Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Comfort Zone Crab Chowder

Antipasti Salad


  Antipasti Salad

This Antipasti Salad is a delicious mix of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing with friends! It's got fresh veggies, cured meats, cheeses, and a tangy dressing. You can throw in mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. The dressing is super simple, tooā€”just olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Just mix everything up, drizzle the dressing, and you're good to go. Feel free to tweak the ingredients to your liking!šŸ˜‹

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of mixed green salad (like arugula, romaine, or spinach)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup of cucumber slices
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black and green olives
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini or banana pepper rings
  • 1/2 cup cubed feta cheese or fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan shavings (for garnish)
  • 6-8 slices of cured meat (like salami, prosciutto, or mortadella), rolled
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. To assemble the salad, layer the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions in a large serving bowl or platter.
  3. Arrange the rolled cured meats, feta cheese cubes, olives, and pepper rings on top of the greens. If using, tuck in hard-boiled egg quarters and roasted red peppers.
  4. Drizzle the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently or let guests serve themselves.
  5. Garnish: Add Parmesan shavings and fresh basil leaves for an elegant touch.

Special Note 

You can always adjust the ingredients to suit your preferencesā€”perhaps adding artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, or even croutons for extra crunch. Bon appĆ©tit! Let me know if you'd like a variation or help with a different recipe.



Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Recipe for Humility and Trust in God

 


This is a spiritual recipe for growing humility and trust in God. It talks about important ingredients like really giving up control, relying on God every day, and having a heart that listens. It suggests practices like being grateful, praying regularly, and taking brave steps even when you're scared. The daily directions include starting each day by surrendering to God, affirming trust in His presence, and journaling to deepen your relationship with Him.

Ingredients:

1. Genuine Surrender (Psalm 46:10)
"Be still, and know that I am God."

   Acknowledge your limitations and deliberately give control back to God each day.

2. Daily Dependence (Proverbs 3:5ā€“6)
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding..."

  Choose to rely on God's wisdom rather than your understanding.

3. Listening Heart (John 10:27)
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

  Spend quiet time in God's Word and prayer, learning to recognize His voice.

4.  Gratitude & Remembrance (Numbers 15:39-41)

  Constantly remember Godā€™s faithfulness, which strengthens your trust and humbles your heart.

5.  Consistent Prayer & Intercession (Numbers 14:13-19)

Pray not only for yourself but also to intercede sincerely for others, acknowledging dependence on Godā€™s power.

6. Faithful Patience (Isaiah 40:31)
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength..."

Trust God's timing and resist trying to rush or "fix" situations yourself.

7. Courage to Face Fear (Isaiah 43:1-3)
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you..."

Face your fears honestly and replace them daily with Godā€™s promises.

8. Transparency and Authenticity (2 Corinthians 12:9)
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

Be open and vulnerable with God (and selectively with trusted believers). Openly recognize your need for Him.


Directions (Daily Application):

1. Begin Each Day with a Surrender
Start your day by humbly placing it in Godā€™s hands, admitting your dependence, and asking for guidance.

2. Daily Affirmations
Verbally remind yourself of Isaiah 43:1-3, affirming your trust in God's presence, especially in challenging situations.

3. Reflect Regularly (Listening and Journaling)
Record insights from your time in Godā€™s Word, noticing how He speaks directly to your fears and challenges.

4. Express Gratitude
Regularly thank God for His faithfulness, mercy, and protection, building trust through remembrance of past victories.

5. Pray for Courage and Patience
Seek God's strength to face fears courageously. Ask for patience and the ability to trust His timingā€”even when waiting feels hard.


Tropical Fresh Salad

Click the link above for the salad recipe.