Substitutionary Cooking

We are having company tonight with people I don’t know. I met them at the pool, and I immediately liked them. We’ll see how well they like me after I feed them.

My intentions are always good – or most always – okay, sometimes. Getting an early start on cooking seemed like the right thing to do since my kitchen always ends up a TOTAL disaster after one of my culinary attempts. After the miracle of tomato pie success happened a few weeks ago, I thought I’d try it again. Since I haven’t tasted it yet, I’m not guaranteeing anything.

I have a few recipes that have proven successful for me. Chocolate Delight is one of those desserts that always works. Unlike my recent peach pie fiasco and my coconut pie soup failure that has plagued me for years, I have yet to mess up Chocolate Delight.

Chocolate, Cream Cheese, and Whip Cream – What’s not to like? What could I possibly mess up? Other than the kitchen which is normal.

So part of this recipe calls for two small packages of chocolate pudding. Bought it this morning. Good to go!

The problem started when I realized that though the expiration date on my milk jug is still 5 days away, the milk wasn’t good. I wisely checked it ahead of time. Rotten to the core!

I did buy a container of heavy cream this very morning. Totally fresh and good!

Except.

I didn’t know that heavy cream couldn’t be substituted for milk. I added three cups of the cream to the two packs of pudding mix. Instead of a smooth creamy mix, the combination started gumming up my mixer with thick globs.

I kept my calm and added a cup or two of water and tried again. Perfect! Another miracle for the books.

I finished making the Chocolate Delight, and I think it’s going to be yummy.

I’m pretty sure my mixer will not live to see another day.

By the time I finished mixing, some of the dark brown goo ended up inside the mixer. I could see it in there plain as day! I wisely unplugged it, turned on the hot water, and began spraying it and clunking it on one side then the other to loosen the foreign material. Hopefully when I plug it in next time, I won’t electrocute myself or set the kitchen on fire. Of course, the second item listed would not be the first time it happened. We’ll see. Like I say – miracles happen.

But I was thinking. Yes, folks! Get set for an object lesson.

There are those who think there is another way to make heaven their home without going through the atoning work of Christ in their lives. Substitutionary salvation? Sad, right?

But how many times do I think I can get by with doing things my way without God’s blessing or guidance? How many times do I fail in relationship situations because I have not added the correct ingredients of love and prayer to my day?

Bottom line – my cooking isn’t perfect and neither am I, but God loves me anyway.

I’ll let you know how my stuff tastes tomorrow.

Blessings

Kara Beth

I am listing a number of verses from the Living Bible, Colossians 3:14-17.  It seems to be a very good recipe for a blessed life.

Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of His deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them …

Be gentle and ready to forgive, never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Most of all, let love guide your life, for them the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of His body. And always be thankful. Remember what Christ taught, and let His words enrich your lives and make you wise; teach them to each other and sing them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, and come with Him into the presence of God the Father to give Him your thanks.