Okra Casserole

5 God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend. 

6 For to the snow he says, 'Fall on the earth,' likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour. 

7 He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he made may know it. 

8 Then the beasts go into their lairs, and remain in their dens. 

9 From its chamber comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds. 

10 By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. 

11 He loads the thick cloud with moisture; the clouds scatter his lightning. 

Job 37:5-11

4 c thin sliced okra

1 onion, chopped

1 pgk. Crushed Ritz crackers

1/2 c sour cream

1/2 c chicken broth

1/4 c heavy cream

1 c shredded cheddar cheese

1 egg, beaten

Smoked salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

Mix beaten egg, sour cream, broth and cream together. 

Add okra, onion, cheese and crushed crackers.

Season.

Put in greased pan. 

Bake covered 40 minutes, then uncover and broil 10 minutes.

Kolache Like Sausage Roll

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

1 store bought pie crust, found in the biscuit isle

Bun length smoked sausage, I used smoked brats, which I cut in half

1 beaten egg, season with salt and pepper

Cut 4 rectangles to fit sausage.

Roll thin, wrap sausage, seal with beaten egg.

Place sealed size down.

Brush with beaten egg.

Bake 450 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Cuban Beef Sliders in a Flash

Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?"  Job 26:14

Hawaiian Rolls

1 lb. no-nitrate thin sliced roast beef, got it at Sprouts

1 T Cuban rub, recipe this blog under "rubs" tab

1 sliced leek

1 t olive oil

Cap full Jim Beam

Swiss cheese

Hickory smoked salt, to season leeks

Sauté leeks in oil, add salt and whiskey.

Add beef after leeks are done and season with the Cuban rub.

Slice rolls and add cheese, toast.

Add beef and eat!!!

Best Chicken Parmesan Ever

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6 For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." 

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," 

8 and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 

1 Peter 2:4-8

This is a good way to make Chicken Parmesan for a crowd!

Chicken prep:

8 boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins, pounded
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1c Panko
1/2 c Italian Seasoned bread crumbs
1 T garlic and herb seasoning

2 T butter or 2 tablespoons margarine


1/2 of the package spaghetti pasta, cooked, set aside
1 jar Marinara sauce ( I used Aldi brand)
1 c Italian blend cheese, I buy mine at Sam's
1/4 c chopped fresh parsley 
1 c Mozzarella, shredded

Fresh pasta

Place chicken between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; flatten to 1/4-inch thickness, using a meat mallet.
Dip chicken in egg, and dredge in seasoned panko.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in butter/oil mixture until browned on both sides.
Drain on paper towel. 
Cut chicken into bite size pieces.

Cover bottom of pan with a light layer of sauce, then sprinkle a little cheese.
Stick under broiler to melt cheese.
Layer pasta, half the sauce, then the chicken, then the rest of the sauce.
Sprinkle with Italian blend cheese, then Mozzarella and the parsley.
Place under broiler to melt cheese.

Cuban Spiced Chops

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,

24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

4 boneless pork chops

2 T butter

1 T olive oil

2 T Jim Beam

2 T lime juice

Brine chops in 1/4 c each salt/sugar and water to cover chops for 30 minutes.

Place in Ziploc and pound thin. 

Season with Cuban dry rub found on this blog under rubs tab.

Saute in olive oil and butter until a internal temp of 155 degrees. 

Pour 2 T of Jim Beam and 2 T of lime juice on chops, remove from heat, after 1 minute, flip the chops. Melt in your mouth 

deliciousness !!!

EJ's Broccoli Soup Panera Knock Off

For "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." 1 Corinthians 10:26

4 T butter

1/2 t olive oil
1 leek, sliced
1/4 c all-purpose flour
1 c half-and-half

1 c heavy cream
3 c water

2 T chicken base seasoning
2 bay leaves
1/2 t nutmeg
Hickory smoked salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
4 c broccoli florets
2 large carrot, diced
2 c grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 c smoked Gouda


Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks and carrots, cooking until tender. Whisk in the flour and cook 3 minutes, then gradually whisk in the half-and-half and cream until smooth. Add the water and chicken base seasoning, bay leaves and nutmeg. Next, season with hickory smoked salt and cracked black pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, until thickened. Stir often.

