Elle Is For Living!: 2021

Elle's Mother's Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

This is another easy, delicious and elegant cake to have on hand. Perfect for breakfast with coffee, a mid-day snack or for dessert. Not only it is versatile but, it lasts well covered in saran wrap on the kitchen counter....unless you have folks around that nibble at it all day in which case, it disappears quickly lol!

1 pkg Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Cake Mix

1 pkg lemon instant pudding

1/4 C poppy seeds

1 egg (extra in addition to the package directions)

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

fresh lemon juice (optional)

water or milk, or as needed

Grease and flour a Bundt pan.

Prepare cake mix as directed but add 1 extra egg, pudding and poppy seeds.

Bake as directed on package.

Cool and dust with icing sugar.

ICING

Mix icing sugar with as much lemon/water/milk as needed to make a thick drizzle icing. Using lemon/water/mix based on desire for tart or sweetness - totally roughly 1 Tbsp or desired consistency.

If you only have vanilla instant pudding instead of the lemon pudding, grate 1 lemon into the cake mix for additional lemon flavor.

Elle's Spice Cake

As always, easy is something I love. This is so convenient to throw together for when you have guests. It is great in the morning with coffee or for dessert. So nice to have it on the kitchen counter for anyone to help themselves to whenever they want. It also looks fancier for doing it up in a Bundt pan!

Parmesan Herb Foccacia Keto Bread

This is one of our favorite breads to make. It only takes a couple of minutes to mix the ingredients and then cook it in the air fryer for 10 minutes. So delicious! I throw this together last minute to go with grilled steak, chicken or any other number of dinners. So easy, versatile and delicious.

Parmesan Herb Focaccia Keto Bread

1 C Shredded mozzarella cheese

1 oz full-fat cream cheese

1 C blanched finely ground almond flour

1/4 C ground golden flaxseed

1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 large eggs

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp dried basil

1/3 tsp dried rosemary

1 Tbsp salted butter, melted and divided

Place mozzarella, cream cheese and almond flour into a large microwave safe bowl and mic for 1 minute.

Add flaxseed, parmesan and baking soda and stir until smooth ball forms. If the mixture cools too much, it will be hard to mix so return to mic for 10 to 15 seconds to rewarm if necessary.

Stir in eggs. You may need to use your hands to get them fully mixed in. Keep stirring and they will absorb into the dough.

Sprinkle dough with garlic powder, basil, rosemary and knead into dough.

Press out onto greased foil and put into the airfryer

Set temp to 400F and timer to 10 minutes

At 7 minute mark, cover with foil if bread is getting too dark

Remove and let cool at least 30 minutes.

Drizzle with 1 Tbsp butter and serve.

Sunday Chat - Being Happy No Matter Your Circumstances

So go ahead.

Eat your food with joy,

and drink your wine

with a happy heart,

for God approves of this!

Wear fine clothes,

with a splash of cologne!

Ecclesiastes 9:7-8

Always be joyful.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Yet God has made everything

beautiful for its own time.

He has planted eternity

in the human heart,

but even so,

people cannot see the

whole scope of God's work

from beginning to end.

So I concluded there

is nothing better

than to be happy

and enjoy ourselves

as long as we can.

And people should eat and drink and

enjoy the fruits of their labor,

for these are gifts from God.

Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

And now, dear brothers and sisters,

one final thing.

Fix your thoughts on

what is true, and

honorable, and right, and pure,

and lovely, and admirable.

Think about things that are excellent and

worthy of praise.

Keep putting into practice

all you learned and

received from me

everything you heard from

me and saw me doing.

Then the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

Always be full of joy in the Lord.

I say it again rejoice!

Let everyone see that you are

considerate in all you do.

Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Philippians 4:4-5

Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you

who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thesselonians 5:18

Give thanks to the Lord

and proclaim his greatness.

Let the whole world

know what he has done.

Psalm 105:1

Don't worry about anything;

instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need,

and thank him

for all he has done.

Then you will

experience God's peace,

which exceeds anything

we can understand.

His peace will guard

your hearts and minds

as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Don't let your hearts be troubled.

Trust in God, and trust also in me.

There is more than enough room

in my Father's home.

If this were not so,

would I have told you

that I am going to prepare

a place for you?

