Mac & Cheese
Makes: 4-6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, December 14, 2007
This isn't your same old mac and cheese. Topped with tomatoes, we give this traditional favorite a tempting new taste. You're going to love it.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 cups American cheese, shredded
2 cups milk
1 large tomato, sliced
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook macaroni and drain. Melt butter in pan. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper and flour until smooth, making a light roux. Gradually stir in milk. Return to heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese. Add macaroni. Pour into 1 1/2 quart casserole. Arrange tomato slices on top, and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Additional Tips
Ready in 30 min 15 min prep
March 31, 2009
Tuesday Recipe 1
Multi-Grain Scones
10 Scones
These scones are the perfect answer for the morning rush! Unlike a lot of low fat foods, which can be so loaded with sugar that you feel hungry soon after eating them, these are quite filling -- you can eat just half of one and still satisfy the need for morning sustenance. Plus, you'll get in a nice amount of bran for the day, an appropriate source of roughage.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
5 tablespoons grapeseed or expeller-pressed canola oil
1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant)
1/4 cup wheat bran
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
2 tablespoons millet
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
Lemon Topping:
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Whisk the egg, sugar, and oil together in a bowl. Mix the lemon zest and all of the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until all of them are evenly dispersed throughout. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the egg, sugar, and oil, and mix to create a thick dough. Add the milk and mix well.
3. Lightly grease a baking pan. Scoop up tablespoonfuls of the dough and drop them one by one in mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between. You should have about 10 scones. Bake for 15-20 minutes, just until the crust is barely golden brown and the dough is dry. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. With a fork mix the Lemon Topping ingredients until the sugar is completely melded in. Drizzle 1 tablespoon ever each scone.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
375 calories
10 g total fat (2 g sat)
23 mg cholesterol
62 g carbohydrate
9 g protein
5 g fiber
120 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
10 Scones
These scones are the perfect answer for the morning rush! Unlike a lot of low fat foods, which can be so loaded with sugar that you feel hungry soon after eating them, these are quite filling -- you can eat just half of one and still satisfy the need for morning sustenance. Plus, you'll get in a nice amount of bran for the day, an appropriate source of roughage.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
5 tablespoons grapeseed or expeller-pressed canola oil
1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant)
1/4 cup wheat bran
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
2 tablespoons millet
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
Lemon Topping:
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Whisk the egg, sugar, and oil together in a bowl. Mix the lemon zest and all of the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until all of them are evenly dispersed throughout. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the egg, sugar, and oil, and mix to create a thick dough. Add the milk and mix well.
3. Lightly grease a baking pan. Scoop up tablespoonfuls of the dough and drop them one by one in mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between. You should have about 10 scones. Bake for 15-20 minutes, just until the crust is barely golden brown and the dough is dry. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. With a fork mix the Lemon Topping ingredients until the sugar is completely melded in. Drizzle 1 tablespoon ever each scone.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
375 calories
10 g total fat (2 g sat)
23 mg cholesterol
62 g carbohydrate
9 g protein
5 g fiber
120 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Tuesday Quote of the Day
March 31, 2009
Quote of the Day
"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure."
– Peter Marshall
Quote of the Day
"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure."
– Peter Marshall
Tuesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
March 31
"And Caleb, the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto (Joshua), 'Thou knowest the thing that the Lord said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadesh- barnea!"
Joshua 14: 6, King James Version
EXPLORATION
"A Father's Message To His Daughter"
"Father! Blessed word."
Maria S. Cummins
What has my earthly father taught me about my heavenly Father?
If my earthly father was not or is not a heavenly example of my Father in heaven, how can I learn to embrace my heavenly Father's gracious love for me?
"No music is so pleasant to my ears as that word -- father."
Lydia Child
INSPIRATION
"Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes."
Gloria Naylor
My father died suddenly nearly 25 years ago. To all those who say, "Time heals," I have one response, "Baloney!" Oh, time does soften the blow, but just when I think I've healed from the pain of losing one whom I so dearly loved, something happens that makes me feel like the scab that covers my wounded heart has been ripped off again. I know many of you understand exactly what I'm saying because you have also felt the cold hand of death enter your life and snatch away what was so precious.
Thankfully, during his shortened lifetime, my father took time to plant so many seeds of love in my life that today, when I need him most, much to my surprise, a flower will blossom as the result of the seeds he took time to sow.
This is why our studies for the next few days are so close to my heart. We will unearth some of the most beautiful lessons in Scripture, and these lessons are found in the relationship of a father and daughter, Caleb and Achsah.
Nestled in Joshua 14 and 15 is the story of the man of God, Caleb, one of the two spies who brought back a positive report to Moses before the children of Israel entered Canaan, and his daughter, Achsah.
Interestingly, the story of Caleb and Achsah is repeated, almost word for word in Judges, chapter 1. This fact really got my attention, for when God says something more than once, it tells me I should sit up and take note. For the next two weeks we are going to explore the treasure that is buried in this Old Testament relationship between a dad and his daughter. To my delight what I found in this connection was that God has a blueprint for the kind of relationship He wants to have with His earthly daughters -- you and me.
This means that even if you haven't had the blessing of a truly Godly earthly father to serve as an example of the kind of bond your heavenly Father wants to have with you, from the story of Caleb and Achsah, we will learn how to forge a love with our Father in Heaven, a love that transcends all earthly pain and failure that may have been the consequence of broken human relationships.
In order to begin to understand the foundation on which Caleb and Achsah's family relationship was built, I want to return to Numbers 13: 30, where we get our first glimpse into the kind of person Caleb was.
Asked by Moses, to join a band of spies to bring a report back on the Promised Land, Caleb returned and the Bible says that after 10 of the spies could talk only about giants and walled cities; after 10 of the spies could only weep and wail and whip the people into a frenzy about how impossible it would be to go over the Jordan River and take possession of a land promised to them by God, Caleb arose and the Bible tells us, "Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, 'Let us go up at once, and possess it, for we are well able to overcome it'" (Numbers 13: 30, K.j.V.).
In the face of a hostile crowd filled with negativity and whining, this man of courage arose and "stilled" or as the Hebrew states, "brought peace" to the people. Caleb, with his fearless words, brought a sense of calm to the multitude who had decided the task ahead was too great and their God too small.
If Caleb had never done anything else but stand up as a calm voice of trust in the God of heaven, that would be enough to convince me of the greatness of this man. But, as we shall see, marks of valor permeated his life for he was truly a man of God.
So closely aligned, was Caleb, with his Father in heaven, that the qualities of Caleb resonate those of our Father who art in heaven. It is these characteristics we want to understand because they laid the foundation for his daughter's life and further, these qualities, made it possible for Caleb's daughter, Achsah, to come with boldness to her father to request from him the best he had to give. This is what I love about this story the most, for the better we know our father, the more boldly we, as his daughters, will come before Him. And it is our undaunted courage, as we come to our Father, that He longs for so much!
As we explore the qualities of the Father, as seen in the life of Caleb, it is my prayer we will find a deeply personal application in our own lives of the words expressed by the Apostle Paul in Hebrews 4: 16, "So let's walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help." (The Message)
This is what we will learn from the relationship between a daughter and her dad.
"I am my Father's child."
Gerhard Tersteegen
AFFIRMATION
My Father's Love
"It's amazing and incredible,
but it's as true as it can be --
God loves and understands us all,
and that means you and me.
His grace is all-sufficient
for both the young and old,
For the lonely and the timid,
for the brash and for the bold.
His love knows no exceptions,
so never feel excluded --
No matter who or what you are,
your name has been included...
And no matter what your past has been,
trust God to understand,
And no matter what your problem is
just place it in His hand...
For in all of our unloveliness
the great God loves us still--
He loved us since the world began,
and, what's more, He always will!"
Helen Steiner Rice
Poems & Prayers
Your friend,
Dorothy Valcárcel, Author
When A Woman Meets Jesus
Dorothy@TransformationGarden.com
For more from Dorothy, please visit transformationgarden.com.
"And Caleb, the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto (Joshua), 'Thou knowest the thing that the Lord said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadesh- barnea!"
Joshua 14: 6, King James Version
EXPLORATION
"A Father's Message To His Daughter"
"Father! Blessed word."
Maria S. Cummins
What has my earthly father taught me about my heavenly Father?
If my earthly father was not or is not a heavenly example of my Father in heaven, how can I learn to embrace my heavenly Father's gracious love for me?
"No music is so pleasant to my ears as that word -- father."
Lydia Child
INSPIRATION
"Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes."
Gloria Naylor
My father died suddenly nearly 25 years ago. To all those who say, "Time heals," I have one response, "Baloney!" Oh, time does soften the blow, but just when I think I've healed from the pain of losing one whom I so dearly loved, something happens that makes me feel like the scab that covers my wounded heart has been ripped off again. I know many of you understand exactly what I'm saying because you have also felt the cold hand of death enter your life and snatch away what was so precious.
Thankfully, during his shortened lifetime, my father took time to plant so many seeds of love in my life that today, when I need him most, much to my surprise, a flower will blossom as the result of the seeds he took time to sow.
This is why our studies for the next few days are so close to my heart. We will unearth some of the most beautiful lessons in Scripture, and these lessons are found in the relationship of a father and daughter, Caleb and Achsah.
Nestled in Joshua 14 and 15 is the story of the man of God, Caleb, one of the two spies who brought back a positive report to Moses before the children of Israel entered Canaan, and his daughter, Achsah.
Interestingly, the story of Caleb and Achsah is repeated, almost word for word in Judges, chapter 1. This fact really got my attention, for when God says something more than once, it tells me I should sit up and take note. For the next two weeks we are going to explore the treasure that is buried in this Old Testament relationship between a dad and his daughter. To my delight what I found in this connection was that God has a blueprint for the kind of relationship He wants to have with His earthly daughters -- you and me.
This means that even if you haven't had the blessing of a truly Godly earthly father to serve as an example of the kind of bond your heavenly Father wants to have with you, from the story of Caleb and Achsah, we will learn how to forge a love with our Father in Heaven, a love that transcends all earthly pain and failure that may have been the consequence of broken human relationships.
In order to begin to understand the foundation on which Caleb and Achsah's family relationship was built, I want to return to Numbers 13: 30, where we get our first glimpse into the kind of person Caleb was.
Asked by Moses, to join a band of spies to bring a report back on the Promised Land, Caleb returned and the Bible says that after 10 of the spies could talk only about giants and walled cities; after 10 of the spies could only weep and wail and whip the people into a frenzy about how impossible it would be to go over the Jordan River and take possession of a land promised to them by God, Caleb arose and the Bible tells us, "Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, 'Let us go up at once, and possess it, for we are well able to overcome it'" (Numbers 13: 30, K.j.V.).
In the face of a hostile crowd filled with negativity and whining, this man of courage arose and "stilled" or as the Hebrew states, "brought peace" to the people. Caleb, with his fearless words, brought a sense of calm to the multitude who had decided the task ahead was too great and their God too small.
If Caleb had never done anything else but stand up as a calm voice of trust in the God of heaven, that would be enough to convince me of the greatness of this man. But, as we shall see, marks of valor permeated his life for he was truly a man of God.
So closely aligned, was Caleb, with his Father in heaven, that the qualities of Caleb resonate those of our Father who art in heaven. It is these characteristics we want to understand because they laid the foundation for his daughter's life and further, these qualities, made it possible for Caleb's daughter, Achsah, to come with boldness to her father to request from him the best he had to give. This is what I love about this story the most, for the better we know our father, the more boldly we, as his daughters, will come before Him. And it is our undaunted courage, as we come to our Father, that He longs for so much!
As we explore the qualities of the Father, as seen in the life of Caleb, it is my prayer we will find a deeply personal application in our own lives of the words expressed by the Apostle Paul in Hebrews 4: 16, "So let's walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help." (The Message)
This is what we will learn from the relationship between a daughter and her dad.
"I am my Father's child."
Gerhard Tersteegen
AFFIRMATION
My Father's Love
"It's amazing and incredible,
but it's as true as it can be --
God loves and understands us all,
and that means you and me.
His grace is all-sufficient
for both the young and old,
For the lonely and the timid,
for the brash and for the bold.
His love knows no exceptions,
so never feel excluded --
No matter who or what you are,
your name has been included...
And no matter what your past has been,
trust God to understand,
And no matter what your problem is
just place it in His hand...
For in all of our unloveliness
the great God loves us still--
He loved us since the world began,
and, what's more, He always will!"
Helen Steiner Rice
Poems & Prayers
Your friend,
Dorothy Valcárcel, Author
When A Woman Meets Jesus
Dorothy@TransformationGarden.com
For more from Dorothy, please visit transformationgarden.com.
March 30, 2009
Monday Recipe 1
Prosciutto & Veggie Sandwich
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, February 19, 2008
For this stunning sandwich, getting fresh is key. From the prosciutto to the swiss cheese to the baguettes, fork out the extra cash for this gourmet production.
Ingredients
3 French baguettes
2 tbsp. dijon
6 oz. prosciutto, paper thin
12 slice Swiss cheese
12 slice tomato
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup zucchini, julienned
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing
Methods/steps
Slice rolls horizontally, spread with mustard and layer each half with prosciutto, cheese, tomato, and another slice of cheese, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, and onion. Mix mayo with vinaigrette; pour over top of each open face sandwich. Place on cookie sheet. Bake 375 degrees, 8-10 min. until tops are brown and dressing has set.
Additional Tips
Ready in 20 min
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, February 19, 2008
For this stunning sandwich, getting fresh is key. From the prosciutto to the swiss cheese to the baguettes, fork out the extra cash for this gourmet production.
Ingredients
3 French baguettes
2 tbsp. dijon
6 oz. prosciutto, paper thin
12 slice Swiss cheese
12 slice tomato
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup zucchini, julienned
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing
Methods/steps
Slice rolls horizontally, spread with mustard and layer each half with prosciutto, cheese, tomato, and another slice of cheese, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, and onion. Mix mayo with vinaigrette; pour over top of each open face sandwich. Place on cookie sheet. Bake 375 degrees, 8-10 min. until tops are brown and dressing has set.
Additional Tips
Ready in 20 min
Monday Recipe 1
White Bean Salad
3 Serving
This is a very easy bean salad you can make the night before and take to work, or serve as a side dish.
Ingredients:
1 can white beans, like cannelini
1 tbsp red pepper, chopped fine
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped fine
1/4 cup tomato, diced
1 tbsp red onion, chopped fine
1 tsp quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp herb and spice blend
Instructions:
Drain the canned beans and rinse well in a strainer. Make sure you've drained all the rinse water. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl, whisking the oil and vinegar together first. Add the beans. Experiment with different types of canned beans and different chopped vegetables to add.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
240 calories
4 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
39 g carbohydrate
15 g protein
10 g fiber
100 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
3 Serving
This is a very easy bean salad you can make the night before and take to work, or serve as a side dish.
Ingredients:
1 can white beans, like cannelini
1 tbsp red pepper, chopped fine
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped fine
1/4 cup tomato, diced
1 tbsp red onion, chopped fine
1 tsp quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp herb and spice blend
Instructions:
Drain the canned beans and rinse well in a strainer. Make sure you've drained all the rinse water. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl, whisking the oil and vinegar together first. Add the beans. Experiment with different types of canned beans and different chopped vegetables to add.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
240 calories
4 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
39 g carbohydrate
15 g protein
10 g fiber
100 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Monday's Quote of the Day
March 30, 2009
Quote of the Day
"It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something."
