Healthy and Happy New Beginnings

Crystal Durham
5 Jan 2013
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Over half of the United States population makes resolutions for the New Year but only 8% are successful in keeping them. Losing weight is the most common resolution but is also the least likely to be accomplished. For the New Year, in hopes of helping you stay healthy, happy and fit, here are some fresh recipe ideas to keep you on the right path to achieving your goals. Sweet and Tangy Salad Yield: 8 servings 1 Large Pineapple, cored and chopped 2 Ripe Mangoes, chopped 2 Large Cara Cara Oranges, segmented 3 Bananas, sliced ½ Cup Pomegranate seeds ½ Cup Sliced […]

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‘Tis the Season to Make, Bake & Give

Crystal Durham
8 Dec 2012
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Amidst the rush and hurry of holiday shopping, trip planning and working overtime, there comes the burden of coming up with ideas for gift giving. Here are some sweet suggestions that will knock out the names on your gift list, and also work in some quality time with friends or family. Caramel Popcorn Balls Yields 20 1 Cup Servings 1 Cup Butter 2 Cups Brown Sugar ½ Cup Corn Syrup 1 Teaspoon Salt ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 5 Quarts Popped Popcorn 20 Large squares of plastic (or plastic gift baggies) In a saucepan over medium heat, […]

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Thanksgiving on a Budget

Crystal Durham
6 Nov 2012
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The leaves are turning, the evenings are cooling, and the holiday spirit presses us all to more friendly moods and actions. Thanksgiving is that time of year to gather, show love for one another, and offer thanks for all the blessings given to us throughout the years. It is a time of peace, happiness, and good food. The following are recipes that are sure to leave both your guests and your wallet happy! May this year’s holiday season bring joy and love to you and yours. Basic Garlic Mashed Potatoes Serves 12 2 pounds of Russet potatoes, medium diced Garlic […]

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Harvest Treats

Crystal Durham
4 Oct 2012
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October is upon us and the year 2012 seems to be flying by. Fall will be settling in soon, which means longer evenings and cooler days. Here are some October themed dishes for the young at heart. Harvest Soup 1 Tbsp olive oil 4 chicken breasts (skinned, deboned, chopped) 1 large onion, large dice 3 carrots, large dice 3 celery stalks, large dice 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 (14 oz) cans chicken broth 1 Tbsp chicken bouillon 1 tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp ground red pepper 2 (16 oz) cans green beans (drained) 1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles […]

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September Eats

Crystal Durham
7 Sep 2012
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Finding tasty meals that takes minimal time to prepare is hard, especially with lengthy to-do lists and chores that seem to pile up out of nowhere. Here are some quick recipes to help lighten the workload. Mixed Greens Salad PREP TIME: 10 minutes TOTAL TIME: 15-20 minutes Serves: Eight 1 cup portions 1/3 Cup of Pecan halves (can be substituted for any other type of nut) 1/2 Teaspoon of cinnamon 1 (5oz) package of mixed salad greens 1 large pear, thinly sliced 1 large apple, thinly sliced 1/2 Cup dried cranberries or yellow raisins 1/2 Cup of your favorite cheese, […]

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Go Forth & Feed My People

Crystal Durham
6 Sep 2012
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It is instilled in all of us to live and, in order to do so, we seek the things pertinent to our survival: breathing, shelter, water and sustenance. There is nothing as troubling as going without these necessities. Just as a fish without water, a child without food suffocates. In the Bible there are numerous accounts of Christ feeding his people and offering to us the ability to do the same. This can be taken in one of two ways. We can literally offer food to those who are without and we can also offer the word of God to […]

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Summer Sweets

Crystal Durham
3 Jul 2012
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During the hotter months of the year, the last thing anyone wants to do is stand in a warm kitchen preparing complex desserts. Here are some simple recipes that you might find enjoyable not only to eat but also to make. Grape and Peach Napoleons (Approximately 6 servings) 9 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed 2 cups red seedless grapes 1 cup honey 2 peaches quartered ¼ cup honey 1 pint of plain Greek yogurt ½ cup chopped almonds, toasted Place 1 sheet of the thawed dough on a large level surface (wrap remaining dough to prevent drying) and lightly coat […]

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Food Labels: Friend or Foe?

Crystal Durham
2 Jul 2012
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What is the one thing on a food product that is most commonly ignored or misinterpreted? It would be the food label or, more specifically, the nutrition facts. Often times, you glance at it to “check” how many calories you would consume or how much sodium is in an item, but do you really understand what you are reading? The food label in this example has eight servings per container and a single serving is ½ cup (approximately 82 grams). In order to make food more appealing, food companies may lower the serving size so that all the information applies […]

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Summer Treats

Crystal Durham
5 Jun 2012
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Summer is upon us! It is a time for picnics, barbeques, sports games, patio lounging and pot lucks. It is easy to fall back on premade supermarket meals when you are bringing a dish to a friend’s pool party, but it is even easier and more affordable to whip something up in your own kitchen. Here are some helpful, fun ideas for you to share with friends and family. Pickled Cucumber Salad (Approximately 4 servings) 2 large cucumbers, peeled, cut in half lengthwise then thinly sliced widthwise 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced 1 Teaspoon sugar 1/4 Cup rice vinegar […]

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The Daniel Fast

Crystal Durham
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Fasting, for those who are unaware of the concept, is abstaining from food or drink most commonly for religious observance. It plays an important role in spiritual strength and should be accompanied with a focus on prayer, Bible study and meditation. There are several types of fasts that are promoted for health reasons or for detox purposes. Some of which are the juice fast, cleansing, water fasts, etc. However, none are as thorough or effective as the Daniel Fast. The story of Daniel is well known. He was favored by the king and promoted to positions of authority for his […]

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