tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81204205035505557872024-03-13T21:02:07.039+01:00One Bite At A TimeAccomplishing my daily goals the same way you would approach eating an elephant .... one bite at a timemadridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-38731935948835594972019-10-25T01:41:00.000+02:002019-10-25T01:41:37.647+02:00Bathmat Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHKu7Y3MFCNvIzbncNK82lIVag0s-xTTkhmXqHYjhyphenhyphen3wMj__OrkiGjb_nHSAMIH10tADATn9ncniTtxuC_eEewr5LTEtDb04K9hCQSkCpZmhkII7IjcVbdjwp1IVNTbYtEh6y4MFUlmUH/s1600/20191024_105022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHKu7Y3MFCNvIzbncNK82lIVag0s-xTTkhmXqHYjhyphenhyphen3wMj__OrkiGjb_nHSAMIH10tADATn9ncniTtxuC_eEewr5LTEtDb04K9hCQSkCpZmhkII7IjcVbdjwp1IVNTbYtEh6y4MFUlmUH/s320/20191024_105022.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I coined a phrase today as I headed to the shower after my morning exercise. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“</span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bathmat Grace”</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I prepared to step into the bathtub I saw the rubber mat that needs to be spread in the bottom of the tub lest one wants to slip and slide right into an emergency room visit. It was neatly tucked away behind the faucet right where I always find it first thing in the morning. Right where my husband rolls it up and tucks it away when he is done with his daily shower. Don’t look too closely at the photo or you will see that this poor bathmat is desperately in need of being replaced. But until we buy a new one, this one will be lifted from its place at the bottom of the tub every time my husband is done with his shower. I can almost guarantee that if you check out our tub an hour after I have finished with my shower you will find the mat still suctioned to the tub. You see, my husband patiently explained to me how the mat can grow moldy if left in the tub and how it would last longer if I would lift it up and let it air dry between showers. It sounded like a good idea but I think the only time I have ever remembered to do it was today when I needed to stage this photo after having my “epiphany moment”. You see once I step out of the tub I don’t tend to look back. I don’t think about reaching back in and picking up that wet rubber mat. I am grabbing for towels and the hair dryer and thinking about the next thing I need to cross of the to do list for the day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And you know what? When I go to get in the tub the next day, that mat is all dry and tucked away in its little home. And I don’t think my husband has ever once nagged me about the mat, or complained to me for leaving it in the tub after my shower, or the fact that he is the one that ALWAYS ends up taking care of it. In this one area of our home he has daily extended grace to me and just taken care of it himself. Does it irritate him that I don’t remember to do what he thinks should be done with it? Maybe. But he has not shared that with me verbally and not even in little sighs of exasperation or exaggerated banging of rubber against porcelain tile. There have been no snide remarks of my shower slacking. He has just extended grace and decided that love will cover this and he will keep no account of my wrongs with regards to our sad looking Rubbermaid rectangle.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I felt an incredible wave of thankfulness towards my husband and his extension of grace towards me and a nagging question, “Do I willingly extend such ´bathmat grace´ to him in other areas?” What about with my children, or friends, or those at church? Am I easily irritated when things aren’t done exactly the way I think they should be? Do I find some not so subtle nonverbal ways to let others know that once again they have disappointed me? </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a feeling every time I unroll that rubber bathmat and get ready for a bath or shower I will be reminded to show my loved ones a little more grace. And that can hardly be a bad way to start the day.</span></span></div>
madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-48361231830677334162019-04-11T15:00:00.001+02:002019-04-11T15:00:31.109+02:00Heather's Tuna Burgers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCjjZEWPaAGQOpHSKir55Fe_cJ11g1kQeZh6YUp1NpjzPZiVDMQl1dhTf5rNqJiuU_68DwpYcBfV3kw-MfagVCYAQIhyphenhyphenBfXm0P0bvgcd0Pi_f8UVsjiSH6meLJ95BIAWAi_4wkadTIlJm/s1600/tuna+burger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCjjZEWPaAGQOpHSKir55Fe_cJ11g1kQeZh6YUp1NpjzPZiVDMQl1dhTf5rNqJiuU_68DwpYcBfV3kw-MfagVCYAQIhyphenhyphenBfXm0P0bvgcd0Pi_f8UVsjiSH6meLJ95BIAWAi_4wkadTIlJm/s320/tuna+burger.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
My friend, Heather, used to have a food blog that I loved following. In general she ate a more healthy diet than I and one of my favorites that stretched my tastebuds a little (fish in general is NOT one of my favorite things, although I do like a good tuna sandwich with pickles and a great big pile of salty potato chips on the side). I wasn't used to the whole idea of warm tuna but I was game to give it a try. To my surprise, I loved it and so did my family. Heather has since shut down her blog and moved on to new things in her life, but I am glad I printed out the recipe before she closed up blogging shop. Here is her original recipe with comments added to reflect my simpler approach.<br />
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<b>Heather's Tuna Burgers</b><br />
<b>2 5oz cans tuna</b> packed in water, drained. (today I used 5 cans (56 gr each) and ended up with a yield of 6 burgers)<br />
<b>2 oz. cream cheese</b> (I used a little less than 1/4 of a 270 gr container of Philadelphia brand)<br />
<b>1 egg</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup salsa </b> (I use the organic kind from Costco and added a little extra because my mix was too dry today. I think I had a bit too much tuna)<br />
<b>1 1/2 cups quick oats </b> <i>If you are using old-fashioned rolled oats, you will need to blend them in a food processor before using.</i> (I don't know if the oats in Spain are quick or not but I've never blended them and they've always worked fine so I am guessing they are the "quick" kind)<br />
<b>2 tsp. dried minced onion or onion powder</b> (optional in my house)<br />
<b>2 tsp. garlic powder</b> (same as the onion. I have made this without any added seasoning and it is fine. Might have a bit better flavor with them but these are tasty with just the flavor from the salsa)<br />
** <b>2 tsp cumin</b><br />
** <b>2 tsp chili powder</b><br />
(** I have never used either of these because I cannot handle anything spicy at all. These two spices are never in my cabinet but if you have it and like it -- feel free to spice it up a bit)<br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
Stir all the ingredients together. Form mixture into 4 large burgers. Cook in a sprayed or lightly oiled skillet or grill pan until lightly browned on both sides and warmed through. About 3 minutes per side. Serve the tuna burgers on whole wheat sandwich slims. Think of these like hamburgers, the bread and patty will seem dry if you don't have any sauce on it. For a light version use salsa. If your calories aren't important to you, go for mayo and then top with whatever topping you like. (lettuce, tomato, onion, pepper, cheese, pickles etc)<br />
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Additional notes: These are large, filling burgers. If you have young children, you could make them smaller. If you want to make 6 large burgers instead of 4, just use 3 cans of tuna and 3 ounces of cream cheese. All the other amounts can stay the same. Leftovers warm up great. If you want to make 2 large or 3 medium burgers, halve the recipe but still use 1 egg. Enjoy!madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-50478186300038185402018-08-14T16:15:00.000+02:002018-08-14T16:15:49.210+02:00A banana's highest callingYears ago we were traveling in the midwest raising support for our missionary endeavors here in Spain. We had a meeting at the church where the husband of a lifelong family friend of my husband was the pastor. We arrived at a difficult week for the family as I think the husband had just returned from either a hospital visit to his dad or his dad's funeral. Pretty sure it was the second because several of his church members had delivered food to the house for the weekend that we were there. One item brought by a dear lady in the church was this banana cake with caramel frosting. We all had a piece and it was sooooooo delicious! I took the knife and cut myself another half piece because one was not enough. I was hooked! The next day the cake was on the counter at breakfast time and I just had to have another piece, and maybe another "little sliver". Next thing I know, our friend's mother (who lived in the basement apartment) was wrapping foil on the rest of the cake pan and stashing it away in the freezer for her daughter and son-in-law (the pastor) to pull out for themselves at a later date. I guess she could see I needed a banana cake intervention!<br />
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This cake is easy to make, no odd or hard to find ingredients even here in Spain, and is delicious by itself. Add the caramel frosting and you may find yourself, like me, wondering if there is a local chapter of BCA (banana cake anonymous). My entire family loves this cake, and my son says that to be made into this recipe is "a banana's highest calling" in life.<br />
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A few "tricks" not in the original recipe:<br />
