Wednesday ponderings . . .

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"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, desparingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."
~Agatha Christie

I found this quote by Agatha Christie the other day and for some reason found great comfort in it. Here she was a famous mystery writer . . . a woman who wove many human stories into the tapestry of her novels, and enjoying a long and successful career until her death in 1976. As famous and as wealthy as she may have been . . . she still had the same doubts and frailties that affect the rest of us from time to time. Having success and money do not necessarily mean you will live happily ever after. Bad times come to us all . . . despite them, life is still a beautiful gift, and there is joy to be found in every day.

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I think one of the unhappiest and most miserable women I have ever known was my last employer. Here was a woman who had everything that money could possibly buy, a beautiful home, designer clothing, expensive jewels . . . a handsome husband, lovely children, people at her beck and call 24 hours a day . . . and yet . . . I have never known an unhappier person in my life. She had no joy in her life . . . or at least none that really mattered, or that was lasting. If you have ever seen the film, "The Devil Wears Prada," then you have seen her . . . because the character that Meryl Streep played in it is almost identical in personality to my ex boss.

It was quite sad really. There was not a charitable bone in her body . . . all her feelings, thoughts, desires etc. were centred only on one being . . . herself . . . and that is all she cared for or about. In fact she made the statement to me on one occasion that, anyone who knew her would know that she never did anything for anyone without expecting something in return . . . She was the most selfish creature I ever came across and I doubt that I will ever meet anyone quite like that ever again. She was the perfect example to me of exactly what money can never buy . . . class, character, humility, respect, love and most important of all . . . happiness.

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We're invited out to lunch today. We are going over to some good friends for lunch and I'm really looking forward to it. I love spending time with friends. I love spending time with the Toddster too . . . but friends are nice as well. I am sure that Todd must get tired of my chatter from time to time. It's always nice to have times spent with other people and to enjoy all that they bring to the table. Variety is the spice of life!

Here's a quick skillet meal that is perfect for those weeknights when you are in a real hurry and starving. It can be put together in literally minutes and within half an hour you can be sitting down to a nice meal that is not only delicious, but very healthy as well. All you need serve on the side is perhaps a nice tossed salad, and perhaps some crusty rolls. If I'm serving pasta to Todd . . . he better have a crusty roll to make up for it! ☺




*Skillet Turkey Primavera*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

You can use chicken breast for this if you wish. Make sure that if your asparagus spears are thick and woody, you peel the lower half of each stalk to get rid of the woody bits. Quick, easy and delicious!

1 1/2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
1/2 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces (2 cups)
1 1/3 cup fresh baby carrots, halved lengthwise
1 cup chicken broth
4 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 pound fresh turkey breast slices, cut into thin bite sized strips
1 cup fresh whole mushrooms, quartered
1 (14 oz) tin of whole baby corn, drained and rinsed
1 tsp grated lemon zest.

Cook the pasta to desired doneness using the package directions, adding the aspagarus and carrots during the last 2 to 4 minutes of cooking time. Cook until the asparagus is just crispy tender. Drain.

In a small bowl, combine the broth, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Blend well and set aside.

Spray a large nonstick skillet with low fat cooking spray. Heat over medium high heat. Add the turkey and mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is lightly browned and no longer pink. Add the broth mixture, cooking and stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the cooked pasta and vegetables, along with the corn and lemon zest. Cook and stir until thoroughly heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot.



There are some tasty Ciabatta Pizzas cooking in The English Kitchen today.

Marie's horrible, rotten, no good day . . .

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Have you ever had one of those days??? You know the kind I mean . . . the ones where nothing seems to go right. I had one of those days yesterday . . . or at least it started out that way.

First of all I couldn't get the printer to come on. Nothing I did worked. It was most annoying because I had wanted to photo copy some reading pages for my student, but alas . . . had to skip that idea. (Todd was able to get it working eventually, but not in time.)

