This Far By Faith

I was sitting at my desk working on a PowerPoint for work. On the web stream, I was listening to Ablazin' Grace Gospel. Nice.

Then it happened: ***Sha-zam!!!***

I was a little girl with braids and knee high white sheer socks and patent leather maryjanes. Just the first line of the song from the computer speakers took me back to Macedonia Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas in the early 1970's. Sunday morning, eleven o'clock service... the church is packed.I could almost hear the music slowly fade into the fabulous sound of the filled to over-flowing choir loft singing:

We've come this far-ar-ar by faith,
Leaning on....the Lo-ord!!!
Trustin' in His Holy Word....
He's never fail-ail-ailed me ye-et!!!
Oh,oh-oh-ohhh,oh-oh-ohhh!
Can't turn arou-ou-ound.... We've come this far-ar-ar by fai-aith!!!!

I can hear my Momma singing along... I can feel the fans waving. I can hear a sister near the back shouting to the Lord.

And then **** Sha-zam!!!****... I'm back to my desk....

A warm feeling lingers. I know that I've come this far by faith. I think about the faith of my Momma, and I know... I can't turn arou-ou-ound....
And in heaven, I'll be around saints singing praises and hear Momma singing and sisters and brothers shouting to the Lord.

...we've come this fa-a-ar by faith!!!!

Cultivating Cooperation Within the Family

I often find myself thanking people for compliments paid to my family. Both strangers and friends frequently marvel at the calm sense of solidarity and cooperation that envelops our family. More often than not, these comments are followed closely by queries about applying strategies that I have employed to their respective families. Although many of the ideas that I share are elementary, they are no longer obvious in our high speed society. As our lives have become more and more mechanized, streamlined and impersonal, our family relationships have as well.

The cultivation of cooperation in a family begins conscientiously at the genesis of the family unit. Adults in the family must commit to a higher level of communication and expectation of success and peace within the family. By placing a deliberate emphasis on the concept of family members as built in life helpers, a healthy interdependence is born. From babyhood through the teen years, a steady agenda of cooperation and civility is employed. These truths taught by my parents have allowed me to maintain healthy and loving relationships with my siblings as adults.

As children realize that their actions affect others in the family, they strive to attain approval. Simple games of please and thank you accompanied by exaggerated facial expressions and emotions taught my one year olds that their actions mattered. When my toddlers behaved well, they were rewarded with a smile and hug. Over-exaggerated sad faces taught my sons that their actions could hurt people. Soon, they began to understand how we should treat others. They began to look outside of themselves to see where they fit into our family. Clear and consistent messages regarding acceptable behavior were invaluable at this age.

Preschool aged children are able to apply their understanding of relationship dynamics. At ages four and six my children began age appropriate chores such as setting the table, clearing dishes and emptying wastebaskets. Shared chores and clean up time helped to instill a sense of belonging to our group. In our home we have a standard team cleaning time. Friday evenings the whole house is cleaned. This allows everyone to sleep in on Saturdays while I prepare breakfast. My children are grateful for the sleep. I am grateful for the shared burden of keeping our home environment clean and healthy. Not to mention... the quiet Saturday mornings to myself!

I cannot over emphasize the importance of modeling appropriate behavior and decorum. Our home is a haven of the expected. Each member expects to be treated with civility and love, even in times of frustration. Each member expects to compromise at times because they have received grace. There is only one clothes washer. That fact is unchangeable. But perhaps the family member using it can offer to include a garment to help a sibling in a pinch. Help is expected. Peace is expected. Cooperation is expected. My oldest son once told me that our family has behavior code. I suppose he is correct.

Finally, I prayerfully commit myself daily to encourage efforts to cooperate. Rarely does condemnation and consternation aid in the desire to be part of a team. Applaud successes and re-direct shortcomings. I have found that my children at times amaze me with their empathy. Cooperation was not an accidental accomplishment in our family. It was a priority.

Blessings,

Jalanda

*Originally published 8/18/04

Happy Birthday, A.J.

My youngest just celebrated his nineteenth birthday. Wow... where have the years gone?

In our family, the birthday honoree picks what home cooked dinner and homemade dessert they would like to have. The menu for our Sunday dinner to celebrate our family being blessed with such a wonderful young man was delicious!



