Category: In the Kitchen

Cinnamon Rolls and Second Chances

I wanted to surprise my younger brother, Gabo, last Thursday with a homemade birthday cake. However, since I didn’t have enough ingredients the night before his birthday, I wasn’t able to bake one. We ended up celebrating his birthday at home with Japanese food and a cake bought by our parents. I still wanted to make something for Gabo and the rest of the family. I then remembered one of his favorite desserts: Cinnamon Rolls. (It was one of his requests when he was hospitalized a few weeks ago.) “Perfect!” I said. “I’ll make them this weekend.”

Last Saturday, while I was on my way to the grocery store, I wondered if it really was a good idea to make cinnamon rolls. I had second thoughts because I remembered the first and last time I made them (about a year ago). I remembered the mistakes I made while baking them which resulted to mediocre cinnamon rolls. Yes, they did taste like cinnamon bread, but they were also very dry and crisp.
I sat down for a while and told God: “Lord, maybe I shouldn’t try doing it again. I might just make another mistake and waste the ingredients. What if I just make another dish instead?” But somehow, God encouraged me to make the cinnamon rolls and reminded me of Isaiah 41:10…
It says:
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
…and He said to me: “Nic, I know you made mistakes when you baked those cinnamon rolls last year. And I also know that you didn’t make them again, since that time, because you were afraid of failing. But, I want you to remember WHO I AM. I want you to remember that I AM greater and stronger than all of your mistakes and weaknesses. So, don’t worry. You can try again. Don’t be afraid because I AM with you.” :)
“..to remember WHO I AM…” I whispered. “Okay, Lord. Let’s do this!” I bought the ingredients and prepared them as soon as I got home. Before baking, I decided to pray and lift the night up to God.
I also expressed my desire to make cinnamon rolls that were similar to Cinnabon’s cinnamon rolls. I then thanked Him in advance because I knew that He would help me bake them and that He was in control. But, I also told God that I would still be grateful even if I make mistakes again and/or end up with cinnamon rolls that aren’t good.
And so, I searched for the best recipe that I could find; carefully followed the steps in it; and made the Cinnamon Rolls that night.
While I was pouring the glaze, Gabo entered the kitchen and saw the freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Immediately, he shouted: “OH, YOU LURVE (LOVE) ME! This is my favorite!” I laughed and said: “I know. Hahaha.” After a few minutes, I gave my siblings samples of the finished product. And by God’s grace, they said that they were delicious! My older brother, Glenn Michael, even said: “Wow, Nic! They taste like Cinnabon’s cinnamon rolls.” Then, I replied: “Cool. Hahaha! Praise God, kuya!”
I went back to the kitchen, sat down, and stared at the golden brown, glazed, cinnamon rolls. I was in awe. “Lord, they look lovely. This is only by Your grace.” :) I told God. “Thank You.”
Making cinnamon rolls that night was a very special treat for me. I was able to enjoy the sweet, fluffy, cinnamon rolls, and was encouraged by God at the same time. I realized that many times, I can easily get discouraged when I remember my past, my weaknesses, and the mistakes I’ve made before. When I dwell on these things instead of focusing on God, I find myself being weighed down. And this hinders me from getting up and trying again.
But, there is Hope in our God. Even if I failed before when I first made the cinnamon rolls, God still gave me a second chance to bake them last weekend. :)
God is so amazing because I know that even in the other aspects of my life, He will continue to give me new opportunities each day to learn from the mistakes I’ve made before; to try again; to focus on Him; and even to experience victories by His grace.
“This is not about what you’ve done, but what’s been done for you.
This is not about where you’ve been but where your brokenness brings you to.
This is not about what you feel, but what He felt to forgive you.
And what He felt to make You loved.”
-You Are More by Tenth Avenue North
One of the things I am grateful for is the fact that our God does not make mistakes. He never did and He never will. So, even if we do make mistakes, we can still trust in Him, knowing that He allows them to happen for His special purposes. Indeed, it is such a comfort to be reminded of the security that we have in Christ. He knows what He is doing and I know that He wants us to experience what is best… even if it means that we would, sometimes, have to experience failures and mistakes along the way.
“God, if you gave me Your best (Jesus), then I know that I can certainly trust you with my life.”
-Ptr. Peter TanChi
Made a mistake this past week?
Do you feel like such a failure/disappointment?
It says in Psalm 37:24…
“..though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
Keep on trusting in God. He is with you. :)
Encourage yourself one treat at a time.

