Week 15, Day 4

*Serving others should be a joy, not a chore;
a delight, not a duty.

"Christians serve a God who values celebration,
so rejoicing should always be on the menu."
~In Touch, by Charles Stanley
(November 2013 issue of "In Touch")

We're talking this week about "Planning Ahead:
Foods You Can Prepare Ahead of Time."
A little planning and organization can go a long way
in making our lives more stress-free,
and freeing us to be hospitable to others.

Gather your supplies and ingredients for today's Baked Ziti.

Dice the vegetables.

Saute the vegetables until soft.

Add the tomatoes and seasonings.

In another saucepan or bowl,

separate the egg yolks from the egg whites

by transferring the egg yolk back and forth 

from one half of the shell to the other.

Let the egg whites drain into the bowl.

Discard the egg yolks

or use in another recipe.

Whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg whites, and extra Italian seasoning.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Cook the ziti according to package directions,

then drain and rinse.

Allow all the water to drain off.

Transfer back to the large saucepan.

Add the vegetable mixture to the pasta.

Stir to combine.

Add the ricotta mixture as directed in the Healthy Home Ec book.

Blend together.

Transfer to a baking dish or aluminum dish,

one that you won't miss for a couple of months if you freeze this for later use.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil if you're planning on freezing this.

Label with a permanent marker as directed in Step 10 on page 208.

Include date and baking directions.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Once thawed, top with shredded mozzarella cheese and freshly grated parmesan cheese,

then bake as directed.

Serve and enjoy.

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
(Hebrews 13:2)

One day believers will be united with the Lord in perfect communion,
and it will involve the banquet of all banquets!
Revelation 19:9 refers to it as the "wedding feast of the Lamb."

All of our cravings will be fully satisfied
when  God and mankind dwell together for eternity.
That day is coming!
Be prepared.
Make sure you are a part of His family so that you will be invited to the banquet,
the "family" celebration of all celebrations.

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved."
(Romans 10:9)
He will "bestow His riches upon all who call on Him.
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved."
(Romans 10:12-13)