Jeremiah 15:16

As we are getting ready to welcome in a New Year many people have traditions that they have followed for years. Some even believe that eating black-eyed peas will bring them good luck in the year ahead.

And, although I am unsure of the validity of that practice I am sure of one that is bond to enlighten and nourish you for the entire New Year to come.

If we make God’s Word a part of  life each day through reading, study, and memorization, it will make a difference. The Bible is food for thought and nourishment for the New Year.

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
-Jeremiah 15:16

Gingerbread Coffee Cake Cocktail

Mushroom Frittata

This very flavorful mushroom frittata is perfect for brunch.

Mushroom Frittata

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 (8 oz) sliced button mushrooms
8 large eggs
¼ cup plain low fat Greek yogurt
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup chopped scallions
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil spray

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a 9-inch pie dish in the oven to warm it. Meanwhile, cook the mushrooms in the olive oil about 10 minutes, until browned and tender and all liquids have evaporated. Beat the eggs with the yogurt, salt, pepper and thyme. Add the scallions and the cheese, mixing with a spatula. Remove the warm pie dish from the oven using oven mitts, and spray it with olive oil spray. Transfer the mushrooms to pan. Pour the egg mixture over mushrooms. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake 30 minutes, until edges are brown, frittata is golden brown and puffy, and a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Allow to cool 10 minutes, then slice into triangles and serve.

Candy Cane Ornaments

Mother Lode Pretzels

These savory-sweet pretzels will disappear from the dessert tray before dessert is even served.

Mother Lode Pretzels

Ingredients:
1 package (10 ounces) pretzel rods
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
1 tablespoon evaporated milk
1-1/4 cups miniature chocolate chips
1 C plus 2 tbsp butterscotch chips
2/3 cup milk chocolate toffee bits
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Directions:
With a sharp knife, cut pretzel rods in half; set aside. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with milk. In a large shallow bowl, combine the chips, toffee bits and walnuts.
Pour caramel mixture into a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Dip the cut end of each pretzel piece two-thirds of the way into caramel mixture (reheat in microwave if mixture becomes too thick for dipping). Allow excess caramel to drip off, then roll pretzels in the chip mixture. Place on waxed paper until set. Store in an airtight container.

Ornament Storage

Merry Chistmas

Luke 2:11-14

Jesus came to live with us so that we could someday live with Him.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. - Luke 2:11-14

Reindeer Tracks

Easy-to-Craft Wooden Gingerbread Christmas Ornaments

These gingerbread cookie ornaments, made out of wood and paint, look as festive as the real thing, but can be enjoyed for many Christmases to come. 

 

 Easy-to-Craft Wooden Gingerbread Christmas Ornaments

Materials:

Pre-cut wooden shapes 

220-grit sandpaper

drill

1/8" drill bit

Brown acrylic craft paint

1/2" flat artist brush

White puff paint

Twine or ribbon

Scissors

Instructions:

Painting Ornaments:

Lightly sand wooden ornaments with fine sandpaper (220 grit) to smooth rough edges. Paint ornaments with two coats of brown acrylic paint. Allow paint to dry.

Drill Holes for Ribbon/String

Drill a single hole at the top of each painted ornament with an 1/8" drill bit to thread a string or ribbon through. Tip: Use a scrap piece of wood underneath ornament to drill into to protect your work surface and reduce splintering on the backside of ornament.

Decorate Ornaments:

Decorate ornaments with white puff paint to simulate icing on a gingerbread cookie. Allow to fully dry before decorating second side. 

Tip: Applying puff paint involves a learning curve, so practice on a piece of paper or cardboard first. Thread a piece of twine through drilled hole and tie then hang your completed ornaments on the tree.

Coffee Pecan Cake

The perfect flavor of coffee and the crunchiness from the pecans make this an amazing ending to any meal.

Coffee Pecan Cake 

Ingredients:
3/4 cup softened butter
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs (lightly beaten)
4 tsp of coffee granules dissolved
1 3/4 cups All purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 Cup Pecans

Directions:
Heat oven to 300F. Grease and line your baking tin. See here for how to line. Get all your ingredients ready, i.e dissolve the coffee, sieve the flour, and add the salt and baking powder to the flour etc. Crush the pecans a little with your hand so they are not such big pieces. Start with making the cake batter by creaming the butter and sugar until a pale light colour.
Slowly add the beaten eggs to the mixer, on a low speed setting, a bit at a time. If the mixture starts to curdle or split, add a spoonful of your sieved flour, keep on adding the eggs, and a bit of flour if necessary, until all the eggs are added. Add half the milk with half of the flour, keeping the mixer on a slow speed. Once combined, add the coffee mixture, the rest of the milk and flour. Fold in the pecans.
Transfer the cake mixture to the greased and lined loaf tin. Drop it from a 3 cm height onto the work surface to level it out, then place in the oven for 1hr and 20 minutes, check after 1 hour and 5 minutes to see if it is cooked, using a skewer. Every oven varies, so keep an eye on your cake.

