Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce



Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce

2 pounds asparagus spears, about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick
boiling water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Hollandaise sauce .
Break off tough ends of stalks then use a vegetable peeler to peel tough skin from lower part of stalks and remove scales. Rinse well. Place stalks in a deep large skillet. Add 1 inch boiling water to skillet and add the salt. Bring to a boil and boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes. cover, simmer 7 minutes longer. With tongs, remove asparagus to a heated serving dish.


Serve with Hollandaise sauce .


Hollandaise
1/2 cup butter
3 large eggs yolks
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons hot water
finely chopped fresh parsley or chives and paprika , if desired

Heat butter in a heavy saucepan until hot and foamy, but not browned. In a small bowl, whisk or beat egg yolks with lemon juice.. Gradually beat in butter, then water. Return mixture to saucepan and beat over very low heat until mixture is slightly thickened. Serve immediately or let stand over warm water for up to 30 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley/chives and paprika before serving. Makes about 2/3 cup of hollandaise sauce.
Enjoy ~~ Ella

Monday, March 29, 2010

Shalom ...................


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem and wishing God's Blessings and Protection
for them as they begin to celebrate Passover.

Praying for God's peace to be upon them.
Love in Christ, Ella



Zec:12:3: And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Cupcakes, Fashion-shows, Family, Sleep-overs and Princesses............


Anni -Boo had her Annual Sleepover last night .........

God Bless my Daughter.
I lost count at some point of just how many little fashonista's made their way down the stairs this morning for their early morning , and I mean early morning evening wear competition.....
I think they were doing a parade for my Mom who is a captive audience , but she loves it.

I don't think anyone in the house slept last night with the

exception of Dear Aunt Sandi who was sent to the hospital

( She is battling pneumonia) ...Thankfully it was not her heart.


As I made my way up and down the stairs yesterday I was

exceptionally thankful to be surrounded by my family.


Little Christopher was up in Mom's Bed with his Sponge

Bob pillow watching cartoon's . I looked at my Mom now bed-bound

and gave thanks to God we still have her with us and thought how she

has held 4 generations in her arms just like that .


My sister was Spring cleaning.
Hubby and SIL were working on my car. It certainly isn't as calm as the Duggar's .......But we all love each other and are happy to be enjoying everyday life together!



Love in Christ, Ella

Friday, March 26, 2010

Friday Prohecy Post ...... Where is the promise of his coming?


2Pe:3:3: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2Pe:3:4: And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.



Brothers and Sisters............It is just not popular anymore to speak of endtime events. It is rarely taught from the pulpits of America and is considered " Gloom & Doom" preaching.

When did the Blessed Hope turn into " Gloom & Doom " preaching?????

It saddens my heart that this is happening, but it is happening . Even within my family and amidst those who even once taught me prophecy......

It is just too negative, not a positive message.......

I just do not get that at all ???????

Since when is the Glorious Return of our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ not a positive message.

The events leading up to His Return should thrill our souls and call us to attention !!!!!!!!!!!!
We should be delighted in anticipation of the return of Christ!

No matter where you personally stand on the timeline.....pre, mid, post.......Who can deny the clarity or the rapidity of the events that are being fulfilled at breakneck speed.


Jesus said this : Lu:21:28: And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
I am going to continue to talk about endtime events and prophecy related headlines.....Because to me.............. It is awesome to consider that the return of the Lord is near!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love in Christ, Ella

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Hot Cross Buns



This is a recipe from Southern Living. I have


Used this one quite a while now.

Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients
2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
1 cup warm milk (100° to 110°)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup raisins


Sugar Glaze
Yield: 1/2 cup
Ingredients
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
Whisk together all ingredients until smooth.

Preparation
Combine yeast and 1/2 cup warm water in a large mixing bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Add warm milk and next 5 ingredients. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended.
Combine flour and cinnamon, and gradually add to yeast mixture, beating at medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in raisins.
Place dough in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top.
Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
Punch dough down; cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 30 minutes.
Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface, and roll to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with a 2-inch round cutter.



Place on a lightly greased 15- x 10-inch jellyroll pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Let rolls cool 10 minutes. Pipe Sugar Glaze over rolls in an Cross shape.


Love in Christ, Ella

Monday, March 22, 2010

Happy Spring .............................




