Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Turkey Soup in a Jar


Here is a recipe for Turkey Soup in a Jar. This is a good idea for a special treat for a neighbor, shut-in, teacher, etc. I created a special tag with the recipe instructions on my computer and cut around it with my scrapbook scissors. I covered the jar lid with cute fall fabric, wrapped with raffia and attached the instructions to it. If you wish you could even make labels using computer sticker paper. I have done that with other mixes in a jar.


Turkey Noodle Soup Mix in a Jar
Use your leftover turkey for this one!

1 cup uncooked fine egg noodles

1 1/2 Tbsp. chicken-flavored bouillon

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. dried whole thyme

1/8 tsp. celery seeds

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

1 bay leaf

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Store in an airtight container.


Attach to Jar:

Turkey Noodle Soup

1 package Turkey Noodle Soup Mix

8 cups water

2 carrots, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1/4 cup minced onion

3 cups cooked diced turkey

Combine the Turkey Noodle Soup Mix and the water in a large stockpot. Add the carrots, celery, and onion and bring to a boil. Cover the soup and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Stir in the turkey and simmer an additional 5 minutes.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Quittin' Time

I made a big decision today. A little humiliating given all my big talk of trusting God and pushing myself past my comfort zone. I quit. I quit something I thought was going to be best for my family and the next step in recovering from years of health related crisis. I was wrong. So I quit. It's tough to admit one's failings. I have spent years trying to overcompensate for mine. I have also been one to make excuses for the lack in my life. But I usually never quit. Ask my family. When I was in a wheelchair after a near fatal car accident I learned to still do things I loved to do and the things I couldn't do anymore I replaced with other things. Sure I cried and carried on occasionally, but most observing me would have been surprised to know it. During the four years I spent in college I suffered that car accident, went into congestive heart failure, was diagnosed with diabetes, had a miscarriage, had an adoption attempt fail, taught school full time and adopted a baby. I graduated from college suma cum Laud....I only stopped going to school after adopting our little boy. Some things are that important. We pastored tough churches...only leaving when we had no other choice but knowing we had to make different decisions for ourselves. I still left feeling like we had left things undone. What I am trying to express is that I don't quit easily...I will not even try something because I recognize my tendency to hang on to it like a bull dog. But today I quit. And guess what. I needed to quit. I needed to surrender my lack and my need to the Lord...I needed to give up and realize that it is okay to release control. Isn't it always sad how we can hold onto an idea or an attitude for so long? I suppose I needed to try just to find out that it is okay to fail myself...just as long as I remember that God never fails me. So here sits a happy quitter. One day I will talk about this whole strange few weeks of my life. But not know...Iam just going to coast for awhile...and grateful that God has things figured out. I'm tired of trying to do things my way.

Rebekah

Friday, October 26, 2007

I laughed so hard when I saw this I am sure I burned enough calories for that pizza I ate!

Battle of the Bulge


I had pizza this morning for breakfast. Not necessarily the healthiest choice for anyone, let alone someone who struggles with extra weight and diabetes. Breakfast food usually doesn't appeal to me. I would rather have lunch or supper. Sure I can eat an egg...with cheese, onion and mixed with some hashbrowns. I don't have horrible eating habits, but they could be better. I used to want to write a book entitled "You skinny people shut up...You know squat." I felt completely justified in writing such a book. After all, I had been a skinny person for most of my life. When I started gaining weight I was greatly offended. What's more is that I wasn't really sure how to combat the extra pounds that were attaching themselves to my petite frame. I really wasn't all that into exercise...I would rather read a book. I tell you...it's all a battle. I had to learn to walk again after a near fatal car accident and I can tell you this is much harder! Hey...take a step here and there...no big deal. This weight loss stuff is tough. Oh well. Enough whining. One day (and needs to be like today) I'll put as much energy into this battle as I do with other challenges in my life. My husband still loves me. He thinks I'm cute. Jiggling flesh and all. sigh. So here I sit...confessing my pizza breakfast to the world wide web. Does the fact that it had mushrooms, peppers and onions help any? No...don't tell me.


