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Crescent Chicken

*This is a repost- for some reason the other link is not working- I have received quite a few e-mails about this particular recipe. So sorry- I will be looking into the original link. 


This delicious recipe comes from my Grandma (or “Nana B” as we call her)…I have wonderful memories coming home from college to this delicious home cooked meal. It has become one of my husband’s favorites too. I like serving it along side of mashed potatoes …. the cream of chicken soup serves as a delicious gravy. Enjoy this simple yet delicious meal! 
~Janelle 
Crescent rolls, chopped and cooked chicken (I simply boil chicken breasts and cut), cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup (milk).
Make soup in a medium saucepan using milk according to directions.  
Lay out one crescent roll at a time and place appx 3-4 bite sized pieces of chicken and appx 1Tbsp of cheese in the center of each triangle. 
Gently roll up
Seal edges by pinching the dough. (You will not get perfection, just make sure the filling cannot leak out)
Place all of your rolls in a 9×13 dish and pour soup mixture over top ( salt and pepper as desired).
Bake at 350 for 30 mins until crescents are golden brown
Serve with mashed potatoes and your choice of veggies! 
A combination of buttery crescent roll, melted cheddar and juicy chicken…Mmmm…
Crescent Chicken
(serves 6-8 rolls)
1 (8 or 6 jumbo count) package refrigerator crescent rolls
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can of milk (using soup can)
Preheat oven to 350
Prepare soup using milk and set aside. Separate crescent rolls. Spoon chicken and cheese onto each crescent; roll and seal to enclose filling. Place in a 9×13 baking dish. Pour soup over rolls. Bake at 350 uncovered for 30 mins.

Anchor Hocking Glass Bake ‘N Take 9 Inch x 13 Inch Dish With Snap On Cover

 

   
 
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 30 mins
Total time: 45 mins
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 (8 or 6 jumbo count) package refrigerator crescent rolls
  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can of milk (using soup can)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. Prepare soup using milk and set aside.
  3. Separate crescent rolls.
  4. Spoon chicken and cheese onto each crescent; roll and seal to enclose filling.
  5. Place in a 9×13 baking dish. Pour soup over rolls. Bake at 350 uncovered for 30 mins.
 
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Crescent Chicken


*Comfy in the Kitchen’s “Most Pinned” recipe!!! 290 thousand pins!
Wow! Go Nana B! 

This delicious recipe comes from my Grandma (or “Nana B” as we call her)…I have wonderful memories coming home from college to this delicious home cooked meal. It has become one of my husband’s favorites too. I like serving it along side of mashed potatoes …. the cream of chicken soup serves as a delicious gravy. Enjoy this simple yet delicious meal! 
~Janelle 
Crescent rolls, chopped and cooked chicken (I simply boil chicken breasts and cut), cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup (milk).
Make soup in a medium saucepan using milk according to directions.  
Lay out one crescent roll at a time and place appx 3-4 bite sized pieces of chicken and appx 1Tbsp of cheese in the center of each triangle. 
Gently roll up
Seal edges by pinching the dough. (You will not get perfection, just make sure the filling cannot leak out)
Place all of your rolls in a 9×13 dish (I love my Pyrex 9×13- this brand lasts forever) and pour soup mixture over top ( salt and pepper as desired).
Bake at 350 for 30 mins until crescents are golden brown
Serve with mashed potatoes and your choice of veggies! 
A combination of buttery crescent roll, melted cheddar and juicy chicken…Mmmm…
Crescent Chicken
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 (8 or 6 jumbo count) package refrigerator crescent rolls
  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can of milk (using soup can)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. Prepare soup using milk and set aside.
  3. Separate crescent rolls.
  4. Spoon chicken and cheese onto each crescent; roll and seal to enclose filling.
  5. Place in a 9×13 baking dish.
  6. Pour soup over rolls.
  7. Bake at 350 uncovered for 30 mins.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive compensation for purchased items through Amazon.com 

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Meal Ministry Matters

I love Meal Ministry… no matter what the cause. But, I have to say there are times when I’m serving, I feel especially blessed. On this day, I felt the most blessed. The dinner above was being prepared for a wonderful Christian family of 5 who was caring for their then 6 year old son battling Leukemia.

Being Mother’s Day, I thought of this family and the many other families I know who have a child who is sick. The Lord knows I do not have a perfect life- none of us do, but I thank God for 3 healthy children. I also know full well that at any time anything can happen…to any of us, and to our children. Lord, please keep us safe.

Some of you might have seen this post on Take them a Meal in the past, but I really felt it was important to post it here on Comfy because it meant so much to serve in this way.

My daughter went to pre-school with Jonny- he actually sat on my lap on a field trip the day before his diagnosis 2 years ago….

