Why We Are Baptized

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We have an exciting event happening in our family this coming week.  My 8-year-old grandson is being baptized at church!  We are taught that children reach the age of accountability–they are able to distinguish right from wrong–at 8 years old.  So this is a big milestone in his life, as it is for anyone, and we will be able to participate in that this Saturday afternoon.

Today I just wanted to share this really good video with you that shows children telling what they know about Jesus Christ’s baptism and about why it is important to follow His example.  In case you have trouble viewing it, here is the link:

  https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/collection/childrens-bible-videos/baptism

 

Brunswick Stew

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When we were little and living in Northern Virginia, our summer vacations usually consisted of driving down to Wilmington, North Carolina and visiting my grandparents, on my Dad’s side of the family.  We would either rent a cottage for  the week on one of the beaches in the area or we would stay at Grandpa and Grandma Brew’s house in Leland.  

Always lots of stuff to do when visiting there like going down to Grandpa’s store and filling a small brown paper bag with whatever candy and treats we could fit into it from the old candy case–we each got our own bag!–and we could get a drink from the drink case, where we could use the attached bottle opener to open a cold Pepsi or Mountain Dew–you know, before flip tops and screw caps.

Another favorite must-do while there was to go to a local seafood restaurant (I would usually get fried shrimp) and to go to Skinner & Daniels BBQ. Here is where the recipe memory gets really tasty.  If my mind serves me right, I usually liked to get the BBQ chicken and ALWAYS the Brunswick Stew.  So good. So “d-wicious”, as my grandson would say.  This is not their recipe, but I think Mom got it from Grandma Brew.  That’s my guess, anyway.

Skinner & Daniels isn’t there anymore–long gone and probably replaced by an auto parts or mattress store, but the memories are still there.

Land sakes, (Grandma used to say that), look what I found on Google!  So glad someone thought to put this on Pinterest.

 

A little side-note:  I ran out of time between running to Walmart– because I didn’t have any Lima Beans– and a meeting that I had at 10:00 this morning, so I Googled cooking this in the slow cooker.  I found good instructions for doing this and saw that they had also included a pork tenderloin.  Well you know I didn’t have that on hand, but what I did have was Thrive Life Freeze-dried Pulled Pork .  Thanks goodness for my Thrive! Threw everything in my Crockpot for 4 hours and now my house is smelling so good.

 

Brunswick Stew
Serves 4
A tasty stew, often found in local BBQ restaurants in the South.
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Ingredients
  1. 2 T. olive oil
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 12 oz. boneless chicken, cut into 1" cubes
  4. 1 1/2 c. THRIVE freeze-dried Pulled Pork
  5. 6 c. chicken broth (30-oz. can)
  6. 1 (16-oz.) can stewed tomatoes
  7. 1 c. baby lima beans
  8. 1 c. corn kernels
  9. 1 c. sliced okra (opt.)
  10. 1/2 c. raw rice
  11. 2 t. dried thyme
  12. 2-3 t. Worcestershire sauce (or to taste)
  13. 14 t. Tabasco sauce (or to taste)
Instructions
  1. In large soup pot, heat oil and saute onion over medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add chicken, broth, pork, tomatoes, limas, corn, okra, rice and thyme.
  3. Bring to simmer, reduce heat, and cook, partially covered, for about 25 minutes, until rice is tender.
  4. Season with Worcestershire and Tabasco.
  5. Serve with cornbread, corn sticks, or hushpuppies (never heard of these? Stay tuned.)
Notes
  1. Can be made 2 days ahead.
  2. Leftover chicken would be fine in this soup. Add 2 c. cubed meat during last few minutes of cooking.
  3. This soup takes particularly well by doubling. Use an 8 qt. pot and make enough for at least 2 meals.
Adapted from Pat Brew, The Brew Family Cookbook, vol. 2 "Strange Brew"
Adapted from Pat Brew, The Brew Family Cookbook, vol. 2 "Strange Brew"
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Share the Vision

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You might be wondering why there is a picture of a chicken on today’s Morsel post.  Well, I was “scratching” around for inspiration on what I could post today and thought I would share something that I just read in my Gospel study–just 10 minutes ago.  

Along with reading from the scriptures (right now it’s the Book of Mormon) I read an article from the Ensign .  I am also reading Lead, Guide, and Walk Beside —a great resource for women as they serve with and beside other leaders in the Church.  This is a great book and I will probably be sharing more nuggets from it in future posts–I am learning so much!

This particular insight came from a chapter on being a leader with vision.  It is critical to your success as a church leader–even as a parent, committee chair, manager–to share your vision with those you are leading.  Ardeth G. Kapp, the author of Lead, Guide… illustrates what I am talking about with the story of “The Little Red Hen.”  

