June 2011

For the most part, June was a pretty relaxing month in our house hold. The summer is officially here, and it was marked by my first sun-kissed tan. We are loving our new place along with the peaceful pool that is so close! After such an exciting May, I almost have the temptation to skip June's blog update, all I can think is...boooring! : ) I guess I live for excitement, but being content where God has me is something I feel like God taught me a lot about in June. A book by the name of "Selah" by Nancie Carmichael was something God used to really make me reflect and focus on having times of peace and quite. That it's okay to not be doing something all the time, which my personality drives me towards. I really think that our current culture teaches us that your suppose to be "going, going, going" or you don't amount to much. When in reality that just distracts us from thinking deeply, enjoying peace, and really reflecting on the beautiful grace God gives us day in and day out. Honestly, it didn't take long before I forgot about the lesson and was caught up in being busy again. A friend was so sweet to remind me of how God has season's in our life, those season's are planned by Him, sometimes they are busy, sometimes they are slow, what we do with each season is a reflection of how much we trust God. If we are discontent with a season, we are discontent with God. It's so easy to complain about our circumstances whatever they may be, but knowing that God planned each one of our steps for a purpose really puts things in perspective. Not to mention that those plans are really for His glorification, not ours! That reminder went well with what I had previously learned. What a good friend I have! Really, what a good God I have!

The first week of June P and I were able to accompany a large group of our international students to the Dallas Aquarium. There were loads of things to see, however I must say the smell was not so great. We enjoyed our short visit and was really glad we didn't have to fork over the money for that adventure.


P has been really getting into taking pictures with our new camera, he spent sometime at our school campus and got some really good shots.

The last weekend in June we spent at relatives, it was a whirlwind weekend but we actually got to see MOST of our family in the two days we were down. My Mimi celebrated her 75th birthday, we had a Brazilian dinner with our folks, and P was able to get some homework done for his World Missions class by interviewing an international!

What a good month to start the summer. It is so quiet around work since most of the students are gone, but what a good time to relax and enjoy the quietness God has blessed us with.

P and I are saying bye to June and a big fat HELLO to July, excited about what God has orchestrated and amazed that we are apart of His plan!

What a Marvelous May 2011!



Having Fun in Santorini!

What a great month God blessed us with! As I look back at April's post, I think the saying "April showers bring May flowers" actually had to do with our life's circumstances this year. With a hard month of April, the beautiful flowers of May were well worth the wait! The first week of May we moved our little family to a new home. With lots of help, we were surprisingly able to get it all complete in one weekend!

Our New Home!

Our new abode is much different then our previous one, and we like it very much! The best part, I would have to say is the kitchen! :) I think it's the biggest I've ever had and every day I play in it, I think...wow! I love my kitchen! Kaepo seems to have adjusted pretty quickly. The first few nights he was very alert, but now as I type he is like his normal self, sprawled out and sound asleep. 



The Kitchen! :)

The same week we moved, P finished up his second semester at DTS. What a proud wife I was to find out that he made ALL A's!! Not only were finals the first week, the second week started summer school which P has bravely decided to take two classes. I also finished up my first semester and look forward to start back up in the fall. 

Santorini at Sunset

Not long (4 days in fact) after we moved to our new place, we left on an (what I like to call) adventure! P and I have been saving up since we first got married to go on a vacation. We decided a couple months back that we were going to make our 5 year anniversary a big one and spend our vacation savings on a real good trip! Our mindset was, this could be the last time we have an opportunity to do something like this for a long time. We chose Greece and looking back, I am so thankful we did! A dream vacation is what it turned out to be and if there was one thing we could change about our trip, we wouldn't. A few bumps in the road only added character and all in all the trip was absolutely glorious! We spent a total of 3 1/2 days in Athens and 3 1/2 days in Santorini. Athens was great for the historical sights and the typical things you are suppose to see when you go to Greece. The streets were crowded, we stumbled upon the changing of the guards at Parliament, and even ate a gyro as we hiked up to the Parthenon. However, Santorini was totally opposite. Every bit of the island was constantly picturesque and that's no exaggeration. It's hard to believe that something could be more beautiful when we were reminded what we have to look forward to in heaven! Every sunset left tears to your eyes, and every where you looked was a breathtaking view. We spent a relaxing time at the black sand beaches, walked around the "hustling" town of Fira, spent an evening in Oia, toured a vineyard, and explored the whole island on a 4-wheeler. The trip home was long one, when we finally got back, we found ourselves longing for the peacefulness of Santorini, or those yummy gyros! We are so very thankful to God that He allowed such an opportunity.

Our Main Staple in Greece! GYROS!

Something we both realized and reflected on while we were soaking up too much sun in Kamari was the fact that God had graced us with a vacation not only in a beautiful place, He also gave us a vacation from "baggage" that both of us seem to struggle with back at home. It was so wonderful to leave worries and stresses behind and enjoy the freedom that God gives us. I guess living in a familiar atmosphere there is rut we get into, habits that develop when things are always the same, and not much of a motivation to change. For us, being in an environment that was totally different from what we were used to, allowed for a new perspective, and a refreshing view on how our attitudes and actions can change.

Going back to work, I was reminded at what an awesome job I have here at home, you especially know this when you come back from a vacation, like one we went on, and don't have any reservation on going back to work. What a good feeling!

