Meal Planning with Connie

Apple Walnut Muffins Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings. Psalm 17:8 This is always a hectic time of year, as we get started back with our school work. Although this often brings about a good many changes in our planned menu, I have found it better to not exactly follow the plan, as to have no clue what's for supper. We had enough leftovers for supper tonight, so I didn't cook. I may make the pizza I had planned for tonight for our lunch one day. I did make these Apple Walnut Muffins for Larry to take to "The Crew" this morning. There were enough for our breakfast, too. We all liked them, and it was a great way to use more of Mr. Willie's apples! I didn't add the cinnamon, because Larry doesn't care for it. They were still very yummy - and moist! Apple Walnut Muffins 2 cups chopped apples 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 2 large eggs, ...

Smoked Pork Ribs, Very Easy Baked Bean, Ro*tel Cheese Grits, and Quick Cheese Bread "Patience is the companion of wisdom." ~Saint Augustine, philosopher and theologian (November 13, 354 – August 28, 430) Augustine of Hippo is one of the most important figures in the development of Western Christianity. Although he received a Christian education, he resisted his mother's pleas to become a Christian, choosing instead to live as a pagan intellectual. His mother never stopped praying for his salvation, and later he converted to Christianity and opposed heresies in the church. His two greatest writings are Confessions and City of God . (We really enjoyed learning about St. Augustine last year in church history. My brain is slowly getting back into school mode! ) Larry was off and was ready to smoke something!! He's like a kid with a new toy after he's shored up his old smoker! Smoked Pork Ribs He smoked some pork ribs for our supper. They were really good! Like I...

Very Easy Baked Beans Very Easy Baked Beans 1 (28 ounce)can Bush's Country Style Baked Beans 1/4 - 1/3 cup of ketchup 2 slices pre-cooked bacon. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Open the beans and drain them in a colander. Add ketchup. Pour the beans into a small casserole dish. Top with bacon and bake uncovered until hot and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. While they're not as good a homemade baked beans, they're the best substitute I've found. These are the only baked beans M.C. likes!

This version is a bit lighter than some. We really like it!! To make it more decadent, just add more butter and more cheese!! Ro*tel Cheese Grits Ro*tel Cheese Grits 3 -4 green onions, thinly sliced 1 - 2 clove of garlic, minced, or a bit of jarred minced garlic 2 - 3 tablespoons butter 2 cups water 1 1/4 cups milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup quick cooking grits ½ stick of butter, cut into pats (This is good, but optional.) 1 cup shredded 2% Velveeta 1 (10-ounce) can Ro*tel tomatoes Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sauté onions in butter for about 3 minutes. Add garlic. Sauté a minute or two longer. Set aside. Bring the water, milk and salt to a boil in saucepan. Slowly add the grits. Return to a boil; stir constantly for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low; cover. Cook for about 8 minutes stirring occasionally. When grits are thick and creamy, remove from heat and set aside. Add butter, Velveeta and onion/garlic mixture to grits; stir until the cheese is melted. Add ...

This is a recipe that Larry's mom passed along to me some years ago. It's quick, easy and yummy! A great combination! For a quicker version, spoon into muffin cups and bake! Quick Cheese Bread Quick Cheese Bread 1 egg, slightly beated 3/4 cup milk 2 cups self-rising flour 1 tablespoon mayo 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Mix all ingredients well. Pour into a 9x5x2 loaf pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for about 45 minutes. Serve hot. Use Bisquick if you prefer, leaving out the mayo. Good buttered and toasted for breakfast.

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its purpose... Proverbs 16:3-4a We had a visiting preacher speak at church tonight. He brought a great message! He challenged us with this verse: Acts 13:36 (New International Version) "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation , he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed." The message centered on our serving God's purpose for the time He has given us. How do we serve God's purpose? What is our purpose? I agree with our speaker that our purpose is to glorify God. How do we glorify God? I believe Jesus gives us the answer in Matthew 22: 37-38 when He quotes from Deuteronomy: Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'...

It was a Baptism Sunday at our church this morning. We dedicate the entire service to this ordinance and celebration. It is always a very special day at our church. We always have a great time of fellowship in our Sunday School class. We are all blessed by this weekly time of encouragement and Bible study. I made a variation of my regular Sausage Balls for today. Here are the recipes and the process I use to make them: Sausage Balls Sausage Balls 1 pound sausage 2 cups Bisquick 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/4 water Brown sausage. Drain well. Cool. In food processor , gently combine sausage and cheese - just for a bit. (This step is optional. We just like the texture this produces. I don't really know why I started do this, but I do.) Mix the sausage/cheese mixture with other ingredients. Shape into bite-sized balls. (Freeze here, if freezing.) Bake at 400 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes. It will take about 15 - 20 minutes if they are frozen. Thes...