Good Food Galore!

Hello all and happy December!

I feel as though I should preface this with a #PinterestWinning because 2 of the 4 recipes shared on here came from Pinterest (the two meals) and both were positively delicious! I can't believe that the year has flown by so quickly once again. 15 more days to Christmas morning! As a typical holiday tradition I have done my Christmas cookie making, and this year I decided to try out several new recipes. The first choice was a peppermint pinwheel:

http://www.christmas-cookies.com/recipes/recipe581.peppermint-pinwheels.html

I followed the recipe completely except for trading in peppermint extract for mint, only because I already had the peppermint and I had no desire to go to the store. I baked the first batch according to instructions but didn't like the way they turned out - they were slightly over cooked and the peppermint candies had melted through the fluffiness of the cookie. So for the second round I reduced the time to 8 minutes without candies, then pulled out the pan and added candies and baked them for one additional minute.

This is how they turned out after my slight adjustments:

Then for last week's dinner I found this gem of a recipe for a lighter chicken Alfredo from another blogger:

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/06/guiltless-chicken-alfredo-recipe.html

I mostly followed the recipe, but I did use regular cream cheese only because I already had it on hand, also I didn't have the more traditionally used fettuccine noodles, so I used the rotini from my pantry. I have always loved Alfredo but never made it from scratch, in part because it seemed difficult, but also because I didn't want to know just how fattening it was. Now I am not saying that this recipe is healthy, but the use of fat free milk and low fat cream cheese does make it more healthy than other versions. Also it didn't seem as overly rich as some full fat versions do. I highly recommend this recipe to Alfredo lovers. The only thing I might try different next time is to throw a few finely chopped fresh herbs from my garden in (maybe some basil and oregano) while cooking the garlic. (I am unfortunately missing the picture of this meal because my phone that it was taken on was stolen the next day.)

For my next cookie I played around with a classic cookie recipe for a little fun. I used a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe (found on the nestle chocolate chip bag) and followed it mostly. Here's what I changed:
- first I doubled the recipe
- instead of 2 tsp vanilla extract I used 1 peppermint and 1 vanilla
- instead of just chocolate chips I used 1 cup red and green M&Ms, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, 3/4 cup chocolate chips, and 4 candy canes crushed up

- for baking I did have to squish the dough into flatter circles rather than balls so they would cook properly, also try to make sure the candy canes aren't on the bottom or edges because they will melt out of the cookie; I baked them for 9 minutes at the regular temperature.
**I took these to a Christmas cookie exchange and they won best tasting cookie!

For my very last recipe share, tonight I made Chicken Gloria from this recipe:

http://www.cookingwithsugar.com/moms-chicken-a-la-gloria-a-family-favorite-chicken-recipe/

I won't detail how to make it here because you can read it from the link, but can I just say that the creamy mushroom, sherry sauce smothering the chicken was to die for! I did use fat free milk instead of whole milk just for lower calories (not that it made it a healthy meal) and I used mozzarella cheese instead of the recommended (because I already had it). I paired this recipe with some simple green beans and brown rice. I want just thinking about it! Highly recommended!

Happy Christmas Season! Until next time friends.

Struggle

I have struggled. I do struggle. I will struggle.

The reality is that we all struggle, we just don't like to admit it. Some of us don't like to even hint at something being amiss in our lives at all. We think that if we allow others to think that our lives are perfect it will somehow glorify God. That perfect lives glorify Him more than our imperfections. This thinking is flawed.

How many times have you heard someone tell you about the hardships that they have had to face or are currently facing, and how God has worked through those? While I can't say I've heard it often I can without a doubt tell you that every time I have heard someone share their struggles, I have been encouraged. You do not know what those around you are going through or have gone through and maybe by sharing your story they will be encouraged too. Maybe they will have that moment of realizing they aren't alone in their struggle, someone else has been there too.

We are not called to a life of solidarity, but of fellowship. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25
We are called to share both our joys and our sorrows. I encourage you all to remember this the next time someone asks you how you are or how your week was. Don't just mutter the usual "fine," really think about what has happened and what God has shown you. Maybe that truth is just what they need to hear.

