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Summer Breeze Salad

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Summer Breeze Salad

Summer Breeze Salad

When it comes to holiday gatherings with my family, I'm often asked to bring some sort of salad, and it's usually Mandarin Orange Salad. Even though it's healthy, it does contain vinegar and sugar. Summer Breeze Salad is the Daniel Fast friendly version of my signature dish.
3.28 from 11 votes
Print Recipe
Course Salad
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, packed packed
  • 2 cups spinach leaves, stems removed, torn, packed stems removed, torn, packed
  • 3 clementines, peeled, separated into segments, halved (about 2 ½ cups)
  • ½ cup sliced celery
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds
  • 2 tablespoons raw sunflower seed kernels

Lemon-Parsley Salad Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine lettuce, spinach, clementine segments, celery, green onions, almonds, and sunflower seed kernels. Set aside.
  • To make dressing, all ingredients to a glass bowl, and use a whisk to stir. Pour dressing over salad, and toss before serving.
  • Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1 ½ cups)

Notes

  • Substitute clementines with fresh mandarin or navel oranges.
  • Another option is to use Orange-Poppy Seed Salad Dressing.
  • Use raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) instead of sunflower seeds (or use both).

Choose to Live – Easter Daniel Fast

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It’s hard to believe March is well underway. Seems like only a few weeks ago, we were ringing in the New Year. I’m glad Spring is near, though. I’m ready for warmer weather!

In less than two weeks, I will begin another online Daniel Fast, this time for the 21 days leading up to Easter, March 18 to April 7. Although we’ll be praying for our own needs on this fast, the focus will be to intercede for the lost.

The theme is “Choose to Live,” based upon Deuteronomy 30:19-20, which says:

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life.”

Throughout the fast, we’ll explore the meaning of this verse and how it applies to our lives. We’ll also pray that family and friends who don’t yet know the Lord would choose life this Easter!

Would you commit to fasting and praying with me? To sign up, go to the right sidebar on the blog. By subscribing to the “Choose to Live” newsletter, you’ll receive daily emails to encourage you, access to new Daniel Fast recipes not published in my book or blog, chances to win prizes, and more!

Also, if you haven’t gotten a copy of my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, you should try to do that before the fast begins. It will help you tremendously as you prepare and participate in the Daniel Fast.

Let’s join together in praying for lives to be changed this Easter season!

Green Bean Casserole

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green bean casserole

Green Bean Casserole

Without any sort of a plan when on the Daniel Fast, you can easily get overwhelmed by the food guidelines. Some people, for the sake of simplicity, resort to eating the same foods over and over again. That's one of the reasons I wrote my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. I wanted not only to provide spiritual encouragement and guidance for the fast but also to equip people with great-tasting recipes. My book and website contain hundreds of dishes that many people choose to enjoy even when they're not on the Daniel Fast! In this recipe, brown rice is combined with lentils, which forms a complete protein (all the essential amino acids are present in the proper amounts). It's important to choose dishes such as this one to ensure you're taking in adequate amounts of this necessary nutrient.
4.54 from 15 votes
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 4 cups water, divided
  • ½ cup lentils, rinsed and sorted
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cooked rice, cooked lentils, green beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, and salt. Stir well, and then transfer to a a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Bake 30 minutes.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

Notes

  • If using fresh green beans, steam or boil them for 15 to 20 minutes before baking.

Sweet Potato Hash Browns

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sweet potato hash browns

Sweet Potato Hash Browns

The recipe is simple and requires only three ingredients. The best part is, you can enjoy these tasty browns for breakfast or a side dish (or an afternoon snack).
3.29 from 21 votes
Print Recipe
Course Breakfast, Side Dish
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds sweet potato, peeled, shredded
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Instructions
 

  • Mix sweet potatoes and onions in a large bowl. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium-low to medium heat in a large skillet. Add about half of the sweet potatoes and onions, and stir to coat. Press with a spatula to flatten. Cook about 7-8 minutes; do not stir.
  • Flip, and cook another 3-5 minutes. Remove from skillet, and set aside. Repeat to cook remaining vegetables. When done, combine the two batches in the skillet. Cook another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about ½ cup)

Video

Notes

  • To shred potatoes, it's best to use a food processor (shredding disc attachment), although you can do it by hand.
  • Use a combination of sweet potatoes and Yukon Gold or russet potatoes.
  • Makes a great breakfast dish.

What I Learned on my Daniel Fast

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“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!'” – Psalm 118:15

When I invited people via my blog to begin 2012 with a Daniel Fast, I anticipated that many would respond. However, I was completely blown away when more than 2,000 decided to join me! Sunday was the final day of the fast. During the past three weeks, God has taught me so much. Today, I want to share three of the lessons I learned on my Daniel Fast:

1. I am not in control.
If I were to itemize all the technological problems I encountered on my fast, you wouldn’t believe it! The amount of daily setbacks was almost comical. From losing my Internet connection for two days to text alignment/formatting issues in the newsletter, I encountered one problem after another. At one point, I literally lifted up my hands and declared, “God, I have no control over this. It’s out of my hands! I need you to help me!” That was just the cry the Lord was waiting to hear. Each time I confessed my inability to correct a situation, God stepped in and provided what was needed.

