Meals with a Message

Tomato Dishes

2011-09-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

Tomato Party/Festival
Tomato Soup
Tomato Cornbread
Music Cake

Food for Thought: There are fruit …vegetables and grain for man(kind) …wine…olive oil… and bread to give him strength. Psalm 104: 14 LB

Tip: Create your own Tomato Party/Festival and invite the neighbors over. Use red tablecloth and napkins. Use salt and pepper shakers in shape of tomatoes. Find pictures on Internet of tomatoes and Andy Whorl’s soup cans, copy and decorate the table. Paint some original art of your own or let the children color tomato pictures during the party. Ice breaker: Ask people to tell uses for tomatoes like for removing skunk smells etc.

Recipes:

Tomato Soup

1-12 oz can evaporated can milk
¼ c. cornstarch
4 cups tomato juice
¼ t. salt
¼ t. white pepper
¼ c. chopped parsley or flakes

Whisk cornstarch into milk. Add milk and juice in a heavy saucepan. Add salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat and thicken to desired consistency. Stir well. When removed from heat, add parsley. Serve warm or cold with tomato cornbread muffins.

Tomato Bread

2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups self-rising cornmeal
½ cup corn oil
2 cups chopped and cooked tomatoes with juice
3 eggs
¼ cup molasses
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Mix cornmeal, flour, corn oil, eggs and tomatoes in a food processor or blender. Mix well. Pour into oil sprayed muffin cups and top with cheese. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Yield: 24 muffins.

Music Cake

Make red velvet cake. Top with white frosting. Design a musical note on top and outline with chocolate frosting. May use a tomato design and outline with red frosting with green leaves and a brown stem.

From the Nutritionist: Since this is the end of the season for tomatoes. They are very economical at farmers markets. This is a good time to have a party and use tomatoes as the theme for your dishes. The tomatoes in the dishes are high in vitamins C and A. Bread and cake are high in carbohydrates. A diabetic may enjoy the soup.Vegetarians will love this meal! Have a happy fall festival with tomatoes at the end of the season!

Tomato Pie

2011-08-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

Tomato Pie

1 pie crust
1 cup sliced tomatoes, raw
1/2 c. onions, sliced
1/2 c. basil, fresh
1 c. mayonnaise
1 cup grated cheddar cheese and blue cheese
1 c. Parmesan cheese, grated

Layer the ingredients into a raw pie crust. Layer tomatoes, onions, and basil. Spread mayonnaise between layers. Sprinkle the cheeses on top of each layer. Top with freshly grated Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Summer time menu might include squash bread, shrimp Florentine and tomato pie. Serve with plenty of ice tea and your favorite fruit for dessert.

While you are looking for festivals to attend look around you may find a Tomato Festival. Happy Summer cooking!

July 4th Cooking

2011-06-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July!

L: Jeep Cake: Under Construction
R: Grilling Shrimp

MEALS WITH A MESSAGE

Food for Thought: Remember…Revelation 2: 5

(Remember all those who

Gave their lives for

America The Beautiful!)

FAMILY MEAL PLANNING

Suggested Menu:

Shrimp in Garlic Butter

Rice with mixed vegetables

Relish Plate

Cake: Jeep Under Construction

Water Melon Cups

Tea

Tip: Decorate with red, white and blue

Recipes

Shrimp

Place 4 or 5 large shrimp on skewers. Brush garlic butter on each side and grill.

Garlic Butter: ¼ cup corn oil margarine

1 T. garlic salt

Melt and dip shrimp

Rice with vegetables

Rice: Cook desired amount to rice in cooker.

Steam 2 cups mixed vegetables

Mix together and serve warm.

Relish plate

Clean celery, fresh onions, and red, yellow and green peppers. Cut into desired lengths and place on a relish plate. May sere yogurt dressing.

Jeep Cake

Bake cake batter into rectangle or use a shaped cake pan. If using a rectangle pan, cut into desired car or jeep shape when cooled. To make the cake appear disassembled, cut out windows, doors and top. Frost each with grey cake frosting to resemble primmer paint. Since off-roading is a fun 4^th of July activity, this will be a novel treat!

Melon Balls

Hollow a watermelon. Using the watermelon, cut balls with a melon cutter. Scallop the edges of the watermelon rind. Replace the balls into the watermelon and chill! Cold watermelon hits the spot!

From the Nutritionist:

Meals should have basic nutrients to maintain a healthy life. Protein builds strong bones and teeth. Protein is found in the shrimp. Vitamins are requirement to prevent many illnesses and to maintain good mental health. The vegetables in the melon cups, relish plate and rice dish are high in vitamins A and C. Carbohydrates are in the rice and cake. Fiber is found in the whole grain rice and raw vegetables of the relish plate. Store any left over foods in airtight containers. Take left over cake in baskets or gift boxes to shut-ins for a novel treat with the disassembled jeep cake! This meal can be adapted for diabetics by omitting the bread and other high carbohydrate foods. Happiness is cooking and eating!!!!! Happy 4th of July!

Peanut Butter & Crackers Cookies

2011-04-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

Easter Meals

Stuffed Eggs
Greens
Chicken Salad with Grapes
Rolls
Easter Delights (Peanut Butter & Cracker Cookies)
Tea

Food for Thought: He is not here; He is risen.Luke 24:8

Tips: Decorate with Easter table ware and rabbits. Collect old Easter baskets and rabbits and plan to use with leftover cookies for shut-in and sick friends or family.

Recipes:

Stuffed Eggs

6 hard cooked eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 t. pepper
1/2 t. salt
paprika

Boil eggs that are at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes. Place in cold water immediately to prevent green coating or oxidation around the yoke. When cold, peel. Cut each egg length-wise and scoop out yoke. Mash the yokes and mix with mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Refill egg whites with a piping decorator or teaspoon. Sprinkle paprika on top of each half.

Fresh Mustard Greens

If you have fresh greens in your garden, use them. Use approximately 4 lbs. fresh greens. Wash and cover with water. Add 2 cubes of beef bullion. Cook at least 1 hour. Place in a crock pot and keep warm until time to serve. Serve with fresh garden onions, if available.

Chicken Salad

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 hard cooked egg
1 c. mayonnaise
1 t. garlic salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/2 t. salt
lettuce leaves
1/4 c. chopped red pepper or pimento
1 cup of grapes, halved

Cook chicken breast covered in water until done, approximately 1 hour. Chop chicken. Chop boiled egg. Mix together. Add mayonnaise, garlic salt, season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in red pepper and grapes. Serve on a bed of lettuce. Sprinkle paprika on top, if desire.

Easter Delights
(Peanut Butter and Cracker Cookies)

1 c. sugar
1 c. white corn syrup
1/2 c. peanut butter
4 cup cracker bits

Boil sugar and corn syrup until sugar dissolves, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and cracker bits. I used cheese-its bits. Stir all of this well and drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax or parchment paper.

From Nutritionist: This meal is a different choice for Easter celebration, yet easy to serve because it can be made ahead of time. Cook greens and place in a slow cooker on warm. Chicken Salad and stuffed eggs may be made ahead of time and placed in the refrigerator. The cookies take about 30 minutes total. Store in air tight containers for future use. For any left-overs store in air-tight containers and place in Easter baskets or boxes with pastel bows. Caution: If taking left-over chicken salad or eggs to someone, keep in a cooler until you take it out at their residence. May add a rabbit to complete the Easter theme. Deliver to shut-ins or the sick. The protein is found in the chicken and eggs. Vitamins and minerals are in the greens, lettuce and grapes. Arrange rolls in the shape of the cross and serve warm. Serve with plenty of ice tea. Diabetics will desre to substitute the cookie for fruit. The cook should save some grapes for them. Happy Easter everyone!

Green mint and Chocolate Pie

2011-03-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

Green Mint and Chocolate Pie

Food for Thought: We are to God
the aroma of Christ...
2 Corinthians 2:14

Tips: Decorate with green shamrocks and clover.
May play soft Irish music.

Recipe for Green Mint and Chocolate Pie

2 deep pastry shells baked

Chocolate Pie Recipe

1 c. sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 t. salt
2 cups milk
2 eggs
1/4 t. peppermint flavoring
1 tablespoon margarine or butter

Mix together sugar, cocoa, salt and cornstarch. Set aside. In food processor or blender mix milk and eggs. Combine sugar mixture into liquid in the food processor or blender. Blend well. Place in a microwave bowl and cook for 4 minutes. Stir and cook 3 minutes. Stir and check desired thickness. Add peppermint flavoring and butter. Whip with whisk for 1 minute. Divide into 2 deep shell pastries that have been baked.

Green Mint Pie Recipe

1 cup confection sugar
1-8 oz. package cream cheese
2 cups cool whip

1/4 teaspoon mint flavoring
4 drops of green food coloring

Bring cream cheese to room temperature. Mix with sugar and cool whip in a food processor or blender. Divide and top chocolate pies. Allow pies to chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

From Nutritionist: The sugar in the pies is not recommended for diabetics. The pies are considered in the carbohydrate category and should be counted as such. For a complete menu: The dessert can be served with vegetable soup that has ground beef. The soup would provide the vitamins and minerals needed. The ground beef would provide the protein needed for a well balanced meal. Remember any leftovers can be placed in air-tight storage containers. They may be saved for a rainy/busy day meal or taken to shut-ins. Happy remembering Ireland Day!

goat milk yogurt

2011-02-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

left: goat milk yogurt
right: Cheese candy

Menu:
Chicken pot pie
celery sticks
cornbread with yogurt
Cheese candy

Food for Thought: You will have plenty of goat's milk to feed you and your family. Proverbs 27:27 NIV

Tips: Talk with the family about goats and visit a farm or petting zoo with goats. Children may wish to glue pictures of farm animals on the corner of paper napkins.

Recipes:

Goat Yogurt

2 cans goat milk
1- 16 oz. container of half/half milk
1- 6 oz. container of plain yogurt
with live/active yogurt culture
5 tablespoons powdered milk

Mix goat milk and half and half milk. Heat approximately 3 minutes in microwave. Cool to room temperature and skim off top. Add yogurt and powdered milk and mix well. Pour into jars and place into yogurt maker until thick-approximately 8-10 hours. use yogurt as you would any yogurt or sour cream. (If do not have yogurt maker, pour into jelly jars and place in slow cooker with low heat until thick-approximately 4 hours.)

Chicken Pot Pie

1 deep dish pastry crust
1 cup biscuit mix
1/2 cup goat yogurt
2 cups mixed vegetables
2 cups chopped chicken
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup flour

Cook vegetables or used canned mixed vegetables. Cook chicken and chop. Whisk 2 cups of cooled chicken broth with flour and stir until thickened. Mix chicken, sauce and vegetables together. Pour into a deep dish pastry crust. Mix biscuit mix with yogurt. Spread over the top of the chicken pie. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until crust browns.

Corn Bread with Yogurt

2 cups corn meal mix

1 cup goat yogurt
1 egg

1/4 cup corn oil

Heat oil in the bottom of seasoned black skillet.(Do not burn oil.) Mix corn meal mix with yogurt, egg and mix well. Add more milk or water if too thick. Add oil and mix mixture well. Pour into black skillet. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Celery Sticks

Clean celery ribs and cut into strips. Serve as salad with chicken pot pie.

Cheese Candy

1 cup goat cheese
4 cups confection sugar
1 cup marshmallows
1 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup cocoa
1 stick butter
1 t. vanilla extract

Melt butter in microwave: approximately 1 minute. Stir in the cheese until melted or blended. Add vanilla flavoring. Mix cocoa with sugar. Add to cheese mixture and mix well. Add nuts and marshmallows. Spray 9"x13" casserole dish. Press mixture into the dish. Cool and cut into squares. (if mixture too thin, add more sugar. If mixture too thick, add milk.)

From Nutritionist: Homemade yogurt is fun and easy. Use it as you would any yogurt. May substitute for sour cream or milk in recipes. Goat Milk is high in protein, yet low in cholesterol. People with digestive problems often find goat milk more palatable. Chicken pot pie crusts/toppings may be made with yogart. The chicken is an excellent source of protein yet low in cholesterol. The vegetables are sources of vitamins and minerals that maintain proper mental and physical health. Candy is high in carbohydrates but provides sources of protein with the cheese and nuts. Butter gives the required amount of fat. Do not forget to take a brisk walk or visit a goat farm or petting zoo as part of your healthy exercise.

Winter Time Comfort Meal

2011-01-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

Winter Time Comfort Meal

Food For Thought: If we falter in
times of trouble, how small is our
strength? Proverbs 24:10 paraphrased

Tip: Decorate with snow flake napkins.

Winter Time Comfort Meal

Vegetable and Beef Soup
Cornbread
Chocolate Cookies

Recipes

Vegetable and Beef Soup

2 cups cooked mixed vegetables
1 cup cooked meat
2 cans tomatoes without salt
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 Tablespoon cocoa

Use left over vegetables and meat or precook. Use food blender or processor to make tomato juice with 1 can of tomatoes. Mix juice, 1 can of chopped tomatoes, vegetables and meat with chili powder, cumin and cocoa. Pour into a slow cooker and cook for at least one hour. The longer the better. Serve with cornbread.

Cornbread

2 cups corn meal mix
1 container of vanilla or plain yogurt
1 egg
1/4 cup oil

Heat a black skillet with the oil. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Mix cornmeal, yogurt, egg well. Add hot oil and mix. If too thick add enough milk to make a bread batter. Pour into the hot skillet. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until brown on top.

Kissie Cookies

1 vanilla flavored cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
30 chocolate or white kisses

Mix cake mix, eggs and oil in a food processor or mixer. make a cookie dough. Drop by teaspoons into mini cupcake pans. Insert a Kissie or Mini Reese Cup into the center of each. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Allow to cool in pans for approximately 5 minutes.

From the Nutritionist: The soup has protein needed for bones and teeth. The vegetables and tomates provided vitamin A and C for general good health and mental attitude. The yogurt in the bread adds Vitamin D to the carbohydrates.
This is a well balanced meal for heart healthy people and over-all comfort foods for people with cabin fever. Diabetics should omit the chocolate cookie and substitute fruit. Any left over soup and bread may be placed in air tight containers and giver to shut-ins or homeless people. The cookies may be placed in decorative baskets with snow flake napkins and given as gifts to someone sick
on a snowy, wintery day!

Have a fun day over coming winter blues by cooking and eating these comfort foods!

SoMore Cowgirl Pie

2010-12-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

1 graham cracker crust
1 can sweetened milk
1 cup chocolate chips or 1 chocolate candy bar
1 cup small marshmallows
1 cup peanut butter
2 eggs

Mix 1 can sweetened milk with 1 cup peanut butter and 2 eggs in food mixer. Cook in microwave for approximately 4 minutes. While cooking, crumble candy bar into bottom of crust. If using chocolate chips, add to mixture after taking from microwave. Pour into crust. Top with marshmallows and put in over until broiler until brown. This may be made without the eggs, but it will be very sweet. This is not recommended for diabetics.

Smiley Face Meal: Happiness is Cookin'

2010-10-05T08:32:00.001-07:00

Smiley Face/Mask Meal Menu:
Pork Roast
Apple Barbecue Sauce
Fresh Fruit Salad
Baked Okra Slices
Condiments
Buns
Tea

Food for Thought: Blessed are they that hunger after righteousness. For they shall be filled.
Matthew 6:13 KJV

Tip: Decorate with smiley faces and yellow/orange table ware with yellow and orange flowers
and table covering with matching napkins. Guests make dress in costumes with masks. may decorate with masks and discuss the significance of masks or have an inspirational talk on people wearing masks in life.

Recipes

Pork roast

Place a 4 lb. pork roast in a slow cooker. Cover with a can of coke and cook for 4 hours. Check for doneness. Pork needs to be cooked done. When done cool and shred. Cover with barbecue sauce and serve on buns.

