Monica's Munchies Arrrrrrrozzzzz Con Pollo! Hahahha

1 regular pkg.  Chicken Legs  (If you have extra large pot, you can upgrade to jumbo pkg. hahah!)      

1 jumbo  pkg.   Chicken Thighs

Rinse chicken and pat dry!  Season chicken with garlic salt and white pepper.  Heat heavy bottom (enamel type) pot adding extra virgin olive oil.   Brown chicken on both sides.  (Your not cooking it through just yet!!  Don't move it around, wait and then lift when it lifts easily on it's own.)  Remove chicken from pot and set aside. 

Add more extra virgin olive oil to pot, plus:

1 ea. purple and brown onion, chopped

5-8 garlic cloves, chopped

Saute (Keep it moving and pick up brown bits from the bottom of the pan! )

Add 3-4 cups Basmati rice to pot and brown for a few minutes.  Stirring often.

Once the rice is browned.....add 1/3 to 1/2  can El Pato Tomato sauce..very spicy and yummy. 

Cook into rice for 5 minutes.

Monica's Munchies Note: No El Pato on hand, chop a jalepeno or two, saute w/ the onion & garlic.

Chicken broth

Canned diced tomatoes

Frozen mixed Veges

Saffron 

                       Monica's Munchies Note: The goal is to make 2 cups of liquid per 1 cup rice.   

Measure liquid and canned diced tomatoes in a large measuring cup. 

Figure approx. 1 1/2 cups broth plus 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes per 1 cup rice.

Pour into pot over rice & stir. 

Add 5 ish  strands of saffron to liquid.  (Purchase at Cost Plus for pretty cheap)

Bring to just under a boil.  Taste for seasoning....add garlic salt and white pepper if needed

Add a cup of frozen mixed veggies, stir again.

Lower heat to just a simmer.

Add all chicken back to pot.  (No stirring) Cover! 

Cook for approx. 25 min's, or until chicken is cooked through and rice is done.  ,

Allowing it to stand  for 10 min's is a good idea, but not always possible because your mouth will be watering!  hahah!

Monica's Munchies Note:  Don't sweat it if  the chicken isn't cooked all the way, just nuke it for a minute or two! 

Yummy.

Enjoy <3

Monica's Munchies

Mum's Better Batch of Cookie Ideas!

7   Droppers of Vanilla Stevia
1   C. of Sugar
2   Eggs
1   Cup Room Temperature Butter


1/2 C. Soy Milk Creamer (Fresh and Easy)

4 oz. Applesauce (One tub)



2   C. of All Purpose Flour
3   C. of Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
3   Tsp. Baking Powder
1   Tsp. Salt

Cream together vanilla stevia, sugar, eggs and butter.  Mix in soy milk creamer and applesauce.

Mix together dry ingredients in another bowl.  (Sticky? Add a little bit more all purpose flour)

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients a little bit at a time. 

Roll out (dont forget to put down some flour first!) 1/4 to 1/2 in thick...

Spray cookie sheet with Pam

Bake at 400 degrees for approx. 8-10 mins. 

Note:  these cookies are like the sugar cookies from Albertsons,  very tender!

Beware, these are a little bit healthier, but don't go overboard eatin them!  hahah

Enjoy <3 Monica's Munchies

Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Chicken Lettuce Wrap Soup!

We just <3  Chicken Lettuce Wraps from P.F.Changs. 

So Jeff and I attended a Chinese Cooking Class at the Cooking Store, Mission Grove Center in order to learn how to make this yummy dish! 

That was alot of fun for us! 

Now I just do a very simple style of Chicken Lettuce Wraps that I know you alllllll can make also!! 

This recipe will feed 4 adults
(that is if you have really good eaters like Jeff and RJ!!! Otherwise you may be able to feed 6..hahaha <3 )

Ingredients:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fresh Chopped Garlic 
(Note:  I chop 6 whole heads of garlic in a chopper and place it in a container with some olive oil...then I store it in the fridge....that way it is always ready to use!) 
Granulated Onion
Garlic Salt and White Pepper
(note:  I buy whole white peppercorns from Sprouts and grind them in my pepper mill)
2 lbs. ground chicken  (Winco/ Fresh & Easy always carry this!)  
Low Sodium Soy Sauce
Hoisin Sauce

Condiment list to follow recipe!  