One other thing that God threw into this month was one of those things that I need reminding of a lot. After hearing and seeing all the damage that has happened through crazy tornado's not to far from home, I had developed an undeniable fear of it happening to us. A bad storm ripped through our area a few nights ago and I found myself shaking like a leaf! P reminded me that the "worse" that could happen would really be the best thing in our case, we would go to heaven! For some reason this didn't comfort me. It wasn't till the storm passed and I was able to evaluate through reflection during a sermon that my fear of the possible tornado was really a fear of death. Death only scares me when I develop the thought that I have not done "good" in God's sight and that could mean I was never saved, which would result in a death I would not want to face. If this were true it would definitely be something to be scared about. But after being reminded of the grace that God has extended through the death of Christ, I am saved not by my works, but by the shedding of Christ's blood. My works and goodness are worth nothing when it comes to my salvation. As the last words of Christ as he died on the cross proclaim, "Paid in full," my debt has been paid! I have no reason to fear!

God is so good! As I say at the end of every month...P and I are saying bye to May and HELLO to June, looking for God's provision in a number of decisions, and loving that we are apart of His plan.

The Parthenon From Our Hotel Room!

April 2011

April showers bring May flowers is not turning out to be true this year. I have already experience three day of May in 2011 and if this is a pre-cursor to how all of May will be, the months must have been put in backwards when God was planning out 2011!

"leave me out of this packing buisness"

April was a trying time in our little family. We planned coming into this month that by the end of it we would be living in a new place. It is beyond me to think why we make plans. The pattern that we always ignorantly forget is; we make plans, God shows us His plan, and it always seems to be different than what we had in mind. If we aren't example of how stubborn and forgetful humans are, I don't know what is. As I look back through emails to confirm when our "home hunting" began it was mid-March when we first contacted a realtor to show us a condo. Through the end of March and ALL of April there was a consistent battle of us trying to take control and God reminding us that we aren't. He is so patient, I would have given up on us from the start! It wasn't till the last week of April (the week we planned from the beginning to move) that I think our lesson was learned. April was a month not only of trying times but also of gracious teaching by God.
So our bags and boxes are packed, just about ready to move and I can't wait. You would think after how many times we have gone through this process I would get more used to living amongst boxes for a couple of weeks but when it comes down to it, boxes make me a little sick!

can we say "addicted?"

April brought a new member to our family, and no we are not with child yet! P decided that it was a good time to finally get a SLR and we found a nice lady on craigslist that sold us her "almost new" one for a decent price! After talking about getting one for 2 years now, we finally have one. Ironically, the original intent of the camera was for my use, but in all actuality P has had that thing glued to his hand anytime he isn't studying! I have been haunted by having a camera in my face everywhere I turn! Needless to say, pictures will be better quality from here on out, and hopefully my food/recipe blogs will start back up!

Speaking of recipes, the adventures with sourdough have now begun. Having a sourdough starter is much like having another member of the family. I feed it regularly, keep it at a good temperature, and even play with it sometimes. I am happy to say that he even produced my first real "sandwich-able" bread without a bread machine! I say that because any time I have attempted to make good soft sandwich bread it has been a failure. Believe me, I live with what seems to be the connoisseur of soft sandwich bread and even he deemed this the best bread I've made!

a little bit lop-sided but oh so good!

not again!

Easter was a treat! We spent most of the weekend packing, however we did get to attend the new church we have been trying out, spent some time at the Dallas Farmers Market, got some local honey, and walked a bit around downtown. Most of our extra time has been much the same. Packing, walking around, and enjoying the spring time weather. There are so many beautiful spots here in Dallas to explore.

All in all, as I look back at the blessings God has allowed in April, my favorite is the realization of how incredibly blessed I am to have the husband I do. Some may say its a coincidence, but I don't believe in those, God's providence has shown me countless times this month the man that He is shaping in my life partner. I sit back and see God's miraculous work through the things He is chiseling, forming, and even sometimes pounding out of my husband. What a blessing it is to be able to see God's work day in and day out. P is finishing up his first year at Dallas Seminary, what a proud wife I am. I am thankful to have a true partner that sticks by me through even the smallest struggles we have experienced lately.

May already has a lot on its plate and I know it will fly by. I realized just last night that there are times when we pray for "rough times" to pass by quickly but when I stopped to think about that, those are the times that the good really happens, why do we constantly wish them away with the short life we have, it seems like we are constantly wishing our life away. I've decided to stop, enjoy the roses, and the stench...I mean, God makes roses grow in manure doesn't he?!

We are saying good bye to April and HELLO to May, looking for God's provision in a number of decisions, and loving that we are apart of His plan.

taking a walk in the park...

March 2011

Highland Park Wisterias

Spring Break and four leaf clovers were hear and now are gone. Honestly as I sit and think of what all went on in the 31 days of March my mind goes blank. I could settle with the "it was good" comment that so many do, however my goal here is to dig deeper so lets hope I can.
At the beginning of the month we were excited when my parents and sister's family came up for a wedding that just so happened to be a mile (if that!) from our apartment. Needless to say we got to see them all and very close! At one point all 6 adults, 3 children, and 3 dogs were in our small one-bedroom apartment, something I didn't think could actually happen! Their visit was great, a relaxing much needed time with family.