I thought in honor of my confessions this morning that I would post this particular youtube video of one of my favorite Christian Comedians, Ken Davis. You got to laugh, right?

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Celtic Woman - Scarborough Fair

Chili Recipes & Some More


I can't believe how chilly it's gotten in just the past few days. We were ready to drag out the sprinkler and barbecue grill this past weekend and then...whaw! It's chilly, folks! What a perfect opportunity to bring out the old cold weather chili recipes and all that go with it. Here are a few chili recipes for the weekend...along with some goodies to serve with it!



Steak and Shake Chili
Yum! I have made this chili recipe a number of times and it always gets rave reviews. Of course, Steak and Shake is one of our family fav’s…try it you’ll like it!

2 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can Campbell's French onion soup
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons cocoa
2 (15 ounce) cans ranch style beans or any brand chili beans
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup cola (not diet!)

Brown ground beef and salt in oil-If there is a high fat content to the ground beef you can omit the oil.
Add all to crock pot.
Drain beef before adding to pot.
Let simmer on low for 6 hours or on high for 2 hours

White Chicken Chili
This is tasty! Serve with nacho chips and there you go!

2 cans of great northern beans1 large onion, chopped1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter1/4 cup all-purpose flour3/4 cup chicken broth2 cups half-and-half1 teaspoon Tabasco, or to taste1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder1 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste1/2 teaspoon white pepper, or to taste two 4-ounce cans whole mild green chilies, drained and chopped5 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 pounds), cooked and cut into 1/2-inch pieces1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack (about 6 ounces)1/2 cup sour cream

In a skillet cook onion in 2 tablespoons butter over moderate heat until softened.
In a 6- to 8-quart heavy kettle melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter over moderately low heat and whisk in flour. Cook roux, whisking constantly, 3 minutes. Stir in onion and gradually add broth and half-and-half, whisking constantly. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in Tabasco, chili powder, cumin, salt, and white pepper. Add beans, chilies, chicken, and Monterey Jack and cook mixture over moderately low heat, stirring, 20 minutes. Stir sour cream into chili.
(modified from Epicurious.com)

Dot’s Broccoli Corn Bread

You will want to take this to every potluck you attend…it’s a keeper!

1 (10oz.) pkg. frozen chopped broccoli
2 pkgs. Jiffy corn bread mix
1 small onion, chopped
8 oz. carton cottage cheese
1 ¼ sticks margarine
4 eggs

Melt margarine into 9X13 pan. Mix other ingredients together and pour over margarine. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until brown.

Brownies on the Lite Side

Everybody needs a little chocolate. Here is a brownie recipe that is lite calories….I know some of us have issues with artificial sweeteners. But because I am diabetic and need a sugar fix on occasion this is a welcome alternative recipe for me. Oh…and the applesauce cuts down on the margarine or butter you need to use.

Ingredients

2/3 cup flour
2/3 cup Splenda
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup margarine
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix flour, Splenda, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set this dry mix aside.
Blend eggs, margarine and vanilla together. Add and blend applesauce.
Slowly add dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients. Mix well.
Grease a 9x9 or 8" circular baking pan (look below for more suggestions).
Pour brownie mix into baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Brownies are done when a toothpick or knife to the center comes out clean.
Cool at room temperature, then eat or refrigerate brownies.
Serving ideas
Bake the brownie mix in a mini muffin pan for delicious, portion controlled treats.
Add 1/3 cup crushed walnuts to the brownie mix before baking

