Thursday thoughts . . .

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Faith . . . is it a holy thing which we keep just for special days??? Is it only something we think about when we need our hearts and hope raised up??? Is it something to be added to the joy, strife and pain which is the common stuff of life???

Perhaps it is the secret yeast . . . the yeast that makes the bread of our lives raise . . . the power of God at work in us, that which glorifies homely tasks and daily duties . . . which helps our daily lives to glow and become more what they are meant to be.

This leaven called faith . . . this secret yeast . . . without it we are only lumps of dough, without flavour or substance. We need to tip it out onto our breadboards daily, working it into everything we think, do or say . . .

Where would I be without mine??? I daren't hazard a guess . . . I only know that I need mine daily. It's the stuff that keeps me going.

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Sometimes I lay in bed at night alone with my thoughts going round and round about my head . . . family, health, the economy . . . but mostly just family, and my heart just aches. It is the time of day that I cannot bury my thoughts beneath the quilt of busy-ness, or tuck them into hidden corners. Tears often fall . . . I know I have my Todd by my side, and I am ever grateful for his presence in my life . . . but he is a man. How can he ever begin to understand that part of my heart that is reserved for being a mother and the keen loss that it feels every single day of my life. I daren't talk to him about it . . . he only gets annoyed. He does not understand . . .

This is where my faith comes in . . . I must trust in all the promises of the Lord, and lay my heart at His feet. I know that He shares my burdens . . . always, that He loves . . . always . . . He does not judge me and find me wanting, as the frailties of the human heart might do. His forgiveness is complete and through Him, though my sins be they as scarlet . . . are washed as white as snow . . . let this be enough, it must be enough. As many times as I may beat myself with the guilty stick, I need to remind myself to . . . just . . . let . . . go . . . and yet, my heart still aches. I do not know how to make it stop.

Thank you for indulging me this morning . . .



My latest piece . . .

“Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you. God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Inspiration for my heart . . . these words they comfort me.

and in the kitchen . . .



*Bread Bowl Meatball Sandwiches*
Serves 6Printable Recipe

Crispy bread roll bowls with a delicious meatball filling! What's not to like?

6 large crusty bread rolls
18 frozen cooked Italian meatballs, thawed
3 cups frozen bell pepper and onion stir fry strips
3 cups Italian Tomato pasta sauce
6 TBS shredded fresh Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 TBS chopped fresh basil or parsley

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Place your bread rolls on a baking sheet.

Combine the meatballs, pepper and onion mixture, and pasta sauce in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until heated through, about 15 to 18 minutes. Stir occasionally. Stir in Parmesan cheese. blending in thoroughly.

Place the bread rolls in the oven to heat and crisp up, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven. Using a sharp knife cut a small portion off of the top of each roll. Using the bowl of a spoon, lightly press the centre of each roll down inside to form bread bowls. Place each bowl on an individual serving plate. Spoon the meatball mixture into each, dividing it equally. Sprinkle the tops with mozzarella cheese and some basil. Place the top of each bread roll on the plates as a garnish. Serve immediately!

These go well with a side of fresh coleslaw and pickle slices!



Over in The English Kitchen today, something healthy . . . a delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad, with a scrummy low fat Blue Cheese Dressing!

Learning to fly on the wings of love . . .

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When I was about 6 years old, I got my first and the only bicycle I ever had as a child. I had a little job cleaning telephone booths and saved up the money I made by doing so to buy it. Way back in the olden days not alot of people had telephones in their homes, so there were a lot more telephone booths scattered about. I guess there must have been 6 or 7 of them in our small sub division in Gimli, Manitoba, and each week I would go around to them all and clean them. I would wash the floor, pick up any garbage, etc. I got $1 a week and to a 6 year old that's plenty of moolah!

I started when I was 5 ( I know amazing eh? How many 5 year olds would do that today!) I saved and saved and finally I had enough money, not only to buy myself a Brownie uniform, but also a bicycle! A brand new CCM bicyle! It was blue, with a blue and white seat. Nothing spectacular by today's standards, but it was pretty special to me! I also had enough to buy myself a little red bicycle horn with a fantastic propeller on the front and a red wire basket to match!

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My dad taught me to ride my new bicycle in the back garden of our small two bedroom house on Willow Drive. It had a lovely sloping grassed area with a nice big fence separating it from the train tracks, so it was pretty safe there . . . and well cushioned should I fall down.