Dallas Arboretum

I am happy to report that the health issues I spoke of in my last months report have subsided and I am incredibly awed (if that's a word?!) at how God really provided despite my lack of faith. Through encouragement, prayer, and some good de-stressing techniques things are really looking up. Thanks so much for those that prayed, I am thankful that God chooses to show Himself faithful despite my ignorance and distrust in Him.

Benches at the Arboretum!

After a long Saturday of training for the CARES program that I mentioned last month, Patrick and I have decided that it may not be a good time to pursue this commitment. Although final decisions have not been made, we are praying about it and seeing that it might be better to focus on school and other time-consuming commitments that we have already signed up for! The program really seems to be good and have honorable motives so if anyone would be interested in something like this we would definitely promote it. That being said, P and I have been slowly looking for a new place to live here in Dallas as we will embark that adventure at the end of April. It will be here before we know it!

Throughout most of March I have been reading a book that was given to me called "Creative Counterpart" by Linda Dillow. A pattern seems to be forming, once I feel like I have read enough books on my role as a wife, God really shows me and lays a book like this in my hands. It has really been such a good reminder and I must say it has strengthened our marriage ten-fold through big hurdles and small details. I now realize how important these reminders are because I tend to forget a lot! It wouldn't surprise me one bit if God needs to remind me of my role my entire life!

Beautiful Tulips!

Well, Spring is here and the warm weather consistently pulls through, Kaepo got his "summer haircut" early this year and I think he is appreciative. There are beautiful blooms all over town and I was able to visit the Dallas Arboretum this last week, it was like walking around in Hawaii, amazing smells and vibrant colors. God continues to be faithful through seasons, and creative through nature. He is so good! Well, as I always say- We are saying good bye to March and HELLO to the Easter month April, looking for God's provision in a number of decisions, and loving that we are apart of His plan.



February 2011

February, oh February where did you go? This month seemed to be (in my books) hardly there! We spent the first 2 weeks barely able to leave the apartment and the last two weeks trying to play catch up. I know this month is shorter from the rest but really?! It seemed more like a week! The short valentine month brought snow, and lots of it for us Texans. Not only was it a record breaking snow fall, (i think?) it was the most snow I have ever seen fall in my life (all 27 years of it), the most consecutive days our seminary has closed due to weather, and the largest planned rolling blackouts it the history of Texas! It would prove to be a unique month in my book. Needless to say, the temperatures rising to the 70's consistently was a nice finish to the month and I was happier than "peach pie" to wear shorts around our apartment!! It feels like Spring is here and I pray that it stays!!

Other than the remarkable weather, and to go with a record breaking month, I was able for the first time, that I can remember, not passing out when my blood was taken! After suffering from pain for the past 2 months I decided to finally go to the doctor in hopes that she would;

1. confirm what was ailing me,

2. give me medicine, and

3. assure me that would be the cure.

Ironically this routine is what I dislike about doctors: ailment, medicine, bye. Well, I got what I have always asked for, a real explanation (one I DID NOT want to hear), and a follow up plan (which did not include taking medicine). Leaving the doctor emotional, it took my sweet husband and a substantial amount of praying to realize the blessing that came from the lady in the white coat. Although it frustrates me beyond belief, my "ailment" is not something medicine will fix in a few short days, it's something I am going to have to trust God, lean on others, and slowly work on. I have a muscle problem that is said to be linked to psychosomatic issues. I came home feeling defeated, knowing at that time, there was NOTHING I could do about it because it's all in my head. Well, I was right, there isn't anything I can do, besides trust in God that this be something He wants to alleviate from me. I am thankful that its not a serious condition, just something that has been annoying for a while! If your willing, please pray, not only for my trust in God through this time, but my humility to seek help. Both of which goes completely against my current character, unfortunately.

Aside from all that craziness, Patrick and I have really enjoyed watching a fun TV series on Netflix called Psych! It has been our "past-time" this month and we have both had fun keeping up with it together!

We were able to visit family mid-February for my mom's birthday and also got to see family from Colorado which happens too little.

Patrick and I have also been accepted to a program called Apartment Life to be a CARES team. We start our training in 2 weeks and hope to be moved into a new apartment soon after. For those that are unfamiliar with the program you can check it out here- http://www.cares.org/. We hope this can be a ministry opportunity for both of us together while we are here in Dallas.

As I said in the last month update, we have been praying for the possibility to go to Africa and as of now it looks more like Patrick will be going without me. :( I am indeed saddened by this decision but know that this opportunity will be sooo good for Patrick as it will allow him to fulfill a required internship, not to mention see if this could be something we want to pursue post-graduation. I am truly excited for this opportunity weather I get to go or not!

I guess thats all for this month....As I said last month- We are saying good bye to February and HELLO to March, looking for God's provision in a number of decisions, and loving that we are apart of His plan.

An Ode to The Cast Iron Skillet

I was tempted to deny my desire to blog about kitchen utensil but when it comes down to it, I just can't help myself. The Cast Iron Skillet. On Christmas I received, as what most thought- a simple, archaic kitchen devise to add to my growing kitchen utensil collection. But let me let you in on a little secret. The cast iron skillet is amazing. My first real one ever and from reading about them, it could very well last me my whole life...and then my daughter's (no that's not a hint), and her daughter's WHOLE life. Not only inexpensive, the cast iron skillet is a smart buy for those that want something that will last a long time. In fact, the longer you use it, the better it gets! :) How could you pass up using something that promises that? I have been reading research on how the Teflon in non-stick pans is harmful and surprised at how often they suggest you replace them due to the non-stick coating wearing off. The chemical found in the non-stick substance is called polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE for short. It has been tested that the chemicals used to make PTFE are extremely toxic. DuPont owns the trade mark of Teflon which is what the non-stick surface in pans is called.
Although DuPont responded to harmful effects of PTFE, "Teflon pans are safe so long as you don’t heat them above 500 degrees or use them in the broiler." The also said that you should not heat your non-stick pan empty- with obvious good reason. "In a test, the EWG placed three different PTFE-lined pans on three different stoves (electric and gas) and turned the burners on high. After five minutes, all three pans reached temperatures between 664 and 774 degrees."

