Building Your
1202 BEF
DR.SIMONE REALITY TV PERSONALITY
ON MARRIED TO MEDICINE
TALKS LOVE & E N I Z A G A M
COMPROMISE
T N E M R E W O P M E S ' N E M O W A
PRESENTED BY PREMIER LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
e v o L The ciousness s n o C Issue
letter letter FROM
THE
EDITOR
IN
CHIEF
Happy New Year, Powerhouse! Thank you for turning the page and exploring this issue of the Building Your Powerhouse Magazine. Considering all the turmoil we experience in our world today; I could not resist taking advantage of the “love” month (February) to set the tone for this issue and entitling it “Love Consciousness.” As I contemplate the feeling I hope this publication evokes in you, I am reminded of the beautiful and conscious expression of Dionne Warwick (1966), “What the world needs now is love, sweet love, no, not just for some, but for everyone.” I pray you sense the warmth of my heart, that it becomes contagious, and that you find a taste of the love you desire in the content of these pages. You do not want to miss the interview with Dr. Simone Whitmore, from Bravo’s reality television series, Married to Medicine, Atlanta. Dr. Simone shares simple, short, and profound nuggets of wisdom on love and compromise in marriage. Take time to savor and thoughtfully digest. Further, love is not just about romance, but it is also about self-love, service, community, and healing, which you will also read about. Just keep flipping, but don’t stop there. Turn until your tastebuds happily land on the amazing recipes for your stay-at-home date with yourself, your friends, or your family for Valentine’s Day or for any time you wish to indulge. These dishes are easy to recreate, yet they are attractive and succulent. Finally, we humbly recognize African American Heritage month and the countless contributions of our many African American ancestors who expressed their love by the sacrificial blood, sweat, tears they shed for our families and for our country. Simply put, you have so much to look forward to in this month’s Building Your Powerhouse Magazine! Thank you again for loving it and sharing it and remember to subscribe and be the first to receive your “free” online issue in the coming months. For daily inspiration, go to Facebook and follow our “women-only” Powerhouse page. Until next time, Be LOVE, show LOVE, and share LOVE, “no, not just (with) some, but (with) everyone.”
Love & Blessings, #POWERUP
CONTENTS
02
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF
04
PREMIER LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION,INC.
Welcoming words from Dr. Kreslyn
A look into PLF's Programs & Services
08
11
3 WAYS TO SHOW LOVE FOR HUMANITY
COMMUNITY LOVE
Promoting our conscious love for humanity.
Could love for your community equate to longer life?
14
18
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
WHERE DO BROKEN HEARTS GO?
Dr. Kreslyn’s Interview With Dr. Simone Whitmore, of Married to Medicine, Atlanta.
How to cope with the holiday blues.
22
27
Deeply Rooted in Heritage, Courage, and in the Contributions of Our Ancestors
6 great recipes from Cooking with Julisa!
A SOBERING LOVE
LOVE & FOOD
04
Building Your Powerhouse
Premier Leadership Foundation, Inc.
Programs & Services Building Your Powerhouse Magazine (BYPM) This is our newest project which has been in the works since 2016. The BYPM is a publication for women that provides information, inspiration, and empowerment. The magazine is comprehensive in that the content will span the most important areas in a woman’s life. LIFE (living with ease), LOVE (living in unity with all mankind), and LEADERSHIP (living in a life worth modeling). We intend its contents to nourish the mind, body, soul, and spirit. Believing that all people have the potential to realize their greatest version of themselves but do not always have access to the resources that help attain it, we have made this personal development tool “FREE” and easily accessible. There is a minimal fee of ($2.99) to download a PDF file of the magazine. All fees go back to PLF and help support publishing the BYPM.
