I tried this recipe years ago by recommendation of a close friend. It didn’t sound very appealing, but I decided to try it anyways. Was I ever pleasantly surprised! Not only is it a healthy choice it is juicy, tangy, and very satisfying to those of us with a sweet tooth. Adding just a bit of brown sugar on top of the grapefruit and broiling it creates a crust or a “brulee” if you will….trust me, you will love it. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack… especially for those of us who are participating in the “Reshaping It All Challenge“! Love to you, Janelle
Archives for May 2011
Care Packages for Soldiers
A beautiful flag I saw on Lake Erie…
A special thank you to the people in my life who have been active or are currently serving in the military…
Our friend George (his wife Christina and my baby girl is also pictured)
Sonya from “ Becoming a Strong Woman of God” is a military wife!
Our friend Mike (his wife Amy is also pictured)
Please consider sharing God’s love by sending a care package to a soldier you know. If you don’t know anyone in the military, there are many men and women who would appreciate your kindness!
- Dried beef or poultry such as beef jerky, turkey jerky or beef slims are safe to mail. Bacteria can’t grow in foods preserved by removing moisture.
- Dehydrated soups and drink mixes are lightweight and safe to mail. Condiments such as hot sauce and Cajun seasonings in packets or unbreakable jars are useful for spice lovers.
- Canned specialties such as corned beef, anchovies, shrimp, dips and cracker spreads make nice treats. Recipients should be cautioned not to use any cans that are damaged or swollen. Foods in glass containers should not be mailed because they can break.
- Dense and dry baked goods such as fruit cakes and biscotti are good choices for mailing because they will not mold. Other suitable baked goods include commercially packaged cakes and cookies in airtight tins, dry cookies such as ginger snaps and specialty crackers.
- When mailing sturdy cookies and homemade candies, wrap each piece individually and pack items in commercially popped corn, Styrofoam packing peanuts or foam to help cushion the trip. Place the food gifts in a sturdy box and seal it securely with packing tape.
- Dried fruits such as raisins and apricots, canned nuts and fruit and commercially packaged trail mix need no refrigeration.
- Hard candies and sturdy homemade sweets such as pralines and toffee are safe to mail because their high sugar content prevents bacterial growth.
If you don’t have the time to make a care package, why not order one to be sent? It would make a soldier’s day! This is an excellent website that actually makes “care packages” for soldiers! They have thought of it all.
Praying for our beloved country and those who have served.
Love to you, Janelle
Top 3 and Feasting in Fellowship Friday Link Up!
Thanks to ALL of my fellow “foodie” bloggers! You are a huge blessing and inspiration! Keep posting those recipes…remember the MORE recipes the merrier! Post a bunch.
Love to you,
Janelle
I like this recipe because I have most, if not all of the ingredients in my cupboard! A simple, efficient, and delicious treat! Thanks Crystal with “Life is nothing without Him”! These sound deeeeelish!
Simply copy and paste this button to your post. Then, include the link below that takes us directly to your recipe! Thank you for sharing…I love seeing what you have cooking!
Raising Siblings
I was so anxious and ladled with guilt when I was pregnant with our second child. I worried horribly that our son would feel he was being replaced by our newest addition. He was our first child and the first grandchild on both sides of our family. I firmly believe he received enough love and attention in his first 2 years of life to last anyone a lifetime! Not only did I worry about his feelings, I even started to wonder about my feelings. I wondered how I could love another child as much as I loved our first. Ohh…the guilt! What a battle this was inside of my head! Then, someone told me “One of the best treasures you can give your children is a sibling. There is something about growing up in a family together that creates a very special bond …sharing the same family memories is priceless” Wow….that was all I needed to hear. I am an “only child” by my parents, however I have 3 half- siblings. Unfortunately we didn’t all grow up together in the same home or have the same memories of our childhood. I wish we did! If I had any control over that, I would have done anything to grow up with all of my siblings. However, it just wasn’t so…but, nonetheless, God has blessed me abundantly. I love watching the three of my children grow up together and have SO enjoyed watching “siblings in action”. They laugh, fight, play, hug, cheer on, and love one another on a daily basis. I pray every night that they keep this bond throughout the rest of their lives. Love to you, Janelle “Like Branches On A Tree, We May Grow In Different Directions, Yet Our Roots Remain As One. Each Of Our Lives Will Always Be A Special Part Of One Another.” ~ Unknown |
BEST EVER Black Bean Soup with Rice
Dice onions
Peel and chop garlic
Saute onions and garlic in olive oil on med-high heat. When onions start to soften, add chili powder and cumin
Add broth and water
Turn heat up and let simmer for 15 mins
Turn down heat
Take an immersion blender and blend right into the pot of soup. This willliquify some of the beans making a thicker/creamy texture and will leave some beans in tact. If you do not have an immersion blender, please do not let this stop you from making this recipe! Simply take half of the soup and blend it in an actual blender or food processor and place back with remaining soup.
