Author: meghanewhite

Food

Blueberry Muffins

meghanewhite

Who doesn’t want a piece of cake for breakfast? That’s what a muffin is, and that is why I love them. This recipe was given to me many years ago by my mother-in-law. My family loves these moist, delicious muffins that can be customized to any type of muffin you like.

The original recipe uses regular milk but I use buttermilk. It adds to the flavor and texture. Use whatever milk you prefer. I have only made these muffins with regular cow’s milk or buttermilk (made from cow’s milk), so I can’t speak for the various non-dairy milks. I can attest to the effectiveness of the original recipe, and it’s good.

The crumb topping is my addition to these perfect little breads. It’s crunchy and sweet, adding a nice contrast to the softness of the muffin. It’s completely optional, but highly recommended. I usually make half with the topping. Customize the muffins with the fruit of your choice, or keep them plain. Have fun with this recipe.

Happy Eating!

I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

Blueberry Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins

Ingredients 

1 egg

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°, line cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl beat the egg with a fork.
  3. Stir in the milk and oil.
  4. Stir in the sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Don’t over mix.
  6. Fold in the blueberries.
  7. Fill each cupcake liner with the batter.
  8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Check after 15 minutes.
  9. Let cool slightly. The muffins are best served warm.

Optional crumb topping:

yield: enough for 6 muffins

Ingredients

4 Tbsp. melted butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp. flour

  1. Melt butter in a small bowl.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
  3. Scoop topping on raw muffin batter before going into the oven.

Notes

Blueberries: Use frozen or fresh. Frozen blueberries will give blue streaks in the batter.

Milk: Regular milk works great, buttermilk is even better.

Fillings: It doesn’t have to be blueberries. Add bananas, chocolate chips, poppy seeds, or your favorite fruit.

Cook time: Every oven is different. Start checking the muffins after 15 minutes. Tops should be golden brown.

Photo credit: Meghan E. White

grief

No Fear of Death

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A friendly woman smiled as I sat down next to her during church one Sunday several years ago. By the following week we were chummy and soon became friends. I noticed her fingers were bent up and she wore braces on her hands. It was from rheumatoid arthritis. Past surgeries where her bones were broken and reset were only temporary fixes, yet Hawah soldiered on.

She never complained, though she was in constant pain. Hawah would laugh about having her husband help her with her shoes or necklace, though she was always put together beautifully with matching hand bags, and jewelry. Her infectious smile was her most stunning accessory.

Beautiful, kind, strong, fun-loving, and easy going, are just a few of the many words to describe my friend, Hawah. She came to the United States from Sierra Leone as a teenager over forty years ago. This lovely faith-filled woman had a good life in America with her loving husband and two kids. Life was not always easy for Hawah especially when she battled colon cancer, though she came out on the other side victorious. Hawah’s physical pain and suffering never took away from her deep love of God.

I would think of Hawah when I was facing a challenge in my own life. What would Hawah do? She’d press on and not complain. I have no doubt she had hard days like all of us, but I never saw that side. I saw resilience, determination, and joy. These traits were called upon when the cancer came back with a vengeance as it spread through many parts of her body.

This warrior had a short battle with cancer that she could not win. She was not supposed to win this one. Hawah passed away in her sleep Monday night this last week. Hawah was not afraid to die. Why? Because she knew where she was going. She is now home with Jesus. No more pain. No more radiation. No more stinking cancer. She is free.

As Christians we say, “She went home to be with the Lord“. If you are not a Christian that may sound weird. Home for the Christian is Heaven. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20, BSB.

Home is not here on Earth. This is all temporary for everyone. We will all die. That’s the only way out of this place. This is all part of God’s plan for humanity. But Heaven is only for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

There are two things you can count on in life, death and taxes. We can thank Benjamin Franklin for such wisdom. I would argue that taxes can be avoided, though with penalties like prison, but death cannot be avoided for any of us. Are you afraid to die? Do you know where you are going when death comes? You don’t have to be afraid. Like my friend Hawah, you can have peace. Jesus is the only way to the Father. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me, John 14:6, BSB.

Hawah had no fear of death. She is now home with the Lord. Hallelujah! See you soon my friend.

We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

Love you all,

Meghan

Photo credit: Meghan E. White

Food

Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeno Dip

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In case you’ve never heard of Chuy’s, it’s a Tex-Mex restaurant that started in Austin. My favorite thing at Chuy’s is this amazing creamy jalapeno dip. When they bring chips and salsa to your table, they also bring creamy jalapeno dip. It is so addictive and so delicious! If you have never been to Chuy’s or never had this incredible dip, you are going to want to make it.

This dip is super easy to make. Throw everything in the food processor and in a few minutes you’ve got creamy, spicy, deliciousness on a chip. It’s really close to the original Chuy’s recipe, maybe even better. That’s just my opinion. I’ll quit talking and get to the recipe. That’s what we all want anyway.

Happy Eating!

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Equipment needed: Food processor, blender, or immersion blender

Yield: 2.5 cups

Ingredients

2 to 3 jalapenos chopped, (seeds and ribs removed)

handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

3 gloves garlic, chopped

juice of 1 lime

1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup buttermilk

1 packet ranch dip mix (1 oz.)

Instructions

  1. In a food processor add jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Add the green chiles, mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and ranch dip mix. Pulse until smooth.
  3. Now it’s ready to enjoy. Keep in the refigerator for up to a week.

