Thursday, July 15, 2010

Fat-free Coffee Cake

I got this recipe from Sara's roomate in college because at the time I was trying to lose weight and regulate my eating habits. Fat was the F-word in our family at the time. I was discouraged and had pretty much decided that I was just going to be a really nice fat person but that I was going to eat healthily. It took years but that's what did the trick. I stopped feeling guilty and deprived and weight was not such an issue. Now I eat what I want when I am truly hungry and have become educated in healthy eating.
I was surprised how good this cake tasted despite all the fat-free ingredients.

Sara's roomate's Fat-free Coffee Cake

Mix the following ingredients and put in a 9x13" greased pan.
1/2 cup fat=free dairy sour cream
2 beaten egg whites
1 c. skim milk
3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
Mix the following topping and sprinkle on topof cake batter.
3/4 c. sugar
3 T. flour
3 tsp. cinnamon
3 T chilled butter (Cut into topping mixture.)
Bake 13 min. @ 375 degrees.
10+ min. @ 400 degrees.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Fish cakes and Creamed Pea Sauce

Last week Hailey and I made Fish Cakes. It is kind a land-locked version of crab cakes found on the coast. It is my style because it is easy and inexpensive. Hailey and I may have made these fish cakes before but I like the creamed peas served with it. You could make a white sauce and add peas but this is even easier than that. Below is the recipe for fish cakes then Creamed Peas:

FISH CAKES

Open 1 can of tuna (I like Chicken of the Sea water-packed brand.) Drain and pour tuna into a large bowl and make a well in the center of the tuna. Into well put 1 egg, and 1 slice of bread broken or cut into 1/2 inch square pieces. Season with Mrs. Dash and Dill. I do not any salt or pepper as these spices seem sufficient. Spoon onto a heated and oiled griddle or pan. Cook on both sides just until egg is set and fish cakes are lightly browned.

Creamed Peas

Cook 1 package of frozen peas by barely covering with water. Boil peas and season according to package directions. 1/2 tsp. sugar may be added if desired. When peas are cooked add 1/2 to 3/4 of a can of evaoporated milk to peas and water. Bring to a gentle boil and thicken with 1-2 T. of cornstarch mixed with about 1/2 c. cold water. Stir into boiling peas and liquid and simmer until desired consistency. Creamed peas may be served on top of fish cakes like a sauce or on the side.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Exercise For The Soul - The Holy Ghost

One of the most important things a parent can teach their children is how to hear and listen to the Holy Ghost. It truly is a great gift and important for our return to Heavenly Father. It can offer comfort, direction and safety.

There are many times in my life and the life of my children when the Holy Ghost was an influence. It is important to keep the commandments of God so the Holy Ghost can influence us and to listen and obey so that we don't become "past feelling".(See Book of Mormon)

Define: A testimony is a knowledge of the reality of God,the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This testimony can only come by revelation through the Holy Ghost. You cannot get it from your parents, brothers, sisters or friends.

Ask: What can we do to gain a testimony?

Bring out the following points:

1. The first step in gaining a testimony is to want one. (See 1 Nephi 2:16).

2. We must ask our Heavenly Father to help us gain a testimony (see D&C 42:51).

3. We must want a testimony enough that we are willing to work for it. (see Ether 12:6).

4. We will enjoy our testimony as we study and grow and increase in the knowledge of the truth. (see John 8:32).

5. We must care for our most prized posession, our testimony, by keeping the commandments of our Heavenly Father (see Mosiah 2:41, Alma 32:41).

Gaining a testimony sometimes takes a long time and requires diligence in attending church, listening attentively, living the Gospel principles taught at church, studying the scriptures, fasting and praying in faith that you will gain a testimony through the Holy Ghost. (see Alma 5:45-47)
Alma told his people that the word of God was like a seed that needs caring for every day so it will grow. (see Alma 32: 28-43) Our testimony of Heavenly Father is like that seed. We must care for it every day. If we neglect it, and do not nourish it, it will not bear fruit.

If desired, help the family plant some fast growing seeds and watch them grow.

True story: When Grandma and Grandpa lived in Finland we had the missionaries to dinner every week. In addition we had a strong impression that we should invite the missionaries over for Thanksgiving Dinner. Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Finland but I made a pumpkin pie other traditional "Thanksgiving foods". A turkey was not available so we had three chickens. Ralph went to look for the missionaries who were not home and found them in town. We were so glad we had invited them. One missionary was brand new and was related to William Bradford of the original Pilgrims. Thanksgiving had always been a big celebration in his family. He even brought genealogy charts that showed his ancesestors. Then we knew why we had been impressed to invite them.
Suggested Hymns: "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" ( Hymn No. 95) or "I Know My Father Lives" (Sing With Me B-39)

Person of the Week: Ben Kern who called me from a slumber party when he was just a boy because he had a bad feeling there.