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Garlic Butter Chicken Sandwiches

A few days ago, I decided that I would make chicken tacos for my son and I, and then vegan crumble tacos for my daughter.  Well, that would have been possible if I had tortilla shells at home.  I had everything but tortilla shells and chips.  Go figure!  Since it was later in the day, I adlibbed on a meal for my daughter, and then my creative juices were flowing as far as trying to figure out what I would come up with for my son and I.

garlic, butter, chicken, salsa, artisan buns, parsley, sour cream, food, recipes, healthy eating

I decided to make what I call Garlic Butter Chicken Sandwiches.  They were mouth watering good.  I hope that you enjoy them and have a blessed rest of your week.

garlic, butter, chicken, salsa, artisan buns, parsley, sour cream, food, recipes, healthy eating

Activity:  Making Garlic Butter Chicken Sandwiches for Lunch and Dinner

garlic, butter, chicken, salsa, artisan buns, parsley, sour cream, food, recipes, healthy eating

Total Prepping and Cooking Time:  30 minutes

garlic, butter, chicken, salsa, artisan buns, parsley, sour cream, food, recipes, healthy eating

Ingredients: 

  • (2) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • (1) container of sour cream
  • (1) container of mild salsa
  • (1) teaspoon of onion powder
  • (1) teaspoon of oregano
  • (4) tablespoons of vegan butter
  • (1) teaspoon of garlic powder
  • (1) jar of minced garlic
  • (1) teaspoon of parsley
  • (1) pack of Artisan hamburger buns
  • (Optional): Shredded carrots 

garlic, butter, chicken, salsa, artisan buns, parsley, sour cream, food, recipes, healthy eating

Directions: 

  1. Cut up the two chicken breasts into small chunks.
  2. Pour the butter into a skillet, along with the minced garlic.
  3. Dump the chicken into the skillet, along with all of the seasonings, and saute the chicken for about twenty to twenty-five minutes.
  4. While the chicken is sauteing, place the buns in the oven to toast for about ten minutes.
  5.  Place the chunks of chicken on each bun, pouring extra butter as to moisten the bread.
  6. Add sour cream, and then salsa on top, with shredded carrots being optional for the last topping.
  7. Enjoy and have a blessed evening!

 

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:

2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

4 For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

5 O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

Psalms 92: 1-5, KJV

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Coconut Grits Casserole

Good evening everyone!  Just about a week ago, I posted a grits with quinoa casserole brunch dish.  And of course, this week I made it again, with a little twist.  Thought I would let you know, just in case you thought you were losing it.  I hope that you are feeling brave about trying it out.  What I love about this version, is the crunch on top, along with the smell of the cheese, sunflower seed, and coconut mix in the oven.  Enjoy and be blessed!

quinoa, food, grits, coconut, recipe, vegan, valley of grace recipe
Coconut Grits with Quinoa Casserole

 

Activity:  Making Coconut Grits with Quinoa Casserole for Breakfast and/or Brunch

Total Prepping and Cooking Time:  40 minutes

Ingredients: 

  • (2) cups of grits
  • (1/2) cup of quinoa
  • (1) teaspoon of onion powder
  • (1) teaspoon of garlic powder
  • (1/2) cup of  cheddar cheese or vegan cheese
  • (1/4) cup of grapeseed, butter, or whatever oil you have
  • (1/2) cup of soymilk or almond milk
  • (1) tablespoon of parsley
  • (1/4) cup of rice
  • (1/4) cup of sunflower seeds
  • (1/4) cup of cheddar cheese or vegan cheese for the top
  • (1/4) cup of  coconut flakes

Directions: 

  1. Bring three cups of water to a boil.
  2. Bring one-fourth cup of rice to a boil.
  3. Boil the quinoa for twenty minutes.
  4. Add two cups of grits to the boiling water.
  5. Stir the grits ever so often with a whisk.
  6. Add the milk, butter, cheese, quinoa, seasoning, and parsley to the pot and whisk together.
  7. Sprinkle the rice, then sunflowers seeds and coconut flakes on top.
  8. Add an extra layer of cheese and parsley to the top.
  9. Bake at 365 degrees for 22 minutes in a casserole dish.
  10. Cut into squares after ten minutes.
  11. Makes 7 servings.
  12. Enjoy!

