Happy Mothering Day!

For those of us without children of our own, Happy Mothering Day and Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers out there.

I am "Honey" and "Ma" to many family and friends and would not trade those relationships for the world. We are each uniquely and wonderfully made and God chose some of us bear children, some to foster children, some to adopt children and then many, like me, to mentor and love others as they are my own.. In my case, he choose me to Mother, care and nuture nieces, nephews, friends, friends-children, our 4-legged kids and more. I am so blessed!

I ran across this and don't even recall who wrote it but wanted to share and hope it inspires you and helps you through this Mother's Day and remember we all need a little Mothering!

Acknowledge, celebrate and embrace the Mother in you!

So who do you mother? What two and four-legged beings do you care about and nurture? Who do you share your compassion, guidance, wisdom and unconditional love with? What are you birthing in the way of creativity, philanthropy, conscious commerce, etc.? If you scan your heart's memory it is quite possible that you will recall and recognize a special few who are very near and dear to your heart, or you may see a sea of faces of people you have deeply touched. You can also claim motherhood for an idea, product, movement and contribution to humanity. As women who embody the divine feminine, we have the capacity to conceive, nourish and deliver so much value to and for others in our lifetime.

Share the Mother in you more

If you cannot think of many or any at all that you have "mothered" it may mean that you have been holding back sharing the fullness of you. Give yourself the time now to reflect upon this. Have you withheld your love, participation and engagement from friends, family and community? Usually we do this when we are holding on to old resentments and fears. Have you not had much to give because you’re feeling too depleted or deprived? Does getting close to someone feel scary and so you have lived in the illusion that isolation and distance will protect you from the inevitable hurt you anticipate? As you heal what needs healing, these historic shackles that have constricted full access to your ability to give and receive love can finally be released. In this new found space, there is daily opportunity to open your heart wider and share more of who you are. There is infinite love inside of you and it is your birthright to feel it, appreciate it and share it. Once you do, the love will multiply and come back to you ten-fold. And even when it is a "seemingly" one way give, that feeling of loving with no holds barred can fill your cup to the brim.

Share the glee and gratitude with those who have mothered you
I believe that no matter what our chronological age, all of us need mothering from time to time. We just trade places in holding a safe and sacred space for this for one another. It can come in so many forms... from a stranger that crosses your path at the perfect time with the perfect message, to a soul sister that just knows what you need exactly when you need it.

At the end of the day, much of the juice and purpose of life is really just about loving and being loved. So who has loved you with all her heart and soul? Was it a teacher, coach, mentor, friend, sister, auntie, friend's mom, nanny, grandmother? Think about writing, calling, visiting them to let them know how much you love and appreciate their love and presence in your life. If she has passed, tune in and connect with the memory and spirit of her. I bet you may very well more palpably feel her with you still.

Mother the mother within you

On airplanes, during the safety instructions we hear: "Put on your mask before assisting your child'. For all of us this highlights the importance to take attentive and good care of ourselves. The world needs us! We deserve to feel good, live long, and to continue to be a loving and maternal conduit for love, light, and intelligence on this planet. When you feel lost or troubled, the quickest way to mother yourself is to tune in to that all-knowing and pure channel of maternal love within you. If you are not being kind to yourself, hear and see in your minds-eye what you would tell a child or someone you love. That's the mama wisdom within you that you can always trust, who will not abandon, and who has got your back... always and forever. Embrace and treasure her.

Make Mother's Day a sacred one

What suits your fancy? Is it a quiet day of peaceful solitude? Connection with "mother nature;" pleasure pampering; exploring new places; time spent with fabulous people (including the little ones you participate in loving and caring for); adopt a pet?  Whatever calls to you... make it a marvelous mothering day for YOU!

I have had moments in my own life when Mother's Day was not a fun day for me. It was painful actually. But I have evolved into choosing to view, receive and experience it in the ways I have just shared. This transformed a day that once felt empty into one which highlights the abundance of love and blessings in my life. God made each of us with unique and special qualities and he is using you to help Mother someone today!

I invite you to try it for yourself this Mother's Day... and I'd love to know how it goes! In the meantime, embrace and dance with what is and what can be and experience the joy that surrounds and awaits you. Happy Mothering and Mother's Day!

 

God Bless You!

 

January Goal Met!

As January ends and February begins, I am happy to report I met my January Lifestyle plan goal and have lost 15 pounds and kept it off for the month. For those of you that follow my blog, you know that I have been cooking fresh, low calorie, low sugar meals for us and following my lifestyle plan.

