I Love to Bake

It's true, I love to be in the kitchen.  It's exciting to try new things and put them together.  It's so satisfying to make something that looks and tastes amazing that you know others will enjoy.  That has been my past two days.  I have been baking, not too busy, but busy enough!

I've definitely had to become more creative with all my dietary restrictions especially if I want to eat a meal that tastes good but it's always nice to do some baking with some tried and true recipes and some new ones as well.  For me it is a creative outlet; maybe because I'm not dancing as much and don't have that outlet, I am finding more joy in this.  Maybe I am living vicariously through the people that can enjoy my sugary treats.  Either way, I get to be in the kitchen and love it!

I made my Easter Carrot Cupcakes first.  The girls tried to help me put the eggs on top but the little sneakers put one on and then started feeding their bellies instead of decorating.  These cute mini cupcakes turned out to have a great Easter feel thanks the Mini Eggs!

Then onto a much bigger task of making a Cheesecake Supreme topped with blueberries picked by none other than myself.  Thank the Lord for freezing in large quantities!!  This one I stayed up late to make and decorated in the morning.  I was quite proud of how it turned out too and wished I could have a slice.  I have heard that it was de-lish though and will definitely keep that recipe in my back pocket.  Thanks mom!

Lastly I worked on a gluten-free dairy-free cupcake order.  (sorry, forgot to take a pic!)  The cupcakes themselves turned out pretty well seeing how it was the first time I had used gluten-free flour mix.  Then for an icing that would be tasty and dairy-free; I opted for a coconut frosting made with coconut milk, coconut, margarine and, of course, icing sugar.  Had to have a taste of it.... to make sure it tasted good enough for my customer...and it was amazing.  Got rave reviews for that one as well!!

Triple bonus = Made money for Jhonny, made people happy, got to bake!

Easter Baking

So I wanted to give you all a heads up that I will be away for the next few days and won't be near internet so you won't be getting a post from me until probably Thursday.

But before I go, I wanted to leave you with these delicious pictures.  For those of you who haven't heard about Jhonny and Jerry Omeas, here we go!  I went to Haiti in September 2010 and while I was visiting a tent city I met Jhonny; a kind haitian young adult who shared a tent with his brother and another family.  Both of his parents were deceased and his caregiver went missing during the earthquake and they don't know what happened to her.  So here they are, re-located from Port-au-Prince and living a simple life.  Jhonny talked about wanting to go to YWAM and do a DTS(Discipleship Training School).  High hopes for someone who only can make money when missionaries come to town to build homes.  He then would work alongside them or act as an interpreter and get paid for the week.  This money does not get saved but is used to buy a meager amount of food or other necessities to keep him and his brother until the next time he works.

Someone else at the base had talked about sponsorship and I felt my Spirit quicken within.  This felt like something I could do!  Little did I know how much this journey would 'cost' me.  I begin raising funds in November 2010 and started small. I sold the kids clothes and toys and then started baking - $10 here, $5 there.  At Christmas, my baking boomed and I was able to make over $400 over two weeks!  I poured a lot of hard work into my baking, both in time and prayers.  I would mash the oats for my oat fudge bars using a mortar and pestle bought in Haiti and pray that God would prepare them for the next chapter of their lives, providing for all their needs and removing the things holding them back from Him.

My total is close to $1600 now.  The only problem is that DTS is 11 months for Haitians in St.Marc and that costs a total of $4000 per person.  So I have a long way to go!

Egg Shaped Carrot Cakes 5 for $10 - these will be decorated in colour and much nicer than this!!

I am getting on the baking bandwagon again, so if you are in the Abbotsford Area or know people who are, please pass my information around.  I'll be taking orders until the morning of Good Friday and then orders will be ready for pick-up and delivery the following morning (Saturday) as well as Easter Sunday.

Here's a rundown of what I have to offer:

First off, for Easter, we are offering Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing.  This is a fantastic recipe and so delicious and you can have them however you'd like

Mini size $10 for 15 minis.  There will be a mini egg topping each one.

A close-up of the minis

The always lovely regular sized Carrot Cupcake, again topped with mini egg,
6 for $10

We will also be offering a great Easter Dessert for those of you who'd rather not bake but still want that hope baked taste!  Ooh, that was a typo but I like it!  Choose from Chocolate Mousse Cake (divine!), Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake or Vanilla with Blueberry or Strawberry Topping.  These will sell for $30 each and will feed about 12 people, approximately a 9" or 10" Cake.  If you'd like to make the cheesecakes sugar or wheat free, add $8 and I'll customize!  I can also do the carrot cakes without icing and make them sugar and wheat free as well (add $4).  One last offering is Caramel Dipped and Mini-egg covered Pretzels 4 for $10 or $3 each.  So get your orders in and let's work together to get some young guys to Bible School.  If we all do a little, we can accomplish a lot.  

Comment and post your orders that way or email me jmcjannet-at-hotmail-dot-com (writing it this way to avoid spam)

PS - If you have enjoyed my baking before and would prefer one of your personal favourites, I'm open to making those as well - Oat Fudge Bars, Pumpkin Scones, Banana or Pumpkin Bread, etc.  

