Changing my style

So I have been thinking for months now about how I need to get serious and eat healthy. Mind you, though I have "eaten healthy" off and on for a long time now. And sometimes I do really well! Only to find myself eating half a dozen cookies and brownies and sticking my head in a bowl of icing a week later.
So I figured the only way to change my habits is to change my style- life style.

Thus, over spring break I picked up some books on yoga poses and mediterranean cookbooks.
I still have yet to try all of the yoga poses (though I do take a class at my gym, so Im pretty familiar).
But I have read this Mediterranean lifestyle book and tried many of the recipes (ie: gelato and shortbread cookies). I have even become confident enough to create my own mediterranean dishes like my Greek pasta salad and roasted red pepper hummus.

I am really enjoying trying to eat this way. It is not just about eating however. It is also about how you spend your time; taking time to stop and think, not about work or school, but family, friends, etc.
I have found myself spending more time with my friends and valuing my time with my family.
What a wonderful way to start spring!

So while I am making these dishes, ranging from Greek to Italian, I am listening to soft jazz, reading books about picking up and moving to Italy, and stretching into pose, and most importantly, valuing life for what it is.

If you've always wondered about the "Mediterranean Diet" (lifestyle), I can tell you more about it! I would love to share this experience with you; the more the merrier and lighter the load!

Gelato- Italian for icecream

Yet another delicioso reipe from my Mediterranean cookbook- Chocolate Gelato! It is oh so easy- I made two batches in less than 30 minutes.

Makes 3 cups. Ingredients:

3 tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 sugar
2 1/2 c. milk
3 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Combine cocoa powder and half of the sugar into a small bowl. Stir in just enough milk (about 1/4 c.) to form a paste, whisking completely.

2. Place the rest of the milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Slowly pour about 1/4 cup hot milk into the paste, whisking constantly. (This is called tempering; this ensures the chocolate paste doesn't burn when you pour it into the pot)

3. Stir the paste into the boiled milk and continue cooking on a lower heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.

4. Beat together the egg yolks and remaining sugar until pale in color.
Add a few tbs of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, beating constantly. (tempering in this situation keeps the eggs from scrambling) (I used a basting tube to drop a few tbs in)
Add the yolk mixture into the pot.

5. Return the pan to heat and cook on medium until temperature reaches 185 deg. on a candy thermometer.
Remove from heat

6. strain the mixture into a large bowl using a fine mesh strainer.

Saturday Morning French Toast

Wednesday as my brother and I were watching tv, we saw a showdown of french toast on Food Network, with the winner being a stack of fluffy guava stuffed french toast- it looked amazing. At the moment we both decided that saturday morning called for french toast. I went onto the Food Network site and couldn't get the recipe, so I decided to try my own.

I went to Publix and picked up all of the strawberry themed stuff I could find (I figured strawberry is a good typical flavor) and brought it to my brother's house. I think it turned out pretty well,

Sarah's Stuffed Strawberry French Toast

Cream Cheese spread
Smuckers strawberry jam
Cool Whip strawberry dip
Smuckers Red Raspberry syrup
fresh strawberries- sliced
12 Grain Bread
2 eggs
powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Take two slices of whole grain bread, and spread one side with a layer of cream cheese spread. Spread strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese (make it thick enough to taste between the bread)

2. whisk two eggs in a shallow bowl, and dip both sides of the sandwich into the egg.

3. Heat a frying pan to medium heat, and spray with cooking spray. Put toast into pan and fry about 2 minutes per side

Remove and place on a dish

4. while warm, slice the toast diagonally. Place a dollop of strawberry cool whip on each slice of french toast

5. arrange sliced strawberries to the side of the cool whip, on top of the toast

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with strawberry syrup. Eat while it's warm! 

Habakkuk

There are so many things to say about the nation's situation today, that everytime I finish a blog, I think of something else I'd like to say.
But I don't want to diminish the impact of anything I've said before, and I don't want to diverge into a rant. This is my final view on politics (for the moment)

About this time last year, I posted an entry about the book of Habakkuk and how it applies to our nation today.
I would like to re introduce that thought, because so often you can read things multiple times and get a different response each time.

