I know I was supposed to make a fancy reel. One that would detail how fun and amazing our @shelivesfearless Conference was this weekend. And it was fun, there was a chocolate fountain, a photo wall complete with ring light. We had an amazing worship team, powerhouse speakers, and just an all around great group of women assembled at Cottonwood Creek Church. We are forever grateful. But, here is where my heart is today. This photo. It is not cropped perfectly, it will most likely get skipped over. It was the end, people were leaving. An elderly woman walks up to me, lets me know she is praying for me, she knows I will be okay, I am thanking her, and continues talking, I can’t fully remember the last couple of things she said before she looked at me and said, “He sees you.” I felt like my insides were going to explode, I was looking into her eyes, although I felt like Jesus was looking at me through her eyes, I can’t explain it. She repeated herself, “He sees you.” She could see I was stunned, and tense, she hugged me and prayed for me. He knows the fear I have been running from, stuffing down in the back of my mind. My tears, my tossing and turning in the middle of the night. He sees my intention to be faithful. He found a way to tangibly let me know, what a gift. He didn’t need to do that for me to continue to trust him. But what a wonderful moment to carry with me as I go forward. It’s not about coming to a conference, because we want to build a following or a brand. It is about coming to meet with Jesus. Setting aside intentional time, which is so hard to do, we know that. When you are amongst other believers, when you spend time seeking him, he delivers. You never know who he will speak through, how he will get your attention. What “chance” encounter will change your heart. What teaching will renew your mind. We are just trying to give women the opportunity to slow down and meet Jesus. To not suffer or wander alone, but to join with others who can lift them up in Jesus name. That is what happens each and every time. This is what we are grateful for. It’s not our will or hard work, it’s our obedience and his faithfulness.
When I woke up in hospital one of the first things I did was thank God that I was awake. Sounds a bit dramatic, I know but it is true. There are certain things you go through in life that will bring that thought to you plain and simple. I knew the hospital would be hard based on past experiences. So each time I felt crushed, I went back to that thought. These moments after are small. A simple collection of reasons to smile during a time where it is perfectly fine to not. I understand that the choice is mine. I can focus on being grateful for these small scenes and victories that play out in front of me. Or I can spend my time recounting and replaying my worries, fears, or disappointments. Am I going to have these moments? Are some days going to be harder than others, sure. But does that have to be all I see? Should I ruminate on another poor hospital stay. Forget not getting a room to recover, had to beg for a bed? Should I spend every moment fearing my results? I could sit in frustration over being in pain or bedridden. For missing out on life moments, falling short in parenting, and having to rely on others. Or-I could lay all this at his feet. I could cry to him, pray honestly, and open my Bible to a God ordained passage. Turn on a podcast that says everything my heart needed to hear. Or someone can text me encouragement at the perfect time. I can get a call for a zoom segment the first day I was slightly up for anything, reminding me I am not done. I can be filled with thankfulness for all the meals, flowers, messages, I could hear him whisper, while winter is coming it will be your spring, and rest in that promise. All these things can happen. Well, they have for me the past couple of days. I am so grateful for everyone who has stepped in and sent their love 💕Where I stop and take in, is my choice. It is not false positivity but a small example of how he is walking me through the valley. I may have to be here for the time being, but it does not have to be that dark, it doesn’t have to be that deep. I can keep moving even if I am resting. “But certainly God has heard me; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer.” Psalm 66:19
