Reaping what you sow!

My blessings today are reminding me of the task of a few months ago. Last winter seemed an especially long winter. I think we were all longing for Spring and an end to the longest season ever. I’m not solely mentioning the long season of winter, but the addition of enduring it with the cloud of a pandemic bearing down upon all of us. Yes, it was the longest season EVER! As I daydreamed of the Spring ahead, I did so as I was battling the very illness that had us longing for the normalcy of a routine that included going about a regular day, such as grocery shopping, regular checkups, and family gatherings.

I was able to work my regular daily chores at the poultry farm, but that was all I did for the day. After a three-week serious relationship with my couch, I began to feel a little better and started getting up and moving around my small house. Preparing small meals, cleaning up a few dishes, and a load of laundry here and there. By week four, I was daydreaming about any chores I could do to prepare for the upcoming growing season. I ventured outside, as I shared in a previous post, and planted some gladiolas bulbs. Oh how that was medicine for my soul! I’ll have to dig through some photos and post some of those blooms-just one of the blessings of reaping what I sowed!

Speaking of reaping what you sowed, well, just yesterday was a day of reaping! So much joy! I could not help but experience a moment of nostalgia. Shortly after planting those gladiolas bulbs, I thought, is it possible that I might still have enough time to plant some onions and garlic???? It still took me a few more weeks to get my strength back, and spring was upon us. I was just chomping at the bit to plant something. I had some garlic and onion bulbs, should I dare to plant them??? Would it be a waste of time and money??? I could not help myself, I went outside, and planted them! The garlic is still a work in progress, and the onions were not as big as they would have been, but the size will be perfect for my needs. Let me just say that, “time spent sowing will reap a harvest just the right size to fit your current needs!” Every single time!

This isn’t just true for plants and seeds. It is true in our relationship with God and with the people, He places in our lives. Over the last five or six years, I’ve experienced great losses of loved ones being a huge part of my life one minute, and then completely absent the next. Have I grieved those losses? Yes, very much so, but I have found a feeling of peace with those losses, that I could never have imagined. Graciously,f God has sowed new relationships into my life that have reaped so many blessings, and my harvest overflows the silos of my soul! I’ve let go of many dreams that required a lifetime of sowing and hard work. I’ve let go of the pain and sorrow of someone else reaping the harvest of many years of my sowing into my dreams. That isn’t an easy thing to do, believe me. I have learned a lot over these last few years, most importantly, that I could not move on to the next field to sow, until letting go of the last field. Two sowers cannot exist in one field, one or the other will not reap a harvest. I have found a new field or dream, and I’m sowing the seeds that God has blessed me to sow. I am reaping the harvest designed just for me. Yes, there are tangible rewards, but the best harvest is the pure unbounded JOY which is new and above and beyond anything that I have experience in a very long time.

The most incredible experience that I have noticed is the nostalgic feelings that I have had lately, which take me back to my childhood. You know the feeling you get when you think back to your childhood and you remember a simpler time, a time when all was well, and no worries troubled your mind, and you had complete faith that your parents had everything under control and you were safe without a single thought of doubt? I have experienced so many times lately where God showed up and handled every little detail of what should have been a very troubling time for me. I know before my time on this earth is finished, that I will still have to experience troubling times. Right now, I have complete assurance that all is well, and in due season I will reap all the good from the seeds that have been sowed into my new dreams. And that, my friends, is a wonderfully amazingly good feeling!

I am so grateful that God is the one I place my life on. Do you long for that reassurance of knowing you are cared for and safe and loved? I have loved Jesus for a very long time, and we have had a tight relationship for a very long time. But, the best of the best is knowing that I do not have to do one single thing to prove myself to HIM. He is fully capable of carrying our bond for the rest of Eternity, I know no matter what I do or don’t do right, His plan is perfect! All I have to do is sow the seeds He provides for me and my Harvest is just at the end of whatever season I’m in EVERY SINGLE TIME!

SEEDS ARE A GIFT, PLANT THEM, TEND THEM, WATCH THEM GROW, REAP A GOOD HARVEST, STORE WHAT YOU NEED, SHARE THE REST WITH OTHERS!

Here are a few photos of the gladiolas and onions…..