As I was making his meal a noise sounded from my computer alerting me of an incoming e-mail. It was Caring Bridge…an update on Jonny. Here’s what it said…

Jonny’s mom writes:

On this “feels like” five below zero day, Jonny and I find ourselves at Children’s Hospital.  It’s been a wonderfully long time since I’ve last posted.  Things have gone back to normal and it’s been so good.  Today Jonny is here for a regular chemo treatment.  No spinal tap.  Jonny has already had his port accessed and we’re waiting for the results of his blood counts.  He has already earned nine gold coin stickers on his treasure map.  As is the norm, we should be here a couple more hours.  Once we’re done we’ll swing by the infamous Ball Machine (where I’ll grab a coffee) and head to Wendy’s for some of Jonny’s favorite chicken nuggets and a frosty…we’ll make it home just  in time to see Seth off of the bus.  Tonight we’re all looking forward to a special meal from a friend.  It’s nice not having to worry about dinner on a day like today.  Thanks Janelle!

Typically we come to the clinic on Fridays.  At our last treatment in December we learned that Jonny’s beloved Dr. Talai is in semi retirement and is no longer at the clinic on Fridays.  He will fully retire sometime in 2014.  So for now we have changed Jonny’s treatment day to Wednesday.  This will take him out of school two or three days a month.  It certainly was easier to come on Fridays.  It was my day off along with my mom’s day off.  I’ve learned that with Jonny that keeping consistent with Dr. Talai is most important.     

Good news,  Jonny’s oral chemo has been increased because he is able to handle the smaller dose without a drop in his blood counts.  We’ll be back for a count check in a couple of weeks to make sure the larger dose isn’t causing a drop in his counts which would compromise his immunity system.   

Keep all these things in your prayers.  We continue to cling to the One who calls us to come to him and to cast our cares on him.  Pray for us as we parent all of our kids.  We desire for Seth and Maggie to also see and experience God’s grace.  Pray that they wouldn’t build up hard hearts as they see so much being done for Jonny and because of Jonny.  Pray that Keith and I would be sensitive to all of their needs and that we would be wise in pointing them to Christ…. who is all they need.

Much love and thanks to you dear friends!

Anchored in Christ….

And with that…I cooked…and I prayed…..and cooked….and prayed. How fortunate I felt to be a servant to this family…I couldn’t change what was going on in their lives, but I could make a meal.

A meal that mom didn’t have to go out and grocery shop for…more moments to spend with her family…she didn’t have to clean the kitchen. Hopefully there would be leftovers. I’m so glad to do this, I kept thinking….and praying….

When I asked, she said they liked plain food…Well, her husband and her children did anyways 🙂 So, I kept it simple-homemade and comfy.

Crescent Chicken is Comfy in the Kitchen’s most popular dish….I guessed they’d like that.

Sweet buttered corn goes well with…

Homemade mashed potatoes….the gravy was extra from the Crescent Chicken.

Classic Green Beans would add color….who could resist this flavorful side?

And if the kidos didn’t favor Crescent Chicken {it could happen-not likely, but it could!} Octodogs could save the day!

Last, but not least…Dirt Pudding Dessert! Everyone {even grown-ups} love this Oreo deliciousness….I stand firm it could brighten anyone’s day 🙂

Meal Ministry matters…..to someone.

A recently widowed woman…a new mom…a person who just underwent surgery…a family praying for God to heal their child. 

In this life….

It matters. It just does.

God bless the hands who prepare a Meal Ministry!

 

TODAY THIS LITTLE GUY IS 2 YEARS CANCER FREE!!!!!

 

 

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Gettin Comfy in the Kitchen for New Wives!

 

{photo credit}

Hi Ladies! 

So, last week I asked the question on Facebook:

“Do I have any new wives on here??? If so….Girls, what is your biggest challenge right now with cooking?” 

Some common answers were:

1. Making meals on a budget.

2. Making meals that are healthy and yummy.

3. Making quick and easy meals.

4. Portions…not many recipes are made for 2! 

5. Staying motivated.

I think I can help…..let’s go through this step by step together.

