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Roasted Red Cabbage

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Roasted Red Cabbage

Roasted Red Cabbage

If you're not already a fan of cabbage, this dish will turn you into one! Roasting cabbage in coconut oil gives it a wonderfully sweet flavor. Enjoy!
3 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 8
Calories 37 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1-1 1/2 pounds red cabbage, cored and roughly cut into wedges/pieces
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Place cabbage in a large bowl. Add coconut oil, and stir well. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir again.
  • Arrange cabbage pieces in a single layer on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes. Flip cabbage, and roast until tender and the edges are browned, about 10-15 minutes more. Serve.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: ½ cup)

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

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Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

This Daniel Fast vegetable dish was created when I was on day 11 of a fast. I wanted something new and different. So I bought a pound of asparagus, grabbed a bunch of fresh kale from my garden, and came up with this tasty recipe. If you like asparagus, you'll love this simple sauté.
4 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 6
Calories 85 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 pound asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ¼ cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 cups torn kale, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces, and lightly packed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned or 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts. Cook 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally. Transfer pine nuts to a bowl or plate.
  • Add sesame oil, asparagus, and onions to skillet. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, water, kale, basil, and salt. Stir well.
  • Cook another 2-3 minutes or until asparagus is crisp tender (if skillet starts to get too dry, add another tablespoon of water). Sprinkle with pine nuts, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 3gFat: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Do You Trust God?

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Do You Trust God? by Kristen Feola

It’s easy to say the words, “I’m trusting in the Lord.” But, what exactly does that mean?

Trusting God involves remaining in His Word. Letting go of anxiety. Choosing to rest in His presence. Refusing to be held captive by fear.

In human relationships, we often extend trust to someone only after it has been earned. But that’s not necessary with God. We don’t need to put him on a trial basis or “test” His actions. The Lord is forever faithful and completely reliable. And, just for the record, not one of His good promises has ever failed.

If you’re facing a difficult situation that causes you to be afraid, you can do one of two things: 1) Try to figure everything out on your own (believe me, it doesn’t work), or 2) Cast all your cares on the One who loves you most.

May I suggest the second option? That’s what I’m trying to do right now.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve faced a few situations that have challenged my faith in big ways. I’ve been afraid. Confused. Sad. Angry. Disappointed. Frustrated. Anxious. But in the midst of the confusion and chaos, one word keeps coming to my mind.

Trust.

Even though I’m tempted to rehearse all the “what if” scenarios in my mind, the Lord is calling me to look to Him instead. So I’m relying on the Holy Spirit to guide me. Step by step, day by day. I’m also clinging to the familiar truth of Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Will you join me? Can we agree to allow God’s peace to cover us, even in the midst of uncertainty?

Together, let’s resolve to walk the path of faith. Let’s trust in the Lord with full confidence that His plans are for our good. We don’t need to worry. We just need to trust Him.

 

Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage

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Roasted Acorn Squash with

Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage

4 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ -2 pounds acorn squash
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground sage or 3-4 fresh sage leaves, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse squash and scrub well to remove any dirt. Cut squash in half, and remove seeds and pulp. Follow the natural lines of the squash to cut into long pieces; then cut again into 1-inch cubes.
  • Place squash in a large dish. Mix in olive oil and stir well. Add sage, salt, and pepper. Stir again to coat.
  • Arrange squash cubes in a single layer on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet. Bake 30-35 minutes or until edges are slightly browned (or longer if you desire more "roasting").
  • Yield: 6-7 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

Ocean Depths

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Ocean

“May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is” (Ephesians 3:18 NLT).

I’m fascinated by the ocean. When I look out upon its mighty waters, I’m in awe of God’s marvelous creation. But if I stay on the sand collecting sea shells and never venture out into the waves, I miss out. For just below the ocean’s surface is an amazing display of colors and creatures that’s breathtaking. The first time I went snorkeling, I couldn’t believe my eyes! As I swam among various kinds of fish and sea life, I realized there’s  much more beauty to the ocean than what I can be seen from the shore.

That’s how the Christian life is. If we’re content to go to church once a week and read the Bible sporadically, we rob ourselves of the abundant life God wants us to experience. But when we choose to dive into spiritual waters through disciplines such as fasting, we discover a whole new level of joy and power. Our lives are enriched and strengthened in ways they wouldn’t be otherwise. We’re also more sensitive to what God is doing around us.

Have you set aside time to fast and pray this year? If not, don’t let fear of the unknown keep you stuck in the sand. Trust the Lord to give you the courage to step out into the water. When you do, you’ll have a greater understanding of how long, how high, and how deep God’s love is for you!