Heat olive oil in pan and add ground chicken.  Season with garlic, granulated onion, garlic salt and white pepper.  Sprinkle each one on top and mix in, then sprinkle a little bit more.  Brown, but do not over cook, you want meat to be tender....alll the while breaking it up.  (Note: in the cooking class we learned that to break meat up smaller, you could rub it inbetween your hands.) 

Once it is cooked, add some hoisin sauce from Trader Joes or the regular market.  Thin down  with some low sodium soy sauce.  Simmer for about 8-10 mins. on low.  Again, we don't want to overcook the meat.

Make some Brown Bastmati rice according to the instructions. 

Use whole romaine leaves cut in half.  (I buy the big bag from Costco and always have this on hand.)

Condiments to have on hand:
Toasted Sesame Seeds    (Sprinkle on rice and on meat in wrap)
Sliced Green Onions     (Sprinkle on rice and on meat in wrap)

Chopped Cilantro        (Sprinkle on rice and on meat in wrap)

Chopped Cashews         (Sprinkle on meat in wrap)

Shredded Purple Cabbage (Sprinkle on meat in wrap)

Shredded Napa Cabbage   (Sprinkle on meat in wrap)
Wonton Strips           (Sprinkle on meat in wrap)

Place meat, rice and condiments in romaine lettuce and enjoy! 

Sauce like PF's

1.  Low Sodium Soy Sauce       (Approx. 1/2 Cup)

2.  Prepared Chinese Mustard   (Approx. 2-4 teaspoons)

3.  Chinese Garlic Chili Sauce    (1 tsp. or more depending on how hot you want it!)

Mix the 3 of these together to make P F's sauce! Enjoy on brown rice or on lettuce wraps!

Chicken Lettuce Wrap Soup!

1 can low sodium Chicken Broth

1/2 -3/4 cups cooked brown rice (1-3 days old is fine)

Left over Chicken lettuce wrap chicken

Low Sodium Soy Sauce

Hoisin Sauce

Place chicken broth, left over chicken lettuce wrap meat, and brown rice in a bowl.  Add some extra hoisin sauce and low sodium soy sauce.  (Note: do this to taste, don't overdo or it will be too salty)  Nuke (haha microwave) for 5 mins. if cold from the start.  

Top with cilantro, sliced green onions!  Microwave and enjoy!

Monica's Munchies  <3 

P.S. if you have left over sauteed zuchinni or carrotts, that would be great in there too and don't forget to make a cup of hot green tea....use a little bit of blue agave to take away the slightly bitter taste! 

The Storms of Life!

Well it's been awhile since I have posted anything.  I have just spent some time recovering from Melissa and RJ's wedding, readjusting to life without Melissa in the house and realizing how much I love that McCauley Couple!!!! They are soooo precious in His sight and in ours!  <3

I have been walking with the Lord Jesus, the Christ, my saviour since 1981 and He has been showing me great and mighty things since then.   This past year is no different, He has been revealing to me some things concerning the hardships and trials of the past 7 years!!  He has opened my eyes to a new and deeper understanding of Himself!  Who He is, what He alone can do and He has given me understanding in this life!  And I am sooo grateful for His work in my life!

We all have read or heard stories about how Jesus is God, that He is Good, how He calmed the storms, healed the sick, spoke words of wisdom to the masses or just to His disciples.  How He died on the cross for our sins, and how and when He rose back up and revealed Himself to those around.  We believe and we go on to live our lives each day. 

I have found that at different points in my life the Lord wants His word to come alive to me, for me to experience each of these scenerios in a real way.   He makes these "stories"  become more than just a story in a book that I read and believed by faith,  but a reality that I have experienced  in my life in these modern times!  In the here and now, through different circumstances, yet the same Lord with the same love and help.......answers!!! <3

Jeff and I have been under an extreme amount of pressure from storms that have raged since his on the job accident on Nov. 17th, '07.  The financial strain and stress of being out of work for 7 mos.  the physical pain and loss of feeling in his foot and the use of some of his toes plus the cost of 2 surgeries, one for him and one for me has had a real set back effect on our whole life. 

