GF Recipes and Writings

All in the Right Perspective

Father Hugh told a joke a few weeks back. Now, I know what you’re thinking… priestly humor? Come on! But here me (or him) out. It’s a really good joke, and it leads to an interesting discussion in perspectives. Here it is:

There was a guy who had a lot of riches. Lots of money, stocks and bonds. Big bucks. He gets a slick lawyer and brings a lawsuit against Heaven. He wants to bring his riches with him. St. Peter figures he will humor this guy and allow him to bring one suitcase with him. The guy dies and shows up with a suitcase on wheels 8 ft. long, six feet wide, and five feet deep. St. Peter says ” That is not a suitcase. I must see what’s in it.” He opens the trunk. It is full of gold bricks. He then says, ” You die and choose to bring a suitcase full of pavement?”

Ok. Admit it…that was funny! It also brings up a good point. What kind of treasures do you work for? I realize that we all need money to live and buy food, shelter, etc. but how much is providing for the basics and how much is too much?

It was a great shock to me when we had to move out of our home at how much “stuff” we had accumulated. “Pretties” to decorate; clothes that we never wear; books that we haven’t read in years. When you are forced to pare down, it becomes painfully obvious that we are a nation (and possibly a world) of consumers.

Do you have too much? Want to simplify?
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

Every special occasion needs a gift, or several. In fact, Child #3 honestly believes that no one will like him if he doesn’t give big, nice gifts. From where did all of this come?

I would love to claim that it didn’t have anything to do with me, but honestly, I can’t say that. Our birthdays and Christmases seem to grow each year. It’s gotten way out of hand. And remember, please, that I don’t have much and am currently living at a homeless shelter. Well Wednesday, Thursday, Friday?

So, I am taking a serious look at this trend in our home (when we get one and before that, just pondering at the shelter) to see if there isn’t a better way. Of course, God can’t possibly want us to be weighed down by so much stuff, right? So, maybe experiences are better gifts? I’m not sure how the kiddos will feel about that, but I’m warming up to the idea.

What about you? Are you overwhelmed with all of the “stuff” in your life? Want to join my “stuff fast?” Let’s talk. What are your thoughts?

Prayers, please!

We are trying really hard to get into a three-bedroom apartment. We filled out the applications and sent them in. I didn’t do something correctly, and when I sent an appeal letter, I was asked to reapply.

So, tonight Child #2 and I reapplied. Please pray for us that we can get this apartment. Things are looking bleak and though I know God has a plan, this is not a Hallmark movie where everything works out perfectly.

In fact, I spent a few hours yesterday at the ER (emergency room!) because I did not feel well. They could find nothing, which was super frustrating, but I survived the night, so that is a good thing. I still have a massive headache, etc. but now I believe I’ll live. For a while yesterday, I wasn’t sure.

We are still at the shelter, though our time is growing short. Prayers for all of you and may God bless you abundantly!

Rita

God’s blessings on you and please pray for us!

Salsa-Stuffed Chicken Thighs

I started this post two days ago, and then promptly forgot about it as soon as I was interrupted! Geesh!!! I’d blame it on getting older, but I’m really not all that old (do not pay any attention to the children rolling their eyes!)

Our world is in an uproar right now. We are living in a homeless shelter (for which I am eternally grateful!) but it has its challenges. We are sharing a kitchen with 11 other units (some singles, some families) and it’s hard to concentrate! The people are lovely, but when there are 10 people in the kitchen and you’re trying to prepare a meal, get measurements, and take pictures, it gets to be a bit much.

This is the best I can do for right now. Most of my recipes are quite simple at this time. I’m not ready to conquer complicated when our living situation is what it is for now. I’m hoping and praying for home for us. Please join my prayers and in the meantime, enjoy this simple chicken dish.

You will need:

As many chicken thighs as you think your family and I’ll eat. I believe we cooked about 14. Ok. Ok. We were hungry! Leftovers are not a bad thing here! Don’t judge!

