Author: Anna

Sweet Orange-Berry Butter

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sweet-orange-berry-butter

 

Don’t you just love Our Best Bites ? I followed them for several years and then stopped and now I am ready to follow again–I have missed those girls.  A few years back I printed off this recipe so that I could substitute some THRIVE freeze-dried fruit and thereby find even more ways to use this great stuff! So here you go–and just so you know, the original recipe is a different color.  It all depends on how you use your fruit.  It’s delicious either way.  Be sure and try this on those Banana Bread Paleo Muffins from last week’s post!  Pretty tasty.

Sweet Orange-Berry Butter
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Ingredients
  1. 1 c. real butter, at room temperature
  2. 3 T. honey
  3. 2 T powdered sugar
  4. 1 or 2 drops of Wild Orange Essential oil *
  5. 1/4 to 1/2 c. freeze-dried berries (I used strawberries/blueberries/raspberries)
Instructions
  1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and whip until creamy and lovely.
  2. Serve at room temperature on just about any kind of sweet bread, muffin, etc.
Notes
  1. * A story--so I whipped up my berry butter and tasted it and thought "Okay, that's pretty good." Then I was looking over my recipe and realized I had left out the orange zest--and my oranges were sitting right over there on my kitchen island! I had already put my processor in the sink, so I got out my Wild Orange Essential Oil and added a couple of drops to the spread and stirred it up really well. Oh my goodness! That orange really sets this off. DO NOT FORGET TO DO IT!!
Adapted from Our Best Bites
Adapted from Our Best Bites
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Banana Bread Muffins (Paleo)

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banana-bread-muffins-paleo

 

No, I have not exactly jumped on the Paleo band wagon, but I am kind of running along beside it.  We are trying to eat healthier around here and so I have been checking out recipes from friends, Facebook, Google, Leanne Ely and Jeff Reagan.  So if you have any tried, true and tasty recipes, feel free to share on our Facebook Page .  I will be grateful.

I found this recipe in a packet given to me by a friend who ordered one of those Paleo programs from an infomercial and she never used it–thought she would sell it on eBay, but ended up giving it to me because she was tired of having it around the house.  So I have sifted through each of those cards and found a few that I think are doable.  I thought these muffins were pretty tasty on their own!  And then I found another recipe  I had been wanting to try for a flavored butter spread and made that at the same time.  They were great together, let me tell you.  But you will have to wait until next week for that one.

Banana Bread Muffins (Paleo)
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Ingredients
  1. 1 1/2 c. almond flour
  2. 2 T. ground flaxseed
  3. 1 t. ground cinnamon
  4. 1/2 t. baking soda
  5. 1/2 t. baking powder
  6. pinch of nutmeg
  7. pinch of salt
  8. 2 very ripe bananas, mashed
  9. 2 eggs, beaten
  10. 1 T. honey
  11. 1 T. olive oil
  12. 1/2 t. vanilla extract
  13. 1/3 c. chopped walnuts, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Place muffin cups in muffin tin and set aside.
  3. In large bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients, except the nuts.
  4. In a small bowl, combine all the wet ingredients, including the bananas--mix well. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients. Add in chopped walnuts, stirring until combined.
  5. Fill the baking cups about 3/4 full--I used a cookie scoop.
  6. Sprinkle a few more chopped walnuts on each muffin before baking.
  7. Bake muffins for 21-23 minutes.
  8. Serve warm with your favorite spread (original recipe suggests coconut oil).
Adapted from PaleoBurn Fat Burning Cookbook
Adapted from PaleoBurn Fat Burning Cookbook
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Traditions & Popcorn Balls

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traditions-popcorn-balls

 

Traditions have meant a lot to me for as long as I can remember, but I haven’t always been that great at starting continuing them.  I can sure start one, but it’s the hardest thing for me to continue.  I remember a few from my childhood–oyster stew for Christmas Eve (for years we did this in our family until one day we realized that only one or two of us even liked it that much), opening gifts on Christmas Eve (still do that one!)—Trick or Treating at Halloween in the neighborhood with costumes from Mom’s Costume Box, etc.   This time of year really gets my mind spinning on what traditions my family expects on Christmas Eve–full from scratch Mexican meal, opening gifts. doing stockings, EVEN FOR THE ADULTS–and other things like decorating for Fall (my favorite season).  Hmmm….that’s not very many traditions.  I need some more.  

