Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Savory Sauteed Sausage and Veggies

Over the past few years of cooking, I've learned many things, but one of those things is that I love sauteed veggies and meat. Its a great technique to get a savory and flavorful meal.
Today when I got home for lunch I decided to saute some gourmet sausage with veggies, and then threw it on a toasted bagel with some cold cream cheese. This may sound strange, but the warm and tender sauteed veggies are perfectly contrasted by a crispy bagel and the coolness of cream cheese. The flavors melded well and I sooo enjoyed my lunch :)


INGREDIENTS:
+ 1 chicken and artichoke sausage; chopped into large pieces
+ 3 mushrooms thinly sliced
+ 1 tomato, cut into slices
+ 2 garlic cloves; pressed
+ 1 stalk of green onion, thinly sliced
+ 1/4 t saffron threads (about 5 threads)
+ pinch of salt
+ 1 sprouted wheat bagel, halved
+ 2 T light cream cheese

DIRECTIONS:
I. Pre-heat a medium sized iron skillet over medium heat. 
II. Add sausage pieces to pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes, or until outsides are a bit crispy.
III. Reduce heat to medium low. Add mushrooms, tomatoes, green onion, and garlic. Coat with a light layer of grapeseed oil. Saute for about 5 minutes, stirring 2 to 3 times. Meanwhile, put bagel in toaster, and toast until just slightly crispy
IV. Sprinkle salt over mixture and add saffron threads. 
V. Allow mixture to cook 1-2 minutes longer. Turn heat off when mixture is cooked to desired temperature/appearance.
VI. when bagel is toasted, spread with cream cheese. Top each half with sausage mixture.

enjoy. 

Monday, January 23, 2012

Gratitude





This is my mother. 
If you already knew that, you also probably know that we are close. VERY close. 
I think our closeness is a product of a few things; We spend a lot of time together; We tell each other everything, and the Lord has just given us personalities that allow us to be unusually close knit. But undoubtedly the biggest reason we are so close is because over the past few years we have had to walk through the same trials together. By the Lords grace, He has used it to strengthen our love for Him and our friendship.
The past few months have been heavy laden with stormy seas. One of which has been with my grandparents rapidly declining health. For the past 5 days my mom has been up in Pismo Beach, taking care of my grandparents, until arrangements for full time care-givers can be made. Trust me when I say, it has not been an easy task to take care of them.
However, this has been quite an eye opening experience for me. I've stayed home and had to be responsible for cleaning, laundry, cooking, our animals, and other tasks around the house.
Today I spent the whole day cleaning, and getting things ready for her to come home. The thought that kept going through my head was about how thankful I am to my mother for sacrificing her time to be a faithful steward of our home, with far too little recognition.
I am so thankful to have been taught by her, how to keep a home, schedule, and priorities. 
Praise the Lord for my dear mother whom I love so much! She is truly a blessing.

"She looks well to the ways of her household 
   and does not eat the bread of idleness. 
Her children rise up and call her blessed; 
   her husband also, and he praises her: 
 “Many women have done excellently, 
   but you surpass them all.”
PROVERBS31:27-29

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Gourmet Spinach and Burger Salad (+seasoning)


The past few weeks, its been pretty warm here in LA., and I've found myself eating more salads. This salad is one of my all time favorite meals. Its so easy to make, yet interestingly gourmet, and a great alternative to just a plain 'burger and bun.' For the record, I think I also enjoy it so much because it includes three of my favorite ingredients. ;) This recipe makes a single serving.

Gourmet Spinach&Burger Salad
------------------------
INGREDIENTS::

+ 2 C spinach
+ 1 turkey burger patty, seasoned (recipe for seasoning is below)
+  1 T slices Jalapenos
+ 2 T crumbled feta or blue cheese
+ 6  rings yellow onion
+ 2 T balsamic salad dressing

DIRECTIONS:
1. Cook burger patty in an iron skillet for about 4 minutes each side, over medium high heat. Set on a plate to rest when done.
2. In pan used to cook burger, melt 1 T butter. When butter is heated place onion slices in pan and allow them to get soft. They are done when the onion is transparent and starts to brown on the edges
3. Bed the spinach in a large bowl. Cut the burger into cubes and place meat on salad.
4. Top with jalapenos, cheese, and salad dressing.
[I also like to add alfalfa sprouts if I have them, for a yummy treat]


enjoy!!

[[ BURGER SEASONING]]
I use this every time I make burgers. It makes a frozen patty taste great, and adds a yummy smokiness to fresh turkey or beef burger.
INGREDIENTS::
+ 2 1/2 T paprika
+ 2 T table salt
+ 2 T garlic powder
+ 1 T porterhouse seasoning
+ 2 t black pepper
+ 1 T white pepper
+ 2 t ground mustard
+ 1 t cayenne pepper

Just rub a bit onto each side of the patty before cooking.







Friday, January 6, 2012

Hello/Goodbye: Looking Forward to 2012

Time truly does fly when you're having fun. This past year has come and gone by so quickly. Looking back at 2011 I see growth, grace, and fruit. I was such a young Christian at the beginning of last year, and it is amazing to look back and see how the Lord, has molded and shaped me, a sinful wretch, for His glory.  He is my first love, and He is so faithful, even when I fail.
2011 brings me so much joy, as I look at how full it was. I started meeting with a prayer group with 5 other women, finished my first year of college, started a small group with 3 other women, and cultivated friendships that will last forever. 
Gods grace has been evidenced to me each day that I have had to live this past year, and I am nothing but thankful.
But as much joy and fruit this year has brought, I look back and see my continued need for a Savior. Each and every day I HAVE to rely on Him to be my strength and portion, or else I will fail.......miserably. I see my own sinful heart and how many times I listen to it, and wander.
 My prayer for this year is the same prayer David prays in Psalm 139

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! 
   Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me, 
 and lead me in the way everlasting!"

Its important for me to always have a spiritual game plan and be prepared -- or else I will be easily distracted or lose sight of the true destination or purpose.
Some of my goals for 2012::
+ Cultivate a greater discipline with Scripture Memory
+ grow in evangelism
+ quick to hear and slow to speak
+ cultivate a more gentle and quiet spirit
+ be more discerning 
[and on the practical side...]
+ re-do my room
+ read 100 books
 + travel
+ finish my AA degree//start culinary school

But ultimately my only goal is to be more saturated with Christ each day

"To live is Christ and die is gain."
Philippians 1:21