Family Communications: Sacrifice

Basic suggestions for more effective family communication:
1. A willingness to sacrifice. Be the kind of a family member who is willing to take time to be available. Develop the ability and self-discipline to think of other family members and their communication needs ahead of your own—a willingness to prepare for the moment—the sharing moment, the teaching moment. Shed the very appearance of preoccupation in self, and learn the skill of penetrating a family member’s shield of preoccupation. Sad is the day when a daughter is heard to say, “My mother gives me everything except herself.”
Too early and too often we sow the seeds of “Can’t you see I’m busy? Don’t bother me now.” When we convey the attitude of “Go away, don’t bother me now,” family members are apt to go elsewhere or isolate themselves in silence. All family members on some occasion or other must be taken on their own terms so they will be willing to come, share, and ask.
It takes personal sacrifice to communicate when conditions are right for the other person—during the meal preparation, after a date, a hurt, a victory, a disappointment, or when someone wants to share a confidence. One must be willing to forego personal convenience to invest time in establishing a firm foundation for family communication. When communication in the family seems to be bogging down, each individual should look to himself for the remedy.
If we would know true love and understanding one for another, we must realize that communication is more than a sharing of words. It is the wise sharing of emotions, feelings, and concerns. It is the sharing of oneself totally. “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13.) (Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” Ensign, May 1976, 52)

Tomato Sauce

HEAT in saucepan:
Olive Oil
ADD and SAUTE:
Onions
Garlic
ADD:
Roma tomatoes, chopped
Italian herbs
Salt and Pepper
Pinch of sugar

SIMMER covered for 25-30 minutes.

Family Communications

“To be effective, family communication must be an exchange of feelings and information. Doors of communication will swing open in the home if members will realize time and participation on the part of all are necessary ingredients. In family discussions, differences should not be ignored, but should be weighed and evaluated calmly. One’s point or opinion usually is not as important as a healthy, continuing relationship. Courtesy and respect in listening and responding during discussions are basic in proper dialogue. As we learn to participate together in meaningful associations, we are able to convey our thoughts of love, dependence, and interest. When we are inclined to give up in despair in our efforts to communicate because other family members have failed to respond, perhaps we would do well not to give up, but rather to give and take in our conversations. How important it is to know how to disagree with another’s point of view without being disagreeable. How important it is to have discussion periods ahead of decisions. Jones Stephens wrote, “I have learned that the head does not hear anything until the heart has listened, and that what the heart knows today the head will understand tomorrow.” (Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” Ensign, May 1976, 52)

Alfredo Sauce

MELT:
1 cube butter
ADD:
1 package cream cheese
¾ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1 cup milk
1 clove of garlic

Serve with your choice of cooked pasta.

Family Communications

“…I have concluded that perhaps one of the principal reasons we fail to relate appropriately with family members is because we fail to apply some basics of personal communications. In Heb. 13:16 we read, “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Communications in the family will often be a sacrifice because we are expected to use our time, our means, our talent, and our patience to impart, share, and understand. Too often we use communication periods as occasions to tell, dictate, plead, or threaten. Nowhere in the broadest sense should communication in the family be used to impose, command, or embarrass.” (Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” Ensign, May 1976, 52)

Spaghetti Sauce

HEAT in saucepan:
2 T olive or vegetable oil
ADD:
1 onion
2 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
COOK for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
STIR in:
2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
3-4 cans tomato sauce
2 tsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
HEAT to boiling; reduce heat.
COVER and simmer 45 minutes

Use sauce immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 1 year.

Slow Cooker Directions:
Omit the oil (unless you are using olive oil for flavor)
Mix the remaining ingredients together in 3 ½-6 quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook 6-8 hours.

Constancy Amid Change: Building a Foundation

“What I would like to share with you today are my observations about the constant and fundamental principles which, if followed, will bring financial security and peace of mind under any economic circumstances.
“First, I would like to build a foundation and establish a perspective within which these economic principles must be applied.
“One day a grandson of mine said to me: “I have observed you and other successful men, and I have made up my mind that I want to be a success in my life. I want to interview as many successful people as I can to determine what made them successful. So looking back over your experience, grandpa, what do you believe is the most important element of success?”
“I told him that the Lord gave the greatest success formula that I know of: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33).
“Some argue that some men prosper financially who do not seek the kingdom first. This is true. But the Lord is not promising us just material wealth if we seek first the kingdom. From my own experience I know this is not the case. In the words of Henrik Ibsen: “Money may be the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; days of joy, but not peace or happiness” (In The Forbes Scrapbook of Thoughts on the Business of Life, New York: Forbes, Inc., 1968, p. 88).
“Material blessings are a part of the gospel if they are achieved in the proper way and for the right purpose.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)

Potato Cheese Soup

BRING to a boil:
4 cups Water
2 tsp chicken bouillon

STIR in until smooth:
1 cup Potato Pearls/Flakes

ADD:
1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese, grated

STIR until melted.
THIN with an additional cup of water, if desired.

