Chicken Salad Recipe

Creamy Chicken Salad3 C. chopped rotisserie chicken breast, (bone and skin removed)1/2 C. chopped green apple (*I used fuji apples at the activity)1/2 C. seedless red grapes, cut in half1/3 C. sliced raw almonds2 green onions, sliced2 Tb. chopped fresh Tarragon1/4 C. Honey Mustard Salad Dressing (recipe below)8 C. Romaine lettuce -or- whole grain wrap*I also added about 1/2 C. chopped celery (opt)
Combine chicken, apple, grapes, almonds, green onions, tarragon, and honey mustard salad dressing in a large bowl; mix well. Refrigerate, covered, for 2 hours.Serve 1 1/4 C. Cream Chicken Salad over 2 C. Romaine lettuce for each serving. Or use in a wrap with dijon mustard and 2 lettuce leaves.Serves 4 (1 1/4 C. each). Prep time: 15 min.

Nutritional information (per serving): Calories 312, Total Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 91mg, Sodium: 176g, Carbohydrates: 16g, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 10g, Protein: 37g

Honey Mustard Salad Dressing1/2 C. Plain greek yogurt (2%)3 Tb. Dijon mustard3 Tb. Raw honey3 Tb. Rice vinegar1/4 C. Extra Virgin Olive OilSea Salt to taste, optional
Combine yogurt, mustard, honey, and vinegar in a medium bowl; mix well. (you could also use a food processor or a blender). Slowly add olive oil, whisking (or blending) constantly until well blended; season with salt if desired.Serves 8 (2 Tb. each) Prep time 10 min.

Nutritional info (per serving): Calories 102, Total fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 175mg, Carbohydrates 9g, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 7g, Protein; 1g
These Recipes come from the FIXATE cookbook by Autumn Calabrese

Joseph and Emma Quilt lesson - July 7, 2015 by Dana Erikson

July 7, 2015

The lesson was based on the information given about the quilts on the back wall of the RS room. I contacted Susan Echols who was the maker of the quilts a few years back, she since then has moved out of our ward.  

-Dana Erikson

 "Sister Emma", Quilted by Susan Echols, pattern by Jodie Warner.

 "Brother Joseph", Quilted by Susan Echols, pattern by Jodie Warner.

HERE IS A COPY OF SUSAN'S EMAIL that gives the information the lesson was based on:

I was approached by President Louis Seletos in 200?? asking for ideas for the back wall in the Relief Society room of the Glendale North Stake Center.  At that time, the wall was covered with a  floor to ceiling sheer curtain behind which extra chairs were stored.  This was all going to be done away with and he wanted something relating to Relief Society on that blank wall.  Several months previous to this, I had been in SLC at Mormon Handicraft and found the the Brother Joseph and Sister Emma patterns.  I liked them so I bought them thinking I would use them at a later date.  At the moment I was talking with President Seletos, those patterns came to mind and I knew exactly what needed to go up on that wall.  In following the pattern, I tried to use only civil war reproduction fabrics as they would most closely resemble the fabrics available at that time.  It took several months and I felt like my machine applique abilities were truly enhanced.  I then sandwiched them together with backings and machine quilted them on my personal sewing machine.  I then showed them to President Seletos who wanted them put in a frame behind glass.  He went with me to the frame shop and allowed me to choose the frame.  With quilts in hand, my first thought was that the frames should be very ornate.  However, once the quilts were placed next to the frames, it was clear that more simple lines would look best.  Several weeks later, the frames were placed on the wall by church physical facilities personnel.
I can only recall one true change.  In the original patterns Joseph and Emma are looking opposite each other.  I turned Emma’s silhouette to face her beloved Joseph.  The following is a description of the symbolism by the original pattern designer, Jodie Warner.
Susan Knudsen Echols
"BROTHER JOSEPH" QUILT - BLOCKS DESCRIPTIONS & MEANINGS
(listed roughly clockwise on quilt photo from upper left)
PORTRAIT BLOCK - adapted from painting by D. A. Weggland
CHILDREN OF ISRAEL BLOCK traditional block; the translated Book of Mormon becomes a sitness and tool for preachng truth to Abraham's seed as promised.
VERMONT PATCHWORK BLOCK traditional block; birthplace of Joseph Smith 
GROVE TREE PANEL  "In accordance with . . . my determination to ask God, I retired to the woods . . . "
LOG CABIN BLOCKS While in Palmyra, the family worked together to clear sixty acres of heavy timber, to bild a 1 1/2 story log cabin as family home.
PRESIDING KEY when Priesthood keys were restored in 1829, Joseph Smith became the presiding authority for this dispensation
WORLD-WITHOUT-END BLOCKS traditional block; Joseph Smith received divine revelation leading to the building of temples with eternal blessings
MARTYR'S CROWN BLOCK W. W. Phelps poetized that Joseph Smith would be 'crowned in the midst of the prophets of old'.
SUGAR MAPLE LEAVES PANEL The Smith family livelihood while Joseph was young involved harvesting sap to produce syrup