Ro:15:13: Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

that ye may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Ghost.

*****************************

*****************************





Enjoy , the Joy of the Lord today......it is our strength!!!!



Love in Christ, Ella


Friday, March 19, 2010

Friday Prophecy Post ........., the love of many shall wax cold.


M't:24:12: And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Have you experienced the waxing cold of your love toward someone or something?

Most often when this happens it is because of an offence .....
which we learned a bit about last week.

Sin, wickedness and evil directed at us or someone we love can cause an offense and cause our love to go cold if we are not careful.

If this has happened or is happening to you , bring it to Jesus.
Put it at His feet and under the blood. Don’t be part of the many………….

1Jo:1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 
Iniquity
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural in·iq·ui·ties
Etymology: Middle English iniquite, from Anglo-French iniquité, from Latin iniquitat-, iniquitas, from iniquus uneven, from in- + aequus equal
Date: 14th century
1 : gross injustice :
wickedness2 : a wicked act or thing : sin
 
 
Lexicon Results LOVE
Strong's G26 - agapē
Transliteration
agapē
Pronunciation
ä-'-pā (Key)
   
Outline of Biblical Usage
1) affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love
2) love feasts
Authorized Version (KJV) Translation Count — Total: 116
AVlove 86, charity 27, dear 1, charitably+2596 1, feast of charity 1
 
Correlated Passages Using KJV  The Love
Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.


Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.


Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
 
Love is : 1st Corinthians 1 : 1-13 ( NIV )

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

 
Joh:13:35: By this shall all men know that ye
are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Love in Christ, Ella


Thursday, March 18, 2010

Grilling Season ..............


It is suppose to be in the 70's this weekend and for Central New England, 7o's in
March is just about equal to Summer ...LOL...

This is a great side to anything coming off your grill this season.

Potato Egg Salad

5 lbs of potatos boiled and peeled
1 1/2 cups Miracle Whip
3 large chopped on ions
7 stalks of chopped celery
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
2 tablespoons of sweet relish
1 dozen large eggs hard boiled, 6 chopped & 6 sliced .
Cube potatoes and place in bowl. Add mayonnaise, onion, celery, relish and garlic.. Mix well. Fold in eggs. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or more.
Garnish with sliced eggs, paprika , and chopped chived
Enjoy!
Love in Christ, Ella

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Stay in the boat ...................



Are you in one of life's storms...

Winds and waves raging around you .
Stay in the boat. God is Faithful.

The Word of the Lord to me this morning.



Isa:59:19: So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.


Love in Christ, Ella

Monday, March 15, 2010

Peace...........




Joh:14:27: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Love in Christ, Ella

Friday, March 12, 2010

Friday Prophecy Post....And Many False Prophets shall arise.....


M't:24:11: And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
It is staggering the number of Prophets, Teachers, Apostles, Bishops, Leaders in this world that are naming the Name of Christ and leading people astray….

It is not my intention to list people or to name them.
As God’s children we have His Holy Spirit to lead and to direct us.
But we must pay careful and deliberate attention to this matter.
This is not even “ The False Prophet” it is the MANY
False Prophets that shall arise.

My husband and I have opened our house to many people over the past 13 years or more to share the gospel and to witness of the grace , love and salvation found in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We have had some eye-opening experiences. I will share briefly one we encountered a few years back when we were teaching an “end time prophecy” event.

We had advertised this particular event in the local newspaper and this was apart from our weekly Bible Study group that has met for several years.

I got a call a few days after the notice had run from a man , he was calling to find out the time and directions to attend the meeting. He was the only person that called.

Interesting, but my husband and I felt it was the leading of the Lord and so although only this one man was going to be there , we decided to go through with the meeting.
The evening arrived , and the man came with his wife, as they entered our house , something stirred in my spirit and not in a good way, they took a seat in our living room and the Holy Ghost in me knew immediately there was something awry with this couple.
They were an older couple, very educated and well groomed.

They both had bibles with them. We sat in the Living Room and gave each other a bit of back-ground , I stayed unusually reserved and quiet as I was listening to the voice of the Spirit of God.

It did not take long before their intentions and beliefs began to “manifest”.
She was a very educated woman who immediately began to dominate the discussion, as she continued in her erroneous doctrinal beliefs she actually began to manifest almost what I would call a demonic countenance.

