And Be Thankful.

There is an abundance of food in my fridge, freezer, and pantry. I have a wonderful husband and two wonderful little boys. We are healthy, happy, and hopeful. For everything that God has blessed me with, I am so thankful. 

Previously, I talked about possibly making applesauce. Well, someone else from church gave me another bag of apples, so I figured it was a sign. After the peeling (which was annoying because I have misplaced my good peeler, even though it is bright green) it pretty much made itself. I ended up with five jars. Jacob's first "real people" food was applesauce and he loved it. We went through a jar a week. So I am going to do some math and see if it is cheaper for me to make it for Daniel when he gets to that point.

So we had our first thanksgiving already. We were going to have chicken, I found a new recipe I wanted to try out, but we spent enough at Superstore to get a free turkey the other week, so it was decided we would have a typical thanksgiving feast. I've never cooked a turkey before, so I decide to read the instructions. "Reach into the cavity and remove the heart, neck, and giblets." Oh my goodness, I would PAY someone 100$ to do this for me. Thankfully my mother-in-law did it for free. She showed me how she makes stuffing and gravy, and I made simple peas, carrots, mashed potatoes, and cornbread to go with it. It was so good.

In my effort not to waste food, I made stock from the carcass yesterday. My house smelled so delicious! I realized I don't own a stock pot but I do own a giant slow-cooker, so for 10 hours that broth simmered nicely. I ended up with 12 cups, which are all nicely waiting in my freezer to be turned into something delicious.

AND because I had nothing sweet in my house (I only bake one thing at a time now) I tried a new brownie recipe. They are low-fat, I used my own applesauce, and Jacob ate the leftover egg yolks for lunch. I did add some chocolate chips that aren't in the original recipe though. I have had bad luck with brownies. They take too long, never turn out just right, and use way too many ingredients. This recipe cures all that, and more:

Low-Fat Brownies

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Recipe By: Epicure Selections

Ingredients:

1/2 cup baking cocoa

1 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp soft margarine

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 egg whites

1/2 cup apple sauce

1 tsp vanilla

chocolate chips, if desired

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Spray 8x8 pan.

Mix all ingredients.

Bake 35 minutes.

Now I just have to make a couple of turkey pies with the rest of the leftovers.

(Colossians 3:15b - in case you were wondering)