Freedom from Hunger

A healthful hunger for a great idea is the

beauty and blessedness of life. 

-Jean Ingelow

Freedom from Hunger(FFH) is a wonderful organization doing amazing things worldwide to alleviate poverty and hunger. As a four star charity, FFH started as Meals for Millions which developed a high-protein powdered food still used in today's aid efforts. Here is a rundown of the organization, then we'll get into the meat of their greatness:

Where They Work: Asia, Africa, Americas

What They Do: Taken from their website, they "bring poor women in Africa, Asia, and Latin America a powerful combination of microfinance, education, and health protection to help them achieve a sustainable, self-help end to world hunger." To do so, they partner with local organizations to educate these women in hopes that they will be self-sufficient at some point. It is not simply through feeding, but also through health, financial and other daily skills needed to empower them.

A Few Projects to Note (according to me): 

1. Consumer Protection: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities is a program to educate microfinance clients and their lenders to make sure the clients are getting the information they need and are asking the right questions. In light of the the recent controversy over microfinance institutions allegedly taking advantage of those they are supposed to be helping, I love this transparency. It provides resources for both ends to be sure intentions are still good, and clients can discern for themselves what they should expect in a microlender.

2. Mexico City: They are providing a combination of financial services, life-skills training and health education to those in rural areas through a training center in Mexico City. In their own words,

"By collaborating with existing organizations, we double the effect of our technical knowledge and donor support by leveraging the contributions of local, highly committed and knowledgeable people. Our objective is to transfer our skills, knowledge and capacity to local organizations so they provide services for the long term and, ultimately, without our assistance."

Here's why I like them...

• First of all, they ONLY work with women. I find this really interesting, and in their own words, "We don't exclude men: we focus on women." They understand that in many cultures, the mother is responsible for feeding the household, and thus, they are targeting these women and empowering them. They have a wonderful part of their website which documents the stories of women all over the world: click here

• I really admire their comprehensive approach to poverty and hunger. They do not use one avenue to solve one goal, but blend many development issues to address not only hunger, but the needs beyond that. Their website is incredibly informative, I could have a heyday on there! 

• They have an awesome FAQ page

• They do not stand alone, but rather collaborate with as many organizations as possible to achieve their goals to truly diminish hunger, and hopefully, poverty. 

If you have never heard about this organization, truly take the time to browse their web page and find out ways you can GET INVOLVED. They are truly worth watching as they courageously take on incredibly difficult global issues. Know that FFH neither endorses nor sponsors this post. All thoughts are my own unless otherwise stated.

I just think this is a pretty fantastic organization, and so should you!!!

-Linbrooke

Cozy Mac and Cheese

Today, it was incredibly windy and very cold outside. It's also the holiday season, and I find that people are either exhuberant or incredibly sad. Nothing cures either of these extremes like comfort food on a cold, cold day. So... after hiking on the beach with the dog, and realizing what a terrible idea that was, I settled into the kitchen making homemade mac and cheese. Everyone seemed to be a little down today, and food is a great way to cope, isn't it? Invite a discouraged friend, an old friend, or anyone wishing to come in out of the cold to share this comfort meal with you.

Mac n' Cheese

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:

1 lb. elbow macaroni

1/2 cup evaporated milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup of sour cream

1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Crackers (I tend to use Ritz because they're buttery)

Breadcrumbs

salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook the macaroni, drain it, and rinse it with cold water. 
3. Cover the bottom of whatever dish you will be using with macaroni and sprinkle a layer of cheddar cheese over it. Then repeat with another layer of macaroni and cheese
4. In a bowl, mix the eggs, milk, sour cream, and a dash of salt and pepper. Pour mixture over the macaroni and cheddar.
5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and some cheddar cheese over the top of the macaroni.
6. Take a handful of breadcrumbs and sprinkle them all over the top of the mixture, followed by crushed crackers (I tend to use Ritz crackers because they are buttery).
7. Bake uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. For me, it is usually closer to 30 minutes, because you want the liquid to be firm enough that it could stand on it's own.

 Some helpful suggestions:

• You can use whatever you cheese you would like! Cheddar, mozarella, velveeta, parmesan, etc. Just be sure that it is a good melting cheese
• Feel free to use more of any ingredient you like. It is not going to ruin the macaroni and cheese. If you are using more liquid, you might just cook it a few minutes longer. If more cheese, cook it a little less.
• The breadcrumbs and crackers are optional, it would still be food without it, but it provides a buttery crunch on top.
• Be creative! Add little bacon crumbles, ham chunks, or lobster bits to give it a little variety.

 
I hope you have enjoyed this recipe! If you have any variations you wish to share, please comment! 