Apple Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup pureed apple sauce
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 c. brown sugar
1/4 t. mustard

Use a food processor or blender and mix well. Place in a slow cooker for 1 hour. Serve over shredded meat.

Baked Okra Rounds

4 cups breaded okra rounds or slices
1/4 cup corn oil

Place okra on a cookie sheet and toss with the corn oil. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until to desired brownness. Serve warm.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Use 4 cups of mixed fruit that is in season. Toss with 1 container of yogurt and 1/4 t. honey. Serve with barbecue sandwich.

Sunny Mask Cake

1 yellow cake mix
1 can frosting
1 package of candy

Mix cake according to directions on package or make your favorite from scratch. Add 5 drops of yellow or orange cake color. Place in a round pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
Cool and decorate. Mix 5 drops of orange or yellow cake coloring into frosting and mix well in a food processor. Spread on cake. Use a knife or toothpick and make a face. decorate with the candies and edge with left-overs. Use any left over batter for cup cakes and decorate with faces.

From the Nutritionist: Meals should have the basic nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Protein builds strong bones and teeth. Protein is found in the pork roast. Vitamins are requirement to prevent many illnesses and to maintain good mental health. The vegetables and fruits and things like lettuce, tomatoes and okra as well as applesauce are high in vitamins A and C. This meal is suitable for diabetics. Diabetics should avoid bread with sugar and consider the carbohydrates. Fiber is found in the green vegetables and fruits. Store left over foods in airtight containers. Take left over desserts to shut-ins packaged in airtight containers, gift sacks or food baskets. Remember that cooking places a smiley face on the preparer as well as the eaters. Happiness is cooking and eating!!!!! Have a fun filled day!

Summertime treats

2010-08-07T10:28:00.001-07:00

Need summer time treats to cool off? Try these....

S'mores
tea

Tip: Decorate with yellow place mats and plates, culture etc. and yellow smiley face stickers on yellow napkins.

Food for Thought: Remember when the sun is hot: God made two huge lights, the sun and moon, to shine on the earth...God was pleased! Genesis 1:10-20

S'mores

Use processed crackers or make your own ahead of time. Mix 1- 3/4 cups plain flour with 1/2 t. baking powder, 2/3 c. soft butter, 1/2 c. sugar and 1 egg. Make a dough and roll out. Cut into squares and punch holes into each square with fork. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. When cooled slighty, layer with marshmallow and chocolate bar. Home made marshmallows may be made using a divinity recipe and home made chocolate candy may be added to other homemade products and cut to the exact size of the cracker. these are a favorite in our household where people say, "Give me s'more." Serve with plenty of ice cold tea and enjoy this summer time treat!

Summer Time Treats

2010-06-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

Filled Cookies

1 1/2 cups soft margarine

2 cups sugar

2 whole eggs plus 2 egg yolks

2 tsp. vanilla flavoring

1 cup buttermilk

4 cups self rising flour

Cream the sugar and margarine. Blend eggs in a food processor and add to sugar mixture. Add the flour and milk. Buttermilk may be made by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let stand about 3 minutes before using. Mix all ingredients together. roll 2 tablespoons into balls and flatten. Place on oil sprayed cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool
on sheet 1 minute then remove to wax paper. When cooled, spread filling between two cookies.

Cream filling

2 egg whites

2 t. vanilla flavoring

1/4 cup flour

3 T. milk

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup soft margarine

Beat egg whites until stiff. Add flavoring, flour, milk and mix. Add margarine and powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Use as spread between cookies.

Cookies may be stored in an air tight container for future use. Serve as a summertime treat.

Take any leftovers cookies to Amish or Mennonite friends and talk about difference in recipes. Place in a gift bag with a bright bow. Visit a home bound elderly person or sick child and give as a treat. Place in a gift basket with local information and take to a new neighbor as a welcome basket.

Happy cooking this summer!

Pies , Cooked and Raw Crusts

2010-04-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Chicken Casserole

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
1 cup English peas
1/4 c. chopped onions
2 cups homemade chicken sauce

Mix all ingredients and place in a sprayed casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Chicken Sauce

1/4 cup corn oil

1/2 cup all purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth

Pour oil in skillet and heat, slightly. Blend flour into the oil. Slowly add broth and blend well. When to desired thickness, mix with chicken, peas and onions. May add 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

Crust

2 cups baking/biscuit mix

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 cup yogurt

Mix ingredients into a soft dough. Use 1/2 of dough and place on bottom of casserole. Add the liquid ingredients. Spread the other half on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Raw crust for Strawberry pie

2 cups mixed nuts

1 cup figs

Place the nuts and figs in a blender and blend well. Press into a pie dish. Allow to dry in oven at 100 degrees for 1 hour. When dry and cooled, add pie filling.

Raw Strawberry pie filling

2 cups chopped fresh strawberries

1 tablespoon honey

Toss strawberries and honey and pour into raw nut crust. Cool for 1 hour. May serve with natural whipped cream.

Happy spring time cookin'!

Gluten Free Meal

2010-02-01T10:24:00.000-08:00

Gluten Free Meal
Suggested Menu:
Baked Chicken
Greens
Potatoes
Cornbread
Forgotten Cookies or Gooey Cake

Food for Thought: As they ate, Jesus took bread and blessed it and broke it
and said: “Take it and eat”.

FAMILY MEAL PLANNING
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is intolerance to wheat. It usually causes problems with the intestinal tract with much discomfort. It can be inherited. Correction involves a lifetime of proper diet and nutritional balance. Some people also have to take medication.

Tip: For wheat intolerance diet- Read all labels before using.
Do not use any product that is packaged in a wheat facility.

Recipes

Baked chicken
1 whole chicken
1 c water
¼ c oil
salt
pepper
Remove giblets. Wash chicken in salted water. Pat chicken dry. Rub chicken with oil, salt and pepper over inside and out of chicken. Place in covered cooking dish and pour water around the chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until chicken is done.
Serves 6

Greens
3 c greens
1 turnip
1 slice of ham
water
salt
Chop turnip and add to greens with water, salt and ham. Cook for 20 minutes or to desired tenderness. Serve warm. May garnish with hard cooked eggs. Serves 6.

1 potato per person
Wash and dry potatoes. Slice if desire. Rub with oil. Place in microwave and bake for 7 minutes per whole potato or slice and cook. Serve with corn oil margarine or unsalted butter.

Cornbread
2 c corn meal, plain
1 t. baking power
¼ c oil
¾ c milk or yogurt
1 T sugar, optional
1 egg
Mix cornmeal, oil, milk/yogurt, egg and sugar, if desired. Pour into a seasoned and greased cast iron skillet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Forgotten Cookies

2 Egg whites

1 t. cream of tartar

2/3 c. sugar

¼ t. salt

1 t. vanilla

1 c. pecans

1 c. chocolate chips

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 (They will set and may be ready to eat within an hour. May leave oven on 350 degrees for 10 minutes or less and ready to eat.)

Gooey Cake

1 gluten free cake mix
2 eggs
1 stick butter, almost melted

Mix one gluten free cake mix with the eggs and softened butter. Spread into a 9 x 13 inch pan. Top with cream cheese mixture. Bake 25-30 minutes. Watch carefully and take out when the edges are brown. The gooey consistence sets as the cake cools.

Cream Cheese Topping

1- 8oz. Cream cheese softened
2 eggs
3 cups of confection sugar
Blend together and smooth over cake mix. Bake in 350 degree oven until edges are brown. Cool and cut into squares.

Yummy for Celiac dieters!

From the Nutritionist: celiac disease
Do not eat anything that contains wheat, rye, and barley.
Corn, potato, rice, and soybeans can be eaten in any amount.
Packaged products are available, but read labels.
Any of the following words on food labels usually means that contain gluten: Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), unless made from soy or corn meal
Vegetable Protein, unless made from soy or corn
Modified Starch or Modified Food Starch, unless corn, potato
Vegetable Gum
Soy Sauce or Soy Sauce Solids, unless you know they do not contain wheat
Stabilizer, starch, flavoring, emulsifier, plant protein
Meals should have basic nutrients to maintain a healthy life. Protein builds strong bones and teeth. Protein is found in the baked chicken. Vitamins are requirement to prevent many illnesses and to maintain good mental health. The vegetables of greens, sweet potatoes are high in vitamins A and C. This meal is excellent for diabetics since it is low in carbohydrates that convert to sugar. Diabetics should avoid bread with sugar. Fiber is found in the greens. If family member has high cholesterol or high blood pressure, the cook should avoid glycerols as well. Have a fun supper with these low gluten foods. Store any left over foods in airtight containers. Take left over desserts to shut-ins in gift sacks or food baskets, especially for Valentine’s Day.

Cook Fest Awards

2010-01-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

After much deliberation, the Meals with a Message
Cook Fest Awards have been awarded to:

The Best Food Taster: Smash

Best Potato Masher: Pops

Most photogenic cooks: Megan and Janice

Helped with the Most dishes, Best Food tester:

Scott

Most Unusual Named dish: Monkey Bread

(We were glad she didn't use monkey gland sauce.)

Best family recipe from cookbook Callaway Cookin': sweet potatoes; Best Salad:

Janice

Best hors d’oeuvre: Mike for Space Pigs in Blanket with Space Ship and emblem

Most scrumptious dish: Megan for Pumpkin Dip

Most Unique dish: Will for Chocolate Chip Crepes (pancakes)

Meals with a Message Judge: Mops

Meals With A Message Cook Fest Awards

We are looking forward to next years event.

Southern Cornbread Dressing

2009-12-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

Southern Cornbread Dressing

This recipe is good to accompany roasted chicken, beef or venison.

Cook a pan of cornbread ahead of time, at least a day, using your favorite recipe. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to make crumbs. Save left over biscuits and loaf bread to make crumbs. If you do not have any left-over bread, use crackers. When ready to use, use a food processor and make crumbs from breads. Store in air-tight containers and keep separate until ready to combine.

Dressing

4 Cups cornbread crumbs

2 cups crackers or biscuit crumbs

1/2 cup finely chopped onion, sauteed

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

4 T. Poultry seasoning

1/2 t. sage, or to taste

1/4 cup parsley

1/2 cup or 1 stick butter or margarine

4 eggs

4 cups broth

(Type of broth is determined by the meat with which you are serving. If you are serving turkey or chicken use chicken broth. If serving with beef roast or venison, use beef broth.)

Melt butter in microwave. Combine crumbs, seasonings, and butter. Mix.

Beat eggs and add to mixture.

Add 3 cups broth. Mix well. Spray 9x13" baking dish and pour dressing into it.

Set overnight in refrigerator, if have time and room. When time to bake, pour remaining cup of broth over the mixture and bake for 30 minutes @ 350 degrees f. Test with a meat thermometer. When temperature reaches 165 degrees and the gage comes out clean, it is done. Remove immediately and cover with heavy foil. (It may take between 45-60 minutes,

depending upon oven. ) If traveling with dressing, wrap foil with towels and secure in the storage area of vehicle. This is good served with giblet gravy.

Serves approximately 10-12 people.

Gravy

1/4 c. oil

1/2 c. flour

2 cups broth

1 c. chopped giblets or meat

1 T. chopped onion

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. black pepper

Heat oil in skillet. Reduce heat. Whisk in flour and slightly brown, but not burn. Add giblets and onion. Allow to thicken to desired thickness. Serve hot over dressing.

Fall menu

2009-09-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Fall Menu

Hamburgers

Corn on the Cob

Cantaloupe

Cake with blueberries and strawberries

Tip: The farmer's markets are probably still open in your area. Buy the last of the fresh vegetables while they are still economical.

Food for Thought: May the Lord bless you, And keep you; May the Lord
Make His face Shine upon you, And be gracious to you; May the Lord turn His face
toward you, And give you peace…Numbers 6:24-26(paraphrased)

Recipes

Hamburgers

Mix 1 lb. of ground chuck with a package of dry onion dressing mix. Form into four patties and grill or fry until desired doneness. May serve with onion slices, lettuce leaf on buns with mustard.

Corn on Cob

May boil corn for 9 minutes. Then place on the grill to char. Sprinkle with paprika and serve with butter on top.

Cantaloupe

Cut into slices or chunks and serve as salad.

Cake

Mix 2 cups graham crackers crumbs with 1 stick of melted butter. Bake for 10 minutes. Pour the filling on top and decorate with fruit.

Filling

Cream 1 pkg. of cream cheese with 1 cup confection sugar. Mix in 1 pkg. of lemon or vanilla instant pudding mix. Stir into mixture 1 large container of whipped topping. Blend well and pour on top of cool crust. Allow to set an hour. Top with blueberries and strawberries.

From the nutritionist: The protein is found the the hamburgers. the fresh fruit and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates are found in buns and pudding. For diabetics do not add the sugar or use artificial sweetener. Any left overs should be sealed in air tight containers and refrigerated. Happy fall cooking!

Lazy Breakfast!

2009-06-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-29T07:58:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-06T10:16:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-02T10:39:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-02T11:22:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-05T10:43:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-01T12:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

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

2007-10-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

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.
Please share this web site with a friend.

http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

Family-Style Turkey Meal

2006-11-27T15:40:00.000-08:00

Tortellini with Hamburger Meat

2006-11-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

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.
Â· 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.
Please share this web site with a friend.

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Homemade Yogurt

2006-11-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

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.

www.mealswithamessage.com

Fall Meal with E-coli Information

2006-10-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

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.

http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

Chocolate Pie Crescents with meal

2006-09-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Menu

Baked Chicken in barbecue Sauce

Green Peas and onions

Orange Slices

Rice

Chocolate Crescents

Tea

Tip: Use a sweet orange for slices. Wash outside skin with salt water to remove any residue or germs from handling.

Food for Thought: Give and it shall be given to you. Luke 6:38aLB

Meal Preparation: Wash chicken in salt water to remove any bacteria. Dip in sauce and bake at 350 degrees for 30-30 minutes or until done. Add cocktail onions to green peas and cook. Use chicken broth to cook rice. Usually takes 2-30 minutes. Serve meal with orange slices. Chicken provides protein. Peas, onions and orange slices provide vitamins and minerals. The crescents and rice are carbohydrates. Diabetics should eat sparingly.

Recipe for Chocolate Crescents:

Pastry:

2 cups plain flour

2/3 t. Salt

1 T. Sugar (optional)

2/3 cup shortening

1 egg

3 T. Milk

Cut flour, sugar, salt and shortening together. Add egg and milk; stir well.

Divide into thirds and roll between 2 pieces of wax paper. Use a fluted pastry cutter or saucer about 4-6" in diameter and cut circles.

Chocolate filling:

1/2 cup sugar

2 T. Cornstarch

2 cups milk

2 eggs

1 cup cocoa

1/4 confectioners sugar

Mix cocoa and cornstarch. Add sugar to cornstarch mixture. Add milk and egg yolks to sugar mixture. Blend well with whisk. Pour into a microwave bowl and cook on high for 4 minutes. Stir and check for thickness. Cook 2-4 minutes longer if needed. Cool before filling pastry circles. Use 1 T. Of filling and drop onto pastry circle. Fold over into crescent or half-moon shape. Flute edges with a fork or pastry flutter. Whisk lightly the egg whites. Brush whites onto crescents. Bake for 20 minutes in 350- degree oven. Sift confectioners sugar over tops of crescents. May use small patterns for designs like leaves or apples. Yields: 24 crescents

Apple Pie with Meal

2006-09-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Suggested Menu:
Baked Chicken
Turnips greens
Sweet Potatoes
Corn Bread
Apple Pie

Tip: Apples will not turn dark if placed in 5 t. salt to 1 qt. water as peeled, 1 t. lemon juice or ascorbic acid.