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
Quote of the Day
"It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something."
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
Goodbye, Ordinary!
Goodbye, Ordinary!
I was more of a Superman and Batman fan. I never really got into Spiderman. But when the blockbuster Spiderman movie came out, a lot of people did get into Spiderman. And you know what? There have been a couple more of them since then. I'm still not very interested in this web-spinning, skyscraper-climbing, crime-fighting guy in the spider suit. But I am interested in something he said in the movie about him. Peter Parker is the bookish teenager who gets bitten by a radioactive spider one day and begins to discover that he has suddenly developed some amazing spiderish abilities. OK, I'm reporting this story; I didn't write it. It dawns on him that he can't just use these abilities for himself. He has to use them to make a difference. Here's what he says. I like this: "For me, living an ordinary life is no longer an option."
An ordinary guy who suddenly realizes that he has some extraordinary powers available to him, and who realizes he can't settle for ordinary anymore. Man, is that a picture of any man or woman in whom Jesus Christ lives! That's the Jesus who blew the doors off His grave on Easter morning, who has conquered death, the most powerful force on earth. The force that has stopped every man except one man. And the day you gave yourself to Him, He moved into your life to stay with all His resurrection power.
That's what Paul is talking about in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, our word for today from the Word of God. "Christ's love compels us ... He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again." So what is supposed to be the practical result of Good Friday and Easter? That you stop living for yourself, you stop settling for small and ordinary, and you start living a life worthy of Jesus' Good Friday love and His resurrection power.
How can anyone in whom this death-conquering Christ lives ever settle for ordinary again? Paul expressed his lifelong passion this way: "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection..." (Philippians 3:10). Exploring, unleashing, experiencing the awesome power of the Jesus who lives in you!
Maybe you're like so many believers I've met in recent years. You've got this unexplainable restlessness inside. It's saying, "There's got to be something more than this." It's saying, "I want to make a greater difference with the rest of my life than I've made until now." Well, it's God who made you restless. He wants you to realize the power you got when you got Jesus. He wants you to give yourself to a mission far larger than your little kingdom, your little comfort zone.
Those chains that have bound you for so long, you don't have to settle for those anymore. Jesus Christ has resurrection power to set you free! If you'll commit yourself to resurrection living, you can confront those monsters from your past; the ones that have haunted you and defined you for way too long. You can face those fears. You can move beyond that bitterness. You can throw yourself into doing some things that will last forever!
Tell Jesus you're tired of business as usual; that you've been settling for a life that's just way too small, that's only as big as you can make it. Then sell out to His plans, sell out to His power. We stand by Jesus at the empty tomb that He blew away and we say, "For me, living an ordinary life is no longer an option!"
Copyright © 2008 Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
Learn how to begin a personal, love-relationship with the God who made you.
I was more of a Superman and Batman fan. I never really got into Spiderman. But when the blockbuster Spiderman movie came out, a lot of people did get into Spiderman. And you know what? There have been a couple more of them since then. I'm still not very interested in this web-spinning, skyscraper-climbing, crime-fighting guy in the spider suit. But I am interested in something he said in the movie about him. Peter Parker is the bookish teenager who gets bitten by a radioactive spider one day and begins to discover that he has suddenly developed some amazing spiderish abilities. OK, I'm reporting this story; I didn't write it. It dawns on him that he can't just use these abilities for himself. He has to use them to make a difference. Here's what he says. I like this: "For me, living an ordinary life is no longer an option."
An ordinary guy who suddenly realizes that he has some extraordinary powers available to him, and who realizes he can't settle for ordinary anymore. Man, is that a picture of any man or woman in whom Jesus Christ lives! That's the Jesus who blew the doors off His grave on Easter morning, who has conquered death, the most powerful force on earth. The force that has stopped every man except one man. And the day you gave yourself to Him, He moved into your life to stay with all His resurrection power.
That's what Paul is talking about in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, our word for today from the Word of God. "Christ's love compels us ... He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again." So what is supposed to be the practical result of Good Friday and Easter? That you stop living for yourself, you stop settling for small and ordinary, and you start living a life worthy of Jesus' Good Friday love and His resurrection power.
How can anyone in whom this death-conquering Christ lives ever settle for ordinary again? Paul expressed his lifelong passion this way: "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection..." (Philippians 3:10). Exploring, unleashing, experiencing the awesome power of the Jesus who lives in you!
Maybe you're like so many believers I've met in recent years. You've got this unexplainable restlessness inside. It's saying, "There's got to be something more than this." It's saying, "I want to make a greater difference with the rest of my life than I've made until now." Well, it's God who made you restless. He wants you to realize the power you got when you got Jesus. He wants you to give yourself to a mission far larger than your little kingdom, your little comfort zone.
Those chains that have bound you for so long, you don't have to settle for those anymore. Jesus Christ has resurrection power to set you free! If you'll commit yourself to resurrection living, you can confront those monsters from your past; the ones that have haunted you and defined you for way too long. You can face those fears. You can move beyond that bitterness. You can throw yourself into doing some things that will last forever!
Tell Jesus you're tired of business as usual; that you've been settling for a life that's just way too small, that's only as big as you can make it. Then sell out to His plans, sell out to His power. We stand by Jesus at the empty tomb that He blew away and we say, "For me, living an ordinary life is no longer an option!"
Copyright © 2008 Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
Learn how to begin a personal, love-relationship with the God who made you.
March 29, 2009
Sunday Recipe 2
One Layer Bourbon Chicken
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Head on over to Bourbon street for this one layer chicken. All of the ingredients come together for a phenomenal taste. Remember to BYOB... bring your own bourbon.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
1 tsp. ground ginger
4 oz. soy sauce
2 tbsp. dried minced onion
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/8 cup bourbon
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Methods/steps
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken breasts in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish in a single layer. In a small bowl combine ginger, soy sauce, onion flakes, sugar, bourbon and garlic powder. Mix together and pour mixture over chicken. Cover. Bake for 1 hour or until juices run clear. Remove cover during last 10 to 15 minutes before done.
Ready in 1 hour and 20 min
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Head on over to Bourbon street for this one layer chicken. All of the ingredients come together for a phenomenal taste. Remember to BYOB... bring your own bourbon.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
1 tsp. ground ginger
4 oz. soy sauce
2 tbsp. dried minced onion
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/8 cup bourbon
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Methods/steps
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken breasts in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish in a single layer. In a small bowl combine ginger, soy sauce, onion flakes, sugar, bourbon and garlic powder. Mix together and pour mixture over chicken. Cover. Bake for 1 hour or until juices run clear. Remove cover during last 10 to 15 minutes before done.
Ready in 1 hour and 20 min
Sunday Quote of the Day
March 29, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."
– Gilda Radner
Quote of the Day
"Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."
– Gilda Radner
Sunday Recipe 1
Salsa Rice
1 Serving
This is a very easy way to season basmati or brown rice. You can use it for already cooked rice, or cook the rice from scratch. Pick your favorite all-natural salsa and experiment with different types of salsa. There are lots of new and interesting ones on the market.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cooked rice (basmati or brown)
2 tbsp salsa
Instructions:
Just mix the salsa into the rice.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
129 calories
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
28 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
1 g fiber
142 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
1 Serving
This is a very easy way to season basmati or brown rice. You can use it for already cooked rice, or cook the rice from scratch. Pick your favorite all-natural salsa and experiment with different types of salsa. There are lots of new and interesting ones on the market.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cooked rice (basmati or brown)
2 tbsp salsa
Instructions:
Just mix the salsa into the rice.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
129 calories
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
28 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
1 g fiber
142 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
March 28, 2009
Saturday Quote of the Day
March 28, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained."
– Marie Curie
Quote of the Day
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained."
– Marie Curie
Saturday Recipe 3
Kimmy's Chicken
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Ready for some chicken tonight? You're sure to please all of those palates when you serve up this decadent dish that's simple and tasty.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken
1 cup carrots
1 chopped celery
salt and pepper to taste
Methods/steps
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Stuff your chicken with celery and carrots. Rub salt and pepper over the chicken. Bake for one hour, thirty minutes.
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Ready for some chicken tonight? You're sure to please all of those palates when you serve up this decadent dish that's simple and tasty.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken
1 cup carrots
1 chopped celery
salt and pepper to taste
Methods/steps
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Stuff your chicken with celery and carrots. Rub salt and pepper over the chicken. Bake for one hour, thirty minutes.
Saturday Recipe 2
Red Pepper Pasta
Makes: Makes 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, December 13, 2007
You won't need to pass the pepper for this pasta dish. It's spice and everything nice. Talk about hot stuff.
Ingredients
4 tsp. olive oil
2 tsp. minced garlic
Red pepper flakes
Salt
1 cup breadcrumbs
8 oz. angel hair pasta, cooked
Parmesan cheese
Methods/steps
Saute garlic in oil. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and breadcrumbs; mix well. Add to cooked and drained pasta. Sprinkle with plenty of Parmesan cheese.
Makes: Makes 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, December 13, 2007
You won't need to pass the pepper for this pasta dish. It's spice and everything nice. Talk about hot stuff.
Ingredients
4 tsp. olive oil
2 tsp. minced garlic
Red pepper flakes
Salt
1 cup breadcrumbs
8 oz. angel hair pasta, cooked
Parmesan cheese
Methods/steps
Saute garlic in oil. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and breadcrumbs; mix well. Add to cooked and drained pasta. Sprinkle with plenty of Parmesan cheese.
Saturday Recipe 1
Salmon Frittata
1 Serving
This simple omelet or frittata is a great way to incorporate some healthy omega-3's into your breakfast or lunch. It's even better if you use omega-3 enriched eggs. This recipe also works with either two whole eggs or four egg whites. This is a perfect meal for a low carbohydrate diet.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1 egg white
1/2 cup (about 3 oz) cooked or canned salmon
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp salsa
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, stir the egg and egg white together to blend. Chop or mash the salmon so and combine it with the eggs. Add the cheese and salsa and pour the mixture into a small, lightly oiled non-stick skillet. Cook over medium heat for 2 - 3 minutes until set. You can then turn the frittata over (don't worry if it breaks up) or put the skillet in a hot oven for 2 minutes to set the top.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
208 calories
9 g total fat (3 g sat)
235 mg cholesterol
2 g carbohydrate
28 g protein
0 g fiber
331 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
1 Serving
This simple omelet or frittata is a great way to incorporate some healthy omega-3's into your breakfast or lunch. It's even better if you use omega-3 enriched eggs. This recipe also works with either two whole eggs or four egg whites. This is a perfect meal for a low carbohydrate diet.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1 egg white
1/2 cup (about 3 oz) cooked or canned salmon
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp salsa
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, stir the egg and egg white together to blend. Chop or mash the salmon so and combine it with the eggs. Add the cheese and salsa and pour the mixture into a small, lightly oiled non-stick skillet. Cook over medium heat for 2 - 3 minutes until set. You can then turn the frittata over (don't worry if it breaks up) or put the skillet in a hot oven for 2 minutes to set the top.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
208 calories
9 g total fat (3 g sat)
235 mg cholesterol
2 g carbohydrate
28 g protein
0 g fiber
331 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
March 27, 2009
Friday Quote of the Day
March 27, 2009
Quote of the Day
"You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result."
– Mahatma Gandhi
Quote of the Day
"You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result."
– Mahatma Gandhi
Friday Recipe 1
Vegetable Stock
20 Cups
This is an excellent vegetable stock - freeze what you don't use for next time.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp quality extra-virgin olive oil
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, well washed and chopped
4 medium onions, chopped
6 large carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 small bunch parsley stems
2 teaspoons dried whole marjoram
1/2 teaspoon dried whole thyme
3 Turkish bay leaves or 1/2 California bay leaf
1 1/2 gallons cold purified water
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the vegetables and stir-fry to brown lightly. Add the marjoram, thyme, bay leaves, and cold water. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for one hour.
Strain the stock through a fine sieve or a cheesecloth-lined colander. Press or squeeze the vegetables to extract their liquid. Discard the vegetables.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
36 calories
0 g sugar
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
7 g carbohydrate
0 g protein
2 g fiber
0 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
20 Cups
This is an excellent vegetable stock - freeze what you don't use for next time.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp quality extra-virgin olive oil
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, well washed and chopped
4 medium onions, chopped
6 large carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 small bunch parsley stems
2 teaspoons dried whole marjoram
1/2 teaspoon dried whole thyme
3 Turkish bay leaves or 1/2 California bay leaf
1 1/2 gallons cold purified water
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the vegetables and stir-fry to brown lightly. Add the marjoram, thyme, bay leaves, and cold water. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for one hour.
Strain the stock through a fine sieve or a cheesecloth-lined colander. Press or squeeze the vegetables to extract their liquid. Discard the vegetables.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
36 calories
0 g sugar
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
7 g carbohydrate
0 g protein
2 g fiber
0 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
March 26, 2009
Thursday Recipe 1
Braised Red Cabbage
6 Servings
Red cabbage is just like green cabbage in taste and texture, but with the added benefit of powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that give the redhead of the vegetable world its distinctive color. Red cabbage is also one of the cruciferous family of vegetables; all are rich in fiber, vitamins (most notably vitamin C), minerals like potassium and calcium, and cancer-fighting compounds called indoles. (Other cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and chard; all are delicious.) Be prepared when cooking red cabbage for the color to "bleed" into the other ingredients. The acidic vinegar and wine in this dish keep the cabbage a beautiful purple color. Without the acid, the cabbage will turn blue. This dish is a taste sensation and makes a great side dish with salmon or as a warm appetizer salad. And considering the very affordable price of cabbage, it can't be beat.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 large head red cabbage, cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 large green apple, peeled, cored, and diced
3 large cloves garlic, pressed
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
1 cup peeled chestnuts (optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and carrots and sauté over medium heat until onion is translucent.
2. Add the cabbage and apple and mix well, then add salt to taste, the garlic, the bay leaf, cloves, wine, vinegar and sugar.
3. Bring to a low boil, cover, and cook for about 1 hour.
4. Remove bay leaf and correct seasoning to taste. You may also add the peeled chestnuts to cook in the braising liquid.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
141.9 calories
3 g total fat (0.4 g sat)
0.0 mg cholesterol
28.5 g carbohydrate
3.6 g protein
6.4 g fiber
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6 Servings
Red cabbage is just like green cabbage in taste and texture, but with the added benefit of powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that give the redhead of the vegetable world its distinctive color. Red cabbage is also one of the cruciferous family of vegetables; all are rich in fiber, vitamins (most notably vitamin C), minerals like potassium and calcium, and cancer-fighting compounds called indoles. (Other cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and chard; all are delicious.) Be prepared when cooking red cabbage for the color to "bleed" into the other ingredients. The acidic vinegar and wine in this dish keep the cabbage a beautiful purple color. Without the acid, the cabbage will turn blue. This dish is a taste sensation and makes a great side dish with salmon or as a warm appetizer salad. And considering the very affordable price of cabbage, it can't be beat.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 large head red cabbage, cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 large green apple, peeled, cored, and diced
3 large cloves garlic, pressed
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
1 cup peeled chestnuts (optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and carrots and sauté over medium heat until onion is translucent.
2. Add the cabbage and apple and mix well, then add salt to taste, the garlic, the bay leaf, cloves, wine, vinegar and sugar.
