#16 Unchanging and Tetrazinni

As I was singing in church this morning I realized that one of the greatest advantages (and one of the greatest obstacles) is that in Spanish there are two verbs that mean "to be."  "SER" is used for things that are unchanging and "ESTAR" is for things that are temporary or opinion.  As I was reading the words to the hymn and in scripture it struck me that in English we don't distinguish the difference.  When speaking of things related to God in Spanish you always use SER.   He is unchanging and He is faithful.  He is and always will be.  It is neat that Spanish allows for that distinction.  He isn't just "is," he is "permanently and always is."

Matthew 28:20b
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

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Chicken Tetrazzini

(quickest and easiest tetrazzini that I have ever made)

• 3 - 4 chicken breasts (uncooked and diced)
• 1 small can mushrooms, drained (optional)
• 2 -3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1/2 stick butter
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can chicken broth
• 1 pound package spaghetti (cooked)
• Grated Cheddar cheese

1. Saute onion and celery in butter.
2. Add soup, broth and mushrooms.
3. Season with salt, plenty of pepper, and a dash of Tabasco sauce.
4. Add chicken and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Place cooked spaghetti in a 9 x 13 dish.
6. Pour chicken and sauce over spaghetti.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
8. Top with grated cheese and cook a few minutes more until melted.



#15 - Comfort and Chicken Casserole

All over facebook and other social media sites are words of comfort, personal opinions, and political views in regards to the terrible events in Connecticut yesterday.  I have felt torn as I considered how many families were mourning and yet I was celebrating Hannah's arrival today.  And as I processed the stark differences I was reminded that although events in life may cause great hurt, hurt that cannot be understood, I know the one who is able to comfort beyond all measures.  The circumstances may not change, but He is able to hold my heart in His gentle and merciful hands.  I may not have experienced the losses that the families in Connecticut are experiencing tonight, and I pray that I never have to, but I can testify without a doubt, that in each and every circumstance where my world has felt like it was falling down around me, He kept his promise to "comfort us every time we have trouble."


2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. ⁴ He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.

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Chicken Casserole

(this is a favorite family recipe, a favorite for covered dish meals, a favorite to take to someone who is sick, and easy to freeze - unbaked)

 

• 1 whole chicken, stewed and deboned - reserve broth
• 1 small package of Pepperidge Farm Cornbread Stuffing
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of celery soup

1. Combine stuffing, onion, and butter.
2. In a 9 x 13 baking dish (or two 8 x 8 pans) spread 1/2 of the cornbread mixture.
3. Shred the chicken and place over the cornbread mixture.
4. Mix celery soup with 1 can of chicken broth.
5. Pour over chicken.
6. Top with remaining cornbread mixture.
7. Mix chicken soup with 1 can of chicken broth.
8. Pour on top.
9. If you want to freeze - at this point wrap well with foil and place in freezer. When ready to prepare, allow to defrost completely before baking.
10. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and browning around the edges.

*I have used left over turkey to prepare this recipe as well as only stewed chicken breasts.



#14 Return to Me and Beef Burgandy

There are not many "creyentes" (evangelical believers) in Illescas, but there are a few believing moms who gather nearly every week to pray for our children and for their influence and the things that might influence them.  Today was one of the mornings. There were three of us today.  We spent time sharing stories of our children and ways to pray for them, and then we spent time before God asking Him to be present in each of their lives.  What a neat gift - time with moms who have the same desires and pains for their children.  And I hope one day, our children will also see this time of prayer as a gift we gave them.

Jeremiah 24:7
I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will
be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. Jeremiah 24:7


A side note... Hannah comes home tomorrow for 3 weeks.  It's been four months since I left her at college, so this mom is just a little happy!

Hannah and Alex at her graduation.

Hannah (on the left) and Dena

                                   

                                             My Hannah (on the left) and one of her closest friends,
                                             also named Hannah (on the right).  She is going to kill me
                                         for posting this one!

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Beef Burgundy

(A great way to stretch a lower priced cut of beef)

• 2 lb top round, cut in one inch cubes
• 1/4 c flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• 2-4 tbsp butter
• 1 can beef broth
• 12 - 18 small white onions (peeled if fresh, or buy frozen or in a jar - much easier)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 c dry red wine
• 1 bay leaf

1. Combine flour, salt, and pepper in plastic bag.
2. Shake meat in bag.
3. Save remaining flour.
4. Brown beef in hot butter (will need to do in several small batches) in dutch oven.  No need to cook meat until done.
5. Reserve meat on plate while cooking other batches.
6. After last batch of meat is out of butter, add onions and remaining flour.  Stir well
7. Add garlic and thyme to butter and cook 1 minute.
8. Add broth and wine. 
9. Stir until boils.
10. Return beef to pan.
11. Add bay leaf.
12. Cover
13. Bake at 350 for 2 hours.  Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
14. Great served over mashed potatoes!