This past Sunday I sprained my ankle pretty severely (I'm actually going to see a specialist tomorrow because they are concerned I have a hairline fracture), so severely that four days later, I still can't put weight on it. I am struggling. I'm not struggling with the physical pain of it, but with the inability to work or be productive. I am frustrated because I want to be of use but every time I try to be useful, I have to sit back down. I am struggling with allowing people to help me. I have two wonderful roommates who have been willing to help with more than I ever would have imagined, plus people volunteering to bring me food and take me to doctor appointments, etc. but it's the little things like prepping my own food or clearing my plate or pouring my own glass of water that bring the most frustration. Not being able to do the most basic self sustaining things without help is hard. It takes an amount of humility, that I apparently lack, to be able to admit that I need help with just about everything. Thankfully God likes to teach us how to be humble since pride comes easier to everyone I know, including myself.

I am blessed by those willing to help me, and I am thankful for God putting them in my life, but most of all I am thankful that He has given me this opportunity to humbly admit I need help. Perhaps if I keep it all in perspective I can also see how it reflects the greater picture of life, just as I need help to do everything while I am injured, it takes help from Him for me to be able to do everything on a regular basis. Perhaps if I turned to Him before trying to take that step, both physically and spiritually, I would prevent further injury and trust that He wants to help me and see me get better.

I spent some time today in 2 Peter and while it may not seem exactly relevant, I hope you will let these words resonate within you:
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
2 Peter 3:8-9

The Lord fulfills his promises. Nothing can thwart His plans. Do not be afraid. Do not worry. God is almighty, all seeing, and all powerful.

These were taken at sunrise about a month ago in Trinity Pines, Texas.

Reflections of a well traveled soul

It has been quite some time since my last post. I had a crazy few months. There was the month of planning (March), the month of travel (April), the month of moving (May), and we are now closing the month of the career change (June).

For March, planning may sound like a bad excuse for not writing but to be fair I was leaving April 16th on a 15 day trip to Spain and I thought I had to be moved into a new place before I left. So, between planning for the trip and figuring out my living situation I was quite busy.

Then we have April when I went to Spain with my dear friend Jessica. It was a positively marvelous experience, and I learned so much. I know some of you are thinking: 'you learned so much?!' but I am referring to something much more than museum knowledge. For example from the Playa de los Catedrales I learned what magnificent things God has made that man couldn't attempt, and how tiny I really am in this world.

From the many great people we met I learned what true hospitality, friendship, and kindness look like. The owners of this winery were kind enough to give us a tour even though they weren't really open. Private and free.

The owner of this restaurant in a tiny town in Northwestern Spain was kind enough to hide our luggage in a back room while we went to look at nearby sights.

This friend we made on the train to Barcelona gave us a walking tour of the city upon our arrival plus many helpful tips.

I learned that I like the countryside and rural areas much more than big cities, and I learned that I am more relaxed with the Word of God in front of me than anything else. Well I don't want to bore you with too much learning here, but the point is that I learned and perhaps even grew.

Which brings us to May, the month of moving. Our dear landlord gave us a month rent free if we could be out by the end of May, which was before our lease was up. Quite a generous offer if you ask me. Though my roommates and I were sad to part ways we did have a good long run in that house, 22 months to be exact. I don't need to go into detail as to why that month was too crazy for a post because everyone knows what moving is like. I did however write a little something not long after I returned from Spain:

I have been to many places and seen many things,
but only one thing have I found to be worthy of singing.

My soul has weathered the depths of caves,
the dreaded darkness, and the fearful unknown.
It has risen with the dawn, climbed the highest mountains,
and soared on wings like eagles.
But only one thing have I found it can never be without. 

Amidst my greatest troubles there is one thing that I need:
when I find myself clinging to the cross I am not found wanting.

The title of this post actually came from when I wrote this short piece as well. I don't want it to seem cliche that after my world travels I feel more fulfilled than ever in my relationship with Christ, because I don't think it stemmed from the travel itself, but more from the amount of time I was able to spend in reflection on my relationship with Him and in His Word. Frankly through all the ups and downs life brings the only thing that has stayed consistent is Christ's love for me. Where would I be without Him by my side?

