Food, mustard seed sentinel

Mini Quiche

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The quintessential brunch food is quiche. It’s got a fancy name and it’s associated with a fancy meal. Quiche is actually very simple to make, and can be enjoyed every day. A flaky pastry filled with eggs, milk, and cheese are the base for this savory pie. 

Spinach, bacon, and onions are delicious in quiche. You can use a variety of cheeses, vegetables, and meats. Be as creative as you want. Making mini quiches is a fun way to customize them to your liking. 

They freeze well and make a great breakfast on the go. Mini quiche would be a wonderful addition to a holiday celebration. Quiche is a versatile dish. It’s filling and can be used in a variety of ways. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner time are perfect for these small pies. 

Happy Eating!

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

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Mini Quiche

Yield: 24

Ingredients

2 unbaked pie crusts (homemade or store bought)

6 eggs

2 cups milk

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

Filling

shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere)

crumbled cheese (feta, blue)

bacon bits

chopped ham

chopped turkey

spinach

onion

mushroom

tomato

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°.
  2. Spray muffin pans with cooking spray.
  3. In a large mixing bowl whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper until combined.
  4. Roll out the pie crust. Use a 3 inch round cutter to make approximately 12 mini crusts per pie crust. 
  5. Place each circle of pastry into the greased muffin pan, gently pressing them to the bottom and sides.
  6. Put a tablespoon of filling into each pastry shell. 
  7. Pour the egg mixture over the filling, being careful not to overfill. 
  8. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until the quiche is puffed and the pastry is golden brown.
  9. Cool in the muffin pan for 5 minutes. Use a knife to carefully remove the mini quiches. Enjoy!

Notes 

*Use half whole milk, and half  heavy cream for a richer taste.

*Don’t worry if you overfill a few quiches. They will still cook well and taste good. 

* Store leftover quiches in the refrigerator.

* Cool the mini quiches before freezing. 

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https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com/post/meghan-s-corner-mini-quiche 

Food

Pumpkin Bars

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It’s that time of year. Pumpkin time. Pumpkin everything is everywhere. It wasn’t that long ago that the only big thing happening pumpkin-wise this time of year was the now infamous pumpkin spice latte. If you got your hands on one of those, then you felt pretty special. Now, pumpkin has taken over all aspects of food from yogurt to cereal, and even candy. We are pumpkin obsessed for some reason. For the non-pumpkin eaters, I’m sorry. For the rest of us, yay!!

In honor of all things pumpkin, I give you pumpkin bars. You’re welcome. I’ve been making these divine treats for close to twenty-six years. The bars are really more like a moist delicious cake. The pumpkin flavor is there, but it’s subtle, not overpowering. And, the piece de resistance, cream cheese frosting. The combo of the scrumptious cake and sweet icing make this dessert irresistible. It’s hard to stop at one. Pumpkin bars are addictive. You’ve been warned. 

I was blessed with this recipe from my boss all those years ago. She brought them into work one day and it was love at first bite. I got the recipe from her, which she was given by her mother many years before. And the circle of life continues as I pass this fantastic recipe on to you. Maybe you will share it with someone in your life too. Whenever I make these for potlucks or any event, they get devoured every single time. So be ready with the recipe, because you will be asked. 

Pumpkin bars are a nice alternative to pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, make both. Pumpkin fans everywhere will rejoice. I have to admit that I’ve made these in the summer. I know. It’s a bit bold, a bit daring, but so worth it. Try pumpkin bars in the off season too. They are just that good.

Happy Eating!

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 10:31

 

Pumpkin Bars

 

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

In a medium sized mixing bowl whisk together dry ingredients and set aside.

 

4 eggs

1 2/3 cup sugar

1 15oz. can pumpkin

1 cup vegetable oil

pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cream eggs and sugar.
  3. Add the vegetable oil, pumpkin, and pecans.
  4. Add the flour mixture and mix thoroughly with a hand mixer.
  5. Pour into an un-greased 15x10x1 inch pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Cool completely before frosting. 

Cream Cheese Frosting

3 oz. cream cheese softened

¼ cup butter softened 

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups powdered sugar

Cream together with a hand mixer until smooth.

 

Notes:

Store at room temperature in a sealed container.

I never add the nuts, but I’m sure it’s delicious. 

Let the cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature before making the frosting.

Authors

Eyes on Jesus is available NOW! —

My new book, Eyes on Jesus: A 90-Day Discernment Devotional, is available now. See what other Christian leaders are saying about the book.

Eyes on Jesus is available NOW! —

Check out this new devotional by author, blogger, and podcaster, Tim Ferrara. He has a great blog called Discerning Dad. Give him a follow, and consider ordering his devotional. This would make a great gift.

Click on the link for all the details. 

God bless you,

Meghan 

Worship

Stop Everything and Praise the Lord

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The world is exhausting. We have access to any amount of information that we want, and plenty that we do not need. This evil world is broken, and getting sicker by the minute. Now add to all of that our own every day trials and responsibilities, and you’ve got the perfect formula for hopelessness. 

We have hope because of Jesus. We may not always feel it, but it’s always there. No matter how crazy the world gets, or how crazy our lives are, we always, always have hope. One really simple way to get our hope and joy back in seemingly uncertain times is to turn our hearts toward the Lord. Praise is a powerful weapon in our spiritual arsenal. 

