Week 9- Kahlua

Before anyone goes judging me that alcohol is week nine's ingredient, take a look at this-

I bet you're on board now huh? Growing up Aunt Denise always made the best chocolate cake and it only took me about 18 years to figure out the not-so-secret ingredient--Kahlua!

I've been craving this cake for months, and now that I'm old enough to go out and buy the main ingredient, it's finally happening. Meg's birthday is on Wednesday, but like any good birthday it has turned into "birthday week" AKA- family dinner on tonight, presents and breakfast on Wednesday, our first happy hour nachos on Thursday and then celebration with a bunch of friends on Friday.

With so much goodness it makes up for the gloomy, wet days we have been having- anyone else ready for spring? Or just skip to summer? So ready for baseball games, the lake, reading all day, sunshine, and the beach.

Week 8- I'm slacking.....

Well, at the risk of week 8 coming and going without a single word, here is a quick update...

I'm not sure if salt counts as an "ingredient" of the week and there was definitely not a new recipe, but I gave it my best....My doctor last week suggested that I try salting all of my food with this stuff- not entirely sure why- I just do as I'm told.

It's quite strong and apparently the purest, highest-quality salt there is, so that's fun :)

In (way) more exciting news, we are entering into week 9, which also happens to be the wonderful Megan Wantz's 21st birthday!! I'm super excited to celebrate with her all week long, which includes family dinner, going to the Matador for their awesome cheap nachos for the first time, and making my aunt Denise's famous chocolate chip kahlua cake. Pictures and updates to come :)

learning to delight [in his will]

This past week has brought answers- lots of answers.

It's funny how sometimes answers come in the form of the unexpected. Three weeks ago if you told me (and some did tell me) that I would be taking a quarter off, leaving seattle, moving home and trying a new treatment I would have (and did) respond "there is absolutely no way"

And yet, here I am. Taking a quarter off, leaving seattle, moving home and trying a new treatment. AND completely at peace with it.

I feel as if the Lord has molded these verses to my life lately. I'm trying to wait patiently and I genuinely feel as if He is hearing my cries- my literal cries full of tears and the cries of my heart for direction, peace, healing and encouragement. And now that He has heard my cries and given me peace, the next logical step is to trust in Him and delight in His will.

"I waited patiently for the Lord;

and He inclined to me and heard my cry

He put a new song in my mouth,

a new song of praise to our God;

Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord.

How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust

I delight to do Your will, O my God;

Your law is within my heart."

Psalm 40: 1, 3, 4, 8

So here we go, as I talk to professors, figure out how to explain myself, take my leave of absence, dive head-first into this unknown- all while delighting in His will for my life.

May His will be done with joy.

new every morning

My mom sent out an email last night, asking friends and family to pray for my gram and gpa. He's moving into an assited care place today and we are all dealing with a world of emotion. Sadness. Relief. Letting Go. Comfort. Pain.

She ended the email with this verse: "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, Great is Thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23

Such a great reminder for all of us- regardless of pain, disappointment, change, the unsteady flow of life- His lovingkindness never ceases and his compassions never fail. They are new every morning and this morning is no exception.

Mom also wrote: "I'm writing because I believe in the power of prayer, as many of you do and I would like to ask you to be in prayer for Mom and Dad over these next few days. I don't imagine this request will be at all burdensome as most of you have been the subject of Mom's and Dad's prayers at one time or another and you have been blessed by them."

If you feel compelled or think about it please be in prayer for my gram, grandpa, and rest of the family today. I can't image the adjustment and change this move will bring for gram, but am praying for a painless day filled with peace and comfort beyond understanding.

love love love from the cucina

Week 7-adding a little spice

Well, the cookbook is in full swing, which involves me trying a few new muffin recipes today.

Let me tell you- I LOVE muffins. It was muffin explosion in our house all afternoon.

Today I tried Banana Blueberry Walnut and Pumpkin Spice with walnuts and raisins or with chocolate chips... We like to have options :)

The pumpkin spice's spice was cloves (which is kinda funny to try to find a picture on google images...) which is turning into the ingredient of the week. I've seen it and tried it, but never cooked or baked with it- so here we go! I'm loving how it adds a little kick to the muffin.

I'm gonna do a little digging and see what else I can put it in this week :)

love love love from the cucina

Macrina Brunch

My all time favorite Seattle coffee shop is Macrina. It's where Britt and I used to meet up for cousin coffee, it's where my ADD seems to be the least apparent, and they just happen to serve the best soy latte you will ever have. Every Saturday and Sunday they serve brunch. It has always looked amazing, but I've never splurged and gotten anything...until now!Mom was in town and we decided to give it a go. We both got a huge cup of coffee, she got this amazing egg sandwich and I got the strawberry french toast (yes that is chocolate sauce on the side-like I said, it was a splurge kinda day). It was absolutely wonderful to just sit, sip coffee and talk about life. I'm so so grateful for my mom and her ability to speak truth and peace into my life at any given moment. She's the bomb :)
love love love from the cucina (and Macrina's!)

