NEW RECIPE AND GREETING!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!

A few years ago I vowed to make a cake as part of the Christmas meal to celebrate Christ's birth so every year I look for something different and I would like to share this years creation.  It is simple to make but delicious to the tastebuds!!  Enjoy!

This recipe is in the Decemebe issue of, for women FIRST magazine, it is called CRANBERRY-COCONUT DREAM  (I altered it a little)

1 box white cake mix
2 cups shredded coconut (divided)
4 drops red food coloring
2/3 cup cranberry preserves or red currant preserves
1 pkg. (16 oz.) vanilla frosting

Heat oven to 350.  Grease two 8"round cake pans.  Prepare cake mix according to package directions, adding 1/2 cup shredded coconut and red food coloring.(I did not add the food coloring)  Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.  Bake 20 min. or until done.  Let cool in pans completely.  Remove cakes from pans.

Trim tops off cakes to level; cut each cake in half forizontally to create four layers (I only used two layers and frosted each side before putting the preserves in the middle).  Place 1 layer on serving platter;  spread with 1/3 cup preserves.  Top with cake layer; spread with 2/3 cup frosting. 

Add cake layer; spread with remaining preserves.  Top with last cake layer.  Coat cake with remaining frosting; cover with 1 1/2 cups coconut.  Garnish with fresh currants, sugared cranberries, sugared rosemary and mint leaves, if desired.

I made my own cranberry preserves by using the receipe on the package.  Bring 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a boil, add the package of cranberries that have been washed and bring to a boil again, simmer for 10 minutes and mash.  It is delicious!!!  I also used a homeade butter creme frosting mixed with a tub of cool whip  instead or buying frosting.  I topped it with coconut and a little of the preserves and a green leaf.  So easy and very delicious!!

NEW RELEASE

YOU ARE THE ONE
Verse 1
You are the one who I’ve ever wanted

You are the one who I’ve ever needed

You are the one who I'll always run to

When my world is turned upside down

You are the one who I've always longed for

Filling the void that I feel without you

You are the one that I've been missing

The one that the world tries so hard to avoid
Chorus

And You give me joy, joy, joy unspeakable

You give me peace, peace, peace everlasting

Your love is flow, flow, flowing within me

And you fill, fill, fill me with all that I need
Verse 2

You are the waves as they come rolling in

You are the sun as it warms up my skin

You are the rain on a cloudy day

quenching the thirst of this earthen clay

You are there in the darkest of night

When the heavens above are the only light

You are there when my heart is heavy

You carry the load when it feels like too much

Chorus

Bridge

Your loves unstoppable, unbelievable, undeniable, irreplaceable
Verse 3

You are the one who I’ll always cling to

Even when storm clouds threaten my view

You are the one who is always with me

Even if it were just me and you

You hear my voice in the noise of a city

In a world that is so out of touch

You never get caught in the rush

You're never too busy, you don't ask for much

Chorus

Bridge

Ending

Your love's all I need

Words and music by Denise Edwards ©2010

Performance

I would like to announce that I will be performing live at the Firehouse Underground, 400 N. Main, Sioux Falls, SD on Sat., Dec. 22.  I'm guessing I will begin at 7 or 8, I will confirm that asap.  I plan
on doing  my Christmas songs along with some traditional favorites on keyboard.

DANISH PASTRY APPLE BARS

Everything is coming up APPLES at our house and I am going to share my all-time favorite apple recipe with you.  I got some apples from my sister who got them from a neighbor!! and they are perrrrrfect for baking.  This recipe makes a large cookie sheet of apple bars and they are delicious!!

DANISH PASTRY APPLE BARS
350 1 hour

2 1/2 cups flour
1 teasp. salt
1 cup shortening (or lard)
1 egg yolk (with enough water to make 2/3 cup)
2 handfuls corn flakes (or wheaties )
8-10 apples (or more)
1 cup sugar
1 teasp. cinnemon
egg white

Icing:
1 Tables. water
1 cup powder sugar
1 teasp. vanilla

Mix flour,salt,shortening and egg yolk(w/water) for pie crust.
Roll half of dough to fill 10 1/2 x15 1/2" tray
Peel and slice apples and place on top of crust
Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar
Roll out second half of dough and place on top (you can cut slits in dough with knife)
Brush with egg white (and sprinkle with a little sugar if you want)
Drizzle with glaze
ENJOY!! (morning, noon and night:)!

GOD WAS RIGHT THERE FROM THE START

As the skating season is about to begin I am reminded of a song I wrote just as my daughter (8 at the time) was about to enter onto the ice at a competition, I was so excited for her that I thought of this song as I watched.  It was recorded on my LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE CD.