He is doughing a new thing! :)

A few days ago, one of my officemates randomly expressed his craving for Krispy Kreme doughnuts while we were working. Oh, it was such a heavenly thought! At that moment, I suddenly imagined the soft, sweet, original glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts and how they always perfectly melt in the mouth. I wanted those doughnuts too! :)

Surprisingly, the next day, a former employee dropped by the office and gave our department boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts! ALRIGHT! Talk about perfect timing! I ate my share after I left the office and thanked God for an awesome treat. :)

Krispy Kreme and my Doughnut :)

That night, I couldn’t get the Krispy Kreme doughnut off of my mind. I decided to go online and read about the history of Krispy Kreme. As I was browsing through the different articles, I found recipes of glazed doughnuts. Some of those recipes even claimed that they have a similar recipe to Krispy Kreme’s. “This is interesting.” I thought to myself. “I’ll give it a try this weekend.”

I spent the whole Saturday night making the glazed doughnuts. It did take a long time because I had to let the dough rise thrice. But, don’t get me wrong, I had a blast preparing the doughnuts! :) I love working with dough. Also, the dough that I was able to make was soft, fluffy, and very easy to knead.

I learned a lot from making doughnuts that night, but there was one thing that struck me the most. The dough was not wasted. Why? You’ll find out in a while. :)

I kneaded the dough, rolled it on the table, and used my doughnut cutter to form the doughnuts.

After cutting eight doughnuts from the dough, I immediately gathered the excess dough and kneaded them together. I also took the doughnut holes and set them aside.

I repeated the process and produced four more doughnuts from the scrap dough.

And for the last time, I kneaded the scrap dough again and was able to form the last doughnut.

I cooked the doughnuts after letting them rise for an hour. Then, I poured the sweet, sugar glaze on them for more flavour.

I was telling God how amazed I was because He allowed me to make more doughnuts by kneading the excess (scrap) dough again and again. It was also interesting because instead of throwing the smaller circles away; I was able to make mini donuts out of them too!

Indeed, the dough was not wasted. The scrap dough was put together, restored, and used for a special purpose – to make more doughnuts. At that moment, God spoke to my heart and helped me realize the following:

I HAVE SCRAPS IN MY LIFE TOO.

Tons of them, actually. Sometimes, they even come in the form of mistakes, heartbreaks, insecurities, wrong decisions, sin, weaknesses, bitterness, regrets, and other undesirable things and moments that I experience.

But! Despite these things, I am reminded that…

 

GOD IS STILL THE GOD WHO RESTORES.

The same God who restored the hearts of the people since the beginning of time is also able to restore us today no matter what we’ve done. He is the God who sees and uses the ‘scraps’ in us for our good and loves us just the same. He is the God who makes things new! :)

It says in Revelations 21:5

“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

 

At first, I wondered why God said: “Write this down…” in the verse above. But then, I realized that we need to write things down so we can remember them more. Sometimes, it’s so easy for us to forget who God is in our lives. As a result, we end up getting discouraged more, whenever we remember the scraps we have in our lives and the seemingly useless/worthless situations we go through. However, it is such a comfort to be reminded by God that we can trust in Him who makes all things new.

Earlier, I told you that I was able to read about the history of Krispy Kreme. Interestingly, I found out that Krispy Kreme is actually celebrating it’s 75th year this year! In the company’s website, you’ll see how they were able to learn from the mistakes and mediocre procedures that they had through the years. The company didn’t focus on those ‘unwanted situations’/scraps, but instead, they used them as their motivation for continuous improvement and growth.

It reminded me of this verse from the Bible:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!

-Isaiah 43:13

In the verse, He could have said: “See, Nicole, YOU are doing a new thing!”, but He didn’t. It was a clear reminder for me that my focus should be on Him alone; not on the past; not on the scraps in my life… but on our God who restores — Our God who is “doughing” new things in our lives! :)

Encourage yourself one treat at a time!

