Lazy Breakfast!

Lazy breakfast!


Crock-pot eggs
Fruit
Make ahead hot tea

Food for thought: Do not worry. Matthew 6:25 LB

Decorate with summer items, like umbrellas, flip-flops, beach balls, etc.
Play beach music to brighten the morning.

Recipes

Place the following in a crock-pot and cook all night.

4 Sliced potatoes
1 cup diced cooked ham
¼ cup chopped onion
½ c. chopped red and green peppers
¾ c. shredded cheese
6 eggs
½ cup evaporated milk
1 t. salt

Spray pot with none-stick oil. Layer potatoes, ham, onions, green peppers and cheese. Beat eggs. Add milk and salt. Mix well.
Pour over layers. Cook on low for 10-12 hours.



Cantaloupe Fruit Salad

Remove rind from cantaloupe. Cut into slices and serve cold.

Make Ahead Tea

4 family size tea bags
4 springs of mint
1/3 can of frozen orange juice
1 cup lemon juice
1-cup sugar

Bring a gallon water to a boil. Add tea bags. Steep 15 minutes. Pour orange juice, lemon juice and sugar into container. Add warm tea and stir well. Serve with mint, hot or cold.






From nutritionist: Summer time means a slower pace of living. Have a brunch with foods that can be made ahead of time. Place eggs casserole in the crock-pot and cook while sleeping. Make the tea the day before and serve hot or cold. Decorate the day before and even slice cantaloupe and place in an airtight container for service later.
Diabetics or people who are on low-glycemic diets will note that the menu has protein with the eggs, vitamins and minerals in the fruit. No bread is needed since carbohdrates are in the potatoes. The potatoes also supply vitamins. Since more liquids are desired in the summer time, keep plenty of tea on hand to resupply thristy family members and guests.

Enjoy while the living is easy!

Crock Pot Chicken N Dressing

Mother's Day Dinner

Chicken N Dressing

Lettuce Salad

Favorite dressing

Strawberry pie



Food for Thought: She shall be blessed. Proverbs 31:28


Crock Pot Chicken N Dressing



2 cups chopped chicken or turkey

3 cups corn bread crumbs

1 cup flour bread crumbs

1/4 c. chopped onion

1 T. parsley flakes

1 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

1 T. poultry seasoning

4 eggs

4 cups broth



Mix crumbs, seasoning, onion and parsley with eggs and broth. Add chicken. Mix well. Spray crock pot dish with non-stick spay. Pour dressing into pot and bake on high for 45 minutes. Check for desired doneness.



Serve with favorite salad and dressing. Top off with strawberry dessert.



Strawberry Pie



1 cup chopped strawberries, fresh or frozen

1 package jello

1 package cream cheese

1 large container whipped topping

1 can wafers sticks



Make a crust for bottom of spring cake pan using graham crackers, cookies or crumbs. Pack well. Line sides of pan with wafer sticks.



Bring cream cheese to room temperature. Mix with jello and whipped topping. Fold in the strawberries. Pour into spring pan and refrigerate overnight. May top with wafer crumbs.



From Nutritionist: This is an easy spring time meal. The chicken and dressing can cook while you are visiting with Mother. The chicken provides the protein while the dressing gives carbohydrates. The salad will give vitamins and minerals. Make the pie ahead of time. All you have to do for the meal is slice and serve! The pie recipe may be altered with low fat whipped topping, low fat cream cheese and no-sugar jello. Since the carbohydrates in the dressing and pie are high, a diabetic will need to adjust portions. Place left-overs in air tight containers and send home with Mom to enjoy later. Happy Mother's Day!

Cherry Festival dishes

Cherry Festival Delights

With cherry blossoms in the air, now is the time to make cherry delights for the family.

Food for Thought: You (God) feed them with blessings from your own table and let them drink from your Rivers of Delight...Psalm 36:8 LB

Lazy Woman Cherry Treat

4 cups pitted cherries

1 t. red food color

1/2 c. all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 box cake mix

1 stick margarine or butter

Spray 9x13" casserole dish with baking spray or may melt butter and pour off. Mix food color, if desired, flour and sugar. Melt butter and mix with dry cake mix. Pour cherry mixture into baking dish. Crumble cake mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream.

Easy Cherry Candy

1 pkg. chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup pitted cherries

1/2 t. red food color

1/2 c. sugar

Mix cherries, food color, if desired, and sugar. Drain. Melt chocolate chips and milk in microwave for 2-3 minutes. Stir in cherries and drop by teaspoons on wax paper.

Chill.

Cherry Salad

2 cups pitted cherries

1 t. red food color

1 c. sugar

1 pkg. red jello

1 c. boiling water

1 pkg. cream cheese

1/2 c. mayonnaise

lettuce leaves

Mix cherries, food color sugar. make jello with boiling water. Mix cherries and jello and chill until firm. Cut into cubes. Mix cream cheese and mayonnaise. Toss cream cheese mixture with cubes and serve on a lettuce leaves.

Cherry Cream Pie

1 graham cracker crust

2 cups pitted cherries

1 cup sugar

1 t. red food color

1\4 cup cornstarch

1 pkg. cream cheese

1 tub of whipped topping

1 cup confection sugar

Mix cherries, sugar, food color and corn starch. Stir in 1/4 cup cherry juice or water. Cook until thickened. Set aside to cool. Blend cream cheese and confection sugar. Beat in a tub of topping.

Place cream cheese mixture into the graham cracker shell. Top with cooled cherries. Serve chilled.

Cherry Bars

1 cup all purpose flour

3 T. confection sugar

1/2 cup butter

filling:

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/4 c. all purpose flour

1/4 t. baking powder

1/4 c. pecans

1/2 c. coconut

1/2 c. sweetened cherries

1 t. almond flavoring

1/4 t. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make crust with flour, confection sugar and melted butter. Mix well. spray an 8" square baking dish with baking oil and press crust into bottom. Bake 20 minutes until golden brown. prepare filling. Beat eggs. Combine eggs with sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in chopped sweetened cherries and flavoring. When crust is cooked, pour cherry topping over crust. Sprinkle coconut and nuts. Bake 20 more minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

From nutritionist: Cherries are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Home grown cherries are often not the red color that people desire, therefore, I suggest adding food color. Cherries may be preserved, canned or frozen for future use. Take advantage of cherry season and stock up for many cherry delights!

Space Cake

Birthday Party

Space Cake

nuts

chips with dip

Ice Cream

Punch

Tip: Serve food on plates with moon and stars or space scenes. Use posters or drawings of the moon and other objects of the sky. Use stickers on cupcake papers to make space nut cups.

Use dark blue napkins and cups. Music may be space oriented.

people may wish to wear their favorite space show character. Honoree of party may present the wearer of the best costume a space-gift.

Food for thought: Give thanks to the Lord...who...made the Heavens...the sun..the moon and stars...Psalm 136; 1,5,8-9 NIV

Space Cake

Bake your favorite yellow cake batter. Frost with white icing. Use space toys for decorations.

Coconut Pudding Cake recipe

1 pkg. yellow cake mix

1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix

1 1/2 cup water

4 eggs

1/4 cup oil

2 cups grated coconut

1 c. chopped nuts

Blend cake mix, pudding mix, water, eggs and oil in a large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed for 4 minutes. Stir in coconut and nuts. Pour into 3 greased and floured 9 inch pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Cool in pans 15-20 minutes. Remove to cooling rack. Fill and top with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting .

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

2 tablespoons butter

2 cups grated coconut

1 package cream cheese

2 Tablespoons milk

3/12 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon white vanilla flavoring

Cream butter with cream cheese and add milk. Gradually add sugar. Blend in white vanilla flavoring. Add 1 3/4 cups coconut. spread between cake layers. Stack and frost top.

Sprinkle remaining coconut on top.

Glazed cinnamon Pecans

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

4 Tablespoons evaporated mild

2 teaspoons water

3 cups pecan

Mix sugar, cinnamon, milk and water. Bring mixture to a boil. Boil until it reaches soft ball stage. Remove from heat. Pour pecans into the mixture. Toss until well coated. Pour onto wax paper. When cooled break apart and enjoy!

Vanilla ice Cream

1 Tablespoon unflavored gelatin

1 1/4 cup mild

2 eggs, separated

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring-clear

1 cup half & half cream

Soften gelatin in 1/4 cup milk and set aside.

combine 1 cup milk, egg yolks and salt in a double boiler and heat until mixture coats spoon.

Remove from heat. Add gelatin mixture and sugar and stir until well blended. cool and add vanilla flavoring and cream. Freeze until firm. Beat egg whites and add to frozen gelatin base. Return to freezer until frozen to consistency to be served with cake.

Punch

1 46 oz. can pineapple juice

2 1/2 cups sugar

1-3oz. package strawberry jello

1 quart boiling water

1 quart cold water

2 bottles ginger ale or Sprint

Mix boiling water with sugar and jello to dissolve. Add juice and cold water. Mix well and put in containers and freeze. Thaw to ice consistency and add the lemon-lime cola.

From Nutrient writer: To make ice cream a diabetic recipe substitute 1/4 cup of artificial sweeter with 1/4 cup sugar. Artificial sweeter and unsweetened jello may be used in the punch for a diabetic.

Sweet Potato Casserole

To make a sweet potato casserole: separate 3 eggs and set aside. Wash, peel and slice 4 sweet potatoes. Cook in 1 t. salted water. Drain water and smash. Add egg yolks, 1/4 c. melt butter, 1/4 c. brown sugar, 1/2 c. milk and 1 t. cinnamon. Stir well. Spray a casserole dish. Pour potato mixture into dish. Whip egg whites with 1 t. cream of tartar. When peaked, gradually add 3 T. sugar, while whipping. Spread over potato mixture. Dot pecans over top. Bake at 250 degrees until the egg white is done and browned. Serve warm. Start a new Christmas traditional dish.

