Fiesta Dinner Recipes

Here are the recipes from last nights Christmas dinner.  Enjoy!

Fajitas (serves 16)

Marinade

1/4 c Lime Juice

1/3 c water

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

4 cloves crushed garlic

2 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp liquid smoke flavoring

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp pepper

1. In a large resealable bag, mix all ingredients.

 2. Place 2 pounds of chicken (approx 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts) in bag with marinade and refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Remove chicken from marinade and grill over med heat, 4-5 minutes per side until nearly done, but slightly pink to avoid drying meat. Baste with marinade as it cooks to keep flavoring meat. Cut chicken in strips. (May freeze chicken at this point in order to prepare meat ahead of time).  In a large skillet, sauté desired amounts of onions, peppers in oil or butter just until tender . Add chicken. Salt minimally, meat will flavor vegies. Allow to warm through and finish cooking meat- 4 minutes or so. Serve on 4 inch flour tortilla with cheese, sour cream and other desired toppings.

Spanish Rice (serves 25)

1/4 c oil

1/4 c chopped onion

3 c uncooked white rice

4 c chicken broth (this is a little more than 2 cans, I just add more water or some of the bean juice)

2 c favorite salsa (needs to be somewhat juicy)

1 can pinto beans (drained and rinsed- May use black beans)

1 c frozen corn

1. Heat oil in large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, cook until tender (approx 5 min).

2. Mix rice into skillet, stir often until it browns. Stir in chicken broth and salsa. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed.

3. Stir in beans and corn and leave on low heat until heated through. Do not overcook or rice will be sticky.

Fruit Salad (serves 20)

20 oz canned pineapple tidbits, drained

3 red delicious apples, cut into chunks

1 pound grapes, sliced in half, (approx 2 cups)

4 bananas, sliced

2-11 ounce cans mandarin oranges, drained

1 small box Jell-o Instant pudding- lemon flavor

1. Make sure pineapple and oranges are well drained. Mix all fruit together in a large bowl, sprinkle lemon pudding powder over fruit as you stir, making sure all fruit is coated. You may not want to use all the powder, just enough to coat fruit. Cover with plastic and chill 2 hours.

Mexican Fried Ice Cream 

(Makes 32-40 balls, depending on size of ice cream tub)

 1 gallon or 5 qt tub of Ice Cream (which ever you can find in lg tubs)

4 c crushed  frosted cornflakes

2 c granulated sugar

8 tsp cinnamon

1. Place 1/2 c scoops of ice cream on a wax-paper lined baking sheet, forming into a ball. Freeze 1 hour or until firm.

2. In a shallow bowl or pan, combine cornflake crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Roll ice cream into crumb mixture to coat. Freeze until serving.

Speed method- requires 2 people

1. Freeze ice cream very firm, remove from freezer and let stand 5 - 10 minutes just until it softens enough to scoop balls.

2. First person makes semi-rounded ice cream scoops of approx 1/2 c size and place in cornflakes. May not be round and symmetrical. Second person rolls and coats ice cream well and then form into round ball. One person scoops, one person coats ice cream and forms into ball. Place on cookie sheet and re-freeze.

Serve with hot fudge and fresh whipped cream

Hot Fudge Sauce (Makes approx 3 cups)

5 Tbsp Cocoa

3 Tbsp Corn Starch

2 c granulated sugar

dash salt

1 c evaporated mile

1/3 c corn syrup

1 stick butter

2 tsp vanilla

1. Combine dry ingredients in a med sauce pan.

2. Add evaporated milk and corn syrup, stirring to mix well. Bring to low boil for 2-3 minutes until thick.

3. Remove from heat, Add butter and vanilla. Sit and cool. (May be stored at room temperature in plastic container. Lasts 3-4 weeks). 

Christmas in Zarahemla

Thank you to Maryanne and her committee for the wonderful Christmas party this evening.

The decorations were colorful and spectacular.

 The company was exceptional.

 The children adorable.

Why didn't I get more pictures of the babies?!

