Name that Salsa!

Gloria Gonzales, a good friend of ours from Joe's hometown of Eureka, CA, is an expert maker of salsa. Last weekend she generously sent us over 50 bottles of her homemade awesomeness! This bountiful gift came in three flavors: Roasted Tomatilla (my favorite), Salsa Verde (green), and Peach Habanero (the hot stuff). (If you stopped by the Mexican food booth at Chris & Sarah's wedding last Saturday you may have tasted some already.)


What separates Gloria's salsa from the masses of other hot sauces is the powerful presence of flavor. It's so much more than just a hot sauce. Joe finds a way to add to most everything I cook. He says it goes with just about anything, excepting cold cereal.

We'd like to show Gloria our appreciation by developing a name and branding label for her salsa. Your name ideas are welcome; please post a comment.
*If you need a free sample to get the creative juices flowing, let me know ;)

A 'Purr'fect Pose

When I put Joshua to bed each night I leave the door to his room open, just in case he starts crying I want to be sure I can hear him. I also go check on him again before I finally go to bed to make sure he's alright and to admire how cute and peaceful he looks all cuddled up.

The other night when I went to check on him this is what I saw:

No kidding! These shots are not staged. Teddy, Joshy, and Sammy (our kitty) in a row; three bugs in a rug. I guess Sammy, being a connoisseur of comfort, considered the open door an invitation to join Joshua in all his coziness. Ridiculous!

Jordan Family Vacation

Last month we were so blessed to get to meet up with the extended Jordan family in Maui. Here's a video I made with some of my photographs.

Bon Appetit

Steelhead with creamy garlic sauce and Shiitake Mushroom Risotto

Preparing dinner yesterday evening was so enjoyable. Joe and I worked together to create a delicious meal. He grilled fresh steelhead, topped with his homemade garlic lemon cream sauce while I cooked shiitake mushroom risotto. To finish it off, we paired these savory dishes with a crisp, chilled bottle of Mer Soleil Chardonnay - Perfection! I'm beginning to love the process of cooking (especially when Joe and I can work at it together). Cooking is not just a means to an end; I find delight in the act of cooking- a good cut of grass-fed beef, a fresh filet of salmon, a perfectly creamy risotto, not to mention a delicately layered Pinot Noir!


We were made in the image of God the creator. Even so, our work in the kitchen reflects God’s good work as Creator. We find joy in creating delicious meals or take simple delight in a perfect food and wine pairing because it reflects the goodness of God's gift of creation.

According to the Westminster Catechism man's purpose in life is to "glorify God and enjoy him forever". The table is where we enjoy the richness of creation, and share in the Creator’s joy at having created things that are not simply nourishing, but good.  The joy of the feast in its fullness comes not in the kitchen, but around the table.  The table is where we reach outside ourselves, inviting others in to share our joy and appreciation for Creation. Matthew 22 tells us that the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage feast for his son and sent out his servants to call those who were invited. Capon says that our fellowship at the dinner table can stand as a reflection of God meeting us at his table.  It is no accident that the sacraments are real things, a real meal with real people, where an equally real God shows real grace.  


May your feasts this summer be abundant, may you enjoy more than just fine food and wine, and let your speech be seasoned with the flavors of grace (Colossians 4:6).