Meal Planning with Connie

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100 Mississippi Mud Brownies I took this to our church's celebration of Brother Mickey, our Minister of Music, having served the Lord at our church for 20 years!! He has been faithful to point us to Jesus through songs of worship!! This is only a portion of the brownies. Because they are so gooey, you can't stack them. You'll need a very large platter, or multiple platters, to hold them all. I thought this was a cute and happy little plate. It was $1.25 at Dollar General - one of those that wouldn't have to be...

Bowtie Alfredo Carbonara, Cheesy Broiled Tomatoes and Garlic Bread We all really liked this meal! It was a great way to use some of the homegrown tomatoes we've been given! We all had a nice-sized serving, and there's plenty for Larry's lunch tomorrow, too! Here's a re-post of the recipes: Monday - Bowtie Alfredo Carbonara, Cheesy Broiled Tomatoes and Garlic Bread Bowtie Alfredo Carbonara 2 cups fresh, sliced mushrooms ½ - 1 cup chopped onion 8 pieces bacon, chopped (Can substitute Canadian bacon, but you will need to add a bit of butter, olive oil, water or broth for sautéing Canadian bacon, mushrooms and onions.) 16 oz. bowtie pasta, prepared according to package directions White sauce: (can use jarred Alfredo) 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons Italian seasonings (optional) 3 c. milk, warmed for a few seconds in the microwave - Do not boil. 1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided Melt butter in a sauce pan. Do not brown. Whisk in flour,...

The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. Proverbs 11:25 We had several opportunities to minister through our kitchen last week. We were also minister to from others gardens and kitchens. Look for an opportunity to show God's love this week with something from your oven or veggie garden! Here are a few ideas: Gifts from the kitchen: A plate of goodies with a note of appreciation attached with colorful ribbon Gift Ideas: A little gift of kitchen gadgets and a cookbook we put together for a new bride Tonya and I fixed supper for Susan and her family one night. We got to see Avery for the first time! She is beautiful!! We took this little happy for Carter, who's 4. It is a bag with Air Heads and a small toy. I often make these little bags for birthdays and Christmas. Be sure to get individually wrapped candy so moms can dole it out a piece at a time. I usually include a bit of cash or a gift certificate. It was fun ministering ...

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Psalm 103:1 This was the focus verse of Brother Ken's message today. It is a beautiful verse! God is worthy!! This recipe was inspired by one in the Pontotoc United First Methodist Church's new building fund cookbook. If you haven't gotten one of these, be sure to do so. It is only $10 and is filled with great recipes. The proceeds go to help this church reach our community with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Call the church for more details at (662)489-3076. Bacon, Egg and Cheese Casserole I am so sorry there is no picture of this lovely casserole. I was running late for church and just forgot to take a photo. It was pretty with all the bacon and cheese on top. A wonderful scent filled our home as this dish cooked in our oven. We had a great crowd in Sunday School! We licked the dish!! We all liked the tiny sweetness the Hawaiian bread gave this breakfast casserole. Yummy!! It's another...

A portion of our catch! When thou passest through the waters , I will be with thee. Isaiah 43:2a The recipe that inspired tonight’s entrée suggested trying red snapper. Red snapper isn’t a fish you will usually find on our freezer’s shelves. But, this summer is an exception! When we were in Destin, we dismissed with the entertainment venues that usually gobble up our “play money" - things like bowling, water/amusement parks and movies. We put all our "fun finances" into a four-hour fishing trip, instead. I have to tell you that I was less than excited about this little expedition. As a matter of fact, I begged them to go without me. I assured them, I’d be perfectly content to sit on the beach, read my book and hear all about their trip when they returned - if they returned. I’m not a very good swimmer, and am basically scared to death of water that reaches above my ankles! Now, I do love to look at the ocean. I do love to hear the ocean. I even like the smell ...

Thank you for participating in our first poll, which asked the question: Do you put jelly on your meat and biscuits? The results are: Always, what's a meat and biscuit without some jelly?! 14% Never, that's disgusting! 35% Sometimes, I like it both ways! 50% (I don't know where the other 1% is! These are just to totals we were given!) Okay, I have to admit to being in the 35% who find it disgusting. I had honestly never even heard of anyone doing this until I met Larry. I have been surprised over the years to find that it is quite a common practice! Who knew?! While I sat quietly at at home, eating my momma's chocolate gravy, there were those who were slathering jelly on their sausage and biscuits!! Poor Larry! He tries to accommodate me. When he found out that just the thought of jelly on your bacon was a very unpleasant one for me, he stopped putting the jelly on his meat and biscuits. When we were younger - and could eat more, he would just...

Janet's Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Casserole Many thanks to Janet and Katie for the Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Casserole! We all really liked it!! I think the world of these ladies!! Janet is the best birthday card-sender I know!! Her husband Mark cooks the most wonderful pork tenderloins!! Katie and Jonathan and Larry and I have the same anniversary - only a couple of decades apart!! This is a sweet, sweet family!! I did half the recipe and make it in an 8x8 pan. Since I was using the smaller pan, I cut the tortilla into strips so they would fit better. Also, since I was opening a new jar of salsa to make the salad dressing, I just added a cup of it to the soup mixture for the casserole instead of 1/2 a can of Rotel. I threw in a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat and a bit of cumin for flavor. I took Katie and Janet's advice and brushed the tortillas heavily with chicken broth. They were all very tender. This is another keeper!! Larry and I both liked the salad, to...