Recipe: Northwest Salmon Chowder

A white crock-pot with "Tooze" written in permanent marker on one of the handles... It's there nearly very week and the soups it contains are always delicious and always gone by the end of the meal. This week it held Mrs. Tooze's "Northwest Salmon Chowder" and the taste buds of everyone who took a bowl were delighted. Now you don't have to wait till the next time Mrs. Tooze brings it to church. Here's the recipe so you can make it any time you desire:

Northwest Salmon Chowder

1/2 cup each chopped celery, onion and green or red bell pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked diced peeled potatoes
1 cup shredded carrots
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1 can (14-15 oz.) cream-style corn
2 cups half-and-half cream
2 cups fully cooked red salmon chunks or 1 can red salmon, drained, flaked, bones and skin removed

In a large saucepan, sauté celery, onion, pepper and garlic in butter until the vegetables are tender. Add broth, potatoes, carrots, salt, pepper and dill; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40 minutes or until the vegetables are nearly tender. Stir in the corn, cream and salmon. Simmer for 15 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts).

Thank you Mrs. Tooze for all the delicious soups you bring to share with us all!

Agape Block Party 2010 was a success!

The sun smiled (brightly!) on us as we fired up the grills, closed off the street, and began the Agape Block Party 2010.

Hamburgers!

Setting up the food.

Chips, fruit, hotdogs, and rice crispy treats...all enjoyed in the shady shelter of a table.

Grandpas with granddaughters...

...aunts with nephews.

Babies snatch a snooze.

Other babies wander around and look cute!

Live music entertained us!

After eating in the sun we migrated to the shady side of the building.

Pretty girls in Sunday dresses have some old fashioned, earthy fun!

Now that's a good time!

All good things must come to an end, but, to quote Dr. Seuss,
"Don't cry because it is over.
Smile because it happened."

A big thanks to Charity Tuuri and Dave Hammerstrom for taking the initiative and organizing this fun event for us all! As the rains and cold weather approach, we'll be looking forward to next year.

*Pictures taken by Bert Coombs, Richard Mahar, and Amanda Evans

Agape Block Party 2010

Last year, on a sunny Sunday in the summer, we closed of the street in front of our church and moved our fellowship meal outside. Remember that day?

We barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs.

...which were enjoyed by all.

It was a fun, new way to hang out and eat together.

This Sunday, September 12th, we're going to try it again. It's a bit later in the season so it shouldn't be quite so hot, but pray for sun! Charity Tuuri is in charge of adding a new element to this year's block party: music! It should be another fun time including burgers, hot dogs, fresh air and fellowship.

Some of the same faces will be there.

Some of those familiar faces have grown over the past year.

Some beloved friends won't be there.

But they'll be with us in spirit.

The church will be providing burgers, hot dogs, buns, and condiments.

If you are in Group 1, please bring:
Dessert & Drinks


If you are in Group 2, please bring:
Side & Chips


See you there!
*All these fabulous pictures were taken by Peter Mahar*

Yogurt, shrimp, and tangy pasta

A new idea

Somebody brought yogurt this Sunday. I don't think I've ever seen that before, but judging by how quickly they disappeared, I would call it a good idea!

Someone else was brave and brought a casserole with shrimp. The label was helpful in both warding off diners wary of seafood and inspiring excitement in those who love it.

This creamy pasta casserole was also gone by the end. I took a scoop as I went through the line and enjoyed how moist and tangy it tasted.

I was a bit worried about quantities this week, but when I perused the lines after everyone had gone through there was still leftovers of sandwiches, some casseroles and chicken. I think quite a few families were either sick or on vacation. If the ratio of desserts to sides was any indicator, I would guess that everyone absent was in the group that was supposed to bring side dishes.

A Big Thank You!

"Please begin taking your seats," says the Deacon in Charge, his voice projecting over a hundred conversations as 200 people scramble around each other. Little children weave in and out, happy to release their pent up wiggles. As the hustle and bustle begins to settle and people listen to announcements, a whirl of activity is well underway in the kitchen.

Half a dozen girls--safely bedecked with rubber gloves--scurry hither and thither cutting up a few remaining desserts, dressing salads, laying tablecloths, and setting out hot dishes. Right on cue, they remove the tin foil and exit the kitchen. Our Agape meal is served!

Thank you girls!

A Summer Meal

Sandwiches and watermelon were what our agape meal was all about this Sunday.

We had at least three Caesar salads but I think that every one was gone or almost gone. I thought this one was lovely with the colors from the tasty fresh vegetables that were added.

I just love our fellowship meal in the summer. Caesar salad and a sandwich is the perfect Sunday afternoon lunch to me. And when we've finished we can go outside to visit in the warm, sunny weather while the kids run around on the steps or the grass.

What dishes do you look for at the Agape meal?

Recipe: Taco Salad

I have been bringing this salad almost every week for more than two years, but it is gone every time. Here it is in agape-sized portions, but you could easily make less of it if you wanted to serve it to your family at home.

4 Romaine Lettuce Hearts
1 can Kidney or Black Beans
1 1/2 cup grated cheese
Slightly crunched Tortilla Chips

Dressing:
1 cup Mayo
1 cup Salsa

Quantities are approximate. Add more or less to taste. Chop or tear lettuce into salad bowl. Add cheese and beans. Mix mayo and salsa in lidded container. Fill a quart-sized Ziplock bag with the crunched chips. Mix dressing into salad ingredients and add chips right before serving.

Variations:
Add fresh pressed garlic to the dressing for extra zing or use ranch dressing instead of mayo.
Doritos instead of plain tortilla chips are always well received.
You can also add ingredients like grated carrots, chopped tomatoes, peppers, onions, etc, though some of these are not as universally appreciated.
Add taco meat to make this salad a main dish.