Season of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost upon us and I am so excited to spend the holiday with my bigger family this year! We will be traveling up to my parents on Wednesday evening to begin the festivities! I am looking forward to waking up Thursday morning to the delicious smells that always seem to fill my Mom's home. My Mom has requested that I make homemade mashed potatoes - BUT, she will be making the gravy!! It is a given truth no matter who makes what on whatever occasion happens to be at hand. Pure heaven. She can make any kind of gravy for any accompaniment and it comes out perfect every time! Can you tell I love her gravy. The little boat of goodness sits in front of my place setting during dinner. I would put a straw in it if I could get away with it. I begrudgingly pass it when forced and then quickly snatch it back as soon as possible. One year my Mom had just gotten out of the hospital before our family celebration - my sisters and I happily planned and cooked the whole feast - we waited on my Mom and let her rest. When everything was completed and it was almost time for our meal, I promptly walked over to my Mom and said "I don't care how sick you are - you will make the gravy!" This has been a family joke now for years!! Do you know she went into the kitchen and made her award-winning delight? She could bottle this stuff - it is addicting!

There are many scrumptious dishes served at on our Thanksgiving table: turkey, of course, and this year it will be smoked - my parents are also smoking 2 pork roasts - sweet potato souffle, green beans with almonds, stuffing (oh, my Mom's other specialty!), corn, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, cranberry delight, fruit compote (a blend of apples, cranberries, apricots and other fruits cooked down and transformed in to bliss) - plus a myriad of appetizers (stuffed celery being the most traditional and our favorite) - a relish tray and assorted pies and cheesecake. My mouth is watering!!!

We will all talk about God's blessings in our lives and how thankful we are for His goodness. This year, I am especially thankful to enjoy this holiday season with my beloved family.

SUNDAY POST

Dear Beloved Bloggers,
It has been 2 weeks since I have been able to take a moment to write on my blog of life. The days go by so quickly and we have been so busy! So many things have happened and are still in the process that I am concerned about getting everything journaled. I am on a mission to settle down and continue my daily postings as soon as possible!

I have so many things to share....where to even begin? The best way I know is to start by saying....This is the day the Lord has made - I will rejoice and be glad in it! He has made every day - and He has made everything beautiful! So, when you are frazzled (which I have been as of late) and overwhelmed with all the things you must accomplish...take a moment to remember that nothing is impossible with God - you and I are in the palm of His hand and He will guard our hearts and minds with peace that passes all understanding!

Now....for a little preview of the happenings in the Young home. Well, first of all the Young home is moving to a new home at the end of the week! For more than a month our family has been diligently packing and planning for the awaited day that we move to "Forever Young Farm" - 18 glorious acres! There will be goats, chickens and peacocks in our future...not to mention a little pink pig for my darling daughter. Although the pig is not officially with us yet...it feels like he is because he is already named....Luke Pigwalker...can you guess what inspired that name???

Besides dreaming of animals for our farm and what their names will be....we have been painting, cleaning the barn, and getting the property ready for the big day!!! I am so excited...and there will be lots of pictures and posts - soon!

I am at my sister's home right now so there will be no visuals attached with this post. We had a wonderful weekend honoring our other sister's daughter...she is having her first baby and we gave her the most magnificent baby shower! I spent the day hand-dipping chocolate spoons, setting the gourmet coffee bar and creating platters of delicious food for the big event! My niece, Ashley, was blessed beyond measure from her family and friends who love her very much! In 2 months, my little great-niece, Savannah Marie, will be here with us all. I can't wait!

In the midst of all of these festivities - my daughter, Arianah, turned 13 years old! We had a big bowling bash for her last weekend. She requested "dirt cups" as her cake so each guest enjoyed their own individual cakes in clay pots! Adorable! More on that later as well....

As you can see my life has been very full - with the addition of cooking, taking care of my one year old, working, cell group and all the other things that make up my daily world!!

I am traveling back home in a few hours...so stay tuned for more to come soon!

LIFE SCRIPTS

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door and knock.

If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,

I will come in to him and dine with him,

and he with Me.

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!