Habakkuk 1:2-4 relates to our current troubles. While Habakkuk was speaking to God about Babylon's troubles, I feel as if we could take upon his petitions as our own.

Habakkuk 2:5-14 parallels leaders, whether they be local or national, I think we have all encountered a few like this.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 brings us hope and consolation in this turbulent time.

These verses I have referenced are only Habakkuk's side of the story.
I encourage you, as it is only 3 books long, to engage and read the book of Habakkuk for yourself, and pray and ask God what it is He would have you do for our nation.

Cranberry Cornmeal Cookies

3/4 lb unsalted butter; room temp.
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
3 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
1 c. cornmeal
1/2 tsp salt
2 c. dried cranberries

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put butter and sugar in a large bowl, and cream until smooth with a mixer.
2. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well. Add vanilla, beat well.
3. In a separate large bowl, whick flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients into the sugar-butter mixture. Fold in cranberries.
4. Place on a greased cookie sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Bake until golden brown; should be crispy but not burnt.
5. Let cool and enjoy!

Health Care; part two

 So it's another day, and today is the day that President obama will sign the Health Care Reform into law.

What a treacherous day in history. Now to finish, or atleast continue, my blog about the provisions of this bill. But first, I would like to address a major problem with the voting process that went on behind this bill. The most disturbing facet of this whole issue is that so many of the representatives were payed off to vote for this bill. PAYED OFF, meaning, promises for their certain states and personal benefits. Okay, if you have to buy votes, I think it is quite ibvious that there is something wrong this this legislaion that is putting sane people against it! Not to mention the fact that  39 states are in the process of passing lesgislaton to repeal this federal law. Do you think that the nation wanted this bill passed? Isn't it quite obvious, Washington, that you voted AGAINST the American's wishes? Are you not "representatives" of the PEOPLE? You are not there for yourselves (well, you are, but you shouldn't be). you are there to do what your name says, represent the people of your state,  and the people of your state didn't want this!! (with the exception of a few really liberal states).

Okay, back to the legislation. So you are getting free healthcare? Isn't government already in debt from all of the economic turmoil of last year? So my question is, where are they getting the money to pay for your insurance? Oh, yes, I know, from you! So you re still paying, but you don't know it. Especially the more fortunate (rich). 

We must get something straight- healthcare, or health insurance, is NOT a fundamental right; it is not!
Yes, it is unfortunate that there are people who cannot afford insurance, yes, it is. But the harsh truth is, that is life. People all around the world are sick, and poor, and dying. It is inevitable, no one can stop it. And this legislation will not stop deaths, I can almost bet you that it will cause more deaths, because of wait lines.

President, Government, you cannot force me to purchase health care. Yes, obviously, I want it; I need it. But forcing me to takes away my freedom. If you are forcing me to be free, I am not free. What an oxymoron.

There is a site that has a poll on the sidebar, and I voted. It was a yes or no question of whether or not you would like to repeal this healthcare bill. After only one day of being law, I clicked, yes, and you know what the poll result was? 100%. I do not know how many people took the poll, but I am sure it was alot; and 100% voted to repeal it. This is the voice of the people; and you are not listening Congress. Get your money hungry hands off of my freedom and vote like you have integrity!

Health Care Rundown
http://www.contractfromamerica.org/

Health Care; part one

I don't even know where to begin. That is a problem. I have been in and out with the news lately, going through days where I am politically active and raving about Glenn Beck and his views; then the next day I am designing and baking, and other artsy stuff. I am afraid it is a scale I have yet to balance in my mind between my duties as a citizen and my whims of being a young person. But this blog is not about me. This blog is about how I, and every other American, have forsaken our duties of waking up the drones of Congress and telling them what we really want.

 I suppose I will start off by saying that, while I don't know everything covered in this healthcare reform bill (but neither does Congress), I do know that it is a large step to socialized medecine.

