Happy Halloween, amazing women!

Mashed Potatoes (ghoulishly green)
2 lbs potatoes, scrubbed well and cut into eighths
water
salt
2 TBSP olive oil
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 bunch kale, stems discarded, and leaves finely chopped
3/4 cup soy milk
4 TBSP olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup soy sour cream
1/4 cup freshly crumbled goat cheese, or grated parmesan cheese

Add the potatoes to a pot of salted water.  Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.  Drain.  In the same pot, add 2 TBSP olive oil and heat.  Add the green onions and the kale.  Saute until tender, about 3 or 4 minutes.  Stir in the soy milk and oil.  Season with salt and pepper.   Put the potatoes back in the pot and mash.  Stir in the sour cream and the cheese.  Transfer to a bowl and serve.

     I am not sure how important halloween is to you, but in my family, it was always the day that we could talk to all of our neighbors.  I love this part about halloween.  Everyone peels off their reclusive intentions and freely accepts neighbors through their door.   I am trying to teach my children that we are to leave a door open to neighbors all year around, without frightening them.

     Often, I smirk when I hear about haunted houses and magical, mysterious halloween creatures.  Being a mom and wife is scary enough.... what is more magical than awakening three kids every day,
feeding them, getting them to school on time,  and putting them to bed each night while remaining positive?  What is more mysterious than the unending love we show these little monsters, as well as our husbands?  And talk about terrifying; keeping the house vacuumed and picked up daily, tackling the messy bedrooms and the laundry, and making sure homework is done/correct are all scary feats in themselves.  
     Where do these loving gestures and desires come from?  God urges each and every one of us along on our own path.  He never says it is going to be easy, but He does promise to be with us.

     Every so often, I like to do my transcendent ghost trick and float away in a book or a warm soak in the tub.  Give it a try, it is life saving!

It's never too late

Gado Gado  This is a simple, fresh dish from Indonesia.  I had the best plate of Gado Gado in a small Indian restaurant in Germany.  Since that time, I have been trying to reproduce the recipe, and finally found a combination that works beautifully!  The color and aromas of this dish will delight the consumers.  This is an easy recipe, but takes about an hour to prepare. Pick and choose what you wish to place on your plate!

1. On individual plates, arrange a bed of fresh or cooked spinach. (I prefer the fresh)

2.  Cook 2 cups of rice using 1 cup coconut milk and 2 cups water, adding 1 tsp of tumeric to the rice in the middle of the cooking.  Add 1 cup of rice to each plate.

3.  Lightly steam whatever you like from the following ingredients and sprinkle over the rice:
      - mung bean sprouts
      - 2-3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
      -1/2 head of thinly shredded red and green cabbage
      -1/2 lb fresh green beans
      - small bunch of broccoli or cauliflower florets

4.  Add cubed tofu and chopped hardboiled eggs, to taste

5.  THE SAUCE:
    1 TBSP peanut oil
    1 cup minced onion
    1 TBSP fresh grated ginger
    1 and 1/2 cups peanut butter
    2 cups hot water
    2-3 TBSP cider vinegar
    2 TBSP soy sauce
    1 tsp salt
    1 TBSP brown sugar or honey
    3 TBSP lemon juice

Heat the peanut oil in a large pan and add the onion and the ginger.  Saute for 10 minutes.  Simmer over very low heat while whisking for about 15 minutes.  Taste to adjust seasoning.  At this time, I usually add more salt and lemon juice.  Drizzle the sauce over the rice and vegetables.  Saute additional onions, ginger slices, and garlic cloves in red pepper flakes to garnish over the top.


"It's never too late to become the person you always wanted to be."
                                                             - George Eliot

Wisdom

Roasted Garlic Artichoke Spread
2 cans artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed and water squeezed out
10 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
3 TBSP fresh oregano, chopped
4-6 TBSP olive oil
1 TBSP lemon juice
1/2 tsp sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
lemon wedge,  for serving

     Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Chop the artichokes in small pieces.  Combine in a baking dish with all the other ingredients, accept the lemon wedges.  Mix well.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, stirring twice during the cooking time.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.  Season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
     This is the fastest, easiest and quite possibly the tastiest artichoke spread.  Serve with whole grain bread or crackers.