Southern Fried Chicken, Smothered Cabbage, Yellow Rice and Cornbread. Dessert: Dark Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Yup, soul food... for the soul!




I love you, Aaron.

Wine, Coffee, Dessert and Conversation

Well hello there! I'm glad that you are still here... lots of long breaks posting this past year, and for that I apologize. But 2011 is on the horizon, and that means another chance to get back on the regular posting schedule.

This year has been a rocking and rolling one. Ups and downs, highs and lows. But always, ALWAYS blessed.



Today was especially wonderful because my cousin from Boston came to visit us here in Florida! After a day of local sightseeing, a great burger lunch at a diner and a trip to the beach, we came home ready to start a great home cooked dinner.

We had the familiar baked chicken, jasmine rice and steamed broccoli dinner. My sister's homemade gravy transported all of us to a gastronomic Nirvana! It's funny how simple wholesome foods feed our appetites as well as our souls.

While I most often make dessert from scratch, I wanted more than ever to spend time talking and catching up with my cousin. So, I created a colorful spread of sweet nibbles and fresh and ripe fruits to enjoy around the table as conversation, coffee and wine flowed.



Great, simple food. Beautiful arrangement. Loving and funny conversation. Just perfect!

Here's to 2011 and to you!

Sunday Dinner

Today we had our usual gathering for Sunday dinner at my sister's house next door. Our menu was simple and familiar comfort foods.

On the menu: Fried chicken, corn casserole, garlic green beans with sweet red peppers, house salad and for dessert: Chocolate Chocolate Cake.


We serve our dishes family style, and pass the bowls and platters.





There's something refreshing about a cool and crisp salad next to steaming hot crispy chicken and sweet and creamy corn casserole.



I bet you wanna see that cake, dontcha? Here it is... homemade Chocolate Chocolate Cake. Yes, as a matter of fact it WAS good.




If you would like a recipe in this post, leave your request in the comments.

Sundays... Our family loves them!

This Is The Day

For the first time in a very long time, I don't have Sunday dinner pictures to share. I didn't forget. And yes, we had dinner. It was just such a lovely time with lovely family and friends and I chose to enjoy the moment. I chose to focus on the people and the conversation.

The food was awesome! We had BBQ Chicken and Ribs, salad, baked potatoes, grilled vegetables and homemade bread. For dessert, we had planned a cheesecake that my sister purchased. But, that didn't work out. So, instead we had Root beer Floats!

I won't totally disappoint you, though. The grilled vegetables were delicious! So, I'll share the method, as it is more method than recipe. Even the most avowed veggie hater just might approve of them.

Today has been beautiful. From the bright, clear morning... to delightful Salsa courtesy of the Buena Vista Social Club and Celia Cruz... to dinner with loved ones. It has been a joy.

Today is the day that the Lord has made... I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Today, I've been happier than I have been in a long time. Rejoice!


Grilled Vegetables


4 medium zucchini
2 green bell peppers
2 red bell peppers
1 large Spanish onion
1 pound of button mushrooms

Olive Oil
Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce
Italian Dressing
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
Black Pepper
Onion Powder

Wooden Skewers


Soak the skewers in water for 2 hours. (It helps avoid burning on the grill)

Chop all of the vegetables into bite sized pieces. (I left the mushrooms whole)

In a large bowl, liberally season with seasonings and toss. Add a good amount of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and Italian dressing. Toss again.

Allow to marinate at room temperature for at least an hour. (Two is better)

Thread vegetables onto skewers. Stack closely, but not tightly.

Grill over hot coals, while continually watching. Baste with reserved marinade a few times as you turn the skewers for even cooking.

Delicious!

Travel Via Palate

Today's Sunday dinner was simple but delicious. We feasted on sausages, sauerkraut with apples and onions and pierogies.

Dinner preparation came together in less than 30 minutes, excluding dessert.




Apples and onions were sauteed in butter, with a little kosher salt and pepper. When softened, I added the drained sauerkraut.

Polish sausages were slowly browned and crisped.



I used frozen potato and cheese pierogies. First they were boiled until they floated in salted water.



Lastly, the pierogies were drained and then lightly sauteed in butter. Yummy!


Here's my plate. I like a little sour cream with my pierogies.



