Heart and Hearth Thoughts

Swagbucks

2009-04-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

I’ve just discovered Swagbucks in the last several months and like it so much I wanted to share. I’ve been a member for 6-8 weeks now and have already earned 33 Swagbucks, mostly by using their search engine. Just 12 more and I’ll have enough to trade in for a $5 Amazon gift card. I’ll probably be saving them up for awhile instead and getting some airline miles.

It took about a week for me to get used to searching with Swagbucks instead of Google, like I was accustomed to. Downloading the search bar was a big help. Once in awhile I still switch over to Google when Swagbucks doesn’t come up with quite what I need, but most of the time the results it comes up with are quite sufficient.

Why not give swagbucks a try? Use them for your everyday online searches and you can be redeeming your “bucks” for gift cards in no time at all!

Sun in March

2009-03-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."

~Charles Dickens

~*~

Chocolate Cream Pie

2009-03-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 prebaked 9-inch pie crust

1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus an additional 2 tablespoons, divided use
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1-1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

In a large saucepan, over medium heat, combine milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder and salt; bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Whisk the eggs together in a medium bowl, and gradually whisk in half of the hot milk mixture until combined; whisk the egg mixture back into saucepan containing remaining milk. Heat mixture, whisking frequently, until it starts to thicken up and coat the back of a spoon.

Remove pan from heat and stir in chocolate chips, tablespoon butter and vanilla. Pour filling into pie crust and cool completely in the refrigerator, about 1 hour.
To make the whipped cream, combine heavy cream and additional 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium sized mixing bowl, using a mixer on high speed, and beat until stiff peaks form - about 1-2 minutes. Spread whipped cream evenly on pie and sprinkle with chocolate shavings if desired.

Makes 8 servings

I'm Alive!

2009-03-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry I have taken soooo long in updating. I have been swamped since New Years. Studying cheese making and teaching it . Trying to create a mozzarella cheese that is similar to Water Buffalo mozarella for a group of restuarants. Had a group of six chefs watching me the other day which was nerve wracking. So needless to say, I am glad to be back, and I hope you will forgive me for my long absence. :) I hope to be able to update more than let's say... once every three months!

Homemade Granola...

2009-02-16T17:37:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup cashews(optional)
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 cup wheat germ
3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts,sesame seeds,wheat germ, coconut, and brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.

Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed.Add chocolate chips when cooled down enough that they don't melt.

You can make granola with so many different ingredients. Sometimes I add cinnamon, dried apricots and other types of dried fruit.

Life's Seasons...

2009-01-21T15:15:00.000-08:00

I am currently backing up files from my desktop computer, and preparing it for a major overhaul. I keep coming across photos from years ago, and what memories it is stirring up.
How life changes.
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

The beauty in the way God designed the four seasons is that, though each one is distinct, they all work together to bring life and growth. Spring is a period of freshness and new life. Summer sees growth and productivity. Autumn is a time for harvesting the rewards of past labors. Winter is the season of dormancy and closure. Each season has its own unique beauty and makes a significant contribution to life.

Just as God planned seasons in nature, He planned seasons in life as well. Life has its springtime, when we begin new things and look excitedly toward the future. Summer comes and we work diligently in the heat of the day at all that God has assigned to us. With autumn comes the fruition of things begun at an earlier time in our lives. Winter brings an end to a particular period in our lives. Sometimes winter brings hardship, but we remain hopeful, for another spring is just around the corner!

In God's perfect design for our lives, He has planned for times of fruitfulness and activity. He will also build in times of quiet and rest. There will be times when He asks us to remain faithful doing the same work day after day. But there will also be periods of excitement and new beginnings. By God's grace, we will enjoy seasons of harvesting the fruit of our faithfulness. By God's grace we will also overcome the cold winters of heartache and grief, for without winter there would be no spring. Just as it is with the seasons of nature, these seasons in our lives work together to bring about God's perfect will for each one of us.

Devotion taken from, Experiencing God, by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby

Today...

2009-01-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

The following picture is my mom's art!

It's beautifully snowy outside. God's amazing...and life keeps flying by!!

