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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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August 16, 2017

Of Community and Couscous

*You guys! This Israeli Couscous salad is going to become your go-to for the summer (and all year long!) and I will give you the recipe I promise, but there’s a little something I want to share with you first!*

Little House on the Prairie came on everyday at 4pm at my house when I was a little girl. And my dad got home from work at around 5pm. Now, we three ladies of the house (me, my mom and my sister) were glued to the television for that one hour each day. This meant, that as the last credits began to roll, my mom would call out to us, “Girls, hurry and set the table so Daddy will think that dinner is going to be ready sooner than it will actually be ready!” My goal was always to do it so quickly that I would make it back in time to see that very final scene in every episode where Carrie trips and falls as they are running downhill through the field towards Ma and Pa who were waiting in the wagon with grins on their faces.

To this day, I can barely get through an episode of Little House without crying. There is so much truth and wisdom and heart. And in our current cultural climate I find myself craving this.

One of my favorite episodes is actually the very first episode of the show. The title is “A Harvest of Friends” and in it, the Ingalls family has just moved to Walnut Grove and Pa gets a job at the lumber mill so that they can actually build their “little house”. He also needs a plough and wheat seeds in order to get the crops started and ends up making a deal with a big ol’ mean merchant (not Mrs. Oleson but someone else!). All is going along just fine until Pa is injured and can’t fulfill his obligation to the mean merchant. He somehow manages to get himself to the barn where the grain is stored and attempts to do his job of moving and stacking the bags but soon realizes that he is way too injured to do it. He collapses in pain and Mary and Laura, who have secretly followed him to the barn, rush to him. They decided that they are going to try and finish the job for him. So, these two little girls begin to pull and drag these huge bags of grain. Soon, the neighbors all come out to see what is going on and when they realize what is happening they all jump in to help the Ingalls family. (I may or may not be tearing up just even typing this all out!)

I think the thing that always gets me about this particular episode is not only do these daughters instinctively want to do everything they can to help their father, this was the very first time that the Ingalls family felt the magnitude of what it meant to be apart of this new community. In this very tangible way, they were shown that they were being welcomed into the fold.

For much of my life, that type of community seemed elusive. We moved around quite a bit and just when it seemed like we were finally accepted, we would be starting all over again somewhere else. But now, at this stage of my life, I can finally say that I am apart of ‘the fold’. We truly have the most amazing community. And my children are growing up experiencing what this looks like in both big and small ways. Although, to me, the small ways really ARE big ways too!

As I sat at the pool with my friend the other day, we were chatting about her upcoming vacation and she mentioned that she had vegetables from her garden that she would need to harvest before they left. She asked me if I would like any and I couldn’t say yes fast enough!

The next day I arrived back home from running errands to find bags sitting on my front porch overflowing with the most beautiful, fresh tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers.

Community

It’s such a beautiful thing isn’t it? And to this girl who longed for it for most of her life, it means more to me than my friends can probably even realize. It’s such a seemingly simple thing, dropping off extra vegetables, but it represents so much.

AND, the bonus was that I got to use these gloriously fresh veggies to make a delicious summer Israeli Couscous Salad!

This is a family favorite and I make it practically weekly at our house. It’s fresh and light and oh so yummy! You can even add chicken or shrimp to it and really just mix it up in whatever way suits your fancy.

 

Print
Israeli Couscous Salad

Israeli Couscous Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 box of Israeli Couscous
  • 1/2 cup diced English cucumber
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red, orange or yellow are best)
  • 1/2 cup tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Vinegar (white or red wine)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (white sugar or sugar replacement)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the couscous according to package instructions.
  • Once the couscous is done, allow to cool for 10 minutes
  • Meanwhile, mix together the oil, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper
  • Drizzle over the top of the couscous and mix well
  • Allow to cool to room temperature and then add in the cucumber, pepper and tomatoes. Stir to combine and then fold in the feta cheese crumbles.
  • Serves 4 as a side dish
3.1
https://www.atthepicketfence.com/israeli-couscous-salad/
This recipe is copyrighted by At The Picket Fence

 

I know that realistically, there are many of you reading this who are familiar with that deep longing for community. You know what it’s like to look on wistfully as people gather around someone in need or drop off vegetables on a neighbor’s doorstep. You wonder if anyone would come to your aid if you found yourself in need of care.

And to you I say, I get it. Truly I do. So, know this, I am praying for you. But I’m not praying in the way you think I might be praying. I’m not praying that community would just fall into your lap. Instead, I’m praying that you would be BOLD and BRAVE in your pursuit of community. That you wouldn’t get discouraged when you take the huge risk of extending yourself and the love and care you offer isn’t offered in return. That you would continue to try and engage and reach out. I pray that instead of simply waiting for community to come to you, you would go to it. That you would offer care and support to others and bring them into the fold.

And, if you have extra vegetables from your garden, maybe you could leave them on a doorstep or two! 😉

Thank you so much for being apart of this community here at the picket fence,

 

5 Comments Filed Under: Good Ideas, Recipes, Side Dishes, Summer Tagged With: recipes, summer recipes

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Comments

  1. Melanie Studer says

    August 16, 2017 at 4:53 AM

    I grew up loving that show as well with my two little sisters! I must be a bit older than you because it was always and only on Monday nights. That is such a great episode:) Community is such a great thing and easy to take for granted. We haven’t moved ever, but our best friends moved 4 years ago, and the rest of the group fell apart subsequently since then. I have tried so hard to hang on to that, but have just recently had to let go of that idea. I can’t take us back in time, and things must have changed for everyone…So, I am doing what you talked about, praying so hard and trying to put myself out there. It seems awkward when this is my own hometown, but it is what it is. Thank goodness for old friends who are far because they have held me up! Friends are everything!

    Reply
  2. Lin Mossgrove says

    August 16, 2017 at 5:13 AM

    YOU MADE MY HEART SMILE THIS MORNING!

    Reply
  3. Richella Parham says

    August 17, 2017 at 7:21 AM

    Oh, friend, we really are kindred spirits. I, too, grew up watching Little House on the Prairie–but I was watching it at night, when it was first aired. Love that you watched it in the afternoon with your mom and sisters!

    You’re right: we long for community, and I feel strongly that this is because God designed us to long for it. (In fact, I’m writing about that right now. . . a writing project that has been in the making for a long time.)

    This recipe looks wonderful. One question: how many ounces is the box of couscous you use?

    Reply
  4. Susan says

    August 17, 2017 at 10:05 AM

    Such sweet memorie! When my children were young we would watch this program. Wish there were more family programs like this one! I am blessed to live in a small town and have a loving community! Enjoying your blog!

    Reply
  5. Beverly says

    July 6, 2018 at 12:53 PM

    Vanessa – I grew up in “community” and raised my daughters in another place that was new to us. However, after reaching out for several years, we were finally accepted into community. Now, however, I have retired and moved to where my children and grandchildren are and am without community again. I so crave that – but I am going to take your prayer for me and to exactly that! Thank you!

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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