Author: Sara

Christmas Yummies


‘Tis the season for Christmas treats!  What are your favorites?  I’d love to deliver a plate of yummies to your door!  But, since I can’t get to all of your homes, I will share some of the recipes of goodies our family enjoys year after year. 

Let’s start with the cheese balls.  Ooo!  Love cheese balls!  One is savory and one is sweet …

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball – makes about 2 cups
8-oz package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
Graham cracker sticks

Blend cream cheese, butter and vanilla in a mixing bowl until fluffy.  Gradually add sugars; beat just until combined.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.  Place on a large piece of plastic wrap; shape into a ball.  Refrigerate for at least one additional hour.  At serving time, roll ball in chopped nuts.  Serve with graham cracker sticks for dipping. 

Savory Cheese Ball
I also like to shape this to form a Christmas tree on a platter.  It’s so pretty decorated with tiny tomatoes as ornaments and a cheese star on top (use cookie cutter or knife to form star out of sliced cheese).

2  8-oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
1 small onion, chopped fine
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 pkg. dried beef, chopped (or lunch meat)
1 tsp. seasoned salt

Mix cream cheese, 1/2 pkg. of beef, onion, salt, and Worcestershire sauce.  Mix well and shape into a ball.  Put in refrigerator for 15 minutes.  Roll ball in rest of beef.  Serve with crackers.

Next, the bars and cookies!

Butterscotch Cookies (from my Great Great Aunt Ida)
2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup butter and lard (half of each…or just use butter)
2 eggs
2 cups flour with 1 tsp. soda and 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup nut meats

Mix altogether and put on moulding board (cutting board or counter).  Work in enough flour for cookie dough.  Mould in loaf (3″ wide and 1 1/2″ high) and put in refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Cut in thin slices and sprinkle with colored sugar.  Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes.

Caramel Bars
This recipe came from my dear friend Donna Bond.  Using this scrumptious treat I became a finalist at a baking contest in Ames, Iowa when I was in junior high.

Mix together: 1 box yellow cake mix
2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar

Add and mix: 3/4 cup cooking oil and 1 egg

Spread 1/2 of this mixture in greased 9 x 13 pan.  Pour 3/4 cup caramel ice cream topping over dough (or melted caramels).  Try to keep topping about 1/2″ from the edge of cookie dough.  Crumble remaining dough over sauce.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.  Cool.  Cut into bars.

Cherry Chip Cornflake Cookies (pictured above) – 5 dozen
2 1/4 cups sifted flour
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp. almond extract
3/4 cup corn flakes, crumbled
1 pkg. cherry chips (6 oz.)

Measure unpacked flour and mix with salt.  Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Mix in egg yolk and almond extract.  Add flour and mix until smooth.  Stir in cornflakes and cherry chips.  Roll into 1″ balls, placing on ungreased cookie sheets.  Press with a fork lengthwise and crosswise, and sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar.  Bake at 375 for 12-14 minutes.  Remove from sheet while still warm.

Gumdrop Cookies (pictured above)
1 cup softened butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten lightly
2 cups oatmeal
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup cut gumdrops
1 cup coconut (optional)

Preheat oven to 400. Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and blend well. Add dry ingredients and mix until smooth.  Add coconut, oatmeal, gumdrops and vanilla last. Drop on cookie sheet.  Bake at 400 for 10 minutes.

Munchkins (pictured above)
Our Filipino daughter Amira taught us how to make these – YUM!  Bake a batch of brownies.  After cooling add some milk and roll into balls.  Then roll in shredded coconut.  You can also put a piece of candy or marshmallow in the center.

Spritz Cookies (pictured above)
Christmas isn’t just Christmas without traditional Swedish spritz! 

1 cup softened butter (real)
1 egg
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. almond extract
a pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. vanilla
a pinch of cream of tartar

Mix butter and sugar until creamy.  Add flour (unsifted) and baking powder to butter and sugar (a bit more flour may be needed).  Mix all ingredients together with hands to make a soft, not crumbly dough.  Preheat oven to 350.  Form cookies with cookie press.  Bake approximately 10 minutes.  Watch carefully to they don’t become brown. We like to make white camels with gold or silver ball eyes, green Christmas trees with gold balls at the tops and colored balls for decorations, and white or green wreaths by using star form and making a long “snake” of dough – trimming it to 3″ pieces and making a circle – 2 red hots at the top for holly and green sugar sprinkles. You can also make poinsettias or candy canes.