Constancy Amid Change: Pay an Honest Tithing

"In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob gives us some important counsel on this matter:
“But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
“And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted” (Jacob 2:18–19).
"The foundation and perspective then are these: We must first seek the kingdom, work and plan and spend wisely, plan for the future, and use what wealth we are blessed with to help build up that kingdom. When guided by this eternal perspective and by building on this firm foundation, we can pursue with confidence our daily tasks and our life’s work, which must be carefully planned and diligently pursued.
"It is within this framework that I would like to explain five principles of economic constancy.
"Constancy #1: Pay an honest tithing. I often wonder if we realize that paying our tithing does not represent giving gifts to the Lord and the Church. Paying tithing is discharging a debt to the Lord. The Lord is the source of all our blessings, including life itself.
"The payment of tithing is a commandment, a commandment with a promise. If we obey this commandment, we are promised that we will “prosper in the land.” This prosperity consists of more than material goods—it may include enjoying good health and vigor of mind. It includes family solidarity and spiritual increase. I hope those of you not presently paying your full tithe will seek the faith and strength to do so. As you discharge this obligation to your Maker, you will find great, great happiness, The like of which is known only by those who are faithful to this commandment." (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)

Sweet Yeast Rolls

MIX:
1/3 cup Honey
6 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Instant Potato Flakes
1 cup Water, room temperature
½ tsp Salt
¼ cup Butter

MIX until yeast is dissolved:
2 ¼ tsp dry active yeast
¾ cup water

ADD the yeast mixture into the batter mixture.
SLOWLY ADD:
3 ½ - 4 cups flour to mixture.

MIX well.
NEAD dough so that it forms into a smooth ball.
GREASE a large bowl and place the dough inside.
COVER with plastic wrap.
WAIT for dough to double in size. (This may take 3-4 hours.)
PUNCH the dough down and
KNEAD it a few times

ROLL the dough into small balls.
PLACE 3 small balls into each spot on a muffin rack forming a clover-like roll.

BAKE:
10-15 minutes at 350 degrees.
YIELD: 24 rolls.

TOP with cinnamon butter:
WHIP together:
softened butter
brown sugar
cinnamon

Constancy Amid Change: Live on Less

“Constancy #2: Live on less than you earn. I have discovered that there is no way that you can ever earn more than you can spend. I am convinced that it is not the amount of money an individual earns that brings peace of mind as much as it is having control of his money. Money can be an obedient servant but a harsh taskmaster. Those who structure their standard of living to allow a little surplus, control their circumstances. Those who spend a little more than they earn are controlled by their circumstances. They are in bondage. President Grant once said: “If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet” (Gospel Standards, Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1941, p. 111).
“The key to spending less than we earn is simple—it is called discipline. Whether early in life or late, we must all eventually learn to discipline ourselves, our appetites, and our economic desires. How blessed is he who learns to spend less than he earns and puts something away for a rainy day.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)

Peanut Butter Balls

STIR:
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup dry nonfat milk
1 cup honey

ROLL into balls (about the size of a cherry).
ADD more dry milk if it is too sticky.
ROLL balls in chopped peanuts, candy sprinkles, coconut, etc.
STORE in the refrigerator.

Constancy Amid Change: Needs vs Wants

“Constancy #3: Learn to distinguish between needs and wants. Consumer appetites are man-made. Our competitive free enterprise system produces unlimited goods and services to stimulate our desire to want more convenience and luxuries. I do not criticize the system or the availability of these goods or services. I am only concerned about our people using sound judgment in their purchases. We must learn that sacrifice is a vital part of our eternal discipline.
“…Overindulgence and poor money management place a heavy strain on marriage relationships. Most marital problems, it seems, originate from economic roots—either insufficient income to sustain the family or mismanagement of the income as earned.
President Kimball has given this thought-provoking counsel:
“The Lord has blessed us as a people with a prosperity unequaled in times past. The resources that have been placed in our power are good, and necessary to our work here on the earth. But I am afraid that many of us have been surfeited with flocks and herds and acres and barns and wealth and have begun to worship them as false gods, and they have power over us. Do we have more of these good things than our faith can stand? Many people spend most of their time working in the service of a self-image that includes sufficient money, stocks, bonds, investment portfolios, property, credit cards, furnishings, automobiles, and the like to guarantee carnal security throughout, it is hoped, a long and happy life. Forgotten is the fact that our assignment is to use these many resources in our families and quorums to build up the kingdom of God” (Ensign, June 1976, p. 4).
“By way of testimony, may I add this to President Kimball’s statement. I know of no situation where happiness and peace of mind have increased with the amassing of property beyond the reasonable wants and needs of the family.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)