"SISTER EMMA" QUILT - BLOCK DESCRIPTIONS AND MEANINGS
(roughly clockwise from upper left)
MOURNING BLOCK A quilt of this crazy-patch style is displayed in the Nauvoo Mansion House, reportedly made by Emma from clothing belonging to the martyred Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum.
HARMONY BLOCK Traditional block commemorating Emma's place of birth
PORTRAIT BLOCK
HEARTS OF HER CHILDREN PANEL Emma mothered 11, including adopted twins. Only 5 survived beyond infancy. Just days preceding her own death, Emma reported a dream of the afterlife wherein the Prophet Joseph said to her, "Be patient and you shall have all of your children."
HAND OF FRIENDSHIP BLOCK "I took by the hand on that night, my beloved Emma . . . the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart."
BASKETS OF CHARITY  BLOCKS Emma's life in Nauvoo was filled with caring, administering for instance to malaria sufferers before the swamp was drained.
RELIEF SOCIETY KEY BLOCK "I now turn the key in your behalf."
MANY HOMESTEADS PANEL From the early years of their married life until settlement in Nauvoo, Emma and the Prophet had to move many times, often being "put up" by Church members.
MANSION HOUSE PANEL remembering the spacious home where Emma and the Prophet could host and welcome many.
DRUNKARD'S PATH PANEL Prior to the adoption of the Word of Wisdom, Emma objected to the use of chewing tobacco an alcohol being consumed in her General Store

HIDDEN POCKETS PANEL On Feb. 15, 1839, Emma and her children crossed the frozen Mississippi to escape Missouri. Under her skirts in two cotton bags, Emma carried the manuscript for the "inspired" Bible translation.

Stories Around the Campfire June 9, 2015

The Sisters enjoyed an evening of learning how to find family stories on Myfamilysearch.org under the "Memories" tab. Thanks to our ward family search consultants Clay and Natalie Johnson. Then we share some "stories around the campfire" which included our personal family stories. It was a pretty casual evening.  At the beginning we had our Family History consultant give just a brief 5 minute explanation how to look up stories and pictures on family search and how to add ones that you might have. Then everyone got a plate of food, simple chicken and cheese quesadillas, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream veggie kabobs and cobbler and ice cream for dessert (sorry should have gotten a picture of the food). Then the ladies were asked to bring any family history story they had to share or personal journal story. 1-3 minutes long. The evening turned out surprisingly well, we had some great giggles etc. Big thanks to our amazing Young Women for watching our precious children and our priesthood for providing our security. 

"Rise Above"

APRIL 2015 RELIEF SOCIETY MEETING - "Rise Above"

On the Menu

Chicken Cashew Salad

32 oz small rotini pasta
1 qt cooked chicken, chopped
2 cans sliced water chestnuts (drained)
2 cans pineapple tidbits (drained)
1/2 c chopped green pepper
2 cups diced apple
2 cups grapes
1/2 c finely chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups coleslaw dressing
2 cups mayonaise
salt and pepper to taste

Cook and chill the noodles then add the rest of the ingredients (pre mix the coleslaw dressing and the mayo together before adding to the rest).  Chill for an hour, then right before serving add:
2 cups salted and roasted cashew nuts

*Notice the great centerpieces!

On the Agenda

Each sister wrote her name on top of a balloon. Then all the balloons were placed in one small room. Initially, we had to go in the room and try to find our balloon, but without any lights, no talking, no helping, and we only got two tries. Then, we did a second round with lights on, help allowed, and as many tries as you need. We learned the importance of working together and helping each individual sister "Rise Above!"

Then we heard from two sisters who shared how they strive to be a light and "Rise Above." Whitney spoke about practical ways of becoming more like the Savior and encouraged us to focus on Christ-like attributes. These attribute can "lift" us and keep our "balloons" afloat. Annie shared with us how she feels and shares Christ-like love with others. The experiences she shared were inspirational and motivated us to see others as Christ sees them!

On the Agenda

The Five Little Piggies Night!

On The Menu

Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Green beans, Carrots, Corn, Fruit Salad, Rolls, Green Salad, Pie...

It was QUITE the feast!

Petunia the Pig...our event mascot!

