Good Friday

This was a sculpture we saw in the Bishop's garden in Wells, England in 2013. It reminded me of Jesus' words in Luke and Matthew.

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

²³ And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 (ESV)

³⁸ And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:38 (ESV)

On the day we call Good Friday Jesus went to the cross and His perfect life was sacrificed for our sins. Jesus spoke these words in Matthew and Luke before any of his followers knew about the cross that Jesus would bear on their/our behalf. We as believers today have the benefit of knowing the before and after of this world and life changing event. What does it mean for us to take up our cross and follow Jesus daily? Jesus calls us to total commitment in following Him. 

Christ lives in us and as we proclaim and live our lives following Him daily we should not be surprised if we are treated as poorly as Christ was treated. It is not easy to follow Christ. It is not easy to pick up a cross and carry it, especially Jesus' cross. Jesus told His disciples on the night he was betrayed that He was sending a Helper, the Holy Spirit, who would help them, comfort them, convict and teach. 

I think the key to taking up our cross and following Jesus is in our dependence on the Holy Spirit and His work in us and in the world, convicting those we witness to of their sin and need of a Savior. Any sorrow and persecution we endure on Christ's behalf will end in pure joy. Our joy begins with our salvation because of what Christ accomplished on the cross and it ends in the fullness we will experience when we see Him face to face. In between we will suffer but not a suffering that is futile. 

John 16:33 (ESV)  "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
 

Ginger Cookie Cake

This is a pretty and delicious recipe for any special occasion. It's easy enough to put together, you can let your children help. I found this recipe in a grocery store newsletter.

• 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
• 35 crispy gingersnap cookies
• Raspberries
• Blueberries or blackberries

1. Whip together cream and 2 tablespoons maple syrup until stiff peaks form.
2. Divide whipped cream into 5 equal portions.
3. Spread 1 portion whipped cream onto your serving platter.
4. Arrange 7 cookies on top of the whipped cream sides touching, 6 to form a circle and 1 in the center. Cover with another portion of whipped cream. Leave edges of cookies uncovered.
5. Repeat until you have 5 layers, staggering cookies in each layer. You will end up with whipped cream as the top layer.
6. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours. The cookies will soften and become cake like in texture.
7. Just before serving garnish with raspberries and blueberries, or blackberries. Using all 3 fruits would be tasty as well.
8. Drizzle remaining tablespoon of maple syrup over berries. 
9. Serves: 8 - 10 

New England Clam Chowder ~ Lepp Farm Market

A few weeks ago I enjoyed a bowl of New England Clam Chowder by Charlotte Lepp.  I absolutely loved it and when she told me the recipe was on their website I knew I would be following it exactly the way the recipe is listed.  I went to Lepp Farm Market and bought all the ingredients and made it at home.  Now that I've discovered their frozen clam meat, I have a bunch of recipes I'm looking forward to trying.  

• 6 slices Lepp's bacon, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 large potatoes (about 2 1/2 pound cubed) have you tried their German Butter Potatoes? They are perfect for this recipe since they won't lose their shape. They are also amazing for roasted potatoes.
• 2-3 stalks celery, chopped (add the leafy bits from the middle of the stalk)
• 2-3 carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (Lepp's sells their own)
• 1 Tablespoon Chesapeake Bay Seasoning (similar to Old Bay but without as much salt)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tablespoon Little Saigon Gluten Free fish sauce (Char adds this to the soup because the clams are not packed in liquid, if you are using canned clams, use the liquid from that instead)
• 340-gram package Ocean's Mama Clam Meat, chopped while partially frozen and thawed
• 2 cups whole milk, evaporated milk or whipping cream (if you use lower-fat milk, it will be fine but may not have as smooth of a texture that fuller fat dairy has. I make it successfully with whole milk.

1. In a large pot, saute bacon until slightly crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving bacon grease in the pan.  (if you are not using good quality bacon, you may have more grease than is necessary. In that case, leave only enough in the pan to cook your vegetables)
2. Add onions, carrots celery and garlic and saute until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Chesapeake Bay Seasoning and saute 2 more minutes to allow spices to bloom. 
4. Add potatoes, cooked bacon and stock and bring to a simmer.  Cook for 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.  With a potato masher, partly mash potatoes to desired chunkiness.
5. Add clams, fish sauce, and milk or whipping cream and bring to a gentle simmer.  Taste and add salt and pepper to taste.

Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

If you are looking for a simple loaf that works perfectly for coffee break or afternoon tea, look no further.  This recipe came from my friend Mary many decades ago, and has been tweaked a little over the years.  The beauty of this particular recipe is that you get 'two-for-one'!  One to share with your family and friends today...and another one for the freezer for another day!

Cinnamon Loaf

• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 4 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 1/2 cups milk

 Topping:

• 4 rounded tablespoons sugar
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.  Spray two 9 x 5 loaf pans with oil (line bottom with parchment paper if desired).
2. For topping, mix sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
3. In mixing bowl, combine sugar and oil with mixer on low speed. Beat in eggs.
4. Sift together dry ingredients; add alternately with milk. 
5. Pour about 1/4 of batter into each of the prepared pans.
6. Sprinkle about 1/4 of cinnamon topping evenly over each pan.
7. Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon/sugar mixture.
8. Draw knife through batter to marble.
9. Bake in pre-heated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean.
10. Let cool in pan on cooling rack for about 15 minutes.  Loosen edges with knife and remove from pan carefully.
11. Cool completely before slicing.  

 

Corn Chip Cookies

I like trying different cookie recipes and I loved the results of this one. This recipe has corn chips as one of the ingredients which caught my attention. They are slightly chewy and crunchy, just perfect for coffee break.

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups corn chips, crushed
• 1/4 cup skor bits
• Sugar to roll in the cookie dough balls

1. Cream together butter, shortening, sugars, and peanut butter. Stir in egg and vanilla and mix well.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients and stir into creamed mixture until well blended.
3. Stir in crushed corn chips and skor bits.
4. Scoop approximately 1" balls of dough, roll in sugar, and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
5. Bake in a 350º oven for 12 minutes.
6. Yield: 2 1/2 dozen

Life-Saver Window Cleaner

While I love sparkling clean windows, I have all my life been frustrated with cleaning windows.  I've always thought I must be the dumbest housewife ever, since I could never get my windows so sparkling clean  that I didn't mind if the sun was shining when guests came.
I have used every window cleaner suggested to me. The window cleaner that worked best for me had a unpleasant smell that lingered. If I could have achieved perfect results, I might have put up with the smell, but I didn't. I did the vinegar and water thing too, but wasn't happy, and I don't care for the smell of vinegar.
I followed every suggestion.  "Don't clean windows when the sun is shining on them, they dry too fast."  Right! The just cleaned window not in the sun - looks great! ~ until the sun comes round the corner with a smug smile that says ... "HA! gottcha!"  Yes, there are the streaks.

THEN ...
Last week I read a historical novel set in the mid/late 1800's.  In the story, the hotel housekeeper is trying to teach a high society girl how to clean - everything has to be spotless, including the windows.  I don't know where the author got the hint but the cleaning solution the housekeeper used was starch and water. You wipe the window with the solution, let it dry and then wipe off leaving the window streak-less and shiny! Really? and no odor?

Gotta try this one !!
So I experimented a little with proportions (of course the book never gave that -  only said so it looked right)

My solution recipe :

• 2 rounded teaspoons of cornstarch
• 1/2 cup of water 

1. Stir until starch is completely dissolved. 
2. I used toweling to dip into the solution and then wipe over the window. 
3. Let dry completely - go do something else.. 
4. Using newspaper, or toweling or lint-free cloth such as  a microfiber cloth, simply wipe off the dried solution!  and THEN ...  where did the glass go ? 
5. A little solution goes a long way. 

NOTE ADDED -  it works better to wipe off when dry , rather than letting it sit too long. 

Below -- My before, during and after photos of the first two windows I cleaned - it is time for spring-cleaning, right?
(All photos were taken with the sun shining on the windows) 

                                                               Window below - dirty 

                                                Window with starch solution wiped on

Solution wiped off - Window squeaky clean ! 

Note - the star is blurred in this photo because the camera couldn't see the window to focus on it.

                                                              Window - dirty

 Window with solution wiped on 

Solution wiped off - Window squeaky clean  

(the outside of window needs cleaning too, I couldn't reach it - need husband with ladder!)

Bread for the Journey-God's Plan

I see him in filthy clothing and a tattered and torn blanket. At times I see that coffee has been delivered to him in the morning, and sometimes a brown bag that resembles what may hold a meal. I'm thinking that over the years others too have compassion for this man who seems so alone and helpless. This man has value and God loves him as much as he loves me.

