Counting the Wonders of God

First Monday counting...
                                    when I share entries from my Gratitude Journal

3101-mornings at Micahs

3102- watermelon

3103- answers to prayers

3104-growing enough food so I can share with others

3105- Facebook conversations that make you feel close-

even though your thousands of miles apart

3106- big, blue blossoms

3107- holding baby Ella

3108- rainbow colored dishcloths

3109- watching Les Miserables with Kenzie

3110- the first garden tomato

3111- smell of freshly cut grass

3112- biting into a "just picked" peach all warm from the sun

3113- cotton ball clouds

3114- sailboats on a lake

3115- the whistling of the pressure canner

3116- jars filled with summer bounty

3117- a visiting teaching lunch with two dear sisters

3118- nonstop conversation- all the way to Columbia and back

3119- a breakfast smoothie with peaches, mango and pineapple

3120- a new secretary to complete our primary presidency

3121-praying with friends

3122- a generous and thoughtful husband

3123- fresh tomato soup

3124- sunflowers

3125- celebrating accomplishments

3126- difficult hikes and mountain views

3127- discussing an inspiring book

3128- aha moments

3129- a husband who can calm me when I'm having a meltdown

3130- blue cheese burgers on the grill

3131- sons standing at the stove eating the fried okra as soon as it comes out of the pan

3132- a long visit with the Booths

3133- listening to the sounds of hummingbirds at the feeder

3134- dinner on the deck

3135- a blizzard in July- of the Lemon Meringue Pie variety

" What are the wonders of God in your own life that you fail to marvel or even sleep 

straight through?  How often do you pass by God's presence and handiwork unaware?"

Margaret Feinberg 

Tuscan Tomato Soup

I know you're probably wondering why I'm posting a recipe for soup in August.  I realize most people are more interested in throwing something on the grill and calling it a done deal and I like cooking outside too, but this recipe is a new one for me and I love it so much I can't wait until cold weather to share it.  And if you like to cook seasonally, like I do, then this is the perfect time to make a fresh tomato soup.  This recipe came from a friend of a friend and truly it's one of the best soups I've ever had. 

This has been a dismal year for gardening in the southeast.  Most everything is suffering from too much rain, but especially the  tomatoes.  The few I've been gathering are small.  I've been waiting for a nice big heirloom to ripen so I can have at least one tomato sandwich.  I think maybe I'll get that this week.  With tomatoes in short supply, I've been thankful for what I've harvested and been trying to make use of them in the very best ways.  This soup makes the cut.

To begin with, I used the ripe tomatoes on the counter, big, little, red, yellow, whatever I had, and blanched them in hot water for a couple of minutes, so I could slip off the peels.  Then I heated some olive oil in a soup pot, and added some rough chopped onions.

Everything will be blended in the end, so you don't have to be too particular when chopping ingredients.  When the onions were soft, not browned, I added the quartered tomatoes,

and chicken broth.  Then I turned the heat to a low simmer and let it cook for thirty minutes.

I let the soup cool slightly and then put it in my blender to get it nice and smooth.

I worked with a little at a time, pouring it into a bowl, before blending the next few cups, always remembering to put a dishcloth over the top of the blender before turning it on.  I've had a mess like you wouldn't believe, blending soups before, and hot soup spraying over your kitchen is not fun!   An immersion blender would be ideal for this, but mine isn't very good and my blender is awesome, so I do it this way.

Here's where things get really exciting.  After blending the tomato mixture, you stir in pesto.  You've made some this summer, right?  If you haven't, and you have some basil, it's really easy.  Here's a good, basic recipe.  Of course you can buy it in the store too.

The last thing you add is a little half and half to give it just a hint  of creaminess.  Oh, and I added a splash of balsamic vinegar too.

This is all there is to it.  I gently reheated the soup (no boiling, because of the half and half), and I was ready to have lunch.  I loved the color that resulted from the different types of tomatoes and the little specks of green from the pesto.   This is really such a delicious soup and the flavor improves over time, so leftovers are desirable!  I'm thinking it might even be nice with a little cucumber chopped and added to it, served cold, gazpacho style.  Then it would be a perfect, summer soup.  But I have no problem eating it hot.  I can always cool off with some ice cream for dessert, right? 

