Food storage guidelines

March 23, 2012 By
Food storage guidelines

[Source: Daily Savings from All You] Judging from this, it’s definitely time for a clean-out in some places of my pantry and also my refrigerator. The last time I had a major refrigerator clean-out was just after Hurricane Ike. Yikes. What about you? Big clean-out ahead? Moderate tosses? Or is all your food up to [...]


[Source: Daily Savings from All You]

Judging from this, it’s definitely time for a clean-out in some places of my pantry and also my refrigerator. The last time I had a major refrigerator clean-out was just after Hurricane Ike. Yikes.

What about you? Big clean-out ahead? Moderate tosses? Or is all your food up to date?

Amy

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Filed Under: What to Eat Tagged With: Leave a Comment

Support the Arc & cook with some of Houston’s best…

March 22, 2012 By
Green Beans and Gucamole Cooking Class at Central Market

The Houston based non-profit, Friends for Good, will host a cooking class at Central Market in Houston featuring chefs from Green Beans and Guacamole, a cookbook for-a-cause supported by exceptional Houston restaurants, on Tuesday, April 10, 2012. Guests attending the Central Market cooking class will watch as a star-studded lineup of Houston chefs, including Chef [...]

The Houston based non-profit, Friends for Good, will host a cooking class at Central Market in Houston featuring chefs from Green Beans and Guacamole, a cookbook for-a-cause supported by exceptional Houston restaurants, on Tuesday, April 10, 2012.

Guests attending the Central Market cooking class will watch as a star-studded lineup of Houston chefs, including Chef Dominic of Masraff’s, Chef David of Le Mistral, and Chef Jamie from Zelko Bistro, demonstrate their own recipes from the Green Beans and Guacamole cookbook.

The coffee-table style cookbook is a culmination of recipes from more than 45 Houston chefs and restaurants. Attending guests will receive first-hand expertise on how to make these delicious recipes and, as an added bonus, will take home their own copy of Green Beans and Guacamole.

Cooking Class Menu:

 David Denis will demo the Tomato Tartar & Tomato Basil Sorbet

Jamie Zelko will demo the Texas Brown Bay Shrimp & Grits

Dominic Juarez will demo the Bosc Pear Crème Brulee

The cooking class costs $70 per person, which includes a copy of Green Beans and Guacamole. Attending chefs will be available to sign copies of the cookbook after the class, and additional copies of the cookbook will be available for purchase for $49.95. All proceeds from the sale of Green Beans and Guacamole benefit The Arc, an organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“The Central Market cooking class is a great way to offer Houstonians a live, interactive experience with the chefs of the amazing recipes found in Green Beans and Guacamole,” said Belinda Hillhouse, founder of Friends for Good.

Join Green Beans and Guacamole chefs and Friends for Good at Central Market for an unforgettable night of great food and fun.

For more information on the Central Market cooking class and to secure your spot please visit www.centralmarket.com or call (713) 993-9860. To order Green Beans and Guacamole online, visit http://www.greenbeansandguacamole.com/.

Not in Houston? Consider purchasing the cookbook and preparing the recipes on your own anyhow.

Trust me: These recipes rock when you want to be impressive.

 WHEN:           

Tuesday, April 10, 2012,  6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

 COST:          

$70 per person (includes one copy of Green Beans and Guacamole)  Additional books will be available for purchase.

 WHERE:        

Central Market

3815 Westheimer

Houston, Texas 77027

(713) 993-9860

 About Friends for Good

Founded in 2009 by Belinda Hillhouse, Friends for Good is a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to enhancing lives by supporting and promoting charitable deeds through networking and word-of-mouth efforts.

The all-volunteer board-of-directors of Friends for Good includes Shelly deZevallos, Belinda Hillhouse and Laurie McNay, who are collectively responsible for planning and carrying out the organization’s projects, including Green Beans and Guacamole.

The coffee-table style cookbook makes the perfect gift for friends, family, and corporate and client gifts. The cookbook-for-a-cause is available for purchase for $49.95 at participating restaurants and locations including:Américas, Brennan’s, The Café at Brookwood, Central Market, Crapitto’s Cucina Italiana, Frank’s Chop House, Haven, HEB, Ibiza Food & Wine Bar, Le Mistral, Mark’s American Cuisine, Masraff’s, Mockingbird Bistro, M Penner, Houstonian Sport Shop, Philippe Restaurant + Lounge, Ray’s Gourmet Country, Sorrel Urban Bistro, Sorrento Ristorante, West Houston Airport and Zelko Bistro.

