A day in the Kitchen...

I adore Friday's!

"Why?" you might inquire.

"Because."

I teach Monday-Thursday, so I essentially have

two Saturday's every week. Lovely! 

This certain and particular Friday, I devoted

to trying some new recipes I've had 'on the shelf' 

for a bit, thanks to pinterest. 

Here's how it turned out...

1. Baked Apple Cinnamon Chips

Delicious! Found it (via pinterest) on this blog:

http://www.delightedmomma.com/2011/09/baked-apple-chips.html

Terrific school snack! Give it a go.

2. Key Lime Pie

(via pinterest) http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Fluffy-Key-Lime-Pie 

Believe it or not, this is: 1) comparable in taste to frozen Edward's,

2) only 3 grams of fat/194 calories per piece

3) extremely easy!

Definite make-again! You could actually adapt

this recipe with any flavor gelatin/yogurt. (raspberry, strawberry,

etc.) 

3. Hot Fudge Sauce

 This stuff is am-a-zing! I used it as a topping on the 

cheesecakes below, and can't wait to try it out on some ice cream. Mmmm.

Delicious with strawberries, too. 

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,197,156166-232202,00.html

4. Mini No-bake Cheesecakes

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/philadelphia-no-bake-mini-cheesecakes-53063.aspx

These are lovely! I adapted the recipe a bit...

I split the batter in half, added powdered sugar, and 

added peanut butter to one half. 

I also used graham cracker crust instead of a 

chocolate cookie.

Mmmm. Delicious.

They aren't as lovely as the picture on the website, but

they sure taste good. Mmmm. Freezing is a good choice, to 

help them solidify a bit more. 

5. Fried Rice (see previous blog post)

Which, I might add, was absolutely amazing, as well! 

It was a profitable day in the kitchen, and what fun it was. 

Happy Day. 

The secret...to Fried Rice

In my opinion, one of the most commonly 'mis-cooked' Chinese foods is Fried Rice.          I l.o.v.e. good fried rice! When I spent a summer in Taiwan, a 'wish' came true: I learned to cook authentic Chinese/Asian food! (I don't think I've been back to a US Chinese buffet since...ick!) And, that's right: today I'm going to let you in on the secret of making authentic Chinese Fried Rice! (hooray, everyone)                                                                            The very aroma gives the essence of sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of a low table, wearing sandals (because you left yours at the door), attempting to juggle chopsticks, and surrounded by Asians happily chattering in their native tongue. Sigh.           


 Here we go...










1. Cook white rice according to directions. (I use basmati rice, and always use a rice cooker...Ahh!) 

2. At this point, you must either decide to: a) make fried rice immediately, or b) put cooked rice in fridge as soon as it is finished, and let it sit in fridge overnight.

3. Finely chop onion, green/red peppers, and thaw frozen peas (or used canned). Set aside large egg. 

4. Cover bottom of large skillet with olive oil and heat. Saute' onions, peppers, and peas until thoroughly cooked. Put on one side of skillet. On other side, scramble egg; then mix egg in with vegetables. Put egg/veggies on one side of skillet. Add cooked rice (warm or cold) to other side of skillet.

5. Thoroughly stir rice in with eggs/vegetables until rice starts to brown. Add extra oil as needed. Add seasoning packet (adjust amount to amount of rice cooked. I use about half the packet for 6-8 servings.) You can buy this at any grocery store. (Wal-mart sells it.) 

6. Thoroughly stir rice with seasoning. Rice should have a brown hue, especially compared to cooked white rice. Serve hot and enjoy! Delicious with terriaki/bourbon chicken. Re-heats very well. 

And, there you have it: the secret to perfect Fried Rice! It's a definite crowd pleaser! 

Enjoy and pass it on.                                                                                                                *Disclaimer: This blogger will not be held responsible for any business lost at local Chinese buffet's due to the amazingness of this recipe.* :)

Exciting! News

For those who have actually noticed, I have been blog-absent for a few weeks now. Well, allow me to state the obvious: "I'm back!" :) 
However, life has been very exciting the past few weeks. 


-April 10th, I had an audition/interview with professors at University North Carolina School of Music at Greensboro in application for Master's in Piano Pedagogy program. The audition went really well, and I was accepted 'on the spot' to the program, and was also offered employment, and the possibility of an assistantship/scholarship. 


And, today, April 27, I received this in the mail...

My acceptance letter to the School of Music! A beautiful piece of paper, I assure you. :)
For those curious, here are youtube links to the pieces I played on my audition. 


Norman Dello Joio's Introduction and Fantasies on a Chorale Tune

Haydn Fantasy in C Major

Beethoven Sonata in E flat Major  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwBW6Y2nfME&feature=colike 




I'm so thankful, blessed, and excited about how God has worked every detail out for me to attend UNCG, beginning this fall. I will miss my students at school, but am excited about the future. 