Cookie Gift Boxes

Mississippi Sin Dip

Hebrews 6:19

When it comes to our salvation, our hope is anchored in the promise of God and the work of Jesus Christ. The winds and waves of doubt, discouragement, and spiritual attack by the evil one can cause us to think that we are adrift and salvation from God is not secure. Not so! God has given His promise that our salvation is sure, and He cannot lie. Our hope is securely fastened in Jesus Christ who redeemed us once and for all when He died, rose again, and ascended to heaven.

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; -

Santa's Little Ho Ho

Sausage Pizza Puffs

Pizza puffs are an amazing after school snack or party appetizer.  

Sausage Pizza Puffs

Ingredients:
3/4 c. flour
1/4 c. seasoned bread crumbs
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 c. milk
3/4 t. baking powder
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. onion powder
1 T. Italian seasoning
1/2 lb. cooked and drained, ground sausage

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a 24-count mini muffin tin.
In a bowl combine all ingredients to form a soft, thick batter.
Using a spoon fill the muffin tin 3/4 full. Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffy and golden brown.
Serve warm with pizza sauce.

Peppermint Ornaments

Slow Cooker Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters

Popcorn Garland Tip

Maple Bacon Popcorn

Popcorn popped in bacon fat is a decadent snack on its own. Maple gives it a salty-sweet flavor profile that takes it over the top. 

Maple Bacon Popcorn

Ingredients:
6 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide pieces
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1/2 cup grade B maple syrup
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
Kosher salt

Directions:
Pour a thin layer of water (about 1/2 cup) into an 8-inch skillet. Add the bacon and start cooking it over low heat, gradually increasing the heat to medium high as the fat starts to render and stirring occasionally, until the water has cooked off and the bacon is crispy, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper-towel–lined plate to drain.

Transfer the bacon fat to a 6-quart pot and add the popcorn. Cover and cook over medium-high heat, shaking the pot occasionally, until the kernels start to pop. Then shake the pot back and forth over the heat constantly until the popping has stopped. Remove from the heat.

In a 1-quart saucepan, warm the maple syrup and butter over low heat until the butter is melted, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.

Pour bacon and maple butter over popcorn.

Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas

Jeremiah 29:11

Is God all-powerful? Yes.

Is He able to deliver us from all our problems? Yes.

Does God always deliver us from our difficulties? No.

We may not fully comprehend God’s purpose in our difficulty and suffering, but we must not cease to love Him. We must trust Him and hope in Him in spite of the trials that threaten to overwhelm us.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. - Jeremiah 29:11

Christmas Cookie Jello Shots

Ambrosia Salad

Clothes Pin Wreath Christmas Card Hanger

Cute way for holding your Christmas cards.

Clothes Pin Wreath

Christmas Card Hanger

Materials:

Wire clothes hanger

Yard of ribbon

1 pk of clothespins 

Green spray paint

Red Pony beads

Wire cutter/pliers

Glue gun

Empty box 

Instructions:

Pull the flaps off of the box, and clip all your clothespins around it.

Spray 3-4 coats of paint on the clothespins. Make sure to get in between the two parts as best you can, and underneath as well. Let them dry for a day or so.

Cut the hook off your wire hanger, and shape into a circle. 

Grab your beads.

Then, alternating bead and clothespin, slide onto the wire.

Continue until your wreath is almost full, and the wires overlap about 1.5 inches.

Glue them together with the glue gun using lots o' glue.

Cut a piece of ribbon about 12" long and tie it around the wire, then trim the ends and glue that to the wires.

Using the rest of your ribbon, tie a bow and glue that on top of your hanger.

Easy Pistachio Fudge Recipe

This fudge has a creamy, nutty flavor and a pretty green color and is perfect for any special entertaining event.  

Easy Pistachio Fudge Recipe

 

Ingredients

¾ cup white chocolate morsels

6 tbsp unsalted butter

⅓ cup water

1 package Pistachio Pudding Mix

3 cups confectioner's sugar

½ cup shelled Pistachios

Directions:

Line an 8 x 8" square baking pan with foil leaving some to overhang to use as handles later after the fudge is ready to remove. Set aside.

