Graze: To feed on growing grasses.



The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.


-Ps. 23:1-6

Growing up on a farm, I used to watch the cows, sheep & horses graze in the pasture. Each morning we would open the gate to the barnyard and they knew there was freedom from that small pen they were in. They also knew there was nice green grass beyond the barnyard. Once the gate was open, look out because those animals wanted to get where the tall, green grass grew – the pasture! They would take off sometimes even running up the old fenced lane that went up over the hill through the cornfield to the lush green pasture on the other side of the farm. There they would graze for a while then lay down and rest for a while then graze some more. They did this all day long. Come evening we would go over to the pasture’s edge and call the cows – 'come boss, 'come boss. They would gather at the pasture gate. Sometimes we would have to go round up a few stragglers and when all were accounted for, we’d open the lane gate and back over the hill they would go to the barnyard for the night. The next morning was the same routine, day after day.
What a life, huh?!

Oh that we could just graze and rest in shady green pastures all day long! But we can rest and graze in God’s green pastures and restore our souls . . . The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Ps. 23:1) I believe God wants us to slow down and “rest” and “graze” and “feed” on His Word. Life throws so many things our way and we are so busy – busy doing good things. But are we running on empty a good share of the time? Are we feeling stretched to extreme? Are we content with who we are in God’s divine providence? Slow down and take some time to just leisurely graze, rest a while, then graze and feed on the good things God has provided for you. Graze, rest, and enjoy the “shady green pastures” of God’s abundant love, grace, and mercy.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Iron Skillet Pineapple Upside Down Cake


 IRON SKILLET PINEAPPLE
 UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

  
Cook time:
55 Min
Prep time:
15 Min
Serves:
12
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 c butter
- 1 c brown sugar
- 1 (20)oz. can(s) pineapple slices
- maraschino cherries
- 1/2 c chopped pecans
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 c sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 c all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 c buttermilk





Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350. Melt 2/3 cup of butter; Stir in brown sugar.
2. Spread in bottom of 12-inch iron skillet or a 13 X 9 X 2 pan. DO NOT GREASE.
3. Arrange pineapple slices over sugar mixture; Place a cherry in the center of each.
4. Sprinkle with pecans and set aside.
5. In large bowl cream sugar and remaining butter; Beat in eggs and vanilla.
6. Combine all dry ingredients; Add alternately with the buttermilk, mixing well after each addition.
7. Pour carefully over sugar mixture.
8. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick test says it's done. Immediately invert onto serving platter.

Well, it is National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day!!!!  So who's going to give it a try?  Any takers today?  Try it and see if you like it or if you don't - then don't try it again next year!! I think it looks pretty good and I haven't fixed one for a long time.


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