Cranberry Chocolate Chip Almond Oat and Flax Bars

⁴ Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. ⁵ For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. ⁶ But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. (Rom 7)

Ingredients:

Crust

2 eggs

1 cup sugar (or 3/4 cup honey)

4 oz butter (1 stick) softened
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup flax seed (ground)
2 cups oat flour (oats powdered in the blender)

Cranberry Sauce

2 cups fresh cranberries

1/2 cup sugar (or honey)

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

1/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions:

1. preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

2. add the cranberry sauce ingredients to a pan and boil on medium heat until thickened (~ 7 min)

3. beat together the crust ingredients and spread onto the bottom of an olive oil-greased pan

4. spread the cranberry sauce over the crust

5. sprinkle with chocolate chips and almonds

6. bake for ~ 35 min 

Chicken, Brown Rice, and Garbanzo Bean Soup

There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion, O God,
And to You the vow will be performed.
² O You who hear prayer,
To You all men come.
³ Iniquities prevail against me;
As for our transgressions, You forgive them.
⁴ How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring nearto You
To dwell in Your courts.
We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Your holy temple.Ps 65

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter
1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil (or other herbs of your choice)
1 tsp salt (add additional tsp if garbanzo beans are unsalted)
1 tsp garlic powder
2 cups diced cooked chicken
2 cups garbanzo beans cooked and pureed in 1 cup water (use a blender)
1 cup cooked brown rice

Directions:

1. add the butter, tomatoes, basil, salt, and garlic powder to a large cooking pot and fry on medium heat for ~ 3 minutes
2. add the chicken and continue frying for ~ 3 minutes
3. add the pureed beans and rice, bring to a boil, cover lid, and let simmer on low heat for ~ 15 minutes

Rhubarb Cheesecake

¹¹ Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. ¹² We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. ¹³ For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. ¹⁴ For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; ¹⁵ and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. 2 Cor 5

Ingredients:

Crust

1/4 stick butter (2 oz.) softened
1/4 cup water
~1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar

Cheesecake

2 eggs
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Rhubarb

2 cups fresh chopped Rhubarb 
1/2 cup sugar

Directions:

1. boil the rhubarb and sugar on medium heat for ~ 10 minutes or until cooked thoroughly
2. preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
3. use an egg beater to mix the crust ingredients and spread onto the bottom and sides of a large pie pan
4. use an egg beater to blend the cheesecake ingredients and pour over crust
5. spread the rhubarb over the cheesecake batter (some of it will sink)
6. bake uncovered for ~35 minutes

Summer Chicken and Vegetable Pasta

Then you will say on that day,

“ I will give thanks to You, O Lord;

For although You were angry with me,

Your anger is turned away,

And You comfort me.

² “Behold, God is my salvation,

I will trust and not be afraid;

For the Lord God is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation.”

³ Therefore you will joyously draw water

From the springs of salvation.

⁴ And in that day you will say,

“ Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name.

Make known His deeds among the peoples;

^[a]Make them remember that His name is exalted.”

⁵ Praise the Lord in song, for He has done excellent things;

Let this be known throughout the earth.

⁶ Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,

For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Is 12

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked whole wheat spiral noodles

2 tbsp olive oil

1 lb raw chicken

2 tsp salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp olive oil

2 bell peppers cored and diced

1 large zucchini diced

2 tsp salt

2 cups chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup champagne grapes
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. fry the chicken, salt, and garlic powder in the oil on medium heat until cooked thoroughly (~15 minutes)

2. fry the pepper, zucchini, and salt in the olive oil on medium heat for ~ 5 minutes

3. combine all ingredients

Brown Rice Noodles and Chicken Alfredo (with Selah's Touch)

1Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle,set apart for the gospel of God, ² which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, ³ concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, ⁴ who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, ⁵ through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, ⁶ among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;Rom 1

Ingredients:

3 cups freshly cooked brown rice noodles 
3 cups milk
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp dried dill

1 tsp dried Italian herbs
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup cooked and sliced chicken breast

Directions:

1. in a cup mix together .5 cups of milk and the flour until there are no flour lumps

2. add the flour/milk mixture in the cup to the other 2.5 cups of milk in a pan and bring to a boil on medium heat while stirring

4. continue cooking and stirring  on medium-low heat until the sauce is thickened to your liking (~ 7 minutes)

5. stir in the salt, garlic powder, cheese, and herbs

6. add and combine the chicken and noodles

with Selah, Ben, Edwin, Jaden, and Adam today

Special Healthy Granola Bars for Prasanna and Baby

²¹ When my heart was embittered
And I was pierced within,
²² Then I was senseless and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
²³ Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
²⁴ With Your counsel You will guide me,
And afterward receive me to glory.

²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
²⁷ For, behold, those who are far from You will perish;
You have destroyed all those who  are unfaithful to You.
²⁸ But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works.Ps 73


Ingredients:


2 eggs (protein)
1 cup evaporated cane juice (or brown sugar)
1/4 cup molasses (iron, Mg)
1/2 cup powdered walnuts (omega 3)
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup softened butter (1/2 stick)
~ 3 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup naturally sweetened chocolate chips
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon


Directions:


1. preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. mix together all ingredients thoroughly 
3. spread onto an olive oil-sprayed foil-lined tray (~ 12"X16")
4. bake for ~ 30-40 minutes 

Italian Noodles with Sardines and Kidney Beans

⁹ 

We have thought on Your lovingkindness, O God,

In the midst of Your temple.

¹⁰ As is Your name, O God,

So is Your praise to the ends of the earth;

Your right hand is full of righteousness.

