Dewy Dawns

Hey everyone! I'm growing tired of continually apologizing for not having posted in a while, but I have to apologize one more time. I am sorry for not posting in quit a while. My family and I have  been quit busy, but I thought it was time for an update. We went camping last week near Grandfather Mountain and came back very thankful that we occupy a lovely home so near the glorious ocean. Don't misunderstand, we enjoyed visiting the mountains, huddling around a warm fire and wear some of our long unused sweaters and coats from Connecticut, but I think we tend to be warm weather people. I think one of my greatest pleasures when camping is waking up with my father and preparing breakfast which, of course, includes several steaming, delicious pots of coffee. The mornings in the mountains were algid (yes, this is a word look it up if you don't know what it means), dewy, and lovely. All that Lord creates is so wondrously beautiful! I thought I'd share a few photos from our wonderful trip.

A Summer Breeze and a Toothy Grin

Here are a few photos of the munchkins I babysit. I've been so blessed by these little ones!

Pancake Eaters

Hey everyone! I haven't been bloggging much lately because I have been in the process of finishing my degree (just a month left)! I had a little breather last week and I felt like being creative, so I decided to have some fun making up my own pancake recipe. I ended up creating a recipe I loved, because it was tasty and fairly healthful, and it's a recipe my family loved! I have a couple of pancake eaters in the family who are very particular about taste and texture, so it was huge success to have them all request a second round of Apple Buckwheat pancakes. I thought you all might enjoy try this recipe as well. These are superb with a little apple butter or butter and honey.

 (A picture of buckwheat pancakes that look similar to mine. I forgot to take one.)

Apple Buckwheat Pancakes

2 eggs
1 cup Buckwheat (can use whole wheat ,but flavor is different)
1 cup Barley flour or all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk (I used Almond)
1/4 cup oil (I use coconut) or butter
2 to 4 tablespoons agave syrup, honey or sugar (I used agave)
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
2 apples grated (sweet and slightly soft apples give pancakes a better taste and texture)
                                                             
Instructions

Beat eggs until fluffy. Beat all wet ingredients into eggs. Add dry ingredients in 4 additions. Add apples into batter last. For a thinner batter add about 1/4 to 1/3 cups more milk.

Valkyrie

My mother, my sister and I just finished watching the wonderful TV documentary titled 'Valkyrie: The Plot to Kill Hitler'. I rarely recommend movies or documentaries unless I feel that valuable time is well spent in watching them. I ama great advocate of everyone and every generation knowing their history; I am especially fond of the history of World War II, because it provides such wonderful examples of what becomes of men that think themselves higher than God, and also, of men who are true men of God and hold to biblical principles that show how no regime, no conspiracy, no nation, no army, no man is capable of anything without the express will of God. Evil will, in the end, always fall.

You did not bear the shame.
You resisted.
You bestowed an eternally vigilant symbol of change
by sacrificing your impassioned lives for freedom, justice and honor.
~Memorial to the German Resistance

Fingers and Toes

Here a few pictures form my most recent photoshoot with a new born. I would love comments and criitques!

Sunsets and Man Made Wind

We had the pleasure of attending a dear friends graduation party a few weeks ago and though it was extremely hot, there was a lovely sunset and I was able to capture a few shoots. Because it was so hot that day our hosts brought out a giant fan so we'd be nice and cool. The second photo is a product of that man made wind.

Rabbit Food

Here is an absolutely Delicious recipe I found on the "How Sweet it is" website. These are delectable Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes. I made them for dinner and my normally "anything that looks good for you and might be rabbit food" resistant family liked and requested them again!! Hope you enjoy!



Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes
[adapted from Heidi Swanson]
makes 4 cakes, is super easily multiplied
1 medium sweet potato (about 6 oz), peeled and chopped
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (let it cool before using!)
1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add 1/2 tablespoons olive oil. Add in sweet potato, onion, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, stir, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until potato is just soft. Remove lid and add garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
Transfer potato mixture to a large bowl (slightly mashing potato with a fork) and let it cool for about 20-30 minutes (you can skip this if you don't have the time). Then add quinoa, breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, remaining salt and pepper and mix well. Once combined, add in egg, then mix until moistened. Using your hands to bring it together, form four equally-sized patties. Heat the same skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add cakes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side (I cooked them longer, about 6-8 minutes on each side), or until golden to dark brown.