In a microwave safe large bowl, melt the white chocolate morsels, butter and water on high for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir until the white chocolate is fully melted. If needed heat for an additional 30 seconds or so until you get the smooth texture you want. Stir the dry pudding mix to chocolate mixture.

Once completely combined, use a hand mixer and mix in the confectioner's sugar, one cup at a time. (fudge will be very thick and hard to do by hand.)

Roughly chop the pistachios. Fold in pistachios and garnish the top of the fudge with more chopped pistachios.

Press the fudge into prepared pan. Refrigerate for 2 hours to set. Remove fudge from pan. Use a sharp knife to cut cleanly into squares. Store in

an airtight container.

Ornament ReUsage

Roasted Beet Hummus

This is genius. Who knew beets would be such a scrumptious way to do hummus? This is just so dang good. Easy, healthy, and crazy addictive.

Roasted Beet Hummus

Ingredients: 

 1/3 cup chopped roasted beets
1 cup chickpeas
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and Pepper

Directions:
Puree garlic, beets, chickpeas, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

garlic.

1 Timothy 6:11-12

Have you noticed how more and more things are become "ready made" or "ready to use" these days?

In some situations this is great but there is also a lot to be said for putting in effort to achieve something.

And, in life there is no easy path to Christ. If we really want to become like Jesus we need to complete the hard work by diligently following the program laid out for us in the Bible.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
-1 Timothy 6:11-12

Firenog

Fresh Spinach Tomato and Garlic Tortellini Soup

The cheesy tortellini in this  soup paired with an abundance of fresh Roma tomatoes, fresh spinach and fresh garlic makes for a perfectly filling and unforgettable soup. 

Fresh Spinach Tomato and Garlic Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:
1 3/4 lb Roma tomatoes
1 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 package three cheese tortellini
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp granulated sugar
6 - 9 oz fresh spinach, chopped
3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan 

Directions:
Heat a pot of water to a boil and fill a medium mixing bowl with ice water. Once water in pot boils, carefully drop tomatoes into water and boil until skins burst, about 3 - 4 minutes (if a few of them are having trouble bursting, you can remove them from the water and cut an "X" in the bottom of the tomato then return to water for about another minute until skins slightly pull alway). Remove from boiling water and transfer to ice bath, cool slightly then peel, seed and dice into bite size pieces, set aside.
In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, add onion and saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Pour in chicken broth and water, then increase temp to moderately high heat and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, add tortellini, season with salt and pepper to tastes and boil 7 minutes (or longer if directed on tortellini package).
Stir in sugar, tomatoes, spinach and basil and cook until heated through and spinach wilts. Serve warm topped with Parmesan cheese.

Softened Butter Tip

Brownie Marshmallow Crunch Bars

Fingerprint Salt Dough Heart Necklace

Adorable craft for kid's to make as special gift for the important people in their lives.

Fingerprint Salt Dough Heart Necklace

Materials:
Salt Dough
Cookie Cutter
Paint
Toothpick
Rolling pin
Necklace string/ribbon/chain

Instructions:
To make heart pendants, roll dough out to ¼ inch thick. Use a small heart cookie cutter to cut shape. Press child’s thumb on either side of the heart. Use a toothpick to make a small hole in the top for string. Make sure it’s big enough to slide onto the necklace string. Bake at 200° for 1-2 hours until hardened. Paint with favorite color of acrylic paint and let dry. Add desired necklace string.

Spinach Dip

This is a delicious dip you'll make over and over again.

Spinach Dip 

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 (10-ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
1 (8-ounce) jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel
1 cup shredded 4 cheese blend

Directions:
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it foams, add the shallot and garlic, and saute until softened, about 3 minutes.

Add the flour and cook while stirring until it becomes a light blonde color.

Slowly stir in the heavy cream, and the drained spinach, and simmer until it starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and cheese and cook until the cheese is melted.

Remove to a serving bowl and serve with tortilla chips or vegetables.

Psalm 92:1

When we’re going through a difficult time, we may not feel particularly grateful. Yet, even in periods of suffering and fear, we can thank God for His abundant promises and unfailing goodness. When we do express our gratitude to God, a wonderful change takes place within us.

Maybe you’re struggling under heavy burdens that seem unbearable. If so, bow your head and thank the Lord for all He has done for you. Tell Him you know He loves you and has not abandoned you. Express your gratitude for your salvation, for life itself, and for the good things He has given you. Then you will begin to experience for yourself the blessing of Thanksgiving.

