that you can pray. -1 Peter 4:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a lurking lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. -1 Peter 5:7-9
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. -2 Peter 1:5-7
Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patience, peace, hope, trust, free, joy, wait, truth
Food for Thought: "Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Flashback Friday: Soda Cracker Macaroon Pie
Flashback Friday: Revisiting a recipe from long ago
Still enamored with this vintage mixer, I decided to whip up some more egg whites. I love how that mixer works. Unlike my last mixer, it effortlessly transforms egg whites and sugar to stiff, snowy white peaks. It's the little things that make me smile. Anyway, this meringue acts as the base for a pie recipe belonging to my great-grandma. The term pie is used loosely here as the dessert resembles a pie only in shape.
Crushed soda crackers, nuts and vanilla are folded into the fluffy white base and spread into a pie pan. Great-Grandma Hattie folded in chopped dates for a little variety and usually served up a slice with whipped cream. Her daughter, Carol (whose cookies we ate last week), wrote it is "excellent served with ice cream and chocolate syrup."
Still enamored with this vintage mixer, I decided to whip up some more egg whites. I love how that mixer works. Unlike my last mixer, it effortlessly transforms egg whites and sugar to stiff, snowy white peaks. It's the little things that make me smile. Anyway, this meringue acts as the base for a pie recipe belonging to my great-grandma. The term pie is used loosely here as the dessert resembles a pie only in shape.
Crushed soda crackers, nuts and vanilla are folded into the fluffy white base and spread into a pie pan. Great-Grandma Hattie folded in chopped dates for a little variety and usually served up a slice with whipped cream. Her daughter, Carol (whose cookies we ate last week), wrote it is "excellent served with ice cream and chocolate syrup."
Friday, February 1, 2013
Flexible Friday
I have this week's Flashback Friday recipe made, but the post itself will have to wait until Saturday.
In the meantime you can pray for one of my coworkers who had a heart attack yesterday. I don't know anything more than that and am picking up extra shifts starting today.
Between an unexpectedly extended babysitting job and extra hours at work I decided not to cram in blogging too. I'll finish the post and have it up sometime after I get off work. Though the recipe is nearly a century old, it will be even older by tomorrow :) Thanks for being flexible.