My bicycle was a full sized bike . . . so it was quite a stretch for my little legs, but I perched myself up on it's seat and my dad ran along with me, holding onto the back of the seat, countless times. I sat there . . . my little face grinning, the wind blowing through my hair and adrenaline pumping through my veins. I knew I was safe, coz dad was holding on . . . I was flying!

He did this over and over again, and then finally, when he thought I could manage it on my own, and my confidence was built . . . he let go. I flew down the back garden straight as an arrow . . . the only wobble occuring when I realized he was no longer hanging on. But then . . . recovery . . . I could do it. I was riding my bike . . . all by myself!

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That was only the beginning of many adventures! Before too long, I was cruising up and down the gravel roads and back lanes of Gimli with all the confidence of a well seasoned bicycle rider and new world adventurer explorer! I had a few spills from time to time . . . but nothing could keep me down for long. My job cleaning the telephone booths also got alot easier beacause I could now lug all my "tools" around in my little red basket. Going to the store for my mom became alot easier too!

That bicycle meant the world to me and I had it for a very long time . . . well into my teens. I'm not sure if the reason it was so special to me was because I had bought it for myself, with money I had earned, or if it was because of those golden memories of my dad running alongside of me, pushing me along. I suspect it was a little bit of both.

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My dad did that alot for me in my life . . . run along side of me . . . pushing me. Holding on when I needed him to and only letting go when the time was right. Encouraging me to succeed, and then applauding me when I did . . . commiserating with me when I didn't . . . but mostly loving me. He calls me the apple of his eye, and that is special to me. I'm sure he has pet names for my brother and sister as well . . . but I am the apple of his eye . . .

"Keep me as the apple of the eye , hide me under the shadow of thy wings.
~Psalm 17:8

That is what a good parent does. Thanks Dad.

Here's a nice quick lunch that, aside from the cheese . . . I like to think it a tiny bit healthy! It has lots of vegetables in it and is very tasty. It makes a change from a regular grilled cheese sandwich!



*Tortilla Veggie Melts*
Serves 2
Printable Recipe

This is a delicious way of getting your kids and husband to eat vegetables. You can use the vegetables as described or be inventive and use leftover cooked veg such as broccoli spears or sweet corn. Great as an accompaniment to soup, or on it’s own as a light lunch or snack. It’s real easy to increase the amounts and feed more people.

4 wheat flour tortillas
2 tsp olive oil
2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
1 small onion, chopped
6 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 cup shredded strong cheddar cheese
¼ cup shredded gouda cheese
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 200*C/400*F/Gas mark 6. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet and saute the onion and carrot for a few minutes, until the onion is tender. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and spinach and turn off the heat. Addthe garlic granules, Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.

Place two tortillas on a large baking sheet. Divide the vegetable mixture in half and spread over the tortillas. Divide the cheese evenly between the two scattering on top of the vegetable mixture. Top each with another tortilla.

Bake in the pre-heated oven until the cheese is melted and oozing out and the top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before cutting into quarters to serve.




Over in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Pizza Puffs!

“The divine love of God turns ordinary acts into extraordinary service.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, January 10th, 2012...

Outside My Window...
All is calm, and dark, and somewhat cold. We've really had a very mind winter so far this year, and I dare say . . . with a LOT of wind. No snow as of yet. My mom says they haven't had a lot of snow either. Snow one day, rain the next so nothing stays. She says the ground isn't even frozen yet, which is very unusual for Canada in January!

I am thinking...
I got an e-mail from my daughter this morning wanting to know what colour I would be wearing for the wedding. That is the first time I have been asked that question. I don't know what to say. I haven't even begun to look for a dress yet. When I do though, it will probably be either blue or pink, because those are the colours I like and that look best on me.

I am thankful for...
The Holy Ghost in my life. It helps to guide me and helps me to make right choices most of the time. I know it may sound a bit corny to some, but it's true. I am so grateful for it's presence in my life. I don't know how anyone copes without it!

From the kitchen...
There is not an awful lot . . . leftover cookies I think. I am trying hard to be good.

I am wearing...
Turquoise Nightie, grey and pink jim jam bottoms, slippers and robe. Yes, I know it is a bit of an odd mix, but meh . . . it keeps me warm.

I am creating...



I think I am finally getting the art of shading hair properly!! What do you think??? I sat down and did this little lady yesterday afternoon after Todd got home from town. I never know what I am going to paint when I first sit down. I sit for a few minutes, plug in my Walkman and let the music speak to me and then, and only then does my pencil begin to move on the paper. What comes out comes out. I think she looks quite relaxed and reflective.