*Recipe from: imadethat.com

The Maker’s Manual

If I had to choose between waffles and pancakes, I would definitely go with waffles! :) The sweet, crisp, golden brown treats sold in the market have always fascinated me. Moreover, I’ve always had the desire to try making them on my own. By God’s grace, I was able to purchase a Belgian Waffle Maker and produce the delicious treats at home! :)

 

The saleslady, who assisted me, gave me two important reminders: 1) Preheat and wait for the green light before pouring the batter on the pan; and 2) Read the manual. As I was going out of the store, I thought to myself: “Read the manual? Yeah, right. Hahaha. I might not have time for that anyway.”

At home, I immediately assembled the waffle maker and started preparing the ingredients. While I was waiting for the dough to rise, I suddenly remembered the manual which was in the box. At that time, I did not feel like reading the manual, but God gently rebuked me and encouraged me to scan through it. Surprisingly, after reading all of the instructions, I realized that a Product Manual is very important and that it is very similar to God’s Word – the Bible! :)

Why Do I Say So? Because a Product Manual…

  1. Helps us Know the Company and the Product more

The company provided a detailed description of the waffle maker and appropriate photos (with labels) to help the readers understand the product and its uses more. Similarly, this reminded me of how God provided in His Word everything we need to know as we live the lives He has blessed us with.

Moreover, God reveals Himself to us whenever we read the Bible and it’s amazing because we never run out of things to learn about God. Through His Word, we are able to discover His different attributes, desires, plans and promises for us, His creations, the things He does not like and so much more! Also, through His Word, we are able to understand His purpose and love for us.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

2. Helps Guide and Protect Us

I was supposed to test the waffle maker by preheating it and leaving it on for a while without any batter in it (just out of curiosity). But for some reason, God stopped me from doing so. And I thank God that He did because minutes later, I read one of the many “Do Not” instructions in the manual:

“Never run the appliance empty.”

Right then and there, I realized that manuals help protect us from experiencing harm or unnecessary pain. In the same way, whether we like it or not, God expresses His Do’s and Don’t’s in the Bible for our own good. Sometimes, people tell me how frustrating it is to live by God’s rules and standards in the Bible. I do understand where they are coming from because, of course, sometimes, it allows us to step out of our comfort zone.

But, at the same time, I also encourage them to view those instructions as “Because-I-Love-You Guidelines” instead. Why? Because God loves us so much not to let us experience what is less than best. And He does so by giving us limitations here and there and standards to live by according to His Word and good will for us.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

3. Helps us Experience the Best

This instruction is one of the most crucial steps involved in the process of making waffles (as seen in the manual):

“Plug into socket. The red indication will illuminate. Allow the appliance to pre-heat: the green light comes on when the correct cooking temperature is reached.”

                I remembered this instruction, which was also given to me by the saleslady, and carefully followed it after reading the manual. By God’s grace, with the help of my lovely waffle maker, I was able to produce these sweet, crisp, golden brown waffles! :)

If I did not preheat the pan and wait for the green light to come on, I would have ended up with weird, flat waffles. The pan needed to have the right temperature first before having contact with the batter. Generally speaking, when using waffle makers, we have to wait until the maker says it’s okay to pour the batter in (via light/sound). We just have to trust that the manufacturers know what is best.

 

God allowed me to realize that likewise, we have to wait until our Maker says it’s okay before we do something; before we make a decision. We have to seek God’s “green light”, approval and opinion first (Of course, through the Bible and prayer). Why? Because just like the manufacturers, God knows what is best for us and we just have to put our trust in Him.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

-Isaiah 55:8-9

It has been five years since the first time I seriously read and studied God’s word and it still feels great to learn some more from it! I actually did not expect myself to continue it when I started because there were times when I would feel lazy, be busy, or even feel weak spiritually.

However, by God’s grace, He continues to give me the desire to do it — from studying one verse to eventually meditating on a chapter every day. Through this, my heart continues to be satisfied and strengthened by God and I am continuously filled with hope — Hope that is found in Him. I look forward to learning and improving more for His glory as I read the Bible.

