Still wondering about this hobby...

It recently occurred to me that this little old blog of mine was still up.  A lot has changed since I last posted, almost 8 years to be exact.

Our family has continued to enjoy life and eat well.  I think I might start posting recipes again.  Let's see where this goes and maybe someone out there will enjoy my recipes.  If nothing else it will be a way to go back and enjoy past meals with my family.

Nativity Fast is quickly approaching

Things around here have been busy.  We are busy homeschooling and right now I'm trying really hard to make sure we are prepared the best we can be for the upcoming fast.

So without further ado here is what we are eating this week.  I hope to review the recipes and add some pics. 

Monday - Steak and sides (honestly I have no idea on the sides but I'm thrilled to eat fresh farm raised beef before the fast begins.  We'll be grilling as it is supposed to be close to 70 degrees tomorrow.
Tuesday - Stuffed manicotti (tofu ricotta a la Peas and Thank You)
Wednesday - Tofu Fun Nuggets (Peas and Thank You), Tater Tots, Carrots
Thursday - Homemade Sweet Potato Gnocci, Roasted Broccoli
Friday - Fresh seafood, quinoa salad

Halfway?? Really

So this weekend marks the half way mark of Great Lent.  I know I have not shared any recipes during this whole time.  I plan on actually writing up a few we have tried in the next few days. 

We have been doing A LOT of cleaning around these parts.  I have really been focusing a lot on our school room since we start officially homeschooling in the fall.  Hard to believe my big boy is a Kindergartener.  I am so excited about that adventure.

I feel I have failed less this year during my journey although, I am fully aware of where I am failing.  Which has prepared me mentally for the sacrament of Confession which I hope to do in the coming weeks.  I can see where I am sinning and where I am repeating that sin.  I want to move away from those sins so badly that seemed to have plagued me over the last few years. 

I am happy to report that last night was another successful Presanctified Liturgy and I am so blessed to have children that are starting to learn more about the things of God and why he is so very important in our lives.

Lent has never been so refreshing

This has been a way better Lent than last year, so far.  We have gotten the boys to go to Presanctified Gifts Liturgy for the last two weeks and last night they did AMAZING.  I could not even believe they were our children.

I feel so refreshed and balanced after going and we are focusing on saying our prayers, being kind, and working to help others.  It has been a wonderful experience so far and I hope it continues.  Lord willing.

The last few weeks we have also been doing some Lenten cleaning.  It feels so good to get our lives in order.  The spiritual cleansing has made us want order and balance in other areas of our lives.  For this I am so grateful.

How is your Lent going?

A new favorite product

I love coffee.  I have two cups every morning and it is a time which I enjoy sitting at my kitchen table in peace and quiet.  I read my Bible and chat with my husband about our days.  I almost thought this year I would have to give up on my beloved cups of coffee until I found a creamer product that finally tastes good.

This creamer is so creamy and smooth and delicious.  I have tried soy based creamers in the past and have had a very hard time with the after taste.  This has NO after taste and doesn't even have a coconut flavor.  Which I wouldn't mind.  So I say give it a shot and see if you enjoy it as much as I do.

Planning and Organizing

With the start of Great Lent just around the corner I find myself with anticipation.  I love the time of fasting and prayer in preparation for Pascha.  As a family our daily lives become less complex as we really strive to take each day and focus on God even more.

With that in mind I am starting to plan daily/weekly activities for the children and our home.  Last year I took a page out of anothers book and devised a Lenten Cleaning List.  I will revisit this task again this year as it really did help me to prepare and clean our home for yet another seasonal change.

The new task for this year is to have lessons for the children, make it to Presanctified Liturgy on a regular basis, and simplify our menu.

I hope to read at least two good books during Lent this year and hope to keep the television off as much as possible.  This task is difficult as we are still in winter and the weather in not all that cooperative.

I hope to share lessons I have found, my cleaning list, and some simplistic recipes in the weeks to come.  I look forward to all of you who journey with me.

Curried Chicken with Basmati Rice

This recipe is from the Southern Living Busy Mom's Weeknight Favorites cookbook. 

1 1/2 lb skinned and boned chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tsp. curry powder
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 tsp minced garlic
1 (13.5-oz.) can coconut milk
1/2 cup mango chutney
1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp water

Directions:
1. Sprinkle chicken with curry powder.  Heat 2 tbsp oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot; add chicken and saute 5 minutes or until chicken is browned.  Remove from pan.

2. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to pan and head over medium high heat.  Add bell pepper and garlic; saute 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp-tender.  Return chicken to pan and add coconut milk, chutney and soy sauce.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Combine cornstarch and water and pour into chicken mixture.  Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil, stirring constantly, 1 minute.

Serve this chicken over basmati rice. 

I did not have mango chutney so I substituted peach jam.  Also I used rotisserie chicken and it was a great way to make this mean cook in even less time.  To make this vegan just substitute chickpeas for the chicken.