The first step to finding the victory in alll these raging storms was that we had to CHOOSE to keep Jesus as  our Lord, our Saviour whom we put all of our faith in.   We also have had to chose to push through, to keep servin, keep listening, to keep seeking Him first in all things and to keep waiting on Him each day to set our paths straight!! Calling upon Him time and time again to hold us, to keep us safe in the middle of the raging storms, much like the movie the perfect storm where 3 storms met in the middle where a fishing vessel was located.  They were lost at sea.  We have to choose not to have the attitude that we will be lost in the storm, but instead We have to chose to stand and SEE what it is that Jesus will do on our behalf! 

We are told in the word to:  Let not your hearts be troubled! We have a job to do, it is a battle. This does not just happen.

Deut 20:3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

3824 לֵבָב [lebab /lay·bawb/] n m. From 3823; TWOT 1071a; GK 4222; 252 occurrences; AV translates as “heart” 231 times, “consider + 7760” five times, “mind” four times, “understanding” three times, and translated miscellaneously nine times. 1 inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding. 1a inner part, midst. 1a1 midst (of things). 1a2 heart (of man). 1a3 soul, heart (of man). 1a4 mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory. 1a5 inclination, resolution, determination (of will). 1a6 conscience. 1a7 heart (of moral character). 1a8 as seat of appetites. 1a9 as seat of emotions and passions. 1a10 as seat of courage.

Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible


At times we have felt absolutely flooded out!  Wave upon wave and tear upon tear!!  But I can say that the Lord has been faithful!  He has made Himself real and taught us many lessons. 

We can say with all our hearts that Jesus is Good, Righteous in His Soverignty.  He has carried us, whispered to us of His love over and over.  He has bound up our wounds and healed our saddened hearts. He has allowed us to share with others, to be one lamppost on their path to light the way ....that leads right to Faith in Christ! 

Right now we find ourselves in another scary trial as I am about to have a biopsy from an abnormal mammogram.  In the midst of being very upset and overwhelmed I have begged, borrowed and stole the prayers of many of my friends to help in this time of trouble!  

Don't be afraid to ask for prayer, we all need it!  We can all help each other carry each others burdens through the power of prayer.  Let me tell you it works!!!  The Lord has calmed my emotional storm and given me a peace.   It's that peace that is sooooo totally unexplainable!  I can't begin to explain it, nothing has changed except that I cried out in the Name of Jesus and He alone heard my cries and answered me.  He has calmed the storm in my heart and mind.  He has lifted the oppression of the many voices of fear in my head and heart.  And in this storm He has spoken many great and wise things to me about my life!!  About what we have been going through! 

(Please do pray tomorrow as I go in for testing! 

I know and am blessed to be His daughter, His Princess, His Heir,  a part of His Royal Priesthood, His Ambassador for Heaven, the Apple of His eye, His Servant, His mouthpiece proclaiming Him as Lord and Saviour for all that would choose Him. 


Here are a few of the things He has shown me!

He is Soverign and no one can change His plans for me, my family nor for the world. 

HE IS NOT CONSTRAINED BY ANY THING! 315 ἀναγκάζω [anagkazo /an·ang·kad·zo/] v. From 318; TDNT 1:344; TDNTA 55; GK 337; Nine occurrences; AV translates as “compel” five times, and “constrain” four times. 1 to necessitate, compel, drive to, constrain. 1a by force, threats, etc. 1b by permission, entreaties, etc. 1c by other means. Strong, James

No thing can constrain Him.  Money, fear, loss, trials, homes, mortgages, jobs, gravity, science, man, devil, evil, the good of man, surgeries, health, sickness, marriage, husbands, wives nor sin!  Nor the depths of the ocean or by the height of the skies! 

25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. 32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth. 34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

 1 Ch 16:25-34


Nothing can seperate us from His love for us!!!!!

He is close by in times of trouble, a very present help. 

He saves.

He has held a steady course in our life, even when it was out of control in our own sight.

He carries us in His arms all the while healing our hearts, minds, souls and physical being.

He has kept what the world would has tried to take away.

He hears every single one of my  prayers big or small.  He cares, He answers.

He is the healer of relationships.

