LET'S MAKE A CHANGE IN 2019

 Prepare a new plan of action, to be successful in 2019.

     I found this one thing I will do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

       If you have a hobby or always wanted one this will be the year to start one or put more effort and time into your old hobby. This year I plan to rewrite and add more healthy recipes to my blog, complete twice as many craft project by just putting more time and energy into my hobby. Try my hand at alter art and  mixed media projects, also using up all my scraps and the supplies I have on hand. My creativity  will increase and take my mind away from the problems of today. I know we will make it through 2019 by taking one day at a time and with God on our  side we will be all right.

HOW TO ROAST PUMPKIN SEEDS

Now that you have carved your pumpkin, and removed the membrane and seeds, it time to bake  up a batch of pumpkin seeds to snack on.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Cut a fresh, well-ripened pumpkin in half.
Remove the membrane and seeds.
Remove most of the pulp from the seeds (leaving some pulp on is okay because it adds to the flavor; for the same reason, do not rinse the seeds.
Heat oven to 300.
Spread 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a shallow pan.
Sprinkle seeds over oil in single layer.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt over seeds.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned; cool.
and 

Cajun Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 scant teaspoon Cajun seasoning, or to taste
paprika, for more color, if desired
a little salt, depending on saltiness of the seasoning
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon melted butter or vegetable oil
Preparation:
Rinse seeds well and get as much of the pumpkin pulp off of them as possible. Some of the small pieces are going to adhere, but they won't hurt the seeds at all, and might even add a little more flavor. Pat dry with paper towels. Don't let them dry completely on the paper towels, because they might stick!
Toss pumpkin seeds with seasonings. Combine butter and Worcestershire sauce; stir into seeds until well blended and coated.
Heat oven to 300°. Roast, turning from time to time, for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until nicely browned and crunchy. 

TIPS

Double or triple this roasted pumpkin seed recipe, depending on how many cups of seeds you have. One large pumpkin will generally yield 1 cup or pumpkin seeds, and smaller pie pumpkins will yield about the same amount. Toss a salad with these seeds, sprinkle over a chicken dish, or serve as a snack.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE

May all the dear ones in your life endure a life of happiness in 2017

7thDay of Kwanzaa Principle: Imani or Faith

Health Principle: Believe that you are an important part of Divine Creation. Have faith in your ability to heal yourself and the world.

JOLLOF RICE

Ingredients
1 large onion, slice
1(14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1/2 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 cup diced carrots
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped into 1 to 2 inch pieces
1//4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pour oil into large saucepan. Cook onion in oil over medium-low heat until translucent. Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste
and season with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes.
and Worcestershire sauce and rosemary.
Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, stir in water, and add chicken pieces. Simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in rice, carrots, and green beans, and season with nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover, and simmer until the chicken is fork-tender and the rice is cooked, 25 to 30 minutes.

6th Day of Kwanzaa Principle: Kuumba or Creativity

Health Principle: Use imagination to keep diet and exercise routines 

Okra, Corn and Tomatoes

Ingredients

4 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen cut okra
1 (14.5 ounce)cans diced tomatoes
1(20 ounce) packages frozen corn
2 tablespoons Creole seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 - 1 tsp Cayenne pepper(depending on your heat tolerance).

Place bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir to release some of the juices, and then add the onion and okra. Fry until tender and browned, stirring constantly. Add a little vinegar or squeeze of lemon can be used to brighten the taste and reduce the sliminess.  Be careful, as this tends to brown quickly. Pour in the tomatoes, and simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. Mix in the corn, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with Creole seasoning, salt and pepper, and serve.


To make this a one pot meal, add 1/2 pound of cook chicken and ½ pound of kielbasa sausages use a little sprayed in a pan, cook the smoked sausage until it’s a brown on both sides and add with the corn. You can also try 1 pound of clean and deveined raw shrimp add with the corn. Its great serviced over white rice.