Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Recipes for missionaries that are quick and easy



Mexican Chicken (Crockpot)
Put 4-6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts in crockpot. Add a jar of salsa, a can of drained black beans, and a bag of frozen corn or 2 cans of corn. Cook on low for 6 to hours- till done. Take a brick of cream cheese (or a pint of sour cream) and put on top, turn the crock pot off, let it sit for about 20 minutes. Serve over rice, in tortillas, or just the way it is.

(you can add more of what you like or add extras like a can of Rotella, a chopped up onion, peppers)



3 large chicken breasts, cut into small cubes 
1/4 c brown sugar 
1/4 c cornstarch 
1 can pineapple tidbits 
1 can chicken broth 
1/4 c apple cider vinegar 
1/4 c soy sauce

Heat skillet. Add olive oil, butter, or margarine, cook chicken through. Remove from skillet.

Combine in skillet, brown sugar and cornstarch.

With the liquid from the pineapple tidbits and the can of chicken broth, add enough water to make a total of 3 cups. Add to skillet. Add vinegar and soy sauce.

Return chicken to skillet. Add pineapple tidbits. Cook until heated through. Serve over Rice.

To cook rice: 1 cup rice to 2 cups water Ingredients you can add to recipe: Sliced celery, peanuts or cashews, Chinese noodles.



1 scoop of cooked minute rice
1 scoop of cooked black beans
ANY of the following toppings: cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, onion, chopped tomato, any leftover cooked meat and vegetables you have on hand.



Melt 1/4 cup margarine in a 9x13 in the oven. 
In a separate bowl combine 6 eggs
1 c. flour 
1 c. milk. 
Pour batter into hot butter and bake for 20 minutes. Serve with syrup or powdered sugar.

Or another version


4 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
6 eggs
1  cup flour
1 teaspoon of salt

Preparation:
-Preheat oven to 350
-Melt TSB (half stick) of butter in 13 x 9 pan. It helps to cut into 8 pieces to melt more evenly.             (Melt this in the oven while it’s preheating)
-Put the milk, eggs, flour and salt into blender. You can mix with beaters but blenders are easier.           (Blend until it’s at batter type thing; it will be RUNNY)
-The Butter should be melted by now. Tilt it around the pan a bit to help line the edges.
-Pour batter mixture in the center of the pan
-Cook for 20-25 minutes. Check at around 15-20. The pancake will be puffed over the edges.
-Serves well with syrup, powdered sugar and lemon juice, or fresh fruit 


(I made this up as I went, so you are getting guesstimates)

1 lb. meat, chopped or sliced up.
1 package pasta - your choice or whatever is on clearance/sale
1 lb. frozen vegetables - your choice or whatever is on sale, I usually use broccoli or California mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of anything soup - again... sale or clearance)
Season salt - a couple of teaspoons
Cheese
milk (1 soup can)
2 eggs
Chopped onions (I use the dehydrated bits)

Cook pasta and drain. The drainage is important.

Preheat oven to 350

In a separate bowl, combine milk, soup, eggs, season salt, meat and cheese. Add warm pasta and combine. Add frozen veggies and mix well. Pour into 9x13 baking pan. Bake, uncovered, for about 40 - 50 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

You can take half of the uncooked mix, bag it and freeze it for later and just bake the other half in an 8x8 pan. Since there's just the two of you, this will make a couple of meals.






Brown Hamburger and drain well. In a medium sauce pan combine hamburger and Spaghetti sauce. Simmer slowly for about 1 hour. Just before sauce is done Boil noodles and drain. Place noodles in large bowl and pour the sauce over it Or you can put noodles back in pan and toss with sauce. Serve with Garlic Bread and Parmesan cheese if desired. 

Another version

1 lb ground beef browned, 1 jar spaghetti sauce cooked and poured into bottom of 9x9 or slightly larger pan. Top it with a box of mac'n cheese prepared according to boxes instructions. Top with shredded cheese and bake just until cheese melts. Takes about ten min to make if you cook the sauce and noodles at the same time. Double it and get several meals out of it.




1 can chili con carne
Fritos
Cheese
Layer in a pan. Heat through, about 30 minutes.