January is a very busy, stressful month for me at work. Not only do I have to keep up with my daily workload, but I also have year-end posting, reconcilations, payroll taxes for 4th qtr, year-end, W-2's and 1099's to get out. So knowing all of this, with lots of extra hours worked, and the high stress, I am so super excited that I lost and kept off 15 pounds in January!

Also, as we end January I ask that you pray for Terry and I. The Lord is opening up opportunities for us at this time and we ask you to pray for us as we follow that He will provide and the transition will be easy.

Now off to set my February Lifestyle Plan Goals and go get on the treadmill.

Blessings!

In the Beginning...

Well, I meant to blog and update you the 15th of the month on my progress but that just didn't happen so I'm 3 days late. It's January 18, 2013 and here is a little update on my progress so far this year:

"In the Beginning"

After another mentally exhausting week at work, I am happy to report 18 days after getting back on my Lifestyle Plan on Jan. 1, 2013, that I have lost 12 pounds. Other than being more stressed than normal from my ever-growing workload, I feel good. As I told you the first of the year, I am preparing and eating fresh meats, vegetables and fruits, cutting out as much processed food as possible, cutting out sugars, watching portion sizes, walking on the treadmill and get back into my Wii boxing and Wii Zumba fitness (I love playing while exercising). I am not taking diet pills, just a multi-vitamin, B12 and drinking lots of water, water, and more water. I keep reminding myself that God made me in his image and I am uniquely and wonderfully made.; I am realistic and have set realistic goals. My goal is feel better in my own skin and maintain my weight loss so I don't have to start back here again in the future.

I know many of you set goals and started something new or have gone back to a specific program, plan or exercise routine that works for you this new year and I wish you all luck in whatever you are doing. Praying whatever plan or program you are doing works and you are achieving your goals as well!

If you are a reader, you know the first chapter of the book sets the stage and introduces many of the characters of the book, well Genesis is "The Beginning" and sets the timeline and gives you historical data in this great book called the Bible. Today, I am reading day 18 in Genesis of my Kindle version of "Reading God's Story: One-Year Chronological Bible" just as I set the goal the first of the year to read thru this devotional one day at a time. It's a real page turner and hard to put down.

It has not been easy, especially with my stress level at work, but I have to say I am pleased with my results so far and pray I can continue to achieve my goals and feel better doing it.

I will update you again the first of February with my January results.

Saying a little prayer for you now; good night my friend.

6+ meals prepped in just an hour

I just prepped 6 Crock Pot Meals and (3) 1.5 pd bags of ground turkey to be used for another 3 meals, all in just an hour. I love planning our meals, shopping from a list and prepping our meals in advance. We work hard and after work we just don't want to have to think about what's for dinner tonight and start prepping and cooking when we get home from work. I grocery shop Friday or Saturday and then Sunday afternoon prep my meals for the next week, and in this case, we are covered for two weeks. I've been asked to share so here goes...

My tricks of the trade are as follows:
Print my recipes
Make my shopping list from the recipes always checking the pantry, fridge and freezer first
I buy in bulk when I can, large amounts of meats, veggies, etc.
I start my prep by pulling out of the vegetables, herb, spices, broth, sauces, etc.
I cut all my onions, garlic, etc. first
I write the name of the recipe and date the gallon size freezer zip lock bag along with how to cook it (crock pot, oven or skillet, temp, how long to cook etc.)
I work with one meat a time.
I then add the vegetables, spices, liquids and be sure the air is out of the bag, zip and sit in the fridge.
I then go the next meat.
This week I also purchased a bulk package of 5 lbs of Ground Turkey Breast and split it into 3 - 1.5 pds per freezer bag so I have meat for 3 meals for either tacos, spaghetti, chili or meatloaf. All I have to do is move the bag the day before from freezer to fridge and can cook that night.
Once all the bags are done I decide what we will have this week (today I made enough for 2 weeks). I left the bags of what we will be eating this week in the fridge and moved the other bags to the freezer, ready for next week.

Now, saying all of that, if you cook in the crockpot, note to self always be sure it is plugged in and turned on before leaving the house. I forgot to plug in and had to throw out a delicious meal I had planned last week.  BTW, I use 4 chicken breasts or boneless pork chops in my recipes so we have 2 meals out of it, all of the recipes can be made with 6 breasts or boneless pork chops. These are all low calorie and low sodium meals.

We will be having:

Rotel Chicken (for crock pot)
4 Chicken Breasts
2 cans Original Rotel Tomatoes
4 Garlic Cloves
1 onion, finely chopped
Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
1/2 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
Cavender's Greek Seasoning
-Season chicken breasts with Cavenders, place in bottom of ziplock and add rest of ingredients. Cook in Crock Pot on Low for 6-8 hrs. Move back from freezer to fridge the day before. It can be cooked even if not totally thawed.