I am going...
I have an appointment this afternoon on the other side of town and then tomorrow the council is coming for another appointment for our shower. I think this is the final approval. (Fingers crossed it goes through!) I have invited some friends for lunch on Thursday. Todd has a hospital appointment on Saturday for his hearing, and I think an old missionary who is now home from his mission is coming to stay with us for a few days. I can't remember the exact day he arrives, but it will be nice to see him again! He was a nice lad! He has come back to be a witness in a trial over here. Apparently he witnessed a crime when he was on his mission. I had told him did he ever need a place to stay we had a room, and you know how the rest goes!

I am reading...




(watch the trailer, it's good)

Sadie, by Rebecca Belliston

Sadie Dawson thinks she has the perfect life until one Christmas Day when a misunderstanding leads to a brutal event that changes everything. Terrified, Sadie flees her boyfriend's wrath, two FBI agents, and her "perfect life." Lost in a Montana snowstorm and desperate for refuge, she's rescued by four guys on their annual holiday ski vacation. But even as her physical wounds heal, Sadie wonders is she will ever be able to escape the clutches of her wealthy and determined boyfriend. While her heart tells her there is more to a perfect life than diamond necklaces and elegant dinner parties, Sadie doesn't know who she can trust. And just when her heart settles, she finds herself abandoned by the one person who swore to protect her for a religion she doesn't understand. Will she have the courage to follow her heart and find the life that is perfect for her?

I am loving the strength and personalities of the characters in this book. It has caught my interest and kept it, a real page turner. Plus it is wonderfully refreshing to be able to read a "Romance" novel which is wholesome and doesn't have any nasty colourful bits. I highly recommend! (On a side note, she is also the daughter of Gerald Lund, author of a bazillion great books, my favourite of which is called Divine Signatures.)

I am hoping...
I was greatly relieved last week to find out that Todd only has Blepharitis in his eye, not a detached retina. Our eyes are so very important. I have often thought about had I to choose one thing to give up . . . sight or hearing . . . I would rather lose my hearing than my sight. You can feel sound if you need to . . . but I know of nothing that would take the place of my eyes.

I am hearing...
Nothing much. Mitzie is eating her breakfast in the kitchen. The keys are tapping. All is quiet outside. A very normal morning.

Around the house...

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The ideas that people come up with for storage are amazing to me. I don't know why, but my brain just doesn't work that way. I can think of a hundred ways to mess some place up, but to tidy it and organize it . . . I just have no clue. This idea here is from Martha Stewart and shows you how to organize and store your bedding. Just keep sheet sets folded tidily inside one of the matching pillow cases! It's such a simple idea and yet . . . why didn't I think of it????

I am looking forward to ...
I have a darned cold again, with the cough. I don't think I have ever really shaken it 100%. It just keeps coming back. Most annoying. I am looking forward to a day, hopefully in the not too distant future when I will no longer have it!

If I could change one thing it would be ...
That I could lose some of this extra weight I carry around with me. I know the solutions . . . but I can't seem to take hold of them. I wish I didn't like food so very much, or that I was one of those lucky people who never seem to truly feel hungry, instead of someone who lives, breathes, sleeps and EATS food! I'm almost always hungry, or at least thinking about my next meal.

One of my favourite things...
Is discovering new things . . . new ideas, new concepts, new books to read, new pictures to paint, new friends to make, etc.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

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Perhaps it would be a good idea, fantastic as it sounds, to muffle every telephone, stop every motor and halt all activity for an hour some day to give people a chance to ponder for a few minutes on what it is all about, why they are living, and what they really want.
~James Truslow Adams (1878 - 1949)

We lead such busy lives. I think it would do us each some good to find a quiet space each day, even if only for 5 or 10 minutes to just stop and reflect on what life is really all about. We might be terribly surprised at the answers we get!

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

"Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life."
~Sophia Loren

(I had no idea she was so deep!)

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

Here's a tasty meal that I often cooked for my kids when they were growing up and now cook occasionally for the missionaries. What young person doesn't love burgers and since I am young at heart, I love these too. They're very scrummy indeed and a wonderful once-in-a-blue-moon treat!