Free Bread=Jesus Loves Me

Don't you love when you get a gift from God right out of the blue?  It takes you so by surprise that you are buzzing from His love for awhile afterwards.  Well, that was part of my day yesterday.  We were heading to White Rock with the kids to spend some time (in the freezing cold) digging in the sand and looking for shells.  We stopped to pick up some water and then we were so close to Silver Hills Bakery that I asked if Mike could stop so I could have bread for our trip away on Monday.

It's tough when we go away because you never know how people will accommodate such a bizarre and strict diet.  I thought if I had some bread, almond butter and almond milk and some other essentials, I could easily make it through the few days we're gone even if there wasn't a lot of food for me.  I had recently tried Silver Hills' Gramma's Kamut.  It's almost entirely made of ground kamut which I can have.  It does have a tiny bit of vital wheat gluten so I guess it's a little cheat but it is so wonderful to actually eat bread that tastes like bread that I don't mind the cheat.

Anyhow, I ran in to the store to find that there was no Gramma's Kamut for sale!!  I asked a worker if he happened to have any in the back.  He said he didn't have any to sell but he would give me some for free!  He said some of the slices had big holes in them so they weren't sellable.  What?  Free?  Delicious healthy bread that I can eat?  I took four loaves and thanked him profusely.  But then I thanked God profusely.

What a blessing!  Four loaves of bread and I don't have to pay a thing!  I got in the car and told the family and Caleb said, 'Like you didn't have to pay any money?'  'No, it was free!'  'Woah.'

So, this kind gesture from this elderly man defnitely symbolized to me His love for me, His genuine concern for me, and His grace to me.  It brightened up my day and gave me hope to get through another day of this crazy diet! Thank you Jesus, thank you for loving me.  I love it when you surprise me!

A Link to the Past

Last weekend my parents, the kids and I made the trek to Kelowna for a 24 hour whirlwind to visit my Auntie Joyce.  Auntie Joyce is 88 years old and is the last living sibling on my grandmother's side.  There were 13 children and she was number 8.  I have recently been stirred to find more about my past especially after our Wiebe Family gathering not too long ago.

So, we made the trip out for the kids to meet her and to try and jog her memory about her parents, my great grandparents.

Of course, being the unprepared parent that I am, I completely forgot to bring in the kids' toys (and my dad left with the vehicle).  So spending hours in an apartment with no toys proved to be a bit difficult.  Overall the kids were great, just kids being kids... but kids being kids in an elderly woman's apartment isn't always easy : )  Caleb found this green skeleton which Auntie said he could have, so that kept them busy for awhile.  Anyhow, my mom took them out after lunch to the playground outside to burn off some energy and I got a half and hour to chat with Auntie Joyce about her past.  Caleb loved the rope swing!

It's always bittersweet seeing her as I remember my own grandmother.  She passed away while I was pregnant with Caleb and so there are times when I ache for her to meet my children.  She was such a special part of my life and when I look at Auntie Joyce, I can see some her mannerisms and it makes me miss my Baba.

But it was so wonderful to have some quality time asking questions about my great grandparents and hearing bits and pieces of their lives, their lifestyle, their family.  I hope to hear more soon.  She is the only link left to my past and it's so important to know where you came from.  It makes us who we are and shapes who we will become.

Recipe - Roasted Yams and Sweet Potatoes

OK, time for a recipe!  Since starting on my restrictions I've been finding joy in making Sweet Potatoes and Yams.  I sometimes add some acorn squash or onions to mix just to change things up.  The reality is, you can make a delicious side dish that is super easy and tastes fantastic.  I've had a few people raving about these potatoes, even my sister-in-law who does not like them normally, so here you are!

Greek/Italian Style Roasted Yams and Sweet Potatoes

Cut yams and potatoes into about one inch cubes and place in baking dish.  I do about one medium size potato per person.  Drizzle the oil of your choice - olive oil, grapeseed, canola.  Add about 1 tsp. each dried basil, oregano and rosemary.  Crush 2 cloves of garlic and salt and pepper to taste.  Then I just shake the potaotes until coated well.  Place in 400F oven for one hour.  You can stir halfway through but not too often as you don't want to smush them up.  They get nice, sweet and caramelized as they brown and are sooo delicious.

Mexican Style Roasted Yams and Sweet Potatoes

Start off just as above with cubing and oiling and then instead of adding above spices, add about a heaping tablespoon of cumin.  It could be more like 2tbsp. but just keep going until it looks and smells good. I don't really measure, just pour until really coated.  Add 2 cloves crushed garlic and salt and pepper to taste.  Bake the same amount of time and you're good to go!

Enjoy!!

It's better to give than to receive

My friend Meg and I were praying for an acquaintance of ours last night.  She has long-term health problems and we didn't know how best we could help her.  We have both have made meals in the past, offered to pick up things, but wanted to do something else.  After praying, Meg asked if I got a word from God as to what we should do 'because you and Him are like this' (crossing her fingers).  I smiled and said that I didn't and asked her the same question 'because you and Him are like this too'.  She did have an idea come to mind while praying and she shared it.  Well, I thought it was the Lord speaking so we both agreed to go and visit our friend the next day and spend the day serving her and loving her.

