I hate asparagus. It is by far my least favorite veggie (that I've tasted so far, at least). However, I made a risotto last night that had me eating ALL of my asparagus and enjoying every bite. We ate is as the main dish, but my husband seems to think it would have been much better paired with a steak (that's his view on most of the vegetarian dishes I serve!). You could, however, add a little chicken or shrimp to this recipe and make it a main dish that would please everyone. Here's the recipe:
Asparagus Risotto
4 C. Chicken Broth
2 T. Olive Oil
4 green onions, minced
1 c. Arborio Rice
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
4 T. Butter
1/2 t. black pepper
1/2 C. grated Parmesan Cheese
Bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and maintain at a simmer.
Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the green onions and uncooked rice and cook for 5 minutes, or until the rice is golden brown.
Begin adding the broth, a 1/2 C. at a time and cook, stirring constantly, for 20 minutes, or until all the broth is absorbed and the risotto becomes creamy. Just before adding the last 1/2 C. of broth, add the asparagus, butter and pepper. Stir in the cheese just before serving!
It is wonderful. I hope you all try it and love it as much as we did!
I also had a couple other recipes I wanted to share. This next one is a GREAT summer recipe. It is a syrup that you pour over your fruit salad to keep the fruit from turning. It is amazing. I made my fruit salad a whole day in advance and not even the apples had turned. However, if you are going to add banana, I would do that right before serving, because bananas seem to turn quickly no matter what!
Fruit Salad Syrup
1/3 C. sugar
1/4 C. fresh mint leaves
2 T. lemon juice
Bring the sugar and 1/2 C. of water to a boil in a saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon and mint. Let steep for 15 minutes, then strain out the mint.
I have already used this recipe 3 times and summer hasn't even begun yet! It really gives the salad a fresh taste. My kids love it!
The final recipe I wanted to share is a great one to get your kids (or husbands!) to eat more veggies. This is one of my husband's favorites and getting him to like "strange" veggies is quite hard.
Meatball Kabobs
32 frozen, fully cooked meatballs, thawed
1 red pepper cut into 1 inch squares
1 green pepper cut into 1 inch squares
1/4 C. apricot jam
1/4 C. Barbecue Sauce of your choice
Thread the meatballs and peppers onto 8 skewers. I do meatball, red pepper, green pepper, meatball, etc.
Microwave the jam in a small bowl on high for 15 seconds. Stir in the BBQ sauce. Brush half onto the kabobs.
Grill the kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with the remaining mixture the last 2 minutes.
Delicious!
I hope everyone is enjoying the weather. Only a month to go until we start getting our fresh produce. I can't wait!!!
P.S. is everyone watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution on ABC on Friday nights? It is a GREAT show with an even better message. No wonder our country is so fat . . .
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Recipe!
Good morning! I was thinking about the blog last night and realized that it's been a while since I've posted any recipes. I decided upon my mother's Chicken Lasagna. In the past months I seem to have been taking a lot of meals to people who have had babies. This is my go-to meal. It freezes really well and you can make it up without doing the final cooking, so when you are ready to eat it, it tastes fresh! On another note, this recipe uses a lot of cheese. I HIGHLY recommend grating your own cheese. Take a look at a package of shredded cheese and look at all the extra preservatives and stuff in it. It is rather disturbing. On the other hand, a block of cheese has only those ingredients you would associate with cheese. My opinion, always grate your own. It really doesn't take that much more time!
Chicken Lasagna
8 oz. oven ready lasagna noodles (I use the whole wheat kind!)
1/2 C. chopped onion
1/2 C. chopped green pepper
3 T. butter
1 Can of Cream of Chicken soup
1/3 C. milk
1/2 t. basil
3 C. diced cooked chicken (I just cook a package of breasts and chop them up!)
1 1/2 C. ricotta cheese
1/2 C. Mild Cheddar Cheese
1/2 C. Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 C. Mozzarella Cheese
8 oz. package of mushrooms
Cook the onion, pepper, and mushrooms in the butter until tender. Stir in the soup, milk, basil and chicken to make the "sauce." Place 1/2 of the noodles in the bottom of a 9X13 pan. Cover with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the sauce, and 1/2 of the cheeses. Repeat the layers. At this point you can either wrap it up and freeze for later, or bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
I have also been experimenting with some vegetarian dishes this week. I just made up a few this morning, but have yet to try them. As soon as I do, and if they pass the taste test, I'll post those as well. I'm really trying to get a LOT more veggies in our diets and thought that sticking a few vegetarian items into our menu would be a good way to go about that. We'll see. They sure smell good!