After reading MUCH more on the subject, I decided to stay on the safe side and go back to what usually works; go back to the basics. It seems like all these "easy, quick methods" are doing us more harm than good.

Since receiving The Cast Iron Skillet, I have almost made it a decoration on my stove top, I use it so much!
Two recipes that I have recently made with it are; a healthy version of Cornbread, and Martha Stewart's Skillet Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie! Both with high reviews! :)

For more Information on PTFE refer to Revolution Health.

January 2011



*picture courtesy of Deep Well Bridge

 The first month of 2011 is almost gone and I am pleased at the outcome. As I had said in a previous post, I hope to keep up with evaluating things that are going on with me and my family on a regular basis. I do this in hopes to be more aware of God's grace and my need for continual growth. P started his second semester at DTS while I started my first. I couldn't be happier with the way God has allowed a decision, by my husband, be such a BIG part of my own life. Honestly, if there were one thing I could suggest (since we are only 5 years experienced at this whole marriage thing) as a benefit to unity in a marriage, it would be to totally involve yourself in your spouses endeavors. It hurts to see marriages split by one delving heavily in a life changing experience when the other is headed another way or doesn't care to partake in that experience along side. God has allowed me to really enjoy and take delight in my husbands (now our!) adventures and I am so thankful!
This semester brings for me, BE 101! It has been brought to my attention that students and professors at DTS speak of classes not by their actual name but by the registration code. Strange, I know, but I have followed suit, seeing as the other night someone asked me what I was taking and all I could get out (forgetting the actual name of the class) was BE 101! For those that don't know, that is code for Bible Study Methods. Nothing major or profound has come out of my studies, although it is nice to be getting back into the study habits and learning a deeper/accurate way of studying the Bible.
Not only did January bring a new adventure in starting school, I also felt like God has shown me, who am I kidding?, he is still showing me! to be content and even joyful in the situations He has allowed. We have experienced a few "highs" and "lows," making the month seem rather "roller-coasterish" but through those times I have been thankfully reminded that He chooses and allows those things to happen. By me submitting (only in attitude and reaction, considering I don't have much of a choice otherwise) to His sovereign will and knowing that He is good and has His best in mind, I am free to accept, with peace, whatever He allows. I find it humorous that every time something goes "wrong" or opposite of what we feel should happen we react like someone wronged us or we should deserve better. Our frustration turns into anger and bitterness when the situation gets "worse". Selfish desires and a selfish mindset is what I feel like causes these reactions. We get caught up in our own world so much that we forget that this world is not about us, shocking, I know! I am by no means in a state of extreme hardship but I found that even the simplest frustration's or "hick-ups" would cause a complaining, ungrateful attitude, which obviously came from my heart. My prayer is that God will continue to show me His sovereignty, my selfishness, and allow for joy in the midst of trials and unforeseen circumstances! A joy that comes from delighting in Him and knowing that the God I serve is trustworthy.

Other January excitement included-
1. Getting a new (to us!) washer and dryer!!!! We went a whole month without a dryer and it definitely was one of those trial times! I am soooooo grateful for our new purchase!
2. P picking up a few more side jobs- God is providing!!! :)
3. Reconnecting with our small group this month, which was great. After a long break over the Christmas holidays, I realized how much that part of our life is beneficial.
4. Buying kale for the first time! See last post for news on that!
5. A decision to try new foods which allowed for not only my first kale buy but also my first tempeh experience. I think I'm sold on both!
6. A visit from a friend that we hadn't seen in a long time. She stayed for the weekend and it was so nice to catch up and enjoy her and her daughter! :)
7. Being presented with the possibility of going to Africa this summer! A big prayer but, to our surprise God has been reminding us, in interesting ways, left and right.

We are saying good bye to January and HELLO to February, looking for God's provision in a number of decisions, and loving that we are apart of His plan.

Toaster Oven Happiness!

It has been a while since I have posted about a kitchen appliance. Since the new addition of a special one a few weeks ago, my desire for such a post has increased more and more! To my surprise Christmas brought more kitchen accessories than expected. Lavished with new pots, dishes, handy baking items, even grape seed oil, without a doubt I would deem my Christmas; a "kitchen spoiling," and I loved every bit of it! One special addition to our kitchen was a toaster oven! For over a year now I have commented on how much I wanted to switch from microwaving to toaster ovening (if you can call it that). There have been so many times I have pulled something out of the microwave and thought, that totally ruined my well-prepared meal, what a shame.

Although I have yet to figure out all the wonders of the handy dandy toaster oven, I am already impressed. You can tell just by the smile that crosses my face when I glance his way as I enter my kitchen. Call me a dork, good kitchen appliances make me a happy girl.