*Easy Cheesy Topped Burgers*
Serves 4 to 6
Printable Recipe

Delicious open faced burgers topped with full on cheese flavour! Cheese, Bacon, Onion . . . What’s not to like about these! You know you shouldn’t . . . but you will anyways. . . go ahead, enjoy!

2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
8 slices cooked smoked streaky bacon, crumbled
1 cup chopped spring onions
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 TBS tomato catsup
3 tsp hot pepper sauce (Optional)
12 minced beef patties (3 pounds)
Bread or hamburger buns, if desired

Heat gas or charcoal grill, or oven grill. In a small bowl mix all ingredients except for the beef patties.

When the grill is heated, place frozen patties on the grill. Cover grill, and cook over medium heat 4 to 8 minutes, turning once, until the patties are nicely browned and cooked through.

Carefully top each patty with about some of the cheese mixture. Cook, covered, for 4 minutes longer, or until cheese is melted. Serve on toasted bread.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Chunky Puy Lentil and Veggie Soup!

Poetry Saturday . . . Beautiful things

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Beautiful faces are those that wear . . .
It matters little if dark or fair . . .
Whole-souled honesty printed there.

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Beautiful eyes are those that show,
Like crystal panes where hearthfires glow,
Beautiful thoughts that burn below.

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Beautiful lips are those whose words
Leap from the heart like songs of birds,
Yet whose utterance prudence girds.

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Beautiful hands are those that do
Work that is honest and brave and true,
Moment by moment the long day through.

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Beautiful feet are those that go
On kindly ministries to and fro,
Down lowliest ways, if God wills it so.

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Beautiful shoulders are these that bear
Ceaseless burdens of homely care
With patient grace and daily prayer.

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Beautiful lives are those that bless
Silent rivers of happiness,
Whose hidden fountains but few may guess.

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Beautiful twilight at set of sun,
Beautiful goal with race well won,
Beautiful rest with work well done.

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Beautiful graves where grasses creep,
Where brown leaves fall, where drifts lie deep
Over worn-out hands . . . oh! Beautiful sleep!
~Ellen P Allerton

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I just love this poem . . . it speaks to my heart of lives well spent and the simple joys that make it worth living . . . the things in life that truly matter most of all.

Once again I want to thank everyone for their prayers and support over these past few weeks. You surely carried me aloft on them and I was strengthened and touched by each and every one. I do believe that I have the best friends and family in the world. Y'all are the best.

We are going to go look for some rhubarb crowns to plant this morning. I'm not sure if we will find any . . . we've probably left it far too late in the season. I also saw a cat figurine of a ginger cat a few months back that I had wanted to get for my mother for Christmas, but then . . . I left it for another day, so I want to go back and get it so that I can get my boxes all packed and ready to go over to Canada. Only 38 days people! Christmas is fast approaching!

I'll leave you now with a tasty recipe from my Marie's Muses Archives. I didn't really cook yesterday . . . we had a meal out to celebrate. Nothing outrageously expensive, just the local carvery where you can get two meals for £7. Cheap and cheerful! I'm in wedding mode now and going to be trying to take off a few pounds before the summer. In the meantime, this is drool worthy, even if I can only look but not touch . . .



*Bacon, Egg and Cheese Toastie*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

This is a wonderful way to have your breakfast, all stacked together in one delicious pile. Every forkful brings you a taste of bacon, egg, cheese and toast, all together in one luscious mouthful!

4 slices of thick country style white bread
12 slices of dry cure streaky bacon
8 ounces of medium cheddar cut into slices
1 TBS butter
4 large free range organic eggs

This is my secret way of cooking bacon so that there’s no grease on top of your stove and no messy pan to clean up afterwards. Pre-heat your oven to 220*C/425*F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil wrap. Lay the bacon slices out onto the baking sheet without overlapping. Pop the pan into the heated oven and bake for six minutes. Turn the pan around 180 degrees and bake for another four to seven minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. (For this recipe you only want it medium done and not too crispy as it will be going under the grill after) Remove the bacon to a plate, lined with paper kitchen towelling to drain. I, then, blot the top with more kitchen towelling. You can then just pitch the foil wrap into the bin and you have a clean oven tray to continue on with the rest of the recipe.

Heat your grill while you make the toast. Toast the slices of bread until they are medium toasted, not really dark as they will then be going under the grill and you don’t want too crispy a slice. Once they are toasted lay each one out onto the baking sheet and cover them with the slices of cheese equally. Divide the bacon equally amongst the sandwiches and lay it on top of the cheese.