So a couple of days ago I was at the store picking up some things for dinner and I realized that my grandsons would be at the house that day and I needed to give them their Halloween treats!  I am trying to start that tradition with them, since I am not with them for the Trick or Treating.  So I grabbed a couple of different small bags of candy and I was trying to think of something else I could do that would be slightly healthy and I remembered something my Mom did for us when we were younger–homemade popcorn balls!  I loved those and did them a few times when my girls were little.  I knew it was time for me to start that tradition with my grandkids, so I picked up some microwave popcorn, some orange and green Jell-O and some tiny marshmallows, some Halloween goodie bags and pencils.

It was so much fun to share those popcorn balls with my boys!

Traditions are fun and bonding and build great relationships in your family.  So today, think about some traditions that you are already doing and some new ones that you can add.  And they don’t have to be built around holidays.  Some of the best are things you do together randomly that the kids consider as traditions, because they will certainly remind you to do them again!

I know it’s Mormon Morsel Sunday, but how about I share my Marshmallow Popcorn Ball recipe with you today?  Maybe you can make some for your Trick or Treaters…

Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Yields 12
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Ingredients
  1. 6 T. butter
  2. 3 cups tiny marshmallows
  3. 1/2 of a 3-oz. pkg of Jell-O, in flavor of choice (3 T.)
  4. 3 quarts unsalted popped corn
Instructions
  1. Place popped corn in a large bowl and set aside.
  2. In medium pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add marshmallow, stirring until melted.
  3. Blend in Jell-O, and pour over popcorn, mixing well.
  4. With buttered hands, form popcorn into balls.
Notes
  1. Have fun with different colors of Jell-O, depending on the occasion. Hey, let the kids help make the popcorn balls--you shouldn't have ALL the fun!
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Autumn Chopped Salad

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We originally posted this salad on October 7, 2012.  I was looking up the ingredients to make it for dinner tonight and thought I would repost it.  One of my all-time favorites and this is the perfect time of year to enjoy it!
 
Oh Pinterest, how we love thee and how we love the world of food that you have brought to us!  I pinned this recipe the other day and my sister and I made it last night.  Oh so good.  It was a big hit with all!  Even the guys.  Just love chopped salads.
 
 
Autumn Chopped Salad
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Ingredients
  1. 6-8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  2. 2 medium pears, chopped (we used one green and one red)
  3. 1 cup dried cranberries (love me some Craisins!)
  4. 1 cup chopped pecans
  5. 8 slices thick-cut bacon, crisp and crumbled (we used pre-packaged real bacon pieces, because of time)
  6. 4-6 oz. crumbled feta cheese
  7. Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
  8. Balsamic Vinaigrette (we used Newman's Own, my personal favorite)
Instructions
  1. Combine the lettuce, pears, cranberries, pecans, bacon and feta on a large platter.
  2. Drizzle generously with the poppy seed dressing, followed by the balsamic vinaigrette (you should end up with about a cup of dressing, so adjust the quantities of the two dressings according to your taste bud preferences).
  3. We added chopped, cooked chicken to this recipe when we made it because we were using it as a main dish.  Grilled would be a great option on the chicken, but we were in a hurry so we picked up one of those awesome rotisserie chickens at the grocery store.  Yeah, one of those....
Adapted from Espresso and Cream
Adapted from Espresso and Cream
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/
 

Thoughts on General Conference

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conference-points

 