For several years now I have been praying for this man. I pray that in moments of clarity of mind that God will speak to his heart and mind. A stranger to me, but known, loved and valued by God. I pray that He will experience God's love and that he will come to an understanding that he is valuable to God and that God has a purpose and plan for his life. I can't help but think there are others too who pray as they pass by him. His story is a mystery to me, but I can pray for this man knowing that his life is an open book to our loving Father in heaven.

 When we lose all our sense of value and self worth it can take us down hill very quickly. But there is always hope. God comes into our messy hurting lives. He is The Master helper and healer.

God's word reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God meets us right where we are. He embraces us, offering hope and healing.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

When God gives us His heart of compassion, it leads us to pray for others.
God has given me personal hope, instilled in me that I'm valuable to Him, and I pray that each hurting lonely or struggling person will experience this too.

Easter is a time we celebrate God's love and power. He offers us a new life with a future and a hope. You, me, and the stranger on the street.

Buttermilk Dressed Potatoes - Flashback Friday -

This potato dish gets rave reviews and is simple to make.  

I thought it worthy of a Flashback Friday post.

• potatoes (1-2 per person)
• Buttermilk Dressing (recipe follows)
• bacon, cut into 1/4 inch pieces, fried until crisp and drained on paper towel
• Cheddar, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, grated and tossed together
• chopped green onions

Buttermilk Dressing:

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

1. Bake, or boil potatoes in their skins, They should be cooked through but still firm.
2. Meanwhile, mix Buttermilk Dressing.
3. Place dressing ingredients in a jar or gravy shaker  and blend until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
4. Cut potatoes into 2 inch cubes and place in buttered baking dish.
5. Drizzle Buttermilk Dressing over potatoes.  Don't drench them in the dressing but be sure all the potatoes have some dressing on them.
6. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon.  
7. Sprinkle with the green onion or you can wait until the potato dish is baked and sprinkle the green onion over the dish just before serving.
8. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are thoroughly heated and dressing is bubbling.

Chicken Parmigiana and Tomato Sauce

This is wonderful way to dress up chicken for a special meal.
The tomato sauce recipe that follows is easy to make and full of flavour.

• 4 chicken breasts or veal cutlets
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• salt and pepper
• 1 large egg beaten with a fork
• 1 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
• Greek Tomato Sauce (recipe follows)
• 4 slices Mozzerella cheese
• grated Parmesan cheese

1. Lay chicken breast or piece of veal between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet to an even thickness.
2. Mix flour, basil, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
3. Dredge each piece of meat in seasoned flour.
4. Dip floured meat into beaten egg and then Panko crumbs.
5. Fry in 1/2 inch hot oil until nicely browned on each side, turning only once.
6. Place meat on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F until meat is done, about 20 minutes.
7. Top each serving with a generous amount of warm tomato sauce and one piece of Mozzerella cheese, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.
8. Return to oven and broil, watching closely, until cheese begins to brown.

Greek Tomato Sauce

You can make this tomato sauce from ingredients

you have in your cupboard.

It is also great served over meatballs or shrimp or just plain as a pasta sauce.

                       

• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 1/4 cup butter (no substitutes*)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 1 can water
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• salt and pepper to taste

1. In a medium pot, saute` onion in butter and olive oil until golden brown.
2. Add remaining ingredients and stir.
3. Simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Veggie Burgers

These burgers are my niece's recipe, so so good I actually would prefer these as much as a regular burger. They are baked not fried and have loads of wonderful flavor. One recipe makes about 8 patties depending on how large you make them. My niece got the recipe from a book written by Oh She Glows. 

• 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 1/3 cup of warm water
• 1 15 oz can of black beans (425g) drained and rinsed
• 1 cup carrot or sweet potato, grated
• 1/3 cup parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
• 3/4 cup gluten free oats
• 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tamari or gluten free soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin and dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl mix the flaxseed and water and let sit for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. In a large bowl mash the black beans into a paste leaving a few whole for texture. 
4. Stir in the remaining seasonings and flax egg. 
5. Adjust seasonings to taste. 
6. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and with wet hands tightly pack the into patties. 
7. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, flip and bake another 15 -20 minutes. An alternative would be to grill them for the final 15 minutes instead of baking them. 
8. Serve on a crusty bun (gluten free if necessary, and top with your favorite conditments. Absolutely delicious. Really, trust me!