3. Bring to a low boil, cover, and cook for about 1 hour.
4. Remove bay leaf and correct seasoning to taste. You may also add the peeled chestnuts to cook in the braising liquid.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
141.9 calories
3 g total fat (0.4 g sat)
0.0 mg cholesterol
28.5 g carbohydrate
3.6 g protein
6.4 g fiber
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
March 25, 2009
Wednesday Recipe 3: Crustless Broccoli & Cheddar Mini Quiches
Crustless Broccoli & Cheddar Mini Quiches
Estimated Times:
Preparation - 10 min | Cooking - 23 min | Cooling Time - 15 min cooling | Yields - 12
Baked to golden brown perfection, these individual-size quiches are filled with cheddar cheese, broccoli and red pepper. These are a perfect addition to any brunch, dinner, potluck or buffet.
Ingredients:
1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk
3 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups chopped, frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease and lightly flour twelve 2 1/2-inch muffin cups.
WHISK evaporated milk, eggs, flour, salt and black pepper in medium bowl until blended. Stir in cheese, broccoli and bell pepper. Spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of mixture into each prepared muffin cup, filling almost to rim*. Stir mixture frequently to evenly distribute ingredients.
BAKE for 23 to 28 minutes or until knife inserted near centers comes out clean and tops are lightly browned. Cool in pans for 15 minutes. Run knife or small, flat spatula around inside edges of muffin cups. Carefully remove quiches.
*NOTE: Number of quiches that you get will depend on the size of your muffin cups. Bake time may need some adjusting.
Estimated Times:
Preparation - 10 min | Cooking - 23 min | Cooling Time - 15 min cooling | Yields - 12
Baked to golden brown perfection, these individual-size quiches are filled with cheddar cheese, broccoli and red pepper. These are a perfect addition to any brunch, dinner, potluck or buffet.
Ingredients:
1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk
3 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups chopped, frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease and lightly flour twelve 2 1/2-inch muffin cups.
WHISK evaporated milk, eggs, flour, salt and black pepper in medium bowl until blended. Stir in cheese, broccoli and bell pepper. Spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of mixture into each prepared muffin cup, filling almost to rim*. Stir mixture frequently to evenly distribute ingredients.
BAKE for 23 to 28 minutes or until knife inserted near centers comes out clean and tops are lightly browned. Cool in pans for 15 minutes. Run knife or small, flat spatula around inside edges of muffin cups. Carefully remove quiches.
*NOTE: Number of quiches that you get will depend on the size of your muffin cups. Bake time may need some adjusting.
Wednesday Recipe 2: Banana Soy Smoothie
Banana Soy Smoothie
1 Serving
This a very quick smoothie that is good for breakfast or as a snack. In addition to soy isoflavones, this drink provides a good dose of calcium and potassium, lots of vitamin C, plus four grams of fiber — more than many breakfast cereals.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup soy milk (organic and calcium-enriched)
1/2 cup orange juice (calcium-enriched)
Instructions:
Peel the banana, break it into pieces and put it in the blender with the soy milk and orange juice. Blend until smooth and serve. If you like, use frozen banana chunks or add a couple of ice cubes.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
202 calories
2 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
44 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
4 g fiber
64 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
1 Serving
This a very quick smoothie that is good for breakfast or as a snack. In addition to soy isoflavones, this drink provides a good dose of calcium and potassium, lots of vitamin C, plus four grams of fiber — more than many breakfast cereals.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup soy milk (organic and calcium-enriched)
1/2 cup orange juice (calcium-enriched)
Instructions:
Peel the banana, break it into pieces and put it in the blender with the soy milk and orange juice. Blend until smooth and serve. If you like, use frozen banana chunks or add a couple of ice cubes.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
202 calories
2 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
44 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
4 g fiber
64 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Wednesday Recipe 1: Herbed Fennel & Tomatoes in Oven
Herbed Fennel & Tomatoes in Oven
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, February 15, 2008
It'll be love at first bite with this fennel favorite. If you've never sampled this exotic vegetable, there's no time like the present. It's a great way to expand your horizons in a healthy way.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups chopped fennel bulb. (about 1 lb.)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup (1 x 1/2-inch) slices red bell pepper
1/2 cup (1 x 1/2-inch) slices yellow bell pepper
1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil
2 tbsp. dry white wine
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish, stirring gently. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until fennel is tender, stirring occasionally.
Additional Tips
Ready in 50 min
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, February 15, 2008
It'll be love at first bite with this fennel favorite. If you've never sampled this exotic vegetable, there's no time like the present. It's a great way to expand your horizons in a healthy way.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups chopped fennel bulb. (about 1 lb.)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup (1 x 1/2-inch) slices red bell pepper
1/2 cup (1 x 1/2-inch) slices yellow bell pepper
1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil
2 tbsp. dry white wine
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish, stirring gently. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until fennel is tender, stirring occasionally.
Additional Tips
Ready in 50 min
Wednesday - Quote of the Day
March 25, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact."
– William James
Quote of the Day
"Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact."
– William James
Wednesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Despairing Parents
Susanne Scheppmann
"My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." Psalms 119:28 (NIV)
Devotion:
Thud! I heard my son's feet hit the dirt outside his bedroom window. My heart sank. I had been right when I told my husband, "He's going to run-away. Watch."
The whole afternoon and evening had spun into a disaster. My adolescent son had gotten into trouble. We were in the middle of discussing it with him when the phone rang. My husband listened as his ex-wife told him that his daughter had run away that afternoon. I watched the panic cross my husband's face as he dug for more details about what had happened.
In addition, I spied my son's alert face and witnessed a light bulb go off in his adolescent brain. I could tell he thought, "I'm going to run away too!" We sent my son to his room while we managed the bigger problem of the moment -- my stepdaughter.
Sure enough, he went on the lam. My thoughts raced. Should I go after him? Should I lock him out of the house? Or should I wait and search for him later? I felt emotionally and physically exhausted.
Both my husband and I were stricken with confusion and sadness as we battled through all the drama and trauma in our family. That evening we despaired. How could this happen? We tried to be good parents. It seemed that with three teenagers, life was a never-ending crisis.
Things did turn out OK. My stepdaughter returned home to her mother. We found my son, and my husband coaxed him home. Everyone went to bed, and two exhausted parents prayed for a better tomorrow.
That was several years ago. Children mature. Time heals. And God is faithful to the prayers of a despairing parent. He feels our heartaches. He sees our tears. He grants us the courage and guts to keep on parenting.
Our key verse today acknowledges the pain we may experience, but it also points the way to gaining strength--God's Word. If you are a despairing parent, seek the Lord's comfort, wisdom and strength by reading and praying Scripture each day. God is our source of strength when we come to our wit's end in the life-long career of parenting.
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my children. I am honored You set me apart to be their mom. Yet, at times parenting is hard! I ask You for guidance and strength. Remind me of the joys of parenting when I despair. Help me keep a balanced outlook. I ask You to provide me with special Scripture that I can pray for my children. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents by Susanne Scheppman
Blended Families by Maxine Marsolini
Listen to Today's Radio Show for more encouragement when parenting is hard.
Visit Susanne's blog
Application Steps:
Read and memorize Psalm 4:3 and 5:3. Then pray for your children and know that the Lord hears you call to Him. Wait in expectation for His guidance.
Reflections:
Where do I place my trust and hope when it comes to my child?
Do I recognize that Jesus loves my child more than I do?
Power Verses:
Psalms 144:12, "Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace." (NIV)
Psalms 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (NIV)
Isaiah 49:25, "But this is what the Lord says: 'Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.'" (NIV)
© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org
Susanne Scheppmann
"My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." Psalms 119:28 (NIV)
Devotion:
Thud! I heard my son's feet hit the dirt outside his bedroom window. My heart sank. I had been right when I told my husband, "He's going to run-away. Watch."
The whole afternoon and evening had spun into a disaster. My adolescent son had gotten into trouble. We were in the middle of discussing it with him when the phone rang. My husband listened as his ex-wife told him that his daughter had run away that afternoon. I watched the panic cross my husband's face as he dug for more details about what had happened.
In addition, I spied my son's alert face and witnessed a light bulb go off in his adolescent brain. I could tell he thought, "I'm going to run away too!" We sent my son to his room while we managed the bigger problem of the moment -- my stepdaughter.
Sure enough, he went on the lam. My thoughts raced. Should I go after him? Should I lock him out of the house? Or should I wait and search for him later? I felt emotionally and physically exhausted.
Both my husband and I were stricken with confusion and sadness as we battled through all the drama and trauma in our family. That evening we despaired. How could this happen? We tried to be good parents. It seemed that with three teenagers, life was a never-ending crisis.
Things did turn out OK. My stepdaughter returned home to her mother. We found my son, and my husband coaxed him home. Everyone went to bed, and two exhausted parents prayed for a better tomorrow.
That was several years ago. Children mature. Time heals. And God is faithful to the prayers of a despairing parent. He feels our heartaches. He sees our tears. He grants us the courage and guts to keep on parenting.
Our key verse today acknowledges the pain we may experience, but it also points the way to gaining strength--God's Word. If you are a despairing parent, seek the Lord's comfort, wisdom and strength by reading and praying Scripture each day. God is our source of strength when we come to our wit's end in the life-long career of parenting.
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my children. I am honored You set me apart to be their mom. Yet, at times parenting is hard! I ask You for guidance and strength. Remind me of the joys of parenting when I despair. Help me keep a balanced outlook. I ask You to provide me with special Scripture that I can pray for my children. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents by Susanne Scheppman
Blended Families by Maxine Marsolini
Listen to Today's Radio Show for more encouragement when parenting is hard.
Visit Susanne's blog
Application Steps:
Read and memorize Psalm 4:3 and 5:3. Then pray for your children and know that the Lord hears you call to Him. Wait in expectation for His guidance.
Reflections:
Where do I place my trust and hope when it comes to my child?
Do I recognize that Jesus loves my child more than I do?
Power Verses:
Psalms 144:12, "Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace." (NIV)
Psalms 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (NIV)
Isaiah 49:25, "But this is what the Lord says: 'Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.'" (NIV)
© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org
WHERE TO LOOK IN THE BIBLE
WHERE TO LOOK IN THE BIBLE
When you need rest and peace...............Matt 11:25-30
When you worry.....................................Matt 6:19-34
When you are lonely or fearful..................Psalm 23
When you need peace of mind.................John 14: 27, Phil 4: 6-8
When men fail you..................................Psalm 27
When you grow bitter and critical..............1 Corinthians 13
When you have sinned.............................Psalm 51, 1 John 1
When you are discouraged.......................Psalm 34
When God seems far away.......................Psalm 139
When the world seems bigger than God.....Psalm 90
When in sickness....................................Psalm 41
When you feel sorrowful...........................John 14, Psalm 46
When in danger.......................................Psalm 91
When you want courage...........................Joshua 1: 1-9
When you need assurance.......................Romans 8, 1 John 5
When you forget your blessings................Psalm 103
When looking for joy................................Colossions 3
When you leave home to travel.................Psalm 121
When you think of investments.................Mark 10:17-31
When you need guidlines for living.............Matt 5 thru 7, Romans 12
When you need rules of conduct...............Exodus 20:1-17
When you need to know God's will for your life..........Prov. 3: 1-6
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Above, from the GOOD NEWS PUBLISHERS tract....."Where to look in the Bible"
1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton Illinois 60187
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
God has a positive answer to all of your concerns:
YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
BIBLE VERSES TO PONDER
(Mat 4:4 KJV)
But Jesus answered and said, It is written,
Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Luke 11:28 KJV
But he said,
Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God,
and keep it.
Rom 10:17 KJV
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Eph 6:17-18 KJV
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God:Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Heb 4:12 KJV
For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb 4:2-3 KJV
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:
but the word preached did not profit them,
not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
{3} For we which have believed do enter into rest,
as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest:
although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Prov 30:5 KJV
Every word of God is pure:
he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Isa 55:11 KJV
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:
it shall not return unto me void,
but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
For further study, Check out these archives of past devotionals:
(Note: the devotionals may be under the headings of "discussions" "files" or "pages" )
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-part-2?msg=new&lnk=gcis&hl=en
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web?hl=en
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-archives-part-3/
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-4
IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com
Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com
When you need rest and peace...............Matt 11:25-30
When you worry.....................................Matt 6:19-34
When you are lonely or fearful..................Psalm 23
When you need peace of mind.................John 14: 27, Phil 4: 6-8
When men fail you..................................Psalm 27
When you grow bitter and critical..............1 Corinthians 13
When you have sinned.............................Psalm 51, 1 John 1
When you are discouraged.......................Psalm 34
When God seems far away.......................Psalm 139
When the world seems bigger than God.....Psalm 90
When in sickness....................................Psalm 41
When you feel sorrowful...........................John 14, Psalm 46
When in danger.......................................Psalm 91
When you want courage...........................Joshua 1: 1-9
When you need assurance.......................Romans 8, 1 John 5
When you forget your blessings................Psalm 103
When looking for joy................................Colossions 3
When you leave home to travel.................Psalm 121
When you think of investments.................Mark 10:17-31
When you need guidlines for living.............Matt 5 thru 7, Romans 12
When you need rules of conduct...............Exodus 20:1-17
When you need to know God's will for your life..........Prov. 3: 1-6
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Above, from the GOOD NEWS PUBLISHERS tract....."Where to look in the Bible"
1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton Illinois 60187
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
God has a positive answer to all of your concerns:
YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
BIBLE VERSES TO PONDER
(Mat 4:4 KJV)
But Jesus answered and said, It is written,
Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Luke 11:28 KJV
But he said,
Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God,
and keep it.
Rom 10:17 KJV
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Eph 6:17-18 KJV
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God:Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Heb 4:12 KJV
For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb 4:2-3 KJV
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:
but the word preached did not profit them,
not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
{3} For we which have believed do enter into rest,
as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest:
although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Prov 30:5 KJV
Every word of God is pure:
he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Isa 55:11 KJV
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:
it shall not return unto me void,
but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
For further study, Check out these archives of past devotionals:
(Note: the devotionals may be under the headings of "discussions" "files" or "pages" )
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-part-2?msg=new&lnk=gcis&hl=en
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web?hl=en
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-archives-part-3/
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-4
IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com
Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com
March 24, 2009
Twilight DVD Sells 3 Million Copies
Twilight DVD Sells 3 Million Copies
Summit Entertainment announced today that the home entertainment release of the studio's action-packed, modern day vampire love story TWILIGHT sold over 3 million DVD units in its first day of release. The DVD launch commenced this past Saturday morning at midnight with nationwide events during which time Summit and its retail partners provided TWILIGHT fans with the chance to celebrate the DVD release of the film. "TWILIGHT at Midnight" allowed participating retailers the opportunity to stay open late as fans lined up in impressive numbers to purchase the DVD of the epic romance at midnight parties.
With over 3 million DVD units sold, TWILIGHT enters the top five best first day DVD releases over the past two years along with PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END, THE DARK KNIGHT, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, and TRANSFORMERS.
Summit Entertainment announced today that the home entertainment release of the studio's action-packed, modern day vampire love story TWILIGHT sold over 3 million DVD units in its first day of release. The DVD launch commenced this past Saturday morning at midnight with nationwide events during which time Summit and its retail partners provided TWILIGHT fans with the chance to celebrate the DVD release of the film. "TWILIGHT at Midnight" allowed participating retailers the opportunity to stay open late as fans lined up in impressive numbers to purchase the DVD of the epic romance at midnight parties.
With over 3 million DVD units sold, TWILIGHT enters the top five best first day DVD releases over the past two years along with PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END, THE DARK KNIGHT, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, and TRANSFORMERS.