~Linbrooke

The Girl in the Park

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live."  -Jackie Windspear

This morning, I took Wrigley to an arboretum to meet up with my new friend, Megan. The more I learn about her, the more I admire her, and today, she blew me away. As we took the dogs to a little area on the lake, there was a young woman sitting on a bench. She had a bag, a gallon of water, some music, and a box full of cigarettes, lighters, and other little things. It was very clear she was getting ready to do some kind of drug, though it was hard to say which one. 

The girl was so sweet and asked about our dogs and struck up a conversation with us. After a few minutes, Megan stepped forward and touched the girls arm. "Are you ok?" 

The girl simply said,"oh yeah...I'm fine. I just like to come out here in the mornings."

"Are you sure? Because I see you have a bag, and it is really cold, and I just want to make sure you are ok. Do you have any food or gloves?"

"Yeah yeah, I live close by. It is cold, but I try not to stay here too long."

Megan, "Ok, I am not trying to be annoying, but I have been a social worker and a mother for a long time, and I have been 22 and with no money, and I just want to make sure you have help if you need it." 

The girl paused and looked at us and said, "Oh my God. There are still people like you that exist? This is so good to know around Christmastime. Thank you so much, but I am really ok." 

We said we would leave her to her alone time and to have a great day, and we left.

Not only was she absolutely beautiful, but she was friendly and sweet. What a beautiful girl that I would have passed by, if not for Megan. I was silent for a few seconds after we walked away. Megan turned to me and said, "Sorry, I was trying to figure out how to make sure she was ok without making you feel awkward. It's just that I have seen that too many times, and I can't overlook it." She was worried about making me feel awkward when she was reaching out to someone who seemed to need help!! Unreal...but so inspiring. 

I am left feeling inspired, impressed, and if I were being honest...ashamed. If Megan hadn't been there, I know that I would not have approached that girl, much less be sure she had everything she needs. Isn't that so common for us to do? At times, we don't know what to say, we are afraid of offending them, or we are too scared, perhaps, of what it means to reach down into their lives and extend grace. Or, we are so caught up in our own lives that we are blind to the suffering of the person sitting next to us in a park, in a coffee shop, in our family. 

It was the most beautiful reminder to show compassion, and to do it fearlessly. Would it be better for me to feel less embarrassed than to ask someone if they need a meal or a place to sleep? Let's all remember to never be too busy to ask someone if they need a meal, if they needs gloves, if they need to talk. It is easy to walk past and go about our day, but let us show GRACE to each and every person, and when we have an opportunity, to seize upon it.

Thank you, Megan, for reminding me how important it is to look at every person as an opportunity to show grace and compassion, whether a millionaire who is lonely, or the poverty-stricken person who is hungry. Thank you for showing me what it means to live a a life of grace.

-Linbrooke

p.s. I watch this show, and if ever there is an example of living grace, it is in this series:

About Me

Hey all! 

Just letting you know I have finally finished the "About Me" section. Check it out!

Linbrooke

Guacamole recipe

guacamole:
For my first recipe, I figured I would start easy. This is an oldie but a goodie.  What says a good time like guacamole?!  I know it is December, but I made this for my mom the other night, and it reminded me that guac is never out of style...

The wonderful thing about guacamole is that you can add whatever ingredients you desire, and the amount you use is at your own discretion. I will give you a basic recipe, but you should absolutely take creative liberties with this one. 

The main ingredients EVERY guacamole should have:

  Avocados (1 for each person as an appetizer)

Course Salt- approx. 1 tsp

Cilantro- at least 1/4 cup

Freshly squeezed lime juice- half a lime

Finely chopped red onions-at least 1/4 cup

Optional Ingredients depending on your mood:

Chopped tomatoes for a sweet touch

jalapeño peppers (or hotter peppers) if you're adventurous

sour cream if creamier is better

 

 I have several small suggestions that make a BIG difference:

1. Because red onions are so strong, be sure to finely chop them in order to preserve the flavor but lessen the shock. (see picture above)
2. Also, in choosing chips, less is more. Don't choose a "hint of lime" or this or that. Just stick with the basic tortilla chips and let the guac take the spotlight. This shouldn't be a competition...
3. Cut the avocado in small chunks, but then mash them to your consistency before adding the other ingredients. If you want it really smooth, pop it in the food processor.
4. Use something like this for an authentic feel: Vasconia 4-Cup Granite Molcajete

  
And finally, add it all together. You will figure out what you like. As every chef knows, taste test before you serve! If it is too acidic, add a little more tomatoes or sour cream. If it is not punchy enough, add salt, cilantro, or peppers. Keep adding until it melts in your mouth. This is one of my favorite recipes because if I have had a bad day, shazam! Pop in some serious sour cream and extra cilantro. If I'm mellow, I just stick to the basics. Enjoy, and have fun with this!

¡Buen Provecho!

Lindsay 

p.s. if you want to learn more about the history and variations of guacamole, check out Gourmet Sleuth's Guacamole page