Just do it!

Tomatoes
The tomatoes are not quite ripe in northern michigan yet, but I can't wait for them to be ripe!  This is one of my very favorite snacks that I have any time of day, or in addition to a meal.  It looks very fancy if you have friends over for a light meal.  Make sure to serve on a pretty plate. 

Generously slice 5-6 large, red, firm tomatoes.  Julienne a large bunch of basil leaves and sprinkle over the sliced tomatoes.  Drizzle with a very good balsamic vinegar. Grated parmesan cheese is optional; so are big slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.

Have you walked or ran in the woods lately without an ipod connected to your ears?  There was a symphony of birds accompanying my run through the lush, green woods this morning.  No matter where I ran, the birds followed.  It was a glorious feeling to be amidst the creation.  I especially appreciate the smell, the sounds, and the feeling of the run, after being surrounded by a sterile environment in the emergency room for the last few hours.  If you have not done this for awhile, get out and just do it!

"Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad, let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.  Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the Lord."
                                                                               - Psalm 96:11-13

Forgiving

Sweet Marcona Almonds  (or any nut you would like to use)

In a shallow sauce pan, reduce 3 TBSP of pure maple syrup by about 1/3.  Add 1/2 cup Marcona almonds and stir until thoroughly coated.  Salt them lightly before removing from heat.  Empty onto a plate and separate to prevent sticking.  Allow to cool and enjoy with cheese, raspberries, bread, and wine!

Do unforgiving relationships surround your life?  Even one relationship like this can seem like an overwhelming burden to the soul.  The friend who feels slighted, the family member who turns a cold shoulder, the spouse whose trust is broken.  We are forgiven of everything by our God- always and forever.  Maybe this amazing forgiveness presented to us will plant seeds of humility, awe, and reverence in our hearts, enabling us to forgive others.  Extending patience and love to those who hold an unforgiving grudge may help them restore their broken relationship(s).  

"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."

                                                                              -William James

What does a hammock do?

Zucchini Saute
This is very simple to make and easily doubled or tripled.  Serve as the main dish with salad and crusty bread or as a side dish.

1 TBSP vegetable oil
1 onion, sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 pound zucchini, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices
1 green bell pepper, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup water

Heat oil in a saute pan over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook for three minutes.  Add the tomatoes, zucchini, and green pepper.  Stir and season with salt and black pepper.  Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for five minutes.

Think of God's grace as a hammock in the back yard at the end of the day- ready to wrap you in peace and comfort, quiet your heart, and renew your sense of God's complete care and control over everything that concerns you.
                                                                     - Bonnie Jensen

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
                                                                      - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Rejuvenate

Bruschetta
Oh, this is complete decadence! You will love this spread on toasted italian bread.  My kids gobble this right up and my husband and I eat it late at night with a glass of wine.  Enjoy...

3 TBSP olive oil
1 white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6-8 finely diced roma tomatoes
1 TBSP julienned basil (fresh)
salt and pepper to taste


Carmelize the white onion in 1 TBSP olive oil on medium heat.   Cook slowly, making sure to not deeply brown or blacken the onion, just lightly browned after 10-15 minutes.  Add the garlic and the basil.   Toss in the tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste.  You may add some fresh grated parmesan cheese.


Pink Lady Slipper flowers are a sure sign of spring in northern Michigan.  This is the time of year when everything comes to life.  Rejuvenated spirits and renewed physical bodies may allow you to revitalize relationships with your spouse, your kids, and your family.  Take this time to realize what the true meaning of spring is in your life.


"A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.   She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life."
                                                                                                         - Proverbs 31:10-12

Why?

Colorful Vegetable Fajitas in 15 minutes
8 flour tortillas
2 TBSP vegetable oil
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 each: red and green bell pepper, seeded and sliced in strips
1 tsp minced garlic
1 yellow squash, halved and sliced
1/2 cup salsa
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup fresh cilantro



1.  Wrap the flour tortillas in aluminum foil and place in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.
2.  In a 10-inch skillet, heat the oil, then add the onions and peppers.  Cover and cook 5 minutes, then add the garlic, squash, salsa, cumin, and salt.  Cover and cook 5 more minutes.  
3.  Fill the warm flour tortillas with the flavorful vegetable mixture.   Sprinkle with the cilantro and optional cheese.  Roll up and serve.