Pinto Bean Pie

BEAT until creamy:
½ cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup butter, softened

ADD:
1 heaping cup pinto beans, cooked and mashed

BLEND well.
POUR into:
1 unbaked 9” pie shell

BAKE:
375 degrees for 20 minutes

REDUCE heat to 350 degrees and bake an additional 25 minutes or until done.
SERVE with:
whipped cream or ice cream

Constancy Amid Change: Live Within a Budget

“Constancy #4: Develop and live within a budget.
“It has been my observation in interviewing many people through the years that far too many people do not have a workable budget and have not disciplined themselves to abide by its provisions. Many people think a budget robs them of their freedom. On the contrary, successful people have learned that a budget makes real economic freedom possible.
“Budgeting and financial management need not be overly complicated or time-consuming…
“Wise financial counselors teach that there are four different elements to any good budget. Provision should be made first for basic operating needs such as food, clothing, etc.; second, for home equity; third, for emergency needs such as savings, health insurance, and life insurance; and, fourth, for wise investment and a storage program for the future.
“May I comment on two of these elements. Nothing seems so certain as the unexpected in our lives. With rising medical costs, health insurance is the only way most families can meet serious accident, illness, or maternity costs, particularly those for premature births. Life insurance provides income continuation when the provider prematurely dies. Every family should make provision for proper health and life insurance.
“After these basics are met, we should by frugal management regularly save to create funds for investment. It has been my observation that few people have been successful with investments who have not first developed the habit of saving regularly. This requires discipline and discriminating judgment. There are many ways to invest. My only advice is to choose wisely your investment counselors. Be sure they merit your confidence by maintaining a successful investment record.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)

Fudge Brownies

MIX:
¼ cup oil
¼ cup applesauce
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

COMBINE:
½ cup baking cocoa
½ cup whole wheat flour
½ tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
½ cup chocolate chips

STIR chocolate mixture into the applesauce mixture.

COAT 8x8 pan lightly with nonstick spray.

SPREAD batter into pan.

BAKE 35 minutes on 350 degrees.

Constancy Amid Change: Be Honest in Financial Affairs

“Constancy #5: Be honest in all your financial affairs. The ideal of integrity will never go out of style. It applies to all we do. As leaders and members of the Church, we should be the epitome of integrity.
“Brothers and sisters, through these five principles, I have tried to sketch what might be characterized as the true pattern of financial and resource management.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Made with white beans)
BEAT:
½ cup cooked white beans
1 cup brown sugar

ADD:
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

SIFT together:
2 ¼ cups wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt

ADD flour mix to bean mix.
BLEND well.

STIR in:
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup pecans (or walnuts) chopped

COVER and refrigerate dough for 1 hour.

PREHEAT oven to 350°F.
DROP by tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.
BAKE: 10-15 minutes
YIELD: 4 dozen

Bestowed Possessions

“There is any amount of property, and gold and silver in the earth and on the earth, and the Lord gives to this one and that one—the wicked as well as the righteous—to see what they will do with it, but it all belongs to him. He has handed over a goodly portion to this people, and, through our faith, patience and industry, we have made us good, comfortable homes here, and there are many who are tolerably well off. … But it is not ours, and all we have to do is to try and find out what the Lord wants us to do with what we have in our possession, and then go and do it. If we step beyond this, or to the right or to the left, we step into an illegitimate train of business. Our legitimate business is to do what the Lord wants us to do with that which he bestows upon us, and dispose of it just as he dictates, whether it is to give all, one-tenth, or the surplus.” (“Chapter 32: Temporal Wealth and the Kingdom of God,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 235)

Yellow Rice

MELT in pan:
4 Tbsp Butter

ADD:
¼ cup onion, diced

COOK until golden brown.

ADD:
1 cup rice, uncooked

STIR to coat for 5 minutes.

STIR in:
2 cups Water
½ tsp dried parsley flakes
½ of a green bell pepper, diced
1 tomato, diced
½ rope smoked sausage, diced
3 drops of yellow food coloring

REDUCE heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the water is all soaked up.