1 med can enchilada sauce
1 can kidney beans, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese


Add enchilada sauce and kidney beans and simmer on medium heat 5 to 10 minutes. (the longer it simmers, the more it reduces and the thicker the sauce.)
Layer about 3/4 of the package of Fritos in a deep casserole dish. Next layer all of the beef mixture. Sprinkle with about 1 1/2 cups cheese. Add remaining Fritos (I usually use just under the full bag.) and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake, covered, until cheese is melted and bubbly.


Ingredients:
1 lb hamburger
2 cans of beans -pinto or kidney (or one of each), drained
2 cans of Rotel
1 envelope of taco seasoning 
1 bg of shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 bag of regular Fritos
2 cups of sour cream (use left over for garnish) 
3/4 c. diced onions, optional 
1 T. minced garlic, optional

**This recipe does not make for good leftovers. When refrigerated the Fritos get soft and mushy. If you want to make less...use a 8x8 pan and cut the beans, and Rotel down to one can. I would only use about 1/2 of the bags of cheese and Fritos too.
Brown ground beef and onions. Drain, if necessary. Stir in the Rotel, taco seasoning, beans, and 1 cup of cheese. 
Line the bottom of a greased 9x13 casserole dish with a 1/2 bag of Fritos.
Cover Fritos with a layer of cheese, and then the meat mix.
Spread a layer of sour cream over the meat mixture. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
Add another layer of remaining Fritos to casserole and cover with the remaining cheese. Bake until cheese has melted and slightly browned, about 5-10 minutes.
When serving, garnish with diced tomatoes, diced green onions, sliced jalapenos and sour cream.

http://www.theshadyporch.com/2013/09/cheesy-baked-frito-casserole.html#.Ve45hxHBzGc



2-3 cups flour 1 tablespoon yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons oil 1 cup warm water

Cheese of your choice Spaghetti or pizza sauce Toppings of your choice



Mix dry ingredients well (using only 2 cups of flour). Add oil and water and mix well. Knead for five minutes, adding enough flour to mak a soft dough. Roll out on a greased pizza pan (or cookie sheet etc.). 
Add sauce, cheese, and desired toppings. Bake at 425 degrees F for 12 - 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust. (Note: the crust puffs up a little in the cooking process, so roll it out to 1/3 inch thickness or less unless you like your crust fluffy and breadlike). You can also make a BBQ chicken pizza by using BBQ sauce in place of Spaghetti sauce, and cooked chicken with onions and mushrooms. Carefully, it's a little messier!




















Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Learning a new language



If you have a lds.org login, you can use: 



My Mission Language
cdn.mtc.byu.edu

Enjoy!













Thursday, June 11, 2015

Shipping and Goodie Packages

Resources for shipping and goodie packages!! 






Big thanks to Sister Ana Mattson for creating this and allowing us to share it.  
This is a work in progress -we will update often as we get more information and feedback too.
Please note that things can change at anytime.  If you find something is outdated or have others to add, please comment and we will adjust. TIA


International Shipping
You can order the flat rate USPS padded envelopes for free on their website. They will deliver them to your house. You can put up to 4 lbs in them. They cost $6.75 in the US and $24.95 international. I believe it is the least expensive way possible to ship. I have had good luck with that to Russia, Germany, El Salvador, and Texas.
  • Roxolana ships packages from the continental USA to Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan--http://www.roxolana.com/en/
Instructions for using Roxolana, based in New Jersey, for Ukraine (probably about the same for other countries): "When your package is ready, have a rough estimate of how much it weighs and call Roxolana. Their phone number is (973) 538-3888. Ask for Michael, he speaks great English. They will email you a prepaid UPS label and a customs declaration paper. You put the UPS label on your package and fill out the customs paperwork. You put the customs paper in an envelope and stick it on the outside of the package. Write "customs papers" on the outside of the envelope. I use those see through envelopes from the UPS store. Then you will just take the package to the UPS store and it will get sent to New Jersey. Once it arrives there, Michael will call you and tell you what the cost is to send it to Ukraine and you pay him by credit card over the phone. He then send it directly to the mission home. My last package was 20 lbs. and cost $90. They are an official customs agent of Ukraine. The packages arrive unopened and in great shape, which isn't always the case with USPS."