Chicken Lasagna
8 oz. oven ready lasagna noodles (I use the whole wheat kind!)
1/2 C. chopped onion
1/2 C. chopped green pepper
3 T. butter
1 Can of Cream of Chicken soup
1/3 C. milk
1/2 t. basil
3 C. diced cooked chicken (I just cook a package of breasts and chop them up!)
1 1/2 C. ricotta cheese
1/2 C. Mild Cheddar Cheese
1/2 C. Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 C. Mozzarella Cheese
8 oz. package of mushrooms
Cook the onion, pepper, and mushrooms in the butter until tender. Stir in the soup, milk, basil and chicken to make the "sauce." Place 1/2 of the noodles in the bottom of a 9X13 pan. Cover with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the sauce, and 1/2 of the cheeses. Repeat the layers. At this point you can either wrap it up and freeze for later, or bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
I have also been experimenting with some vegetarian dishes this week. I just made up a few this morning, but have yet to try them. As soon as I do, and if they pass the taste test, I'll post those as well. I'm really trying to get a LOT more veggies in our diets and thought that sticking a few vegetarian items into our menu would be a good way to go about that. We'll see. They sure smell good!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Spring is Here Now, Right?
Well, as I look at my window I think I'm convinced that Spring is actually here this time. I think most of the snow from the weekend has melted and I think it's supposed to be a nice day. It's time for fresh produce!!
Yesterday we had our CSA orientation and my husband and I are both rearing to go. We had to sign up for a day to work at the farm during the growing season and we decided that he would take off work so we could do the farm thing as a family. I am REALLY excited about all of this local eating. We also signed up for some meat and egg shares from another farm. We will be getting grass fed beef, lamb, pork and chicken and then eggs from those free wandering chickens. The menu is going to be very tasty this summer.
Because of eating locally high that I'm currently riding and because of an OB appointment I just left, I really wanted to talk about food and exercise for a bit. For those of you who aren't aware, I had to have a hysterectomy at the age of 28 and have been struggling with some of the side effects from the surgery for about 2 years now. One of these struggles happens to be weight. Another background note is that last October, while training for a 1/2 marathon, I developed a stress fracture and acute tendinitis in my right hip and have been pretty much been off exercise since then because of the pain. Anyway, my dr. and I were talking about the "right" steps that I need to be taking to ensure great health. While many of my weight issues are because of my hysterectomy, these are all issues that I would have had sooner or later. It's because of my surgery that this is happening about 15 years earlier for me! I wanted to just share some of her wisdom:
1) She really advocated Yoga. She said that since my body is no longer producing hormones naturally that I am now at a risk for Osteoporosis. In order to combat this I need to be doing some weight resistant exercise like Yoga two times a week.
2) Eat as much whole foods as possible. She mentioned that you should have red meat only once a week with chicken and fish filling in the rest of the days. Meat should also be a side item, not the main dish.
3) While you need both fruits and veggies, you should eat at least twice the amount of veggies as fruit.
4) Running is bad on women's bodies (and my Dr. is a runner). Not only is it hard on the joints, but it also is really hard on the female organs due to the jostling while running. She really pushed swimming and biking as great ways to get my cardio in at least 5 times a week.
5) Finally, she recommended trying any exercise that you could see yourself doing at the age of 60 or 70. Finding exercises that you can do for your entire life will ensure that you are staying healthy your entire life.
I think those were the main points of my visit. While I haven't done any research myself, she also pointed out that studies have been done that are relating Alzheimer's and dementia with cardio health. In other words, if your arteries around you heart are clogged or moving slow, so are the ones in your brain. That really made me stop and think. I can think of no worse disease!
I hope this helps all of you in your quest for healthier selves. Good luck and eat locally!!
Yesterday we had our CSA orientation and my husband and I are both rearing to go. We had to sign up for a day to work at the farm during the growing season and we decided that he would take off work so we could do the farm thing as a family. I am REALLY excited about all of this local eating. We also signed up for some meat and egg shares from another farm. We will be getting grass fed beef, lamb, pork and chicken and then eggs from those free wandering chickens. The menu is going to be very tasty this summer.