Do you you ever wonder, Why is this happening to me?  Why are there famines, floods, and wars?  Why do bad things happen to good people?   Trials and unfortunate circumstances will plague us all.  How we respond to the difficult circumstances will sometimes determine results, but a positive response will  leave us joyous and confident about WHO is in control of everything no matter what is going on around us.

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider:  God has made the one as well as the other.  Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.  
                                                                            - Ecclesiastes 7:16

A Safe Place

Grilled Polenta with Balsamic Drizzle
2 cups water
2 cups soy milk
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 rosemary sprig
1 thyme sprig
1 cup instant polenta
salt and pepper
1 cup balsamic vinegar
extra virgin olive oil

1.  Lightly oil a 9-inch square glass baking dish.  In a sauce pan, combine the water, soy milk, garlic, rosemary and thyme and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes. Discard the herbs and return the mixture to a boil.  Stir until thick and not gritty, about 10 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper, then pour into the glass dish and cool to room temperature.  Refrigerate for 2 hours.

2.  Boil the balsamic vinegar in a sauce pan until reduced to 1/4 cup, then cool.  Unmold the polenta and cut into eight slices.  Grill the polenta over high heat for 4 minutes each side.  Brush with the olive oil, then drizzle with the balsamic vinegar.  

This dish is heavenly.  


     Do you have a place where you feel safe?  Everyone needs this, and most people consider that safe place home or family.  A peaceful, safe home is where self-sacrificing harmony occurs.  For self-sacrificing harmony to occur, there needs to be trust and love.  Are you doing all that you can; are you striving to make your home a safe place?

"For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
                                                                                    - Psalm 91:11

Wild Rice Pecan Waffles
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs, separated
2/3 cup milk or soy milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 and 1/2 cups cooked wild rice
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Combine dry ingredients well.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks, milk and oil, then stir into the dry ingredients until just moistened.
3. In a small glass, bowl beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.  Fold in the rice and pecans. 
4. Bake in a preheated, greased waffle iron and serve with fresh fruit and syrup.

Surround yourself with people who bring you up, not down.  Think about the people who are closest to you and your family.  Now decide if those people are positive influences on you and those you love.  Become a positive influence on everyone around you.

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
                                        - Proverbs 13:20

Women are the heart

Death by Garlic
(Make sure if one person eats this, everyone in the house eats it)

1/2 cup olive oil
10 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 TBSP fresh parsley
1 pound dry penne pasta
1/3 cup grated romano cheese (optional)

Cook pasta according to directions.  In a pan, brown the garlic in the oil very gently.  Add salt, pepper and parsley and remove from the heat.  Toss the penne pasta with the garlic mixture and grated cheese and serve.  Easy and zesty!

Women are at the heart of what matters most in this world.  Remember as you cook dinner, clean the house, bathe and dress the kids, kiss boo-boos, calm fights, encourage husbands, go to work, exercise, try to eat well, and stop to take a breath that without you, everything would not work as smoothly. You are needed, you are loved, you are amazing!

A wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
                                                                                             - Proverbs 14:1

Joy

Arugula Salad with Avacado Citrus Vinaigrette
1 avocado peeled, pitted and diced
1/4 cup red onion
2 TBSP fresh lime juice
2 TBSP grapefruit juice
2 TBSP rice wine vinegar
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 TBSP honey
3 TBSP cilantro
1 fresh mint leaf
1 fresh basil leaf
2 and 1/2 cups baby arugula leaves
2 ounces kalamata olives, pitted and halved
2 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
2 TBSP fresh shaved parmesan cheese, optional

Blend the first 12 ingredients to make a dressing.  Pour over the last 4 ingredients.  This looks and tastes fancy, but only takes 10 minutes to make!  I sometimes throw in some spinach, as well.


How many of you allow your mood to be affected by everything and everyone around you?  I know that I do.  This is called "situational happiness."  I sometimes think of my happiness like a blown up balloon that deflates slowly or pops rapidly based on what comes my way.  But there is a constant joy that can be attained through our long walk and constant restarts with Jesus.  In fact, the Bible says that our struggles and hardships make us better people!  So be joyful, take heart, and persevere through the hard times.

