25 Jan 2016

This Week in the Charming South Kitchen

by | posted in: food, The Charming South Kitchen | 1

Gardenia

I’ve learned this weekend that when it is cold outside – I want warmth to eat – and I’m doing a juice/smoothie fast – for the most part – and all I want is warm anything.  But, pressing on!  Until tomorrow night!

The other exciting thing for the home is coming this week for 7 days.  The boys and her son will love that.  So, I’m cooking a bit for that.  I’m taking a little trip so I like to leave my family well-stocked with what they will love while I’m gone.

Baked Ziti PW style.  I’m actually doing this in two batches so I can freeze one of them.

Emeril’s Tuna Tetrazzini – because tuna and noodles and cheese and chips – what’s not to love?

Taste of Home Blueberry Muffins – such a perfect quick thing for breakfast or a snack – good thing TJ had a huge thing of blueberries today!

Brisket – my first time making it – and will have it on top of a sweet potato and tacos!

My husband loves chewy ginger molasses cookies and I’ll be baking him these

A big breakfast of homemade biscuits, eggs (three different ways), double cream gouda grits (recipe coming soon), and bacon

And these pretty cupcakes as an awesome start to celebrate Valentine’s Day with Oma.

23 Jan 2016

Snowed In Link Love

by | posted in: Link Love | 0

Pears on a Plate

Happy Saturday yall.  If you are on the east coast – pretty much means you got some snow – or you are enjoying balmy beach weather like my friends in FL and the lower coast beaches.  Oh the life.  We got a heavy dusting here in the ATL area – but what that means is now it is cold and windy and we are going to stay inside.  Everyone hit up the grocery stores yesterday (including me for fruits and veggies) and we are in for tonight – with my favorite men and a fire!

So I wanted to give yall some link love to have a happy time surfing tonight while you sip something warm and prop up your feet by a fire, or watch Frozen for the 50th time, or just snuggle under a blanket.

Oh because you always need a great breakfast when you are snowed in – or really anytime.

Because it is Girl Scout cookie time and I’d rather make something than by a box.

Because why let your muscles go limp when you are stuck at home.  Many good workouts, but if you don’t want to do any more squats – check this out

Such a good reminder to believe our husbands, know God’s definition of beauty, and believe God!

In case you always use your phone camera even though you have a really nice one.  Read this.

22 Jan 2016

Roasted Broccoli and Spinach Frittata

by | posted in: The Charming South Kitchen | 0

 

Whoever was the first person to eat brunch or brinner – they were genious.  I love eating breakfast foods at different times of the day – other than breakfast of course.

And if you are trying to watch your carb intake – then this is a perfect recipe for you!

Print
Roasted Broccoli and Spinach Frittata
Author: 
Recipe type: Breakfast
Cuisine: Eggs
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
Eggs and vegetables - great combination
Ingredients
  • 1 head of broccoli, chopped and roasted (in directions below)
  • 1 handful of fresh baby spinach
  • 7 eggs
  • ⅓ cup whole milk plus 2 T whole milk
  • ¾ cup sharp cheddar, grated
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ tsp dijon mustard
Instructions
  1. Before you make the frittata, you have to roast the broccoli. This is my favorite way to eat broccoli. Chop one head of broccoli, using the florets, spread out on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Roast at 425 for 20 minutes. Let cool.
  2. Whisk together eggs, milk, spices, and mustard.
  3. Add in vegetables and cheese.
  4. Bake in a pie pan (I have a deep dish one) for 30-35 minutes at 350.
  5. Eat with fruit or other breakfast-y items.
 

 

19 Jan 2016

Mexican Lasagna

by | posted in: food, The Charming South Kitchen | 0

Mexican Lasagna Casserole

As a mother of two – a preschooler and a toddler – life in my kitchen has gotten really slim.  Meaning – I used to love being in my kitchen.  But, now I’m multi-tasking and keeping an eye on the kids and an eye on the stove – its a wonder I don’t burn dinners and chop off my thumb in the process.

