Homemade Zucchini Bread

We have been getting lots of squash so far this summer from our CSA. Actually, it probably isn't "lots" to most people, but for a home that houses only two members and a chubby cat, one of which eats squash, we have been getting a lot of squash. I've been trying to eat it as fast as I can, but this week I had to get creative.  I've done roasted squash in stir fry, squash on my chicken vegetable skewers and have some more to use up fast. So, zucchini bread, it was.

Intentionally Focused Week 2: Your Spiritual Life

Week 2: Your Spiritual Life

Here is what I learned during the second week of the "Intentionally Focused" Bible Study by Good Morning Girls. 

Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

I hope you are all out there celebrating with your loved ones, decked out in red, white and blue clothing. Don't forget the nail polish! Today I'm sharing a healthy grill or oven recipe that uses up some of your summer produce.I know I've been posting a lot of chicken recipes lately, but chicken is a healthy food and we eat a lot of it in this home. I really like chicken because a little chicken can go a long way with the right recipes.

Today I'm going to show you how I make chicken and vegetable skewers. I know this is an easy meal idea and you could probably just look at the picture and know what to do, but sometimes people get into a meal idea rut. So, I just want to share this little recipe because it is one of Alec's favorites and an easy summer go-to meal.

Intentionally Focused: My First Bible Study

Remember way back on January 1st when we all made Resolutions for the New Year? Well, this year I really wanted to make them real resolutions. Not the kind where they are so steep that you quit 2 weeks later. Real, honest resolutions to improve my life. My first one was to "get closer to God, and closer to who he wants me to become." 

So, I started with a Bible Study. Something to keep me focused every day, to keep me talking to God and more importantly listening to God. I found the Good Morning Girls website and I absolutely love it. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking fellowship, friendship and a closer connection with God. My first Bible study was one that they created titled "Intentionally Focused," as a guide to becoming intentionally focused. It helped me learn how to become a better me, how to serve Him better and how to always act with intention. They give you all the supplies you need as free-print outs, post encouraging videos and send encouraging emails. It was great.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

I know I just posted this irresistible recipe for Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese two days ago, but after serving that one up Alec immediately requested more. I still had half a bottle of buffalo sauce, so I decided I'd switch our usual pizza night into Buffalo Chicken pizza night. Per Alec's specific request, of course. 

Storing Garlic Scapes

What are these squiggly, twisty green things? I didn't know either.

If you do know, good for you! You know more than I did about them a week ago! 

Remember the CSA I was telling you about? Well, this week I got garlic scapes in my little bundle of fresh produce.

 I love garlic.

I go through more garlic than most 20 year olds, I'm sure. I put it in as many dishes as I can. So, I was excited to try a new way of enjoying it. 

Apparently, these garlic scapes are the "flowering" part of a garlic plant, but they need to be trimmed off because if the plant is spending its energy on the flowering part it isn't growing a big garlic root base. So, this part is trimmed off right about now during the growing season. I took a bite out of it, too, just to see how garlic-y it really was. It tastes stronger than I expected considering it's scallion-esque appearance, but it is really flavorful.

You can store them in the fridge in a plastic baggy for a few days, but I had more than I could eat in a week, so I decided to freeze mine. They are really great frozen because you can just grab a handful out of the freezer and pop them into whatever dish you are making. So far they have been good in scrambled eggs, buffalo chicken grilled cheese and in hot roast beef loafs.