Then I decided that I was going to bake some chocolate chip muffins for a pot luck lunch that I had been going to attend. I have a fab recipe for chocolate chip muffins. They are the best. I never have to use paper liners either, they always pop out like a dream. Anyways, I mixed the batter together, gave my nonstick muffin tin a good spray and popped them into the oven just prior to my reading student's arrival. Sounds good in theory, right???

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The oven had been all pre-heated and ready to go when I popped them into it. I went to check on them about 15 minutes later and guess what??? When I had closed the oven door, it hadn't exactly clicked shut and so had turned itself off . . . and the muffins had done their initial rise when I stuck them into the oven but, as the oven had cooled down . . . so had they. I turned the oven back on and thought they would be ok. WRONG. This initial prebake and cool down must have done something to the chocolate chips because do you think I could get those babies out of the pan when they were done??? NO WAY! They came out in bits. I actually had to scrape them out. The birds ate well last night.

Then the missionaries called and asked if we could go with them to help with a service project at a single sister's house. We said sure. We got ready to go and when they drove up, Todd went out to greet them. I am always a bit later going out the door, coz . . . well, I'm a woman! (No other excuse needed!) I went out the door pulling it shut behind myself, not realizing that Todd didn't have his key's with him. I just assumed as he had already gone out that he did. WRONG! His keys were in the house, and I didn't have my keys with me as I assumed he had his. Our front door is one that once it closes, you cannot open it up without a key. It's a security feature.

The service went ok. I really enjoyed getting to know this sister and her children a bit better, but I couldn't help fretting a bit while we were there, wondering how we were going to be able to get back inside our house. Mitzie was inside and I was worried that we might have to wait a long time for a lock smith to come, etc.

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Then Todd remembered that he had buried a key in a plastic bag in the front garden . . . the one that the gas men had dug up a few weeks back along with our daffodils. We used to keep a little spade out there to dig it up with if need be, but someone had stolen it months ago. (It is amazing what some people will steal!) Anyways, when we got home he found a metal stake and started looking for the key. A bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. He had just gone next door to ask if they had a small shovel he could borrow. I said a little prayer and then I tried looking, using a different method of moving the skewer in the mud. Guess what??? I found it!!! WHEW! Crisis averted and we were "In Like Flyn!"

The rest of the day was quite uneventful in comparison . . . really. Thank goodness! I'd had enough excitement for one day. My mom always said things happened in threes and yesterday proved her right. Sometimes it's good things and sometimes it's petty annoyances . . . but a positive person would be able to pick out some good from the annoyances and I did.

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One, we discovered exactly what to do if the printer acts up like that again. Two, I learned that I should always make sure that the oven door shuts properly when I use it and that it hasn't bounced open again. (The light on should have been a clue to me that something was amiss. DOH!) Three . . . even when you think you are never, ever going to be able to find something . . . like a key in the mud of a garden which has been turned topsie turvy . . . a little prayer can result in a miracle . . . and a found key. Our prayers are always answered . . . even the ones which we think are inconsequential and unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

Four that even horrible, rotten, no good and impossibly annoying days can turn out to be blessings in disguise. How can that ever be a bad thing??? It can't!

Have a great Thursday everyone!

I was quite relieved a few years ago when Delia Smith came out and said that even she cheated from time to time. I think most cooks have little ways of making things a bit easier and quicker from time to time. As long as taste isn't compromised . . . I just don't see the harm in the occasional cheat . . . like this recipe. Just make sure you use good quality fruit fillings with lots of fruit in them and you'll be ok.



*Cheater's Apple and Cherry Crumble*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

This makes a large dessert, just perfect for taking to a pot luck! It's delicious and easy to make.

1 tin (21 ounce) apple pie filling (use a fruity one)
1 tin (21 ounce) cherry pie filling (again use a fruity one)
1 tsp apple pie spice )If your apple pie filling is a spicy oen, omit this ingredient)
12 flat style granola bars (ones like Nature's Valley that come two in a pack)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Spritz a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray set aside.

Stir together the pie fillings in a bowl, along with the apple pie spice, if using. Spread this mixture in the baking dish.