On The Road To Grandmother's House

On The Road Again
To Grandmother’s House
Chili Beans with chili dumplings
Turnip Greens
Cauliflower
Car Cake with candy decorations

Tip: Use black and white checkered flags and cutlery. Use black plates with white napkins. Children may place car stickers in the corner. Plan to watch a racing DVD for entertainment. You may use this as a victory celebration for your team who won away from home. If so, decorate with team colors and show highlights of the game. Or use Thanksgiving decor!

Food for Thought:
The Israelites journeyed…God led the people…Exodus 12-13


Family Meal Planning
From the Nutritionist: The beans supply the protein in this menu. Turnips and cauliflower provide vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. The dumplings and cake are carbohydrates.

Recipes

Chili Dumplings with meat

1 c. quick biscuit mix
½ c. fine cornmeal
1 ½ c. cooked hamburger meat
1 T. Chili powder
¼ t. garlic salt
¼ t. cumin
2/3 c. broth
¼ c. shredded cheddar cheese

Cook meat and grind in food processor. Mix biscuit mix and cornmeal. Add chili powder, garlic salt, and cumin. Stir well. Mix biscuit mixture with ground, cooked hamburger meat and cheese and blend with broth. When all ingredients dispersed well, use an ice cream scoop to form dumplings. Make favorite chili soup and thicken about 10 minutes. Bring to a boil. Drop scoops of dumplings onto top of chili. Do not immerse into mixture. Simmer 10 minutes uncovered, then cover and simmer 10 minutes. May sprinkle more cheese on top and simmer until cheese melts about 3 minutes. Makes 12-14 dumplings. Yummy!

Chili Beans

2 # hamburger meat
¼ c. onion
¼ c. red pepper chopped
¼ c. parsley
1 can chopped tomatoes
¼ c. chili powder
1 t. cumin
1 clove garlic
1 T. paprika
2 c. beef broth
1 large can pork n beans or 2 small cans

Cook meat and onion in bottom of Dutch oven. Add chopped pepper, parsley, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, crushed garlic, paprika and broth. Stir well and add beans. Bring to a boil and cook approximately 10 minutes then add dumplings. Simmer approximately 45 minutes to obtain chili flavor. The longer, the better.






Chili Dumplings w/o Meat

1 c. quick biscuit mix
½ c. fine cornmeal

1 T. Chili powder
¼ t. garlic salt
¼ t. cumin
2/3 c. broth
¼ c. shredded cheddar cheese

Mix biscuit mix and cornmeal. Add chili powder, garlic salt, and cumin. Stir well. Mix biscuit mixture with cheese and blend with broth. When all ingredients dispersed well, use an ice cream scoop to form dumplings. Make favorite chili soup and thicken about 10 minutes. Bring to a boil. Drop scoops of dumplings onto top of chili. Do not immerse into mixture. Simmer 10 minutes uncovered, then cover and simmer 10 minutes. May sprinkle more cheese on top and simmer until cheese melts about 3 minutes. Makes 12-14 dumplings. Yummy!

Beef gravy: May cook in 4 cups of beef broth thickened with 3 T. flour. Allow to thicken about 3 minutes before adding dumplings.


Turnip Greens

Wash and stem greens. Place in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Add a beef bullion cube. Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes or until done to your taste.



Cauliflower

Wash cauliflower and cut off tough stems. Place in water and salt. Steam approximately 30 minutes or until done to taste.

Cake with Candy décor

Make your favorite white cake batter. Place in a car shape pan or cut into a SUV shape when baked. Cover with basic frosting. Use M&Ms with initials/words like Happy Thanksgiving or On The Road Again and place on cake to decorate.

Happy Thanksgiving and safe travel!

Fall Fest Meal

Family Fall Fest
Grilled meats
Tossed Salad
Crock Pop Bars

Tip: Collect fall leaves and scatter down the center of the table. Make spider webs and other fall decorations and place around the area. Allow children to place fall leaf stickers on edge of napkins. May use different autumn colors for plates and glasses; they do not need to be the same color.

Food for Thought:
Samuel grew; the Lord was with him and he did not let His words fall to the ground.
1 Samuel 3:19

Family Meal Planning

Fiber
Fiber is the cellulose part of a fruit or vegetable. It is necessary for normal function of the intestines. Since fiber is almost indigestible, it passes through the intestinal tract as bulk, thus removing waste products. This helps in the prevention of colon cancer. Cabbage and lettuce are examples. Other sources include any leafy vegetable, fibrous fresh fruit, whole grains and nuts. 1- 2 servings of fiber are needed every day.

From the Nutritionist: It is important to provide growing children with nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. You should also make the meal delicious. Decorating is part of eye appeal for youngsters. Let them help make the nutritious bars. The bars can be wrapped and used for a Fall Fest party. Store leftovers in airtight containers and decorate with hand colored fall leaves. Take to shut-ins.

Recipes

Grilled Meats

Place steaks, shrimp and/or chicken on grill and cook.

Tossed Salad

Mix greens, carrots slices, chopped tomatoes and with cucumber dressing. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Crock-Pot Bars*
¼ c. margarine
4 cups mini marshmallows
1-cup quick oats
1 c. crushed cinnamon graham crackers
½ c. c raisins
½ c. ground flax seed
½ c. sunflower seeds, roasted

Place in crock-pot, margarine and marshmallows to melt in the crock-pot about 30 minutes in home pot. When creamy, add oats, c-raisins, crackers, flax seed and sunflower seeds.

Then mix well.
May cool in crock-pot and cut in bars or pour into an 8x8” sprayed pan.
Makes 6 bars.
* Easy recipe for children or busy moms who multi-task while cooking.

Pink Lemonade

6 lemons
1 cup sugar
1 quart water
ice
1 drop red food coloring
fresh mint leaves

Juice lemons and mix with water. Add sugar and stir. Add red food coloring. Fill pitcher with ice or pour over an ice ring and serve like punch. Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint for color.


Happy Cooking!

Back To school Supperr

Back to School Supper
Suggested Menu:
Oven Chicken
Noodles with veggies
Home made muffins
Crock Pot Chocolate Cake
Pink Lemonade

Tip: Decorate with a “High School Musical” theme, napkins, plates, and cups. Place note pads with a pencil by each plate for a favor. May play the HS Musical theme music as you eat. Invite all your high school friends over.

Food for Thought:
Grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ…1 Peter 3: 18.

Family Meal Planning
From the Nutritionist: A back to school party can be lots of fun, especially for people who are going away or to different schools. This is one last time to remember old times and the summer. This meal is easy to prepare and delicious. To avoid spoilage of meat, keep refrigerated until time to use.

Recipes

Oven Chicken

1 chicken breast for each guest
1 egg
1-cup milk
1-cup flour
1-cup Parmesan cheese
¼ cup oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Pound each chicken breast until flat. Dip into egg-milk mixture, then in salt-peppered flour mixture and into Parmesan cheese. Place in a skillet with about ¼ cup of fry oil. Brown on all sides. Place in a oil sprayed baking dish and bake about 20 minutes at 350º.

Veggie spaghetti

Spaghetti
1- cup greens
1- cup tomatoes
Salt and pepper
1 cube for chicken flavored broth
Margarine or butter

Cook spaghetti in chicken flavored water for desired doneness. Cook tomatoes and greens separately. When the spaghetti is done, toss together with 1 T. oil margarine.
Keep warm in a crockpot until ready to serve.

Muffins

2 cups biscuit mix
1-cup yogurt, plain or vanilla
½ cup mayonnaise

Mix together. Add milk if too thick for muffin mixture. Use an ice cream scoop and place into a 12-portion muffin tin. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 º. Serve warm with honey butter.

Crock-Pot Cake (no egg)

1-cup flour
½ cup sugar
¼ cup cocoa
2 t. baking powder
½ t. salt
½ cup milk
2 T. oil
1 t. flavoring
½ cup nuts

Spray crock-pot with butter spray. Heat on high. Mix flour, sugar and cocoa, baking powder and salt. Mix oil, milk and flavoring. Make a well in dry ingredients and stir in liquid. Mix well. Stir in nuts. Spread evenly in crock-pot. Add topping then bake 2 hours and 30 minutes. Cool 30 minutes before serve with cool whip or ice cream.

¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup cocoa
1-½ cups hot tap water

Mix sugar, cocoa and 1 and ½ cups of hot water. Pour over the top of the batter.
This makes a sauce on the bottom. Spoon onto serving dish while warm. Top with ice cream or whipped topping, if desire.

Pink Lemondade

6 lemons
1 cup sugar
1 quart water
ice
1 drop red food coloring
fresh mint leaves

Juice lemons and mix with water. Add sugar and stir. Add red food coloring. Fill pitcher with ice or pour over an ice ring and serve like punch. Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint for color.

Summer Breakfast

Summer time is fun and living should be easy. So make a breakfast that is both fun and easy.

In a muffin pan, layer slices of ham. Add a teaspoon of onion dip. Beat 3 eggs and add 1/4 c. milk. Use salt and white pepper to taste. Pour the egg mixture into the ham cup. Egg will fill the cup. Top with grated cheddar cheese. Bake into a nice cup form. Bake about 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with applesauce muffins and beverage.

Pour lemon aid into the glass. Slowly add the ice tea. The affect will be a conversation peice as you eat out by the pool.

Have a safe and fun summer!