When everything is ready,

I will come and get you,

so that you will always

be with me where I am.

And you know the way

to where I am going.

John 14: 1-4

Always be full of joy in the Lord.

I say it again rejoice!

Let everyone see that you are

considerate in all you do.

Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Philippians 4:4-5

You will keep in perfect peace

all who trust in you,

all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Trust in the Lord always,

for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Isaiah 26:3

Happy are those who hear

the joyful call to worship,

for they will walk in the light

of your presence, Lord.

They rejoice all day long

in your wonderful reputation.

They exult in your righteousness.

Psalm 89:15-16

A glad heart makes a happy face;

a broken heart crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:13-14

For the Scriptures say,

"If you want to enjoy life

and see many happy days,

keep your tongue from speaking evil

and your lips from telling lies.

Turn away from evil and do good.

Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

1 Peter 3:10-11

For the despondent,

every day brings trouble;

for the happy heart,

life is a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:15

Those who look to him for help

will be radiant with joy;

no shadow of shame will darken their faces

Psalm 34:5

But let the godly rejoice.

Let them be glad in God's presence.

Let them be filled with joy.

Psalm 68:3

I will shout for joy and sing your praises,

for you have ransomed me.

Psalm 71:23

Joyful are those who obey his laws

and search for him with all their hearts.

Psalm 119:2

You have shown me the way of life,

and you will fill me with

the joy of your presence.

Acts 2:28

You love him even though

you have never seen him.

Though you do not see him now,

you trust him;

and you rejoice with a glorious,

inexpressible joy.

1 Peter 1:8

Therefore, since we are

surrounded by such a

huge crowd of witnesses

to the life of faith,

let us strip off every weight

that slows us down,

especially the sin

that so easily trips us up.

And let us run with endurance

the race God has set before us.

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus,

the champion who initiates

and perfects our faith.

Because of the joy awaiting him,

he endured the cross,

disregarding its shame.

Now he is seated in the

place of honor beside God's throne.

Think of all the hostility he

endured from sinful people;

then you won't become

weary and give up.

After all, you have not yet

given your lives

in your struggle against sin.

Hebrews 12:1-4

Instead, be very glad for these trials

make you partners with

Christ in his suffering,

so that you will have

the wonderful joy

of seeing his glory when it is

revealed to all the world.

1 Peter 4:13

Sunday Chat - Living As Christians During These Times

Judas Iscariot - committed suicide

John The Baptist - beheaded for criticizing

Herod Antipas' marriage - the

step-daughter Salome asked for his

head and received it on a platter

Matthew 14: 1-2

Paul - beheaded

Andrew -- crucified

Philip - cruelly put to death

Matthew (Levi) was crucified

Thomas - pierced through

with the spears of four soldiers

Matthew - stabbed to death

Matthais - the apostle chosen to replace

Judas - death by burning

Nathaneal (Barthalomew) was flayed alive

Peter - crucified…upside down

at his request as

he did not feel worthy

to die in the same manner

as the Lord

James - Stoned and then

clubbed to death

Simon - killed after refusing to

sacrifice to the Sun god

Thaddeus (Jude) shot to death with arrows

I want you to know,

my dear brothers and sisters,

that everything that has

happened to me here

has helped to

spread the Good News.

For everyone here,

including the whole palace guard,

knows that I am in chains

because of Christ.

And because of my imprisonment,

most of the believers

here have gained

confidence and boldly

speak God’s message

without fear.

Philippians 1:12-14

For I fully expect and hope that

I will never be ashamed,

but that I will continue

to be bold for Christ,

as I have been in the past.

And I trust that my life

will bring honor to Christ,

whether I live or die.

For to me, living means

living for Christ,

and dying is even better.

But if I live, I can do more

fruitful work for Christ.

So I really don’t know which is better.

I’m torn between two desires:

I long to go and be with Christ,

which would be far better for me.

But for your sakes,

it is better that I continue to live.

Philippians 1:20-24

So, my dear brothers and sisters,

be strong and immovable.

Always work enthusiastically for the Lord,

for you know that nothing you do

for the Lord is ever useless.

1 Corinthians 15:58

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters,

by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ,

to live in harmony with each other.

Let there be no divisions in the church.