Almost 10 years of waiting, 5 months of recipe writing and testing, and two weeks of non stop shooting. We finished yesterday with the last couple of recipes and my family for Sunday Dinner. The amount of talent I had in my kitchen working together to make what is no doubt going to be a beautiful book, is not lost on me. I am very humbled and grateful. @dinnerbydawn and @carrieparente tested and cooked their hearts out. @krautter made what I was scared maybe was too “mundane” look special and worthy of the book shelf. And @anthonyissaucy pulled me together, the dream team, the props, the dishes, and everything in between. This I owe in large part to them! Brian and Siena were my superstars and let mommy turn their world upside down for a time period. This book will be for them and my family and the friends who have shown me the importance of gathering and being present for one another. That is the legacy that lasts, the traditions that keep us together, which is the real gift. And let’s not forget those of you who have continually asked me if I had a book pushing me towards believing enough to do it. Excuse me now while I take time to write the devotional pieces, and pray over every page in the hopes this encourages another person as they are on their last bit of strength over The Kitchen Sink. @aliveliteraryagency @convergent_books #comingsoon #cookbookclub #atthekitchensink
I am about to head into the grocery store and friends, I am bracing myself , haha! My big tip: if you are hosting make sure you have heavy duty trash bags on hand, and thank me later !!! And if you find yourself stressed remember: it doesn’t matter how the turkey turns out, opening your home and gathering people is such an act of service ! But in all seriousness so grateful that I have the means to walk into the store and gathering with family is the purpose. I am aware that there are many who wish that their day included this. That getting cut off by grocery carts, and long check out lines would be the worst part of their day. As I heard in a sermon yesterday, you have to learn to find things to be thankful for in every situation. Then watch your heart change. You may have seen my drop off to @samaritanspurse this morning and my visit to the cancer center for a blood draw. In both situations I prayed for those around me and gave what I could. We all have opportunities to give no matter the season. Trust me, it will never return void.
This crostini is in fact just like the Grinch! A little salty, sour, and sweet at the end ! An easy Christmas appetizer that comes together in minutes! Looks great added to a charcuterie board or on its own display! Recipe below 👇 1 tbsp olive oil ½ tbsp. minced garlic 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp pepper 1 tbsp pepperoncini brine ½ c sliced pepperoncini peppers ½ tbsp honey Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan, over medium heat. Add the garlic to the pan, saute for a minute, then add in your cherry tomatoes. Let them simmer until they start to soften and break down a bit, about 7 minutes. Then season with salt and pepper, stir gently. Then add in the pepperoncini brine, let the tomatoes simmer in the brine for another 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and drizzle the honey over top, toss gently to incorporate. Remove from heat and let mixture cool slightly. Top the crostini with tomato/pepper mixture, top with fresh basil and serve. #appetizer #partyfood #cherrytomatoes #crostini #easyrecipe #smallbites
The most hearty pumpkin pasta to warm your bellies this season. The loose recipe is below. The crumbled browned pork and sage add a little extra heartiness and flavor to the dish. Make sure to taste along the way to adjust the seasoning. I even sprinkled a bit of red pepper and more Parmesan cheese when serving this dish ! And don’t forget to save that pasta water! 1lb medium pasta shells 1 tbsp olive oil 1lb ground pork 1 tbsp kosher salt, plus ½ tsp 1/4 tsp pepper 2 tbsp unsalted butter 3 tbsp finely chopped garlic 4-5 sage leaves 1/4 cup dry sherry 1 cup pumpkin puree 3/4 cup heavy cream ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp lemon juice ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese ¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tbsp kosher salt. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions, reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. 1.Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet with high sides. 2.Brown the pork, breaking it up into small pieces, season with salt and pepper, moving around the pan periodically, about 10 minutes. 3. Remove the ground pork from the pan with a slotted spoon 4. Add butter to the pan, once melted add garlic and sage leaves, saute for 2 minutes. 5. Add in the sherry, scrape up any brown bits, bring sherry to a simmer for 2 minutes. 6. Then add in pumpkin puree whisking gently to incorporate. 7. Add cream, pasta water, and nutmeg, whisking gently again until uniform. Let simmer for 3 minutes. 8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, add lemon juice 9. Remove from heat, add in the pasta and toss gently to coat. 10. Add in both the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, tossing gently. Serve immediately!