Savory Chicken (for crock pot)
4 Chicken Breasts
1 Onion, finely chopped
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
3-4 Bay Leaves (remove after cooking)
1/2 cup Worchestershire Sauce
1 1/2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth.
Cavenders Greek Seasoning
-Season chicken breasts with Cavenders, place in the bottom of ziplock and add rest of ingredients. Cook in Crock Pot on Low for 6-8 hrs. Move back from freezer to fridge the day before. It can be cooked even if not totally thawed.

Sweet Potato Chicken (for crock-pot)
4 Chicken Breasts
2 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 Onion, chopped
1 TBSP Ginger
1 TBSP Cloves
1 TBSP Nutmeg
1 cup Low Sodium Chicken Breasts
1 can Cream of Chicken (optional)
Cavender's Greek Seasoning
-Season chicken breasts with Cavenders, place in the bottom of ziplock and add rest of ingredients. Cook in Crock Pot on Low for 6-8 hrs. Move back from freezer to fridge the day before. It can be cooked even if not totally thawed. I will serve this with steamed green beans or a salad.

Teriyaki Chicken (for crock-pot)
4 Chicken Breasts
1 bag small, peeled, Carrots
1 Onion, cut in large chunks
2 cans Pineapple Chunks (add juice too), or 1 large pineapple cored and cut in chunks and add juice
4 Garlic Cloves
1 cup Teriyaki Sauce
1/2 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
Cavender's Greek Seasoning
-Season chicken breasts with Cavenders, place in the bottom of ziplock and add rest of ingredients. Cook in Crock Pot on Low for 6-8 hrs. Move back from freezer to fridge the day before. It can be cooked even if not totally thawed. Please note you can add fresh broccoli when you place in the crockpot.

Beef Roast (for crock-pot) (I made 2 of these, one for this week, one for a wk in the future)
Pot Roast, London Broil, etc
1 bag small, peeled Carrots
1 Onion, finely chopped
4-5 Garlic Cloves
1 cup Worchestershire Sauce
1 pkg dried Onion Soup Mix
Cavenders Greek Seasoning
Fresh Rosemary (just a few sprigs)
1 cup water
-Season roast with Cavenders, place in the bottom of ziplock and add rest of ingredients. Cook in Crock Pot on Low for 6-8 hrs. Move back from freezer to fridge the day before. It can be cooked even if not totally thawed. Please note you can add potatoes, an hour before done cooking or from the start).

Turkey Spaghetti (for skillet)
1.5-2 pds Ground Turkey Breast
1 Onion, chopped
4-5 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/2 cup Dried Basil or Chopped Fresh Basil
1 can Tomato Sauce (or 2 fresh pureed tomatoes)
2 Jars Berloni Organic Tomato Basil Spaghetti Sauce
1 pkg Angel Hair Pasta (reg, whole wheat, etc)
-Brown meat. While meat is browning, saute onion and garlic, drain any grease (should be little to none), add sauted onion, garlic, Cavender's, stir. Add 2 jars of sauce, add can of Tomato Sauce. Simmer on low for 30+ minutes, stirring occasionally to keep from burning. Boil pasta according to box directions, drain and serve with fresh parmesean.

Bon Appetit!

The Bible & Pomegranate Chicken Breasts

Finally made it to Saturday! This has been a very long week and thankful I am getting better from "the crud" that is going around.

This week we ended a year (or a chapter in this book of life as I like to call it )and began a new year (a new chapter). I started the new year off with a new devotional/bible study that I am reading from home and really enjoying it.

I grew up in church, Sunday school, children's church, youth group, college group, church camps and even went to private christian school. I gave my life to the Lord at a young age. I have read the bible from cover to cover many times over and every opportunity I have to re-read the bible, it seems that I learn something new or I'm reminded of a bible story that I had forgotten. You are never too old or too young to read the bible and experience God's word in today's world. If you are still looking for a new devotional or bible study as you start this new year, I highly recommend "Reading God's Story: One Year Chronological Plan" and reading Ivy May's Daily Blog along with it (refer to my previous blog post for links). I just finished reading Day 5 and again find myself thinking about things from a different perspective; God is opening my eyes through His word.

It's Saturday, Terry now is getting "the crud" and I  just got him settled and medicated, Now I've moved on to prepping dinner for this evening. This is a new recipe that I have never made before, found on www.skinnyms.com, and thought I would share with you. It has an interesting list of fresh ingredients, low calorie and sounds absolutely delicious. I will let you know how it tastes in 4-6 hrs.