He has seen us through changes, losses, fears, falling outs, raging anger in ourselves or from others.

He feed us, His sheep physically, emotionally and spiritually.

He reveals and hides good and bad. 

He is Good and because we  love Him, and choose to serve Him, He has made every single thing in our life work together both to glorify Him and for our benefit! 

He keeps you where He wants you and moves you where He wants you.  No one in the world can change His will from happening, in His timing, in your submitted life to Him. We truly are proof of that. 

Though His will is not in full sight to us, we are and will keep working hard to keep our hands open and ready to serve Him at a moments notice.  Not holding so tightly that we can't let go, yet holding on enough to the rope that is tied to His leading us in the right direction! 

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Heb. 10:23
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:14


I hope and pray that this little bit of insight, into one christian family will help encourage you to keep pressing forward laying hold of the faith that is also in you...

Luv2u,

Blessings, Monica's Munchies <3

Well, I am finally coming up for air between Camping in Yosemite with Melissa for 5 days, teaching a cooking class at the Girl Talk Seminar, hosting the Crusade Kitchen, and now of course....finishing the planning of my daughters wedding! <3 What a year it has been.


I have felt like Gumby, being streched and pulled in every possible way! Hahaha!

How I love being used by God to serve others! <3

One of my favorite books of the bible is Nehemiah. He also was very much like a Gumby. He was strectched and pulled in every way possible way in his service of God! He prayed, planned and pulled off the rebuilding of the wall around Israel! All the way through this great feat he followed hard after God.....God's ways, God's plans, God's wisdom! By doing that he was able to stay focused and finish the task! And he had the help of the people!  Having a good team whose desire is to follow God also is a must!! <3

Like Nehemiah I have sought the Lord this year by:  praying;  listening;  gaining His wisdom; yielding my heart; seeking to obey and therefore accomplishing all the tasks that the Lord has set before me! <3
(Note:  With lots of help from others who are seeking the same things of the Lord as I am of course!)

When Pastor Carmen asked Jeff and I to head up the Kitchen at the crusade I was excited, but wondering if he was a little crazy! <3 Hahaha! We prayed and said "Of course"!

I attacked the situation just like I do for the BBQ's at the Orangecrest Satellite Church that I head up! (Normally we have about 350 people!) I trusted that God Himself would fill in allllll the gaps I would have in my planning! And He did by sending Alex to help me!!  Thanks to him the kitchen had everything I could have needed to accomplish this task! He gathered all the things he knew the Crusade Kitchen needed. He is a true blessing.

God had another surprise for me....Jeff was hired as the Head of Maintenance at church, which was a surprise and blessing for us...so therefore he was taken away from me as my co-leader and muscles for the Kitchen! hahah!  This crew that Jeff is heading up is the main reason for the need for the kitchen along w/ 100 volunteers! And so many more! <3

God is sooo good and wise!  He brought me two replacements for the one!! Whew, that was awesome!  He knew how I would need the Stouts help!!! What a bleeeeeessssed replacement for the subtraction.....They are a joy to work with!! <3

Of course I had my right and left hands Melissa Rose and Susan Shaw!!! (Melissa being left handed was my left hand and hard working partner this whole year!!!!  <3)

The Lord really put together my team, the best team ever!  Many of my helpers were whole families who came along side the management to see this giant through!! I also had the best young women who worked like crazy and helped me keep my salsa made for the week!! 

I am blessed and grateful for everyones love of the Lord, joy in the kitchen and hardworking help! Here are some pics to show you our week in the Crusade Kitchen!!

The week ended with my group writing a camp ditty for me which I absolutely loved!!!  <3 

When you serve the Lord with others who love the Lord...you are truly blessed in the depths of your heart!

P.S. If you have pics..send them to me so I can add them here!! <3

 

Harvest Crusade 2010 is almost here!

We at Monica's Munchies are getting ready to head up the makeshift kitchen at the Harvest Crusade....formerly known as the "Summer Harvest Crusade" hahah...it took me forever to drop the word summer!

We are going to be cooking food for the maintenance team and a few others! On our list of food to make is:

Chicken Teriyaki Bowls w/ vegetables; Spaghetti with meatsauce and BBQ'd Italian Sausages; Melissa's Enchilada Burritos; and a Salad Bar to boot!!