Bridal Tea

Suggested June Menu
Bridal Tea

Watermelon Basket with fruit
Nuts in bell shaped cup
Puff Shells of Chicken Salad
Pimento and Cheese Bell shaped open face sandwiches
Tea Pot shaped cake
Tea Punch


Tip: June is an excellent time to honor the bride-elect and groom-to-be with a shower or tea. Since people love to give advice for a successful marriage, Christians may like to give a Bible ceremony and presentation with advice for the engaged-couple. A shower of gifts could follow the presentation. Decorate with the bride’s wedding colors or household decor. (A Bible Ceremony is available from author of this blog.)

Food for Thought:
Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket. Proverbs 25:11LB

Family Meal Planning

Eating Well for Wellness

There are many eating disorders that can affect wellness. A bride’s concern about her appearance in her wedding gown, a man’s or woman’s desire for career advancement that seems tied to looks, a boy’s sport restrictions can trigger eating disorders. Some eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating. When left untreated these can lead to death. Such disorders are hard to treat and often unsuccessful. However, with faith and proper medical help, people can correct eating disorders. When family meal planners suspect a family member has an eating disorder, they should work with a medical professional to plan nutritious meals. As the affected individual begins to grow in his/her faith that nutritious, but wholesome meals are necessary for wellness, they will begin to improve. Faith in God, belief in foods that are necessary for sustaining life, and care and concern of family are all part of recovery for a person with eating disorders. Family meal planners should work closely with the medical profession and the individual to develop their faith. Start with the belief that God wants everyone to be as healthy as possible. Talk about the foods that He created for us and discuss the benefits of nutrition for maintenance of health. Express gratefulness to God for making the individual and stress the positive qualities of the person. Pray with the person to thank God for making him/her and for giving us life. With development of faith, a wholesome attitude toward one’s self, advice of knowledgeable experts, and love and compassion of family, eating disorders can be overcome so that the individual can “become all that God has planned.” Romans 5:1-5LB

Watermelon

From the beginning of Bible times, fruits have been a part of the diet. In the summer a favorite fruit is the watermelon. The quantity, richness of the color, the flavor, as well as the easy edibility with the fingers account for its popularity. Although watermelons are notorious for the seeds, seedless varieties are now available. Watermelons may be red or yellow fleshed. The taste is about the same. Although thumping has been the popular method of getting a good watermelon, there are many other ways as well. Inspect the melon to avoid spoilage. A bald or white spot on the bottom is on most melons and does not affect the flavor. Do not purchase a dirty melon unless you are positive of the source. Avoid melons with sewage smells. Melons are excellent sources of vitamins A and C as well as many other vitamins and minerals. After cutting, store the watermelon in an airtight food storage container until served. As a treat for a sick friend, place in an attractive gift food basket and make a visit.


From the Nutritionist: A bridal party is a time to use the fancy linens and china or bridal paper ware. There is a minimum of cooking for this menu. Scalloping the edge of a watermelon rind makes a watermelon basket. Use a melon scoop to make melon and other fruit balls. To keep the fruit from oxidizing use a fruit wash. Make the nut cups into bridal bells. Cut the bread into bell shapes with a cookie cutter and top with pimento and cheese. May top with a tiny pimento heart shape. Make chicken salad and stuff into the shells for the protein. The fruit provide vitamins and minerals. The nuts are also protein. The cake may be a large round layer. Cut into a shape of a teapot and freeze. Frost the teapot with a white frosting for the light, sealing coat. Refreeze and frost. Decorate with the colors of the bride’s choice. A slice of cake, one shell and one sandwich bread are two bread exchanges. Use a tea based punch recipe for the beverage. Any fruit juice used will add to the vitamins and minerals. The menu can be converted for special-need dieters or diabetics by using diet or diabetic recipes.

Recipes

Watermelon fruit bowl

Hollow a watermelon and scallop edges. A handle is made by leaving an oval strip of the rind attached to the watermelon. Use a ball maker to shape fruit balls of watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Grapes, strawberries or pineapple cubes may be added for color. keep covered with plastic wrap and chilled until time to serve. Place the watermelon bowl on a glass serving dish or mirror.

Nut Cup

Place mixed nuts in any shape of nut cup that goes with the theme or decor.

Chicken Salad Cups

Use 2 cups cooked and chopped chicken breast. Mix 1/4 c. pickle relish, 1/4 c. fresh onion (may use mix greens with onion), 1 c. salad dressing or mayonnaise, 1 chopped, hard cooked egg. Toss and place in pastry shells. Serve on a bed of lettuce.

Pimento and Cheese sandwiches

with cut out hearts or bells

Spread pimento and cheese mixture over 1 bread square with crust removed. In top layer cut out a mini heart or bell shape. Layer the slice with the cut-out on top. May use cut outs for other type of finger sandwiches.

Teapot shaped cake

Make a square cake with favorite batter mix. While baking and cooling, cut out a teapot shape on a piece of wax paper. May freeze layer then cut into shape of teapot. Use frosting of colors of the theme. May make marzipan flowers or use garden flowers sprayed with sugar water. Frost while layer is frozen, if desire since edges will crumble easily.

Tea Based Punch

Mix orange and pineapple juice with tea. Sweeten, if needed. May float fruit ice ring in shape of a bell on tip of punch bowl.

Cinco de Mayo Menu

May 5 Cinco de Mayo

Family Meal Suggested Menu:
Frijoles Casserole
Taco Salad
Mexican Cornbread
Mexican Wedding Cakes
Fruit Cup
Fiesta Tea

Tip: Parties on the veranda are an integral part of Latin American and South American entertaining. The above picture was made in Brazil. Cinco de Mayo is considered a Mexican holiday but many other countries take advantage of the holiday for a time of celebration and partying. Tables may be decorated with streamers, sombreros and maracas. Colorful fiesta pottery dishes may be used. Paper napkins and tablecloths with cacti or other Southwestern theme may be substituted for linens. May use a potted cactus plant for centerpiece. Mexican wedding cakes may be placed in gift food baskets and presented to guests as favors. Store left over cakes or cornbread in airtight food storage containers for future use. A piñata adds to the festivity.

Food for Thought: The good man eats to live, while the evil man lives to eat. Proverbs 13:25 LB

Eating Well for Wellness

When God created people, He placed plenty of food on the earth for healthy survival and enjoyment. Family meal planners are always concerned about maintaining a healthy family. There are 4 Ps that can help family meal planners to assure that the family is eating well for wellness. These are: 1. Plan 2. Prepare nutritious choices 3. Promote exercise 4. Pray. The primary concern of family meal planners is to give the family wholesome meals and snacks.
Children, and adults as well, do not always feel like eating on a regular schedule. You may need to have nutritious food available when children become hungry. Plan the food that is needed for an entire day. As the child or adult becomes hungry, serve or offer one or more of the foods to balance the nutrients needed for that day. By providing food at hunger times, less food will be served or consumed at family mealtime. Next, promote physical activity. God created our bodies with the capacity to store nutrients for survival.
To maintain a healthy weight, some people may need to deplete those stored reserves to keep from adding cells of fat for energy. Obese family members or those with sedimentary lifestyles should exert some kind of physical activity every three hours for at least 10 minutes. Physical activity may be dusting furniture, vacuuming the house, leg and arm exercises, walking, running, swimming, biking, ballgame, etc. Be sure to replenish the body’s liquids with water or sport’s drinks, if perspired a lot.

Peppers

Peppers are an expected staple of Cinco de Mayo foods. Peppers probably originated in the East Indies. It is used as a vegetable, spice or medicine. Some people mix black peppers and honey for a cough remedy. Pepper pods contain vitamin A and C as well as carbohydrate called cellulose. Green or bell, yellow and red peppers may be cooked, served raw as in salads or stuffed. Red pimentos are often mixed with cheese and served as a spread. Berries from pepper plants are called peppercorns. White and black are ground from ripened berries for table use.
These are tastier when ground at the time of eating. Red berries are considered exotic. Cayenne and paprika range from hot to mild taste. Green berries may be used in the unripened sate in cooking. Chiles are red and green and very hot. Sauces and chili condiments are often associated with Mexican dishes. Vinegar based hot pepper sauces often compliment southern vegetable dishes like black-eyed peas. Chilies may be dried for future use or decoration.
From the Nutritionist: Our menu has a Southwestern flavor. The Frijoles or beans and meat provide protein. The salad, fruit cup and cornbread supply needed vitamins and minerals. For diabetics the cornbread and wedding cakes are two bread exchanges. The Fiesta Tea is a tea-based punch. Via com Dios and felicemento Dia de la Madre a todas Madres. God go with you and happy Mother’s Day to all mothers.
Recipes are available upon request.Comments and questions are welcomed.Please share this web site with a friend.

Earth Day Menu

Top: Chocolate-oatmeal cookies with cheese
Left: Mac and cheese Puffs

Earth Day Menu

Mac & Cheese Cloud Puffs
Broccoli and Cauliflower Earth Toss with Honey Dressing
Dirt Cookies with Cheese
Sun Tea



Tip: Decorate with globes, earth day stickers and other trinkets. Make a strip of vegetation down the center of the table with green flowering limbs, bird nests made from rice cereal snack mix and candy chickens, gummy worms, rock and shell candy. Plan to work with family to participate in a clean-up project or repair project. Place this meal in correct temperature storage containers and serve as a picnic. Use blue and green paper plates, cups and cutlery. Store left over cookies in airtight containers. Share Chocolate-oatmeal Dirt Cookies with the other workers.

