Espresso Epiphany

The gospel encourages me to rest in my righteous standing with God, a standing which Christ Himself accomplished and always maintains for me.(a)(b) I never have to do a moment's labor to gain or maintain my justified status before God!(c)(d)(e) Freed from the burden of such a task, I now can put my energies into enjoying God, pursuing holiness, and ministering God's amazing grace to others.

The gospel also reminds me that my righteous standing with God always holds firm regardless of my performance, because my standing is based solely on the work of Jesus and not mine.(f) On my worst days of sin and failure, the gospel encourages me with God's unrelenting grace toward me.(g)(h) On my best days of victory and usefulness, the gospel keeps me relating to God solely on the basis of Jesus' righteousness and not mine.

From A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love

I made this delicious and easy chicken dish for dinner last night. I thought it had a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors... mmmm! The leftovers served up very nicely for lunch today, too, with Naan.

I would have taken a picture for you, but it smelled so amazing and we were just too hungry to get the camera out. Oh well, next time.

Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halves, about 1-1/2 pounds)
1 small onion (1/3 cup), chopped (I used a vidalia onion)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoon butter or EV olive oil (or blend of both)
1 tablespoon finely shredded orange peel
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons honey (I didn't measure, just drizzled away)
1 cup quick-cooking couscous
Optional garnishes: orange wedges, mint leaves

Directions:

In a large skillet cook chicken, onion, and garlic in hot butter/olive oil over medium heat about 6 minutes or until chicken is brown, turning once. Add orange peel, orange juice, and salt to skillet. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Sprinkle cinnamon and allspice onto chicken; drizzle with honey. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 7 minutes more or until chicken is tender and no longer pink.

While chicken is simmering, cook couscous according to package directions. Serve with chicken, onions and sauce. If desired, garnish with orange wedges and mint. Makes 4 servings.

Try one or more of these variations for... well... a little variety!
In the last minute of simmering, gently stir in 1/2 cup or so of plain yogurt (go Activia!)
Add finely cut julienne carrots to onions and garlic.
Add a 1/4 cup golden raisins to onions and garlic.
Serve with Naan or jasmine rice instead of couscous.

What else sounds good with this? Please leave a comment!

This recipe is for Jordan. :-)

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound Elbow Macaroni
1 pound Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded or cubed
4 TBSP Butter
4 TBSP Flour
3 cups Milk
Salt, Pepper, Breadcrumbs, Whatever (Optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook macaroni according to package directions. (Don't overcook!)
Drain and put macaroni into buttered (or sprayed with Pam) baking dish.
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
Slowly blend flour into melted butter until smooth and bubbling.
Add milk slowly and blend well, cooking and stirring until it thickens.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Melt cheese into white sauce.
Pour cheese sauce over macaroni.
Sprinkle bread crumbs over top of macaroni and cheese, if desired.
Place in center of oven for 30 minutes.
Let cool for 5 or 10 minutes, then serve.

And remember... Joey doesn't share food!!!!!!!