I was looking to my husband to see if he was getting the same discernment. He was .
Needless to say this couple, believed they were of a higher consciousness to the written Word of God , that it was basically as any other book .

The frightening thing was , she was a teacher, and He was a minister in the Prison system in our state spreading this false doctrine to a “captive” audience .
We were horrified to say the least. It was like something out of the movies.

But thankfully my husband and I had experience in spiritual warfare and manifestation of demonic activity so we able to quickly rid our house of them and all they brought in with them.
We should not marvel at what the enemy is capable of .
   
2Co:11:13: For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Co:11:14: And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Co:11:15: Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
 
 
 
God’s Word tells us :
They will show signs & wonders.
They will speak perverse things in order to gain a following
They have departed from “ the faith”.
The give heed to seducing spirits
The teach doctrines of devils
They bring “damnable heresies into the church”
They deny the Lord
They turn the grace of God into lasciviousness

Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin lasciviosus, from Latin lascivia wantonness, from lascivus wanton — more at lust
Date: 15th century
: lewd, lustful
— las·civ·i·ous·ly adverb
— las·civ·i·ous·ness noun
 
 
 
 
Matthew 24:5
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mark 13:12 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect.

Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

I Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

I John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.



Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
 
 
 
The Apostle Jude minced no words in describing what was happening and it would do us well to listen to and discern with hearts turned toward God the strong words of Jude:

Jude:1:1: Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
Jude:1:2: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
Jude:1:3: Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jude:1:4: For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude:1:5: I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Jude:1:6: And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Jude:1:7: Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Jude:1:8: Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Jude:1:9: Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Jude:1:10: But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Jude:1:11: Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
Jude:1:12: These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jude:1:13: Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
Jude:1:14: And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Jude:1:15: To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
Jude:1:16: These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Jude:1:17: But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Jude:1:18: How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Jude:1:19: These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Jude:1:20: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Jude:1:21: Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude:1:22: And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jude:1:23: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Jude:1:24: Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jude:1:25: To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
 
Love in Christ, Ella

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Corned Beef and Cabbage



This Sunday's dinner will be the same one we make every year the day of the St Patrick's Day Parade in our City.
People scrambling home from morning services before they block off all the primary routes.
We have a great view of the parade right from our porch , a blessing some years . Very noisy others.

This weekend's weather is predicted to be very heavy rain.
I have not heard that they have cancelled the parade yet. There have been years when we have had snow flying and they continue down the street.

It's the day to get your Girl Scout cookies, and see neighbors you may see only once a year.
I am hoping to get to CVS tomorrow for ear-plugs , as the older I get, I don't seem to enjoy the crashing cymbals and drums and horns..... I will however be making dinner for my family.

With a smile and my earplugs in .

Love in Christ, Ella


Corned Beef and Cabbage

2- 4-6 pound corned beef briskets
4-5 bay leaves
¼ C. pickling spices
¼ C black peppercorns
12 white boiling or Red potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
2lbs carrots, cut into pieces
3 onions, quartered
1 sleeve of celery cut into chunks
2 small turnips, cut into chunks
3 small cabbage, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon salt

Directions
In a large pot combine meat, spices, onions , celery and enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 4-5 hours. Add vegetables and salt. Simmer 90 minutes more.
To finish, remove corned beef to a carving board and slice against the grain. Get one of your Grandmother’s huge deep platters ….. Arrange vegetables around meat and serve.
This makes enough to feed my family of 11 and enough to feed an extra one or two surprise guest.

Serve with a good brown mustard, vinegar, picked eggs, Good bread ( Brown bread with Raisins) and butter! No margarine. Dessert Crumb cake & Cheese Cake !!!!!
Yummy !


 
 

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

When I consider thy heavens.............

Psalms:8:3: When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

Was listening to a favorite prophecy teacher of mine and he mentioned this site .........and shared that there has been approximately 250-270 earthquakes in the past week. Of at least 4.5 or more..

Here is the link if you would like to check it out .......

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/

Kinda cool information, I was amazed at all of the activity .



Love in Christ, Ella
Lu:21:11: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Friday Prophecy Post -And then shall many be offended.....




M't:24:10: And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
 
 
It seems as if we have diluted the potency of the word offended and its meaning in these days. So many feel offended at this or that …..

