Christian Chefs Newsletter
December, 2001

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MENU du JOUR:
      Appetizer
      Main Course
           Christianity in the Kitchen - "The Danger of Pet Verses"
           CCF Trivia
           Recipe - Russian Tea Cookies and Sour Cream Drops
           Recent Job Listings - 2 New
      Dessert
           Recipe Contests (For Professionals Only)
           Hints and Tips - Packing Cookies
           Featured Website - Cybergrace.com
           A Little Something Extra
           A Merry Heart
      Toothpick

For almost a year now, we've been putting the newsletter out every other month; but starting this month, God has worked it out that we will now be able to publish it on a monthly basis.

Another new section has opened this month on our website: a Recipes area. Here is where you'll find all the recipes that have ever been posted in this newsletter. Since God has allowed us to keep the newsletter running since October of 1998, a recipe or two each month translates to close to 50 recipes. Instead of having the goal most websites have to list as many recipes as possible, we're more committed to listing the best recipes possible to serve you better. If you have a recipe you think would be a great addition to these, please post it in our Message Board for all to see. Every month we will review the recipes there and will list at least one in the next newsletter being published. And if it gets published in the newsletter, it will also be put in the Recipes area of our website.

Recipes:
http://www.ChristianChefs.org/recipes.html

Message Boards:
http://www.ChristianChefs.org/forums.html

God bless,
Ira Krizo, Director
CCF@ChristianChefs.org

Too often, there are situations like this amongst Christians. It doesn't have to be this particular scenario, but think of how many times you have heard someone give you "their verse" or say that the "LORD gave them a verse." The idea of "pet verses" is all over in the Church today. Does this mean, however, that these things are right? "Pet verses" are very dangerous and can cause a false conception of the Word of God. When the Christian is approaching the Scriptures, he/she needs to understand the whole counsel of the Word of God. To really understand the severity of this, consider a typical evening at a home Bible Study. The teacher asks the group what a particular verse "speaks to them" and then receives several contradictory answers! Who is right? If they were all right, then that would make the Word of God contrary and arbitrary-but do we say that someone is wrong? Yes. We need to find out what the entire Bible is teaching about a subject and not merely our verse.

Reconsider our previous story of Bobby and Cindy. If Bobby were to have looked at his "pet verse" in context, he would have found that it could not have been applied to his particular situation. Closer examination of the text shows that the Proverbs verse is not a statement encouraging marriage, but a statement reaffirming a marriage already obtained. (This is not to say that Bobby and Cindy were wrong in marrying, but the LORD did not "give them a verse"). Verses that are contrary to the full counsel of the Word of God and not rightfully interpreted are never "given" by the LORD.

Okay, if having "pet verses" is not the proper approach to Bible interpretation, then what is? Here are some basic hermeneutic overviews that can help: know the nature of interpretation. There are some verses that are completely inflexible in their interpretations and meaning. There are also some verses that are flexible in their interpretations and may possibly mean a few different things (this does not mean that they are opposite meanings, but it has a few possible explanations). The key is to find those verses that are inflexible in their meanings and keep the more flexible ones in the context of the least flexible ones. For example, consider the belief of water baptism being necessary for salvation. In Acts 2:38, we find that Peter tells the potential converts that they need to repent and be baptized for their sins. This verse seems pretty clear: water baptism is necessary for salvation. Yet, how clear is it? Acts 10:44-48 explains that Peter was preaching to the house of Cornelius and the Holy Spirit fell upon them because they became saved. Following this, the household was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Thus, the progression is as follows: faith, salvation, and baptism. So if the verse in Acts 2 explains that water baptism came before salvation and the verses in Acts 10 explain that water baptism proceeded salvation, then which is correct? At this point, it is important to remember which of the two passages is inflexible and which is flexible. The Acts 10 passage seems pretty clear in its interpretation and inflexibility, but what about the Acts 2 passage? This passage may seem pretty clear in its meaning at first glance, but a closer examination of the grammar lets us know otherwise. The command by Peter for them to repent and then be forgiven of their sins in the plural, but the command for baptism is in the singular. As a group they were told to repent and be forgiven, but as individuals they were commanded to be baptized. Peter had commanded them as a group that in order for there to be remission of sins they would have to repent, but because of the remission of sins each one would have to be baptized. Thus, repentance leads to redemption and not baptism because the one person's baptism could not be used to redeem the entire group of people. Therefore, there is no contradiction, but pure consistency.

This is only an example, but this principle can be applied all over Scripture. It is extremely important that we understand to take in the whole counsel of God's Word before we draw conclusions to apply to our lives. "Pet verses" are dangerous. They can produce misconceptions about God, the Bible, and the Christian walk. Next time you are confronted with adopting a "pet verse," be sure to "be a Berean" (Acts 17:10-11) and find the correct interpretation before you attempt to apply it to your life!