Slow Cooker Pomegranate Chicken Breasts

Yields: 4 | Serving size: 1 breasts | Calories: 279 | Previous Points: 6 | Points Plus: 7 | Total Fat: 10 g | Saturated Fats: 2 g | Trans Fats: 0 g | Cholesterol: 73 mg | Sodium: 225 mg | Carbohydrates: 19 g | Dietary fiber: 1 g | Sugars: 17 g | Protein: 26 g

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (1.5 – 2 lbs)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Kosher or sea salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice, (no sugar added)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

In a small mixing bowl combine all the herbs and spices.

Whisk together in a large mixing bowl the herbs, spices and the extra virgin olive oil. Rinse chicken, pat dry with a paper towel. Coat chicken with the herb and oil mixture, place in the slow-cooker. Note: this method of rubbing olive oil on the chicken before adding to the slow-cooker helps to seal in the moisture.

 

Whisk together in a medium mixing bowl Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, pomegranate juice and balsamic vinegar...pour over chicken.

 

Turn slow cooker to low and cook 4 - 6 hours on low. After chicken is done remove from the slow cooker, place on a serving platter and drizzle with liquid. This extra moist chicken pairs nicely with a small side of pasta. If using the Set 'n Forget Slow Cooker, program the temperature to 165 degrees or follow manufacturer's instructions. Slow Cooker size 5-7 quarts.

 

Bon Appetit!

 

"While we do not look at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal".

2 Corinthians 4:18

 

Bible Study via Kindle

I encourage each of you to join me in "Reading God's Story: One-Year Chronological Plan/YouVersion". The ladies of Covington are meeting on Tuesday evenings at Covington Assembly of God for this bible study and I am going to follow along from home on my kindle. Check it out!

Here is the information:

The new Iva May Blog (www.ivamay.com

) will correspond with this reading plan this year. If you can't join us on Tuesday nights, this would be a great way for you to participate. Her old blog, www.ivamay.blogspot.com

corresponds with our green chronological bible reading. https://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/reading-gods-story?day=1

Reading God's Story: One-Year Chronological Plan | YouVersion.com

www.youversion.com

 

 

Blackeyed Peas, Cabbage, Turnip Greens & Glazed Pork Loin Chops

Southern traditions run deep in our family and as we ring in 2013 we will be celebrating the day enjoying many of our New Years Day traditions. I have blackeyed peas soaking and all the other delicious foods for the day prepped, marinated and ready to cook.

My Mother always told me these are the reasons why she prepared these foods on New Years Day:

Blackeyed Peas are for GOOD LUCK. 
Cabbage and Turnip Greens are for WEALTH.
Glazed Pork Loin Chops (in lieu of Ham, Hog Jowl, or Fatback) for GOOD HEALTH.

I pray many blessings for you and your family in the New Year!  

Bon Appetit & Happy New Year!

Birthday Board

I love this idea and think I need to make one of these boards to keep up with our growing family birthday's.  Thought I would share!

Looking Ahead to 2013

As I look back on 2012 and as I look ahead to 2013 I have decided to get back to blogging; I missed sharing with you guys.

It's 12.30.12 and this weekend I have created our 2013 Home Budget, finished our meal planning for the next two weeks, grocery shopped and prepped our meals for this week.

For me, a new year is not about resolutions, it's about getting back into a routine and following my heart to be a better me. Now you may say "oh she's making resolutions" but for me I'm ready for a fresh start and as I look forward to 2013, I plan to do the following:

1) Be a better wife.
2) Read the bible daily.
3) Eat cleaner and healthier.
4) Exercise more.
5) Travel.
6) Enjoy life.

We are planning to eat cleaner and healthier eating fresh fruits, vegetables and fresh meats, eating smaller portions, starting the day with breakfast and put exercise back into our daily routine. This will help Terry and I feel better and hopefully in the long run look better as well.

The past few months, I have started meal planning for the upcoming week, prepping the meals (in 45 mins to an hr on Sunday afternoons) so either in the morning before work I can put dinner in the crock pot, or just put it in the oven for 1/2 hour when we get home from work. This saves so much time and frustration trying to figure out what to make for dinner each night, last minute trips to the grocery, etc. This also saves money, planning your meals in advance, buying only what's on your grocery list will save you $$ when you go to check out.