Please keep us in your prayers and God willing all will go well and we will be posting some of our recipes!! Blessings to you all....

Luv2u! <3 Monica's Munchies

Sooo funny!

Roasted Chili De Arbol Salsa! Ole!

                                  Roasted Chili De Arbol Salsa from Girls Talk Class July 17th, 2010

12-15 Roma Tomatoes (note: have a few extra tomatoes in case salsa is stinkin hot! hahaha!

1 Brown, white or purple onion, peeled and cut in 1/2

1 Jalapeno (for flavor)

Spread these out on a cookie sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees. 

Tomatoes and jalapeno should be blistered or at least skin broken.  Onion browned. Not blackened!

Dried Chili de Arbol

1 Onion, cut in 1/4's

5 Cloves of Garlic, peeled

Water to cover

In the meantime place 1/2 of a handful of dried chili de arbol pods in a pot of water with another onion.  Add garlic.  Simmer for about 15 minutes.  

Cool all veges a little bit and place in blender. (Note: Cooling keeps it from exploding, always use a towel or hot pad over the top of blender when blending something warm.  Be sure to take stems off of chili before you place in blender.  Process in batches if neccessary.)  Hit liquify button for two minutes.  There should not be any big pieces of chilis seen.  Add one whole bunch cilantro, just cutting off the very bottom of stems, some of the stem can be added.  

Pour in a bowl and add garlic sea salt to taste, should lightly cover top of salsa about 2x's. 

Enjoy Monica's Munchies Roasted Salsa on everything...keep in mind anytime it's too stinkin hot simplyt add more roasted tomatoes, cooked garlic cloves and cilantro as needed.   

Enjoy and be blessed this summer!

Monica's Munchies <3

Side Dishes for Monica and Melissas Cooking Class! Spanish Basmati Rice and Black Beans; Basmati Rice for Shrimp Stir Fry, and B

Recipe #3 Monica and Melissa’s Cooking Class!

Serves family of 4-6

Basmati Spanish Rice

2 c. Basmati Rice (Note: Equals 4 cups of cooked rice)

2 -15 oz. can unsalted Chicken broth or stock (Note: Stock is richer because it is made from simmering chicken with their bones, broth is made from just simmering the chicken)

½ can Tomato Sauce (Optional: For a spicy treat use ¼ of a can El Pato Sauce, a very spicy Mexican tomato sauce)

(Your broth and tomato sauce should equal 4 cups of liquid)

1 small Onion, chopped finely

3 cloves Garlic, minced

1-2 pats of butter

2-3 tbsp. Canola oil

Garlic Sea Salt and Pepper to taste (Note: you can add chicken boullion instead of salt!)

¼ bag frozen mixed vegetables for color and a sweet bite!

Use a heavy bottomed pan that has a good lid, heat to medium, add oil and butter. Add onions, sauté for a couple of minutes. Add garlic, sauté another minute. Add Basmati rice, sauté until lightly browned. Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, garlic sea salt and pepper to taste.

(Note: Don’t be afraid to taste liquid for saltiness.)

Add ¼ bag mixed vegetables

Bring to slight boil, cover and lower heat. Cook for 20 minutes

When done, let it set for 10 minutes without fluffing. (Note: Check it after 10 minutes, if for any reason some of the rice is not completely cooked, add ¼- ½ can of chicken broth, allow rice to cook 5-10 minutes longer.) Enjoy!



Recipe #6 Monica and Melissa’s Cooking Class!
Serves family of 4-6

Fragrant Basmati Rice

2 c. Basmati Rice (Note: Equals 4 cups cooked rice)

4 c. Water

2 Tbsp. Butter

Sea Salt

Add butter and a pinch of salt to 4 cups of water, bring to a boil. Add 2 cups Basmati rice, bring to a boil again. Turn down to low and cover. Cook for 20 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.

Add to hot rice:

3 Green onions, sliced

Handful of Cilantro, minced

Optional: 1 Jalapeno, deveined, seeded, and chopped or hot chili oil for each individuals taste!

Cover and set aside until ready to use!

Enjoy this side dish with any Chinese food you make!