But when you look at the core of it meaning, it brings a whole new understanding to the implications of the word and the results of being “offended “ as it is used in this statement by Jesus.
  
 
Merriam-Webster Dictionary- online
Main Entry: of·fend
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French offendre, from Latin offendere to strike against, offend, from ob- against + -fendere to strike — more at ob-, defend
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 a : to transgress the moral or divine law : sin b : to violate a law or rule : do wrong
2 a : to cause difficulty, discomfort, or injury
b : to cause dislike, anger, or vexation transitive verb
1 a : violate, transgress b : to cause pain to : hurt2 obsolete : to cause to sin or fall3 : to cause to feel vexation or resentment usually by violation of what is proper or fitting
 
Strong's G4624 - skandalizō = Offended
 
Outline of Biblical Usage
1) to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall, metaph. to offend
a) to entice to sin
b) to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey
1) to cause to fall away
2) to be offended in one, i.e. to see in another what I disapprove of and what hinders me from acknowledging his authority
3) to cause one to judge unfavourably or unjustly of another
c) since one who stumbles or whose foot gets entangled feels annoyed
1) to cause one displeasure at a thing
2) to make indignant
3) to be displeased, indignant
 



Is the “Many” Jesus is talking about in this particular passage believers??
Are they brothers and sisters in Christ? It would appear to be……To be offended is to in part “ Fall Away” ……………….
 
M't:11:6: And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

M't:13:21: Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

M't:13:57: And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

M't:26:31: Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

M't:26:33: Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

M'r:4:17: And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
 
Lu:7:23: And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Joh:16:1: These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
 
 
Jesus clearly tells us that affliction and persecution for the Word’s sake
will continue to increase until His return and that MANY will be offended , will fall away, will betray and will hate one another.
 
Lord guard my heart and mind against offence. Help us to stay close to the Lord Jesus, that we will stay in His Word, be filled with the Holy Spirit of God and Pray for understanding and discernment ………
 
Lord help me to keep a close check on my thoughts , my words and my attitudes.
Lord, help me not to give the enemy a foothold to cause you to become offended.


Heb:12:15: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
  
1Th:5:24: Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

1Co:2:5: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Ga:5:1: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Ph'p:1:27: Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
 
Ph'p:4:1: Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.


Psalms:37:18: The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.


Love in Christ, Ella

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

ITALIAN EASTER PIE


This is quite an labor of love, but if you are fortunate to have your kids and some darling grands, a couple of sisters, your Mom , some cousins.......anyone you invite in the kitchen, it can become a lovely tradition and a yummy delight on your Easter breakfast /Brunch table .

ITALIAN EASTER PIE
 
Dough:
4 1/2 to 5 cups flour, more if needed
1/2 cup whole milk, scalded
1/2 cup water, lukewarm
2 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
7 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons buttermilk or sour cream
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
5 eggs (for dough)
1 egg, boiled
1 egg, mixed with 1 tablespoon water for glaze

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 4 1/2 cups flour. Using the dough hook attachment, work 3 tablespoons butter tablespoons into dough, as though you were making a pie crust.
1/2 cup lukewarm water, Bring water temperature to about 105 degrees (or warm to the touch). Stir in 1/3 cup flour to "feed" yeast. The yeast mixture should begin to bubble and foam up.

Set aside for 10-15 minutes.


In a small heavy bottomed saucepan, scald 1/2 cup milk. Watch milk carefully during the scalding process and remove from heat when the milk begins to foam slightly.

Set aside and allow to sit undisturbed. A skin will form around edges and on top of milk as it cools. Remove the coagulated milk from the edges and skim the top skin off using a spoon. Pour the cooled (85 degrees) milk into the yeast mixture.

Using the same saucepan the milk was heated in, melt 4 tablespoons butter. When butter has nearly melted, add 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and remove from heat. Allow to cool to nearly 85 degrees.

Break 5 eggs into flour mixture. Mix on medium setting 2 minutes. Add butter mixture and 3 tablespoons buttermilk or sour cream. Pour yeast mixture into flour mixture and combine. Add 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (do not substitute).
Knead at medium speed of electric mixer for 8-10 minutes. If dough is too stiff for easy mixing, add a few tablespoons water.