¹¹ Let Mount Zion be glad,

Let the daughters of Judah rejoice

Because of Your judgments.

¹² Walk about Zion and go around her;

Count her towers;

¹³ Consider her ramparts;

Go through her palaces,

That you may tell it to the next generation.

¹⁴ For such is God,

Our God forever and ever;

He will guide us until death. Ps 48

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked whole wheat noodles

2 cups milk

1 tsp salt

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup stewed tomatoes

12 oz cooked sardines

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

3 cloves minced garlic

1 cup cooked kidney beans

Directions:

1. bring the noodles,milk, and salt to a boil in a medium-sized pot on medium-high heat

2. add the remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat for ~ 10 minutes covered; stir occasionally

Chicken Wild Rice Garbanzo Bean Casserole

O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger,

Nor chasten me in Your wrath.

² Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am pining away;

Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are dismayed.

³ And my soul is greatly dismayed;

But You, O Lord— how long? Ps 6

Ingredients:

1 cup wild rice cooked in 4 cups chicken broth

8 oz chicken cooked and cubed
1 cup cooked garbanzo beans

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

2 large carrots peeled and diced

1 onion diced

3 cloves garlic minced

2 apples diced (I used pink lady apples)

2 tsp salt

1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves

1/3 cup white whole wheat flour

2 cups milk

1/4 cup shredded cheese

Directions:

1. heat the butter on medium heat in a large pot

2. add carrots, onion, garlic, apples, rosemary, and salt and cook for ~ 10 minutes on medium heat while stirring

3. add flour and cook for ~ 2 minutes while stirring

4. add milk and bring to a boil while stirring

5. add the rice and chicken and bring to a boil

6. simmer on low heat for ~ 15 minutes

7. pour into large baking tray and sprinkle with cheese; cover with aluminum foil

8. bake for ~ 15 minutes at 350 degrees F (optional; if prepared ahead of time)

Cake Roll with Peanut Cream (Korean Mozart Cake)

 ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Rev 21


Ingredients:


6 eggs (separated)
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup honey
1.5 cups whole wheat flour

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

Peanut Cream

2 tbsp butter softened

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup peanut flour (or 3 tbsp peanut butter)

Directions: preheat oven to 325 degrees F

1. beat the egg yolks, water, and honey on medium speed for 5 minutes

2. beat in the flour and salt

3. beat the egg white until stiff peaks form

4. fold the egg white into the batter

5. pour onto an olive oil-sprayed foil lined tray

6. bake for 25 minutes at 325 degrees F

Meanwhile, I was giving the blessed and brilliant Selah a science lesson (and my first middle school science tutoring experience)

mom already ate a piece :)

7. roll up with foil into a scroll, let cool, unroll and peel off foil

8. beat together the peanut cream ingredients and spread over entire surface of cake

9. roll up like a scroll again

Asian Indian Shrimp and Vegetable Noodles

¹ In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ² but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. ³The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. ⁴ So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. Heb 1


Ingredients:


3 tbsp sesame oil
1 onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup crushed peanuts
1 cup fresh broccoli
1 cup baby carrots chopped
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
2 tbsp small hot peppers sliced
3 eggs scrambled separately
1 lb raw shrimp (I used frozen de-veined and tail-off)
1 lb dry whole wheat noodles
2 quarts water
2 tsp salt

Directions:

1. boil the noodles in the water and salt until al dente (~ 8-10 minutes)
2. fry the onions and garlic in the oil for ~ 5 minutes on medium heat
3. add the soy sauce and shrimp, continue frying for ~ 3 minutes, cover lid and let simmer for ~ 10 minutes
4. add the remaining ingredients, cover lid, and keep cooking for ~ 5 minutes.
5. add the shrimp and vegetables to the noodles and mix

Mango, Peach, and Walnut Oat Bars

³ We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. ⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.2 Thess 1

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter softened (1/2 stick)

3/4 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1 cup walnut flour (powdered walnuts)

1.5 cups oat flour (powdered rolled oats)

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 mango, peeled and diced

2 peaches diced

Directions:

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2. use an egg beater to mix the butter, honey, vanilla, and eggs

3. beat in the walnut and oats flours, baking soda, salt, and, cinnamon

4. use a large spoon to stir in the mango and nectarine

5. pour into an olive oil-sprayed cake pan

6. bake for ~ 45 minutes 

Quick Cinnamon Rolls

²³ Yet I am always with you; 
   You hold me by my right hand. 
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel, 
   and afterward You will take me into glory. 
²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but You? 
   And earth has nothing I desire besides You. 
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail, 
   but God is the strength of my heart 
   and my portion forever. Ps 73

Ingredients:

3 tbsp butter softened

1/4 cup honey

1 cup milk

1 egg

2.5 cups whole wheat flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp dough enhancer 

Cinnamon Filling

2 tbsp butter softened

2 tbsp honey

2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. use an egg beater to beat the butter, honey, milk and egg

2. knead in the flour, baking soda, salt, and dough enhancer

3. let the dough sit for 10 minutes

4. use a rolling pin to roll out into large rectangle(s) about 1/4 inch thick

5. spread the filling over the entire rectangle(s) (I ended up making 3 rectangles about 1 square foot each)

6. roll the rectangles like a scroll and slice into 1/2 inch thick pieces

7. place onto baking sheet and bake for ~ 25 minutes at 350 degrees F

Alternatively, you can fill with a nut-butter/honey mixture. This picture shows these rolls filled with sunflower butter (2 tbsp) + honey (1 tbsp).