Project Uganda We have been fortunate to partner with local Rotarians and serve women and children in Uganda. Since October 2018, we have contributed $1,400 to student uniforms (the children only had one); $3,500 to sponsor the education of nine girls for years, and $700 for a year of free internet for a small private school, online training for the teachers, and $400 for a week of food for 80 women boarded at Set Her Free.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES CONT... MAGUC
Mentoring Adolescent Girls Under Construction Two years ago, we launched our girls
However, this year we are serving eight
mentoring program for girls (9th -11th
girls and have extended our support to
grades), who are doing well in school, but
them through their senior year in high
need personal development, resources,
school. Our 2021 goal is to raise the
and other assistance. We could only take
funds needed to provide scholarships for
on 5 girls because of limited funding. We
our proteges once they graduate from
bring speakers, host meetings at off-site
high
facilities,
process, and provide other incentives to
and
provide
meals
for
the
students. All this in an effort to provide
school,
track
their
education
promote college attendance.
exposure, empowerment, and assistance that
prepares
them
for
college
and
career.
Sisterhood Holiday Social We served over 900 women through this
Our 2021 goal is to host a Sisterhood
program over the past seven years and
Holiday Social in Houston, TX, to honor
have
unsung
more women and increase our giving to
heroes and given more than $10,000 to
$15,000. We also plan to host the "Building
women experiencing extreme hardship in
Your Powerhouse� Women’s Conference
the Huntsville/Madison Co. area. We also
where women will learn more about
partner with other organizations in our
improving
honored
over
25
female
community and internationally to provide resources and services.
their
mental,
physical,
and
spiritual health and how to pursue their life dreams, all for a small minimal fee.
Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates. KATE ANGELL
You are lovely
HAPPY VALENTINE'S
Premier Leadership Foundation
8
Building Your Powerhouse
3 Ways to Show
for Humanity
By Dr. Kreslyn Kelley-Ellis
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." Sadly, for most of us, humanity is not a centric identity but is formed based on our race, religion, and skin color. We often extend help to only those we can call 'our people,' at the expense of others who might really deserve it. However, every coin has two sides. While many turned a blind eye, some individuals risked their lives to rescue Jews during the Holocaust. It's our moral duty to love and care about people around us, despite the caste, creed, or culture they belong to. Here are 3 ways we can promote our conscious love for humanity.
3 WAYS TO SHOW LOVE FOR HUMANITY
continued...
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."
1. Show compassion We are all humans, and we can make mistakes. We should not judge others based on the wrong things they've done, for it is altruism and not condemnation that brings out the best in people. Everyone has the right to their own opinions, and we should avoid defining people by their choices.
2. Promote Equality It means letting go of all our biases and stereotypes and seeing people for who they are and not the social strata they identify with. By being accommodating and kind and giving people second chances, we might just be surprised by them.
3. Volunteer Giving back to the community can inspire others to do the same. Sometimes, our efforts are bound to pay off, even if in just a small way. Once we learn to work for the change we want to see, will we not lose hope. The most significant kind of love is love for humanity. When we fail to find reasons to keep our hopes from dying, we should train ourselves to see the potential that lies in creating a better tomorrow for all of us.
FRIENDS WHO
STAY together
SLAY together
LL onger
ife
?
A Snapshot of the Benefits of Volunteerism "Love cannot remain by itself — it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service." - Mother Teresa.
An important component of fostering love, happiness, and wellness is embracing and celebrating that we are part of a larger community. Performing service for this same community is a worthy endeavor. To commit to something larger than ourselves is important, for it empowers us to see the bigger picture of life. Human beings are hard-wired to provide for others. In turn, there is no replacement for forming a meaningful connection with another person. Exiting the mindset of 'I, me, and myself' has a significant impact with just a small investment of time. We learn life lessons such as humbleness, gratefulness, respect, and sincerity from serving in a diverse community. Volunteering allows us to connect with others and make our communities better. By helping out with the smallest tasks, we can make a big difference in the lives of people and organizations in need. Additionally, it helps us understand others' circumstances and imparts a broad, open-minded perspective of the people belonging to different walks of life, making us empathetic citizens. In fact, it is proven that people who volunteer regularly are healthier, both physically and mentally. Volunteers typically live longer and have better psychological well-being because of their inbuilt sense of gratitude and purpose. Really, the fulfillment of giving back to society and playing our part in contributing to a better and well-knit community is unparalleled. We can all make a difference in changing and improving the lives of others, while improving ourselves and serving as role models. With this new found sense of purpose by helping those around us, the love and well-wishes they extend to us often manifest as complete fulfillment in our own lives. Sources: 1. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-17888-001 2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/volunteering-may-be-good-for-body-and-mind-201306266428
L
V E
&
L I V E
14
Building Your Powerhouse
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Apparently, Everything! Dr. Kreslyn’s Interview With Dr. Simone Whitmore, Reality TV Personality on Married to Medicine, Atlanta. In this February 2021 Edition of Building Your Powerhouse Magazine, our focus is “Love Consciousness”, and I could not think of a better way to celebrate this season and publication than by discussing marriage. Since you, Dr. Simone, and your husband Cecil are familiar faces in many homes by way of television, specifically, Married to Medicine, Atlanta, I wanted to capture some behind the scenes insight on the topic. That said, our team at Premier Leadership Foundation, Inc., is ecstatic that you agreed to share your wisdom with us, and we are certain that our viewers will too; so, thank you! Without further ado, let’s right dive in.