I began to write this last night,  but as I finish today, I am changing my path. I was going to review the President's speech on this devastating legislation, but I have decided to instead make you familiar with the issue at hand. My purpose is not to give you a biased opinion, or to completely bash the Democrats ( though it might do that to itself naturally) because I want to present the truth and let you decide for yourself.
This is not the time to get involved in spewing partisan opinions (party vs party), but for citizens to wake up and look opposition in the face.

All that said, let's start with President Obama's view of the legislation (bill):

"The proposal will make health care more affordable, make health insurers more accountable, expand health coverage to all Americans, and make the health system sustainable, stabilizing family budgets, the Federal budget, and the economy"

Okay, so President Obama thinks it's a cure all for our healthcare woes. He is presenting the typical "change overnight" vision that the charismatic, well-liked and voted for politicians hang all over. This sounds good, but is it really?

The Health Care Reform Bill as presented by the President and his affiliates provides that:

• It makes insurance more affordable by providing the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history, reducing premium costs for tens of millions of families and small business owners who are priced out of coverage today.  This helps over 31 million Americans afford health care who do not get it today – and makes coverage more affordable for many more. 
• It sets up a new competitive health insurance market giving tens of millions of Americans the exact same insurance choices that members of Congress will have.  
• It brings greater accountability to health care by laying out commonsense rules of the road to keep premiums down and prevent insurance industry abuses and denial of care.  
• It will end discrimination against Americans with pre-existing conditions.
• It puts our budget and economy on a more stable path by reducing the deficit by $100 billion over the next ten years – and about $1 trillion over the second decade – by cutting government overspending and reining in waste, fraud and abuse. 

But can we really expect all of this to be provided? Here is my biggest beef with this whole issue, put simply:

Government is mandating (making law) the purchase of insurance. State governments are , by law, required to provide insurance for every citizen. Constitutionally, this is a violation of freedom. Yes, they are saying we are now "free" to have health care, free for every American to have health insurance, but nothing with the growing government is free. You have heard the saying, "freedom isn't free", and it's true. Anytime the government hands you something, there are strings attached. I won't even try to sugarcoat it. If they are giving you something as monumental and vital as healthcare, you can be assured that you are not free to do whatever you want with it; be assured of that. You will now be obligated to go to the physicians they choose.
I have a feeling (this is personal opinion) that healthcare will beome districted. Just like going to a public school within your district is mandatory for education, so going to a physician in your district will be mandatory.

I hate to be cynical, but sometimes practicality is cynical, because it's the truth. There will be fine print. If there isn't now, there will be. If it sounds too good to be true, you can be darn right it is. Do you really think that everyone will just go about life, getting free healthcare, worry-free and painless? Won't there be lines, and forms, and regulations? There always have to be regulations. They may not be the same regulations that keep many from procuring health insurance now, but they will be different forms.

Hypothetically, suppose you are richer than many Americans, and you and a person with less income than you are "in line" to be treated for an illness, who do you think they will take first? You both "pay" the same amount, so what determines the order? Well, as people are complaining now that the rich are being seen more than those who cant afford to pay (which by law of human nature and greed is true) it will now be turned around. That is not the problem. The problem will lie to when it comes to what your illness is. Will someone who needs a minor surgery like tonsils being taken out be put before someone who needs a heart transplant? You wouldn't think so, but now that everyone is equal, healthcare is at a first come first serve basis. If you're in line first, you get the aid. Who cares that you're bleeding inside and dying on the steps of the hospital (pardon my dramatics), if you're behind the person with the sore throat you will just have to wait your turn.

Now you may be thinking, where in the world am I getting this absurd analogy from. I will tell you where: Countries that are warning us silently that their health system is killing them. You may have heard much about Canada's health system; I don't care what Congress denies, I tell you it is true. I have personally talked to someone from Canada who says that there are people, in dire need of vital surgery, waiting at home to get a call from the hospital saying they an come in for treatment. Why? Because they are on a waiting list. Anytime you provide health care for a whole nation (think millions of people) there will be a line. This is going to be like Dinsey World waiting lines  in mid July - on steroids.