Tuesday Recipe 1: Taco Salad
Taco Salad
2 Servings
Fast food taco salads are considered one of the highest fat, highest calorie choices at Mexican fast food restaurants. Ours is a wonderful alternative. Grate the cheese and add to the salad. Warm the beans if you like and add a little ground chicken, turkey or crumbled tempeh. Even though the carbohydrate content of this salad seems high, it has a very low glycemic index. The beans are also a rich source of folic acid and contribute to the high fiber content.
Ingredients:
4 cups lettuce, torn into pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup pinto beans, drained of juice
2 oz baked tortilla chips, broken into pieces
1/4 cup salsa
Instructions:
In a salad bowl, mix together the vegetables, pinto beans and tortilla chips. Add the salsa and stir gently to blend.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
203 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
40 g carbohydrate
11 g protein
11 g fiber
213 mg sodium
-- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
2 Servings
Fast food taco salads are considered one of the highest fat, highest calorie choices at Mexican fast food restaurants. Ours is a wonderful alternative. Grate the cheese and add to the salad. Warm the beans if you like and add a little ground chicken, turkey or crumbled tempeh. Even though the carbohydrate content of this salad seems high, it has a very low glycemic index. The beans are also a rich source of folic acid and contribute to the high fiber content.
Ingredients:
4 cups lettuce, torn into pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup pinto beans, drained of juice
2 oz baked tortilla chips, broken into pieces
1/4 cup salsa
Instructions:
In a salad bowl, mix together the vegetables, pinto beans and tortilla chips. Add the salsa and stir gently to blend.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
203 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
40 g carbohydrate
11 g protein
11 g fiber
213 mg sodium
-- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Tuesday Quote of the Day
March 24, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Passion, though a bad regulator, is a powerful spring."
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Quote of the Day
"Passion, though a bad regulator, is a powerful spring."
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tuesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration - Time with God
Time with God
Tuesday 24th March
Proverbs 5:3-4, 6-11
For the lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword....
Keep your way far from her and do not go near the door of her house, or you will give your vigour to others and your years to the cruel one; and strangers will be filled with your strength and your hard-earned goods will go to the house of an alien; and you groan at your final end...(v. 3-4, 8-11)
Think about where your choices will lead you!
God is giving us two main warnings in this passage. The first is about the deception of sexual temptation. Because it is sexual, it is tantalising and exciting. The immediacy of it blinds you to the devastation it will bring into your life. That is why the passage warns us to keep far from the source of sexual temptation.
The second warning is about "the end"--that is, the end-result of your choices. Every choice you make, good or bad, is on the way somewhere. Think about the temptations you are facing today. God wants you to consider where that road will take you. If you follow that temptation, will you end up on the road to joy and peace and fruitfulness?
No. God has far better roads for you to travel. Ask Him to steer you in the right direction.
John North and Ambassadors for Christ International
Tuesday 24th March
Proverbs 5:3-4, 6-11
For the lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword....
Keep your way far from her and do not go near the door of her house, or you will give your vigour to others and your years to the cruel one; and strangers will be filled with your strength and your hard-earned goods will go to the house of an alien; and you groan at your final end...(v. 3-4, 8-11)
Think about where your choices will lead you!
God is giving us two main warnings in this passage. The first is about the deception of sexual temptation. Because it is sexual, it is tantalising and exciting. The immediacy of it blinds you to the devastation it will bring into your life. That is why the passage warns us to keep far from the source of sexual temptation.
The second warning is about "the end"--that is, the end-result of your choices. Every choice you make, good or bad, is on the way somewhere. Think about the temptations you are facing today. God wants you to consider where that road will take you. If you follow that temptation, will you end up on the road to joy and peace and fruitfulness?
No. God has far better roads for you to travel. Ask Him to steer you in the right direction.
John North and Ambassadors for Christ International
March 23, 2009
Monday Recipe 2: Upstream Pasta
Upstream Pasta
Makes: 6 to 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, December 13, 2007
Talk about a recipe that's swimming in goodness. With noodles, salmon and other flavorful ingredients, this is a one-hit wonder.
Ingredients
4 cups broad egg noodles or shell noodles
1 tbsp. butter or oil
2 tbsp. shallots, finely chopped or 1 clove garlic, crushed, finely chopped
8 oz. smoked salmon
4 whole green onions
1 cup sour cream
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
White pepper, to taste
Methods/steps
Cook the pasta. Drain but do not rinse. Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large frying pan. Add the shallots and saute for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the salmon into thin bite-size pieces and slice the green onions; set aside. Then, whisk the sour cream, Dijon and pepper into the sautéed shallots. Remove from the heat and immediately stir into the drained cooked pasta. Add the salmon and green onions and toss. Serve hot or as a cold pasta salad.
Makes: 6 to 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, December 13, 2007
Talk about a recipe that's swimming in goodness. With noodles, salmon and other flavorful ingredients, this is a one-hit wonder.
Ingredients
4 cups broad egg noodles or shell noodles
1 tbsp. butter or oil
2 tbsp. shallots, finely chopped or 1 clove garlic, crushed, finely chopped
8 oz. smoked salmon
4 whole green onions
1 cup sour cream
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
White pepper, to taste
Methods/steps
Cook the pasta. Drain but do not rinse. Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large frying pan. Add the shallots and saute for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the salmon into thin bite-size pieces and slice the green onions; set aside. Then, whisk the sour cream, Dijon and pepper into the sautéed shallots. Remove from the heat and immediately stir into the drained cooked pasta. Add the salmon and green onions and toss. Serve hot or as a cold pasta salad.
Monday Quote of the Day
March 23, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Character is simply habit long enough continued."
– Plutarch
Quote of the Day
"Character is simply habit long enough continued."
– Plutarch
Sunday Recipe 1: Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasting members of the brassica family brings out a hidden nutty sweetness that could change a few minds about these oft-maligned vegetables.
Makes 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each
Ingredients
8 cups bite-size cauliflower florets (about 1 head), sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place florets in a large bowl with oil, salt and pepper and toss to coat. Spread out on a baking sheet. Roast the vegetables, stirring once, until tender-crisp and browned in spots, 15 to 25 minutes. Serve hot or warm with lemon wedges, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
113 calories
7 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
11 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
5 g fiber
351 mg sodium
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
Roasting members of the brassica family brings out a hidden nutty sweetness that could change a few minds about these oft-maligned vegetables.
Makes 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each
Ingredients
8 cups bite-size cauliflower florets (about 1 head), sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place florets in a large bowl with oil, salt and pepper and toss to coat. Spread out on a baking sheet. Roast the vegetables, stirring once, until tender-crisp and browned in spots, 15 to 25 minutes. Serve hot or warm with lemon wedges, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
113 calories
7 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
11 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
5 g fiber
351 mg sodium
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
March 22, 2009
Sunday Recipe 2:
Baked Enchiladas
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, February 17, 2008
We've got the whole enchilada for you. This mouthwatering Mexican favorite is stuffed with cheese and ground beef. It brings the border to you.
Ingredients
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can of whole tomatoes
1 small onion, cut into pieces
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. salt
1 (6 oz.) can of tomato paste
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
9 corn tortillas
Methods/steps
To prepare the sauce, place the whole canned tomatoes, the liquid from the tomatoes, the onion, and the garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend. Pour into a medium saucepan. Add the cayenne, salt, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Place 1/3 of the tortillas in the bottom of the crock-pot and spoon over 1/3 of the ground beef, 1/3 of the sauce, and 1/3 of the cheddar in layers. Repeat each layer twice more. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, February 17, 2008
We've got the whole enchilada for you. This mouthwatering Mexican favorite is stuffed with cheese and ground beef. It brings the border to you.
Ingredients
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can of whole tomatoes
1 small onion, cut into pieces
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. salt
1 (6 oz.) can of tomato paste
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
9 corn tortillas
Methods/steps
To prepare the sauce, place the whole canned tomatoes, the liquid from the tomatoes, the onion, and the garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend. Pour into a medium saucepan. Add the cayenne, salt, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Place 1/3 of the tortillas in the bottom of the crock-pot and spoon over 1/3 of the ground beef, 1/3 of the sauce, and 1/3 of the cheddar in layers. Repeat each layer twice more. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Sunday Recipe 1: Potato and Sweet Potato Torte
Potato and Sweet Potato Torte
Layers of potatoes and sweet potatoes meld into an impressive vegetable "cake" that forms a golden crust during baking. Serve as a vegetarian centerpiece or with roast poultry or pork.
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 large leeks, trimmed, washed (see Tip) and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 pound sweet potatoes (about 2 small), peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
1 pound all-purpose potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold (2-4 medium), peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
Instructions
1. Position oven rack at the lowest level; preheat to 450°F. Coat a 9 1/2-inch, deep-dish pie pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper or foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add leeks and thyme; cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes. (If necessary, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water to prevent scorching.) Season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.
3. Arrange half the sweet potato slices, slightly overlapping, in the prepared pie pan and season with a little of the remaining salt and pepper. Spread one-third of the leeks over the top. Arrange half the potato slices over the leeks and season with salt and pepper. Top with another third of the leeks. Layer the remaining sweet potatoes, leeks and potatoes in the same manner. Cover the pan tightly with foil.
4. Bake the torte until the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the torte to loosen it. Invert onto a serving plate. Remove paper or foil and serve.
Tips
The torte will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat, covered, in a 350°f oven.
Tip: To clean leeks: Trim and discard coarse green tops. Split leeks lengthwise with a sharp knife, beginning about 1 inch from the root end and cutting toward the green end. Leave root end attached. Swish leeks repeatedly in a basin of cold water to remove grit. Alternatively, trim roots and ragged tops. Slice leeks and place in plenty of water, then drain. Repeat a few times. The slices do not absorb water or lose flavor and the process is faster.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
144 calories
3 g fat (0 g sat, 2 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
30 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
4 g fiber
221 mg sodium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin A (240% daily value)
Vitamin C (50% dv)
Potassium (35% dv)
Fiber (16% dv)
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
Layers of potatoes and sweet potatoes meld into an impressive vegetable "cake" that forms a golden crust during baking. Serve as a vegetarian centerpiece or with roast poultry or pork.
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 large leeks, trimmed, washed (see Tip) and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 pound sweet potatoes (about 2 small), peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
1 pound all-purpose potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold (2-4 medium), peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
Instructions
1. Position oven rack at the lowest level; preheat to 450°F. Coat a 9 1/2-inch, deep-dish pie pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper or foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add leeks and thyme; cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes. (If necessary, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water to prevent scorching.) Season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.
3. Arrange half the sweet potato slices, slightly overlapping, in the prepared pie pan and season with a little of the remaining salt and pepper. Spread one-third of the leeks over the top. Arrange half the potato slices over the leeks and season with salt and pepper. Top with another third of the leeks. Layer the remaining sweet potatoes, leeks and potatoes in the same manner. Cover the pan tightly with foil.
4. Bake the torte until the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the torte to loosen it. Invert onto a serving plate. Remove paper or foil and serve.
Tips
The torte will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat, covered, in a 350°f oven.
Tip: To clean leeks: Trim and discard coarse green tops. Split leeks lengthwise with a sharp knife, beginning about 1 inch from the root end and cutting toward the green end. Leave root end attached. Swish leeks repeatedly in a basin of cold water to remove grit. Alternatively, trim roots and ragged tops. Slice leeks and place in plenty of water, then drain. Repeat a few times. The slices do not absorb water or lose flavor and the process is faster.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
144 calories
3 g fat (0 g sat, 2 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
30 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
4 g fiber
221 mg sodium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin A (240% daily value)
Vitamin C (50% dv)
Potassium (35% dv)
Fiber (16% dv)
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
Sunday Quote of the Day
March 22, 2009
Quote of the Day
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
– Sir Winston Churchill
Quote of the Day
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
– Sir Winston Churchill
March 21, 2009
Saturday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration - Thinking Outside the Box
Thinking Outside the Box
By Os Hillman
March 21
"But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do" (John 6:6).
Jesus and the disciples had just crossed the Sea of Galilee and multitudes followed Him because of the miracles they saw Him do. He was about to speak to them when Jesus realized it was dinner time and the people would be hungry. There were more than 5,000 people who needed to be fed.
Jesus already knew what He was going to do in this situation. However, He was testing the disciples to see if they would think beyond themselves to find a God-solution to the problem. They failed the test. They immediately thought like most of us would think. The disciples looked in their pocketbooks and realized they did not have adequate resources to purchase enough food for the crowd.
It is when we come to the end of our resources that God comes in with His resources.
When I first published volume one of TGIF in book form, I was required to order 1,000 copies from my publisher. We had very little distribution and sales of materials at that time. So, after a few months, we still had boxes and boxes of inventory in our basement. "These books are doing us, nor anyone else, any good in our basement," I said to my wife Angie. "I think we need to go downstairs and lay hands on the books and command them to leave our basement based on Mark 11:23 which says we can speak to the mountain and have it removed." We walked downstairs and prayed, "In the name of Jesus get out of the basement and go be a blessing to someone who can benefit from these books!" Feeling very foolish, I walked upstairs. Two hours later we received a call from a Texas-based workplace ministry. They ordered 300 books! Until then, we had never sold more than a few copies in one day!
When a problem arises in your work life do you think only the logical thought? Perhaps God has created this problem as an opportunity to reveal His glory in the situation. Next time, go outside the box and see the glory of God manifested in your problem!
Contact Os Hillman at www.marketplaceleaders.org.
Saturday Recipe 4: Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Makes: 6 - 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Chicken and stuffing is a culinary classic. With this version, the two of them are prepared in a simplistic fashion. Enjoy this delectable dish.
Ingredients
6 oz. box seasoned stuffing mix
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
8 oz. sour cream
2 tbsp. onion soup mix
4 oz. can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
8 oz. can of sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Methods/steps
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 2-quart baking dish. Prepare stuffing mix as directed on box; set aside. Place chicken into prepared baking dish. Combine soup, sour cream and soup mix; spread over chicken. Sprinkle with mushrooms and water chestnuts; spread stuffing over top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly.
Additional Tips
Ready in 40 min
Makes: 6 - 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Chicken and stuffing is a culinary classic. With this version, the two of them are prepared in a simplistic fashion. Enjoy this delectable dish.
Ingredients
6 oz. box seasoned stuffing mix
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
8 oz. sour cream
2 tbsp. onion soup mix
4 oz. can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
8 oz. can of sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Methods/steps
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 2-quart baking dish. Prepare stuffing mix as directed on box; set aside. Place chicken into prepared baking dish. Combine soup, sour cream and soup mix; spread over chicken. Sprinkle with mushrooms and water chestnuts; spread stuffing over top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly.
Additional Tips
Ready in 40 min
Saturday Recipe 3: Louisiana Marinated Shrimps
Louisiana Marinated Shrimps
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, February 18, 2008
These Southern-inspired Louisiana shrimp have all the makings of a great seafood meal. With butter, lemon, spice and everything nice, they'll please any -- and every -- shrimp aficionado at your table.
Ingredients
6 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1/4 tsp. turmeric
32 large shrimp, in their shells
Methods/steps
To make the marinade, in a small saut pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the remaining marinade ingredients. Stir and allow cooling at room temperature. Using a sharp knife split open the back of each shrimp and devein it. Place the shrimp in a large, resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Turn the bag to distribute the marinade, place in a bowl, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the bag and discard the marinade. Grill over direct high heat until the shrimp are just opaque in the center and firm to the touch, 2-4 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Remove from the grill and serve warm or at room temperature with rice.