Food for Thought: Get in the habit of inviting guests to dinner.
Romans 12:13 LB

Family Meal Planning

From the Nutritionist: Apples:

Apples are plentiful this time of year. Some you will find in the markets now are Golden Delicious, Gala, Jonathan, Granny Smith, Rome Beauty and Red Delicious.
The Golden Delicious apples are tender, sweet and juicy. You can make pies or bread or eat raw. Gala apples are orangeish-red and are used for drying. You can make pies and bread from these. Jonathan apples are tender but tart. They are better for cooking. Granny smith are green and very tart and crisp. They are used in cooking but can make salad with mixed with other foods or dressings. Rome Beauty is a red apple that is often used in ciders and jellies. Red Delicious is very good raw or in salads. This is the kind of apple to pack in children’s lunches. All are high in Vitamins A and C. There is a saying: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. The vitamins are effective in fighting infections and illnesses.

Diabetics
Since diabetics are always looking for diabetic recipes with out sugar, try preparing desserts with unsweetened applesauce. Substitute the sugar in a recipe for sugar alternatives. Diabetics should eat 2 cups of fruit a day. Fruit provides vitamins and minerals.

Soul Food

Historically, Soul Food is the diet foods of African Americans. The southern tradition was collard greens, legumes like dried beans or peas, dried fruits and root vegetables like white and sweet potatoes. Their cooking consisted of lots of salt. Modern African Americans watch their diets because of high blood pressure and diabetes. People need to eat 4-1/2 cups of vegetables daily. Sweet potatoes are excellent sources of our nutrients. A sweet potato has magnesium, potassium, vitamins B and C and provides fiber. Sweet potatoes should be stored in a food storage container in a cool place, but not refrigerator; will keep a month.

Recipes

Baked chicken

1 whole chicken
1 c water
¼ c oil
salt
pepper

Remove giblets. Wash and pat chicken dry. Rub chicken with oil, salt and pepper over inside and out of chicken. Place in covered cooking dish or slow cooker. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until chicken is done. Serves 6

Greens

3 c greens
1 turnip
1 slice of ham
water
salt

Chop turnip and add to greens with water, salt and ham. Cook for 20 minutes or to desired tenderness. Serve warm. May garnish with hard cooked eggs. Serves 6.

Sweet Potatoes

Wash and dry potatoes. Rub with oil. Place in microwave and bake for 3 minutes per potato. Serve with corn oil margarine or unsalted butter.

Cornbread

2 c self-rising corn meal
¼ c oil
¾ c milk
1 T sugar, optional
1 egg

Mix cornmeal, oil, milk, egg and sugar, if desired. Pour into a seasoned and greased cast iron skillet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Apple Pie:

7 cups sliced apples
2/3 cup apples juice
1 T. honey
1 T. molasses
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 T. cornstarch
4 T. butter or margarine

Combine juice, honey, molasses, cinnamon and cornstarch. Heat until thickened. Place apple slices in an unbaked pastry shell and pour sauce over top. Dot butter on top or may melt butter and spread evenly over top. Add pastry topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Yummy and different!

Pastry:

2 cups whole wheat flour
½ cup oil
1 egg
1T. Honey
3 T. milk

Mix ingredients and roll out the size of the pie pan. Line pie plate. Use remaining dough to cut shapes with a cookie cutter for topping.

Chicken Pizza

2006-08-31T12:34:00.000-07:00

Chicken Pizza Recipe

2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded, 1 cup pizza sauce, 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 c. Grated Parmesan cheese, 1 can crescent rolls. Spread rolls onto a 12" pizza pan. Mix pizza sauce and chicken. Spread over dough. Pour Alfredo sauce on top and lightly stir into mixture. Sprinkle favorite shredded cheese on top and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Cut into 4 large slices or 8 medium slices. Comments: Nathan...That was the best homemade pizza I ever tried. Megan...The first pizza to go at our pizza party was the chicken pizza. Scott....I never expected young people to like chicken, but they wanted another after we ran out. From Nutritionist: Chicken and cheese have protein. Tomato sauce has vitamins. Cheese has calcium. The bread is the crust. Serve with a tossed salad and pink lemonade for a complete meal.

Preschool Menus4

2006-08-23T13:47:00.002-07:00

Suggested preschool Menu
Week 4
See below:

Tip: Enjoy food and learn about nutrition while holding and tasting sweet and sour foods.

Food for Thought: Attend to wisdom… bow your ear to understanding. Proverbs 5:1,9

From the Nutritionist: Make as much food as possible from fresh fruits and vegetables.

Meal Planning

Monday:
AM snack: Toast/Apple Jelly, Orange Juice
Lunch: Lasagna, Lettuce Salad, Pears, Milk
PM snack: Blueberry Muffins/Milk

Tuesday:
AM snack: Bananas, Milk
Lunch: Fish Stick, Broccoli/Cauliflower, Dip, Pears, Bread, Milk
PM snack: Cheese Puffs/Apple Juice

Wednesday
AM snack: Bagel/Cream Cheese, Grape juice
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Green Beans, Mashed potatoes, Pineapple, Milk
PM snack: Raisins/Milk

Thursday
AM snack: Sausage Biscuit, Milk
Lunch: Macaroni & Cheese/Green peas, Pineapple, Milk
PM snack: So-Mores: Graham crackers, Marshmallows, Chocolate, (op.), Orange Juice

Friday
AM snack: Cereal/Milk
Lunch: Ham Sandwich, Sweet Potato Patties, Applesauce, Milk
PM snack: Cheese Crackers/ Mixed fruit juice

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

www.mealswithamessage.com

Fig Bars

2006-08-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Tip: Select fresh figs at your local green grocer or open air food market. Wash and serve some raw with ice cream or fruit salad. Cook some to make Fig Bars.

Food for Thought: Notice the fig tree...When the leave come out...you know summer is near...same way...events ...mean... God is near. Luke 21:29-31 LB Recipe for Fig Bars: Combine 4 cups fresh figs with 2-/1/2 cups water and 3 Tapesppons of lemon juice. Add 1 cup honey and 1/2 cup molasses. Cook until mixture is thick. Make the pastry while figs are cooking. Cream 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup honey. 1/4 cup molasses, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring, 2-1/4 cups whole wheat flour, 1/4 teaspoon soda and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Make a pliable dough and roll or spread by hand 1/2 of dough into the bottom of a 9"x13" glass baking dish. Spread filling. Top with remaining pastry. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until top is brown. Sprinkle confection sugar over top and cool. Cut into 1" squares or bars and serve plain or with ice cream or whipped cream. From Nutritionist: Figs are very high in Vitamins A and C, fiber and iron.

Preschool Menus3

2006-08-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

Homes with preschoolers need to provide adequate nutrition for the well-being and health of the children. The following menus and ideas will be helpful to Family Meal planners with preschool programs in their home.

Tips: Children learn from food experiences. Here are some suggestions from 35-40 years of working with preschoolers in both government and private day care systems.

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

Bible Stories with foods:

January: May make snow people out of marshmallows. In the beginning: Use cookie cutters to make cookies and decorate like suns, moons, stars or even trees.
Noah and Ark: Cookie cutter fish or boats
February: Valentine’s Day: Talk about God’s Love and make heart-shaped cookies or toast.
March: Talk about missionaries like St. Patrick and make clover cookies or jello. May talk about Lottie Moon’s China involvement and make her favorite sugar cookies or Annie Armstrong’s life in New England and make ginger cookies.
April: Easter: Talk about Jesus’ love and may make Tomb egg-white cookies out of egg whites or cross cookies.
May: Talk about a mother like Ruth and make pancakes.
June: Talk about a father like David and make sheep cookies or musical notes.
July: Talk about how God blesses America and make flag cake using fruit for the colors on top.
August: Talk about how God wants boys and girls to learn. May make cake school bus or car shaped cake. Allow child to place Oreos for wheels and wafers for windows or gumdrops for rocks on the road. Talk about some boys and girls ride buses to school or child may ride in car to preschool or church. May make books with sandwich bread.
September: Talk about how people jobs people have to use their talents for the Lord and make tools out of candy or decorate a house cake made from ginger bread or make butter by shaking cream in a jar until it turns to butter.
October: Talk about harvest and decorate with corn stalks, pumpkins and gourds.
Make pumpkin cookies or pies with inside of pumpkins; allow child to help cut open. May place a candle inside and talk about Jesus is the Light of the world and shines in us.
May talk about Daniel and his healthy choice of vegetables (and fruits) and water (juices)
November: Talk about God’s blessings and allow child to tell things he/she is thankful for. May make turkey out of apple for body and gumdrops on toothpicks for legs and feathers.
December: Talk about Jesus born and make stars with cookie cutters or make tree jello or cake and allow child to decorate.

From the Nutritionist: Use a much fresh vegetables and fruits as you can. Take into consideration your budget, time of preparation, and what is in season.

Monday:
AM Snack: Blueberry pancakes/milk
Lunch: Sloppy Joes/buns, corn, fruit cocktail, milk
PM Snack: Brownie, orange juice

Tuesday:
AM Snack: Cinnamon biscuits, apple juice
Lunch: Macaroni & Cheese, Green peas, pineapple, milk
PM Snack: Chocolate cookie, milk

Wednesday:
AM Snack: Applesauce, Teddy Grahams, milk
Lunch: Turkey Sandwich, mixed veggies, peaches, milk
PM Snack: Cheez-its, grape juice

Thursday:
AM Snack: pumpkin muffins, milk
Lunch: Steak nuggets, green beans, tator tots, banana pudding, milk
PM snack: Goldfish crackers, apple juice

Friday:
AM Snack: Cereal, milk
Lunch: Fish sticks, fresh broccoli/cauliflower with dip, pears, bread, milk

Recipe for Peach Preserves

2006-08-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

Tip for Peach Preserves: Use the freshest fruit available. Wash, peel and remove blemishes. Chop into cubes. Measure 4 cups of chopped peaches. Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with peaches to prevent oxidation. Wash jars. Place in boiling water for at least 3 minutes. Also sterlize lids and rings. Measure out the exact amount of sugar-5 cups and set aside. Stir in 1 box of artifical pectin. Add 1/2 teaspoon margarine to reduce foaming. Bring to a hard boil on high heat. Add sugar all a once and stir. Bring fruit back to a hard boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim foam with a cold metal spoon. Laddle into clean, hot jars and seal immediatley. Jars will be sealed when you hear a ringing sound of cooled jar. Avoid cold drafts on hot jars. Yield: 8 jelly/jam jars. Food for thought: O love the Lord...for he preserves the faithful and plentifully rewards the doer. Psalm 31:23

Menus For Preschool Programs2

2006-08-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Menus For Preschool Programs
Week 2
See menu under From Nutritionist:

Tip: Mealtime with children can be a learning experience. Below are some suggestions for teaching.

I. They can learn the names of foods by placing 3 fruits or vegetables in a bag. Let the child see the food object and tell the child the name of the objects before starting the game. Allow child to feel of the food object in the bag. Let them guess what it is and pull it out. Talk about the name and repeat the process.

II. Serve seedless grapes to the child and talk about the color.

III. Go to an apple orchard and pick apples.

IV. Use pre-cut apples and cook apples into applesauce so children can see and taste when cooled.
(Dip apples into a fruit wash to reduce oxidation.)

V. Place banana slices on toothpick and allow child to dip in chocolate and taste.

VI. Allow child to glue spices like cinnamon on paper and smell.

VII. Make pancakes with child: child can help add ingredients, mix the batter and watch from a safe distance as the pancake cooks. Allow child to help pour syrup or add fruit and cream to the pancake.

VIII. Allow child to taste a lemon and an orange slice. Talk about sour and sweet tastes.

IX. Allow child to help juice a lemon or orange. Allow child to drink orange juice or make lemonade.

X. Allow children make trail mix and place in individual snack bags.

Food for thought: Even a child is known by his actions. Proverbs 20:11

From the Nutritionist: Use a much fresh vegetables and fruits as you can. Take into consideration your budget, time of preparation, and what is in season.

Menus For Preschool Programs
Week 2

Day PM Snack

Monday
AM Snack Bagel/Orange Juice
Lunch Bologna/cheese sandwich, Steamed cauliflower/Broccoli/ carrots, Peaches, Milk
PM Snack Graham crackers/Milk

Tuesday
AM Snack Cereal/ Milk
Lunch Mild sausage, hash browns, Pineapple, Biscuits/jelly, Milk
PM Snack Cheese-its/Grape juice

Wednesday
AM Snack Cheese Toast/
Apple Juice
Lunch Taco/Lettuce, Corn, Applesauce, Milk
PM Snack Blueberry Muffin/Milk

Thursday
AM Snack Cinnamon Toast/Milk
Lunch Baked Chicken, Green Beans, Biscuits, Fruit Cocktail, Milk
PM Snack Fruit bars/Juice

Friday
AM Snack Fruit Yogurt/Juice
Lunch Pizza, Veggie Slices/Broccoli, Dip, Applesauce Square, Milk
PM Snack Cheese Crackers/Milk

Menus for Preschool Programs

2006-07-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

Preschoolers and children should be taught about proper nutrition at an early age. They love to use their sensorimotor skills to taste and smell of foods. They can learn about nutritious foods through games, tasting, smelling foods and measuring and pouring of ingredients. Talk about how good the food will taste as it is prepared and how good it is for strong bones, teeth, etc. They also learn by sharing their food as gifts to others.

Food for Thought:
Anyone who humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:4 LB

Family Meal Planning

Eating Well for Wellness

Many homes have licensed day cares that provide meals for children. These suggested menus may be helpful in planning balanced nutrition for a week. It can also be helpful to a busy preschool family meal planner who wants to provide balanced meals and snacks for the preschooler.

From the Nutritionist: Menus for preschool programs for one week:
Menus For Preschool Programs
Week 1

Day: AM Snack/ Lunch /PM Snack

Monday: Cereal, Milk/ Chicken nuggets, mixed Vegetables,
Applesauce, Bread, Milk /Graham crackers, milk

Tuesday: French Toast, syrup, milk/ Hamburger, bun,lettuce,Tatar Tots,

Peaches, Milk /applesauce, Fruit juice

Wednesday: Granola Bars, apple juice/ Ham Sandwich, Green peas,
Pineapple, Milk/ banana ice cream, milk

Thursday: Blueberry pancakes, syrup, milk/ Spaghetti/Meat Sauce, Broccoli, dip,
Fruit Cocktail, Milk/ cheese puffs, grape juice

Friday: Pigs in a Blanket, grape juice/ Grilled Chees, Vegetable soup, Pears,
Milk /Fruit jello, milk

Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
Please share this web site with a friend.
Recipes are found in Callaway Cookin’.
http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

Left Behind Meal

2006-07-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Left Behind Menu of Comfort foods
Chicken soup
Homemade crackers
Fruit Salad
No bake chocolate cookies
Peach Tea

Tip: Have you ever been left behind? If you have, you know the feeling. Recently my husband and I had a very exhausting day of car troubles. Without repairs, our son met us in Huntsville, AL, loaded the vehicle onto a trailer and we started home. He stopped at a service station for fuel and then drove the car to another location for air in the tires. In the meantime, I had gotten out of the vehicle without my husband or son noticing me. (I thought I had told one of them, or NOT.) They got in the car and pulled out as I walked out of the restroom door. The station owner says, “I think they just left you.” Away they drove into 5 lanes of traffic. I knew they would probably be in Chattanooga, TN by the time they realized I was missing, so I just sat down on the curb. I couldn’t call them BECAUSE my cell phone was in the vehicle with them. Fortunately they realized I was not talking to them, BUT it was difficult to turn around in a suburban towing a trailer with a SUV on it. They returned, PRAISE THE LORD! By then, I was ready for a lot of comfort foods. This is the menu that I planned while waiting.
Food for Thought:
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 RV
Family Meal Planning
Eating Well for Wellness
When God created people, He gave us the ability to plan and prepare nutritious food choices, promote exercise and pray. He gave us the choice to turn to Him in our times of difficulties and seek His help. Scientists have found that certain foods contain substances that have calming affects on stressed people. Poultry and chocolate are among these foods. It is the responsibility of meal planners to combine these choices when family member need comforting.

