Operation Christmas Child

I know that it seems early to be speaking about Christmas... However, now is a great time to purchase school supplies for your shoebox gifts. Remember, school supplies are one of the ways that Samaritan's Purse is allowed access in some countries. School supplies are in desperate need. Great deals can be had weekly at places like Staples, WalMart, and Target just to name a few. We picked up Crayola crayons, pencils, pencil sharpners, erasers, and pencil boxes all for .25 or less. Just imagine how much more you can put in that shoebox gift with great deals like these!!

Another yummy recipe!

Here's another yummy and healthy recipe for you cooks out there. This one is from the kitchen of Cindy Huff. And Sarah, in response to your question/comment after the Applesauce Meatloaf, we do have a recipe to fit your needs. It's here at The Lighthouse. Drop in and pick up your copy of Angel Lush. I think it will fit the bill! Now for the recipe!

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg, lighthly beaten

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fat-free milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen do not thaw)

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

TOPPING:

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1 tablespoon butter, melted

GLAZE:

1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

In large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Combine egg, milk adn butter; stir into dry ingredients until just moistened. Fold in blueberries and lemon peel. Coat muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray or use paper liners; fill three-fourths full with batter.

Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle about 1 tablespoon over each muffin. Bake 350 for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm muffins.

Yield: 1 dozen

Nutritional Analysis: 1 muffin equals 181 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated), 26 mg cholesterol, 133 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 3 g protien.

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat

Cooks note: I personally use egg beaters & Land-o-Lakes light butter. This cuts the fat, cholesterol, etc. and they still taste YUMMY!

Fireproof Soundtrack

For all you fans of the movie Fireproof the soundtrack has just released! It is for sale here at The Lighthouse! Stop in today to pick up your copy. This CD featurs many of your favorite Contemporary Christian artists - Casting Crowns, John Waller, Leeland, Third Day, Warren Barfield.

New Healthy Recipes

The Lighthouse is looking for ways to help us all keep healthy. We're starting a recipe collection. Be looking in-store and on this blog for new and tasty recipes. We'd love your comments after you try them. And be sure to send us a recipe or two that you've tried and like. Remember it's supposed to be healthy and tasty! Here's one from the kitchen of Miriam Schmidt:

Applesauce Meatloaf

2 lb. ground lean meat

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 onion finely diced

1 green pepper finely diced

6 slices whole grain bread crumbled

1 egg

2 tsp salt

pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees/ Combine all ingredients. Knead mixture until well blended. Pack into loaf pan. Bake for 2 hours. If desired pour 1/2 cup tomato sauce over top of loaf before baking.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Baking time: 2 hours

Servings: 8

Calories: 272

Christmas in July

Now's the perfect time to begin thinking about Christmas. Did you know, that as I write this, there is only 168 days until Christmas? Why wait for good deals though! We have Christmas gifts, cards, novelties all on sale - 30% off regular retail price! Offer is good until July 31 or while supplies last. Stop in today at The Lighthouse for the best selection!