#12 & #13 - Direction and Sweet Potatoes

When you live as a foreigner in a foreign land you are constantly asking "which way?".   Between the language barriers and the cultural barriers life is full of unknown paths.  This week we encountered that in two ways.  

On Tuesday I went to pay Alex's soccer fees.  Sounds simple, right?  Well, no.  First off you can't just give cash to workers in Spain.  Second, not everyday can you pay with a credit card.  So although I had the cash, I couldn't pay and it wasn't a credit card day.  The worker described the process for paying with cash or that I could come back on Wednesday and pay with a credit card.  Decided coming back on Wednesday was easiest.  Ha!  I returned on Wednesday to learn the credit card machine is out of order.  So, decided paying in cash was probably the easiest method.  Not so fast there!  She handed me a form to take to the bank that they use, which of course is not our bank.  And, by now their bank is closed for siesta.  So I wait until today, but no time.  So now to go tomorrow, but I spent the cash I had.  So first I have to go to our bank and get cash, then to their bank to pay the fee, then back to the office to drop off proof of payment.  And yep, tomorrow is the deadline to pay.

On Wednesday we received a letter from the government regarding Alex's residency paperwork.  It is of course in Spanish and in legal terms.  Our tutor helped us read it, but couldn't tell us what we needed to do.  Thank goodness we are not working in Spain alone.  Our co-workers were able to tell us what it meant, but now we are in the "figure out how to handle this" mode.  Days ahead will tell us what is next.

Thank goodness I can depend on God and His promise to direct our paths.  He is greater than any language or culture barriers.  He knows whether to go left or right and He is a safe refuge in the midst of the confusion.  Ahh - what a relief!


Isaiah 30:21
If you go the wrong way—to the right or to the left—you will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the right way. You should go this way. 


Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
    the righteous run to it and are safe

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Our Favorite Sweet Potato Casserole

3 cups mashed sweet potato (can use canned, just drain juice, or fresh baked)

1 c sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs, beaten

1 stick butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

2.5 oz canned milk

1 c brown sugar

1/2 c flour

1. Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, eggs, 1/2 stick butter (melted), vanilla, and canned milk.  (I use the hand mixer to mash the potatoes and then to mix all the ingredients together)
2. Put in 8 x 8 pan 
3. Combine 1/2 stick melted butter, brown sugar, and flour
4. Top sweet potatoes
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until bubbling and slightly browned.

#11 Snow and Caramel Rolls

I don't like snow.  Actually, I don't like cold weather.  I keep hoping that one day I will be able to move to a place where it is 75 degrees all day and all year.  Only place that is even close are the Canary Islands.  Maybe one day I will at least get to visit.

This morning quite a few of my facebook friends were posting their excitement over a white morning - snow covered streets and houses.  I had ice on my car and needed several layers, but there was no snow.  It hit me as I was rushing Alex to school (who lost track of time and was running late to school) and then slowly making my way to class that God had kept his promise.  He knew the desires of my heart (no snow) and loves me enough to give that to me.  He knew me enough to know that if I lived in a place with lots of snow and ice I would struggle to ever leave my house.  He also knew if He gave me 75 degrees every day I would find it a little easier to be self sufficient.  So today I will delight myself in the Lord - who knows the desires of my heart and knows what is best for me, today (still holding out hope that what is best for me when I am 70 will be 75 degrees all year).

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourselves in the LORD and He will

give you the desires of your heart.

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Caramel Rolls
(a little more complicated, but well worth the effort)




ROLLS

• 4 - 4 1/2 c all purpose flour
• 1 pkg yeast
• 1 c milk
• 1/3 c sugar
• 1/3 c butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs

1. Combine 2 c flour with yeast.
2. Heat milk, sugar, butter and salt until warm (115 - 120 degrees)
3. Add to flour
4. Add eggs
5. Beat 1/2 minute at low speed.
6. Beat 3 minutes at high speed.
7. Stir in as much flour as you can with a spoon.
8. Kneed 6 - 8 minutes 
9. Shape into a ball and place in a greased bowl.  Turn.
10. Cover and rise until dough is double (about 1 hour)
11. Punch down and divide in half.
12. Cover and let rest 10 minutes
13. Roll 1/2 into 12 x 8" rectangle

Filling

• 3 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 c sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

1. Brush down with butter
2. Combine sugar and cinnamon
3. Sprinkle 1/2 of sugar-cinnamon mixture on dough
4. Roll up jelly roll style from long side
5. Seal
6. Cut into 12 pieces
7. Repeat with other half of dough.