From the Nutritionist: Our menu has a comforting quality. Cook a chicken until it falls off the bones. Remove chicken and debone. Strain broth. The stew provides protein. Make dumplings and cook in boiling broth. When dumplings are done, add chicken and one cup of cream to broth-salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle parsley leaves on top. Cut cantaloupe and prepare strawberries and grapes. Place on a lettuce leaf. Dab a dollop of yogurt on top. Serve with home made cheese crackers. The fruit salad and breads supply needed vitamins and minerals. Make oatmeal and chocolate no-bake cookies. For diabetics the dumplings and cookies are two bread exchanges. Enjoy the relaxing meal with a cup of hot peach tea. Sit back, sip and relax and forget being left behind!

Recipes are available upon request.Comments and questions are welcomed.Please share this web site with a friend.
Recipes are found in Callaway Cookin’. http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

Menu for Independence Day Celebration

2006-06-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Suggested Menu
Celebration of USA Independence
Grilled Buffalo Burgers and Hot Dogs
Coleslaw Relish Plate
Homemade Potato Chips
Homemade whole-wheat buns
Homemade Ice Cream
Tip: Use patriotic plates and decorations. Hang USA flags around the area. Christians may talk about the beliefs of the founding fathers and play patriotic music like, "God bless America." The family may wish to visit a historical museum and talk about the early days of America. May make a patriotic cake, store in an airtight food storage container and take to an elderly citizen or family member. Talk about the changes that they have experienced in America. Provide noisemakers and poppers to add to the festivity.
Food for Thought:
They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 LB

Family Meal Planning
Eating Well for Wellness

God has given us the ability to choose the foods that we eat. The choices that we make affect our wellness. With the ability to choose comes the freedom to eat any thing and everything that we want. The family meal planner should be constantly aware of the benefits of foods. Menus should be balanced and nutritionally sound. The family member then is free to select the foods from the choices of the day to eat well for wellness. God’s will is that we be as healthy as we possibly can be, no matter what type of physical abilities or limitations that we have. Certain foods will help the body prevent disease. For example, adequate supplies of Vitamin C and milk prevent scurvy and rickets. Although the Holy Spirit’s primary task is to teach us about Christ, many Christians have found that the Holy Spirit opens one’s mind to the nutritional value of food choices. For example a child may desire a candy bar, but a child who has been taught the value of fruits and vegetables may choose an apple or carrot instead. People, who want to change the habit of eating too many carbohydrates because of diabetes or too much protein with iron because of heart problems, may be tempted to choose desserts or steaks over fruit cocktail or chicken casserole. That is where will power comes into the mind. The person should think about the benefits of eating well for wellness. When the choice to be healthy is made, the person is motivated to move to the next level. Look at all the choices that God made for people to enjoy on this plant earth. Some fruits, vegetables, grains and meats are from the USA while others come from India, Asia, Africa or South America. Thank God for the many, many opportunities that people have to appreciate the delights of life through food. The family meal planner should promote the sharing of feelings about foods. Since there are plenty of wholesome choices, the same nutrients can often be found in one that the eater prefers. Christians may wish to read portions of the scripture like Romans 12: 1-3 or 1 John 4:8 to reaffirm their faith in God and self. Everyone should balance food with exercise, including deep breathing, and adequate sleep. Remember that God made your physical body like it is, yet He wants you to be as well as you can be. Individuals have the ability to make food choices. We are challenged to exercise our will power to eat well for wellness.
Ice Cream
It has been said that milk is God’s most complete food because it has so many essential nutrients. Milk and milk products are excellent sources of calcium. Milk also provides protein, riboflavin, Vitamin A, phosphorus, thiamine and water. Milk that is fortified with Vitamin D helps to prevent rickets. Children need at least 4 cups of milk daily, while adults need at least 2 cups. Ice cream is a milk product that is a favorite in the summer. Homemade ice cream is easy with mixes, but may be high in sodium content. Diabetics need to adjust the sweetener to a substitute or omit. People with heart related problems should consider salt, heavy creams, and egg yolks. Read labels. A homemade mixture will be more nutritious for your family. For a thicker ice cream use cream or whole milk. For frozen ices, use fruit juice. In sherbets use skim or two percent milk. Just follow the machine manufacture’s directions. In earlier times, hand cranked mixers provided family entertainment. Today the host or hostess can enjoy their guests while the delicious treat is frozen. Tip: Chill all preparation and serving utensils in the freezer. This will keep the ice cream frozen longer after it is served. Use rock salt instead of fine salt to cause transfer of heat from the ingredients better and cause freezing. For an added fun event, take a trip to a local dairy or ice cream factory to see how ice cream is made.
From the Nutritionist: Cooking this menu is a summer delight. Grill the meat to desired doneness. With the scare of Mad Cow Disease, it is recommended that beef should be cooked well done. Use a meat thermometer to assure accurate testing. Buffalo is tasty, nutritious and just as high in protein as beef with less fat. Choose hot dogs that contain less fatty meat, like turkey or all-beef. Vegetarian hot dogs are also on the market for special food diets. Provide plenty of catsup, mustard and relish for burgers. Coleslaw and a relish plate will supply vitamins and minerals. Slice potatoes very thin with a potato chip cutter and fry in olive, safflower or corn oil. Serve immediately. Although potatoes are a bread exchange, fried they provide a fat exchange as well. Homemade bread will be more nutritious. The buns, also carbohydrates, may be baked that day or baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight food storage container until used. Homemade ice cream is always fun to make while the guests play games, etc. Ice cream is counted as a carbohydrate as well as a serving of calcium. Enjoy America’s birthday during July!
Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
Please share this web site with a friend.

www.mealswithamessage.com

Honor A Man

2006-06-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

To Honor the Man In Your Life

Grilled Pork Chops
Smothered with mushroom sauce of Devotion
Grilled Stuffed Tomatoes of Love
Asparagus or Green Bean Bundles of Joy
Heart of the Matter Bread
Matrimonial Fig Bars
Blissful Tea

Tip: Whether Father’s Day, anniversary or birthday, you can honor the man in your life with this menu. Use decorations appropriate for the occasion. Save time and energy by preparing as much as possible ahead of time. For a romantic meal, use candles and sit outside on a starry night.
Food for Thought:
A wise man watches for problems and prepares to meet them. Proverbs 27:12 LB

Family Meal Planning
Eating Well for Wellness
In most cases it takes forever to get a man to go to the doctor. However, pain in the chest, funny looking moles and extreme tiredness are reasons for concern. Men generally die younger than women. In the early 1900s, women only lived about a year longer than men. Now the gap has widened. This is alarming to female family meal planners. Since changing food habits may be all that is necessary in addition to simple medical attention. The biggest killers of men are heart disease, stroke, suicide, prostrate cancer and lung cancer. Men, as well as women, need to examine their daily routine and their eating habits. The meal planner should prepare heart-healthy meals in relationship to the foods enjoyed. Men should exercise regularly and be an example to the family. Play an active sport with the family before the evening meal. Swimming, bike riding, baseball and soccer are very active family sports. If the man is physically challenged, do some other activity with the family. Deep-breathing exercises can be done with all the family. Remember that the family that prays together stays together. The man of the household should be an example to the family in his Spiritual faith. Christians should attend church as a family unit. They should pray for needs of the family, friends and current events. Bible reading with the family is always a favorite pastime before closing the evening. Meal planners should be watchful about the mental, spiritual and physical wellness of the man of honor in the family. Nutritious and wholesome foods will help to keep the man in your life fit.
Figs
From the beginning of Bible times, figs have been a part of the diet. Figs are abundant in the markets in the summer. They may be eaten raw, preserved, frozen or dried. Figs have often been associated with aphrodisiac foods. They provide a wholesome and nutritious dessert to any menu. They contain calcium, phosphorous and Vitamin A. Fig bars have been America’s favorite for a long time. Homemade fig bars are better for special-needs dieters and diabetics because the sugar and salt contents can be controlled. Another favorite dish is fig bread or raw figs dipped in honey.

From the Nutritionist: This menu is a summer delight. Grill the meat to desired doneness. Make a light mushroom gravy and serve separately for the guest who prefers. Blanch the asparagus or green beans and bundle with pimento strips. May top with a pimento heart-shape and secure with a toothpick. Grill to desired doneness. Fill tomatoes with favorite dressing or stuffing. Grill until done. Be sure all the ingredients inside have reached the done temperature on a meat thermometer. Make favorite recipe of roll dough. Place in a heart-shaped pan and bake. Turn out and brush with honey butter. Make plenty of fig bars ahead of time. Store in airtight containers and send leftover bars to a shut-in friend or neighbor in a colorful gift food basket. Make your own favorite recipe of Blissful Tea for the beverage. The family meal planner will find this menu colorful and nutritious. The pork chop provides protein; mushrooms, asparagus or green beans, pimento peppers strips and figs provide vital vitamins and minerals. If a type of bread dressing is used in the tomato, it serves as one bread exchange. An additional serving of bread is provided from the heart-shaped bread. Serve the meal outside, if weather permits.
Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
Please share this web site with a friend.

http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

Campfire cooking

2006-06-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Campfire cooking is fun and easy. Prepare a nice medium fire. Make a sirloin patty and place in center of a tin foil square. Add onion slice, sliced carrot and sliced potato. Salt and Pepper if prefer. Top with 1 teaspoon margarine and wrap. Allow to bake about 60 minutes. Test for preferred doneness. Mix 1 cup self rising flour, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1/2 milk or water in a plastic bag. Squeeze or stir until mixed. Melt margarine or butter in bottom of Dutch oven and drop balls of dough. Cover and bake for 30-45 minutes. Check for doneness and brownness. Turn over and bake more, if desired. For dessert top a peach half with a marshmallow and wrap in a tin foil square. Bake for 20-30 minutes. Tasty! Happy summer campfire cooking.

For more Campfire cooking ideas, see this link: Campfire Cooking

bbq ricipies

2006-06-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

Family Meal Planning
Backyard Barbeque with recipes
Suggested Menu:

Green Salad with grilled mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and peppers
Baked Potatoes
Grilled Tenderloin
Baked Apples
Sunshine Tea

Tip: Have plenty of disposable plates, napkins, cups and cutlery with barbeque theme. Decorate with hanging lanterns. Make place cards out of flip-flops with guest’s name on each.
Place flowering pot plants and citronella plants to repel bugs around eating or camping area. Use aquarium gravel to make mosaic scenes down center of tables. May draw design and allow children to glue the gravels for the runners. May use shells for décor.
Food for Thought:
As soon as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals …John 21:9 LB
BBQUE COOKING
Be sure to check fuel source: gas tank or charcoal. Be careful igniting charcoal. Heat grill to a temperature of approximately 300 to 350 degrees. Before starting the cooking, have a bottle of water handy in the event too much fire extends. Have proper utensils or tinfoil. Cast iron is a good utensil for cooking on a bbgque grill. To prevent sticking, wash the pots in soapy water and rinse ahead of time. Heat oven to 500 degrees and turn off heat. Pour a coating of oil or shortening in the bottom and allow to sit in the oven overnight. Rewash the next day. Skillets with tinfoil covers or a Dutch oven with a lid are useful for the bread. Clean grill rack with a wire brush and spray with non-stick spray.
Be sure to take serving dishes and utensils. May store in large plastic containers that can be easily stacked.
BBQUE RECIPES
Baked Potato: Wash potatoes, rub with cooking oil and wrap in individual foil. Place over hot coals or on grill rack for approximately 1 hour.
Salad: Quarter tomatoes. Cut thick onion slices for grill. Clean large mushrooms and slice. Clean red and green peppers and cut into halves. Place all vegetables on grill or foil and cook for 10 minutes or until desired doneness. Meanwhile, prepare lettuce or greens. When vegetables are cooked, chop and mix with greens. Cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve. Serve with favorite dressing.
Baked Apple: Core apple. Fill each with 1-teaspoon brown sugar and 1 Tablespoon raisins and sprinkle with cinnamon. Dot apple with butter or margarine and wrap in foil. Grill for 30 minutes.
Tenderloin: Rub individual tenderloin or pork chops with favorite salt and pepper seasonings. Place directly on grill rack and cook for 10-15 minutes or until desired doneness. Serve with bbque sauce recipe.
Biscuits: Place one layer of biscuits in skillet or Dutch oven that has melted butter. Cover and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until done. If not brown, turn over and allow to brown on the other side for 5 minutes.
BBQue Sauce: Mix one cup of bbque sauce with one tablespoon honey, ¼ cup brown sugar. 1/4 cup catsup, 1 t. mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic and 1 t soy sauce and ¼ cup corn oil. Stir well. Heat. Serve with meat.
From the Nutritionist: Keep outdoor food service area clean. Keep water and disposable towels nearby. Also have a garbage can. If grilling away from house and kitchen, prepare greens and lettuce ahead of time and place in a plastic storage container. Make sauce ahead of time and pour into a jar. May warm on back of grill later. Precut vegetables and apples and rub potatoes with oil ahead of time and wrap in foil packets for grilling later. Season meat and place in plastic container. Take plenty of condiments like salt and pepper, cheese for potatoes. Store all food items in a cooler container to prevent spoilage. Keep all foods at safe temperatures until cooked and cook done to prevent any sickness that will affect your outing. Placing the family size tea bag in a gallon of water and setting in the sunshine until desired strength makes sunshine tea. Southerners desire tea with sugar and ice. However, diabetics should eliminate the sugar from the apples and tea. Do not cook with sugar substitutes. Add after cooking, if desired. One slice of Bread and one small potato are two carbohydrates. Apple and potato with salad have vitamins A & C and minerals. Meat has protein. Happy Backyard Barbeque cooking!
Recipes are available upon request.Comments and questions are welcomed.Please share this web site with a friend. http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

Honor Veterans Meal

2006-05-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

For the honor of Veterans
Grilled Steaks
Baked Beans
Cherry tomatoes, fresh onion and radish Salad

Whole Wheat Roll

Fruit Topped Flag Cake
Sunshine tea

Tip: Decorate with veteran’s memorabilia. Use American flag decorations. Make an oblong shaped cake. Cover a blue star field with blueberry filling and dots or stars of whipped cream topping. Make red and white strips of cherry and apple fillings. Coat edges with whipped cream topping. Keep chilled until served. May place a small flag cake in a food gift basket decorated with flags and take to a veteran. Talk about his memories.

Food for Thought:
You are to tell them that these stones are reminders of this amazing miracle…tell them that the Lord God…did this so that all the nations of the earth will realize that Jehovah is the mighty God, and so that all of you will worship Him forever. Joshua 4: 21-24 LB

Family Meal Planning

Eating Well for Wellness

It has been said, “People are what they eat.” In reality, people may be what they think about food. For example, people may think and even feel hungry when they actually have a desire for certain foods. Most people never think about eating well for either wellness or health. When people over-indulge in food or drink, are they thinking about their health? If a person consistently chooses fried foods, is he or she focusing on health related issues? Often we never think about the relationship of health to foods until someone has a medical problem. Then it becomes the family meal planner’s challenge to help the family member readjust to healthier choices. When God made us, He made people with individual physics and physical limitations. Even if there are bodily restrictions, we are still challenged to keep our body working as well as we possibly can. Since health is vital to life, a family meal planner’s focus should be on foods that keep the bodies of the family members in maximum healthy condition. A daily combination of meats, vegetables, fruits and breads in nutritious menus, not only encourage family members to try different tastes, but keep them alert to maintaining a wholesome lifestyle. Family members may wish to take on the Christian monk’s, St. Frances of Assisi, attitude to change what can be changed and accept what cannot. All family members should blend nutritious food choices with plenty of exercise, deep breathing and adequate sleep. Take time to commune with the Creator and reflect upon a Bible verse like “ becoming all that God has in mind for us.” Romans 5:2 LB. Adopt the motto to eat well for wellness.