And the Primary's Program was fabulous!

 Thank you Stephanie and Markae!

I regret that I didn't photograph the wonderful food, Will (our entertaining host) or the rooms that the children went through for their Posadas activity, but I did get a little video of the children singing one of their songs before I ran out of room on my camera card:

I Dare You To Eat It

Last week's Relief Society meeting was not your typical meeting
about Food Storage.
Liesa Card, author of the book

"I Dare You To Eat It:  Designing Food Storage You Would Actually Want to Eat"
shared her humorous story of developing a food storage system that has worked for her family as well as many others.

Sister Card's website:  www.idareyoutoeatit.com states it this way:

There are all sorts of pre-conceived notions about food storage and the people who promote food storage. I do not fit that mold. I’m a working mother who has successfully run my own business for over twenty years; I’ve raised five daughters; and I’ve served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am living proof that food storage doesn’t have to be your life in order to bless your life. Rather than a set of practices that complicate life, I see food storage as a divine program that has simplified my life. My message is that food storage is part of the whole gospel plan and an opportunity that any bright individual wouldn’t want to miss.

After many years of trial and error, I found the course that works for my family: it involved 1) gradually building a year’s supply of basic dry goods suggested by the Church, and 2) designing thirty meals and purchasing a three-month supply of canned, dried, or bottled ingredients for those meals, with fresh ingredients added as necessary and as available.

Now my family has food storage we’re comfortable eating on a daily basis. It slices! It dices! No, not really. We’re still just talking about mostly canned goods.  But once I figured out how I could design and regularly use my food storage there was an actual shift in my lifestyle. I was prepared with the things my family was used to eating, I knew exactly how to cook with the supplies I had stored, and I began reaping the numerous blessings of that preparation.

Visit Sister Card's website:  www.idareyoutoeatit.com and then click on the "Strategy's" tab at the top left hand side of the page to read about her 3 step process for using your food storage in your daily life.

For more information on becoming self reliant please visit the Church's Provident Living website:  http://www.providentliving.org   You might especially be interested in reading this pamphlet:    Prepare Every Needful Thing: Family Home Storage.  (Also called "All is Safely Gathered In:  Family Home Storage")

Daughters in My Kingdom

Please see a member of the Relief Society Presidency if you have not received your copy of this important book.  You can read it online or download the book by clicking here.  Sister Chris gave a wonderful lesson about the importance of this manual in Relief Society Today so we thought we would share those words here for everyone to read.

"It will unify and align a worldwide sisterhood with the purposes of Relief Society and the patterns and privileges of disciples.  It is a witness of women's essential roles in our Father's plan of happiness, and it provides an immovable standard of what we believe, what we do and what we will defend"

"This book can teach Latter-day Saint women who they are and of their importance to the Lord." - Sister Julie B. Beck

There are many important themes that surface throughout the book.  These themes teach about identity and purpose.  Some of the themes are:

• Relief Society strengthens and supports women in their identity as daughters of God.
• Relief Society is a restoration of an ancient pattern of discipleship
• Relief Society, when it functions properly, is a manifestation of charity.
• The history of Relief Society is a history of noble, faithful women.
• Through Relief Society, women learn about and are strengthened by an inseparable connection with the priesthood.  

The book corrects many false ideas about LDS women.  Some of the truths that are found in the book are:

• Relief Society is a way of life, not just a Sunday class.  It is the way that the Lord organizes His daughters into a discipleship.
• Relief Society is a place of influence, a worldwide sisterhood.  It is not a place filled with old ladies and knitting and cliches.  It is where we can, together, have a greater influence than doing things alone.
• History confirms that members of the Relief Society have always cared about significant issues.  Relief Society sisters have been thought of as "sweet but uninformed."  The Lord has always expected His daughters to lead and influence for good, to make significant contributions to home and family and their communities, and to further His work.
• The Lord values the contributions of women.  If any woman in the Church feels that she does not measure up to what is expected of her this book will help her remember that righteous offerings are acceptable to God.  Busyness and competition are not the same as consecration and our best efforts.
• Relief Society provides a way for women to fulfill the Lord's plan.  The world teaches women that everything is about them.  Through Relief Society we learn the Lord has expectations and responsibilities that are eternal and not negotiable.
• Women have played an important part in His Church from the beginning.  The history of the Church is filled with powerful stories about women.  The Lord has always valued women.