We probably all remember reading our Little Golden Book story of the little red hen who wanted to bake homemade bread–she was so committed to this goal that she could almost smell it baking in the oven, but it was a daunting task since she had not even planted the wheat to start the process.  She wisely approaches her barnyard friends to enlist their help with this endeavor and ,as we all know, they turn her down.  

 

 

So she goes back home, works hard and completes this project by herself.  As she is enjoying the wonderful smell of her freshly baked bread her barnyard pals are enjoying it, too.  They beat a path to her door to partake of the fruits of her labors but are not allowed even a taste, because they didn’t help.

How do you think this story would have turned out if Red had shared her complete vision with each friend that she approached for help?  What if she had told them of the great party they would have sharing the bread they ALL worked for, the bonds of friendship they would strengthen, the skills that each would develop in the process? 

Imagine how much bread they would have produced by working together, and how they could have shared their abundance with others down the road.

I love this quote from the book:

A visionary leader will help others see what she sees, hear what she hears, and feel what she feels.  When we share the vision, we inspire others with the real purpose–“the grand why.” There are many reasons why we do some things and not others, but the “grand why” is to serve people, reach people, bless people, and bring souls unto Christ.

 I know someone who has done all of that and more–our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He has shared His vision with us through scripture and example and He is the most successful and loved leader of all.

 

Image of hen from Pixabay.

 

Hummus

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So, I spend a lot of time at our local Family YMCA.  Between Yoga, Body Pump and Zumba, I put in about 6 hours a week–and I work out at home a couple of days.  Anyway, sometimes our Y staff will provide copies of healthy, easy recipes for the patrons to take home.  I have tried a few and they usually turn out pretty tasty.  This hummus is no exception.  I think it took about 5 minutes or so to put together.  It took longer for me to do the “photo shoot” than it did to prepare the recipe.

This is an easy dish to customize, so if you DO like hummus–it’s an acquired taste–and you want a little something extra, try these:

  • Roasted Garlic–for a more mellow flavor, roast the garlic in the oven or on the stove top before adding to the chickpeas.
  • Roasted Red Pepper–use a small jar of red pepper strips (pimientos) and mix most of the peppers in with the hummus in the blender. For more flavor you can use the liquid in the jar in place of some of the oil.  Garnish with a few pepper strips.
  • Southwestern–Decrease the salt and pepper.  Add about 1/8 t. of cumin and a dash of cayenne pepper.

 

Hummus
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Ingredients
  1. 1 15-oz. can of chickpeas, drained
  2. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  3. a few drops of sesame oil
  4. 1 t. fresh minced garlic
  5. 1 T. lemon juice
  6. 1/2 t. salt & 1/4 t. black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
  1. Combine the chickpeas, oils, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender.
  2. Process to desired consistency, scraping down the sides of the food processor a couple of times during the blending.
  3. If texture is too thick, drizzle in a little more olive oil or a small amount of water.
  4. Scoop into a bowl, stirring in salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
  1. Serve with pita chips, pretzels, or vegetables for dipping.
Adapted from unknown source
Adapted from unknown source
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Copycat Hardee’s Biscuits

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Here in the South, biscuits hold an honored place at your table, no matter which meal is being served.  I don’t make them often because, well, they wreak havoc on any weight loss efforts I may currently be pursuing.  But once in a while someone wants biscuits and sausage gravy and there you go.  

Way back in the 1980’s our family acquired this delicious biscuit recipe from someone who shall remain nameless, because I don’t want to get them in trouble-and I can’t remember his name anyway.

There are lots of ways to serve them–one of my favorite being to eat them with butter and strawberry jam.  Oh and if you like cheese biscuits do this: instead of rolling them out and cutting them, just pinch off a good size portion of dough–like maybe the size of a tangerine or a little bigger–roll it into a ball, then kind of pat it out enough to wrap around about a 2 to 3-inch cube of sharp cheddar cheese, place in your pan and bake.  Shut your mouth good, y’all. If you are from Eastern North Carolina and have been to an Abram’s BBQ you will know what I’m talkin’ about–maybe I will try making a Tutti Frutti some time. Yeah, those…

Next time you get a hankering to have some comfort food, serve up some of these babies and you will be surprised at the compliments you get. By the way, the ingredient amounts on this recipe make for a LOT of biscuits.  I usually just half the recipe.

Be sure and shoot us a comment and let us know how you like these and how you like to serve them.  