Scoop a cup of rice into your serving bowl. (I just used a simple minute rice here)
Pour soup over top and garnish with fresh cilantro! ( I had 2 helpings of this, which is NOT typical- it was THAT good!)
Related articles
Meal Ministry Monday: Being "That" Mom
My son and two neighbors eating cookies on the deck
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. ~Mark 10:13-16
My children and their friends eating popcicles.
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Running through sprinklers, playing at the park, fishing, swimming, eating ice cream, laughing, playing, golfing, catching fireflies, vacationing, and biking…these are just a few things I can’t wait to do this Summer with my children…. I’m so excited for school to be out so I can have all of my ducklings in a row and at home with me. At ages 7, 5 and 2 years old I’m sure they will keep me running this year, but all the memories will be well worth all of the energy spent.
Since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a mom….my life is my dream come true. Even more, I’ve always wanted to be “that mom” and live in “that home” where other children want to come and play. The mom who bakes chocolate chip cookies and makes lemonade…the mom who loves all of the children deeply like Jesus did and does.
Being “that mom” is a meal ministry in itself….I can’t count how many batches of cookies I’ve made, gallons of kool aid I’ve served, and popcicles I’ve handed out. To be honest, It is actually my favorite ministry. It is such an honor to be part of a child’s life. I am so thankful to live in a neighborhood filled with sweet children, and have so many friends with children that I can help. What a blessing!
As Summer rolls around, I pray that you too will feel called to be “that mom” for all the children in your life….is truly is so special.
The neighbors and my son playing Star Wars in the yard. |
My daughter and her friend making sundaes. |
My children and more friends with “olive fingers”. |
I took my friend’s little girl on a “Build a Bear” day trip with my girls! We had so much fun. Of course, ice cream was a must! |
My children with more friends! We all made cookies together…so sweet. |
My friend’s little girl…we made cupcakes for her birthday! |
Our next door neighbors came over for some rootbeer floats! I have had these little ones over for 6 years…wow, has time flown and how they have grown!
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Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.
~Charles R. Swindoll
These memories are priceless….Thank you Lord for blessing me with my own children and allowing me to be a part of the lives of other children.
Love to you,
Janelle
Feasting in Fellowship Friday Link-Up and Top 3!
This week’s “Top 3” linked-up recipes. Thanks Ladies!
“Cooke Droplets Etc.” shares a delicious twist on the traditional (and ever SO yummy) no-bake cookie! I am not going to tell you the secret…you have to look for yourself 😉 Thanks Marelie!
I bet these didn’t last long…
“The Hungry Homebody” brought this delicious salad to her neighborhood block party! What a treat! Looks and sounds delicious. Thanks Julianna!
“Jewelry For Change” shares a simple to make bread ring recipe that will be sure to WOW your guests! I just LOVE the mixture of onions with swiss. Looks wonderful Jan!
Simply copy and paste this button to your post. Then, include the link below that takes us directly to your recipe! Thank you for sharing…I love seeing what you have cooking!
Candace’s Turkey Tacos
Last week my family enjoyed an excellent recipe from Candace’s kitchen. I had already made up some salsa and was searching for a good Mexican dish to pair with it. I remembered Turkey Tacos being mentioned in “Reshaping it All”. I had to adapt it just a bit because I had already made up the salsa, but it turned out great just the same. This is a recipe I will be adding to my “make often” list! It is healthy, delicious, and pleases the entire family. Candace, thank you for your encouragement and your delicious recipes! You are most certainly Comfy in your Kitchen!
Love to you, Janelle
Serving others who serve us
As I looked out the window on one of our warmest Spring days, I was so appreciative to see the gentleman we hired doing outside work on our home. He was on time, working hard, and doing an excellent job. He had a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, sweat dripping from his brow, and was listening to Shania Twain (lol). I had just made the girls their lunch and they were eating at the dining room table. It dawned on me that he was working through his lunch hour. I looked in the refrigerator for something to make him….I actually didn’t have much to offer because I hadn’t been to the grocery store in 5 days. I was able to scrounge up something edible and my daughter and I brought it out to him and told him how much we appreciate his hard work. He was so thankful…I can’t even describe the smile he had on his face. The lunch I made him wasn’t much, but it meant a lot to him…I did this the following day as well. He called us the next evening to let us know that in the 20 years he had been doing work, no one had ever made him lunch before……
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:12-17
We can do no great things, only small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa
Meal Ministry Monday Welcomes Lisa!
