Glorious Fall

Fall is my favorite season...for many reasons! This morning we woke up to a chilly nip in the air - the telltale feel that says fall is here! I love this season for all the traditional reasons: changing leaves, hot pots of soups and stews simmering away, baking delectable apple treats, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, bonfires, ushering in the holidays and all of the other little wonders that make this time of year absolutely glorious!! But, the number one reason above all others is because of my darling husband!

My husband proposed to me on September 20, 1989 ~ a beautiful fall day! His words made me melt as he said, "If you marry me, you will be forever young". I honestly fell head over heels and madly in love with this man from the start and of course said YES! So, we just celebrated our 20th anniversary of becoming engaged and will be married 20 years on April 6. I can say without hesitation that I love Thomas Young even more now than in those early days. He has been the kind of husband you dream about ~ gentle, compassionate, loving, kind-hearted, giving and above all else a godly example of a true man. We have endured many tests and have walked through trials that would make most give up and quit - but, after 20 years our relationship is stronger, deeper and everlasting! The Young family is a testimony of God's love and the miracle of a marriage dedicated to the Lord.

Now - for a little autumn tradition of love ~ every year my husband gives me the most adorable present ~ the littlest pumpkin gourd he can find! It is not truly the fall until my tiny gourd arrives. I absolutely adore these gifts of the heart. He stole my heart a long time ago! You will see my magnificent gourds displayed on the kitchen windowsill - this year I got a double-portion blessing ~ 2 pumpkin gourds!!!

LIFE SCRIPTS

Psalm 37:23

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,

and He delights in his way.

Romans 10:15b

As it is written:

How beautiful are the feet of those

who preach the gospel of peace,

who bring glad tidings of good things!

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 121:3

He will not allow your foot to be moved;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Rosemary Pork & Herb Roasted Potatoes

Fresh Rosemary on my windowsill...
Fresh thyme in my herb garden... Preparing the pork roast...

Supper last night at our home ~ a delicious platter of succulent pork roast on a bed of caramelized potatoes and sweet onions. Oh so yum! There was not a scrib or scrab left for anyone else in the family - and it was there was only 3 of us eating at that time (plus the baby who promptly flung every potato and pork piece unto the floor-she thought she was entertaining us-not so much!!) My son gobbled up most of the potatoes before I could even get them on the table. This is so easy with such outstanding results!

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Rosemary Pork

3-lb. boneless pork loin

(prepare meat on both sides with a generous portion of kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper-followed by sprinkling on onion powder and garlic powder - then rub entire port with herb and oil mixture)

Herb Oil Rub

1 T olive oil

1 T Italian Seasoning

1 T dried rosemary

2 T fresh rosemary (chopped)

2 T fresh thyme (chopped)

Dredge meat in seasoned flour. Add 1 T olive oil to a large skillet, brown pork on all sides.

Slice 1 large onion and place in the bottom of a dutch oven or slow-cooker.

Remove pork from skillet and place on top of onions.

Deglaze the skillet with 1/2 c beef stock and 3 T Worcestershire sauce.

Pour sauce over meat and onions.

If using a dutch oven - bake covered in a 250 degree oven for 3 hours. If using a slow-cooker then use the high setting for 1 hour and then reduce to low for 2-3 additional hours.

Once the pork is finished you can make a delectable gravy with the drippings by adding 1/4 c water and 3 T flour whisked smooth. Combine with pan sauce and stir over high heat until thickened and bubbly.

Seasoned Flour

1 c flour

1 t kosher salt

1/4 t fresh cracked black pepper

1/2 t paprika

1/8 t nutmeg

Herb Roasted Potatoes

Potatoes~12 Red Bliss or combine with white - diced. (whatever you have on hand)

Lay potatoes on a sheet pan and coat with olive oil. Sprinkle on a generous amount of kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Top with 2 T each of fresh chopped rosemary and thyme.

Bake in oven @ 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes or until potatoes are soft and caramelized.

Psalm 73:28

It is good for me to draw near to God;

I have put my trust in the Lord God,

that I may declare all Your Works.

Kitchenettes Serving Cumbre

The Kitchenettes

Jordan-Bryn-Charissa-D-Lisa-Arianah-Andrea-Victoria-Ashley

Snacking...

Stacking plates...
Beautiful centerpieces...

Finished centerpiece...

Creating centerpieces...