Whew!  With all this sweetness going around, we need something salty to balance it out …

Ranch Oyster Crackers – 3 cups
1 cup olive oil (or oil of preference)
1 tsp. dill weed
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 pkg. Ranch salad dressing mix
2  12-oz. pkgs. oyster crackers

Mix everything but the crackers.  Pour mixture over the crackers.  Mix well and let set for at least 1 hour before serving.

And the caramel corn (that isn’t really corn – so nothing getting into your teeth)!

Old Dutch Caramel Corn
1 8-oz. bag of Old Dutch Puff Corn Curls
Caramel Sauce: 1/2 lb. butter (real) (2 sticks) … 1 cup brown sugar … 1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp. baking soda

Place corn curls in large roasting pan (can use disposable).  In 2 quart saucepan cook sauce ingredients (except soda) 2 minutes.  Add 1 tsp. soda to mix.  This will cause foaming – 2 quart pan necessary!  Pour caramel mix over corn curls and stir till mixed.  250 for 45 minutes.  Stir at least every 10-15 minutes.  Prepare counter/table with waxed paper on top of newspaper.  Pour cooked corn on waxed paper and separate piece by piece while still warm.  Beware: this is addictive!

And we can’t have Christmas without candy (well, we can, but you know what I mean)!  First of all, my Mom’s fabulous fudge …

Fantasy Fudge – 3 lbs.
3 cups sugar
2/3 cup (5 1/3-oz. can) evaporated milk
1 cup milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup to 1 cup black walnuts, chopped
3/4 cup butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 7-oz. jar marshmallow creme
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, butter and milk in heavy 2-3 quart saucepan.  Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly.  Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat (to 234 degrees); remove from heat to prevent scorching.  Stir in chocolate chips till melted (gradual).  Add marshmallow creme, nuts and vanilla; beat till well blended.  Pour in greased 9 x 13 pan.  Cool. Cut.

Peppermint Patties – about 4 dozen
1 pkg. (8-oz.) creme cheese, softened
9 cups confectioners sugar
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. peppermint extract
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
3 Tbsp. shortening

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and extract until smooth.  Gradually add sugar, beating well.  Shape into 1″ balls. Place on waxed paper lined baking sheets.  Flatten into patties.  Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.  In a microwave (or in double boiler) melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth.  Cool slightly.  Dip patties in melted chocolate; place on waxed paper until firm.  Store in cool place.

And for a smashing finale, my friend Jane’s decadent bread …

Double Chocolate Bread – 6 mini loaves or 2 regular loaves
When my neighbor and friend Jane brought this over as a Christmas surprise, I shamelessly kept most of it for myself, only sharing the bare minimum with my dear husband and children!

1 box chocolate (or yellow) cake mix (moist devil’s food recommended)
2 boxes instant chocolate pudding
4 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups water
12 oz. bag chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet or combination)
Chopped pecans (optional)

Mix together cake mix, pudding, eggs, oil, vanilla, and water until smooth.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Pour about 1/2 full into greased and floured (cocoa or carob powder) pans (big or small).  Bake 50 minutes – 1 hour at 350.  Let cool.  Remove from pans and wrap in plastic wrap or place in airtight container as this helps it remain moist. 

Happy baking and memory making!

by Categories: Holidays, Recipes Leave a comment

Lemon Wedges and Sugar Packets



Dad and me celebrating his 80th birthday, April 2011
“‘… And try Me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.'”  Malachi 3:10b 

My Dad has the unique habit of making lemonade at restaurants.  He does not order a lemonade, he makes it with the resources available at his table. Typically, a lemon wedge garnish arrives in each water glass, and before the waiter can say, “May I take your order?” he has already grabbed a mini bag of sugar and is intently concocting his chalice of personal refreshment before our very eyes.

A memory I treasure involves a visit with my parents.  We met at a restaurant, and our waitress graciously seated us before delivering water glasses complete with lemony adornments. After sharing an unusual memory from her childhood, our waitress asked if we would like anything else to drink. I tried to look busy with my menu while my Dad smiled at the lady, “I need some sugar, please … to make lemonade.”