POV: your making Sunday Dinner with the Golden Girls on the tv in background… reminds me of nights where my grandma was in the kitchen , I could smell her frying up cutlets, and hear the tv as I played in the other room. Laid back Sunday Dinners are the most comforting kind. If you haven’t taken little mozzarella balls and torn them over your pasta, I suggest you get at it! What tv show is playing in the background of your memory? Shout out to @deleasakathleen for her pasta making skills 💕 #dishitgirl #familytable #sundaydinner #freshpasta
In order to finish this book I need to write all the devotional pieces. I have sit down every day for hours and be in the word writing and writing. I stole 15 min for a walk today I was tired in many ways , but I realized I’m truly right where he intended for me to be, in the weeks leading up to my second surgery I am spending my days in the word. Writing words of encouragement for others which in turn is encouraging me. I am traveling to conferences, which may also seem crazy at this time. But I am sharing and praying for others who are turning around and laying hands on me..as My peace is threatened daily God pushes back harder, I know I’ll go forth in this season with prayer warriors everywhere. My circumstances are hard but He works harder. Through people texting me verses, and expressing God laid me on their heart. I can be out somewhere and someone comes up to me to my surprise… but this shouldn’t surprise me. This is Him and this is his way . The timing makes no sense but perfect sense all at once . I finally learned something new, how to be joyful in the middle of the storm. I long for others to know the same . #dishspiration #dailyencouragement #godisgreater #christianwomen #shelivesfearless #prayerwarriors #invinciblejoy
Self care in its simplest form… For me, a great sandwich, big bowl of pasta, if I am fancy a nice order of sushi ….that’s what does it for me! Sometimes the best choice for a lazy weekend is visiting your local deli and getting supplies for an epic sandwich building bar ! What would be on yours ? Hope everyone is having a wonderful fall weekend 🍂
I am so upset I forgot the popcorn this year but I love this little tradition. We started when Siena got into snoopy a couple years ago! I found the plate on sale from @potterybarnkids . Jellybeans, pretzels, popcorn and a slice of toast along with a cuddle on the couch before the big meal comes out! I hope you are enjoying the day with the ones you love 💕 I’m grateful for many things and I talk about it often. But just a little more grateful for you Alan’s all the support and prayers over time. 💕
Just my quick go to lunch getting packed up for the next couple of days. This batch is going to a friend💕 This can be done in a mason jar as well. I like to put the chickpeas on the bottom, followed by chopped cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes. These came from the garden! I would typically add red onion but I know my friend well enough to 86 it! Added the dressing and topped it with feta. Sometimes us mamas forget to stop and feed ourselves. When I drop off food to help a new mama often times I’ll include a small batch of something just for them 😍 Dressing: 1/2 cup olive oil 3 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 garlic clove minced 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1/4 tsp dried) 1/2 tsp sugar 1 tsp kosher salt 1/8 tsp pepper #dishitgirl #moretoshare #lunchprep #mommeal #momminute #healthyrecipes #quickrecipe
To be honest, I do feel a bit checked out at the moment. And I think that’s okay. I submitted my manuscript, fulfilled most of my work obligations, said no to couple up ahead. And I have found it difficult to do much besides make sure the house is in order best I can and everything in Sienas world is as it should be. Normally I would push harder, but I think there is growth in saying, “that’s enough for now.” Normally it would make me feel super anxious and upset. As if I was losing momentum, what I have worked for. But I now know the lie in this. I’m okay with taking a break unlike I have before. I can’t see up ahead, but I do not need too. Sometimes he truly just asks us for one day at time, trusting he works up ahead. Some of you submitted prayer requests, please know I prayed over them this morning. Praying you are leaning into his outstretched arms as I am. Mushroom Leek Polenta 3 cups water 1 cup polenta 1/2 cup heavy cream 4 tbsp butter, unsalted 1/4 cup Parmigiana Reggiano Kosher salt / black pepper Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Slowly add the polenta while stirring. