» Archive for December, 2011

YumO Sweet Potato Casserole

Sunday, December 18th, 2011 by admin

Served this for Christmas dinner and it was a hit! I used Splenda instead of sugar.

Ingredients

  • 6 Sweet potato, cubed
  • 1/2 cup Splenda
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 cup packed Splenda brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (or to taste)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan with water to cover. Cook over medium high heat until tender; drain and mash.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the sweet potatoes, white sugar, eggs, salt, butter, milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Transfer to a baking dish.
  3. In medium bowl, mix the brown sugar and flour. Cut in the butter until the mixture is coarse. Stir in the pecans. Sprinkle the mixture over the sweet potato mixture.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly brown.

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Cheese, Leek, and Asparagus Terrine

Sunday, December 18th, 2011 by admin

Served cold… I put in freezer for 1 hour and moved to refrigerator for 2 hours to set. So easy to make and it was an immediate hit!

Ingredients:

Leeks
3 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons fat-free cottage cheese
4 oz. fat-free cream cheese
1 tablespoon white wine or apple cider vinegar
8 oz. fat-free sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped chives (or dried)
Salt & Pepper
1 jar of green asparagus spears, or one bunch fresh asparagus, steamed

Preparation:

1. Wash the leeks. Cut and discard the root and the dark green ends.
2. Steam leeks until tender. Drain well, and let cool on a paper towel.
3. Mix together the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and vinegar with a fork.
4. In a saucepan, heat the sour cream. Sprinkle the gelatin over the hot cream, and stir to dissolve. Combine with cottage cheese and cream cheese mixture.
5. Combine the cheese mixture with the chopped chives, season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
6. Line a casserole dish or square pan with cellophane wrap, making sure to go over the edges.

7. Spread ¼ of the cheese mixture into the base of the mold. Press firmly, using the back of a spoon.
8. Cover with ½ the Asparagus spears, and lay another 1/4 of the cheese mixture on top.
9. Place a layer of the leeks, followed by another 1/4 of the cheese mixture, and then the rest of the
asparagus.
10. Cover with the last 1/4 of the cheese mixture, smooth with the back of a spoon, and refrigerate for 4 hrs.
11. Remove from the mold and serve.

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I resolve to LIVE, LOVE AND BE HAPPY…at all costs

Monday, December 5th, 2011 by admin

As a Being of Light, I resolve to LIVE, LOVE AND BE HAPPY, at all costs, no matter what, with deep respect and kindness for all.. Only I can choose my path, and I choose this path of life, love and happiness! xoxo

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A 7 Year Old Perspective of The Christmas Season

Sunday, December 4th, 2011 by admin

My Hannah is now 7 and came home from school this week to share with me her observations about Christmas. She shared with me some very wonderful stories of God’s love and how they are present in her life and during the Christmas season.

One of these stories included the Christmas wreath… the circle represents God’s LOVE, as it never stops. The wreath is green, like a pine tree. A pine tree always stays green, just like God’s love for us is constant and will never end.

My heart sang with joy and as I listened to her… We spoke about how God is present with us during Christmas and why we celebrate Christmas.

As a Mom, I can only share my perspective and my own personal relationship with God. I can pass along information and HOPE that they find their own personal relationship with Our Lord. It was such an joyous experience to learn that my daughter has now opened her heart and felt the power of His love within her.

Life for me is about learning and always growing. Neale Donald Walsh said, “You are never who you were in the last moment. You are continually creating yourself from the field of infinite possibilities. You are, in every moment, born again. And so is everyone else.” I am so proud of My Hannah and My Nicholas. I am now learning from them and learning from their experience and personal relationship with God and how He works in their lives.

So on this Sunday, a day I always dedicate to my family, I wish to say “THANK YOU!!!!” to My 16 year old Nicholas and My 7 year old Hannah. I love you and love that we grow closer as a family each passing day and you enrich my life is ever way.

Blessings,
Tasha

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