Honestly, I can’t say that I have ever gotten used to this ritual, even though it has become a family tradition.  I half expected the seven-months-pregnant waitress to toss a meager bag of sweetener my dad’s direction with a snear of disgust.  But, no.  My eyes grew wide with wonder as our angelic hostess brought my dad not just one sugar packet, but a bowl full of sugar packets, and in another bowl a veritable mountain of lemon wedges (at least eight)!  Dad was ecstatic while Mom handled her shock in a most gracious manner.

This reminds me of God’s lavish lovingkindness toward us.  We eventually get around to asking God for help (sometimes as a last resort).  And what does God do?  Does He toss us a lame little sugar packet with a scowl on His face?  No way!  God delights in meeting every need, heaping upon us His powerful resources and sweet comfort to strengthen us along the way.  All we need to do is ask.  And, of course, the tab is on Him.

P.S.  After the meal, my Dad generously ordered a giant hot fudge sundae for us to share, just to say, “I love you!”  Thanks, Dad – I love you, too!

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive,
that your joy may be full.” John 16:24

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16


by Categories: God Appointments, Parenting 1 Comment

Prescription for Pre-Holiday Stress

 


Are you multi-tasking at the moment? Wondering how you are going to get everything done before the guests arrive or you pack up to head out of town?

1. Stop, as soon as you can (please do NOT let the boiling pot burn down your house, and DO help Johny’s boo-boo).

2. Go get a piece of paper (check the garbage can – the piece must be bigger than a gum wrapper).

3. Grab a pencil or pen (the only thing I could find near the computer this morning was an orange highlighter … it worked just fine).

4. Number your paper down the side as far as you can.

5. Next to each number write down a blessing. At first it might be like a slight sprinkle, but soon you’ll get warmed up and it will develop into a steady rain, maybe even a down-pour. You’re doing great!

6. Now that you’re warmed up, write down what is troubling your spirit today. It could be sickness, a broken dishwasher, the prospect of facing the holidays without a certain loved one this year, disappointment, rejection, loneliness, financial woes, exhaustion, worries about how the family is going to “get along” this Thanksgiving … anything that causes your heart to ache, tears to fall, or your fist to want to hit the wall.

7. Now, give the list to God. Pray through the list, thanking Him. If it seems impossible to thank God sincerely for the trial you are facing, ask Him for strength to thank Him. God can use even “bad” blessings, things that tear us apart, for good.

If our lives were perfect, why would we need Him? And who would want to listen to us if we haven’t been blown about by life’s turbulance? People cannot know what we believe is real until they see it tested by time and trials.

8. Let God lift your spirit in full assurance that He knows and loves you, while He offers you His presence and supply through anything and everything, 24/7/365!

“Even there _______________________ Your hand shall lead me,
and Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:10

The fill-in-the-blank line was added by me. There is room on that line for whatever is on your heart, dear Friend. If you follow this recipe once, it should greatly help you during the hurry and scurry of this holiday season. If once isn’t enough, reapply daily as needed! Happy Holidays!

P.S. Read Psalm 103

To learn more about thanks-living, read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

by Categories: Holidays, Stress 1 Comment

My Testimony – How a Place of Death Led to New Life in Christ

The cemetary went on and on.  I couldn’t take my eyes off it as my sister and I drove by all those tombstones on our way to Grandpa and Grandma’s house.  All those people died. A few minutes earlier I had waved a tearful good-bye to my parents at the airport.  Alarmed to see them leave for vacation, the grip of fear ruled my heart.  Old stones with words on them made things scarier.  Susan, seeing my despair, tried to comfort me.  “Sara, the worst thing that could happen is that they would die.  But, then they would go to be with God.”  Well, that didn’t sound too bad.  Of course I would miss them terribly, but I knew they would be safe and happy.

 

 

My mind was busy.  I could die . . . like those people died. Will I go to heaven to be with God, like Mom and Dad?