1. Making meals on a budget

  • Use those coupons! Websites I recommend are Money Saving Mom,  Coupon Mom, and Smart Source. If you get the Sunday paper-save those coupons and clip away {only clip items you would typically purchase though! Don’t let them reel you in}.  
  • Remember Wal-Mart offers an “ad-match guarantee”– this could save you some running around if you live near a Super Wal-mart! 
  • Buy your meats at a butcher {or even straight from the farmer} in a bundle and freeze.  You can purchase half a hog, cow, etc. You can also find good deals at butchers for a mix of popular meat selections {for example: burgers, chops, chicken breasts, etc}. 
  • If possible buy fresh produce at Farmer’s markets! 
  • Shop for certain items that you know are less expensive at certain stores. At Marc’s, dry foods, detergents, and toiletries are good deals here. Dairy? Not so much. You’ll get good at knowing what prices are reasonable and what aren’t.  
  • Trader Joe’s, Aldi’s and Ollie’s have good deals.
  • Some generic food brands are less expensive than brand names with coupons. I really like Food Club! 
  • Make recipes that aren’t as pricey- Well, duh Janelle! LOL! Honestly though….Scallops are more expensive than Chicken. Ground Beef is cheaper than Steak. Chilli is less expensive than Clam Chowder. Make wise choices. This requires planning.

2. Making Meals that are Yummy and Healthy:

  • Some yummy/healthy meals I enjoy are HERE
  • I also contribute healthy recipes to Roomag.
  • For healthy on the go…I recommend making homemade grab bags!

3. Making Quick and Easy Meals:

  • Most meals on Comfy in the Kitchen are quick and easy. However, you must plan your meals ahead of time. In the morning- dice veggies, shred cheese, and thaw meats. When the times comes to make your meal, you’ll be happy you prepped. 
  • I’ve been known to make dinner during my children’s nap times and warm it up later ! You  do what you have to do when 5 o’ clock is busy and everyone’s hungry. Keep your sanity. It’s really ok. 
  • Rotisserie chicken is awesome. You can use it in soups, enchiladas, and yes….even the famous Crescent Chicken.  
  • Crockpot recipes come in handy on days you won’t be home. It’s great when the smell of dinner greets you at the door. 

4. Portions….not too many recipes are made for 2!  

  • Very true! Make your recipe as directions say. But before you bake it, set aside half in a container and freeze it! This would not be considered “left overs” for those of you who snub your nose at the word {lol}. Date it and put baking directions on the container. You’ll have yourself a quick meal later on in the month!  
  •  Most recipes can be halved. Here’s a good Recipe Calculator to help you!

5. Staying Motivated:

  • Read my “Burnt Happens” post and laugh with me.
  • Know that you will get better as time progresses- I was a new wife at one time and was not so comfy in my kitchen either. Don’t give up!  
  • Have thick skin – don’t take yourself or food too seriously.
  • Turn on some music …relax and have a little fun. I remember, before we had kids, I would jam to Aretha Franklin when I cooked. I’ve been known to rock the
  • spoon microphone to “Respect”.   
  • Know that as little of a task as cooking seems…it’s actually very big thing.  I can’t think of a better family image than one around a dinner table.  YOU are blessing your family. I promise.
  • One failed day doesn’t mean a thing. Tomorrow’s another day. If you failed to plan today…pick up the pace tomorrow. 

 

Ladies, you can do this!

“Bless this kitchen, Lord, and those who gather here each day. Let it be a place where we can meet to love and laugh and pray.”

For some of my “seasoned” cooks out there {no pun intended} what other suggestions do you have for these Spring Chicks?!

MUCH love to you!!!!!      

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My Top 13 “Meal Ministry” Meals.

Hi Ladies! I get many sweet e-mails asking me what meals are best for meal ministries. I went through my files and chose the ones I make the most ! I hope this helps give you ideas. Please know that it just warms my heart that so many of you want to start your very own meal ministries! Even if you are simply sending cookies to a neighbor, you are sharing God’s love. You are such blessings- I adore all the photos you send me and stories you share!

This list is in no particular order and the number 13 was not my first choice, but it just worked out that way 😉


 1. Lasagna can be taken in foil containers baked or not baked. This dish is easy to freeze. Make sure to add a bit more sauce so it doesn’t get dry.

 

 

 


2. Chilli can be placed in a large throwaway bowl, refrigerates and freezes well. Be sure to add the fixens on the side and wrap them up! In this case it’s cheese, chives, sour cream and corn bread.

3. Wedding soup is wonderful for a person who is sick, recovering a surgery, or just had a baby.

4. Chocolate Chip Cookies are always a treat to give someone!

5. Beef Stew is a delicious one pot meal to give to someone on a cold winter evening.

6. Chicken n Dumplings, Baked Apples, Green Beans, a roll and salad. A meal I took to a friend who just had surgery.

This is the same meal wrapped up. I added a pudding puff dessert to the side, made sure they had dressing and apple butter for their rolls. It is also a kind gesture to send throwaways so the person who you are cooking for does not have to return plates. If you must give them a plate, let them know to wash it and lay it out on their porch for you to pick up the next day.

7. I LOVE bringing quiche to get togethers and sending them home with people. Quiche makes a wonderful house warming gift.