Your favorite gluten free salsa (about 1 Tbsp. for each thigh.)

Aluminum foil

Your favorite gluten free cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cover your baking dish (I used a 9″ x 13″ pan) with the aluminum foil and spray it with your cooking spray.

Unroll your thighs and spoon approximately 1 Tbsp. of salsa into each, rolling after filling. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes or until your chicken reads 165°F on a meat thermometer.

Serve with potatoes, rice, or just vegetables. Enjoy! Bon Appetit!

If I’m Honest…

If I’m honest, then I must admit that I used to look down my nose at people who needed Section 8…now I need it.

If I’m honest, then I must admit that I had preconceived notions of who the homeless were…now I’m they.

If I’m honest, then I must admit that I used to think I knew what kind of losers ended up homeless…now my family and I are homeless people, and none of us are losers.

Education doesn’t make you better than anyone. It just gives you more knowledge on which to draw.

If I’m honest, then I must admit that I thought I was better than some people…now I know that I never was.

Honestly, I don’t believe that anyone really knows who the homeless are and what they face on a daily basis, except maybe the people who work with them, with us.

They are kind, hard-working, dedicated to family, loving, helpful, talented, people who have had unfortunate breaks. They’re children. They’re adults. They’re teenagers. They’re elderly. They’re disabled. They’re parents. They’re grandparents. They’re white. They’re black. They’re Hispanic. They’re every shade of the rainbow. They’re anyone. Maybe they’re even your sister, brother, father, mother, grandma, and grandpa, friend or former neighbors. They’re not looking for pity, they’re looking for a place to live. That’s it. That’s what makes them homeless – no home.

Have they lived on the street? Maybe. Have they lived in motels? Possibly. Have they lived in intolerable conditions? Most definitely. Suffered trauma? Undoubtedly. So what makes them deserve this sentencing? Don’t you think they’ve been through enough? Do you want to make it harder for them? How do you think God feels about them? About how you treat them?

A neighbor of mine, here at the shelter, was walking down the street to the mini-mart that’s about a mile away. A woman stopped him and said, “I’ve heard about you people.” He’s like, “Excuse me?” She responds with “You’re from that shelter.” “Yes.” “There’s a bunch of drug addicts and drinkers over there.” “Ma’am, I can assure you that I am not an addict or a drunk.” “Oh. Do you have a church that you attend?”

That conversation was not verbatim, but you get the gist. This woman, who didn’t even know this person, clearly considered him below her, barely even a person. An addict. A drunk. Not even human. Hmmm…isn’t that what they used to consider slaves? We all know how wrong that was!

Then, when she realizes that he isn’t what she thought he was (he’s an actual human being. Amazing!!!) then he’s a prime recruit for her church! My mouth fell open when he told me this. And yet…I think that’s what happens every day. Sad. So very sad. God must be crying so very hard.

Please think about that the next time you see someone who looks like they need a hand. Maybe consider if it were the other way around. Wouldn’t you want that helping hand? Remember the good Samaritan? Yeah.

If we, as a society, have rules, why do people think homeless shelters don’t?

A Note: The homeless shelter I’m in, and most, I would bet, have rules against drinking and drug use, etc. The fastest way to find yourself out of this shelter is to drink, do drugs, or harbor a weapon of any kind! The people who run my shelter care, very deeply. The rules are in place for everyone’s safety. We are better people for them. No judgement necessary.

Potato, Cheese, & Chives, Oh My!

In the shelter where we are living, there is a garden. It blesses us with many wonderful vegetables and fruits! Last night, I tried out a new recipe and fell in love!

We’ve all heard of comfort food, right? Those delectable, savory dishes that make one feel like the recipient of a big, warm hug. Mac and cheese, twice baked potatoes, beef stew…yummm! So I decided to dig some potatoes, cut some chives, and dig out my cheese powder and cheese. What goodness awaited me!

It wasn’t perfect, but it was definitely a blessing! I’ll tell you what I did, and the corrections I will make next time. Oh, and there will definitely be a next time, as we dug the rest of the crop of potatoes a few days ago!