Smilin’ through the Trialin’

Today, I am thinking about something that occurred on the day of my first market sale. As it happened, I had just gotten my table set up, and I was somewhat pleased with it. I was looking forward to getting to talk to each passerby, if you know-know me, you are aware that I like to get to know just about everyone I meet, well, the willing ones. Those who would rather be left alone, I usually just leave for another day or until I have “figured” them out. Back to my story, I had chatted and sold a few bars of soap and was feeling very appreciative for the opportunity to see my dream full circle right before my very eyes. Well, you can probably sense that something negative happened…..yep….there it was just to test me and see what I was really going to do in a negative moment. I can’t say I passed right away, but God was as faithful as He has always been, he just closed my thoughts off and rendered me unresponsive. LOL! Has this ever happened to you? You know, someone says something to you that seems to come out of nowhere, and after it is over, you think of a hundred things you “could have said”. Anyway, along they came, plopped down their negativity, and walked away, and there I stood with my face expressionless and feeling like, what in the world would possess someone to spread that kind of negativity, and on top of that speaking the negativity right in front of her children? I just don’t know, because, in my most negative moment, I would never hope to make myself be put up on a pedestal, all the while making someone else feel less than. Well, as soon as it was over, my first thought was this person must be in a bad place, so she must need some time of prayer. So, I have prayed for her, ever since. I also, pray for those whose path she may cross and share some negativity upon, that they would be strong and not feel less than. Personally, I have prayed that the Lord will continue to shut my mouth, and if ok, allow me to simply mouth the words to the next negative sayer: I will pray for you! Hmmm, not sure what will happen, but I have a feeling the Lord will just shut my mouth again. The lesson I take from this experience and one I hope you will, as well; If you have worked so hard to begin a new venture in life, and you see someone else who has the same dream, don’t go up to their booth and say to whoever is around you, esp your children, and say, “oh this is soap (insert your craft or product here), it is all pretty, not like what I make kids, my soap is simple the way soap should be.” Y’all, in a world where you can be anything……BE KIND! Well, as God always proves His way is the right way, the rest of the day was just AMAZING! I got to meet a lot of amazingly kind people, and chatted away to my heart’s content! God is always faithful to provide a whole army to void the ways of satan to dampen our Spirit. I left the market day on an incredible feeling of being lifted up, not full of self-pride, and being more in tune with God, safely comforted in His arms. Psalm 59:1Deliver me from my enemies, O my God, Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.

“ROOTED but not BOUND”

Today I am looking at the calendar, and I’m astonished that it is already the middle of February! January came and went so quickly and yet, ever so slowly. Well, that isn’t possible, is it? I have to state the question, was it one or the other? Normally a month, esp the first month of the new year will be filled with new plans and the regular daily chores of day to day life.

This year started out like all others, a clear slate, ready to be planned and listed out and checked off.. New possibilities with hopes to accomplish so much as each new day comes and goes. We all do it to ourselves, it is part of our genetic make up. We must work toward goals, if we want to achieve them! I have to admit the winter months give me additional challenges to fight against the desire to hibernate and lose my motivation every day. You see, I’m a warm weather girl, the cold temps zap my energy, so I have to boost my system with good healthy foods and Vitamins. Currently, I find myself in what I hope is my “mid-life”. I’m coming to terms with the fact that staying busy is one major key to living a long and prosperous life. A prosperous life for me means, I hope to be up and moving when I’m in my late 70s.

This first month, however, brought a tough challenge, and I’m glad to have it over and done with for now! On January 6, I fell ill with symptoms from the covid virus. I fought it with every tool I had been able to acquire based on my own research. I took several over the counter and home remedies to treat every symptom. Of course my best defense was my faith in God to sustain me and heal me, one day at a time. With every passing day, there were times I had to make myself get up and go take care of the daily chores at my farm job; the one that pays my bills. With God’s help, I was able to push myself forward everyday. After work I would rest, honestly, I would collapse. I also, consumed food, good food for my recovery. I say good food to mean food that was life sustaining, because I could not taste or smell and had no clue whether it was good or not! It is now nearly a month later, and for the most part, I am well. My energy is still not at the level I would like for it to be, but I know it will improve everyday. I can not imagine where I would be, if I had not gotten up and worked every day.

