New Name -- New Blog

Hey friends -- I've moved. PLEASE follow me at the following blog:

http://rachelnoah627.blogspot.com/

What is it about fall that is so superior to the other seasons for me? Each have their beauty and magic, but fall makes me feel the most alive. The colors, the clothes, the baking, the holidays. I am so excited to get home tonight and put out a few little peices of Fall decor I picked up at Pier 1. Here's a sneak peak of my findings before I actually put it all together.

Lemon Curd

Never in a million years did I think you could just MAKE lemon curd. Nor did I ever imagine I'd eat any...unless it was on a lovely scone... which I've heard is divine! I'm eating alone tonight and was settled on cereal. But I decided to take a look-see in my pantry and behold...a sad little box of Vegetable Biryani Paste just waiting to be tried. I picked it up at the grocery store because I had learned to make the dish from scratch and wanted to see how it compared. However, after getting it home I realized the directions look way more complicated than a box meal should be so I've neglected it. However, on this lonely night when adventure is my only companion I did a mental check list of my veggies and decided I had what I needed. I diced the veggies and got them marinading in the paste...then read the next step -- add 2 1/2 tbsp lemon curd. Can you make lemon curd? Why yes you can! Did I expect it to turn out right on my very first attempt...no. But folks -- I had the simple ingredients it called for and was finished in no time...and it's DELISH. If you ever have the nerve to try it out, here's the recipe I used. (I cut it down to 1/3)

Lemon Curd Recipe:

3 large eggs

1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons) (do not use the bottled lemon juice)

1 tablespoon (4 grams) finely shredded lemon zest

3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar

4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into small pieces

Directions:

In a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice until blended. Cook, stirring constantly (to prevent it from curdling), until the mixture becomes thick (like sour cream or a hollandaise sauce

) (160 degrees F or 71 degrees C). This will take approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately pour through a fine strainer to remove any lumps. Cut the butter into small pieces and whisk into the mixture until the butter has melted. Add the lemon zest and let cool. The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Cover immediately (so a skin doesn't form) and refrigerate for up to a week.

Makes 1 1/2 cups (360 ml).


Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/LemonCurd.html

"Day Off"

I love Thursday and Friday. When I was first informed that my hours were being cut in half, I was nervous about making ends meet. Noah and I have managed and I've been able to relax a bit and not feel guilty about working only 3 days. Anyway -- when I close up the office on Wednesday I get giddy about the to-do list I've compiled for my "days off".

Today:

Get pot roast in slow cooker...It feels strange crackin open the wine before 10 a.m. :)


Start online bookstore on half.com


Try to replant and salvage my $1 mum plants.


Sort files in home office (years worth between Noah and myself)


Trip to dry cleaner / Laundry

Excuses

I feel like I've moved into our little condo more than once! Noah and I have more belongings than can fit in our limited space. So I left 1/2 of my things in storage so we could slowly sort through everything and get rid of what we don't need/want and make a home for what will be kept. We picked up the final load from storage this week and it's mostly kitchen items and books. I'm up to my ears in items that need to be sorted through. Instead, I have had a lone worship session in my living room, caught up on messaging some of my much neglected facebook friends, put a facial mask on and updated the look of my blog...all to avoid THE PURGE...

Meanwhile, Noah's buds have thrown him a surprise birthday party/cigar night...I didn't realize I was invited until this evening. I was the one that asked his friends to put it together...but I was thinking guys night. It's evolved into something more. DARN! Perfect excuse to get outta here.

Maria's Birthday at Sur la Table

Click on the image for a slideshow! *Let me know if it works!



Sadly, I did not get a final picture of Maria's cake. :(

Cake Decorating Basics

Learn cake baking and decorating from the experts at Wilton. In this cake 'master class' you'll learn to cut, fill and ice a cake, fold and fill a parchment piping bag, and turn an ordinary layer cake into a true masterpiece. A beginner's cake decorating set is included in your class registration fee.

This Thursday, 11:30 a.m., my sister Maria and I will be attending a Cake Decorating Class. This would be a LONG overdue birthday gift for Maria from her siblings. Maria is, in our estimation, more of a pastry master than she believes (see below post). But she wants to start some training at the basic level to make sure what she's doing is right. We are excited to have this little adventure together!

1 Month

Yesterday Noah and I celebrated 1 month of marriage. Simply put...it has been wonderful! Such a natural transition. I am so thankful for my husband! God has blessed me beyond my hopes and dreams.

We had a pretty normal evening at home, but we did give ourselves a little treat. We decided not to wait a year to eat our wedding cake. We didn't want to chance it not tasting good after all that time in the freezer. Also, we only each had one small bite at the reception! It is DELISH! My sister, Maria, is quite the pastry chef & artist!

I wish...

I had the energy to catch you up on everything that has happened since June 27. I don't feel like I've got it together ever since the wedding. Everything is a mess in my standards. But it's a beautiful mess. I am enjoying marriage to my wonderful husband Noah so very much.

This weekend we have a lot on our plates...voluntarily.Our bedroom still looks like Noah's room because furniture shopping is on hold. The plan was to have our new furniture by now, but my hours at work have been cut and we need to save save save. But God blessed us with a late wedding gift a few days ago, and I was able to go buy the bedding for our bed! This should make a big difference! I'm so excited to dress the bed! Tonight Noah and I will work on putting plastic wrap around all the beautiful silver that our friend loaned to us for the reception. That alone will open up a big hunk of space in our entry way. Tomorrow we need to head to the Lester Farm to drop off all the kitchen stuff that our wedding gifts have replaced. They have a hunting cabin in need of kitchen necessities. Another hunk of space opens up! After we get the place looking neat and orderly, I'll have a new wave of items to bring in...but most of it will be organizational or art. I am dying to make something of my little bathroom...every room really. This is the first home I've ever been able to put my own touch to w/out and landlord making rules! I am chomping at the bit... Biggest wish on my wish list right now...paint!!!

