The BEST Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie

    Lemon Meringue is one of my favorite pies, that and banana cream.  My grandmother made THE best lemon meringue pie!  The meringue was high and fluffy like a cloud.  A few years ago when I was in Arizona I wanted to make a lemon meringue pie out of some of my father's lemons. 

So I looked up a recipe for lemon meringue pie on my computer.   I didn't have any gluten free flour at his house, so I just made the lemon pudding because it's  the closest filling to my grandmother's that I've come across. This recipe was on All Recipes.  It uses more lemon juice and less water, and that combination with the lemon zest and the right amount of sugar gives it the perfect tang.  

The BEST Lemon Meringue Pie

1.  Separate 4 eggs.  Put  4 egg whites into a separate glass bowl to be beaten later. They should sit out for at least 30 minutes to come to room temperature. Note:  Make sure your bowl is grease free.

2.  Squeeze the juice of 2 lemons and put the zest into a small dish.

3.  In a saucepan put:  

(1) 1 cup of white sugar, 2 T rice flour, 6 T tapioca starch, and 1/4 t salt. 
(2)   Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of hot water and whisk together to combine. Cook and stir over medium high until it starts to boil.
(3)  Then reduce the heat and cook about 8 minutes longer for a creamier filling my Better homes & Garden cookbook says.
(4)  Remove from the stove and take out 1 cup of hot mixture and whisk it with 4 egg yolks. Then gradually stir it back into the mixture in the pan.
(5)  Bring it back to a boil and cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly or until thickened.
(6)  Add 2 T of butter and stir in 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 large lemons) and the zest from these two lemons. The lemons pictured here gave me 1 cup of lemon juice. 
(7) Whisk together until well combined about 1 minute. 

(8)  Remove from heat and pour into prepared baked crust.  

4  To make a meringue:   (Note:  Try to time it so  the meringue is done a few minutes after the lemon filling is done so it is still hot when you put the meringue on top.)  Here is a great site with a lot of information about making meringue.

(1) Beat egg whites until foamy at medium speed.  
(2) Slowly add  1/4 t cream of tartar,   and gradually add 6 T of sugar one tablespoon at a time beating at high speed until peaks form about 2-4 minutes.  Add 1/2 t of vanilla and beat until blended.
(3)  My Southern Living Cookbook says that when the meringue is right it should look glossy and have sharp peaks. If you rub it between your fingers, it should feel smooth.
(4)  At this time, use a spatula and spread the meringue quickly over the surface of the pie, sealing it to the edges to keep the meringue from shrinking away from the crust while baking.

5. Bake lemon meringue pie at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

6.  Put the pie away from a draft on a wire rack to cool. Let lemon meringue pie cool several hours before serving  so the pie has time to set up. 

Other Gluten Free Baking & Desserts on This Blog:

Breads: 
Gluten free & Low-fat Banana Bread  (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Celebrate Fall With Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread   (A friend's recipe)
Delicious Gluten Free Zucchini Bread   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
My Favorite Gluten Free Cranberry Nut Bread    (From my daughter-in-law's family cookbook)

Cakes:
Gluten Free German Apple Cake   (From my grandmother)
You Won't Believe It's Gluten Free Carrot Cake    (From my daughter's husband's grandma)
Judi's Super Moist Gluten Free Chocolate Cake   (From a church friend)
Judi's Gluten Free Orange Chiffon Cake       (From a church friend)
Marilyn's Spectacular Gluten Free Oatmeal Cake    (My mother-in-law's--she's a great cook!)
Delicious Gluten Free Rhubarb Cake     (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Grandma's Gluten Free Applesauce Cake  (From an Internet search tastes like my grandma's!)
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Banana Cake      (From my grandma)
Rosie's Gluten Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake    (From my daughter-in-law's family)

Cookies:
Gluten Free Cowboy Oatmeal Cookies  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Mom's Go To For Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
The Best Gluten Free Recipe for Snickerdoodles  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Gluten Free Rocky Road Brownies     (From a church friend)
Mark's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies - Made Gluten Free!    (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Judi's Gluten Free Oatmeal Craisin & Coconut Cookies       (From a church friend)

Cornbread & Rolls:
Beth's Amazing Gluten Free Cornbread   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)

Crisps & Pies:
Lena's Rhubarb Crunch (A crisp with a gluten free top and bottom crust!) (My daughter-in-law's mother.  She's an amazing cook, which I think most of us moms become after a few years!)
Delicious Gluten Free Apple Crisp  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Ginger's Outrageous Apple Pie  (From a church friend)
The BEST Lemon Meringue Pie with Mrs. Lauralicious Gluten Free Pie Crust  (Internet)