My desire for using a toaster oven came from reading so much information on what microwaves do to your food nutritionally not to mention what the altered, zapped "food" does IN your body. You may think it's a little much for me to be that paranoid, but after reading studies and watching You-Tubes...I'd at least prefer to use it less.

Not only have I committed to using the microwave less as a new years "resolution" (i put that word in quotes because I am still unsure if it is the correct word to use in many cases), I have also decided to revamp and tidy up my blogging. Hopefully, since sometimes plans don't go my way, I will blog more recipes with an emphasis on the nutritional benefits of a particular ingredient in the dish. Learning more about goals have given me a desire to have a more focused idea of the blogging that happens here. So, here's hoping! I also have a desire to express the things God is doing in my life through experiences, and teachings He allows. That being said, once a month I plan on posting about what He is doing in the life He's given me. I really hope that this all comes to fruition, I guess we will have to see!

Grace Continually Received...

This specific post is unlike any other I have offered. Yesterday my amazing husband officially completed his first semester at Dallas Seminary. My eyes well up with tears as I sit and type this. I don't think I can express how proud I am of the amount of work, thought, dedication, and time he has devoted to even just one semester. And all that only by God's grace.

We both knew starting this past fall that we (I say both him and I because really it affects both of us!) would experience a life change for the next 4 1/2 to 5 years, but the amount of grace that God has extended in only this first semester is more than we expected in his entire school career.

It would be false of me to say that the journey so far has not been hard. I look back over the last few months and think of the struggles God has allowed through jobs (or lack there of), arguments, late nights (or early mornings), uncomfortable environments, new places, and "home" sickness. But, when I honestly recollect the struggles ... they all pale in comparison to the amount of grace and love we have experienced since starting this adventure.
We have heard and know that the life we are living is uncommon, not favored, or sometimes rejected. I guess that's what you choose when you choose to follow the will of God.

P off to his first day of school!

Here it is, the end of 2010 and most would look back and contemplate what they have accomplished. In reality what should be thought of is the amount of grace you have received, and what have you done with it. If there is one thing that I have been blessed to learn this past year it would be self accomplishments are nonexistent. We can accomplish or receive nothing with out the grace of God.

I thank Him for the grace of;

1. My job at Dallas Seminary- the high calling of being apart of furthering God's Kingdom through a school that sends countless missionaries into the world in one way or the other.

2. My husband- we have learned so much this past year together, I still question why God allowed him as my life-time partner.

3. Family- for their love and support in more that one way!

4. Friends- old ones that still encourage and new ones that are eager to engage!

5. Most of all; my salvation- I don't think I will ever fully grasp what I have through the salvation God has extended to me.

Fun times with friends!!

I say good bye to 2010 and laugh at the crazy things that have happened; Kaepo learning the difference between growl and bark, our fun trip the the emergency room when I almost cut off my finger, the three...no seven jobs that I have had, and two moves (which may be an all time low for us!).


Somewhat speechless, I take a deep breath and face 2011 with the comfort of knowing whatever happens, my God is in control of each and every situation. I look forward to being a student at DTS (yes I am doing it too!) starting in January, encouraging my husband through his career as graduate student, and to move as little as possible !! : )


I hope and pray that every one's Christmas and New Year's is full of the realization of God's goodness and grace!

Freshly Ground Peanut Butter!

Christmas treat testing is actually coming to a close!! I only have one more week until the bake-a-thon happens. Crazy. This next recipe is not really a recipe...but I am love with the end result. A few years ago my Mimi let me borrow her heavy duty, major, mumbo jumbo, juicer. You would think that juicing yummy fruits and veggies would be the most "fruitful" thing that resulted from my borrowing but, no. The only thing that I really use it for (which is actually quite often) is peanut butter!! We have had the pleasure of fresh ground peanut butter for a few years and I don't think that there is any possible way to turn back. It baffles me to think that people actually consider the store bought (I wont mention any brands) kind, peanut butter! Its a crying shame!!

A few days ago I decided to do a fun taste test. I prepared 4 different kinds of peanut butter after grinding a big batch and had them ready for P when he got home that evening from babysitting. Yes, my husband babysits! :) (you got to do what you go to do right?)

Each bowl had a different colored toothpick that I strategically labeled on my dry erase board.

Green = Maple Peanut Butter

Red = Cinnamon Peanut Butter

Yellow = Coffee Peanut Butter

Blue = Spicy Peanut Butter

I was so pleased when my husband came home and was really excited about doing the taste testing. After the round of tests, of course one weighed out to be the best and the bowl was then devoured! haha That's when I decided this particular flavor would be given as gifts! Now who wouldn't want gourmet freshly ground peanut butter as a gift??

You might be wondering which flavor won...I think I may keep it a secret till I pass them out at Christmas! :) I must say thought, none of the flavors were rejected!! Peanut butter rains supreme in our house!

Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Creamy dressings are good, it's a fact. The thing is...they aren't necessarily good FOR you. Most are filled with things I can't pronounce, and dairy (which I despise). Unfortunately, my cravings are unstoppable and I all I keep thinking about is creamy, creamy, creamy!! The avocado dressing satisfied, and it will continue to, but for something more tangy I had to find a creamy balsamic that rivaled the dairy/unknown ingredient laden dressings you find at restaurants and in those plastic bottles at the grocery store! Something about that creamy balsamic clings to spinach leaves and counter balances sweet fruit in salads like non-other. My goal this weekend was to find a substitute that I could make at home! Unlike many seemingly unattainable food goals I have, this one was easy and simple and I must say incredibly satisfying! There is yogurt in this recipe and I know most dairy free people would be horrified to know that I don't consider it in my "dairy" category, only because my lactose free body can actually stomach it. For reasons beyond me, I can eat yogurt and because I can, I am! A few more simple ingredients in this oh so yummy dressing finishes it off and if your interested in trying it keep reading!

