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