Finally we arrive at June, which is almost over. I started a new job on June 3rd, I am now the "community liaison" (i.e. marketer) for a care giving company. For those who aren't familiar with all the differences between caregivers, home health, and hospice, I won't bore you with the details. Suffice to say I love my new line of work. Marketing is all about relationships, connections, planning, and organizing. Those of you know know me well I think you would agree that this is right up my alley. The first month was pretty crazy, just trying to get my feet under me, but I think I'm off to a good beginning, and I am excited to see where God is taking me.

For now I hope this is a sufficient explanation for my extended absence, and hopefully a good starting point to stay more on top of it.

Hate the Sin, Not the Sinner

I hate sin. I hate sin because it tears people and families apart. I hate sin because it hurts people. Most of all I hate sin because God hates sin. God called us to live here in this sinful world, but to be set apart. I love all people, or at least I try to, trust me I'm not perfect. I love the saints who sin, and I most certainly love the sinners. No matter what their sin is.

I was once lost and without someone deciding that despite my state they should talk to me and show me the LOVE of Jesus I wouldn't be where I am today. Plant the seeds of love in their hearts. Make them wonder why you are different. Make them wonder why you don't look on them with shame or disgust like so many others do. Jesus didn't look at me or you and say, "look at this filthy person, how could I possibly associate with you."

Jesus looked at us and said, "I know all that you have done, all that you do, and all that you will do, I know more about your depraved state than you yourself know, but I LOVE you anyways, I choose you, you are MINE." Treat people as Jesus first treated you. Show them love and mercy.

My hope and prayer for all Christians is that they would first consider how Jesus dealt with them, before dealing with sinners. We were all sinners once and without Jesus showing us that same grace we wouldn't be saints today. (When I say saints I do not mean that we are without sin, but that we are out of sin, forgiven. We will still sin and fall short, but we repent and are forgiven. Rather than people who live in sin-sinners, we are saints who sin.)

Chocolate Strawberry Pie and So Much More!

For those who haven't mastered the pattern yet, I basically cook every other weekend. Two weekends ago I changed things up a bit, I am going to start requiring myself to make one Pinterest recipe as well as the one from my secret recipe book (working title). From the book I made an orange chicken dish, which I paired with my age old coconut rice. From Pinterest I made a strawberry chocolate pie. As usual for me I couldn't possibly have bought everything I needed in just one shopping trip. So upon realizing I needed to return to the store I decided I would also pick up some avocados to make a fried avocado recipe I had also seen on Pinterest.

The chicken recipe is basically baked chicken fingers with orange marmalade. I started by doing a cooks secret when it comes to chicken fingers: bathing the chicken in buttermilk. It sounds odd, but it makes the chicken so moist! Then I rubbed the chicken with the orange marmalade.

Then after coating the chicken in Panko I popped it in the oven to bake for about 25 minutes. (Note for future: use a nonstick spray because the marmalade layer sticks!)

The coconut rice is just a simple replacement: rather than 2 cups water for 1 cup of rice you would use 1 cup of coconut milk and 1 cup of water. I love this rice!

I served the chicken on top of a bed of baby spinach, with a dressing that is made from one part orange marmalade and two parts zesty Italian dressing.

The fried avocados are actually quite easy! Slice up the avocado, a little thick so they don't fall apart during frying, and sprinkle on some salt and pepper.

Then coat them on each side with flour, then egg, then a panko and Parmesan mixture. Fry them in just enough oil to cover the pan, until golden brown on each side (1-2 minutes).

I might be biased (because of my love for avocados) but this was amazing, the inside of the avocado still held all of its original properties, but the outside is crispy and delicious! Can't wait to make these again.


For dessert I made pie. I actually made two because I thought it was something I would love, but between my lack of desire for sweets currently (hallelujah, don't know why but I'll take it), my extremely picky sweet tooth, and allergies I just didn't find the pie appealing. I made a chocolate strawberry pie. Please don't let my lack of appetite for sweets make you think less of this pie, I brought one to church and it was gone in a matter of minutes. Plus in the midst of the rave reviews was an offer (jokingly) to be a live in cook. Needless to say the pie had many fans.

First you make an Oreo crust - I don't have a food processor so I am forced to do things the old fashioned way, beating them with my rolling pin. Of course I got tired before they were crushed as much as they should be so I made a chunky crust (most people actually liked it this way - lucky me).

After chilling the crust you place a single layer of halved strawberries in the bottom of it.