Niacin in foods

Have you ever considered that dementia may be related to the amount of niacin that people are getting from foods? The lack of the vitamin B complex called niacin causes pellagra. Pellagra is commonly called the “three Ds disease” because of dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia in some people. Pellagra is fatal if left untreated. However, niacin is found in one of America’s favorite foods, peanut butter. It is also found in fortified breads and cereals. Chicken, beef liver, halibut and legumes are sources that are often found in American diets. In our menu the steak, beans, whole-grain wheat roll and a slice of cake supply 1/3 of the recommended day’s requirement of niacin.

From the Nutritionist: Steak and beans supply protein to the meal. Serve the fresh garden salad on a bed of lettuce leaves with favorite dressing. If fresh fruits are used for the topping of cake, more nutrients are provided. The vegetables and fruits provide Vitamins A and C and minerals. If whipped cream topping is served with the cake, calcium is supplied. The rolls, beans and cake are three bread exchanges. Family meal planners can serve this menu to diabetics or special-need dieters by converting the dishes to diabetic recipes or special diet recipes. Diabetics may wish to use fresh fruits and omit the cake. Make sunshine tea by placing tea bag and water in the sun for several hours. Serve with ice and garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Store any leftover foods in airtight storage containers and refrigerate within an hour after the meal.

Recipes are available upon request.
Please share this web site with a friend.

www.mealswithamessage.com

Honoring a Graduate Meal

2006-05-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

Suggested Menu
For the honor of
Graduates

Filled with Nuts
Diploma Pork Roast With mashed potatoes
Book of Squash
Turn Over a New Leaf Salad
Good Luck Bread
The Graduate Dessert
Mind Over Matter Tea

Tip: This menu can be served to honor a grade school, high school or college graduate.
Decorate the table with the school colors. For favors, a food gift basket or nuts cups, glue a nut cup or strip of construction paper in a round shape on top of a square. Make a tassel with thread or yarn. Fill with mixed nuts. Make ahead of time and store in an airtight food storage container until served.
Food for Thought:
Wisdom is it’s own reward. Proverbs 9:12
Family Meal Planning
Eating Well for Wellness
From time to time people fast. Fasting is doing without solid food for one day or several days. People may fast for medical reasons, to change a habit or spiritual reflections. Sometimes doctors or naturalists will suggest to people with allergies or arthritis to fast. During such periods of time, the body is cleared of residues. As foods are slowly added back, people can determine which food is causing the problem and can be eliminated from the diet. A word of caution: fasting is the withdrawal of solid foods from the body. People must drink water to remain hydrated. Obese people who fast to lose weight may not achieve their desired affects. Although pounds may be lost, as soon as eating is resumed, weight is added back. Habit changing requires at least 30 days. Although the Bible says that Christ fasted for 40 days, the maximum fast is recommended for 10-14 days. Changing of habits may not be accomplished in short periods of time but you can get a good start on the modified food behavior. Christ said, “ Cases like these require much prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21) All fasts should be combined with Bible reading, spiritual reflections and mediations as well as deep breathing and exercise. Since eyesight and mental alertness may be impaired during fasting, vacation times may be more productive for the individual. Family meal planners should respect the faster’s wishes; yet provide plenty of water and other liquids as well as plenty of moral support. Children and family members with special needs like diabetes should never totally withhold food from their bodies.
Pork
Pork is an excellent source of protein. The favorite cuts of pork include, roast, tenderloin, chops, ham and bacon. Pork may be fried, baked, cooked and served cold or hot. Sausage is ground pork with seasonings like sage, salt and peppers. If people are unsure of the pork parts, the fat content and additives that are put in the sausage, they may grind and mix their own. Weight management diets may include pork, however, all fat should be trimmed away before cooking. When cooking pork recipes, it is recommended that the meat be thoroughly cooked. Pork dishes should be served well done because of a microorganism called trichina that is often in swine. Trichinosis, the infection caused by this microorganism, can be fatal, if undetected.
From the Nutritionist: In this menu the diploma can be made from a pork loin roast and mashed potatoes. Tie the roast with a string in the middle and bake. When the roast is done, coat the outside with mashed potatoes and brown. Pipe cheese spread around the middle to look like a ribbon tying the diploma. Make a squash casserole in a loaf pan or book shaped pan that has been sprayed with baking spray. When done, turn out and pipe cream cheese round the edges to look like a book. Write the name of the graduate’s favorite book or “School: Gone with the Wind”. Make the salad with mixed lettuce leaves and chopped tomatoes. Serve with choice of salad dressings. Forming a horseshoe of bread dough and baking makes good luck bread. The Graduate dessert may be school-colored gelatin with fruit and piped with whipped cream to resemble a person with a cap and gown. May make a graduate’s cap by baking a square layer of cake and a round layer of cake. Stack the square on top of the round and frost with school colors. Make the tassel by piping frosting from the center to the corner of the square. Pork and nuts provide protein. Lettuce and tomatoes, potatoes and squash give needed vitamins and minerals. The potatoes, bread and dessert are three bread exchanges. Diabetics or special dieters may wish to convert the dessert to a diabetic recipe or diet food by using sugar-free gelatin and fruit.
Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
Please share this web site with a friend.

http://www.mealswithamessage.com/
Meals with a Message 18

Diploma Pork Roast

4-5 lb. pork roast
Salt and pepper
Oil

Sprinkle salt and pepper on roast. Tie roast in the middle to make a slight indention. Heat oil in skillet and brown edges of roast. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done.
When done, cover with mashed potatoes and brown. Pipe cheddar cheese spread around the middle to look like a ribbon tied around a diploma.

Mashed potatoes

6 potatoes
¼ c butter
½ c cream
Salt and white pepper

Peel and thinly slice potatoes. Cover with salted water. Cook until done-about 20 minutes. Drain water and mash. Melt butter. Add butter and cream and whip to remove lumps. Add salt and pepper. Mix well.

Turn over a new Leaf Salad Meals with a Message 18

Diploma Pork Roast

4-5 lb. pork roast
Salt and pepper
Oil

Sprinkle salt and pepper on roast. Tie roast in the middle to make a slight indention. Heat oil in skillet and brown edges of roast. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done.
When done, cover with mashed potatoes and brown. Pipe cheddar cheese spread around the middle to look like a ribbon tied around a diploma.

Mashed potatoes

6 potatoes
¼ c butter
½ c cream
Salt and white pepper

Peel and thinly slice potatoes. Cover with salted water. Cook until done-about 20 minutes. Drain water and mash. Melt butter. Add butter and cream and whip to remove lumps. Add salt and pepper. Mix well.

Turn over a new Leaf Salad

4 cups mixed lettuce
2 tomatoes

Chop tomatoes. Tear lettuce and toss with tomatoes. Serve with choices of dressings.

Book Squash
4 c squash
2 c cracker crumbs
1 can mushroom soup
1 c cheese
1 egg

Slice and cook squash; drain. Slightly beat egg. Mix squash and egg, with crumbs, soup and cheese. Spray a loaf pan or book pan with baking spray. Pack squash into pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees; until done when an inserted knife comes out clean.
Turn out and cool slightly. Pipe cream cheese around edges to make the dish look like a book.

4 cups mixed lettuce
2 tomatoes

Chop tomatoes. Tear lettuce and toss with tomatoes. Serve with choices of dressings.

Book Squash
4 c squash
2 c cracker crumbs
1 can mushroom soup
1 c cheese
1 egg

Slice and cook squash; drain. Slightly beat egg. Mix squash and egg, with crumbs, soup and cheese. Spray a loaf pan or book pan with baking spray. Pack squash into pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees; until done when an inserted knife comes out clean.
Turn out and cool slightly. Pipe cream cheese around edges to make the dish look like a book.

Graduate dessert:
Make a gelatin mold. Pipe whipped cream topping to sketch the outline of a graduate or graduation cap. Use school colors.
Or make 2 layers of cake- one round and one square. Place the round on the bottom and top with square. Frost with school colors. Pipe with whipped topping a tassel from the middle of square to one edge.

Honoring Mothers or Mentors

2006-05-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Suggested Menu
For the honor of
Mothers or Mentors

Chicken in Oven
Pink Fluff Salad
Broccoli Corn
Blossom Rolls
Strawberry Pie

Tip: This menu can be used anytime to honor a mother or mentor. Decorate the table with her favorite flowers. Encase pictures in plastic and scatter around for guests to reminisce during the meal. For a food gift basket make a breadbasket of woven dough and fill with her favorite homemade candies and cookies. Make ahead of time and keep in an airtight food storage container until mealtime.
Food for Thought:
Honor your father and mother that you may have a long, good life in the land that the Lord will give you. Exodus 20:12

Family Meal Planning
Eating Well for Wellness
Things Mother taught you…
Jesus taught the Christians and Jews in the Bible to respect and honor their mothers. God told the Children of Israel that their days would be long and good if they honored their parents. Famous leaders like George Washington have attributed their successes to their mothers. As we consider eating well for wellness, we recognize that our mothers were influential in our health today. Many diseases and health conditions are inherited from the mother. The health condition of the mother before a baby is born affects the adult body. For example, the amount of calcium that the mother had before you were born may affect the condition of your teeth and bones today. The amount of vitamins in her body may be affecting your nerves today. Some mothers had rules or suggestions about your eating. She may have said, “Chew your food slowly-at least 25 times.” Studies have shown that the more the food is broken down in the mouth, the better it is absorbed into the blood stream and taken to where it is needed. A mother may have said, “Breathe deeply.” It has been proven that the body needs to re-supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the cells. The deeper the breathing, the better this process works. Also breathing deeply causes the body to relax. Less tension means less water retention in the body. Mother may have said, “Take time to pray and read your Bible everyday.” Prayer and mediation helps the body to unwind. This aids the metabolic process. Digestion of food and absorption of vital nutrients are more effectively released in a calm atmosphere. When mother said, “Run out and play”, she was promoting exercise that is needed for the body to maintain proper balance between food consumption and burned energy. She may have caused you to laugh at yourself when things seem to be the end of the world. Laughter is said to be good for the soul as well as digestion. In conclusion, modern meal planners should encourage their family members to chew food well, exercise, breath deeply, pray, mediate and laugh for a healthy and wholesome body.

Poultry
Poultry is an excellent source of protein. Chicken is just one of the many poultry products available in the food market. It may be grilled, baked, stewed or fried. Chicken should be cooked well done before serving. The traditional southern style of chicken is fried. In the South fried chicken has long been associated with Sunday dinners and jokes about preachers. Often Mother’s favorite dish for a sick child is chicken soup. Studies now show that the broth in chicken causes a soothing affect that allows the body to rest and regenerate. It also may release endorphins that aid in the fighting of the virus or bacteria. Chicken is used in casseroles, salads, baked whole or in pieces and in the summer is frequently grilled. Chicken may be purchased fresh or frozen. If chicken is on sale, meal planners may purchase large quantities and freeze up to a year before use. Be sure to rewrap well to prevent freezer burn. Chicken is easily spoiled and also leaves residue on cutting boards that may cause problems. After cutting chicken, be sure to clean the surface and knife well with an antibacterial cleaner. Sponges that are used in the clean-up process should be placed in the dishwasher. Fresh chicken should be used within two days to prevent growth of bacteria. Fresh chicken with an odor or spots should be avoided. Family meal planners should serve chicken at least once a week.
From the Nutritionist: In this menu chicken pieces may be rolled in cracker crumbs or corn flakes and baked. The pink salad may be cottage cheese and red apple rings or gelatin base with yogurt and apples on a lettuce bed. The broccoli, corn, salad and dessert provide Vitamins A and C. If cottage cheese, yogurt or whipped cream topping is served, calcium is supplied. To make blossom rolls, use an angel food pan, circle the bottom of the pan with rolls and spread with honey butter. When done, turn out onto a plate and serve as a blossom or wreath. May place a cup of honey butter in the center of the hole. The chicken batter, piecrust and rolls are two bread exchanges. Honey butter is one fat exchange. Diabetics may convert the pie to a diabetic recipe by sweetening the strawberries with a sugar alternative. Remember this menu can be served to honor any woman who has been an influence in your life. Next issue will have a menu suggestion to honor family or friends who are graduating.

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

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Cinco de Mayo Family Mealtime

2006-05-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Meals With A Message
www.mealswithamessage.com
Family Meal Planning
Cinco de Mayo
Suggested Menu:

Frijoles Casserole
Taco Salad
Mexican Cornbread
Mexican Wedding Cakes
Bolero Fruit Cup
Fiesta Tea

Tip: Decorate the table with Mexican or South Western décor. Use cacti for centerpiece.
Hang sombreros and guitars around the room. May use tablecloth, napkins and plates with sombreros or cactus. Talk about people you know from the area or invite guests to share with the family about their native area. Christians may talk about the religious practices there.

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 should always be concerned about maintaining a healthy family. There are 4 Ps that can help family meal planners be certain that the family eats well for wellness. These are plan and prepare nutritious choices, promote exercise and pray.
The primary concern of family meal planners is to plan and prepare wholesome meals and snacks. Help the family to make wholesome choices throughout the day to balance the nutrient and caloric requirements for their ages. Talk with your family about the food they’ve eaten and adjust home menus. Remind family members that soft drinks are high in sodium and may increase hypertension. Discuss the physical activity of the family members and participate in sports with children, if possible. Encourage deep breathing.
The last P is for prayer. Pray with and for your family. At mealtime set aside a time for quiet reflection and prayer-thanking God for His blessings. As a calm atmosphere is established, food will be digested more efficiently. Heartburn or acid reflux may be avoided. Some food begins to become absorbed into the blood stream as it enters the mouth. For example, bread is begun to digest by the salvia glands so that it can break into starch and be stored in the liver as glycogen. With a pleasant and peaceful environment, the food is chewed slower and the brain may sense greater satisfaction. Therefore, less food is desired; overeating is avoided. To keep the family well, family meal planners are challenged to plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks, promote physical activity to release stored energy, and pray with and for the family.
Peppers:Peppers are part of a Southwestern meal. They probably originated in the East Indies. Pepper 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 a que proxima publicacion sobre Dia de la Madre- God go with you until next issue about Mother’s Day.
Recipes are available upon request.Comments and questions are welcomed.Please share this web site with a friend. http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

Family Meal time with Children

2006-04-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

Children and Foods

Preschoolers and children should be taught about proper nutrition at an early age. They love to use their sensorimotor skills to taste and smell of foods. They can learn about nutritious foods through games, tasting, smelling foods and measuring and pouring ingredients. Talk about how good the food will taste as it is prepared and how good it is for strong bones, teeth, etc. They also learn by sharing their food as gifts to others.

Tips:

I. They can learn the names of foods by placing 3 fruits or vegetables in a bag. Let the child see the food object and tell the child the name of the objects before starting the game. Allow child to feel of the food object in the bag. Let them guess what it is and pull it out. Talk about the name and repeat the process.

II. Serve seedless grapes to the child and talk about the color.

III. Go to an apple orchard and pick apples.

IV. Use pre-cut apples and cook apples into applesauce so children can see and taste when cooled.
(Dip apples into a fruit wash to reduce oxidation.)

V. Place banana slices on toothpick and allow child to dip in chocolate and taste.

VI. Allow child to glue spices like cinnamon on paper and smell.

VII. Make pancakes with child: child can help add ingredients, mix the batter and watch from a safe distance as the pancake cooks. Allow child to help pour syrup or add fruit and cream to the pancake.