Mailing Tips and other info
  • Use Amazon and have them deliver directly to the mission home.


Provo MTC



Bolivia
  • When shipping keep packages to 4lbs or less. Customs will not allow anything heavier.



Brazil and Brazil MTC




Mexico and Mexico MTC


Peru

  • It is recommended to only use USPS padded envelopes and keep them under 4 lbs so they don't have to go through customs. 




Sunday, April 5, 2015

Questions for your missionary on Mothers Day? Great ideas!



A big thanks to www.ldsmissionaries.com!!!

http://ldsmissionaries.com/21-questions-to-ask-during-your-christmas-missionary-call/




Are you excited to talk to your missionary on Mother's Day!!?

Well, you should be. So what are you going to say on your missionary phone call? What will you ask your missionary? How can you spend your time best? What can you talk about without making them too homesick?


Well here are some great questions to help you help you help your missionary to keep their mind on the mission. This might help so that you don’t just cry the whole time and make them homesick.

1. When was the last time you laughed with your companion and why? What makes you laugh in your area? How do you stay light hearted?

2. What has your mission president been doing to inspire the mission? What do you love about your mission president?

3. Tell us in person about the last miracle you witnessed…When was the last time you saw an answer to prayer?

4. What do you like about your companion? Do have fun in  the work together?

5. Are there any inside jokes in your mission? What is your current mission theme right now?

6. How are your clothes holding up? How are your feet?

7. Have you found any new investigators from your past investigators in your area book?

8. What was your favorite meal from members during the mission so far?

9. Are there street vendors in your area? Do they offer good food? Do you snack during the day between lessons?

10. What has been your favorite P-day activity so far?

11. Do you do a lot of service in your area? What service projects have you done?

12. How many progressing investigators do you have right now? Any new ones since the last email?

13. How much do you work on retention in your area? Are there a lot of less active members?

14. What is your favorite smell in your area right now? Least favorite?

15. How often do you do laundry? When was the last time you washed your sheets?

16. What is music like in your ward? Does everyone sing? Does it sound good? Have you had to help with music?

17. What are some of the local sayings and interesting things people say in your area? (if they are in a foreign mission)

18. What’s the scariest thing that has happened to you so far where you have felt protected as a missionary?

19. What do most people do for work in your area or is it pretty mixed?

20. Share with us how has your testimony grown since leaving home? (In your mission language if you want). How has the atonement strengthened you as a missionary?

21. What should we do to be better missionaries at home while you are gone?



What are some other great questions that you will ask your missionary?

- How many members in your ward/branch?
- What is the church building like?
- What is the town like? Rural, small town, small city, med. city, large city?
- What does the area look like? flat? rolling hills? A lot of trees?
- How hot is it? How cold is it? How often does it rain?
- How is your companion? How long has he been out? Is his family LDS? Do they support him with letters? Life member or convert?
- Are you sleeping well? How is the food? What is the best food you've eaten?
What is the weirdest food you've eaten? 
- How many dinner appts do you get? What do you usually eat for breakfast? Lunch?
- How are your clothes? Shoes? Socks?
- How are your feet? Any problems? 
- Do you need more toothpaste? Deodorant? Vitamins?
- What is your apt like? Is it in a big building? Are your neighbors friendly or scared of you?
- How far away is the Mission Office? How many in your District? Where are they from? Who is the District Leader? Zone Leader? How often do you have Zone Conference?
- What do you usually do on P-day? What service do you do? How often?
- How many investigators?



What are some other great questions that you will ask your missionary?