Food for Thought:
In the beginning God made the world…and it was good! Genesis 1:1

Family Meal Planning

Carbohydrates
One serving of starch is one exchange of bread in diabetic recipes. Breads, cereals and other starches are converted into sugar and are stored in the liver until needed for energy. At least 20-40 minutes of exercise is needed daily to use the carbohydrates in the body. Other carbohydrates are found in vegetables. Those that are high in fiber are good for the digestive tract. The body needs carbohydrates for energy. If all the carbohydrates that are taken into the body are not used, they are stored (thus adding weight to the body). It is necessary to balance exercise with the intake of foods that are high in carbohydrates.

Cereals and Grains
Since Bible times grains and cereals have been nutritious food sources. Christians will remember Christ walking through grain fields and making references to grains in the Bible. Whole grain products and cereals are nutritious sources of carbohydrates. Most packaged cereals are high in sugar content. Diabetics should eat a low sugar or cereal without sugar to control carbohydrate intake. A serving of cereal in a diabetic recipe is one exchange of bread. Fructose is the natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables. Sucrose is the sugar found in table sugar. Lactose is found in milk. Starches are also carbohydrates and are found in potatoes, rice and grains.
Family meal planners should choose cereals that provide some of the daily requirements like granola. Family meal planners should choose whole-wheat noodles, pasta and flour for diet food recipes.

From the Nutritionist: This is a meal that can be done ahead of time and served on a busy earth day. The Mac & Cheese Puffs can be finger food. It is easy to take for a picnic and served under a beautiful shade tree. Puffs may be served warm or cold. The macaroni and the oats of the cookies serve as carbohydrates. Calcium is found in the cheese in the puffs and the extra cheese. Protein is in the tuna and eggs of the macaroni and cheese dish. Vitamins and minerals are in the green peas, onions, broccoli and cauliflower. Use as many organic foods as possible.

Recipes:

Tuna Mac & Cheese Puffs
With Green Peas

2 cooks elbow macaroni
3 eggs
1 small can evaporated milk
1 small can tuna
¼ c. green peas
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
½ stick butter
¼ t. salt
¼ t. white pepper

Cook macaroni and drain. Mix tuna and ¼ c. cheese and melted butter. Salt and pepper. Toss well and place approximately ¼ c. in 12 muffin cup- pan that has been sprayed with butter oil or greased with butter. Beat eggs and milk together. Pour about 1 Tablespoon over top of each macaroni mixture-cup. After this evenly divide the remainder of egg mixture among the muffin cups. Top with remainder of grated cheese and sprinkle paprika on top, if desire. Cooks approximately 30 minutes @ 350 º. Cool and run knife around edge and remove. Store in airtight container.


Broccoli and Cauliflower Toss with Honey Dressing
May used packaged broccoli and cauliflower for the salad.


Honey and Yogurt Salad Dressing

8 oz. Plain yogurt
2 T. honey
¼ c. sesame seeds

Blend all ingredients and chill. Store in an airtight container and carry in cooler for the salad. Dip or toss vegetables in it.


Dirt Cookies with cheese

2 c. sugar
4 T. cocoa
½ c. evaporated milk
1 t. vanilla flavoring
1 stick butter or margarine
1 c. oatmeal

Bring sugar to a boil with cocoa and milk. Boil 2 or 3 minutes or until comes to softball candy stage. Remove from heat and add vanilla flavoring, margarine, and oatmeal. Drop by teaspoons on wax paper. Allow to cool. Slice favorite cheese in small squares and serve with the cookie for an extra delightful treat. If allergies permit, may add 1 c. peanut butter, 1 c. coconut or 1.4 c. nuts to hot mixture, if desire. Yield about 4 dozen-teaspoon sizes. Store in airtight container for future use.



Sun Tea

4 cups water
2 c. sugar
1 large family size tea bag

Allow to set in sunlight at least and hour or until desired strength. Stir in sugar. Cut lemon slices and garnish sides of glasses for extra flavor and appeal. Serve over ice.

British Isles Menu

Suggested Menu:

Gaelic Casserole
Irish Potatoes
Stonehenge Relish Plate
Welsh Oatmeal Cracker
Green Cool Ade Irish Coffee


Tip: Since March 17th is named in honor of a young man who was born in Great Britain and ended up in Ireland as a Christian missionary, we are using a British Isles Menu to celebrate the occasion of his birthday. Allow the children to make shamrocks from green paper. Use green napkins, tablecloth and candles. Make a centerpiece using greenery from the outside plants. If you have crocus or other early blooming flowers, add a few. If you have items from the British Isles, place around the room.

Food for Thought:
I saw…come from Heaven, having great power, and the earth was lightened with His glory… cinnamon…odors, ointments, frankincense, wine, oil, flour, wheat, beast, sheep, horses, chariots, slaves, souls of men…Revelation 1:1 & 13.KJV

Family Meal Planning

Potatoes

Potatoes come in two types: sweet or white. There are various varieties of each. The Irish potato is considered the best general-purpose potato. Usually Russets or Idaho potatoes are best for baking. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates. They also have Vitamin C and A. Diabetics should be conscious of the content when planning a meal. A meal without potatoes may be served without bread. Sweet potatoes have an orange-pulp inside. They can be baked, made in cakes, pies or fried. Any variety of potato should be free of green spots and rotten blemishes.

Oats

Oats is the main cereal crop in Great Britain. Oats is a high fiber food because of the husk that adheres to the grain. People with high cholesterol are encouraged to eat a serving of oatmeal each day. The Scottish oatmeal is ground. Oats may come in old-fashioned or quick cooking times. No difference has been found in the nutritional content of each. Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast food. It is also used in oatmeal-peanut butter cookies, cakes and muffins.

From the Nutritionist: Family meal planners will discover this menu is a fun way of providing nutritious foods. The casserole and relish plate have vegetables that are high in vitamins A and C. Use fresh organic vegetables and fruits, if possible. Dip fresh fruit in fruit -fresh mixture to keep from oxidizing.Canned fruits and vegetables may be used. The meat in the casserole provides the protein. The oatmeal crackers and potatoes supply carbohydrates. The dessert cake is also high in carbohydrates. Low sugar pudding and gelatin can be substituted for diabetics. Use fresh fruit for more nutritional value. Not only is the menu colorful, but also beneficial for family meal planners with weight management concerns. Other special need groups like diabetics will find the meal healthy. Choose as lean beef as possible for the casserole. The food recipes are easy. Store any leftovers in food storage containers; place the trifle food airtight containers in gift baskets decorated with shamrocks and give to shut-ins. Family meal planners may substitute cherry syrup for liquor in an Irish coffee recipe and top with tinted green whipped cream. Diabetics may omit the syrup. This meal serves 6 people.


Recipes

Gaelic Casserole

1 lb. Hamburger meat
1 T. oil
1cup English peas
1can chestnuts
1 chopped tomato
1 chopped onion
1 zucchini squash
½ cup chicken or beef broth

Cook hamburger meat in oil. Mix peas, chestnuts, tomato, onions and squash in a sprayed casserole dish. Cover with tin foil and bake 1 hour. May remove foil and sprinkle grated cheese on top and bake until brown.

Irish Potatoes

4 large potatoes

1 stick butter

salt and pepper

Slice potatoes and layer in a in a dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste and place pats of butter on top. Bake in microwave about 5 minutes or until when pierced with a fork they are done.

Stonehenge Relish Plate

Cut carrots, celery and other vegetables in strips. May add a bowl of dressing for dipping. Arrange vegetables like Stonehenge formation on the plate.

Welsh Oatmeal Cracker

1cup boiling water
½ c butter or margarine
1 t. salt
4 cups quick oatmeal
White flour

Melt the margarine with water in microwave. Add salt and oatmeal. Make dough. Sprinkle white flour on a sheet of wax paper. Sprinkle more flour on top and top with wax paper. Roll out the thickness of a cracker. Cut the dough into cracker shapes or triangles. Pierce with a fork and bake on a cookie sheet at 375 º for 10-15 minutes.

Trifle

Pound or left over cake
1 large package Strawberry Jell-O
2 cups Vanilla pudding
Mixed fruits, apples, bananas, pears, cherries
1 container of Cool Whip
Green food coloring


Layer pound cake in a large bowl such as a punch bowl. Mix Jell-O according to instructions on package and pour over top; chill to set. Add pudding. Layer with fruit mixture. Top with tinted green Cool Whip.

Mississippi Mud Celebration

Mississippi Mud Celebration

Pigs in the Blanket
Veggie Relish Plate
Cheese Fondu Dip
Mississippi Mud Cake
Creek Water Tea

Tip: Use this menu for any celebration such as: Giants winning the Super Bowl (Eli Manning was former quarterback for the University of Mississippi); Valentine's Party or
Night With the Kids.
Decorate with hearts with everyone's name printed on them, red and blue napkins and a DVD.
Suggestions: replay of the Giants game, romantic movie such as Love is a Many Splendid Thing or Tom Sawyer. Use red and blue candles. Allow the children to help make the dishes.

Food for Thought: Announce to the people...that they are to celebrate...Leviticus 23:1 LBV

Recipes

Pigs in the Blanket

Hot dogs or small sausages
cresent rolls

Cut the hot dogs into smaller pieces. Wrap in the rolls. Bake at 350 degrees until done-
about 15-20 minues.


Veggie Relish Plate

Strip and clean veggies such as carrots, celery or other vegetables that children enjoy. Arrange attractively on a plate. Dip in hot cheese sauce.

Cheese Fondu

Melt 2 cups of cheddar cheese with 1/4 c. of evaporated milk in a crock pot. Dip the veggies into the sauce.

