Thursday, April 18, 2013

Banana Cake with Coconut Topping

From Penzies catalogue--successfully attempted by Bobbie P.


1 1/2c. sugar
1/2 cup butter (1 stick) softened
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 c. buttermilk, sour cream or plain yogurt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup very ripe, squished banas (2-3 bananas)

Topping:
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
5 TB milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease and flour a 9x13 plan and set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.  Add the eggs and beat well.  In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking sodea baking powder and salt.  Gradually beat into the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.  Stir in the vanilla and banana and mix until just combined.  Pour into the pan and bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes, until browned an springy to the touch.  Let the cake cool before frosting.

For the topping; turn your oven to low broil.  Beat together the melted butter and brown sugar.  Stir in th nuts, coconut and enough milk to get a nice spreading consistency.  Spread over the cake.  Place under the broiler until bubbly, 5-10 minutes depending on your oven.

Serves 15-18

Thursday, April 4, 2013

 

Looking for a yummy new recipe?  We have had a request to post this one for your enjoyment.  Let us assure you, it's a crowd pleaser.


White Lasagna
Regina Wahlstrom’s recipe

 Layer One:  ½ Lb Cooked Lasagna noodles (I use 3 layers of 3 or 4 noodles to fit your pan)
Layer Two: Bechamel sauce, recipe follows
Layer Three:  Meat mixture---brown 1 lb sweet Italian ground sausage with ½ lb lean ground beef and 1 clove minced garlic and drain well
Layer four:  Cheese mix—1 lb grated mozzarella with 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
Layer five:  1 pint cottage cheese or sour cream mixed with two eggs (we used sour cream)

Topping:  ½ lb+ fresh mushrooms sliced and sautéed in butter.  Sprinkles of parsley and paprika.

 Start with a generously buttered 9 x 13 pan, there’s usually roo to do each of these five layers three times so you can divide each layer ingredient by three.  To the three layers of five with the sautéed muchrooms and then sprinkle with fresh or dried minced parsley and paprika.  Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until hot throughout.  All to stand 10 minutes before serving.  Serves 8.

Note:  because of the richness of the ingredients we divided the 9x13 into 12 servings in lieu of the 8.

Bechamel Sauce
3 TBS butter, melted
½ cup water
1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
3 TBS water
1 ½ tsp salt
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp white pepper
2 cups light cream (use half at a time)
1 cup milk
2 egg yolks (you can sub the 2 egg whites from this for one of the eggs in the sour cream mixture)

 .Combine butter, water and onion in a saucepan.  Boin until water evaporates and onion is soft.  Stir in flour and cook 3 minutes stirring constantly, do not brown (I can never get it to cook this long without browning.  I quit after about 1 minute).  Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.  Add 1 cup of the cream and milk gradually.  Stir constantly until sauce thickens.  Beat 1 cup cream with egg yolks, stir into sauce and keep stirring until mixture almost boils.  Do not boil.

 

 

 

Monday, February 25, 2013



2013 Lake Oswego Stake Women's Conference

BE OF GOOD CHEER


We have just completed an exciting and uplifting Women's Conference, attended by many of the Cheerful Covenant Keeping Women of our stake. It has become tradition to ROCK the HOUSE on Friday night with Yoga, Crafts, Zumba and "to die for desserts"--with our energetic Young Women and Activity Days girls. We love showing them that the Relief Society of their future is FUN and FABULOUS.

The Saturday Sessions were some of the best ever!!!  The class notes and handouts have mostly been submitted, found in the various posts below.  Enjoy them!!!  Great inspiration and loving efforts by all the teachers is evident and are greatly appreciated.
A FEW OF THE RECIPES FROM LUNCH ARE POSTED AS WELL.  See way down below.

We love and appreciate all who helped with this year's conference in any way--by teaching, creating, cooking/baking, decorating & designing and facilitating.  Many hands spent long hours to make this a success.

Finally, please know that recipes and class notes from previous years are also available on this blog. This is a great resource for ideas and kitchen inspiration.  We hope you put it to great use.

 I SOON GO THE WAY OF ALL FLESH.

Final Messages from Leaders in the Scriptures
Class by President Scott Stevenson
 
Clues in the scriptures that something important is coming:

·         “And thus we see…”  followed by (usually) Mormon’s observation and emphasis regarding what is to be learned from the Nephite experience.  (See Heleman 3:25-30 for example)
·         The final opportunity for a leader to speak to the people or to their successor prior to release or death (“The Last Sermon”).

Typical Elements of The Last Sermon:
  • Expression of love and confidence, together with an accounting of the leader’s stewardship.    Warning, exhortation, doctrine, instruction 
  • Testimony of Christ and the Plan of Happiness.
  • Final blessing.  (Elder Holland taught that an Apostle’s responsibility is to bear testimony of the Savior and bless – listen for Apostolic Blessings in General Conference and when the Brethren speak.  Usually, the presiding authority will include a blessing in his remarks.)