Because of eating locally high that I'm currently riding and because of an OB appointment I just left, I really wanted to talk about food and exercise for a bit. For those of you who aren't aware, I had to have a hysterectomy at the age of 28 and have been struggling with some of the side effects from the surgery for about 2 years now. One of these struggles happens to be weight. Another background note is that last October, while training for a 1/2 marathon, I developed a stress fracture and acute tendinitis in my right hip and have been pretty much been off exercise since then because of the pain. Anyway, my dr. and I were talking about the "right" steps that I need to be taking to ensure great health. While many of my weight issues are because of my hysterectomy, these are all issues that I would have had sooner or later. It's because of my surgery that this is happening about 15 years earlier for me! I wanted to just share some of her wisdom:
1) She really advocated Yoga. She said that since my body is no longer producing hormones naturally that I am now at a risk for Osteoporosis. In order to combat this I need to be doing some weight resistant exercise like Yoga two times a week.
2) Eat as much whole foods as possible. She mentioned that you should have red meat only once a week with chicken and fish filling in the rest of the days. Meat should also be a side item, not the main dish.
3) While you need both fruits and veggies, you should eat at least twice the amount of veggies as fruit.
4) Running is bad on women's bodies (and my Dr. is a runner). Not only is it hard on the joints, but it also is really hard on the female organs due to the jostling while running. She really pushed swimming and biking as great ways to get my cardio in at least 5 times a week.
5) Finally, she recommended trying any exercise that you could see yourself doing at the age of 60 or 70. Finding exercises that you can do for your entire life will ensure that you are staying healthy your entire life.
I think those were the main points of my visit. While I haven't done any research myself, she also pointed out that studies have been done that are relating Alzheimer's and dementia with cardio health. In other words, if your arteries around you heart are clogged or moving slow, so are the ones in your brain. That really made me stop and think. I can think of no worse disease!
I hope this helps all of you in your quest for healthier selves. Good luck and eat locally!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Short and Sweet
Hello everyone! This is going to be a very short post. I have two 3-year olds waiting to be put down for a nap, but I wanted to post a few pictures before I did that. First of all, here are the pictures of my daughter's Easter dress that I finished almost 2 weeks ago. She's very excited to
wear it. It's not perfect, but not bad for my first time, either!
Here are a few other projects that I have recently finished. This is my little bunny creation. He's made out of a recycled cashmere sweater. It had moth holes in it and was no longer wearable, so I've given it new life and turned it into a bunny for a baby named Owen (hence the O on the front!). He is my second recycled bunny and I think they turn out pretty darn cute. If any of you have any unwearable sweaters that you'd like to contribute to the cause, they make great baby gifts!
I think that about sums it up for now. We're pretty busy here so I hope to post a more thought provoking entry in the near future! God bless!
P.S. Did any of you watch Opera last Thursday? It was all about the food industry and eating better. She had the guy from Food, Inc. on. It was great!
wear it. It's not perfect, but not bad for my first time, either!
Here are a few other projects that I have recently finished. This is my little bunny creation. He's made out of a recycled cashmere sweater. It had moth holes in it and was no longer wearable, so I've given it new life and turned it into a bunny for a baby named Owen (hence the O on the front!). He is my second recycled bunny and I think they turn out pretty darn cute. If any of you have any unwearable sweaters that you'd like to contribute to the cause, they make great baby gifts!
I think that about sums it up for now. We're pretty busy here so I hope to post a more thought provoking entry in the near future! God bless!
P.S. Did any of you watch Opera last Thursday? It was all about the food industry and eating better. She had the guy from Food, Inc. on. It was great!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
My Amazing Mentor
Today I just wanted to quickly write a little bit about mental health. Part of my journey to all-around good health involves being healthy mentally, and being a mother of 3 year-old twins, this isn't at all easy! However, I have found a great cure to all that ails mentally. Find a hobby. I think that it really is that simple.
When I was pregnant I was looking everywhere for baby bedding that I really liked and that was gender neutral. At the time, it was nearly impossible. I didn't want a themed room at all, but I was also having a hard time finding stuff that wasn't primarily pink or blue. Therefore, I decided to make my own. Please keep in mind that at this time I didn't know a thing about sewing and didn't even own a sewing machine. So, I asked for and received my sewing machine that year as a birthday gift and had my mom teach me a few basic things about sewing. It was a slow process, but after a week of doing nothing but sewing, my mother and I completed my nursery. It was then that I realized I had been bitten by the sewing bug. Since then, I just can't get enough!