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, February 18, 2008
These Southern-inspired Louisiana shrimp have all the makings of a great seafood meal. With butter, lemon, spice and everything nice, they'll please any -- and every -- shrimp aficionado at your table.
Ingredients
6 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1/4 tsp. turmeric
32 large shrimp, in their shells
Methods/steps
To make the marinade, in a small saut pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the remaining marinade ingredients. Stir and allow cooling at room temperature. Using a sharp knife split open the back of each shrimp and devein it. Place the shrimp in a large, resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Turn the bag to distribute the marinade, place in a bowl, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the bag and discard the marinade. Grill over direct high heat until the shrimp are just opaque in the center and firm to the touch, 2-4 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Remove from the grill and serve warm or at room temperature with rice.
Saturday Recipe 2: Cocoa-Peanut Butter-Banana Smoothee
Cocoa-Peanut Butter-Banana Smoothee
Chocolate milk bumps up the flavor in a nutritious kid-friendly smoothe.
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min
Makes: 4 servings (1 cup each)
1 1/2 cups Yoplait® 99% Fat Free creamy vanilla yogurt (from 2 lb container)
1 cup chocolate milk
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 small bananas, sliced
3 to 5 ice cubes
1 cup Cocoa Puffs® cereal, coarsely crushed*
1. Place all ingredients except cereal in blender. Cover; blend on high speed about 30 seconds or until smooth.
2. Pour into 4 glasses. Sprinkle with cereal. Serve immediately.
*To crush cereal, place in plastic bag or between sheets of waxed paper; crush with rolling pin.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.
Make and Take
Keep a stash of disposable cups with lids so you can breakfast on the go or head outside.
Nutrition Information:
1 Serving: Calories 310 (Calories from Fat 100); Total Fat 11g (Saturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 190mg; Total Carbohydrate 44g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 31g); Protein 10g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 15%; Vitamin C 8%; Calcium 20%; Iron 8% Exchanges: 1 Fruit; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 1 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Vegetable
Chocolate milk bumps up the flavor in a nutritious kid-friendly smoothe.
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min
Makes: 4 servings (1 cup each)
1 1/2 cups Yoplait® 99% Fat Free creamy vanilla yogurt (from 2 lb container)
1 cup chocolate milk
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 small bananas, sliced
3 to 5 ice cubes
1 cup Cocoa Puffs® cereal, coarsely crushed*
1. Place all ingredients except cereal in blender. Cover; blend on high speed about 30 seconds or until smooth.
2. Pour into 4 glasses. Sprinkle with cereal. Serve immediately.
*To crush cereal, place in plastic bag or between sheets of waxed paper; crush with rolling pin.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.
Make and Take
Keep a stash of disposable cups with lids so you can breakfast on the go or head outside.
Nutrition Information:
1 Serving: Calories 310 (Calories from Fat 100); Total Fat 11g (Saturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 190mg; Total Carbohydrate 44g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 31g); Protein 10g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 15%; Vitamin C 8%; Calcium 20%; Iron 8% Exchanges: 1 Fruit; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 1 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Vegetable
Saturday Recipe 1: Lemon Creme Cupcakes
Lemon Creme Cupcakes
A twist of citrus and a surprise creamy inside make this starry cupcake heavenly. Find this cupcake and more in the Betty Crocker Cakes magazine on sale March 10th-April 7th.
Prep Time: 35 min
Total Time: 1 hour 40 min
Makes: 24 cupcakes
Cupcakes
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow or lemon cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
Filling
3/4 cup Betty Crocker® Whipped vanilla frosting (from 12-oz container)
1/2 cup marshmallow creme
Frosting
1 container (12 oz) Betty Crocker® Whipped butter cream frosting
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup Betty Crocker® star decors
1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Make and bake cake mix as directed on box for 24 cupcakes, using water, oil and eggs. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
2. By slowly spinning end of round handle of wooden spoon back and forth, make deep, 3/4-inch-wide indentation in center of top of each cupcake, not quite to bottom (wiggle end of spoon in cupcake to make opening large enough).
3. In small bowl, mix filling ingredients. Spoon into small resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Cut 3/8-inch tip off one bottom corner of bag. Insert tip of bag into opening in each cupcake; squeeze bag to fill opening.
4. In medium bowl, stir together 1 container butter cream frosting, the lemon peel and lemon juice. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with stars.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Follow High Altitude directions for cupcakes on cake mix box.
Special Touch
Use sugared edible flowers to garnish these cupcakes.
Did You Know?
You'll get more lemon juice from a room-temperature lemon than from a cold one.
Nutrition Information:
1 Cupcake: Calories 220 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 2 1/2g, Trans Fat 2g); Cholesterol 25mg; Sodium 170mg; Total Carbohydrate 31g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 21g); Protein 1g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 4%; Iron 2000% Exchanges: 2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices
A twist of citrus and a surprise creamy inside make this starry cupcake heavenly. Find this cupcake and more in the Betty Crocker Cakes magazine on sale March 10th-April 7th.
Prep Time: 35 min
Total Time: 1 hour 40 min
Makes: 24 cupcakes
Cupcakes
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow or lemon cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
Filling
3/4 cup Betty Crocker® Whipped vanilla frosting (from 12-oz container)
1/2 cup marshmallow creme
Frosting
1 container (12 oz) Betty Crocker® Whipped butter cream frosting
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup Betty Crocker® star decors
1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Make and bake cake mix as directed on box for 24 cupcakes, using water, oil and eggs. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
2. By slowly spinning end of round handle of wooden spoon back and forth, make deep, 3/4-inch-wide indentation in center of top of each cupcake, not quite to bottom (wiggle end of spoon in cupcake to make opening large enough).
3. In small bowl, mix filling ingredients. Spoon into small resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Cut 3/8-inch tip off one bottom corner of bag. Insert tip of bag into opening in each cupcake; squeeze bag to fill opening.
4. In medium bowl, stir together 1 container butter cream frosting, the lemon peel and lemon juice. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with stars.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Follow High Altitude directions for cupcakes on cake mix box.
Special Touch
Use sugared edible flowers to garnish these cupcakes.
Did You Know?
You'll get more lemon juice from a room-temperature lemon than from a cold one.
Nutrition Information:
1 Cupcake: Calories 220 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 2 1/2g, Trans Fat 2g); Cholesterol 25mg; Sodium 170mg; Total Carbohydrate 31g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 21g); Protein 1g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 4%; Iron 2000% Exchanges: 2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices
March 20, 2009
Friday Recipe 3: Grouper with Lobster & Shrimp Sauce
Grouper and Lobster with Shrimp Sauce
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, December 26, 2007 Description -->
Ready to "sea" something you'll really like? This grouper and lobster dish in shrimp sauce is rich to the core. It's also swimming in goodness. Makes: 2 servings
Ingredients
For sauce:
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 oz. butter
2 oz. lobster base
3 oz. flour
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 lb. cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off
For fish:
1 tbsp. butter
2 8-oz. grouper fillets
2 2- to 3-oz. lobster tails or lobster meat
Ground black pepper, to taste
Methods/steps
Saut garlic in butter. Add lobster base and flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Add cream; bring to boil. When desired thickness is achieved, add shrimp. Reduce heat and keep warm. In saut pan, melt butter and season grouper with pepper. Cook until done. If using lobster, cook in oven at 350 degrees until done. Place grouper on plate and top with lobster and sauce.
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, December 26, 2007 Description -->
Ready to "sea" something you'll really like? This grouper and lobster dish in shrimp sauce is rich to the core. It's also swimming in goodness. Makes: 2 servings
Ingredients
For sauce:
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 oz. butter
2 oz. lobster base
3 oz. flour
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 lb. cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off
For fish:
1 tbsp. butter
2 8-oz. grouper fillets
2 2- to 3-oz. lobster tails or lobster meat
Ground black pepper, to taste
Methods/steps
Saut garlic in butter. Add lobster base and flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Add cream; bring to boil. When desired thickness is achieved, add shrimp. Reduce heat and keep warm. In saut pan, melt butter and season grouper with pepper. Cook until done. If using lobster, cook in oven at 350 degrees until done. Place grouper on plate and top with lobster and sauce.
Friday Recipe 2: Mini Lemon-Lime Tartlets
Mini Lemon-Lime Tartlets
Estimated Times
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 13 minutes
Cool: 2 hours
These cute, mini tartlets give the fresh taste of spring and are the perfect way to celebrate Easter or any occasion.
What you need
1 pkg. (16.5 oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Sugar Cookie Dough
1 can (14 oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 pkg. (8 oz.) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) or regular cream cheese, at room temperature
2 cups thawed fat-free, reduced-fat or regular frozen whipped topping
¼ cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
¼ cup lime juice
2 teaspoons grated lime peel
Additional lemon and lime quarter slices, peel curls or grated peel (optional)
24 muffin cups
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 325°F. Paper-line 24 muffin cups.
CUT dough along pre-scored lines; place one piece of cookie dough in each muffin cup.
BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cookies will be puffy. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
BEAT sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese in large mixer bowl until smooth. Gently fold in whipped topping. Divide mixture into two medium bowls. Stir lemon juice and lemon peel into one bowl and lime juice and lime peel into other bowl.
POUR about 3 tablespoons lemon cream cheese mixture over 12 cookie cups. Repeat with lime cream cheese mixture and remaining cookie cups. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Decorate with lemon and lime quarter slices, curls or peel, if desired.
Estimated Times
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 13 minutes
Cool: 2 hours
These cute, mini tartlets give the fresh taste of spring and are the perfect way to celebrate Easter or any occasion.
What you need
1 pkg. (16.5 oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Sugar Cookie Dough
1 can (14 oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 pkg. (8 oz.) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) or regular cream cheese, at room temperature
2 cups thawed fat-free, reduced-fat or regular frozen whipped topping
¼ cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
¼ cup lime juice
2 teaspoons grated lime peel
Additional lemon and lime quarter slices, peel curls or grated peel (optional)
24 muffin cups
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 325°F. Paper-line 24 muffin cups.
CUT dough along pre-scored lines; place one piece of cookie dough in each muffin cup.
BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cookies will be puffy. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
BEAT sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese in large mixer bowl until smooth. Gently fold in whipped topping. Divide mixture into two medium bowls. Stir lemon juice and lemon peel into one bowl and lime juice and lime peel into other bowl.
POUR about 3 tablespoons lemon cream cheese mixture over 12 cookie cups. Repeat with lime cream cheese mixture and remaining cookie cups. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Decorate with lemon and lime quarter slices, curls or peel, if desired.
Friday Recipe 1: Hash Brown Casserole
Hash Brown Casserole
Estimated Times
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Satisfy all of your breakfast needs with this all-in-one hash brown casserole.
What you need
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
3 cartons (4 oz. each) cholesterol-free egg product or 6 large eggs, well-beaten
1 can (12 fl. oz.) * NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Fat Free Evaporated Milk
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
½ teapspoon ground black pepper
1 pkg. (30 oz.) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
10 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped, or 1 cup diced ham
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
COMBINE cheese, egg product, evaporated milk, salt and black pepper in large bowl. Add potatoes, onion, bell pepper and bacon, mix well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
BAKE for 60 to 65 minutes or until set.
Estimated Times
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Satisfy all of your breakfast needs with this all-in-one hash brown casserole.
What you need
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
3 cartons (4 oz. each) cholesterol-free egg product or 6 large eggs, well-beaten
1 can (12 fl. oz.) * NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Fat Free Evaporated Milk
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
½ teapspoon ground black pepper
1 pkg. (30 oz.) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
10 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped, or 1 cup diced ham
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
COMBINE cheese, egg product, evaporated milk, salt and black pepper in large bowl. Add potatoes, onion, bell pepper and bacon, mix well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
BAKE for 60 to 65 minutes or until set.
March 19, 2009
Quote of the Day Thursday March 19
March 19, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
– Mark Twain
Quote of the Day
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
– Mark Twain
Thursday Recipe: Tomato Basil Skewers
Tomato Basil Skewers
Skewering mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes makes them easy to nosh at a party.
Makes 16 pieces
Ingredients
16 small fresh mozzarella balls
16 fresh basil leaves
16 cherry tomatoes
Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
Coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
Thread mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on small skewers. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Information
Per piece:
46 calories
3 g fat (2 g sat, 0 g mono)
8 mg cholesterol
1 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
0 g fiber
217 mg sodium
34 mg potassium
What you get:
Calcium
Protein
Vitamin C
Potassium
0 Carbohydrate Servings
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
Skewering mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes makes them easy to nosh at a party.
Makes 16 pieces
Ingredients
16 small fresh mozzarella balls
16 fresh basil leaves
16 cherry tomatoes
Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
Coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
Thread mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on small skewers. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Information
Per piece:
46 calories
3 g fat (2 g sat, 0 g mono)
8 mg cholesterol
1 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
0 g fiber
217 mg sodium
34 mg potassium
What you get:
Calcium
Protein
Vitamin C
Potassium
0 Carbohydrate Servings
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
A Dose of Daily Inspiration - Grumbling or Grateful?
Grumbling or Grateful?
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name." Psalm 100:4
One day, there was a preacher on a train. He saw a well-dressed man and magnificently dressed woman with expensive jewelry. This woman was complaining about everything -- the train ride, the weather, the news, the food, the service.
The preacher decided to engage this couple in a conversation. He asked the man what kind of business he was in and the man told him. Then he asked, "And what does your wife do?"
The man replied, "Oh, she's in the manufacturing business. She manufactures her own unhappiness."
You know, there are a lot of people like that today. They manufacture their own misery because they fail to be grateful. Only Christ can turn our lives around and stir up a grateful heart within us.
Go through the alphabet and thank the Lord for something beginning with each letter and choose to be grateful.
March 18, 2009
A Dose of Daily Inspiration - Persuasion
Persuasion
So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
Some people are going to need to be persuaded, they are going to need more than proclamation, because they are honestly grappling with questions that need to be dealt with. Those questions are like roadblocks in front of them that will need to be removed so they can advance and embrace the gospel.
They may have questions like, "Well, why can't other religions save? Why does Jesus have to be the only way?" Or, "What's this deal about the Jews? Why did the Savior have to come from the Jews?" Or it may be, "What about people who don't hear? How could it be fair that they would perish?"
When people have questions like these, they are genuinely seeking answers, so give them Biblical reasons. If you don't have an answer, tell them you don't know. Say, "You know what? That's a good question, and I don't know the answer. But I'm going to find one for you." Then go study your Bible and find the answer.
Or go to the Bible bookstore and find a book that deals with that subject. Or ask a Christian friend who knows more than you do and find an answer. Then go back to the person and give them an answer.
You will find that when you give people legitimate Scriptural answers, they will respond and often be saved.
Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God
Wednesday Recipe 2: Angel Hair Frittata
Angel Hair Frittata
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, December 14, 2007
You'll put a halo over this angel hair frittata that's loaded with goodness. It's egg-actly the meal you need to satisfy your palate.