Love

I took this picture this morning. I love how it captures her love for her little brother!

Pig Tails

I took this photo a couple weeks ago. I think she's so precious! Here is the unedited and edited photo I took of her.

Naan of Your Buisness

Hey everyone! I've discovered a new recipe that my family and I enjoy. It's Naan! Naan originates in Central, east and southern Asia. I first tried it in an Indian restaurant in Greenwich, CT. That  was a few years ago and I forgot about it for a few years; until, I roasted lamb a couple weeks ago and thought it would be a lovely accompaniment to the meal. I know I certainly enjoyed it. I thought I'd share the recipe with you all. This recipe is courtesy of All Recipes.com. Happy Memorial Day!

Ingredients

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes, until frothy. Stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt, and enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and set aside to rise. Let it rise 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in volume.
2. Punch down dough, and knead in garlic. Pinch off small handfuls of dough about the size of a golf ball. Roll into balls, and place on a tray. Cover with a towel, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
3. During the second rising, preheat grill, pan or griddle to high heat.
4. At grill side, roll one ball of dough out into a thin circle. Lightly oil grill, pan or griddle . Place dough on grill, pan or griddle , and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned. Brush uncooked side with butter, and turn over. Brush cooked side with butter, and cook until browned, another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from grill, pan or griddle and continue the process until all the naan has been prepared.

Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

First, I hope I'm not the only one who knows where the title of this post comes from, otherwise, it will make no sense. Second, because I've been busy I forgot to post the pictures of some children I get to babysit quite often. Enjoy!

Movie Melodies

     Hey everyone! I'm sorry, I know I've said this repeatedly, but life is so very busy. I will try to post as consistently as my schedule will allow. As some of you know, I was blessed with opportunity to attend the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival as well as the adjoining Academy. I truly enjoyed both and would highly recommend attending both if you are given the opportunity.      I thought for fun that I would post a few of my very favorite film scores. I've always had a love of music and though I my experience is limited with composing music the time I spent studying it have helped me to appreciate music all the more. One thing I enjoy about listening to film scores is picking out the main theme or themes and hearing how the composer elaborates on that theme. The theme, and how it is elaborated on, can tell you everything about the movie with you ever having to see it.
     The score for a movie can give life to a movie in a way that is often taken for granted. I encourage you to watch one of your favorite movies with the sound off and with subtitles. It's an interesting study if you've never tried it. There is only one movie I know of  that was intentional written without music; The Birds by Alfred Hitchcock. I found it an interesting movie to study, but I'm not suggesting you see this movie without first doing research on it or asking a person who would trust to give you a thorough, biblical  review of this movie to help you deem whether or not it would be wise for you to watch.
     Below are few of my favorite selected pieces from film score or score suites. I'd love to know which are your favorites and if you have any suggestions for film scores that you think I should hear. Warning: I have not seen all of the movies which theses scores come from and, so, I cannot vouch for their content. I have seen several of these movies, but I am not promoting them as movies that I would recommend. I picked these soundtracks for their musical merit.


One of my all time favorites: The Pacific Suite by Hans Zimmer (one of my favorite film score composers)

And of course you can leave out Indian Jones (the theme of the suite) by John Williams

Braveheart Suite by James Horner (another of my favorite film score composers)

Stardust Suite (I adore the theme of this suite it makes me want to go on an adventure) by  Ilan Eshkeri

How to Train Your Dragon: Romantic Flight by John Powell

And just for fun Up: Carl Goes Up by Michael Giacchino ( this is a movie I would recommend, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, though there a few segments of film I could have done without. Again seek counsel on this movie from other sources, don't just "take my word on it".)

Familiar Faces

Photoshoping Tree Hugger

I thought it would be fun to be a little creative with this photo. Comments and critques are welcome. Tell me what you think!