Many of you are aware of the Lifestyle Plan that I wrote several years ago. I don't use the four letter word (diet), it just add pounds. LOL! I prefer to say I'm on a Lifestyle Plan and after trying numerous diet plans, I combined several and wrote my own 7-7-7 Lifestyle Plan with daily food journals weight/measurement journals and exercise journal several years ago. I was very successful but have fallen off the wagon the past year or two. It really does help you keep track and stay on track. I set small goals that are attainable not large goals that I can't meet that leave me feeling depressed for not reaching them. With every pound I lose, I put $5 in a envelope so when I reach one of my attainable goals I can buy myself something new or I can continue saving the $$ to go towards my new wardrobe when I reach my goal. For me its all about being comfortable in my own skin, not what I weigh or what size I wear. I learned a long time ago that I have to be happy with myself in my own skin not what others think of me or see me as.

Now on to today's meal:

I have "Fiesta Chicken Soup" cooking. It smells delicious and is only 112 calories per cup. Here is the recipe if you'd like to try it sometime.

Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Soup

 

Yields: 8 | Serving size: 1 cup | Calories: 112 | Previous Points: 2 | Points Plus: 3 | Total Fat: 2 g | Saturated Fats: 1 g | Trans Fats: 0 g | Cholesterol: 21 mg |Sodium: 220 mg | Carbohydrates: 13 g | Dietary fiber: 3 g | Sugars: 1 g | Protein: 12 g

Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (4.5 oz.) can diced green chili peppers
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, low sodium, fat free (use an additional 1/2 cup for a soup)
• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Kosher or sea salt to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
• 2 chicken breasts fillets, skinless, cut into 1-2” cubes (no need to pre-cook)

Directions

Sauté onion in olive oil over medium-low heat until tender, about 5 minutes. (This step is optional. If you prefer simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and eliminate the oil.)

Add sautéed onion and all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, stir to combine. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

This recipe is featured in our cookbook, Skinny Ms. Slow Cooker.

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2.2

http://skinnyms.com/slow-cooker-fiesta-chicken-soup/

Copyright 2012 Skinny Ms.® All rights reserved

Until my next blog post, Bon Appetit!

Southern Chess Squares

I needed a quick recipe for a work function and you must try this recipe; it's so easy and delicious!

 Southern Chess Squares

 1 yellow cake mix (dry mix)

1 egg slightly beaten

1 stick butter (softened)

1 box confectioners’ sugar

3 eggs slightly beaten

1 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)


Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9 x 13 Pyrex dish with cooking spray. In a bowl blend with a spoon yellow cake mix, 1 egg slightly beaten and softened butter until blended like dough. Press this mixture into bottom of Pyrex. Next with your mixer, mix together confectioners’ sugar, remaining 3 eggs and softened cream cheese until well blended. Pour this mixture over your uncooked crust mixture and bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Let cool. Cut in 24 squares.


Bon Appetit!

Addtional Info for the Stuff Pork Chop Recipe of last post

I have decided the next time I make this recipe I am going to add some roasted walnuts and a little nutmeg to the stuffing filling and will use sour cream in lieu of whipping cream in the topping with a few roasted walnuts crumbled on top.

Gourmet Boneless Pork Chops Stuffed w/Gorgonzola & Apples

You have GOT to try this recipe! It is simply Easy Gourmet cooking and delicious. I honestly thought this would take a long time to prepare but it was quick and super easy.

2 boneless pork chops
1 chopped fresh garlic glove
1 chopped green apple (use 2 apples for 4 pork chops)
1 container Gorgonzola Cheese Crumbles
1 tsp butter
1/4 tsp Thyme
Whipping Cream or Half & Half

In a hot skillet add butter, peeled and chopped garlic clove, chopped green apple and thyme until starting to soften and brown approx 3-5 minutes over medium heat. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl and add 1/2 of your gorgonzola cheese crumbles; stir together.

Take your pork chops (depending on their size), either cut a slit in the side so you can stuff or if larger chops you can just stuff the center, fold over and toothpick the end. Take your cheese/apple mixture and stuff your pork chops, being sure not to overstuff them.

Once you have stuffed your pork chops, in a hot buttered skittet, brown the chops on each side 3-4 minutes per side then place in preheated oven on 400 for approx 10 minutes until done. (Optional: you can grill your chops 3-4 minutes each side on medium heat then turn heat down to low for approx 7-10 minutes until done.)

While the chops are browning on each side, in a separate sauce pan, add your remaining gorgonzola cheese and add 2 TBSP of whipping cream or half & half and whisk over low heat until melted. Be sure not to burn (if you want a thinner topping add more cream). FYI...I just made this dish and I personally didn't like the cream sauce on top.

Once you take your cooked chops out of the oven, place each one on a plate and drizzle the hot cheese mixture over the top and serve with fresh sauted vegetables.

This dish didn't take long to prep or prepare, I thought it would take longer but it was easy, quick and delicious.

Bon Appetit!

Catching Up!