True Riches

“When I cast my eyes upon the inhabitants of the earth and see the weakness, and I may say, the height of folly in the hearts of the kings, rulers, and the great, and those who should be wise and good and noble; when I see them grovelling in the dust; longing, craving, desiring, contending for the things of this life, I think, O foolish men, to set your hearts on the things of this life! … A man or a woman who places the wealth of this world and the things of time in the scales against the things of God and the wisdom of eternity, has no eyes to see, no ears to hear, no heart to understand…

“The possession of all the gold and silver in the world would not satisfy the cravings of the immortal soul of man. The gift of the Holy Spirit of the Lord alone can produce a good, wholesome, contented mind. Instead of looking for gold and silver, look to the heavens and try to learn wisdom until you can organize the native elements for your benefit; then, and not until then, will you begin to possess the true riches.” (“Chapter 32: Temporal Wealth and the Kingdom of God,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 235)

Rice Pudding

MIX:
1 cup rice, cooked
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup raisins
1 quart milk
½ teaspoon nutmeg

BAKE at 300 for one hour.
Serve hot or cold.
Serves 8

Happiness

“Men and women who are trying to make themselves happy in the possession of wealth or power will miss it, for nothing short of the Gospel of the Son of God can make the inhabitants of the earth happy, and prepare them to enjoy heaven here and hereafter.” (“Chapter 32: Temporal Wealth and the Kingdom of God,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 235)

RICE PILAF

BROWN in a skillet:
2 cups of uncooked rice
2/3 stick of margarine

BOIL:
4 cups broth (chicken broth, if served with poultry; beef broth with beef)

COMBINE rice and boiling broth in a casserole dish.

COVER and BAKE 30 minutes at 375.
REMOVE from oven.

ADD and MIX well:
¾ cup celery, chopped
¾ cup carrots, chopped
¾ cup green onions, chopped
1 cup slivered almonds
1 can chunk turkey or beef (optional)

RETURN to oven for 30 minutes more.
ADD salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Patient labor brings temporal possessions and eternal riches.

“… People think they are going to get rich by hard work—by working sixteen hours out of the twenty-four; but it is not so…
“This is the counsel I have for the Latter-day Saints today. Stop, do not be in a hurry. I do not know that I could find a man in our community but what wishes wealth, would like to have everything in his possession that would conduce to his comfort and convenience. Do you know how to get it? “Well,” replies one, “if I do not, I wish I did; but I do not seem to be exactly fortunate—fortune is somewhat against me.” I will tell you the reason of this—you are in too much of a hurry; you do not go to meeting enough, you do not pray enough, you do not read the Scriptures enough, you do not meditate enough, you are all the time on the wing, and in such a hurry that you do not know what to do first. This is not the way to get rich. I merely use the term “rich” to lead the mind along, until we obtain eternal riches in the celestial kingdom of God. Here we wish for riches in a comparative sense, we wish for the comforts of life. If we desire them let us take a course to get them. Let me reduce this to a simple saying—one of the most simple and homely that can be used—“Keep your dish right side up,” so that when the shower of porridge does come, you can catch your dish full.
“When [individuals] act upon the principles which will secure to them eternal salvation, they are sure of obtaining all their hearts’ desire, sooner or later; if it does not come today, it may come tomorrow; if it does not come in this time, it will in the next.”(“Chapter 32: Temporal Wealth and the Kingdom of God,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 235)

Sweet Cooked Rice

Combine:
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups water

Bring to boil; lower heat
Simmer 15 minutes, covered.
Turn off heat; let stand 30 minutes to steam.

Add:
2 cups water
6 tablespoons powdered milk
1⁄2–3⁄4 cup sugar
1⁄8 teaspoon salt

Bring to boil and cook until it starts to thicken, stirring constantly. Rice will thicken more as it cools.

Makes 3 cups

Testimony of Ezra Taft Benson

I bear you my testimony that President Heber J. Grant was inspired of the Lord in establishing the Church Welfare program. The First Presidency was inspired when they made the first public announcement in 1936 and declared the prime purpose of Church welfare was “to help the people help themselves” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, p. 3). I bear witness to that inspired counsel from 1936 to the present day that the Saints lay up a year’s supply of food. When President Spencer W. Kimball persistently admonishes the members to plant gardens and fruit trees and produce our own food, he is likewise inspired of the Lord.
Be faithful, my brothers and sisters, to this counsel and you will be blessed—yes, the most blessed people in all the earth. You are good people. I know that. But all of us need to be better than we are. Let us be in a position so we are able to not only feed ourselves through the home production and storage, but others as well.
May God bless us to be prepared for the days which lie ahead, which may be the most severe yet. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. (Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare for the Days of Tribulation,” Ensign, Nov 1980, 32)

Condensed Milk

BLEND thoroughly in a blender:
½ cup Hot Water
1 cup Dry Powdered Milk
1 cup Sugar

*Can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Labor for your Support

Unfortunately, there has been fostered in the minds of some an expectation that when we experience hard times, when we have been unwise and extravagant with our resources and have lived beyond our means, we should look to either the Church or government to bail us out. Forgotten by some of our members is an underlying principle of the Church welfare plan that “no true Latter-day Saint will, while physically able, voluntarily shift from himself the burden of his own support” (Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Oct. 1973, p. 106).
One of the first principles revealed to father Adam when he was driven out of the Garden of Eden was this: “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground” (Gen. 3:19). All we obtain in life of a material nature comes as a product of labor and the providence of God. Work alone produces life’s necessities. (Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare for the Days of Tribulation,” Ensign, Nov 1980, 32)