I have more to say about this but I will give your eyes and mine a break for awhile. Please just sit for a moment and think about this. This is not a leisure reading or tv sitcom, this is to be taken seriously! This is happening to you! In the meantime, please watch this video.

Just click on the blue letters, it will link you to a news coverage vid on Rep. of Ohio Jim Boehner's response:

Shame on America- Boehner

Chicken Pot Pies

So the pictures for tonight's meal will not be quite as clear, seeing as I left my new camera in someone else's car.

But still, here they are!

I just love chicken pot pies, they have to be my favorite comfort food! Whether ut's raining, cold, or just a sleepy kind of day (as today seems to be) they are so smooth and creamy, and the crust is flaky and golden brown.

I am too lazy at the moment to post the recipe, so I will post it with the picture of the finished product.
Bon Apetit!

Sometimes I wonder if me wanting change is a bad thing. In a general sense, I think of change as a good thing: changing behavior, changing habits, etc. But I have to wonder, is my wanting to change things dissatisfaction? Is it selfish for me to want change, am I unhappy with the blessings God has given me?

I hope not. I do tend to desire to do many different things, and then become bored with them. On the other hand I cannot help but think that it is a frustration in complacency. I may only be 19 years old, but already I feel like I am swimming in a body of stagnant water. I and the people around me are stuck in the routine, and breaking habits is a constant struggle I face.All of this is so frustrating to me.

One of my biggest frustrations is something that I put to the back burner. Tonight at church, the message spoken reminds me of this burning passion I have against my life. I live inside of the church. I serve there and love God with my whole heart. These are very good things, until I realize that I am replacing people with deeds.

I am such an introverted person, that it is way too easy for me to serve by myself, and not speak a word to anyone. But if I continue doing this, how will I tell people about Jesus Christ?
The most liberating thing happened the other day, actually two days in a row. I had 2 people in the same coffee house notice that I am a follower of Christ, and both asked me my views on Christianity and Government. This could not have been a coincidence! I believe this is God showing me how beautiful it is to tell others about Him.

I realize how utterly lame this must sound, considering many Christians have been approached about their faith before. But for me, a quiet as I said before, this comes as a revelation. One I have been struggling to accept all these years. The revelation that I may have something worthwhile to say to someone, and about my Love!

I have also been encouraged lately to pursue something I never thought I'd have a desire to do. I am still weary about it, but my anger against my complacency right now almost makes me want to forget all my inhibitions and pursue that dream. I want so badly to leave all of my "big-picture" thinking behind and just live life. I am always so engrossed in planning ahead that I think I unknowingly take my life out of God's hands and place it in mine. This is a scary place I DO NOT WANT TO BE.

I need change, I need to leave!

Breakfast Boring You?

I try to eat breakfast every day, because as you know, "it is the most important meal of the day". But sometimes breakfast becomes so mundane. It seems like I am always eating eggs or oatmeal; so, on the weekends, I try to experiment a bit. On friday I made my own version of the McGriddles sandwiches at McDonald's Im not a huge fan of McDonalds, but I really enjoy their breakfast. So I made a sanwich (really twice its size) with bacon, eggs, and cheddar cheese between two waffles. I then toasted it until the cheese melted. It was good but a little dry, next time I will either butter the waffles or add syrup for dipping.

Sunday, I made a recipe I found online. Crunchy Bran French toast. Basically it is 2 slice of whole wheat bread, spread with cream cheese and low sugar orange marmalade. Put the pieces together to make a sanwich, dip in egg, and dip in bran flakes. fry in a pan about 2 minutes each side and viola! Sprinkle with powdered sugar and pair it with (soy) milk and you have a semi healthy breakfast!

Nanner Puddin'

Original Nilla Banana Pudding

Layers of Nilla wafers, creamy pudding and fresh banana slices are the stars of this American classic.