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the polenta is tender and full cooked, about 20 minutes. Add the milk, 2 tbsp of the butter, and the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to the polenta , add salt and pepper to taste. and stir together over medium-low heat until just warmed through about 10 minutes, Cover to keep warm. 3 tbsp butter, unsalted, divided 8oz baby Bella mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 1 leek,cleaned and sliced 1 tsp kosher salt 1/4 cup dry white wine In a large sauté pan melt 2 tbsp of butter, add the leeks sauté until they soften about 3 minutes, add in your mushrooms, sauté for another 4 minutes, until the mushrooms start to brown, season with salt. Add the wine to deglaze the pan, let that simmer for 3 minutes more, add in 1 tablespoon of butter, stir gently until it melts. Check for seasoning, serve over polenta! #dishitgirl #polenta #easymeal #easydinner
It’s been raining pretty much every weekend. We saw a break and went for it! So buckle up, it’s apple 🍎 recipes for the next week! I was in the mood for an apple grilled cheese but didn’t have bread. But who needs bread when you have English muffins? I mixed together about 1/3 cup of mayo, 2 tsp dijon, a little bit over a teaspoon’s of maple syrup, kosher salt and pepper. I had fresh thyme on hand three that in! Spread a bit of the mayo mixture on each half of the English muffin, layered on a slice of apple , followed by a slice of cheddar. Into the toaster oven for a bit and now I’m wishing I had another round !!! #dishitgirl #appleseason #applerecipes #sandwichrecipe #easyrecipe #quicklunch #todayfood #fallfavorites
#AD Sponsored by RITZ. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Mini @ritzcrackers Ice Cream Sandwiches are sure to be your favorite new fall treat! Complete with Pumpkin Ice Cream and Hazelnut Chocolate Swirl, these mini bites sound fancy but are super easy to make. Plus, you can find all of the ingredients at your local @walmart This recipe is no-churn, and all you need is a toothpick to swirl the chocolate hazelnut spread through the pumpkin mixture. After a couple of hours in the freezer, sandwich small scoops with a melon baller in-between the RITZ Crackers, pop them back in the freezer to firm up a bit and they are ready to go! The buttery rich taste of the RITZ Crackers pair perfectly with the pumpkin and chocolate flavors of the ice cream. These mini sandwiches are the perfect treats for after sports games or a day of fall fun activities! Grab the recipe below #RITZCrackers #tasteofwelcome 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk 15 oz can pumpkin puree 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp nutmeg 2 cups heavy cream 2 tbsp confectioners sugar 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread 40 RITZ Crackers Yields 20 ice cream sandwiches, with ice cream leftover to enjoy later! 1. Whisk together condensed milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. 2. In another bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the heavy cream and confectioners sugar until it forms soft stiff peaks, about 5 minutes 3. Fold the whipped heavy cream into the pumpkin mixture until well combined 4. Pour half the mixture into a freezer friendly container, I chose an 8×8 pyrex 5. Top it with about half of the chocolate hazelnut spread, and using a tooth pick swirl the chocolate throughout the pumpkin mixture 6. Top with remaining pumpkin mixture, followed by the rest of the chocolate spread, swirling it through the top once again. 7. Cover and place in the freezer for 4 hours, until firm. 8. Meanwhile, prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Recipe continued below 👇
Sheet Pan Chicken with all the fall flavors? Check ! The sweet potatoes become caramelized in the oven and the sage leaves crisp up while the chicken marinades in whole grain mustard and hot honey. The dressing ties it all together in the end! The full recipe link in here and in my bio : http://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/sheet-pan-chicken-sweet-potatoes #dishitgirl #fallrecipes #sweetpotatoes #saladrecipes #easyrecipe #weeknightdinner