Top 10 Snacks for Super Bowl Sunday

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Super Easy Guacamole, Daniel Fast snack, guacamole recipe

In three days, thousands of Americans will gather to watch the biggest sporting event of the year. That’s right, friends. It’s Super Bowl time!

Next to Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday ranks as the #1 day for food consumption. The big game is as much about the snacks as it is about the sport. It’s pizza and hot wings. Chips and dip. Chex Mix and cookies. For someone on the Daniel Fast, though, this type of setting presents a huge challenge. If you can’t have meat, dairy products, sugar, or caffeine, what can you eat on Super Bowl Sunday? Plenty, if you refer to the tasty recipes on my website.

Following are the Ultimate Daniel Fast’s Top 10 Super Bowl Snacks:

 1. Almond Butter Bites
 2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
 3. Salsa
 4. Spinach-Artichoke Dip
 5. Super Easy Guacamole
 6. Fruit Pizza
 7. Sweet & Spicy Mixed Nuts
 8. Date Honey
 9. Confetti Hummus
10. Grilled Veggie Kebabs

Which one (or two) will you take to your Super Bowl Party?

January 2015 Online Daniel Fast Testimonies

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"Spiritually Strong" - Jan 2015 Online Daniel FastFor the past four years, I’ve led an online Daniel Fast during the first three weeks of January.  I’m always so encouraged by the number of believers who join me in prayer and fasting.

Our theme for this year’s online Daniel Fast was, “Spiritually Strong,” because our desire for 2015 is to, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph. 6:10). The fast ended Saturday, January 24th, and already I’ve received many testimonies about God’s faithfulness. The Lord has given victory over sin, strength during weakness, wisdom in job situations, and salvation of loved ones!

One fast participant emailed to share the miracle God did in the life of her Buddhist father. Her dad, who lives in Singapore, has never been interested in the things of God. But in the last two weeks he began attending a Chinese church with a friend. On day 20 of her fast, the woman received word that her dad gave his life to the Lord! She wrote, “I’m overjoyed! I have been praying for his salvation for 28 years.” This woman’s story is a perfect example why we must continue to pray fervently, not just in January but throughout the year.

Following are more testimonies from the January 2015 Online Daniel Fast. I pray you’re encouraged by them as you hear just some of the wonderful things God has done!

  • “I have a testimony to share from my Daniel Fast in 2010.  I prayed for a job and got the job while doing the fast. I’m still working at that same job four years later. Praise be to our faithful and loving God who gives us the desires of our heart.” – Pam
  • “This was my first Daniel fast in many years, and God has truly worked wonders in my life. Two days into the fast I was praying about my relationship, and the Spirit began revealing to me that I had been battling a spirit of perversion. But my submission to God during the fast loosened the enemy’s grip on me. Deliverance is mine! I also prayed that God would lend professional guidance to my business partner. Three days later, he received word that a new company was taking them over, and his new bosses would be people he used to work for that he LOVES and respects. I began the fast giving my living arrangement to God. I was renting way above my price range, and now 21 days later I’m working with a Realtor on the purchase of my first home! I cannot believe how my life has changed. I give God all the glory and the honor.” – Jerome
  • “I used your book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, for my New Year’s Daniel Fast in 2014, but this year it has been a WHOLE NEW level since I received the daily newsletters with the videos, focused prayers, and other information. Thanks for all of your support and encouragement. ” – Seary
  • “Thank you for all the good recipes and encouraging pieces every day.  My thinking is renewed, and I know God is at work in me. ” – Henriette
  • “I wasn’t sure I could do this fast, and I have to say at times it wasn’t easy being such a huge coffee drinker and meat eater. I prayed every day that God help get me through the next day. I’ve always been a huge food addict. I weigh more than 300 lbs, and food has always been my go-to. Each day was a little easier as I looked forward to reading more of my Bible and your emails. I lost about 20 lbs in the 21 days, but the weight loss was just a plus. Thank you for helping with your encouraging words every day. I can’t wait to continue on this journey and learn more! God is good!” – Keri
  • “The fast was inspiring, and we believe many of our group members here in Saudi Arabia have entered into a closer relationship with our Savior.” – Marcel
  • “I found the Daniel fast to be fun and easy compared to two years ago when I did it the first time. This year I lost 11 pounds and had a substantial decrease in heartburn and gastric reflux. Now I’m looking forward to eating this way the rest of my life at least 75-90% of the time.  Spiritually, I have been blessed in many other ways. Thank you for your website and encouragement.” – Deb
  • “I’m so grateful I was looking up recipes on Pinterest and saw an invite to join for the daily fast emails! My church does a fast at the beginning of every year so this was perfect! This fast was so much needed for me to get a handle on the sweets I overdid during the holidays, and I’ve been so excited to see what God has for me this year! Thank you so much, Kristen. Your encouragement was much needed and appreciated!” – Ann
  • “Thank you, Kristen, for the Ultimate Daniel Fast and your videos. They’ve been so encouraging and have helped me make it through the whole fast. The Lord has done so much for me, just in more freedom in my walk with Him (a weight loss of 10 lbs and getting those cravings back into control again). I love fasting and what it does so much that I plan on implementing it in my life in smaller time frames.” – DeDe
  • “I’m learning how to focus on the positive even in negative situations. God is showing me how to do that.  Thank you for your website. It has been a blessing to me.” – Wray
  • “The past 21 days have been cleansing both spiritually and physically. The daily videos, recipe ideas, and your encouraging words, Kristen, were God-anointed. I praise God I stumbled across your website. Thank you so much for being obedient. You have helped other soldiers in the fight. I will continue to do this fast annually as it’s a perfect way to start out the New Year!” – Debbie
  • “You did a great job with the devotions, suggested meals, and videos.  The videos made it feel like you were cheering me on. The fast has helped me reach a new level of a relationship with my Lord and Savior.” – Lynette
  • “My husband and I did the fast, and it was a great adventure in so many ways. Your book is a fantastic resource, and we experimented with recipes that we would never have tried before. While it’s true we’ve denied ourselves some food items, we’ve gained much more than what we didn’t have. Thank you!” – Kathy
  • “This was my second year on the Daniel Fast, and it was the most difficult. And I thought last year was rough. But the two times I was about to throw in the towel, give up and quit, I cried out to the Lord. I actually felt His strength and grace overwhelm me. ” – Barbara