Yesterday, I was able to accomplish one of my goals, I planted some bulbs. Better yet, I got some dirt therapy! I did not have the gusto excitement that I usually get at the thought of working in the dirt, but it did renew my spirit, and gave me some internal spiritual growth. It was GOLD! There is nothing so richly gained, as what is gleaned from creation, as are the thoughts and lessons learned, while working on your knees and tilling the earth with your hands! As I used the spade shovel to dig the holes, and then got down on my hands and knees to feel the earth in my hands, I encountered many roots that were not relenting their grasp of the soil. I worked and worked, eventually, I got enough of them pulled or moved to place each and every bulb into the ground and then returned the displaced soil over the bulb. Wondering with each placement, if it would survive the great task of springing forward as the next few months pass, and the cold weather turns to a more favorable environment for them to expose their tender leaves and blooms. As my thoughts wondered, even more so, to a place of personal growth, I thought of how our lives are much the same as a bulb has to experience in order to spring forth and expose all the beauty that God has destined us to share.

Life is a challenge from the moment we are conceived, that I am certain, as I have lived a little over a half century, and experienced both the challenges and the blessings of having been created. I wondered how God continues to move all obstacles out of our way, how he sometimes removes us from one area to another, and how he tends to us. I wondered, does he wonder, how we will overcome the struggles or will we give away our full potential to expose our tenderness, so that the bountifulness of His vision for us can spring forth?

When I finished the planting, I was both tired and satisfied. Whatever happens, whatever might spring forth, I know I did the best that I could to make sure something might happen. If I had not done anything, nothing would be possible. Now, I wait to experience the full hope for a beautiful possibility.

God is waiting for all of us, his creations, to reach the fullness of the hope He has planned for us. Our greatest hope can be found in His Son, Jesus Christ. When will we all be completely “rooted” in His eternal love? This takes time, sometimes a lifetime here on earth, but it truly begins at the time of our creation, and finally springs forth the very second we invite Him into our hearts. At that very moment, we become surrounded by His bountiful protection and provision. I ask you today to allow Him to plant you where He has planned for you to be! Don’t wait another second to grasp the roots of His everlasting love and beautiful possibilities that He will spring forth from all that He created for you to become.

 

Daniel 11:7

But out of a branch of her roots shall [one] stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:

Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him,

Romans 8:38-39

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

THE HARVEST YIELDS MUCH

THE HARVEST YIELDS MUCH

In this week’s blog, I’m trying to give back to my community.  Yes, I have finally created a video for my “Cracklin’ Cornbread”.  As a one-person household, I struggle to get in the kitchen and cook; for several reasons. 

One reason is due to the fact that it is not fun to cook for just me.  For all of my adult life, I have cooked for my family, and I loved every minute of it.  Two, after so many years of cooking BIG meals, it is almost impossible to cook a small quantity of food.  I usually end up eating a meal I’ve cooked for a week just to keep from wasting all of it.  

I do love to eat a good home-cooked meal. I always enjoy the memories which flood my present mind,  as I cook a favorite dish from my past.  However, those memories can be bittersweet.  As some recipes can trigger some not-so-pleasant memories.  

Thankfully, I have found a way to share some of my favorite recipes or everyday life events with you all.  As an extra bonus, I can also share a little devotion with you all.  This week I have been pondering about how often in my life, God’s provision for me was very timely and in the appropriate amount, if not overly abundant.  The title of this blog reflects this thought: 

 The Harvest Yields Much!

Well, it does, if I keep my focus and faith in God.  My scripture focus was 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 

The Cheerful Giver

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that having all sufficiency[b] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;

    his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they[c] will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

I know a lot of small farmers who plant gardens every year.  I have actually been setting down some more roots myself. The biggest news I’m hearing from my small cropping friends is that many are planting extra plants this year.  They are planning and hoping to have extra so they can share with their neighbors. 

I love how the scripture explains the simple concept of how a stingy planter reaps a stingy crop.  On the reverse side the planter who sows lavishly will harvest a lavish crop.  What we do with a lavish crop will either lead to more need or an abundance of overflowing rewards.  No, we don’t give so we can receive, but when we cheerfully and generously give to others, God will bless us even more, and all of our basic needs will be met.  One of the greatest needs God showers down upon us is His amazing grace.

And then some, Malachi 3:10 says: 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 

Just knowing He said He can open the flood gates of Heaven and pour His blessings upon us, so much so that we can’t store them, is so comforting. 

