Vegetarian Egg Rolls and Fried Rice

These recipes have been a work in progress.  I'm not sure where I originally got the egg roll recipe--the one for fried rice came from allrecipes but I've changed that one too.  I'm not a fan of procuring ingredients I don't have easy access to or already keep stocked. 

In the past, I've made the whole package of egg rolls (20 servings) to take to a potluck.  Lately, I've been freezing the wraps in quantities of 5-6 to make alongside the fried rice for dinner.  That's how many our family of 4 eats in one sitting.  For simplicity, I'm just going to share the recipe I use for my family.

This recipe makes BOTH the 6 egg rolls and 4 servings of fried rice.
Ingredients are in red.
Please pardon the poor cell phone pic made even fuzzier by the steam.

Prepare the rice by bringing the water to a boil in a large wide saucepan, add butter, salt and rice, cover, reduce temperature to low and do not touch for 25 minutes.
    2 c. water
    2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
    1 tsp. salt
    1 c. uncooked white rice

While rice is cooking, prepare the following:

    1/2 head of green cabbage, sectioned and thinly sliced (about 3c.)
    1 c. shredded carrot
    8 oz. can of water chestnuts, drained and chopped
    1/4 c. thinly sliced green onions (about 1/2 a bunch) 
In a heavy-bottomed stockpot, heat 1 Tbsp. veg. oil over medium heat.  When oil is hot, add the cabbage, carrot, water chestnuts and onions and stir.
Add the following while mixture is cooking for 4-5 minutes, stirring as needed:
    1 tsp. minced garlic
    1/4 tsp. ground ginger
    dash of salt
(You want the veg's to become soft but not browned.)
Finish by adding 1 tsp.--1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce (per taste).
Remove 2/3 of mixture from pot and allow to cool in a dish on the counter.  (This is for the egg rolls.)
Push the remaining mixture in the pot off to one side and lower heat to medium/low.
Add to the pot:
    3-4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
When butter is melted, add:
    3 large eggs, beaten,  MIXED with
    1 tsp. low sodium-soy sauce
Stir constantly until small pieces of scrambled eggs form.  Reduce heat to low, mix veg. and eggs together, and add cooked white rice which should be finished.  (You may have some extra white rice.)  Keep on low heat until ready to serve.

Over medium heat, prepare a skillet with veg. oil that just covers the bottom.
Follow the assembly instructions on the package, use about 1/4c. of veg. inside each egg roll wrap.
    6 Nasoya egg roll wraps (comes in a 20 count package in the refrigerated produce section) 
Fry 2-3 minutes, turning until all sides are brown and crispy.
Drain on a paper towel. Serve immediately with fried rice and
    duck sauce

Enjoy!
Don't let the length of the recipe dissuade you!  Remember, it's two recipes in one.  :)

What I Read in 2016--Book Club Selections

It's been so long since I've posted, let's see if I still remember how!  :)

In no particular order, here are my reviews from book club this year.
(What I read outside of book club will be coming soon.)

* Waste of time.  No redemptive value.
** Not my cup of tea.  But that's just my opinion.
*** It was okay.  Not my favorite, but it might be yours.
**** I really liked it.   Would highly recommend it.
***** Not to be missed!  Put it at the top of your list.

GIVE THEM TRUTH by Starr Meade
*****
This is a book for parents and ministry workers who want to instruct their children in sound theology, but that description seems too simplistic.  This book, for me, was almost devotional.  I took scores of notes, not just because I wanted to use them later, but because rehearsing truth for my own soul usually involves physically putting pen to paper.  If you're into gospel-soaked Reformed theology, this one's for you.

ROSEMARY--THE HIDDEN KENNEDY DAUGHTER by Kate Clifford Larsa
**
I really wanted to like this book, and in fact liked parts of it, but found the writing horribly lacking.  It was an interesting portrait of the Kennedy's home life and a sad telling of the few options available to those with mental difficulties at that time in our country.   Add in the social stigma of mental illness, an absent father, a mother who "checked out", and the barbaric practice of lobotomy, and it was an all around depressing read.

BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD--AND STEAL--THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON by Steve Sheinkin
*****
This book, slated as young adult non-fiction, packs quite the punch and completely fits the bill for adults too.  The perfect combo of WWII history, espionage, and science that reads like a novel.  Our entire book club (12 ladies) loved it!

THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE (Flavia de Luce series, #1) by Alan Bradley
****
You either love the protagonist or find her annoying and bratty.  I happened to find her and this book delightful and at moments laugh-out-loud funny.  It's a British mystery that is clean, witty, and kept me guessing until the end.  I plan to read the rest of the series.