You will need the following:

About three pounds of scrubbed potatoes (I used red and yellow)

8 oz. colby-jack cheese cubes

6 slices sharp cheddar cheese

About 2 Tbsp. chives cut into 1/2 inch pieces (measure after chopping,) separated

4 Tbsp. cheddar cheese powder, separated (this can be purchased through our family’s favorite country store, Kauffman’s, in Beloit, Wisconsin at the following link:

https//:kauffmansstore.com

1/2 cup of milk (I used a full cup and it was too runny!)

2 Tbsp. butter, cut into 2 pats and then quartered so that you end up with 8, 3/4″ x 3/4″ pieces, separated

1, oven-proof bowl/dish/casserole or whatever you want to call it, big enough to hold all of your other ingredients (I believe mine held 2.5 quarts)

Your favorite gluten free cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray casserole dish with your gf cooking spray and set aside. Slice your impeccably clean potatoes thinly and layer about 1/2 of those in the bottom of your dish. On top of the potatoes add 4 pieces of the butter, spread out evenly. Add 1/4 cup of milk to this and sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. of the cheese powder and 4 oz. of the cheese cubes. Top that with 1 Tbsp. of your chopped chives.

Continue the next layer with the remainder of the potatoes, the butter chunks, 1/4 cup of milk, cheese powder, the rest of the cheese cubes, amd the other Tbsp. of chives. Top with the cheddar cheese slices and bake, covered for about 1 1/2 hours, or until a knife goes through the potatoes easily.

This is such a wonderful, warming dish as the weather grows colder (though there’s a nasty rumor around here that the temperature is going to get hot again!) Enjoy it anyway with the fruits of your garden (or your local grocery store!!!)

A Miraculous Tribute with a survivor of 9/11

The following story is about a unhappy man, who found escape through Our Lady’s intercession and Her Rosary that he received from a group that supports her mission from Fatima.

My father’s holy Rosary. This he carried during his time in the army.

I thought it would be a fitting tribute in remembrance of those we lost that day at the hands of terrorists. On the other hand, the terrorists didn’t count on American fortitude and bravery. The changing of the guard in England played our national anthem in compassion and loyalty to our country. This is also a tribute to our dear queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace.

http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/ct/60717523:WPGiIDhNC:m:1:2542326810:DF752D6A205A36370BA1837353D2F8DA:r

God bless America!

Things to Teach: Honesty

The other day children #’s 2, 4, and I were at an amusement park. We were excited to find that my favorite water ride was finally open, after almost 2 years of being closed! Yay!

We got in line, and no sooner than we did, than a boy between 10 and 12 years of age tried to cut in front of us. I told him there was no cutting, to which he replied that he was just trying to get to his mom, who was literally the family in front of us. I said that she could come back and join him, but that line-jumping is against the rules. She then sends her friend back to collect the boy and then yells at me that he’s just a little boy. First, he was a preteen, not a little boy. Second, she’s an adult and as such should know better, which I told her!

To make matters worse, her children were very badly behaved and kept picking at the foliage that lined the path and then throwing it at the ride’s occupants. Unreal! The poor plants!

Then I see her talking on her cellphone. Turns out she called security on me for trying to tell her the rules and avoid her teaching her children that the rules don’t apply to them! Seriously? So, the security guard comes and talks to her and then comes back to me! Really? It’s apparent that she has lied to him about what happened. I tell him what actually happened, leaving out the part about her children abusing the plants, but it is obvious that he already has the story that he wants to be true and won’t listen further, even when I say I have witnesses! He just replies that she does too! Yeah, like her friend who went back, collected the child and personally helped him (and her!) cut back in line! Wonderful!

Yeah, I can tell how much they enforce the no line-jumping rule! Maybe he felt an affinity to her, as she was of similar heritage, or maybe she gave him some bullshit story, painting herself and her son as the victims and me as the aggressor. It doesn’t really matter. I have security’s number in my phone and will be the first to call if anything like this ever happens again and God saw the truth!