Tuscan Tomato Soup

1 medium chopped onion 

5 cups fresh or canned tomatoes

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup pesto

1 1/2 (or less) cups half and half

1/2 t. salt

Saute onion in olive oil until soft.  Add tomatoes and chicken broth.  Simmer for thirty minutes.  Blend until smooth. Add pesto and cream and reheat at low temperature.  Salt as desired.

Scripture Power

July is the month when our thoughts turn to freedom.  We may not be happy with the way our government functions at times, but I think most of us would agree we are blessed to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.  Many sacrifices have been made by others so that we can enjoy our lives today, while there are countries in this world where people are still terribly oppressed and live in extreme poverty.  We are very, very blessed. 

One of the freedoms I've been thinking about lately, is the freedom of religion that allows me the ability to worship as I please and freely read scripture, and the power that comes into my life as a result.  I am in awe when I read about William Tyndale, a man who was inspired by God to do an amazing work.  In England, where he lived during the 1500's, only a select few, mostly priests, were schooled in Greek and Hebrew, allowing them the privilege to read scripture.  There were laws that forbid anyone in England from translating scripture into the English language, so the commoners could read them, and those who tried and were caught, were often executed. William Tyndale went to Oxford University at twelve years of age and spent the next ten years becoming addicted (those were his words) to the scriptures.  It was his desire that everyone, even the plowboy, would be able to read the Bible for themselves.  When the English authorities learned that he was translating the scriptures into English, he had to go into hiding for the rest of his life.  He spent time in Germany, where the religious climate was more favorable to change and then smuggled  copies of his translated New Testament back into England. The people would gather in small groups behind locked doors and covered windows and those who could read for themselves, would for the first time ever, see the the words of Jesus and the apostles on the printed page.  Can you imagine?  Eventually, one of Tyndale's friends (or maybe not) betrayed him and his last words before he was burned at the stake were, " Oh God, open the King of England's eyes."   He knew the risks, yet sacrificed all, so that anyone who could read in the English language would be able to find for themselves the joy and peace that comes from reading God's word.   That's you and me. What a debt we owe this man.

In my house, we have scriptures scattered throughout our rooms.  I have a Bible and Book of Mormon (actually two) sitting right beside me as I type this.  We have extra sets on bookshelves, in our bedroom, in my bag I take to church.  I even have verses framed and placed in strategic places in my home.  I have the scriptures on my computer and on my phone.  Because they are so readily available, I don't usually think twice about them before I open and start reading.  But this month... I have been thinking more about it and trying not to take this freedom for granted.  And I've been thinking about how my life would be different, had I lived in William Tyndale's time.   I am a firm believer that there is power that comes into our lives when we avail ourselves to the truth that's found within the covers of these books.  Of course that's the key.  Having all this access to the scriptures doesn't make us better people.  It's only when we open them and spend time, reading and studying that we can be influenced by the words found therein.

I was reading a few weeks ago in 2 Timothy, when Paul is warning about the dangers of the last days and describes the apostasy and the world in which we live in great detail.  The environment which he describes sounds very familiar and I think we would agree that he saw our day and the challenges we would face.  But later in the chapter he tells us how we can prepare ourselves to live in this time- how we can have power against the wickedness of the adversary. 

"And all scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man (and woman) of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

2 Timothy 3:16-17

 I have found that the word of God can help me be prepared for whatever I have to face in life.   Like me, maybe you have found yourself asking some of these questions;

*Do I have questions about doctrine?
 Do I know if what I believe lines up with God's truth? 
 Do I have a weak testimony or can I speak with conviction about my faith? 
When I watch the nightly news and form an opinion about what I see, am I considering what Christ would say about that situation?  As one of his disciples that should be important to me.

* Do I need to be corrected about the way I'm living my life?
 Am I off track in some way?
Am I able to see the sin in my own life? 
As I prayerfully read the scriptures, my eyes can be opened and the Spirit can convict me of those things I need to be working on. ( And there never seems to be a shortage of things I need to be working on!)