Copycat Hardee's Biscuits
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Ingredients
  1. 8 3/4 c. self-rising flour
  2. 1 1/2 c. Crisco shortening
  3. 2 T. Baking Powder
  4. 1 quart buttermilk
  5. 2 T. Sugar
Instructions
  1. Mix flour, baking powder and sugar for 20 seconds by hand. Work in Crisco.
  2. Add milk all at once. Mix quickly.
  3. Put on floured surface. Roll out to desired thickness and cut with a cookie or biscuit cutter.
  4. Bake at 450 degrees F for 12-15 minutes.
  5. Brush tops with melted butter, if desired.
Notes
  1. We got this recipe from an unnamed source back in the 80's. Hardees might have changed their recipe since then, but these are dang good.
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Tiger Butter Fudge

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Ever need to make a treat to take to an event but don’t really want to go to the trouble?  Or maybe you just want a treat for yourself?

With only three ingredients, this recipe is a winner and you’ll be toting/indulging in this treat in no time!

tiger butter fudge

tiger butter fudge prep

Chocolates are melted, peanut butter is about to go into the white chocolate, and the pan is ready.

This is the fun part!

tiger butter fudge

Easy recipe…..peanut butter and chocolate….pretty…..WIN!

Tiger Butter Fudge
With only three ingredients, this recipe is one you can whip up in no time.
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Prep Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 (12 oz) bag of white chocolate chips
  2. 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  3. 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Line a 9x13 pan with aluminum foil so that when you are ready to cut and serve, you can easily lift out the fudge.
  2. Place the semisweet chips into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir. Continue to melt in microwave in 30 second increments until the chips are melted. Set aside.
  3. Repeat this process in a different bowl with the white chocolate chips. Stir peanut butter into the melted white chocolate.
  4. Pour the white chocolate/peanut butter mixture into the pan. Don't worry about spreading it to the edge, just let it spread as far as it will on its own.
  5. Use a spoon or spatula to drop the semisweet chocolate onto the white chocolate mixture in rough lines.
  6. Using a butter knife, run through the fudge in the opposite direction of the semisweet lines, making a marbled pattern. Do this until you get the look you like!
  7. Allow to set at room temperature, or place it in the fridge to set quickly. Lift out the foil and place on a cutting board; cut in pieces.
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Bacon/Cranberry/Pecan Stuffed Celery

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What are your food traditions for Christmas?  Do you celebrate on Christmas Eve or do you wait until the 25th to party with your people?  We celebrate on Christmas Eve with a scratch-made (almost) Mexican dinner, and then on Christmas Day we join with more family and enjoy a go-to fare of finger foods. Everyone who can shows up at my parents’ home–at various times, but ending up together around 4:00 pm or so–for munchies of the savory AND sweet variety–followed by a rousing game of WINNER–one for the littles and one for the not-so-littles (by age)–this is usually followed by games of Trivial Pursuit–where it’s women vs. men–Psych, maybe a favorite Christmas movie and some football, of course.

My offerings this year were Kris Kringles–a family tradition which is like Rice Krispy Treats on steroids–and this new dish that I found on Pinterest.  You know how sometimes you try a recipe from there and sometimes it bombs? This one didn’t–it delivered as promised.  I seriously went back into the kitchen  numerous times for more of these celery treats instead of more sweet stuff.  I know–it’s hard to believe, but it is true. I must be growing up.  

Alas, the celery ran out before the filling did when I was putting them together.  So what’s a girl to do?  Form said filling into a cheese ball, put it on a small platter, and arrange crackers around it.  That was tasty, as well.  A versatile and visually appealing recipe.  I am adding this one to my holiday favorites.

 

Bacon Cranberry Pecan Stuffed Celery
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Ingredients
  1. 12 celery stalks, cleaned, cut into portions
  2. 1/2 lb crispy cooked bacon, drained and crumbled
  3. 8 oz reduced fat cream cheese, softened
  4. 1/2 cup pecans, toasted in butter and chopped
  5. 1/2 cup craisins, chopped
  6. 2 green onions, finely chopped
  7. 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  8. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
  1. Cook bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, then chop.
  2. Chop pecans, Craisins, and green onion.
  3. In a small bowl, combine: Cream cheese, bacon, pecans, Craisins, green onion, heavy cream, and garlic powder. Stir to mix well.
  4. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes so that the flavors connect well with each other.
  5. Clean celery and cut into desired portion size.
  6. To stuff celery, carefully spread cream cheese mixture into each portion of celery.
  7. Refrigerate until time to serve--keep chilled.
Notes
  1. Our original source used glazed walnuts, but I couldn't find any at the store so I substituted pecans which I already had on hand.
  2. The original recipe suggests using a piping bag with a LARGE tip or a Ziploc bag with a large hole cut in a corner to stuff the celery. I tried this, but my filling was too stiff, so I just used a small knife to spread it--and sometimes I just placed some in with my fingers.
Adapted from Just A Pinch
Adapted from Just A Pinch
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies

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Anyone who knows my family knows that we love our peanut butter.  I mean, we buy the giant 5-pound Peter Pan canisters at Sam’s, for cryin’ out loud.  