VIII. Allow child to taste a lemon and an orange slice. Talk about sour and sweet tastes.

IX. Allow child to help juice a lemon or orange. Allow child to drink orange juice or make lemonade.

X. Serve for a snack foods like olives, figs, honey and grape juice. Talk about foods that people in Bible times ate.

Food for Thought:
Bible Stories with foods:

January: May make snow people out of marshmallows and raisins for eyes. In the beginning: Use cookie cutters to make toast and cheese in shapes of suns, moons, stars or trees. Make pig in a blanket with crescent roll and hot dog or bug in a rug with a tortilla and hamburger sloppy joe mixture rolled up. Add lettuce and chopped tomato.
Noah and Ark: Use potatoes for fish or boats. Hollow baked potato and mash and refill. Attach olives with toothpicks for eyes and pimento slivers for fins. Use cheese on toothpick for sailboats. Make blue beverage with blue food coloring in water or coolade.
Jonah and whale: Hollow a watermelon and make melon balls; mix with other fruit and refill. Make eyes and mouth from fruit and attached with toothpicks. Use left over watermelon rind to make a tail and fins. Score with a fork to make more like fins.
February: Valentine’s Day: Talk about God’s Love and make heart-shaped biscuits or pancakes or make a heart shaped meatloaf with tomato sauce on top.
March: Talk about missionaries like St. Patrick and make green jello. Talk about color green. May talk about Lottie Moon and make her favorite sugar cookies or Annie Armstrong and make ginger cookies.
April: Easter: Talk about Jesus’ love; make Tomb egg-white cookies out of egg whites or a cross with braided bread.
May: Talk about a mother like Ruth and make pancakes.
June: Talk about a father like David. Use cheese spread and pipe sheep, instruments or musical notes on top mashed potatoes.
July: Talk about how God blesses America and bake flag sheet cake or cookie dough and use fruit for the colors on top: blueberries and pipe stars of whipped cream for states, use strawberries or cherries for red and applesauce for white strips.
August: 2 Peter 3:18: Talk about how God wants boys and girls to learn. May make cake school bus or car shaped cake. Allow child to place Oreos for wheels and wafers for windows or gumdrops for rocks on the road. May make the bus out of meat loaf and decorate with carrot, cucumber, tomato and cheese slices. Talk about some boys and girls ride buses to school or child may ride in car to preschool or church. May make books with sandwich bread. Make a tuna-rice loaf and decorate like a ladder of success with cheese spread.
September: Tell story of talents. Talk about how people jobs people have to use their talents and skills for the Lord. Make tools out of candy or decorate a house cake made from ginger bread or make butter by shaking cream in a jar until it turns to butter. Make a barn with animals out of gingerbread. Make a tractor with a meatloaf and decorate with vegetables.
October: Tell about Daniel and his healthy choice of vegetables (and fruits) and water (juices).
Talk about harvest and decorate with corn stalks, pumpkins and gourds.
Make pumpkin cookies or pies with inside of pumpkins; allow child to help cut open. May place a candle inside and talk about Jesus is the Light of the world and shines in us.
November: Psalm 23. Talk about God’s blessings and allow child to tell things he/she is thankful for. May make turkey out of apple for body and gumdrops on toothpicks for legs and feathers.
December: Talk about Jesus born and make stars with cutters or make tree jello or fruitcake tree and allow child to decorate.

Favors and presents:
Allow child to help:
Make chocolate-coated peanuts and place in attractive containers to give as a birthday gift.
Make individual pecan pies and give to a shut-in.
Make fruit baskets and give to a senior citizen.
Make musical note cookies and give to the choir or music teacher.
Make sparkle cup cakes and give at a Fourth of July party.
Make kite cookies and give at a birthday party.
Make a dirt cake or peanut butter pie and place in a toy dump truck lined with plastic wrap for Earth Day. Make potato salad and serve in dumb truck for rocks. Serve with a toy shovel or spade.
May help take cans of food to a Food Pantry.
Make a cake and decorate in flag colors of another country and take it to a newcomer from that country.

From Nutritionist: The meal planner should always be concerned about keeping children healthy. Provide meals and snacks with adequate calories and nutrients. Children do not eat as much as an adult and may not be able to eat all on his plate. Serve nutritious snacks to make up for food or nutrients not eaten at mealtime. Children love to eat fast food; family meal planners should balance take out meals with fruits and milk. Remember that growing, well-adjusted children need some fat as well as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals every day. Also provide a pleasant mealtime atmosphere and calmness while eating. Prayer has much value at mealtime. Meals can be story times where each food can have a meaning such as at Easter. Snacks can be fun story times where you read a book to a child. Family meal planners should be creative, so children will learn to enjoy various foods, yet obtain a balanced diet. Parents should also help the child to exercise properly by playing active games with them, if possible. Don’t forget to encourage deep breathing as part of the fun time.

Balancing pH acid and Alkaline foods

2006-04-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Acid/Alkaline Foods
pH Balance of Food

Baked Chicken
Spinach
Sweet Potatoes
Carrot/Raisin Salad
Corn Bread
Fig Bars

Tip: Sweet potatoes will not turn dark if placed in 5 t. salt to 1 qt. water as peeled.

Food for Thought: Thus says the Lord God…Like these good figs…I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the Lord. Jeremiah 24: 5-7 NIV

Eating Well for Wellness

To eat well for wellness, the family meal planner should balance meals with proper food ratio. As foods are metabolized, the nutrients go into the blood stream and are absorbed into the cells for future use. Enzymes break down the nutrients. Nutrients leave an acid or alkaline residue in the body. When nutrients are balanced, people have more energy and a wholesome outlook on life.

Diabetics are especially affected by unbalanced nutrients. When diabetes is uncontrolled, acetone appears in the urine that causes ketosis, a condition that can lead to unconsciousness. Foods that are alkaline-based include fruit and vegetables. Acid-based foods include meats, eggs, and dairy products, whole grains, and beans. An imbalance or lack of Vitamin A may cause night blindness.

The lack of Vitamin C can cause scurvy. Too much iron may cause heart problems, while lack of iron causes anemia. Too much salt or the minerals like sodium chloride may cause high blood pressure. Lack of iodine that is usually added to common table salt causes goiter. Lack of protein may cause kwashiorkor.

Lack of protein, carbohydrates and fats cause fatigue, yet too much sugar or carbohydrates may interfere with the production of insulin. An imbalance of calcium and Vitamin D may cause rickets and bowed legs. Without a balance of fats, a body may become obese or have insufficient padding to protect the vital organs.

Some natural health authorities suggest that people should eat about 80% alkaline foods and about 20 % acid forming foods each day. Most vegetables and fruits are alkaline foods while meats often are considered more acidic. When vegetable seeds are sprouting, they are higher in alkaline.

That is why alternative health experts often advice people to add bean sprouts to their diets. The proper balance of nutrients is very important to the body’s chemistry. To ensure optimum health of the family, the family meal planner should always encourage proper nutrition, plenty of exercise and deep breathing.

From the Nutritionist: The baked chicken has protein that is needed for growing children as well as forming new cells in the body. The greens, sweet potatoes, carrots and raisins are high in Vitamins A and C and minerals. The corn meal for the bread is often fortified with Vitamin B that is helpful for mental stability. Chicken also provides peaceful feelings. The fig bars are high in vitamins and minerals and are considered excellent alkaline foods.

Below is a fig bar recipe:

Fig Bar recipe:
½ c. butter
½ c. honey
¼ c. molasses
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla flavoring
2-¼ c. whole-wheat flour
¼ t. soda
Butter should be at room temperature. Cream butter with honey and molasses. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix flour and soda. Mix butter mixture, egg mixture with flour mixture and make pliable dough. Chill while cooking fig filling.

Fig filling:
4 c. figs
2-½ c. water
3 T. lemon juice
¼ c. molasses

Combine figs, waters, lemon juice and molasses. Cook over low heat until thick.
Roll out dough between two pieces of wax paper. Place ½ of dough in 8"x8" glass dish. Spread fig mixture over top and layer another piece of dough on top. Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.

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

www.mealswithamessage.com

Easter Brunch

2006-04-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

Easter Brunch

Suggested Menu:
Remembrance Grape Juice
Heavenly Golden Quiche’
With broccoli
Star of Wonder Cheese Toast
Fisherman Mold
Disciples/Followers Fruit Bowl
Cross Shaped Red Velvet Cake
With White Frosting
Empty Tomb Cookies
Espresso

Tip: Decorate the table with Easter items. The Story of the Meal tells the story of Jesus and Easter. Begin the brunch by serving grape juice. Explain that God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to teach people how to "abide in Him"-based on John 3:16. For those who believe in Jesus and ask Him into their lives, they will have everlasting life in Heaven as signified by the Heavenly Golden Quiche’. The green broccoli represents everlasting life. Jesus was born on a night when a special star shown brightly. The cheese toast in the shape of a star represents this wonderful event. Jesus grew from a baby to an adult who became a fisherman for the souls of mankind. This is signified by the salmon mold. Jesus had 12 special helpers and many followers who were all very different. The mixed bowl of fruit represents these. However, not everyone appreciated Christ’s message of God’s love. Even though He had never sinned, He was crucified on a cross where He bled and died. His love for mankind is represented by the red cake batter baked and cut into a cross shape. The white frosting represents His sinless life. Although He was buried in a cave-tomb, He did not remain dead-He arose! The egg white cookies indicate the empty tomb of Easter. The coffee represents the sin of the world while milk or whipped cream represents the addition of God’s love through Christ. You may make cross-shaped cookies or extra tomb cookies; place the 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 quiche’ is baking/warming. Make the salmon mold ahead of time. Cut the bread and cheese in star shapes ahead of time and toast just as you wait for quiche’. Serve the fruit with the cake and cookies. 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 cross-shaped 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. The meal contains vitamins and minerals in the juice, broccoli and fruit. Protein is in the, fish, cheese and eggs. Carbohydrates are found in the cake and bread. Each piece is 1 bread exchange. Happy Easter brunch!!!!
Recipes are available upon request.

www.callawaycookbook.com

Comments and questions are welcomed.

Please share this web site with a friend.

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Red velvet cake recipe

2006-04-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Red Velvet Cake Recipe
1/2 c. shortening
1 ½ c. sugar
2 c. plain flour
½ t. salt
1 T. cocoa
1 t. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk
2 oz. red food coloring
1 t. soda
1 T. vinegar

Frosting recipe

Cream shortening at room temperature. Cream with sugar and eggs. Mix flour, salt and cocoa. Make a hole in the flour mixture and add the egg mixture. Mix buttermilk, vanilla and food coloring. Dissolve soda with vinegar. Mix liquids. Gradually beat the flour mixture with the vinegar-milk mixture. Beat well. Pour into 2 flour sprayed cake plans and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick. Cool at least 20 minutes on cake racks. When cool, slice layers into halves, making 4 layers. Spread frosting alternately over layers and frost top.

Red Velvet Cake Frosting
1 c. milk
2 T. cornstarch
¼ t. salt
½ c. shortening
1 stick margarine
1 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla
Combine milk, cornstarch and salt. Cook on low heat until thick pudding stage. Remove from heat and cool. Meanwhile, cream shortening, margarine, sugar and vanilla. When cool add cornstarch mixture. Beat until smooth frosting. Frost layers.

Dietary Detoxifying Diet

2006-03-31T18:07:00.000-08:00

Remove Toxins from your body with this Dietary Detoxifying Diet

Water
Fruit
Vegetables

Tip: This dietary detoxifying diet is as old as the Bible. In the book of Daniel in the Bible, Daniel and his friends challenged the king’s choice of foods. They chose to eat only vegetables and drink water for 10 days. Read Daniel 1 in the Bible for the results.
Food for Thought:
Well, at the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the youths who had been eating food supplied by the king! Daniel 1:15 LB

Family Meal Planning
Eating Well for Wellness
Many illnesses are aggravated by foods that we eat. An excellent method of changing a food habit or determining which food is causing your problems is to follow the dietary toxin waste removal meal plan. Even though the fruits and vegetables may be cooked, they still provide fiber that eliminates any deposits in the colon. Fruits and vegetables also are high in vitamins and minerals and low in cholesterol. This diet is low in protein and fats. Although you are not eating breads, you will be eating carbohydrates that are obtained from the fructose in the fruits and vegetables. Since it takes 30 days to change a habit or remove all toxins from the intestinal system, a dieter is challenged to remain on the water, fruits and vegetables plan for 3-4 weeks. This length of time rids the body of toxins that may be causing food allergies, sinus, arthritis or fatigue problems. Studies show as the body begins to heal itself, the dieter begins to have a better outlook on life and general health. Over time, the dieter may begin to loose weight.
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From the Nutritionist: I have modified the Daniel meal plan to include fruits and herbal tea. Detox meal plan: Drink one glass of room temperature water when you get up. At least 30 minutes to1 hour later: drink 1 glass water-beverage- ½ water and ½ lemon juice or orange juice. For breakfast eat 1-2 fruits and drink 1 glass water or cup of herbal tea. A.M. Snack: 2 hours later- eat 1 fruit or 1 cup of fruit combo and drink 1 glass of water. Lunch: Eat 2-4 cups of fruits and/or vegetables and 1 glass water. Snack: 2 hours later-drink 1 cup broth* or bullion and 1 cup herbal tea-green or other. Dinner: 4 cups of fruits and/or vegetables. Drink water or herbal tea. After diner snack-2 hours later: 1 cup herbal tea or water. Water may be chilled after the first glass in the morning. However, most studies show that room temperature reduces craving of other foods. After 2 weeks, you may add 4 oz. of chicken or fish for one meal. During the no meat phase, choose 2 vegetables that have protein. These vegetables will assure the dieter of a more balanced meal. Choose a variety of cooked and fresh fruits and vegetables. Foods may be flavored with kelp or sea salt. After eating salt-free foods, the dieter may prefer only the natural taste of the foods. After 3 to 4 weeks gradually begin adding other foods each week. Start with other meats and nuts. If any time during the week an illness or symptom flares, remove that food from your meals. Next week add dairy, etc. Last add breads. Some fats are needed in a nutritionally balanced meal, but keep them to a minimum. Be conscious of the amount of food and the calories that you are adding as you begin a new meal plan. Do not eat more than you need to maintain your health. As you add foods, modify only one meal a day. Continue to eat fruits and vegetables; drink at least 8 glasses of water or beverages daily. Do not fail to do your deep breathing and walking every day. May you “dare to be a Daniel” and may you eat well for wellness.
* Broth: Save liquid from cooking vegetables or place 2 cups of vegetables in 4 cups of water and cook. When done, make a nutritious drink by blending the vegetables and liquid. Very nourishing!

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

www.mealswithamessage.com

Cherokee or Chickasaw Food

2006-03-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

Cherokee or Chickasaw Indian Food
Grape Dumplings.

In the area where I grew up, many people still cooked with Cherokee or Chickasaw Indian recipes. The region of our part of the country is known as the Land of Hanging Grapes because there were vines that were loaded with Possum Grapes, wild purple grapes that matured around frost time each year. My grandmother used a recipe that had been passed down by our ancestors from the Indians that had lived on the Native American Campground site. The recipe was called Wild Possum Grape Dumplings. My daddy and uncles loved them. After the government watershed destroyed the grape vines, Granny learned to use other grape juices. When fresh grapes from the vineyards were not available to make her own juice, she purchased factory canned grape juice. Purchased purple grape juice worked just as well. Today that is what I use. I call the recipe: Grape Dumplings.
Tip: At mealtime, use grape décor with grape designs on plates, linens and centerpieces.
Christians may enjoy talking about grape references in the Bible. They may enjoy talking about how Christ used grape juice or wine as an object lesson in Remembrance of Him. Grape dumplings may be stored in airtight containers and given to shut-ins or neighbors. Discuss the Indian heritage of the dumplings.
Food for Thought:
When the Lord your God has brought you into the land…with cities you didn’t build, wells (water) you didn’t dig, vineyards (grapes) and olive trees you didn’t plant…when you are full, don’t forget the Lord… Deuteronomy 6:10-13 LB

Grape Dumpling Recipe
To make: mix 2 c. plain or self-rising flour* and 1 t. melted butter. If you use plain flour add 2 t. baking powder and ¼ t. salt. Add flour mixture to 1 cup grape juice**. Make into dough. Form balls the size of teaspoons and drop into 4 c. boiling grape juice. Makes approximately 24 balls. Keep the juice boiling and cook until done or about 2-3 minutes. The balls will float to the top. Remove dumplings from pot and place in a serving bowl; test to see if done. After removing cooked dumplings from juice, pour remaining hot juice from pot over top of dumplings. May serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream. May top with grape preserves.
* I prefer self-rising flour.
** To make homemade juice: Blend 4 cups of fresh grapes with 1 t. lemon juice. (May use juicer machine). Strain. Add 1 t. honey to sweeten, if desired.
From the Nutritionist: There are over 50 varieties of table grapes. They include the colors of green, red, blue-black. Fresh grapes may be seedless or with seeds. Grapes are high in the nutrients of Vitamin C and A. They have some potassium, other minerals and vitamins. Vitamin C is especially helpful in preventing infections and colds. Drinking grape juice may be helpful with kidney infections. Some studies show that grapes and grape juice may be helpful in preventing cancers and heart diseases. Fresh grapes provide fiber to the diet. Grapes have fructose type carbohydrates. Grape juice should be 100% natural with little or no sugar. Diabetics find grapes beneficial in a low sugar diet. About ¾ cup of fresh grapes provides 90 calories. One cup of juice has around 100-150 calories. Grapes have no cholesterol and no natural sodium. When purchasing fresh grapes, check for blemishes and spoiled grapes. Carefully wash fresh grapes before storing and remove any spoiled grapes. Store in a refrigerated area. Grapes may be eaten as a snack, combined in salads with chicken or in fruit combos, baked with meats, and breads. Grapes and grape juice are refreshing pick-me-up snacks and beverages during the afternoon lag time.