Church News, September 17,2011

A lot of thought and detail went into this book.  The Church wanted this book to be something that was special and unique for the sisters and something that would help them realize how special and unique they are. To accomplish this, several design elements were implemented:

• The corners of the book are rounded
• There is a lot of color throughout the book (see page 105)
• The books is the same height as the international scriptures.
• The book stays open when it is laid flat, making it easier to read.

"This great circle of sisters will be a protection for each of you and for your families. The Relief Society might be likened to a refuge—the place of safety and protection—the sanctuary of ancient times. You will be safe within it. It encircles each sister like a protecting wall."  - Boyd K. Packer

In 1980, President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Donna, visited a Relief Society in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia). He later recalled:

“It was not easy to obtain visas, and we used great care so as not to jeopardize the safety and well-being of our members, who for generations had struggled to keep their faith alive under conditions of unspeakable oppression.

“The most memorable meeting was held in an upper room. The blinds were drawn. Even at night, those attending came at different times, one from one direction and one from another, so as to not call attention to themselves.

“There were in attendance 12 sisters. We sang the hymns of Zion from songbooks—words without music—printed more than 50 years before. [A lesson] was reverently given from the pages of a handmade manual. …

“I told those sisters that they belonged to the largest and by all measure the greatest women’s organization on earth. I quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith when he and the Brethren organized the Relief Society. …

“The Spirit was there. The lovely sister who had conducted with gentility and reverence wept openly.

“I told them that upon our return I was assigned to speak at a Relief Society conference; could I deliver a message from them? Several of them made notes; each expression, every one, was in the spirit of giving—not of asking for anything. I shall never forget what one sister wrote: ‘A small circle of sisters send their own hearts and thoughts to all the sisters and begs the Lord to help us go forward.’

“Those words, circle of sisters, inspired me. I could see them standing in a circle that reached beyond that room and circled the world.”

Recalling that meeting, President Packer said, “I stood, for a moment, in that circle and felt the impulses of faith and courage and love coming and going on either side.”

In the book the Relief Society is likened to a fabric of lace spread across the continents.  The tighter the threads in a fabric are woven together, the stronger the fabric becomes.  It is the same with women in the church.  The more we work together the stronger we become.

Fabric is something that is international.  No matter where you are you wear some kind of clothing or you have some textiles in your home.  A fabric/texture design element is featured on each chapter headiing page.  

Nicole Erickson, a Church employee who helped with the manual, said that working on the project changed the way she views herself.  "I always knew I was a daughter of Heavenly Father, but I didn't really realize what that meant.  I know now after working on this book that He will take care of me no matter what."  Nicole also said that she sees other women differently now.  "I see them as strong daughters of God with great power and potential to do great things on this earth."

Relief Society, she said, "is a group of women who are organized or come together wherever they may be to help those around them, to help themselves better understand the gospel and to better themselves so they can help their families and their communities."

More than 98.5 percent of Relief Society sisters will have a copy of Daughters in My Kingdom in their own language by January 2012.  Sister Beck said this book is not a manual or a course of study.  It is a personal and family resource for us to have in our homes.  She said "it is expected of you that you read it . . .you will know how to use it once you have read it."

Sister Beck said that we all face challenges and have many questions - for example - "How do I soften my heart so my anger goes away?  How do I manage helping my children reach their spiritual potential while I am just trying to get by? "

Sister Beck said that no matter the question, answers will come with the help of studying the scriptures and this new book.  Through these two resources sisters are able to strengthen their own faith as well as the faith of those around them.  "You are doing better than you think you are, but we can be better."