I’m talking about singing and praising God. Absolutely no talent is required, just an honest heart worshipping God. Our voices sound like angels in God’s ears when it’s sincere. That’s just my opinion since God is concerned about the condition of our hearts above anything else. Sing even louder if you are in deep pain. Praise to God is so powerful in our trials. 

Praising the Lord takes our eyes off our circumstances and fixes them on Him.

Do you need to put the brakes on the insanity of our world? I know I do. It’s just too much. We are not designed to bear heavy burdens, only Jesus’ burdens are meant for us. Those are the light ones. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Step one is to turn off social media, news, emails, and pretty much everything that makes noise. If you’ve got young children you may need to be creative and use nap times, or just have them join in the praise. Those little ones, and big ones, will learn so much from some sweet worship at home. 

Step two is to turn up the worship music. Whether you have a piano or another instrument, and can play, by all means play. Use cd’s, Spotify, Youtube, or whatever format you get your music from, and play only worship music. A cappella is lovely too, if you’re up for that. There are hymns, and modern worship music, and everything else in between. 

Step three is to sing out loud and praise God. This is the best part. Fill your mind and heart with the greatness of God, and let Him know it. You can even dance around the house if you feel comfortable doing that. Just go for it, and give God full praise right in your kitchen, or bedroom, or anywhere. 

David danced before the Lord. 

Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. 2 Samuel 6:14 NKJV 

Dancing is not required, but it may spontaneously erupt out of sheer joy from the Lord. David is such a beautiful example of uninhibited adoration and worship of God. No wonder he’s called “a man after God’s own heart”. 

Something so amazing will start to happen as you lift your voice to the King of Kings. You will get your hope back, you will remember who is in control. Burdens will lift. You will see just how big and awesome God is. Our omnipotent God is still on the throne no matter what government’s do, no matter what the news says, no matter how pervasive evil is. God will never be dethroned. And justice is coming.

Praise Him today. Praise Him everyday. Take a break from all the crazy and give God your best praise and worship. It will fill your heart and give you joy knowing that no matter what you are facing God will help you. Let’s praise the Lord for He alone is worthy of our praise.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7, NKJV 

Love you all,

Meghan 

 

If you need prayer send your request to meghanewhiteauthor@gmail.com

fear

Fear Not!

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I went to clean out the pool skimmer basket and jumped back. This terrifying looking snake was waiting for me. I quickly realized it was not alive. Phew. I was safe but still freaked out knowing a snake had been in our pool. The same pool we swim in freely. Now I was questioning if I should ever swim in the pool again.

There is an epidemic running rampant these days. No, it’s not that one. Fear is out of control. We are told in hundreds, if not thousands of ways, every single day to “be afraid”. Fear the virus, fear the new variants, fear getting the vaccine, fear not getting the vaccine, fear inflation, fear the potential food shortages, fear losing your livelihood if you disagree with someone, fear natural disasters, fear the rise in crime, fear the government, fear your neighbors, fear travel, fear pollution, fear standing up for your convictions.

These fears are based on potential outcomes that are legitimate. I call these, “What if’s”. It’s the worst case scenario that runs through our mind. It does not mean any of it will happen, but it could possibly happen, so we need to operate in fear, right? Wrong.

All of this fear comes from the enemy. The devil is real, and he loves to spread fear by lying. He’s very good at it. Jesus does not mince words when talking about the enemy.

You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44, NASB

As followers of Jesus we are to be wise and discerning. Don’t let fear motivate your decisions. Make decisions based on Godly wisdom and discernment. How do you do that?

Pray. Ask God for wisdom and clarity on those things which cause you fear. He will show you what is really going on. He will give you peace and comfort. He will also help you know how to respond.

Trust God fully. You can stand firmly on The Rock, even when you cannot see. He sees all. He knows all. He loves you.

Stay in The Word. God’s word is the truth. With the bombardment of lies we must go to the truth.

Worship. Turn up the worship music and turn off the news, social media, and all the other stuff that fills our minds. Praise God simply for who He is.

Fear is a spiritual battle so we must use our spiritual weapons.

When you feel afraid let that be a reminder to take your fear to Jesus. If you have to take your fear to Jesus a thousand times in one day then do it. He is always available and able to help you.

We are in a fearful time in history. There are plenty of very real things to be afraid of. As Christ followers we are not to live in fear. Sounds easy. It’s not always easy, but it is possible to stand our ground in faith without fear. You can guarantee the scary stuff will come. It’s our response to it that makes all the difference.

You belong to God.

For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26, NASB

Jesus intercedes for you.

Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Romans 8:34, NASB

Jesus is always with you.

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20, NKJV

The Holy Spirit will help you.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you. John 14:26, NASB

God will never forsake you.

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5, NKJV

The Lord is your helper.

So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6, NKJV

Things are not always as they seem. Remember my creepy snake? It was actually just a baby snake. Discernment is essential when there is so much deception.

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Love you all,

Meghan

Father God,

Praise Your holy name. Thank you for your faithfulness and goodness. I lift up every person who is gripped with fear. Give them peace, comfort, and wisdom. Help them to see with their spiritual eyes the truth of Your soverignty. May they experience Your incredible presence in new ways. Lift their heads and their eyes towards You. Give us all wisdom and discernment to know truth from lies. Let us hear Your voice above all the noise of this world. Shine Your light through us to a dark and hurting world.

In Jesus name,

Amen