This month I have a delicious recipe for spicy italian meatballs that I’m dying to share with you. It’s the secret recipe of our own editor Darlene Schacht. And since she gave it to me in confidence, let’s keep this post our little secret, shall we? 🙂
This recipe freezes well which makes it a great choice if you’re cooking ahead. Getting together with others to do batch cooking can be a form of fellowship and a start in stewardship, which is a topic that’s been on my heart this month along with this verse:
“You were loyal with small things, I will let you care for…greater things.” (Matthew 25:23)
There is a lot of financial uncertainty in our world today. Many have lost income or are concerned about that probability. Walking through the mall you see store after store closing down. We are in a recession affecting the entire world.
There are many biblical examples of being wise stewards of God’s provision during difficult times. Joseph was warned of the great famine which hit not just Egypt, but also its neighbors. Rather than enjoy the 7 years of plenty, he stored grain for the lean years.
Tough times in our life can help us recognize whether we are being wise stewards with His provision.
Our food budget is often the largest household expense next to shelter. It is an area that offers great flexibility in the expense category. A family of four can feast on $200.00 or $2,000.00 a month – depending on who is in control of the budget.
I remember the “year of the potato.” Our family couldn’t purchase a home because there was never extra money to put away. My parents recognized that a large amount of money was spent on feeding the eight of us, and so they bought a few hundred pounds of potatoes and my mom got imaginative.
That winter I learned that there were more ways to cook a potato than I could dream of. The following winter I was sleeping in a home that my parents had purchased.
Saving on the food budget isn’t just done inside the kitchen. Just look around at how much fast food and eating out we do. While these are definitely blessings to be enjoyed, are they standing in the way of being wise stewards? Do we remember to count the cost?
“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.” –Deuteronomy 8:10‑18
The Lord entrusts us with a limited amount of resources which are not intended to be used on ourselves.
In hard times we are reminded to be good stewards – often out of need. In good times we may forget to be wise stewards – out of neglect.
The greatest reason most busy moms order-in, instead of cooking is because of time restraints. Too much to do and never enough time to do it. A little planning, a little working ahead and a little batch cooking can save a household a lot on its food budget.
Whether times are tough or times are great we are all called to be wise stewards. If God is allowing you to struggle right now – be the best steward you can and praise Him through the storm. If God is blessing you abundantly right now – be the best steward you can and start sharing your excess with those around you.
And speaking of sharing–here’s that “secret” recipe I told you about. Enjoy!
Spicy Italian Meatballs
(Large Batch)
Bake 350°F 25 – 30 min.
Ingredients:
4 lbs. ground beef
4 medium eggs
¼ cup Italian salad dressing
4 small cans tomato past
2 packs dry onion soup
2 cups crushed “Vegetable Thin” crackers
Procedure:
Mix ingredients together and form into meatballs. Bake on a cookie sheet. Cooking time depends on size of meatballs. (Aprox. 25-30 min.)
Freeze meatballs in freezer bags. Heat in your favorite marinara sauce. Serve with whole wheat spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
©2009, Bonnie Hooley
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