2. God answers prayer in His way and in His timing.I have a family member who has been struggling in her relationship with the Lord for some time. Even though I’ve interceded for her for years, I sensed the Lord wanted me to focus on her needs during my fast. As I prayed daily for her, my faith increased. I knew God was going to bring her back around, I just didn’t know when. This past week, God did it, and in a very big way! I praise Him for His faithfulness. He showed me through this experience that I must never give up in praying. Even when it seems as if nothing is happening, God is always at work. That’s where the trust comes in, walking by faith not by sight.3. God cares about the details.

Although I could provide many examples of how God is a God of the details, I want so share one in particular. Throughout the fast, I gave away prizes to my newsletter subscribers, just as a fun reward for those who committed to the January Daniel Fast. Shortly after announcing the winners of the Week 3 prize giveaway, I received the following email:

I was so thrilled to find that I had won a copy of The Color of Rain. I wanted this book because the story so closely mirrors my life and where I have walked. I lost a precious sweet husband nine years ago on January 27th (today happens to be the anniversary of his death). I know that this was a gift from the Lord, and when I saw the story on this book, I wanted to read it. God has opened that door through your ministry.

When I read this message, my heart was full of awe and wonder of the One who is mighty and all-powerful, yet tender and gentle. He cares about the details of our lives, and this truth is evident in the above testimony. Did you catch the part about how this sweet lady won the book on the ninth anniversary of her husband’s death? Yes, we serve El Roi, the God who sees!

If you’re considering a Daniel Fast, let me encourage you to do it. You’ll be amazed at how God works in your life as you humble yourself before Him. Also, be sure to get a copy of my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. It will serve as your faithful companion on your journey.

Praise the Lord for the great things He has done already this year! Praise Him for what’s to come!

Seek and Find – January 2012 Daniel Fast

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Today I was privileged to be interviewed live on a radio station in Georgia (89.3 FM, The Lighthouse). Vickie, the morning host, asked me about the upcoming January 2012 Daniel Fast and why I chose the theme “Seek and Find.”

When I asked the Lord to give me a theme for the fast, I immediately thought of the word seek. I quickly looked up all the verses on Bible Gateway that contained it. After reading through several passages, I came to Jeremiah 29:13, which says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” That’s it, I thought.

To seek after something or someone means to look intently and with purpose. It’s not a casual or halfhearted attempt. When you seek, you search. You look carefully. Thoroughly. Completely. You don’t stop looking until you find what you want.

I want to encourage you to begin 2012 by seeking the Lord in this way through the Daniel Fast. Join thousands of other believers as we fast and pray for the Lord’s will to be done in our lives and for His glory to be displayed in all the earth.

You can sign up for the Daniel Fast on my blog. When you do, you’ll receive daily encouragement, exclusive recipes, videos, and a chance to win prizes, such as book giveaways.

God promises that when we pursue Him with great intensity, we will find Him. However, in order to experience the Lord in this way, the Bible says we must do something. We must seek Him with all our heart. Are you ready to do that? The Lord is waiting. He wants to be found by you!

Monday Menu: Daniel Fast Holiday Treats

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Even though Christmas is only three weeks away, it seems as if it should have been here by now. After all, my daughters have been listening to Christmas music non-stop on the radio since mid-November. I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard “Carol of the Bells!”

A big part of the holiday season includes going to parties and feasting on a never-ending buffet of goodies – cookies, candy, hot chocolate, apple cider, and pies. Most people throw all self-control out the window, vowing to eat healthier beginning in January. However, you can have sweet treats this time of year without putting yourself into a sugar-induced coma.
Today I want to share a few of my favorite Daniel Fast dessert recipes:
1. Almond Butter Bites – These were among my first recipes on my blog and are featured in my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. They’re tiny treats that are packed with flavor!
 
2. Petite Pecan Pies – Even the most culinary challenged person can make this recipe. It’s about as easy as they come. Plus, they really do taste like pecan pie!



3. Apples with Date Honey – Since creating this recipe nearly two years ago, I have found Date Honey to be an extremely versatile food. Several recipes in my book and on my blog include it because the natural sweetness of dates adds outstanding flavor to any dish. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed by the taste of Date Honey!

 
Find healthy treats to snack on, such as the ones above, and you won’t give in to every food temptation that’s placed in front of you during the holidays. When attending a party or Christmas program, take your own goodies to enjoy and share with others.
I pray that you have a blessed holiday season as you celebrate the birth of our Savior. Remember, the holidays aren’t about parties and presents or food and festivities. Christmas is about CHRIST and sharing His love and salvation with the world. Merry CHRISTmas!