*Do I know how a righteous, godly woman of faith lives her life?
 Do I know what that kind of life looks like?  How she would speak, act, dress?   How she handles sorrow, frustration, anger, relationships, her marriage?
Do I know what characteristics and qualities she possesses?
Do I know how she finds strength in her life to honor her covenants?

*Do I put my trust, completely in God? 
 Do I worry and stress out about people, situations, work, callings, material possessions, my health?  Or am I putting my trust in God, believing He will give me strength to face anything?
This can be hard to do, but as I read the scriptures I am encouraged and reminded that I'm not alone.  Not only do I see examples of righteous people, but I see examples of broken people with broken lives.  I see how the Lord can turn ashes into beauty.  Most importantly I'm reminded how much I'm loved, how real the atonement is and how very much I need it in my life.  

I've found the answers to all of these questions and more in the scriptures.  At the end of the verse that I quoted above from 2  Timothy, Paul says the reason to pour ourselves into the scriptures (my words, not his) is so we will be perfect- which means, suited, ready or complete.  In other words, we will be furnished with what we need to stay on the path, to endure to the end, of today and the next and the next.  We will have the power in our lives that we need and that power comes from the word of God.  I don't know about you, but I sure need that kind of power.  

And because I desperately need it, I try my best to spend time in the scriptures every day.  I've learned that I'm a better person when I do.  Some days, I think it's just an obedience thing, and I don't necessarily come away with any great insights.  But then, there's the day when I find a gem and it's exactly what I need at that moment to help me with something I'm facing.  And who's to know when that day will be?  It's best to show up and be ready.  I've grown to love the scriptures and like William Tyndale, maybe I've become a little addicted to them myself.  But how grateful I am that I don't have to hide behind closed doors and windows to read them.  Thank you William Tyndale, and all the others who have sacrificed before me that I might enjoy this freedom.  

Stromboli

It's time for that stromboli recipe I promised you.  First of all, if you are the least bit confused as to the difference between calzone and stromboli, go here.  I had some questions and this cleared it right up for me.  I can tell you right now though, I love them both!  

I had a great time with Ken and Sherri learning how to make stromboli.  It turned out to be a lot easier to make, than the finished product looks.  Ok, that sounds a little awkward, but you know what I mean, right?  Now, I'm going to take you through it step by step, so you can be impressed too. 

Start out with fresh delicious ingredients, like canadian bacon, pepperoni, tomato slices, basil, fresh mozzerella and shredded asiago cheese.

Make your favorite pizza dough recipe.  Here's one, and here's another you might like, if you need a good recipe.  I understand you can buy dough in some groceries stores, but it's really easy to make at home.

Roll the dough into a rectangular-ish shape.  Then you cut down both sides evenly, leaving space in the middle for the fillings.

Spread pizza sauce first, and then start layering on the goodies.

Is this starting to look great, or what?  I bet you've already thought to yourself,... yummy!  Sherri topped this masterpiece with fresh mozzarella slices, which in my opinion always takes pizza over the top! 

Now, comes the fun part.  Watch Ken wrap it all up!

Start at the end and pull the strips to the center, overlapping as you go.

When you get to the end, if you have a little dough left, tuck the rest under the bottom of the stromboli, making sure you have the fillings sealed in.   You don't want all the goodness in the center to end up on the pan.

Brush the stromboli with olive oil and bake in hot oven at 400 degrees.

Thanks guys for the stromboli lesson and for dinner.  It was molto delizioso!

 When I returned home from my vacation, this was the first new recipe I tried.  The pizza crust is my husband's favorite part of a pizza and I knew he would love this stromboli, because it's a lot of crust with a little filling.  I think there's just something about braided bread dough that looks so special, don't you?  And when a recipe is as easy to make as this stromboli, yet looks like you've done something really difficult, well, that's fun too.  Go ahead and impress your friends and family.  Make stromboli tonight!   

Making Bagels and Overnight Artisan Bread

In my last post, I shared the recipe for that awesome cracker bread and today I'm going to show you two more great bread recipes that I learned from J'nae.  While we were making cracker bread, I mentioned to her, that I had always wanted to learn how to make bagels.  With the same dough that we used for the cracker bread, she proceeded to teach me how easy it is to make bagels at home.  She pinched off a piece of dough and made a hole in the middle with her thumb, and then we stretched it into a bagel shape.   