Mississippi Mud Cake

2 cups cake flour

2 cups sugar

1/2 t. salt

1 t. soda

1 stick margarine

1/2 cup oil

4 T. cocoa

1 cup water plus 1 T. cold water

2 eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 package of minature marshmellows

Shift flour with sugar, salt and soda. Melt margarine with oil, cocoa and 1 cup water. Allow to boil. Add to flour mixture and mix. Add beaten egss and stir. Add the cold water and buttermilk. Mix well-approximately 25 hand beaten strokes. Pour into a flour-oil sprayed 9x13 inch pan and bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Layer marshmellows over hot cake. Pour frosting over top.

Frosting for Mississippi Mud Cake

1 stick butter or margarine

2 T. cocoa

6 T. milk

1 box confectioner's sugar

1 t. vanilla

Combine the butter, cocoa and milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add confectioner's sugar and beat with whisk. Add vanilla flavoring. Pour over the top of marshmellows and cake. Allow to cool before serving.

Creek Water Tea

Bring a quart of water to a boil and remove from heat. Add one family size tea bag and steep for three minutes. Do not steep too love because the tea will be bitter. Serve over ice cubes. Cut lemon slices; make a slit about 1/2 way through the middle of the slice and attach to the rim of the glass.

From the Nutritionist: The hot dogs and cheese have protein for bones and teeth. Cheese also has calcium. Lean hot dogs may be made of beef, turkey or chicken. People with high blood pressure should be cuatious of the sodium content. Read labels. The cake and bread provides carbohydrates. The vegetables contain much needed vitamins and minerals. Diabetics should restrict the cake protions to a minimum since the sugar content is very high. Have a great Mississppi Mud Celebration!!!!

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

1 box yellow or white cake mix
3 whole eggs
¼ cup oil
1 cup pureed pumpkin (fresh or canned)
¼ c. chopped pecans
1 T. flour

Wisk eggs until yolks are mixed with whites; add oil and pumpkin and mix. Beat batter two minutes. Toss the nuts in the flour and hand fold into batter. Pour into a flour-sprayed loaf pan. Top with cinnamon mixture and bake 45 minutes @ 350º. Test for doneness-may need to cook longer depending upon the oven.

Cinnamon Topping:

¼ c. flour
½ c. brown sugar
1 t. cinnamon
¼ c. chopped pecans

Mix flour, sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over top of batter. Sprinkle nuts over top and bake.

Spooktacular Menu

Poppin’ Good Corn Balls
Devilish Meat Balls and sausages
Dunkin’ bread in cheese fondue
Relishin’ the Veggie and fruit Tray
Fallish Jack Frosted Rice Cereal Squares
Brew Delight

Tip: Decorate with seasonal fall items like cornstalks, pumpkins, gourds, hay bales and flowers. Children may collect colorful leaves and make a row down the center of the table. May use cutout pumpkins and place orange or pumpkin scented candles on top.
For an activity with children, clean and cut a pumpkin into a face. Place a candle inside and explain that this is way people are when they become Christians.

Food for Thought:

Jesus said: Let your light shine. Matthew 5:16

Family Meal Planning

From the Nutritionist: Carbohydrates are in the bread and dessert. Calcium is in the cheese. Vitamins and minerals are in the raw, cut up vegetables, fruits and pickles. Protein is found in the meat.

Recipes:

Poppin’ Good Corn Balls

5 qt. Popped corn
4 c. sugar
2 t. salt
1 c. water
2 T. margarine
¼ t. cream of Tartar
1 T. corn syrup

Pop corn. Cook sugar, salt, water, margarine, corn syrup and tartar to firm ball stage on candy thermometer. Pour syrup over corn and shape into 3-inch balls or leave in stirred stage. Balls may be placed in airtight containers or bags as take home treats.

Devilish Meat Balls and sausages
1 # hamburger meat
1 # cocktail sausages
½ c. breadcrumbs
¼ c. chopped onion
2/3 c. milk
1 t. salt
1 egg
1 c. Shrimp cocktail sauce or barbeque sauce
1 c. grape jelly

Make hamburger balls with meat, crumbs, onion, milk, salt and egg. Fry or bake until done. Heat sauce and jelly in a slow cooker. Pour meatballs and/or cocktail sausages into sauce and serve warm with toothpicks.


Dunkin’ bread in cheese fondue
Melt 1 lb. of favorite cheese in a slow cooker with ½ cup evaporated milk. Cut French bread or home made bread into cubes and place on wooden skewers. Dunk into cheese.
Happy Dunkin'!



Relishin’ the Veggie and fruit Tray

Clean and cut favorite vegetables and fruit into shapes like rounds or sticks. May use as dunkers into cheese, if desire. Apples, carrots, celery are always good choices.



Fallish Jack Frosted Rice Cereal Squares
¼ c. margarine
1 large package colored marshmallows
6 c. rice cereal

Melt the margarine and marshmallows in a large bowl in the microwave for 1 minute or longer. Stir well. Add cereal and mix. Press into a sprayed casserole dish and cut into 24 squares. Cool and frost.


Jack Frost Frosting

2 cups confection sugar
¼ c. melted margarine
1 T. milk
½ t. vanilla flavoring

Mix well and frost tops of squares.

To make leave decorations: trace a leave on wax paper and cut out. Use a toothpick and outline on icing. Use tubes of frosting jell and outline the leaf and fill with desired color.


Brew Delight

2 c. orange cola
2 c. lemonade
1 c. tea
½ c. sugar

Stir together and serve in cups with sugar coated rims. Pour sugar into a bowl. Moisten glass or cup rim and dip. Serves 24 punch cups.

Fall Dinner

Suggested Menu:
Fall squash dressing with pork chops
Green beans and almonds
Carrots in vinaigrette dressing
Fall cake with homemade peach ice cream
Tea

Tip: Decorate with fall leaves. If available allow children to collect colorful leaves and line the center of the table. They may cut leaves from magazines and glue to edge of napkins. Place leaves between two layers of clear shelf paper to make place mats.

Food for Thought:
He left us not without witness…He gave us rain from Heaven and


Family Meal Planning

From the Nutritionist: Carbohydrates are in dressing and cake. Calcium is in the ice cream. Vitamins and minerals are in the green beans and carrots. Protein is found in the pork chops and almonds.

Recipes:

Squash Dressing with Pork Chops

4 cups of corn bread crumbs
1 chopped onion
1 T. oil
2 cups broth
2 cups cooked and mashed fall squash
4 eggs
¼ c. chopped parsley
2 T. poultry seasoning
1 t. salt
¼ t. pepper

Sauté onion in oil. Mix oil and onion into breadcrumbs. Add seasoning, parsley, salt and pepper. Beat eggs and mix. Pour in stock and mix well. Spray a 9”x13”casserole dish and pour in mixture. Layer pork chops on top and bake for 1 hour at 350˚. Serves 6.

Green beans

Cook 4 cups of green beans and 1 t. salt in 4 cups of water. May cook with ¼ c. chopped ham or bacon, if desired. When tender add 1 cup of almond silvers. Serve warm. Serves 4-8.


Carrots with vinaigrette dressing

Chop or slice 4 cups of carrots. Cook until tender with 1 t. salt and 4 cups of water.
Drain water and mix with vinaigrette dressing. May serve slightly warm or cool.

Vinaigrette Dressing
1/3 c. olive oil
2 T. apple vinegar
1 T. balsamic vinegar
1 t. mustard
1 T. poppy seeds

Mix well. Place in a jar and shake. Pour over carrots.

Fall cake

1 yellow recipe
Cream cheese frosting
Leaves

Yellow Cake

3 c. cake flour
2 c. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 ½ c. butter
¾ c. milk
6 eggs
2 t. vanilla flavoring

Combine flour, salt and baking powder. Cream butter and eggs together. Alternate flour mixture and milk and beat 2 minutes. Spray with flour mixture a 9 x13” casserole dish and pour in the cake mixture. Bake at 350˚ for 1 hour. If desire batter to be more yellow, add a drop of yellow food coloring. Cool on a rack for 20 minutes before removing or frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1- 13 oz. cream cheese
4 cups confectioners sugar
½ c. butter



Bring cream cheese and butter to room temperature. Mix cream cheese and butter. Add sugar and mix well. Frost cake when cool.

Leaf patterns

Lay leaf on a piece of wax paper and trace. Cut out and lay paper on cake and use a toothpick to trace. Use left over frosting and mix food coloring. May outline with darker colors.



Peach Ice Cream

4 cups sliced peaches

3 c. sugar

1/3 c. flour

salt

4 c. milk

2 cans evaporated milk

6 eggs

1-1/2 t. vanilla flavoring

Combine peaches and 1 c. sugar in a blender. Set aside. Combine 2-1/2 c. sugar with flour, salt, milks and eggs. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes or until thickens. Stir in peaches and flavoring. Pour into an ice cream mixer and freezer according to directions.

Hot on the Trail Celebration

Hot on the Trail Celebration Supper

or
New Driver’s Birthday Supper

Suggested Menu:
Fuel and Fryin’ hamburgers
Pit stop for cheese
Relish the Road plate with pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes
Wheels of Home made wheat buns
Hot Travelin’ baked beans
Charged with Homemade honey mustard
On the Go with a car-shaped cake
Truckin’ in the ice cream

Tip: Decorate with a cars theme, napkins, plates, cups and use oilcans with mints inside.
Make a label: Mint to fill your tank. Play theme music from a movie like “Thunder Road” or “Cars”. Use old-fashioned road maps on the tables. May make place cards with car stickers. Place ice cream balls in the bed of a plastic wrap-lined dump truck.