If He so chooses He can bless our crops so we not only have enough for ourselves but, also enough for our community.  

A giving attitude is so very important in this life. Especially now with the situation our country is experiencing.  Our food budget is being challenged to the max and many are having to choose between paying a utility bill or providing food on the family table.  God knows our heart and if we are sincerely asking for His blessing for an abundant harvest so we can give to others, some very awesome blessings that started in your garden or on your land will end up answering the prayers of some persons in your community!  Always remember, God is the source of everything good. It is by His example and help that we can do good for others.  This helps us to take the emphasis off of our own needs, fully believing God will meet our needs when we follow His giving example. Thinking of others is a very necessary way to extend the grace given to us by God on to others.  Acts of generosity result in God being Praised! Thanks be to God for His incredible blessings.  I pray I can be a good steward of the gifts he has bestowed upon me.  

As promised, here is the link for the “Cracklin’ Cornbread.”

This is the video that I promised to share with you all a while ago.  I am sorry it took so long to get it produced.  I am just learning how to edit and produce videos,.  Thank you for your patience!  Here is the recipe as best as I could remember from the recording of the process of making it.  

I made a double recipe, but you can divide it in half, if you only need a smaller quantity.  

Gluten-Free Cracklin’ Cornbread (you can use regular flour if you wish)/

2 cups of Blackwells Cornmeal

2 cups Allmond flour

1tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

2 beaten eggs

2 cups buttermilk (I had to add about 1/4 cup more to get the consistency that I prefer)

1 cup lard

1 to 11/2 cups of Cracklins

Place lard into a cast-iron skillet and put it into the preheated oven @ 350* and leave it until the lard melts. Place cracklins into the skillet and heat on the stovetop until they are warm.

While that heats up Combine all dry ingredients into the mixing bowl.

Adding the 2 1/2 cups of buttermilk  ( I added about 1/2 cup more).  Add the eggs and stir until mixed well.  Add the heated cracklins and about 1 cup of the lard to the mixture.  It will sizzle, , then pour the mixture into the warm cast iron skillet, leveling the mixture on top, and then place it into the oven, for 20 minutes, check to see if done or not.  Mine took about 30-35 minutes to cook.  Flip the cornbread out onto a plate, and enjoy it warm or let it cool.  ENJOY!

Why Threshold Homestead?

Somethings seem to always have been a part of our lives, constantly molding us.  One is the family from which we came, it made up a big part of who we are.  Then, the family you helped to create.  Many transitions occur to bring us where we are.  One certainty is that there are always changes, and yes, sometimes unexpected new beginnings.  At the beginning of every transition of life, there are doors, always stop and pray and ask for God’s guidance, before choosing!  Whichever door you open will make all the difference as to where your life will end up.  As you approach the door of your choosing, you must cross the threshold of your new journey! Cross the threshold with confidence toward the transition into your new life and enjoy every step of your new journey.  Your new dreams will unfold before you; some easily obtained, while others require much hard work, and many hours of time.  It will be worth all of your efforts, and time!

Always remember, when your past and present life’s dreams are swept away and your future direction seems unclear, do not lose hope! Keep looking forward, do not dwell on your past forsaken dreams, or grieve their losses too long.  Let all of them go, and keep your faith and continue searching for new dreams.  Share the new dreams with God, and He will keep them in mind, and little by little the new promise of a good and wonderful door of opportunity will be before you.  You will recognize it and you will be grateful and ready to open the door and walk over the threshold into your new and wonderfully fresh new start.

I am at one such time in my life where I am starting a fresh new beginning.  I’m crossing over the threshold of the door before me.

I have prayed and I have imagined new dreams for my life, but I am not without hope.  My future is bright,  it is not filled with loneliness, it is filled with great companionship.  I have earthly friends, and my greatest companion is Jesus! He has carried me every step of my life and will continue to be with me always. I am thankful for such a companion as HE!  Whatever threshold I have to cross, now or in the future, I am willing, and I AM READY!