Ingredients
4 tbsp. olive oil
2 small zucchini, sliced
1 tomato, seeded and chopped
2 large mushrooms, sliced
1 green onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. black olives, chopped
1/4 tsp. dried basil, crumbled
1/8 tsp. dried oregano, crumbled
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups Romano cheese, grated
6 oz. angel hair pasta, freshly cooked
Romano cheese, grated
2 tomatoes, chopped
Methods/steps
Heat 2 tbsp. of oil in a heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, 1 tomato, mushrooms, onion and garlic and saut until tender, about 3 minutes. Add olives and herbs. Cool. Preheat broiler. Beat eggs and 1.5 cups cheese in large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Mix in vegetables and pasta. Heat remaining 2 tbsp. of oil in heavy large broiler proof skillet over medium heat. Add egg mixture to skillet. Press mixture with back of spatula to even thickness. Cook until frittata is set and golden brown on bottom. Transfer skillet to broiler and cook until top of frittata is set, about 2 minutes. Run small knife around edge of frittata to loosen. Invert skillet onto large plate. Remove skillet. Cut frittata into wedges. Serve, passing additional cheese and chopped tomatoes separately.
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, December 14, 2007
You'll put a halo over this angel hair frittata that's loaded with goodness. It's egg-actly the meal you need to satisfy your palate.
Ingredients
4 tbsp. olive oil
2 small zucchini, sliced
1 tomato, seeded and chopped
2 large mushrooms, sliced
1 green onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. black olives, chopped
1/4 tsp. dried basil, crumbled
1/8 tsp. dried oregano, crumbled
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups Romano cheese, grated
6 oz. angel hair pasta, freshly cooked
Romano cheese, grated
2 tomatoes, chopped
Methods/steps
Heat 2 tbsp. of oil in a heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, 1 tomato, mushrooms, onion and garlic and saut until tender, about 3 minutes. Add olives and herbs. Cool. Preheat broiler. Beat eggs and 1.5 cups cheese in large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Mix in vegetables and pasta. Heat remaining 2 tbsp. of oil in heavy large broiler proof skillet over medium heat. Add egg mixture to skillet. Press mixture with back of spatula to even thickness. Cook until frittata is set and golden brown on bottom. Transfer skillet to broiler and cook until top of frittata is set, about 2 minutes. Run small knife around edge of frittata to loosen. Invert skillet onto large plate. Remove skillet. Cut frittata into wedges. Serve, passing additional cheese and chopped tomatoes separately.
Quote of the Day Wednesday March 18
March 18, 2009
Quote of the Day
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Quote of the Day
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Wednesday Recipe: Golden Gazpacho
Golden Gazpacho
Inspired by Spanish pureed gazpachos, this golden-yellow one is based on an idea of Greg Parks's at the Four Columns Inn in Newfane, Vermont.
Makes 6 servings, 1 generous cup each
Ingredients:
1 large orange or yellow bell pepper
3 1/2 pounds yellow or orange tomatoes, peeled (see Tip) and cored, divided
1 cup coarsely chopped sweet onion
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2-3 red or green jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler.
2. Place bell pepper on a baking sheet and broil, turning every 4 to 5 minutes, until the skin is blackened and blistered on all sides, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the pepper to a bowl, cover, and let steam until the skin is loosened, about 10 minutes. Uncover; when cool enough to handle, remove the skin. Discard stem, seeds and ribs.
3. Place the roasted pepper and half the tomatoes in a blender; and onion and oil and puree until smooth. Transfer to a large metal bowl. Puree the remaining tomatoes until smooth and add to the bowl; stir to combine. Refrigerate the gazpacho until chilled, at least 2 hours. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with jalapenos, if desired.
Tips:
Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
Tip: To peel tomatoes: Make a small X in the bottom of each tomato and plunge into boiling water until the skins are slightly loosened, 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice water for 1 minute. Peel with a paring knife, starting at the X.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
104 calories
5 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
13 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
3 g fiber
452 mg sodium
803 mg potassium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin C (140% daily value)
Folate (25% dv)
Potassium (23% dv)
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges:
2 vegetables
1 fat
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
Inspired by Spanish pureed gazpachos, this golden-yellow one is based on an idea of Greg Parks's at the Four Columns Inn in Newfane, Vermont.
Makes 6 servings, 1 generous cup each
Ingredients:
1 large orange or yellow bell pepper
3 1/2 pounds yellow or orange tomatoes, peeled (see Tip) and cored, divided
1 cup coarsely chopped sweet onion
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2-3 red or green jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler.
2. Place bell pepper on a baking sheet and broil, turning every 4 to 5 minutes, until the skin is blackened and blistered on all sides, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the pepper to a bowl, cover, and let steam until the skin is loosened, about 10 minutes. Uncover; when cool enough to handle, remove the skin. Discard stem, seeds and ribs.
3. Place the roasted pepper and half the tomatoes in a blender; and onion and oil and puree until smooth. Transfer to a large metal bowl. Puree the remaining tomatoes until smooth and add to the bowl; stir to combine. Refrigerate the gazpacho until chilled, at least 2 hours. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with jalapenos, if desired.
Tips:
Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
Tip: To peel tomatoes: Make a small X in the bottom of each tomato and plunge into boiling water until the skins are slightly loosened, 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice water for 1 minute. Peel with a paring knife, starting at the X.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
104 calories
5 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
13 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
3 g fiber
452 mg sodium
803 mg potassium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin C (140% daily value)
Folate (25% dv)
Potassium (23% dv)
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges:
2 vegetables
1 fat
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
March 17, 2009
Quote of the Day Tuesday March 17
March 17, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best."
– Marva Collins
Quote of the Day
"Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best."
– Marva Collins
A Dose of Daily Inspiration Tuesday March 17 (wear green!)
March 17, 2009
The Foundation of Emotions, Part One
by Charles R. Swindoll
Genesis 1:27
Unlike animals, God made humans in His image. This is clearly stated in the first book of the Bible:
God created man in His own image, in the image of God
He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)
Breaking that down to its simplest form, God made Adam and Eve like Himself. And what would that include? He gave them intellectual ability---which is often referred to in the Scriptures as the mind. He also gave them emotional capabilities---which is frequently called the heart.. And He gave them volitional capacity---which is the will. His desire was that they would use their minds to know God . . . and from their hearts, they would love God . . . and with their wills, they would obey God.
Great plan---but sin changed everything. When Adam and Eve sinned, their minds were blinded to the things of God, their hearts turned from loving Him to being afraid of Him, and their wills became stubborn and resistant, causing them to disobey rather than obey.
It's important to realize that, while we still bear God's image (we have a mind, emotion, and a will), the consequences of their sin remain with us today. Adam and Eve, having no parents, were created in perfection and were spiritually alive. However, when sin took place, it contaminated everything in them and around them, like a fast-moving polluted river. As a result, when we were born, that pollution was passed along, making us sinful creatures. So were our parents and theirs as well.
Unlike Adam and Eve, we were born spiritually dead, which means that in order to know God and love God and obey God, we need a spiritual rebirth. That's what Jesus meant when He said, "You must be born again" (John 3:7). That happens the moment we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ---who died on the cross for our sins and rose again. Apart from a relationship with Him, knowing God personally isn't a possibility, loving God intimately cannot occur, and obeying God willingly won't happen.
Before we go further into the subject of our emotions in the next several devotionals, trying to understand how they work and why they affect us so significantly, it's important that these things not only be understood but accepted by faith.
If you have never trusted in Christ, let me urge you to do so right now.
Reprinted by permission. Day by Day, Charles Swindoll, July 2005, Thomas Nelson, inc., Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
The Foundation of Emotions, Part One
by Charles R. Swindoll
Genesis 1:27
Unlike animals, God made humans in His image. This is clearly stated in the first book of the Bible:
God created man in His own image, in the image of God
He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)
Breaking that down to its simplest form, God made Adam and Eve like Himself. And what would that include? He gave them intellectual ability---which is often referred to in the Scriptures as the mind. He also gave them emotional capabilities---which is frequently called the heart.. And He gave them volitional capacity---which is the will. His desire was that they would use their minds to know God . . . and from their hearts, they would love God . . . and with their wills, they would obey God.
Great plan---but sin changed everything. When Adam and Eve sinned, their minds were blinded to the things of God, their hearts turned from loving Him to being afraid of Him, and their wills became stubborn and resistant, causing them to disobey rather than obey.
It's important to realize that, while we still bear God's image (we have a mind, emotion, and a will), the consequences of their sin remain with us today. Adam and Eve, having no parents, were created in perfection and were spiritually alive. However, when sin took place, it contaminated everything in them and around them, like a fast-moving polluted river. As a result, when we were born, that pollution was passed along, making us sinful creatures. So were our parents and theirs as well.
Unlike Adam and Eve, we were born spiritually dead, which means that in order to know God and love God and obey God, we need a spiritual rebirth. That's what Jesus meant when He said, "You must be born again" (John 3:7). That happens the moment we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ---who died on the cross for our sins and rose again. Apart from a relationship with Him, knowing God personally isn't a possibility, loving God intimately cannot occur, and obeying God willingly won't happen.
Before we go further into the subject of our emotions in the next several devotionals, trying to understand how they work and why they affect us so significantly, it's important that these things not only be understood but accepted by faith.
If you have never trusted in Christ, let me urge you to do so right now.
Reprinted by permission. Day by Day, Charles Swindoll, July 2005, Thomas Nelson, inc., Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Recipe: Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli Slaw
We've lightened this popular potluck classic with a dressing of reduced-fat mayo and yogurt. To speed preparation, use shredded broccoli slaw from the produce aisle.
Makes 8 servings, 3/4 cup each
Ingredients:
4 slices turkey bacon
1 12- to 16-ounce bag shredded broccoli slaw or 1 large bunch broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/4 cup low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 8-ounce can low-sodium sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup finely diced red onion (1/2 medium)
Instructions:
1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning frequently, until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. (Alternatively, microwave on High for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.) Drain bacon on paper towels. Chop coarsely.
2. If using whole broccoli, trim about 3 inches off the stems. Chop the rest into 1/4-inch pieces.
3. Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add water chestnuts, onion, bacon and broccoli; toss to coat. Chill until serving time.
Tips:
Cover and chill for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
80 calories
4 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono)
9 mg cholesterol
9 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
3 g fiber
297 mg sodium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin C (70% daily value)
1/2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges:
2 vegetables
1 fat
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
We've lightened this popular potluck classic with a dressing of reduced-fat mayo and yogurt. To speed preparation, use shredded broccoli slaw from the produce aisle.
Makes 8 servings, 3/4 cup each
Ingredients:
4 slices turkey bacon
1 12- to 16-ounce bag shredded broccoli slaw or 1 large bunch broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/4 cup low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 8-ounce can low-sodium sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup finely diced red onion (1/2 medium)
Instructions:
1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning frequently, until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. (Alternatively, microwave on High for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.) Drain bacon on paper towels. Chop coarsely.
2. If using whole broccoli, trim about 3 inches off the stems. Chop the rest into 1/4-inch pieces.
3. Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add water chestnuts, onion, bacon and broccoli; toss to coat. Chill until serving time.
Tips:
Cover and chill for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
80 calories
4 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono)
9 mg cholesterol
9 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
3 g fiber
297 mg sodium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin C (70% daily value)
1/2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges:
2 vegetables
1 fat
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
March 16, 2009
Quote of the Day March 16, 2009
March 16, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."
– Helen Keller
Quote of the Day
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."
– Helen Keller
A Dose of Daily Inspiration Monday March 16
Two Friends Bury Jesus
And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus,but secretly for fear of the Jews, he besought Pilatethat he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave.He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.Then they took the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clotheswith the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.- John 19:38-40
When it was time for Jesus' body to be brought down from the Cross, Pilate received a surprise visit from a high-ranking member of the Sanhedrin who was a secret follower of Jesus. His name was Joseph, from the city of Arimathea; thus, we know this man as Joseph of Arimathea. He was accompanied by another high-ranking member of the Sanhedrin who was also a secret disciple of Jesus. This second man's relationship with Jesus began with a secret visit in the middle of the night, recorded in John 3:1-21.. That second admirer was Nicodemus.
Let's begin with Joseph of Arimathea and see what we know of him. To obtain an accurate picture of this man, we must turn to Mark 15:42-43, which says, "And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus."
This verse tells us that Joseph of Arimathea was an "honorable counselor.." The Greek word for "honorable" is euschemon, a compound of the words eu, meaning well or good, and the word schema, meaning form, often referring to an outward appearance. When compounded together, it means a good outward appearance. It refers to people who have a good reputation, who have a good standing in society, or who are prominent, influential, and wealthy. The word "counselor" is the Greek word bouleutes, the word for a member of the Sanhedrin. This is the same word used to describe Roman senators. By using this word bouleutes, Mark tells us that Joseph of Arimathea's position in the land of Israel was one of great honor and respect.
The above verse also tells us that he "waited for the kingdom of God." The Greek word for "waited" is prosdechomai. Other examples of this word are found in Acts 24:15, where it describes a hope or expectation. In Romans 16:2, Paul uses this word to tell the Roman church to receive Phebe, suggesting that they fully receive and embrace her. In Hebrews 10:34, it is translated to take, and it means to fully and completely take something without reservation of hesitation. So when Mark 15:43 tells us Joseph of Arimathea "...waited for the kingdom of God...," this doesn't refer to a do-nothing, "hang-around-and-see-what-happens" kind of waiting. Joseph was earnestly looking for and anticipating the Kingdom. He was inwardly ready to take it, to fully receive it, and to embrace it without any reservation or hesitation.
This explains why Joseph was attracted to the ministry of Jesus. Because of his deep hunger and longing to see the Kingdom of God, he ventured out to see this Jesus of Nazareth. Spiritual hunger is always a prerequisite to receiving the Kingdom of God, and Joseph of Arimathea possessed that hunger. His willingness to think "outside the circle" of how others in the Sanhedrin thought no doubt made him unique in the supreme council. However, it appears that the other members of the council shut their eyes and tolerated him due to his prominent position and extreme wealth.
Next Mark tells us that Joseph of Arimathea went "boldly unto Pilate." Although he was undoubtedly known for his spiritual hunger, John 19:38 informs us that this Joseph had never publicly announced that he was a follower of Jesus "for fear of the Jews."
As a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph was well aware of the exultation the supreme council members felt over Jesus' death. If it became known that Joseph was the one who took the body and buried it, it could place him in considerable jeopardy. Therefore, going to Pilate to request that he might remove the body of Jesus before the Sabbath began was an act of bravery on Joseph's part.
Joseph's desire to take the body of Jesus and prepare it for burial was so powerful that Mark 15:43 says he "craved the body of Jesus." The word "craved" is the Greek word aiteo, a word that means to be adamant in requesting and demanding something. In the New Testament, the word aiteo is used to portray a person addressing a superior, as in this case when Joseph of Arimathea appealed to Pilate. The person may insist or demand that a need be met, but he approaches and speaks to his superior with respect. Therefore, although Joseph showed respect toward Pilate's position, he also presented a strong demand to the governor, adamantly insisting that Jesus' body be released to him.
The word "body" is the Greek word ptoma, which always referred to a dead body and is often translated as the word "corpse." The Roman custom was to leave the body hanging on the cross until it rotted or until the vultures had picked away at it. Afterward, they discarded of the corpse in the wilderness, where it was eaten by wild dogs. The Jews, however, held the human body in great honor because it was made in the image of God. Even those who were executed by the Jews were respected in the way they were handled after death. Thus, it was not permitted for a Jew's body to hang on a cross after sunset or to be left to rot or for the birds to devour.
Mark 15:44, 45 says, "And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph."
At this point, Nicodemus enters the picture. The third chapter of John gives the greatest insight into Nicodemus. It says, "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher from God: for no man can do the miracles that thou doest, except God be with him" (vv. 1, 2).
John 3:1 tells us that Nicodemus was a "Pharisee." The word "Pharisee" means the separated ones. This means they viewed themselves separated by God for His purposes; thus, they were extremely committed and even fanatical in their service to God.