Class 1: Smart Shopping

Class 2: Home

Class 3: Serving Our Community

December Relief Society Activity

On the Agenda

Progressive Dinner

On the Menu

Various appetizers, soups and desserts

Last week we met at Sister Hepworth's home for appetizers, walked to Sister Jones' house for soup and rolls, and ended up at Sis. Dart's house for desserts. It was a wonderful opportunity to take a break from the craziness of the holiday season and come together as sisters to socialize and enjoy good food.

 Sister Harris and Sister Fleener came ready for the festivities!

Thanks to everyone who opened their homes and to those who helped provide the food. It was a nice evening!

November Activity

On the Agenda

Learning how to crochet around a handkerchief for the Phoenix Temple Dedication

On the Menu

Zuppa Toscana, Garlic Bread, Fruit cup, and banana bread

We are all so excited to have a temple so close to home and the dedication is this Sunday! Sister Britt Davis taught us all how to crochet around a white handkerchief that we can use at the temple dedication.

It was a fun evening learning new skills and spending time together!

Super Saturday

On the Agenda

Crafting, socializing, crepe-Making class, sanding, and more crafting!

On the Menu

Crepes, ham and turkey sandwiches, salad, sweet potato chips

The Bellair Ward Super Saturday was as fun as ever! There were a lot of great crafts to choose from, yummy food to eat, and wonderful people to visit with.

Krystal Anderson taught a crepe-making class and then we sampled them. They were delicious! Recipes are below :)

Here are the recipes:

 

Super Saturday was a great success! Thanks to Jenna Killpack, Krystal Anderson, Annie Stott and everyone else who helped out with all the crafts, food, security, etc.

Meet Carly Mathers

Thank you for sharing Carly! We're excited to get to know you.

My name is Carly Mathers. I am from Madera Ranchoes, California which is basically 15 minutes from Fresno. I went to Ricks Jr. College, UVSC, NCSC and UVU (uvsc)  I finally decided on a major ( @ UVU) after switching it twice. I was getting a bachelors in Deaf studies and going to get an interpreter certificate this is before we moved here.

I met my husband Brett Mathers on LDS Singles in 2001 and so we had our first date in September, got engaged in November and got married in February 2002. We moved to Ohio where he is from after we both lost of jobs after the Olympics ended.We then moved to New York after our first daughter was born so Brett could go to Culinary School. We moved back to Ohio while Brett did his externship in New Orleans and after our second baby girl was born we went back to New York for him to graduate from C.I.A. and then moved to South Carolina. I am going into too much detail but we basically moved 8 times in 10 years=twice across the USA. Brett is in the D.O. program right now at Midwestern.

2008: I got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis

2009: I got diagnosed with Epilepsy
​ 

Old jobs: have worked for McDonalds for 12-15 years on and off. I have worked as a travel agent and also screen printer various kinds of shirts including motorcycle shirts and I went to Sturgis with my job to sell them.

Career: mother of 3 kids...well basically our pure bred black lab is a kid

Callee is 11 and Morgan is 9 and they were both born in the same hospital as Brett was in Ohio.

Favorite Dessert: No Bake Jello Cheesecake (plain)

Hobbies: love reading, was going to study Spanish and learn how to play the piano/keyboard till we got a puppy. {:-)

Season: Springtime in any state!!! 

Scripture: Alma 41:10

Hymn: I believe in Christ and Called to Serve

One of my very first testimony strengthening experiences was in 1996. I was going to UVSC and my father had just got killed in a car accident. At that time I was in apartments that were close to BYU so I was lucky enough to go to a BYU ward. Well I had stopped going to church for I think several months. Those wonderful LDS BYU students started giving me cards, stuffed animals, flowers etc. I was soo touched that to this day I try not to miss church for any reason besides if I was dying. Another time was in a UVU institute New Testament class and I have never had a stronger testimony about Jesus Christ since that class.

Meet Megan Potter

Thank you for sharing Megan! We are excited to get to know you a little better.

HI! I’m Megan Potter and I’m from Washington State. I was born in Seattle, but we moved to Spokane when I was about 10, so I claim Spokane and my parents still live there and I would love to settle anywhere in Washington to be close to family. I have a combined family with 2 brothers, 4 step-brothers, 1 sister,  1 step-dad and of course my mom. I love my step-family!! I went to BYU-Idaho in ‘02-‘07 and got my degree in Social Work which I love! I served a mission in Spain, Bilbao in ‘05-’06 and loved it, and I love Spanish. I hope to go back someday! That’s how I met my hubby (sortof!). His sister was my favorite mission companion! She is also from Washington (central) so we planned a double date with our brothers when we all got home from our missions. He was serving in Uruguay at the same time as I was in Spain. My brother was serving in Russia.  My husband Robert and I met about 9 months after we got home from our missions (double date with our siblings), and that was it, the rest is history! (our siblings didn’t end up working out-everyone always asks about that part so I had to mention it). Robert and I have been married for 6 years and have 2 boys, Brady (5) and Catcher (2). It is SO fun having my mission companion as my sister in law! She is my best friend☺ 

My husband is in the Optometry program at Midwestern (3^rd year). I have taken a temporary leave from Social work to be a Stay-at-home-mom. Since we moved to AZ  I was determined to lose my baby weight, I became a Beachbody Coach, reached my goal, and now work a couple hours a day from home helping others to get healthy. Health and helping others is my passion! 

