Christmas break with a munchkin

Changes


Clay's work shuts down over the holidays so he is home now till the new year.... merry Christmas indeed!!

With Adah old enough to "have fun" now our days look alot different than they did a year or two ago at Christmas time. What a delight it is. She loves to walk holding our hands up to the Christmas tree and look at the ornaments. Last year we gave her a little "Belle" ornament, and now she loves to go over and ring it. It's precious. A favorite family activity has been playing outside... here are some of my favorite pics so far :)

:) I love how life changes.

Merry Christmas!
Rachel

Choquettes & Quinoa...

I would imagine that this is the first time those two foods are mentioned in the same breath. They are very different. They are both very good.

This December if you are looking for something fun to try making, here are two options we've been enjoying. They are both a little bit "weird." One is not healthy at all, the other is quite healthy... :) (So I'm thinkin that if you eat them both it will all balance out in the end! haha!)

Here ya go:


Choquettes (SHAW-KET):


We followed this recipe for Clay's birthday dessert (his choice). They are yum french choux pastry puffs. With only a hint of sweet, a crispy shell and a hollow inside they are fun to make and even more fun to eat. (Note: These, however, do not save very well. We tried them the next day and they weren't crispy at all :( kinda a bummer... so I would recommend either making a smaller batch or just plan on sharing or eating alot!)


Quinoa (KEEN-WA):

Since we began P90X in August, Quinoa has been a new staple food around our house. It is extremely healthy, and it's delicate nutty flavor is very adaptable (in my opinion) to many dishes. It is often recommended as a rice substitute.

Big bag of Quinoa from Costco! (Yeah, I was happy to find it there!)

Here it is with one of our favorite fish recipes... it's delish!

This is probably my favorite way to have it.
Breakfast: served hot with milk, cinnamon, honey, nuts and craisins. (or any variation thereof)

It also makes a fantastic Mexican "rice" that is so full of protein you don't need meat in your mexican dish and it's still satisfying (even for my meat loving man!).

Contrary to Choquettes, Quinoa stores amazingly well. I usually just make a big batch of it and put it in the fridge to eat throughout the week in it's various forms.

Hope you are all enjoying your Christmas season!

Love,
Rachel

New found untitled encouragement

Lovely truth

The powers of death have done their worst,
But Christ their legions hath dispersed:
Let shout of holy joy outburst.
Alleluia!

The three sad days are quickly sped,
He rises glorious from the dead;
All glory to our risen Head!
Alleluia!

Lord! By the stripes which wounded thee,
From death's dread sting thy servants free,
That we may live and sing to thee.
Alleluia!

Latin 1695--Episcopal Hymnal

Birthday Boy

26



Yesterday my husband turned 26. I think this makes 16 years of knowing eachother... that's kinda crazy!

All I know is that I am so lucky to know him at all... and to be his wife is the best earthly thing that has ever happened to me.

Happy birthday to my favorite everything. I can not imagine my life without you and I hope to be by your side for the next 26 years and counting...

You're my BFF ;)


Rachel

Cheddar Biscuits

Wow


This recipe is SO delicious!!!!!!! A fun holiday treat for the biscuit & cheese lover! We were even kinda risky with these biscuits and tried grilling them... and they were still delicious!


Cheddar Biscuits:
about 20 tiny biscuits

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (packed) grated sharp Cheddar cheese
2 1/2 cups heavy cream (Yes, this is NOT a P90x approved dish :) )
2 to 3 tablespoons melted butter

Preheat oven to 350. Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cheese and toss lightly to combine. Pour the cream around the edges of the bowl and mix everything together with your hands thoroughly but gently.

Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead very gently, two to three strokes only. Pat or roll out to a 3/4-inch thickness. Cut into 1 1/2-inch rounds or squares, using a small biscuit cutter or a very sharp knife. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Set aside for 10 minutes. Brush with melted butter. Bake 15-20 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.

Hope if you try it you enjoy it as much as we did!

Happy Tuesday everybody!

Love,
Rachel