Thursday, December 20, 2012

Kale Chips


I have heard about Kale chips repeatedly...armed with a bunch of Kale....I gave it a shot. I found a really easy and healthy recipe here and another one here. It seemed, if one were to have a snack attack it would be a healthy way to indulge. I didn't want all the calories from the second recipe...seemed to complicate something easy....but maybe next time I'll try that way. This was nearly calorie free, full of plant protein et al.  I must become friends with Kale as it is the number one nutrient dense/calorie food. Remember? Health = Nutrient dense/calorie

I read the comments, read the ingredients and gave it a shot. 

DON'T eat Kale stems. ::snort:: Wash, de-stem,  and tear into pieces (they shrink). 

I then spritzed with olive oil, I didn't care for the way the seasoning fell off the ones that weren't spritzed. 

I sprinkled with Old Bay, Garlic Powder and later with Nutritional Yeast (Full day's worth of B12 - one of those nutrients missing from a vegan only lifestyle- tastes great).

I did some in the microwave for about 7 min.  I did others at 350* for 9 - 11 min. I liked the oven baked chips better.

I tried them straight from the oven - I think it may be an acquired taste...Michael came in and asked if I were going  "eat that or smoke it?"

I added Salsa - and liked it better 

 I liked them best sprinkled with Lays Baked Southwestern chips (25% fat!).... 
No, I did not really leave all the chips. ::snort:: 

Michael discovered they were best if you crinkled them up and added them to the salsa....then ate them with a chip. MEN. It is a lentil chip (30% fat). 

Why would I eat this? Kale is new to me and I want to try a variety of ways of eating it as it IS the most nutrient dense food known to date.  I did eat the equivalent of a whole bunch of Kale - but that is o.k. I do eat an alarming amount of nutrient dense food.

NOW - I'd love it if you'd share your favorite Kale recipes. I have a bunch left.

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

Advent Fun with Akikosan




We are so thankful that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for us...thankful that He leads - all the time. 

Akikosan joined us for our nightly Advent Celebration tonight.  She asked if this is typical and we shared most often there are pieces of candy for each child in the little box...but we didn't want nine calendars, couldn't fit nine pieces of candy in the little box, and really didn't want to give out candy late at night. So we adjusted the tradition. 

Advent Clue - "Skinny and new" 

After quite a LOT of looking...they found it upstairs in Stacia's new, tall dresser

POP - loads of fun 

Well - fun for all but Yuuki - who glared at us. 

She did NOT appreciate her new accessories either! 

Great minds think alike and we enjoyed an impromptu gift exchange. Akikosan  brought cups, candy, photos and books for the kids...and for me...a bag of bubbly bath salts, as she says I can't drive to the onsen in the winter  (my fame is international), and some pomegranate vinegar. Fruit vinegar is very popular in Japan/Korea. They claim it's healthy...and I believe them. 


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

Thoughts


The day began bright and early with an 0400 ministry conference call.  Followed by an 0630 Skype call/prayer meeting. Followed by an hour of chat with a ministry partner. 

It's SNOWING! Can you believe it? The kids are ecstatic. They assumed, as I was praying it wouldn't snow, that it wouldn't. ::snort:: I told them God liked their prayer better than mine.  Michael asked me to drive to the post office this afternoon. We had a notice there was a package waiting. 


Look what arrived! Plenty of time to enjoy it this season. 






I fell asleep for an hour. Then made a quick dinner of chili, cheese wraps, salad and fruit. 

Akikosan came over tonight. God is good to remind me  programs and initiatives may change but the bottom line remains people. When life gets a bit uncertain I'm still called to love God and love others. I don't  need a fancy framework to obey that one. ::grin:: 

I've been considering the following quotes I read in, "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God," by Lysa Terkeurst.  Lysa suggests  five questions for consideration when  trying to determine if what you are "hearing" is from God.  She calls it the Five Question Filter. 

  • Does what I'm hearing line up with Scripture?
  • Is it consistent with God's character? 
  • Is it being confirmed through messages I'm hearing at church or studying in my quiet times? 
  • Is it beyond me? 
  • Would it please God? 
Lysa seeks communication with God by asking for desire, discipline, discernment, direction, and delight. 
  • Desire to want God more than anything else
  • Discernment to know the difference between my own thoughts and God's voice
  • Direction at each crossroad in my life
  • Delight rather than a sense of duty to characterize my relationship with God

We continue to pray about our future ministry after retiring from the Air Force. We aren't sure how things will pan out; much to consider. I am sure, however, every thought we're having is  quite far beyond us. LOL 

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