My sister rocked dessert! She made an Apple Spice Crisp. And then she served it warm with a scoop of Bluebell Homemade Vanilla. Oh. My. Word.



Dinner was wonderful. A little taste of eastern Europe.

Sunday Sides

One of the wonderful things about Sunday dinner is that it is more "substantial" than our normal weekday dinners. There is the requisite protein and vegetable... but then there are extra starches and usually a decadent dessert.

Today, I'm back as promised to give the recipes to the two side dishes my family enjoyed this past Sunday. I hope you will try these easy and tasty side dishes. If you do, please let me know what you think. I love feedback!

Potato Casserole

24 oz. Ore Ida Hash browns
1 Can Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup
8 oz. Sour Cream
1/4 c. margarine or butter, melted
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. kosher salt
3 fresh green onions, sliced
8 oz. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
4 oz. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 c. Shredded Parmesan Cheese (use the real stuff)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare baking dish: I use non-stick spray. I think my dish is a 9 x 10.

In a large mixing bowl mix all ingredients, except the potatoes. Once well mixed, add the potatoes and mix well. Pour into prepared dish, spread evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. (or until potatoes are tender) Remove foil and return to oven to brown top as desired.



(I apologize for the blurry image)


Vegetable Gumbo

1 16 oz. bag Frozen Succotash
1/2 pound fresh green beans
1 16 oz. bag Frozen sliced Okra
1 14.5 oz can of Diced Tomatoes
4 oz. Tomato Paste
1 large Red Bell pepper, diced
3 medium Zucchini, sliced
2 Tablespoons Vigo Chicken Soup Base , divided
1 tsp. Onion Powder
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

Method:

Add succotash and green beans to a medium pot. Just cover with water. Add one tablespoon of soup base. Cook over medium heat, covered for ten minutes.

Add remaining ingredients, stir well. Cook covered until desired doneness.

Taste for seasoning and serve.

Sunday Dinner

There are precious few constants in most of our lives. However, our family is blessed to be able to stop everything and gather around the dinner table in the formal dining room for a meal each Sunday. The funny thing is that we tend to eat off paper plates...after all who wants to wash dishes after a feast?

Today was my day to cook. My Sunday menu: Roasted Chicken, Cheesy Potato Casserole, Vegetable Gumbo and hot rolls. I made a homemade Sweet Potato Pie for dessert.

Here's a look at the bird before carving. That's not burnt skin... that delicious seasonings and flavor!






Next, I'll show you the veggies in the pot. Yummers! It was a delightful mix of lima beans, okra, corn, tomatoes, green beans, zucchini and red bell peppers. Delicious!



Here's a picture of my loaded plate. I'm not much of a meat eater... so I usually just pick up a wing.




Another angle... Look at that yumminess!



And because I just can't leave it alone... a close up of the casserole and veggies.



Dessert was a southern classic: Sweet Potato Pie!






Well, this post is getting long. So, I'll be back with recipes for the Potato Casserole and the Vegetable Gumbo this week.

Happy Sunday!

Wordless Wednesday

Old School Friday: The Dramatics

I remember watching Soul Train as a little girl with my sisters on Saturdays. No one would move in the den while the show's featured guests were on stage.

I remember this one fondly.

Old School Friday: Mahalia Jackson

My mother used to listen to gospel and spirituals on Saturday mornings as we cleaned our home. We listened to many artists, some that I can no longer remember. We even listened to "static-ky" cassette tapes made from live worship services. (Any one else remember folks doing that in the seventies?)

I do remember a few artists and groups: The Blind Boys from Alabama, Aretha Franklin, Shirley Caesar,Chicago Mass Choir,Reverend James Cleveland, our local Walker Ford Singers and of course, Mahalia Jackson. Here she is singing Silent Night. Enjoy.

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Old School Friday: Gone But Not Forgotten

While whiling away time on Facebook, one of my online friends linked to a meme he is participating in on his blog.

It got me interested... as I'm all about MUSIC.

So, with no further ado... with both feet, I jump into Old School Friday.

Enjoy:





See what other bloggers are putting out there for Old School Friday.

The Best of Her Love!

The bond between sisters is special, and if you're blessed...especially sweet. Every time I think of the family that God saw fit to place me in, I want to weep with gratitude. From parents that loved with firmness, laughter, reverence to God and consistency...to siblings that love without condition- I am blessed.