What’s Love Got to Do
With It?
Dr. Kreslyn: When and how did you and Cecil meet? Dr. Simone: Cecil and I met at our apartment complex while attending Morehouse and Spelman in 1988. Dr. Kreslyn: Wow, so it has been over 30 years. That is impressive and somewhat rare, today. How did you know that he was the man for you? Dr. Simone: Cecil was focused in college and confident about a successful future. Dr. Kreslyn: I would say, those are great qualities for an ambitious woman. How long have you been married and what has been your greatest “love” lesson as a married couple? Dr. Simone: We've been married for 24 years, approaching our 25th anniversary in May 2021. My greatest love lesson ever learned was about compromise. Love cannot live or breathe without it. No compromise, no future. Dr. Kreslyn: Wow! Short, simple, and true: “No compromise, no future." I may have to use that one, Doc! What did Cecil think about your ambitions of adding reality television to your full plate of Wife, Mommy, and Doctor? Dr. Simone: Cecil was initially against filming reality TV because we watched several couple divorce after filming. He eventually gave in because he has always supported me in my career and business endeavors. BUILDING YOUR POWERHOUSE
| 15
What’s Love Got to Do
With It?
continued... Dr. Kreslyn: How have you been able to inspire other married couples? Dr. Simone: I think we've been able to inspire other couples simply by being transparent and sharing our struggles in marriage. Dr. Kreslyn: Yeah, I am certain that is true as I have personally been inspired by watching you two work through some challenges, compromise with one another, and remain committed to your union. What would you say is your secret to maintaining a long, healthy marriage? Dr. Simone: There are no secrets to maintaining a long marriage. Key ingredients are love and compromise. Marriage cannot survive without both together at the same time. Dr. Kreslyn: What advice would you give women who are struggling in their management of marriage and professional success? Dr. Simone: My advice to a married career woman: you must decide who and what are the most important in your life and then treat them as such! Dr. Kreslyn: Well, there it is! Simple, yet powerful. Thank you so much, Dr. Simone, for your time and transparency. I do not take them for granted. Dr. Simone: You’re welcome! BUILDING YOUR POWERHOUSE
16
LOVE RECOGNIZES NO BARRIERS. - Maya Angelou
WHERE DO BROKEN HEARTS GO???
February is here! This is the month of Valentine’s Day as lovers showcase their expressions of passionate romance and appreciation to significant others. This is the month when kids festively show classmates kindness with gifts of sweet treats and humorous “Be my Valentine” cards. These heartfelt gestures are pleasant; however, there is a dark side of February that is often brushed under the rug. Broken hearts are typically overlooked.
