New Cookbook

I got a new cookbook last week and just got a chance to sit down and really look at it and flag the recipes I would like to try. The name of the book is In the Kitchen with Mary & Martha, One-Dish Wonders. I am liking this cookbook, normally I only like ones with pictures of the dishes in them. This one has no food pictures, but it is wonderful. Not only do the recipes sound good and easy, at the bottom of some of the pages are tips from Mary and Martha. If you don't know the story of Mary and Martha, look it up in your Bible, it's in Luke! I'm pretty sure this is how it goes, Mary and Martha were sisters and they were visited by Jesus. Martha stressed out cooking and getting a meal ready, while Mary sat with Jesus and talked to him. Anyway, the tips at the bottom of the pages are different things, Martha offers the cooking and cleaning tips, while Mary offers the everyday life tips. Here are some of my favorites:

Martha: "For a nifty blender cleanup, fill 1/3 of the blender with hot water. Add a drop of dish detergent. Cover and turn on for a few seconds. Rinse and dry." I am so trying this.

Mary: "Take time in your day to be inspired by something small-the scent of a flower from you garden, a hug from a child, an "I love you" from your spouse... Then thank God for the little things in life. Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and discover they were the big things."

Mary: "While you're feeling overwhelmed, try these great stress busters:
1) Take a walk.
2) Read you Bible.
3) Pray.
4) Read a book for a quick escape to another world.
5) Hug your husband and your kids! (Squeeze tightly!)
6) Laugh. (Even better when done with a friend.)"

Mary: "I believe slow cookers were sent to us moms straight from heaven."

Mary: "Disconnect from the world. Turn off your cell phone, let the answering maching take care of your home phone calls, turn off the TV, and savor the silence. A little peace and quiet will rejuvenate your soul. Proverbs 14:30 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body.""

Martha: "Reuse a large spice containers with the removable shaker shield. Fill the container with flour and label it clearly. Use the flour to dust your greased baking pans."

There are tons of other tip tidbits.