Desserts with Fruit:
Sensational Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake   (From the back of Costco's organic sugar)

Terrific Gluten Free Strawberry & Peach Trifle  (Modified from an Internet search)
My Favorite Gluten Free Strawberry Cheesecake   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Just Like Grandma's (But Only Gluten Free) Blueberry Cobbler (My husband's grandma)

Holiday Cookies & Baking:
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies  (Modified from back of the Libby's can)
Incredible Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
My Grandkids Favorite Gluten Free Peppermint Sugar Cookies  (From Syre School Cookbook)
Our Favorite Pumpkin Pie   (Modified from back of Libby's pumpkin can)
Perfect Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake  (From back of cream cheese box)
Gluten Free Polish Fruitcake   (Modified from Internet search)
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Gingerbread Cake  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)

Muffins:

Banana Nutty Muffins   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Gluten Free Tremendous Pumpkin Muffins    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Bursting with Blueberries Gluten Free Muffins  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Toni's Outrageous Gluten Free Corn Muffins  (From back of a Bob's Red Mill package)
Sassy Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)

 Puddings & Ice Cream:  

Dairy Free Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream (And other ice cream favorites!)  (From searches)

Baked Coconut Pudding  (Something I worked out from my Aunt Sue's rice pudding recipe)
Tangy Lemon Pudding   (From Internet search)

What Does 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Say About God?

  Not only is He alive but the Bible tells us He is living within His believers. 

 1 Thessalonians 1:9 tells us this: …and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God.  

This week I enjoyed reading  chapter 2 of  Life-Study of 1 Thessalonians:

The fact that God controls us and directs us, even in small things such as our thoughts and motives, is a proof that He is living.  Furthermore, it is by our daily walk that we can prove to our relatives, neighbors, and friends that our God is living. We live under the control, direction, and correction of a living God. An idol, however, does not direct or correct anyone….The reason we do not do or say certain things should be that God is living in us. The God whom we worship and serve is living not only in the heavens, but also in us (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of 1 Thessalonians. Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1982, Print).

   Whenever I read this verse before, I just thought it was just comparing dead idols to the living God.  But this week when I read this chapter, I saw that this is about God being real to me in all the details of my life. God adjusts and corrects us not because He's out to get us and catch us whenever we fail, but because He wants to be expressed on this earth! This brings back to my mind how we need to pray short prayers to the Lord throughout the day like,  "Lord, live out through me today."   

You can  also listen to live excerpts from these messages on 1 Thessalonians on Life-Study of the Bible with Witness Lee.  

What Does 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Say About God?
What Does God's Salvation in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 Accomplish in New Believers?
Why Does Paul Put Faith, Love, & Hope Together in 1 Thessalonians 1:3?
How Does God Preserve Us Complete in 1 Thessalonians 5:23?
What Does Salvation in Sanctification of the Spirit Mean in 2 Thessalonians 2:13?

Gluten Free Orange "Beef" Tofu Stir Fry

  Tofu is a good source of protein, and it takes up the flavor of any sauce it's cooked in.  When I want a vegetarian meal, for the international students who board with us, tofu is a great option. Tonight I'm making this recipe again for a student who just joined us for spring quarter.  

   This recipe is a modification of one I found on All Recipes, I took the vegetable list from it, but I used the  orange sauce recipe from  Come and Dine, my church cookbook. 

 The trick to not having the vegetables turn soggy is to use your kitchen timer!  When I made this tonight, I put  2 1/2 minutes on my timer, and they came out perfect!  

   The sauce was close to restaurant quality,  but you can taste it at the end and add more gluten free tamari or Sriracha or orange concentrate to tweak it to your own liking! 

Gluten Free Orange "Beef" Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry

1.  Prepare Vegetables:

(1)  Slice 2 carrots and 2 stalks of celery on the diagonal.

(2)  Cut 1 zucchini in half and slice in half moons.

(3)  Slice 1 onion into thin slices.

(4)  Chop up 1 1/2-2 cups of broccoli florets.

(5)  Slice 1 red pepper into thin slices.

2.  Prepare orange sauce:
(1)  Put 1  cup of orange juice concentrate into a small bowl.
(2)  Stir in 1/4 cup of warm water and 1/4 cup of gluten free tamari
(3)  Then add  2 T of brown sugar, and 2 t of Sriracha sauce
(4)  Stir in 1 t of salt, 1 t of black pepper, and 1 T of tapioca starch.