Creamy Balsamic Dressing
recipe adapted from Salad in a Jar

Ingredients:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt (may substitute regular nonfat yogurt but finished product will be a little different)
1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil.

Directions: (hard ones at that!)
Mix well. Store in refrigerator.

Pan-Seared Brussel Sprouts

Don't turn your nose up just yet!!!! I promise, they are NOT like the disgusting brussel sprouts you used to eat. I have a vegetable hating husband to prove that too! Since our recent (its getting not so reason now!) move to Dallas I have discovered some amazing grocery stores, I only dreamed of having stores like this where I used to live and cannot imagine why they don't? One of the main reasons I personally think they are "amazing" is because I have been able to buy loads and loads of fresh produce and stay on our food budget. This was not the case back in Houston. Produce used to be labeled in my head "expensive, one day ill be able to afford, dream food." Now, I have to hold myself back because I know we can only eat so much fresh produce before it goes bad. One forbidden, expensive food, on that "do not touch" list was brussel sprouts. I used to cook them when I was a personal chef but that was only because I wasn't paying for the food! A nibble here and there only partially satisfied my desires for meals at home. Then there was last week. Strolling through Sprouts Farmers Market I stumbled on .99 cents a lb fresh brussel sprouts!!!! The angels in heaven sang..hahaha not really. Needless to say, I bought them, and cooked them, and ate them. They were just as I remembered. Fresh, somewhat crispy, flavorful, and just plain good! My husband was curious and tried a bite, and to my surprised, actually said, "they aren't bad!" That, to me, is worth a thousand words coming from my husband and his previous disgust for brussel sprouts!! I count that as an accomplishment!

Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients:
1 lb Brussel Sprouts
1 Tbs olive oil
dash of salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Rinse and cut the brussel sprouts in half, from top to bottom.
2. Heat olive oil in pan over medium heat and then throw in the brussel sprouts. Toss to coat.
3. Toss the pan and brussel sprouts every few minutes and cook until you have little pan-fry marks on each side and they are soft but not too soft!

Avocado Dressing

I know it hasn't been that long since I posted something green but, as my obsession continues, I actually had to force myself to hold off on posting this recipe. I have made it twice already since last week and I can really see myself using this one for life! It not only satisfied my craving for a creamy dressing, it's dairy free, full of good fats, and really is good for you! It is a good substitute for ranch dressing and that not only comes from me but also from P!! Yes, as shocking as it is, P actually likes it! I never would have dreamed he would eat anything with avocados in it- as a matter of fact any time I put avocado on my food he exclaims "ewww, you have some green fungus growing on your food," as if he has never seen me eat it. Crazy guy. So all that to say, even if you are not an avocado lover, you just might like this one! Give it a try, I'm so glad I discovered it!

Avocado Dressing
recipe from Elana's Pantry

Ingredients:
1 avocado
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup water
¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
1.Place avocado, olive oil, lemon juice and water in blender or food processor
2.Puree until smooth then blend in salt and pepper. (I used a bit more salt, taste and judge for yourself!)

It's been a while since I posted a picture of Kaepo and I am loving this one...He is actually chomping on a carrot!

Restaurant Salsa

I could, without a doubt, live off of salsa and tortilla chips. Both P and I are connoisseur of chips and salsa. We could tell you our favorites and exactly why they are the best around. We have had them for our entire meal countless times and if I ever don't feel like cooking (which DOES happen) chips and salsa is our back up! :)
There are SO many salsas out there. You just go into the grocery store and there is almost a whole isle devoted to them it seems like. Green, red, hot, mild, chunky, fruity... any kind you could want or dream. No matter how many we have tried, the simple homemade salsa always satisfies. I love this recipe because it is so versatile. I can almost always make it with the things I already have in my kitchen and it takes literally 5 minutes to whip up. I call it "restaurant salsa" because we really think it resembles that type of salsa! Give it a try, we know you will like it!

Restaurant Salsa
recipe adapted from my sisters recipe!

Ingredients:
1/2 white onion
1/2 bunch cilantro
1 28oz. can of whole tomatoes
1 jalapeno (or I have made it with chipotles and it turned out great too!)
1 tsp or more of salt
1 tsp cumin

Directions:
Put all ingredients in a food processor or blender and go!!

Don't let this recipe hold you back though, as you can probably tell, there are so many things you can substitute or change out based on your preference!

Cumin Avocado Dip

I am absolutely attracted to anything green these days. I think the green sensors in my eyes are on overdrive or something. My kitchen is done in mostly green, I continually buy green foods in the grocery because "they look so good!", I tried to convince P to get a green button down shirt the other day, I covered my desk with green sticky notes at work because they were just so pretty, GREEN GREEN GREEN! One green thing that has always been a favorite of mine even when my favorite color was yellow is avocados. Just the name rolling of my tongue makes me melt. They are definitely up there on my all time favorite foods, along with salmon, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter. And as you could have probably guessed, if you know him at all, my husband despises anything green. I'm doing good by getting green beans, broccoli, and lettuce in him. But hey, we are learning that opposites find more joy in each others differences and we like it!
Now, on to those avocado's. I continually get people who are saying "no" to the luscious fruit and it makes me sad. The difference between good fat, bad fat, apparently doesn't register to most people and I'm here to say avocado's should not be shunned. THEY ARE GOOD FAT PEOPLE!!! With all that said, try out this recipe for Cumin Avocado Dip and if you like my green friend "the avocado" you will fall in love with this dip! Seriously, I could bathe in it!!