Notes

*The consistency is runny. Don’t be alarmed if it’s not thick. It’s not supposed to be.

*If you like things hot and spicy then add another jalapeno, or leave the seeds intact. It’s not super spicy, it’s mild.

* The flavors get better the longer it sits in the fridge. You can enjoy the dip right away, or let it chill for a few hours first.

* Ranch dip mix vs. ranch dressing mix. I use the dip mix. I assume the ranch dressing mix works as well.

Photo Credits: Meghan E. White 

 

Food

Peppermint Bark

meghanewhite

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If you love peppermint like I do, then you will enjoy this very simple holiday treat. This would make a great addition to a cookie platter, or a very nice homemade gift. I made it with a semi-sweet chocolate base and a white chocolate top, but you could just use one type of chocolate. I like the contrast of the two chocolates with the mint.

Need a last minute gift, or treat for a party? Peppermint bark will save the day. Delicious, chocolatey, minty goodness all in one super easy no bake dessert. Only four ingredients for this fantastic recipe. Here is my last minute gift to you.

Merry Christmas!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

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Peppermint Bark

Ingredients

1 bag white chocolate chips (11 oz.)

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (11 oz.)

½ teaspoon peppermint extract

6 candy canes, crushed

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking sheet (9 x12, or larger) with parchment going up the sides of the pan.
  2. Put a freezer bag inside another freezer bag and place the candy canes inside. Break them into small pieces using a rolling pin. Set aside.
  3. In a small glass bowl put the semi-sweet chips. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring between until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  4. Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out evenly using a rubber spatula.  Place in the refrigerator for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is almost set.
  5. Melt the white chocolate in a small glass bowl while the semi-sweet chocolate layer is setting up in the fridge. Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between until the white chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in ½ tsp peppermint extract. Pour the melted white chocolate over the semi-sweet layer. Carefully spread out the white chocolate using a rubber spatula.
  6. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate and gently press the candy canes into the chocolate. 
  7. Refrigerate the bark until completely set, about an hour. 
  8. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Notes 

  1. The semi-sweet layer should be a little bit soft when you pour the melted white chocolate on top. This way the layers will adhere together. If the semi-sweet is completely set the two chocolate layers can separate. 
  2. White chocolate chips are a bit temperamental and want to harden fast after melting. Work quickly so the candy canes will stick to the chocolate before it sets up. 
  3. The microwave is the easiest way to melt the chocolate but a double boiler is ideal. 
  4. My bark is thin since I used a large pan, spreading my chocolate thin. Use a smaller pan for thicker bark. 
  5. Store bark in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It can be left at room temperature for a few days, but it will get soft.

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Photo Credits: Meghan E. White

Trials

When We Can’t See

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by Night Camera Lite for iPhone and iPad
Photo by Meghan E. White

What if we saw every trial, trouble, triumph, and tragedy in detail laid out in front of us, that covered the span of our lives? Would it change the decisions we made? Would we even be able to handle it? Would it change our faith? Would we have faith in God? 

There is a very good reason that God is God, and that I am not. I would like nothing more than to look ahead in my current situation and see something, anything. When I attempt to look ahead I either look with eyes of faith, and know it’s all going to work out, or I look with fear and see a lot of potentially bad things. I can’t see beyond right now, not that I could before Tom’s kidney failure, dialysis, and possible transplant. I made a false assumption that I could see clearly ahead, though this was not a conscious decision, that’s what I was doing. That is not reality.

I like to tell God my plans and then say, “OK Lord, get to work on that.” His patience and mercy are such a gift and blessing. His love for me is astounding. God is teaching me in a whole new way, I don’t need to know what’s ahead, because He does. God not only knows what is ahead for me and Tom, He has ordained it. He is faithful and will get us through whatever we need to deal with. We are not facing anything alone, especially the unknown, yet this is still very difficult for me.

You’d think I would have this down by now, trust God and surrender everything to Jesus, obviously not. My faith is being tested. This is all part of the journey of following Christ. I am grateful for this trial, though I would never choose it. I hate seeing my husband suffer. When he hurts, I hurt. We are learning so many things, including perseverance. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4, NIV 

As I was driving home from the hospital one night, after Tom’s most recent stay, God gave me revelation. He told me not knowing and having no answers is exactly how He wants me to live. God reminded me to trust Him fully, especially in the unknown. It’s all going to be O.K. The road may be rough, but He will get us exactly where we need to be. It gave me total peace. We both have peace. Praise God for that. It’s all still hard, and can be scary and overwhelming, but He’s got us.

With so many encouraging passages of scripture that I am clinging to, Psalm 55 has brought a lot of solace. Here are a few of the sections that I go back to, often. May they encourage you as well.

Listen to my prayer, O God,
    do not ignore my plea;
2     hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught

4 My heart is in anguish within me;
    the terrors of death have fallen on me.
5 Fear and trembling have beset me;
    horror has overwhelmed me.
6 I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
    I would fly away and be at rest.
7 I would flee far away
    and stay in the desert;
8 I would hurry to my place of shelter,
    far from the tempest and storm.”

16 As for me, I call to God,
    and the Lord saves me.
17 Evening, morning and noon
    I cry out in distress,
    and he hears my voice.
18 He rescues me unharmed
    from the battle waged against me,
    even though many oppose me.

22 Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.

Whatever your unknowns are today, know that He is with you. Even if you can’t see a thing in front of you, and you wish you could, He is already there in those unknown places. God will take care of you. He is faithful.

Love you all,

Meghan