It also carries well to church..

8. Stuffed Peppers – I made these for my Mother-In-Law’s neighbors.

9. Crescent Chicken, a salad, green beans, mashed redskins, and corn. Along with…

and some brownies with frosting and mini m&m’s for the kidos. The dad of this family just went through major surgery.

10. Turkey Tacos! This was just a meal on the go given to a close friend who is a teacher. I had extra and they had dinner!

11. Calzones are super easy to make and travel well. Simply wrap them up in foil and away you go!

12. Chicken Enchiladas travel well and are Ohhh so tasty. (I would not recommend this for nursing mothers).

13. Pasta E Fagioli is a delicious soup that warms up well and is a meal in itself!

Keep cooking for the King Ladies! Wohoo!!!!

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Photos of YOU gettin “Comfy”!

#Comfyinthekitchen
Hashtag me on Instagram so I can see what you’ve got cooking!

I get so much joy from seeing my readers getting “Comfy in the Kitchen”! Here are some of my favorites.

Carly getting “Comfy in the Kitchen” with “Best Ever Banana Bread“! {How cute is she?!} She blogs at ryandcar.blogspot.com (main blog) and started another one last year reachingforfringe.blogspot.com to chronicle her family’s health crisis and to have a resource for others who face the same reality.

Better than a hug cake

Lisa from Blessed with Grace says “I love your site and all my friends now LOVE your “Better than a Hug Cake!” Thanks, Lisa!

Sweet Potato Casserole 

“My Thanksgiving wouldn’t have been the same without it! Big hit 🙂 Love your stuff!”
Samantha
Manassas, Virginia

 

Machele made Grandma Ruth’s Spaghetti and Meatballs! (This is one of my favorites)

Tina made  this beautiful Sweet Potato Casserole!

Check out THIS feast “The Calm After the Storm” shared with me. She made Comfy cornbread, mashed redskins, AND stuffing!

 

 

Jamie (my cousin!) made “Bow Tie Pasta w/Italian Sausage and Veggies“!

Michelle from Sweet Treats and Inspiration baked “The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies“!

Ingrid from “Reaching His Kids” made “The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies!”

Her son is holding up my very first cookbook! (isn’t that the sweetest thing?)

Lindsey made “Crescent Chicken“!

My sweet friend Courtney from “Women Living Well” made “Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie” for our Good Morning Girls Play date!

Helen made “Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes“!

Sue made “Chicken Enchiladas“!

Liz and her daughter made “Sweet Potato Homefries“!

Leah from My Father’s Daughter made Homemade Cornbread with Honey Butter! 

Gina and her daughter Brianna from Keepin It Real makes “Better than a Hug Cake” every year on vacation! Sounds like a very yummy tradition to me!

Marsha from An Imperfect Woman made “Grandma Ruth’s Lasagna”! (looks like she did a ‘perfect’ job to me!)

Cheryl from Rooftop Ministries made these adorable Piggy Cookies!

My friend Molly and her daughter made this beautiful Pumpkin Trifle!

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Laura and her sweet little one are getting “Comfy” making Crescent Chicken! YUM!

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Feasting in Fellowship Friday

 Women Living Well  is featuring “Comfy in the Kitchen’s” most loved recipe, Crescent Chicken. While you are there, be sure to browse around! What an inspiring blog that focuses on biblical marriages and family…

 

 

Feasting in Fellowship Top 3

Yummy Peanut Butter Popcorn

Made By: Joyful Homemaking

 

Zuppa Toscana

Made By: Hearts and Home

 

Strawberry Crisp

Made By: The Humbled Homemaker

It’s A Feasting in Fellowship Link up! Post as many recipes as you wish..I love seeing what YOU have cookin! Please place my button (located on the side bar) on to your post and link back.

Have a great weekend Ladies!

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Meal Ministry Monday Welcomes Lindsey!

“But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. … Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality …”

~2 Corinthians 8:7,13-14

 

 

Hi Ladies!

Some of you may be intimidated by the idea of having your own “meal ministry”…please don’t be! Yes, A meal ministry can be a lot of work and preparation…but it doesn’t have to be. You can make double of what you are planning for your own family one evening and bless another family.  You can even make something simple like a batch of cookies, a loaf of bread, or even cheese and crackers. If you get too nervous to make something you can send a pizza on a Friday night to a family…what a blessing that would be!

The best advice I have for someone who feels led to this ministry is to pray that God leads you to a person who could use a meal.Then, decide if you want to start with desserts, meals, pre-made food, etc.  God will provide you with people in need and the means to provide for them…I am living proof that this happens. Remember, I started this ministry while my husband was unemployed and was (and still is) so blessed because of it.