Place the granola bars into a zip lock baggie and give them a good bash with the side of a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces. Dump this into a bowl. Stir in the flour and butter, mixing all together until crumbly. Stir in the almonds. Sprinkle this mixture over top of the filling mixture, spreading it out evenly.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the centre is thorougly heated. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or cold with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream if desired! (Or Todd's favourite, warm custard)



Over in The English Kitchen today I am indulging myself in Noodles and Cabbage.

Looking back . . .

Source: the50s.tumblr.com via Evelyn on Pinterest

I got a new music cd this week called Be My Baby, The Girls of the Sixties. Oh, it's just lovely, filled with songs like "I Only Want To Be With You" (Dusty Springfield), "Be My Baby" (The Ronettes), "Just One Look" (Doris Troy) and many, many others, some 70 songs in all. Oh how I have been enjoying listening to it as I putter away here at home. Todd's been enjoying it as well. Although in truth I was not a teenager when most of these songs came out, I was old enough to enjoy them anyways and listening to them brought back some lovely memories of my pre-teen years . . . click to play the following video and read on . . .



I can remember seeing the older kids getting off their bus from high school and admiring all the girls with their twin sweater sets, pony tails, bobbie sox and saddle shoes. Oh my how sophisticated they looked to me . . . and the boys with their comb backs and loafers. I could hardly wait to be a teenager . . .

On Saturday afternoons I used to watch a show on the telly called Bob and the Hits. I suppose this was the Canadian version of American Bandstand. All the latest pop tunes would be played and there would be dancing as well. There was also a Canadian Bandstand and on Friday Nights, when I got a bit older . . . It's Happening with Robbie Lane and The Disciples. Oh how I loved watching those shows and dreaming . . .

Of going to dances and wearing clothes like that and maybe even snogging a boy, one day . . . maybe even Robbie Lane!!

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I already had a pretty sizeable crush on Wally Cleaver . . . and spent many an hour wishing I was someone cool and pretty . . . someone like Annette Funicello or Sandra Dee, who always got their man . . . and who had fun times in the local soda shop, at the beach, or even slumber parties . . .

I had never been to a slumber party . . . but I had a pretty good idea of what was involved. Listening to all the latest 45 record hits on the Hi Fi and playing with each other's hair . . . trying on makeup and talking about boys, boys, boys . . . laughing a lot, dancing a little and eating cool food like Jiffy Pop Popcorn and maybe even ice cream soda's. I had never had one . . . but I knew they must be wonderful!

Source: weheartit.com via Sydney on Pinterest

I wanted a little pink Princess phone and a home permanent . . . I wanted to go to the Prom and dances at the Country Club. I wanted to dance on the beach and go surfing like Gidget . . . I wanted a friend with a cool name like Moon Doggie, and a place to hang out with all my friends . . . I wanted to baby sit. Oh to be old enough to baby sit . . . sigh . . . I wanted to be Haley Mills and go to summer camp.

Most of my experience in the world came from what I saw on the television or from what I read in books or saw at the movies. I expect it was the same with most girls my age way back then.

Source: google.com via Sydney on Pinterest

The early sixties was a special time . . . a time of innocence and hope . . . and looking forward instead of backward . . . if that makes any sense. I remember thinking I could be anyone, and do anything . . . and go anywhere . . . one day.

And then . . . I grew up, and realized that . . . life is not all fun and games, pin curls and bobby sox . . . you couldn't sort all of your problems out in 30 minutes, and that boy next door . . . he probably didn't exist . . . and if he did . . . he wasn't all that cute or all that interested! Oh, I got to do the slumber party thing . . . and Jiffy Pop . . . I went to Friday Lunch Sock Hops at school . . . and experienced my first kiss and holding hands . . . but it all passed by in a seeming flash, and here I am . . . some 50 odd years later . . . looking back at it all, listening to the Ronettes and thinking to myself . . . was it only a dream?