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

www.mealswithamessage.com

March Madness

2006-03-17T14:26:00.000-08:00

March Madness Saturday Night

Home made Pizza with peppers and zucchini
Slaw
Fruit Fondue
Yellow Cake in shape of basketball
With brown frosting

Favorite beverages and water

Tip: During the March Madness basketball season, people love to gather in front of televisions and enjoy the games as they encourage their favorite teams to win. Decorate a buffet table with basketball decorations. You can make miniature basketball muffins and place in gift boxes for guests to take home as favors. Store leftover foods in airtight containers. May set out a bowl of basketball shaped candies or nuts to munch.

Food for Thought:

He gives food to every living thing, for His loving kindness continues forever.
Psalm 136:25 LB

Family Meal Planning

Food

Eating is an essential part of our daily lives. Although food is part of cultural heritage, it is needed for proper health. The body utilizes nutrients from the food to maintain a healthy physical condition. The body’s energy is supplied by the nutrients of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The nutrients that are needed for building and maintaining cells, tissues and organs are proteins, minerals and water. To regulate body processes like digestion, absorption, elimination, coagulation of blood and maintenance of normal body temperature, one needs proteins, minerals, vitamins and water. In addition to food providing essential nutrients for nourishment, it satisfies social needs. Traditional meals are served at family gatherings. Special events and parties provide opportunities for caterers and chefs to use special skills in cooking. Family meal planners must always think about both the physiological and psychological functions of food as they prepare menus. They also must consider the challenges of special needs of family members like diabetics, obesity, or hypertension or other diet restrictions. People should be challenged to eat to live not to live to eat.

Pizza

Family meal planners can serve pizza as a complete meal. It provides, bread, vegetables and meats and dairy products. Homemade pizza is nutritious because the family cook can control the amount of salt and types of meat that are cooked. Cooking biscuit or yeast dough in a pizza pan will facilitate preparations. For quick meals use purchased pizza dough, crescent rolls or bread. If purchased products are used, family meal planers should consider the salt and sugar contents. The type of flour may also need to be considered in special diet food needs. Any lean ground meat such as buffalo, venison, turkey or chicken may be used. However, scrambled lean hamburger meat is usually a favorite. Precook meat and drain off grease to reduce fat even more. Prepared tomato paste has less salt and sugar than pizza or tomato sauce. Homemade tomato sauce is best. For variety the family cook may use spaghetti sauce or catsup. Vegetables may vary for the topping. Squash, peppers, zucchini and onions are recommended to family meal planners for our suggested menu. Top with plenty of cheese. Cheddar may be mixed with the vegetables and finished with a topping of Parmesan. Other ingredients like mushrooms or pepperoni slices may be added or omitted according to the special diet needs or desires of the family. It is easy to convert a pizza to a vegetarian recipe because the meat may be left out. Since it can easily be refrigerated or frozen and served when needed, uncooked homemade pizzas may be given to a friend moving to a new house or to a family with a sick cook. Provide directions for baking in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Usually a 12" homemade pizza serves 4-8 people; depending upon the desired serving size. Word of caution: A homemade pizza may not be a finger food.

From the Nutritionist: Our March Madness menu for the family meal planner is for a pizza party. Pizza is a favorite food item with family members and guests. It is more nutritious when made at home. The meat provides the protein. The vegetables in the pizza, slaw and fruit supply minerals and vitamins. The cheese in the pizza gives needed calcium. Melt chocolate or caramel sauce and dip fruit chunks for dessert. Make cake ahead of time and frost to resemble a basketball. Provide favorite beverages and plenty of water.

Recipes are available upon request.
www.callawaycookbook.com

Comments and questions are welcomed.

Please share this web site with a friend.

http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

St. Patrick’s Day

2006-03-13T07:16:00.000-08:00

St. Patrick’s Day Meal

Suggested Menu:

Corn Beef Brisket
Cabbage Pickled Beets
Irish Soda Bread
Grasshopper Pie
Green Cool Ade Irish Coffee

Tip: March 17th is named in honor of a young man who was born in Great Britain. At an early age he was taken to Ireland as a slave. After he escaped, he became a Christian and went back to Ireland as a missionary monk. He is called Saint Patrick because many miracles have been credited to him. Contrary to belief, he never drove snakes into the sea, but he witnessed to the “heathern” Irish who may have been called snakes because of their pagan ways. During family mealtime, Christians may talk about St. Patrick’s Bible beliefs and his missionary efforts in Ireland.
Food for Thought:
How shall they hear about Him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:14bLB

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 is an example. Other sources include any leafy vegetable, fibrous fresh fruit, whole grains and nuts. 1- 2 servings of fiber are needed every day.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a nutritious food. It is often used as a diet food for controlling obesity. Diabetics find cabbage a wholesome food since it has only natural sugar. Cabbage is a good source of both fiber and Vitamin C. Look for heads that are compact and heavy. Feel of the head before buying. Avoid yellowing or worm eaten leaves. Cabbage is available all year round and makes a good wintertime dish. Basic cooking includes rinsing head in salted cold water and shaking water out. Cut into wedges and steam or boil in salted water or beef stock for about 20 minutes. May add a piece of ham to add flavor. Serve warm. For 6 servings use 3 lbs.
From the Nutritionist: Family meal planners will discover this menu is a fun way of providing nutritious foods. Not only is the menu colorful, but also family meal planners with weight management concerns. Other special need groups like diabetics will find the meal healthy. Choose as lean corn beef brisket as possible. The food recipe for Corn beef brisket is easy cooking by placing into a slow cooker or cooking in a Dutch oven for at least 3 ½ hours. May cook cabbage in broth during the last 20 minutes. If pickled beets are not available, make your own. Irish soda bread may be made ahead of time. Store extra loaves or scones or 4 leaf clover shapes in food storage containers; place in food gift baskets decorated with shamrocks and give to shut-ins. For grasshopper pie tint cream cheese and cool whip with green food coloring and mint flavoring. Pour into a chocolate cookie crust. This pie can be converted into a diabetic recipe by omitting sugar and making crust out of sugar free cookies. 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.
Recipes are available upon request.
Please share this web site with a friend.

www.mealswithamessage.com

Eating Well for Wellness

2006-03-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

Eating Well for Wellness

Eating well for wellness requires eating foods with the 6 basic nutrients that the body needs. Basic nutrition involves understanding the need for these nutrients and planning meals around food sources of each required element. Studies of cultural experiences have shown that people who lack or obtain too much of various nutrients may have serious health problems. Family meal planners are challenged to meet nutritional requirements through basic nutrition, yet provide foods that the family enjoys.

Tip I: Prepare foods from scratch with freshest possible products available for the most flavorful and nutritious meals.

Tip II: Use your kitchen pantry for some medical needs. For example, for a soothing bath, blend 1-cup old-fashioned oatmeal until it is a powder. Slowly sprinkle under running water and stir into tub of warm water and soak your tired, weary body for 20 minutes.

Food for Thought:
Be careful not to use your freedom to eat….
1 Corinthians 8:9 LB

Family Meal Planning
+Lesson plan

The essential nutrients that are needed by the body are proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, water and fats. Three basic reasons for food are to provide growth, development and rebuilding of cells; to provide energy; and to aid in the elimination of waste products from the body. The primary sources of food are meats, fruits, vegetables, breads, milk and water and fats.

Proteins: To maintain proper growth and development and supply energy. Food sources: meat and meat products; milk and dairy products; eggs and some vegetables. In Africa, I saw children with bloated stomachs who were lacking adequate protein. Brazil’s main food protein source (among the lower income) was beans and rice. Since beans have some protein, the source can become complete with another food that has some protein. Although rice has very little, it is enough to create a complete protein dish. Lower income men often prided themselves on having fat wives and children because to them this indicated they had enough money for food. (See page 6 of cookbook for Feijoada: a Saturday Brazilian soup.)

Vitamins: To provide vitality and maintain mental health. Food sources: Vitamin A and C: fruits and vegetables; Vitamin D: sunshine and fortified milk; Vitamin E: organ meats like liver; Vitamin K: meats; Vitamin Bs: meats and breads. People who have lots of natural fruits and vegetables in their diets like in Brazil or Belgium seemed to have great mental health and vitality. In Africa and China, I saw people with bowed legs or rickets because they did not have adequate Vitamin D and calcium sometime earlier in life. People who cannot utilize Vitamin K or do not have adequate supply will have difficulty with blood clotting. People without adequate sources of Vitamin A often have night blindness.

Minerals: Most minerals are obtained though well balanced meals. Calcium is found in some vegetables, but primarily in milk. This is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Sodium is necessary for the flavor of food, but too much can cause high blood pressure and hypertension. The lack of iodine causes goiter and that is why it is often added to common table salt. In Africa and Brazil, we saw people eating dirt because they were probably lacking some mineral in their diets.

Carbohydrates: To provide energy. Food sources: fibrous fruits and vegetables; breads, grain products like rice and cereals. People who do not have adequate fiber in their meals will have problems with elimination of waste products. Since carbohydrates can be stored until future use, it often accumulates in the cells and may be called fat. In China the employer often provided the noon meal of rice. Workers would receive individual pails or containers of hot rice and chop sticks. Since vegetables were grown in the area where we lived, they were often served for breakfast with watery, rice gruel. Supper would also be vegetables and rice. Duck and poultry were served only on special occasions since these were usually raised for the market. Little meat seemed to be available in the common household. (See page 44 for Chinese Fortune Cookie recipe.)

Fat: To provide a padding and protection around the vital organs and energy. People without such protection may soon have damaged hearts, etc. All people need some fat. Fat is stored for future use and accumulates in the cells as fat that leads to obesity when not utilized adequately.

Water: To provide lubrication for all joints and vital organs as well as liquid for cells, plasma, etc. Water is constantly depleted and is the only nutrient that requires re-supply. Even though studies have shown that people can fast like Jesus for 30-40 days without food, the water must be re-supplied often during a day. Water sources include: tap water; juicy fruits and vegetable pulp; water based beverages like tea, coffee, cool aid; even bugs, meat and fiber can generate some water. In China, Brazil and many places in Africa, we had to be careful about drinking the water supply and we usually used distilled water. Major cities like Johannesburg had safe water sources, as did the country of Belgium. Milk is considered the most complete food and is also an excellent source of liquid. Water has no caloric content, but other beverages do and must be considered in the total food consumption.

From nutritionist: Meals and snacks for an entire day should be planned in consideration of the total day’s requirement. If one meal has to be adjusted or is lacking in a nutrient, other meals or snacks can help make up the deficiency. Plan the meats, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Evaluate the calories and nutrients then add breads and fats. From 8-12 glasses of water should be taken into the body every day. Remember all food intake should be to be burned by exercising or physical labor. Happy Meal planning for eating well for wellness!

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

www.mealswithamessage.com

Mardi Gras Meal

2006-02-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

Gulf Coast Supper For Mardi Gras

Suggested Menu
Okra/Seafood File’ Gumbo
Swamp Wild Rice Almandine
Carrots/celery relish plate
Creole Bread
Louisiana Pecan pralines
Or Mardi Gras Cake
Southern Ice cream
Mint julep limeade
Café Noir

Tip: Mardi Gras is a time of jubilee among the New Orleans and Gulf Coast region.
Decorate the table with beads and moon pies or trinkets. Christians often use this time for spiritual retreats.
Food for Thought:
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:32

Family Meal Planning
Eating Well for Wellness
Eating well for wellness involves many aspects of eating. First, enjoy any food that is placed before you. Eat a variety of foods so that you can obtain adequate nutrition for the proper function of your body organs. If you are served something that is unappealing, either pass it without comment or eat it with thankfulness and consideration of the one who is serving it. In foreign counties, you may find it hard to eat a goat’s intestines or even some types of fish, as I have found. Yet if you eat with a prayer in your heart and an attitude of appreciation of the things that God created, all foods are tolerable. When you concentrate on creating a cheerful environment, enjoying friends and family and eating with joyfulness, you can persevere. In everyday situations, chew your food well. Chew at least 25 times or until it is a liquid. The liquid form of food goes into the blood stream faster and provides energy and nutrients for your bodily functions. If you find yourself in a resentful or angry atmosphere, or if you are chewing your food too fast, calm down. Take deep breaths; start again; this time start slower. Stop eating when you grow tired of chewing or you are on the verge of feeling too full. Pleasant eating atmospheres and correct eating habits help you to eat well for wellness.

Gumbo
Gumbo is a cherished dish from the southern coastal area. It is made with file’ or okra as a thickening agent. File’ is made from sassafras leaves that are dried and ground into powder. The recipe is derived from the Choctaws Indians. The Indian word for sassafras is Kombo. Cajuns took the word and made it into Gumbo. File’ is added only after the dish is completely prepared and removed from the heat. Okra is mixed with the other vegetables and cooked. A roux also adds to the thickening of the soup or stew mix. Gumbo is a good dish to use left over meats. A mixture of meats can be used in gumbo. The vegetables can be cooked in beef or chicken broth. An authentic Cajun Gumbo is served over heaps of rice. The rice may also be cooked in leftover beef or chicken stock for variety. The slower the gumbo is cooked, the tastier it will be. About 2 hours is the basic time for slow cooking. For more tender vegetables, cook longer. Cajuns add Tabasco or hot sauce to their gumbo, but most Americans prefer it without. Either way, gumbo is a nutritious dish for a family meal.

From the Nutritionist: Gulf coast cooking is an easy way to obtain the nutrients that a family needs. This menu is an enjoyable way to enjoy cuisine of the region. Okra is still in season and is still economical in many farmers markets. A roux is mixed with the tomatoes, okra, and onions. A roux in the gumbo recipe is made with flour and oil to serve as a thickening agent. Although shrimp or crab meat is best, chicken or even sausage can be substituted. Other meats like venison and turkey can also be used. The vegetables in the gumbo as well as the relish plate provide needed vitamins and minerals. Protein is found in the meat. The rice has almond slivers sprinkled on top for an added appeal. Creole Bread is sausage cornbread with corn, plenty of black and red powdered peppers and Creole Seasoning. Rice and bread are 2 servings of carbohydrates. The pecan pralines and almonds give extra protein and minerals. Cooking a softball caramel candy mixture and adding the pecans is the method of preparation for making Louisiana pralines. Homemade ice cream is always a treat and supplies calcium to the food diet. The Mardi Gras cake is made with a yellow round layer. Place a cake decorator’s baby inside. A prize should be given to the person who bites into the baby. (Be sure to warn eaters about the trinket inside the cake and caution not to swallow.) When dishes are created from scratch, the sodium and sugar content can be controlled. This makes the menu adaptable for diabetics and special need dieters. Tabasco hot sauce is vital to Cajun meals. However, it can be omitted from the gumbo recipe without any major affects to the taste for most Americans. Happy Mardi Gras!!!!

