fish tacos

                                                

YES! There is fish in this taco under all the veggies and stuff.
Fish tacos are yummy and easy to make. These were made with some tilapia filets that I battered and  fried.

I prefer to cook my own fish. I then know what is in the batter. I have used frozen fish that I have cooked according to the directions on the box. Either way they are good.

cooking the fish is the hardest part of it all.

1. cook fish portions.
2. warm tortillas. We use flour tortillas, but corn ones are yummy too.
3. add a piece or two of cooked fish
4. top with your favorite toppings We used lettuce, tomato, bell pepper,chopped onion, avacado, salsa, sour cream, cheese and a squeeze of lime. You could also add fresh cilantro if you like it.
 5. enjoy

pickled purslane

                                           


When I was reading about the effects of Omega fatty acids on the body and brain. I read about Purslane, a weed that grows wild in these parts. It is a noteble source of Omega 3's. I looked in my garden. Purlsane was abundant and ready to be picked. I picked a bunch, cooked some, and put some in my salad. I then decided to preserve some for later use.

It is actually pretty good for a weed.



PICKLED PURSLANE

1 quart purslane stems and leaves
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1 quart apple cider vinegar
10 peppercorns

Clean the purslane stems and leaves by rinsing with fresh water.
Cut into 1" pieces and place in clean jars with lids. Add the spices
and pour the vinegar over the purslane. Keep this in the refrigerator
and wait at least two weeks before using. Will keep for up to a year.

PS. There is a weed similar to purslane called spurn which can be poisonous.
 Below is a link to a blog that talks about the difference along with some great photos.
spurge vs purslane

GOOD TIMBER

This is a poem that I memorized years ago when in the 6th grade.  It has been an inspiration in my life. It is a reminder that the hard times are worth it in the end.


                                                    GOOD TIMBER

by Douglas Malloch

The tree that never had to fight

for sun and sky and air and light,

but stood out in the open plain

and always got its share of rain,

never became a forest king

but lived and died a scrubby thing.

The man who never had to toil

to gain and farm his patch of soil,

who never had to win his share

of sun and sky and light and air,

never became a manly man

but lived and died as he began.

Good timber does not grow with ease;

the stronger wind, the stronger trees;

the further sky, the greater length;

the more the storm, the more the strength.

by sun and cold, by rain and snow,

in trees and men good timbers grow.

Where thickest lies the forest growth,

we find the patriarchs of both.

and they hold counsel with the stars

whose broken branches show the scars

of many winds and much of strife.

this is the common law of life.

crustless spinich quiche

This is one of our favorite recipes. It is simple and easy to make. You can make a traditional quiche with a crust, but we prefer it this way. Whenever we have fresh spinach we make this recipe.



Crustless spinach quiche

preheat oven to 375

6 slices bacon chopped
1/2 cup onion chopped
Brown the onion and bacon together in a skillet until the bacon is crisp then drain on a papertowel

In a bowl beat together
8 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
add
3 cups chopped fresh spinach
2/3 cup shredded cheese (swiss or monterary jack are two of our favorites)
bacon and onion

pour into a greased 9x9 pan or a 9 inch deep pie dish

bake in a 375 oven for about 45- 50 minutes. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

So yummy, and you will never miss the traditional quiche with a crust
Great for a lazy breakfast on a weekend, or as a light lunch. We also serve it with a salad for supper.

AN INVITE TO ALL PEOPLE

Come hear the word of the lord!  To all people everywhere: The general worldwide conference for The church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints is this weekend!  I CANNOT WAIT TO HEAR THE MESSAGES OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION.   Twice a year; in the spring and in the fall, the millions of members of my church get together to praise and worship God. It is such a wonderful time to come together with millions of people in love and unity. There are four general sessions that are open to anyone and everyone to participate by radio, television, and internet.


When: Saturday, October 6th and Sunday, October 7th 2012

Time: 10 am and 2 pm    MST (Mountain standard time)   Saturday and Sunday
(this would be 12 noon and  4 pm on the East coast)

Where:  lds.org weblink for conference viewing

There will also be many radio stations hosting. Many of the stations that host the Mormon tabernacle choir broadcasts on Sunday mornings will also be hosting. BYU television is also another place to check for a chance to watch on the television. I know that in my Area KSL Television will host.

I hope that you will take the time to join in and participate in this wonderful event for all

pumpkin pie squares

With fall in the air it is a great time to share pumpkin recipes.

This is a recipe that I have had for years. We do not make it very often anymore because we have chosen to get away from pre packaged items. That aside, it is still yummy and very easy to make.


easy pumpkin pie squares

preheat oven to 350

crust
1 box yellow cake mix (reserve 1 cup for the topping)
1/2 cup soft butter or margarine
1 egg
Mix together until moistened and then spread in the bottom of a 9x13 pan

filling
1 large can pumpkin (2 cups)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup milk
beat together until smooth and pour over the crust

topping
1 cup reserved cake mix
1/4 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
mix together and sprinkle over the filling

bake in preheated 350 oven for 1 hour

He doesn't have to share at home!

The other day while my kids were playing with a bunch of neighborhood children, fighting broke out. They were fighting over a toy. I pulled my children aside. I told them that we needed to share, or we would go home. I heard one of the Grandmothers comment about her grandson, "He doesn't have to share at home, they each have their own rooms and own toys,they don't have to share."  That comment really struck me.

A few weeks later I caught the end of a documentary on the television. They were speaking with a School Prinicpal who had made great strides in her school to clean it up. The school was in such bad shape it was a real problem. The building itself was nearly condemed. Once they cleaned the building up, they needed to get the teachers on board. They were no longer going to have some of the lowest test scores in the nation. In the process of it all they were shocked to discover that the children lacked the basic skills to be able to learn

They began with the simple things that the children should have learned early on as a toddler; things like, please, thank you, taking turns, and sharing. It was making a huge difference. They were having less distractions in the classroom.  The children were more focused and ready to learn. They were able to turn things around for these children.

It takes a village to raise a child. My parents know this and lived it. They have spent countless hours working with the youth over the years. In scouts, as young men's and young women's group leaders in our church,as 4-H leaders and various other things. They were a part of the community. I remember them serving on the volenteer fire department. They contributed  to society and they taught us children to do the same. There have been many who have come back as an grown men and women and said to my parents "Thank you". They encouraged us to participate in such things as 4-H, and Youth city council. They wanted to give us a good start in life. I am grateful for that. Now that I am grown, I am making a difference in my family and community.

Teaching my children to be a good example to their peers is a good start. The other day I heard my three year-old saying to one of the other children "lets be caring and sharing" I was proud of her.  She learned that from my good example. We can all be a force for good in this world. We can make a difference, one child at a time.

Now it is your turn. Go and make a difference in the life of a child.