Have a wonderful day with Jesus!

2009-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR WORLD!!!!!

The Greatest Story

2008-12-25T05:32:00.000-08:00

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over
their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

All I Really Want For Christmas Music Video

2008-12-23T05:37:00.000-08:00

What a great reminder how much we have!

The mind of Christ...

2008-12-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

"The things you allow your mind to dwell on do not just affect

YOU."

This statement was made yesterday in church. It really caused me to stop and think... and I hope you take a minute too.

Thursday's Recipe

2008-11-13T18:36:00.000-08:00

Herb Dinner Rolls (makes 16 rolls)

1 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

2 1/2 Tbsp. yeast

1 tsp. salt

1 egg

2 Tbsp. melted butter

1/2 tsp. each: dried basil, oregano, thyme and dried rosemary crushed...or what ever herbs you have on hand.

3 1/4 cup bread flour..I use mostly whole wheat flour

coarse salt, optional

In a large bowl put water, yeast, and sugar stir until yeast is dissolved. Add the salt, egg, melted butter and herbs stir until combined. Gradually add the flour. Knead the dough adding more flour if the dough is to sticky. Place in a greased bowl. Let rise for one hour or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down. Shape into sixteen rolls. Place on a greased cookie sheet and let rise for 35 minutes, or until doubled. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Brush with butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Enjoy!

The Secret Place

2008-11-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

He who dwelleth in the secret place of the most

High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, he
is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in
him will
I
trust.

Psalm 91:1-2

10.22.08

2008-10-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

Brrr, it's cold! 34 degrees, and raining...I mean snowing. The leaves were being swished through the air last evening. It seemed like it was snowing little golden leaves for a few minutes....I love Fall. Snow is now gently falling to the earth.

First day of Autumn

2008-09-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

Marinated feta...with fresh herbs and pepper corns.

Just a spider...we have far too many of these around.

The trees are changing colors.

Making pickled baby vegetables!

Random Niagara Falls Visit...

2008-08-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

God's Promise:

2008-08-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

The Rainbow

Picture posted for a friend...

2008-07-31T16:13:00.000-07:00

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other...."

1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIV

Congratulations Jordan ♥ Keren!

We pray God will bless your marriage richly.

2008-07-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Nature and revelation alike testify of God's love.
Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy.
Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature.
Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness,
not only of man, but of all living creatures.
The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth,
the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator's love.
~Steps To Christ~

Eagles

2008-06-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run,
and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Picture taken in British Columbia May 2008

Antipasto Salad

2008-06-10T03:26:00.000-07:00

The season for eating outdoors is here and a quick and easy dish to prepare is Anti pasta salad. Let your imagination come to life with this recipe. I haven't followed the recipe exactly;just used it as a guide.

1 pound small macaroni,cooked and drained
1/4 lb pound cheddar or jack cheese,cubed
1/4 pound pepperoni, cubed
3 green peppers,diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 can small olives (optional)
1 small onion,diced
3 tomatoes,diced

Mix together all ingredients. Prepare dressing;pour over all. Let stand for 6-8 hours or overnight.

Dressing:
1 tsp. oregano
1 ½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
3/4 cup salad oil
1/2 cup vinegar
Mix together all ingredients;pour over salad.

A Quote

2008-06-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

Whatever the circumstances
Whatever the call
Whatever the duty
Whatever the price
Whatever the sacrifice
His strength will be your strength
In your hour of need.
~Billy Graham~

British Columbia-Picture Tour...

2008-05-22T15:11:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we took a two mile hike to Lindaman Lake

Flying over Montana.

Flying over South Dakota.

Washington State.

Approaching the twin cities-Minnesota

At Baltimore Washington International Airport waiting for our flight.

Jumbo Molasses Cookies

2008-03-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

Warning this is a large recipe!