It didn't take long for me to outgrow my mother's sewing knowledge. At that point I turned to books (I can learn really easily by looking and reading books). I was able to pick up quite a few things from each book I picked up, but I felt like I was missing something in each technique. It was at this time, while at a P.E.O. meeting, that I was talking about my sewing and another woman piped up that she knew all sorts of stuff. Apparently her mother had owned a quilt shop in Louisiana while she was growing up and she knew how to do all sorts of things. She was also quite excited to teach me. I was thrilled! Since that meeting, we have gotten together twice. She is currently teaching me how to smock. For those that aren't savvy, smocking is the tiny pleating done on baby and little kid outfits, usually across the chest that will have a design or picture on it. It's used a lot in christening gowns as well. Anyway, I am almost finished with my daughter's Easter dress ( hopefully I can post some pictures on here later this week) and I'm so excited to learn more. My mentor is going to teach me heirloom stitching, more on quilting, and even tatting (that's the creation of lace). I can't describe what this has done to my stress levels. Mentally, I believe I am healthier now than I have been in a long time!
I want to challenge each of you to try something you've always wanted to try, or learn something you've always been curious about learning. It is such a great way relieve stress and it can't hurt to know a few more useful skills, right?! Good luck!
When I was pregnant I was looking everywhere for baby bedding that I really liked and that was gender neutral. At the time, it was nearly impossible. I didn't want a themed room at all, but I was also having a hard time finding stuff that wasn't primarily pink or blue. Therefore, I decided to make my own. Please keep in mind that at this time I didn't know a thing about sewing and didn't even own a sewing machine. So, I asked for and received my sewing machine that year as a birthday gift and had my mom teach me a few basic things about sewing. It was a slow process, but after a week of doing nothing but sewing, my mother and I completed my nursery. It was then that I realized I had been bitten by the sewing bug. Since then, I just can't get enough!
It didn't take long for me to outgrow my mother's sewing knowledge. At that point I turned to books (I can learn really easily by looking and reading books). I was able to pick up quite a few things from each book I picked up, but I felt like I was missing something in each technique. It was at this time, while at a P.E.O. meeting, that I was talking about my sewing and another woman piped up that she knew all sorts of stuff. Apparently her mother had owned a quilt shop in Louisiana while she was growing up and she knew how to do all sorts of things. She was also quite excited to teach me. I was thrilled! Since that meeting, we have gotten together twice. She is currently teaching me how to smock. For those that aren't savvy, smocking is the tiny pleating done on baby and little kid outfits, usually across the chest that will have a design or picture on it. It's used a lot in christening gowns as well. Anyway, I am almost finished with my daughter's Easter dress ( hopefully I can post some pictures on here later this week) and I'm so excited to learn more. My mentor is going to teach me heirloom stitching, more on quilting, and even tatting (that's the creation of lace). I can't describe what this has done to my stress levels. Mentally, I believe I am healthier now than I have been in a long time!
I want to challenge each of you to try something you've always wanted to try, or learn something you've always been curious about learning. It is such a great way relieve stress and it can't hurt to know a few more useful skills, right?! Good luck!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Back From Vacation!
Well, it's been a long time! So sorry it's been so long, but a lot has been going on since my last post. For instance, I turned 30! Not as big of a deal as I was fearing, however, it happened and now it's over! Because of this momentous birthday, my wonderful husband took me on a little vacation to Sedona, Arizona. It's this trip that I wanted to write about today!
First of all, I want to give you a little background. Growing up, my family and I traveled quite a bit. However, most of our trips were either to the same places, or a least the same general areas. I have seen a decent chunk of Europe and have also visited our Southern neighbors in Mexico a few times. That being said, I have made it my goal to see all 50 states before I die. Now, I don't want to just drive through a state and count that as my "visit." I really want to experience a little bit of each of our states. Therefore, my first trip to Arizona was very impressive and I believe that I "experienced" quite a bit.