"No only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. "
                                                                                               - Romans 5:3-5

I was taught the acronym,  JOY: always think of Jesus, then Others, then Yourself

Touch

Greek Pasta with Tomatoes and White Beans
2 (14.5 oz) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (19 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
8 ounces penne pasta
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Cook the pasta as directed, preferably al dente.  Meanwhile, combine the tomatoes and beans in a large non-stick skillet.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.  Add spinach to the sauce and cook for two minutes or until the spinach wilts.  Serve the sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with feta.  This is easy and tasty!

The tao of touch


What magic does touch create
that we crave it so.  That babies
do not thrive without it.  That
the nurse who cuts tough nails
and sands calluses on the elderly
tells me sometimes men weep
as she rubs lotion on their feet.

Yet the touch of a stranger
the bumping or predatory thrust
in the subway is like a slap.
We long for the familiar, the open
palm of love, its tender fingers.
It is our hand that tamed cats
into pets, not our food.

The widow looks in the mirror
thinking, no one will ever touch
me again, never.  Not hold me.
Not caress the softness of my
breasts, my inner thighs, the swell
of my belly.  Do I still live
if no on knows my body?

We touch each other so many
ways, in curiosity, in anger,
to command attention, to soothe,
to quiet, to rouse, to cure.
Touch in our first language
and often, our last as the breath
ebbs and a hand closes our eyes.

                      - Marge Piercy, from The Hunger Moon: New and Selected Poems

Encouraging Words

Pineapple Salsa
2 cups fresh chopped pineapple
1 cup chopped red and/or green pepper
1/2 cup sweet onion slivers
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 TBSP fresh cilantro
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

Blend all ingredients.  Cover for at least 4 hours, and up to 24 hours, stirring occasionally.  This is great with chips, salad, and even as grilled topping for main dishes.


I recently read an article in Christianity Today called "People of the Nook" (May 2011, pg 66)  about always needing words of encouragement.  Words that build us up and even save us in times of loneliness and trouble.  We need words now and in the future, when family and friends die, when we suffer, when there are problems of trust.  Recently, I have downloaded the Bible on my droid and carry it with me everywhere.  Using it quickly and weightlessly in this way has opened up my ability to find these words of encouragement right when I need them.  I love the feel of books, but being able to reference at the touch of a screen has been life changing.

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines,... and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
                                                                 - Habakkuk 3:17-18

Happy Mother's Day!

Me and my sweet momma!

Popcorn.  It's all I can think of when I think of my mom.  She loves popcorn.  If we were sad, or happy, or watching TV, or talking, she always made popcorn.  We shared a huge bowl while laughing or crying.  She even made some for me once at two in the morning when I came home sad and feeling rejected.  I remember that night and popcorn was a part of it!  Go share a bowl of popcorn with your mom or your kids.  And have a wonderful mother's day!  

The Lanyard


The other day I was ricocheting slowly
off the blue walls of this room,
moving as if underwater from typewriter to piano,
from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor,
when I found myself in the L section of the dictionary
where my eyes fell upon the word lanyard.

No cookie nibbled by a French novelist
could send one into the past more suddenly-
a past where I sat at a workbench at a camp
by a deep Adirondack lake
learning how to braid long thin plastic strips
into a lanyard, a gift for my mother.

I had never seen anyone use a lanyard
or wear one, if that's what you did with them,
but that did not keep me from crossing
strand over strand again and again
until I had made a boxy
red and white lanyard for my mother.

She gave life and milk from her breasts,
and I gave her a lanyard.
She nursed me in many a sick room,
lifted spoons of medicine to my lips,
laid cold face-cloths on my forehead,
and led me out into the airy light

and taught me to walk and swim,
and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard.
Here are thousands of meals, she said,
and here is clothing and a good education.
And here is your lanyard, I replied,
which I made with a little help from a counselor.