And, then, one final testimony from Chase. It’s a bit long, but well worth your time in reading through it. I like how Chase sat down to list what God showed him on his fast. It’s a great way to reflect on God’s many blessings and lessons. If you participated in the online fast this year, I encourage you to do the same!

What I Learned:

  1. Food is not my master!
  2. Fleshly desires are not my master!
  3. God is so much greater than we can even think or imagine!
  4. Never give up on friends no matter what they did in the past!
  5. Always trust in God. If you believe in Him, He will show you everything!
  6. The flesh will always be weak! (Don’t give into it!)
  7. There is so much power in the blood of Jesus! It covers all and heals all!

What Has Happened:

  1. I got a new job on the second day of the fast! I am so excited for the future!
  2. I rekindled an old friendship and have forgiven this person for what happened!
  3. I’ve learned how to take control of my mind, spirit, and body to focus as one unit!
  4. I’ve had more Spirit-filled goodness than I can account for!
  5. I’ve grown not only closer to God but also closer to my accountability partner through this fast!
  6. I realized very quickly that what I was doing in life was wrong. Life is not about money and possessions. It’s about what we can do to serve others.
  7. I completely and totally changed my thinking and thought process to what God wants, and I play the background!

“There’s a whole lot more that has happened on this journey.  I can’t believe it’s already finished. I gave up sugar, salt, preservatives, and meat for 21 days straight, and you know what? I feel better than I ever have! I feel renewed! I feel like I am once again reborn to a new creation!  I encourage any believers to take the time to do this fast as well. It has been amazing!” – Chase

 Praise the Lord! All glory to His holy name!

If you weren’t able to participate in the January 2015 Online Fast, don’t be discouraged. You can do the Daniel Fast any time of the year! My book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, will be a huge help on your journey. It walks you through every aspect of the fast with 21 daily devotions, 100+ recipes, meal plans, grocery shopping lists, and tips on fasting. Also, you can get a list of the 21 videos I sent out during the online fast. Finally, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay informed about future online fasts!

Lentil-Vegetable Soup

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Lentil-Vegetable Soup

Lentil-Vegetable Soup

I love soup because:
1) It’s easy to make.
2) It’s a healthy comfort food that warms you up on a cold day.
3) If you make a big pot for lunch or dinner, you don’t have to cook as much the next day or two (hooray for leftovers!).
The last benefit is probably the most important when you’re on the Daniel Fast. The less time you spend in the kitchen, the better. Then you’ll be freed up to read the Bible and pray. So, remember, when it comes to meal planning for the Daniel Fast, soup is always a wise choice. I hope you enjoy this tasty vegetable soup recipe as much as I do.
4.55 from 22 votes
Print Recipe
Course Soup
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet peas
  • ½ cup chopped carrots
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups Vegetable Broth or water see Recipe Notes
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add zucchini, peas, carrots, celery, onions, and cook until vegetables are softened. Stir in garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so garlic doesn’t burn.
  • Pour in water, tomatoes, and lentils. Add salt, thyme, and pepper, and stir to combine. Heat to boiling, and then reduce heat. Simmer with lid slightly tilted for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle in parsley before serving.
  • Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute vegetables, depending upon your preferences. Other ideas are green beans, lima beans, parsnips, potatoes, and/or summer squash.
  • If you don’t have time to make your own Vegetable Broth, you can use a store-brought brand that’s Daniel Fast friendly. I recommend Kitchen Basics Unsalted Vegetable Stock.