What’s hindering you from reading the Bible? Why don’t you give it a try? :)

Encourage yourself one VERSE at a time! :)

 

Steak Au Poivre a la Julia Child

Google’s logo last August 15, 2012 caught my attention while I was browsing through the internet that day. Julia Child would have turned 100 years old last Wednesday! It was very interesting for me because ever since I watched the movie, Julie and Julia, I was more encouraged to pursue cooking and baking. In honor of one of my culinary inspirations, I prepared Steak Au Poivre in the style of Julia Child and served it with homemade, creamy mashed potatoes and buttered asparagus.

I honestly still get intimidated by Julia Child’s recipes. They seem to require a lot of effort and expensive ingredients. Moreover, in her cookbooks and television shows, she even walks us through EVERY SINGLE detail of her recipes. Talk about hard work, determination, and passion for food! However, despite the long procedures involved in her recipes, the dishes continue to fascinate me. :)  Thus, although I’ve never cooked a steak in my life before, I was inspired to make Steak Au Poivre last night.

I was staring at my raw steaks while my pan was heating up when I told God: “Lord, I honestly don’t know how to cook these. I’m not like Julia Child or other well-experienced chefs. Would you please give me wisdom? I know that YOU know HOW to cook steaks. Thank You! :)”

After I prayed, God somehow encouraged me to feel and poke the seasoned, raw meat with my fingers before cooking them. I then carefully placed the meat on the hot pan and let it cook for a few minutes. Later, I flipped the meat and cooked the other side for a few more minutes. And lastly, when both sides were done, I wrapped it in foil and let it rest for a while. (Resting the steak in foil would help keep the juices inside the meat, making it more tender.)

I felt nervous after cooking the steaks because I didn’t have a meat thermometer, and I couldn’t tell if they were medium rare, medium well, or well done. Nonetheless, I opened the wrapped foil and by God’s grace, the steaks looked amazingly juicy, tender, and were wonderfully cooked. I immediately prepared the dish with mashed potatoes, buttered asparagus, and sprinkled bits of basil on top.

 

My very supportive and encouraging family enjoyed the Steak Au Poivre with me. One of my brothers, after tasting the steak, even said: “Wow, Nic. I’m speechless, astonished, and amazed…” Hahaha. I actually laughed at him when he said that because I knew that it was a line from a song (Speechless by Steven Curtis Chapman). I continued the lyrics and said to him: “…I am silenced by His wondrous grace.” :) Indeed, it was only by God’s grace that I was able to make Julia Child’s Steak Au Poivre. 

As I was cleaning some of the equipment I used, I could still remember the delicious combination of the tender steak, creamy mashed potatoes, and the fresh, crisp asparagus. And although I am not an expert, I always enjoy rearranging the food, taking photos of it, and making the dish look more presentable. :)

Before going to bed last night, I read more about Julia Child and got encouraged by what she quoted before:

“You never forget a beautiful thing that you have made,’ [Chef Bugnard] said.

‘Even after you eat it, it stays with you – always.”
―Julia Child, My Life in France

After reading that, I learned that Julia Child saw the beauty in the dishes that she made, even if other people didn’t exactly agree or find pleasure with how or what she cooks. I was amazed by her ability to use even the simplest ingredients to make extraordinary French dishes. God then spoke to my heart and I realized how I was even more amazed by Him and the beautiful things He creates. It says in: 

Psalm 139:14

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Isaiah 49:15

“…I will not forget you.”

If Julia Child can excellently make French food and inspire millions of people in the world, how much more can God, the creator of the universe, make beautiful things out of us? It was also such an encouragement to be reminded by God, that in spite of the “ugly” things we may have done in the past, our failures and wrongdoings, He still sees us for who we really are — chosen and unconditionally loved by Him.

Certainly, God does not look at us and think: “Wow, what a disappointment.” But instead, He takes pleasure in what He created and He sees the good and beauty in us; He sees Jesus in us. :)

Genesis 1:31 “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”

 

What a treat, indeed! Thank You, Lord, for making beautiful things. :)

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About Me

My name is Nicole Obligacion and I started this blog because I was inspired by Hebrews 10:24 and Hebrews 3:13. I love to eat, cook, bake, read the Bible, and encourage. :)

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