Monday, January 10, 2011

The Cranberry Files

I had two bags of whole cranberries leftover from this year's Christmas party at school. (FYI – It only takes one bag of cranberries for 19 students to make garland.)

I'm a huge fan of cranberry relish, but I decided to mix it up and try out some new recipes. Most call for dried cranberries, so I've had to do some hunting to find recipes with fresh cranberries.

Here's recipe number one:


Fresh Cranberry Muffins

1 ¾ cups flour

½ cup oats

2/3 cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

1 cup chopped fresh cranberries

2/3 cup milk

¼ cup melted butter

1 tsp. orange rind

½ tsp. vanilla

1 egg


Mix all ingredients together and scoop into 12 muffin cups. (I left out the orange rind and added the oats.)

Bake at 400 degrees for about 18 minutes.


The result: Super tasty and tangy. I ate all of them myself (over a few days, of course…)

Success!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Be My Strength

This year (all six days) is not working out well for me so far. In fact, I asked God for a do-over. I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen, and I'm sure I'll come out on the other side of this with great lessons learned. In the mean time, I've found comfort and peace in these lyrics. This is my prayer and my song. I hope that it blesses you.


Please Be My Strength - Gungor


I've tried to stand my ground

I've tried to understand,

but I can't seem to find my way again

like water on the sand

grasping at the wind

I keep on falling short


So, please be my strength

please be my strength

cause I don't have anymore

I don't have anymore


I'm looking for a place

where I can plant my faith

one thing I know for sure

that I cannot create it

and I cannot sustain it

it's your love that's keeping me


Please be my strength

please be my strength

I don't have anymore

I don't have anymore


And at my final breath

I hope that I can say

I fought the good fight of faith

I pray your glory shines

in this doubting heart of mine

and all would know that you


You are my strength

You are my strength

You and You alone

You keep bringing me back home