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