Add the broccoli to the broth mixture and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Discard the bay leaves.

Add the cheese to the soup and whisk over medium heat until melted. Enjoy!!!

German Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5

But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"-  1 Corinthians 2:9

14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.

1 Corinthians 2:14-15

1 English cucumber, sliced paper thin

1 onion, sliced paper thin

6 tomatoes, chopped

Dressing:

1/2 c sour cream

3 T white vinegar

2 T white sugar

1 T seasoned salt

1/2 t dill

Cracked black pepper

Whisk dressing together and add tomatoes, onions and cucumbers.

Chill.

Top Taste Sweet Potato Casserole

"My days are swifter than a runner; they flee away; they see no good.  Job 9:25

3 c mashed sweet potatoes

1 c brown sugar ( I made mine cause I was out, see note at bottom, it was delicious )**

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 t vanilla

1/2 t cinnamon 

1/2 c heavy cream

1/2 c melted butter

Topping:

1/2 c brown sugar

1/3 c white wholewheat flour

1/3 c melted butter

1 c chopped pecans

Combine first 6 ingredients. Whisk together thoroughly and pour into a buttered casserole dish.

Mix remaining ingredients together and sprinkle over top.

Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes, until hot and browned.

* * To make brown sugar:

1 c sugar

1 1/2 T molasses, unsulfured

Whisk together.

Rum White Grape Juice Reduction Chops

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,

4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.

Romans 13:1-4

Thin cut Pork Chops

Seasonings

Seasoned Meat tenderizer

Dash of Smoky ancho chili

Dash of smoked paprika

Dash of turmeric

Sear in hot skillet with olive oil. Chops are almost done.

Place on rack, pan underneath filled with 1 t rum, 1/2 c white grape juice and 1/4 c water. 

Broil 2 minutes per side, if it's boneless thin cut chop.

Place drippings in skillet, add 1 T brown sugar, reduce. 

Add 1 T cornstarch dissolved in a little water.

Heat until thickened.

BBQ Chicken Dip

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

4 c chopped rotisserie chicken breast

1 can black beans, drained

1 can mexicorn, drained

1/2 c chopped onions

1/4 c red bell pepper, chopped

1 1/2 c sharp Cheddar, shredded

1 1/2 c Colby Jack, shredded

1 c BBQ sauce

1 c sour cream

3 T snipped chives

Mix chicken, beans, corn, 1 c of each type of cheese, onions and bell pepper. Place in a 13x9 pan. Whisk BBQ sauce, sour cream and chives together and add to chicken mixture. Add remaining cup of cheese to top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Serve with crisp tortilla chips. 

Pistachio Pastry Cream

19 You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?"

20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?"

Romans 9:19-20

1 box instant Jello Pudding and Pie Filling, I used sugar free, 1 oz

1/4 c fat free milk

1/4 c cream

4 oz cool whip, thawed

Whip pudding mix and milk together, then stir in cool whip.

Piping instructions:

Take a gallon size ziploc bag and open wide so that the bottom corner is accessible. Using a spatula, get your cream out of bowl and pile on top of the bottom corner of the bag, above the filling, twist excess bag. Using sharp kitchen scissors, snip a 1/4 inch hole. 

Squeeze with a steady pressure to fill pastries.

Shelf Stable Pastry Filling

though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad-in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls- Romans 9:11

4 oz  Cream Cheese, softened

1 Instant White Chocolate Pudding Mix, 3.3 oz

1 1/4 c cold Milk

2 T vanilla
4 Whipped Topping, thawed

Directions:

"Cream" the cream cheese until smooth and add milk slowly. Then beat in pudding mixes until completely blended. Fold in the whipped topping. Refrigerate until needed but if you are going to be piping, let come to room temperature.