 

Frozen Banana Pops

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Banana Pops

Banana Pops

Simple. Healthy. Delicious. Banana Pops are great anytime of the year, but they're especially refreshing on a hot, summer day. Kids of all ages ─ from 2 to 92 ─ will love this frozen treat. These pops are fun to make, fun to eat, and completely Daniel Fast friendly. Enjoy!
4 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 8
Calories 52 kcal

Equipment

  • 8 wooden popsicle sticks

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium bananas 7-8 inches long, peeled and halved

Instructions
 

  • Line an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Insert a popsicle stick into one end of every banana half. Place bananas on sheet so they’re not touching, and put in freezer. Freeze at least two hours or until firm.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: one banana pop)

Notes

To add toppings, check out my Date Honey Banana Pops recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 52kcalCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1.5gSugar: 7g

Date Honey Banana Pops

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Date Honey Banana Pops

Date Honey Banana Pops

Say hello to your new favorite frozen treat on the Daniel Fast. These Banana Pops are 100% delicious and nutritious, so you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying them.
3.67 from 6 votes
Print Recipe
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 8
Calories 156 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 frozen Banana Pops
  • ½ cup Date Honey
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
  • 2 ½ tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions
 

  • Once you've made the Banana Pops (follow recipe for directions) and allowed them to freeze about 2 hours, you're ready to add toppings. Remove pops from freezer. Using a butter knife, spread a thin layer of Date Honey on all sides of each banana piece.
  • Place chopped nuts and unsweetened shredded coconut on a plate. Roll banana pops in the toppings. Use your fingers to push toppings into the bananas, if necessary. Place the coated bananas on the parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: one banana pop)

Notes

Other toppings ideas are chia seeds, dried fruit, hemp seeds, nut butter, and sunflower seeds.
To cut down on the natural sugar content of this recipe, use half the amount of Date Honey.

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 6gFiber: 4gSugar: 17g

 

Plantain Chips

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Plantain Chips

Plantain Chips

I tried my first plantain a few years ago in El Salvador. I really liked the taste, along with the creamy custard that was drizzled on top.A plantain looks like a banana, but it's usually longer and has thicker skin. Although plantains are a fruit, they're generally prepared like a vegetable and are stewed, fried, boiled, mashed, or grilled.
Green plantains are yellow or pink inside and are often used in side dishes.Yellow plantains have brown or black spots and have a sweet taste and firm texture.Black plantains are soft and fully ripened.Plantains are high in vitamin A, potassium and fiber, and are low in sodium. They're also a good source of the B-complex vitamins.
If you've never had plantains, you definitely should try this simple recipe. Already a fan of this unique fruit? Now you have another way to enjoy it!
3.90 from 10 votes
Print Recipe
Course Snack
Servings 4
Calories 104 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 green plantains
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin coconut oil, melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Yield: 4-5 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup)
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper (or use a silicone mat).
  • Trim ends of plantains. Score the plantains vertically in three places without cutting through to the fruit. Remove the peel and discard, along with the trimmed ends. Cut plantains in ¼” slices (should make about 3 cups).
  • In a large bowl, add plantain chips, coconut oil, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat. Place plantain chips on the baking sheet in rows. Cook 15 minutes. Flip, and then bake another 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • If the plantains are fully ripened (peel is black), they’ll be too soft to make good chips. Plantain chips do not get as crispy as potato chips.
  • You may need to remove some chips before the others are done cooking if they start to brown faster.
  • Store uneaten chips in the refrigerator in a sealed container. To reheat, place in an oven or toaster oven at 400 degrees for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 2gFiber: 2gSugar: 11g

 

Are You Ready for Easter?

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Easter 2014 cross“Our God is a God who saves!” – Psalm 68:20 NLT

For believers, Easter Sunday is a high time of worship as we celebrate victory in Christ. But for many, Easter is nothing more than chocolate bunnies and plastic eggs. People who haven’t accepted God’s gift of salvation don’t understand why it’s such a glorious day.

That’s exactly why we must pray.

Over the next three weeks, set aside time to intercede for others, especially for unsaved family and friends to know the Lord. You might consider a Daniel Fast, water fast, or juice fast. Ask God to show you what to do.

Friend, there isn’t time to waste.  Our loved ones need our fervent prayers. Let’s press in and believe God for great things during this Easter season!

(Need guidance on how to pray? Follow my Lent 2014 Prayer Guide).