3.  Prepare tofu:

(1)  Drain 1 package of extra firm tofu on a plate.  Then slice the cube in half and then cut small bite-sized blocks.

(2)  Put 2 T of sesame oil into a skillet.

(3)  Brown the tofu on both sides.  Then put on a plate.

4.  Stir-fry the vegetables:
(1)  Put 2 T of coconut oil into a large skillet and stir-fry ginger for about 1 minute and then add the rest of the vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 more minutes.
(2)  Form a well in the center of the vegetables and add the orange sauce.
(3)  Slice one container of tofu into 1" cube and put on a plate.
(4)  When the mixture comes to a boil, bring down to medium-low and then add the tofu and gently stir it in and let it all cook for about 2 1/2 minutes until the tofu is warmed through. Try to time it so that the vegetables are crisp-tender.

List of Vegetarian Recipes on this Blog:

Pasta:
Oh So Good Gluten Free Vegetarian Italian Lasagna
Fantastic Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese
Making Pad Thai With a Thai Student  (Omit the chicken)

Vegetables:
Cheese & Vegetable Enchiladas
Scalloped Potatoes
Amazing Vegetable Panang Curry
Make Your Own Thai Fresh Rolls
Oh So Bueno Gluten Free Vegetarian Fajitas!

Quinoa:
Baja Salad with Black Beans & Quinoa
Gluten Free Mexican Quinoa Casserole

Tofu & Rice:
Gluten Free Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry
Fabulous Gluten Free Fried Rice

Beans & Legumes:

Best Recipe for Boston Baked Beans

Grandma Pitcher's Family Favorite Baked Beans

What is Christ Doing at the Right Hand of God in Colossians 3:2?

    What is Christ doing at the right hand of God?  There’s probably a lot of speculation out there about this. I know I’ve heard a few. Last week I read some amazing chapters at the end of the Life-Study of Colossians that filled me in on what the Lord’s really doing based on Colossians 3:2:  

I took this at a tulip farm last week.

If therefore you were raised together with Christ, seek the things which are above where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 

   In chapter  59 of the Life-Study of Colossians Witness Lee opens up this topic by saying that Christ’s ministry has two aspects.  As most people are aware of from the Gospels, Christ carried out His earthly ministry for 33 ½ years doing things like healing the sick, casting out demons, and teaching people. And he points out in this chapter that the goal of Christ’s earthly ministry was to accomplish redemption so that He could be become the life-giving Spirit to regenerate people for the building up of His Body.

   Then he shares that after Christ’s ascension recorded in Acts, He has been carrying out His heavenly ministry.  And Romans 8:34 states clearly what Christ is doing at the right hand of God:  …It is Christ Jesus who died and, rather, who was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.  But here’s a part that I never heard before —The Lord needs us to join into His intercession! These excerpts  from chapters 59 and 65 really helped me get this:

"To seek the things which are above and to set our mind on them is to join ourselves to the Lord in His ministry in heaven…..Do you not aspire to be one with the Lord in the heavenlies and to have a heart that is one with His heart?...We all need to care for the Lord’s interests.  While He is praying in heaven, we respond on earth….Christ works in heaven, and we work on earth….Christ’s ministry in heaven is all for the goal of building up the Body and forming His Bride. However, Christ’s ministry in heaven requires our response. We need to become on earth the very reflection of that heavenly ministry. When we seek the things above, we respond to the Lord’s heavenly ministry and reflect it" (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of Colossians. Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1979, Print). 

   I really like the words respond and reflect because they show that our prayers need to correspond to God's prayer.  This makes me think about a message I heard a few weeks ago from the Crystallization of Genesis messages on Living Stream Ministry’s website covering Genesis 18. In this chapter God tells Abraham He is about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. 

    In response Abraham began to ask God questions that appealed to His righteous nature. Back and forth God and Abraham went until the Bible says “And Jehovah went away as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham,…" Through this example, I saw how Abraham responded to God's need for an intercessor to pray for Lot.  The prayer that Abraham prayed was a reflection of God's concern for Lot and his family.  These messages encouraged us to echo what is on the Lord's heart. 

You can listen to excerpts from the Life-Study of Colossians given in 1979 on The Life-Study of the Bible with Witness Lee. 

Other Posts on the Life-Study of Colossians:

What is God's Will in Colossians 1:9?
What is the Stewardship of God in Colossians 1:25?
What is the Hope of Glory in Colossians 1:27?
What is the Mystery of God in Colossians 2:2? (Part 1)
What is the Mystery of Christ in Ephesians 5:32?   (Part 2)
What is the Greatest Mystery?
What is God's Intention for Your Life?
From the Life-Study of Colossians - What Happens When We Pray?
How Does God Get the One New Man in Colossians 3:10?
What Does Colossians 2:7 Say About Spiritual Growth? (Part 1)
What is the Goal of Spiritual Growth in Colossians 2:19?  (Part 2)
What is Christ Doing at the Right Hand of God in Colossians 3:2?

