Greek Dried Fig Jam

21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.

23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. - 1 Peter 2:21-25

We used to buy Fig jam from Greece.

It was delicious!

I could not figure out that secret ingredients.

But after looking at many recipes, I decided to try balsamic vinegar.

It worked!!

1&1/2 c chopped figs, stems removed

2 c water

1 c sugar

4 T white balsamic vinegar

1/2 t fresh lemon juice

Chop figs.

Have clean jars ready.

Combine all ingredients into a saucepan over medium.

Bring to a medium steady boil then reduce to simmer. 

Stirring occasionally, cook 10 minutes.

Spoon figs onto a plate.

Pulse figs.

Cook 10-15 minutes until the jam is thickened. 

It will continue to thicken as it cools and when you refrigerate. 

Place in jars and tighten lids.

Transfer to jars with tight-fitting lids. 

This made 3 half pint jelly jars and 1 quarter pint jar.

Will keep for 2 weeks.

I'm going to water bath the next batch for shelf storage!! 

Quick White Wine Glazed Chicken

that the evil man is spared in the day of calamity, that he is rescued in the day of wrath?  - Job 21:30

The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.  - Proverbs 16:4

2 Leftover chicken breast, sliced diagonally to make 4, then sliced into small bite size pieces 

1 c Sovereign blanc

1 T chicken base seasoning

Drizzle Olive oil

1 Leek, sliced

1 small Onions, sliced 

1 c sliced Mushrooms

1/2 t Thyme

1/2 t Rosemary

1/2 t Sage

1-1/2 c water

Add heavy drizzle of oil to skillet.

Through in leeks, onions and mushrooms.

Sprinkle all seasonings on veggies.

Stir fry around until they begin to slightly caramelize. 

Add chicken.

Add wine and reduce until most of the wine is gone and add water.

Simmer until you have a glaze.

Serve over rice.

Leek and Potato Soup with Rosemary Parmesan Croutons

Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. - John 4:36

2 quarts Water

1 Leek, sliced 

1 Celery stalk, sliced thin

7 medium Red Potatoes

1/2 stick of Cream cheese, chopped

3 T Chicken base seasoning

Cracked black pepper

1/4 c Smoked cheddar 

1/4 c Unexpected cheddar

Slurry made of cornstarch and cold water for thickening.

Using a plate, microwave potatoes for 4 minutes on each side.

Set aside to slightly cool.

Cut the ends off and slice through the potato.

The peeling will easily fall off.

Heat water. 

Place potato chunks in heated seasoned water.

Add leeks, celery and all the cheese into pot.

Simmer until cheese melts.

Make croutons out of Costco Rosemary Parmesan bread.

Slice bread, add olive oil, toast on griddle and lightly salt.

Mardi Gras Bruschetta Chicken Tacos

For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."  - Isaiah 41:13

An ej original recipe!

1 c Smoked chicken or Rotisserie chicken 

1/2 t Mardi Gras seasoning

2 T Bruschetta 

Crispy Tacos, warmed

Quesadilla Cheese

1 t Sour cream

I made 4 tacos.

Sauté onion in a drizzle of oil.

Add chicken and bruschetta.

Dress tacos with cheese and sour cream.

Pimento Cheese Reuben

let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. - James 5:20

Sour dough bread

Top round beef

Pastrami 

John's slaw dressing

Kraut

Pimento cheese

Clarified Butter

Butter bread.

Put on grill top.

Add pimento cheese, meats and kraut.

Toast on both sides.

Serve with John's slaw and pickles.