A Beautiful Baby Girl!

Congratulations to Laurie and Nick 

on the arrival of another beautiful daughter!

A New Baby for Kara and Andrew!

Congratulations Korrin and James!

Congratulations on the safe arrival of baby boy #4!

Summary

Click here for a written summary of President Uchtdorf's talk.

Pres. Uchtdorf's Relief Society Talk

Double Layer Brownies

This heavenly brownie recipe comes to us from Linda N.  Don't think about the calories, sometimes it is all about the taste.  Enjoy!

Double Layer Brownies

Chocolate Layer:
2 eggs
1 c sugar
3/4 c flour
pinch of salt
1/2-3/4 c cocoa (depending on how chocolately you like it, I use 1/2 c)
1/2 c butter
1/2 c chopped walnuts (optional)

In a med-large bowl melt butter in microwave then add cocoa, set aside to cool. In another med-large bowl beat eggs until foamy, add sugar, flour, salt & nuts if desired When chocolate mixture is slightly cooled, add egg mixture gradually and blend well. Spread into greased 9x13" baking pan. Set aside.



Butterscotch Layer:
1/2 c butter (soft)
1 -1/2 c brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1-1/2 c flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream butter with sugar. Add eggs & vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Add flour, salt & nuts. Blend. Spoon over chocolate layer in small blobs. Spread carefully. Bake @ 350 25-30 min. Until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool & frost.

* note when I make these I usually put the butterscotch layer on the bottom because I like the striped effect, I don't think it makes a difference.


Icing:
1/4 c butter
1/2 c brown sugar
3 Tbsp milk
1- 1/2 c powdered sugar

Bring butter, sugar, & milk to a boil in a small-med size saucepan. Boil 2 min. Cool slightly. Stir in powdered sugar, add more if needed, but it will thicken when completely cooled. Spread over cooled brownies.



Drizzle:
1/2 c semi sweet chocolate chips
1-2 Tbsp butter
Melt together & drizzle over icing.

Stung by Tragedy, Lifted by Faith

Autumn Pear Salad

This salad was brought to the High Priest's party by Loralee.  Thanks for sharing, it was delicious.


Autumn Pear Salad

Dressing:

   5 Tbsp Olive Oil

   2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

   1 tsp  Honey

   1 tsp  Dijon mustard

   1 Tbsp  chopped green onions

   salt and fresh ground pepper

 Mix dressing ingredients in a jar, shake well and refrigerate.

 Salad:

1/2 head green leaf lettuce

1/2 head red leaf lettuce

2 ripe pears, thinly sliced

2 oz. Asiago cheese, shaved with vegetable peeler   (I just used grated Asiago)

1/2 cup unsalted cashews, toasted

In salad bowl, combine greens and 3/4 of the dressing.  Arrange pears, cheese and cashews over top and drizzle on remaining dressing.

Lemon Zucchini Cake

Here is the link for the Lemon Zucchini Cake served at tonight's High Priest Social.

I thought I had found it on one of my favorite go-to websites:  Joyofbaking.com but it seems I actually found it on a new favorite:  davidlebovitz.com

I did make a couple of changes to the recipe:

I added the zest of one lemon to the cake batter and

used only 1/2 tsp. ginger and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg,

and instead of 1 cup of oil I used 1/2 cup oil and 3/4 cup applesauce.

It's a nice moist cake and a great way to use some of those summer zucchini's.

Does anyone else have a recipe they would like to share?

I've had a request for Linda N.'s brownie recipe (which I'm working on) and for recipes to use summer produce.  Please email Lisa C. to share your yummy recipes.

And a big congratulations to Aly L. who took 4th place at the State Fair for her delicious whole wheat bread!

Fruit Leather

Shared by Aly L.

YUMMY PLUMMY FRUIT LEATHER (or any fruit)

6-8 cups pureed fruit ( I pitted and put it in a fruit processor)

2 Tbsp Honey

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

2 Parchment or plastic lined baking sheets

Start by pureeing fruit until smoothie consistency. Add honey and lemon juice and stir in.