God Was Right There From The Start

Chorus

Birds and butterflies, flowers and trees

The sun up above and a heart filled with love

With a smile on my face and a song in my heart

God was right there from the start

Verse

Life is filled with wonder and miracles

Just look at the rainbow up in the sky

Did you ever wonder how it got there

Do you think that the birds always knew how to fly?

Chorus

Verse

Just look at the hippo wading in the water

The elephant, giraffes and zebras in the zoo

Some have stripes and some have spots

Could it be about me?

Could it be about you?

Chorus

Bridge

We are all so very different, just look how unique we are

We are all so precious in his sight,

all part of his creation is what we are

Chorus

© 2006 Denise Edwards

The Other Side

Hi Everyone!!  I want to share the lyrics and story of a song I wrote a few years ago, I performed it this summer at a coffee house and it was a favorite so I thought I should revisit it.  My daughter, a friend and myself were en route back home from a recording session  in Nashville one summer and to save money we flew out of Kansas City.  On our way home once we got to KC we had to drive another 6 loooong hours home.  Since I was the driver and was exceptionally tired from recording and traveling I dreaded the 6 hour trip in the car.  As I drove home that day I was thinking about the musicians I worked with along with others and I wondered if they were Christians and what about eternity??.  That thought along with the long  drive inspired me to write  this song and once I got home I was able to finish it along with rest of the verses, bridge etc...  Sooooooooooooo, here it is!!  BTW it was recorded on my LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE CD.

THE OTHER SIDE

Verse
I don't know, what to do, when I'm
Feelin' down and oh so blue, I just
Look straight ahead and the road is so long
it seems to never end
Let's go my friend

Chorus
There are too many roads to travel all alone
Too many rivers to cross, on my own
Let's build that bridge together
Let's help one another get to the other side
While there is still time

Verse
We don't know, what lies up ahead
It's a, long way from here
Till eternities end still we
Walk by faith, not by sight alone
And then there'll come a day
We'll see him face to face

Chorus

Bridge
The way is so narrow, that leads us to heaven
Few are they who will choose it and gain eternal life
Wide is the path, that leads to destruction
But many are they, who choose it anyway
Instrumental
Chorus
Ending
There's just too much hate in the world
Too much fightin' goin' on
We've got to, love one another, be kind to our brother
We can make this world a better place, if we try
So we can meet each other on the other side

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FAVORITE RECIPES

HI OUT THERE!!!
I have several things I want to share but first of all want to report that my performance on Sat. eve. went very well and those in attendance I felt were encouraged and uplifted which was my goal so I felt good about that.  I am always the one more blessed when I share what God has given me and I will share the website of a guy who was there that made beautiful cross necklaces, key chains and zipper pulls.  Our youth group is looking at them for a fundraiser and you may be interested as well, I will share that info. when I get the cross and info. back from our youth leader.

I said I would share some of my favorite recipes and right now I just finished canning 18 quarts of dill pickles!!, it is my Moms recipe and I assure you it is tops in my book. 

DILL PICKLES
(MY MOTHERS RECIPE)

14 CUPS WATER
3/4 CUP PICKLING SALT
1 CUP HEINZ ( MAKE SURE IT'S HEINZ) VINEGAR

COMBINE THIS IN A KETTLE AND BRING IT TO A BOIL
WHILE WAITING MAKE SURE YOUR JARS ARE WASHED AND STERILIZED (PUT THEM UPSIDE DOWN IN HOT WATER IN A SKILLET)  STUFF THEM FIRST WITH A SPRIG OF DILL THEN WITH YOUR PICKLES, A HOT PEPPER, CARROTS, GARLIC AND A PIECE OF CABBAGE LEAF ON THE TOP.  POUR THE BOILING HOT BRINE OVER THE PICKLES AND SEAL LIGHTLY WITH LIDS THAT ARE SOAKING IN BOILING HOT WATER AS WELL.  THE NEXT MORNING (DEPENDING ON WHEN YOU DO THIS - ALLOW 8 HOURS OR SO) POUR THE BRINE INTO A KETTLE AND BRING TO A BOIL AGAIN AND FILL THE JARS WIPING THE RIM AND EDGE OF JAR, THEN SEAL TIGHTLY.  I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED IN THE TASTE OF THESE PICKLES, THEY HAVE A LITTLE KICK TO THEM FROM THE PEPPER AND JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF VINEGAR.


ANOTHER RECIPE I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU IS FOR WALLEYE,  MY DAUGHTER AND I CAME UP WITH THIS RECIPE, IT IS MY FAVORITE WAY TO FIX THEM AND WE'VE HAD A LOT SINCE MY HUSBAND AND BOYS WERE ABLE TO GET THEIR LIMIT EVERY TIME THEY WENT OUT IN JUNE.