"R ea li ty be is an m th on ov at th er th w fo is h r el p s eo m ev in p e g ra le ." l
ca n
Unfortunately, February isn’t joyful if you are enduring heartbreak. It’s a fact that heartbreak can be a physical experience. Heartbreak isn’t only a symptom of breakups. You may experience heart break when in mourning, when a loved one disappoints you, or when someone close to you is hurting. Heartbreak can often occur when a spouse, parent or child dies. Broken Heart Syndrome is at times evidenced when a mourning loved one experiences overwhelming stress or physiological symptoms that may be similar to a heart attack or other cardiac malfunction then they pass away (usually in rather close timing). In some situations, it may be fatal, while in other cases you can recoup. Broken hearts find their way to where they need to be. Reality is that this can be an overwhelming month for several people. Celebrate if you please but offer a kind gesture to someone that’s heartbroken. Sometimes empowering others helps you to stay charged too. Power Up! Here are some practical self-care activities to maintain mental and emotional stability: 1. Give and receive love without tying it to material objects. Give a compliment to a friend, elbow bump a colleague, laugh at someone’s stale joke. 2. Journal. Express heartfelt thoughts in a private journal. Writing can help with coping to release tension through genuine words and experiences. 3. Celebrate the legacy of a deceased love one. Mourn in positive ways as you minimize tears and positively highlight their legacy. Listen to their favorite song or wear their favorite color on Valentine’s Day. Mourning doesn’t have to always be a dread. Stress can lead to anxiety or depression. Professional help is advised for further coping guidance. Seek immediate treatment if suicidal orhomicidal thoughts onset. Mrs. Arrogance Winton Wright, MS, Associate Licensed Counselor under the Supervision of Jonathan Williams, LPC-S Email: alc35808@gmail.com
That is all.
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
As an African American, I am humbled to have roots that reach relatives far beyond the names that are familiar to me. To stand on the very rights and privilege that cost my ancestors their own concessions and many times resulted in their demise is beyond sobering. A true reflection of such sacrifices has birthed a beautiful lineage of love, happiness, some contentment, and provides a sense of belonging to something meaningful and more grand than one can imagine. With my best
DEEPLY ROOTED IN HERITAGE, COURAGE, AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR ANCESTORS
vocabulary, I call this unexplainable pride, history. I name it courage. I know it as love.
A historical reflection to a place of my African Ancestors who were stripped of their homes, loved ones and culture often breaks my heart, yet it makes my heart. I am provoked to sort through the negative thoughts but overcome with a sense of gratitude. Because of such courage, our ancestors were able to somehow find a way
Mrs. LaSonja Winns Greene
to pass down to us from generation to generation the encouragement to not only survive but also to thrive. Consequently, our contributions as African Americans are endless and not always tangible.
BYP MAGAZINE
We are some of the most affectionate people with great compassion for others. We can show love to people of any ethnic group without hesitation. In fact, I remember my Grandmother taking into our home, Monks passing through our town, and demonstrating her best display of hospitality. During those times, we probably would not have received the same act of kindness had we stumbled upon communities that were different from ours. However, with loving acts of courage, we have still overcome many obstacles to contribute to some of the most impactful discoveries and biggest movements in this country. Back then and even now, we continue to be innovative and manage to love when we are most compromised. If African American people were to receive awards for the virtues they have maintained for hundreds of years, they should include badges of love and courage. Today, we can stand in the light of our history and the fact that our families were intentional about us being here. We can stand on their shoulders of courage and continue to thrive. Finally, we can stand in the presence of their
CONTINUED...
undeniable love, their best contribution of all!
22
Building Your Powerhouse
By: Dr. Kreslyn Kelley-Ellis
Self Love In recent years, the concept of self-love has gained
The complete process of self-love involves recognizing
a lot of traction. Fortunately, people are beginning
and embracing the good, the bad, and the not-so-
to recognize the relationship between self-love and
perfect parts. While it is essential to be kind to
mental wellness.
ourselves, self-love is more than just a sentiment. It begins when we start appreciating our existence and
However, why is it that many times, when we try to
even our flaws. It consists of taking the initiative to
love ourselves, we end up criticizing our beautiful
recognize areas for growth, creating a plan of action,
faces, bodies, and personality traits that make us
and bravely embarking upon it.
unique? It's sad when something so critical to our mental and emotional health is hijacked by
Buying a new pair of shoes or eating an entire tub of ice cream may make you feel ecstatic for a moment,
insecurity. To eliminate this lack of self-awareness
but the feeling of happiness won't be long lived. You
that always manages to pull us down, let's clarify
might even end up feeling sad about it the next
what self-love is and is not.
morning after looking at your bank balance or your scales. Furthermore, loving yourself does not mean
The Dalai Lama says, "Compassion naturally creates
that you think you are the smartest, most talented,
a positive atmosphere, and as a result you feel
and the prettiest person in the world. Neither is it an
peaceful and content." When you love yourself, you
excuse to indulge in activities that bring instant
have compassion for yourself. You learn to replace
gratification, but a slow process to ultimately see
the negative self-talk with positive affirmations and
yourself and recognize and value your strengths and
set healthy boundaries for yourself.
weaknesses, triumphs, and challenges.