Look for these elements and consider their immediate and lasting impact as you study Last Sermons, including the following:

·         Paul:  Acts 20

·         Nephi:  2 Ne 31-33

·         King Benjamin: Mosiah 2-5

·         Jesus Christ: John 13-17

·         Moroni:  Mormon 8-9; Moroni 10

·         Abinidi: Mosiah 12-16

·         Amaleki:  Omni 1:23-26

These strong final messages are not limited to the ancient prophets, but continue today at all levels of Church service.
Video:



Elder Bruce R. Mcconkie delivers a messaged titled "The Purifying Power of Gethsemane"

 




(Watch the whole 16 minute talk or skip to 14:02 and listen for the testimony and blessing element.)

 What Matters Most - When all is said and done

By President Mark Hornibrook

What I Would Share with You
       Remember who You Are
       Diligently seek the Holy Ghost
       Build your Faith
       Secure your Hope
       Receive Charity
       Know Christ


Remember who you are excerpt from the Lion King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byDN8aoR4TI

You Are:
       Loved beyond measure
       A Princess on the way to be a Queen and Priestess
You Shall:
       Pass by the angels, and the gods to your exaltation and glory
       Be gods, because they have all power
       Be gods, because they have no end

Diligently seek for and heed the Holy Ghost
       Alma 37:38-44
       Alma 37:37
       Alma 34:17-27
       There is no doubt, if a person lives according to the revelations given to God's people, he may have the Spirit of the Lord to signify to him his will, and to guide and to direct him in the discharge of his duties, in his temporal as well as his spiritual exercises. I am satisfied, however, that in this respect, we live far beneath our privileges. (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 32)

Get our Liahonas out of our backpacks!

Make the Spirit your constant companion.

George Q. Cannon  It should be the aim of every one professing to be a Latter-day Saint not to leave his chamber in the morning until he comes out feeling that spirit of peace, with his brow unruffled with care, with a consciousness of having communed with God and that he knows his standing with him.  When he leaves his chamber having that spirit, he will diffuse joy and gladness throughout his entire household.  Should anything occur to disturb the serenity of a Latter-day Saint he ought to step aside and ask God in the name of Jesus to remove it and to pour out the spirit of peace and consolation upon him to fill his heart. At night too, the same Spirit of peace should be sought for.

Faith, Hope and Charity
“…except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope. Moroni 10:21

Build your Faith

Faith Process
       Live Righteously (D&C 121:36 and Helaman 10:4)
       Pleading (Uniting with Father) BD: Prayer – 3rd to last paragraph, beginning with “As soon as…”
  •   Assurance  (Hebrews 11:1)
  •   Trial (Ether 12:6)
  •   Obedience (D&C 82:10)
  •   Miracle (Ether 12:6)
Unleash the power of the ATOM
  •  Practice it over and over and it will grow
  • Do not fear
Three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation
1.      The idea that he[God] actually exists
2.      A correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes
3.      An actual knowledge that the course of life which he[you] is[are] pursuing is according to his[Gods] will.

For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding it can become perfect and fruitful…”
Lectures on Faith, Lecture Third

The sacrifice of all things
Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.  Lectures on Faith, Lecture Sixth


 

Secure your Hope
Ether 12:4
Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

2 Nephi 31:20
Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life

 
Receive Charity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYhDhiojBPA

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.                       Moroni 7:48  

Know Christ
This is eternal livesto know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law. D&C 132:24

Lovest thou me?”   John 21:15-17

And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!  For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
D&C 76:22-24


 

Come unto Christ
and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.   Moroni 10:32

       Become Who You Really are

       Get your Liahona out and keep it out!

       Embrace Faith Promoting Experiences

       Build your Hope

       Seek for Charity

       Get to Know Christ

 

Help, Hope and Healing

for those who have a loved one in addictio

Class by:  Brent Chichoski, LPC
 
Brother Chichoski generously provided a Workbook to place on our blog. The link below should take you there. This workbook will be helpful for any family that finds themselves struggling with a family member with any type of addiction.  The principles are Christ centered and practical.   Please contact Brent Chichoski through his website if you feel you need additional direction.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/127307944/Healing-Through-Christ

Brother Chichoski also sent me his PowerPoint slides, but I have not been able to include them (yet) on this blog.  Until I figure it out, feel free to contact me (poppleton@comcast.net) if you want to view that information.





A HOUSE OF ORDER

by Stephanie Stewart

Bringing order.com


Get rid of Stuff  - sell it, donate it, give it away, throw it away, just get rid of it
Don’t justify keeping stuff

Unjustified stuff
“I like it”                 “It cost a lot”                   “I might use it”
“I can’t waste it”     “I got that for…”     “It’s memorable”
“It was a gift”                   “It’s cute”               “I just can’t part with it”
                 YES, BUT DO YOU USE IT, NEED IT?
 