3 cups shortening
4 cups sugar
1 cup molasses
4 eggs
8 cups flour ( I use half whole wheat flour)
2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
--------------------
Additional sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add molasses and eggs;mix well. Combine the flour, baking soda,cinnamon,salt, cloves and ginger,gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. *Shape 1/4 cupfuls of dough into balls. Roll in Sugar. Place four cookies on a greased baking sheet at a time. Bake @ 350 for 18-20 minutes or until edges are set.
*When I make these I just make small balls and bake them at 375 for 5-10 minutes.

Yield 3 1/2 dozen

Tagged!

2008-03-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Danielle

Here's the rules

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random and some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know the are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are my facts...

1. I make cheese,yet I don't eat it.

2. Hmm...I'm having trouble coming up with weird habits...probably because it isn't so much the habits that are weird as it is just me...

3. I love doing construction,plumbing, and tinkering with electricity!

4. I think I can speak German until I have to speak it.

5. I don't like Brussels sprouts, or anything else in the Brassica family!

6. I like to be different and eclectic!

7. People always think I look young, like about 18, and just for your information I'm 24.

and NO, i am not tagging anyone. thank me, peeps. i spare thee further agony!

Sing with all Your heart...

2008-02-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

"When you sing, don't hesitate;
He hears the spirit of God in you.
It will be beautiful, especially to Him...
Whether you can carry a note or not."

Things have been...

2008-02-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

a little crazy around here but I'll post something soon! :)

Praise You In This Storm

2008-02-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

By Casting Crowns

Porcupine=dogs=work

2008-02-01T11:33:00.001-08:00

If you ever see a dog with a face full of porcupine quills it is truly something you'll never forget... and neither does the dog!

Our two Norwegian Elkhound dogs had an encounter with a porcupine bright and early this morning. Which meant getting into the veterinarian mode.....pliers,scissors,screaming dogs,blood. Fortunately the quills were fairly easy to extract.

Babies...

2008-01-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

"A Baby is God's way of saying the world should go on...
... and a little Child should lead the way."

May the Lord bless the cradle rockers of today... and the ones of tomorrow...

Psalm 23....

2008-01-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."
-Psalm 23:1

What comfort to know in times of trouble that the Lord himself is our shepherd... guiding us through what may seem like an impossible situation. Praise the Lord God almighty for His unmatchless grace and everlasting Love!

Friendship...

2008-01-21T06:04:00.000-08:00

"Friendship, like music, brings joy to the heart."

Here is a recipe for Outrageous Brownies....

2008-01-18T13:40:00.000-08:00

You can see why they are called "outrageous" brownies by containing a whole pound of butter and a mere 1 1/4 cups of flour, not to mention six ounces of bittersweet chocolate and one pound plus 12 ounces of chocolate chips. The entire recipe follows below. You better be in the mood for something super chocolatey to make these! They are quite rich and well...OUTRAGEOUS!

Outrageous Brownies

1 pound unsalted butter

1 pound + 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

6 ounce bittersweet chocolate*

6 extra large eggs (large works just as good)

3 TBSP instant coffee granules

2 TBSP vanilla extract

2 1/4 cup sugar

1 1/4 cup all- purpose flour

1 TBSP baking powder

1 tsp salt

3 cups chopped nuts

Spray and flour a 12 x 18 x 1" baking sheet. Melt together butter, 1 pound of chocolate chips and bittersweet chocolate in medium bowl over simmering water. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, stir together eggs, coffee, vanilla and sugar. Stir in the warm chocolate mixture into egg mixture & allow to cool to room temperature. In medium bowl, sift together 1 cup flour, baking powder & salt. Add to chocolate mixture. Toss walnuts & chocolate chips in 1/4 cup flour, then add to chocolate batter. Pour into baking sheet. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes, then rap baking sheet against oven shelf. Bake about 15 more minuets or until toothpick comes out clean.

* To substitute bittersweet chocolate use 1 TBSP butter & 3 TBSP Cocoa = 1 oz. bittersweet chocolate. For 6oz. use 6 TBSP Butter & 18 TBSP Cocoa.

You may want to eat just a small piece or half a brownie to start with. They are not for the wimpy chocolate eater. Enjoy!

And so you have found yourself here..

2007-12-21T14:07:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my little corner of the blogging world. :)

Not sure how often I will be posting....