Peppered Cranberry Relish

Every year our family gathers for a delicious Thanksgiving Feast. The table is set, the air is full of delightful smells and our mouths water as we pause in a circle holding hands to give thanks for our many blessings. Each year there is a new dish that somehow stands alone grabbing our attention. This year it was the Peppered Cranberry Relish my sister-in-law made. She is a great cook and this year she really hit this recipe out-of-the-park!!

After our elastic waistbands could no longer expand our family prepared to go our separate ways. Before waving goodbye, we divvied up the leftovers so each family could continue to enjoy the feast that seemed to keep on giving. Somehow I was fortunate enough to land the cranberry relish. Perhaps my good luck was due to it being my birthday on turkey day! Whatever the reason I brought it home and served it to some house guests who also raved about it.

Since it is SO good I thought I would share the recipe with you. Here goes...

Peppered Cranberry Relish

2 bags fresh cranberries
1 c. fresh lime juice
include the zest from at least 8 limes
1 bunch green onion washed and minced
2 tsp. salt
2/3 of one bunch fresh cilantro
5 fresh seeded jalapenos
1 Tbsp. minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
2 1/2 c. light brown sugar
1/2 c. cracked pepper (no typo....1/2 cup)

Place all ingredients into food processor and voila! You will have a tremendous dish to compliment turkey. I promise it is as good with ham too! Heck, I put it out with an appetizer tray that included cream cheese on crackers ...scrumptious! Not only does it sport great flavor it adds a flash of color and a tremendous texture for your tongue.

Whip up a batch for yourself and let me know what you think. You won't be disappointed.

Just in time for your Christmas menu,
Julie

Texas Renaissance Festival

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Lords and Ladies:

Are you looking for a great way to spend a weekend? Look no further. Head to the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, TX. You will have more fun than you can imagine as you walk through gates which transport you back in time to embrace knights in shining armour, damsels in distress, strolling minstrels playing chipper tunes and lapping a lip over some of the finest food to be found!



Our family took in the weekend watching royal jousting matches, bungee jumping, log rolling contests, and we shopped until we nearly dropped in stores touting period pieces of art, jewelry, books, music, clothing and more.



One of our favorite shows was the King's Falconer. We adore raptors (owls in particular), and this specific troupe from San Antonio did not disappoint. We saw 2 types of owls (which took our breath away) 3 types of vultures (which took our lunch away), along with peregrine falcons, hawks and other outstanding birds of prey.



No matter where we roamed you ran into multitudes who were dressed in corseted dresses, chain mail, armour, and even a walking tree. Yes, we felt like we had mistakenly walked into the pages of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy. It was full of fantastic fantasy!


We needed more than a day to take in the astounding fair grounds that you will all want to experience. Make sure to read up on the largest Renaissance Festival in the United States (and some say it's the biggest in the world!). This season has come to a close, but make plans to visit sometime in the Fall of 2010. You will not be disappointed.

Sir Connor took a lesson in archery and ended up purchasing a wooden sword and shield. Lady Katherine eventually purchased a fine bow, quivver, and arrows - an dlet me way everyone wanted to try their hand at archery once they saw her bow. Look out Artemis. Here comes competition!


Farewell for now!
Lady Julie

Act of Life's Celebration of Life 2009

November is my favorite month of the year. The temperatures turn colder, the leaves turn beautiful fall colors and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. November is also special to me because it is National Adoption Awareness Month.

Just last Friday Act of Life hosted its annual Celebration of Life at the Houston Hilton Hobby Airport. It was an inspirational evening that had everyone buzzing. For more information please be sure to read the review on Act of Life's blog.

Dr. Land was tremendous, so I know you will want to read up and take a peek at some of the photos taken during the event.

Much love and many thanks,
Julie

A Heart Changed for Life

This week my heart has been greatly encouraged! Two friends passed along this story to me, and I want to be sure others have the opportunity to hear about it.

The story is about an Executive Director of a Planned Parenthood in Bryan, TX, who had a change of heart after watching an abortion on an ultrasound. Please take a moment to read her story and then take a look at another news outlet's video version.

After reading and watching, the Lord reminded me anew that nothing is too difficult for Him. In the well-known war of 'pro-life VS pro-choice' God has His people strategically placed all around the battle field patiently loving people who hold differing opinions and desiring to be used by God to bring about lasting change.

Are you a soldier in this war to protect innocent human life? Are you girded and ready to defend them? We need not plot and implement hateful harmful acts. Rather we need to be on our knees entreating the Spirit to reveal truth to individuals in His time and in His way.

Are you ready to be deployed?

Rejoicing in another life that has been affected for eternity!
Julie

Orphan Sunday Reminder!

For those of you in the Houston area, please be sure to join the festive and informative event Orphan Sunday Nov. 8 from 4-6 pm in the Chapel at Houston's First Baptist Church. Join other Houstonians as we gather to hear how God is stirring His people into action across Texas, the United States and even the world.

As a sneak peek of the afternoon's activities, take 3 minutes to watch this special message from Jedd Medefind, President of The Christian Alliance for Orphans.

Don't miss this opportunity to include your children in a family-friendly event. Besides, who would want to miss Steven Curtis Chapman leading in worship?

See you this Sunday!
Julie