To order Green Beans and Guacamole online, visit http://www.greenbeansandguacamole.com/.

About The Arc

The Arc: Greater Houston is a nonprofit organization serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

Amy

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Filed Under: Uncategorized, What to Eat Tagged With: Leave a Comment

Listen to the past. 1 Corinthians 10:6

March 20, 2012 By
corinthians-featured

Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 10. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Observation: Take note of what happened to the Israelites and keep your focus on God, not evil. Application: It can be difficult for me to keep [...]

Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 10.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:6

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.

Observation:

Take note of what happened to the Israelites and keep your focus on God, not evil.

Application:

It can be difficult for me to keep my focus on God and not get distracted by so many things placed in my way by Satan. Often those things look like good things at first. Or they look harmless.

But I need to take heed from the past and do my very best to stay in touch with God, read His word, talk with Him about it and listen, listen, listen to HIM. He has the answers. He knows the right path. He will keep me from Satan’s distractions if I just remember to work ever so hard and seek Him before anything else.

Prayer:

Lord, please help me to do a better job at discerning your word and way amongst Satan’s lies. When I move down the wrong path, please, Lord, bring this to mind. Help me to remember the examples you have shared with me. And guide me in focusing on YOU, not Satan’s devious lies.

What about you?

What did you hear in this passage? Or what do you think of what I’ve observed?

Amy

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Thoughts on Marriage. 1 Corinthians 7

March 17, 2012 By
corinthians-featured

If you are reading 1 & 2 Corinthians with me, today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 7. I’m abandoning the SOAP format today because, well, instead I’d like to ask for your input. This passage talks about marriage. Paul suggests it is better not to be married, as then your focus on God is divided, as [...]

If you are reading 1 & 2 Corinthians with me, today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 7.

I’m abandoning the SOAP format today because, well, instead I’d like to ask for your input.

This passage talks about marriage. Paul suggests it is better not to be married, as then your focus on God is divided, as you are also concerned with your spouse. I get that, but in Genesis we are told that we are created man and woman and that the woman was created as a helper to the man. I take that to mean that we are created man and woman so that we will marry. But Paul talks about marriage as a concession.

Anyone have any thoughts or clarification for me? I’d love to hear what you think or understand.

Also, another verse always brings up a question for me. 1 Corinthians 7: 14 says “For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”

So does that mean that the unbelieving spouse is also granted eternal life with Christ?

What have you learned?

And what questions do you have on today’s passage?

Amy

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Filed Under: 1 & 2 Corinthians 10 Comments

Mushroom Swiss Steak and Potatoes

March 15, 2012 By
Mushroom Swiss Steak

This week, the Texas Beef council asked each of the Beef Bloggers to post a recipe that is a family favorite. And, since they are helping us to eat healthier and pack in the nutrients, they took a look at each of our recipes and gave us a few suggestions on what we could do [...]

This week, the Texas Beef council asked each of the Beef Bloggers to post a recipe that is a family favorite. And, since they are helping us to eat healthier and pack in the nutrients, they took a look at each of our recipes and gave us a few suggestions on what we could do better.

I chose to share Mushroom Swiss Steak, which is actually a $5 Dinners recipe featured in Dinner and Wine for $20 or Less, my ebook of 19 frugal (and tasty) meals that each can be made for $5 or less, paired with 94 delicious wines that are easy to find and cost $15 or less per bottle.

Lerin, a nutritionist with the Texas Beef Council, suggested I change the potatoes from the original recipe a touch. Here’s what she had to say about the original recipe:

I love this recipe and the round steak is a fantastic lean cut!

Also, another healthier option is serving with baked or steamed red potatoes instead of mashed potatoes. The skin on the red potatoes provides a lot of nutritional benefits, such as a good source of Vitamin B6 and Potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin C. (and with mashed potatoes people usually tend to add butter, sour cream, etc). Plus, the red potatoes would only need some seasoning for flavor without any added fat!

So here’s the modified recipe I used this week (and will use again!):

Mushroom Swiss Steak & Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 an onion, sliced
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 6 eye of round steaks
  • dash of olive oil
  • 1 4 oz. can of sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 1 6 oz. can of tomato paste
  • 1 tsp tarragon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Broccoli
  • 6 Red Potatoes
  • 1/4 cup milk (I admit it. I added this after Lerin saw the recipe. I was feeling rebellious.)

Directions

  • Scrub the potatoes, cube and put in to a pot of water.
  • Bring water to boil and keep it at a gentle roll until the potatoes are soft.