During the time Jesus lived, the Pharisees were the most respected and esteemed religious leaders in Israel. The Pharisees believed in the supernatural and earnestly waited for the arrival of the Messiah, contrary to the Sadducees who did not believe in the supernatural and did not wait for the Messiah's coming. The Pharisees held strictly to the Law, whereas the Sadducees took a more liberal approach to the Law that the Pharisees found unacceptable. Flavius Josephus, the famous Jewish historian, was a Pharisee, as was Gamaliel (see Acts 5:34) and the apostle Paul before he was converted to Christ on the road to Damascus (see Philippians 3:5).
Verse 1 goes on to tell us that Nicodemus was "a ruler of the Jews." The word "ruler" is the Greek word archon, which means the chief one, ruler, or prince. This word was used to denote the rulers of local synagogues and members of the Sanhedrin who were the highest authorities in the land. Due to this high-ranking position, Nicodemus, like Joseph of Arimathea, was prominent, influential, and wealthy.
Nicodemus' notoriety among the Jews in Jerusalem was the reason he visited Jesus by night. Nicodemus' fame most likely created a stir every time he passed through the city. Therefore, he wanted to avoid visiting Jesus by day, as it would draw attention to the fact that he was spending time with a teacher the Sanhedrin viewed to be a maverick and out of their control. Consequently, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night when his visit would not be observable.
What he told Jesus during this visit reveals much about the spiritual hunger that Nicodemus possessed. First, he called Jesus "Rabbi." The word itself means great, but it was used as a title of respect that was used only in reference to the great teachers of the Law. The Pharisees loved to be called "Rabbi," for they viewed themselves as the chief keepers of the Law.
For Nicodemus to call Jesus "Rabbi" was remarkable indeed. The Jewish leader would never have used that title unless he had already heard Jesus interpret the Law and thereby judged His ability to do so. The fact that Nicodemus called Jesus by this privileged title, given only to those who were viewed as the greatest theologians in Israel, tells us that he was very impressed with Jesus' knowledge of the Scriptures.
This means that Nicodemus, like Joseph of Arimathea, was open-minded enough to receive from people who were "outside the circle" of what most religious people viewed as acceptable. In fact, Nicodemus was so hungry to find a touch of God that it appears he himself visited Jesus' meetings that had just been conducted in the city of Jersusalem.
John 2:23 says, "Now when he [Jesus] was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did." When Nicodemus visited with Jesus, he referred to these miracles, saying in John 3:2, "...Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."
It seems that Nicodemus had come close enough to these miracle meetings to personally view the miracles. This must have been the occasion when he heard Jesus teach and deemed Him worthy of the title "Rabbi." As a Pharisee, Nicodemus believed in the supernatural. He was so moved by the miracles and so convinced of their legitimacy that he wanted to personally meet Jesus and ask Him questions. In the conversation that followed, Jesus told Nicodemus, "...Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). The famous conversation that followed has been read, quoted, and preached all over the world for two thousand years.
After Joseph of Arimathea received permission to remove Jesus' body from the Cross, he took the body to begin preparations for burial. John 19:39 tells us what happened next: "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight."
This verse tells us Nicodemus "...brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight...." "Myrrh" was an expensive yellowish-brown, sweet-smelling gum resin that was obtained from a tree and had a bitter taste. It was chiefly used as a chemical for embalming the dead. "Aloes" was a sweet-smelling fragrance derived from the juice pressed from the leaves of a tree found in the Middle East. It was used to ceremonially cleanse, to purify, and to counteract the terrible smell of the corpse as it decomposed. Like myrrh, this substance was also very expensive and rare - yet the Bible tells us that Nicodemus "brought a mixture" of both substances - about a hundred pounds' worth!
Nicodemus' cost for this offering of love must have been out of sight! Only a rich man could have purchased such a massive combination of these costly, uncommon substances. Nicodemus obviously intended to fully cover the body of Jesus, so he spared no cost in preparing the body for burial, demonstrating his love for Jesus right up to the very end.
John goes on to tell us, "Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury" (v.. 40). The word for "linen" is the Greek word othonion, which describes a cloth made of very fine and extremely expensive materials that was fabricated primarily in Egypt. Nobles in that day were known to pay very high prices to have robes made for their wives from this material.
When Lazarus came forth from the tomb after being resurrected by Jesus, he was "...bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin..." (John 11:44). This shows that Lazarus was bound with bandages made of strips of material. However, the word othonion tends to suggest that Jesus was carefully laid in a large linen sheet of fine weave. Specially prepared spices were then mingled between the folds of this high-priced garment in which Jesus' dead body was wrapped.
This is an amazing story of two men who dearly loved Jesus. Although Joseph and Nicodemus lived in circumstances that made it difficult for them to publicly follow Jesus, they chose to follow Him to their fullest capability. When Jesus died, they continued to demonstrate their deep love for Him, treating His dead body with tender care and using their personal wealth to bury Him with honor. As far as they understood at the time, this was their last opportunity to show Jesus how much they loved Him, and they were going to take full advantage of it!
Jesus taught, "For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also" (Matthew 6:21). When these two men used their wealth to bury Jesus, they illustrated that their heart was with Jesus. He was their highest priority, so they invested their assets in showing their love for Him. They literally sowed their money into the ground when they bathed Jesus in one hundred pounds of those rare substances, wrapped Him in an expensive cloth, and then buried Him in a rich man's tomb.
If people were to look at the way you spend your finances, would they be able to see that Jesus is the highest priority in your life? Do you treat Him with honor and respect in the way you serve Him, or is He the last priority on your list? According to the words of Jesus, what you do with your finances really does tell the truth about what you love the most. So what would He say that your finances reveal about how much you love Him?
As Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus honored Jesus in death, let's commit to honor Him with everything we possess as we serve Him every day of our lives. Right now, let's make the choice to upgrade our giving, our living, and every other way that we are privileged to serve Jesus!
MY PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, I want to become a better and bigger giver! I love You with all my heart, and I want to demonstrate my love with my finances. Your Word says where my treasure is, that is where my heart is also. What I do with my treasure reveals what is precious to me and the true condition of my heart. Therefore, I want to give more to You; I want to live better for You; and I want to serve You more fully than ever before. I am making the decision today to make You and Your Kingdom the highest priority when it comes to how I spend my personal finances!
I pray this in Jesus' name!
MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY
I boldly declare that Jesus Christ and His Kingdom are the highest priorities in my life. I faithfully tithe and give special offerings to help advance the message of Jesus Christ around the world. There is no higher priority in my life than getting the Gospel to the ends of the earth, so I use my finances wisely and carefully, making certain that I am able to give my maximum gift to Jesus. Because I give so faithfully, I am blessed!
I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!
QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER
If Jesus were to look at your finances to determine what is the greatest priority in your life, would He be able to say that He and His Kingdom were most important to you, or would He see that He is somewhere lower on your list of priorities?
Are you faithful in the giving of your tithe, or are you sporadic in the way you honor God with your money?
In order to become faithful with your tithe and offering, what changes do you need to make in your spending habits? Why don't you think it over and then make the needed adjustments so you can start treating Jesus like He is the most important priority in your life?
You can find more from Rick Renner on LightSource.com, including broadcasts of "Good News with Rick Renner" and "Refuel with Rick"!
And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus,but secretly for fear of the Jews, he besought Pilatethat he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave.He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.Then they took the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clotheswith the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.- John 19:38-40
When it was time for Jesus' body to be brought down from the Cross, Pilate received a surprise visit from a high-ranking member of the Sanhedrin who was a secret follower of Jesus. His name was Joseph, from the city of Arimathea; thus, we know this man as Joseph of Arimathea. He was accompanied by another high-ranking member of the Sanhedrin who was also a secret disciple of Jesus. This second man's relationship with Jesus began with a secret visit in the middle of the night, recorded in John 3:1-21.. That second admirer was Nicodemus.
Let's begin with Joseph of Arimathea and see what we know of him. To obtain an accurate picture of this man, we must turn to Mark 15:42-43, which says, "And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus."
This verse tells us that Joseph of Arimathea was an "honorable counselor.." The Greek word for "honorable" is euschemon, a compound of the words eu, meaning well or good, and the word schema, meaning form, often referring to an outward appearance. When compounded together, it means a good outward appearance. It refers to people who have a good reputation, who have a good standing in society, or who are prominent, influential, and wealthy. The word "counselor" is the Greek word bouleutes, the word for a member of the Sanhedrin. This is the same word used to describe Roman senators. By using this word bouleutes, Mark tells us that Joseph of Arimathea's position in the land of Israel was one of great honor and respect.
The above verse also tells us that he "waited for the kingdom of God." The Greek word for "waited" is prosdechomai. Other examples of this word are found in Acts 24:15, where it describes a hope or expectation. In Romans 16:2, Paul uses this word to tell the Roman church to receive Phebe, suggesting that they fully receive and embrace her. In Hebrews 10:34, it is translated to take, and it means to fully and completely take something without reservation of hesitation. So when Mark 15:43 tells us Joseph of Arimathea "...waited for the kingdom of God...," this doesn't refer to a do-nothing, "hang-around-and-see-what-happens" kind of waiting. Joseph was earnestly looking for and anticipating the Kingdom. He was inwardly ready to take it, to fully receive it, and to embrace it without any reservation or hesitation.
This explains why Joseph was attracted to the ministry of Jesus. Because of his deep hunger and longing to see the Kingdom of God, he ventured out to see this Jesus of Nazareth. Spiritual hunger is always a prerequisite to receiving the Kingdom of God, and Joseph of Arimathea possessed that hunger. His willingness to think "outside the circle" of how others in the Sanhedrin thought no doubt made him unique in the supreme council. However, it appears that the other members of the council shut their eyes and tolerated him due to his prominent position and extreme wealth.
Next Mark tells us that Joseph of Arimathea went "boldly unto Pilate." Although he was undoubtedly known for his spiritual hunger, John 19:38 informs us that this Joseph had never publicly announced that he was a follower of Jesus "for fear of the Jews."
As a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph was well aware of the exultation the supreme council members felt over Jesus' death. If it became known that Joseph was the one who took the body and buried it, it could place him in considerable jeopardy. Therefore, going to Pilate to request that he might remove the body of Jesus before the Sabbath began was an act of bravery on Joseph's part.
Joseph's desire to take the body of Jesus and prepare it for burial was so powerful that Mark 15:43 says he "craved the body of Jesus." The word "craved" is the Greek word aiteo, a word that means to be adamant in requesting and demanding something. In the New Testament, the word aiteo is used to portray a person addressing a superior, as in this case when Joseph of Arimathea appealed to Pilate. The person may insist or demand that a need be met, but he approaches and speaks to his superior with respect. Therefore, although Joseph showed respect toward Pilate's position, he also presented a strong demand to the governor, adamantly insisting that Jesus' body be released to him.
The word "body" is the Greek word ptoma, which always referred to a dead body and is often translated as the word "corpse." The Roman custom was to leave the body hanging on the cross until it rotted or until the vultures had picked away at it. Afterward, they discarded of the corpse in the wilderness, where it was eaten by wild dogs. The Jews, however, held the human body in great honor because it was made in the image of God. Even those who were executed by the Jews were respected in the way they were handled after death. Thus, it was not permitted for a Jew's body to hang on a cross after sunset or to be left to rot or for the birds to devour.
Mark 15:44, 45 says, "And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph."
At this point, Nicodemus enters the picture. The third chapter of John gives the greatest insight into Nicodemus. It says, "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher from God: for no man can do the miracles that thou doest, except God be with him" (vv. 1, 2).
John 3:1 tells us that Nicodemus was a "Pharisee." The word "Pharisee" means the separated ones. This means they viewed themselves separated by God for His purposes; thus, they were extremely committed and even fanatical in their service to God.
During the time Jesus lived, the Pharisees were the most respected and esteemed religious leaders in Israel. The Pharisees believed in the supernatural and earnestly waited for the arrival of the Messiah, contrary to the Sadducees who did not believe in the supernatural and did not wait for the Messiah's coming. The Pharisees held strictly to the Law, whereas the Sadducees took a more liberal approach to the Law that the Pharisees found unacceptable. Flavius Josephus, the famous Jewish historian, was a Pharisee, as was Gamaliel (see Acts 5:34) and the apostle Paul before he was converted to Christ on the road to Damascus (see Philippians 3:5).
Verse 1 goes on to tell us that Nicodemus was "a ruler of the Jews." The word "ruler" is the Greek word archon, which means the chief one, ruler, or prince. This word was used to denote the rulers of local synagogues and members of the Sanhedrin who were the highest authorities in the land. Due to this high-ranking position, Nicodemus, like Joseph of Arimathea, was prominent, influential, and wealthy.
Nicodemus' notoriety among the Jews in Jerusalem was the reason he visited Jesus by night. Nicodemus' fame most likely created a stir every time he passed through the city. Therefore, he wanted to avoid visiting Jesus by day, as it would draw attention to the fact that he was spending time with a teacher the Sanhedrin viewed to be a maverick and out of their control. Consequently, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night when his visit would not be observable.
What he told Jesus during this visit reveals much about the spiritual hunger that Nicodemus possessed. First, he called Jesus "Rabbi." The word itself means great, but it was used as a title of respect that was used only in reference to the great teachers of the Law. The Pharisees loved to be called "Rabbi," for they viewed themselves as the chief keepers of the Law.
For Nicodemus to call Jesus "Rabbi" was remarkable indeed. The Jewish leader would never have used that title unless he had already heard Jesus interpret the Law and thereby judged His ability to do so. The fact that Nicodemus called Jesus by this privileged title, given only to those who were viewed as the greatest theologians in Israel, tells us that he was very impressed with Jesus' knowledge of the Scriptures.
This means that Nicodemus, like Joseph of Arimathea, was open-minded enough to receive from people who were "outside the circle" of what most religious people viewed as acceptable. In fact, Nicodemus was so hungry to find a touch of God that it appears he himself visited Jesus' meetings that had just been conducted in the city of Jersusalem.
John 2:23 says, "Now when he [Jesus] was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did." When Nicodemus visited with Jesus, he referred to these miracles, saying in John 3:2, "...Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."
It seems that Nicodemus had come close enough to these miracle meetings to personally view the miracles. This must have been the occasion when he heard Jesus teach and deemed Him worthy of the title "Rabbi." As a Pharisee, Nicodemus believed in the supernatural. He was so moved by the miracles and so convinced of their legitimacy that he wanted to personally meet Jesus and ask Him questions. In the conversation that followed, Jesus told Nicodemus, "...Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). The famous conversation that followed has been read, quoted, and preached all over the world for two thousand years.
After Joseph of Arimathea received permission to remove Jesus' body from the Cross, he took the body to begin preparations for burial. John 19:39 tells us what happened next: "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight."
This verse tells us Nicodemus "...brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight...." "Myrrh" was an expensive yellowish-brown, sweet-smelling gum resin that was obtained from a tree and had a bitter taste. It was chiefly used as a chemical for embalming the dead. "Aloes" was a sweet-smelling fragrance derived from the juice pressed from the leaves of a tree found in the Middle East. It was used to ceremonially cleanse, to purify, and to counteract the terrible smell of the corpse as it decomposed. Like myrrh, this substance was also very expensive and rare - yet the Bible tells us that Nicodemus "brought a mixture" of both substances - about a hundred pounds' worth!