When it comes right down to it, she broke the rules and clearly enforced it to her children that they are above honesty and the rules. It makes me angry and sad. This is how we get adults that believe that the laws don’t apply to them! This is how we get more people like my ex and my friend’s ex. No, of course the law doesn’t apply to you. You’re the victim here! Of course it’s everyone’s fault but yours!!!

So, please everyone, teach your children and grandchildren that honesty is the best policy. You may not win friends, but at least you won’t have it on your heart when you face God! I’m so disappointed in people right now!

Six Word Story #31

It’s Spicy Chicken!!!!

We have been looking for a recipe for baked chicken nuggets for quite some time. We have finally discovered one!

It started with some spicy cheese balls that Child #2 decided we’re too salty and tasteless. I am not one to waste food. Therefore, I had to find another way in which to use them.

Crunching up the cheese balls and using them as a coating for chicken seemed logical. The first time we made the chicken, we used chicken tenders and it turned out great! The second time we used boneless, skinless chicken breasts. That was good too. So here’s the recipe:

You will need:

3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breasts

Dip in egg before dipping in the crumbs.

2 cups crushed, spicy cheese balls (measure after crushing!)

2 tsp. granulated onion

2 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray with your favorite gluten free cooking spray. With the crushed up spicy cheese balls, mix in the granulated onion. Dip chicken in egg and let excess drip off. Dip into the cheesey-onion crumb mixture. Place coated chicken on the prepared pan and continue coating the uncoated pieces until all are coated and on your pan.

Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 45 – 60 minutes or until chicken registers 165° F on a meat thermometer. Serve immediately. Enjoy.

Give me your tired, your poor, your dirty socks…

What? Yeah. Dirty socks. And dirty sweatshirts. And holey t-shirts. And shredded, stretched out, dirty underwear. Are you totally disgusted?

STOP! Think before you donate: Would I wear this?

Child #2 and I were. We found all these items in the donated clothes given to the shelter where we are staying. So, you really want me to dress my child in your child’s old, poop-stained underwear? Is this just to humiliate me? Well, sorry to disappoint you, but it doesn’t! It simply makes me disgusted and angry.

Those nasty, crusty, shredded things go straight in the trash, where you should have put it in the first place! What exactly is wrong with people? Honestly? I mean, I get if the clothes have been sitting in the back of your closet for a while and might be a little dusty or out of date. However, do you seriously think that anyone wants your fuzz-balled pants or any item in which the elastic has deteriorated to the point of crackling?

Now, think what someone might enjoy finding – a warm sweater, gently worn shoes, new underwear and socks, gently used bras, a warm coat. We are not asking for designer wear, people! We are asking for some dignified clothing to wear to an interview! It doesn’t have to be fancy, just solid and serviceable!

Think about donating items that can be worn to an interview.

So, please, think about it before you throw those worn out, stained, elastic – shot socks into the donation box. Turn around and put them in the garbage can instead!

I’m not saying that everyone does this, or even most people, but when you sort and organize the clothing like Child #2 and I have been doing at the shelter, it’s beyond frustrating. Let’s actually try to help our fellow travelers on this planet and not use it as a place to dump your garbage.

Please consider donating the following gently used (cloth items or shoes) or new items to your local homeless shelter:

Warm coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and boots

Pants, shirts, dresses, and jeans

Diapers, baby bottles, wipes, and blankets

Feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, laundry detergent, dish soap, cleaning wipes, and paper products

Popular movies and books, coloring books, crosswords, word finds, crayons, art pads, colored pencils, and crafting supplies

Think about teaching a class on whatever your specialty is. Spend some time with the residents, or offer babysitting so that the parents can go for a job interview or do grocery shopping without bringing the whole family.

And above all, pray for us. Obviously we are struggling if we are living in a homeless shelter. We may not have everything here, but we are blessed to be here, even if we long for something better.