I CAPTURE THE CASTLE by Dodie Smith
***
I liked parts of it.  The "problem" was that I read 3 books in a row that all were British, coming-of-age novels and they all had an emotionally absent father.  After awhile, unless there was something that made it stand out, it got boring.

THE WRIGHT BROTHERS by David McCullough
*****
Who knew that Wilbur and Orville had a sister?!  And that she was so instrumental in her brother's lives?  I found this book completely fascinating and transporting, back to an era of discovery and ingenuity.  I purchased a copy for my own library.  McCullough's writing is first class.

NICKLE AND DIMED: ON NOT GETTING BY IN AMERICA by Barbara Ehrenreich
*
The premise of this book was great, but the delivery was oh so lacking.  Ehrenreich's writing gives off this egotistical vibe that makes her "experiment" of going undercover among the working class completely off-putting.  The book would have been completely different if she had made the people she encountered the focus instead of herself.

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE by Anthony Doer
*****
I read this in 2015 but was happy to read it again for book club.  Books are so much better when you can discuss them with friends!  :)  This WWII novel, set in a French seaside town, offers a picture of wartime from the viewpoint of two teenagers; one a German boy serving in the military and the other a French girl who is blind.  Doer's writing is lush and sensory.  A stand out among the myriad of WWII novels.  Don't let the length dissuade you--some "chapters" are only a page long.

LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS by Nick Vujicic
**
I heartily affirm much of what Nick has to say and I am thankful for his testimony of faith.  I have seen clips online of him sharing his story and have heard short segments of the same on the radio.  I just don't think he's a great writer.  The book read like he took all of those little snippets and crammed them together in no particular order.  I also found his "you can do it if you put your mind to it" and other similar cliches frustrating.

GARLIC AND SAPPHIRES by Ruth Reichl
****
Fancy pants New York Times food critic goes to Big Apple restaurants in disguise to see how the service measures up when she's "nobody".  For a foodie this was a feast and there were recipes to boot.  This book also offered perspective on how outer appearance can influence our self-opinion and behavior.

HOUSE OF THIEVES by Charles Belfoure
*
The premise of the book sounded promising but I can't recommend it.  Set in New York City in 1886, a respectable architect finds himself in an unwanted position.  His son's gambling debt to a notorious gang must be paid or else.  Robbing his former clients using his blueprints is the proposed solution.   I'm not opposed to reading of depravity, but it has to be redemptive in some way.  This book celebrated it and thus was just ick.

Thrill Ride

I love rollercoasters!  The higher and faster the better.

 

However, now that I'm approaching middle age (WHAT?!?!?!!) and have more than my fair share of gray hair, I have one qualification.  It has to be a smooth ride.

 

Well, we were given 2 free tickets to Hershey Park in August and since my husband wants no part of a rollercoaster, I was free to find a fellow thrill ride enthusiast.

 

I took my younger brother Joe and we started the day off right, with Fahrenheit. 

 

 

After following it with Storm Runner and Great Bear, we went on the Super Dooper Looper for old times sake.  This was the new coaster when I was a high school senior!!!  It had an upside down flip!!!  LOL.

 

We were about to make a Fahrenheit sandwich to end the day but the lines were too long by that point.  But, the lines provided much opportunity to properly catch up on each others lives.

 

Thanks for sharing my love of thrills, Joe!  It's no fun riding coasters by yourself.  Next time we need to go to a park on the West Coast for a sibling trifecta.  Are you game, Ryan?

Game Changer

I alluded to a major change in the works in yesterday's post.  Well, it's possible anyway.

 

In the spring Pete and I suddenly found an auction property for sale just 2 miles away from our current house.  It needed major work but had plenty of land and lots of possibility.  It being an auction meant everything needed to happen in reverse with our finances, and it seemed a long shot.  Quite frankly, we knew that if this was finally the property the Lord wanted for us, he'd have to perform a miracle.  And, at the same time, we knew we'd be fine with staying where we were if it didn't work out.  And it didn't.  :)

 

That all happened around Memorial Day, right as school was wrapping up and we were definitely ready for some summer vacation!  Honestly, it was a relief not to have to deal with a move this summer.  And I really do love my little house.

 

 

Fast forward 3 months.

 

We're on the real estate market rollercoaster again.

 

This time it's a regular sale we're looking at and it is 10 times better than the other place!  In fact, it has e.v.e.r.y. single thing on our wish list and is move in ready.  It needs some TLC, but nothing that is overwhelming.

 

We're still in process though, and it's hard not knowing how this will all work out.  BUT, we trust that God has our ultimate good in mind, He sees the big picture, and we can trust and rest in the knowledge that He will accomplish his sovereign will.

