Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Food That Says Welcome

My friend Angie first told me about this book written by Michael W. Smith's mother, Barbara Smith. I had my eye on it for a while and am so thankful that I was able to get a copy to review and post about here!

This book is filled with delicious recipes and even more, the true spirit of hospitality. I am eager to try many more recipes from the book, but here is one that we've already sampled!

Easy Apple Turnovers

6 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 c. sugar (or to taste)
1 T. butter
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
6-8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
ice cream, caramel syrup and pecans for serving

Cook apples in a saucepan until tender. Add next four ingredients and stir well. Divide apples evenly among the tortillas. Fold over and brown on each side in a hot skillet. When serving, drizzle with caramel syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans. I added whipped cream to the top of ours ~ mmm, delicious!

A few others that I can't wait to make are Oreo Cake, Chicken-Almond Casserole and oh so delicious looking breakfast recipes! I hope you'll get a chance to see this book and try out some of the yummy recipes!

I'm curious to hear: how does food say 'welcome' to you?

19 comments:

Laine said...

As my husband says, "Eye appeal is half the meal." I think when food looks pretty, it makes it more welcoming. Your food always looks appealing by the way! =)

Edi said...

I think food that has taken time to prepare (or looks like it has) and is presented and served in an attractive manner - says "Welcome".

Lisar said...

Love the sound of this recipe...might have to check out the book as well as I just love Michael W Smith's music...also wanted to give you a word of encouragement...how much your blog is a blessing to me and obviously to so many others.....it is a shame about the negative comments...you are handling everything with the Grace of Christ within you....blessings to you always...Lisa

Wendi said...

That looks delish and so easy!

Patty Williams said...

Looks so yummy !

Anonymous said...

Monica this looks so yummy. I was thinking of making apple dumplings for a dinner guest this week, but was not looking forward to all the work just for a simple midweek dinner. I think these look like the perfect ending to a Thursday evening soup & quiche dinner for a special friend. Thanks so much for sharing.

Angela

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your blog. I just came upon this from Money Saving Mom. I appreciate bringing our Lord into every aspect of life. You have been encouraging... Becky

Anonymous said...

The book sounds great. I did not even know it was out there, thank you for sharin it with us. To me food says welcome in many ways. It says i thought about you comin to visit and wanted to *break bread* with you. Some may not be able to (for whatever reason)cook or buy nice foods, but maybe share a cup of tea. Its still love and care. Others may spend hours lovingly preparing a lovely meal, it says love and care too. I guess it all boils down to the heart. Food nourishes our bodies and somehow knowing God established the feasts to celebrate Himself, makes me think it nourishes in other ways too. When we celebrate a birthday or holiday, we alway ask what would you like to serve that day. It says celebration! It says comfort, when we are sick, what is better than a bowl of soup. Or if it is way cold outside chili or a hot cuppa goodness. Food also says sseasonal changes are upon us. Pumpkin pie, apple turnovers, fresh broccoli or greans speak of fall. Squash, tomatoes greenbeans-summer. Anyway i am sure i could go on thinkin of different ways food speaks to us. Thank you again for sharin this book and topic with us!! tammyp

Elise said...

I think food in general can be welcoming. I think most get-togethers revolve around food. I don't think it matters what it is that is actually served, just the manner and love in which it is served. The fact that you actually had a nice thought-ex. taking a meal to a friend with a new baby or you taking the pies to the drugstores.

That recipe sounds delicious!! On a side note, have you ever tried Honey Crisp apples? They are so good!!
Elise

Anonymous said...

I am not of your religion, but I love your blog and I think it is important that we agnolige Gods hand in all things. I think you do a great job no matter what others think. I read this quote recently that I love. It reads "Let us learn from Punchinello, ( A story I hope you know of)and remember that God's opinion is more important than anyone else's. People's judgements of you only matter if you let them, the more you trust God's love for you, the less you will care about what others think of you.

Anonymous said...

Monica I love your blog it is so full of information and I really appreciate you sharing.

Anonymous said...

I have never commented before, but I enjoy looking at your blog and the recipes! Another book you might enjoy is by Karen Ehman. "A Heart that Says Welcome." She is an excellent author and has much to say about hospitality towards immediate family and others, along with many ideas for people on limited budgets.

Jackie Brown said...

I just started browsing and like your projects. I just started my own blog too and wondered if you can help me organzie mine with the categories on the side. How did you do that? Thanks, Jackie

Anonymous said...

Yum oh Yum oh Yum!! I'll for sure try this sometime this week!
Hope you don't mind, but I tagged you. Post 7 random things about yourself, and then pick 7 people to tag yourself! Have fun!

Anonymous said...

I stumbled upon your blog about a week ago and I have enjoyed every post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas!:) Can't wait to check out this book!

GammySel said...

the smell of food cooking is a big welcome to me! As we go to visit other brothers and sisters in christ or if they come to us- the smell just says "welcome and thank you for coming"

I love it!

NanaNor's said...

Monica, Thank you so much for this post and thanks also for allowing comments. I read your blog daily and it is nice to know that I can now tell you how much I enjoy your posts and how edifying they are.
Blessings.
Noreen

Molly said...

I think any kind of food (but especially the from scratch kind) can be welcoming because it shows you want the person to sit down and linger over sweet conversation while they eat it, not just hurry away. Extra little touches, such as folded napkins, candles, centerpieces and place cards make any kind of food welcoming, as well, because it shows you took time to plan for that person's time with you. Those special comfort foods are especially yummy on these cold nights and they show others you care, too. This book looks good. Thanks for sharing. I love cookbooks!

Lisa said...

thank you for your blog!! i have enjoyed it greatly! i am not a mom or a wife yet, but i have loved reading it daily. i like the ideas and the encouragement that i get with your post. you let my creativity spark! and, thank you for the thoughts and using God's word to inspire our daily lives. God Bless you and your adorable family!