Hmm, I would never think to try that

Most of us can testify to the spiritual benefits to taking part in the Daniel Fast. We have seen and heard how God's glory and might is revealed during these days of fasting, praying and reading God's Word. Each year it is time of a refreshing in our spirit and body as we begin the new year.

Another benefit, though we may not want to openly admit it, is that we learn healthier ways to consume the produce of God's great big garden. Since we first started the Daniel Fast I've learned so much about food that I didn't know I didn't know, hahaha! I've been introduced to knew foods and new ways to cook foods I knew about. There were foods that I refused to eat before the Daniel Fast, but have sense come to enjoy and find that my body enjoys as well. So today I want to share with you some recipes that you may find a bid different, until you try them.

The first two dishes are taken from www.bonapetit.com




Barley Stew with Leeks, Mushrooms, and Greens

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 1/2 cups chopped leeks (about 2 small stalks; white and pale green parts only)
• 1 8-ounce container sliced crimini (baby bella) mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 1/4 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups (or more) vegetable broth
• 1 bunch kale (about 8 ounces), trimmed, center stalks removed, leaves coarsely chopped (about 8 cups packedPREPARATION

• Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add leeks; sprinkle with salt and pepper and sauté until leeks begin to soften, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, garlic, and rosemary; increase heat to medium-high and sauté until mushrooms soften and begin to brown, stirring often, about 7 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice; stir 1 minute. Add barley and 4 cups broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until barley is almost tender, about 20 minutes. Add kale; stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Cover and simmer until kale and barley are tender, adding more broth by 1/4 cupfuls as needed for desired stew consistency, about 10 minutes.
  
  
  Baked Parsnip Fries with Rosemary

  INGREDIENTS

  • 2 1/2 pounds parsnips or carrots, peeled, cut into about 3x1/2-inch strips
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, plus 5 sprigs rosemary
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon (or more) ground cumin

  PREPARATION

  • Preheat oven to 450°. Mix parsnips, chopped rosemary, garlic, and oil on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Spread out in a single layer. Scatter rosemary sprigs over.
  • Roast for 10 minutes; turn parsnips and roast until parsnips are tender and browned in spots, 10–15 minutes longer. Crumble leaves from rosemary sprigs over; discard stems and toss to coat. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp. cumin over. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more cumin, if desired. 
    
    

    Quinoa and Black Beans

    INGREDIENTS

    1 teaspoon vegetable oil

    1 onion, chopped

    3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

    3/4 cup uncooked quinoa

    1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

    1 teaspoon ground cumin

    1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

    salt and pepper to taste

    1 cup frozen corn kernels

    2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

    1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

    
    

    
    

    Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute until lightly browned.

    Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with vegetable broth. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, Stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and cilantro.

    
    

    If you have any recipes that you have discovered or come up with during this, don't be stingy...share (big BB smily face). We would love to share your recipe with the others who are fasting. Also, if you have a praise report of what God has done for you, please share it. Feel free to write or submit a video of your testimony to us. Want to rejoice with you.

    
    

    God bless you as you continue to submit to His will for your life in this new year. 

    Pastor Mel