Turn out onto lightly floured board and using your hands, which you've rubbed with olive oil knead gently for 5 minutes. Dough should be light and airy, and somewhat sticky.
Place into a greased bowl, turn once to coat with oil, cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm, draft free place to rise until doubled in bulk.

When the dough has doubled, punch it down and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Divide in 1/2 and roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Grease a deep dish pan with olive oil. Line the pan bottom and sides with the rolled out dough, easing dough into pan without stretching. Puncture bottom and sides with fork; coat with egg glaze.


Filling:
1/2 lb mortadella, sliced and chopped
1/2 lb provolone, thinly sliced
1/2 lb capicola (hot ham), very thinly sliced
1/4 lb prosciutto, very thinly sliced
2-3 slices each pepperoni or salami, chopped
1-2 slices sopressato, chopped (optional)
1 1/2 cups ricotta
1 entire basket Easter cheese (fromaggio fresca)
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons Romano cheese, freshly grated
3/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, cracked

At your deli, have the cold cuts sliced thinly, with the prosciutto being shaved thinly enough to see through it.
Remove the casing strings from the cold cuts, roll them up and slice them into 1/2 inch wide strips.
For the pepperoni, sopressato, or salami, chop the strips into small squares. Chop half of the mortadella into squares as well, reserving half of it to layer in criss-cross strips to create a layer in the same way that you'll be using the proscuitto.

Measure out a half cup of the ricotta. Add Parmesan and Romano cheese to this, then stir in the cracked whole peppercorns.

Assembly:

Add the filling to the crust, beginning by lining the bottom of the crust with a thin layer of prosciutto, torn into strips. Cover with a scant layer of very thinly sliced boiled eggs (the boiled egg here is optional - feel free to leave it out).

Next, add a layer of ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, cracked pepper mixture.
Place a layer of torn capicola to cover the layer.

Next, place a thin layer of provolone cheese. Cover this layer with the remaining 1 cup ricotta which has been mixed with the chopped pepperoni, sopressato, mortadella and capicola.

Place a layer of thin strips of mortadella, and next a layer of fromaggio fresca broken into chunks. Press down slightly if the filling is getting too high.

Next, a layer of hot ham, then a final layer of prosciutto and fromaggio fresca. (An optional variation at this step is to place a single layer of baby spinach, blanched, and squeezed dry into the center ricotta layer. I like it with the spinach )

In a cup, beat one egg with 1 tablespoon cold water. Use this as the egg glaze for brushing over crust just before baking.

Brush the pie edges with egg glaze so that the top crust will make a better seal with the bottom crust.

Roll out and drape top crust over pie; trim away excess using a kitchen scissors, leaving a 1/2 inch margin.

Press together and crimp edges well, then flute in a decorative fashion.

Insert 3 tin-foil funnels through pie crust top in order to allow steam to escape.

Let rise 15 minutes, brush crust with egg glaze before baking in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.

Check at 35 minutes; cover with tin foil if browning to quickly
Cover and refrigerate overnight. Cut into 1 1/2 to 2 inch slices and allow individual slices to sit at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Meet Rose .............




This is Rose…..She is part of a collection of Victorian Dolls from Ashton Drake Galleries that I have had for some time now.

I thinks she is stunning.She makes an appearance at my house for a couple of weeks a year at Christmas time to sit in the Living Room with all things Victorian…..


I have been thinking about trying to “purge/scale-down/lighten the load recently.
I have gone through boxes of Depression glass and Angels of every kind, boxes of Americana /Prims and Raggedy Ann‘s.
Milk Glass and Restaurant ware. Teddy Bears and Teacups……..


I am so attached to this stuff….Some of it I only see once a year, and then , I am like a child at Christmas, excitedly unwrapping ………..whatever treasure I have taken out .
My husband indulges me in this “collecting” …..
He has his collections too !Greasy tools, empty 5-gallon dry-wall buckets, half-dried high-lighters, his collections of half-empty caulking tubes…….


I was vacuuming the living-room last night and saw a new show advertised The subject is “Hoarding”……I was horrified ………People trapped in their houses surrounded by all this “Stuff”….
It was a mini awakening….A reminder to make sure I am continually examining my heart , thoughts and attitudes to align them to God’s Word.

I am going to be working on downsizing and lightening the load of stuff , I am carrying around. In my heart and in my home.


Love in Christ, Ella