Girls working on layering candle towers...

Candle Tower Centerpieces

&

Clam Shell Cookies

Centerpieces on display.

The Kitchenettes were able to put into practical practice all they have been learning in pursuing the art of hospitality. During our September meeting the girls were able to be a big part of our church's anniversary services ~ known as Cumbre ~ or a "high family meeting". Many other churches up and down the east coast, throughout the nation and overseas that we are in relationship with come to Florida for a family of God celebration. The body of Christ at it's best!

Our church is known for hospitality - a warm outpouring of love - a welcoming spirit - a servant's heart and tables upon tables of sumptuous food spread out to feast upon and continue family fellowship. I truly believe that one of the greatest way to show someone that you care deeply for them is to create a beautiful atmosphere in which to share a delicious meal! To FEED is to LOVE!

We had 4 nights of outstanding affairs - and the theme this year was a "Florida Seascape". The room was decorated to give you the feel of elegant ocean-side dining. The girls created candle towers that were incorporated into the table centerpieces. They were glass cylinders with layers of sand, iridescent stones, sea grass, and a variety of shells. Each tower was topped with a tea light candle. They were magnificent!

The girls were also instrumental in stacking over 500 plates sandwiched with napkins! This task alone made the load so much lighter for many others involved in preparing for Cumbre.

We topped off the day with making adorable clam shells cookies to go along with our seaside theme!

Our anniversary services were titled "NEXT" representing the next generation stepping up and into their full potential in God. This group of girls is such an excellent example - true servants with hearts to love and to give to people. They are a force that the Lord will use mightily!

Italian Tiramisu

I have the most wonderful Italian friend who I love dearly - Donna DePasqua. She is a fantastic cook and graciously shared her delicious recipe for Tiramisu. I am including her original recipe with a few optional adaptations.

Italian Tiramisu

14 oz. Lady Fingers

2 c Espresso Coffee

1/3 c Kahlua

8 Eggs (separate yolks from whites)

1-1/2 c Sugar

1 t Vanilla

1 lb. Marscapone Cheese

1/4 t Salt

Mix together coffee and Kahlua. Dip each lady finger into mixture and line a 9 x 13" glass pan.

Beat together: egg yolks, 3/4 c sugar, vanilla and mix until it forms long ribbons ~ about 5 minutes. Add Marscapone and beat 3 minutes. Set aside.

In a bowl, blend egg whites and remaining 3/4 cup of sugar and pinch of salt. Fold egg whites into Marscapone mixture, 1/3 portions at a time.

Pour half of mixture over lady fingers, then put another layer of lady fingers over batter, repeat layer ending with cheese mixture.

Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. Chill

OPTIONS:

Homemade Whipped Cream

1 pink heavy whipping cream

1/2 c confectionery sugar

1/2 t vanilla

1 t espresso/Kahlua mixture

Whip until fluffy and top Tiramisu.

Mock Marscapone Cheese

2 8oz. cream cheese, soft

1/2 c heavy cream

5 T sour cream

1 c confectionery sugar

Beat with mixer until well blended. Makes 1-1/2 cups.

Marscapone is very expensive - this is a good alternative for the Tiramisu filling.

Home Again ~ Home Again

I am back! The media fast is over as well as our church anniversary services - it was several jam-packed days and now we do not just settle down and settle in - we MOVE forward building something magnificent! God is so good and so faithful - even in the midst of our circumstances -and when our situations look impossible - He is with us and His promises are true!

Romans 4:20-21

No unbelief or distrust made me waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but I grew strong and was empowered by faith as I give praise and glory to God. I am fully satisfied and assured that God is able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.

LIFE SCRIPTS

Psalm 103:1-5

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless His holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits;

Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness

and tender mercies, Who satisfires your

mouth with good things, so that your

youth is revewed like the eagles.

Dear Beloved Bloggers,

For the next 10-days the Young home will be disconnecting from all media - (TV, movies, internet, video games etc...) and instead dedicating that time to focus on the Lord.

Upon my return ~ look for many mouth-watering recipes, the next Kitchenettes' Hospitality Club post and a brand new category called "RYMA TIME". Ryan (my middle son) and Mama in the kitchen together! There will also be a special Spanish component incorprated into our cooking as my son is learning Spanish in school. Stay tuned!

I pray God blesses all areas of your lives abundantly - above and beyond all that you can ask or think!