Source: howtobearetronaut.com via Sydney on Pinterest

Thanks for indulging me this morning. I thought in the spirit of the sixties and things in the past I would show you a recipe for a real teen treat this morning! I remember going to my first pre-teen mixed boy/girl party when I was 10. It was held in a neighbor's garage and there was Japanese Lanterns strung across the ceiling and all the latest tunes playing on the record player and dancing and lots of soda pop and things to eat just like this . . .


*Fish Stick Taco Dogs*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Something a little bit different to please the teens in your life.

8 frozen breaded or battered fish sticks
1 (8 ounce) can of refrigerated crescent rolls
(8 rolls in the tin)
1 TBS Taco seasoning mix (from a packet)
4 slices of cheese, each cut into 4 strips
3 TBS chunky tomato salsa

Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the fish sticks onto the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, turning once during the baking time.

Separate the crescent dough into 8 triangles. Lightly sprinkle the surface of each with the taco seasoning, pressing it lightly to make it adhere. Turn over so that the taco seasoning is on the bottom and lay them out onto your work surface, seasoning side down.

Place one cooked fish stick on the shortest side of each triangle. Top each with 2 strips of the cheese and 1 tsp of the tomato salsa. Starting with the shortest side of the triangle, roll up the dough around the fish stick. Place cheese side up onto the same baking sheet that you have already used.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot.

Note: A bowl of tomato soup on the side goes very well.

You have choice in The English Kitchen today!



Frozen Lemon Souffle



or Sauteed Potato Gnocchi with Egg

Monday thoughts . . .

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"The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart."
~Helen Keller

Who knows what a blind person sees of cherry blossoms or songbirds . . . who knows what any of us sees from the privacy of our own personal blindness . . .

You may stand aghast and say to yourself . . . "I am not blind!" . . . but think about it. Each of us carries a blind perspective of certain things . . . just as each of us carries with us a unique seeing perspective of other things.

Fear can blind each of us.

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The person who is afraid of heights will never see the beauty of a canyon floor from above, or the beauty of cotton boll clouds from the window of an airplane as it soars through the sky. A person who is afraid of spiders can never appreciate the beauty or splendor of the woven web. If you fear small places . . . you are blind to the secrets of sudden solitude. Fear of passion might make one blind to the comfort and joy of oneness. Fear of change blinds us to the abundance of life and all that it holds. Fear of death . . . might prevent us from embracing the unknown and the power of faith . . . the act of trusting an unknown future to an all-knowing God.

Being afraid is completely human . . . and so to be blinded in this way is a part of the human experience that we cannot hope to avoid. It is the one thing we must, each of us . . . struggle to overcome. In the course of our lives, we all stumble and struggle repeatedly. In and out of relationships . . . with being or not being . . . with peace and disquietude . . . with sorrow and with joy . . .

There is an opposition in all things. As we pass through life, stumbling in and out of the grace of the wholeness of our lives . . . would it not be better to reach out to one another and admit our fear . . . admit to our blindness?

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

A blind child
guided by his mother,
admires the cherry blossoms . . .
~kikaou

I think one of the things in this life that we are most afraid of . . . is allowing ourselves the luxury of becoming close enough to another human being that our very heart can be held in their hands . . . experiencing a oneness with each other that can only come from complete and utter abandonment of self . . . and allowing another to guide us through our fear . . . and in turn guiding them through theirs . . . by taking turns being the blind child, the loving guide . . . and the blossoms that others can't see . . . never knowing that which we are called to be . . . until we have learned what we have been called to learn. The art of seeing with the heart.

Does this make sense??? Or is it only prattle . . . I don't know. I only know it's what's on my mind this morning. Of course . . . we could always just . . . Let Go . . . Let God . . .

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body more than raiment?
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
~Matthew 6:25-26

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Gas works again today people. No heat all day, but we have kept the heat on all night so that the house is toasty warm and hopefully will hold some of that heat through the day. fingers crossed!

One thing that is good for when you are feeling cold is a nice heart warming soup! This is a quick and easy recipe. It makes rather a lot, but it also freezes beautifully, so no worries!



*Quick Beef, Vegetable and Barley Soup*Serves 8
Printable Recipe

Delicious and filling. The perfect warm me up for a cold winter's day!