GRIEF JOURNEY-Part 1

GRIEF JOURNEY

Every person has a different grief journey.  We are to come alongside our brethren, helping them most by serving them during their trial.  Sincerely praying for them is enough, and as our heart is moved by prayer and supplications, we are clearly led by God how best to help our loved ones and friends in the midst of a trial. I was just thinking about this today, as I continue to travel on my current journey, and after much reflection and conversing with God, I was convicted to learn from my experiences.  I was very much aware of what I should or shouldn’t say to someone who might be experiencing the same trial that I have traveled through under the grace and mercy of Jesus. At the same time, all of those seemingly empty unhelpful comments at times that were made were not meant to intentionally hurt me, so as my Heavenly Father covers me with His grace and mercy, I, too, must extend that same grace and mercy to those whose comments cut me to the deepest part of my soul. I am certain that the last lesson was the one God wanted me to contemplate the most. Yes, I forgave those who meant well and missed the mark, however, the strength I gained from those who were seasoned followers of Jesus were quite literally the hands and feet and mouths of Jesus. How precious to my heart were those words and deeds and love for my Journey, then and NOW!  Let us all continue to focus on the good Jesus brought to us and continues to bring to us, for that is what will carry us through the next journey of life; stronger and more faithful than the last.  

Are you going through a trial of life, that is testing your faith?  The testing of your faith means you have faith, therefore, you have hope. Find peace and help in the arms of Jesus.  Are you questioning why you must endure such horrible circumstances that exhaust your reserves to overcome? We live in an imperfect world, and my friend, everyone is experiencing a trial of some sort. You are not alone, there is hope, and a helper!  Are you overwhelmed, and even more so, when you hear those painful words, such as “just hold on the light is just ahead?” (Revelation: during a trial, God revealed to me, “ as a child of Jesus, the light is not at the end of the journey, it is within you ALL THE WAY”) or don’t worry, I know how you feel, it will get better.” Be strong in the LORD, when we are our weakest, then HIS strength abounds! Just relinquish your forgiveness to those who mean well, immediately, and find rest for your weary soul in the presence of the one who comes alongside you to bear every burden of life.  

Know without hesitation: Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you.  Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

During those most frustrating moments, remember to draw near to God, even closer than ever; truly, HE is the only one capable to bring peace in the midst of the raging storms of life.  

AS Christians, we are to be the hands, feet, and mouths of Jesus to others, we are not to expect those elements from anyone other than Jesus.  So when others fall short of what we expect, we only have ourselves to blame. Always, always, we must put our hope in Jesus. However, if we are so very blessed to have great individuals who bless us during our moment of need, we can be grateful to them, remembering always, the Glory goes to God.  Know without a doubt that blessing was intended for us by God, and He used His faithful follower to be His hands, feet, and mouth. What an awesome testament of someone’s true character, who truly has a relationship with God. Someone who doesn’t view God as a religion, but someone who is real, and worthy to praise and honor, and obey. That is a relationship!  

No matter the journey of grief that you are facing, it can only be overcome by the one who overcomes all obstacles that might destroy us without Him. Draw close to HIM, and He will draw close to YOU. 

 

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.  And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

My RE-Introduction

 

Most of you who know a little about my background will notice that this is a new introduction for my blog.  My life has changed quite a bit over the last few years. I am now experiencing life on the verge of a new threshold, hence the current blog description: threshold homestead.  I grew up living a sheltered life on a small 9-acre farm, and then married and lived the challenging 28 year-long life of building a productive farm while raising two children, who are one and two of the greatest blessings that God granted me to experience. As life can be challenging with or without the added struggles of making a farm dream become a reality, the ups and downs can knock the wind out of you.  With God’s help many times over, we just picked ourselves up again and again and kept moving forward toward the goals laid out before us. More times than most, we just kept our mindset on the small daily goal of making it into the bed each night, with the hope of doing the same thing all over again the next day.  

As I mentioned, my life has taken some expected changes and some unexpected changes.  My 28-year marriage was interrupted by a test that was not passed, some negative choices were made, and my ex-husband chose a different path for the future of the life, we had planned and built from the ground up.  His decisions forced me onto a new path, one which I am still trying to figure out. It has not been easy, but from the beginning and even before what I know to be the beginning, God has had me in the palm of His Hand, and I know exactly how very blessed I am.  

No, my life has not turned out the way I had dreamed, and many of my old dreams did not come to fruition. However,  I have been given the incredible blessing of starting over, to be able to see the potential for new dreams, fresh new doorways to walk through, and a chance to rewrite what I see, as I walk this new path, and I look ahead toward a promising new horizon.  