We are all going to be super busy this weekend. Especially those of us who are cooking, cleaning, planning, and facilitating a holiday. Consider taking 15, even 10 minutes to take this walk. Let God fill you before you fill the bellies of others! Let him refresh you and have your heart swell with blessings. Maybe ones you have been over looking or taking for granted for awhile. I promise this will not return void. Or perhaps, take a moment to read through the verses listed below. Deuteronomy 31:7-8 Psalm 103: 1-4 Lamentations 3:22-23 Nehemiah 1 Samuel 2:1-2 Psalm 68:9 #scriptureoftheday #christianwomenbloggers #shelivesfearless
THIS is my weekend project that saves me money every holiday season ! I have a full list of pantry cleaning and organizing hacks on dishitgirl.com. As well as info on how I stock my pantry for surprise guests! Every year I am guilty of over purchasing ingredients and it is an expensive mistake. Cleaning out my pantry helps me organize my mind, my list, and my finances. Helping me feel less overwhelmed, which is worth everything during this time. Doing this inventory will even help you cut down on time running back and forth to the store. Make your list and check it twice, just like Santa! That way you can assess your ingredients. Are there some spices used frequently across your recipes? Maybe buying cinnamon in bulk is better than two little shakers. Maybe you buy a large box of kosher salt being you brine. Check your spices and baking supplies are they expired? Do you already have two vanilla extracts ready to go? You can avoid over buying those products with longer shelf life. Also, if you make your list early you can watch for sales. Look at store circulars, check out online retailers, even see if your local farmers market or farms have items at a better price. Or maybe you have time to make a batch of homemade vanilla extract? Even better idea- does your family bake together? Maybe one family is charge of buying the sugar and flour, the other the eggs and butter. Split the bill! Look at your baking list and be honest, do you need to make 10 cookies? Or can you go with 3 fan favorites this year? Maybe make the others in the boredom of January!
Thank God for oldie but goodies! I may be quiet for a moment but don’t forget I’ve been churning out recipes and ideas here for almost 10 years 😝. You can find plenty of fun dips abs fall fun food on dishitgirl.com ❤️ You may have more than a couple of visitors this weekend. Or maybe you have a Harvest Party going on! Make a little snack station with some store bought treats to save you some time. Use some cobwebs along the table and you are set! Adding in some fruit and vegetable , along with the mini bagels helps maybe curb the candy meltdown! Recipe for a quick pumpkin tahini dip to go along with the veggies below ! Pumpkin Tahini Dip 1 15 oz can of pumpkin puree 1/4 cup tahini 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 garlic clove, chopped 1/2 tbsp harissa 2 tbsp olive oil 3/4 tsp salt 1. In a food processor fitted with an S blade, pulse lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and salt together or use a blender , until smooth 2. Add in pumpkin puree, harissa and olive oil. Pulse until combined
I always say I am not the best baker. Galettes never fail me! They are so forgiving with their rustic aesthetic. Thin rounds of sweet potatoes with smoked paprika, layered with caramelized shallots and goat cheese. With an herby olive oil added over top. Sounds super fancy, but it is rather quick and easy. This also travels well and heats up the next day! 2 sweet potatoes, peeled, sliced into thin rounds 3 tbsp olive oil 1/4 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 shallot, sliced 1 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tsp brown sugar 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese 1 9 inch refrigerated pie crust 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp honey 1 tbsp parsley, chopped 1 tbsp chives, chopped 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees 2. Add the sweet potato rounds to a medium size bowl. Add the olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat. 3. Melt the butter in a saute pan over medium heat, add the shallots, and saute until they begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle brown sugar over the pan, stir gently, saute 5 minutes more and remove from heat. 4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper 5. Place the pie crust round on the parchment paper. 6. Add the sweet potato rounds starting in the center of the parchment paper. Overlapping each round. Add a layer of shallots, then goat cheese. Repeat another layer of sweet potatoes. Making sure to leave a 2 inch border. 7. Gently fold over the edges of the the pie crust over the top of the sweet potatoes. 8. In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, honey, parsley and chives until well combined. 9. Spoon this mixture over the top of the galette. 10. Place in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until the crust becomes browned. #easyrecipes #friendsgiving #thanksgivingdinner #galette #sweetpotato #appetizers