1 pound extra lean ground beef
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
2 cups shredded cabbage
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
3/4 cup uncooked, quick cooking barley
1/2 pound of frozen mixed vegetables
5 cups of stewed tomatoes, undrained
8 cups beef broth
1 TBS Worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp seasoned salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves

Spray a non stick dutch oven with some cooking spray and then brown the beef in it, over medium high heat, until the beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain off any fat that may accumulate, however if you are using the extra lean beef, there should not be any.

Stir in the onions and celery and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the onion and celery are beginning to wilt, but have not coloured. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and cover. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are all tender and the barley is cooked.

Serve, ladled out into heated bowls, along with some crusty bread. Delicious!



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, delicious Lemon and Poppy Seed Drop Scones!

Poetry Saturday . . . Armchair Tourist

Source: google.com via Marie on Pinterest

He doesn't need a coach and four,
To call for him at his front door,
Or trains or buses or white wings,
To show him the amazing things,
Scattered abroad upon the earth,
Of every kind of creed and worth.

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His magic is the printed word,
Whose wings are swifter than a bird,
And here within one golden line,
He visits ancient Palestine,
Follows a camel caravan,
O'er dusty roads as old as man.

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He journeys up the sluggish Nile,
Visits the pyramids a while,
Hops with a glance to far Bombay,
Walks in the streets of old Cathay,
Buys silk and lace at the bazaars,
Dreams in the night beneath the stars.

He hears the hucksters call their wares,
The Arab priest recite his prayers,
Walks in a meadow bright with flowers,
So far away . . . yet much like ours,
With grass and rocks and grazing sheep,
And arching skies serene and deep.

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The clock strikes ten . . . and with a start.
He sees the old log fall apart,
Scattering bright coals upon the hearth,
And he comes back to common earth,
The quiet room, the curtains drawn,
A table with bright dishes on . . .
~Edna Jaques

Oh how I love to read . . . the journies I take, the people I meet . . . and the places I see, are absolutely amazing to me. Todd is a reader as well. That is something we both have in common and our tastes in reading are somewhat similar as well.

Last night we were reading travel brochures and dreaming . . . oh, if only one had all the resources you could ever want to be able to travel and go wherever you wanted to go. How wonderful that would be! We had a set of Geography Books as an addition to our encyclopedia when I was a child and I used to love going through them and looking at the pictures of all the foreign and exotic places within their covers. I remember dreaming of being able to see some of those places for real one day. Holland springs to mind as does Italy.

Oh well . . . you got to have a dream to have a dream come true. I never dreamed way back then that I would ever be living in England, and look at me now! Life does take some amazing and interesting twists!

Had no gas in the house yesterday until almost 8pm, it will be the same on Monday, but blessedly we will have gas all weekend. It was getting rather cold in here last night before it got turned on, and I couldn't cook using our stove . . . so I made do with microwave and electric skillet! We got there in the end!

Happy Saturday everyone! We're off in to town today for a boo around, and I want to pick up some Hot Cross Buns at M&S. Theirs are fabulously fruity and soooo delicious!



*Tex Mex Taters*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

These please my meat and potatoes loving husband to no end. Baked potatoes topped with chili and cheese!

4 medium baking potatoes
1 lb extra lean minced beef
2 chipoltle chilies in adobe sauce, chopped (if desired)
1 can (8-oz) tomato sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chilies
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups grated Mexican Cheese Blend
salt and pepper to taste

Prick the potatoes several times with a fork. Place on a microwavable paper towel in the microwave. Microwave on high for 11 to 14 minutes, or until tender, turning them over and rearranging halfway through the cooking time. Let stand for 3 minutes.

Brown the ground beef over medium high heat in a large skillet, until no pink remains. Stir in the chipoltle chilis, tomato sauce, green chiles, water and 1 cup of the cheese. Cook, uncovered for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise. Place on plates. Fork up the insides a bit with a fork. Spoon the beef mixture over top and then sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Serve immediately.

Note: You may serve with some sour cream and chopped spring onion and salsa if desired. A green salad goes very well on the side!