Orange Julius

BLEND until ice is totally crushed and drink is smooth:
2 cups Orange Juice
½ cup Powdered Milk
½ cup Ice, crushed
2 Tbsp. Sugar
½ tsp Vanilla

Food Preservation

You do not need to go into debt, may I add, to obtain a year’s supply. Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account. Save a little for storage each pay-check. Can or bottle fruit and vegetables from your gardens and orchards. Learn how to preserve food through drying and possibly freezing. Make your storage a part of your budget. Store seeds and have sufficient tools on hand to do the job. If you are saving and planning for a second car or a TV set or some item which merely adds to your comfort or pleasure, you may need to change your priorities. We urge you to do this prayerfully and do it now. (Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare for the Days of Tribulation,” Ensign, Nov 1980, 32)

Ranch Salad Dressing

MIX:
1 cup Mayonnaise
1 cup Plain Yogurt
¼ cup Milk
1 tsp Ground Pepper
½ tsp Garlic, powdered
1 Tbsp Dry Onion
½ tsp Salt

REFRIGERATE for 30 minutes before serving.

Home Food Production

An almost forgotten means of economic self-reliance is the home production of food. We are too accustomed to going to stores and purchasing what we need. By producing some of our food we reduce, to a great extent, the impact of inflation on our money. More importantly, we learn how to produce our own food and involve all family members in a beneficial project. No more timely counsel, I feel, has been given by President Kimball than his repeated emphasis to grow our own gardens. Here is one sample of his emphasis over the past seven years:
“We encourage you to grow all the food that you feasibly can on your own property. Berry bushes, grapevines, fruit trees—plant them if your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables and eat them from your own yard.” (Ensign, May 1976, p. 124). …
There are blessings in being close to the soil, in raising your own food even if it is only a garden in your yard and a fruit tree or two. Those families will be fortunate who, in the last days, have an adequate supply of food because of their foresight and ability to produce their own. (Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare for the Days of Tribulation,” Ensign, Nov 1980, 32)

White Sauce

COMBINE:
1⁄4 cup flour (whole wheat or allpurpose)
10 tablespoons powdered milk
3⁄4 tablespoon salt

MIX or SHAKE well.

MAKE a smooth paste by adding a portion of:
2 cups water

STIR in remaining liquid and cook over moderate heat.
STIR frequently until sauce thickens and comes to a boil. REMOVE from heat.

Makes 1 1⁄2 cups sauce.

Heed His Counsel

Too often we bask in our comfortable complacency and rationalize that the ravages of war, economic disaster, famine, and earthquake cannot happen here. Those who believe this are either not acquainted with the revelations of the Lord, or they do not believe them. Those who smugly think these calamities will not happen, that they somehow will be set aside because of the righteousness of the Saints, are deceived and will rue the day they harbored such a delusion.
The Lord has warned and forewarned us against a day of great tribulation and given us counsel, through His servants, on how we can be prepared for these difficult times. Have we heeded His counsel? (Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare for the Days of Tribulation,” Ensign, Nov 1980, 32)

Chicken Gravy Mix

COMBINE:
1 1/3 cup Powdered Milk
¾ cup Flour
3 Tablespoons Chicken Bouillon granules
¼ tsp Sage
1/8 tsp Thyme
1/8 tsp Ground Pepper

STIR with a wire whisk until blended.
CUT IN until evenly distributed:
½ cup butter

STORE in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 4-6 weeks.

Chicken Gravy

POUR in small saucepan:
1 cup Water

GRADUALLY whisk in:
½ cup Chicken Gravy Mix

STIR constantly over medium heat until gravy is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

Resource Management

What resources do I have? What is resource management?
“Questions about Coping Financially: Welfare Services Suggests Some Answers,” Ensign, Jun 1980, 12

Resources are anything we use to accomplish goals. Economic and material resources include money, homes, cars, food, clothing, household furnishings, and other personal possessions and property. Time, energy, credit, and good relationships are examples of intangible resources. Some of our most valuable resources are our own human abilities, such as knowledge, creativity, determination, skills, talents, feelings and beliefs.

Resource management means controlling resources to accomplish our most important goals. Developing a talent, earning money, growing a garden, and sewing clothes are examples of using resources to accomplish goals. Rather than setting goals based on what resources are available to us at the time, we should base our goals on our values and priorities, and then determine what resources are available, what resources we still need, and how we can develop or substitute for the resources we need. Thus, we can control our resources and our lives rather than being controlled by them.