Then you make some homemade chocolate pudding and pour it in, making sure it's flat across the top.

Last you put decorative strawberries on top too, then chill 4 hours, or overnight.

Once again it has taken me two weeks to post this food, so today is another cooking day. Hopefully I'll get these new treats out to y'all soon! Also in a little side note I recently purchased tickets to go to Spain! Which means during the last half of April (while I'm there) there won't be any new recipes, but I'm sure there will be at least one post about the trip and some included pictures!

Rodeo Season Yeehaw!

As usual I am running behind on my posts. Perhaps I will start to consider anything within a two week span as being 'on time' and anything in two day span as being more of 'early'. About a week and a half ago now I made another new recipe from my magic book (still testing out names). Since my previous experiment was a huge dinner feast, this time it was a very simple recipe, an all in one pot chicken and pasta dish.

First you cook the chicken in the pot. 

Then add in your vegetables and continue cooking until onions are golden brown.

Next (after switching to a larger pot because you started out in one too small - so much for less dishes) you add the uncooked pasta and water (or something other than water, I use chicken broth a lot because I've found that it makes the overall meal more flavorful for the pasta to be cooked in a flavor). Then cover and let simmer until the pasta is cooked.

Drain any excess water, add a little tomato based pasta sauce. I'm not a big fan of tomato based sauces, so I just put enough for there to be some red sauce on everything in the pot, roughly 2/3 of a jar. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover just until the cheese it melted, then serve.

I made a huge pot of this and it only took about 45 minutes, with 15-20 of it waiting for the pasta to cook. Very easy and good. Obviously not a gourmet meal, but I will definitely make this again when I'm crunched for time.

Garden:

Once again just after planting new plants we have had weeks of rain and very little sun. I'm not sure that the newcomers, my little strawberries, are going to survive it, they are after all a full sun plant and have seen little to no sun since their planting. Unfortunately, unlike watering, there is nothing I can do to make the sun come out from behind those clouds. My larger plants on the other hand seem to be enjoying the nutrient rich rains (as opposed to the hose water lacking in natural elements they typically receive). My pomegranate tree for example has sprouted countless leaves, where just a few weeks ago there were only a few green buds. Also, my lime tree had a few budding flowers before, but is now covered in them!


Those of you who aren't southern may not understand this, but it is currently one of my favorite times of year. I considered giving you hints and making you guess, but with hints like cowboys, bulls, beer, and music I didn't think there would be much of a game in it. It's rodeo season! Yeehaw! Are there rodeos north of the mason-Dixon? Maybe some of my more northern friends can fill me in. Tonight I have the privilege of getting to hear Alan Jackson's rodeo performance, and I am thrilled. Not so thrilling is remembering that I have to be at work by 7:45 tomorrow morning. Oh well, we can sleep when we're dead right? After all, it is the rodeo, and it only comes around once a year!

Spring Fever Has Struck

Since Houston weather is nothing like what normal seasons should be, we are already experiencing the "spring" most other places won't have for at least a month. Of course with spring comes spring fever. Mine started over the weekend when I decided that I couldn't stand to let my plants go any longer without the necessary adjustments.
Some simply had the debris in the top o their pots cleared and a little fresh soil added. My pomegranate tree is now over over six feet tall (approximately the same as my lime and mandarin trees) so it needed to be moved into a larger pot, which opened up its old pot for the Meyer lemon tree. I also bought... Drum roll please... Strawberries! My experiment for the year. Last year my experimental fruit was watermelon which sadly never blossomed, hopefully there will be better luck this year with my strawberries.

Of course I have already forgotten which is which, 

but here are two of my pretty trees, one with blossoms, hooray!

This is my pomegranate tree, I have learned that during winter they look like they have died, 

but you can now see (if you look very closely) that small buds are springing it back to life!

And last but certainly not least are my baby strawberries. I'm so excited, I hope they work out!

 

Also I happily get to say that since planting these we have had a pretty good week for plants. The days have been alternating with rain and sun and will hopefully give them all the little boost they need. I hope that one day soon I can plant some bigger things like apple and pear trees, unfortunately those really need to be put in the ground and I wouldn't want to have to get new ones every time I moved rental houses. On a last note, I happily accept all gardening tips and tricks since I'm only a year into the game!