The Truth About Self Love...
Beyond your ability to tend to yourself and feel that you're worthy, you must remember that self-love is an intentional practice to learn and cultivate. It will feel a bit awkward at first, and it sure won't be easy, but do it anyway. Be patient with YOU. Have compassion on YOU. Embrace, accept and love YOU, because YOU are essential!
Be your own happily ever after!
The End.
LOVE & FOOD BY: COOKING WITH JULISA
Building Your Powerhouse
27
6 INSTAGRAM WORTHY RECIPES!
Whether you are home with your significant other or planning a girl’s night in, social distancing at home doesn’t have to be boring. One thing COVID has taught me is the importance of slowing down and being intentional about making the most out of the time you spend with yourself and others. Good food, good laughs and great company always makes for an amazing moment. Planning a girl’s night with a few of your best girl friends? Why not! Grab your favorite bottle of white wine, get dressed up and schedule a virtual paint nite. All you need is a canvas, suggested paint and paint brushes. Www.yaymaker.com is one of many online event pages that specialized in virtual paint parties. Their instructors will share with you everything that you need beforehand for a successful night of laughs and fun. They have concepts for all occasions. And we can’t forget the food, lets prepare a Charcuterie Board filled with some of your favorite items and a decadent Salmon recipe that is sure to grab the attention of all your friends!
Julisa’s Charcuterie Board
To make the perfect board you will need a few
PROCEDURE
items: something sweet, cheese, crackers and or breads, cured meats, a nice platter to place your
Grab your platter and arrange your items
items, nuts and something salty.
however you like. Artfully place your cheese first and then bread or crackers.
INGREDIENTS
Cup your olives or pickles and place them on
Variety of sliced cured meats such as salami,
the board followed by everything else.
prosciutto or pepperoni
Use the colors and shapes of your food to
Variety of soft and hard cheeses such as
create an inviting board full of delightful treats to snack on as you begin to prepare
cheddar, Brie, Havarti and Gouda
dinner.
Peppers, cured olives or pickles Your favorite fresh and or dried fruits, strawberries, black, blue or raspberries and grapesRoasted peppers or veggies Variety of nuts, almonds are my favorite! Fresh sprigs of herbs like mint or rosemarySweet jellies and spreads Crackers or bread of your choice, I love a fresh baguette sliced 28
R C II PP EE SS R EE C
First, let’s make the marinade for the Salmon. To make it, you’ll need:
INGREDIENTS 4 salmon fillets 2 lemons, sliced 3 tbsp Melted butter 3 tbsp Honey Minced garlic, to taste (I use appx. 2 tbsp) 3 tbsp Olive oil 2 tbsp brown sugar 3 tbsp Soy sauce 3 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp Ginger (ground) Red pepper flakes, to taste Parsley, to tastePepper, to taste
Add your lemon slices to an oiled pan and then place your Salmon fillets, spaced apart. Mix all your marinade ingredients well and then pour over your salmon. Cover and let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. After 30 min, remove from refrigerator until room temp, basting periodically. Set your oven to broil and cook your salmon for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove from oven, baste and continue cooking for 5-6 additional minutes. Serve with Jasmine rice and roasted asparagus.To prepare the asparagus grab your asparagus stalks, wash and pat dry. Cut off the ends and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Bake for 5-8 minutes at 375.
Looking for something fun to do with your spouse? One thing I look forward to at least twice a month is date night with my husband. Going out for dinner is not in the cards for us with COVID on the rise, so we try to find something fun and intentional to do at home.