After dinner coffee is a must. Chicory is desirable for an authentic cup of Cajun coffee. Green limeade with mint flavoring and a sprig of mint on the side can be substituted for mint juleps without alcohol. Happy southern coastal feasting!

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

www.mealswithamessage.com

Valentine Meal

2006-02-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Holiday:
Feb. 14:
Valentine’s Day
Suggested Menu:
Savory Swiss Steak
Sweet Peas /Glazed-eyed Carrots
Heavenly Hash Fruit Salad
Honey Butter and Angel Biscuits
Decadent Chocolate Cake Heart
Strawberries dipped in Chocolate
Tea for Two
(After dinner)
Hot cocoa topped with whipped cram
Tip: Stick toothpicks in strawberries. Dip the berry in melted chocolate and shake off excess. Turn berry upside down and insert toothpick into a block of Styrofoam or egg carton. Fresh strawberries keep longer if stored in an airtight food storage container with paper towels between the layers and on top. Fresh strawberries are a nutritious snack and diet food.

Food for Thought:
God is Love…. 1 John 4:8LB

Family Meal Planning
Protein
Protein along with carbohydrates and fats provide the body’s needed energy. Amino Acids or Protein is the nutrient that is necessary for building and maintaining the cells, tissues and muscles. It is necessary for a healthy heart. A healthy diet needs about 3 serving of protein daily. Family meal planners should include an adequate source of protein foods such as lean meats, milk, eggs and legumes. In a vegetarian diet, meal planners must include high protein vegetables and nuts to provide an adequate amount. Diets lacking adequate protein cause edema in the stomach area.
Chocolate
Chocolate originated in South America. The Indians used it for a delicious drink. With the arrival of the Europeans, chocolate was used for currency. Europeans learned that the solid form of chocolate made delicious candy and could be combined in puddings, cakes and icings. By Victorian times chocolate became associated with romance and love. Soon it became a major part of Valentine’s Day. The caffeine in the chocolate has made it known as a feel "good" food. Research is on going concerning the healthy benefits of chocolate for the heart. Chocolate cookies and candy are excellent foods to share with others in food gift baskets.
From the Nutritionist:
The Bible emphasizes God’s love for people and encourages people to love their families and one another. Christians have long recognized Valentine’s Day as the day for love and romance. One legend says that a man by the name of Valentine, who was imprisoned and in love, sent the first romantic greeting card. It became known as a Valentine card and February 14 became known as Valentine’s Day in honor of his romantic appeal. Our menu this week highlights this event. Our food recipes are easy for a busy family meal planner. The Savory Swiss steak recipe that provides protein and dairy can be prepared ahead of time, placed in a casserole dish and baked while getting the other food on the table. Honey butter is made by mixing honey and butter to spread on Angel biscuits. Diabetics can adjust the Decadent Chocolate cake to a diabetic recipe by substituting unsweetened applesauce for sugar and serving with fresh strawberries. Biscuits and cake serve as 2 bread exchanges for diabetics. To create a more romantic atmosphere after dinner, save orange peels from the Heavenly Hash Fruit Salad and throw into the fire in the fireplace for a captivating aroma. Hot chocolate milk topped with whipped cream may be served as an after dinner delight and a supplement to the dairy requirements. Food meal planners should always balance nutritious foods with exercise for the family members.
Recipes are available upon request.
Please share this with a friend.

www.mealswithamessage.com

General Beauregard’s Groundhog Day

2006-02-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

General Beauregard’s Groundhog Day

Suggested Menu:
Vidalia Onion Soup
Oven Fried Chicken with Pecan Coating
Potato/Cheese Casserole Green Beans
Carrot Sticks Homemade Rolls
Peach Cobbler
Iced Tea

Tip: Make a paste of ¼ c. oil, ½ c. flour, 1 c. pecans, salt and white pepper. Coat top of each chicken piece and bake. Pecans are cholesterol free and contain Vitamin E, potassium and magnesium. http://www.georgiapecans.org/newrecipes/EntreeswithPecans.htm

Food for Thought:
You are good at reading the weather signs…red sky tonight means fair weather tomorrow; red sky in the morning means foul weather all day…read the obvious signs of the times! Matthew 16:2-3

Family Meal Planning

Ground Hog Day
Traditionally, the Bible rites of purification were on Feb. 2. The date became known as the commemoration of the Purification of the Virgin Mary and candles were lit. Groundhog Day began as a Christian holiday called Candlemas when candles were blessed. The light of the candles often frightened animals. Since hibernating animals emerge halfway between the winter equinox and spring solstice, folklore developed. If animals saw their shadows, they became frightened and retreated to their dens, thus, 6 more weeks of winter. Since the North American animal most frequently seen was a groundhog or hedgehog, Feb. 2 became Groundhog Day in the United States and Canada. The Southern groundhog General Beauregard, who works only one day a year as the Weather Prognosticator, lives a lavish lifestyle in Georgia. General Beauregard’s diet is mainly vegetables and fruits. Our easy menu for the family meal planner consists of foods from his region of the country.
http://www.yellowrivergameranch.com/bio.htm
Vidalia Onions

Onions are high in vitamin C, fiber
Has natural sweetness. Cooking is easy. Soup makes an excellent winter meal. May cut onion under running water to prevent tearing.
Home : Recipes : Soups
http://www.sweetonion.com/WhatVidaliaOnion.htmlFrom the Nutritionist:
Family meal planners and diabetics will find this menu has onions, potatoes, greens beans, carrots and peaches that provide 4 servings of fruits and vegetables needed daily for the family. The cheese in the potato casserole will provide 1 serving of dairy. For more calcium, the meal planner may serve ice cream on top of the peach cobbler. Carrot sticks may be stored in a safe food container and used as snacks or diet food. Carrots may be cooked into cakes or cookies, placed in a gift food basket. The green bean recipe is a free exchange for diabetics. Diabetics should limit potatoes and carrots since both are high in carbohydrates. One chicken piece provides one serving or exchange of protein. Sugar free peaches and sugar free ice cream may be served for a diabetic dessert.

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South African Cookie Recipe

2006-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

South Africans have delicious cookie recipes.

I have included one that was taught to me by a marvelous Afrikaner lady when i lived in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is called: Koesksisters. The pastry and syrup are easy. However, what is tricky is the right temperature to dip the pastry into the sauce. For this recipe and others, refer to page 34 of the cookbook. The pastry is made by blending the butter, sugar and eggs. Alternately add this sugar mixture to the plain flour which has baking powder and salt sifted into it. Form a ball and place between two layers of wax papers. Roll out. Remove top layer of paper. Cut pastry into strips. Use three strips to make a braid. Stretch and form a figure 8 with the braids. Fry in hot corn oil. Drain and dip Koesksister in the syrup which is cold. Place on a wire rack to remove excess syrup. The syrup is made with water, sugar and cream of tartar. Boil and remove from heat. Be careful not to splatter on you because the syrup is HOT! Cool and dip pastry. Happy South African eating.

Food for thought: Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31

Recipes are available upon request.
www.callawaycookbook.com
Comments and questions are welcomed.

Please share this web site with a friend.
http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

Meals-to-go for Professionals Menu

2006-01-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

Meals With A Message
www.mealswithamessage.com
Family Meal Planning
+Lesson plan

Meals-to-go for busy professionals menu

Turkey stuffed pita bread
Coconut crème cookie on peach half
Lemon Zest green tea

Tip: Make turkey favors/gift baskets by inserting toothpicks inside the large end of an apple. Tip with sugar-free gumdrops. Make turkey legs with 2 toothpicks inserted in sugar-free orange slices. You can quickly place these in small storage containers and give as food gift baskets to co-workers or fellow employees who are shut-ins with flu or other ailments. Remind them of the old adage: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Food for Thought:
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of hands to rest means that poverty will break in upon you suddenly like a robber, and violently like a bandit.
Proverbs 24:32-34 LB

Eating Well for Wellness
Since you want to avoid sleeping on the job, busy professionals need adequate sleep and rest at night. A meal-to-go for a busy professional is the answer. Pack a meal-to-go lunch that contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is found in protein. (Although tryptophan supplements are available, natural foods are always better than pills.) Tryptophan relieves tension, increases sleep and rest and promotes relaxation. People who eat foods containing tryptophan for lunch are more productive because they are less stressed. They become less agitated when things do not go their way and they feel less tired. Foods high in tryptophan are chocolate, oats, bananas, dates, milk, cottage cheese, meat, fish turkey, chicken and peanuts. Studies have shown that tryptophan in foods will not cause you to nap all afternoon, however, when sleep time comes at the normal time, the person who has eaten foods with this nutrient will be more likely to get a good night’s sleep and will awaken ready to function normally the next day. With a meal-to-go lunch for the a busy professional, he/she will have more time to exercise during lunch hour or do Christian Bible study or take a nature walk to enjoy God’s creations.

Meals-to-go preparation
Lesson plan
This menu has very little cooking. Assemble the following ingredients: left over turkey or purchased, cooked turkey leg, apple, tomato, lettuce, salt, pepper, pickle relish or sweet pickles, Italian dressing and pita bread. Chop cooked turkey. Chop apple and dip in a fruit fresh mixture to prevent oxidation. Add pickle relish, chopped apple, chopped tomato and small pieces of lettuce to turkey. Toss with a small amount of Italian dressing. The turkey filling is ready to stuff inside a pita bread pocket. Pack the turkey filling in a storage container that keeps it chilled or store in a refrigerator until time to eat. Wrap the pita bread in a plastic wrap or bag to keep fresh. If a microwave is available, warm turkey-filled pita bread for 20-30 seconds or eat cold. For dessert eat a ready prepared coconut crème cookie with a peach half. If microwave is available, place the cookie inside the peach and warm for 20 seconds. Eat with a fork. Diabetics or those with obesity concerns should eat a sugar-free cookie with the peach half.

From the Nutritionist: People often ask: just why is it important to have good nutrition? Protein is one of the body’s main building blocks. It is found in the turkey of our menu. Protein is needed for rebuilding of cells and health maintenance. Protein is broken into other elements that the body needs to function properly. Tryptophan is needed for adequate rest. Vitamins and minerals supplement bodily functions. Vitamin C and A that are found in the peach, apples, tomatoes and lettuce of our menu help. Vitamin C helps prevent colds and diseases. The numerous vitamins and minerals aid the body in reproduction and elimination processes. Pita Bread provides carbohydrates that are needed for energy and strength. Meals should contain a nutritional and balanced diet, especially for people on the go.

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

www.mealswithamessage.com

Elvis Presley's Birthday Supper

2006-01-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

Meals With A Message

www.mealswithamessage.com

Elvis’ Birthday Theme Supper
Tupelo Chicken Wings
Elvis’ Toasted Peanut Butter-
Banana Sandwich
Blue Hawaii Fruit Salad
Memphis Shake

Tip: Theme suppers are fun! Celebrate Elvis’ birthday with cardboard records suspended from the ceiling. Make musical notes from black construction paper and scatter on white tablecloth. Make napkin rings from paper towel holders, cover with adhesive white paper and glue a musical note onto the side. Glue musical notes onto corner of white napkins. Display any other Elvis memorabilia that you can find. Set the mood with Elvis’ music. Encourage family members or guests to converse about Elvis’ career and life. Christians make discuss his Christian background and love for Gospel songs.

Food for Thought:
Jesus said: You will know the truth and the truth shall set you free. John 8:32 LB

Family Meal Planning

Eating Well for Wellness

As you start 2006, continue being health conscious. Plan daily meals and balance nutrients throughout the day by making healthy choices. Avoid fad diets. Seek nutritional facts about foods from labels and other sources. Exercise for 20-30 minutes every day. As you walk or use the treadmill, think of 10 people for whom you can pray. Recall 10 verses of poems, famous sayings or scriptures. Sing 10 choruses. Eat slowly during meals and establish a pleasant atmosphere. Breathe deeply for 10 times in and 10 times out when you feel yourself becoming tense. Plan daily meals and balance nutrients throughout the day by making healthy choices. Set a goal to develop spiritually a little each day. Take the challenge to know the truth about eating well for wellness.

Making Elvis’ Favorite Foods

We have modified Elvis’ favorite foods with more nutritious ingredients. Tupelo Wings are named for the city where Elvis was born. Chicken wings are cooked in a slow cooker in sauce. Sauce is made from grape jelly, barbeque sauce and catsup. Blue Hawaii fruit salad is named for one of his movies. If fresh pineapple is available, slice in half and remove most of pineapple. Reserve shells in refrigerator. Cube apples, pears and bananas; mix with chunked pineapple. Half maraschino cherries and toss with fruit. Fill pineapple shells and keep cool until served. Elvis often had his favorite sandwich flown to his locations. Spread low sodium peanut butter on one slice of whole wheat bread; layer sliced banana, top with another slice of bread and toast lightly. Serve warm. The Memphis shake reminds of us of Elvis’ ability to shake, rattle and roll. Blend skim milk and sugar-free strawberries. Serve chilled.

From the Nutritionist: Protein is found in the chicken and peanut butter. All the fruit and milk supplies vitamins and minerals. Bread provides carbohydrates. Remember nutrients are needed each day to maintain weight and health.

Recipes are available upon request.
www.callawaycookbook.com
Comments and questions are welcomed.
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http://www.mealswithamessage.com/

ML King Holiday Meal

2006-01-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

Holiday:
Jan. 17:
Martin Luther King
Birthday

Suggested Menu:
Baked Chicken
Turnips greens
Sweet Potatoes
Corn Bread
Pumpkin Pie
Tip: Sweet potatoes will not turn dark if placed in 5 t. salt to 1 qt. water as peeled.
Food for Thought: Get in the habit of inviting guests to dinner.
Romans 12:13 LB

Family Meal Planning
Diabetics
Since diabetics are always looking for diabetic recipes with out sugar, try preparing desserts with unsweetened applesauce. Substitute the sugar in a recipe for sugar alternatives. For example use Sweet N Lo http://www.sweetnlow.com/faqs/intro.html
or Splendra or whey http://wheylow.com/ Diabetics should eat 2 cups of fruit a day.
Soul Food

Historically, Soul Food is the diet foods of African Americans. The southern tradition was collard greens, legumes like dried beans or peas, dried fruits and root vegetables like white and sweet potatoes. Their cooking consisted of lots of salt. Modern African Americans watch their diets because of high blood pressure and diabetes. People need to eat 4 1/2 cups of vegetables daily.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are excellent sources of our nutrients. A sweet potato has magnesium, potassium, vitamins B and C and provides fiber. Sweet potatoes should be stored in a food storage container in a cool place, but not refrigerator; will keep a month.
Sweet Potatoes

Meals with a Message

2006-01-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

What's for dinner?

Does this question fill you with fear, make your hands sweat and make the muscles tighten in the back of your neck?
Family meal time should be a pleasant experience fill with positive emotions. See this article as an example of the power of the family meal. You are probably familiar with the old ad campaign "You are what you eat!" but even more importantly, you are what you think! Therefore during the most important time of the day - meal time - you need to release your stress and think positive loving thoughts. Let the food feed your body and your soul. That is what meals with a message is all about.
‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ Acts 17:28

Fear not!
Meals with a Message
is here to help.

Here you will find: Family Meal planning ideas, sample menus, cooking ideas, food recipes, and other ideas to make meal time less stressful and more positive for everyone.
Food has been associated with spiritual health since Adam and Eve. God's first instruction was about what food was good and what food was forbidden. Genesis 2:16-17.The Bible contains instructions on recommended diet plans, cooking instructions, food storage, and maybe not specific recipes, but at least of what was good food and what was not.