Monster Cookies
These cookies are amazingly tasty, and very high in protein.  They are not vegan, but are vegetarian and contain no white flour.  Go ahead.  It's good to be bad every once in awhile.

Beat Well:
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
11/2 tsp Karo syrup
11/2 tsp vanilla
1 stick of butter
Add and beat well with above ingredients:
11/2 cups of peanut butter
Stir in:
1/2 bag chocolate chips
3 oz m&m's
Add and stir in:
2 tsp baking soda
41/2 cups regular oats (not quick)

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.  Everyone's favorite cookie... thank you Ellen Snyder!


A Child's Wedding Song

Thumb and finger make a ring
            to see the future through.

I can see the world through it
            only the world and you,

only the world and you alone.
            If I should break this ring,

where will I find you in the world
            though I find everything?

                                by Glyn Maxwell

Monotask

Crispy broccoli, chickpeas, and fresh goat cheese
1 bunch of broccoli rabe (full sliced florets with stalks attached) rinsed and trimmer
1 can chickpeas
2 cloves garlic, sliced
3 TBSP olive oil
course salt
2 ounces fresh, soft goat cheese, crumbled
crushed red pepper flakes
2 TBSP fresh lemon juice

Heat the broiler.  Toss the broccoli, chickpeas, and garlic with the oil.  I always do this in a large plastic bag.  Salt to taste.  Broil for 2 minutes, then flip and broil until crisp and tender.  Serve topped with cheese and pepper flakes.  Add lemon juice and drizzle with oil.  Even my kids eat broccoli with this recipe!
                                                   

Over the next few days, I challenge you to "monotask."  Multitasking, or juggling several things at once can be ineffective at best.  Take on one engaging conversation, one chore, one workout, one meal each at their own time.  Do not do anything else.  Don't look at the time, the phone, the TV or the next task.  Enjoy the time with that one thing and be thankful to be alive!

"Wherever you are, be there.  Whatever you're doing, do it.  That's how you get quality time, with loved ones, and at work."
                                                   - Geraldine Sealy

Overwhelmed?

Roasted Fall Vegetables with Lentils

1/2 lb carrots, halved lengthwise
1 small red onion, cut into 1 inch wedges
1 small acorn squash, halved, seed removed, cut into 1/2 inch slices
5 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup dried French lentils
1 shallot, halved
4 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced, plus leaves

Heat the oven to 425 degrees.  On two baking sheets, arrange the carrots, onion, and squash and drizzle with olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Roast, turning once, until tender and caramelized.  Meanwhile, place the lentils and shallot in a medium saucepan and cover with water by two inches.  Boil, then simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.  Drain and discard the shallot.  Combine the vinegar and the mustard.  Pour the remaining oil in a slow, steady stream.  Toss the lentils and the celery with the vinaigrette and drizzle over the vegetables.  Garnish with the celery leaves.

"For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself... But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead."
                                                                                                   - 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

Reluctance

Whole Wheat Linguine with Braised Mushrooms 
This is super easy and super yummy!

1 pound shiitake or mixed wild mushrooms
3-4 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup vegetable stock
Course salt
2 TBSP fresh thyme
4 cups whole wheat linguine
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Sear the mushrooms in the olive oil, then add the stock and reduce completely.  Season with salt.  Add the fresh thyme, cooked linguine, and the water.  Toss and cook for 4-5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper and serve with grated parmesan.





        Reluctance

Out through the fields and the woods
And over the walls I have wended;
I have climbed the hills of view
And looked at the world and descended;
I have come be the highway home,
And lo, it is ended.

The leaves are all dead on the ground,
Save those that the oak is keeping
To ravel them one be one
And let them go scraping and creeping
Out over the crusted snow,
When others are sleeping.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch-hazel wither;
The heart is still aching to seek,
But the feet question 'Whither?'

Ah, when to the heart of man
Was it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,

And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?

                          - Robert Frost

Living Simply

Easy Fall Salad

1 small bunch of beets
2 slices rustic bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Course salt and pepper
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 TBS orange juice
2 avocados, sliced
2 naval oranges, peel and pith removed, segmented
2 cups spinach
1 TBSP toasted salted sunflower seeds

Heat oven to 425 degrees.  Wrap the beets tightly in foil and roast until tender, about one hour.  Remove the skin and slice.  Toss the bread pieces with 2 TBSP oil, season with salt and pepper, and toast until golden, about 6 minutes.  Whisk the vinegar, orange juice, and remaining 2 TBSP oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Drizzle over beets, avocados, spinach and croutons.  Top with sunflower seeds.