     "Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance."
                                                                                  - Ecclesiastes 8:1

Listen to this amazing orchestral rendition of "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPFDVeDXGR0&feature=related

What a creation!

Fresh Folds with Balsamic Reduced Caramelized Onions
Olive oil, 3-4 TBSP
2 onions, sliced
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup broccoli florets
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red pepper, sliced
4 flat bread circles
1 and 1/2 cups hummus (look at previous blogs)
1 large avocado
3 cups spinach, chopped

     Saute the sliced onions in the oil.  When they start to turn translucent, turn the heat to medium-low.  Stir every few minutes for about 20 minutes or until they are golden and sweet.  Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir well.  Allow to simmer until the vinegar is a syrupy glaze, or about five minutes.
     Roast the zucchini, broccoli, and red pepper in a 300 degree oven for 25 minutes.  Warm the flat bread in the oven.  Spread one flat bread with a generous amount of hummus, load with grilled veggies, and then top with the onions and balsamic vinegar sauce.  This is amazing!

     This evening, in Northern Michigan, our home was surrounded by a halo of lights from the aurora borealis.  This photo is like what we saw, although my camera was not able to capture the brilliant movement and colors of the light, so I borrowed this picture from google images.  I could not help but think that there is someone in complete control of everything, and even goes out of their way to make a brilliant light show for us!  I am in awe.

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; 
     you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God- you're breathtaking!
     Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
     I worship in adoration - what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
    you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
    how I was sculpted from nothing into
    something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow
    from conception to birth;
    all the stages of my life were spread out 
    before you,
The days of my life all prepared
    before I'd even lived one day.


               - Psalm 139:13 The Message

Do something new

Ok, some of you have been asking for the famous meatball recipe.  Here it is... one of the ONLY times I will give you a recipe that contains animal products.  If you have family or friends that refuse to give up their carnivorous ways, have them over for dinner and fix these meatballs.  It is a sure hit!  Serve over pasta with fresh marinara sauce.

Meatballs
One pound of some type of meat (ground beef, ground turkey, or ground venison)
1 onion, finely diced
1 TBSP olive oil
1 cup fresh bread crumbs ( old stale french bread, food processed to small crumbs, then toasted in the oven for 2 minutes on low heat)
1 egg
2 TBSP fresh chopped parsley
3 cloves minced garlic
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt and black pepper to taste
canola oil or vegetable oil, 1/2 inch deep in a large frying pan

Slow cook the diced onions in the olive oil until they are translucent.  Continue to cook them slowly until they develop a light brown color and stick to the pan.  Transfer the onions to a large bowl, and add the rest of the ingredients, while heating the oil in the frying pan.  Form large balls using an ice cream scooper or large spoon. Allow the balls to be loosely formed.  DO NOT tightly pack the ingredients together.  Drop gently in the hot oil and allow to brown on all sides.  Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and serve.

"Stubborness does have its helpful features.  You always know what you are going to be thinking tomorrow."
                                                     - Glen Beaman


"Read, every day, something no one else is reading.  Think, every day, something no one else is thinking.  Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do.  It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity."
                                                        -Christopher Morley

Ask questions

My Favorite Salad


When I am in the mood for something incredibly tasty and very easy to make, I whip this salad up.  My simple sweet and sour dressing (thanks,  mom Book) is wonderful with anything, but brings out the flavors of this salad perfectly.

4 cups torn romaine lettuce and spinach
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 cup herbed chick peas (see March 7th blog)
1/4 cup baby, sliced fried potatoes
2 TBSP chopped green onions
crumbled goat cheese
small florets of broccoli and cauliflower

Dressing (Blend all in a blender until creamy):
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup sugar, agave nectar, or honey
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp celery seed
poppy seeds (optional)

Add the top ingredients in bowls.  Drizzle with the dressing.  Oh, this is so good!!!