Line baking sheets with parchement or plastic wrap and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Pour fruit until 1/8 in thickness onto lined baking sheets.

INDOOR METHOD:

heat oven to 200 degrees and bake for 2-5 hours until dried out and dry to the touch.

OUTDOOR METHOD:

Place baking sheets on a flat surface outside where they will get lots of sunlight. Cover with a screen, cheesecloth or tulle to keep bugs or anything out without taking the sun away. Place a few cookie sheets covered with foil (shiny side out) to reflect sun onto leather. Let the sun bake it for 4-8 hours or until dry to the touch.

use a knife or pizza roller to cut leather into strips and wrap in wax paper or plastic. Make pieces as big or small as you like.

I stared out in the oven, but my house started to get really hot so I moved it outside. It was ready by the time naptime was over and my kids just ate it up!

I think I will try peaches next week!

Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe Aly!  

Do you have some recipes to use up the abundance of late summer fruits and vegetables that you would like to share with the Relief Society?  Please email them to Lisa C. or any member of the RS presidency and we will get them posted.

Julie B. Beck: An introduction to "Daughters in My Kingdom" book

"All Mormon women over the age of 18 belong to Relief Society, which helps women in their efforts to follow Jesus Christ, increase their personal faith, strengthen families and serve others. This work and Relief Society women both past and present are the focus of a new book soon to be released by the Church, Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society."

Julie B. Beck: An introduction to "Daughters in My Kingdom" book

Congratulations Ann and Bryndon!

Expressions of Love

Our Stake Float on Mormon Times

Here is the Mormon Time's Video I promised. Click on "Stake Floats" to see the wonderful clip about our Stake Float. Thanks Sue!

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Press Forward Utah!

We are surrounded by some of the most talented people.

The Wilford Stake's float, headed by the Hardy's, turned out awesome!

Many talented individuals worked on the basic structure before it could be put together.

There were many miracles that occurred to bring the right people together to make this float possible.

Artist and sculptor Paula Graves donated her time to carve several animals and Wilford's face.  Can you believe this fox is carved from upholstery foam?  

Over 250 people worked on the float including most of the youth.

GV1 member, Carol R-G, carved these bunnies from styrofoam.

 Look at all the incredible details!

GV1 member, JoAnn N. spent a lot of time on the float.  She created this yummy lunch.

 This is Wilford Woodruff, Utah's first fly fisherman.

Sue thinks she will have glitter stuck to her for years.

 While at the premier party Doug had to duck under the float several times to help Wilford with his fly rod.

Aaron A. will be driving the float in the parade tomorrow.

 Look at the creative details like this adorable nest of eggs.

 And the weaving on the basket!

  I love the seagull checking things out on top of the house.

Here's the list of all the talented people who made it possible.

Sue also wanted to thank the Droubay's for their help in being parade marshals tomorrow.

Mormon Times did a segment about the parade and the Hardy's were interviewed.  I will post it as soon as the segment is online and once Sue has had a few days to sleep she will be sending me more photos and I will post them here.

Need Some Spice?

My neighbor brought over a flat of jalapeno plants and while I fit as many as I could into my garden there are about 20 more plants (and a lone zucchini plant) looking for a home.  If you would like to add some hot peppers to your garden give me a call or just stop by and grab a few from the backyard (you can't miss them sitting on the edge of the garden).

Happy Gardening!

Tobi

Elder Bednar: BYU Women's Conference

Light Your Lamp

Our two organizers serving a lovely breakfast which

everyone seemed to enjoy. 

Members also brought donations to help a family in need.

After breakfast the ward dispersed for a day of loving service. . .

A tree was planted at the church to serve as a

reminder of our day of service.

When members finished serving they brought their lamp and added it to the day of service tree.

A big thank you all who served on Saturday as well as before and after the event!

Thank you to Bishop Sheffield for sharing his photos and if anyone has more photos of their service they would like to share please email a member of the RS presidency.