1. If I have bananas that are not getting eaten and are starting to turn brown I throw them in my freezer right in the peel. Then on a day when I have time to bake with them I let them thaw on the counter (or zap them in the microwave for 30 seconds or so) and then snip off the end with kitchen scissors, then squueze the banana right out of the skin into a bowl where I can mash it with a fork or just stir it up into puree. 1 cup of mashed banana is 2 large bananas or 2-3 medium sized bananas.<br />
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2. I cannot buy buttermilk here. For this recipe and others that call for buttermilk I just add a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk that the recipe calls for.<br />
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3. I usually bake this in a clear glass pyrex 9 x 13 pan. In my oven it is almost never finished at 30 minutes but with the glass pan I can easily keep watch and see when the sides are getting browned. Not sure if it is the pan or my oven but mine almost always takes about 40 minutes to bake completely. Do the toothpick test or see if the top springs back when lightly touched.<br />
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4. I cannot get good moist "american style" brown sugar here without a bit of a hunt or spending more than I care to spend. I have found that 1 cup of white sugar mixed with aproximately 1 Tablespoon of molasses is a wonderful substitute and works very well in this recipe.<br />
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5. Recipe says to grease and flour the pan. Since this cake is served from the pan, the flouring step is optional. I usually just use baking spray on the glass pan and call it a day.<br />
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6. This cake (better said, the frosting) is very sweet so you may want to cut smaller squares to begin with .... just know that you will most likely be going back for "another smidge" or two or three. Feel free to transfer some to a freezer friendly container if you or a family member need an intervention, or invite several friends over to help you eat it up in one sitting so you don't have the temptation around for long.<br />
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7. Keep a few bananas in your freezer so you can satisfy your sweet tooth or whip up a wonderful treat when visitors come. Good any time of day, with your morning coffee or tea or as a dessert after a meal. ENJOY!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAcOjGIzFqqOj3AOvhXvkxonrJLd9_bgZQVXeTJeNFU4jxJKkuUXhCYS9Dlm5Hjp2VcNnQTFg6tazcpy_pJ2J8S72Etl4U-BsBxkRJ8kkKLd5mcMyxZ4wt2CXVGOd0juMmCiOgXiGM0nN/s1600/banana+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAcOjGIzFqqOj3AOvhXvkxonrJLd9_bgZQVXeTJeNFU4jxJKkuUXhCYS9Dlm5Hjp2VcNnQTFg6tazcpy_pJ2J8S72Etl4U-BsBxkRJ8kkKLd5mcMyxZ4wt2CXVGOd0juMmCiOgXiGM0nN/s320/banana+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Alice’s Banana Cake</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2 1/4 cup flour</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1 1/4 tsp baking powder</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1 tsp baking soda</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1/2 tsp salt</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1 cup mashed bananas</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1 cup buttermilk</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2/3 cup shortening or margarine</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1 1/2 cup sugar</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2 eggs</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1 tsp. vanilla</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13 cake pan.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. Combine bananas and milk in a separate bowl. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. Add vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternating with banana mixture. (Begin and end with flour mixture) Pour into a 9x13 cake pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes (or longer depending on your oven) until cake springs back when touched lightly on top and toothpick comes out clean.</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Caramel Frosting</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1/2 cup margarine (butter is better and what I usually use)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1 cup brown sugar</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1/4 cup milk</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>salt</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1 3/4 to 2 cups powdered sugar</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Melt margarine. Add brown sugar, milk and a pinch of salt. Boil, stirring continually for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool to warm. Gradually add powdered sugar. Beat until thick. If too thick add drops of hot water to thin. If too thin add powdered sugar.</b></span><br />
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madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-2593906156314435012016-12-08T11:07:00.001+01:002016-12-08T11:09:00.997+01:00Apple Crisp two waysI haven't posted in so long but lately I've been debating if I want to return to blogging or just stick with Facebook. One of my friends was saying on facebook that he was craving apple crisp and I went looking for my post (I was sure I had blogged my apple crisp recipes before) but I guess that was done on my old blog that no longer exists. I have a file with transcripts from that old blog, but unfortunately it is just text and none of the great pictures that accompanied those posts, many of which are photos of the kids that have subsequently been lost for good when my external hard drive crashed a few years ago. I found the file, amazingly, and just had a fun time scrolling through posts to find the one I was looking for and enjoying the fun stories of my kids when they were little (so glad I took the time to blog them since I don't keep a diary or journal) So, for my friend Bill, I return to blogging, at least for the time being, to post my two favorite easy apple crisp recipes.<br />
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Here is the blog post from 11 years ago (minus the photo, obviously)<br />
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<i>This afternoon as I was sitting in the lazyboy watching a video and enjoying the quiet as Lydia napped, this paper floated down from behind me and into my lap, a "request" from Uncle Sam (aka. Stephen). (missing photo was here)</i><br />
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<i>Sorry I couldn't get the scan to be better. It says "WE WANT YOU! to make a apple crisp! signed: Uncle Sam Ü " With the typical Uncle Sam with his finger pointing directly at you.</i><br />
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<i>Now how could I deny him? I even went "all out" and used the "good recipe" usually reserved for a special person or occasion as it requires dipping into the "reserves" of our precious cake mixes (which can be bought here but they cost at least 3 or 4 times what they would in the states). It is one of our favorite recipes though ... those of us with good tummies will enjoy it tonight.</i><br />
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<h4>
<b>"Special Friend" Apple Crisp</b></h4>
6 large apples (I am using Fuji and Granny smith)<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 pkg. white or yellow cake mix<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup melted butter<br />
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Peel, core and slice the apples. Arrange in a 9x13 pan. Pour water on top. In another bowl, mix cake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter. Combine well and dump on top of the apples. Don't stir! Bake at 250 degrees for 50 - 55 minutes.<br />
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When I don't have a cake mix to use, this is the recipe I fall back on. As you can tell, both of my favorite recipes are ones that don't call for oats in the crumb topping. I don't have anything against oats (although I hate oatmeal), I would just rather have them baked into a cookie or a loaf of bread.<br />
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<b>Flash Gordon Quick Apple Crisp</b><br />
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4-5 apples<br />
3/4 cup flour<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/3 cup melted butter<br />
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Peel, core and slice apples. Place in a 9" pie pan.<br />
In a separate bowl mix sugar, flour, salt, spice. Add melted butter. Mix well then crumble over the apples. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes.<br />
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madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-1191944124884181202012-11-12T09:21:00.001+01:002012-11-12T09:36:13.449+01:00Changing my thinking One Bite at a TimeI have just finished a great little Bible Study written by a good friend of mine who used to work at my home church before the Lord moved her to a new place in life. And He moved me and my family across the ocean too. Thankfully we can still keep in touch through email and facebook and <a href="http://www.petalsfromthebasket.com/" target="_blank">her blog</a>. This is an affiliate link to her little study on Titus 2:3-5. I especially like her plan of going through the alphabet listing various attributes and characteristics of God as a concrete way to praise Him. I have appreciated something tangible to help me retrain my frail brain that likes to tend towards worry and negativity. This simple little task is helping me move the focus off me and onto my perfect God. I highly recommend this study called The ABC's of T23. If you use my link I will get a small % of the purchase but go order it, even if you don't use my link!<br />
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<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1112748&c=ib&aff=231562&cl=211272" target="ejejcsingle">Click here to view more details</a><br />