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat and pop some butter into it. When the butter is foaming, crack in the four eggs. Turn the heat down to medium and cook them slowly for a few minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are as done as you like them. If you don’t want them sunny side up you can flip them over if you like. We like them sunny side up. When they are done to your taste, turn out the heat and remove the pan to the side while you grill the toastie.

Pop the tray with the bread, cheese and bacon on it under the grill and grill until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the bacon is as crisp as you want it. It should only take four or five minutes. Remove from the oven and place a fried egg neatly on top of each. Remove to heated plates. Sprinkle each with a little seasalt and cracked black pepper. Serve.




Over in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Lemon Cake Pie!

“You can't go through life on "Borrowed light.”
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Embracing the "you" in You . . .

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“Conformity is one of the most fundamental dishonesties of all. When we reject our specialness, water down our God-given individuality and uniqueness, we begin to lose our freedom. The conformist is in no way a free man. He has to follow the herd.”
~Norman Vincent Peale

It seems I’ve always walked a few steps out of beat with those around me. I suppose I have been a bit of a rebel . . . but not in a bad way. Some might think me a bit odd. I have come to realize that it’s that "oddness" which opened my heart to this weird and wonderful church which I belong to. When I am at church and I reflect on those around me . . . pondering their unique ways and personalities . . . I can see that we are all a little bit odd, but in a very beautiful way. I’m really quite glad that we are. We are known to be a "peculiar" people . . . and I, for one, am quite happy to embrace that peculiarity!

When I was 14 and 15 years of age, I went through a very difficult time at school. I was bullied mercilessly . . . so much so that at one point during those two years, I was actually physically ill because of it and stayed at home for several weeks with the "mumps!" How I managed to every make my mother think I had mumps remains a great mystery to me, but I did. I think the main reason that I was bullied was because I was "different" . . . because I didn’t fit in the same as the rest of them did. It was the wolf pack mentality of the others, the law of the herd, that made them feel the need to weed out all that were different, or that they deemed as weaker. Quiet and sensitive, I was probably a sitting duck for all their slings and arrows.

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Looking back . . . I am glad I was different . . . and I’m glad I was strong enough to withstand their aggressiveness and cruelty. They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and I truly believe that through those difficult two years I learned a lot about compassion and forgiveness . . . and tolerance and endurance. Thankfully, we moved after a few years, and so the teasing stopped, but I do still carry some of the scars on my heart and in my mind. You never really forget, even if you do forgive.

In my later teen years, I'm ashamed to say that I did follow the crowd a bit, . . . whilst trying to maintain as much of my uniqueness and individuality as I could. I was everyone’s friend, even those that nobody wanted to be a friend to. I always had great compassion for those sorts of people . . . for the underdog . . . having once been ostracized in much the same way. Besides, secretly . . . deep down . . . I knew I was still one of them. I had just not been found out yet. As we got older too, the bullies were fewer and far-er between, and most of the people I knew were starting to strike out a bit more as individuals anyways.

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I guess I’ve always known that I was special, even if I didn’t always act like it. I did have to endure a lot of bullying in my last marriage . . . and perhaps I even felt for a time like I wasn’t worth not taking it . . . but deep down something inside whispered to me every once in a while that I was special and unique. For the most part, I allowed him to squelch it through the years. Occasionally though . . . this unique and peculiar person that I was would stick her head up above the mire and wave her arms, trying to be heard. When you are busy raising a family and taking care of a home you hardly have time to think about your own needs and wants, your days are so full of taking care of others. It's quite easy to get lost in the business of the needs and wants of others for a time. And as a mother, how can you do anything but?

In my later years, I have come to realize just who I am as an individual . . . and to embrace that unique and wonderful person. Yes, I DO celebrate her for who she is and for all of her differences. I am a special individual, unique in all ways, and I love who I am and who I’ve allowed myself to become. I still walk a few beats out of step from everyone else, but I am quite proud that I do. I love that I stand out in a crowd. I am still a bit of an odd duck, but I love my oddness. It works for me. I have come to recognize my God-given talents and embrace them . . . explore them . . . use them . . . I relish every opportunity which comes my way to share them with others and to help my fellow beings in some way and in any way that I can . . .