Easy Gluten Free Baked Taquitos

   Mexican food is one of my favorites.  Maybe because I grew up in Southern California and it was everywhere.  Great spices, lots of vegetables, and some crunch make Mexican food amazingly delicious.

    Over the years I've picked up some great Mexican recipes (and many of them are in the list below)--I like to especially look out for the low-fat versions like this one for baked instead of deep fried taquitos.  This is a modification from a recipe a friend gave me from Family Fun Magazine.  

It has just the right amount of crunch and spice.  I cooked it with a pot of home made refried beans, Spanish rice, and pineapple coleslaw.

Easy Gluten Free Baked Taquitos

1.  Prepare vegetables:   Dice 1 medium onion and 1 clove of garlic.  

2.  Grate 2 cups of colby-jack cheese

3.  Warm up 24 medium size corn tortillas.  I had better results with putting 6 at a time inside a damp napkin and micowaving them for 45 seconds.  If you decide to warm them up in the oven, make sure they should be very pliable so you can roll them or they'll break. 

4. Prepare meat sauce: 
(1)  Put 1 T of oil into a large skillet and sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes.
(2)  Then add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook until almost done.
(3)  Stir in spices:  1 T of chili powder, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. black pepper.  Then stir in 1/2-3/4 cup of salsa and cook over medium-low for about 5 minutes.

5.   Assemble taquitos -  Put  meat sauce, cheese, & tortillas  and oil dish on counter:
(1)  Lay a warm corn tortilla out on your breadboard or plate.
(2)  Brush melted butter or oil on the outside.
(3)  Flip it over and spoon 1+ T of meat along one of the edges of the tortilla.
(4)  Sprinkle cheese over the top of the meat.
(5)  On the side  nearest the meat sauce begin rolling the tortilla up tightly.
(6)  Lay seam side down on a baking sheet.

6.  Bake at 350-375 for 10-12+ minutes until lightly browned.

Serve  hot with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Other Mexican recipes on this blog:

Mexican Casseroles
Texas Style Gluten Free Stacked Enchiladas  (From my Come & Dine cookbook)
Acapulco Delight - A great Mexican Enchilada (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Michelle's Favorite Vegetarian Enchiladas   (From my daughter)
Kathy's Baked Chili & Chips Casserole  (From my church cookbook, Come & Dine)
Gluten Free Mexican Quinoa Casserole  (From an Internet search)
Fiesta Gluten Free Tamale Pie   (From my church cookbook, Come & Dine)
Authentic Chicken Enchiladas Verde  (From a church friend)
Rebecca's Favorite Chicken & Chile Enchiladas  (From a church friend)
Delores's Chicken & Tortilla Casserole (Made Gluten Free)  (From my church cookbook, Come & Dine)

Tacos, Chimichangas  & Etc.
Rachel Ray's Recipe for the Best Fish Tacos   (From Food Network)
Fantastic Baked Chimichangas  (From my Syre School Cookbook)
Authentic Chicken Flautas  (My hispanic friend Abbie taught me how to make these!)

Delicious Chicken Fajitas  (A mix of many recipes)
Fabulous Vegetarian Gluten Free Fajitas   (From an Internet search)
Easy Gluten Free Baked Taquitos  (From a newspaper clip)

Beans & Rice
The Best Homemade Refried Beans  (From an Internet search)
Texas Pinto Beans & Rice  (From my Texas airport cookbook)

Mexican Chicken & Beef
Anna's Pollo Guisado (Mexican Braised Chicken)  (From a church friend in Phoenix)
Fantastic Gluten Free Carne Asada!  (From an Internet search--a combination of sites)
Belizean Chicken, Black Beans & Rice, and Belizean Coleslaw  (From my daughter's family)

Soups
Mexican Chicken Soup- A Great Remedy for Colds & Flu  (I got this over 25 years ago from a Mexican cookbook)
Bethany's Crowd Pleasing Tortilla Soup  (From a friend in Califiornia)
Southwest Turkey Soup   (From my Syre School Cookbook)

Salads
Baja Salad with Black Beans & Quinoa  (My own version of something I ate in Seattle)
Mexican Salmon & Mango Salad  (Modification of a Betty Crocker recipe)