Sunday, March 28, 2021
A Collection: Pansies, Daffodils, Veggie Seedlings, and Springtime Embroidery
Monday, March 22, 2021
My Place of Quiet Retreat
When we need to be refreshed,
We have His Word to renew us -
“Why not build into your life unhurried quiet,
Taking time to pause -
Monday, March 1, 2021
In the Kitchen: Apple Cake
Apple Cake
Course: Desserts
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 cups oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3 cups flour
- 4 cups apples, chopped no need to peel
- Caramel Topping:
- 1 Tbsp flour
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄2 cup white sugar
- 1⁄2 cup butter
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Cream oil and sugar together, add eggs and vanilla and mix together.
Add dry ingredients and mix.
Stir in apples (and also add some chopped nuts, if desired).
Spoon into greased and floured bundt pan (or 9x13 pan).
Bake 1 hour at 325 degrees.
For caramel topping:
Mix the five ingredients in a saucepan, and bring to a boil.
Drizzle over cake when serving.
Monday, January 18, 2021
In the Word, and In Community
My first post of 2021 (click here to read) focused on the joy I've had at the start of this year as I've been spending time "In the Kitchen". There has been a lot on my mind and heart, and on yours as well, as we navigate our way through grief and concern all around us. Though we all may (and do) have some differing political persuasions, and we may be concerned and grieved about different things, it is true that we all carry concerns on our hearts at the start of this year. And spending time in my kitchen has been one of the things that has given me joy in the midst of all that is going on around us.
But in this post I'm going to move on and share about two more places where I am finding so much joy in the midst of stressful times ...
My favorite spot these days and weeks is right here (photo above). My view is our peaceful snow-covered yard, our new electric fireplace stove, some candles and soft throws on the couch, and yes, our Christmas tree still up! The decor of our tree covered with mini white lights and a variety of silver balls just blended right into the January landscape, and it just seemed right for it to be part of our winter decor for awhile yet!
In the Word
This peaceful setting is where I most often spend time "In the Word", pausing from my tasks, taking time to rest, feeding my soul. For nothing is more important than this. I'm sure you need and experience the same.
Above all else,
guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
(Proverbs 4:23 NIV)
Here's what I'm focusing on to help me guard my heart and soul during this winter month of January:
- Starting out on a two-year Bible-reading plan with our Citylight community of friends (click here to follow along if you're interested). The readings are starting out in Genesis and Matthew this month, one chapter from each the Old Testament and New Testament each day.
- Journaling daily as I read and listen to His Words. Feeding on Truth, as I also pour out my heart to Him in response. Somehow, I learn best and integrate what I am reading best, when I also am writing out words of Truth, letting them soak down into my heart.
- My large collection of 3x5 verse cards of favorites from over the years. I like to take a few each week from my growing collection of verses, and keep them close to my heart, letting God's Truth and Love soak in deeply. (left photo below)
- Using the seasonal topics in the Gracelaced book each week. Reading the devo reading and verses that are set in beautiful artwork, and thinking on the main topic for that reading through the week. Last week's word was "Dwell" ... how can I dwell in His love and presence this week? And this week's word is "Lean". (right photo above: my second time through this book)
- And this month I'm reading the newly published book, Becoming Elisabeth Elliot. A very fascinating biography written by Ellen Vaughn. There is much to learn from Elizabeth Elliot.
- In all the above, asking for His help, continually being reminded that nothing I read can have lasting impact on my heart without the grace of God, through His Spirit, giving insight and wisdom.
Friday, January 8, 2021
Starting Out the New Year 2021 - In the Kitchen
The New Year 2021 is here! What are some of the main things that are on your mind at the start of a new year? What is pulling on your heart for this year?
I have so very many things on my mind and heart as this New Year 2021 begins! However, I am purposely choosing to enter into the year slowly, and to take just one step at a time. There is so much going on in our world, in our country, as well as in each of our individual homes, families, as well as in our hearts. Calling for me to pause, and to ask for God's help and perspective in every area of life. How I need Him. How we all need Him, for He is the Light that is needed in the darkness all around us.
So I will be entering in here on my blog slowly, as well. My heart focus these first days of January has been to spend even more time being quiet before Him, listening and learning, depending on Him. And sharing from my heart from what I learn from Him is the primary focus of this blog.
But for my first post of 2021, I'll quietly invite you into my kitchen, for one of the things on my mind and heart continually (and another focus of this blog) is to look for opportunities to love and serve others - family and friends - from spending time "In the Kitchen".
We'll start out at the beginning, at the start of this year ... with a great breakfast recipe that my dear hubby and I both love. And I am a blessed gal, as he loves to make breakfast food!
He made Oatmeal Breakfast Cake earlier this week. And not only did he make enough for the two of us, but he multiplied the recipe by FOUR times! The original recipe fits an 8x8 pan, but doubled we always put it in a 9x13 pan. And multiplying it by 4X, gave two 9x13 pans.
Of course, two pans is entirely too much for the two of us. Which is exactly what I love ... having food to put in the freezer for another day, and/or to share with others. This recipe works really well to divide into individual size portions, slip into small sandwich bags, and then put into gallon-size ziploc bags for the freezer.
For a quick and easy breakfast, take one of the individual sized portions out of the freezer, put it into a cereal bowl, and heat in the microwave. Add some milk, and enjoy!
This Oatmeal Breakfast Cake is filled with good, nutritious, and of course, yummy ingredients ... crushed pineapple, raisins, oats, and more.
Oatmeal Breakfast Cake
Course: Breakfast
Ingredients
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1⁄2 cup pineapple, crushed
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄2 cup raisins
Directions
- Mix wet ingredients.
- Then add dry ingredients. Mix.
- Add raisins, mix again.
- Pour into greased 8 inch square pan.
- Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
Notes: We substitute honey and a bit of molasses for the brown sugar. And a single recipe = 4-6 servings.
I first posted this recipe back in 2013, and this is an update of that post. (Click here for the original 2013 post.)
Friday, December 25, 2020
Our True Christmas Light
Saturday, December 12, 2020
What is Bringing Me Peace and Joy this December
The true joy of Christmas shines extra brightly in darkness, and this year I'm also finding so much beauty and comfort in the sounds of this season. In addition to a winter playlist that I've created (bringing in the beauty of all our five senses), I have loved creating a new playlist of Christmas music this year, which we have been listening to over and over these days. My collection of a mix of about 40 vocal and instrumental pieces (so far), on my Amazon Music app are filling our home with so much joy, beauty, and the deep truth and joy of our Savior coming to this earth.