What a great day!!!  I sit here absolutely exhausted but on a high knowing that we were accomplishing His will for us and for her today.  We went in the morning with our children and got to work sweeping floors, cleaning out the fridge, cleaning toilets and sinks and bathtubs.  We brought lunch to feed all the kids and a delicious lunch for the ladies as well : ) Carrot Mango Salad and Sweet potato and zucchini pancakes, Yum!

Before we left we were able to pray and encourage our new friend and through our actions and our words, love her.  What a privilege to bless and, in turn, be blessed.  It felt so good to be able to just give the day to Jesus and to His work.  I know that as I go through my tasks at home I am going about His work as well, but today was very special.  I prayed for their home to be filled with hope and comfort and peace as I scrubbed their bathtub.  I felt as though I was fulfilling God's heart for her, in a small way, showing her that he will take care of her needs.  If she can trust Him with the small issues of life like housework and meals, I pray that she will be able to trust Him with the big stuff too.

It was also very special to have my girls with me.  On the way I prayed with them and asked them to be a good friend to the little girl who lived their because her mommy is sick and she needs to feel God's love.  I had hoped they would be a blessing as well and not a distraction!  God so answered my prayers.  Dear sweet Juliana was in all her glory with little girl friends to play with.  They had such a great time, we set up a play date for next week.  We were able to not only fill up a cup of love in one woman, but also in a little girl too!

What a great day and a wonderful reminder that it is truly better to give than to receive.

Startin' 'em Young

My mother has joined a seniors group called SWAP - Seniors With A Purpose.  This wonderful group of women travel from seniors home to seniors home throughout the lower mainland bringing smiles and joy to the seniors who live there.  They have extravagant costumes and they dance, sing, and one lady plays the steel guitar.  They bank on the fact that they are 'amateur' so they never practice, just go out there and have fun.

The girls with the team

Recently gramma invited Sadie to join them.  Sadie was thrilled with the opportunity to dress up and dance with these ladies.  She was starting to ask constantly, 'When can I dance with the beautiful dancers again?'  She then convinced Abbi to join her too.  So they now are their special guests!  I recently went to their last 'performance' and grabbed some photos and videos of the girls and the ladies dancing.

Sadie and Abbi with the Polynesian version of my mom!

I was so happy that I went because it re-inforced in me the importance of giving back.  The girls are young, only 3 years old, and yet they are already learning how to give back.  Sure, it's fun to dress up and get out there and dance, but they also are learning how to say 'Hello' to the lonely and elderly people of our culture.  They are smiling and waving at them and filling their 'cups' with their youth.

50's style dancing

The girls have become the stars of the show and everyone's faces light up when they come around to say 'Hi' or to dance.  They are so sweet but much more, they are sharing the love of Jesus.  In such a small way, they are learning to give of themselves and bless others.  And in turn, they will be blessed, I know I was that day.

My Encourager

I love my husband.  I mean I know everyone loves their spouses but I really love him.  He is amazing; he is God's perfect match for me.  We definitely have that opposites attract thing going on in some areas of our lives but we also work so well together.

This year has been the first time we've started to do ministry together, really together.  We ran a bible school back in 2005 but we both had our own schools and responsibilities to do and had different students we were working with.  This time, it's different.

Mike and I have started a young adults group that meets every Sunday after church for 'Soup and the Spirit.'  It's been so great getting to know these young people and sharing in the discussions centered around our church services as well as the Spiritual Disciplines.  Mike and I have been able to work together with our strengths - mine being administrative and his being able to cast vision and reach out so well relationally to all the different kinds of people that walk through our doors.  Plus we both get to share with the group every week, which I think is a strength for both of us.  

Despite having our ups and downs, it's been so great to work side-by-side in this ministry.  It's been fun to bounce ideas off each other, read and prepare together, pray, and just work together.  And as always, he is my encourager.  

I didn't feel so qualified to speak about fasting last week but he said, 'Joce you fasted this week.' I said, 'I know but I didn't feel like I got too much spiritual insight out of it.' 'But you actually did it.  That's more than most of us did.'  

Then again....

This morning I rolled out of bed at 6:30am as I have been trying to habitually do to get a morning devotional time in.  My mind couldn't concentrate, I could hardly keep my eyes open.  I basically read the devotional and then rolled back into bed after getting the kids their breakfast.  I said to Mike, 'I don't think I was of much use this morning with Jesus.'  He replied, 'Did you get up?  Did you go spend time with Jesus?'  Ignoring my mumbling, he continued, 'That's awesome, Joce.  You got up, you were tired but you did it anyway, way to go.'  Even when I feel the crappiest, he is there to encourage me, especially in my walk with the Lord.  What a great man I get to live with.  When I feel like I am at my weakest, he reminds me that I don't have to be strong.  Thanks Jesus for my man.  He's my favourite, he's my friend, he's my encourager.  And thank you Jesus that you allow us to depend fully on you in order to change, grow and get to know you more.  I can do nothing without you.  You are my strength.