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Brenda is also posting this month of November as a month of gratitude and I am loving her short devotionals and the plan to allow me to focus on being thankful for someone in my life each day of November. This daily action of gratitude is also doing wonders to change my outlook from gray and dreary to a more positive approach to my life as God has it right now. <br />
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Needing a pick me up in your thoughts and attitudes today? Head on over to <a href="http://www.petalsfromthebasket.com/" target="_blank">Petals From The Basket </a>and get a little gratitude in your attitude.madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-2474138965607647202012-10-22T17:22:00.000+02:002012-10-22T17:57:25.880+02:00Meal Plan October 22 - 28 Pantry Manna<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week was one of those weeks. You know, the kind that stretch your faith and test your sanctification. The kind that come around every once in a while to see if what you say to everyone else about trusting the Lord is something you really believe after all. We were caught by surprise by an exorbitant utility bill that came in last week and received some other news from back home that was unpleasant and unexpected and promises to bring us some challenges after the new year. Some new challenge or disappointment seemed to pop up each day threatening to pull me into a pit of worry and doubt. It is easy to get discouraged when we put our focus on ourselves. Then today I read an update from a dear friend who is literally fighting the battle for his life and my own little hiccup in life pales completely in comparison. And yesterday we had the privilege of sharing the Good News of the gospel with a new friend using <a href="http://www.cometocalvary.org/thebridge/" target="_blank">this incredible tool</a> which is the reason why we are here in Spain in the first place. And God has done other things just today and even last week sprinkled in between the tough days to remind us that He really does care for us. He showed us His love through our church family, supporters back in the States, our Pastor, and even through our neighbor, who showed up Sunday night with some fresh picked egg plant and a couple pomegranates. This is the same neighbor who just a few years ago seemed to be in a perpetual state of anger at us for all the excessive noise we apparently generated on a daily basis. The only time we ever saw or heard from him was when he would come upstairs and yell at us. Saturday he even asked my husband if they could meet regularly to give him English conversation practice. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I was trying to come up with a plan for meals that would work with our schedule this week and be possible to carry out without a trip to the store, at least for a few more days. I pulled together this dish grabbing ingredients that were in the freezer, pantry and fridge. There wasn´t really enough chicken for a whole meal by itself but diced up and added to steamed broccoli and some cooked ¨ble¨ (cracked wheat that is cooked kind of like rice but is more filling and more nutritious than white rice -- at least I think so. please don´t burst my bubble if I am wrong) and covered with a gravy made from chicken broth it became a hearty filling meal. I decided to coin a phrase for this kind of thrown together improvised meal. I am calling it ¨Pantry Manna¨ from <i>Exodus 16:15 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">When the sons of Israel saw</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">, they said to one another, “</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">It is the bread which the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">has given you to eat. </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read that verse to the family as I explained the way I named our ¨casserole¨ and it was a reminder that The Lord has given us our food to eat not just today but every day. We can either look at it and say "What is <i>that</i>?" or we can be thankful to Him for once again giving us just what we need (and most of the time SO MUCH MORE). One great thing about this "manna" verses the kind in Exodus is that the 3 servings that were left in the pan can be stored in the fridge in tupperware and brought to school for the kids´ lunches tomorrow. No waste. :-)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Pantry Manna" Version 1.0</span></div>
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Monday 10/22<br />
Pantry Manna version 1.0 <br />
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Snacking meal -- peanut butter on integral Maria cookies (kind of like graham crackers)<br />
fruit: apples, bananas or pomegranate that the neighbor brought to us last night.<br />
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Tuesday 10/23 (parent meeting after school)<br />
lentil soup with Spanish chorizo<br />
salad<br />
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Wednesday 10/24<br />
Ikea meatballs in crockpot<br />
Baked sweet potatoes<br />
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Thursday 10/25<br />
broccoli, ham and cheese quiche (modified from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/country-quiche/detail.aspx" target="_blank">this recipe</a>)<br />
tossed salad<br />
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Friday 10/26 (youth group party at the house)<br />
ham and cheese sandwiches<br />
<a href="http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com.es/2010/07/annoying-habits.html" target="_blank">pepperoni pizza puffs</a><br />
chips and onion dip<br />
veggies and ranch dip<br />
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Saturday 10/27 (Major fund-raising event for ds#1's senior class fund)<br />
midday meal clean out the fridge of leftovers<br />
evening: hotdogs and "fair food" at the school Fall Festival<br />
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Sunday 10/28<br />
Swiss Steak (in the crockpot)<br />
Mashed potatoes<br />
whatever veggie is a good price at Wednesday´s market (broccoli, cauliflower or maybe brussel sprouts)<br />
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Needing some menu inspiration? Head on over to Laura´s for <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/10/menu-plan-monday-october-2212.html" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday</a> and see tons of great Menu plans for the week. <br />
<br />madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-68217376726971610732012-10-17T11:39:00.000+02:002012-10-17T11:39:12.881+02:00WFMW Sandwiches for a crowdI was so excited Saturday to think I had come up with an original idea that solved my dinner dilemna when my family got home from choir practice after 9pm ravenously hungry. My menu plan had grilled cheese sandwiches on the plan and I had all the ingredients. The problem was that Friday night a piece fell off the hood of my range and landed on my new (less than 6 month´s old) glass top stove and broke it. I was unsure about using the burners until I talked with our landlord. Plus the nice big griddle that I used to use on my old gas stove will not work on the new stove due to it not being flat on the bottom. I was looking at a long process of cooking up 1 or 2 sandwiches at a time on the back burner of the stove to feed all 6 hungry mouths. Then I thought, what if I just put all the sandwiches together on a big cookie sheet and put them in the oven under the broiler? I did just that with enough room for 9 sandwiches on my cookie sheet. I watched them carefully and when the tops were nice and golden brown I flipped them over to do the other side. We all LOVED how they turned out. The cheese inside was melted perfectly and there was a nice balance on the bread between being soft from the melted butter and having a little crunch from the toasted edges. The best part was that all the sandwiches were done at the same time and we were able to sit down together and eat without Mom in the kitchen as the short order cook. Totally works for me and I think it may be the way I always do grilled cheese, at least whenever I need to make them for more than just one or two of us.<br />
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Check out what works for others on this week´s <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2012/10/wfmw-easy-and-delicious-meals/" target="_blank">Works For Me Wednesday link up</a>.<br />
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Oh, and what a surprise to head over to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/10/menu-plan-monday-october-1512.html" target="_blank">Laura´s blog</a> Monday and see her weekly plan including <a href="http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2012/10/oven-grilled-cheese-sandwiches.html" target="_blank">Oven Grilled Cheese Sandwiches</a>. Great minds think alike I guess. (but I do like my idea of using the broiler setting so I can easily see exactly how toasted my bread is getting and when to flip them over).madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-7139748965937901952012-10-15T11:34:00.000+02:002012-10-15T15:46:11.877+02:00Menu Plan October 15-21Kept to the menu plan as well as I could but had to do some menu changes when the only store that I have found here that sells cottage cheese was all out. The saddest thing was that I couldn't even find a shelf tag or an empty spot where it should have been so now I am fearing that they may have discontinued selling it. That means my poor broccoli egg casserole will have to go off the menu rotation for a while. I hope I am wrong and that the next time I go to the Lidl they will have the cottage cheese back in stock. This also means I won't be putting lasagna on the menu either (since I usually use cottage cheese to substitute for ricotta) until I can afford to go to the wholesale club store and buy a large tub of ricotta. Maybe next payday I will schedule that trip for ricotta and replenish my supply of pepperoni so pizza can go back on the Friday night rotation too. Once I get the ricotta I will plan a marathon cooking day and fill the pasta that I bought when in Germany and France this summer and found the right kind of pasta to make stuffed shells. They are so much work in the initial prepping but they will be a great quick and easy meal to pull out of the freezer during the holidays. I know it is only October, but it's time to start thinking ahead to those weeks when things are REALLY crazy busy and money is even tighter because of all the extra expenses that happen around the holidays.<br />