Cumin Avocado Dip

Ingredients:
3 tbs plain fat-free yogurt
1/4 of a bunch of fresh cilantro
1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt or a bit more if your a salter
2 ripe peeled avocados, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbs homemade salsa (recipe to come!)
soemtimes I put 1/2 a jalapeno in there but it depends on your desired heat!
 
Directions:
Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender, and process until smooth.
 

Greek Yogurt Egg Salad

Not sure why but, creamy things have been on the brain lately. Every recipe I see a picture of and want to make has mayo in it. YUCK. When I see mayo on the ingredient list it almost makes me want to Ralph! I move on and continue to search through recipes getting caught by those traditionally creamy, mayo laden, stomach churning, barf fest, recipes!! That is until I found this one. Like I said before, we have been avoiding meat for lunch, eggs have been a recent protein discovery in lunch for me. Most people would be appalled. EGGS? They are bad for you!!! High in cholesterol, high in fat, why eggs? Well, let me be the first to tell you that eggs are climbing back into the ranks as a healthy food. SHOCKER, I know. Do your research and you will find this out. I love eggs, usually not boiled but this recipe has changed my ways. It's creamy, it's "eggy", it's flavorful, and it's on my sandwich-good! I packed a few servings of this with some veggies for my lunches this week and was truly satisfied. No mayo, no up-chucking, give it up for Greek Yogurt Egg Salad!!!

Greek Yogurt Egg Salad

recipe adapted from Eat My Charlotte

Ingredients:

6 eggs
1/4 cup Fat Free Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
dash of lemon juice
1/2 tsp dried dill
1/4 cup chopped green onions
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Place egg in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool and peel. For faster cooling, place the eggs in an ice bath before peeling.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, dill, and green onions. Add a squeeze of lemon juice. Chop the eggs into big chunks and mix gently with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Zucchini Orzo Salad

Making lunches for the week ahead of time has been a real life/time saver for me. Since I am the rare soul that brings her lunch to work every day of her life (everyone else I know goes out!) I have to come up with new, creative dishes to pack! For a while now P and I have only been eating meat for dinner and since he is fine with grilled cheeses and PB&J's everyday it has been pretty easy to please him. Me on the other hand would prefer a change, and likes variety. Scoping out vegetarian blogs and recipes has helped! Its amazing how many ways you can add protein to your diet without eating meat! It also helps that I used to cook for a vegetarian and have a number of recipes up my sleeve. I thought I would share a recent lunch that was pretty easy to whip up and will definitely be making again!!

Zucchini Orzo Salad

Ingredients:
For the Salad:
1 medium sized zucchini cubed
1 small red onion sliced in thin rounds
2 Roma tomatoes cubed
handful of roasted and chopped almonds*
sprinkling of veggie cheese (of course you can use regular if you prefer!)
about 8oz orzo pasta cooked
1 C raw spinach leaves

For the vinaigrette:
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:
1. Make the vinaigrette. Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stream in the olive oil, whisking vigorously, until combined.
2. Saute in a bit of olive oil the zucchini and onions until soft and yummy. I sprinkled a little salt on them during sauteing process.
3. Toss the pasta, zucchini and onion mixture with the dressing and add the uncooked tomatoes and spinach leaves.
4. Separate in your different bowls if packing for lunches (I was able to make 4 lunches out of this recipe).
5. Top with almonds and cheese. When you heat salad at lunch time the cheese melts, tomatoes and spinach soften perfectly. I imagine you could eat this cold as well! :)

*after eating my first helping of this salad I noticed that the crunchy almonds almost tasted like bacon bits! They were a VERY good, healthy touch to add flavor.

Green Olive Pesto

I think pesto is great. For one, it is very versitile. With this one batch of green olive pesto we were able to make pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and roasted potatoes! If made right, pesto adds tons of flavor to so many different dishes. I also like pesto because there is so many kinds you can make. Olive pesto is new to me, I have never really liked olives so don't ask me why I chose to make it. For some reason, I picked it up at the grocery store and thought, man I wish I liked olives and convinced myself to try them again. When I got home and had one I regretted the purchase. Nope, still don't like olives! That is until I tried out this olive pesto.