In Him,
Courtney Markham
Senior Kitchen Staff, Calvary Chapel Conference Center
Murrieta, California

If God is speaking to your heart about these things, and you need somebody to talk with, please don't hesitate to e-mail us about your need and somebody from the Fellowship will contact you as soon as possible. If you have a prayer request or would like to start a theological discussion on this or any other topic please feel free to post it in our Message Boards:
http://www.ChristianChefs.org/forums.html

First this newsletter's question:

Which of the following vegetables is a member of the parsley family?
A) Celery
B) Turnip
C) Broccoli
D) Carrot

E-mail your answer to "trivia@ChristianChefs.org" with "Trivia Answer" in the subject column. Also, please tell us what brief title(s) ("Sous Chef," "Dallas, Texas," or whatever) you would prefer for your name being listed in the next newsletter, as well as how difficult you found the question (so we can improve future trivia questions).

Solution to the last newsletter's trivia question:

What is the name of the pale yellow flour made from ground dried chickpeas that's used in Indian cuisine? Besan

This question was obviously a bit difficult, as only one person got the answer right:
Allen Foote
"Vegetarian Cooking Demonstrator"

These are sure winners. Tried and true by chef Diane Boone:

Yield: about 8 dozen

1 LB (454g) butter (or Imperial Margarine), softened
1 cup (237ml) powdered sugar
1 tbsp (15ml) vanilla
2 1/4 cups (530ml) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat)
1/4 tsp (1.2ml) salt
2 cups (473ml) finely chopped walnuts (pecans can be used)
Powdered sugar

Heat oven to 400' (205'C).
Mix butter, 1 cup (237 ml) powdered sugar and the vanilla. Stir in flour, salt and nuts. Shape dough into 1-inch (2.5cm) balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake until set but not brown, 8-9 minutes. Roll in powdered sugar while warm; cool. Roll in powdered sugar again.

Ambrosia Balls: Substitute 2 cups (473ml) cookie coconut and 2 tbsp (30ml) grated orange peel for the nuts.

Yield: 12 dozen #40 scoop; 3 dozen #40 scoop

3 LB (1.36kg); 2 3/4 cups (650ml) flour
3 LB (1.36g); 1 1/2 cups (354ml) packed brown sugar
2 LB (.91kg); 1 cup (236ml) dairy sour cream
1 LB (450g); 1/2 cup (118ml) butter
2 tsp (10ml); 1 tsp (5ml) salt
2 tbsp (30ml); 2 tsp (10ml) vanilla
2 tsp (10ml); 1/2 tsp (3ml) baking soda
8; 2 eggs
1 1/2 LB (680g); 6 oz (170g) chocolate chips
1 LB (450g); 1 cup (236ml) chopped nuts

Mix all ingredients except the chips. Add chocolate chips. (If dough is soft, cover and refrigerate.) Heat oven to 375' (190'C). Drop by #40 scoop about 3 inches (8cm) apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake until almost no indentation remains when touched, about 12-15 minutes. Immediately remove from cookie sheet; cool.

Fruit Drops: (Use smaller recipe) Omit nuts. Mix in 2 cups (473ml) candied cherries, cut into halves, 2 cups (473ml) cutup dates and 1 1/2 cups (354ml) chopped walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Press walnut half in each cookie. Yield 7 dozen.

More information on each of the below Job Listings, such as the job's timeline, responsibilities, pay, and how to contact the employer on each of these, can be found within the Employment area of our website (link below). There you can also find jobs that have been posted in previous months that haven't yet been filled and you can also post any job openings you have to be listed there and in this newsletter for FREE!
http://www.ChristianChefs.org/employment.html

Name = Tri-State Christian Camps
Location = Port Jervis, New York (USA)
Positions = Cook and Kitchen Assistants

Name = Wind River Ranch
Location = Estes Park, Colorado (USA)
Positions = Food Service Director and Assistant to Director

Please note: Listed here are two contests for PROFESSIONALS ONLY in the culinary industry. There are many more contests available for nonprofessionals as well, some of them ongoing or being repeated on a monthly basis. If you're interested in those, here's one excellent website to check out:
http://www.recipecontests.com