Recipe #4 Monica and Melissa’s Cooking Class!
Serves family of 4-6

Melissa’s Black Beans

2-15 oz. cans Black Beans (undrained, you may prefer no salt in order to add your own sea salt)

1-2 Jalapeno Peppers (deveined, seeded, and chopped. For heat leave some of veins and seeds)

Granulated onion (to taste)

Garlic Powder or Garlic Sea Salt (to taste)


Take the 2 cans of black beans (she prefers S &W brand), pour them into a medium sauce pan. Do not drain. Sprinkle in granulated onion and garlic powder to taste. (If beans are no salt added, add garlic sea salt) Devein, seed, and chop 1-2 jalapeno peppers. (If you like it spicy leave the veins and seeds!) Add to the beans.

Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve in bowls! (Note: Use a slotted spoon to add beans to Nachos; Tostadas or Southwestern Salads)

Enjoy! Luv2u! <3 Monica's Munchies

Roasted Shrimp Stir Fry!

Recipe #5 Monica and Melissa’s Cooking Class!
Serves family of 4-6

Roasted Shrimp with Stir Fried Vegetables

For Shrimp:

2 lb. bag raw frozen P&D Shrimp Kirkland Brand, Costco (Note: Or from the fish counter @ market of choice)

Olive Oil

Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper

4 Cloves Garlic, minced

Optional: Red Pepper flakes

Defrost shrimp in refrigerator overnight or in colander with cold running water.

Pat shrimp dry with paper towel.

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. (For easy clean-up!)

Place shrimp in a pile on cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic, sea salt and pepper.

Optional: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Mix together

Spread out in single layer on cookie sheet. No overlapping.

Roast in 400 degree oven for 7 minutes.

(Note: When they are done they will turn pink and opaque (white). Overcooking will make them tough.)

Always remember to wash your hands and the kitchen sink with soap when handling raw meats or fish!

Place cooked shrimp in a bowl and set aside until needed.


Stir Fried Vegetables and Stir Fry Sauce

1 Red Onion, chopped

2 ea. Crook Neck Squash (yellow) and Zucchini (Italian Squash), chopped

2 Carrots, peeled, chopped; pre-steamed

2 handfuls of Green Beans, chopped into thirds; pre-steamed

1 bunch Asparagus, bottom peeled, chopped into thirds; pre-steamed

(Note: Use your steamer or pot to pre-steam vegetables in order to keep them crisp and to cook them to perfection!)

1 pkg. Button Mushrooms cut in half (Note: Choose your favorite mushroom)

4 cloves Garlic, chopped

4 Tbsp. Canola oil/1-2 tsp.Toasted Sesame oil (Trader Joes)

1 bottle light Soy Sauce (Trader Joes)

1-2 bottles Hoisin Sauce (Trader Joes)

1 bottle Hot Chili Oil (Trader Joes)

Blistered Unsalted Peanuts (Trader Joes) (Note: Open package, add your own sea salt, shake)

(Note: Make this recipe your own by adding your favorite vegetables!)

Heat wok and add canola oil and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil. Bring to a smoking point.

Add onion and stir fry quickly for a minute. Use 2 wooden spoons to stir.

Add both squashes. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Add mushrooms. Stir fry for 1 minute. Add pre- steamed vegetables: carrots, green beans, asparagus and the garlic. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes.

Add cooked shrimp, reheat only, don’t overcook.

Turn down the heat to simmer, add ½ of the bottle of soy sauce and 1 bottle Hoisin sauce. Mix thoroughly and heat through. Serve over Fragrant Basmati Rice.

Top with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions and Trader Joes unsalted blistered peanuts.

(Optional: Drizzle the hot chili oil over the top for an extra kick!)
Enjoy!  <3 Monica's Munchies!

Roasted Fajita Shrimp Tacos by Melissa

Recipe #2 Monica and Melissa’s Cooking Class!
Serves family of 4-6!