Now, please help me welcome Lindsey to Meal Ministry Monday! Here is a sweet letter I received from her…

Hi Janelle,
  I’m a follower of your blog and love your recipes.  I found you by also following Courtney’s Women Living Well blog.  Not too long ago I mentioned to you that I made your crescent chicken for an expecting Momma and you asked if I took any pictures.  Well that got me thinking, I’m part of a spouse group for military women whose husbands are attending flight school and we have a “Meals for Moms’ group that we make meals for expecting/new Momma’s.  So anyways, I made another crescent chicken today for an expecting Momma who is on bedrest for the rest of her pregnancy and remembered to take some pics this time.  I don’t know if its something you’re looking for on your Meal Ministry Mondays or if you were just looking for more pics from your blog followers.
  I also brought her some homemade banana bread, strawberries and angel food cake for desert.  I do blog myself but keep it set for private family viewing.  So let me know if you would like to see the pics.  Hope you are having a great week!!
~Lindsey

OF COURSE I wanted pictures! And here they are…..

Lindsey and her beautiful family

The “making of” Crescent Chicken (this is my MOST popular recipe).

It looks like she made double- one batch for her family and one batch to give away. It is VERY important to remember that your own family is your FIRST ministry. Sometimes our “ministries” can take us away from our family…this is not what God wants. This is a great example Lindsey…love it.

Here we have a homemade meal, banana bread, strawberries and angel food cake. Again, a perfect example of homemade mixed with store bought. You don’t have to make everything homemade! Some things are easier and just as tasty bought from the store.

Lindsey, thank you so much for being a part of Meal Ministry Monday. This family was surely blessed by your act of kindness. What a blessing it is to know that there are women like you reaching out to other women who may be overwhelmed with life changes. This post is a huge blessing to me!

Who could use a meal?

  • A new mother
  • A military family
  • A person going through a divorce
  • A family whose spouse is out of town
  • A disabled person who may have difficulty cooking
  • Anyone who is out of work
  • The needy
  • Church clergy
  • A new neighbor
  • Any neighbor
  • An elderly person/relative
  • A family who just lost a loved one
  • A friend
  • A co-worker
  • A teacher
  • Anyone who God leads you to!
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From my readers…

*I thank each and every one of you who take the time to e-mail me. At times, I will go through letters and post them here. I make sure to leave out last names for privacy purposes. If at any time you do not want your e-mail published, just let me know and I will gladly remove it. Love to you, Janelle

 

Hi Janelle,

Thank you so much for your blog- I look forward to your new posts all the time.  As a twenty-something young professional, I truly enjoy cooking but I oftentimes find that many recipes call for a complicated list of ingredients (i.e. expensive), which at times can be discouraging because that doesn’t necessarily work within my budget.  I appreciate your blog so much as you feature tasty recipes that look appetizing, but are reasonable and economical!  Thank you!

On an unrelated note, I absolutely LOVE how you style your hair!  How do you do it? Would you ever consider making a hair tutorial- I would love to learn!

Thanks again for everything!

Warmly,
Lindsay

Hi Janelle,

  I’m a follower of your blog and love your recipes.  I found you by also following Courtney’s Women Living Well blog.  Not too long ago I mentioned to you that I made your crescent chicken for an expecting Momma and you asked if I took any pictures.  Well that got me thinking, I’m part of a spouse group for military women whose husbands are attending flight school and we have a “Meals for Moms’ group that we make meals for expecting/new Momma’s.  So anyways, I made another crescent chicken today for an expecting Momma who is on bedrest for the rest of her pregnancy and remembered to take some pics this time.  I don’t know if its something you’re looking for on your Meal Ministry Mondays or if you were just looking for more pics from your blog followers.
  I also brought her some homemade banana bread, strawberries and angel food cake for desert.  I do blog myself but keep it set for private family viewing.  So let me know if you would like to see the pics.  Hope you are having a great week!!
~Lindsey
Dear Janelle,
3 years ago I heard about a local sleep over ministry that intrigued me.  Anyone who knows me knows how I am a fanatic about throwing birthday parties, so why not take this passion and give it a purpose.  The more I prayed about it the more God revealed a straight path of His will, in encouraging these young ladies to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ. As moms of then 2nd and 3rd graders we were already fretting about middle school.  At the same time our church had a burst of growth that left our children feeling like a number.  Thankfully our church has since remedied the problem, but at first it was a call to action for us moms.  God revealed a group of girls who already knew each other from church but attended everything from public school to homeschool.  We wanted these girls to grow in Christ and accountability to each other. Every time I turned God revealed ideas, games, crafts, even ten perfect t-shirts to kick off our little group.  We began with a devotional book the girls could do at home with their moms, but as we came together once a month for a sleep over, God gave me words, lessons and verses to guide these young minds.  I am not a writer, always despised it in school, but writing this curriculum just flowed like it was coming from God himself.
We are now completing our third year, meeting once a month, and sending off our oldest girls to middle school.  This past year we stepped it up preparing them for serving at church and in the community.  Each month, as we dove into and dissected scripture (yes we moved on from devotionals to large passages of scripture), we served someone in the community.  We made bread for homeless, packed food boxes, made blankets for children’s hospital, raked rocks preparing a large garden for fall, made spa products for an outreach program and most recently made dinner for our local police department.  I had no idea how 12, 10-11 year olds would handle themselves in my kitchen making dinner.  They were fantastic.  We had stations to make sauce, cheese, stuff shells, make bread and gooey butter cake.  It went so smooth, that we fit in our Bible lesson about carrying the name of Jesus to the world before delivering the dinner.
Earlier that day I called all the surrounding police departments asking if there was anyone we could specifically pray for by name, and to let them know we would be praying for their departments.  I had no idea how this idea would be received. Surprisingly each department was so open and grateful for my phone call. We went to the station and as the dispatcher waved us into the lobby a 911 call came in about an accident.  We had the opportunity to drop everything and pray for those in the accident and the officers and paramedics that were pulling out of the parking lot with lights and sirens.  An officer came and showed us into the break room where we left the dinner and another call came in.  As he left we prayed, for the department for all those by name other departments gave me and the girls, so they would grow to always respect the officers in authority.  It was an amazing experience made possible only by God’s hand and perfect timing.  I attached some pics.  I hope you enjoy them.

