Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch

Anyone who knows me, knows I am an avid reader! The ladies at my library know me well! :)

I discover lots of neat stuff while reading, and I'm going to share one with you today!

I read a book by Kim Meeder....about Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch and their ministry there.

I fell in love with it, and our family has had the pleasure of supporting them.

Their ministry takes in abused, neglected horses...and pairs them with troubled youth....

the result is a beautiful thing, with the the young people opening up, and

being able to receive the gospel.

It's simple--yet extraordinary!

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The author and founder herself had much tragedy in her life, and it caused her to be very

compassionate toward others. God made beauty out of ashes in her life.

She uses that compassion to rescue horses, and children.

Here's one of the horses:

Covenant

Arabian/Thoroughbred/Fox Trotter
In 1995, Kim witnessed a four-year-old mare being beaten so badly that a vet was needed to sew up her face. After six months of vowing to make a difference for her, she was finally able to bring the battered mare home. Ele not only became the figurehead for future horses to be rescued by Crystal Peaks, she also became one of Kim’s dearest and truest friends.

When my children were young and we homeschooled, we would often save money or do special service for different ministries.

This was one of the ones that we chose.

You can send them a one-time donation, sponsor a horse, donate items from their wish list, or even go to Oregon and volunteer! :)

I hope you go to their website and check them out, they'll be a real blessing to you!

Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch

Also, if you live here in New Castle County, her books are in our library system. :)

Ranch, Dry Onion Soup Mix and Taco Seasoning Recipes

How about these great recipes for making your own

Ranch, Dry Onion Soup Mix and Taco Seasoning and store in small mason jars!?


Taco Seasoning:
1/2 cup chili powder
1/4 cup onion powder
1/8 cup ground cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon sea salt
Put ingredients into a jar and shake.

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Dry Onion Soup Mix:2/3 cup dried, minced onion
3 teaspoons parsley flakes
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons turmeric
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Mix all ingredients in a jar, then give the jar a good shake. I’d recommend shaking the jar to mix the ingredients well before each use.
Use 4 tablespoons in a recipe in place of 1 packet of onion soup mix. Store this in a dry, cool place.

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Ranch:5 tablespoons dried minced onions
7 teaspoons parsley flakes
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Mix together and store in an air tight container.
For dressing: Mix 2 tablespoons dry mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup buttermilk or sour cream.
For dip: Mix 2 tablespoons dry mix with 2 cups sour cream.
Mix up a few hours before serving, so the flavors all blend.

These recipes are great to have on hand too in case you need to make one of these in a pinch.

That's what happened to me, and i made my own taco seasoning--loved it!

Btw, if you don't have a local source for bulk herbs and spices, you can always try Frontier

Let me know if you try one of the recipes - or all! :)