A Proverbs 31 Kind of Day

Oh my, it's been awhile! One might think that I have forgotten to feed the Mr. and the Cherubs! While I haven't forgotten, I certainly haven't had the time to cook as I normally do. I'm currently getting to do what I also love . . . and that's fulfill a long-term subbing position. It is extremely rewarding. However, when I do these, I have to put something to the back-burner. Like cooking . . . and other household work. For example:  it's mid-March and I just took down my Winter decor. Notice I didn't say, "Christmas." "Christmas" -- as in tree, Santa, and presents, went away in January. "Winter," on the other had -- as in snowmen, evergreen, and pine cones stay through . . . well . . .Winter! Thankfully, Spring decor doesn't take nearly as long to put out! Unless you are like me and you re-do the look. I really try not to do that, because it doesn't come natural or easy for me. ...

The other day, I was doing my grocery shopping early in the morning. As in so early, the stockers where filling the shelves. I kind of like it that early -- there's not all the hub-bub in the aisles or long waits at the check out line. While shopping, I ran into a friend. We caught up on life, chatted about the day and moved on. When I was leaving, she was leaving too. She called my name and asked if my family likes soup? "YES!" She sent me 3 emails with different soup recipes. I've only been able to try one of them, but it was a huge success! Suzy's Green Chili Enchilada Soup 2 large cans (28oz) green chili enchilada sauce 2 small cans diced green chilies 8 oz cream cheese 1 small onion, diced 1 1/2 cups instant rice* 1 can chicken broth** diced chicken (rotisserie or chicken breasts that have been roasted, boiled, or baked)*** 2 TBSP butter In a large stock pan, melt the butter.  Add the diced onion and saute.  Add in the chick...

It is very cold outside. I roasted a chicken for dinner and was trying to think of something "warm" to serve with it . . . besides biscuits! My girl cherub was at dance, so I couldn't get her input. But I asked my boy cherub what veggie he would like. "Peas!  I love peas!" Great -- I'll make creamed peas!  I couldn't believe that I had never made this for my family! His response wasn't filled with excitement! I explained to him that I grew up with my mom making creamed peas. Matter of fact, it seems like my mom made a lot of "creamed" stuff  . . . peas corn beef Ok --- so I can only remember 3 things. But that's kind of alot, right? Meal plan, done! I pick up my girl cherub from dance, and as true to her nature, she asks what's for dinner. I tell her all the delicous stuff; including creamed peas. "Like baby food?"  she asks! NO!  Not like baby food! "Like creamed corn?"...

I honestly don't know what we did before Nutella. Honestly! I don't know who's worse:  the Mr. or the girl cherub. Truth be told:  it's the Mr. He will categorically deny it, but I know the truth! Many years ago, when my parents were celebrating their 20th anniversary, I believe, my dad sent my mom on a European trip. Yes,  . . .sent. He stayed home. He never had any desire to leave the states. He liked to travel, but going over-seas, was of no interest to him. Now, hook up an R.V. behind his truck and he was a happy camper. No pun intended! Off to Europe my mom goes with a traveling group and she brought back all sorts of treats. One being this "chocolate in a jar." Yep!  It was Nutella. But that was before you could readily find it in any store in America. Fast-forward to a husband who loves chocolate and he fosters the same indulgence to his daughter. We have a jar of this stuff in the pantry all the time! On ou...

Our trip to the New England states this Fall seems forever ago. Forrrrr-evah! While we were in Vermont, we went to Dartmouth College and King Arthur Flour Company. I'm not really sure which I liked better . . . but if my boy cherub decided to go to Dartmouth, I would NOT be disappointed! Those two amazing institutions are just minutes away from each other. M.I.N.U.T.E.S! As we were shopping, a sweet sales clerk recommended the almond cookies they had just replenished. She said they were her favorite, ever! We bought our one package to take with us. We were sad. We wished we had bought more packages. Because we loved them! One reason we love them is that it's something different. Don't get me wrong, I love chocolate chip cookies. And peanut butter cookies. And oatmeal cookies too. But this one . . . .it's different and I like different! If you're an almond lover, then give this a try. They're wonderful! Almond Cooki...

Oh my word! How do the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas seem like a never-ending roller coaster that's out of control? Serious! I need to get in control of this! During these holiday weeks, if my family gets dinner, we're lucky. I'm not talking balance. Or even including a vegetable! I'm talking, if there's something that resembles a meal, there's  no complaining! We don't go and grab when it's hectic. It's still easier and far cheaper for me to fix something at home. The other night, I made this for me and the cherubs because the Mr. wasn't at home. It was so good that I made it again, two nights later! It is so forgiving! Since being gluten free, there are some things we miss. Chinese food is one of them! This filled the void! Plum Chicken Chicken breasts, cubed salt pepper garlic powder corn starch 2-3 egg whites, whisked oil plum jelly sriracha sauce For the 4 of us, I used 3 chicken breas...

It's cold outside, and I'm a little chilly. I have a headache, and I have no voice. It's the holiday season . . . My Mr. had me meet him outside of Costco. He bought me 2 gallons of apple juice. T.W.O. whole gallons! That's a lot of apple juice! He thought it would be great for my throat. What can I say -- I have a thoughtful man! I can tell you what would actually be good for my throat . . . about 3 days of nothing to do, locked up in my house! THAT would bring healing, I think! But since that isn't going to happen, I think I'll do something with my two gallons of apple juice, to help soothe me very sore throat. I made a cup of hot spiced cider for one! Single Serve Hot Spiced Cider 1 cup apple juice 4 whole cloves 2 allspice berries 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon OR 1 cinnamon stick* 1 tsp. brown sugar a WEE little , entsy , tensy bit of orange flavoring In a microwave safe mug, add the juice, spices, and sugar. ...