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalms 1: 2-3, KJV

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Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Chia Cookies

Venture:  Making Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Chia Cookies

I decided to try my hand at making cookies again for the third time.  One thing that I have learned about baking is that if you use too much or too little of something, it can cause disastrous results.  Nine times out of ten, you end up having to throw the ingredients away, like I had to do last week when I decided to experiment in the kitchen.  I used a little bit too much baking soda.  This week’s adventure was oatmeal raisin coconut cookies with a little bit of everything added.

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They turned out really good, and besides that, I like the fact that they were really healthy.  You can make these for breakfast or snack.  The flaxseed meal definitely gives you a boost.  Another benefit is that oatmeal is good for cholesterol.  If you like nuts, these would be worth a try.  Have a blessed rest of your weekend.

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oatmeal, chia seeds, cookies, raisins, coconut, milk, vegan, food

Activity:  Making Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Chia Cookies

Total Prepping and Cooking Time:  40 minutes

Ingredients: 

  • (1/4) cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • (1 1/2) cup of soymilk
  • (1/4) cup of coconut oil
  • (1/4) cup of sunflower seeds
  • (1/4) cup of raisins
  • (1) tablespoon of oil
  • (1 1/4) cup of flour
  • (1 1/4) cup of oatmeal
  • (1) teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • (3/4) cup of brown sugar
  • (1/2) teaspoon of baking soda
  • (1) tablespoon of chia seeds
  • (6) brazil nuts (chopped)
  • (3) tablespoons of flaxseed meal and 4.5 tablespoons of water mixed together

Directions: 

  1. Use parchment paper or grease a full-sized cookie sheet with oil.
  2. Whisk together the following in bowl number one:  flour, oatmeal, baking soda, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and chopped up brazil nuts.
  3. Mix together the following in bowl number two: olive oil, coconut oil, coconut flakes, flaxseed meal mixture, soymilk, vanilla extract, and brown sugar.
  4. Dump bowl number one into bowl number two and mix well.
  5. Use a cookie scoop to form balls with the cookie mixture and place them on the cookie sheet.
  6. Enjoy and have a blessed weekend!

 

Serves 18

Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Proverbs 23: 6-7, KJV

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Vegan Black-eyed Pea and Quinoa Mash

Let the Black-Eye Pea Begin

Yesterday, I decided to do one of my favorite things when it comes to cooking and baking:  mix a lot of different things together to see what I come up.  This meal was super economical, and the bonus is that you can have this for lunch and dinner for at least two days.  If I am not using meat when I cook, I try to have more than one source of protein.  In this case, we have the beans, quinoa, and rice helping you out in that area.

beans, quinoa, black-eyed peas, rice

Also, since my daughter is a vegan, I like to start everything off with a vegan base.  You can always add the meat on the side.  As I was sauteing the tomatoes, my eyes were running like crazy.  They also opened up my sinuses.  I am usually not able to handle really hot stuff, so I added nutritional yeast to calm the spicy kick.  This was a great energy booster, and I paired it up with a slice of bread.  When I was a kid, it seems like every meal my grandmother made was complete with a slice of bread.  Some things you never let go!

beans, quinoa, black-eyed peas, rice

Activity:  Making Vegan Black-Eye Pea and Quinoa Mash for Lunch and Dinner

Total Prepping and Cooking Time:  40 minutes

Ingredients: 

  • (4) cans of black-eyed peas
  • (1/2) cup of quinoa
  • (1) can of fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • (1) teaspoon of garlic powder
  • (1) teaspoon of onion powder
  • (1) teaspoon of oregano
  • (1/4) cup of grapeseed, butter, or whatever oil you have
  • (1) teaspoon of cumin
  • (1) teaspoon of turmeric
  • (1) tablespoon of nutritional yeast
  • (1) cup of rice
  • (1) can of spinach

Directions: 

  1.  Boil a cup of rice for about fifteen minutes.
  2. Boil a 1/2 cup of quinoa for about fifteen minutes.
  3. While the rice is boiling, boil the black-eyed peas for fifteen minutes, and saute the spinach and fire roasted tomatoes.
  4.  Dump the beans, quinoa, rice, and seasonings into the pan.
  5. Add the nutritional yeast to cut down the heat of the tomatoes, plus for the nutritional bonus.
  6. Enjoy and have a blessed weekend!

