What is in Your Hand?

 

Hello Dear Ones!

I have been thinking about the Bible story in Exodus 4:2, when God asks Moses “What is in your hand?” Moses replied that it was his staff, and God proceeds to do many miracles using that humble staff. Of course it wasn’t any power from the staff itself, but the point is God can use anything. In a different story, God even used a donkey and gave him the ability to speak! 

I think another lesson for us is to use what God has given us. There is another expression something along the lines of “Take care of the penny’s  and the dollars will take care of themselves.” I feel this is very true, and I do try to do what I can with whatever is in my hand.

This past week, I had bananas in my hand—lots of them! There is a local grocery store that always marks down their spotted bananas to 50% off. I do try and keep my eye on the banana area, so I can guess when the store is going to have many over ripe bananas that they will be marking down. And when they do—I buy them! I am blessed to have a separate upright freezer, and I have one shelf in my freezer with three wire baskets that I have dedicated to holding frozen bananas. Why so many?  I am glad you asked!  Yes, there is always banana bread. I have a banana bread recipe I make often—usually in the form of muffins. There are also smoothies. My daughter and I typically have a smoothie every morning for breakfast that includes black beans and bananas and cocoa powder—sounds awful but tastes delicious! But my favorite use for these frozen bananas during the hot weather we have had this summer is as follows:

Fruit ice cream!!! And frozen bananas are the basis of all the flavors. First of all, simply smooshing frozen banana chunks through my Champion Juicer makes the most delicious fruit ice cream, all by itself. My hubby likes to sprinkle a bit of crunchy granola on top. Other flavors of “ice cream” can be made by alternating other frozen fruit along with the banana chunks.  The bananas are what make a creaminess, but we also make strawberry, pineapple, blueberry, or mango ice cream. 

The Champion Juicer is the key machine to obtain the texture of soft serve ice cream. I bought my Champion Juicer years ago—literally at least 25 years ago or more—and paid several hundred dollars for it at the time. Sadly the company no longer makes them, however there are still plenty around on EBay and FaceBook Marketplace. I was able to find a used one on FaceBook Marketplace for my son for $35, and one for my daughter later for $25! So they are still out there if you are interested! 

So that has been our treat lately on hot days—all fruit ice cream, made for penny’s.  Good for our health, good for the wallet as well! :) How have you been staying cool during the hot weather? 

Until Next Time—

Friend