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I look at my life as being a huge piece of embroidery that I have been working on for years . . . quite different than anyone else’s, perhaps a bit unusual . . . but every bit as beautiful and even more so in some ways for it’s individuality. I have stitches here and stitches there . . . it’s randomness creating something quite wonderful and unique and special, this tapestry of my life. I suppose when it’s finally finished I will be able to look back and count all the stitches and be quite proud of my accomplishments, but in the meantime I’m just enjoying creating it, in my unique and sometimes beautiful way.

Just my thoughts this morning . . .



Here's my latest piece that I worked on yesterday afternoon. I had ever so much fun doing this and trying to make it look like she is standing in a field of dandelion fluff at the end of a golden day. I had paint all over me by the time I was finished . . .

I am never quite sure when I finish something if I really like it or not. I have to step away from it for several hours and then go back and look at it again. I am always pleasantly surprised when I do, which is a good thing!

I am a real pizza lover. I could eat pizza three times a day every day . . . cold, warm, hot . . . it doesn't matter to me. I just love pizza. Todd now . . . he is not so fond. It doesn't matter how many times I tell him it is just a sandwich with the filling on the outside . . . he's not quite buying that idea! This is one of my favourite versions. I also love Chicken Caesar Salad . . . combine the two and you have a heavenly pizza . . . A Chicken Ceasar Salad Pizza! Voila! It's fabulous! (Trust me!)



*Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza*
Serves4
Printable Recipe

Don’t you love it when you are able to bring together two of the things you love and they work in such a delicious way as this wonderful pizza does? Try it, I think you’ll really like it!

1 12-inch thin pizza crust (purchased or make your own, see below)
1 cup of cooked chicken, cut into cubes
2 ounces thinly sliced proscuitto ham
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded havarti cheese
¼ cup shredded Parmesan Cheese
½ cup good quality Caesar Salad dressing (I used Hellman’s)
A handful of dry cured pitted black olives

Salad Topping:
1/2 head of shredded Cos (Romaine) lettuce
A handful of rocket leaves
2 green spring onions thinly sliced, using all the white and a bit of the geen
1 TBS fresh lemon juice
¼ cup good quality Caesar Salad Dressing
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup good quality garlic croutons (make your own, see below)

Pre-heat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7. If you are using your own homemade crust take out a large baking tray and lightly grease it. Spread the crust out onto the tray into a large thin rectangle, about 9 inches by 15 inches in size. Prick it all over with a fork and then bang it into the heated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.

If you are using a purchased ready made crust place it onto a large baking sheet.

Take the first quantity of salad dressing and spread it evenly over the top of the partially baked crust. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over top as well as the havarti cheese. Scatter the cooked chicken and the black olives over top. Tear up the proscuitto and scatter it over top as well. Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese.

Return to the heated oven and bake for a further 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is nicely browned and the cheese is bubbling.

Ten minutes before you are ready to take the pizza from the oven toss the lettuce , rocket and green onion with the lemon juice. Add the ¼ cup of salad dressing. Toss well together and set aside.

Once the pizza is done, remove from the oven. Scatter the prepared salad over top and sprinkle with the ¼ cup of Parmesan Cheese. Sprinkle on the croutons and serve immediately.

*Thin Crust Pizza Dough*
Makes 2 twelve-inch crusts

I love a thin crust on a pizza, slightly crispy and not too doughy. This fits the bill on all counts.


2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (may substitute whole wheat flour for 1 cup of the all-purpose)
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water, with 1 tsp sugar dissolved into it
1 tablespoon olive oil
cornmeal, for sprinkling on the pan

Put the warm water into a large bowl along with the sugar, stirring to dissolve. Sprinkle the yeast over top and let it sit for aobut 10 minutes until it gets all foamy. give it a stir. Add the flour, salt and olive oil all at once. Mix in well and then dump it out onto a lightly floured board
and knead it for about 6-8 minutes until you have a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic, adding a bit more flour if you need to. Shape into a round smooth ball.

Wash out the bowl with warm water and dry. Grease with a little olive oil and then put the dough into this bowl, turning it once to coat it with the olive oil. Cover and let sit in a warm place for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Lightly grease with shortening two 12-inch pizza pans. Sprinkle each with some cornmeal.
Divide the dough in half and place each half on a pizza pan. Spread and pat it out with your fingertips until it stretches to fit the whole pan, making it a bit thicker around the edges. Prick it all over with a fork.

If desired, pre-bake at 205*C/425 *F for 10 minutes, then spread with pizza sauce and use the toppings of your choice.