Milled Flax

Milled Flax can be used in many recipes by substituting eggs, butter and oil.

1 egg = 1 Tablespoon Flax + 3 Tablespoons Water
1 Tbsp margarine, butter, or oil = 3 Tbsp Flax

HARDTACK (Unleavened Bread)

MIX:
1 cup water
4 tablespoons oil
2 2⁄3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt

ADD:
2 1⁄3 cups whole wheat flour

STIR well.

ROLL out dough to 1⁄4-inch thickness.
CUT into 2-inch squares.
POKE several holes in each square with a fork.

BAKE 35 minutes at 350 degrees
Makes approximately 20 crackers

Beans Done Overnight

SOAK 1 cup of beans of choice over night.
DRAIN water from the beans the next day.

COMBINE in sauce pan:
7 cups of water
soaked beans

COOK for 5 hrs or until beans are very soft and can be mashed.
MASH beans with potato masher and put aside.

FRY in a separate pan:
3 slices of bacon, cut into small slices
DRAIN some of the bacon oil, but leave some in fry pan to be used to fry other ingredients.

FRY with bacon for 10 minutes:
¼ of rope sausage (Hillshire Farm Beef Smoked Italian sausage), cut into thin slices
2 slices of the onion, diced
1/2 of a green or red bell pepper,diced
1 garlic piece, minced
1 Jalapeno, diced (optional, for beans with a bite, add more than one)

MIX fried ingredients with beans.
COOK for another 10 minutes.
SALT to taste

Beans done in pressure cooker:

FILL pressure pan half full of water and add one cup of beans (no need to soak them overnight), cook for one hour.

FRY and MIX other ingredients as listed above.

MIX fried ingredients with beans and cook for another 10 minutes and salt to taste.
Contact Nara with questions.

Wheat Muffins & Breakfast Cake

Wheat Mix
COMBINE in a LARGE bowl:
6 cups Whole Wheat Flour
3 cups White Flour
1 ½ cups Powdered Milk
1 cup Sugar
½ cup Wheat Germ
¼ cup Baking Powder
1 Tbsp Salt

MIX well.
CUT in until evenly distributed:
2 cups Vegetable Shortening

STORE in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
USE within 4 weeks

Quick Wheat Muffins
PREHEAT oven to 400 degrees.
BUTTER muffin pans.

COMBINE in a medium bowl:
3 cups Wheat Mix
2 Tablespoons Sugar

BLEND well.
COMBINE in a small bowl:
1 Egg, slightly beaten
1 cup Water

ADD egg and water mixture all at one to dry ingredients.
STIR until moistened. Batter should be lumpy.
FILL prepared muffin pans 2/3 full.
BAKE 15 – 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Yield: 12 large muffins.

Quick Wheat Breakfast Cake
PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees.
BUTTER an 8 inch square pan.

COMBINE in a medium bowl:
1 Egg, slightly beaten
¾ cup Water

STIR in:
2 ¼ cup Wheat Mix
1 cup Raisins, chopped

SPREAD into pan.

COMBINE in a small bowl:
½ cup Brown Sugar, packed
2 teaspoons Cinnamon
½ cup Nuts, chopped

SPRINKLE cinnamon and brown sugar mixture on top of cake.
BAKE for 25 – 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
SERVE warm.

Variation: Substitute orange peel and orange juice for part of the water in the recipe.

Lentil Soup

2 cup dry Lentils
1 fresh tomato or 1-8oz can tomato sauce
2 garlic cloves
¼ small onion, coarsely chopped
1 bunch – cilantro

Pick through lentils to remove any pebbles. Soak at least 4-6 hours. Rinse and then cover with 4 – 5 cups of cold water and cook over medium heat, adding minimal salt for taste. While that is cooking: in blender, combine tomato/tomato sauce, garlic, and onion. Sautee with a small amount of oil in a saucepan. When lentils are nearly cooked through, add tomato mixture and cilantro to lentils until cooked through.
Contact D'Ana with questions.

Cooking Beans

1 part beans to 2-3 parts water
Salt to taste
Onion (1/4 for every cup of beans)
Epazote (black beans)

Pick through beans to remove any pebbles/debris. Soak overnight. Rinse and then return to pot with 2-3 parts water, depending on how brothy you want them. Add salt, onion, and epazote. Cook over medium heat until cooked through.

“Frijoles Enchilados” – Spicy Beans

½ cup California Chili Pods
1 teaspoon ground Cumin
1 Garlic clove
1 tablespoon Chicken Bouillon
1 tablespoon Oregano
1 cup cooked Pinto beans

Soak or boil the chili pods until tender
Add all of the ingredients to the blender (except beans) and blend thoroughly with enough of the water the pods were boiled in to cover the ingredients
Strain the sauce to separate the seeds (toss the seeds away) returning the rest of the mixture to blender. Add beans and mix until smooth.
Contact D'Ana with questions.