In The English Kitchen today, a round up of my favourite British Main Courses and my tweaks on them!

Now and then . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Now and then . . . in between all the grim and grey days of winter . . . in between all the storms and gales . . . God sends us a golden beautiful day, with bright morning skies of blue which are so beautiful to behold. It is only because of the dull days they are sandwiched in between though that we really can appreciate them for the little gems that they are!

Source: pixdaus.com via Marie on Pinterest

Now and then . . . in life's darkest times . . . times of sorrow and distress . . . in between tears and dismay . . . there will come a flash of happiness . . . loving words from much beloved friends, tender smiles, gentle hugs and kisses . . . these too, making everthing seem worth while and oh so very appreciated. Joy felt amidst sorrow is double joy, I think . . .

Source: zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

Now and then . . . we're given glimpses of a perfect love . . . breaking through out hearts like shafts of sunlight from above. A sudden glory fills our sky and our hearts are filled with an unseen presence . . . we know who it is. His name is engraved upon our hearts . . . his presence fills our lives with joy and peace. His arms help to carry us when we are down . . . when we feel like we just can't move forward any further . . . He lifts us up and helps to shoulder our burdens. Oh, now very grateful I am . . . that He sees this little sparrow fall . . .



This was one of my favourite hymns when I was a child. You know . . . I was thinking last night in bed, as you do . . . and I cannot remember a time when I did not feel the Lord's presence in my life. I may not have always enjoyed the close relationship that I enjoy with Him now . . . but that was because of me. I have always known He was there though, and I am grateful for that.

I did another painting yesterday afternoon. I have always held a certain fondness for Alice in Wonderland. I know a few years ago when the movie came out lots of people were painting her. As usual . . . I am a bit behind the times . . .



What do you think? Todd really loved this. I am thinking that I may do a whole series of storybook girls. Sounds like a plan.

The gas people pushed a note through the door yesterday afternoon saying that they want in to our house by 8am this morning and then off and on all day. We have to go out this morning though as Miztie has an appointment with her groomer and so we won't be available for part of the day. They'll just have to work around our absence. We sure won't be letting them in without us being here. Another day where I will have to prepare our meals around the gas supply being interrupted. Such is life. These little interruptions are what makes it so exciting!

Here's one of our favourite meals. A delicious Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry. You don't have to use Beef if you don't want to. You could also use pork strips or chicken strips. All are equally delicious in my opinion!!



*Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry*
Serves 4-5
Printable Recipe

This is one of our favourite quick suppers. You can't beat a good stir fry. You can use any vegetables which you wish, or that you have on hand. I find also that you can often get a good stir fry vegetable mix at the supermarket already packaged up, which makes it even easier. (It's often cheaper as well to just buy a bag of the mix, rather than all of the vegetables on their own.)

For the sauce:
1/3 cup water
1 TBS cornstarch
2 TBS soy sauce
2 TBS runny honey
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/3 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cinnamon

For the stir fry:
2 TBS oil
3/4 pound of less beef sirloin
(Freeze slightly, then cut into paper thin strips,
about 2 by 1 inch in size)
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 pounds (about 6 cups) assorted cut up fresh vegetables
(Snow peas, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.)

Blend all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add 1 TBS of the oil and heat until it ripples. Add the beef and garlic. Cook and stir 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned. Remove and reserve the beef and any liquid which has accumulated in the skillet.

Add the remaining 1 TBS of oil to the same skillet. Once again, heat until it ripples. Add any firm vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, carrots) and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are slightly limp. Add the less firm vegetables (onions, peppers) and cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Add soft vegetables (mushrooms, bean sprouts, snow peas) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer, until all vegetables are crispy tender. Return the beef and any juices to the skillet. Stir in the sauce mixture. Cook and stir until the sauce is bubbly and thickened. If you are using tomatoes, stir in and heat until warm.

Serve the stir fry with hot cooked rice or Chinese noodles if desired. Delicious!



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Crunchy Tuna Wraps!