*Note. This can be frozen quite successfully if you don’t want to use both crusts at once. Just divide in half and place the portion you want to save in a good freezer bag. Place in the freezer. When you want to use it, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

*Homemade Garlic Croutons*
Makes 2 cups

These are so easy to make and so much tastier than any you might buy in a shop.

2 large crusty white or whole wheat rolls
2 TBS good quality olive oil
2 fat cloves of garlic, peeled and slightly crushed (bruised)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cut your rolls into 1 inch cubes. If you’re a purist you can remove the crust bits if you want first, but I leave them on as I enjoy the variety of texture.

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet. Add the garlic cloves and heat until just becoming fragrant. Toss in the bread cubes and cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time until lightly browned all over. Dust with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Allow to cool and then use as you wish.



Baking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Candy Apple Cake!

Marie's Sunday Six

Indian Summer may be over, and it may be freezing cold, but I can still find plenty to smile about here in Casa del Marie & Todd! I hope you don't mind my sharing some of them with you today!



Every woman in Relief Society has been given this delightful book to read! I wasn't there the week they were handed out, but my RS President gave me my copy this past Wednesday night when we were together for a meeting. I've been reading through it ever since. I love it because it has been written from a Historical perspective about one of the oldest women's organizations in the World today. Of note, is the fact that this is the only authorized history of the LDS women, in the Church. That, in and of itself, is quite significant!

It's a beautiful book, both inside and out. The corners are rounded, and the layout of each page was no doubt carefully and lovingly thought through. It's not overly large and so fits easily into a handbag, which is pretty special as if I wanted to I could carry it around with me easily, and I am quite sure there will be times that I will want it with me.

I have only read the first few chapters in it and I am already feeling the power of it's teachings . . . and the influence and spirit of this beautifully written manual. I know it will become both a blessing and a support to me during my lifetime here on earth and help to prepare me for the lift to come. In short, I think it's pretty special and totally wonderful! It makes me smile.



We were priviledged enough to be able to attend a Baptism yesterday morning. It was a really special one. I have never seen a Baptism so well attended. The man who was being Baptised was the husband of one of our Ward Members and had been learning about the Gospel for many years. Yesterday morning as I was sitting here following my usual routine all of a sudden the name and face of a young woman came into my mind. She had been a member of our Ward here in Chester before we moved down South to Kent. During our years away, she and her husband had moved away from the Ward, but yesterday morning she came into my mind. I remarked to Todd that I wondered what had ever happened to she and her husband. They were a lovely young couple. Imagine my surprise when we saw both of them at the Baptism. The man being Baptised was her younger brother! Co-incidence I think not! It was a very spiritual Baptism . . . I think perhaps one of the most spirit filled I have ever been to. We had almost not gone as the granddaughter of a friend of ours was also being Baptised in another Ward yesterday . . . at the end we chose to go to the one in our own church because we felt we must support our own Ward. We were both very pleased that we had. It was just wonderful and I know we were meant to be there. Baptisms and the feelings that they bring into my heart always make me smile.



This is a picture of my youngest son painting his girfriend's toenails. It was on Facebook, and I hope he doesn't mind me sharing it with you. It made me smile. Knowing that I have a son who is not afraid to serve the woman he loves in such a special way, that he doesn't feel that he is too macho to do something like this . . . this really makes me smile. There is a lot more I could say right now, but I will wait for permission to do so! Let it suffice to say that this young man and his special lady and the love that they share for each other makes me smile in a very special way. Mother's are always very happy when their children are very happy. Knowing my son is very happy makes me smile in a very special way, and I am grateful to this special young lady for helping to bring him joy in his life.



This little lady makes me smile (as do all my Grandchildren!)! Oh how I long to hold her in my arms. It will probably be a long time before I am able to make that happen, but in the meantime I am enjoying the photos my daughter takes of her and I can see how very engaging she must be. Maryn is the only Granddaughter on both sides of the family and the only Great Granddaughter. I wonder does she know how very special she is? I know my daughter and her husband will make sure that she does, and that she will grow up feeling oh so very loved. That makes me smile too.