As the evening wore on, I felt worse and worse as God’s Holy Spirit graciously convicted me of sin.  I thought about verses my sister had shared with me:

 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

 

 
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23


“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  I John 1:9


“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23


“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”  I John 5:12-13

 

Even though I was very young child, I knew this was a very important decision.  I could no longer resist His offer of grace and forgiveness.  It were as though Jesus stood before me with arms open wide, waiting to give me a BIG hug (and hold on tight forever).

In Grandma’s bedroom, I tearfully admitted my sin and need for Him. I told Him I believed Jesus is God and that He gave His life for me, paying for my sin.  I believed in Him and wanted to follow Him the rest of my life. Suddenly, like rain in the desert, a refreshing peace washed over me.  I was no longer a slave of Satan, sin and myself.  God had brought me from death to life: I had become His child!  A new creation.

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 

 

Clear as a cloudless blue sky I remember that day so many years ago.  Less than two months before my fourth birthday, the seeds of truth faithfully planted at home and church were taking root.  Being born into a Christian family didn’t make me a Christian.  God gave me the opportunity to hear and choose.  God gave me the gift of life, and He wants to give you the same gift!  Are you going to let the seeds God is planting bloom in your life?

Are you are a believer, but lately you have been taking God for granted? It’s an easy thing to do!  Let’s stop for a moment right now and remember all God has done for us.  If you have any questions about what God has done for you and how you can know Him better, I’d love to talk with you!  saraleighanne@juno.com
by Categories: My Testimony 2 Comments

Coincidence vs. Sovereignty



West End Architectural Salvage ... When my sister said we were beginning our day-long celebration of our mom and dad’s 60th anniversary at a coffee shop by that name, I was hesitant.  It turned out to be an interesting place!  Located in a huge old building, it is a mixture of antique shop, museum, and coffee haven. 

While walking around to marvel at the ancient relics scattered high and low, I noticed a lady had come around the corner at the end of the hallway.  When I looked at her I was shocked to see Julie, my next door neighbor!  Here we were, more than two hours away from our homes, running into each other at this unique place.  She was equally surprised, and we had a nice little chat before she left to go shopping with her daughter.

After finishing our cozy hot chocolate and chai, we continued with our party to a fabulous little museum called Iowa Hall of Pride, and next to a 50’s diner, hearkening back to the time when my parents were first married.

Before we took a tour of places where my parents had grown up, met, and the church where they were married, we stopped at a small grocery store in the middle of an old neighborhood.  We all dispersed to follow our interests, and since I’m not much of a shopper, I quickly made my purchases and then wandered out to enjoy the sunshine while I waited.

When my sister walked out with a smile on her face, I couldn’t believe it when she said, “My neighbor is inside!” Sharon’s next door neighbor, over an hour away from their hometown, was at the same store at the same time we were.  It was fun to go back in to meet the sweet Japanese lady and her family.

What are the chances?  What are the odds that both my sister and I would see our next door neighbors, on the same day, so far from home?  Even if we had scheduled seeing them, it couldn’t have turned out this smoothly.  Timing and place in perfect synchronization. 

Why?  It’s not that we had earth-moving conversations with our neighbors, whom we are trying to reach with the love of God.  Perhaps God arranged these appointments to remind us that …

1.  He is in charge of our appointments, ones we know about and the ones that surprise us.
2.  He can arrange any combination of scenarios because He is God and He is working out a plan.
3.  He is always watching us, and other people are, too. 

Today I am thankful for these reminders, and it makes me look forward with a perspective of …

1.  Anticipation:  I wonder what God is going to do next!
2.  Accountability:  I had better make sure I am right with God, because He is always watching me, and others should see Christ through me.
3.  Preparation:  I had better be prepared for whatever God has in store.  I need to be ready to encourage, share hope, edify, and shine for Him wherever I go.

Coincidence?  Nope.  My God is sovereign.

“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth … all things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist… that in all things He may have the preeminience.”
Colossians 1:17-18
by Categories: God Appointments Leave a comment

Together 60 Years!

Today my family celebrated my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary.  They were married on November 3, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa.  Our day was spent reliving memories, driving around their old neighborhoods, hearing stories, visiting the Iowa Hall of Pride museum, eating at a 50’s diner, enjoying each other.  It was a day to remember!