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Battle of the Bulge




I used to be skinny...I didn't start resembling a marshmallow until I became an adult. And then I didn't really know how to take care of myself. I was used to eating what I wanted to....exercise when I wish....blah, blah, blah. Now I waddle. Of course, that could be partly blamed on the metal fittings holding my left hip together. Now I have other issues that compound the problem. But I've recently started taking new product that sounds promising. I must admit I am very skeptical about anything that promises any kind of results. I think I am more hopeful about this is that I already feel better...and because I have already started losing some weight because of some recent craziness of my already crazy life. So while I won't ever look like the girl that stares at me from the pages of my wedding album at least I am hopeful that I can at least be comfortable with my "more mature" situation.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

The Snuffles

It is finally quiet. My dear husband went to church tonight and the boy is collapsed on the love seat with the crazy cat lying right on top of him. He had busy weekend with cousins and the like. So it's just me and the hum of a few appliances and a fan....Oh, this crazy Ozarks weather. One of the cousins asked me if he could clean out the turtle kiddie pool this afternoon. Hey! What would you want to do in this kind of weather. Forget the calendar! Just get out the sunscreen, pull on the old swimming trunks and there you go! Instant pool party in October!

I am home from church with the snuffles. I went to church this morning and everytime someone would come up to me they would take one look and back up, slowly. I guess my puffy eyes and the snot hanging from my nose might indicate the "plague." I'm sure there was a run to the bathroom door and a major handwashing marathon. I should have handed everyone the germ X I keep in my purse as part of our pleasantries.

So this evening I have a few plans. I am going to fix me a cup of sugar free hot apple cider, light that cinnamon candle my mom brought home from Hobby Lobby and park myself on the coach with that book I haven't had a chance to read. I am reading (again and again) The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. My mom introduced me to the book when I was just a girl and I have read it a number of times. It's one of those books that I get out when I am feeling a bit sorry for myself. It's hard to gripe too much about bills and calories when you read of this lady's remarkable time in a concentration camp. I have had my fair share of crisis moments. And sometimes it's hard for me to remember that God is concerned about even my smallest concerns. I feel guilty for even complaining or asking for a little help. "Uh, God...I know your busy with wars, natural disasters and the whole spiritual warfare thing going on...and oh, there's the ongoing prayer my family and I have about my heart failure...oh, and the whole needing a financial miracle situation, but could you clear up my snuffles so I can have a good night's sleep?"

We need to remember that God is interested in our bills, the overconsumption of calories and the snuffles. After all doesn't the Bible say that He cares for the birds?

Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more
valuable than they?
What a great thought. So as I sit and worry that my "my worries" aren't that significant or important, I have assurance in the knowledge that he cares for me...and my snuffles and all.

Candy Sunsets

...I wrote this sometimes this past summer....

I had to make a Wal-mart run tonight (imagine that). When I got out of the car I got a really good view of the setting sun. It almost seemed shameful that I had to rush and couldn't sit and enjoy it. It looked like one of those hard cinnamon candies...you know the ones. They come in butterscotch, too. I can't tell you how many sweet little old men have handed me (or my son) one of the butterscotch candies in my life. They have been used at church to win Josiah's affections many times (and it usually works). So anyway, here was this giant cinnamon candy in the sky that glowed. As I wheeled my way around Wal-mart...pushing my cart for all it's worth...I thought about how despite the strange and difficult circumstances that we have found ourselves in, I really have enjoyed the summer so far. Last summer was almost a blur...it was stressful and not any fun at all. I just "existed". I am grateful that I am at that point in my healing that I can look past some of my day to day worries and truly appreciate things like cinnamon candy suns, fireflies, fresh ripe tomatoes and the tall sunflowers in my dad's garden that nod their heads in my direction every time I look their way. What a precious gift. I can tell you that it takes effort not to let worry or the cares of life overwhelm you to the point that you can't see the nodding sunflowers or candy suns for all the "stuff." I have been guilty of letting my worries take over "me." I have been guilty of becoming my troubles...no matter how great or small. I like this way better. There is a certain amount of freedom that comes with enjoying your life and all those candy sunsets

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