Good Morning! I am back for the day!

So...
I saw an article back over the summer that showed what people all over the world ate and how much they spent in a week on food. It was shocking and intriguing! I am pleading with everyone of you who read this blog. Even if you have never left a comment. PLEASE! I know with Christmas and all the extra baking (or not) and eating (or not) we do it is not a good week to try this. Maybe take a week in January and write down everything you buy for food and the cost. Come back here and leave a comment under the title I will leave later for this. Tell me what you bought and what it cost to feed your family. Then after you take a look at the book or article tell me what you see in the pictures.

I am reading a book right now called, The Diet Alternative by Diane Hampton. It is so good. Did you realize that when God feed the Israelites manna it was in the morning and at night. No lunch! Do you think we as Americans eat to much? Forget Americans, humans! I want to be a good steward of even what I eat this next year. I just want to be hungry for all things. I want to feel full from all things.

Think this over with me and let me know what you find! PLEASE!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5005952

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Today is the beginning of our Christmas break. And by that I mean break, from everything that has become routine for me. So I WILL see you again in the new year. I am just on vacation!

Have a blessed Christmas, eat with gladness and give thanks always!

Angela

Thursday Plan ~ 12/18

Chicken Orzo Soup

Tip* Orzo is a tiny rice shaped pasta, which is found in the pasta section of most grocery stores.
I also cook my chicken in the crock pot on low overnight, keeping the dripping for the broth.

Brown:
1 chopped onion
1 chopped green pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp oregano

Add & bring to a boil:
broth from cooked chicken
3 c water + more as needed
salt & pepper

Add:
2/3 c orzo pasta
stir occasionally, cook 8 minutes or until pasta is done.

Add:
2 c cooked chicken
1 c chopped zucchini

Cook for several minutes, remove from heat add 2 tbsp lemon juice. Top with feta cheese and parsley.

Wednesday Plan 12/17

Black-Eyed Pea Soup

Soak 2 c dry peas overnight. Drain and add to crockpot.
Add:
2 cans beef broth
1 lb. cooked crumbled bacon
1 onion cooked until soft
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt & pepper
water to desired consistency.

Cook on low 6 hours or until peas are soft. Add a little water while cooking when needed.
Add a loaf of bread to dinner and your set!

12 Days of Christmas Cookies ~ Days 6-12

Seriously I am going to make everyone of these cookies and I will let you know how they turn out. Here you go!

http://images.allrecipes.com/site/allrecipes/final_starbucks.pdf

Tuesday Plan 12/16

Beef Barley Soup

I won't have time to give you recipes for fresh homemade bread but I encourage you to seek some out and try them with your soups this week. It is quite easy and so very satisfying both nutritionally and emotionally. If you just don't have time try some on the weekend and freeze them for the week. If you just still don't have the time, Stack's does have some nice artisan bread that are great heated up.


1 lb stew meat, I also cut it up smaller than how it comes and brown it good

Brown:
1 chopped onion
2 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz. mushrooms, sliced

2 medium carrots, diced
3/4 cup barley
1 bay leaf
6 cups beef broth
1 tbsp salt
pepper

In crockpot, combine everything. Cook beef and barley soup on LOW in crockpot for 6 to 8 hours.

Week Plan 12/14

So Sunday we had leftovers. We also went to our church's live nativity drama. What an awesome thing! I mean until you go and see what goes into everything to tell the true story of Jesus birth, you won't understand. I am so thankful to be a part of such an awesome church family! What a blessing and encouragement they are to me and my family.

Monday I have been invited to go out to dinner with some friends I haven't seen in a few months. At Olive Garden! How could I say no? I mean come on, friends and Italian food? Tom has offered to fry up some potatoes and eggs for him and the boys! What a husband! I think I'll get him an extra stocking stuffer for Christmas for this one! I am thinking that new Love Dare book? Thanks for the suggestion Becky.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday I will give you some new soup recipes and Friday we are having company so I will give you my Italian Beef recipe. Dessert? Yes, but I am not sure what yet! Stay tuned...

12 Days of Christmas Cookies ~ Day 5

Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are from another friend~Diana back in Michigan. These are the best ever!

Set oven to 350.

Cream~

3/4 c butter

1 1/2 c brown sugar

3/4 c sugar

Add~

1 TBSP vanilla

2 eggs

Stir in~

3 c flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

Mix in~

1 bag 60% cacao bittersweet Ghiradelli chips

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light brown.

I do have to say after your first batch if they seem to melt because of the butter (depending on how soft it is) just add about another 1/4 c flour. Sometimes I need to do this and other times I don't.