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalms 91: 1-2, NKJV

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Grits And Quinoa Casserole Pie

Going for the Grits

When it comes to breakfast, most of us eat the same few things every morning.  I know I do.  I am one who has always needed the extra protein boost.  I always start off by munching on two to three brazil nuts in the morning.  If there’s orange juice available, you can believe that a small glass is just enough to get me going.  Sometimes, I immediately figure out what I am going to eat for breakfast.  However, most times it’s just too early to process everything, and so, if it’s a weekday, I then proceed to figure out what I can make my kids really quick so that they can head out the door for school.  Then, I can take my time to fix myself something to eat.  This time, I decided to something different with grits.

grits, vegan, pie, parsley, quinoa, food, recipe, orange juice
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I love cheesy grits.  On this past Monday, I wanted to do something with a little bit of a twist than the usual, so after making the grits the regular way, I decided to add quinoa and bake it for twenty minutes.  I liked the end result, and I hope that you do too.  Have a blessed rest of your week!

DSCN0950 (2)

Activity:  Grits & Quinoa Casserole Pie for Breakfast and/or Brunch

Total Prepping and Cooking Time:  40 minutes

Ingredients: 

  • (2) cups of grits
  • (1/2) cup of quinoa
  • (1) teaspoon of onion powder
  • (1) teaspoon of garlic powder
  • (1/2) cup of  cheddar cheese or vegan cheese
  • (1/4) cup of grapeseed, butter, or whatever oil you have
  • (1/2) cup of soymilk or almond milk
  • (1) tablespoon of parsley

grits, vegan, pie, parsley, quinoa, food, recipe

Directions: 

  1. Bring three cups of water to a boil.
  2. Boil the quinoa for twenty minutes.
  3. Add two cups of grits to the boiling water.
  4. Stir the grits ever so often with a whisk.
  5. Add the milk, butter, cheese, quinoa, seasoning, and parsley to the pot and whisk together.
  6. Bake at 365 degrees for 22 minutes.
  7. Cut into triangle pie wedges after ten minutes.
  8. Makes 6 servings.
  9. Enjoy!

For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

Proverbs 3: 26-28, KJV

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Quinoa Burgers

A few days ago, I decided to make my daughter some quinoa burgers, and she said that they came out pretty good.  I have made quinoa bites before, so I was thinking that quinoa burgers shouldn’t be too much of a difference.  I didn’t get a chance to taste them, but I know one thing:  the smell that was permeating throughout the house made me want to eat them.  I decided to let her enjoy these all on her own.

vegan burgers, quinoa, food, healthy living, cheese, spinach

Activity:  Making Quinoa Burgers for Dinner

Total Prepping and Cooking Time:  35 minutes

Ingredients: 

  • (1/2) cup of rice
  • (1/2) cup of quinoa
  • (3) tablespoons of flaxseed meal mixed with 4.5 tablespoons of water
  • (1) can of spinach
  • (3) tablespoons of nutritional yeast
  • (1/4) cup of grapeseed and sunflower oil, or whatever oil you have
  • (1/2) cup of vegan cheese

Directions:  

  1. Prepare two cookie sheets by greasing them with the grapeseed oil using a paper towel or optional, using parchment paper.  (I ran out, so there was no option.)
  2. Boil the rice for twenty minutes.
  3. Boil the quinoa for twenty minutes.
  4. Saute the spinach with grapeseed oil blend.
  5. Mix the rice, quinoa, and spinach in a bowl.
  6. Fold in the flaxseed mix, cheese, and nutritional yeast and stir.
  7. Create patties with your hands.
  8. Bake at 350 degrees for 22 minutes.
  9. Enjoy!

 

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

Deuteronomy 7:9, ESV

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Oatmeal Chocolate Delights

Most people who know me have figured out the fact that I don’t bake a lot.  However, it is something that I have wanted to learn how to get better at, and lately, I am becoming a little bit more courageous about this new adventure.  I usually leave the baking up to my daughter, who can whip up something in a minute.  Yesterday’s adventure was oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

I was pleased with the result, and I had to force myself to stop after cookie number three.  The flaxseed meal makes these cookies really moist on the inside.  The bonus to making these cookies is that I had everything at home already.

oatmeal, chocolate, food, cookies, vegan

 

Activity:  Baking Oatmeal Chocolate Delights

Total Prepping and Cooking Time:  45 minutes

oatmeal, chocolate, food, recipes, cinnamon, brown sugar, milk

Ingredients: 