Occasionally, we will setup a virtual date night with our best friends where we connect on Zoom after preparing dinner and setting the table. Send the kids to bed early, dim the lights and light some candles and enjoy great company, socially distanced of course, delicious food and tasty wine. My husband’s favorite meal always has my homemade lump crab cakes involved, here’s how to make them.
Ingredients (recipe yields 6 cakes) 1lb lump crab meat
Instructions 1. Heat your canola oil in a pan over medium heatIn a small bowl,
20 Ritz Crackers
whisk your wet ingredients together, set asideIn a medium
1 large egg, beaten½ cup of mayo
bowl, combine your crab, crushed crackers, seasonings and
2 tbsp of Dijon mustard
veggies.
1 tbs pWorcestershire sauce
2. Add in your wet ingredients.With your hands, make your
Old bay seasoning, to taste
patties and add to your preheated pan, cooking 3 minutes per
Grated parsley¼ cup of canola oil
side, until deliciously golden and heated through.
Lemon wedges, for serving Diced onion & peppers, optional
3. Remove from heat, dress with additional parsley and lemon wedges.
We typically pair our Crab cakes with sautéed broccolini, loaded baked potato or whipped sweet potatoes and asparagus and a good glass of red wine. Now that dinner is ready, let's get to that double date!
Building Your Powerhouse
31
Who doesn’t like workouts and eating carbs? Making memories in the kitchen and burning carbs in the comfort of your home gym is a must! I’ll admit, I haven’t been to the gym in months and neither has hubby. We both have different styles of working out too. I love to do the machines and he loves to be outdoors. We found an intense compromise with sensual workouts from some of our favorite YouTube trainers and we are working on shedding this quarantine weight and focusing on intentional intimacy. Hop on YouTube and check out two trainers that we watch for sensual workout ideas, @Strength of Seduction and @Micah Morgan; You will not be disappointed! And what better meal to share after an intense workout than pizza! My absolute favorite meal and you can make it however you like! Whether with store bought dough or homemade. The magic is in the toppings and the time spent making it together. I’ll share with you how we make ours. We found a simple dough recipe online and tweaked it to make it our own.
RECIPES
*Any store bought already made dough or you can make your own in about 30 minutes. Here’s how:
INGREDIENTS FOR DOUGH 1 packet instant yeast 3/4 cup warm water 2-2 1/3 cups of bread flour 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt garlic powder and dried basil, to taste 2 Tablespoons olive oil +
INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, yeast, salt, seasonings and sugar and mix 2. Add in your warm water (not too warm though) and mix well. 3. Once combined, add an additional cup of flour to your mixture. You may need to continue adding flour until your dough has the right consistency.At this point your dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. 4. In a separate bowl, coat the inside with olive oil and your hands with flour so that the dough doesn’t stick to your hands when you move it to the new bowl. 5. Once the dough is placed in the oiled bowl, roll it around to coat the dough with the oil completely. Cover and let rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes 6. Insert sensual workout!!
Workout done? Awesome, I bet you're hungry! Get washed up and let’s get ready to build your pizza! Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and let’s grab some ingredients.
DIRECTIONS Grated Mozzarella, Chicken, Pineapple, bacon, spinach, pepperoni, your favorite pizza sauce, tomato, mushrooms, whatever you like and as much as you like! Make an assembly line and then grab your down out of the fridge. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.This will deflate your perfect ball of dough. Using your hands work your dough into the desired shape for your pizza and then transfer to your baking sheet. Fold your corners, add additional olive oil to your flattened dough and poke holes all over. Now it’s time to add your toppings! Once you’ve assembled your pizza, bake for 15 minutes or until dough and toppings are golden. Let cool and serve your honey a slice or three.
33
There is something about cuddling up to a good movie, fire burning, and a home cooked Italian inspired meal with your spouse. Lasagna is a family favorite that is rich, decadent and full of flavor. Layers of warm cheeses and a veggie packed meat sauce that will make you feel like the kitchen is hugging you tight. Whenever I feel sad or didn’t have the best day at work, I roll up my sleeves and make this recipe and by the time it comes out of the oven, my world is alright. Paired with one of our favorite movies and fluffy socks; it is the perfect way to end any day of the week or start a romantic evening.
