ECC 4: 9-10

The Value of a Friend

9 Two are better than one,

Because they have a good reward

for their labor.

10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion…

Today I had the blessing of doing an all day cooking marathon with my good friend Nadia Gerges. I am a novice compared to this woman, owner of Le Petit Gym, mother of three/super hero! We set out to complete five different recipes of five very different things!

Of course when I say all day, I mean that we had all of two hours which was truly a combination of 20 minute sprints between grocery shopping, nursing a baby, rocking a baby, daycare drop off, school bus arrival, daycare pick up, and serving dinner early enough to make it to soccer practice, all while staying sane! I assure you, it was no small task, but together we did it! High five to you my friend!

Oatmeal Energy Bites

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes.com

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter (or substitute peanut butter)
• 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed

Directions: In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together. Roll out teaspoon sized balls and place on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Freeze until set about one hour. Enjoy and keep leftovers in a Ziploc bag in fridge or freezer. Makes about 20-24 energy bites.

Personalize this recipe with add-ins such as raisins, dried cranberries, pumpkin, and dried cherries. Other bloggers list ground bran cereal like Fiber One instead of flaxseed. These bites make a great afternoon snack and are also handy to take along when traveling.

 

Another Great Breakfast Muffin

This one we are calling Mufones! Their consistency is a cross between the muffin and the scone. They are delicious, and the best part is that they can be easily adapted without compromising taste.

Prep 15 min   Cook 25 min   Yields 12 servings

• Ingredients:
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk (or buttermilk)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or any other fresh fruit)

Directions: In a large bowl, mix together wet ingredients, then slowly add all the dry ingredients. Add fruits last and do not overmix. Place batter into greased muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The batter will be slightly dry, this is normal. Variations: add lemon zest, use peaches, add chocolate chips, try your own and let us know.

We made chicken broth from organic chicken, and deboned it for future dishes.

We also made sun-dried tomato pasta, and kofta (kafta). Kofta is a fan favorite! Everyone loves a good kofta. Ours was delicious, but I did learn a few things from my first kofta making experience. First, do not over work the meat, it changes it’s consistency, and second, salt is good. I don’t normally salt my dishes, health habit we have at our house, but it does make food taste so much better. Somewhere in her words, Nadia taught me that food is something that speaks to the soul. It reminds us of our childhood, our favorite dishes bring on feelings, they don’t just awaken our taste buds, they tug at our heart. Therefore, one dish will never taste the same to you as it does to me, hence the importance of “variations” and making each dish your own. Do not be afraid to explore the recipe, change it up, and we would love to hear how you did it!

Kofta Recipe 1 (Kafta)

Prep 15 min    Cook 20 min

• Ingredients:

• 1 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion (shredded)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped parsley
• Salt and Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven at 400 degrees F (confection bake) , and line a baking tray with parchment paper

Combine all ingredients, work with hands (be careful not to work it too much), and then shape them into cigarettes around your index finger leaving the center of the meat sort of hollow. This allows the meat to cook quickly, remain juicy, and not be dense.

Place on Kofta on tray and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, the last five minutes should be on broil and turn them once. Serve hot, enjoy!.