This little lady makes me smile too. I was so devastated when we lost our Jess. I never thought that I would be able to give my heart so freely to an animal again . . . it hurts so much when you lose one. I fell in love with Mitzie right from the first time I saw her. I knew she was perfect for us and that she would bring much joy into our lives . . . and that she surely does. She is such a little force to be reckoned with and so very affectionate and loving. She is not Jess to be sure, but she is every bit as loved and as special to us and I am so glad she is a part of our lives. She is stubborn and strong willed, but at the same time eager to please . . . she wants to make us proud, you can just tell that about her and she tries so hard to do just that. She is full of puppy ways and I love that about her. I can remember often thinking when we had Jess, about how much I would have loved to have known her as a puppy. With Mitzie we are experiencing that very blessing and it makes my heart swell with joy. I love her so very much. (How could you not?? Just look at that sweet face!) Oh yes . . . Todd makes me smile too! ☺



Actually my whole family makes me smile . . . both the blood relations . . . and the members I have chosen for myself in my friends. Family is a special blessing . . . through the hard times and the easy times. They can bring much sorrow in to your heart, but it is a sorrow that is also tinged with great joy at the same time, because always they bring much joy, eternal joy. Families are a special gift from God and as such are Divine . . . whether your family be just you and a beloved pet, or just you and your partner, or yourself and a few chosen friends, or the whole shebang! When a member of my family is happy, my heart rejoices with them. When one is sad, my heart aches for them . . . from one end of the spectrum to the other, my heart is always with them . . . no matter where, no matter how, no matter what, no matter when. Family makes me smile in a very special way.

And there you have it, my Sunday six for this the 9th of October, 2011. This is also Thanksgiving back home in Canada and so I want to wish all of my Canadian family and friends a very Happy Holiday. I wish I could be there to share with you all, but I can't, so you'll just have to eat my share of the turkey and SMILE! I love you!

I made Todd and I a tasty pizza for our tea last night. You just can't beat a nice homemade crispy pizza with lots of cheese, black olives and hot peppers on top . . . not to mention proscuitto, torn basil . . . whatever floats your boat actually. It's your pizza!



*Thin Crust Pizza Dough*
Makes 2 twelve inch crusts
Printable Recipe

I love a thin crust on a pizza, slightly crispy and not too doughy. This fits the bill on all counts.


2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (may substitute whole wheat flour for 1 cup of the all-purpose)
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water, with 1 tsp sugar dissolved into it
1 tablespoon olive oil
cornmeal, for sprinkling on the pan


Put the warm water into a large bowl along with the sugar, stirring to dissolve. Sprinkle the yeast over top and let it sit for aobut 10 minutes until it gets all foamy. give it a stir. Add the flour, salt and olive oil all at once. Mix in well and then dump it out onto a lightly floured board
and knead it for about 6-8 minutes until you have a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic, adding a bit more flour if you need to. Shape into a round smooth ball.

Wash out the bowl with warm water and dry. Grease with a little olive oil and then put the dough into this bowl, turning it once to coat it with the olive oil. Cover and let sit in a warm place for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Lightly grease with shortening two 12-inch pizza pans. Sprinkle each with some cornmeal.
Divide the dough in half and place each half on a pizza pan. Spread and pat it out with your fingertips until it stretches to fit the whole pan, making it a bit thicker around the edges. Prick it all over with a fork.

If desired, pre-bake at 200*C/425 *F for 10 minutes, then spread with pizza sauce and use the toppings of your choice. We like to use three cheeses, a really good Parmesan, a good fresh mozzarella and some grated cheddar. We then use meats such as pepperoni, lightly fried bacon and salami. We also like to use some olive cured sun dried tomatoes drained and cut into strips, as well as some really good dry cured black olives. Some chopped sweet pickled little hot cherry peppers are a must as well, with a final dusting of Parmesan cheese on the top.
Bake at 425 F for 10-20 minutes longer or until bubbly and hot.

*If you don't want to use all the dough, you can freeze it. Take a portion of dough, form into a ball, rub olive oil over it and place it in a freezer bag (the oil makes it easier to take out of the bag). When you want to make a pizza, take the dough out of the freezer and allow to thaw before using.



*Marie's Pizza Sauce*
Makes enough for two pizzas
Printable Recipe

This is a really good pizza sauce recipe. After experimenting through the years with different types of tomatoes, sauces and spices I think I have come up with what is a real winner. Delicately spiced. The sauce is what makes a pizza in my opinion!

2 cups of tomato passata (seived tomatoes)
1/4 cup tomato paste (sundried tomato paste is nice sometimes for a change)
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp chinese five spice powder
seasalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Put all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid, slightly ajar and simmer on low for about 15 minutes. Let cool before using.



Over in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Iced Walnut Cake!