More Food, Weeks 1-6

In a continuation of Week 1/2:

I made two additional new recipes: pumpkin pound cake with buttermilk glaze, and lemon knot cookies. Can I just say mmmmmm. Well at least for the lemon knot cookies. It is a rare day indeed that I enjoy my own baking, mostly I love to bake things and share them with others, but these little tangy, sweet, soft lemon cookies are scrumptious! The pumpkin pound cake was also good, however not my favorite.

Pumpkin pound cake with buttermilk glaze

Lemon knots - The ingredients were very simple (like sugar cookies with a lot of lemon juice and rind added) then you split the dough into six pieces and roll each one out fairly thin. You cut the rolled out dough into 5" pieces and tie the knot (some looked better than others).

You only bake them for about 10 minutes, enough time that the bottoms are golden brown but the tops still look pale yellow. Last you make the glaze which is lemon juice and powdered sugar to lightly glaze the top of each cookie with.

 I found them to be quite scrumptious, especially when enjoyed along side a cup of tea. I finished making them just in time to watch Downton Abbey with tea and cookies, it felt appropriate.

Week 3/4:

My roommate and I had a friend over for dinner on a Saturday night, he grilled some chicken that she used to make chicken bryan Texas (which was delicious). The new recipe from my book that I made were cheese puffs, which are small bread puffs with cheese in them. I also made a champagne risotto with asparagus, that I've made before, and my famous apple pie for dessert.

The cheese puffs were very good and I could easily see them becoming addicting. I ate at least 4 while waiting for the chicken to be ready. I made them with shredded gruyere, but I'm sure they could be made with any number of cheeses. First you heat the wet ingredients in a small pot, then add the flour, baking powder, and cheese. Last you scoop out tablespoon size balls and sprinkle a little more cheese on top then bake.

Very simple and very good!

Current Week 5/6:

I wanted to try something big, so I found in my book a standing rib roast recipe, then I invited 7 people over for a dinner party and had a marvelous time. The rib roast was paired with mashed potatoes and roasted brussel sprouts from me, my guests brought bread and salad, and I made chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. Everything was delicious, but the roast was the star of the meal! I rubbed it with salt, pepper, dijon mustard, garlic, green onions, thyme, and rosemary - and I have to say I don't think I would ever prepare it another way now.

I sadly didn't get a chance to take an after picture of the roast before it was devoured by my guests, but this is what it looked like going into the oven, and on the right is the roasted brussel sprouts.

Chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels. Yum.

Chicken Fricassee - New Year, New Food

One of my goals for this year is to try at least one new recipe every 2 weeks. That may not seem like much, but considering I eat lunch and dinner at work almost every week day it only leaves the weekends for my fun experimenting. The reason for this is that I have a very large binder full of recipes I have been collecting since roughly 2007, most of which I have yet to try. I'm hoping that I can really start going through them and as I do I will choose what I want to keep/repeat and what can go.

Week 1/2: Chicken Fricassee. For those who aren't familiar with this dish, don't be alarmed, I wasn't either until I clipped it out of a magazine. It's a traditional French dish, halfway between a saute and a stew. One of my favorite things about it? One dish. In a home without a dishwasher these things come into play.

First you brown the chicken in the pot.

Then you remove the chicken and add the mirepoix (a French term which essentially means celery, onion, and carrots).

After allowing the mirepoix to soften you add the mushrooms.

Then you add the white wine, chicken broth, and put the chicken back into the pot along with the tied herbs.

Then you remove the chicken and herbs, allow the sauce to reduce a little, add the liaison (a thickener made of egg yolks and heavy cream). Add lemon juice and tarragon, and serve.

Somewhere around the middle of making this I realized how wrong it would be to make a traditional French dish without having homemade French bread as well, so naturally I whipped up some quick french bread rolls. For everyone's information quick and French bread might as well be an oxymoron since they take approximately 2 hours. 

 

The verdict: Delicious. Tip for anyone who considers making this - I would de-bone my individual piece of chicken next time before putting it in the bowl because it is rather hard to do while it's soaking in the sauce.

So far I am enjoying my new project. 2 new recipes down and they both turned out well. Good food. Plus cooking is such a joy and stress reliever. No matter how tough a day or week I have I can always trust that when I walk into my kitchen it all melts away like butter on a pan.