curate and celebrate

AWAKEN AND RENEW

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12: 2 NLT

Photo taken by my sister

TWEAK AND NOURISH

MORE BEETS: BEETROOT HUMMUS. I got hooked on beetroot hummus after having it almost every day at a hotel breakfast buffet. It quickly became one of my favorite dishes at a hotel in Vienna. I loved pairing it with cucumber slices. Once I got back home from the trip, I made sure to grab some beets so I could whip up my own beetroot hummus.

First, I tossed some cooked chickpeas into the food processor and added diced roasted beets. I threw in some salt, lemon, tahini, garlic, and aquafaba (chickpea water). I was really into the flavor, so I skipped the cumin I usually add when making regular hummus.

Beetroot hummus served with buckwheat crackers

Beetroot hummus served with sliced cucumbers

ENLIGHTEN AND IGNITE

ONE MORE USE: JUICE PULP TO MEATBALLS. Usually, I just toss the juice pulp into the compost after making beet juice with orange, apple, and carrots. But recently, I thought, why not use the pulp to make meatballs? So, I mixed it with ground beef, eggs, homemade breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper. I used an ice cream scoop to make sure the meatballs were all the same size for even cooking. Bake them in the oven at 350°F and use a thermometer to make sure they're cooked through. The inside should hit 165°F. After they're done, you can simmer them in your favorite sauce. I've tried sweet chili, honey garlic, sesame ginger, teriyaki, and marinara. If I'm going for marinara, I sprinkle in some Italian seasoning in the mixture prior to cooking in the oven.

Beef Beet Meatballs

Juice Pulp: beets, oranges, apples, carrots

REJOICE AND DELIGHT

A NEW YEAR, A NEW BEGINNING: A TIME FOR RENEWAL. I always look forward to the new year. For me, it is a time to set new goals, habits, and boundaries that I didn't get to accomplish from the previous year. I also like the concept of a new beginning and the opportunity to sharpen a growth and abundant mindset.

Every year, I am reminded of the scripture from Ephesians 4:23: Be made new in the attitude of your minds as well as Philippians 4:8: Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. I am grateful for The Daniel Plan devotional that includes these scriptures at the beginning of the year.

What are you looking forward to in 2025?

WELCOME NOTE: Wishing you a JOYFUL NEW YEAR!!! Thank you so much for subscribing to my blog! I'm thrilled to have you here and hope you're inspired to celebrate those small victories and gain valuable insights from my discoveries!