Carne Asada

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  Psalm 133:1

Until my brother went to Iraq and my father was diagnosed with cancer, I don't think I truly realized what a gift I have in my family.  I guess I would liken it to breaking a limb.  You are grateful for all your body parts, but you don't fully come to appreciate them until one becomes incapacitated.  Then you come to the realization of how blessed you are when all the parts are functioning normally.  When the possibility came up that I could lose one of my family members, my mind flashed back to all the family gatherings we had shared together; Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter...  Did I spend the time loving and sharing with my family, or was I concerned about petty things?

Last night we had a BBQ at my brother's house.  There was no particular reason for us to get together, but we were all there.  My husband, children, mother, siblings and their spouses, nieces and nephews.  It was pure bliss, listening the the noise of steady conversation, laughter, children shouting, little feet running back and forth.  Appreciating the qualities that each person contributes to the dynamics of our family.  My brother's humor, my sister's love for children, my mom's constant nurturing, my brother-in-law's servanthood....

I want to teach my children to appreciate family.  Not only to be thankful for one another but to truly know what a blessing it is to be a part of a whole.  Today I need the ablilty to reflect a heart of appreciation in my home that transcends the ordinary.

Bringing Her Food From Afar...China

This is my secret ingredient.  When I invite friends over for a Chinese dinner, they marvel at my ability to emulate the cuisine.  The truth is...it has very little to do with my cooking skill and everything to do with this sauce.

It is called Black Bean Garlic Sauce.  The flavor is pungent, with a salty, bitter, sweet taste to it.

Stirfry - In beef, chicken or pork with your choice of vegetables.  Fry meat and vegetables until cooked through, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of black bean garlic sauce to frying pan.  Saute the mixture for a couple of minutes.  Serve with steamed rice.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

3 tablespoons oil

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (finely chopped)

1 cup water chestnuts finely chopped

2/3 cup mushrooms finely chopped

3 tablespoons chopped onions

1 teaspoon minced garlic

4 -5 leaves iceberg lettuce

2 tablespoons black bean garlic sauce

Bring oil to high heat in a wok or large frying pan.  Saute minced chicken for 2-3 min or until done.  Remove chicken from pan and set aside.  With the pan still on high heat, add another Tbsp of vegetable oil.  Add chicken, garlic, onions, water chestnuts and mushrooms to the pan.  Add the black bean garlic sauce to the pan and saute the mixture for a couple minutes then serve it in the lettuce cups.
(I tend to substitute ground meat for the chicken and whatever vegetables I have on hand; green onions, carrots, zucchini, etc., all finely chopped)

Bringing Her Food From Afar...

She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.  Proverbs 31:14

When I was single, I had the opportunity to travel to many different countries.  I loved experiencing the new sights, sounds and flavors of the various new lands that I was encountering.  As a mommy with two small children, the term "overseas travel" has pretty much disappeared from our dialog.  I must confess that when our schedule becomes predictable, and the day-to-day tasks become monotonous, my mind drifts to those days of old.  That is when I need "a little more" for the day and I cry out to the Lord to give me fresh perspective.

In His infinate wisdom, boundless creativity...and still, small voice, He reminds me that life is still an adventure.  This time however, it includes two little souls who I have the opportunity to share my experiences with.  So I am purposing to bring the world to my family through food.  I may not be able to venture across the seas...but I can bring the flavors of the world into my kitchen.  Along with some good old fashioned lessons in geography, foreign language and the culinary arts.

Ultimately, I desire for my children to know Christ and am learning that sharing with them is as important as sharing with those around us.