Yummy!

Sunday was one of those days where nothing "special" happened, but where the day just seemed like a huge success.  It was a relaxing day, and actually pretty productive.

We made it to church on Sunday morning, FINALLY.  I'm ashamed to admit how long it's been since we've made it.  I can make excuses, and granted, most of them would revolve around Jacob's nap and eating schedule, but still, they are excuses.  The 9 am service is what works best for us on Sunday's.  The 11 cuts way too much into rearranging Jacob's schedule, and on Saturday's there are no services during summer at the WOodbury campus.  You would think that with the campus being in Wdbry, and not driving 30 minutes to White Bear that it would be easier.  But that's not always the case. 

We need to make this a priority, not a secondary thing.  One of my friends is a pastor with EBC, and we got to see her up on stage Sunday morning leading announcements as our regular campus pastor was speaking that weekend.  I can't think of a better person to be in a leader position at EBC.  Kar has motivated and inspired me to be a better Christian and really look at my life and choices.  She is dedicated and passionate about her beliefs, and you can see love when you are with her. 

I also ran into another bible study girl who is getting married in August and joined us for the service.  Her and her fiance were being baptized together yesterday afternoon in honor of their faith, and wanted to be baptized together before their wedding.

It was so great to be back at EBC.  The music, the sermon, the sense of something greater and the feeling of community and love.  Besides, we also get a free hour break of Jacob.... :)  He must have had fun also, little guy was SNOOZING when we picked him up, and was out for the car ride, and still sleeping after I moved him out of the car seat. 

I planted some flowers I had bought while Mike & Jacob mowed lawn.  In between, I had made 2 new fantastic recipes,

DEEP DARK CHOCOLATE COOKIES


AND

BASIL LIME CHICKEN



I honestly don't know which I enjoyed more!!  Both are a bit more time consuming than what i have attempted lately, but well worth it!!

Cookies:

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips (about 9 ounces), divided
3 large egg whites, room temperature
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided (I used 2 cups)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 2 large baking sheets with nonstick spray. Melt 1 cup chocolate chips in glass bowl in microwave, stirring twice, about 2 minutes. Cool slightly.

Using electric mixer, beat whites in large bowl to soft peaks. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar. Continue beating until mixture resembles soft marshmallow creme.

Whisk 1 cup sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt in medium bowl to blend. On low speed, beat dry ingredients into meringue. 

Add lukewarm chocolate and 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dough will become very stiff).

Place 1/2 cup sugar in bowl. Roll 1 rounded tablespoon dough into ball; roll in sugar, coating thickly. Place on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, spacing 2 inches apart.

 

Chicken:

Ingredients

• 3 Limes (juice and zest) Divided
• 3 T Olive Oil
• 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 T Dijon Mustard
• 3 T Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 T Soy Sauce
• 6 Green Onions Chopped Divided
• 4 Cloves Garlic Minced Divided
• 2 T Chopped Basil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 3 lbs Chicken Breasts

Instructions

1. Combine the zest and juice of 2 limes, Olive Oil, Mustard, Worcestershire, Soy, 3 onions, 2 garlic cloves salt and pepper and mix well.
2. Cut chicken into even cutlets and place in a gallon sized baggie.
3. Pour marinade over the chicken and marinate for 1 hour.
4. Preheat grill.
5. Place chicken on grill and grill for 7 minutes.
6. Then flip and cook until internal temp reaches 170.
7. Remove from grill and let meat rest.
8. Meanwhile combine juice and zest of one lime with extra virgin olive oil, 3 chopped onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, basil.
9. Add sauce over top.

It was perfect for the hot summer day!!

Bake until puffed and tops crack, about 10 minutes. Cool on sheets on rack 10 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool.

These are best right out of the oven!! Just ooey gooey-ness!!