Frugal Friday recipe- Parmesan & Black Pepper Crackers

In an effort to stay frugal, now that Anthony is the only one supporting us, I am dedicating Fridays to "living well on less." I even bought a book! "Miserly Moms" by Jonni McCoy. I have to admit, most of Jonni's advice I already knew. Unlike Jonni, I came from humble beginnings. Penny pinching was a way of life. Unfortunately, I have found myself accustom to to frequenting Starbucks and other wasteful endeavors. Granted, I've never been a crazy spender. I am pretty low maintenance. But alas, I need to cut back.

Anthony and my biggest money wasters is eating out. As busy as we've been, it is easier to grab something then to plan something. This is changing. Since, I have Friday's off I plan to do some meal planning for the next week. I thought you may be interested in my epicurean discoveries. So, I'm making Friday's..."Frugal Friday's". I'll share my "money saving" adventures every week.

I've been wanting crackers. Kinda silly craving, huh? Unfortunately, I want those really-yummy-expensive-kind-that-you-only-buy-at-speciality markets. I decided to see if I could make some myself. So, I did. They're pretty good.

I made Parmesan & Black Pepper Crackers.

Here's the recipe:

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 Tablespoon black pepper

1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

1/2 cup warm water

3 Tablespoons olive oil

In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, salt, parmesan cheese and black pepper. With dough hook attachment in place, add the water and olive oil. Mix the dough until it forms a ball. Add more water if needed. The dough will not be too sticky but not too dry. Once a ball is formed, take out of bowl, rub the ball with oil and let rest for 45 minutes covered with plastic wrap.

After 45 minutes, preheat oven to 450 degrees. Then take the dough and cut into 4-6 balls. On a floured surface use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a thin strip. The dough should be very thin. Next, cut the dough into strips and then squares or any other shape you desire. Place the squares on a greased baking sheet, with a fork poke each cracker several times to prevent air pockets. Brush lightly with more olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt*. Pop into the oven and bake until golden brown approximately 8-10 minutes. I turned my crackers halfway through baking to crisp both sides. Also make sure to watch them because they burn easy. You may find your oven bakes faster or slower than mine.

Enjoy!

*I thought about sprinkling the crackers with parmesan, but didn't. If you do, let know how they turned out.

The original recipe was from 101cookbooks.com. I adapted Heidi Swanson's version.

Freedom of Simplicity

For a while now, I've been thinking about the discipline of simplicity. Haven't heard of it? Well, in the United States, it's not the most popular teaching. Lately, we've been hearing more about "Prosperity Doctrine." Richard Foster (1981) says, "Contemporary culture is plagued by the passion to possess" (p. 3).

Isn't that still so true?

I've been thinking about slowing down and appreciating what God has already blessed me with and be content. In the process, I want to become completely dependent and obedient to God. Foster (1981) explains that the Old Testament reveals two "radical" truths about simplicity. The first is "Radical Dependence" and "Radical Obedience." Becoming dependent on God causes us to put aside our independence. Instead of saying, "I can provide for myself". We have to say, "God, I will follow you and trust you". "Radical Obedience" is completely paying allegiance to God and Him alone. By radically obeying God, we are free to lay down our heavy burdens and stresses of life. We no longer strain and strive to get ahead or obtain wealth. Our goal becomes one of submission. The result is peace and...

...blessing.

Yes, blessing. Foster (1981) shows how over and over again God gives generously to His children. God gives His obedient children material blessing, too.

Doesn't that bring us right back to "Prosperity Doctrine?"

Well, no. The reason is simple: genuine obedience changes our hearts. Material blessing is no longer our focus. Foster (1981) explains, "Once this inner disposition has taken over our personality, material blessings cannot hurt us, for they will be used for the right purposes" (p. 20). We realize that the material blessing we receive is for the good of the community, not just us.

This is my desire- for God to transform my personality. May I be as faithful as the man with the 5 talents who invested his gifts wisely and gained 5 more talents (Matt. 25:14-30). Yet, may I be so radically obedient to God that my focus is on Him and not how he blesses me.

How about you? Are you willing to be radically obedient and dependent?

Foster, R. (1981). Freedom of Simplicity. San Francisco, CA: Harper Collins Publishers.

Verse of the week

Our women's group at church is focusing on scripture memory for the year. Our pastor's wife, Sherree, has called it "Live it 52." I am finding that every verse, I mean EVERY verse, has been meaningful and perfect for the week. I don't know how she picked 'em, but she did a great job. I guess the lesson is that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16 & 17, NIV).

Well, this week's verse is Psalm 32:8:

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (NIV).

Again, this verse is just the encouragement I've needed this week. This is my last week of work and although, I believe I'm doing the right thing (stepping away). It's a little scary. Did I tell you that the job is now full time with benefits? Yes, full medical, dental and vision. Oh, and it pays about what I made at my old job plus room for a few raises (not boasting, but I did pretty well at my last job). Yet, I did not quit my old job to work as a program coordinator. I left to follow God's calling to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. So, that is what I am doing.

God WILL watch over me. He WILL counsel me. He WILL teach me the way I should go. Thank you, God for this opportunity to step out in faith and serve you. You are my comfort and source of strength.