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I almost ditched the idea of sausage gravy and biscuits for Friday morning's brunch but I am so glad I went ahead and bought the pork the night before. Everyone loved it, even my son's friend who had slept over the night before. Big breakfasts are definitely NOT the norm here in Spain. Check out my photo I snapped on instagram right before digging in. I will be putting this sausage seasoning spice on my wish list for anyone visiting us or sending us a package to include in their box or suitcase. It turned plain old ground pork from the butcher shop into the tasty breakfast sausage we have been craving for the last 10 years of living overseas. </div>
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This week is starting out with one child sick with what is probably a throat infection (we'll find out at the doctor's office tonight) and one with a birthday party to attend. Visitors, dentist appointments, church services and choir rehearsals will keep us running to and fro all week but at least the week will end with a dinner invitation after church to the home of one of our teens so I don't have to plan a meal for Sunday. That will be a nice break for me.</div>
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Here's the plan that is linked up at Menu Plan Monday over at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a></div>
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Monday 10/15 (<i>sick ds#3 has Dr. appt and dd has an afternoon birthday party invite)</i></div>
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Cheeseburgers</div>
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cucumber and carrot sticks</div>
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chips</div>
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chocolate cupcakes for dessert (<i>for the kids -- hubby & I are supposed to be on a diet. We did cheat and eat a cupcake yesterday when my daughter made them but today I. must. resist.</i>)</div>
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Tuesday 10/16 <i> (supposed to have visitors for lunch)</i></div>
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-fettuccini-alfredo/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Chicken fettucini alfredo</a> (<i>carried over from last week</i>)</div>
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fresh steamed broccoli</div>
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tossed salad</div>
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fresh hot spanish bread from the local store. YUM</div>
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Wednesday 10/17 (<i>prayer meeting night and morning market day)</i></div>
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Lentil soup with Spanish chorizo</div>
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rice</div>
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salad</div>
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Thursday 10/18 (<i>dd has dental appt and dh has class at night)</i></div>
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Taco salad</div>
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Friday 10/19 (<i>I am hosting a coffee/craft/cooking "class" in the morning so will need to have my midday meal prepped early or cooking in the crockpot)</i> </div>
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Italian sausages and peppers in the crockpot (<i>saving some to use next week in <a href="http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2011/03/24/lasagna-soup/" target="_blank">Lasagna Soup</a></i>)</div>
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Buttered noodles</div>
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Bruschetta</div>
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/delicious-raspberry-oatmeal-cookie-bars/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Oatmeal blueberry bars</a> for dessert (<i>since that is the recipe I am teaching the ladies in the morning. I double it and use blueberry jam instead of raspberry</i>)</div>
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Saturday 10/21 (<i>another long afternoon-evening at the church for youth group and christmas cantata rehearsal)</i></div>
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Midday meal: Clean out the fridge of leftovers</div>
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Late supper after church activities: Toasted cheese sandwiches and raw veggies. Check back here in a couple days for my Works for me Wednesday post explaining how I discovered I could streamline the process of making grilled cheese for a crowd. Necessity was the mother of invention but I am thrilled with my "discovery".</div>
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Check over at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/10/menu-plan-monday-october-1512.html" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday</a> for tons of other great menu plans this week.</div>
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madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-36336236593281823692012-10-14T23:31:00.001+02:002012-10-14T23:31:38.468+02:00Details, details, details<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I came across this piece that I wrote to share at my grandmother's funeral several years ago. Then a few hours later, while sorting through some pictures I flipped through the pack of photos to find this wonderful shot that my brother took of her. The date on the picture is not when he took it, but rather when I took a picture of the enlarged print that was hanging at my parents' house when I was visiting one day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I think of my paternal grandmother, it's not always the big things that stand out in my mind. I am reminded of her unique quality to make even the simplest of daily tasks special because of her attention to detail. Her dress made it evident to all that this was a lady who "had it all together" and if you ever went shopping with her you found out that that doesn't just "happen". She knew what she was looking for and she let the salesclerk know. She was willing to pay handsomely for quality goods but was not afraid to request an appropriate discount for something less than perfect.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Orange juice or ginger ale were more special in her flowered glasses, ice cream tasted better in the turqouise colored bowls, and the cookies for dessert and the bread for toast and sandwiches were always from Pepperidge Farm. Even a hamburger from Friendlies was special if you used a knife and fork and ate it with her by your side. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gram's little details were what made holiday celebrations with her so memorable. It was agony as a child to wait until Grammy came over before we could open our Christmas presents but I learned that waiting is good and anticipation makes the reward even sweeter. I don't remember many of the actual gifts that I received from her, but I will always remember how they were wrapped. Her boxes were so beautifully wrapped and everything was done "just so", down to the number of loops on her handmade bows. We grandchildren always marvelled and thought it was magical that she could wrap a present with barely a speck of tape. The making of the gravy at Thanksgiving and Christmas was her job because no lump was tolerated in Gram's gravy. It was always she who gathered us women together to wash and dry the dishes immediately after the meal because that's how things were supposed to be done.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She made each of us grandchildren feel special by starting the "birthday dinner out" tradition. She would take us out to eat at the restaurant of our choice and then out to the mall to pick out a present. I was so nervous the first time, not knowing what on earth I would say to her all night. She was a wonderful conversationalist, and those once a year excursions with her became the highlights of my growing up years. Birthday memories always include the details: a Shirley Temple with dinner, watching her count out crisp dollar bills from her impeccably organized wallet, the way she would reapply her lipstick after dinner, and stopping at the Putnam Pantry for a box of mints on the way home.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She taught me that attention to details distinguishes you in the workforce. I was so priviledged to know Grammy B. not only as her granddaughter, but also as her co-worker at the Rose Medallion gift shop. She had high expectations as she trained me as a sales clerk, and I worked hard to imitate her. I loved our Sunday afternoons together in the store.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Grammy gave me so many things: an appreciation for beautiful things, lessons on the importance of managing your money well, a sense of adventure and a love for travel, but most of all she taught me that it's the little details that make life special and that create memories that last for generations.</span></div>
