Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanking ONE in all...


WHY do we spend two days cooking for ONE meal - every year? This I do not fully understand, but I do fully participate. This year I am trying some new vegan recipes, as well as the old holiday standbys. I'm also trying to make some of the old standbys just a "touch" healthier....not healthy really; but a touch better with less cholesterol, less fat, less processed ingredients. 


Today I baked pies for tomorrow and for tonight's Chapel Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service and Pie Social. Two vegan types (Triple Berry and Chocolate); two not vegan (peanut butter and white chocolate "cheesecake"). The berry does taste better than it looks; but really NEEDS to be smothered in cool whip - really no sub here for that. ::snort::

I also made Hummus (whilst thanking God for amazingly rich friendships past and present) and Spinach Artichoke dip (whilst thanking God for recent leaps towards health).

In the midst of cooking...grieving for a young family...the loss of a 4 month old baby to leukemia and a memorial service...just minutes before the Thanksgiving service...life...giving thanks in the midst of suffering...choosing to trust in a good and loving God when life is just not fair...choosing to stay centered in a whirlwind of grace when the storms rise...  Please do pray for this young family as they fly home tomorrow for a burial. 

A day capped with believers from the full spectrum of Christianity joining together to affirm God is good, thank Him for His blessings, and remember those of our loved ones who are deployed. A reason to give thanks in the midst of the rush...a moment to pause with friends who are often in other worship services...and give thanks as one to the One whom we can fully trust. 

Note: I think these types of ecumenical services may be rare these days. The closest I've seen in the civilian world is the community Thanksgiving service we used to have in Hardin, MT...where all the protestant churches would get together to celebrate...but even there I'm not sure the Catholics joined us....but close. 

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Triple Berry Pie (Vegan)




Ingredients (One 9 inch pie)
    For the Crust: Use your favorite pie crust recipe
    For the Berry Filling:
    • 3 c. strawberries, hulled and halved
    • 1 c. blackberries
    • 1 c. blueberries
    • 1/4 c. sucanat or organic sugar
    • 1 1/2 T. cornstarch or arrowroot
    Instructions
    • Place dough in pie plate, press up the sides and crimp the edges
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • In a large bowl, combine berries, sweetener and cornstarch or arrowroot. Allow berries to sit for 10-15 minutes.
    • Bake for 40-45 minutes, until crust is browned.
    • Allow pie to cool before slicing.

    Notes: I needed more fruit. This will be great in the summer time. 

    This recipe is from Sarah at Peas and Thank you!  

    Choosing Joy!
    ©2012 D.R.G.
    ~Coram Deo~
    Living all of life before the face of God...

    Spinach Artichoke Dip (Vegan)



    Ingredients
    6 oz spinach, fresh
    2 whole garlic cloves
    15 oz artichokes, canned (in water)
    1/2 C plant-based milk 
    1/2 C nutritional yeast
    2 T whole wheat flour (or brown rice flour if you want GF)

    Directions
    Drain the artichokes and set aside.  Put a small bit of water in pan and turn the heat up to high. Add spinach, cover and cook until dark green - about 5 min. Turn off the heat, drain and then put spinach, garlic, artichokes, non-dairy milk in food processor. Process until smooth and creamy. Return to pot and whisk in nutritional yeast and flour. Turn heat to medium and cook until warm. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve. 

    This is YUMMY! Cholesterol free, fat free....you won't miss it!  This recipe is from Lindsay Nixon...the Happy  Herbivore. I'm trying to decide which one of her cookbooks I want for Christmas. 

    Choosing Joy!
    ©2012 D.R.G.
    ~Coram Deo~
    Living all of life before the face of God...