Susan, Author at The Sparrow's Home

Date Paste: The natural caramelly sweetener that’s full of nutrients

May 20, 2019 by Susan 7 Comments

Dates are a super nutritious natural sweetener full of caramelly good flavor. Pureeing them into this delicious date paste makes them easy to use in lots of ways.

Dates used to scare me. I hate to say it, but I always thought they looked like cockroaches. Ick- not interested.

But then I read how many nutrients there are in dates. Interested.

Then I heard that when pureed, dates become a caramel-like elixir. Very interested.

So of course I had to give them a try. I was sold immediately. And although I still think they look like cockroaches (they do!) I’m a big fan and frequently have a jar of date paste in my fridge.

Let me tell you how I make it and how I use it. I know you’re gonna want to try it too.

17 role models of what living out an ordinary faith looks like

May 13, 2019 by Susan 3 Comments

There’s not one single answer to what it looks like to live a life of faith. These 17 people each lived out an extraordinary story in a uniquely different way, and a simple faith was at the heart of each one.

I received a complimentary book and was compensated for my time in writing this review. As always, all opinions are my own.

What makes someone a hero of the faith? Just the phrase is intimidating, if you ask me. But as with most things in life, a change of perspective can make all the difference. I’ve been reading about the lives of 17 individuals who did some amazing things and instead of feeling intimidated, I’m inspired.

The book is Eternity through the Rearview Mirror: How Simple Faith Changes Everything—Seventeen Extraordinary Lives, and I’m anxious to tell you about it.

A Quiche to Build a Dream On

April 29, 2019 by Susan 6 Comments

This easy quiche recipe is perfect for a light meal, serving overnight guests, and is an ideal freezer meal. Whether you pop it right in the oven or make it ahead, this is one recipe you will come back to again and again.

Eggs are cheap. But somehow mixing them with other goodies and baking them in a pie crust makes them taste fancy.

I am a big fan of recipes that you can customize, and quiche fits that bill perfectly. My favorite is ham and green onion with lots of cheese. But it’s delish with veggies like spinach, too. Or even kind of plain with just a little onion and cheese. Sky’s the limit!

7 things I can’t get enough of right now

April 15, 2019 by Susan 5 Comments

I don’t use the blog too often to talk about personal things. Instagram and Facebook are where I’m more apt to share tidbits like that. (Do you follow me on social media? Here’s where you can find me ==> Facebook — Instagram — Twitter — Pinterest )

But lately I’ve found several things that I’m simply over the moon about. And when I find things I can’t get enough of, I like to talk about them. Just me?

Beautifully creative Bible verse note cards with encouraging Scriptures. Keep them to display for yourself or share with friends.

April 8, 2019 by Susan 6 Comments

Lovely Bible verses illustrated on cards that you can display to remind you of God’s truths or use to send a note to encourage friends.

I know I’m not the only one who likes to display scriptures around my house to remind me of what God is teaching me. Written on an index card taped to a mirror. Printed out and hung on a door. You too?

I’ve even got scripture lock screen images on my phone from the Christian weight loss course I’m taking to remind me of my memory verse for the week.

Seeing God’s word is such an encouragement and a wonderful way to put Scripture to memory.

I was delighted when I found these lovely cards that do all of that PLUS are pretty. (Adding pretty to something functional always makes me smile).

Chipotle Chicken Taquitos for the Freezer

April 1, 2019 by Susan 6 Comments

These chipotle chicken taquitos freeze beautifully and bake up crispy and delicious. Perfect to pull out for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner.

Sometimes all you need to do is change one little thing to take a recipe over the top.

There are lots of recipes for freezer taquitos out there. I tried a few and made them several times to have on hand for my husband and I for lunch. All of the recipes I tried called for a can of chopped green chiles. And they were good. Fine.

We liked them, but when I made the switch from green chiles to chipotles— revolutionary!