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madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-52212824940962464442012-10-08T12:54:00.000+02:002012-10-08T15:29:13.225+02:00Menu Plan For October 8-14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInSMj7HPjCDtwwUFORIfy5n5TC0lturUmGDgcOry7ZUOIy53JWb7Q2hOUebN63OzVwWQOQXE0YnKVWiORJvtRGdTpC99UFHEym8VT_P93EwJUW9_MxHci9MNVXcFdfgCb28HV8_53cymN/s1600/SAM_1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInSMj7HPjCDtwwUFORIfy5n5TC0lturUmGDgcOry7ZUOIy53JWb7Q2hOUebN63OzVwWQOQXE0YnKVWiORJvtRGdTpC99UFHEym8VT_P93EwJUW9_MxHci9MNVXcFdfgCb28HV8_53cymN/s320/SAM_1334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
"The Haul" from last week's market trip. Over 50 lbs of produce for only a little more than $20.<br />
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As usual, we didn't follow last week's plan 100% but we did fairly well. Thursday at the last minute I found out one of my son's friends was coming over for the afternoon/evening and I didn't really want to be experimenting on a new meal creation with a guest so I ran out to buy flour tortillas and Doritos to have soft tacos and chips with guacamole. What a surprise to hear David say that he had never had a taco before and didn't know how to put it together! We showed him how to do it but he wasn't very adventurous and only ended up putting meat and rice in his tortilla shell. Oh well, more fixings left for the rest of us. :-) Just more proof that Mexican food and Spanish food are not the same thing!<br />
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I thought I had a plan for this week but then I remembered to check the calendar for after school parent meetings and the like so I had to do a little rearranging to the plan. I will still have to go to the store for a few ingredients but hopefully can keep the cost as low as possible without the crew feeling deprived. I have one zucchini left from my market trip the other week that I didn't use for last week's soup that I hope to make into zucchini bread for breakfast and morning snacks for the kids to take to school. If it's not too hot to use the oven I will make that tonight or tomorrow morning.<br />
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Here goes this week's plan:<br />
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<b>Monday 10/8</b><br />
chicken parmesan (or chicken sandwiches for those who prefer their chicken patty plain)<br />
rice<br />
carrot sticks<br />
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<b>Tuesday 10/9</b><br />
<a href="http://madridmom.blogspot.com.es/2007/11/recipes-broccoli-casserole-and-homemade.html" target="_blank">Broccoli/egg/cottage cheese casserole</a> with ham chunks added<br />
tossed salad<br />
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<b>Wednesday 10/10</b><br />
Skyline chili (using leftover chili from yesterday's Sunday dinner over spaghetti and topped with cheese)<br />
salad<br />
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<b>Thursday 10/11</b><br />
Porkchops and scalloped potatoes<br />
winter squash<br />
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<b>Friday 10/12</b><br />
A holiday in Spain and the kids have no school. I think I will try to make a big breakfast to eat while we watch the rebroadcast of the VP debates. Going to try out my friend's sausage seasoning that she gave me to see if I can make <b>sausage gravy over biscuits </b>and see if it will taste anything like what we miss from the States. Will serve with scrambled eggs as well.<br />
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Unsure if we will go somewhere for the day so we may end up doing picnic food or just falling into the pizza Friday that the family now expects.<br />
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<b>Saturday 10/13</b><br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-fettuccini-alfredo/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Chicken fettucini alfredo</a> before leaving for our long afternoon at the church<br />
Sandwiches once we get home from choir rehearsal around 9<br />
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<b>Sunday 10/14</b><br />
Ikea meatballs and gravy<br />
mashed potatoes from the crockpot<br />
vegetable (whatever is a good price at Wednesday's market. See the photo above for what I found last Wednesday)<br />
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Want to see more great menu plans? Hop on over to Laura's blog for <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/10/menu-plan-monday-oct-812-taste-of-home-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday</a> and see hundreds of others blogging their menu plans for this week.madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-33120768046940956262012-10-01T22:55:00.000+02:002012-10-01T22:55:05.802+02:00Menu Plan Monday Week of October 1I missed posting last week as my menu "plans" were not very exciting. We were in those last few days of the month when the challenge is to see what I could feed my family of six with just the spare change I could round up in the house. I managed to do fairly well since there were still a few packages of meat in our freezer. Monday I cooked up some boneless chicken breasts the kids' favorite way (dipped in egg and bread crumbs then fried in olive oil) and then went to the local fruit and veggie store where I could buy potatoes buy the pound self serve style. I bought a kilo and a half of potatoes and felt bad when I had to pay the cashier the 62 cents in almost all 1 and 2 cent pieces. Haven't felt quite that broke in a while. I used the fun french fry cutter that we bought at a flea market in Germany this summer to make homemade french fries from those spuds and then made a nice salad. The kids were thrilled and none the wiser that we were eating a "crisis mode" meal. The rest of the week's meals were soup (once homemade, once from a can), spaghetti, sloppy Joes, etc. Not exactly inspiring, but it is what life is like when waiting for payday.<br />
Payday has come but we still need to be very careful and I am doing my best to plan in such a way as to buy the least possible at the grocery store. The other challenge is to figure out how to provide non/carb or low carb choices for my husband and I who are trying to lose some pounds. Any ideas of low cost, low calorie or low carb meals would be appreciated.<br />
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Here is the tentative plan for this week. I am still waiting for "inspiration" for Sunday's meal which must be something that can either be made ahead and then just heated on the stovetop or in the microwave when we get home from church (ravenous as we leave around 8:30am and don't normally get home until after 2pm) or something that can be cooking in the crockpot the whole time we are away (Usually the way to go).<br />
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Monday 10/1 <br />
Lentil soup and fresh spanish bread<br />
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Tuesday 10/2<br />
Pork chops<br />
apple sauce (Can't you just hear Peter Brady saying <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB4tJgzcVJE" target="_blank">"pork chops and apple sauce"</a>? )<br />
fresh green beans<br />
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Wednesday 10/3<br />
Cream of Zucchini soup<br />
carrot and celery sticks<br />
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Thursday 10/4<br />
Taco Rice (Gonna kind of make this up as I go .... thinking to try and prepare the meat like for tacos but serve it all over rice so I don't have to go buy tortillas) <br />
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At some point in the day, either for breakfast if I can get up early enough to make them in the morning or for dessert after the evening meal, I plan to make my homemade cinnamon rolls in celebration of <a href="http://blogs.sweden.se/expat/2011/10/04/happy-cinnamon-bun-day/" target="_blank">National Cinnamon Roll Day</a>. Not sure where I heard about Sweden's fantastic holiday, but I am feeling the need to have a little Swedish celebration in our Spanish home with my Christmas morning family tradition. The kids will be pleasantly surprised! (I don't think any of them will be reading this blog post before Thursday so I'm sure it will be a surprise). The recipe I use is <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ninety-minute-cinnamon-rolls/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=90%20minute%20cinnamon%20rolls&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page" target="_blank">here</a>. (but I love the frosting recipe <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/clone-of-a-cinnabon/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=clone%20of%20a%20cinnabon&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe" target="_blank">here</a>. Or I could think "outside the bun" and try Cinnamon bun pancakes from <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2MI1cg/www.recipegirl.com/2011/03/01/cinnamon-roll-pancakes/" target="_blank">this recipe.</a> (Has anyone ever tried this recipe? Let me know how they turned out, please)<br />
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Friday 10/5<br />
Some variation of pizza or pepperoni rolls. <br />
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I'm thinking these <a href="http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com.es/2010/07/annoying-habits.html" target="_blank">Pepperoni Pizza Puffs</a> look interesting.<br />
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Saturday 10/6 The schedule will have us out from about 2:30 till well past 8:30 pm so I am hoping to have a hot meal for mid day meal to fill us up and hold us till we get home at night.<br />
