Make Your Own Taco and Ranch Seasoning Mixes!!

Why, oh why have I been buying these mixes for so many years?! That's the question of the week.


Annoyed (yet again) by the artificial ingredients and all the salt in the store-bought varieties, I googled "homemade taco seasoning." In seconds, I had a recipe on my screen and was surprised to find that I had all the ingredients in my pantry. Chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, paprika, pepper, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. I bet you have them too! 

One minute later, I'd made my own seasoning mix and felt like such a big girl for doing it. Here is the recipe. And yes, it's delicious!


Same with the ranch dressing. I had every ingredient on hand and tossed them together in a jiffy. Next morning, I mixed a bit of it with a few tablespoons of sour cream and included it in my kids' lunches to go with their broccoli and carrot sticks. They loved it!

Here's the recipe:


2 Tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp pepper
salt to taste


This can also be used to make a ranch salad dressing. Use mayo and milk (or buttermilk!) instead of sour cream. It tastes remarkably like the Hidden Valley packet.



I doubled the recipes for these and have them stored in zip-top bags, although at some point, I'll buy more permanent storage containers.


Just about everything we buy in the packaged dry goods aisles at the store, we can make on our own for the same price or cheaper--and definitely healthier!!


I made my own salsa last night, but used my own recipe. Best salsa I've ever tasted. Less chunk, more lime juice, just a hint of cilantro, and a dash of red pepper flakes--exactly how I've always wanted but never found. That's the beauty of creating your own recipe!


I pulled out my yogurt maker again too. (See my post on homemade yogurt) Over the months, I'd fallen prey to buying my own again--mostly because of the hassle of finding something to sweeten it up. That problem is solved when you accustom your palate to plain yogurt, which my daughter and I have. I've actually fallen in love with the tart flavor of plain yogurt. That being said, strawberries were on sale at Kroger this week, so I bought a pint, blended half with a teaspoon of sugar, and stored in the fridge. 


I used it on our pancakes (with homemade whipped cream, the leftovers of which I froze in an old Cool Whip container!) and have been drizzling it over our yogurt. Can you say, "yum!"?


What ingredients have you been using that you can make on your own?

Jean Lafitte National Historical Preserve--National Park #15

My fourth national park cancellation in November was the Jean Lafitte Park and Preserve.


As I sat down to write this, I realized I didn't take a single picture while visiting this park. Oops! Guess that tells you how impressed I was by it.


To be fair, we only visited the downtown New Orleans location (the French Quarter Visitor's Center), but the preservation encompasses much of South Louisiana. The sites include:



Acadian Cultural Center - Lafayette
Prairie Acadian Cultural Center - Eunice
Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center - Thibodaux
Barataria Preserve - Marrero
Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery - Chalmette
French Quarter Visitor Center - New Orleans


I would have loved to seen even one of these, but time didn't allow it. Instead, we walked through the visitor's center and watched a video to learn about Jean Lafitte (the early French pirate/privateer who explored Louisiana's waterways), the great Mississippi, and the wonders of Louisiana's wetlands.


The closest we got to our own explorations was a brief walk along the Mississippi waterfront. Better than nothing!

Death Clash, COTT Winner!

**guest post by Michelle Massaro
For the last couple weeks, Clash of the Titles has been exploring two books delivering powerful death scenes. That's right, death scenes. The two books were The Vengeance Squad and The Redemption. We met authors Sidney Frost and MaryLu Tyndall and waited with bated breath to find out which title got the most votes. If you missed Friday's announcement, I won't keep you in suspense. Though the competition was stiff, the champion title is...

...

The Redemption, by MaryLu Tyndall

Congratulations!

About the book:


Lady Charlisse Bristol sets off on a voyage in search of a father she never knew, only to find herself shipwrecked on a deserted island. After weeks of combating the elements, her salvation comes in the form of a band of pirates and their fiercely handsome leader, Edmund Merrick. Will Charlisse free herself from the seductive lure of this pirate captain and find the father's love she so ardently craves?


While battling his attraction to this winsome lady and learning to walk a more godly path, Edmund offers to help Charlisse on her quest--until he discovers her father is none other than Edward the Terror, the cruelest pirate on the Caribbean. Can Edmund win this lady's love while shielding her from his lecherous crew and working to bring her father to justice?