  • (1 1/2) cups of oatmeal
  • (1/4) cup of semi-sweet organic chocolate chips 
  • (2) tablespoons of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water
  • (1 1/2) cups of flour
  • (1/4) cup of brown sugar 
  • (2) teaspoons of vanilla extract 
  • (1/4) cup of coconut oil
  • (1/4) cup of grapeseed and sunflower oil blend
  • (1/4) cup of sunflower seeds
  • (1) teaspoon of baking soda
  • (1/4) cup of vegan milk (soy, almond, etc.)
  • (1/4) cup of cinnamon

 

DSCN0746 (2)

Directions:  

  1. Prepare two cookie sheets by greasing them with the grapeseed oil using a paper towel or optional, using parchment paper.  (I ran out, so there was no option.)
  2. Whisk together the flour, oatmeal, cinnamon, sunflower seeds, and baking soda in a bowl.
  3. Mix together the brown sugar, vanilla extract, coconut oil, and vegan milk in another bowl.
  4. Pour the brown sugar mixture into the dry mixture.
  5. Add the grapeseed blend and stir.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  7. Use a small cookie scoop to place the dough on the cookie sheets.
  8. Bake at 350 degrees for 22 minutes.
  9. Enjoy!

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” –Isaiah 52:7

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Pear Crumble

How Pear Crumble Came About

My friend and I were out yesterday, and she started talking about how much she had a sweet tooth.  Sweets sounded appealing to me.  However, I know that I have to be careful with sweets, and that my best bet is to create something at home.  That way, I can control how much sugar, honey, and salt is used.  When I got home, I started thinking about an apple crisp that I made about a month and a half ago.  I looked into the cabinets to see what I had, and I decided that I would make what I decided to call “Pear Crumble”.  This baked good that only requires minimal prep time, takes about 45 to 50 minutes in the oven.  As hoped, it hit the spot.  There’s nothing worse than having your mouth set for something, and it doesn’t come out as expected, so that was a nice blessing.  This crumble would serve as a nice topping for vanilla ice cream.

DSCN0783 (2)

Activity:  Baking Pear Crumble for Dessert

Total Prepping and Cooking Time:  70 minutes

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Ingredients: 

  • (2) cans of pears – $2.00
  • (1) .75 oz of cinnamon  – $1.00
  • (1) box of oatmeal – $1.80
  • (1) pack of flour – $1.50
  • (1) bag of light brown sugar – $1.80
  • (1)  jar of honey  – $1.70
  • (1) container of butter or bottle of olive oil or vegan butter – $3.69

Total Cost: $ 13.49

Cost per day for two days: $6.75

DSCN0746 (2)

Estimated Duration of Food:  1 day for a family of 4-6, 2 days for a family of 1-3

Directions:  

  1. Pour the pears into a small casserole pan.
  2. Whisk one cup of flour, 3/4 cup of oatmeal, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a bowl.
  3. Pour 1/4 cup of oil into the bowl and whisk.
  4. Pour these ingredients on top of the pears and drizzle with honey on top. 
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes.
  6. Enjoy!

fruit crisp, vegan, apple. pear, oatmeal, brown sugar, dessert

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalms 100, KJV

fruit crisp, vegan, apple. pear, oatmeal, brown sugar, dessert

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Breakfast Bread Casserole

Background Story

A few days ago, I decided to make two of what I call a breakfast bread casserole.  Sometimes I get in the mood of mixing different ingredients together to see how they come out, based upon several other meals that I cooked that were similar.  This one turned out even better than I thought.  I love the challenge of tweaking recipes to accommodate my daughter, who is vegan.  What I realized is that there was not a whole lot of substitutions to make for this recipe.  Instead of buying vegan and non-vegan bread, you can just use vegan bread, and call it a day.  The meat and cheese are major substitutes of course.  The only other substitute is using one tablespoon of flaxseed meal, mixed with two and half tablespoons of water in a bowl, per egg requirement.  This is also a great substitute for baking, and if you are like me, and you have to watch the cholesterol for health reasons.  Have a blessed week in the Lord!  Happy cooking!