Our Church holds two conferences annually to our worldwide membership and this year I was actually able to attend the Saturday afternoon session in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.   While in Salt Lake I was able to take a really cool picture of the spires of the Salt Lake LDS Temple.  As I was preparing a spiritual thought for today, I just really wanted to share the photo I took and also a few thoughts from other conferences that I have watched and taken notes from.  Hope you gain something from what I share today:

  • It is not the work of the Lord that is frustrated, but the work of man.
  • In spite of conditions in the world today, we live in a consecrated time.
  • Your calling isn’t about what you’ve done, but what the Lord can do through you.
  • Simplify your approach to discipleship–start where you are.
  • No matter where we are, we are the Lord’s agents.  We are always on His errand.
  • We are not aware of what the Savior’s sacrifice has done for us.
  • It’s not the trial, it’s the load.  Bearing it is necessary on our path to eternal life.  Don’t expect to carry it alone.
  • Keeping covenants empowers us–stay firmly on the path.
  • We were tutored in the pre-existence and were given trials and challenges unique to us.
  • Learn to recognize the power of the Atonement in your life.  
  • The Lord sees weaknesses differently than he does rebellion.

 

Okay, that’s it for now.  Time to get ready for church.  Happy Sunday!

Iced Herbal Tea

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iced-herbal-tea

 

You probably think I’m crazy for posting an iced beverage recipe when, in most places, it is CLEARLY an Autumn day.  But here in the south, Summer is still trying to hold on. Heck, it was 84 degrees here at 7:00 last night.  I found this recipe online while searching for soft drink substitutes.  Seriously, Coke is my drink of choice right now and I know that is not healthy.  Working on it.  It’s a process.  

Anyway, this is my 2nd or 3rd attempt at finding something that actually tastes good and, face it, herbal tea can take some getting used to, especially if you are used to soft drinks and all that sugar–because I will NOT drink diet soda.  Don’t even get me started on that one.

Hope you enjoy this recipe.  It’s really simple and cheap in case you don’t end up liking the combination of teas that you use.  I couldn’t find the Red Zinger at the 2 grocery stores I went to, so I substituted a Zinger that was red, but probably wasn’t the intended flavor in the original recipe.  It’s still good though!  I know it will grow on me.  Try this recipe after an invigorating leaf-raking session!

Iced Herbal Tea
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Ingredients
  1. 4 Celestial Seasonings Lemon Zinger tea bags
  2. 4 Celestial Seasonings Raspberry Zinger tea bags (Red Zinger was the original flavor)
  3. 4 cups pure apple juice
Instructions
  1. Steep the 8 tea bags in 4 cups of boiling water for 10-12 minutes.
  2. Discard tea bags; combine the tea with the apple juice.
  3. Refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice
Notes
  1. I think serving this in a pint--or quart if you're really thirsty-mason jar is awesome. Something about those jars just really makes a cold drink even more refreshing!
  2. I found (big surprise) that I needed to add a little sweetener to this recipe, so I just used some Agave nectar. Experiment with your favorite one.
Adapted from Ina Garten, Barefoot Contessa
Adapted from Ina Garten, Barefoot Contessa
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

The Vital Need for Daily Protection

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read-your-scriptures

 

Can you agree with me that the world is a crazier, darker place right now than it has ever been before?  Daily reminders abound to freak me out.  Stress over the presidential election, terrorism rising at a deadly rate,  wars and rumors of wars, natural and not-so-natural disasters everywhere you turn.  Maybe I need to stay away from Facebook, or watch the national news a little less–though that is hard to do.  And then there is the busyness of everyday life!  My goodness.  So much going on, and not enough time to sift through it and choose over Good, Better, Best.

Today, as I pondered what to share with you, an image came to mind that I did see on Facebook.  A friend had shared this and when I saw it, it immediately gave me a sense of peace.  