Please help me welcome our fellow Sister-in-Christ, Lisa! What an amazing life-song she sings…
HOSPITALITY IS…a meal to go
Showing hospitality by taking meals to people when they are sick, have had surgery or just need a little extra tlc when life gets overwhelming can be such a JOY! Sometimes it is easy to become so focused on our own families that it becomes difficult to think of others around us who are in need of our encouragement and help.
There have been PLENTY of times in my life when I have been taken under the wings of others and have been shown mercy. It is still a blessing thinking back to so many times others have cared for me and for my family. I can’t help but to think of how it feels to be taken care of. It is one of the best feelings in the world!
When I think of hospitality, I think of the root word “hospital”. So, I looked it up…just for fun. I know we are all familiar with what a hospital is, but my old 1963 edition of Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines it as follows: “a charitable institution for the needy, aged, infirm, or young, an institution where the sick or injured are given medical or surgical care.”
While we are most likely not giving medical or surgical care, taking a meal to someone is comforting beyond words and it is always appreciated and welcome. For those of you who may struggle having people in your homes, this is the perfect alternative for you!
If your palms are starting to sweat, hold on. Showing hospitality to others does not mean fancy schmancy. It does not have to be homemade and it certainly does not have to be a complete meal…unless you signed up for it. If you did commit and are feeling like it is more than you bargained for, ask a friend to help. Maybe you can split the meal.
What is the first thing you do after you commit to taking a dinner to someone? Do you start to stress and wish you would have never offered? Do you ask a friend to trade dates in hope that the recipient will no longer be in need when it rolls around to your turn? Anyway you look at it, it can be a daunting task, to not only need to fix your family dinner but somebody elses family as well!
I think my favorite binder is the “MEALS TO GO” binder. It has made taking meals to people so easy…and might I add…FUN! I am not even kidding! Taking the guess work out of what to prepare and take allows me to make quick decisions and spend a little extra time embellishing it. It is a great way to pamper people and I no longer feel like I am just doing crafts “to do” crafts, but it allows me to be a little creative while being able to share with those who are in need!
Here is what works for me, but I would love to hear what works for you. Others ideas are always welcome and appreciated!!! I think we all enjoy hearing how other people do things!
BINDER ORGANIZATION:
Label your binder
The first page has the list of meals I choose from…if your recepient loves something in particular that you are aware of it makes it even easier to decide!
Keep this list simple and doable. If it is a chicken from Costco, a loaf of bread, bag-o-salad and lemonade, write it down. If it is a box of cereal, milk and bread write it down. This has to be what works for YOU! If it is having a pizza delivered write the phone number down so that you can call and have it DELIVERED! Are we all on the same page? Onward we go!
Each Meal has a complete list of what I will be taking to make it a “meal”.
I would encourage you to come up with one menu for each season…start with one meal that will be a JOY to make!
The next page has the recipes, so I am not spending all my time flippin’ through different binders trying to track down what I need to make dinner.
Have you ever thought about taking breakfast the evening before? This is AWESOME. You can deliver it in the evening after your evening has “settled” down and it might be a very welcome change for one VERY happy recipient. You may want to try it!
While we have been talking about “meals to go”, I wanted to make sure that I mentioned this: there are certainly seasons in our lives where helping others is easier than others. Showing hospitality is nurturing. It is showing you care. Simple as that.
A few of my favorite things I have received as a “bedridden Momma” are: {1}a little bag with a card, a peppermint plant and a box of tea, {2}a bottle of sparkling water and a fresh lemon, {3}a bag of epsom salts etc. Even a sleeve of Saltine crackers and 7 UP is something you could keep on hand to deliver when the need arises!
So, as we have all been given the gift of TODAY, I hope that you, too, will find JOY in showing hospitality in a very real way wheather it be a meal, a note or a cup of lemonade!
Happy May!
Lisa, thank you so very much for the amazing tips. Your packaging is so beautiful! It is such a blessing to know other women share the gifts of hospitality and mercy. Love to you, Janelle
Please click here to visit Lisa’s Blog at The Pearson Family Blogspot! |
Homemade Salsa
My friend Carla brought this delicious salsa to a play-date a few years ago…it was an absolute hit with us moms! So, of course I had to get the recipe. I make this often for family, friends, and guests…It is delicious not only with chips but also on salads, tacos, and wraps! Mmmmm!!!
This recipe is dedicated to my dear friend Krista who has been begging me to share it since I made it on our ladies Narnia night, lol. Sorry it took me so long!
Meal Ministry Welcomes Katina! Oatmeal Rasin Treats
Please help me welcome a very close friend of mine, Katina. She is a huge blessing in my life…we are in bible studies together, our children go to school together, we pray together, encourage one another, and have fun together!!!! Katina is so supportive of my meal ministry …I am so thankful for her.