Life in NC isn't nearly as 'boring' as one might think...trust me! I have a few more posts coming. Stay tuned! 

God so Loved the World. The end.

"For God so loved the world..."

Some of the most powerful words ever penned in the history of the universe. 

And yet, we have the distinctive privilege and high honor to celebrate

their meaning and power this weekend. Easter. 

This verse has been running through my mind this week: 

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

(Romans 5:8) 

Note it does not read, "Because you were deserving." For if that had indeed been 

the basis for Christ's sacrifice, none would have been found as such. 

I love the fact that God: 

1) recognizes man's faults and sin 

2) forgives

3) loved us so much, in-spite of our own pride, that He chose to 

give the ultimate gift: His Son's life as a sacrifice to cover our very sins

As one hymn states, 

"Were the whole realm of nature mine, 

that were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine, 

demands my life, my soul, my all."

May it ever be so, and may the Christ of Easter dwell with you.

Here are a few of my favorite Easter hymns/songs. Enjoy! 

"Worthy is the Lamb" by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

"And Can it Be" from my piano recital last year.

"God so loved the World" by King's College Choir of Cambridge

Have a blessed Easter!

Springtime in the South

Spring is one of my very favorite times of the year! (Along with summer, fall and winter, of course.) I am sharing one of my very favorite poems about spring, by Henry Van Dyke, as well as some pictures I've taken during springtime here in North Carolina.                  Enjoy! 

Now in the oak the sap of life is welling,

Tho' to the bough the rusty leafage clings;

Now on the elm the misty buds are swelling,

See how the pine-wood grows alive with wings;

Blue-jays fluttering, yodeling and crying,

Meadow-larks sailing low above the faded grass,

Red-birds whistling clear, silent robins flying, 

Who has waked the birds up? What has come to pass?

Last year's cotton-plants, desolately bowing,
Tremble in the March-wind, ragged and forlorn;
Red are the hill-sides of the early ploughing,
Gray are the lowlands, waiting for the corn.
Earth seems asleep still, but she's only feigning;
Deep in her bosom thrills a sweet unrest.
Look where the jasmine lavishly is raining

 Jove's golden shower into Danae's breast!

Now on the plum the snowy bloom is sifted,

Now on the peach the glory of the rose,
Over the hills a tender haze is drifted,
Full to the brim the yellow river flows.
Dark cypress boughs with vivid jewels glisten,
Greener than emeralds shining in the sun.
Who has wrought the magic? Listen, sweetheart, listen!
The mocking-bird is singing Spring has begun.    

(Aren't these just lovely?)

                                                   
Hark, in his song no tremor of misgiving!
All of his heart he pours into his lay,--
"Love, love, love, and pure delight of living:
Winter is forgotten: here's a happy day!"
Fair in your face I read the flowery presage,
Snowy on your brow and rosy on your mouth:
Sweet in your voice I hear the season's message,--
Love, love, love, and Spring in the South!


-Henry Van Dyke-

Enjoy springtime. And bask in the glory of Palm Sunday this weekend.


TTFN!  (ta-ta-for-now) 

Springy Breakage

 Ahh. There's just something about the blooming tulips, green grass, hint of green in the foliage, and puffy white clouds contrasting the robin's egg blue sky that announces the arrival of spring in such a way that also commands a spring break immediately following. :) 

So, of course, I gladly obliged mother nature's bidding, and thoroughly enjoyed a rather splendid break last week. 


I began by indulging my crafty-side by making a wreath for the front of the house. 

Supplies:

grape vine wreath (Michael's, $4.99)

stem flowers

berry vine

wire

hot glue gun

wire cutters

Voila! One of the easiest crafts I've done recently,

and very frugal. (less than $11 total, much 

more affordable than the $50 at other stores)

Our family had a brilliant time with mom's family for a few days in Tennessee. Beautiful weather, fun activities, and lots of laughs decorated our mini vacation. Fun was had by all. :D 

We play mini golf (I sorely lost to a younger cousin...)

My cousin, Tiffany, and I. At just 3 weeks apart, we've been
close since childhood. We had a blast together! 

We enjoyed time outside by the camper, just 'catching' up. 

AND...Last (but certainly not least...)

We had an old fashioned photo taken! 

(I know, high-collar dresses aren't exactly

at the height of fashion, but it was all they had

that wasn't well...immodest, to say the least)

We had far too much fun, and laughed hilariously! 

The infamous "WHAT?! You took that already?" photo.
I'm modeling the 'deer-in-the-head-lights-look quite well.
Ha. Ha. Ha. 

The 'smile nicely' pose, which is a bit better than the first.
We had a marvelous time!

And so, though far too short, time with family was enjoyed, as well as the interruption of the daily grind. :)
Happy April! (tomorrow.)