We’re only ONE week away from the @shelivesfearless Fall Conference in Orlando! 🍂 🙌🏼 We can’t wait to see everyone. Join us next weekend on September 30th to dive into scripture, grow in your knowledge of who God is, connect, and leave inspired to move forward to follow God’s calling on your life! 🔗 Details and Links to Sign Up are in the @shelivesfearless bio or go to www.shelivesfearless.com/conferences Registration ends Tuesday 9/26! #shelivesfearless #shelivesfearlessconference
Put roasting root vegetables on your to do list this fall! Not only are they tasty but they look gorgeous to. Toss them in a honey tahini dressing and layer them over cous cous, or any grain really. It’s a delicious side for your holiday tables. Or even great for meal prep. I had this for lunch and dinner this week! Dressing recipe 👇 below . Follow @dishitgirldina for more #dishspiration this holiday season ! 1/4 cup tahini 1/3 cup olive oil 3 tbsp honey 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp sesame seed oil 1 1/2 tbsp shallots, chopped 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/8 tsp ground mustard 2 tbsp fresh dill, divided #easyrecipes #fallrecipes #food52 #foodblogfeed #onmytable #vegetarianrecipes #rootvegetables #thanksgivingrecipes #sidedish
Spotlighting my Marsala Soaked Stuffed Mushrooms early in the season this year! This is my favorite appetizer to serve because it gets rave reviews every single time. It’s been on tv , won competitions, I even adapted a version for my cookbook . But you can have this appetizer version now! Head to dishitgirl.com for the recipe, link in the bio ! #holidayappetizers #easyrecipeideas #stuffedmushrooms #thanksgivingdinner
Each conference is slightly different because a different group of women gather. God knows who is walking through the door each and every time. He appoints each song, weaves together our messages, even though we have not consulted each other. It is an exciting thing to be a part of. Even more exciting is watching women worship together, pray together, and step out in faith. I am still praying for the women I met this weekend and past conferences. To serve alongside women I admire is beyond life giving. @conniealbers @rebeccageorgeauthor @joelle.jensen @erinhwarren @hollyanewton @annaliselillard and the women’s team from @firstorlando, what wonderful women to hear from and be encouraged by! This isn’t just for people who attend. As I prayed over others, they came to pray for me. I know the army of prayer for my health is growing. There was a time where I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to go. That I would be held back. But I have been relentless in my faith. This is what God laid on my heart to share this weekend. Being relentless in faith has allowed me to grow fearless. There may come a waiting period again. But I am not out of the game, a thought I have had many times before. I am just training because I am being called to level up, a new phase of the “game.” In two weeks I am headed to Dallas with @shelivesfearless at @cottonwoodfamily with another phenomenal team. Looking forward to what God will do there. Praying for the women who will attend. If you are in the area, we would love to see you. And if you’re not, drop me a note below. I would love to pray for you this week! Because I realize not everyone has the opportunity or community, and it is what is encouraging me through my valley. So I would love to be that for you! Registration information link in bio and stories ! #shelivesfearlessconference #christianwomen #encouragment #prayerchain
Did we all eat enough this past weekend? Your tummy may be ready to take it easy . Apple, pecans, greens and an apple cider vinaigrette has been on a repeat the past couple of days. It’s easy, and you can layer on grilled chicken or leftover Turkey if you can still stand it! The salad dressing consists of about a tablespoon of chopped shallot, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of honey, 3 tablespoons of ACV, and 1/3 cup olive oil. Salt and pepper according to taste 💕 #easyrecipe #saladrecipe #simplefood #applerecipes #healthyrecipe #dinnerrecipes #lunchideas