I can remember dancing and lipsynching in the den on Laurel Valley with my sisters. We would perform for our own amusement and for our parents. Sometimes we used records. Sometimes we performed an impromptu accompaniment to American Bandstand. Good times!

Yesterday was a particularly stressful day at work. As I left the parking lot, I called my oldest sister to tell her that I was finally on the way home. (Our homes are next to each other) Jokingly, I asked if she had any alcohol in the house. *giggle* She assured me that she did, and that she was planning to give me a fabulous dinner.

Boy oh, boy.......did she deliver!

To round out that FABULOUS salad, she provided comfort food: Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza with sausage and mushrooms! We gilded the lily with a few of their Wingstreet Wings.

Oh, and that innocuous looking drink? It packed a whallop! LOL!!

While there are no recordings of us three sisters in our many performances to share, I did find this jewel at Youtube. I hope you enjoy it. It brings back wonderful memories of growing up in the house filled with joy on Laurel Valley.

A Taste From Childhood

I grew up in a family of six: Daddy and Mommie, older brother and two older sisters. (We got two more brothers after Mommie passed away, and Daddy married Nana.)

Mommie was a working woman. She taught Special Education at Loma Linda Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas. But our family still had home cooked meals almost every day. In fact, going out to eat was reserved for special occassions. As we girls got older, we shared the dinner cooking duties. For this, I am eternally grateful. All of us know our way around a kitchen!

Mommie made up many recipes. She used whatever was on sale, in the kitchen cabinets or in the backyard garden. All of her creations were tasty. One thing that I remember about childhood was that homemade desserts were rare. Oh sure, we had the occassional cake made from a mix. Even more rarely, we had a homemade Sweet Potato Pie or Pound Cake. But we all knew we'd hit the jackpot when Mommie made Raisin Dumplings!

I know, I know.... you are all wondering, "What the heck are Raisin Dumplings?" So, to answer your question,

BEHOLD:




Made from humble ingredients, these tender and tasty morsels made us feel loved. (And we WERE loved!)For some strange reason, I am the only daughter that actually knows how to make these. I think that they are actually quite easy to make. (I do cheat with refrigerated pie crust dough for the dumplings, though)

My Daddy and brother in law prefer them warm and served with vanilla icecream. My oldest brother and sister prefer them after cooled and chilled in the fridge. As for me.... I like them any way I can get them. Although, I admit that I rarely eat more than a spoonful as they are very rich and delightfully sweet.

I made these for Daddy and Nana last week during their visit. They were happy. So was my brother in law. He's hooked, too.

I hope you will try this recipe. Let me know what you think!





Raisin Dumplings (adapted from Dorothy's Raisin Dumplings)

INGREDIENTS:

1 15 oz. Box Raisins
4-6 c. water
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. light brown sugar
1/3 c. white sugar
1 stick butter (no margarine)
1 pkg. refrigerator pie crusts, in pieces
1/4 c. heavy cream

METHOD:

Measure first 8 ingredients into a heavy bottomed sauce pan, using enough water to cover the raisins by two inches.

Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Simmer, stirring occassionally until raisins are plump and tender.

Return mixture to a gentle boil. Drop crust pieces in slowly, stirring gently. Cook until mushiness leaves dough, and mixture thickens.

Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream. (Mixture will continue to thicken as it cools)

Allow to cool until just warm. Serve in bowls with a good vanilla icecream.

The Great Fake Out Salad

I didn't want to cook last night.

I know... me.

Me!

I. did. not. want. to. cook.

So......... I decided we would have salad. Well, let's just say the family was "underwhelmed" when they heard we were having salad for dinner.

So, I pulled a fast one on them. *smile*


Check out the salad I pulled together from items in the fridge. And yeah..... I thought the salad was fabulous enough to warrant a night off from washing dishes, too! Paper plates, baby!

I added some warm, hearty bread on the side and dinner was served!