Pumpkin Hummus

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pumpkin hummus

Pumpkin Hummus

Adding pumpkin to hummus not only makes it more flavorful but also more nutritious.
4 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Course Snack
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Hummus as directed. Keep Hummus in food processor, and add pumpkin. Puree for 30 seconds or until mixture is well blended. Transfer to a medium-sized bowl. Refrigerate, or serve immediately.
  • Yield:  10 servings (serving size: about 1/4 cup)

Notes

  • Use as a dip with fresh vegetables, such as celery sticks, carrots, sugar snap peas, zucchini slices, and/or bell peppers.
  • Serve with Ultimate Nut and Seed Crackers or Sesame Seed Rice Crackers.
  • Hummus has more flavor after it has been refrigerated at least 24 hours before serving. Prepare large quantities of hummus at one time. It can be refrigerated up to a week and frozen up to 3 months.

 

Baked Falafel with Lemon-Tahini Sauce

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Baked Falafel w/ Lemon-Tahini Sauce

Baked Falafel with Lemon-Tahini Sauce

Falafel (pronounced "fell-off-uhl") is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from spiced chickpeas and/or fava beans. It’s typically ground into a paste, shaped into a ball or disc, and then deep fried. However, since fried foods are off limits on the Daniel Fast, this recipe is a baked version.
4.47 from 26 votes
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 15.5-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup brown rice flour
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Optional toppings: Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and/or cucumbers

Lemon-Tahini Sauce

  • ¼ cup tahini
  • Juice of one lemon (about ¼ cup)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix ingredients in food processor for about 30 seconds, scraping sides as necessary. When mixture is well combined with a thick, pasty texture, use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to form into balls. Flatten into patties Bake 15 minutes. Flip, and cook another 15 minutes or until crispy on the outside.
  • While falafel is baking, make sauce. Whisk tahini and lemon juice in a small bowl, and set aside. To serve, spread about 1 tablespoon Lemon-Tahini Sauce over each falafel patty. Top with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and/or cucumbers, if desired.
  • Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 falafel patty and 1 tablespoon sauce)

Notes

  • Top with sliced avocado.
  • Break into pieces and use as a salad topping.
  • Stuff into a whole grain or corn tortilla.

God’s Calling vs. Your Calendar

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Last December, while driving home from picking my daughter up at preschool, I spotted an elderly woman walking. Although bundled up in a heavy winter coat, she was obviously freezing, her face red and raw from the bitterly cold temperature and fierce wind. When I passed her, the Spirit’s prompting was undeniable. I knew God wanted me to stop. But, Lord, I have things to do! This is not very convenient! I thought. After listing a dozen reasons in my head as to why it wasn’t a good idea, I finally turned the car around and offered her a ride.

When Georgia climbed into my car that day, she also made her way into my heart. She’s a sweet lady with a great sense of humor. She likes stuffed animals, fancy clothes and hats, and VHS movies. Her favorite pastime is shopping at the goodwill store. She adores my daughters and reminds me often that Justin is the greatest husband in the world (she’s right!). Georgia, once a stranger, is now a friend. More than that, she’s become part of our family.

Drive down any street, and you’ll see a Georgia. In fact, you’ll see hundreds and thousands of them in any given day. People who are cold – not physically, but spiritually. People wandering alone in the world and fighting with all their strength against the harsh realities of life. God sees them, and in His infinite mercy, wants to rescue them. The thing is, though, He invites us to get involved. However, many times we’re too busy, too distracted, or too stubborn to make the move.

Are you willing to be inconvenienced for the kingdom? Yes, it will require some sacrifice on your part. You may even have to change your plans for the day. However, that’s a small price to pay when a person’s eternal destiny is at stake. If the Holy Spirit prompts you to help someone, do it. One act of kindness in Jesus’ name could yield great rewards. You might just make a new friend. Better yet, you might introduce your friend to the Savior. Nothing on your to-do list is more important than that.

*For more stories on my friendship with Georgia, see the “Her Name is Georgia” series in Devotions.

Apple-Cinnamon Hot Cereal

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apple-cinnamon hot cereal

Apple-Cinnamon Hot Cereal

One of my favorite breakfast dishes used to be oatmeal. However, a few years ago, I had to give it up (among other foods) when I discovered my body is intolerant to gluten. However, this recipe is one I can enjoy without any negative side effects. Apple-Cinnamon Hot Cereal is a great oatmeal alternative for anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Plus, it's 100% Daniel Fast friendly.
4.45 from 43 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Add coconut milk, brown rice, apple, banana, dates, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat about 10 minutes or until heated through. Stir frequently to prevent burning on bottom of pan. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon pecans or walnuts over each serving.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about ½ cup)

Notes

  • Use chopped dried figs or raisins instead of dates.
  • Add 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal for a fiber boost.
  • Makes a great snack or dessert!
  • Store unused portion in refrigerator or freeze for later use.