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lunch: Broccoli casserole, tossed salad, muffins<br />
dinner: hotdogs and beans from the crockpot.<br />
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Sunday: awaiting inspiration and your suggestions.<br />
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Needing more inspiration? Head on over to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/10/menu-plan-monday-october-112.html" target="_blank">Laura's blog</a> for all the rest of the Menu Planning Monday links. <br />
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<br />madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-17893921319972176932012-09-17T22:21:00.002+02:002012-09-17T22:21:33.473+02:00Menu Plan Sept 17 -23<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This whole menu planning is truly a work in progress. Little by little we are working out the bugs in the plan and figuring out how to flex with unexpected changes in the schedule. This past week we did have most of the planned meals (except the sweet and sour pork) but not always on the day I had written down in the menu plan. A couple of doctor´s appointments, a parent-teacher night, some last minute overnight guests and a school committee meeting managed to sneak their way onto my calendar and some flexing had to happen. I didn´t have my menu plan posted anywhere so one day I came home after being out all morning at the doctors and my dh had thrown a meal into the crockpot using stew meat (pork), potatoes, and carrots that he found in the vegetable drawer. It was a great blessing, and just meant that the sweet and sour pork recipe would just go back in the bin to be recycled onto a menu plan in the future when there is another good price on pork. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the plan for this coming week:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Monday:</b> Hotdogs and chips (I was going to have the corn chowder but it was put into the crock pot too late so we will have it tomorrow)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday: </b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Corn Chowder (using</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com.es/2008/01/crockpot-corn-chowder-recipe.html" target="_blank">this crockpot recipe,</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/10/corn-cheese-chowder/" target="_blank">this stove top recipe </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> -- can´t decide which) Obviously I went with the crockpot recipe, but I think I will be trying out the other one too since it is creamy and cheesy so I think it will be a whole different taste experience).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday: </b> My eldest son turns 17 so he will plan the menu for his birthday meal. Unfortunately it is a day where he stays late after school getting home around 5:30 and then we leave around 6:30 to drive downtown for prayer meeting at church so we will probably have to do the meal before church and then have the cake and presents when we get home around 9:30pm. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">UPDATE: He gave me his requested menu ... cheese ravioli, Spanish chorizo, cauliflower. And I think I heard rumors of a Hobbit themed cake. Not sure how I am going to pull that off.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday:</b> Taco salad</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Friday:</b> baguette pizza</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday:</b> Leftovers</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday:</b> Pot roast, mashed potatoes, whatever veggie is on sale for a good price at the outdoor market this week.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't forget to head on over to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/09/menu-plan-monday-sept-1712.html" target="_blank">Laura's blog </a>for Menu Plan Monday to see what others are feeding their families this week. It's a great place to go when you need a little inspiration in your meal plans this week.</span>madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-50670179513525221172012-09-15T21:04:00.000+02:002012-09-15T21:04:59.786+02:00Landlubber´s Paella RecipeAlthough this recipe is already on the blog, it was posted quite a while ago and was hidden away at the end of a Menu Plan Monday blog post. I think I prefer the idea of posting my recipes as separate individual posts so here is one that our family loves. I don´t like seafood so I don´t normally like the typical paella that is made here in Spain with all kinds of seafood, so when my friend shared with me her recipe for paella that only calls for chicken I knew I had found my recipe. The family loves it and it looks very pretty to serve even for company.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Landlubber's Paella (no seafood)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">1 red bell pepper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">5 ¾ cups chicken broth (1 lg. can)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">cut into bite-sized pieces</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">salt to taste</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">shake or two of powdered garlic</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">1 tomato, cut into cubes (or 1 can diced tomatoes)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Colorante (or use lots of yellow liquid food coloring)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">2 cups rice (not long grain)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">1 small can of peas or 1-1.5 cups frozen peas</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">olive oil</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c001b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Cut up chicken and bell pepper (cut pepper into strips). Put enough olive oil in a paella pan to cover the bottom. As oil begins to heat, put in the pieces of bell pepper and lightly brown in the oil. Then remove the pepper from pan and set aside on a plate. Add chicken to oil and lightly brown; then add the tomato and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken broth, peas, colorante and garlic. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes at a light boil. Add rice and salt; cook 10 minutes at a good boil. Add the bell peppers, arranging them nicely on the top and cook on low 10 minutes more. Cover and let sit 5 minutes before serving.</span>madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-78913507975660943032012-09-11T08:30:00.000+02:002012-09-11T08:36:04.567+02:00Chicken and Dumplings RecipeI got this recipe off the internet a LONG time ago. Unfortunately the original web site has long been shut down so I can't give you a link to the recipe. I sure wish I had known that Steph was closing her site because she had some great recipes but I did not print out many of them --- which I would have done had I known they would disappear on me one day. This is definitely one of my family's favorite meals.<br />
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Steph's Chicken and Dumplings<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">1 large fryer chicken, cut up (you can use boneless, but add extra bouillon)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">2 celery stalks, sliced (optional. I almost never have this in the house)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">4 carrots, sliced</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">1 medium onion, diced</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">2 Tbsp. dried parsley</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">2 tsp. chicken bouillon</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">1.5 tsp salt</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">1 tsp pepper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">water</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">1. Combine everything down to the water in a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Add enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 2 hours or until chicken is done.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">2. Remove chicken and let stand until cool enough to handle. Remove skin and bones. Tear meat into pieces and return to pot. Add more salt and pepper if you want. (If I'm going to be serving a large crowd, I add more broth at this point.) Return soup to a simmer. <b>(Usually I diverge from the original recipe at this point. I make a roux of butter and flour, add salt and pepper and then add the broth to make a medium thick sauce. Then I add the chicken pieces and veggies back in the pot)</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">3. In a mixing bowl, combine dumplings ingredients and mix well to form a stiff dough. Drop by Tbsps into simmering soup. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve immediately. Yield: 8-10 servings.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><i>Dumpling recipe A</i> <b>(my family's favorite)</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">2 c flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">4 tsp baking powder</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">1 tsp salt</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">3/4 milk</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">4 Tbsp. oil</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><i>Dumpling recipe B </i>(southern style) <b>I have never tried this but I put it in since Steph had it in her original recipe and some may prefer a more dense dumping. I am so pleased with version A that I've never tried anything else. We usually make 1 and a half times the recipe A which just covers the entire top of my pot and allows plenty of dumplings for my family of 6 healthy eaters.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">2 c flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">1 c chicken broth</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">2 tsp baking powder</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">2 eggs, beaten</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
