Surprisingly Scrumptious Carrot Casserole

Sometimes we have an abundance of carrots. We like carrot cake and carrot muffins and the like, but we don't prefer basic cooked carrots. However, I like to experiment in the kitchen so I'm frequently trying new things. My all time favorite cookbook is the More-with-Less cookbook by Doris Janzen Longacre. We have tried many recipes from it and have had very few that we did not like. I must confess I was a bit disappointed when the cookbook came because a cursory reading of recipes did not look appetizing. However, due to the high esteem in which others have held this book, I have taken a lot of chances. I can honestly say, after trying a lot of recipes, we have only disliked one. That's pretty impressive for any cookbook! Anyway, here's the latest experiment:

Carrot-Cheddar Casserole (sounds gross...I know!)

Serves 8 as a side
Bake 350 - 30 min.

Note: Can mash drained carrots easily by whirling in blender with eggs and milk.

Preheat oven to 350.
Combine in a mixing bowl:
3 c. cooked, mashed carrots (about 1 1/2 pound)
3 beaten eggs
2 c. milk
1 1/3c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/3c. crushed crackers (reserve 1/4c. for topping) - (We used Townhouse Light buttery crackers, but you can use any you like.)
2-3 T. softened butter
1 1/3t. salt
dash pepper (more, if you like)
1 T. chopped parsley

Mix well. Turn into greased casserole and sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Bake 30 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Another note: We used an 8 x 8 dish, and it took about an hour of baking before the knife came out clean. I would try a more shallow casserole dish like a 9 x 13.

Enjoy!

Dog-Sitting Sunday

Sorry, Mr. Caleb! But don't they look cute and it was only a little bit :D

Seeking His Glory

As I continue to consider a Biblical philosophy of education and curriculum possibilities, God is faithful to draw me to resources that seek to honor Him in all things. Last month, I was reviewing material for history. Since I don't often post what I'm thinking about, I'll have to play catch up to inform you about the finds in that subject.

Presently, however, I have been considering math curricula. About two years ago, God led me to Christ-centered Curriculum. It has been the most Biblical math curriculum that I have seen. It does require a lot of one on one with the child learning the material, however, it is scripted, so this responsibility could be delegated (especially any drill work). I have been unimpressed with much of the material on the market. Though there is a lot of material, there is little that is truly Biblical. There are many that tack a Scripture verse here or there, but there is little more that sets them apart from what the world has to offer. Some would argue that it doesn't really matter; math is math. I disagree. Math is so much more. Finally, God placed a resource in my path that confirms my thoughts in this matter:

Christian Perspective

At this site, you will find samples of Beyond Numbers, a short but helpful book on keeping a Biblical perspective while teaching mathematics. The author, Katherine Loop (a homeschool graduate), quotes Mathematics: Is God Silent? by James Nickel, a number of times. Nickel's book also looks like a worthwhile read though I haven't gotten the chance to review it yet.

At seventy-five pages,Beyond Numbers is a book that most people should be able to get through in just a couple of sittings. It is an easy read; I've even read parts of it to my five-year-old daughter. There are a lot of good reasons to read this book. If you have a hard time keeping God at the focus of your math studies (or other studies as a lot of the principles are the same), this book is a good book to read and review on a regular basis.