It usually takes about 20 minutes from placing the pot on the stove until the potatoes are soft enough to mash.

  • Slice the onions.

I like to keep my onion slices big so that I can cook with them for the flavor, but my kids and husband can easily pick them out when it is time to eat.

  • Peel and crush garlic.

I usually just take a big knife, set it on the garlic and pound it with my hand to crush the garlic. Then I usually chop it a bit, too.

  • Clean and chop the broccoli.
  • Brown steaks in large skillet in a little bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

The Texas Beef Council taught me to brown better. Here’s how:

Place your beef on the hot skillet and let it sit there, untouched, until the brown color rises up the sides. Once it reaches the top (on the sides), turn the beef to brown the other side for just a bit longer.

  • Add crushed garlic and sliced onions and saute with the steaks for 4-5 minutes, or until onions become transparent.
  • Add drained mushrooms and mix.
  • In a small bowl, combine tomato paste with 2 cans of water.
  • Pour tomato sauce over the steaks, onions and mushrooms.  Combine well. Stir in tarragon, salt and pepper.
  • Once it starts to splatter, reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Cover and cook for about 8 more minutes, or until steak has cooked through.
  • Steam the broccoli.
  • Drain the potatoes (when soft) and return them to the pot for mashing. Add milk, then salt and pepper to taste.
  • Enjoy!!

I’ve had so much opening my kitchen to you and sharing new beef recipes and old ones, too, with the Spring Beef campaign. Here’s a link to more of the beef recipes I featured on MomsToolbox. I know I learned a few things about how healthy beef can be… and I loved reading the recipes on the other beef bloggers’ sites, as well.

The nine other Texas Beef Bloggers are:

If you’ve been cooking along, which recipe worked out the best for your family? Or, if you haven’t started cooking these recipes yet, which ones are you most likely to try?

I was compensated for my participation in this promotion with the Texas Beef Council.

 

Amy

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I care very little if I am judged by you. 1 Corinthians 4

March 14, 2012 By
corinthians-featured

Okay, that’s not true. But I am working on it! Good morning! I hope you are enjoying our read through 1 Corinthians. Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 4. (If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, I post reminders each night on both of those with the next day’s reading.) If you aren’t already using [...]

Okay, that’s not true. But I am working on it!

Good morning! I hope you are enjoying our read through 1 Corinthians. Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 4. (If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, I post reminders each night on both of those with the next day’s reading.)

If you aren’t already using it, I strongly recommend you consider using the SOAP devotional format as you read. It really helps me to boil down what I am reading and find the message for me each day.

Here’s what I heard today:

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4: 3-4

I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

Observation:

God is the only judge that matters.

Application:

Oh, how I wish I didn’t care about others’ judgements of me! I would still live the way I believe God directs me to live, but I wouldn’t worry so much about what others think. And worrying about what others think often hinders me, sometimes keeping me from living more fully for Him.

I am definitely working on this, and I am getting much better at answering only to God, but I still have a long way to go.

Prayer:

Oh heavenly Father, ruler of all and creator of all, thank you for reminding me that you are the ultimate authority and the only judge that matters. Worrying about the judgement from other people has definitely hindered me, and it is not in your plan. Please, guide me, Lord, in concerning myself only with your opinions and your direction. Help me to say what Paul said here in verses 3 and 4 and mean it.

What about you?

What grabbed you in the reading?

Or, do you struggle with being judged by others?

Amy

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I’m laying the foundation: 1 Corinthians 3

March 13, 2012 By
corinthians-featured

Today’s reading in 1 Corinthians was 1 Corinthians 3. Here’s what grabbed me: Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. Observation: God enabled me to begin the [...]

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Today’s reading in 1 Corinthians was 1 Corinthians 3.

Here’s what grabbed me:

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.

Observation:

God enabled me to begin the work, and my work is just the beginning. Others are adding to it. And each worker needs to be diligent in his work.

Application:

I see two things in this: That my work may be the beginning, just a part of the big picture, and also that my work sets the tone and strength for the rest of the work.

In both messages, I believe God is reminding me to work with humility, yet also pull my weight as a member of His team. I need to lean on Him, looking to him for guidance and then do my best.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for this reminder to look to you for guidance and wisdom in all areas of my life. You will help me to work strong and accomplish your plan for me… but only if I seek you and follow you.

I am just one tiny piece… but my contribution needs to be strong in all I am asked to do. Please, Lord, help me to weed out what I am not to do, so that I can be strong in what I am to do.

 

What grabbed you in the reading today?

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Amy

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