This Momentary Marriage

I believe this was one of the books that I either requested or it came as part of a John piper set and it has been one of the most profound books to help root out my sinful nature. When Chris & I got married we truly were without a clue and our marriage and covenant to God was in danger. With Chris, his parents were separated and even though he walked the walk and talked the talk, he was far from serving the Lord. I've survived rape, molestation, mental and physical abuse and all of that carried over into a marriage all while believing that my past really was just that, my past.

If Chris and I had this book when we first started out we might have cut through all the crap and been able to get down and honest with each other struggles and strengths. I've actually recommended this to another couple whose struggling with some serious issues in their marriage and hope it will effect them the same way it effected Chris & I.

Again, it's a wonderful book and even has a section on singles so anyone preparing for marriage would find this helpful.

"Saffron" Rice (the cheap version)

Okay, so this doesn't have any saffron in it because I refuse to pay $6 - $8 for a pinch of vegetation. Chris actually priced the stuff for a lb and it ended up being approx. $400! Holy cow!

Here's the cheap-o frugal version:

* 1 c. brown rice

* 1/4 tsp. turmeric

* 1/8 tsp. garlic powder

* 1/2 tsp. onion powder

* 1 c. water

* 1 1/2 c. chicken broth

* 2 T. olive oil

Bring chicken broth, water and olive oil to a boil. Add remaining ingredients to a saucepan, cover and cook until al dente.

Additional Toss Ins:

- cooked, diced chicken

- bell pepper, diced finely (add with liquid ingredients)

- diced ham or turkey

Chicken Salad

* 1 1/2 c. cooked chicken (I've used both cubed cooked chicken breast or Valley Fresh 100% White Breast Meat canned chicken)

* 1/2 c. celery, finely diced

* 1/2 c. onion, finely diced

1/3 - 1/2 c. Vegenaise (or mayonaise)

Salt & Pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients together.

Serving Suggestions:

Eat this on a GF tortilla or GF bread with a slice of tomato and lettuce leaves. Or, slice a head of iceberg into fourths and remove the center piece, add a couple spoonfuls of chicken salad. Dice a tomato and sprinkle on top for color. Be sure to serve with a knife and fork. Enjoy!!

What's on the menu?!

For those who might think our diet is severely limited, I've decided to post a few menu's this week and also to inspire those who grow tired of the same ol' thing. And just so you know, our kids either drink coconut milk (only at meals) and water, so we don't do the juice thing.

Monday -

Breakfast:

Homemade Pancakes (WF/GF/CF/Corn Free, Dairy Free, Kosher) *

Fresh Cantaloupe

Bananas

Applegate Farms Turkey Bacon (Yum-O)

Lunch:

Chicken Salad *

Steamed Broccoli

Edward & Sons Rice Crackers (for me & Dom), Lundberg Rice Cakes (for JP)

Raw Baby Carrots

Dinner:

Meatloaf **

Greens Beans

Cooked Baby Carrots

Rice or Vegan Mashed Potatoes

* Recipe recently added or being added soon!

** You can use my recipe for Poor Man's Steak and just make it into a loaf for Meatloaf.

Gluten Free Pancakes

I finally found a good recipe!! Yay!

1 c. white rice flour

1 c. brown rice flour

2 T. sugar

3 tsp. baking powder

1 heaping T. rice protein powder (optional)

1/2 tsp. guar gum

1/2 tsp. salt

4 T. oil

2 1/2 c. coconut milk (or equivalent)

Combine dry ingredients, form a well in the center and to this add liquid ingredients. Whisk until there are no lumps. Mixture will thicken as you beat it. Heat up frying pan, and do be sure to use pan spray. This recipe will make about 12-14 palm sized pancakes.

Optional Add-Ins:

Blueberries

Bananas

Vegan Chocolate Chips (Enjoy Life Brand are awesome!)

Canned diced peaches (in juice not syrup)

Poor Man's Steak

* 1 lb Ground Hamburger (I happened to be at Native Sun where they had $1.00/1 coupons and wanted to try the Organic Prairie 85/15 Ground beef. It was wonderful! There was just the right amount of fat in the meat to help it stick together and just tasted yummy!)

* 1/3 c. onion, finely chopped

* 1 tsp. salt

* 1/2 tsp. ground mustard

* 2 Dashes white pepper

* 1 heaping T. dried parsley

* 2 tsp. white rice flour

Mix all ingredients together, form into patties and pan fry until no longer pink. You can buy special meat thermometers but I just cook mine until 165-170 degrees.

We served our's with vegan potato salad and sliced carrots w/ green beans.