Jen

Hey Janelle!  I’m fairly new to your blog, but am loving it & have been buying ingredients to try some of your yummy goodness!  I have a couple of questions, though.
1- I take meals to folks pretty frequently, but just use a few one-dish, stand-by recipes (pastas & casseroles).  I had never considered sending baked potatoes until I saw that you had done that.  Do you go ahead & load your potato w/ fixins & mash them up in the potato?  Also, does the aluminum foil help hold the heat?  I do not cook mine in foil & am wondering if I should to send them out?  Does this question even make sense?  Basically, I’d like to know how you do your loaded potatoes to send them to other families.
2- I’ve searched, but can’t find the how-to for the baked apples that you sent to the new mama.  I thought they were fried apples (like Cracker Barrel’s), but saw that you wrote ‘baked apples’ in the card.  I know I can search the internet for a trillion baked or fried apple recipes, but I’d like to know how you make yours (if you don’t mind sharing).
Thanks for your time!!
In HIM,
Tonya

Janelle,
I am so excited that I am looking for more opportunities to serve others through the making of meals.

Over the past month, I’ve developed a monthly meal plan with some family members to take meals to my aging grandpa. . .the young neighbor across the street had a liver transplant. While babysitting her three kids is an offer I’ve made, dropping meals off to a dad who is doing his best, feels like they are blessing ME!  Sometimes, even if a whole meal isn’t possible, something small let’s them know they are on your mind.  For example, St. Patrick’s Day–we picked up another box of Lucky Charms and milk for them so they had a little something special that day. I especially ike how my kids jumped at making cards to go with the gift!

After witnessing a horrific car accident in which two kids were critically injured on Tuesday–one with brain trauma (please pray for them). I first called 911, prayed immediately, and came home and made brownies for our crossing guard.  In three years, I had never thought to specifically express my thanks to her for helping to keep our kids safe. I will try to find out more information about the injured kids’ families and do something for them when the time is right.

It seems that making meals has become my way of blessing those in need. I never really looked at it like that before. I did it on occasion, but now I’m looking for opportunities  to help and bless people. I noticed a neighbor down the street is pregnant. While we say hellos as we pass, I do not know her but I am going to make an effort to minister her through food when the baby arrives.

I am finding most of the recipes you equip me with are not only delicious, but easy to follow. The meals I try out for my family are suitable for others and I appreciate how you are ministering to us!!

I can’t wait for the wedding soup recipe!!

Blessings,

Janene

 

Dear Janelle,
Isn’t God amazing? – I was just this morning thinking about doing some more posts on hospitality and I opened up my email and found your request. I would be honoured to share at your blog which focuses so much on a subject I am passionate about.