Nutella?  Well, we may or may not have been known to just grab some by the spoonful.  

So combining the two was sure to be a hit!

nutella peanut butter cookies

I think what I love most about these cookies, though, is the texture.  They have this wonderful, melt-in-your-mouth-ness. 

Heavenly.

nutella peanut butter cookies

Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies
Yields 2
An easy recipe with a great texture!
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Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup butter, softened
  2. 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  3. 1/2 cup sugar
  4. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  5. 1 egg
  6. 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  7. 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  8. 3/4 tsp. baking soda
  9. 1/4 tsp. salt
  10. 1/3 cup Nutella
Instructions
  1. Cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars in a mixer for several minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla and mix till well-combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt and whisk together.
  3. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour mixture until it just barely comes together.
  4. Scoop the Nutella into a microwave-safe bowl and nuke it for about 30 seconds. Drizzle this over the cookie dough and fold/cut in the Nutella just to the point where the dough is marbled.
  5. Cover the dough and place in the fridge to chill for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  6. Remove the dough from the fridge and form into balls. Place about an inch apart on a cookie sheet (I used parchment paper on mine for easy clean up!). Use a fork to make criss-cross marks, gently pressing the balls down to about half their "starting" height.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, but keep an eye on them. You only want them to bake until the edges are just barely starting to turn a light brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then place them on a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Notes
  1. The original recipe from Six Sisters Stuff recommended 8-10 minutes for baking, but this was not nearly long enough in my oven.
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Putting Things Away

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Confession time:  I’m not a naturally tidy person.  I have a hard time putting things away in their proper place.

Don’t get me wrong–I love a neat and tidy house.  I’m just not good at it.

I also confess that I’ve let my house go a bit.  Especially during 2017, which was a particularly stressful year for me.  My priorities were all out of whack, my stress level was through the roof, and I felt ineffectual at home.

But lately I have felt a strong pull towards putting in the extra physical and mental effort (yes, it does take mental effort too) to keep things more orderly.  I have been setting my house in order, which is no small task when you’ve let your house go a bit…for a long time!  I’ve been dejunking, organizing, cleaning.  The effort has been, well, a lot of effort!  But the results have been so liberating.  It reminds me of this scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 93:43:

And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.

Delivered!

Yes, I felt delivered when I finally cleaned out my laundry room and threw away/donated the items that had been stuffed on shelves or tucked into corners.  Delivered when I finally tackled my gross cleaning closet filled with unused or empty cleaning bottles.  Delivered when I let go of items in my closet, kitchen, craft room, and pantry that hadn’t been used in years and are now either in the garbage or on their way to a donation site to bless someone else.

putting things away in my cleaning closet

My cleaning closet now….man, I wish I had taken a before pic because it was MESSY!!

And while that scripture certainly hits the nail on the head for the physical order in my home, there’s another kind of order that I had not considered.

As I sorted, straightened, and cleaned my cleaning closet (ironic that it was one of the worst-cleaned areas in the house…the cleaning closet!) my mind began to wonder.  How did I let it get this bad?  Isn’t it so much nicer to have fewer things to keep track of? I can’t believe how relieved and happy this is making me–just putting things away in their proper place.

Putting things away in their proper place.  

I’m not quite sure how my thoughts then progressed (probably the Spirit, right?) but I began to think of other things that need to be put away.

Grudges.  Offenses.  Stress.  Judgments.

….and so on.

And where is the proper place for these?  If I put these “away” would I feel the same kind of relief, peace, and deliverance?

Duh.

The only place I can think of to put these is with the Lord.  What’s the saying–let go and let God?  Let go of those wasteful, dust-collecting, soul-draining, energy-sucking thoughts and feelings and let Him worry about it.  The weight of those mental loads is really a lot heavier than we realize.  And once that weight is lifted, we can enjoy that sweet feeling of deliverance.

It will have to be a matter of prayer, I think.

Please help me to see him/her as You see him/her.

Please help me to see myself as You do.

Please help me to forgive as I hope You will forgive me.

Please help me to handle this challenge with the Spirit.

If prayer is a form of work, then maybe the best time to pray for these things is when I’m actually working on cleaning my home.  While I’m in the middle of sorting, cleaning, organizing, and dejunking, why not reach out to the Lord and ask for his help in tidying up my mind and heart? 

Because honestly, I’m ready for that kind of deliverance too.

 

 

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