Piping instructions:

Take a gallon size ziploc bag and open wide so that the bottom corner is accessible. Using a spatula, get your cream out of bowl and pile on top of the bottom corner of the bag, above the filling, twist excess bag. Using sharp kitchen scissors, snip a 1/4 inch hole. 

Squeeze with a steady pressure to fill pastries.

Easy Pastries

15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

Romans 9:15-18

1 box Pepperidge Farms frozen puff pastry

8 cannoli stainless steel forms, spray with non stick spray

Beaten egg, for sealing the seam

Pastry brush

Parchment paper

Candy or pastry rolling pin

Thaw pastry on counter or overnight in refrigerator. 

Using a pizza wheel cutter, cut pastry alone the fold lines to get 3 pieces. Then cut each of the 3 pieces into 4 ending up with 12 pieces. Keep the pieces covered with parchment while you work.

Using the roller, roll out the square enough to fit the cylinder, trying not to have too much overlapping. Aim for a 1/4 inch overlap. Then gently scrunch down the pastry dough till it's about a three inch piece. Brush with egg and seal by applying slight pressure. Place seam side down. Bake 400 preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in freezer for 10 minutes before trying to remove from the cannoli form. Pipe in your favorite filling. I used pistachio pastry cream and shelf stable pastry cream, recipe on this blog under curds, filling frosting tab.

Thanks Natasha for the great idea!!!

Lighter Eggs Benedict

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15

2 Toasted English muffin

4 slices Canadian bacon(lighter version of ham)

2 slices Swiss Cheese, I used Gruyere

2 Scrambled eggs, I used egg whites

2 T snipped Chives

Toast muffin, add cheese and ham.

Scramble eggs and chives, whisking to make fluffy eggs. Season with salt and pepper.

To the toasted ham cheese muffin, add sauce and serve open faced.

Lighter hollandaise

1/4 c Mayo 

2 T Heavy cream

1 t Lemon juice

1/8 t Pepper flakes 

1/2 t Dry mustard 

Smoked salt, to taste

Cracked black pepper, to taste

1 t white wine

Whisk together.

To serve add thin sliced tomatoes!

Teriyaki Baked Wings

3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:3-4

Chicken wings, disjoint into 2 pieces, discard tip

Marinade 

1/2 c soy sauce

1/4 c water

2 T sweet rice wine

1 T plus 2 t of brown sugar

1/4 c sugar

1 1/2 t roasted garlic

1 1/2 t minced fresh ginger

1/2 T cornstarch mixed with 1 T water

Dissolve cornstarch in water. Set aside.

In a small pan, on low, add the above 7 ingredients and heat.

Dissolve sugars by whisking, add cornstarch mixture.

When thickened, take off heat and cool.

Place wings in a ziploc and pour marinade on them. 

I like to marinate the wings, in the fridge, for 2 days.

Spray rack with Pam.

Place 1 c water in foil pan.

Place rack on foil pan.

Roast in a 500 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Flip wing roast another 30 minutes.

Turn oven on broil and broil 5 minutes on each side.

So crispy and delicious!!!

Cabbage Casserole

17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. 

18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed -and though you get praise when you do well for yourself- 

19 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light. 

Psalms 49:17-19

1 cabbage, shredded and chopped

4 pieces chopped bacon

1 shallot, chopped

1 t roasted garlic, mashed 

2 T chopped chives

1/4 c sour cream

1/2 can cream of chicken soup

1/4 c mayo

1/4 c cheese

Topping 

1/2 c cheese

1/4 c Panko

Fry chopped bacon, add shallot, garlic and chives. 

Add cabbage and stir fry until tender.

Spray casserole with Pam. Mix cabbage mixture with sour cream, soup, mayo and cheese, add to casserole, sprinkle cheese and panko on top. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.