 

In the meantime, we're trying to sell our house.  If anyone is interested, leave a comment with your name and email and I'll send you a link with more info.

 

 

To be continued...

Back to School

Well, I meant to post this 2 weeks ago--life got interrupted (more about that in tomorrow's post).

Better late than never...

 

We had a great, low-key summer.  Definately not as exciting as some years, but Pete had steady supplemental work which was a blessing.  We had a number of days at home together and were able to tackle some remaining work projects.  And the kids got to go to two different Vacation Bible School programs (one at the beginning and one at the end of the summer), and Natalia went to Day Camp for a week, which was a new experience.

 

I don't feel like I got anything accomplished, but that's what this new season is for.  :)  I now have a 3rd grader AND an AM Kindergartener.  Momma's going to have no problem figuring out how to use those few hours solo. 

 

We had 2 first days of school due to a shortened parent and child intro to Kindergarten yesterday.  But, we took pictures both days to commemorate the occasion properly.  (It's much different when you actually wear a backpack, Adam informed me.)

 

 

 

 

My, my...they are growing up fast. 

Update in Pictures

Once again it's been several months since I've posted anything on this blog.  But that's life and I've never pretended to be a full-time blogger.  However, here are a few pictures and events I wanted to share. 

 

Some are simple everyday shots of my kiddos like these, taken back in February.

I sometimes call her "Freckles", which she thinks is a cool nickname.

 

I like this one a lot.  It reminds me that they aren't always pestering one another.  ;)

 

In April Adam was the Student of the Week at Preschool, so I took this shot for his poster.  He just seems so grown up lately.

And here they are hunting for Easter eggs at Mom and Dad's.

 

 

 

Part of the double rainbow over our neighbor's farm.

 

The end of May wrapped up Preschool for Adam. 

Here he is with his friend Calle just before their graduation ceremony.

 

He was so cute walking across the stage for his diploma.

 

With his teacher Mrs. Miller.  We think the world of her!  :) 

 

This just makes me laugh out loud! 

 

Our annual Stauffer Camping Weekend in late June. 

 

We celebrated the kids' 1/2 birthdays over Independence Weekend with Pete's mom and her friend Tom, my parents, and my brother Joe's clan.     

  

 

A highly anticipated outfit for Natalia's doll, made by my mom.



 

And lastly, some good ole' summer days at home.  

 

 

 

Book Club Titles for 2014

Last night we had our selection meeting where we nominate and vote on 12 new titles for the upcoming year.  It is always such a lively and laughter-filled evening and I come home jazzed--a slew of "extra" titles to add to my personal reading list. 

I just love how this group gets me to read things I wouldn't ordinarily pick up, they make me think and evaluate more deeply, and though Christians, we are still quite diverse in our backgrounds and perspectives.  And I love that.

I'm listing these by the month in which they will be discussed, along with a brief description.
Let me know if you've read any of these and what you think!  (No spoilers though, please.)

MARCH
The Ditch Digger's Daughters by Yvonne S Thorton
(Memoir; the importance of education, hard work and family values)

APRIL
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
(Classic; 1890's, morality, narcissism, the soul)

MAY
Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey
(Mystery; British, impostor, inheritance)

JUNE
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
(Non-fiction; busy sales executive meets 11 yr. old panhandler)

JULY
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
(Young Adult Fiction; German girl and her foster parents, books, hiding Jewish man, surviving WWII)

AUGUST
In The Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner
(Autobiographical Fiction; 7 yr. old girl, coming of age, Cambodian civil war)

SEPTEMBER
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
(Fiction; foster care, San Francisco, the meaning of flowers)

OCTOBER
The Girl With No Name: The Incredible Story of a Child Raised by Monkeys by Lynne Barrett-Lee and Marina Chapman
(Biography; child trafficking, human-animal relationships, Colombia)

NOVEMBER
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
(Fiction; college professor, early onset of Alzheimer's)

DECEMBER
Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung
(Christian Living; getting to the root of busyness)

JANUARY
One Light Still Shines: My Life Beyond the Shadow of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting by Maria Monville
(Memoir; wife of Nickle Mines shooter, God's redemptive love)

FEBRUARY
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo
(Nonfiction; society and culture, urban poverty, India)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And just because we debated long and hard over this one, (but no one had read it), anyone have anything to say about Watership Down by Richard Adams?  All we know is that it is 520 pages, and an adventure fantasy about rabbits.  :) 
Let's just say some of us were seriously intrigued by that description, and others of us were laughing hysterically!