I have been opening up my home to the people who God sends our way for over 20 years and now I have a big family, I love to involve them all – it really is a family ministry. We have had people in our home from all walks of life and I thank God for the people who live in our neighbourhood we can reach out to – it is amazing who God places just down the road and all are so receptive to us when we take gifts of food (and ourselves!) to them. I mentioned the widow at the comment at Suzanne’s blog. She lives just across the road and it has been an honour to serve her – she knows she can always call on us for anything. My other neighbour is the lady who owns the new age store in my town and God also placed on my heart to visit her and invite her to our home. I’ve been told that she does not like Christians – I didn’t know that when I called on her – too late!
At my blog you can read some of my hospitality posts under the label ‘the hospitable family’. There are about 6 posts there which tell you my story. The most recent one ‘Tea and Honey Sandwiches’ gives you an idea of my heart and thoughts on the subject – I used to think only the talented cooks could offer hospitality and that you needed the right resources but God has taught me some important lessons about hospitality over the years.
Please let me know on what aspect of aspect of hospitality you want me to share – involving the whole family in hospitality perhaps? I love to encourage others to look beyond their circumstances and not use excuses (house too small, not enough chairs, not a good cook, limited finances etc) and just start somewhere! I try to imagine what could happen if Christians everywhere took seriously the command to offer hospitality without grumbling!

I’m so interested and excited to find out more about your meal ministry. Do you use a certified kitchen? How do you approach issues such as insurance and food safety when you are cooking meals for people outside of the church? I’m finding out about the legislation here that really prevents our church from having a wider ministry as my daughter is setting up her own little dessert business at the local community markets. She cannot cook out of the home and must find certified premises. She has big plans, she is an incredible baker – and this will also be an amazing ministry opportunity for her too – the widowed neighbour who has tested many of her desserts over the years is so excited about this and is going to tell all her friends. And this all started with her stirring bowls of cake mixture at the kitchen bench when she was two years old. Only councils and food safety legislation stand in her way but she wants to do it ‘right’ from the start.

I’ve visited your blog and will be back. It is so wonderful to find someone who shares my passion for hospitality and really believes in the power of a ‘ministry of food’ (I wish Jamie Oliver had not started using that term first!)
Please let me know exactly what you need for a post and I’ll do my best to come up with something that will be of encouragement to others.

Lovely to meet you,
Love, Ann

Janelle,
 I just wanted to send a quick email to let you know what an inspiration your website has become for me.  I had lost the excitement for cooking and you have helped restore it.  I have made a few of your meals the last three nights and my family has been so excited to see what I’m making next.  I grew up in an Italian family as well but one that didn’t like to share recipes.  🙂  My mom could never tell me the recipe because as she says, “I just make it, its hard to write down the recipe.”  I do have quite a few meals that I make but it was getting redundant.  Since reading your blog I have also been inspired to talk to our pastor about starting a meal ministry.  It is something that we need so badly at our church.  We are currently relying on that person’s community group to handle meals and if that person isn’t in a community group then I’m afraid that they may go without the much needed care that goes into receiving a meal.  Any tips that you have or any advice that you have to help get me started in this ministry would be much appreciated.  Thanks again for all you do and for how encouraging your Blog is.  This is definitely the gift that god has bestowed on you and you use it well.
Blessing,
M.
Hi Janelle, I found your blog via Courtney’s.I am interested in beginning my own meal ministry… I love to cook, and am probably an intermediate level cook. I love the idea of blessing other people in simple ways… I have no idea where to start. I work 4 days a week and have 2 teenage daughters (one in college, one in HS). I know I would need to be a “nights and weekend” cook, but feel up to the challenge, just have no idea where to begin… I appreciate any suggestions you have!! Maureen

Janelle

Thanks for the quick reply and the nudge… I am composing an email to 2 friends asking them to join me in praying for discernment in what this might look like…

In the meantime, I have 1 loaf of blueberry bread in the oven, blueberry Bundt cake ready to follow (1 for a neighbor, 1 for the lady who always greets at church). I have also thought of 2 families I will cook for this week (both have a husband/dad deployed to Afghanistan).

I go to a large church, and believe it or not there is no formal meal ministry. Most people belong to small groups, which is where meal prep seems to be initiated.

I’ll let you know how this week turns out…

Blessings,

Maureen

Well, I did it! I made your BEST Banana Bread Ever recipe. It was a HIT!!! He (the hubs) loved it. I believe his exact words were, “this is delicious, absolutely delicious!” Thanks again for sharing your journey of cooking as a ministry with the rest of us. *sigh*…very inspiring.