Prep: 30 mins - Cook: 15 mins - Cool: 15 mins

3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Dash salt
3 eggs, separated
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
45 NILLA Wafers, divided
5 ripe bananas, sliced (about 3 1/2 cups), divided
Additional NILLA Wafers and banana slices, for garnish


1. Mix 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler. Blend in 3 egg yolks and milk. Cook, uncovered, over boiling water, stirring constantly for 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

2. Reserve 10 wafers for garnish. Spread small amount of custard on bottom of 1 1/2-quart casserole; cover with a layer of wafers and a layer of sliced bananas. Pour about 1/3 of custard over bananas. Continue to layer wafers, bananas and custard to make a total of 3 layers of each, ending with custard.

3. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Spoon on top of pudding, spreading evenly to cover entire surface and sealing well to edges.

4. Bake at 350°F in top half of oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned. Cool slightly or refrigerate. Garnish with additional wafers and banana slices just before serving.

Makes 8 servings

Nutritional Info Per Serving:
287 calories, 6 g protein, 50 g carbohydrate, 7 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 117 mg cholesterol, 134 mg sodium, 1 g dietary fiber

This recipe created by McCormick, Inc.

An original recipe

Last week I decided to write a few recipes, considering I cannot remember the last time, if any time, I have written a recipe. Thus, I came up with a pretty successful meal that my family likes, and it is easy to be creative with. I decided to try something healthy with alot of flavor, so I devised a Japanese recipe which I put into little takeout containers I bought from the craft store. I did not write out actual measurements so here's the name and ingredients:

Strip Steak Stir Fry with Vanilla Dijon Sauce over Jasmine Rice

Just like it sounds, I caramelized purple onions with green bell peppers, and let them steam. I added strips of flank steak and poured over the sauce (vanilla, honey, dijon mustard, and soy sauce). I then poured that over jasmine rice, and put them into the takeout boxes.

I encourage anyone who wants to just try something they just thought up, or if something sounds like it will go together. You may be surprised to find a new family favorite!

Bureaucracy never looked so good

I know what you must be wondering what in the world Bureaucratic cookies are, and if they're edible.
The name is what I affectionately call the "Official Government bureaucracy Cookies".

Now, call me a nerd, but in the textbook for our Government class this semester, there is a recipe for these cookies; I just knew I had to try them! They aren't your typical chocolate walnut cookies, oh no. The difference you will see is the wording. It is the language of Bureaucratese. For those of you who know about Bureaucrats may find this funny, but for those of you who don't, well, go Google Bureaucrat.

Now I love a good challenge, and I love a good cookie, so here is the recipe I decoded and baked just for you! ( okay not for you to eat, but for you to see!)

Official Government Bureaucracy Cookies

Output: Six dozen cookie units.
Inputs: 1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 butter softened
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Method of Preparation: Guidance: After procurement actions, decontainerize inputs. Perform measurement tasks on a case-by-case basis, in a mixing type bowl, impact heavily on brown sugar, granulated sugar, softened butter and shortening. Co-ordinate the interface of eggs and vanilla, avoiding an overrun scenario to the best of your skills and abilities. At this point in time, leverage flour, baking soda, and salt into a bowl and aggregate. Equalize with prior mixture and develop intense and continuous liaison among inputs until well-coordinated.Associate key chocolate and nut subsystems and execute stirring operations. Within this time frame, take action to prepare the heating environment for throughput by manually setting the oven baking unit by hand to a temperature of 375 degrees fahrenheit (190 degrees celsius). Drop mixture in an ongoing fashion from a teaspoon implement onto an ungreased cookie sheet at intervals sufficient enough apart to permit total and permanent separation of throughputs to the maximum extent practicable under operating conditions.Position cookie sheet in a bake situation and surveil for 8 to 10 minutes or until cooking action terminates. Initiate coordination of outputs within the cooling rack function. Containerize, wrap in red tape, and disseminate to authorized staff personnel on a timely and expeditious basis. Output: Six dozen official government chocolate-chip cookie units. Total lead time: 35 minutes. 

Music I'm baking to: Natalie Cole: Still Unforgettable