Yep, it was another Migraine Day. No post until tomorrow. See you then!
What’s Cookin’ in the Parsonage?
A couple of weeks ago my husband took me to Cracker Barrel where we shared their Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin. Oh, my! It was so delicious! I knew I had to try to reinvent the recipe at home. When Sunday dinner came we were all ready for a diversion from turkey leftovers, so I saw this as my opportunity to try the pork. It was a tasty change! I can’t say I nailed the exact recipe, but there wasn’t a piece of meat left on the platter, so whatever I came up with was a keeper here at the Cunningham house! Here was my menu –
Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin
Cooked Apples
Sweet Corn
Mashed potato Casserole
Biscuits
Here’s was my cooking method:
I placed a pork loin in a roasting pan and seasoned the meat with salt and pepper. I then spread apple butter over the meat and poured about a cup of apple cider into the pan. I covered the meat with fresh, chopped rosemary. Fuji apples were sliced and placed around the meat. The whole pan got covered with foil, then placed into a 280 degree oven before I left for Sunday school.
When I got home, I removed the pan sauces and added a slurry to them to thicken them for gravy. The cider makes it a sweet gravy, but it’s so good on the meat!
I did have mashed potato leftovers from Thanksgiving that I wanted to use, so I warmed them, and added a little light cream cheese and light sour cream. Hopefully they were disguised from their original mashed potato and gravy intention!
We got out the Christmas dishes this weekend – it’s hard to believe it’s time for them, but I love having a change in December. I have this china, then I also have a casual daily set to use. Dishes are one thing that your family will remember. It can be a part of your family’s tradition. “That was the bowl we always used for popcorn” or “those were the plates we always used at Christmas.”
I have vivid memories of my mom’s dishes, do you? What special memory do you cherish? And what was cooking in your kitchen this weekend?
With love,
It’s Free!
I can’t remember a time I’ve ever won anything for free – that is until this past week! Ahhhhh! I really won something! I yelled out when I learned the news! It’ a beautiful “something” too, but I’m not going to tell you about because I’m giving it away to my daughter, and she reads my blog! Suffice it to say that I’d love to keep it (but I won’t)! I entered a contest on a blog I follow and I was chosen out of hundreds of entries – amazing!
Free just has an amazing sound to it! Let Sam’s club give away free samples and you have to dodge the carts, lest you get maimed by someone running for that 1/4″ piece of cheese or swallow of apple cider! People will spend money on stamps on envelopes to send away for a coupon for a one free sample size of the product just because, well, it’s free!
Does it amaze you that our salvation was absolutely free? We paid nothing; we own nothing. There are no strings attached. Christ gave His life for me. All I have to do is accept His free gift of salvation and enjoy the benefits of being a child of God for all eternity. My heart desires to serve Him because I love Him, but it’s not a payment; it’s gratitude.
We, who are thirsty, are also commanded to drink of the water of life freely. Each day my soul is thirsty for God. I come to His Word and He freely pours out His truths to me that my thirst may be quenched. The picture is that of the water of life gushing forth with no restraint. I leave satisfied. If I choose to walk past the sample booth at Sam’s, it’s my loss (not much of one, but a loss, nonetheless). If I ignore the Water that’s freely poured out to me; it’s my loss – and it’s a huge one! We each need to stop and drink and drink each day. It’s better than the free gift that will be coming in the mail soon. That gift can burn, break or get lost. My free salvation and the water of life is mine forever. Now, that’s something to rejoice about!
See you in church!
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30
Happy Thanksgiving, dear Friends. I pray this is a wonderful day for you full of rejoicing and giving of thanks to our great God. I am thankful for each of you who take time to read my blog and for the encouragement you are to me.
I am hosting my family, and my girls fellas, and maybe two more sweet friends, if they’re able to join us. We’re looking forward to lifting up the Lord’s name in praise as we gather together. We have so much to be thankful for. My heart will indeed magnify Him today.
With a grateful heart,
Okay, it’s only one day before Thanksgiving, and maybe this post is a bit late for you, but if you’re having the family at your house for the big “Ta-da” you need to be sure your house is ready. Here are a few tips to make a swing through and get things in order before the guests arrive:
- De clutter. Walk through the living room/family room and see what can be removed. I have a small living room, so taking out small things unclutters the room visually. Removing unnecessary items like unused books and magazines can also give more room for seating.
- Have enough coasters out so your guests have a place to set a glass or coffee cup.
- Have ingredients on hand that you might not use. If you drink your coffee black, be sure to have cream and sugar/sweeteners for your guests
- Make space in the coat closet for your guests coats. Remove your out-of-season things so your company won’t have to throw their garments across the bed with kitty fur. (Spoken from the owner of a long-haired cat!
If your guests will be staying with you overnight, here are a few other things to consider:
- Make sure the towels are incredibly easy for guests to find.
- With the complimentary items from a hotel, create a basket with small bottles of shampoo, soaps and toothpaste in case someone forgot a necessary item.
- Stock the toilet paper in a place where everyone can find it easily without having to go on a desperate search.
- Provide extra blankets in the room where your guests will be sleeping.
- Give them a place to put their suitcase.
- De clutter surfaces so they a spot for their belongings.
- Provide a small night light so they can find their way in the night, should they need to get up.
Being a guest can be much more pleasant when the hostess has made provisions that assure you she’s glad you are there. Getting your house “guest-ready” is one way to let them know that they are special to you and so is their visit!
With love,
RefreshHer 