Living a Seasoned Life,
Thea

 

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Being Fruitful

“They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded
 a fruitful harvest”

~Psalm 107:37

I would like to share with you a time line- I pray it puts a smile on your face, blesses you, and motivates you as much as it does me. This was shared in my bible study today… 




  • In 1858 Mr. Kimball, A humble Sunday school teacher, leads a Boston shoe clerk, Dwight L. Moody (name sound familiar?) to Christ.
  • Moody became a great evangelist and led a man named Frederick B. Meyer to Christ.
  • Frederick B. Meyer was preaching at a USA college campus and led J. Wilbur Chapman to Christ.
  • Chapman who worked for the YMCA, sent a former baseball player, Billy Sunday, to do evangelistic work.
  • Billy Sunday held a revival in Charlotte, NC -everyone loved it so much they had more revivals…a preacher named Mordecai Hamm was invited to preach.
  • During Mordecai Hamm’s revival a young man named Billy Graham (do you have chills yet?) heard the Gospel and gave his life to the Lord. 
  • It is said that Billy Graham has preached in person to more people around the world than any other preacher in history. According to his staff (and these are 1993 stats) more than 2.5 million people stepped forward to become saved during his crusades. His audience through every media as of 2008 has been 2.2 billion people.    
Can I get an AMEN for the Boston shoe clerk who planted one enormous seed?!!!!! 
(Information from Wikipedia)

Last week, I shared with you a little about my meal ministry. My sweet friend Courtney from Women Living Well  also posted about it . I am tearful as I am writing this…but the responses I got through e-mail amazed me. I honestly cannot believe God used me..a stay at home mom, to plant seeds, who are planting seeds..and so on. This is proof enough for me that God’s work will be done…He just looks for open hearts to work through. Amen.Amen.Amen.

These are just a few e-mails- I have more to share. 






Janelle,

I just wanted to send a quick email to let you know what an inspiration your website has become for me.  I had lost the excitement for cooking and you have helped restore it.  I have made a few of your meals the last three nights and my family has been so excited to see what I’m making next.  I grew up in an Italian family as well but one that didn’t like to share recipes.  🙂  My mom could never tell me the recipe because as she says, “I just make it, its hard to write down the recipe.”  I do have quite a few meals that I make but it was getting redundant.  Since reading your blog I have also been inspired to talk to our pastor about starting a meal ministry.  It is something that we need so badly at our church.  We are currently relying on that person’s community group to handle meals and if that person isn’t in a community group then I’m afraid that they may go without the much needed care that goes into receiving a meal.  Any tips that you have or any advice that you have to help get me started in this ministry would be much appreciated.  Thanks again for all you do and for how encouraging your Blog is.  This is definitely the gift that god has bestowed on you and you use it well.
Blessing,
Melissa





Janelle,






I just have to say GOD IS SO GOOD!!! Thank you for letting him use you to encourage me. I had the best day today that I can remember in the longest time!!


2 Baked goods, and 2 complete meals cooked and delivered to 4 different people, and I feel fantastic, not exhausted. The icing on the cake was that since I just decided last night to do this, I was a little tight on time after church to shop, prepare, cook and deliver by 4. My husband chipped in and helped and what fun it was to do this together. I wish you could have heard the sound of both ladies voices when I called earlier in the day to let them know I would be dropping of dinner….both sounded exhausted, and both acknowledged they had no idea what they were going to cook tonight. I just had to forward you the email below, your blog and taking the time to answer my email, helped a lady in NH whose husband is deployed feel God’s love!! What could be better?

I have to admit, I almost feel guilty that I feel this good about it.

Blessings,

Maureen

Ps For my own family, we made the crescent chicken, and it was delicious… (even my fussy eater ate it!)
  
(This is the letter SHE got ….)






Hi Maureen

Thank you so much for a fantastic dinner!
We greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness. We could not ask for better neighbors.

Thank you,

Anne




Dear Janelle,
I have a small group, sleep over, Bible study of 12, 10-11 year olds. We are serving different local services every month. In April we are making dinner for the Police Department and going in and praying for them.  I will keep you posted as to how it goes.

Jen




Hi Janelle

Yeah, that’s sure something I will start around here. Lot of my friends from America or England that live around here, dont know that kind of help. Just had friends over for breakfast this morning and made some more to bring them down to our Landlord who is not feeling very well these times. He just loved it! I bring him occasionally food down, if we make something that he’d like.

Love
Katja









Katja has a blog written in German- What an amazing and inspiring woman she is! There is a translator on her blog for your convenience!





There were also many wonderful comments on my Facebook Fan Page that spoke out to me…you are welcome to visit and see how God is really working!!!!

Thank you so much for being open to the Lord. I love you, my sweet Sisters in Christ…keep planting those seeds!!!!!!! 
Love, Janelle 

P.S. I want to remind you that YOUR family you should be your FIRST ministry. All other ministries second to that 🙂 If you are making delicious meals for your family..I give you a huge AMEN for planting seeds in YOUR home!!!


“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, especially for members of his household, he has denied his faith and is worse than a unbeliver” 1 Timothy 5:8

I am linked up to Living Well Wednesdays- for more inspiration please click on the following button!

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