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. We have had a lot going lately. I think things should be settling back down so I can at least make weekly posts.

Yesterday, Terry & I hosted a family wedding shower for my niece Sarah Melton. We served Southern Favorites and Sarah's favorites as well. Nana's Individual Banana Puddings, Chicken Salad in Phyllo Pastry Shells, Brad Melton's BBQ Sliders, Smoked Tuna Dip fresh from the gulf, Southern Style Powdered Sugar Sprinkled Brownies, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Southern Sweet Tea, Bottled Coca-Cola's and Bottled Water. It was delicious and a hit!

I'm going thru recipes and will be posted some good and easy summer recipes soon!

Have a blessed day!

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken w/Fresh Pineapple

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Served with Grilled Vegetables

Easy and simple grilled chicken recipe:
4-6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Honey
½ bottle Worcestershire Sauce
½ Lg Can Pineapple Juice
Cavender’s Greek Seasoning
Fresh Pineapple - cut in rings

If you have thick chicken breast, pound them down with a meat mallet (this also tenderizes them).
Rub honey on both sides of the breasts and sprinkle with Cavender’s Greek Seasoning (both sides).

In a large bowl, mix ½ lg. can of pineapple juice with ½ bottle of Worcestershire Sauce and place your chicken breasts in marinade after rubbing with honey and adding seasoning. Be sure the marinade covers the breasts; you may need to add more liquid to your marinade. Cover and let marinate for 1-2 hours preferably but if you only have 30 minutes that is fine too.

Cut your fresh pineapple in rings and brush with butter then rub with honey on both sides.
Heat your grill and spray with cooking spray so your breasts do not stick to grill. Place your chicken breasts on the HOT grill for approx 10-12 minutes on each side. In the last 2 minutes of grilled, add your fresh pineapple rings 1 minute per side and remove from grill. BTW, fresh grilled pineapple is delicious with any meat you choose to grill. Serve your chicken breasts topped with grilled pineapple.

Here are a few easy Grilled Vegetable Recipes to go with your Hawaiian Chicken or any other meat you choose to grill:

Balsamic Broccoli – Take fresh or frozen broccoli and place inside two large strips of aluminum foil. Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar and a little olive oil and then sprinkle with Cavender’s Greek Seasoning. Fold foil over to cover the broccoli and be sure the sides are closed and place on grill for approx 20-30 minutes in the foil to steam and cook. You can also add a little Italian dressing to the veggies in lieu of just adding olive oil to change the flavor profile.

Squash & Onions – Take fresh squash 1-2 large pieces and 1 sweet yellow onion and cut in slices. Place inside two pieces of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder and sprinkle Cavender’s Greek Seasoning. Fold foil over to cover the squash and onions and fold up the sides and place on grill for approx 20-30 minutes. Feel free to add fresh Zucchini to this mix or do the same with Zucchini and Onion. You can also add a little Italian dressing to the veggies in lieu of just adding olive oil to change the flavor profile.

Fresh Grilled Corn on the Cobb - Take fresh corn on the cobb, rub with butter, sprinkle with a little black pepper and add 2 tsp. milk to each cobb after placing inside separate aluminum foil pieces and fold up the edges of the foil then steam on the grill for approx 20-30 minutes inside the foil, take out of the foil and grill on each side of the cobb approx 1-2 minutes for each side. You can add honey to your butter and then rub honey butter on your uncooked corn. You can also add a little blackening seasoning in lieu of pepper to kick it up a notch.

Bon Appétit!

When is enough, enough?

I am hoping this blog post doesn't offend anyone but I am very annoyed today and not sure what to do next. Let me give you the back story here.

We moved to Jackson, TN back the end of July. The first three months we were bombarded with local churches stopping by, ringing the door bell, inviting us to church, inviting us to dedicate our life to the Lord, leaving literature. If I was home I spoke to these individuals letting them know we are CHRISTIANS. A couple of the local churches continue, even today, to come by during the day and ring the door bell again (typically while my husband is sleeping after closing the restaurant the night before and it not only wakes him up but sends our dogs in a barking tissy). Several months ago I made a Christian Home sign with a cross and no-soliciting over our door bell which seemed to help some. There is also a huge metal cross decor piece on our front door.

The churches we visited when we first moved here didn't even come by the house instead they sent emails, letters or postcards thanking us for attending and welcoming us to come back again. I understand outreach ministries but when the same churches keep coming again and again after we have told them we are Christians and have a church home, what do we do short of calling the pastor and asking them to stop coming to our home? It honestly feels like we are being harrassed to try there church. Were do you draw the line?