My friend Kristin over at Dine and Dish (you so have to check out her blog for everything) did an enchilada casserole.  I had been trying to make it for two weeks but kept either using an ingredient for something else, or forgetting an ingredient.  So, I just changed the recipe.  Thanks for the inspiration!

And my family loves some Mexican food.  Wait, I love Mexican food.  Therefore, I impose it on my family.  I hope they don’t mind.  This dish took 20 minutes to put together, takes 25 to cook, and it is great for leftovers.  I call that a win – win  – win.  And it is only made better by avocados and more cheese – that has to be a good dish.

Print
Mexican Lasagna
Author: 
Recipe type: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 8-10
 
Easy layered Mexican lasagna perfect for any time of the year
Ingredients
  • ¾ lb ground chuck (or whatever ground beef or turkey is cheapest)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups black beans (I used dry beans and cooked them down)
  • 1 can whole kernel corn (frozen would work too)
  • juice of half lime
  • 1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2½ tsp taco seasoning
  • 6-8 flour tortillas, soft taco size
  • 1 bottle green salsa (I used Trader Joes because it is Whole30 compliant)
  • 1 can refried beans (or you can make them yourself)
  • Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Cook the meat until almost done. Add onion and cook until meat is done. Drain. (This is a good tip. You can buy cheaper meat with higher fat - just drain it really good when its done cooking.)
  3. Put the meat and onion mixture back in the pan. Add corn, lime, beans, tomatoes, and seasoning. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Start your lasagna with 2 tortillas in the bottom of a 11x7 pan. Then spread those with ⅓ of the can of refried beans. Then scoop up some meat mixture and layer that on top. Top with cheese then salsa. Then repeat.
  5. I left mine topped with cheese (just because I ran out of tortillas).
  6. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
  7. Eat it with a green salad. You can also serve tortilla chips if you want crunchiness and sour cream and more cheese and avocado are a must!
 

16 Jan 2016

Everyone Loves Brunch

by | posted in: Books | 0

Biscuit

Ok – little known fact about me – I really love brunch food.  Savory, sweet, eggs, bacon, really good bread, fruits, syrup.  I mean – what’s not to love?  And I love sipping warm drinks with ones you love.  I love the relationships that come with brunch!

But, seriously – who wants to get up for all that good stuff at 6am and cook it to eat it that early?  I think that is why brunch is spectacular.  You can have all the food you love – just at a normal hour.

And I have two fave male chefs on Food Network: Bobby and Tyler.  And this blog post is all about Bobby’s new book, Brunch at Bobby’s – which I got from Blogging for Books.

I could make every seriously make every single recipe – and I so want to.  So, who is the first person coming over?  The pictures are great, the recipes are unique (and some normal favorites with a Bobby spin).

So, here are some ones that are right at the top of the list:

Chilis Rellenos

Caramelized Onion, Spinach and Gruyere Strata

Gingerbread Pumpkin Waffles (gotta make these quick before we get to spring)

Citrus Blueberry Salad

Cast Iron Potatoes

And many more…need more opportunities to cook brunch!

12 Jan 2016

Doodling the Word

by | posted in: Bible, Uncategorized | 0

doodling the word

Everyone has gone through phases in their spiritual journey where focus and energy and excitement about the Word has been less than enthusiastic.  I remember hearing a great word from the woman in my life who loves and knows the Word the best and it went something like this :

even when you don’t feel like it – keep doing it – be faithful – God will bring fruit and excitement

That is so true.

One of the ways that I stay focused in my time in the Word (both during studies, classes, services, and personal devotions) is doodling.  Most people might read that and say that I’m not focusing or I’m tuning out – but on the contrary.  Doing something with my hands engages my mind and actually helps me listen and engage more (internally, as I’ve gotten less apt to speak aloud in a class).  Doodling helps me focus on certain words in the Word or in the book or from a sermon or class that is being taught – or maybe its a lyric from a hymn.  Doodling helps me remember what I’m learning.  And isn’t that the point of Psalm 119: to get the Word in you so the Spirit can help you remember it when you need it – which is always?!