5 days

Dress - check
Rings - check
Marriage Licence and Officiant - check
Bride - check
Groom - check



I'm ready!!!

15 Days!

In 15 days I'll be marrying a wonderful man -- a gift from God. I am busy with preparation. God's provision has been humbling. There are so many people that have been generous beyond my highest expectations. I will never be able to thank them enough!

Our wedding is going to take place on a beautiful estate belonging to Noah's Aunt and Uncle. The property is called Mount Pleasant. It's strikingly beautiful. When I think about this momentous day being held outside in some of God's most beautiful handy-work, I feel richly blessed. I can't wait to share some pictures!

This weekend is all about prep! Lord be in every detail. I am also going to be with some of the lovely ladies in my life for a bridal shower this Saturday. I can't wait! I've been to a kabillion showers...but this one is for me! What a fun time in life.

*Marriage License today! Rings next week!*

This Weekend

I was ((thiiiiis)) close to 8 hours of sleep. Probably the closest i've been in quite a while. It was lovely. I climbed out of bed, pulled up Every Day Italian on TIVO, made myself an egg and some coffee and here I am chillin w/ Giada and my lap top.

This morning I need to exercise and research ties and shirts for the groomsmen and ushers...after i finish and episode of Giada at Home. She's my fav!!!

This afternoon, I'm heading out w/ my future mother and sister-in-law and my sis Maria to do some wedding reception shopping at good ol' costco! TONIGHT, i'm putting on a dress and some cute shoes and going dancing with my man! That's right. We are taking some dance lessons tonight. Not that he needs them. I on the other hand have two left feet. In exactly three weeks, I'll be dancing to "our song" with the love of my life on our wedding day. It doesn't feel like it's ONLY 3 weeks away.

Tomorrow after church, we might go to a horse show in Winchester for the afternoon. Should be lovely. Hopefully sunny so I can get some sun. I'll have to go sleeveless.

Ok -- enough postponing the day! Hope your weekend is lovely friends!

Summer Fare

I have this thing where I convince myself that if it's healthier, it tastes better. It's really a wonderful fault that I have - To be able to lie to myself and believe it so emphatically. Anyway, since falling in love w/ a self proclaimed "meat-a-tarian" I have indulged on a few things I had previously (maybe subconsciously) sworn off of. Namely, red meat. I admit, I'd eat it every once in a while, but I never really missed it. Anyway, ever since Noah and I discovered our little hole in the wall, local favorite, Jake and Mikes, I've fallen for a sandwich I never thought I would consider. Jake and Mikes is famous for their Russian Reuben. I usually opt for the Turkey version, but every once in a while I splurge and split the corned beef with Noah. I find that I am now a little obsessed with anything that touts the name "Reuben" and I came across this recipe in Rachael Ray's latest mag. I am determined to give it a try. Seems so summery...and unhealthy...and YUM-O!

Cape Cod Reuben



Ingredients:
One 12-ounce bottle lager beer, such as Samuel Adams 1-1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon paprika 3 cups cabbage slaw mix 1/2 cup Russian dressing 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying Four 6-ounce, 1/2-inch-thick cod or red snapper fillets 8 slices rye bread 8 slices Swiss cheese Directions:In a large bowl, whisk the beer, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour, the salt and paprika until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine the slaw mix and 1/3 cup Russian dressing.

Preheat the broiler. Meanwhile, in a deep skillet, heat the oil until it registers 375° on a deep-fat thermometer. Place the remaining 1/4 cup flour on a large plate. Working 1 at a time, coat the fish fillets with the flour, shaking off any excess, then coat with the beer batter. Lower the fish into the oil and cook, turning occasionally, until brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Place the bread on a baking sheet; broil until toasted. Transfer toasted side down onto a work surface. Spread the remaining Russian dressing on 4 slices, then top with the fish, slaw, cheese and remaining bread slices, toasted side up.

Be Still, Kari Jobe

He is here for the broken and life to the one who is undone
He is peace to the wounded and hope for the helpless one
He is here, He is here

Be still my soul, be still
Be still my soul, be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul, be still

When the waves rise against me and the wind tries to draw me away
I will stand on the mountain, safe in Your arms I will sing I will sing

Be still my soul, be still
Be still my soul, be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul, be still

Be still I know He is God
He is here, He is here
Be still I know He is God
He is here, He is here

So be still my soul, be still
Be still my soul, be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul, be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul, be still

My Heart

What a mess. I see it more and more lately. I need a clean heart. I'm seeing muddy streams when the adversity hits. I need God's grace. Deeply.

Ezekiel 11:19 (New Living Translation)
19 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart.

Help

I want to be inspired to come back to this page and journal...but I can't for the life of me figure out how to make this page look like mine. How do you do it???

Details

Ok. So now I feel like I can start fresh. No more "Clark" in the title of my blog. I'm not a Lester yet, but it will be here before I know it!!! We are getting married June 27, this summer! Excited and nervous about all that needs to be accomplished pretty much NOW. Deposits on vendors and invitations are especially pressing. The dress is finally taken care of. I love it!!! My sisters and friend Jeri were there (practically dragged me in) to witness my glee when I finally found THE dress. Thank you Lord. That is the first big burden lifted.

In other news - Work is slow these days. Actually...the money making part is slow. We've kept very busy trying to bring in opportunities...but it just doesn't seem to be working. I'm feeling like Peter walking on water. In other words, some moments i'm trusting God's hand...and others i'm sinking in a sea of imaginations of what might happen if I loose my job in this economy. Prayers appreciated!




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