Tree Hugger

I found this little guy when I was mowing the lawn yesterday.  This little Green Tree Frog was just so cute that  I had to take few pictures; he sat on my hand so well for his photo shoot :)!

Coconut Chocolate Frosting

Hey everyone! I'm sorry I haven't posted in quite a while. I've been very busy lately. For the past few months I've been working to get this recipe right. This is my favorite non dairy, sugar-free recipe. It goes great with any kind of cake, cupcake or it's delicious all by itself, which is the way I definitely prefer it :). Enjoy!

Coconut Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients:
1 can Coconut Cream NOT Coconut Milk(I've tried a variety of different brands and they all tend work for this recipe)

2 Tbsp. to 1/4 cup Cocoa Power add to taste (you can add more for a more intense chocolate taste, but there can be a bad after taste if you add to much)

2 Tbsp. Agave Syrup or 2 packets of Sweet and Low or 1 to 2 packets of Turvia (I tend to the frosting   
less sweet than a typical frosting if you want it sweeter just add to taste)

Instructions:
1. Open the can of Coconut Cream, but do NOT shake it before hand otherwise this will not work.
2. Leave to can Coconut Cream open in the fridge over night (in the morning it will be nice and thick).
3. Scoop the very thick portion of Cream out of the can; there will be a separation of the cream and the coconut water so be careful not to scoop any of this out; it will be at the bottom of the can.
4. Add the other 2 ingredients and stir until it looks like frosting (I tend to use my Kitchen Aid to whip it into oblivion, so it gets fluffy). It may take a while for the cocoa to incorporate If the frosting becomes thick add a little of your favorite non dairy milk (I use soy, because it takes on the flavor of the frosting without leaving an after taste).

Ivory Melody

Contrast

Here are two more photos, both of which I adore, of a very sweet girl I babysit. Again, I was playing with contrast and color. Comments, questions or opinions are welcome.

 

Babysitters Journal Part 8

I'm sorry I have not been posting more often. I've been very busy the last few months. I did a little photo shoot with some the children I babysit. I decided to play a little bit with light, color, and tone spliting. Here are the results. Leave comment if you have any suggestions, comments or opinions.

New Grain

I'm sorry I haven't posted in so long. I've been exceedingly busy lately. I recently bought my own grain grinder, YEAH! I love it!!!! A whole new world of cooking has opened up for me. As many of you know, I'm insulin resistant and lactose intolerant, so I am often restricted in the foods that I eat, but I love trying to substitute or come up with my own recipes. Here is a recipe that I springboarded/created in honor of my new grain grinder. For those who do not have a grain grinder I have put substitutes next to flours that are hard to find.

Whole Grain Biscuit Mix
 Makes 5 Cups Biscuit Mix, Enough for About 20 Biscuits

Biscuit Mix

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup barley flour (spelt flour, white whole wheat or white wheat)

1 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup old fashioned roled oats (or rolled barley)

1/2 cup rolled quinoa (rolled oats or rolled barley)

1/2 cup nonfat powdered milk (I substitute white wheat because of the lactose)

2 1/2 tablespoons baking powder

1/4 cup agave syrup (white sugar, raw sugar, or brown sugar)

2 teaspoons of salt

1/2 cold coconut butter (or regular butter)

For 4 Biscuits (multiply by 5 for a batch of about 20 biscuits)

1 cup biscuit mix

1/4 cup water
                                                                                                              (this is not my picture it just looks like my biscuits)
1 tablespoon milk (almond, soy, or cows)

Instructions

For Biscuit Mix Combine all dry ingredients. Grate the cold butter into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a fork toss until incorporated. Squeeze the mixture in handfuls if the butter won't break up. Store in air tight container until ready to use.
 To make Biscuits, preheat oven to 450. Measure out the biscuit mix into a bowl. Stir in the water until just moist (add water slowly until you get the right consistency). Role out the dough on a flat surface until 1/2 in thick. Cut the dough into 2in circles. Brush with milk if desired, and bake for 10 minutes. Serve warm.




I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and wil not be afraid;for the Lord God is my strenght and my song, and he has become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:1-2 (ESV)