Can the supernatural power of God rescue Charlisse and Edmund from the danger and treachery that await them as they ride upon the tumultuous waves of the Caribbean?

***

A few of the comments from readers:

I loved the Excerpt B.....I look forward to reading the book..it seemed more historical and the genre of books I enjoy reading. I am personally blessed by many of the Christian fiction authors and want to say thank you for all you for your readers. God bless you both!

Someone turning to Christ at the last moment is always a touching scene. It tugs at your heart to know that someone you would never see again, now you will. Very touching!

Keep writing as God leads you. You are bringing God's truth to readers; some who really need those truths in their lives.



About the author:

MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award finalist, and author of more than ten novels is known for her swashbuckling historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. 


MaryLu dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling pirates during her childhood years on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Unfortunately, instead of pursuing that dream, she worked as a miserable, landlocked software engineer for fifteen years. Only by the grace and providence of God, did she decide to answer His call to write a Christian Pirate series. Today, while writing her eleventh novel, she manages a home, husband, and six kids while battling three cats who have decided that her keyboard is the best place to sleep!  She believes that without popcorn and chocolate, life would not be worth living, and her sole motivation is to bring others closer to God.

***

What fun! For a sneak peak at the book, check out the winning excerpt here. You might also enjoy her fascinating interview here.
Right now, COTT is in the middle of a brand new clash so be sure to head over there to cast your vote. You just might win a free book!

Happy reading!

Journey to Fulfillment Showcase

Join Author, Theresa Franklin, in her tender and delightful memoir, Journey to Fulfillment, as she shares her life experiences that have molded her character into the woman God intended her to be. Theresa, honestly and brazenly discusses heartaches, tragedies and triumphs from childhood through adulthood. With an open and compassionate heart, the Author lays bare the adversity she has faced through life to include the loss of her first love to marrying and the challenges one can face in being a wife and a mother, and notably her struggles in teaching special needs children. Throughout all, there has been one constant in her life, the unconditional love of her Savior, Jesus Christ.


Gain the proper perspective in regards to your life and glean from Theresa Franklin’s many years of experience as a Director of Special Education to discover your destiny in life and find fulfillment by transforming the adversities and hardships of your life into stepping stones that will lead you to a life well lived through Christ. This book will help you find the fulfillment you are searching for as your reflect on your upbringing and causes one to re-evaluate what is really most important in life, regardless of circumstances. Her desire is to see others find their fulfillment in life through Christ and she writes, “May God show you the stepping stones in your life.”


Find encouragement, guidance and strength for your soul within the pages of Journey to Fulfillment, and turn life’s stumbling blocks into stepping-stones to transform your own journey into a life well lived and a completely fulfilled life in Christ


A GLIMPSE INTO THE BOOK:


Growing up we attended church irregularly. My mother was saved but not living for Christ.
My dad never attended church or willingly discussed his relationship with the Lord. When
I was about eight years old, my mother decided that it was time for me to hear the plan of
salvation. She made an appointment with the pastor and took my sister and me to his office.
He sat me on his lap and explained how and why we needed to be saved. I remember
looking around the office and thinking how uncomfortable I was sitting on the lap of a man I
barely knew. I wanted to get down as quickly
as possible, so when he finished explaining the steps I asked, “Do I come down tonight?”
He said, “If you feel like it.” Well I felt fine. I wasn’t sick, and I certainly didn’t want to hurt
his feelings or want him to think he had wasted his time on me. So I walked the aisle that
night. When I got to the front, the pastor said, “I’ve already talked to you so you stand over
here.” He spent the rest of the invitation talking to the congregation and trying to position me
where he thought I should stand. I don’t remember feeling any conviction about sin or being
led through the sinner’s prayer. However, according to the teachings of my church, I was
saved because I had made a “public profession of faith.”