Activity:  Cooking Two Bread Casseroles for Breakfast

Total Prepping and Cooking Time:  90 minutes

healthy living, vegan recipe, breakfast casserole

Ingredients: 

  • (1) loaf of bread – $3.99
  • (1) pack of Fieldcrest vegan sausages   –  $4.99
  • (1)  .75 oz of parsley flakes  – $1.00
  • (1) .75 oz of onion powder  – $1.00
  • (1)  .75 oz of chili powder  – $1.00
  • (1)  .75 oz of oregano  – $1.00
  • (1) pack of  Pepperjack vegan cheese  – $3.49
  • (1) pack of cheddar cheese  – $1.88
  • (1) 16 oz. pack of ground turkey  – $2.00
  • (1) carton of eggs – $0.88
  • (2) 13.5 oz can of cut spinach – $.75
  • (1) container of butter or bottle of olive oil or vegan butter – $3.69
  • (6) plum tomatoes -$2.00
  • (1) small bag of flax seed meal – $3.69
  • (1) non-dairy milk – $2.59

Total Cost for Breakfast Bread Casserole: $ 33.95

Cost per day for two days: $16.98

Cost per day for three days: $11.32

Estimated Duration of Food:  2-3 days for a family of 4-6, 5-6 days for a family of 1-3

healthy living, vegan recipe, breakfast casserole, food

Directions:  

  1. Place two casserole dishes on the table.
  2. Put butter or oil into two separate skillets, and then place the meat inside both of them with the seasoning.
  3. Cut up six tomatoes.
  4. Drain the two cans of spinach.
  5. Pour oil or butter into a third pan, placing the spinach and tomatoes inside afterwards.
  6. Take eight slices of bread, and cut them into cubes.
  7. Grab two medium-sized to large bowls, placing three cups of non-dairy vegan milk into both.
  8. Place three eggs into one bowl, and three flaxseed mixtures into the other bowl.  (Use one tablespoon of flaxseed meal and two and a half tablespoons of water and mix for each egg requirement.)
  9. Use the meat as the first layer, spinach and tomato as the second layer, and sprinkle cheese on top.
  10. Place the cubes of bread into both casserole pans.
  11. Place another layer of cheese on top.
  12. Pour the milk mixture into both casserole pans.
  13. Place another layer of cheese on top.
  14. Enjoy!

healthy living, vegan recipe, breakfast casserole

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psalms 34: 1-8, KJV

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Pasta Goulash

Just in case you haven’t figured it out by now, I love me some pasta.  I decided to call this mixture “pasta goulash” because I took a mixture of some of everything that I had left in the fridge before it came time to go grocery shopping again, and made a meal out of it.  The funny thing about it is that it actually came out pretty good, and I could taste the spices on each of the main ingredients separately.  I hope that this recipe inspires you to make your own goulash of a meal.  Enjoy!  Have a blessed rest of your weekend.

 

Activity:  Cooking Pasta Goulash for Dinner

Total Prepping and Cooking Time:  60 minutes

vegan recipe, healthy eating, vegan potato mix

Ingredients: 

  • (1) box of spaghetti  – $.50
  • (1) jar of balsamic vinegar  –  $3.69
  • (1)  .75 oz of parsley flakes  – $1.00
  • (1) .75 oz of onion powder  – $1.00
  • (1)  .75 oz of chili powder  – $1.00
  • (3)  ears of corn  – $1.00
  • (1) 13.5 oz can of cut spinach – $.75
  • (1) container of butter or bottle of olive oil or vegan butter – $3.69
  • (1) bag of mini red and golden yellow potatoes -$2.00
  • (1) bag of cello carrots – $.50

Total Cost: $ 18.82

Cost for two days: $9.41

Cost for three days: $6.27

Estimated Duration of Food:  2 days for a family of 4-6, 3 days for a family of 1-3

potatoes, vegan eating, healthy living, red potatoes

Directions:  

  1.  Cut up 1/3 of the bag of gold and red mini potatoes into 4 wedges each.
  2. Pour oil or butter over the potatoes, and sprinkle them with chili powder and parsley flakes.
  3. Place them in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until nice and crisp.
  4. Boil a pot of water, and then add spaghetti and oil to the boiling water.
  5. Drain the can of spinach using a colander to remove excess liquid.
  6. Cut the corn off the stalks, and place them into an oiled skillet.
  7. Cut the cello carrots into spirals using a potato peeler or knife.
  8. Place the carrots and spinach into the skillet with the corn, and sprinkle them with parsley flakes.
  9. Drain the excess liquid off the pasta using the lid of the pot, colander, or strainer.
  10. Place the potato wedges and all of the sauteed vegetables into the pot of spaghetti, adding oil and balsamic vinegar to the pot.
  11. Enjoy!

 

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Psalms 23: 1-3, NKJV