Caramel

• 2/3 c brown sugar
• 1/4 c butter
• 2 Tbsp light corn syrup

1. Combine above ingredients and cook until blended.
2. Divide between 2 round cake pans
3. Place the rolls in pan.
4. Cover and let rise until double, about 30 minutes
5. Bake at 375 for 20 to 25 minutes

#10 - Sorrows to Gladness & Bowtie Chicken Alfredo

At the holiday seasons it is easy to be consumed with the things that have been sources of sorrow.  We lost 7 children to miscarriage and at Christmas I always imagine what it would be like to have all 10 of our children around the Christmas tree.   Living in Spain we celebrate the holidays a little quieter and with a lot less family time and celebrations.  It is easy to let that grey cloud of "holiday blues" settle over you.  Yet, His promise is always true - ALL of my sorrows will be replaced with gladness - 

Isaiah 61:3

and to help the sorrowing people of Jerusalem.
I will give them a crown to replace their ashes,
    and the oil of gladness to replace their sorrow,
    and clothes of praise to replace their spirit of sadness.
Then they will be called Trees of Goodness,
    trees planted by the Lord to show his greatness.

Isn't that cool!  That no matter how many sorrows and disappointments we expereince, God will replace with with a crown, gladness, praise.

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Today I tried a new recipe from www.thepioneerwoman.com, Bowtie Chicken Alfredo.  Alex and I love almost all alfredo recipes, but Scott isn't a big creamy sauce person, but even he liked this one!  Definitely a repeat recipe!  And to top it off, very easy!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces, weight Bowtie Pasta (farfalle)
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• ¾ cups Dry White Wine (may Substitute Low-sodium Chicken Broth)
• ½ cups Half-and-half
• 3 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth, As Needed For Thinning
• ¾ cups Parmesan Shavings Or Grated Parmesan
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, Minced

Preparation Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until deep golden brown on both sides and done in the middle. Remove from the skillet, slice into thin strips, and set aside.
3. Add additional 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Stir the garlic around the pan to avoid burning, and cook for 1 minute. Pour in wine (or broth), then let it bubble up and reduce for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Add half-and-half, cream, and extra salt and pepper, whisking constantly until it’s all combined. Allow liquid to heat up and thicken for a few minutes. If it gets too thick, you may thin it with a little chicken broth.
4. When the sauce looks good, remove it from the heat. Add Parmesan to the pan, then throw the hot pasta right on top of it. Toss it a bit. Add the chicken and continue tossing until it’s all combined. Again, if it gets too gloopy, splash in a little broth (you may return the pan to low heat if it needs it.)
5. Taste it, adjust seasonings, and top with minced parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!

(http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/12/bowtie-chicken-alfredo/)

#4 - #9 Time to Catch Up & Orange Pineapple Cake

Last Wednesday we ran away to Portugal for a few days of warm weather, English, and rest.  After two busy weekends and trying to cram some serious studying in, my brain was on overflow!  Although the drive was a little further away than I wanted to drive (still waiting for Scott to get his license), but the price was right.  We did nothing but walk on the beach, explore a few little towns, play games, sleep late, and rest.  I thought I would use the days to catch up on emails and blogging and etc, but we didn't have Internet in our room - so no go - but, we enjoyed family time without interruptions.

So, today I will catch up on promises. 

First the promises...

#4 - Will Find New Strength

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

How wonderful to experience this promise this week!

#5 - Care for All My Needs

Philippians 4:19

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

#6 - Peace of Mind and Heart - Even when separated from family and friends over holidays - a peace that can't be explained.

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

#7 - He never runs out of kindness and His compassion cannot be exhausted - thank goodness!

Lamentations 3:22-23

The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases;
his compassions never end.
²³ They are fresh every morning;
your faithfulness is abundant!

#8 - No matter how tired I am, He never gets tired or sleepy so I am never out of his care

Psalm 121:3 

He will not allow your foot to be moved.
He who keeps you will not slumber. 

#9 - I cannot run away from or hide from God - I can never be out of the reach of His hand!

Isaiah 139:1-10

Lord, you have examined me

    and know all about me.

You know when I sit down and when I get up.

    You know my thoughts before I think them.

You know where I go and where I lie down.

    You know everything I do.

Lord, even before I say a word,

    you already know it.

You are all around me—in front and in back—

    and have put your hand on me.

Your knowledge is amazing to me;

    it is more than I can understand.

Where can I go to get away from your Spirit?

    Where can I run from you?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there.

    If I lie down in the grave, you are there.

If I rise with the sun in the east

    and settle in the west beyond the sea,

even there you would guide me.

    With your right hand you would hold me.

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Orange Pineapple Cake
(one of Scott's favorite)

• 1 Duncan Hines Butter Recipe Cake Mix
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/4 c Oil
• 4 Eggs
• 1 small can mandarin oranges with juice
• 1 can crushed pineapple
• 1 small box instant vanilla pudding
• 9 oz cool whip

1. Mix cake mix, butter, oil, eggs, and oranges together and put into 2 floured and greased 9" round cake pans.
2. Bake 25 minutes at 325 degrees.
3. Cool Completely.
4. Combine cool whip, pineapple, and pudding to make frosting.
5. Ice and then refrigerate.