At the age of twelve, I went to vacation bible school with a friend. I very much remember
being under conviction at that service. The pastor called me into his office and attempted
to lead me through the steps of salvation, but I quickly informed him that I was saved.
He said, “Well you just need to rededicate your life to Christ.” So I did. When I was about
fourteen years old, my mother rededicated her life to Christ, and we became actively
involved in church. I learned and followed all the “rules” of being a Christian. I was a “good
girl” and didn’t date boys with a “reputation.” Dates were usually with a group and ended
by 10:00 p.m. This was not a curfew my parents had decided; it was just the time I thought
I should be home. My friend’s parents liked me because I was responsible. One day my
friend Jinnie called to ask if I was attending an event. Her dad had said she could go only if
I went because he knew nothing would get out of hand if I was there. Another day I entered
math class to hear two boys arguing. “I do too.” “You do not” “I do too. Ask Theresa.” One
turned to me as I walked through the door and said, “Theresa, don’t I go to church?” I said
he did.
The other boy replied, “I don’t believe it.” The first boy said, “Hey, Theresa doesn’t lie.” The
second boy said, “You’re right, she doesn’t.” That ended the debate.


When I enrolled in a Baptist college, the rules of the school were insignificant to me. They
were things I would have done anyway. Curfew was at 11:00 p.m., and I came in at 10:00.
Smoking and drinking weren’t allowed, but I didn’t partake at any rate. Boys weren’t allowed
in the rooms, but I wouldn’t have permitted a boy in my room anyhow. My first roommate,
Patsy, taught me that not everyone followed the rules. At our first meeting, she informed me
that she intended to go out drinking that night, and I might need to take care of her when
she returned. After Patsy left for the evening, I met Patricia, who lived down the hall. She
did not have a roommate and didn’t like living by herself. I agreed to move in with her. I was
moved out of my first room before Patsy returned and needed my care.


PURCHASE THE BOOK
MEET THE AUTHOR

Stock Up on Cheap Pecans and Create Family Fun While You Do It!

If you're like me, you scowl every time you need to buy pecans for a recipe.They're so dang expensive! I'm assuming we find them cheaper than average here in Middle Georgia. Still, over Christmas I paid $6.99 for a 2 cup bag of pecan pieces, so last week, when I saw the 2lb bags of in-shell pecans on sale for $4.86 at Kroger, I grabbed two of them.


To shell them, I called for all hands on deck.  The fam and I spent a Friday evening on the living room floor watching a movie and competing over who could shell the most perfect pecan half. Since we don't own an actual nut-cracker, we whacked away at them with whatever we could find--hammer, meat tenderizer, another nut. It stiffened the competition and made for the funnest family night we've had in ages. Since I managed to shell one and keep the two halves intact, I believe I was the winner, although there are some who would disagree. ;-)


What did we get out of it? 2.5 pounds of shelled pecans, or 10 cups. It ended up being $1.00/cup, which I think is pretty good. They're in my freezer and will probably last me through the year.


So, if you see any bags of shelled pecans on sale (especially if you live in the Southeast!), snatch 'em up! And turn a dull evening into an event the kids will never forget.

New Orleans Jazz Historic Site--National Park #14

Every Thursday on my blog this month is dedicated to a National Park I visited in November. I'm on a mission to see them all! The New Orleans Jazz Historic Site is cancellation #14 in my National Park Passport. 

Only 380 parks to go!

As national parks go, the New Orleans Jazz park wasn't terribly memorable. Jazz is good music, but it's not like I'm a huge fan. The building was very small and didn't have much in the way of exhibits. Most of it was comprised of a stage and seating area, as if musicians come on occasion to play. Now THAT would have been memorable.

I appreciate Jazz, but this park was mostly just 

another stamp in my passport.

Next week on my national parks trail--

Jean Lafitte National Historic Preserve

Special Give-away in Honor of Ruth's (a.k.a Lizzie) birthday!!

Today, January 18th, is a very special day.

It's Ruth Davies-Miller's (a.k.a Lizzie Browning) birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUTH!! 

Never has there been a dearer friend and sister in Christ, 

and we're honored to call you both!

Ruth is the "real Lizzie," little heroine of Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang, my children's adventure novel. She celebrated four birthdays during the Nazi occupation of Guernsey Island. 

In honor of her special day, I'm giving away a copy of Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang (Kindle or Nook) to anyone who leaves a comment on the bog dedicated to that series, www.channelislandsresistance.com, any time today. (Don't forget to include your email address!) Comments left on THIS blog do not count. Please visit Lizzie's site to enter the drawing. Thank you!

It's a new blog, so "Follows" and "shares" sincerely appreciated!!

I love you, Ruth, and thank you for sharing your life stories with us. 

Many are sure to enjoy them for years to come!!