I am a CHRISTIAN. I proclaim HIM as my Lord and Savior. I read HIS word. I pray. I am active in church. I strive to live my life in christ like manner. My husband is a CHRISTIAN. I am all for proclaiming HIS name but not in a harrassing way. You should live your life with a christian walk but not by hounding and harrassing others to come to your church or dedicate your life to the Lord in their presence. Ours isn't the only house they hit, they go to all the houses in our neighborhood. I am a BELIEVER and I'm Aggrevated. What are the non-believers thinking?

Suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!

A Frustrated Christian

Ding-Dong - Psalm 34:8

Ok, so how many of you enjoyed an occasional ding-dong as a kid? I did and this week my Boss's wife sent a Ding-Dong Cake to work and I have to say it was amazing! It looked and tasted just like a ding-dong.

I remember when I used to visit my Grandmother she would walk with me down to Mr. Beek's store in her neighborhood and we would buy ding-dongs; Grandma-ma liked them too!

I thought I would share the recipe with you today. I can't wait to have an occasion to make this recipe one day soon.

Ding-Dong Cake
1 Box Devils Food Cake Mix (mix and bake according to directions)
1 Container (tub) of Chocolate Frosting
1 (8 oz) Cool Whip (thawed)
1 (4 oz) Cream Cheese (softened at room temp)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Make cake mix according to directions; using 2 round cake pans for a 2 layer cake. Cool the layers completely and stack bottom layer on your cake plate. For the filling, mix the softened cream cheese (at room temperature) with the powdered sugar and then fold in the thawed cool whip. Put the filling mixture between the two cake layers. Place the top layer on top of the filling layer. For the topping place the chocolate frosting container in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir and then drizzle all over the cake so it will run over top and down the sides. Refrigerate Cake (I personally recommend you use the chocolate fudge icing (any brand is good) and you might want to get a 2nd container so you have plenty to cover the cake).

Psalm 34:8 "O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him".

Bon Appetit!

Pink Eye & Chicken Burritos

So I woke up today with pink eye. I have no kids and I am a hand washing, hand santizing freak...Shouldn't be contagious after tomorrow with 24 hours of meds.

When I got home from the doctor I went through the pantry and freezer and made chicken burritos in the crock pot. Easy recipe...just put a package of frozen boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins in the crock pot, add 1 can of rotel tomatoes, 1 cup sour cream and 1 package spanish rice. Cooked on high for 4 hours. Served on flour tortillas. A delicious and easy dinner!

While dinner was cooking and I was enjoying a nap thanks to Benedryl, the dogs went nuts and I look out and "Chance" a neigbors dog from the next neighborhood over, was across the street making his way to our house. When he gets out he always ends up at our house and I take him back home. He is a black/white boxer mix that was rescued a few months ago, he is still a puppy but so friendly and affectionate. We rescue him about once every week or so, but afraid that soon he will become the 5th member of our family... for now Terry or I always take him back home.

This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it (even with pink eye)

Have a blessed day! Try the chicken burritos they are delicious!

Bon Appetit!

My Grandmother, My Mentor, My Rock

Heaven gained an angel last night as my Grandmother went home to be with the Lord. We, her family, was gathered around her rejoicing and weeping as she drew her last breath here on earth and made her heavenly journey. She had a gathering of family and friends awaiting her heavenly arrival as well; her Momma, Daddy, brother and sister, her daugther and her husband, my daddy, her two husbands, cousins and many other family and friends were there by God's side greeting her with open arms and today she is walking the streets of gold, no longer in need a walker, wheelchair or any assistance from us. Her homegoing was peaceful after a battle with leukemia.

My Grandmother was a spiritual woman. She loved the Lord, had a gentle spirit and a servants heart. Many people stay I take after my Grandmother that way, which is such a compliment. I spent boo-kuttles of time at my Grandmother's house growing up from infant until she moved into the assisted living, 6 years ago. We moved to FL right after and every visit home included time spent with my Grandmother. Since we moved back to TN last July, I have spent many hours by her side and would not have traded a minute of it.

I have so many grand memories with my Grandmother. I always LOVED spending time with my Grandmother and so many of my memories throughout my life revolve around Grandma-ma.

She was self-employed as a seamstress so there were always ladies coming ang going from Grandma-ma's house trying on clothes she had made them, derpping off and picking up their alterations and it never failed that I would step on at least 10 straight pins that had fallen into her shag carpet in the bedroom when I came to visit. If there were scraps of fabric leftover she would make me something out of them. Many times she made me dresses, clothes for my dolls, blankets, an apron, a bible cover, a purse and even a scarf/bandana for my hair (when I was a pre-teen and that was in style)...