Food for Thought:
And the cart came into the field of Joshua... and stood there…and they took the wood of the cart, and offered…a burnt offering…1 Samuel 6:14 KJV

Family Meal Planning
From the Nutritionist: While the weather is still warm hit the backyard with a cookout for a birthday party or celebration for someone getting his/her driver’s license. Protein is found in the beans, hamburgers and cheese. Calcium is in the ice cream and cheese. Vitamins and minerals are in the pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce. To make homemade honey mustard, mix 1 cup of mustard with ¼ cup of honey. Stir will until blended. Happy birthday or driver’s license celebration!

Omelet in a Bag

Meals With A Message

Sunday Night Supper

Suggested Menu:
Omelet in a Bag
Mixed fruit
Biscuits
Honey butter-jelly
Orange juice

Tip: Let children help to make this kind of omelet safely.

Food for Thought:
If a man should ask for an egg, should he be given a scorpion?
Luke 11:12

Family Meal Planning
Eggs

Eggs should be refrigerated at all times. Eggs come in various sizes. The smaller the egg the more you may need to use in a recipe. Cracked eggs should be used as soon as cracked. If crack time is unknown, discard egg. Cooked eggs should be refrigerator after an hour. Favorite egg recipes include hard cooked eggs, egg salad, quiche, and egg custards.



From the Nutritionist:

Bring a pot of water to a boil. To make 1 omelet in a bag: collect and measure all ingredients: 2 eggs, 2 T. chopped ham, 1 t. chopped red pepper, 1 t. corn, 1 T. chopped mushrooms, 1T. grated cheese, ¼ t. salt and ¼ t. white pepper and 1 T. milk. Beat eggs. Add a ham slice that has been cubed or copped, red pepper, corn, and mushrooms. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a bag and drop into boiling water. Cook about 10 minutes. Make as many omelets as you need. May cook all bags at one time in a large pot of water. The eggs provide protein for the meal. The ham is also a source of protein. The red pepper, corn and mushrooms add vitamins A and C. The milk and cheese are dairy products. Combined with mixed fresh fruit and orange juice you have a complete source of vitamins. A whole-wheat biscuit provides bread and fiber. Mixing ¼ cup of butter at room temperature to ¼ c. honey makes homemade honey butter. Stir and beat well. Store in refrigerator.

Groom's Cake

This cake was made by Jessica, who is a friend of my grandson, Scott. This was his groom's cake. She used a yellow cake batter with colored butter cream frosting.

Mothers' Day or My Mentor's Dessert

Mother’s Day or My Mentor’s Dessert

Tip: Do something special for Mother this year. If you do not have a mother to honor, find a wonderful mentor. Go on a picnic or have a backyard barbeque. Decorate with fresh spring flowers. Serve this delicious dessert as a special treat!

Food for thought: Honor your father and mother, which is the first

commandment with a promise. Ephesians 6:2



Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

2 egg whites
¼ t. cream of tartar
1-cup strawberries
½ c confection sugar
8 oz. cream cheese
1 small tub of whipped topping
1 graham flour pastry shell

Soften cream cheese to room temperature. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until they stand in peaks. Crush strawberries and add to egg whites. Whip a minute longer. Add confection sugar, softened cream cheese and whipped topping. Whip until all mixture is blended. Pour into a baked pastry shell or graham cracker crust and chill for 1 hour. May freeze and thaw slightly when ready to serve. Serves 8.

Earth Day Menu

Earth Day
Suggested Menu:
Trash/pretzel mix
Green Grass Squares garnished with hard cooked

Earthy Tomato/Cabbage Congealed Salad
Down to Earth Rolls
Dirt Pie
Tree Branch Tea Water


Tip: Since Bible times, people have had the responsibility of taking care of the environment. Christian groups often do mission actions for the elderly or underprivileged in the spring. If your family participates in a clean up, repair or planting project in the neighborhood, invite workers to an Earth Day meal. Family meal planners may decorate a buffet table with earthy-style decorations. If weather permits, serve outside. Use beige, brown or green tablecloth and napkins. Use plates and glassware with leaves or ivy. Create favors for each guest by placing Trash pretzel mix in food gift baskets and tie with brown or green netting or place in paper sacks. Remaining Trash may be stored in food storage containers for your family to enjoy on family nights. Serve Dirt Pie from a clean toy dump truck or flowerpot that has been lined with plastic wrap. May serve with a sterilized gardening tool. Use freshly cut flowers in a watering can for the centerpiece.

Food for Thought:
The Lord God placed man in the Garden of Eden as its gardener, to tend and care for it. Genesis 2: 15 LB

Family Meal Planning
Nutritional Terms
There are many words and terms that family meal planners encounter in planning and cooking for the family. Some that may be useful are as follows: Element: A nutritional element is a substance that is necessary for the body like oxygen or minerals such as iron or copper. Organic compound: Two or more elements that are combined with carbon are organic compounds. Sugars, fats, proteins, hormones and vitamins are examples. Diseases are often caused when harmful bacteria react with carbon-based foods like milk, meat or improperly canned vegetables. Acids: An acid is a chemical compound with a sour taste. Vinegar, ascorbic acid in oranges or lemons, and lactic acid in milk are examples. When the body has difficulty digesting acids, acid reflux results. People with this medical problem should avoid high acidic foods. Hormone: Hormones are chemical substances produced in the body by glands such as thyroid, adrenal or pituitary. Nutrients in foods affect the normal function. For example goiter is caused in the thyroid gland from the lack of iodine. At menopause, women often have hormonal changes. Undesirable symptoms may be reduced by natural foods like soy. Calorie: The unit of energy burned is measured by a calorie. It is not a nutrient, but is the amount of energy required to burn food. Bread and desserts have higher calories and are harder to burn or use than vegetables or fruits. Special diet food groups like diabetics or obese people need to be aware of caloric values of foods.

Gelatin
Molded dishes are made with a gelatin product. Gelatin is a safe animal by-product. It is an incomplete source of proteins, but may be combined with other incomplete foods to form one complete source. Unflavored gelatin has no calories or carbohydrates and is desirable for diabetic recipes. Flavored gelatin has carbohydrates but is low in calories. Powdered gelatin must be dissolved in boiling water. A cold liquid is added to cause proper gel. Before fruit or vegetables are added, allow gelatin to cool and thicken slightly. Whipped cream or milk may be added to make Bavarian Creams. Stiffly beaten egg whites are added to make a sponge food recipe. If molded, chill thoroughly to set. To serve, dip mold in warm water for 30 seconds and unmold.

From the Nutritionist: Our Earth Day menu requires minimum preparation and cooking. Family meal planners can serve the food in a hurry on a busy spring day. Use any greens like spinach or mustard for the squares. Vegetarians will enjoy this special diet food without meat. Chopped ham may be added to the casserole for extra protein. Hard cooked eggs serve as one protein serving. The gelatin and cheese in Green Squares serve as a complete protein source, also. Tomatoes and cabbage in the gelatin salad and greens in casserole provide two sources of vegetables. Cheese in casserole and whipped cream-based Dirt Pie provide two calcium sources. Diabetics may convert the Dirt Pie to a diabetic diet recipe by using sugar free cookies for the filler and sugar substitute where sugar is listed as the ingredient. The rolls and Trash mix serve as two bread exchanges. However, the nuts provide a protein source for vegetarians.






Earth Day Recipes

Trash

5 cup circle cereal
5 cup rice cereal
1 bag pretzels
1 bag small various colored candies
1 can peanuts
½ block almond bark
1 T vegetable oil

Line cookie sheet with wax paper. Combine cereals, pretzels, candy and peanuts. Melt almond bark and oil in microwave. Pour over pretzel mixture and spread flat on cookie sheet. Let dry for approximately 20 minutes or longer. Break apart and serve in snack sizes.








In A Hurry Rolls

1 ¼ c milk
2 ½ T sugar
1 ½ t salt
¼ c shortening
¼ c water
2 envelopes of yeast
3 14/ c all purpose flour

Mix yeast and sugar with water and set aside. Scald milk and add shortening. Set aside to cool to lukewarm. Mix salt with flour and set aside. When milk is lukewarm, add yeast mixture. Slowly add flour and mix. Grease muffin pan with baking spray and fill half full. Let rise approximately 30 minutes, bake in 350-degree oven for 35-40 minutes.
Serves 18.







Congealed salad

1 envelope green gelatin
1 c hot water
1 c cold water
1/4 c mayonnaise
1/4 c mixed vegetables

Mix gelatin and chill to thicken. Cook vegetables. Mix with mayonnaise and stir into gelatin. Chill overnight. To unmold dip in warm water. Serve on lettuce bed. Serves 6





Green Squares

4 T butter
3 eggs
1 c all purpose flour
1 c milk
1 t salt
1 t baking powder
1 T onion
1 c cheddar cheese
1 c Parmesan cheese
2 c greens, mustard or spinach
Hard cooked eggs

Cook greens and cut up on a food processor or blender. Spray 9”x13” casserole or earthenware dish with cooking oil. Beat eggs and add milk. Mix salt and baking powder with flour. (May substitute self-rising flour). Mix greens and flour mixture. Gradually add egg-milk mixture. Mix cheddar cheese. Top with Parmesan cheese; bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool and cut into squares. Garnish with hard cooked eggs.

Dirt Pie

1 pkg. Oreos or chocolate crust
1 lg. carton whipped topping
¼ c peanut butter or 1 T peanut butter
1 4 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1 c confection sugar

Crush Oreos or chocolate cookies. Line container with Oreos or chocolate crust. (Reserve some Oreos.) Mix peanut butter, whipped topping, and cream cheese. Add confection sugar. Mix well. Fold remaining Oreos into cream mixture. Fill crust and chill. May freeze until ready to serve.