Rather, be of one mind,

united in thought and purpose.

1 Corinthians 1:10

Don’t just pretend to love others.

Really love them.

Hate what is wrong.

Hold tightly to what is good.

Love each other with genuine affection,

and take delight in honoring each other.

Never be lazy, but work hard and

serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Rejoice in our confident hope.

Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

When God’s people are in need,

be ready to help them.

Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you.

Don’t curse them;

pray that God will bless them.

Be happy with those who are happy,

and weep with those who weep.

Live in harmony with each other.

Don’t be too proud to enjoy the

company of ordinary people.

And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil.

Do things in such a way that everyone

can see you are honorable.

Romans 12:9-17

I pray that your love will

overflow more and more,

and that you will keep on growing in

knowledge and understanding.

For I want you to understand

what really matters,

so that you may live pure and blameless

lives until the day of Christ’s return.

May you always be filled with the

fruit of your salvation—

the righteous character produced in your life

by Jesus Christ—for this will bring

much glory and praise to God.

PhIlippians 1:9-11

Make it your goal to live a quiet life,

minding your own business

and working with your hands,

just as we instructed you before

1 Thessalonians 4:11

Do not judge others, and

you will not be judged.

For you will be treated as you treat others.

The standard you use in judging

is the standard by which you will be judged.

Matthew 7:1-2

I urge, then, first of all,

that petitions, prayers,

intercession and thanksgiving

be made for all people, for kings and

all those in authority,

that we may live peaceful

and quiet lives in all

godliness and holiness.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

Show proper respect to everyone,

love the family of believers,

fear God, honor the emperor.

1 Peter 2:17

And let us not grow weary

of doing good, for

in due season we will reap,

if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

PLEASE NOTE THIS IMPORTANT CAVEAT!

And now I make one more appeal,

my dear brothers and sisters.

Watch out for people who cause

divisions and upset people’s faith

by teaching things contrary

to what you have been taught.

Stay away from them.

Such people are not serving

Christ our Lord; they are serving

their own personal interests.

By smooth talk and glowing words

they deceive innocent people.

But everyone knows that you are

obedient to the Lord.

This makes me very happy.

I want you to be wise in doing right

and to stay innocent of any wrong.

The God of peace will soon crush

Satan under your feet.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Romans 16:17-20

The righteous person faces many troubles,

but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

Psalm 34:19

Air Fryer Jalapeno Garlic Cheese Bread - Keto

This is equally good without the jalapeno but, it does give it a really nice flavor

Air Fryer Keto Garlic Cheese Bread

1 C shredded mozzarella

1/4 grated Parmesan

1 large egg

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Jalapeno diced, optional

Mix & press into a round circle or a square on parchment paper

Put in air fryer

Cook at 350F for 10 minutes

Serve warm but not hot (once it cools a bit, it has more of a 'bread' like texture.) Yummy!

If I do jalapeno, I sub the parmesan with grated mozzarella cheese

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas

So easy and delicious! Other than the tortilla, this is a very healthy meal.

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas

2 flour tortillas (gluten free if desired)

1 cup shredded chicken, done from a batch in the crockpot

2 tsp cumin mixed with chicken

1/2 cup shredded Cheese

TOPPINGS

guacamole

sour cream

pico de gallo https://elleisforliving.blogspot.com/2021/10/pico-de-gallo.html

salsa

jalapenos

green onion

minced fresh cilantro

Make up tortillas a desired (chicken, cheese, salsa, pico), roll-up and secure with a toothpick

Place in air fryer and cook at 400F for 5 minutes. Turn and cook for another 5 minutes till crispy. If cooking in an oven, preheat to 400F and bake chimichangas on a baking sheet.

Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

Pico de Gallo

This is a standard that I make in our house at least once a week!

Elle's Pico de Gallo

1 tomato

2 thin slices of red onion, diced

cilantro, chopped

avocado, diced

salt

Lime juice from 1 to 2 limes, squeezed

jalapeno, optional

Tapatio or Sriracha sauce, to taste (I like about 2 to 3 drops, Mark like at least 1 tsp!)

Combine all ingredients.

Serve over chimichanga or with chips.