So much has happened, I am now the receiver of two great new blessings, my two grandsons, Roman and Knox.  I have a new home, one that keeps me busy, as I try to remodel and update it, as many of the 1950’s building codes don’t quite meet today’s standards. I am doing this a little at a time, as I am working and trying to purchase the required materials and labor as I can afford to do so without going into debt.  I have hopes to begin farming on a small scale compared to my old life, what can I say, my farming roots run deep.  

I was also blessed by God to be able to make sure my daughter finished college debt-free, and fulfill her dream of a beautiful farm-style wedding.  And, I have been able to help my son get a more solid footing for his future. God has been good to us all! His promises never fail!

And now, He (God) is saying to me, let’s get your show on the road!  I have put this off and put this off, but the day is finally here, where I begin my telling of my story.  I have struggled with where to start, and as I was cutting my grass for the last time this past fall, just shortly before my daughter’s wedding, I made a decision, the best place to start is right where you are.  Here I am….just the beginning, just the threshold, just the start….

Stick with me as I journey forward toward my new dreams, all being whispered to me as I listen to HIM: my father, my counselor, my protector, my provider, my redeemer, my ALL IN ALL, JESUS!

 

Cream Cheese Peach Cobbler

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INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup butter(melted)

FLOUR MIXTURE

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup milk

1 TBSP baking powder

1 pinch of  baking soda

1 tsp vanilla flavoring

1 egg

CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE

1 package cream cheese

1 8 oz sour cream

1/2 cup crushed pecans-1/2 cup here and 1/2 for topping *(total needed 1 cup)* (or flavored Emerald Pecans)

1/4 cup of the fruit juice (from the pint of fruit juice below)

FRUIT MIXTURE

1 pint peaches

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

 

TOPPING

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup crushed pecans (or flavored Emerald Pecans)

 

PREHEAT OVEN AT 350 DEGREES!

In a casserole dish stir 1 cup each of flour, sugar, and milk, add 1 TBSP baking powder and a pinch of baking soda.  Whisk the egg and mix with the flour mixture.  Do not over stir.

In a mixer combine the cream cheese, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the pecans, and 1/4 cup fruit juice.  Dollop this over the flour mixture-DO NOT STIR!

Mix 1 cup confectioners sugar with the fruit, dollop this over the flour mixture, too-DO NOT STIR!

Sprinkle top with cinnamon and brown sugar,and pecans, then pour the melted butter over the dish -DO NOT STIR!

COOK IN A PRE  HEATED OVEN AT 350 FOR 27 TO 35 MINUTES.

Let it cool, or eat it while still warm.  ENJOY!

 

Recipes for the week

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GRAPE SALAD

Red and green grapes

1/4 cup pecans

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 packs cream cheese

1 8 oz container of sour cream

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla flavoring

In a mixer combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream, and flavoring until smooth.  While that combines, wash, dry and remove the grapes from stalk(set aside about 8 to 10 grapes for garnishing).  Also, in another container( I use a zip baggy),  crush the pecans, add the brown sugar and cinnamon.  Combine the cream mixture with the grapes, put it in glass dish, arrange the grapes that you set aside on top and sprinkle the brown sugar and pecan mixture over the top(just use enough to garnish the top and save the rest for the next time).

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Chicken Salad

Rotisserie Chicken

1 bell pepper

1 small red onion

3 stalks celery

1 to 2 boiled egg

1/2 to 1 cup Mayonnaise

Remove chicken and shred and place into a bowl.  Dice the bell pepper, onion, and celery and eggs and add to the chicken.  Add enough mayonnaise to your liking.  Enjoy!

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Pimento Cheese

1 8 oz extra sharp cheese

1 jar pimentos

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 to 1 cup Mayonnaise

Salt and pepper

Shred cheese, add the other ingredients to your liking.  Enjoy!

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Crescent Roll Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Rotisserie Chicken

2 heads broccoli

2 cans Condensed Chicken Soup

1 cup Mayonnaise

1 cup milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheese

1 can Crescent Rolls

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 375 *

Remove chicken from bones, chop the broccoli.  Combine the condensed chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, cheese, salt and pepper, and mix.  Combine with the chicken and broccoli and put everything in a casserole dish.  Roll out the crescent rolls and place on top of dish, bake  for 25  to 3o min or until bubbly, and topping is light brown.  Enjoy!

That’s all for this week!