Here is a breathing body and a beating heart,
strong legs, bones, teeth,
and two clear eyes to read the world, she whispered,
and here, I said, is the lanyard I made at camp.
And here, I wish to say to her now,
is a smaller gift-not the worn truth

that you can never repay your mother,
but the rueful admission that when she took
the two-tone lanyard from my hand,
I was as sure as a boy could be
that this useless, worthless thing I wove
out of boredom would be enough to make us even.
                                - Billy Collins

Mexican rice (to go with your refried beans)

3 TBSP neutral oil
2 cups long grain rice
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 medium onion, peeled
2 large tomatoes, cored, halved, and seeded
1 quart vegetable stock
salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a large saucepan with a lid.  Add the rice and cook, stirring occasionally until browned or about 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, put the garlic, onion, and tomatoes in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.  Add this mixture to the rice and cook, stirring for another 5 minutes.  Add the stock and bring to a boil, then simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 30 minutes.  Fluff with a fork and salt and pepper.


Have you taken a break lately, or are you constantly running around in loving service to others?  Work, kids, housework, appointments, etc. can weigh us down!  In addition to actually chewing and sitting while you eat, make sure you take the time to deep breathe, enjoying a few minutes of quiet time in prayer/meditation.  Rest will rejuvenate your soul and allow you to better reach out to others.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, Jesus said to the disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
                                                                             -Mark 6:31

Be yourself

Farro, pea shoot, and goat cheese salad


1 cup farro (you may also use barley)
1 cup fresh shelled peas
2 oz pea shoots, torn into bite sized pieces
1/3 cup small fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
1 TBSP plus 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
course salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 oz goat cheese, crumbled

Cook the farro according to package and let cool to room temperature.  Transfer to a large bowl.  As the farro cooks, bring a small pot of salted water to a boil.  Add peas and cook for 2 minutes, exactly.  Drain and run under cold water.  Add peas, shoots, mint, almonds, and lemon zest to the farro.  Toss with the lemon juice and olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Top with goat cheese.  This is a savory spring or summer dish with only 202 calories per serving.


To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else 
is the greatest accomplishment.
                                     -Ralph Waldo Emmmerson

Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.
                                     - Proverbs 4:23

Beans

Refried Beans (Vegan style)

hola! In honor of the coming celebration of the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, I thought we could prepare some traditional refried beans for our cinco de mayo dinner on thursday.  Commemorate with our neighbors to the south and enjoy a mexican dinner with your family.  This recipe makes a large amount, and the beans freeze well for all of you who like to prepare ahead.


1 pound dried red bean, rinsed and picked over
Several fresh epazote sprigs, or 1 tsp. dried, optional
4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
4 TBSP ground cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 cup corn or grapeseed oil (authentic mexican recipes call for lard)
2 cups chopped onion
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp cayenne pepper

Soak the beans overnight, then drain.  Combine with water, covering the beans and cook on medium-high heat.  When the mixture boils, add the epazote, crushed garlic, and 2 TBSP cumin, partly cover and simmer steadily.  Stir occasionally until the beans are cooked and the water has evaporated but keep the beans covered with added water until the beans are completely cooked.  When the beans are tender, add the salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Add the oil to a large skillet and cook the onion until it is golden brown.  Add the remaining cumin to the onions and cook for one minute.  Add the beans to the onion mixture and mash with a potato masher.  Continue to cook while mashing.  Season with salt and pepper, and cayenne or more cumin, to taste.

Hard struggles make divine humility.
                       - C.S. Lewis

Live in Service

EASY Butternut squash and potato soup


Sweat:  1 butternut squash, cubed and 3 large potatoes, cubed
Add:  1 diced onion and cook until the onion is soft.  You may need to add a bit of oil.
Add:  2 diced, skinned apples, 1 and 1/2 quarts vegetable stock, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Bring to a boil, then cover and cook until all fruits and veggies are soft.
Puree in a blender, adding stock if needed.  Salt and pepper to taste.
This is easy and delicious.  If you have never "sweat" veggies before, just add the veggies ONLY to a pot and cover, cooking on low-med heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.


I think that it is important that no matter what we read, who we talk to, or what we are influenced by, we need to live in service of the living God.  What does that mean?  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and love your neighbor as 
yourself. " - Luke 10:27

How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.  
                                                                            - Hebrews 9:14