Of course, each one has its own unique shape, which is one thing I love about homemade bread.  

She carefully dropped the bagels into a pot of boiling water and flipped them over after 8 minutes.  Then they cooked for another 8 minutes and were removed to a parchment lined baking sheet.

We brushed the tops with an egg wash and sprinkled with sesame seeds, before returning to the oven to bake.

I loved the finished product, especially toasted the next morning with a little jam.  Yummy!

Our last baking project was a round, artisan bread.  My friend assured me this was the easiest bread to make and that I would love it!  Easy, because you mix it in a bowl and basically forget about it overnight.  Love it, because, well, she just knows me and bread. 

She mixed the bread dough by hand in this Rubbermaid take along bowl.  You can see that it's a pretty wet dough.  She put the lid on it and then we let it sit on the counter overnight.

The next morning it looked like this.  The surface was dotted with bubbles.

We poured it onto a floured counter and kneaded it about seven times to work some flour into the dough. This bread is called a No-Knead Bread, because you don't knead for the traditional amount of time required for most yeast breads.  Just six or seven times to make the dough workable.

We then coated the bowl with cooking spray and sprinkled sesame seeds on the bottom and around the sides.  

We put the ball of dough in the bowl, covered it and let it rise for about an hour and a half.  You can see how this bread doesn't require a lot of hands on time, but it does require time.  I like recipes like this though, because you can be doing other things while you wait.

When the dough is almost finished rising, you put a cast iron dutch oven, with lid, in the oven at 450 degrees for thirty minutes.  The oven and the pan need to be blazing hot before baking the bread.  Carefully remove the pan from oven.

Turn dough over into the hot pan.

Cover and bake for 27 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for an additional 6 to 10 minutes or until browned to your liking.  Baking in a hot, covered, pan creates an environment that produces a chewy crust with a soft, tender interior.  

Let it cool on a wire rack before cutting. The hard part is waiting for it to cool enough to slice, because at this point the house smells so good, your taste buds are screaming!

Our artisan bread was made with garlic and italian seasonings, so you can probably imagine how delicious it was.  But the possibilities are endless.  Just think about your favorite rustic bread and you can create it with this recipe.  Parmesan olive, rosemary olive oil, cranberry almond, asiago cheese- they all sound divine don't they?  I'm so excited to try this bread at home.  I have a brotform basket that I received as a Christmas gift that I've been wanting to try out and it will be perfect for this bread.

This completed our baking marathon and boy oh boy was it fun.  You know you have a good friend when she spends all this time in the kitchen baking with you and she is on an eating plan that doesn't allow bread.  What torture!  I don't think I could have done it.  Thank you, thank you J'nae.  You're the best.  I know these recipes will become favorites at our house. 

Rustic Bread

3 cups flour

3/4 t. instant yeast

1 1/2 t. salt

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 t. red wine vinegar

In large bowl, combine flour, yeast and salt.  Mix ingredients to distribute evenly.  Add any dry spices or other ingredients (olives, nuts or seeds, etc.)  Add 1/2 t. red wine vinegar to water.  Mix with flour mixture and stir until flour is incorporated; dough should be pretty stiff... cover bowl with plastic wrap.  Let dough rest for at least 12 hours up to 18 hours at about 70 degrees.  When surface is dotted with bubbles, dough is ready.  After the 12-18 hour rest, place dough on well floured work surface and sprinkle dough with a light dusting of flour.  Gently knead about 7 times.   Spray a second large bowl with non stick spray.  Sprinkle bottom with sesame seeds if desired.  Transfer dough to oiled bowl, placing dough seam side down in bowl.  Cover and let rise until it has doubled in size and does not spring back when poked with a finger, about 2 hours. After dough has been rising for about 1 1/2 hour, preheat oven to 450 degrees for 30 minutes with covered dutch oven in oven.  Pot should be at least 4 to 8 qt.  When dough has risen for the allotted time, carefully remove hot pan from oven. Turn dough over into hot pan, now seam side up.  Cover and bake 27 minutes. Uncover and bake until browned.  Cool on wire rack.