A Fount of Informative Information

It is a rainy, rainy day here! I have desperately wanted to take a nap all day, but alas, that was not meant to be today.

(Instead I'm choosing to post some information that is random, yet interesting and...ummm...informative, which I suppose is the definition of "information".)

(And now, after that enlightening paragraph, we are all witnesses to the wonders that a nap would have done me this afternoon but did not.)

1. A group of folks who love the idea of releasing children from poverty are leaving on a Compassion blogging trip to India in seven days. If you've been reading this blog, you'll know that we took a Compassion trip to Uganda last year to visit the boy we sponsor. While we did some live blogging on our trip, I can guarantee these bloggers will have more high-tech, professional posts.

Because they blog for millions. I blog for tens.

Feel free to visit their blogs and take a virtual trip to India:



2. John and I were part of Church Under the Bridge in Waco during college. We still keep in touch with the pastor and his wife and really miss worshiping with people of all backgrounds, races, socio-economic groups, and cultures under an interstate bridge. For those of you interested in what this experience is like, RELEVANT Magazine has an article you can read to catch a glimpse of this (unfortunately) unique church.

3. My dinner tonight will consist of leftovers, but I wanted to share the recipe with you all because these are my absolute favorite meatballs. Instead of breadcrumbs, I use some oatmeal and cornflake crumbs (mostly because I'm not eating wheat anymore). And I do believe these are tastier with ground turkey rather than ground beef, but that is my humble opinion.

Oh, and I much prefer couscous to rice. Again, personal preference.

Moroccan Meatballs

Serves 4

1 c. fresh bread crumbs

1/3 c. milk

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 med. Onion, finely chopped

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ tsp. cayenne

28 oz. can diced tomatoes

Kosher salt

black pepper

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

2/3 c. finely chopped cilantro

Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in bowl and let sit 5 min. Meanwhile, heat oil in heavy 10” skillet over med. heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 min. Add 1 tsp. cumin, the cinnamon and 1/8 tsp. cayenne and cook 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and their juices, 1 c. water, and ½ tsp. salt. Bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer 15 minutes.

While sauce simmers prepare meatballs; Mash breadcrumbs and milk with fork to smooth paste. Add beef (or turkey or combo), remaining 1 tsp. cumin, half of the cilantro, 1 ½ tsp. salt, several grinds of pepper, and the remaining 1/8 tsp. cayenne to the breadcrumbs. Mix with hands until thoroughly combined. Roll couple of Tbs. into 1 ½” balls (about 30 balls). Nestle meat balls into the sauce, cover and cook 10 min. Remove lid and continue to simmer for another 5 min. to thicken sauce. Stir in remaining cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve over rice or couscous.