If using a container other than glass or earthenware dish, line with plastic wrap before adding crust and filling. Diabetics can convert to a diet food by substituting sugar free cookies for crust and omitting sugar or substituting a sugar alternative. If allergic to peanut butter, use ¼ cup cocoa to simulate dirt color.





Tree Branch Tea Water

2 envelopes of lime powdered drink mix, sweetened or unsweetened
2 qt. water
1 bottle ginger ale or lemon-lime cola
1 qt. green tea

Mix drink-powder with water. Sugar is optional. Add green tea and chill. When time to serve, add ginger ale. Make an ice ring with extra beverage; pour into a bundt pan and add red and green cherries and mint leaves, if desire. Freeze several hours. When ready to serve dip in hot water and place in punch bowl. Pour green beverage over top and add cola beverage. (Diabetics may substitute sugar free products to make beverage.)

Easter Brunch

Meals With A Message

Holiday:
Easter
Suggested Menu:
Easter Brunch
Grape Juice
Tuna Quiche’
With broccoli flowerets
Queen Esther’s Fruit Salad/ Empty Tomb Cookies
Jewish Coffee Cake
Or
Haman Taschen/fruit filled pastries
Espresso


Tip: Decorate the table with Easter items. The story of Esther in the Bible tells of Haman’s treachery. Jewish families serve these pastries on Purium. Store Haman Taschen/fruit filled pastries in airtight food storage containers and place in refrigerator until needed. Place pastries or cookies in tiny Easter food gift baskets as favors for guests. Christians often use eggs at Easter as a symbol for new life and fresh beginnings. Eggs may be removed from shells and shells may be colored and decorated. Punch a hole in each end of egg. Break the yolk with a toothpick and blow or empty the egg contents out. May use the eggs in scrambled eggs or quiche’. Dip shell in ¾ c. hot water, food coloring and 1 T. vinegar to color.

Food for Thought:
Just at sunrise…the angel said, “Are you looking for Jesus…He isn’t here…He has come back to life!” Mark 16: 2&6 LB

Family Meal Planning

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is waxy fat found in animal proteins and manufactured in the body. There are two kinds of cholesterol-HDL and LDL. For healthy function of organs the body needs HDL. The higher the HDL the better the heart will function. When LDL is in excess it builds in the arteries and may lead to heart disease. The higher the level of LDL, the risk for coronary problems is greater. The way the cholesterol is utilized in the body may be inherited. Cholesterol is also obtained by the foods that are taken into the body. Diet and exercise help to maintain proper levels of both kinds. Read labels for cholesterol content.

Eggs

Eggs are high in protein, Vitamins A and B and iron. Eggs should be refrigerated. Store eggs with large ends up. Cook eggs at low temperature to keep from losing nutrients. Avoid eating or tasting dishes with raw eggs that have not been coagulated with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. Add vinegar to water when hard cooking eggs to prevent running out if shell is cracked. Avoid keeping hard cooked eggs out of refrigerator more that two or three hours. To crack eggs evenly, use the back of a table knife. Use egg separator to avoid breaking the yolk into the white. Whites do not whip with yolk. To hard cook eggs, bring water and eggs to boiling stage in glass or stainless steel pan, reduce heat and gently simmer eggs for 15-20 minutes. Remove and cool immediately under running water. This prevents the dark ring around the yolk. Decorate, if desire. Eggs are graded according to size. When buying eggs, if the difference in price is $.07 or more, purchase the larger grade. Color of shell makes no difference in nutritional value. Diabetics and other dieters may wish to use egg whites instead of whole eggs. Egg substitutes and powdered egg whites should be used with caution, since the sodium may be high in the product. Read labels carefully. Mixing 3 egg whites with ¼ c. skim milk, 1 T. dried milk, 1 T. olive or corn oil makes a heart healthy substitute. Use this mixture in diabetic recipes and for controlling cholesterol. Diabetics and other people with special food diets may wish to limit their egg intake to two per week.

From the Nutritionist: Christians enjoy sunrise worship services. An Easter brunch is an excellent opportunity to invite relatives and friends. Meal planners will find this menu quickly served after an early morning outing. Decorate grape juice glasses or punch cups with frosted sugar or sugar substitute. Ahead of time, moisten the rim of the glass or cup, dip in sugar or sugar substitute and place in freezer. Chill juice. Guests will enjoy sipping juice while the tuna quiche’ with broccoli is baking/warming. Diabetics will find fruit salad wholesome. Cooking Empty Tomb cookies is easy; heat oven to 400 degrees and turn off heat; whipped egg whites are mounded by teaspoons onto cookie sheet and placed in the previously heated oven overnight. The coffee cake can be made ahead of time. The recipe may be converted to a diabetic recipe by omitting sugar or substituting the sugar with sugar free alternate. One serving of coffee cake is one bread exchange. Have plenty of hot milk and coffee for espresso.

Recipes
Easter Brunch

Tuna Quiche’ with broccoli flowerets
Queen Esther’s Fruit salad/Empty tomb cookies
Jewish Coffee Cake
Or
Haman Taschen/fruit filled pastries
Espresso



Quiche’
1 9” pie crust
4 eggs
1 can water packed tuna
¼ c broccoli flowerets
2 c. cream or milk
¾ t. salt
¼ t. white pepper
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
Paprika

Beat eggs and add tuna, broccoli flowerets, cream, salt and pepper. Pour into pastry. Sprinkle cheese on top. May sprinkle paprika on top. Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes or when inserted knife comes out clean.



Cheese, Honey and Fruit Salad
Queen Esther’s fruit salad
½ c. cream
1 c. sour cream
2 T. honey
2 c. cottage cheese/cheddar
1 c. cream cheese
1 c. grapes
1 apple
1 banana
1 orange

Chop grapes into halves. Chop apples and bananas into cubes. Remove orange sections from rind and membrane. Mix cream cheese, cream and sour cream. Add honey. Combine cheese mixture and fruit. Toss. May serve on lettuce bed. Serves 6



Empty Tomb or Forgotten Cookies

2 Egg whites
1 t. cream of tartar
2/3 c. sugar
¼ t. salt
1 t. vanilla
1 c. pecans, op.
1 c. chocolate chips, op.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Beat egg whites until stiff with cream of tartar. Fold in sugar, salt, vanilla and pecans and chips, if desired. Spoon a mound of egg white mixture onto foil lined pan. Turn off heat to oven. Place the egg white cookies in previously heated oven and allow to remain overnight. Do not open oven door until at least 6 to 8 hours later. Serve cold. Serves 12

Jewish coffee cake

2-½ c. sugar
2 sticks margarine
4 eggs
3 c. all purpose flour
2 ½ t. baking powder
2 t. soda
1 pt. Sour cream
2 t. vanilla
2 t. cinnamon
1 c. walnuts
1 c. raisins
1 T. flour

Cream 2 c. sugar and butter, add eggs and blend. Mix flour, baking powder and soda. Alternate sour cream and flour mixture into egg mixture. Stir in vanilla. Pour ½ mixture into coffee cake ring pan. Combine ½ c. sugar, flour, cinnamon, raisins and walnuts. Pour over layer of cake mix. Pour remaining mixture on top and sprinkle remaining sugar mixture on top. Bake @ 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until inserted knife comes out clean. Serves 10

Haman Taschen*/fruit filled pastries

1 c raisins
1 c dried apricots
1 c dried figs (or prunes)
1 c coconut
½ c strawberry jam
1 c margarine
1 c sugar
4 eggs
¼ t almond extract
4 c all purpose flour
4 t baking powder

Grind raisins, apricots and figs or prunes. Mix with coconut and jam. Set aside. Cream margarine, sugar and eggs. Add almond extract. Mix flour and baking powder. Add to egg mixture. Form dough. Roll out between two pieces of wax paper. Cut into squares. Place 1 T. fruit mixture in each shape and fold to 3-cornered shape. Place in oil sprayed cookie sheet. Bake @ 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Yield: 48 squares

*These are served at the Feast of Purim commemorating Queen Esther’s saving the Jewish people from Haman.


Espresso

¾ c. coffee
3 c. water
3 c. milk
Whipping cream

Prepare coffee with favorite method. Heat milk, but do not boil. Alternate pouring milk and coffee simultaneously into mug. Top with cream. Serves 8

Omelet with greens and bacon

Easter Brunch is a good time to serve this omelet. Mix 6 eggs, 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon and a cup of precooked spinach or mustard greens together with a cup of cheese and 1/4 cup of milk or cream. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a well oil sprayed skillet and cook on top of stove until bottom is set. Place in a 350 degree oven and finish cooking top. Takes about 3-5 minutes. Cover handle with tin foil to prevent melting. When cooked, cut into slices like a pizza or turn onto serving plate and flip one half over like an omelet. Serve with cheese biscuits and fruit.

Gourmet Food Basket for Dog or Cat

2 cups whole wheat flour

2/3 t. salt

2/3 cup of shortening

1 egg

3 T. chicken broth or bullion

Mix shortening with the flour and salt. Add beaten egg and milk. Stir and make into a dough. Use your pet's favorite cookie cutters and cut into shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Place in an air tight Christmas container. Wrap with Christmas anmial paper and tie with a bow and a favorite type toy for the pet. Keep treats refrigerated. Allow to come to room temeprature before serving.

Pie Crusts made ahead of time

Easy to-Make Pie crust
Pecan Pie


Tip: Homemade gourmet food gift basket may include easy to-make pies for the holiday season. Add popcorn or nuts around the edge to keep from sliding in the basket. Cover with a Christmas cloth or napkins.
Food for Thought: Give and it shall be given to you. Luke 6:38a
Family Meal Planning
From the Nutritionist: When things are so busy, make pie crusts ahead of time and freeze in an airtight food storage container. As you need the crusts, take out and fill. If you freeze the pie crusts, do not bake ahead of time. If you are using a non-bake filling, bake the crust10-20 minutes are until done.