If you have leftovers, cover with saran wrap pressed down tightly to adhere to the avocado to prevent browning

September Scriptures

A quarrelsome wife is

as annoying as constant dripping

on a rainy day.

Proverbs 27:15

A worthy wife is a crown

for her husband,

but a disgraceful woman is like

cancer in his bones.

Proverbs 12:4

Charm is deceptive, and

beauty does not last;

but a woman who fears the Lord

will be greatly praised.

Proverbs 31:30

Always be humble and gentle.

Be patient with each other,

making allowance for each other’s faults

because of your love.

Ephesians 4:2

We can rejoice, too,

when we run into problems and trials,

for we know that they help

us develop endurance.

Romans 5:3

Dear brothers and sisters,

when troubles of any kind come your way,

consider it an opportunity for great joy.

James 1:2

This is my commandment:

Love each other in the same way

I have loved you.

John 15:12

Love is patient and kind.

Love is not jealous or boastful or proud

1 Corinthians 13:4

Better to be patient than powerful;

better to have self-control

than to conquer a city.

Proverbs 16:2

Are any of you suffering hardships?

You should pray.

Are any of you happy?

You should sing praises.

James 5:13

When she speaks, her words are wise,

and she gives instructions with kindness.

Proverbs 31:26

Who can find a virtuous

and capable wife?

She is more precious than rubies.

Her husband can trust her, and

she will greatly enrich his life.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31: 10-12

Love is patient and kind.

Love is not jealous or boastful

or proud or rude.

It does not demand its own way.

It is not irritable, and

it keeps no record of being wronged.

It does not rejoice about injustice but

rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith,

is always hopeful, and endures

through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:4

Devote yourselves to prayer

with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Colossians 4:2

Three things will last forever

—faith, hope, and love—

and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

Always be joyful.

Never stop praying.

Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you

who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Elle's Easy Egg Drop Soup

This is going to be in a bonus video I am putting out next Thursday so I wanted to make sure to share the recipe beforehand. I frequently double this recipe. It is so fast and delicious!

The eggs and green onion are added at the end. This is super flavorful. Note: I didn't have Sherry so used Marsala instead - either works.

I just love how the flavors come together. I always serve this when I make wontons.

Elle's Easy Egg Drop Soup

Servings: 2

2 1/2 C Chicken Broth

1 Tbsp Cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water

ginger

dash pepper

1 tsp sherry

1 tsp sesame oil

egg beaten

green onion, chopped

Bring broth to a boil.

Mix cornstarch & water and add to broth

Add rest of ingredients to oil

Add egg stirring only in one direction

Dish up and serve with green onion on top

Elle's Easy Chia Seed Fruit Bars

Healthy, tasty and not messy - yup, these are the greatest fruit bars! They are also super easy to make and freeze well. These are a staple that I always have on hand. I keep extra in the freezer in a ziplock baggie for grab-and-go snacks.

It doesn't look to pretty when you first mix it but it all comes together when you added the dry ingredients.

Get creative with the seeds/nuts that you use. My favorites are using a combination of sunflower and walnut.

These are "no mess" so they are great to throw a few in a baggie and grab as you are on your way out the door as they don't fall apart or leave your hands sticky! I love to grab these to eat in the car.

Elle's Easy Chia Seed Fruit Bars

Servings: 30 bars

2 frozen and thawed bananas

3 C frozen fruit, thawed (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, cherries)

1/2 C Chia Seeds

2 Tbsp flax seed

1 C rolled oats

1 C seeds or nuts of your choice

Stevia if desired (see my notes)

Microwave the frozen fruit 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every minute, until thawed.

Mix with an immersion blender, blend fruit until it breaks down.

Add rest of ingredients to bowl and mix

Let sit on counter for 30 minutes - this allows the chia seeds to thicken the mixture

Put in lightly greased pan(s) spread out to about 1/2 to 3/4" thick.

Bake 350 for 20 minutes

Let cool completely before cutting in to bars. Put in ziplock bag and grab for a quick easy snack.

- Use 5C fruit (each banana counts as 1 C). If I use more bananas and less berries, I find it needs stevia. More berries and less banana (as written above) means I don't think it needs stevia. Adjust to your taste. I have made it with between 1 and 3 bananas but think 2 bananas is my favorite.

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