She was my mentor. She was always telling me she loved me and she was proud of me. She never failed to teach me something when I was with her, whether it was a way to sew, a scriptute verse, a way to be kind to others, a way to show someone I cared, etc. She was a giving and loving person and I have strived to be like her.

She will be missed on this earth but over the course of her 91 years, she touched many lives including mine and I will always remember her sweet spirit, smile and the fact that she LOVED me and was PROUD of me and told me that every time I saw her.

Today Grandma-ma, I am so blessed to have had a Grandmother like you, who loved me, encouraged me, taught me, and who loved to spend time with me. I pray the Lord will use me my next next 50+ years the way he used you every day as you spread his love through all you said and all you did for others. Lord, give me a servants heart and a gentle spirit like my Grandmother for all the days of my life.

I love you and will miss you Grandma-ma but I know I have another angel looking out for me and can't wait until the day I make my journey to Heaven and you and the rest of my heavenly family are there to welcome me with open arms.

God Bless!

5 Fresh Ingredients to Enhance Any Meal - Do you know what they are?

Personal Update before our blog on 5 Fresh Ingredients...
Sorry it's been a a couple of weeks since my last post but it's been a bit hectic around here. Hope you all had a good Valentine's Day. Terry and I had a delicious Gulf Coast inspired dinner at the house on Valentine's and he showered me with beautiful spring flowers and gave me his heart all over again via a gold and silver heart & key pandora charm for my bracelet. On a different note, I am so proud and excited for my husband, his project - his work, Hadley's (Southern Food Done Right) Restaurant opens tomorrow, Feb. 20th in Jackson, TN. It will be open from 6 am to 10 pm 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a fast food (made fresh, never frozer) but upscale atmosphere. It's been a long 7 months of hard work on his part since we moved to Jackson but's the first Hadley's is finally opening. If you are in the Jackson area, stop by and try it out. Ok, back to the topic of today's blog...

Today as I am preparing Turkey Chili I am reminded of a few staples I keep around my kitchen and most of these items will enhance just about every meal you prepare.

I keep the following in the crisper of my refrigerator: fresh sweet onion(s), 4-5 full garlic heads, package of fresh rosemary, a package of fresh basil and sharp cheddar cheese (place your onion and garlic in separate zip lock bags in the crisper of your refrigerator to eliminate any odor issues).

Most all recipes I make call for onion and typically if it calls for onion, I usually add a little fresh garlic as well to enhance the flavor of the dish. Depending on the dish, I will chop fresh onion and garlic and saute together in a cast iron skillet or saute' pan before adding to my recipe.

I use fresh rosemary and basil in so many recipes but will add to plain white or brown rice, to yukon, red, or white whole or cubed potatoes and roast with a little olive oil in the oven for a different side item, you can add fresh rosemary to fresh green beans while steaming then transfer to a hot cast iron skillet or saute' pan and add a fresh roasted pine nuts or pecans and it makes a delicious side item. In addition, you can always add to chicken, pork, beef or even seafood when grilling, baking or roasting.

A little cheese can be added to just about anything you may be preparing. When we make fresh salads to go with our dinner, I will grate a fresh cheese over the top to give us a little boost of added protein.

I keep a cabinet full of dry spices which are easily accessible and enhance any and all recipes but from time to time, fresh just gives the recipe added flavor and try to use as many fresh ingredients as possible. We also use Cavender's Greek Seasoning on everything and they make it in salt-free as well which is what I like to use.

BTW, do you have issues chopping onions and tears rolling down your cheeks? When you refrigerate your onion prior to cutting it, it eliminates the tears. Take your onion from the refrigerator and cut immediately. If you are short on time and forgot to refrigerate your onion, place the onion in the freezer for 5-10 minutes then chop.

Let me know if you would like my Turkey Chili Recipe via blog comment and I will be happy to share it with you.

Think about it the next time you go to the grocery...what did Scarlet mention in her blog that I need for my refrigerator?

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food." Genesis 1:29

Bon Appetit!

Recipes & More!

Ok, I am hooked on www.SkinnyMs.com, formerly Skinny Crock Pot on facebook but now it's a full website with all types of recipes, health tips, fitness tips, beauty tips, etc. I have yet to make a recipe that wasn't absolutely delicious and good for us with lower calories and great taste! You must check it out! I check out this site as much as I check out pinterest and you all know how much we are all addicted to pinterest... :)

This morning while taking care of my sick husband I put dinner in the crock-pot before leaving for work and I love coming home to the aroma of a delicious dinner ready to eat! I was never a big fan of the crock-pot but I have fallen in love with it this fall-winter!

Let me know which are your favorite recipes on SkinnyMs.

Bon Appetit!