Recipe
2 c. whole wheat flour
2/3 t. salt
2/3 c. shortening
1 egg plus 3 T. milk
1 T. sugar
Cut in the flour, salt, sugar and shortening in a food processor. Add egg and milk to the ingredients in the food process. Mix well and form a ball. Divide the ball into two parts. Roll 1 part out between 2 sheets of wax paper. Remove top layer of the paper and use the bottom layer to lift dough and place in pie plate. Use fingers, fork or pastry crimper to flute edges. Freeze without baking. Store in an airtight food freezer storage bag or container. May keep up to 6 months. When needed, remove and bake for 10-20 minutes. When cool fill with non-bake filling. If using filling to be baked, add to pastry and place in the hot over for desired length of time.
Pecan Pie Filling
1 unbaked pie shell
1 c. sugar
1 stick butter
3 eggs beaten
¾ c. dark corn syrup
1 t. vanilla
1 c. pecans chopped
½ c. whole nuts for top
¼ c. flour
1 egg white and 1 t. water
Melt butter in microwave. Remove add to sugar. Mix well in the food processor. Add eggs, corn syrup and vanilla. Mix chopped pecans in flour. Add to syrup mixture and pour into pie shell. Lay the whole pecans circles on top of the filling. Mix the egg white and water and stir gently. Brush the egg white over the top of the crust and surface pecans. Bake pie at 350° for 45 minutes. When cool serve with ice cream or whipped cream. Merry Christmas from our house to yours.

Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
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Family-Style Turkey Meal

Suggested Family-Style Menu:
Turkey
Corn Bread Dressing-Giblet Gravy
Relish plate with cranberry sauce, peach and cucumber pickles
Fruit Salad
Sweet Potato Casserole
Rolls-Honey Butter
Pecan Pie a la mode
Tip: Use holiday dÃcorer. May make menus for each guest. Place a nut cut by each plate with holiday candies. Make individual pecan pies to take home. Make plates of foods for shut-ins. Make gourmet gift food baskets for each guest or shut-ins and insert the gift food items. Deliver food immediately after placing on plates.
Food for Thought: I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
Family Meal Planning
From the Nutritionist: This meal is designed to serve family style. Make dough for rolls and allow to rise while food is prepared. Make the pies first. While pies are baking, make corn bread dressing and place in refrigerator. May cook turkey in a slower cooker. It takes longer, but the meat is so tender and delicious. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. When the turkey and pies are done, cook the dressing. Boil the giblets for gravy. Save the broth and use to make gravy. Cook sweet potatoes for casserole and mash. Mix other ingredients and top with marshmallows if desired. If a family member is on a diabetic food diet, omit the extra sugar products. Prepare salad. Dip fruit for salad in ascorbic acid to prevent oxidation. Prepare relish plate and cover with plastic wrap until time to serve. Make honey butter for rolls by mixing honey and butter. Baked rolls just before serving food. The turkey and pecans provides protein. Potatoes and fruit and relish supply vitamins and minerals. Dressing and rolls are carbohydrates. If ice cream is served with the pie, calcium is provided.

Happy holidays from our family to yours!

Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
Please share this web site with a friend.

http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

Tortellini with Hamburger Meat

Suggested Menu:
Spinach Tortellini with hamburger meat
Spinach
Sliced tomatoes
Spanish Cornbread
Fruit Cup

Tip: Tortellini and cornbread may be made ahead of time. Tortellini can be frozen and reheated when needed. May prepare gift/gourmet food basket on colorful paper plates and take to a shut-in or elderly neighbor. Food delivery during the holiday season brings cheer and delight to recipient and joy to the giver. If you select organic raw foods, wash in fruit wash or salt water and peel when possible.
· Food for Thought: Keep trusting God for something that hasn't happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently. Romans 8:25
Family Meal Planning
From the Nutritionist: This menu adds to a healthy food diet because it supplies needed nutrientsts without extra preparation at serving time. This is desirable during the busy holiday season.The tortellini dish is made with hamburger meat that provides protein. The cooked spinach, raw tomatoes and fruit cup provide valuable vitamins. In addition to carbohydrates, the cornbread can have corn and red peppers that will provide more vitamins. Both the tortellini and cornbread are sources of carbohydrates. If cheese sauces are added, calcium will be provided. Diet food meal planners will appreciate the sliced tomatoes and fruit cup that give nutrients without high calories.

Recipes
Tortellini Casserole
Cook spinach tortellini in boiling water about 17-20 minutes. Scramble hamburger meat and drain off grease. Make Alfredo sauce. Chop ½ cup tomatoes. Layer tortellini, meat, raw tomatoes and sauce. Top with buttered cracker crumbs and bake for 20 minutes at 350°. Cool slightly, cut into squares and serve on a bed of cooked spinach.


Spanish Cornbread
Mix 2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix in a food processor on low with 1 egg and ¼ cup of oil and liquid from cooked corn. Mix well. Add 1 cup of corn and ¼ cup of chopped red peppers. Add more milk if needed. Mix. Pour into a well-greased black skillet and bake 30 minutes at 350°.
Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
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Homemade Yogurt

Suggested Yogurt Menu

Yogurt Dipped chicken
Pineapple Casserole with yogurt
Green Peas
Muffins with yogurt
Banana Pudding with Yogurt


Tip: Make extra yogurt and use as a food gift to friends as a starter batch.
Food for Thought: You have poured me…and curdled me…Job 10:10 LB
Family Meal Planning
From the Nutritionist: Diet food plans should include ample calcium. As way to obtain calcium is from yogurt. Yogurt is also rich in protein and Vitamin B. Yogurt has a variety of uses. It is a digestive add. Rub yogurt on sunburned skin. You can use yogurt in any recipe that calls for sour cream or buttermilk. Use in place of butter on baked potatoes. Fruits salads are delicious with yogurt dressing. A milkshake can be made with fruit juice and yogurt, milk and raw fruit and yogurt and soymilk and yogurt. To make a delicious snack just chop your favorite fruit or nuts. Add honey for sweetener. Yogurt is often considered a comfort food because of its calming affect. Even the family dog likes homemade yogurt, which is also nutritious for him, too.
Preparation of Home Made Yogurt
1 quart of skim milk
5 tablespoons of powdered milk
1 container of active yeast yogurt
Heat milk to boiling temperature. Milk should cool to room temperature. May test on forearm for coolness. Add the powdered milk and yogurt. Blend in the food processor. Pour into jars and place into a yogurt maker or 110-degree warm water. Maintain constant temperature for 6-8 hours. Do not move or shake the jars. Do not place any lids on the jars, but cover the cooking container. In a water bath, water should come to neck of jar. Place lids on jars. Cool. Keep refrigerated. May use one jar for the next batch starter. This is a calcium and protein food that is tasty as well. If liquid collects on top of yogurt, pour off and use in breads with milk.





Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
Please share this web site with a friend.

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Fall Meal with E-coli Information

Meals With A Message
http://www.mealswithamessage.com/
Suggested Menu
Ham and Potato Casserole
Turnip Greens
Sliced Tomatoes
Corn Bread
Tea
Apple Pudding


Tip: Use fall leaves to decorate table for this fall meal.
Food for Thought: God told him: “All animals, birds and fish… I have placed them in your power and they are yours to use for food, in addition to grain and vegetables.
Genesis 9:3 LB
Family Meal Planning
Eating Well for Wellness
E-Coli and Other microorganisms
Our bodies have many microorganisms that are infectious passed to other people. Fecal waste removes some of the microorganisms. When the waste products, come in contact with a food supply it may become dangerous to the consumer. One primary example is e-coli. E-coli lives in the intestines of animals and people. When waste containing these microorganisms touches our food sources it contaminates the product. As people eat the contaminated food, they may become sick and may even die. Microorganisms are killed with extreme high temperatures. If food is boiled for at least three minutes, harmful microorganisms are usually killed. Botulism is another problem associated with vegetables. When vegetables and meats are thoroughly cooked, there is less risk to eating harmful bacteria. All meats should be cooked until the juices run clear and test done. Although pork producers have encouraged people to cook rare like beef because of cleaner waste conditions, sausage and pork products should be cooked to complete doneness. Chickens should be soaked in salt water and rinsed before cooking. Even uncooked juices may cause health problems. Always boil vegetable juices before giving to children and elderly people. Since it is easy to loose Vitamin C with cooking, fruit juices that can be peeled, may be safer uncooked. One of the safest methods for meats and vegetables is cooking with a pressure saucepan. In this type of pan, temperatures become hot enough to kill bacteria. Green leafy vegetables like turnips greens and spinach should be washed in cool salty water and rinsed thoroughly. They should be cooked at least 3-5 minutes. Salad greens should be rinsed in salt water even if pre-packaged. Contrary to popular belief, vinegar does not kill harmful microorganisms.
From the Nutritionist: Meal planners may want to add turnip greens to the menu because they are plentiful in the farmers’ markets presently. Be sure to clean and cook them to kill any microorganisms that may be lurking on the leaves. Chop some cooked ham and add to a potato casserole. Wash fresh tomatoes in salt water and peel and slice. Just add corn bread and you have a delicious meal. The greens and tomatoes provide Vitamins A & C. Ham provides the protein. Use yogurt while making the chocolate pudding for a nutritious dessert. Diabetics may make dessert with sugar substitute or omit from the meal. Happy fall eating!
Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
Please share this web site with a friend.

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