Banana Bread Brioche

My mom gave me two rotten bananas and a small bag of walnuts the other day and said, "make me some banana bread." She should have known I would go different. I know the expectation was a nice cake-like loaf of yummy banana bread, but little did she know I had other plans for those rotten bananas. First of all, I had already packed my loaf pan, so I knew that would be one hindrance. Secondly, I didn't have the right (although simple) ingredients in my fridge to make the normal banana bread. I have really gotten used to making things I currently have on hand since we decided to move and get rid of as much food as possible! :)

Banana Bread Brioche (the no-knead version)
Recipe adapted from Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tbs granulated yeast
1 tbs vital wheat gluten
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp allspice
2/3 cup lukewarm water
2 large eggs
1/4 c agave
1/4 cup + 2tbs coconut oil (or mild flavor oil/melted butter)
2 overly ripe bananas all mashed up
Egg wash
1/4 cup roasted and chopped pecans

Directions:
Whisk together the flours, yeast, salt, vital wheat gluten and spices in a bowl.
2. Combine the liquid ingredients with the bananas and mix all that with the dry ingredients without kneading.
3. The dough will be loose, but it will firm up when chilled. Do not try to use it without chilling for at least 2 hours. You may notice lumps in the dough, but they will disappear in your finished product.
4. Cover (not airtight), and allow the dough to rest at room temp. until it rises and collapses, approximately 2 hours.
5. Refrigerate the dough and use within 5 days.
6. When ready to bake, grease a brioche pan or any oven safe container about the size of a medium corning ware dish. (you see mine in the pic!) Dust the surface of the dough with flour and quickly shape into a ball. Place the ball in the prepared pan and allow to rest., loosely covered with plastic wrap for about and hour and 45 minutes. You could also make any design with the dough you would like, for example: braid, twist, spin...get creative! I rolled mine in a log and then curled it around itself in a disc-like shape.
7. Pre-heat your oven about 10 minutes before dough is ready to 350 degrees F.
8. Just before baking, use a pastry brush to paint the loaf's top with egg wash and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
9. Bake near the center of the oven for about 45 to 50 minutes. It is done when the loaf is medium brown and firm.
10. Remove brioche from pan and allow it to cool on rack before digging in!

I delivered and hoped she would be satisfied and pleased!
From my small taste test side, I know I was!

Annie's Homegrown Mac and Cheese Review

look at that pretty picture!!

We have been waiting to move until this project took place...It happened a lot sooner than I thought it would, P came home from Target with two daylight light bulbs and a clip lamp Monday and went to work. I now have an official light box!! Hopefully this will improve my pictures and until we break down and buy a SLR this will have to do!

Having random boxes laying around helped out!

and some white paint!

and some white fabric!


Who would of thought, I had most of the "ingredients" needed to make such an important piece of equipment!! :)

To test out the light box I decided to somewhat "cheat" and do a review on a very common, pre-made meal, in our kitchen. I'm ashamed to say, I have boxed mac and cheese in my cupboard but, man it makes for a quick satisfying side when your in a crunch. And, have I told you how much my husband loves mac and cheese??

I bought Annie's Homegrown Classic Macaroni and Cheese to see if P would notice the difference and somehow be satisfied with the healthier/organic alternative. Not to mention, I got a really good deal on these puppies. I'm so glad they turned out to be just as good because I ended up stocking our pantry with like 10 boxes!!!

Now is the time to persuade you from the fake, unknown ingredients, in your everyday boxed mac and cheese and try out Annie's! (I am not being paid by Annie's to say this, I promise!)
When interviewing the "subject", while eating, I couldn't help but notice the constant shoveling of the bright yellow noodles into his mouth. When asked "what do you think?", the "subject" responded with, "taste like mac and cheese!".

Need I say more?

Of Course!!

Not only does there need to be a review of the taste, but also (as I learned in my Food Science classes) there should be tests on cooking ease, nutrition, ingredients, and overall appearance!
As the cooker in this project, I must say, Annie's was just as easy to boil noodles, mix in powder, add a bit of milk and butter...although, I felt like mixing time was a bit more, all in all, the same!
Nutrition comparison?? take Kraft M&C for example:

While both products contain no trans fat Kraft Macaroni and cheese contains 23% more saturated fat, 2% more Cholesterol, 7% more sodium and 1 g more sugar prepared than Annie's Macaroni and cheese.

Annie's macaroni and cheese has 5% more calcium and 1 g more fiber, as well as Vitamin b1 and Folic acid which are not found in Kraft Macaroni at all! Kraft does however beat Annie out in the iron and vitamin A categories with 13% more vitamin A and 6% more iron.

The winner:
Annie's macaroni and cheese has less of what you don't want, and more of what you do.

source: an article in associated content

Ingredients? *Here is the FUN part!*

Kraft Mac and Cheese:
Ingredients: ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE [IRON], THIAMIN MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID); CHEESE SAUCE MIX (WHEY, SALT, MILK, SKIM MILK, MILKFAT, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE, BUTTERMILK SOLIDS, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CITRIC ACID, CELLULOSE GEL, CELLULOSE GUM, LACTIC ACID, CHEESE CULTURE, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, YELLOW 5, YELLOW 6, ENZYMES) CONTAINS: WHEAT, MILK.
source: Kraft

Annie's Mac and Cheese:
ORGANIC SEMOLINA MACARONI FROM DURUM WHEAT, CHEDDAR CHEESE (CULTURED PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, NON-ANIMAL ENZYMES), WHEY, BUTTERMILK, SALT, CREAM, NATURAL FLAVOR, NATURAL SODIUM PHOSPHATE, ANNATTO EXTRACT FOR NATURAL COLOR.
source: Annie's

*I always love me some yellow 5 & 6 in my mac and cheese!! :)

Appearance:
Just as moist (i hate that word), just as yellow, just as "noodle like".

I guess I will let you decide for your self on what you want your kids, i mean, family members eating! We will stick with Annie's, especially if I keep getting them for the good price I did. Otherwise, I may try my hand and homemade!