Living Simply:

Sometimes we all become confused with the what we want as opposed to what we need.  I challenge you to let go of the constant desires of wanting more things, and focus on the relationships all around you.  Holding more loosely to things allows you to focus inwardly and hold tightly to God.

  "We value uncluttered lives, which free us to love boldly, give generously, and serve joyfully. "
                                                                                  -Esther Spurrier 

Hard times develop character

No Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies


1/2 cup vanilla flavored powdered soy beverage
11/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
3 TBSP brown rice syrup
2 cups crushed mini pretzels
1/3 cup shredded coconut

Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.  Whisk the soy powder with 2 TBSP water in a bowl.  Stir in the vanilla.  Warm the peanut butter, sugar, and rice syrup in a saucepan for 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves.  Stir in the soy mixture.  Stir in the crushed pretzels and the coconut.  Drop by 1 TBSP heaps on the prepared baking sheet and cool.  These are the bomb for soccer treats!


I'm not sure about you, but sometimes I need to listen to the wisdom of others.  
Difficult times and confusing circumstances can make the purpose in our life unclear.   
But hard times can help develop your character while your heart is searching for answers. 
Ensure that there are strong, godly women in your life that you can talk to and gain wisdom from when your path falters.   
More often than not, these painful experiences shape us into stronger, more compassionate, and faithful women.  


"It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools."
                                                                              Ecclesiastes 7:5

Small pleasures...

Make the Pizza!
Heat the oven to 500 degrees, or fire up the grill on medium-high heat.  Allow your pizza stone or baking sheet to heat while the oven heats up.  Stretch out the dough onto parchment.  Aim for spreading1/4 cup pizza sauce on the dough, 1/2 cup cheese, and 1/2 cup veggies. If using protein, add 1/4 cup cooked protein.   Slide the parchment onto the baking stone or sheet.  Bake for 13 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and bottom is crisp.

Classic marghetrita:  lay down whole basil leaves, slices of tomato, and chunks of mozzarella.

Fresh figs with ricotta, thyme and honey:  Sprinkle the ricotta, top with fresh thyme and 3 sliced figs.  Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.  After baking, drizzle with 1 TBSP honey.

Broccoli and cheese:  Top with chopped garlic and crumbled goat cheese.  Scatter sliced red onion, pitted kalamata olives, and sliced broccoli florets.

Sunny-side up egg with herb-garden pesto:  Dot the dough with the pesto.  Scatter with scallions and cheese blend.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Take out of the oven and crack an egg on top, salt and pepper.  Bake until the egg sets and the yolk is slightly runny, or 5 minutes.


The Orchid Flower

Just as I wonder
whether it's going to die,
the orchid blossoms

and I can't explain why it
moves my heart, why such pleasure
comes from one small bud
on a long spindly stem, one
blood red gold flower

opening at mid-summer,
tiny, perfect in its hour.

Even to a white-
haired craggy poet, it's
purely erotic,

pistil and stamen, pollen,
dew of the world, a spoonful

of earth, and water.
Erotic because there's death
at the heart of birth,

drama in those old sunrise
prisms in wet cedar boughs,

deepest mystery
in washing evening dishes
or teasing my wife,

who grows, yes, more beautiful
because one of us will die.
                        -Sam Hamill, from Almost Paradise

Build healthy routines

Fresh Pizza Sauce

4 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow or white onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 medium carrot, chopped finely
1 stalk celery, chopped finely
2 TBSP diced pepper
3 lb ripe tomatoes, chopped and juices reserved
Course salt and freshly ground pepper
2 TBSP fresh julienned oregano
4 TBSP fresh julienned basil

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add onions, garlic, carrot, celery and peppers until tender. Add tomatoes and their juices, a pinch of salt, oregano and basil; bring to a simmer.  Reduce the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.  Puree in a food processor.  Season with salt and pepper and add a little more basil.   You are now ready to top your pizzas with sauce!



    September and the busy school schedule is in full swing.  Remember to build healthy routines to refresh your body and build momentum with your family.  Here are some great ideas to help with the challenge:
     1.  Make your place of sleep an area of calm.  Remove the TV, the laptop, the laundry, the clutter and                      
      allow yourself an area free of anxiety.
     2.  In the next few days, take a few minutes to write down all the things that you are grateful for.
     3.  Stop delaying the workout, just go do it!
     4.  Pick a project that you have been putting off and take it on full throttle.
     5.  Try wearing something red.  Really.  The color is energizing.