So, I thought I would share some tips – if you want to start doodling, or drawing, or lettering, or anything:

  1.  The focus of doodling is not you – but it is engaging the Word into your mind.  An example: as I was lettering Jeremiah 29:11 this morning, and as I prayed it for a pray names art I did for a sweet little boy in Virginia for a Christmas present – I was thinking of the words wholeness and know that are in that verse.  I was thinking of the verses after it.  I was thinking that these verses are especially popular for kids and teenagers, but how true are they still today when I’m a wife and a momma of two little boys and we don’t feel settled in life and don’t know what is next.  Even then – even this morning – I need to know the truth of that verse. How sweet the Word is to my soul!
  2. Grab a pencil or any writing instrument you want.  I use micron pens a lot, I love pencils, I love Staedtler pens and Le Pens too.  Whatever you want to write or doodle with.  Just grab it.  It doesn’t have to be name brand or cost much of anything.  You can grab dollar store pens and have them on hand for all that doodling.
  3. Start doodling.  The good thing with doodling is it doesn’t have to be perfect.  And its your doodles.  I doodle words mostly because I’m not a good artist.  I love lettering – always have.  I’ve always loved writing, journaling, writing out prayers, etc.  And experiment.  If you really like some lettering you’ve seen – try it out.  You’ll never know unless you try. Pinterest and Instagram are great places to start if you want to find some new fonts to try out and practice.

That’s all there is to it.  Happy doodling.  And I pray that your doodling is fruitful in helping you understand and meditate on the Word!  And this is a great summary of Don Whitney’s thoughts on meditating on Scripture.  You can do a lot of this by doodling – not just thinking.

11 Jan 2016

Jesus Calling Family Edition

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Jesus Calling Family Edition

The most popular devotion in the last 5 years is by far Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

And here are some posts that explain why I don’t use this for my devotions.  One two and here is one for the kids version.

But, I know everyone doesn’t believe the same about this.  I know many who use it and are encouraged by it.

Tommy Nelson gave me the chance to give away both the devotional and the kids version.

Why it would be helpful?  You and your kids can be on the same page each day of the year with what you are reading. You can learn the same Bible verses.  Hear the same truth.

Here is my caution: if you are reading it – and having your kids read it as well – at least be aware of the cautions that people give it.  Think through these thoughts.  Then, decide for yourself. My main problem is not what she says, but the fact that Sarah Young says the words are from God (and writes them as such) and then if they are words from God they should be binding on our lives.  That is why we have the Bible.  The Bible is the only authoritative word of God!

If you would like to win this set of books – leave a comment about something God has been teaching you lately!

That’s all!

21 Dec 2015

This Christmas Week in the Charming South Kitchen

by | posted in: Christmas, food, Uncategorized | 1

Christ is Bornchristmas

Food is definitely a love language of mine – so I love to share it with others – especially my little men.  I’ve felt so bad that in this busy toddler and preschooler season I’ve not cooked near as much as I normally do – and I think my men suffer for it.  But, hopefully I will get these done this week:

Grinch Popcorn

Royal Icing (both of these are for a little Christmas cartoon party we are having at the house tomorrow)

Nutella Cinnamon Rolls (CEve breakfast)

Croissant Breakfast Bake (CDay breakfast)

PW Rigatoni and Meatballs

Garlic knots

Caesar Salad

Lemon Cake with Sugared Cranberries (Happy Jesus Day cake) = this is our first year doing this.  I’d like to make a main cake each Christmas and have it be Jesus’ birthday cake.  Sing happy birthday to Jesus and maybe start giving a gift to Jesus (our Lottie Moon offering, or gift to another Gospel-centered something)

Lemon Curd

Orange Curd

Chocolate covered pretzels and Chocolate Ritz PB Sandwiches (both of these are my my mister bc he loves them)

I think that will be it.  We’ll eat normal stuff or leftovers the rest of the week!