Yucatan Black Bean Soup

• 1 pound black beans
• 6 cups water
• 4 cups rich chicken stock
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 medium white onions chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
In small bowls for garnish, serve:
• chopped green onions, including tops
• lime wedges
• sour cream
• chopped jalapeno peppers and/or chopped Caribbean chilies

Pick over the dry beans. Place beans and water in a soup pot; cover and simmer about 45 minutes. Add chicken stock and simmer till beans are tender, usually about 1 hour. Dip out about 2 cups of bean mixture and run it through a blender or food processor to puree it; then put it back into the pot.
Put the oil in a skillet and saute the onion, garlic, cumin, and oregano until the onions are soft. Add everything to the soup pot except the garnishes. Simmer about 20 minutes more.
Serve with garnishes of choice as toppers.
Contact D'Ana with questions.

Pinto Bean Fudge

Cooking Pinto Beans:

PLACE in crockpot:
2 cups pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
8 cups cold water

LET STAND overnight(or at least 6 hours)at room temperature.

In the morning, DRAIN and RINSE beans.

RETURN beans to crockpot.

COVER with water.

COOK on high for 8 hours.


STIR together:
1 cup cooked, soft Pinto Beans, drained and mashed (I used a blender to puree the beans)
1/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp Vanilla

MELT:
6 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
6 Tbsp Butter

ADD chocolate and butter mixture to beans.

MIX well.

STIR in gradually:
2 lbs Powdered Sugar

SPREAD into lightly buttered 9 inch baking dish.

CHILL 1 to 2 hours.

CUT into pieces.

REFRIGERATE.

Slow Cooker "Baked" Beans

PLACE in slow cooker:
3 cans (15oz each) pinto beans, drained, rinsed
1 cup of Barbecue sauce
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tsp mustard

MIX well.

COVER with lid.

COOK on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3 hours.

Makes 10 servings (1/2cup each)

Thermos Wheat

PREHEAT a thermos by filling it with hot tap water.

BRING to a boil:
2 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon salt

EMPTY the tap water from the thermos.

PLACE in the thermos:
1 cup wheat kernels

ADD the boiling water

SCREW the lid tightly onto the thermos and allow the wheat to cook for about 8 hours or overnight.

DRAIN off any water that has not been absorbed.

SERVE with milk and sugar or raisins.

Sprouted Wheat

PLACE: 3 Tablespoons to ¼ cup wheat in a quart jar.

COVER with lukewarm water.

SOAK for 8-12 hours.

PLACE cheesecloth, nylon or light screen on top of jar and tighten down with ring.

DRAIN water off, rinse and drain again.

LAY jar on side and place in a dark warm cupboard.

RINSE two to three times daily, and be sure to drain well.

The wheat should sprout in 2-3 days. When small sprouts begin to show, rinse, drain and store in the refrigerator in a closed container. Wheat sprouts should be harvested before the first leaves are fully developed and the root is only as long as the seed. Otherwise, they will become tough.

Roasted Wheat Kernels

HEAT in skillet:
½ tablespoon oil

ADD:
¼ cup wheat berries (whole kernels of wheat)

POP like popcorn. They don’t expand as much as popcorn, but they will pop.
SWIRL around in the pan to prevent burning.

While hot, SPRINKLE with:
1/8 teaspoon salt

Makes 1⁄3 cup

Yogurt

Yogurt is fermented milk. Bacterial micro-organisms change the Lactose of the milk in to lactic acid. The lactic acid acts as a preservative and keeps the milk palatable. A yogurt starter is a must. You can purchase a plain unflavored yogurt from the supermarket.

BLEND in a blender:
2 cups powdered milk
2 Tablespoons plain yogurt
3 cups water, lukewarm

PLACE in a jar in a warm area (preferable 110-120 degrees F).

LET it stand undisturbed until set. (The cooler the temperature the longer it takes to set. At 120 it can take 4 hours. Placing jars in 120 degree water and covering with a lid will speed up the process. At room temperature, it can take days.)

CHILL immediately. It will refrigerate for up to 4 weeks.

Yogurt contains a natural friendly bacteria culture (like acidophilus), and is very good for you. Yogurt can be used in place of sour cream in almost everything. For flavored yogurt, add a little jam or bottled fruit or flavoring, or about 1 Tablespoon powdered Jell-O to ¾ cup yogurt and stir.

SOS MIX (Soup or Sauce Mix)

COMBINE:
2 cups powdered non-fat dry milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup instant chicken bouillon
2 Tbs. dried onion flakes
2 tsp. Italian Seasoning

MIX well.
Yield: Equal to 9 cans of cream soup.