"Blaming never fixes what you think it will."
                                     -Terri Trespicio

"But you, oh Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and            faithfulness."
                                     -Psalm 86:15

No such thing as just a girl

This week we will be building the perfect homemade pizzas!  Let's star† out with the crust:
Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough
1 envelope dry active yeast
2 cups warm water
21/2 cups white flour (plus more for dusting)
2 tsp course salt
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
extra virgin olive oil

        Dissolve the yeast in water in a large bowl and allow to stand for five minutes.  Stir in two cups of flour and salt.  Stir in whole wheat flour and wheat germ, then the rest of the white flour, one tablespoon at a time until the dough becomes sticky but pulls away from the bowl.  Knead on a lightly floured surface for ten minutes.  Place in a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat.  Allow to rise for 21/2 hours.  Makes six small pizzas.   Tomorrow:  expect the perfect homemade pizza sauce, followed with delicious new toppings.

        I recently listened to an American reporter talk about her experience wearing a culturally appropriate Burka while visiting Afghanistan.  As most of you probably know, a Burka is a covering from head to toe, leaving only the ability of vision through a screen in the facial region of the covering.  The reporter talked about the cultural aspects of wearing the burka, but she also talked about her personal feelings about being completely hidden behind a burka.  Men in these regions cover women because  women are unimportant and a downfall to society.  But the reporter stated that underneath the covering, though feeling much alone, she found herself being able to make any facial expression that she wanted, look at whatever she wanted, and even found herself daydreaming about her beliefs and her strengths.  No one else saw her, judged her, or interacted with her.  She was alone but was still able to be herself.
        This story made me wonder how many of us pretend to be something on the outside, when we actually feel different on the inside.  I encourage you to spend some time alone and truly evaluate who  you are and what you portray to everyone around you.  All of us have different talents, personalities, and style.  Try to use your gifts to make good choices that lead you down a path of impacting those around you in a positive way.  And be thankful to live in a free country where women can be anything they want to be!

"Don't be a fool.  There is no such thing as just a girl."
                                        - Elissa Schappell

Being content

Mocha Cupcakes (vegetarian and gluten-free)
1 cup organic applesauce
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
1.5 cups oat flour
1 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup agave nectar
2 eggs
1/4 cup coffee
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Food process or blend the applesauce and the black beans together.  In a bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.  In a separate bowl, whisk the agave nectar and the eggs until light and foamy.  Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the coffee and vanilla.  Add the flour mixture.  Beat until just moist.  Divide the batter evenly between about 20 cupcake holders.  Bake for 15 minutes.  These have no added fat, 186 calories, 4 g fiber, and 4 g protein per cake!  I served these with a touch of vanilla frosting on top and my kids loved them!  Good energy before a work out, too.


"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
                                                 - Philippians 4:11-13

You are more

Baked Apples


2-3 large, firm apples
extra virgin olive oil
balsamic vinegar ( I use cinnamon-pear balsamic from fustini's oils and vinegars)
cinnamon to taste


Heat the oven to 350 degrees.  Cut each apple in half vertically.  Make a hole in the center as you take out the core.  Place peel side down on a glass baking dish and drizzle each apple half with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and cinnamon.  Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.  Eat for dessert with goat cheese or over ice cream.  Delicious!!!




Do you ever wonder what people think of you?  Have you ever made choices that you regret?
We all have been there.  You are so much more than the mistakes you have made in the past, thank goodness!  Your heart, mind, and soul are beautiful, and made in the image of God.  You always have the chance to make things better.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgi-G-dHYkY
                                        - "You are more" song by Tenth Avenue North

"I will not become what I mean to you."
                            - Barbara Kruger

"A lady never swears"
                      - Letitia Baldridge   ( I thought my mom made this one up!?!)

Love Makes it Easy

Garbanzo Bean Spread for Bruschetta
This is a hummus-type spread (but a little more chunky) that can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Just add egg, arugula, goat cheese, avocado, or tomato on toasted bruschetta.  I love this any time of day.

1 TBSP olive oil
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 red onion, diced small
1 carrot, diced small
1 celery stalk, diced small
1 tsp red chile flakes
1/2 cup white wine
1 15-oz can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch spinach
1/2 bunch parsley, roughly chopped

Heat the oil in a large saute pan.  Add the garlic, onion, carrot, celery and chile flakes.  Cook until soft and translucent.  Deglaze with white wine and reduce completely.  Add garbanzo beans and the spinach, along with 1/4 cup water.  Stew for 20 minutes, adding more water if needed.  In the last few minutes, add the parsley.  Roughly mash with a potato masher.  Cut the bread into slices, drizzle with olive oil and grill until charred on the edges.  Spread the mix on the bread and top with favorite toppings!


During my beautiful, sunny, 44 degree run this morning, I listened to a sermon by Shane Hipps of Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The teaching is one that should be heard by all women.  I encourage you to sit, run, bike or lay down and accept the love that we are told to surrender to.  

http://marshill.org/teaching/2011/08/21/love-makes-it-easy/