Sixty years seems like a long time, but they say they don’t know where the time went.  It seems unreal that they are knocking on eighty, because it wasn’t long ago that they were young and in love.  I’m happy to report that they are still in love.

Mom
My Mom is almost always smiling.  As a kid it would irritate me, along with her contant humming, but now I am refreshed by her spirit of joy!  I see in her a woman who has been faithful to her man through ups and downs.

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:22

She is submissive!  Sometimes I have encouraged her to speak up for herself in certain situations, but she usually chooses to quietly pray about matters instead.  I am thankful for a mother who smiles with her eyes, voice (over the phone), lips and heart.  She is an example of a faithful wife and prayer warrior.

Dad
My Dad sold three pigs to buy my mom’s ring, and they had a short engagement because he was drafted into the army.  Although he didn’t end up going over to Korea, there were many stressful moments related to his service to America.

In my Dad I see a man who has taken care of his wife and loves her more than he did when he married her. 

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and
gave Himself for her…”  Ephesians 5:25

My Dad claims that my Mom proposed to him.  His teasing is accompanied by eyes sparkling with fun.  My Mom groans with a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. She’s heard this story a hundred times.  Today we got “the rest of the story” on video.  The truth seems to be in the middle: they shopped for rings together, but he wasn’t formal in giving her the ring, so she nudged him a bit, “Aren’t you forgetting something?” 

I count myself extremely blessed to have parents who have stayed married for 60 years. Thank you, Mom and Dad!

by Categories: Marriage 1 Comment

Facebook Ministry

Facebook has certainly changed our lives.  For the longest time I avoided it. Then, as my twentieth high school reunion approached, I realized I wouldn’t know what was going on if I were not on Facebook.  So, I gave in, or rather, signed up to join the fun.  While I have chosen to take part, I completely understand and respect those who choose not to participate.

Getting a Facebook account has turned out to be a blessing for me. As long as I can control my time spent on it, Facebook is a place of encouragement: I get a chance to encourage others, and others encourage me.

I don’t know about you, but for me there is comfort in knowing that I am not alone in this crazy journey of life. Kimberly’s 6-year-old threw up last night, Carrie’s washing machine is on the blitz, and Janene’s car is in the shop, again – things like this challenge our family as well!  Some people post uplifting and convicting Scripture verses that minister to my soul, and there are plenty of hilarious cartoons to give a chuckle. At our house we love to keep in touch with foreign exchange students: those who are here, and those who have returned to their homelands.

With needy matters scattered across every page, Facebook is a terrific way to know how to pray for people. It has given me insight about those I am trying to reach, especially neighbors and teens in our church. Also, as a blast from the past, it has put me back in touch with former students, now young adults.  And our joyful conversation, rooted in the past, continues in the present and, Lord willing, on into the future.

How can Facebook be a ministry for you?  
Do you look at it simply as a place to vent and show off pictures?  I hope that you see it as more than that, as the ministry opportunity it is.

A few months ago I started a Facebook group called Kitchen Music.  Combining two of my favorite things in the name, it is a meeting place for fellow cooks.  We share recipes, food related stories, ask questions, and once in awhile I’ll post a Bible verse like, “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8)

Last autumn, I introduced a new feature called, “Recipe of Encouragement.”  On Mondays I post a specific person (such as pastors wives, singles, cancer fighters, and around the holidays neighbors and prickly relatives, to name a few) to focus on encouraging, along with ideas how to minister. Others in the group reciprocate with feedback: ideas and what they are doing to reach out that week.  It’s a blessing!

One dear pastor’s wife wrote in and said the best thing that can be given for her is prayers, as she often feels like she is under Satan’s attack. Another pastor’s wife joyfully recalled once when some teens in her church blessed them at a restaurant by insisting on paying for their meal. I hope these ideas and reminders will help Facebook friends take time to show appreciation to their pastor’s wife this weekend and continue to pray for her in the future.

As you go about your day as a woman on a mission for God, ask Him how modern technology, even Facebook, can be a tool of ministry for you.  How can you creatively use your computer for God?  I feel I should apologize for repeatedly using the word “encouragement” in this post. But, really, can there ever be too much encouragement?

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by Categories: Mentoring, Ministry Ideas, Recipes 1 Comment