Sunday morning thoughts . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Just imagine for a moment that you are a Princess living in a Fairy-Tale world. The beauty of birdsong wakes you up every morning. As you sit up and stretch . . . you notice beautiful clothes have already been set out for you to wear and are just waiting to adorn your beautiful Princess-like body. There is a song on your lips and your very own Fairy Godmother awaits your every instruction so that she can make all your dreams come true . . .

Contrast that with the real world . . . where each day is a struggle to keep your dreams alive . . . because the reality is . . . life is hard in this not-so-fairy-tale world, and hope is a comodity which is not easy to cling to.

But . . . think about it. Are either of those worlds really real? Before you settle for either one of the two extremes . . . let faith show you another place . . . a new place, an invisible place which can only be seen with the eyes of the heart.

Source: padgetthoke.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

It's a place where those small glimpses of all the goodness of a fairy-tale-world can fit into the reality of an every-day-world . . . perhaps a view of the world that is a bit different. It's where the realities of the so-called real world become framed in such a way that darkness is lightened and any bitterness or mistrust you may be feeling is removed.

In this new reality you can discover that unseen dreams to come are bigger and much more powerful than any small ones you may have held on to in the past . . . filled with hope that is far stronger than any despair you may be feeling now.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

This is the Father's kingdom . . . and you are His Daughter. Imagine . . . a beautiful daughter of God, created in His image and for His purpose. You have value beyond compare, and worth beyond measure. You have a beautiful and wonderful reason for being here . . . and you are not alone. He has promised to help you to get through this life, and given you all that you need in order to do so . . . protection and guidance on a journey towards a Divine Inheritance which awaits your return. All you need to do is to reach out your hand, and allow the Saviour to take it in His. He will guide you home and protect you along the way, and along the journey??? Well . . . you will experience more beauty, more hope, and more joy than you could ever have imagined possible. I know this to be true.

"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
~Jesus, Luke 12:32

Just my thoughts this morning . . .

I finally managed to get another painting done yesterday afternoon. I don't know where my days disappear to, but they seem to pass by in a flash!



I thought it quite sweet and I love the sentiment on it. As always it can be yours if you want, as a print or a card, and it would make a lovely gift for someone you care about who perhaps needs a bit of inspiration.

It's very cold and windy out there this morning. Brrrr . . . if you need to go out, wrap up warm and stay safe. We'll be going to church of course, and I'm going to make sure I put my woolies on before I go out that door!

Here's a delicious way to prepare chicken. Poached in the microwave, it stays beautifully tender and moist. Served with a simple sauce which is also cooked in the microwave means you can have a delicious and simple supper on the table in the time it takes you to cook some rice or pasta to have along with it. Easy peasy, lemon squeasy!



*Dill Sauced Poached Chicken*
Serves 4Printable Recipe

Moist and tender Chicken Breasts topped with a lucious dill sauce! Cooked in the microwave, so very quick!

For the poached Chicken:
4 Chicken Breast halves, skin removed
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
paprika
Pepper

For the Sauce:
2 TBS butter
4 tsp flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 tsp dried dill weed

First prepare the chicken breasts. Place the chicken breast halves into a microwave baking dish (12 by 8 inch). Place the thickest portions towards the outside edge of the dish. LIghtly sprinkle each breast with the seasoned salt, paprika and pepper. Cover with waxed paper or greaseproof paper. Microwave on high for 12 to 14 minutes or until the chicken is fork tender and the juices run clear, turning the chicken halfway through cooking. Keep warm while you make the sauce.

Place the butter in a 4 cup microwaveable safe measuring cup. Microwave on high for 30 to 40 seconds until melted. Whisk in the fl, salt, pepper and mustard until smooth. Whisk in the milk, gradually blending it in. Microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking it once or twice during the cooking time. The mixture should thicken and boil. Stir in the cheese and dill, stirring until the cheese is melted.

Remove the chicken breasts from the bone. Place on a serving plate and spoon sauce over top. If desired serve with hot rice or cooked pasta.



Over in The English Kitchen today some delicious Fruited Scones!