1lb of ground beef 1lb of ground Italian sausage 1 onion, diced 1 green pepper diced ½ of Bella mushrooms, diced ½ cup of zucchini, diced 2 cans of your favorite pasta sauce 1 can of tomato paste 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
Instructions 1. In a small bowl, add ricotta, egg, ½ cup of mozzarella and 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese and mix well. Refrigerate until later 2. In a large pot, cook your beef, sausage and veggies over medium heat until well browned. Remove access fat from pan. Add your crushed
1 can of crushed tomato
tomato, sauce, paste and seasonings to taste, adding sugar last. Bring
4 cups of mozzarella, shredded
to a simmer and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add additional
2 cups of Italian cheese, shredded
seasoning to taste.
16oz of ricotta 1 egg Salt, sugar (2 tbsp) and pepper to taste Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon), basil, garlic powder, onion powder, fennel seed (½ teaspoon) Parmesan cheese1 box of oven ready lasagna
3. Preheat oven to 375 and layer your meat sauce, ricotta, cheeses and oven ready noodles at least three times. 4. Bake for 30 minutes covered and then an addition 5-8 minutes uncovered. 5. Serve with Salad and breadsticks
Before the pandemic, I can count on one hand the amount of times that I stopped to spend quality time with myself. One thing this year has given me is a new appreciation for self-care and self-love. Yes, I am married to a wonderful man and together we have two beautiful children but I still make time to make me, a priority. Listening to some neo soul after Yield: day One Pizza a relaxing of12-inch pampering puts me in the mood for Prep Time: 2 hrlove 15 min baking. I love, love, cheesecake and will make it Time: 2 hr 30 min just Total to celebrate myself! The base for my
cheesecake recipe is simple and you can add whatever you like as a topping or leave it plain and add some fresh fruit and whipped cream. With just a few ingredients, I’ll share my little piece of heaven with you.
Ingredients Graham Cracker Crust 20 graham crackers, crushed 4 tbs of brown sugar1 teaspoon of cinnamon¼ teaspoon of kosher salt ½ stick of butter, melted
Cheesecake filling Three 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup of sour cream 2 tablespoons of cornstarch 1 1/3 cup of white sugar 3 eggs and 1 yolk, room temperature Pinch of kosher salt 1 tablespoon of vanilla
BYP
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Evenly spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and place on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, add crushed graham crackers, sugar, salt, spice and butter and mix well. Add to pan and spread evenly across the bottom. Bake for 810 minutes, then let cool completely. Now that your crust is ready, it’s time to make your cheesecake filling! In a bowl, add your cornstarch, sugar and salt and mix well. Set aside I like to use our kitchen aid but any electric mixer will work perfectly for you to pulse together your cream cheese. Next, add in your sour cream and vanilla and pulse until smooth. Add in your sugar, a ½ cup at a time to ensure it blends smoothly. Next, add in your eggs. It is important to add them one at a time and blend until well combined. Once well combined, add your filling in your baking pan, over your buttery graham cracker crust. At this point, if you have a crumble or topping that requires baking, you will need to add it here. If you want to keep it plain, let’s bake! Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Turn off over, crack door and allow to sit for an additional hour before removing from the oven to allow to cool. Add fresh fruit, whipped cream or even homemade caramel sauce and enjoy!
Building Your Powerhouse
36
This season, focus on love. Loving your spouse, loving your friends and family and falling deeper in love with yourself. Be intentional about the time you spend with others and with yourself. Whether virtually or socially distanced, there are so many activities available for you to enjoy the moment and continue to make new members. Don’t allow the circumstances of the world keep you from enjoying the moments. God has given you, make the best of it. Start a book club and plan to meet virtually once a week to sip and chat about what you’re reading. Give yourself or your spouse an intimate massage, facial and foot rub, taking your time and discovering something new about your bodies. Cook your favorite dinner, light your candles, send your kids to bed a little early and turn on some good music. Make the moments matter. For more information, contact: “Cooking with Julisa” www.cookingwithjulisa.com 256-276-7496 Located in Huntsville, Alabama, serving Huntsville and surrounding areas.
THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS
Let all that you do be done in love. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:14
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