June Book List

Decision Points; George W. Bush.  This is a good book.  I never had much of an opinion about Mr. Bush, but after reading this book, I've learned he is a Christian, loves his family and loves his country.  I've gained much respect for him and would highly recommend this book.

Celebrate The Family; Gary Smalley & John Trent, Ph.D.  Focus on the Family presented this book, it's more like a story and picture book, a nice addition to your coffee table.

Emotional Blackmail; Susan Forward, Ph.D.  This is an interesting read.  I would almost recommend it to everyone I know.  You will see how people in your life use manipulation against you, but also how you use it against others.  Very eye opening.

Lose It for Life; Stephen Arterburn, M.Ed. & Dr. Linda Mintle.  The total solution (spiritual, emotional, physical) for permanent weight loss.  This is a good book for someone that is overweight because of emotional issues, it helps you understand how to work through those issues.

Family Inspiration - 29 June

If we want to see honesty, truthfulness, and unselfishness in our offspring, then these characteristics should be the conscious objectives of our early instructional process.
(Dare to Discipline)

Oh God, thou hast taught me from my youth; and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Psalm 71:17

Peach Cobbler

6 cups peeled, sliced "ripe" fresh peaches (you can also use frozen)
3/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp corn starch

1 tsp cinnamon 

dash of nutmeg
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
zest of one lemon
1-1/2 cups AP flour
3 tbsp sugar
2 tsp + 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp salt

5 tbsp firm butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup milk
2 tbsp sugar, to sprinkle on top

Heat oven to 400*

In a 2 quart saucepan, mix together peaches and next 6 ingredients.  Cook over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.  Boil and stir 1 minute.  Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole; keep mixture hot in oven while preparing topping.

In medium bowl, mix flour sugar, baking powder and salt.  Cut in butter, using pastry blender, until mixture looks like fine crumbs.  Mix in pecans. Stir in milk.  Drop dough by spoonfuls onto hot peach mixture.  Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar over dough.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown.  Serve warm with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Father's Day Dinner

I made Matt his dream dinner for Father's Day. 
A 40 oz. Cowboy Rib Eye,
Grilled Shrimp,
Grilled Vidalia Onions & Baby Bella Mushrooms,
Garlic Mashed Potatoes,
and for desert, his favorite Pineapple Upside Down Cake ... Yum Yum!!

If you want recipes, let me know and I will post them.

Family Inspiration - 20 June

The solutions to the struggles of mankind will not be found in human wisdom and insight.

If the Lord doesn't build the house, the builders are working for nothing.
Psalm 127:1

Very Berry Cobbler

I love cobblers, they are probably my favorite dessert. This last weekend I made a cobbler with 4 kinds of fresh berries.  I hope you try it and enjoy!!

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp lemon juice
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
1 cup blackberries
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1-1/2 cups AP flour
3 tbsp sugar
2 tsp + 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp salt
5 tbsp firm butter
3/4 cup milk
2 tbsp sugar, to sprinkle on top

Heat oven to 400*

In a 2 quart saucepan, mix together first 4 ingredients and berries.  Cook over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.  Boil and stir 1 minute.  Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole; keep mixture hot in oven while preparing topping.

In medium bowl, mix flour sugar, baking powder and salt.  Cut in butter, using pastry blender, until mixture looks like fine crumbs.  Stir in milk.  Drop dough by spoonfuls onto hot berry mixture.  Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar over dough.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown.  Serve warm with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Family Inspiration - 15 June

Christian parents who wish to teach their children to respect God must first teach them to respect themselves.
(Dare to Discipline)

Fathers... raise them with the training and teaching of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

Family Inspiration - 7 June

The key is to begin very early to instruct your children on the true values of life: love for all mankind, kindness, integrity, trustworthiness, truthfulness, and devotion to God.
(Hide Or Seek p.88)

Those things, which ye have both learned ... and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4:9

Family Inspiration - 1 June

A couple that depends on Scripture for solutions to the stresses of living has a distinct advantage over the family with no faith.

Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plan will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3

Maple Pecan Banana Bread

I got a really good deal on very ripe banana's today, so I thought why not make some banana bread.  This is the recipe I came up with.  I received good reviews from the few that tried it, so I hope you enjoy it too.

1-1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cups flour
3 large very ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup pecan's chopped
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon maple flavoring (If you don't like maple flavor you can sub with vanilla)

Blend together sugars, butter and eggs.  Add dry ingredients, which have been sifted together.  Add mashed bananas, chopped nuts, vanilla and maple flavor.  Pour into a greased loaf pan.

Bake at 375* for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Brush top with butter or maple glaze if desired, while loaf is still warm.