FRESH WALLEYE

1 EGG
1 CUP OF WATER
COMBINE AND WHISK TOGETHER IN A BOWL(SET ASIDE)

1 CUP FLOUR
1/2 CUP CORNMEAL
1 T SEASONING SALT
SALT AND PEPPER

COMBINE AND PUT ON A PLATE OR MIXING BOWL

I ALWAYS WASH MY FISH FIRST THEN CUT INTO APP. 4" STRIPS
DIP THE STRIPS IN THE EGG WASH THEN THE FLOUR AND FRY IN HOT OIL UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN.  I SIMPLY PUT ABOUT 1-2 INCHES OF OIL IN A FRY PAN AND LET IT GET HOT ENOUGH TO FRY.  THIS IS DELICIOUS WITH HUSH PUPPIES, BAKED BEANS AND FRESH COLESLAW.

ENJOY!!

Update

As promised I wanted to update you on my performance this Sat. evening.  The exact address is 400 N. Main, Sioux Falls, SD  in the basement of the Gourley Building.  I have never been there myself but hope to stop in sometime this week.
Hope to see someone there:)
Denise

I AM NOT AFRAID

Hi!!!   I am going to share the lyrics to a song I wrote awhile back.  I am going to dedicate it to my nephew who has been working endlessly to help those in need in Haiti through the Bread of Life Moblie pack.  He is not afraid to "bear the cross".  This is for you Matt!

If any of you are interested in helping out go to Matthew Merry on Facebook to get info.


I AM NOT AFRAID


Verse 1
I am not afraid to bear the cross
Where Jesus died for me
Where He took all my guilt
Took all my shame
And left it at Calvary


I am not ashamed to tell the world
What Jesus has done for me
How He ransomed my life
He paid the fullest price
To set my spirit free


CHORUS
I am not afraid
I am not ashamed
To tell the world
What Jesus Christ
has done for me


How He took my guilt
How He took my shame
Then He took all my sin
Now eternal life is mine to claim


Verse 2
Now I know that one day very soon
He's coming back for me
Though He was once crucified
Now at His Fathers' right side
I know He still intervenes for me


Every eye shall behold Him
Every knee will surely bend
When at the trumpets last sound
Heaven and earth will resound
and joy will fill all who believe
Chorus
Ending
I am not afraid to bear the cross
Where Jesus died for me
Where He took all my guilt
Took all my shame
And nailed it to the tree

©2011Denise Edwards

I AM THE GREAT I AM

Here is a song I wrote about a year ago, and I think you will appreciate the message in light of all that is happening in America and around the world. 
Enjoy!
Denise



I AM THE GREAT I AM
And Jesus said, "I am the great I am
and I exsisted before the world
Any and all efforts to eliminate who I am
will ultimately fail
You cannot deny the authority of God's word
Verse 1
They tried to put an end to Him
The message He would bring
But nothing could happen until God allowed it
They could not do a thing
And He said,
Chorus
Verse 2
He wore a crown of thorns
He walked the dusty roads
He spoke of God's great love for us
The redemption of our souls
And He said
Chorus
Bridge
The gates of hell could not prevail
Gods' power would avail
They scuffed and scourged and spit on him
but His words would never fail
And He said,
Chorus
©2010 Denise Edwards

Performance

Just an announcement that I plan to perform at a coffee house in downtown SiouxFalls on Sat. July 21, around 6:30 pm.  It will be live so just me and the keyboard.  It is located in the old Gourly Building on about 6th and Main.  I will give more info. later.
Denise

My Theme

  This verse has come up about three times in the past few weeks and I am adopting it as my theme.  From Philippians 3:14:  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 
Blessings!

Intro.

Hi again!!
I almost forgot to mention that my sister will be a contributing editor.  She has worked along side her husband who is empolyed by a Christian radio station and has had a small ministry of her own on the station.  I am happy to have her on board and am sure her words of wisdom will be appreciated by all.
God Bless!

Dear Fans!

Dear Fans!!!  I'm excited to begin blogging but I'm not sure how to get started so I guess I will just dive in!:)  I first of all will use this site as a platform to introduce new songs I have recently written and to keep you, my fans, current on the latest happenings surrounding my music.  I intend to share "rough draft" recordings of new material until I am able to have them professionally recorded,( that would simply be me and the keyboard). To be honest though, my brother actually said he prefers my homemade recordings over some of  the professionally recorded ones.   I'll just put them out there and you can decide.  I will also share with you the inspiration and stories that go along with the song, this can be comical at times and good for a laugh.  Since good food and friendship go hand in hand and because I love to cook, I may even share a favorite recipe with you now and then.  It should be fun for sure and a great adventure.  I am looking forward to being in touch with all of you.  Until I blog again, Gods Blessings to you.