Merry Christmas yall.  Thanks for reading this little blog!

 

 

20 Dec 2015

Sundays in the South

by | posted in: Sundays in the South | 0
Processed with VSCO
Processed with VSCO

Here we are the week before Christmas.  Less than 7 days and I have to admit, as my kids get older, it is more fun – to think of the surprise that will fill their eyes on Christmas morning.

Here are some things that I’m liking this week – and some fun things I’m baking:

Grinch popcorn as I have some little friends over this week.

I know two littles (and their momma) who would enjoy these.  If you need a hostess gift for a family with kids these would be perfect.

Spot On post by Kristin

I will be adding these to our Happy Jesus Day cake this week

I’m dreaming of two days here with my mister over New Years – if no one gets sick.

Can’t wait to read this book to my boys this week.  It is by far my fave Christmas book.

20 Dec 2015

How the Word Breathes Life into My Mothering

by | posted in: Books, mothering, parenting, Shepherding Children | 5

God Breathes into our Mothering

Oh, sweet mommas – this post is especially for the mommas out there – and you don’t have to have toddlers to understand this post.  Maybe all of your kids are teenagers, or are married and raising babies of their own – or maybe you have a few younger than mine and are still living in sleepless nights because of newborns or sleep regression.

Just as the very word of God spoke all of creation into being, and the word of God is written down for us so we may be changed into His image, the word of God also breathes life into the every day of my mothering – right now which is a highly emotional 3 year old we are seeking to potty train and a speedy 2 year old who loves to jump off everything he can climb.

Two examples for you from the last 24 hours.  It was a long afternoon as I fought for my 2 year old to take a nap. I knew he was tired and just didn’t want to miss out on anything.  Finally 90 minutes after scheduled nap time, he finally went down for 90 minutes.  Then, by the time my husband walked in the door at 635 from his job, I was so done.  He immediately took over, gave them a bath, put them to bed (which was a 2.5 hour struggle with one of them), and told me to go do something, anything, other than being with the kids.  I went in and took a long hot shower which is one of my favorite things to do in the winter (I know I’m not helping the water conservation society).  As I was standing there praying, confessing my anger and entitlement, I was reminded of a verse in James that my husband spent a whole year on our first year of marriage: James 4:1-4 which basically says the reason you are arguing and upset is because you are fighting to get what you want because you are idolizing something and not keeping God God in your life and heart.  Yup.  I was struggling all day because I didn’t get what I wanted from my sons.  I wanted quiet – I didn’t get much of that all day. I wanted obedience – but my sons are sinners and not prone to obey so I shouldn’t expect them to do it.  I was crying in the shower, even as the hot water ran down my cheeks and increased my need for an aging-skin moisturizer – God was restoring my soul with the work of the Word.

The second example is from this morning: it was a long morning.  I sat in the sanctuary during the sunday school hour, listening to my husband prep for CEve service, scanning through social media, getting encouraged from friends, and the tears were there all morning.  Before the service, my husband sat down beside me, and just whispered in my ear the gospel: the God has a plan, Jesus is enough even when its hard, that His grace is sufficient.  My tears were dripping on his new gray pants.  I didn’t care.  I hope they didn’t stain.  The gospel is found in the Word.  We must know the Word.  We must have the Word spoken to us – to our souls – to our hurt and weary souls.

I got a book set in the mail this week from Tommy Nelson that helps adults and kids know key Scriptures in the Bible.  How to know them, memorize them, live them out – so that the Word may be life-changing in whatever situation we find ourselves in.  The Joshua Code and I Can Learn the Bible would be a great set for you to work through with your children in the new year.  If you would like please just leave a post about anything – anything at all.

Happy Mothering.