Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I have had enough turkey to last until next year! Unfortunately this is also the season when catching a "bug" no longer means children catching fire flies to watch in jar or a cute ladybug on a twig. My husband Chris is feeling a bit under the weather, so tonight I decided to cook up some garlic soup to help fight off the "bug." Now I know that most of you are already holding your nose and crying "ewww, that can't taste good!" I have to say that if you really really don't like garlic, you are probably correct. But for those of us that LOVE garlic, it is fabulous! I also must give garlic a pat on the back because it is a great germ fighter and the health benefits are numerous. I also roasted some heads of garlic for bread or whatever I get in the mood to put it on. Roasting gives it a more subtle sweet flavor. ( Yes, garlic can taste sweet... *smile*)
Roasted Garlic
Slice the top off of a head of garlic just thick enough to open up the top of the cloves. Place the head of garlic cut side up in a oven safe dish and drizzle a little olive oil over the top. Place in a 350 degree oven for 30-45 minutes until soft. The garlic cloves should be soft enough that when cool you can squish them out into a bowl.
Now, what can you do with this wonderful roasted treasure? You can add a bit of salt if you like and eat it on a cracker. Put it on a piece of buttered bread for the best garlic bread you ever tasted. Add it to mashed potatoes. I just had some on a piece of left over turkey. Use your imagination; it will be great any number of ways!
This Thanksgiving season, I found myself so overwhelmed with gratitude for all the blessings that God has given to me and my family. As topics of discussion turned to giving thanks in church groups and talks with family and friends, I kept thinking how much we have to be thankful for. I'm not talking about material goods necessarily, but things that money can't buy, like God's grace. No matter what our situation, how great the hurt, how unsure our future, we as Christians have the peace of knowing that God's grace covers us. As with most people, I have known both tough times when it seemed like every day brought a new hardship; and easy times when things just seemed to fall into place. Through it all, God's love and grace has given me peace in my heart, my very soul. So, when asked what I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving my answer is God's love and grace. He loves me even when I don't deserve it and continues to bless me in ways I could only imagine. I could make a list a mile long with all the wonderful people and circumstances that God has put in my life, but there is just not room. I wish for you this Thanksgiving season to know that great peace.
"When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul."
Wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving and Many Blessings,
Stace
