My Latest Read: "Triumph" by Carolyn Jessop

In May, my book club read "Escape" by Carolyn Jessop-a former member of the FLDS cult and the 5th wife of Merril Jessop, a high ranking leader in the cult.  "Escape" is the story of her life living in this polygamy community and then later finding the courage to escape with all of her eight children in tow.  I love reading about true stories.  This is definitely a book that will put you on edge as you read about the abuse and obstacles she endured and eventually overcome.  I finished it over a weekend- because it was giving me anxiety.  I couldn't wait to see how her story ended.

Last night, I finished "Triumph" by Carolyn Jessop- the sequel to "Escape".  In this book, she addresses the raid on the YFZ Ranch in El Dorado, TX.  She discusses at length the problems that UT, AZ, and TX face in trying to fight and prosecute the FLDS church.  It was disturbing to read about the abuse and neglect so many of these women and children have suffered.  It amazes me that we basically have our own little "Taliban" here on our US soil and we haven't been very successful in fighting it.  The FLDS are the largest polygamist cult and they also seem to be the most severe in their beliefs and practices.

In the second part of her book, Carolyn reflects back on the moments in her life that were the stepping stones that lead to her eventual escape from the FLDS.  Basically she answers the question, "What made me so different from all the other women in my religion?".  She shares more details and stories of her life in the cult.  Her overall message seems to be that it takes years to break free from the mind control of the FLDS.  But, little by little she was able to break free and overcome.  She also gives you an update on all of her children-whom you come to adore in reading both of these books.

I enjoyed reading both of these books.  More than anything it made me appreciate my role as a mother.  Carolyn was unable to show affection for her children while living in the cult-no praise, no hugging or kissing them.  So needless to say, I've been taking a few extra minutes here and there to savor the time I have with my babies.

Kristyn's Kitchen

I love to cook.  But, during the summer I love to do other things and therefore I don't have lots of time to spend cooking and preparing meals.  My dear sister in law Stephanie was the inspiration behind some quick, delicious, and EASY pasta dinners.

I decided to stock my pantry/freezer with a variety of ingredients that I could have on hand to whip up some easy pasta dishes.  Here's my list of pasta staples:

• Different varieties of pasta ( I purchased a bulk package of organic pasta from Costco which contained several different varieties.
• Different varieties of sauce: marinara, Alfredo, pesto, etc.
• A large jar of marinated artichoke hearts (Costco)
• Roasted red peppers, olives, sun dried tomatoes, canned tomatoes (if fresh aren't available)
• Variety of meats that you can freeze: ground beef, sausage, chicken, bacon, prosciutto, etc.
• Variety of cheeses - bags of shredded cheese make things simple.  I usually stock up when they go on sale and freeze them.

Now you have a stockpile of the basics.  I recommend purchasing your favorite fresh/frozen veggies: onions, broccoli, spinach, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, etc.  Or use whatever veggies you have on hand from your garden.  The beauty of this is you just throw together whatever sounds good or whatever you have on hand.

1. Here's another trick I learned from Steph.  Use your crock pot to defrost/cook your meat.  If I'm using hamburger or sausage- I usually toss it in my crock pot about 2 hrs before we want to eat.  You can stir/crumble whenever you walk by or just wait until its completely cooked and then take a fork and crumble. 
2. While meat is cooking/defrosting, cook your choice of pasta, drain, and set aside. 
3. After my meat is cooked- I throw in whatever veggies I want.  You can cook them in your crock pot, or steam them on the side- whichever you prefer.
4. Add your pasta to the crock pot or add your meat and veggies to your pasta pot.  Then I take about 1/2 of jar of sauce and combine to my pasta concoction.  I don't like too much sauce, but add however much you like. 
5. Stir in any extra flavors/seasoning-such as garlic, Italian seasoning, etc.
6. Depending on your method of cooking, you can: add your choice of cheese and finish baking it in the crock pot or transfer your pasta to a 9x13 pan and top it off with your choice of cheese and bake it off for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees. 
7. Serve with salad and bread and voila you have dinner plus leftovers if you have a small family. 

Here are a few of my concoctions:

1. Sausage, bacon, artichokes, red pepper, red onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, penne pasta, and blend of Italian cheeses.
2. Chicken, broccoli, zucchini, red onion( veggies steamed with sea salt, butter, and garlic), gemelli pasta, Alfredo sauce, and blend of Italian cheese.
3. Sausage, artichokes, red onion, tomato, garlic, penne pasta, Alfredo sauce, and Italian cheese.
4. So many possibilities- my hubby likes to see what I will come up with next.