            Until you take the time to know and care about someone, you cannot help them.  You can take a small amount of time gifting yourself to those you come in contact with by asking questions about them.  Realizing that you can not do this to everyone you come in contact with on the street, stay focused on the close family and friends that you interact with daily.  Only by discovering needs, desires, relationships, vocations, and physical health can you show that you truly care.

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
                                                                - Philippians 2:4

The Cave

Traditional Cranberry Sauce


Try this vegan option before serving at Thanksgiving.  After tasting this version, you will never go back to store-bought cranberry sauce!

1 and 1/2 cups fresh, rinsed cranberries
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp balsamic vinegar

Combine the top three ingredients in a medium pot and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.  Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.  Stir occasionally until the cranberries break down.  Once the sauce is thickened, taste test and add the balsamic vinegar if sourness is desired.  Chill and serve.


From Out the Cave
   by Joyce Sutphen


When you have been
at war with yourself
for so many years that
you have forgotten why,
when you have been driving
for hours and only
gradually begin to realize
that you have lost the way,
when you have cut
hastily into the fabric,
when you have signed
papers in distraction,
when it has been centuries
since you watched the sun set
or the rain fall, and the clouds,
drifting overhead, pass as flat
as anything on a postcard;
when, in the midst of these
everyday nightmares, you
understand that you could
wake up,
you could turn
and go back
to the last thing you
remember doing
with your whole heart:
that passionate kiss,
the brilliant drop of love
rolling along the tongue of a green leaf,
then you wake,
you stumble from your cave,
blinking in the sun,
naming every shadow
as it slips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KkUeRPjc-Y  "The Cave" by Mumford and Sons

Love as a way of life

Cinnamon Sweet Tortilla Strips
2 whole wheat tortillas
1-11/2 TBSP canola oil
3 TBSP unrefined sugar, or 2 TBSP agave nectar
1 tsp cinnamon
sprinkling of sea salt

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and brush lightly with oil.  Cut the tortillas into 1 inch strips.  On a plate, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.  Take each strip and dredge through the sugar mixture, then place on the baking sheet.  Bake for 4 minutes, flip over, then bake 4 more minutes.  The strips should be fragrant and crispy.  Cool before serving.  The kids love these!


"Whatever your job is today, it can become an expression of love."
                                                                     - Gary Chapman

        Whatever your job is today, you can look to serve the people with whom you work.  A generous spirit will harbor a self awareness of value and importance in the world.  No one else can take your place.  Your abilities are needed.  As you share your abilities to express love to others, not only are you becoming a loving person, but you are also helping make love a way of life for others.

                             -Taken from the book  Love As A Way Of Life by Gary Chapman.
                              (Highly recommended reading if you come in contact with people)

Three tasks that will change your life

Hearty Spinach and Tofu Risotto


8 oz tofu, drained
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 TBSP cooking oil
14 oz of peeled tomatoes
1 TBSP fresh chopped oregano
2 cups cooked brown rice
10 oz package frozen spinach, or 16 ounces fresh spinach
1/2 cup shredded hard goat cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 TBSP sesame seeds

Blend the tofu until smooth.  In a large saucepan saute the onion until tender.  Add the tomatoes with juice and oregano.  Bring to a boil and reduce the heat.  Simmer for 3 minutes, uncovered.  Stir in the tofu and the rice.  Add thawed or fresh spinach, 1/2 of the cheese, salt and pepper.  Mix gently.  Spoon the mixture into a quart casserole dish.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Top with the remaining cheese and sesame seeds.



     As strong, compassionate women of God, we sometimes are disillusioned by what our day to day actions and choices should be.  Instead, we are constantly thinking about what needs to be done for ourselves and our family and become overwhelmed and even comforted by the daily routines that keep us so busy.  But we are encouraged to actively engage in three tasks throughout our day.  Despite how busy we are, we can partake in what God calls us to do.  Read the following verse and try to make some slow changes.  See how your heart will change as you follow this advice.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. "
                                                                                                     1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Loving our children

Vegan Honey Oatmeal Bread (Use the leftover oatmeal for this recipe)

