Birthdays

Saturday was my brother Micah's birthday, so I was extra busy and forgot to post my "Finding Beauty in the Ordinary post.....oops! This is the cake I made for him - an m&m guy!

Sweet Potato Lentil Soup

My "Finding Beauty in the Ordinary" post today will hold several pictures because I'm posting a recipe as well, and when I post a recipe I like to try to post a few photos with it.

Sweet Potato Lentil Soup

1/4 cup butter

2 large sweet potatoes

3 large carrots

1 apple

1 onion

1 1/2 cups lentils

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

6 cups vegetable broth 

OR 6 cups water and 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon

plain yogurt

   Chop sweet potatoes, carrots, apple and onion. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Place the apple and vegetables in the pot; stir and cook until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.

   Stir the lentils, ginger, pepper, salt, cumin, chilli powder, paprika, and broth into the pot with the apple/vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until lentils and vegetables are soft, about 30 minutes.

   Serve with plain yogurt for garnish, if desired.

And now for the bread recipe that I promised was coming:

Cheesy Italian Oatmeal Pan Bread

2 cups water

1 cup rolled oats

3 tablespoons butter

4-5 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons salt

2 packages yeast

1 large egg

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

4 tablespoons butter

Bring water to a boil in medium saucepan. Stir in rolled oats and butter. Cool to 100-110 degrees. Meanwhile, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Blend well. Add rolled oats mixture and egg. Blend at low speed of an electric mixer until moistened. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in about 2 cups more flour and cheese to form stiff dough.

Knead in 1/2 - 3/4 cup flour on a floured surface, until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Shape dough into ball. Cover loosely with a light towel and let rest 15 minutes. Punch down dough. Press into a sprayed 13"x9" baking pan. Using a very sharp knife, cut diagonal lines 1 1/2 inches apart, cutting completely through dough. Repeat in opposite direction creating a diamond pattern. Cover with light towel and let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Uncover dough and redefine diamond pattern, if needed. Melt butter. Combine Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Pour the melted butter evenly over the bread dough. Sprinkle spice mixture evenly over top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Antique Candy Dish

   My Mom recently gave me this candy dish that belonged to my Dad's grandmother. I almost put it in my hope chest, but then thought "hey, it matches my room and it's really pretty! I'd rather have it out." So I found a package of party mints, poured them in, and set the dish on my dresser! I love how it is blue, but has a rainbow of colors that show when the light shines on it.

Piano Love

Playing the piano is one of my most favorite things to do!

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Finding Beauty In The Ordinary

   Emily, over at Feathering The Nest has started a daily photo project for this month called "Finding Beauty In The Ordinary". I'm starting a day later than she, but I'll try to post a picture every day. Feel free to join in, and comment with a link back to your post if you'd like to share! :)

My picture for today is of "Italian Oatmeal Pan Bread" that I made last week. I hope to post the recipe soon, so check back - you'll love it!