 

I was reminded that if we will take the time to do our personal spiritual preparation–study, meditation, scripture reading, praying, whatever you do to connect to a higher power–we will be protected and will be putting on a spiritual armor that will help to protect and shield us, as much as possible, from those things that would attempt to destroy us and pull us down to a level where we just do NOT want to be.

Do this for yourself, do this with your families.  Strengthen your soul.  Prepare for your everyday battles.

 

Image Source: I do not know where this image originated.  If you do, please let me know and I will give appropriate attribution.  Thanks.

Morning Orange Drink

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morningorangedrink-2

 

Here’s an oldie but goodie.  I promise some newer recipes in the upcoming days, but lately I have been way to busy to even think about cooking.  Ever had a few weeks like that?  Yeah.  I retired from a 10-year part time job a couple of weeks ago, but had to come out of “retirement” to do some more training for my replacement, and I just got back from a week-long trip to visit my daughter in Idaho–great trip, by the way.

So rather than not post a recipe today, I am bringing back one of the first recipes I posted, like probably my second one from 5 years ago! The source?  A recipe that I had taped to the blank pages in our Brew Family Cook Book that I had always wanted to try, but had never gotten around to.  Oh come on.  You know you do the same thing!  This recipe looked yummy and so I tried it and yeah, it was good.  Somewhat like an Orange Julius, so enjoy.

Morning Orange Drink
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 1 can (6 oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate
  2. 1 cup cold water
  3. 1 cup cold milk
  4. 1/3 cup sugar
  5. 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  6. 10 ice cubes
Instructions
  1. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a blender; process at high speed.
  2. Add ice cubes, a few at a time, blending until smooth.
  3. Serve immediately (probably because it will separate if it sits a while).
Adapted from Country Woman Magazine
Adapted from Country Woman Magazine
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

 

Salsa Verde

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salsa-verde

 

Saucy Recipe #2!  Okay I warned you last week we would have two sauces in a row.  Can I just say QUE RICO!  That means, another yummy recipe for you to try  out.  This is a tasty, fresh, cooked version of what you might have had in your favorite Mexican restaurant.  Hope you enjoy this dish!  Adios!

Salsa Verde
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Ingredients
  1. 2 lbs. green tomatillos, husks removed and rinsed
  2. 2 garlic cloves peeled
  3. 2 serrano chilies, or more for taste
  4. 1 c. cilantro leaves
  5. 1/4 c. white onion, roughly chopped
  6. 1 t. kosher or sea salt, to taste
  7. 2 T. safflower or corn oil
Instructions
  1. Place the tomatillos, garlic cloves, and chilies in a pot and cover with water. Place over high heat until it comes to a boil. Simmer at medium for about 10 minutes, or until tomatillos change color from a bright to a pale green, are cooked through and are soft but are not coming apart.
  2. Place tomatillos, garlic and chile (start with one and add the other if you need more "heat") and 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid in the blender and puree until smooth.
  3. Add the cilantro leaves, onion and salt and process again. Adjust for taste with salt.
  4. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Once it is hot, but not smoking, pour in the sauce and bring it to a boil. Simmer over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes, until it thickens and deepens its flavor and color. Turn off the heat.
Notes
  1. Sauce can be stored in a closed container in the refrigerator for weeks. However, the heat level of the sauce will fade with time.
Adapted from Pati's Mexican Table
Adapted from Pati's Mexican Table
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

What’s In Your “Wallet?”

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This Mormon Morsel was posted on November 27, 2011.  This same story was mentioned in a Relief Society lesson this past week and I thought it would be appropriate to share again.  I love the message here!
 
I was looking up information on http://www.lds.org/ for my upcoming lesson in Young Women and I saw this video for youth called “The Lost Purse.”  Oh my goodness.  It really makes you think about what your “stuff” says about who you are.  Take a look at this video.  I, for one, am going to check my “purse” and see what I am putting out there about who I am.
 
 
 

 
“The Lost Purse”