If I had an hour of free time I would probably be sitting on the couch resting (or on the internet, let’s be honest)! OR I would be working, quilting, reading, baking, or visiting friends. 

I’ve had countless experiences that have strengthened my testimony including seminary, girls camp, testimony meetings, Relief society, my mission, general conference, and attending the temple. Every hard experience in my life has strengthened my testimony that God loves us, cares for us, and has a plan for us.  The gospel is important to me because it gives me hope! Hope of family for eternity and hope of forgiveness. Hope of ultimate truth and knowledge, and eternal life and happiness.

My Favorites:

Dessert –Frozen yogurt!
Hobbies – Camping, hiking/backpacking, quilting, cooking, baking, talking with friends☺
Season – Summer or anytime I can be outside enjoying the weather
Scriptures –These scriptures are on my missionary plaque. I love them both because they talk about the essence of this life and of the gospel: JOY!!

2 Nephi 2:25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
and 1 Nephi 8:12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

Hymn – Joseph Smith’s first prayer (P.S. This is way hard to choose!)

Can’t wait to get to know you all!! I know our paths cross for a reason!

September Relief Society Meeting

On the Agenda

Two classes: Time Management/Goal Setting and Hair Tips and Styles

On the Menu

Shredded pork sandwiches, Salads, Cookies (recipes posted below)

Class One: Time Management and Goal Setting was taught by Megan Potter. What is your vision for your life? Do you have a dream? Megan gave us steps to follow to achieve any goal we make. One bit of wisdom she shared with us is to make goals that are SMART-Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timed. Thanks Megan for all the inspiring information!

Here are the handouts that walked us through the goal setting process (click on the to make them bigger):

Class Two: Hair Tips and Styles, taught by Jodi Crosby. We learned many useful tips such as how often to wash our hair, useful products to use in different situations, how to create texture and volume, and how to do a fishtail braid. Thanks to Jodi and her beautiful models!

And here are the recipes: 

  

Frog Eye Salad 

Allrecipes.com

1 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 3/4 cups unsweetened pineapple juice

2 eggs, beaten

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 quarts water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 (16 ounce) package acini di pepe pasta

3 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained

2 (20 ounce) cans pineapple tidbits, drained

1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 cup miniature marshmallows

In a sauce pan, combine sugar, flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pineapple juice and eggs. Stir and cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat; add lemon juice and cool to room temperature.

Bring water to a boil, add oil, remaining salt and cook pasta until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.

In a large bowl, combine the pasta, egg mixture, mandarin oranges, pineapple and whipped topping. Mix well and refrigerate overnight or until chilled. Before serving add marshmallows and coconut. Toss and serve.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

(Garnishwithlemon.com) 

Prep time,15 mins. Cook time 20 mins Total time 35 mins

Recipe type: sides and salads

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

                   2 cups water

                   1 cup uncooked quinoa

                   ⅓ cup red wine vinegar

                   ¼ cup olive oil

                   1 small red onion, diced

                   1 red pepper, diced

                   2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

                   ½ cup chopped kalamata olives

                   ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

                   ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

                   1 tsp salt

                   ½ tsp freshly ground pepper

                   Juice of one lemon

Instructions

.    Bring quinoa and water to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed in quinoa. Fluff with a fork and cool for 5 minutes.

.    Add the oil and vinegar and let quinoa come to room temperature.

.    Add onion, tomatoes, pepper, olives, cilantro, and salt and pepper. Stir gently. Add feta cheese and gently combine. Chill for 2 hours to let flavors combine. Squeeze lemon juice over salad right before serving to brighten flavors.

Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Megan Paulus (via Dana Erikson), Bellair Ward Cookbook ,Dec 1999, p. 156

2 ½ Cups Sugar

2 Cups packed brown Sugar

1 lb Butter

Cream together sugars and butter, then add:

3 Eggs

1 Tb Vanilla

Beat 3-4 minutes then add

6 (to 7) cups of flour

½ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp baking soda.

Beat Well, it will be very dry.

Add

4 cup chocolate chips,

2 cups nuts (optional)

1 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Bake for 11 minutes at 375˚

Note from Dana Erikson: I froze my cookie dough before I baked it, that helped it cook chunky. I also had to bake it a minute or two longer since it was frozen.