Roasted Fajita Shrimp Tacos

1 package Lawrys Fajita seasoning mix (Easy note: you can sprinkle any bottled fajita seasoning directly onto your shrimp)

2 lb. bag raw frozen P & D Shrimp Kirkland brand, Costco (Note: Or from the fish counter@ market of choice)

½ head of Cabbage shredded

1-2 bunches Cilantro, minced

1 Jalapeno deveined, seeded and chopped

Juice of 1 Lime

Corn Tortilla (mini if preferred)

Salsa, Crema (sour cream), Queso Fresco for topping off

Defrost shrimp in refrigerator overnight or in colander with cold running water.

Pat shrimp dry with paper towel.

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. (For easy clean-up)

Place shrimp in large baggie and add fajita seasoning mix, continue by following the directions on packet.

Marinate for15-20 minutes.

Always remember to wash your hands and the kitchen sink with soap when handling raw meats or fish!


Prep work to be done while the shrimp is marinating:

1. Shred ½ a head of cabbage and place on a plate.

2. Mince a handful of cilantro, toss with cabbage.

3. Devein and seed 1 jalapeno, chop and toss with cabbage.

4. Juice 1 lime and pour over cabbage. Set aside

Finishing up Fajita Shrimp:

With slotted spoon take shrimp out of bag, draining a little. Place shrimp directly on cookie sheet, in single layer. (No overlapping!)

Roast in oven at 400 degrees for 7 minutes.

Heat tortillas, rough chop Fajita Shrimp, place in tortilla with cabbage mixture.

Top with Crema (sour cream), Salsa, and Queso Fresco (Note: You can find this cheese and the crema in the refrigerated case next to regular cheese at the market!)


Serve with Basmati Spanish Rice and Melissa’s Black Beans for a complete meal…don’t forget the Mexican Sweet Bread for dessert!

Luv2u! <3 Monica's Munchies

Recipes from the Girls Talk @ Harvest Christian Fellowship, July 17th 2010 Roasted Shrimp Cocktail and Cocktail Sauce!

Recipe #1 Monica and Melissa’s Cooking Class!

Serves family of 4-6

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail:

2 lb. bag raw frozen P&D Shrimp Kirkland brand, Costco (Note: Or from the fish counter@ market of choice)

Olive Oil

Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper

Optional: Red Pepper flakes/ 4 cloves garlic, minced

Defrost shrimp in refrigerator overnight or in colander with cold running water.

Pat shrimp dry with paper towel.

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. (For easy clean-up!)

Place shrimp in a pile on cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.

Optional: Add red pepper flakes and minced garlic for pizzazz if desired.

Mix together

Spread out in single layer on cookie sheet. No overlapping.

Roast in 400 degree oven for 7 minutes.

(Note: When they are done they will turn pink and opaque (white). Overcooking will make them tough. All proteins continue to cook when taken off their heat source.)

Always remember to wash your hands and the kitchen sink with soap when handling raw meats or fish!

Place cooked shrimp in a bowl and chill while making your cocktail sauce.

Cocktail Sauce (Ina's Recipe with added Siracha!):

1/2 cup chili sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

3 tablespoons prepared horseradish

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon Siracha Sauce

Combine and serve with shrimp.

(Easy Note: Use your favorite store band of cocktail sauce if preferred!)

Luv2u! <3 Monica's Munchies

Wise Leader List from Nehemiah!

Nehemiah exhibited many characteristics necessary for effective leadership. Donald K. Campbell 

1. He established a reasonable and attainable goal.

2. He had a sense of mission.

3. He was willing to get involved.

4. He rearranged his priorities in order to accomplish his goal.

5. He patiently waited for God’s timing.

6. He showed respect to his superior.

7. He prayed at crucial times.

8. He made his request with tact and graciousness.

9. He was well prepared and thought of his needs in advance.

10. He went through proper channels.

11. He took time (three days) to rest, pray, and plan.

12. He investigated the situation firsthand.

13. He informed others only after he knew the size of the problem.

14. He identified himself as one with the people.

15. He set before them a reasonable and attainable goal.

16. He assured them God was in the project.

17. He displayed self-confidence in facing obstacles.

18. He displayed God’s confidence in facing obstacles.

19. He did not argue with opponents.

20. He was not discouraged by opposition.

21. He courageously used the authority of his position.

Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures

Praying to be the same type of effective leader in my home, ministry, and where ever I find myself!

I can not wait to meet Nehemiah in heaven!  <3