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:

 - Psalm 92:1

Cinnamon Apple Jell-O Shots

Crab Dip

Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Fudge

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Fudge uses sweet potato puree and cinnamon chips to give this smooth fudge recipe an irresistible fall flavor. 

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Fudge

Ingredients:
3 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup sweet potato puree
1 10-oz package cinnamon chips
1 7-oz jar marshmallow cream
3/4 cup toasted nuts, chopped
Orange food coloring (optional)

Directions:
Prepare a 9x13 pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat combine the sugar, butter, evaporated milk, salt, and sweet potato puree. Stir until the butter and sugar dissolves, then wipe down the sides of the saucepan with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystallization. Insert a candy thermometer.

Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the thermometer reads 234 degrees F/ 112 C (soft-ball stage).

This boiling will take about 20 minutes.

Once the fudge is at soft-ball stage, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cinnamon chips until they're completely melted.

Next add the marshmallow cream and the chopped nuts, and stir until they're well-incorporated and there are no streaks of marshmallow cream to be seen. If desired, you can add a few drops of orange food coloring to boost the color of the fudge.

Scrape the fudge into the prepared pan and allow it to set and cool completely at room temperature.

Once set, use a large knife to cut the fudge into small squares to serve. Sweet Potato Cinnamon Fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Owls on a Fence

Guacamole Onion Rings

I'm sure most of us love guacamole and onion rings, but put them together? It's sheer heaven. 

Guacamole Onion Rings 

Ingredients:
3 ripe avocados
1 lime
1 tomato diced, drained of water
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 small-medium yellow onions
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
flour
2 Eggs, beaten
2 cups panic bread crumbs
oil for frying

Directions:
For the procedure, first, in a medium mixing bowl, mash avocados with the juice of 1 lime. Mix in chopped tomato, cilantro, garlic, salt, and chili powder.

Next, cut onion into 1/2 inch slices. Carefully separate the layers into individual rings. On a wax paper lined tray lay out onion rings and fill each with guacamole. Place tray in freezer until solid for about an hour.

Then, add flour, beaten eggs, and panko bread crumbs to three separate bowls. Remove frozen guacamole rings from freezer. Roll each first in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs. Coat once more in egg and a final time in the bread crumbs.

Lastly, in a large saucepan heat oil to 350˚F (180˚C). Fry guacamole onion rings in batches until nicely browned on all sides. Place on paper towel lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Sprinkle with salt and lime juice. Serve with sour cream. Enjoy!

Romans 15:7

Many people think the church is an archaic institution, no longer relevant in our modern world. Yet I am convinced that a church that faithfully teaches the Bible and proclaims the good news of salvation through Christ provides exactly what we all need to “find our way home.”

When churches are filled with groups of believers, who by their words and lives, also point a lost world to Jesus. They serve as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. - Romans 15:7

Thanksgiving

Slow Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches

Load up hoagie rolls with the beef and veggies. I like to top them with a slice of provolone cheese and pop them under the broiler for a couple of minutes until they are melty, toasty, and absolutely amazing. Feel free to spoon up some of that cooking liquid to serve along with the sandwiches.

Slow Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches

Ingredients:
4 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 large bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 pkg mushrooms, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
6 to 8 hoagie rolls
6 to 8 slices provolone cheese

Directions:
Trim roast of excess fat and cut into large 3 or 4 large chunks. Place in slow cooker. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire around roast. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic pepper, and salt. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 9 hours or until beef can easily be shredded. Use two forks to shred beef into the cooking liquid. Keep warm. When ready to serve, melt butter in a saute pan over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes or until veggies have softened slightly. Add mushrooms and garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until mushrooms have softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat. Transfer cooked veggies to the slow cooker with shredded beef. Load up hoagie rolls with beef and veggies and a slice of provolone cheese and pop tjem under your broiler until cheese has melted and bread is lightly toasted.

Veggie Cooking Cheat Sheet

Apple Brickle Dip

Modge Podge Photo

Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

This is just the right easy meal for any night of the week.  The recipe may be simple, but it is packed with tons of flavor. 

Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa 

Ingredients:
3 boxes Cheddar Pierogies, minis
4 cups chicken broth
1 8 oz. block cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 pound kielbasa – sliced
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in your crockpot. Cook on high 3-4 hours, or on low for 6 hours.

James 4:14

Not a day passes without a reminder that our life can end at any moment. All you need to do is watch the news or peruse online.

We’re here today, but we may be gone tomorrow.

Our only certain eternity is Heaven. Christ paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. If we admit our guilt before God, we will receive forgiveness and eternal life by trusting Him.

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. - James 4:14