Entertain Me: Now.

Don't faint! (you may be shocked as this is my second post in two days...). I've been mulling over a few things lately, and thought I would share. :)

How often do we use the word 'entertainment,' or 'entertain?' It would take several hands (and feet) to count the number of times each day I hear students discuss various forms of entertainment at school.  
What comes to your mind at the mention of 'entertainment?' 

A good book?

Romantic movie?

Comedy?

Shopping?

If I were to ask 10 people about their respective opinions on entertainment, I would most likely receive 10 different answers. What would yours be? Should entertainment literally 'entertain' in the sense of keeping your attention, or sitting on the edge of your seat for the next scene, help you un-wind after a stressful day at work, keep the kids occupied while you have some time with your friends/spouse/or get things done? 

The dictionary definition for 'entertainment' is: "the action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment." That would have been my answer, too...that is, until several years ago. A more accurate (Biblical) definition for 'entertainment' is something like this: "that which refreshes, rejuvenates, and provides relaxation and inspiration." (You will most likely not find that in Webster's.) 

If we were to use the word 'entertainment' to describe only the activities that, after doing them, leave you completely refreshed (emotionally, physically, spiritually), reinvigorated, rejuvenated, relaxed, and inspired, would it leave out most of the things you consider entertaining? I realize, of course, riding a four-wheeler is not spiritually invigorating :) (along with other activities of the like), but do you see my point? I enjoy fun activities just as much as you do. Truly. And, I'm no Biblical scholar. However, I've been taking 'inventory' of my entertainment recently, and I've re-discovered a few things. 

1. I enjoy good movies. The Sound of Music. Mary Poppins. Horton Hears a Who. Ratatouille. Finding Nemo. Pride and Prejudice. Fireproof. Courageous. etc. I'm not immune to enjoying a good story. 

I love action, drama, comedy, romance, film music, and helping the good guys win! I find it very enjoyable.

But, how refreshed do you feel after watching a film with innumerable misuses of God's name, inappropriate scenes, innuendo, BUT "the story line is great!?" I used to 'not' notice a lot of those things, but I realized I would rather err on the side of caution and be considered an old 'fogie' than to

risk my relationship with Jesus for the sake of an hour and half film. 

Another thought: what you take in through your eyes and ears often will translate into words, actions, or attitudes. Wondering where your kids are picking up on 'that' kind of attitude, language, etc.? Check what kind of stuff pops up on your internet you-tube history, iTunes, or Netflix subscription. (Take it from this teacher: you'd be surprised how fast kids pick up on negative attitudes, language, ideas, etc. portrayed in music and movies!) 

When choosing a movie for your family, sometime try something enjoyable, clean, and funny, that won't require you to fast-forward most of it. :) You'll find yourself enjoying it more!

Helpful hint: use www.pluggedin.com to look up movies, music, etc. It's a terrific site by Focus on the Family, and gives great Christian reviews. I use it quite often! 

2. I LOVE music. Fast, slow, mellow, dramatic, old, new, relaxing, etc. There's nothing more relaxing for me than to listen to an Opera while cleaning or reading a good book. Ahh. I know, it's odd. But to me, it IS entertaining! I have over 5,000 songs in my iTunes library. That's a lot of music! However, because I love so many different music genres, I have to remember: "All things in moderation." (I'm not condoning listening to EVERY genre of music in moderation, no worries. :)) 

My point is this: I love the Carpenter's. Tony Bennett. Nat King Cole. Celtic Woman. Classical. Frank Sinatra. Opera. Big Band. Easy Listening. However, when I listen solely to these genres constantly, for ME, it becomes a problem. Not because anything is wrong with 'Mona Lisa' (Goodness, I hope not!), just that when my musical diet is composed of all things secular, it's not healthy for me. I've had to find a balance. Even simple things like listening to secular (non-Christian/Classical) music before church services or devotions is an issue for me. It may not be for you. When I listen to Christian music before church/school/devotions, I find myself much more tuned-in to God speaking to me, and it's much easier for me to concentrate on His voice. 

These are only two aspects of entertainment...I'm sure there are many more. There's nothing wrong with having fun, trust me- I have more that most people. :) I have a blast playing tennis on the Wii, laughing at Mr. Bean falling asleep in church, ice-skating, etc. But here's what it boils down to:

*is your 'entertainment' of choice leaving you exhausted or frustrated?

*do you come away feeling as if you're farther from Christ?

*does it make you question your relationship with Christ?

*do you notice negative changes in language, attitude, by you, or your family?

*do you find yourself saying, 'watching/listening to it doesn't mean I'll do it?' 

God loves you. And me. I believe God loves it when His people are happy, and feel

refreshed! I want my entertainment to please Him...not because of the fact 'if God were in this room,'

but because 'God IS in the room.' 

Pleasing Him: it's what life is all about.