11/2 cups oatmeal (regular oats, cooked)
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup warm water
3 pkgs or 3 TBSP yeast
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tsp salt
3-4 cups whole wheat flour
4-5 cups unbleached flour

     Pour the boiling water over the oats and mix thoroughly, until broken down.  Cool.  Dissolve the yeast in the warm water until it is foamy.  Add the yeast to the oatmeal mixture and add the honey and oil.  Blend well.  Add the salt.  Add the whole wheat flour, stirring thoroughly after each cup added.          Gradually add the white flour until it forms a soft dough.
     Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes.  Place in a greased bowl and allow to rise for one hour.  Punch down and form into 3 loaf pans, or make 2 dozen rolls.  Allow to rise for 20 minutes.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes for the bread, 15 minutes for the rolls.

Lost Childhood
   by David Ignatow

How was it possible, I a father
yet a child of my father? I
grew panicky and thought
of running away but knew
I would be scorned for it
by my father.  I stood
and listened to myself
being called Dad.

How ridiculous it sounded,
but in front of me, asking
for attention- how could I,
a child, ignore this child's plea?
I lifted him into my arms
and hugged him
as I would have
wanted my father to hug me,
and it was as though satisfying
my own lost childhood.

Positive thinking

Vegan Corn Chowder (Huge hit at the neighborhood party tonight!)

3 large carrots, cut in small pieces
3 stalks celery, cut in small pieces
1 onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 small potatoes, diced
1 small pepper, diced
2 quarts water
1 cup water, with 4 TBSP flour dissolved in the water
1 TBSP dry mustard
1 can organic creamed corn
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
salt and pepper to taste

Add the first seven ingredients to a large pot and boil until vegetables are tender.  Add the mustard to the flour water.  Slowly add the flour water to the boiling liquid just until it thickens.  Add the creamed corn and the corn kernels.  Salt and pepper to taste.  I usually add a bit of soy milk as well for flavor and texture.  Delicious with a big salad and fresh rolls.
 

Have you ever been so excited, anticipating something so much, that when the event or reward finally is received, you are a bit let down?  One thing that I have learned over my brief time on this planet is that each and every moment needs to be appreciated, savored, and enjoyed to the fullest.  Even if everything does not turn out to be what I thought it should have been or could have been, I try to look at the positive side of things.  And who knows; many times events and experiences turn out to be better than I thought they would!

"Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot."
                                                                                                           -Ecclesiastes 5:18          

Influence your society

Red Beans (the kids go crazy over this one)
1/2 pound red chili or kidney beans
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup tomato puree
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
1 medium red onion, chopped

Rinse and drain beans, then place in a large pot and cover with water.  Bring to a boil, cover, turn off the heat, and let sit for one hour.  Drain, rinse again, the return to the pot and add three cups water, and the next seven ingredients.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer three hours, stirring occasionally. Uncover and cook for 20 minutes.  Remove the bay leaf and serve with the sour cream and chopped red onion.

"If we are pessimists and think we are capable of doing nothing in society today, I venture to say that we are theologically extremely unbalanced, if not heretical and harmful.  It's ludicrous to say Christians have no influence in society."
                                                                        - John R.W. Stott

The last days of warm weather

Fellowship is a group of people meeting to pursue a shared interest. Try to plan a simple coffee or tea time this week with the purpose of fellowship in mind.  Answer the question, "How can we influence our society?"  Volunteer, encourage, role model, listen, recycle, etc...the possibilities are endless!

Flowers in your hair

Walnut Rice Salad

5 cups cooked rice (any kind, although I prefer long-grain brown rice, or whole grain rice)
11/2 cups chopped walnuts, toasted
1 large, tart apple
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 large carrot, grated
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

Dressing:  1/3 cup lemon juice
                 2 TBSP honey
                 2 garlic cloves, minced
                 3/4 tsp salt
                 1/2 tsp curry powder
                 1/2 cup olive oil

Combine the first six ingredients.  Combine the lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt and curry powder.  Whisk in the oil and drizzle over the rice salad.


And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
with grace in your heart and flowers in your hair. 


                                      Chorus to "After the Storm" by Mumford and Sons


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZMUgZRew3w