The Great Fake Out Salad

Mixed Greens (I used a bag)
Baby Spinach (I used a bag)
Bell Peppers, sliced
Cherry Tomatoes
Cucumbers, peeled and sliced
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Roasted Cashews
Avocado Slices
Chunked Roasted Chicken Breast
Boiled Eggs
Strawberries
Blueberries
Mandarin Orange segments

A Lazy Weekend Breakfast

Sometimes comfort food is in order. Saturday mornings cry out for something more special than a bagel on the run or a bowl of cereal.

Behold! Fried Potatoes and Onions! Oh yes, my friends... a southern classic.

No one really wanted eggs, so none today. But breakfast rocked even without them. And yes, those are biscuits stuffed with sausages on the side. Hey, the fruit was healthy!


Fried Potatoes and Onions

1 lb. bag Simply Potatoes (it's the weekend! No peeling!)

One medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (divided)

4 oz. Hickory Farms Summer Sausage chopped

3 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil

2 Tbsp. Butter

Salt and Pepper to taste


Heat oil and butter in heavy bottomed skillet until hot. Add summer sausage, half of the sliced onions and half of potatoes from package. Salt and pepper. Add remainder of onions and potatoes. Salt and pepper again.

Cook covered on medium heat undisturbed to brown bottom. (about 7 minutes) With a spatula turn browned potates on bottom up to top. Continue to cook, uncovered for the remainder of cooking.

As potatoes brown on the bottom, move with spatula to brown more slices.

Cook to desired level of golden brown.

Enjoy!

Best Family a Foodie Can Have

If anyone knows anything about me, they know that I'm an adventurous foodie. For many, that can be frustrating if they are part of a finicky food family. Thankfully, I have been blessed with a family that will try anything that I put before them. (It also doesn't hurt that I've groomed them to have broad and adventurous tastes!)

Like most foodies, I follow many blogs. Tonight's dinner success is owed to two fabulous food bloggers! Dinner was a cyber bow to their artistry.

Sunday dinner featured Asian flavors.

The starter was a Spinach & Romaine salad with mandarin oranges, toasted sesame seeds and toasted almonds. Please forgive the photo, it was taken hastily with a cell phone. The family wanted to dive in. No time for posed food shots!




Next, we moved on to grilled talapia fillets. I used for inspiration the BBQ Mahi Mahi recipe from Ezra Pound Cake. The photo is from that site, and I take no credit for it. But again... the family just wouldn't wait. I used the rub, but did not make the roasted pepper relish.



Next to the starring protein, I made an absolutely tongue tingling Asian Noodle Salad. Again, Ezra Pound Cake rocked the house with the recipe. I left out the cabbage and subbed out half of the fresh cilantro for flat leaf parsley. Also, there were no serrano peppers in the store, so I used one good sized fresh jalapeno instead. Again, the photo is from that site. I only wish I could take such great pics! But with an impatient family... pictures just. weren't. gonna. happen.





The family was very happy with the sumptuous meal. But when I reminded them about dessert their smiles got even bigger. I took my cue from Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy for our dessert. I made a Creamy Strawberry Swirled Cheesecake. It is a variation on Susan's recipe: Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake. My family prefers strawberries to raspberries. (I know, I'm sad about that) So, instead of raspberry topping as a swirl, I used a strawberry product. I also could not locate creme fraiche in the grocery store, so I used sour cream. No beautiful embellished decoration, either. My family wants just silky cheese cake. Bummer, because I would have loved to decorate.

But even with the changes, the cheesecake is the ABSOLUTE BEST one we have ever tasted. You absolutely must make time to make this.

Here is the pic from her site:




I only wish I could take great food pics like these wonderful food bloggers. Do yourselves a favor, read some great blogs and make some great food! Your family just might find themselves broadening their palate! And you will feel great mastering delicious new recipes.

Give Us This Day

Sunday dinner is one of the ties that binds the hearts of our family.





No need to spend lots of money. We enjoy beautiful, homemade breads regularly.



...and give us this day, our daily bread.




If you'd like to put delicious, easy, homemade bread on your table, I recommend this bread. I found the recipe over at Julie's blog.

It is from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day by Jeff Hertzberg.

Love On a Plate

Weekends at home with my sons are the best. Even better? When THEY cook for mama. I confess, I've purposely shared my love of cooking with them.

Sunday was my birthday. One of may favorite meals was waiting for me in the morning. A Southwestern Breakfast Quiche, Cheese Grits and Fruit Salad.

Love on a plate.