Ashes, Ashes...

No, we aren't falling down. Today is Ash Wednesday. The beginning of Lent. Lent is a period of 40 days that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. It is a time of prayer and preparation for Christians. During this season, many believers choose to either fast or give up some luxury as a form of penitence.

Instead of "giving up" something for Lent and being in prayer during that time, I'm going to "add to"... I've decided to do random acts of kindness each day and use this opportunity to grow closer to God.

I know these acts could simply be holding the door open for someone or letting someone pull out in front of me in traffic. Those are easy. Those are also things I try to do in my daily life. I want to do something more. I want to have to make a concerted effort and do something more substantial.

Today, I've shared containers of homemade lasagna with four older members of our congregation. You may be thinking "Leftover? That's no so great." Well, it's not fresh out of the oven, no. But... these four people aren't going to have to worry about cooking a meal tonight. AND... the lasagna was really good!!

I want to think outside the box, outside my comfort zone. I have some ideas in mind... but I'm looking for others also.

Things I Love

Aside from the obvious "My Children"... some things I love:

* The color turquoise
* Happy surprise handwritten notes in my mailbox
* A really tender beef roast
* Massages
* Big closets
* My Mimi's mashed potatoes
* Eating at a Japanese Hibachi grill
* Coconut Rum
* Pedicures
* The smell of rain
* Naps
* My black yoga pants from Lady Foot Locker
* The Pioneer Woman
* A really full toothbrush
* Cooking for those I love
* Hearing a baby's giggle
* Reminiscing
* Road trips
* Bacon
* The smell of coffee brewing
* Wintergreen Lifesavers that have turned soft
* New friends that feel like old friends
* A bargain
* Hugs
* The smell of men's cologne
* Breakfast at Cracker Barrel
* "Found" money
* Knowing all my bills are current
* My black Frye boots
* Christmas shopping trips with Kim-Kim, my Asian lover
* Savannah, Charleston and Beaufort
* Being a woman
* Personalized and monogrammed stuff

Best Roast Ever. Period.

I had a woman inbox me on Facebook this week about placing an order for Pampered Chef. She came to my office to pay me for her order (Food Chopper and Deep Covered Baker). Then she told me about the way she makes roast in the Baker and swears it's the best roast ever. I love a good roast. But for the life of me, I've never been able to make what I consider to be a really good one. What makes a really good roast? Tender, salty and beefy. Period. Good beef doesn't need much "extra" flavor. I think my main problem over the years has been trying to rush it and get the roast cooked rather quickly because I haven't planned ahead too well.

I earned a Deep Covered Baker for submitting at least $1,250 in my first 30 days of business. As luck would have it, I received my Baker this week, so I planned ahead and decided to make the roast for supper tonight. OH. MY. GOSH. It really IS the best roast ever.

Chuck Roast
1 pkg. dry au jus mix

Place roast in Pampered Chef Deep Covered Baker. Sprinkle dry mix over roast. Place lid on baker. Bake 6-8 hours at 225°.

So tender, juicy and flavorful! Thank you Pam Galloway... for the order and the recipe!

Sopapilla Cheesecake

Night before last, I wanted something sweet after dinner. Not just a little sweet, but super ooey gooey decadent deliciousness. I was thinking chocolate. Nothing specific was coming to mind, so the cookbook perusing began. I found the recipe below. I had never heard of it before, which is unusual for me. It's not chocolate, but boy did it hit the spot! Last night, a friend came over and I offered her some dessert. Because of some severe food allergies she has, she asked what was in it. I told her the ingredients and she replied that sure she'd love some. Then she asked me if it was "Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars". I laughed and told her it was and she told me she LOVED it! She suggested warming it a bit and drizzling with honey before serving. Oh yeah... that made it even better!

Sopapilla Cheesecake

2 cans crescent rolls
2 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
½ c. cinnamon-sugar
1 stick melted butter

Spread 1 can crescent rolls into 9x13 baking dish. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread creamed mixture over crust. Top with 2nd can of crescent rolls. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes. Let cool. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into squares or bars.

May also reheat in microwave and drizzle with honey before serving.