To substitute for 1 can of cream soup:
1. Combine 1/3 cup of dry mix with 1 1/4 cups of cold water.
2. Cook and stir on stove top or in microwave until thickened.
3. Add thickened mixture to casseroles as you would a can of soup.

Storage: Store in closed plastic bag or air-tight container until ready to use. It does not have to be refrigerated.

Indian Fry Bread

MIX:
4 cups Flour
1/3 cup Sugar
1/3 cup Powdered Milk
1 Tbps Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt

MAKE a hole in the center.

ADD:
1 cup + Water
1/3 cup Vegetable Oil, hot

KNEAD until it makes a soft dough.
FORM balls, then flatten them to be ¼ inch thick.

FRY in:
Vegetable Oil

(I cook them on a buttered griddle and use for Navajo Tacos or in place of pita bread)

Crunchy Potato Bake

WHIP until smooth:
½ cup instant nonfat dry milk
1/3 cup Water

MIX in:
2 cups Mashed Potatoes
1 Egg, well beaten
¼ cup Onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Salt
Dash of Pepper

BEAT until fluffy.
PLACE in a greased 1 quart baking dish.

MIX:
½ cup Parmesan cheese
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 cup Corn Flakes, crushed

SPREAD corn flake mixture over top of potatoes.
BAKE at 375 degrees for 20 – 25 minutes.
Yield: 4-6 servings

Homemade Granola

POUR in glass 9x13 dish:
3 Cups Oatmeal

COOK for 2 minutes, stirring once

COMBINE in a bowl:
¾ Cup Brown Sugar
½ Cup Vegetable Oil
3 Tbsp. Honey
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Vanilla

ADD combo to oatmeal.
STIR until well blended.

MICROWAVE on high for 4 minutes or until golden brown, stopping to stir every minute.
COOL on wax paper. It will become crisp as it cools.
STORE in an airtight container.

Apple Crisp

BRING TO A BOIL:
4 cups water
3 cups Dehydrated Apple Slices

ADD:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ¾ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt

SCOOP the apples and lay inside an 8X8 pan.

KEEP the liquid in the pan and add:
½ cup soft butter or margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 dry milk powder (although you can omit this and use 1 cup flour)
1/2 cup oats

POUR topping on the apples.
BAKE at 400 for about 30 minutes.

Oatmeal Wheat Bread

COMBINE & cool:
2 cups Quick Oats
3 ½ cups Boiling Water

MIX in separate bowl and let sit 5 minutes:
½ cup warm Water
1 Tbsp Sugar
3 Tbsp Yeast

MIX all above with:
1 1/3 cups Brown Sugar
4 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
4 tsp Salt
3 cups Whole Wheat Flour
5-6 cups White Flour

KNEAD about 5 minutes. RISE in warm place until doubled (about 1 hour). PUNCH DOWN.
DIVIDE into thirds, and form into 3 loaves.
RISE again in pans for 30-40 minutes – until the size you want.
BAKE 350 degrees for 35 – 40 minutes.

Marvelous Muffins

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
3/4 c. rolled oats
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 eggs (slightly beaten)
1/2 c. skim milk
3 T. olive oil
1/2 c. honey
1/2 cup naturally sweetened applesauce
1/2 cup pureed white beans (just do one can pureed with the liquid in the can. It should be like paper paste. This is a weird ingredient but you cannot taste them and they add lots of fiber)

Combine all dry ingredients. Then add wet ingredients. Bake @ 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Banana Variation: Reduce milk to 1/4 c. and add 3/4 c. of ripe mashed bananas. Add a little cinnamon. I also added 1 tsp. vanilla to enhance the flavor.

Pumpkin Variation: 1/4 t. nutmeg, 1/5 t. cloves, 2 t. cinnamon, 1/2 c. canned pumpkin

White & Black Bean Ranchero Chicken Chili

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped
2 Anaheim chilies, finely chopped (or 4 oz diced green chilies)
5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
3 - 14 oz cans chicken broth
2 - 15 oz cans great northern white beans, drained
1 - 15 oz can black beans, drained
2 Cups shredded cooked chicken breast
2 Tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried Ranch dressing seasoning mix
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 Cup sour cream
1/4 Cup packed fresh cilantro leaves

1. Place olive oil in a large dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Saute onions and chilies until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute. Stir in broth, beans, chicken, cumin, Ranch seasoning, salt & pepper. Simmer on med-low for 20 minutes.

2. Place sour cream and cilantro leaves into a food processor or blender. Process until well combined. Serve chili with a dollop of Cilantro Crema on top.

Garbanza Bean Treats

COMBINE in a ziplock bag:
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt

ADD:
15 oz. can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

TOSS to coat.
SPREAD on an ungreased cookie sheet.
BAKE in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 60 min or until beans are crisp.