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<br />madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-66711553405343562022012-09-10T22:50:00.000+02:002012-09-10T22:50:44.904+02:00Menu planning Week 2Last week's return to menu planning worked out fairly well for me. I didn't end up doing everything I had planned for the week and even switched a couple days around but all in all I am pleased with how the week went. This week is a bit of a challenge because of events in the evenings that make it difficult to prepare or eat together but I have a plan and now I just need to figure out how to make it happen. I was able to head to the grocery store today with a list and a coupon for 3 euros off when my total was at least 60 euros. I kept track as I went through the store and was able to stay pretty close to 60 euros. If I had strictly kept to the list I might have been even closer but I came back from vacation in August to a completely empty fridge and almost empty pantry so little by little (one bite at a time) I am trying to restock the pantry so I can have the ingredients for a few meals on hand in case I am a day or two delayed in hitting the grocery store. <br />
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I got the idea as I made my <a href="http://madridmom.blogspot.com.es/2012/09/the-master-meal-list.html" target="_blank">Master Meal List</a> last week to gradually work on making a grocery list of ingredients needed for each of the meals. I know I don't have the time to sit down and do it all in one sitting so today I thought "How about if I just do the meals for this week and then do the others as I put them on the menu plan for a week?" Sounded like a plan to me so I grabbed some index cards and wrote out the ingredients list for each of the week's meals. I have a cute recipe box that my hubby gave me that I haven't been using yet so I can store the cards in it as I write them up and then as I plan those meals in the future all I need to do is grab those cards and quickly write out my shopping list. It worked well this week ... we'll see if it helps out in the weeks and months to come. I am committed to spending some time and effort at the beginning of each week to try and make our school days go a little smoother, especially now that we have kids in 3 different schools.<br />
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Here is this week's plan for the main meal of the day. Head on over to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/09/menu-plan-monday-sept-1012.html" target="_blank">Laura'</a>s to see what others are planning on their menus for the week.<br />
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Monday: Baked Burritos with toppings (lettuce, tomato, sour cream)<br />
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Tuesday: Chicken and Dumplings -- one of our family's all time favorites (check back tomorrow for this recipe)<br />
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Wednesday: <a href="http://madridmom.blogspot.com.es/2012/02/sweet-and-sour-pork-recipe.html" target="_blank">Sweet and Sour Pork</a> over rice<br />
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Thursday: <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com.es/2008/01/crockpot-corn-chowder-recipe.html" target="_blank">Crock pot corn chowder</a>, Baked potatoes, salad (This one is a new recipe for us.)<br />
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Friday: Homemade pizza or pepperoni rolls<br />
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Saturday: Leftovers or sandwiches<br />
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Sunday: ??<br />
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<br />madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-66559916050218409382012-09-05T09:00:00.000+02:002012-09-06T00:12:03.639+02:00The Master Meal ListHere is a quick list of the family favorite meals I came up with yesterday. I will try to update it with links as I can in the next few days. I grouped them in the first categories I could think of but may tweak the categories as I look at our schedule and see what kind of plan will work best for us in coming up with a weekly plan. Crock Pot meals have an asterix by them.<br />
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Now that I have a place to start (the main dish), I plan to gradually (one bite at a time) work up full menus adding side dishes to each main dish and then maybe even make up the grocery list of ingredients needed for each full meal. I think this will give me a huge head start on my weekly menu planning and make it easier in the long run to keep at it for more than just a week or two. <br />
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<b>Soups:</b> <br />
*Chili<br />
*<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/baked-potato-soup-i/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Baked Potato Soup</a><br />
*<a href="http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2011/03/24/lasagna-soup/" target="_blank">Lasagna Soup</a><br />
*Beef Stew<br />
Lentils<br />
White Beans and Ham Soup<br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/best-cream-of-broccoli-soup/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Cream of Broccoli</a><br />
Cream of Zucchini<br />
*<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/01/chicken-tortilla-soup/" target="_blank">Chicken Tortilla Soup</a> (Ok, this one will be new but I think the family will love it)<br />
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<b>Chicken Dishes:</b><br />
<a href="http://madridmom.blogspot.com/2007/05/menu-plan-monday-may-28-june-3.html" target="_blank">Landlubber's Paella</a><br />
Chicken and Dumplings<br />
Escalope de Pollo<br />
<a href="http://madridmom.blogspot.com/2008/11/baked-salsa-chicken-recipe.html" target="_blank">Salsa Chicken</a><br />
Chicken Parmesan<br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/foil-pack-taco-chicken-dinner-2/" target="_blank">Foil Pack Taco Chicken Dinner</a><br />
*Sunshine BBQ Chicken<br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-fettuccini-alfredo/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Chicken Fettucini Alfredo</a><br />
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<b>Beef Dishes:</b><br />
*Swiss Steak<br />
Beef and Broccoli<br />
Beef and Peppers Stir Fry<br />
Ikea Meatballs and brown gravy<br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sloppy-joe-sandwiches/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Sloppy Joes</a><br />
Baked Burritos<br />
Tacos<br />
Taco Salad<br />
Baked Bean Casserole for Baked Bean Haters<br />
Cheeseburgers<br />
*Pot Roast<br />
Meatloaf<br />
*BBQ Meatballs<br />
<br />
<b>Pasta Dishes:</b><br />
Spaghetti and meat sauce<br />
Homemade Macaroni and cheese<br />
Goulash<br />
Lasagna<br />
Stuffed Shells<br />
<br />
<b>Pork/Other:</b><br />
BLT's<br />
Sweet and Sour Pork<br />
Fried Rice<br />
Jewish Hotdogs<br />
Pigs in a Blanket<br />
Pizza<br />
Bruschetta<br />
*Hotdogs and beans<br />
Baked Ham<br />
Pork Chops<br />
Hotdog Crown Casserole<br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast/ Egg Dishes:</b><br />
Pancakes (regular recipe, banana cinnamon recipe, pumpkin recipe)<br />
Toni's Apple Puff Pancakes<br />
Omelettes<br />
Spanish Tortilla<br />
Quiche<br />
Broccoli/Cottage Cheese/Egg Casserole<br />
<br />
So, what do you make regularly for your family that would go on your Master Meal List?<br />
<br />
<br />madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-9925825319681809772012-09-04T15:40:00.001+02:002012-09-05T22:56:04.614+02:00The Master PlanI've been sick for the past few days and haven't done much but watch shows on the Food Network and read blogs that I haven't been keeping up with in a long time. This made me realize that I did enjoy the time I used to spend blogging and the act of blogging my goals and household plans did help keep me accountable and, I believe, helped me be more productive. This week my elementary school child starts back to school and by next Tuesday all 4 of the kids will be back to class in their respective schools. <br />
<br />
With 4 kids in 3 different schools, I feel more than ever the need to be more proactive in the keeping of my home. Today I am starting with meal planning. With my hubby working from home now I have been lazy too often and he has too often stepped in to make a meal come together. Today I am making the first step of taking that responsibility back as my own so he can be more productive in reaching his own goals in work and ministry.<br />
<br />
I was scratching my head hitting a major mental block when faced with making a weekly menu plan. It was like I had never done it before. So, I decided to look back at some of my old plans (when I was blogging regularly) and also headed on over to check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/09/menu-plan-monday-september-312.html">Laura's Menu Plan Monday</a>, a meme I used to participate in very regularly. A few clicks later I was being challenged to come up with a <a href="http://www.moneywisemoms.com/2012/07/meal-plan-monday-master-list/">Master Menu List</a> of meals that I already know that the family loves. I started making a list, asked #3 son to quickly list the first 4 meals he could think of that he loves to eat, and then flipped through my recipe binder to be reminded of another 2 or 3 meals that I had forgotten. What I came up with was over 40 meal ideas! I could plan for an entire month and not repeat any of these. And, although that idea was tempting, I know that I need to tackle the menu plan One Bite At A Time, so I will just start with this week.