I'm not sure what you all know about Sedona, Arizona, but it's a small town about 2 hours north of Phoenix. It's kind of in a valley surrounded by the most beautiful red mountains you've ever seen. Since being married, my vacationing has changed a lot. Growing up, when on vacation, we made it our goal to see how little we could do over the course of our trip (with the exception of those oh so wonderful educational trips!). This usually meant sitting on a beach, reading, and eating. However, because my husband is a bit hyperactive, this doesn't fly for him. We have to be doing something at almost all times. While it's not quite as relaxing, it really does show you a lot more of where you are. So, needless to say, we spent most of the trip exploring all the amazing red rock formations, both on foot and on horseback. It was amazing. How anyone can look at a place like this and not believe in God is just amazing to me. It was truly one of the most spiritual places I've been. While I've seen the mountains in both Colorado and Utah, this seemed so different. I think it must have been the mixture of mountains and desert along with the distinctive red color of the earth. It was extremely healing.
While on our trip, I coerced my husband into taking a horseback tour through some of the country. It was fabulous. However, I enjoyed meeting the owner of this ranch almost as much as the actual ride itself. He was in his late 70s and owned the full working ranch where we rode. He has owned and lived on this ranch for 40 years, and grew up and lived on his Grandfather's ranch right next to it before that. As we were driving to the horses, he calmly pointed out where he had taken his first steps as a baby and commented that his last steps would probably only be a few hundred yards from that. His ranch is run by himself, some of his children, grandchildren and a couple of great-grandchildren also run around the property. While I found this to be so amazing, he really stopped me in my tracks when he started talking about his family being completely sustainable. I'm not sure why this took me aback. I guess when I think about the "green" movement and about people moving toward sustainability for their families, I think about young adults. After talking to Richard, though, it made me realize how wrong that thought process was. He told us about how he has taught each of his children, grandchildren, and soon the great-grandchildren how to grow all their own food, how to ride a horse, and even how to make their own diesel fuel from the corn they grow. Also, he made a point of saying that he taught each of them how to shoot a gun to kill their food, not to harm. They kill and butcher their own cows for food. He said that he wanted each of his offspring to know what it felt like to kill and to understand the permanence of such an action. While I was astounded by this, he simply stated that this is what they've always done on the ranch (with the exception of the fuel which is pretty new). It made me realize that this goal I have for my family is exactly what families have been doing for centuries. I must say that it was very refreshing to have that perspective thrown at me again! Once again, if I listen, God chooses all sorts of ways to talk to me!
First of all, I want to give you a little background. Growing up, my family and I traveled quite a bit. However, most of our trips were either to the same places, or a least the same general areas. I have seen a decent chunk of Europe and have also visited our Southern neighbors in Mexico a few times. That being said, I have made it my goal to see all 50 states before I die. Now, I don't want to just drive through a state and count that as my "visit." I really want to experience a little bit of each of our states. Therefore, my first trip to Arizona was very impressive and I believe that I "experienced" quite a bit.
I'm not sure what you all know about Sedona, Arizona, but it's a small town about 2 hours north of Phoenix. It's kind of in a valley surrounded by the most beautiful red mountains you've ever seen. Since being married, my vacationing has changed a lot. Growing up, when on vacation, we made it our goal to see how little we could do over the course of our trip (with the exception of those oh so wonderful educational trips!). This usually meant sitting on a beach, reading, and eating. However, because my husband is a bit hyperactive, this doesn't fly for him. We have to be doing something at almost all times. While it's not quite as relaxing, it really does show you a lot more of where you are. So, needless to say, we spent most of the trip exploring all the amazing red rock formations, both on foot and on horseback. It was amazing. How anyone can look at a place like this and not believe in God is just amazing to me. It was truly one of the most spiritual places I've been. While I've seen the mountains in both Colorado and Utah, this seemed so different. I think it must have been the mixture of mountains and desert along with the distinctive red color of the earth. It was extremely healing.
While on our trip, I coerced my husband into taking a horseback tour through some of the country. It was fabulous. However, I enjoyed meeting the owner of this ranch almost as much as the actual ride itself. He was in his late 70s and owned the full working ranch where we rode. He has owned and lived on this ranch for 40 years, and grew up and lived on his Grandfather's ranch right next to it before that. As we were driving to the horses, he calmly pointed out where he had taken his first steps as a baby and commented that his last steps would probably only be a few hundred yards from that. His ranch is run by himself, some of his children, grandchildren and a couple of great-grandchildren also run around the property. While I found this to be so amazing, he really stopped me in my tracks when he started talking about his family being completely sustainable. I'm not sure why this took me aback. I guess when I think about the "green" movement and about people moving toward sustainability for their families, I think about young adults. After talking to Richard, though, it made me realize how wrong that thought process was. He told us about how he has taught each of his children, grandchildren, and soon the great-grandchildren how to grow all their own food, how to ride a horse, and even how to make their own diesel fuel from the corn they grow. Also, he made a point of saying that he taught each of them how to shoot a gun to kill their food, not to harm. They kill and butcher their own cows for food. He said that he wanted each of his offspring to know what it felt like to kill and to understand the permanence of such an action. While I was astounded by this, he simply stated that this is what they've always done on the ranch (with the exception of the fuel which is pretty new). It made me realize that this goal I have for my family is exactly what families have been doing for centuries. I must say that it was very refreshing to have that perspective thrown at me again! Once again, if I listen, God chooses all sorts of ways to talk to me!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
When God Speaks Through Your Children!