 

                                 Justified stuff
 
                                            “I use it & I need it.”
                                    GREAT! KEEP IT!

 
 


 

 
Different kinds of stuff “

All the time Stuff (have to keep)   
gets prime locations (top drawers, main cabinets & shelves)
Most of the Time Stuff (need to keep)
gets secondary locations (2nd shelf, higher up, near-by)
Some of the Time Stuff (should keep)
gets “storage” locations (closets, highest shelf, garage)
Keepsake Stuff (want to keep - true keepsakes)
gets specific and limited storage
Stupid Stuff (stuff you don’t have to, need to or should be keeping)
gets NO space
 
             TACKLE YOUR STUFF
1.      Pick a spot (clutter area, junk drawer, crammed closet, kids room, kitchen cabinet)
2.      Use 6 bags or boxes labeled: keep here, relocate, return, repair, recycle, & toss
3.      Sort the stuff in the spot you are working on (dump it out, empty it out, or sort it out item by item)
4.      Ask with each item “why am I keeping this?”– keep all the “I use it and I need it” stuff
5.      Ask “what kind of stuff is this?”– keep “all the time and most of the time” stuff
6.      Move the rest of the stuff into the appropriate boxes
7.      Put the stuff away in an organized way
 
    
 TIPS for Storing, Organizing and Managing Your Stuff
1.      Give everything you own a “home” (a very specific storage spot)

§  this is your key to clutter control

§  use a box, drawer, jar, closet, shelf, room, corner, basket, etc

§  ie. batteries, cameras, keys, cell phone, purse, gift cards, coins, scissors, homework, library books

§  you should be able to tidy up your home just by putting everything away
2.      Group Like Items – store similar items together or in the same general area

§  similar kitchen items, medicines/first aid, repair items, project/craft supplies, gift wrapping
3.      Downsize and limit the space you give certain things (anything that you may have too many of)

§  Think - Tupperware, sheets, movies, clothes, books, crafts

§  Designate a limited space and when items start out growing their space then downsize
4.      Identify clutter spots and create storage right there

§  Notice areas that are dumping grounds and devise storage solutions in that area for those things

§  Backpacks, shoes, papers, dirty clothes, papers
5.      Store things where you use them – don’t keep things you need/use in one room – some place else

§  Watch and see if you go get something to bring back and use it where you were and then take it back

§  ie. tools, shoes, kids art stuff, tape, cups, wrapping paper, hairbrushes, broom, medicines, envelopes
6.      Make Things Easy To Put Away – make things easier to put away then to get out

§  If you have to open, move or take something else out – it create steps and you won’t do it

§  hooks vs. hangers (coats, towels, backpacks), take lids off bins, don’t stack items or put things behind

§  put hampers, garbage cans and necessary supplies everywhere you might need them
7.      Use containers – loose items become unorganized and cluttered

§  Use bins, baskets, or boxes to contain loose, bagged, or small items

§  use containers in drawers, on shelves, in cupboards and label them

§  ie. medicine bottles, kids toys/games, bathroom stuff, kitchen drawers, garage tools, pantry
8.      Eliminate the junk drawers – don’t have any drawer be a “catch all”

§  assign your drawers (office supplies, sharps, spoons and spatulas, baking drawer)

§  assign the space within the drawer as well

§  DON’T put anything else in that drawer unless you make that its home
9.      Designate a donation box – and use it

§  Think of how much stuff we bring in – make sure equal stuff is going out
10.  Establish Temporary Storage Spaces  - for things coming in and going out of your house

§  Set up inboxes and out boxes (for papers, homework, mail, returns, gifts)

§  Use a bag or basket or shelf to hold things that need to be returned to stores, library, friends

§  Create a place where you keep library books and DVD rentals while you have them

§  Designate a place for you or your kids to keep homework and projects being worked on
11.  Create Work Stations designate clearly defined work areas and store appropriate supplies right there

§  Set up specific areas for doing specific things (work zones)

§  ie. baking center, knives and cutting, bill paying, wrapping, crafting, changing baby

§  things should be stored there and used there
12.  Multiples  - have more than one of frequently used items and keep them in different places

§  tools, scissors, garbage cans, laundry baskets, bandages, stamps, wipes, hair brushes, toothbrushes
13.  Use space and storage creatively – look for  Wasted Space

§  look for short things in tall spaces, space under hanging items, places you could add shelves

§  When you think you don’t have enough storage space, look again
14.  Don’t stack or stuff – it makes it hard to get things out and difficult to put things away
15.  Pickup every day – maintain the order,  it is easy when everything has a home and it shouldn’t take long

~

Everything you have takes up space

Everything in your space creates your environment

Your environment effects how you live and how you feel

Remember this as you manage your stuff