In light of the “Reshaping it All” challenge, my sweet friend brought ingredients over to my home and made these delicious Oatmeal Rasin Treats for me. As I was watching her make them (which was so much fun), she shared with me her “food testimony”….I really felt it was a “God thing” hearing what she had to share. I immediately thought of my readers….that some of you may be going through this very thing right now (I won’t ruin it ….I will let her tell you).
I was so blessed to have her companionship that day…. I was the recipient of a “Meal Ministry”!!!!! Katina, I am so thankful for your friendship…(and your oatmeal rasin treats, lol).
Katina , her husband, and two sweet children. |
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” -1 Corinithians 10:31
Such a sweet family!
Katina writes…. |
About fifteen years ago, I started feeling lightheaded and dizzy and was tired all the time. I went to a doctor regarding this and had all kinds of medical tests done. Everything came back normal, and the doctor told me basically that it was in my mind and that she could refer me to a psychologist. I knew that is not what I needed, so I continued to pray for guidance and wisdom. One day I was listening to a Christian radio program and a local doctor was talking about hidden food sensitivities. He stated that a lot of our physical ailments stem from the foods we eat. I was pretty much willing to try anything at this point since I had been having these symptoms for over seven months. I made an appointment with this doctor and he did some blood work, which revealed MANY food sensitivities. The main ones were sugar, dairy, & wheat….which was in everything I was eating!! I then began to educate myself in this area, and completely revamped my diet. I became a label reader and discovered how many different names are used for these foods. I also realized that anything that said ‘enriched’ or ‘hydrogenated’ stayed in me for days and made me feel a lot worse. I came up with many wonderful recipes…like these oatmeal raisin treats….that were not only healthy, but tasted great! It took about one month and then I started to feel AMAZING…and all my symptoms were gone! Praise God!! The doctor told me that I needed to keep these foods out of my diet for nine months, and then I could slowly start to reintroduce them back into my diet…but in moderation. But that’s the part that I’ve always struggled with….moderation. Growing up in an Italian family definitely does not help in that area lol! During most of my family gatherings we had lots and lots of food around us all the time. And this is what I thought was ‘normal’ for most of my life. I know how to eat healthy…..how to read ingredients….how to stay fit….however, I don’t have good self-control. For the next couple of months I am focusing on renewing my mind and spirit in this area. This recipe is great to have so that I can satisfy my sweet tooth in a healthy way. I hope it helps you as well! God Bless, Katina.
Feasting in Fellowship Friday, Smoothies, Top 3
Oh, how I love a cool, fresh, fruit smoothie! Make these for breakfast or have them as a treat on a sunny afternoon. Here is a delicious recipe you and your entire family will enjoy! This is a healthier option in place of going out for ice cream or making milkshakes at home, yet still just as satisfying!
Friday’s Top 3
Baked Teriyaki Chicken
The “Unworking Mom” shares with us this delicious recipe! My mouth is watering just reading about it. Thanks Jackie!
Easy Spinach Calzones
Amee’s Savory Dish shares her recipe for these quick and delicious calzones. She is a girl after my own heart using ricotta! Wohoo! I love how she scales down on the calories and fat…no meat, thinner crust, low-fat cheese. Thanks Amee!
Decadent, Healthy Brownies
“Always Learning” shares a healthier version of brownies! I’m in Lori! lol! Thank you!
Simply copy and paste this button to your post. Then, include the link below that takes us directly to your recipe! Thank you for sharing…I love seeing what you have cooking!
Me? A Glutton?
Meal Ministry Monday- Your’s Truly and Lemon Berry Punch
Hi Ladies!
Twice a year I get the pleasure of making lunch for our church’s new member and guest luncheon. It is typically a pretty busy weekend for me and my family…I grocery shop for a ton of food, pile everything in my kitchen (it feels like Christmas!!!), cook the night before and the morning of and haul everything over to the church! Then, our Pastor is there to greet us with a crew of volunteers ready to help unload and set up. Call me crazy, but this is actually SO MUCH FUN for me!
Here is a sneak peak into my weekend. I wish I would have gotten more photos, but I was bussssyyy!!!
(I had 60 people to cook for today- we have had up to 120)
I made 2 of these huge salads. Lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, olives, and croutons. |
I really like the containers at GFS…these are about $2 and have lids. I can also reuse them! |
My son “getting in on the action” crushing Heath bars for “Better than a Hug Cake” |
My semi-homemade dressing. I like to use Good Seasons All Natural with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and sugar to taste. Line em up!
My husband cutting “Better than a hug Cake”– I am VERY blessed to have such a supportive husband. I thank God for him every day.
My son watching me make a simple lemonade punch
The lemonade takes on the color of the berries…pretty isn’t it? Very nice for Spring and Summer.
(recipe below)
The kids area had PB and J, chips, carrots, silly cookies and juice boxes
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Keep serving your families and others Ladies!
Thanks for letting me share my day with you.
Love to you, Janelle