First of all, I just want to thank everyone who sent me ideas for daily devotionals. I will use all of your ideas and suggestions. Thank you! Second, I just wanted to share a quick story about my daughter that really reminded me how God speaks to us through so many avenues.
Our family typically prays before dinner each night and when doing so we all hold hands, while my husband says grace. While we are very diligent about saying our thanks before dinner, that is really the only meal we pray before. Today at lunch, the kids and I took our seats around the table to eat a quick bite. I had gotten both children settled, blown on their grilled cheeses, filled cups, etc. I was just taking my first bite of my leftover Chicken and Rice from the night before (see recipe below), when my daughter looks at me accusingly and says, "Mommy, don't eat yet, we haven't thanked God." As I sit there staring at her with my mouth FULL of chicken I'm taken aback. Since it took me a bit to respond, she dutifully stuck out her fat little hand for me to grasp so that we could pray. Needless to say, after swallowing my bite, I grabbed both of their soft little hands and we blessed our meal. It shames me that it took my 3 year-old child to remember to thank God for all of our meals, not just dinner. It is times like this that remind me that God is speaking to me all the time, and that I just really need to be quite and listen. When he has to use my very loud 3 year-old to bring me to attention, I know that I haven't been as quiet and reflective as I need to be. Once again, thank you Lord for 3 year-old children!
On another note, I fixed a super easy recipe last night for our family. This is very popular in our house because I double it and my husband takes leftovers to work the next day for lunch (it reheats marvelously). It's definitely a family favorite. Enjoy!
Chicken and Rice (this serves just 4, but I always double it!)
4 Chicken Thighs (bone in and skin on!)
1 Can Cream of Chicken
2/3 C. Instant Brown Rice
1/2 envelope of Onion Soup Mix
Preheat the oven to 325. Combine the cream of chicken and the rice. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish (when I double it, I use a 9X13 pan). Lay your thighs on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the Onion Soup mix on top of the thighs. Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
Our family typically prays before dinner each night and when doing so we all hold hands, while my husband says grace. While we are very diligent about saying our thanks before dinner, that is really the only meal we pray before. Today at lunch, the kids and I took our seats around the table to eat a quick bite. I had gotten both children settled, blown on their grilled cheeses, filled cups, etc. I was just taking my first bite of my leftover Chicken and Rice from the night before (see recipe below), when my daughter looks at me accusingly and says, "Mommy, don't eat yet, we haven't thanked God." As I sit there staring at her with my mouth FULL of chicken I'm taken aback. Since it took me a bit to respond, she dutifully stuck out her fat little hand for me to grasp so that we could pray. Needless to say, after swallowing my bite, I grabbed both of their soft little hands and we blessed our meal. It shames me that it took my 3 year-old child to remember to thank God for all of our meals, not just dinner. It is times like this that remind me that God is speaking to me all the time, and that I just really need to be quite and listen. When he has to use my very loud 3 year-old to bring me to attention, I know that I haven't been as quiet and reflective as I need to be. Once again, thank you Lord for 3 year-old children!
On another note, I fixed a super easy recipe last night for our family. This is very popular in our house because I double it and my husband takes leftovers to work the next day for lunch (it reheats marvelously). It's definitely a family favorite. Enjoy!
Chicken and Rice (this serves just 4, but I always double it!)
4 Chicken Thighs (bone in and skin on!)
1 Can Cream of Chicken
2/3 C. Instant Brown Rice
1/2 envelope of Onion Soup Mix
Preheat the oven to 325. Combine the cream of chicken and the rice. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish (when I double it, I use a 9X13 pan). Lay your thighs on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the Onion Soup mix on top of the thighs. Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
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