Nicodemus' cost for this offering of love must have been out of sight! Only a rich man could have purchased such a massive combination of these costly, uncommon substances. Nicodemus obviously intended to fully cover the body of Jesus, so he spared no cost in preparing the body for burial, demonstrating his love for Jesus right up to the very end.
John goes on to tell us, "Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury" (v.. 40). The word for "linen" is the Greek word othonion, which describes a cloth made of very fine and extremely expensive materials that was fabricated primarily in Egypt. Nobles in that day were known to pay very high prices to have robes made for their wives from this material.
When Lazarus came forth from the tomb after being resurrected by Jesus, he was "...bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin..." (John 11:44). This shows that Lazarus was bound with bandages made of strips of material. However, the word othonion tends to suggest that Jesus was carefully laid in a large linen sheet of fine weave. Specially prepared spices were then mingled between the folds of this high-priced garment in which Jesus' dead body was wrapped.
This is an amazing story of two men who dearly loved Jesus. Although Joseph and Nicodemus lived in circumstances that made it difficult for them to publicly follow Jesus, they chose to follow Him to their fullest capability. When Jesus died, they continued to demonstrate their deep love for Him, treating His dead body with tender care and using their personal wealth to bury Him with honor. As far as they understood at the time, this was their last opportunity to show Jesus how much they loved Him, and they were going to take full advantage of it!
Jesus taught, "For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also" (Matthew 6:21). When these two men used their wealth to bury Jesus, they illustrated that their heart was with Jesus. He was their highest priority, so they invested their assets in showing their love for Him. They literally sowed their money into the ground when they bathed Jesus in one hundred pounds of those rare substances, wrapped Him in an expensive cloth, and then buried Him in a rich man's tomb.
If people were to look at the way you spend your finances, would they be able to see that Jesus is the highest priority in your life? Do you treat Him with honor and respect in the way you serve Him, or is He the last priority on your list? According to the words of Jesus, what you do with your finances really does tell the truth about what you love the most. So what would He say that your finances reveal about how much you love Him?
As Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus honored Jesus in death, let's commit to honor Him with everything we possess as we serve Him every day of our lives. Right now, let's make the choice to upgrade our giving, our living, and every other way that we are privileged to serve Jesus!
MY PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, I want to become a better and bigger giver! I love You with all my heart, and I want to demonstrate my love with my finances. Your Word says where my treasure is, that is where my heart is also. What I do with my treasure reveals what is precious to me and the true condition of my heart. Therefore, I want to give more to You; I want to live better for You; and I want to serve You more fully than ever before. I am making the decision today to make You and Your Kingdom the highest priority when it comes to how I spend my personal finances!
I pray this in Jesus' name!
MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY
I boldly declare that Jesus Christ and His Kingdom are the highest priorities in my life. I faithfully tithe and give special offerings to help advance the message of Jesus Christ around the world. There is no higher priority in my life than getting the Gospel to the ends of the earth, so I use my finances wisely and carefully, making certain that I am able to give my maximum gift to Jesus. Because I give so faithfully, I am blessed!
I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!
QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER
If Jesus were to look at your finances to determine what is the greatest priority in your life, would He be able to say that He and His Kingdom were most important to you, or would He see that He is somewhere lower on your list of priorities?
Are you faithful in the giving of your tithe, or are you sporadic in the way you honor God with your money?
In order to become faithful with your tithe and offering, what changes do you need to make in your spending habits? Why don't you think it over and then make the needed adjustments so you can start treating Jesus like He is the most important priority in your life?
You can find more from Rick Renner on LightSource.com, including broadcasts of "Good News with Rick Renner" and "Refuel with Rick"!
March 15, 2009
Recipe: Holiday Ham (Whole Ham)
Holiday Ham (Whole Ham)
Reynolds® Oven Bag, Turkey Size
1
tablespoon flour
12
to 16 pound fully-cooked whole ham, bone-in
Whole cloves
PREHEAT oven to 325°F.
SHAKE flour in Reynolds Oven Bag; place in roasting pan at least 2 inches deep. Trim skin and fat from ham, leaving a thin layer of fat. Lightly score surface of ham in a diamond pattern; insert cloves.
PLACE ham in oven bag.
CLOSE oven bag with nylon tie; cut six 1/2-inch slits in top. Insert meat thermometer through slit in bag into thickest part of ham, not touching bone. Tuck ends of bag in pan.
BAKE 2 1/2 to 3 1/4 hours or until meat thermometer reads 140°F. Let stand in oven bag 15 minutes.
Nutrition and number of servings based on 3 oz. cooked ham:
REYNOLDS KITCHENS TIP: If you are preparing a smaller ham, use a large size oven bag and one of our other great recipes such as Ham with Apple Raisin Sauce.
Number of Servings: 36-48
Nutrition Information:
(Per Serving) calories 228
grams fat 16
% calories from fat 63
milligrams cholesterol 58
milligrams sodium 1107
grams carbohydrates 0
grams fiber 0
grams protein 20
grams sugar 0
Reynolds® Oven Bag, Turkey Size
1
tablespoon flour
12
to 16 pound fully-cooked whole ham, bone-in
Whole cloves
PREHEAT oven to 325°F.
SHAKE flour in Reynolds Oven Bag; place in roasting pan at least 2 inches deep. Trim skin and fat from ham, leaving a thin layer of fat. Lightly score surface of ham in a diamond pattern; insert cloves.
PLACE ham in oven bag.
CLOSE oven bag with nylon tie; cut six 1/2-inch slits in top. Insert meat thermometer through slit in bag into thickest part of ham, not touching bone. Tuck ends of bag in pan.
BAKE 2 1/2 to 3 1/4 hours or until meat thermometer reads 140°F. Let stand in oven bag 15 minutes.
Nutrition and number of servings based on 3 oz. cooked ham:
REYNOLDS KITCHENS TIP: If you are preparing a smaller ham, use a large size oven bag and one of our other great recipes such as Ham with Apple Raisin Sauce.
Number of Servings: 36-48
Nutrition Information:
(Per Serving) calories 228
grams fat 16
% calories from fat 63
milligrams cholesterol 58
milligrams sodium 1107
grams carbohydrates 0
grams fiber 0
grams protein 20
grams sugar 0
Recipe: Miso-Glazed Peas and Carrots
Miso-Glazed Peas and Carrots
This sweet, salty and tangy twist on the old standby vegetable combo is sure to please the whole family.
Makes 4 servings, about 2/3 cup each
Ingredients
3 tablespoons miso, preferably white (see Ingredient note)
1 tablespoon mirin
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 cups thinly sliced carrots, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup water
2 cups frozen peas (8 ounces)
Instructions
Combine miso, mirin, vinegar, ginger and oil in a small bowl. Place carrots and water in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Stir in the miso mixture and peas; cook, stirring occasionally, until the peas are heated through and the sauce is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Tips
Ingredient Note: Miso: Fermented bean paste made from barley, rice or soybeans used in Japanese cooking to add flavor to dishes, such as soups, sauces and salad dressings. Miso is available in different colors; in general, the lighter the color, the more mild the flavor. Look for miso alongside the refrigerated tofu in the supermarket. It will keep, in the refrigerator, for more than a year.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
120 calories
2 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
20 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
5 g fiber
397 mg sodium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin A (180% daily value)
Vitamin C (15% dv)
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges:
1 starch
1 vegetable
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
This sweet, salty and tangy twist on the old standby vegetable combo is sure to please the whole family.
Makes 4 servings, about 2/3 cup each
Ingredients
3 tablespoons miso, preferably white (see Ingredient note)
1 tablespoon mirin
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 cups thinly sliced carrots, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup water
2 cups frozen peas (8 ounces)
Instructions
Combine miso, mirin, vinegar, ginger and oil in a small bowl. Place carrots and water in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Stir in the miso mixture and peas; cook, stirring occasionally, until the peas are heated through and the sauce is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Tips
Ingredient Note: Miso: Fermented bean paste made from barley, rice or soybeans used in Japanese cooking to add flavor to dishes, such as soups, sauces and salad dressings. Miso is available in different colors; in general, the lighter the color, the more mild the flavor. Look for miso alongside the refrigerated tofu in the supermarket. It will keep, in the refrigerator, for more than a year.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
120 calories
2 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
20 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
5 g fiber
397 mg sodium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin A (180% daily value)
Vitamin C (15% dv)
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges:
1 starch
1 vegetable
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
Daily Inspiration/Quote of the Day March 15
March 15, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit."
– e. e. cummings
Quote of the Day
"Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit."
– e. e. cummings
A Dose of Daily Inspiration Sunday March 15
Tenacity
"Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well." ~ Mark 6:56 (NKJV)
Tenacity means to cling to a belief without doubting. It is a set kind of faith, a determination that doesn't waver. It takes a lot of tenacity to believe for a healing touch when we are sick, when our physical bodies suggest hopelessness, when we have waited a long time.
But our Father made divine healing a commodity through Jesus. In the marketplaces--the center of business--divine healings were common and useful for building people's faith and winning souls, for setting people free from the bondage of disease, for restoring them to productivity and for the purpose of spreading the good news. Miraculous wonders of healing were evidence that Jesus was who He said He was.
Hebrews 13:8 enlightens us that "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Indeed, He heals today. His power hasn't changed since He walked through marketplaces full of sick people on earth. Still, all we need is one touch from Him.
Tenacious faith is exhibited profoundly in the testimony of the woman with the issue of blood (Matt. 9:20). The Bible tells us that she was sick for 12 years. We don't know at what rate blood drained out of her body, but we do know that blood is life. Surely, her faith was tested as she felt the very life drain out of her.
But, according to the Amplified Bible, she kept saying to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I shall be restored to health" (Matt. 9:21). Her declarations of divine truth built her faith and determination above her natural circumstances, which kept her going to the point of receiving complete healing. Touching the hem of Jesus' garment brings perfect restoration to people (Matt. 14:36). But we must journey forth, reach out and connect.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 tells us that when we seek Him with all of our heart, we will find Him. And in His presence, His hem is available to us.
To be sure, Jesus heals in many ways, and, I believe, in His appointed time. Like salvation, healing is a faith journey extended from the very heart of God's love, grace and mercy. But do we have the tenacity to see it through? How deep and how far are we willing to journey in our commitment to the kind of faith that brings life and restoration?
Surely, God has called us to tenacious faith. Do we humbly present or "lay" people from our assigned workplaces before Jesus? Do we desperately beseech Him for a healing touch? Do we have a heart for others to be healed, a heart for doing the work of Jesus?
So often, the Lord has shown me that when I step out in faith and pray for the restoration of others, He rewards me by caring for my needs.. Tenacity is about selflessness. It is about choosing to believe the truth of God's divine precepts over natural circumstances. And it's about taking courage to journey forth with Jesus no matter what.
Regarding divine healing, tenacity allows us to confront and overcome all root causes of diseases, such as unforgiveness and other unconfessed sin. It keeps us going to completion.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6). Won't you bring life to someone in your workplace through a tenacious heart for Jesus?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Margaret D. Mitchell is the founder of God's Love at Work, a marketplace outreach purposed to share God's greatest power source - the love of Christ. Check out the new God's Love at Work Businesswomen Select program and the Women's Fellowship gatherings.
"Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well." ~ Mark 6:56 (NKJV)
Tenacity means to cling to a belief without doubting. It is a set kind of faith, a determination that doesn't waver. It takes a lot of tenacity to believe for a healing touch when we are sick, when our physical bodies suggest hopelessness, when we have waited a long time.
But our Father made divine healing a commodity through Jesus. In the marketplaces--the center of business--divine healings were common and useful for building people's faith and winning souls, for setting people free from the bondage of disease, for restoring them to productivity and for the purpose of spreading the good news. Miraculous wonders of healing were evidence that Jesus was who He said He was.
Hebrews 13:8 enlightens us that "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Indeed, He heals today. His power hasn't changed since He walked through marketplaces full of sick people on earth. Still, all we need is one touch from Him.
Tenacious faith is exhibited profoundly in the testimony of the woman with the issue of blood (Matt. 9:20). The Bible tells us that she was sick for 12 years. We don't know at what rate blood drained out of her body, but we do know that blood is life. Surely, her faith was tested as she felt the very life drain out of her.
But, according to the Amplified Bible, she kept saying to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I shall be restored to health" (Matt. 9:21). Her declarations of divine truth built her faith and determination above her natural circumstances, which kept her going to the point of receiving complete healing. Touching the hem of Jesus' garment brings perfect restoration to people (Matt. 14:36). But we must journey forth, reach out and connect.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 tells us that when we seek Him with all of our heart, we will find Him. And in His presence, His hem is available to us.
To be sure, Jesus heals in many ways, and, I believe, in His appointed time. Like salvation, healing is a faith journey extended from the very heart of God's love, grace and mercy. But do we have the tenacity to see it through? How deep and how far are we willing to journey in our commitment to the kind of faith that brings life and restoration?
Surely, God has called us to tenacious faith. Do we humbly present or "lay" people from our assigned workplaces before Jesus? Do we desperately beseech Him for a healing touch? Do we have a heart for others to be healed, a heart for doing the work of Jesus?
So often, the Lord has shown me that when I step out in faith and pray for the restoration of others, He rewards me by caring for my needs.. Tenacity is about selflessness. It is about choosing to believe the truth of God's divine precepts over natural circumstances. And it's about taking courage to journey forth with Jesus no matter what.
Regarding divine healing, tenacity allows us to confront and overcome all root causes of diseases, such as unforgiveness and other unconfessed sin. It keeps us going to completion.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6). Won't you bring life to someone in your workplace through a tenacious heart for Jesus?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Margaret D. Mitchell is the founder of God's Love at Work, a marketplace outreach purposed to share God's greatest power source - the love of Christ. Check out the new God's Love at Work Businesswomen Select program and the Women's Fellowship gatherings.
March 14, 2009
Recipe: Robust Beet Salad
Robust Beet Salad
8 servings
Beets are a colorful source of anthocyanins, the purple pigments also found in blueberries, red grapes and red cabbage. They are powerful antioxidants and may help protect against cancer and heart disease. This dish brings to mind pickled beets with a grown-up slant. It keeps well in the refrigerator.
Ingredients:
3 pounds beets
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice or cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon wasabi powder (Japanese horseradish)
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, sliced thin
Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut off the beet tops about an inch above the beet. In a large pot cover the beets with three inches of cold water and bring to a boil. Cover and boil over medium heat until tender, about 45 minutes.
2. Drain the beets under cool running water. Slip off their skins. Trim off stems and root ends and slice the beets thinly.
3. Combine the sliced beets in a bowl with the other ingredients, add salt to taste, and chill. Stir several times. This salad will keep for a week in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
122 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
25 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
5 g fiber
250 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
8 servings
Beets are a colorful source of anthocyanins, the purple pigments also found in blueberries, red grapes and red cabbage. They are powerful antioxidants and may help protect against cancer and heart disease. This dish brings to mind pickled beets with a grown-up slant. It keeps well in the refrigerator.
Ingredients:
3 pounds beets
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice or cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon wasabi powder (Japanese horseradish)
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, sliced thin
Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut off the beet tops about an inch above the beet. In a large pot cover the beets with three inches of cold water and bring to a boil. Cover and boil over medium heat until tender, about 45 minutes.
2. Drain the beets under cool running water. Slip off their skins. Trim off stems and root ends and slice the beets thinly.
3. Combine the sliced beets in a bowl with the other ingredients, add salt to taste, and chill. Stir several times. This salad will keep for a week in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
122 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
25 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
5 g fiber
250 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
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