Week Six- Coconut!

Week six of this year has been a little crazy- filled with lots of emotion, an impulse visit from mama hill (such a blessing), decisions to be made, midterms etc... Somewhere in the madness I took some time to make this granola- it has week six's ingredient in it- coconut!

Here's the recipe in case anyone wants to try it. I think next time I'll add different spices and fruits, but it's soo good!

• Ingredients
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup sliced almonds with skin (1/4 pound)
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 5 tablespoons mild honey
• Some cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup shredded coconut

• 
  
• preparation
• Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Oil a 4-sided sheet pan or line with parchment paper.
• 
  
• Stir together oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and coconut in a large bowl. Heat oil, honey, and spice in a small saucepan over low heat (or in a microwave) until heated through. Stir into oat mixture.
• 
  
• Spread evenly in sheet pan and bake, stirring once, until golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
• 
  
• Cool granola completely in pan- it crisps as it cools. Enjoy!

love love love from the cucina

Delightfully Free

I've been watching my amazing Aunt Tracy turn her diet and life upside down over the past few years, which has turned into a wonderful project and a beautiful ministry. She's taken on the task of creating gluten-free, dairy-free foods that actually taste good and make you feel good! Over the past few months I've been trying out recipes for her, sharing my ideas and waiting patiently for website, blog and cookbook!

Well the website and blog are up and running and the cookbook is not far behind :)

Check it out:

http://delightfullyfree.com/

http://delightfullyfree.blogspot.com/

On my heart

Sometimes, even my little white kitchen or making a 100th batch of muffins can't bring the peace and comfort my Father can. Praying for strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

I know that you have waited
So so faithfully,
I know that it's been painful
But I want you to know
That you are so pure, so precious, so lovely,
You have been crowned with immeasurable beauty
And Heaven rejoices
The moment you rise each day.

So I sing over you
A song of joy
Let the sun shine on your face.
I'll bring you life
And heal your wounds
Do you know I love you?
Do you know I love you?

I know that it may seem like
The storm will never cease.
But know that I am,
Trust my sovereignty.
I know my ways are hard to understand
My plan is greater than you can imagine
And through all the darkness,
I've never left your side.

So I sing over you
A song of joy
Let the sun shine on your face
I'll bring you life
And heal your wounds
Do you know I love you?
Do you know I love you?

Do you know I love you?
Do you know I love you?

I love you ...
I love you ...

There is strength for today
And bright hope for tomorrow

There is strength for today
And bright hope for tomorrow

--- 'Heaven Rejoices', Lex Buckley

Super Bowl!!

Let's be honest here- the best part about the super bowl is the commercials, the halftime show (hello black-eyed peas!) and the food! Alex was super super excited for Sunday to roll around, so we all indulged in her nostalgia and mustered up some excitement for super bowl sunday...It did not disappoint. We pulled out the snacks, made some chili and cheered till our heart content.

Overall, I'm gonna call it a victory :)

love love love from the cucina

Life Lately...

Has been a bit of a trial...Lots of exhaustion mixed with an awesome cold and midterms equals a lot of tea and kleenex...

This week will hopefully bring decisions, some much needed rest, birthday celebrations with the roommates and one step closer to spring break :)

love love love from the [sick] cucina

Sunshine and Dressing!

This week has been a little bit crazy. Somewhere in the midst of life, I've managed to make some balsamic vinegar dressing, which is fabulous. It's super simple too- just add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, herbes de provence, thyme, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Give it a swirl and that's it!

The sun also finally came out! I'm not exaggerating when I say we hadn't seen it since before Christmas break. Even though it was freezing, I took some time to just sit out in it, look at the mountains and even eat a little lunch at Kerry Park with Alex. There is just nothing like Seattle in the SUN!!! So beautiful.

Hope everyone is having a good week and taking time to look for the Lord's beauty around them- sun or no sun, it's amazing!

love love love from the cucina.

Week FIVE :)

Week Five's food is HERBES DE PROVENE. And I am obsessed!!! I've seen this in a ton of recipes, but never bothered to figure out what it was until now. Turns out it's a blend of wonderful spices and a hint of lavender, making for a lovely, versatile flavor.

So far it's been added to some roasted veggies, veggie pot pie, and just sprinkled over salad. I just absolutely love it :)

In other news, I just got this book in the mail from Amazon and I am so pumped! I'm only on page 8, but I'll keep ya posted on the highlights :)

There are lots of changes and decisions being thrown around in my life right now, which can seem a little (or a lot) overwhelming/intimidating. I'm reminded more and more everyday of the Lord's goodness and the all-knowing plan He has for us all. Driving along the coast today, looking out to the beautiful snow-capped mountains I felt a sense of peace that my life is in His hands-regardless of location, health, plans, and fears. Anyways, be encouraged- our life is not our own....

love love love from the cucina