White Chili

We went from 70 something yesterday - I wore flip-flops to work - to the 20's today with snow and ice on the ground.  White Chili was the perfect thing to have for dinner tonight!

White Chili

4 chicken breasts  

1 can chicken broth

4 cans Northern White Beans; drain one can

16 oz. Monterey Jack cheese - shredded

16 oz. sour cream

1 can original Rotel

1 can cream of mushroom soup

Cook the chicken in a skillet with the can of chicken broth - cube the chicken when done.  Combine all other ingredients in a crockpot and add the chicken and broth.  Cook till heated through and cheese is melted - about 4 hours.

Living below your potential or your privilege....

I watched this little video this morning and it made me wonder how many times I have done this.  How many times did I limit the blessings in my life simply because I failed to partake?  Everything I need has been given to me.  I have all the tools to create what I desire most.  And yet - how often do I allow the 'world' to influence my thinking and how I will spend my time.  Too many times, I am sure, I allow myself to do those things that the world professes to be important, instead of those things that I KNOW are of most worth.  It's making a decision about what it good, better or best in our lives and deliberately choosing the best.

I Know Who I Am...

I stumbled upon this video this morning on YouTube and wanted to share it with you. 

Overnight French Toast

I look forward to the rare Saturday mornings when we don't have to set the alarm.  And on those mornings - getting up and tossing this in the oven for a scrumptious breakfast makes it a true celebration!  There are only two of us, so I cut the recipe in half when I made it for us.

1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 T. light corn syrup
2 large tart apples (granny smith)
3 eggs
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
9 slices french bread (3/4" thick)

In a small saucepan, cook brown sugar, butter and corn syrup until thick - about 5-7 minutes.  Pour into an ungreased 13x9 baking pan.  Arrange apples on top.  In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, milk, and vanilla.  Dip bread slices into the egg mixture and let rest for one minute; place over apples.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.  Bake uncovered at 350 for 35-40 minutes.  Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar or whipped topping.  Or whip up the  topping below.  I've never made it - because french toast with apples and caramel sauce is pretty much perfect just like it is!

1 c. applesauce
1 (10 oz.) jar apple jelly
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.  Cook and stir until heated through.  Serve over french toast.

Get ready for the weekend!

Living a Deliberate Life

As we were 'putting Christmas away' yesterday - I felt a sadness.  I feel it every year when the symbols of Christmas go back into the boxes and are moved to the storage area.  The living room is almost back to its original state.  But it feels so empty.

I'm focusing this year on living a more deliberate life.  Choosing those things that will make me happy and feel fulfilled, accomplishing or finishing goals that I have set, serving with a more optimistic spirit.  So this year, I choose to keep Christmas in my heart all year long.  There are changes happening in our lives.  Some good - some a little sad - at least on our part.  We are anxiously awaiting the birth of a 2nd grand child.  And we are sadly anticipating the departure of some dear friends from our midst.  But again, I will choose how to respond to each of these events.

I am choosing to do a better job of taking care of myself physically.  More movement, less food!  (that's a tough one!)   I am choosing to read from my scriptures EVERY day.  I am choosing to focus on the positives and to seek personal revelation.  I am choosing to use my time more wisely.  Sorry FB friends - you may not see as much of me!  :)

Some of you may say these are just goals - but really - they aren't.  They are a lifestyle change in many ways for me.  They are who I am, who I have been and who I desire to be.  I used to be better at some of these things - so I know I can be in that place again.

I  believe and have faith in this scripture - found in the Book of Mormon:  1 Nephi 17:13 - "And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you..."

He knows me better than I know myself and He knows my needs and the desires of my heart.  Just as parents often provide opportunities for their children so they can succeed and progress, why wouldn't I believe that my God and Savior can do the same for me?!  I do!

As a favorite Christmas song says:  "You have all that you need - you just need to believe."

And so - with the Spirit of Christmas in my heart - with a plan to live a more deliberate life - I will BELIEVE - and I will move forward!

Happy New Year!