21 Questions to ask during your Christmas missionary call/Skype

http://ldsmissionaries.com/21-questions-to-ask-during-your-christmas-missionary-call/

Saturday, March 28, 2015

MTC Mexico- letters or packages sent to the CCM - a bit of advice

CCM (Mexico MTC)

https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/missionary-training-centers/mexico?lang=eng



Thanks to Sister Jensen, shared on MissionaryMommas, we have some tips for sending mail to the Mexico MTC (CCM)

"Momma's that have missionaries at the Mexico MTC (CCM)...here are a few tips I have learned, I hope they help. If you have any tips for me, I would love to hear them too. Your missionary only gets 30-60 minutes of computer time per week to read and respond to every email and while I am grateful we get to communicate with them I have found a few better ways.
You can mail your letters to them via different options. This gives them a chance to receive and read your letters at their convenience. They also have them in their hand anytime they are needing a "pick me up".
1. missionarypackagemx.com has a LETTER delivery system. Their letters are $1 each. Log onto their link and follow the instructions. PHOTOS may be sent, purchase a photo packet and follow the instructions per the link. Predetermined PACKAGES may be purchased also. All items are delivered the next business day. They are based in Mexico City, therefore, you pay online and they package and ship from Mexico city for you. You don't have to worry about customs issues.
2. mtcmexicocarepackage.com has a FREE LETTER delivery system. Log onto their link and follow the instructions. PHOTOS may be sent too, purchase a photo packet and follow the instructions per the link. Predetermined PACKAGES may be purchased also. All items are delivered the next business day. They are based in Mexico City, therefore, you pay online, they package and ship it from Mexico City for you. You don't have to worry about customs issues.

3. dearelder.com Predetermined PACKAGES may be purchased.  
**(as of May 2015, pouch letters are no longer free via )  See below information for POUCH MAIL

I have had great success with these companies. The first company sends back an email when your item is delivered, the second company has free letters and I enjoy them very much. It is just a preference as to which company you would like to use.
Good luck and I hope this helps."

4. Pouch Mail

The Church provides pouch mail service to countries where other mail service may not be reliable. Each country regulates this service differently, and the church must comply with these regulations in order to avoid fines and cessation of this service. Missionaries are allowed to use e-mail to correspond with family, where Internet service is accessible.
  1. To Prevent possible discontinuation of pouch mail service, only the following items may be sent through the pouch:

    • Postcards.

    • Letters that are single sheet, folded into three-panels, and taped at the top only (see example at the bottom).
    Note: Letters sent in any other manner will be returned to the sender.

    The Church provides pouch mail service for missionaries serving in the following countries:

    • Albania
    • Argentina
    • Armenia
    • Bolivia
    • Cambodia
    • Cape Verde
    • Chile
    • Colombia
    • Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Ecuador
    • El Salvador
    • Ghana
    • Guatemala
    • Haiti
    • Honduras
    • Jamaica
    • Kenya
    • Latvia (Baltic)
    • Madagascar
    • MEXICO
    • Mongolia
    • Mozambique
    • Nicaragua
    • Nigeria
    • Panama Paraguay
    • Peru Philippines
    • Poland
    • Romania
    • Russia
    • Sierra Leone
    • South Africa (Johannesburg)
    • Uganda
    • Ukraine
    • Uruguay
    • Zimbabwe

  2. Pouch mail should be addressed as follows:

    MISSIONARY'S NAME
    MTC OR MISSION NAME
    P.O. BOX. 30150
    SALT LAKE CITY UT 84130-0150

    Note: Please include your name and complete return address in the top left corner.

  3. Items restricted from the pouch (stamps, debit cards, medicine, etc.) may possibly be sent through the United States Postal Service (USPS) or through a private courier, depending upon the destination country. Cash is not accepted for conveyance by any carrier. Please consult with the USPS or the courier of your choice to determine which items are allowed.

    • United States Postal Service 1-800-222-1811
    • HL Express 1-800-225-5345
    • Federal Express 1-800-463-3339
    • United Parcel Service (UPS) 1-800-742-5877


  4. Instructions for making a three-panel fold:

    • Lay the blank side of the 20 lb. letter paper (single sheet) facing down with the writing facing you.

    • Fold the top of the letter about one-third on the way down and crease.

    • Fold the bottom of the letter to the top of the first fold and crease.

    • Use two pieces of tape or two sticker tabs on the top to secure it, not more than one inch from each side, but do not seal the ends.

    • Do not include any other items within the letter.

    • In the top left corner, write your name and complete return address.

    • Affix a stamp in the top right corner.

    • In the middle, write the following:

      MISSIONARY'S NAME
      MTC OR MISSION NAME
      P.O. BOX 30150
      SALT LAKE CITY UT 84130-0150