Check back in tomorrow for a peek at my Master Meal List.<br />
<br />
Menu Plan September 3-9, 2012<br />
<br />
Monday: Lasagna & tossed salad<br />
<br />
Tuesday: <a href="http://madridmom.blogspot.com/2007/11/another-favorite-recipe-cream-of.html">Cream of Zucchini soup</a> salad corn bread<br />
<br />
Wednesday: <a href="http://madridmom.blogspot.com/2007/05/menu-plan-monday-may-28-june-3.html">Landlubber's Paella</a><br />
<br />
Thursday: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sloppy-joe-sandwiches/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Sloppy Joes</a><br />
<br />
Friday: <a href="http://madridmom.blogspot.com/2007/11/recipes-broccoli-casserole-and-homemade.html">Homemade Pizza</a><br />
<br />
Saturday: Lentil soup, grilled cheese sandwiches<br />
<br />
Sunday: Something in the crockpot -- maybe beef stew or a whole chicken? Depends on the prices on meat when I go grocery shopping tonight.<br />
<br />
Head on over to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/">Laura's blog</a> for great tips on organizing and a TON of menu ideas from bloggers all over.
madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-4023079521567480682012-02-20T15:40:00.002+01:002012-02-20T15:52:40.187+01:00Sweet and Sour Pork RecipeI finally found a pork recipe my whole family liked. Pork is one of the cheapest meats here in Spain and I have tried many recipes but often hear complaints about it being dry or about grissle. I found this recipe that I had copied from one of my friends' cookbooks when I was visiting her last year. Pork was on sale at the store this morning so it was the perfect day to try this recipe out.<br /><br />Sweet and Sour Pork<br /><br />2 Tbsp. cooking oil<br />1 lb. boneless pork cut into 1" cubes (I increased this to 3/4 Kilo of pork cut into cubes for stewing to have enough to feed my family of 6)<br />1 can (15.25 oz) pineapple chunks<br />1/2 cup light corn syrup (I reduced this to 1/4 cup but next time will try another substitute like honey since I can't buy corn syrup in Spain and I 'd like a healthier alternative anyway)<br />1/4 cup apple cider vinegar<br />2 Tbsp. soy sauce<br />1 clove garlic, minced<br />2 Tbps cornstarch<br />1/2 cup red and green pepper slices (I probably doubled this -- just used half a pepper of each )<br />I also added 1 onion, chopped<br />Brown pork in hot oil with the chopped onions. Add the next 5 ingredients. Bring to a boil, simmer 10 minutes or until meat is fully cooked. Mix cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water. Add to pork along with the peppers. Boil 2 minutes stirring constantly. Serve over rice. Serves 4 (without the additions in parenthesis)<br /><br /><br />Everyone rated it a 4 or 4.5 and said they would like me to make it again sometime. That's good because I bought 1.5 kilos of meat and the rest is in the freezer for a repeat of this meal sometime in the future.madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-4898804565395425872012-01-25T10:21:00.001+01:002012-01-25T10:23:14.205+01:00Bran Muffin recipeA friend just asked for this recipe so since I had to type it up for her, I thought I might as well post it, in case anyone still reads this blog. :-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Bran Muffins<br /><br />1 box (15 oz.) bran flakes or raisin bran cereal (approx 7 1/2 cups if you buy from a bulk food store)<br />1 quart buttermilk (or sour regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar)<br />1 cup vegetable oil (corn oil or sunflower oil)<br />2 1/2 cups sugar<br />4 eggs, beaten<br />5 cups flour<br />5 teaspoons baking soda<br />2 teaspoons salt<br /><br /><br />Mix the first 5 ingredients in a large mixing bowl, preferably a Tupperware one for which you have a matching lid. Combine the flour, salt and soda and add to the mix. Stir until there are no more lumps of dry flour. Cover and refrigerate 6 hours (or overnight). Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Fill muffin tins aprox 2/3 full. Bake at 375 for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake up just what you want to eat that day and store the rest of the batter in the fridge for fresh baked muffins another day, or bake up the whole batch and freeze the extra muffins. I prefer the bake as you go plan. In my household of 6 I never have to worry about the batter being in the fridge too long to be safe. The original recipe for this says you can keep the batter in the fridge for up to 6 weeks but I would not leave it there longer than 5-7 days.<br /><br />I am not sure of the yield. I will try to write it down the next time I make this recipe. I think I normally make aprox 4 dozen large muffins and a few pans (maybe 2 to 2.5 dozen) mini muffins from a batch of batter.madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-44333334599664483542011-12-23T02:53:00.000+01:002011-12-23T02:54:19.468+01:00Luke's Advent Day 22Dec 22 -- <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022&version=NIRV">Luke 22</a><br /><br />1. How did the chief priests finally figure out how to get rid of Jesus? <br /><br />2. What did Jesus pray for Simon Peter? What did he predict Peter would do? What does he say that indicates that Peter would have a future ministry? (22:32-34)<br /><br />3. In Luke 6:27 Jesus says "Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you." What does Jesus do to obey this command in Luke 22:51?madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-44825317301054259522011-12-22T14:21:00.002+01:002011-12-22T14:55:24.246+01:00Luke's Advent Day 20 & 21Dec 20 --<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2020&version=NIRV"> Luke 20 </a><br /><br /><br />1. What wise strategy did Jesus use to deal with those who were trying to trap him with their questions? (20:1-8)<br /><br />2. What other ways did Jesus respond to those whose main goal was to trick him or catch him saying or doing something they could arrest him for? (20:9-19;20-28;27-40)<br /><br />3. For what things would the Pharisees be punished by God? (20:45-47)<br /><br /><br /><br />Dec 21 -- <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+21&version=NIRV">Luke 21</a> <br /><br /><br />1. What is most important in the worth of our offerings to God? Does this mean we are to put all the money we have in the offering plate every week? (21:1-4)<br /><br />2. What are some of the signs Jesus gave of the end times? <br /><br />3. Will earth as we know it be around forever? What is the one thing mentioned in this chapter that will never pass away?madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-70775636381567803462011-12-19T14:22:00.002+01:002011-12-19T14:35:58.463+01:00Luke's Advent Day 19Dec 19 --<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2019&version=NIRV"> Luke 19</a><br /><br /><br />1. What hindered Zacchaeus from seeing Jesus? What criticism did the people have of Jesus for going to Zacchaeus' house to eat?<br />How did Zacchaeus show the change that had happened in his heart? (19:1-10)<br /><br />2. How were the three servants judged? Did they do a good job completing the task their master had given them? What were the rewards/consequences of their faithfulness? (19:11-27)<br /><br />3. In verse 41 we see Jesus overcome with sorrow over Jerusalem. Why was he so sad? What is it that brings peace? (19:28-44)madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-47183283530178549902011-12-18T04:57:00.003+01:002011-12-18T05:03:47.356+01:00Luke's Advent Day 18Dec 18 -- <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2018&version=NIRV">Luke 18</a><br /><br />1. What can we learn in verses 1-8 about our attitude when we pray?<br /><br /><br />2. What can we learn in verses 9-14 about our attitude when we pray?<br /><br /><br />3. How did the blind beggar demonstrate the attitudes found in the above passages in his encounter with Jesus?madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-17615122640699523812011-12-18T01:20:00.001+01:002011-12-18T01:39:27.335+01:00Luke's Advent Day 17Dec 17 --<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+17&version=NIRV"> Luke 17</a><br /><br /><br />1. What is our responsibility towards others in regards to sin and forgiveness? (17:1-5)<br /><br />2. What can we learn from the example of the Samaritan? (17:11-19)<br /><br />3. As in the days of Noah and of Lot, people do not realize when the day of judgment is coming until it is upon them. What are some of the ways that people show that?madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120420503550555787.post-63192344428869486002011-12-18T01:10:00.004+01:002011-12-18T01:20:44.378+01:00Luke's Advent Day 16Dec 16 -- <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16&version=NIRV">Luke 16</a><br /><br />1. What did the manager do that was so clever? What was his purpose for doing it? (16:1-8)<br /><br />2. How do we show that we can be trusted to handle large sums of money or great responsibility? (16:10-11)<br /><br />3. What does this chapter teach us about hell? If someone were to return to earth from the dead and tell people specifically about heaven and hell, would it necessarily cause them to change their minds about the gospel? <br />(16:19-31)madridmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076697399928709190noreply@blogger.com0