MAPLE LEAF FARMS RECIPE CONTEST
Duckling producer Maple Leaf Farms is launching its eighth annual duckling recipe contest. Recipes for entrees in which duckling is the key ingredient can be submitted in separate categories for chefs and culinary students. The evaluation will be based on flavor, method and ease of preparation, presentation and its relationship to current trends.
DEADLINE: Jan. 31
PRIZES: Chef Grand Prize: $6,000; Chef 1st Runner Up: $3,000; Chef 2nd Runner Up: $2,000; Remaining Chef Finalists: $1,000; Student Grand Prize: $1,500 scholarship plus $1,500 to the scholarship fund of the winner's school; Student 1st Runner Up: $750 scholarship; Remaining Student Finalists: $250 scholarship; Editors' Choice Award: $500.
WEB SITE: http://www.mapleleaffarms.com/news/contestrules.asp
MORE INFO: Go to website.
Maple Leaf Farms Recipe Contest
C/O BOXFIRE
400 Victoria Centre
22 East Washington St.
Indianapolis, Ind. 46204-3529

"PLEASE CUSTOMERS WITH PEANUTS" RECIPE CONTEST
Submit a recipe featuring at least 1/3 cup peanuts and or peanut butter as an appetizer, bar snack, main dish, salad or side dish. Open to chefs, educators and culinary students only. Sponsored by the Peanut Advisory Board.
DEADLINE: March 2
PRIZES: Grand Prize: $2,500; Best of Category: $1,000.
WEB SITE: http://www.chefnet.com/WCR/recipecontest.html
MORE INFO: For more info and an entry form, send e-mail to pabnuts@mindspring.com; fax to (770) 998-5962; or mail to PAB, 1025 Sugar Pike Way, Canton, Ga. 30115. Include your name, address, phone/fax number, e-mail.

+++
PLEASE NOTE: Only high school seniors who are aspiring culinary professionals are eligible to participate in the following contest. We thought perhaps some of our subscribers might work with or know of some eligible high school students and could tell them about this contest.
+++

THE ART INSTITUTES NATIONAL CULINARY SCHOLARSHIP COOK-OFF COMPETITION
High school seniors eyeing a culinary career are asked to submit an original menu for a two course meal which includes an appetizer, soup or salad and a main course with sauce, vegetable and starch. 28 regional finalists will compete in Atlanta for scholarships totaling some $190,000.
DEADLINE: Feb. 15
PRIZES: The First, Second and Third Place winners receive a full scholarship, worth approximately $30,000; Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Place winners receive a half-tuition scholarship, worth approximately $15,000; Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Place winners receive a quarter-tuition scholarship, worth approximately $7,500; Runners-Up receive a scholarship, worth approximately $2,000.
WEB SITE: http://www.artinstitutes.edu/cookoff.html
MORE INFO: Call 888-328-7900 or visit http://www.artinstitutes.edu/cookoff.html

All contests listed above are provided by the company listed, NOT by CCF. For additional information on each contest, please contact the designated company for that specific listing. Enjoy!

Before measuring honey, syrup or molasses, spray the measuring spoon or cup with a light coating of nonstick cooking spray. The sticky ingredient slides right out with no mess on the measuring spoon or cup.

by Carol Pinson

If you know of any great hints or tips, please post them in the "Hints and Tips" area of the Message Boards. Of the ones posted there, one will be featured here.
http://www.ChristianChefs.org/forums.html

Foodservice.com offers a variety of services. You can find trade show information, daily market prices, foodservice books, industry news, employment listings, company listings, discussion forums, food safety information, and more.

I asked for strength, that I might achieve; I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey...I asked for health, that I might do greater things; I was given infirmity, that I might do better things...I asked for riches, that I might be happy; I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God...I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life; I was given life, that I might enjoy all things...I got nothing that I asked for -- but everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men most richly blessed.

Unknown Confederate Soldier

Borrowed with permission from "This Day's Thought"
http://www.thisdaysthought.org

On a bag of Fritos: You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.
On some Swanson frozen dinners: Serving suggestion: Defrost.
On Tesco Tiramisu desert: Do not turn upside down. (Printed on the bottom of the box.)
On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding: Product will be hot after heating
On a Korean kitchen knife: Warning keep out of children
On a Japanese food processor: Not to be used for the other use.
On Sainsbury's Peanuts: Warning: contains nuts.
On an American Airlines packet of nuts: Instructions: open packet, eat nuts.

Contributed by Jeff Wheeler

Donations are sincerely and deeply appreciated and may be sent to the below address. The following link leads to our "Finances" webpage, where you can find how all CCF's finances are handled:
http://www.ChristianChefs.org/finances.html

Note: To view our archived newsletters, go HERE

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God Bless,
Ira Krizo, Director
Christian Chefs Fellowship
CCF@ChristianChefs.org
http://www.ChristianChefs.org
Phone: (909) 696-3930
Fax: (508) 462-1068

Christian Chefs Fellowship
PO box 608
Crestline, CA 92325
USA