One of the blogs that I follow on a daily basis is Life As Mom. This week she has been focusing on food that can been made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. This inspired me to share one of my favorite cold-weather meals. I use the crock pot for this recipe but it can be thrown together quickly on the stove too. It also freezes perfectly. I usually make this the day after I have roasted a whole chicken. The seasoning in the leftover meat really adds to the flavor, and I prefer shredded chicken to cubed. It's just a texture thing. This is very hearty and stew-like. I usually add a salad and some bread for a wonderful meal.
Black Bean Chicken Chili
1 T. oil
1/2 sweet onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can chicken broth
2 15 oz cans black beans (rinsed)
2 14 oz cans diced tomatoes (I like chili-style)
1 lb shredded chicken
2 tsp. cumin
1/8 tsp. red pepper (or more to taste)
Chili powder (I never measure this, but I use a lot. Adjust to your taste.)
1/4 c. fresh cilantro
Saute onion, garlic and bell pepper in oil until onion is translucent. Place in crock pot. Add tomatoes, beans, chicken, broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add fresh cilantro just before serving. Shredded cheese may be added when serving as well.
All this really needs is to get hot, thus the crock pot is not necessary. I love the way the flavors meld after cooking slowly through the day. The meat just gets more tender this way. If you like your chili, soups and stews thicker, just take the lid off of the crock for the last hour or two. It will thicken nicely.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Get Free Shipping On Gifts That Give Back
I enjoy finding ways to make my money work overtime. When I spend, I want there to be true value. I believe this goes beyond the mantra, "never pay full price". If I can find a way for someone else to benefit from my purchase, I will. There is an organization that I have been following for several years now called WorldCrafts. What started as a small outlet for helping a few folks get on their feet has turned into a full-blown Fair Trade market.
Their current catalog states, "Operating under Fair Trade Federation standards, WorldCrafts embodies values that move local artisans from poverty to self-sufficiency. WorldCrafts pays its artisans a fair price up front and is committed to working with them on a long-term, sustainable basis."
There are items available from around the world, all handmade. I have purchased from WorldCrafts several times over the years and the quality has always been excellent.
This year there is a new facet to this ministry. SET 1 FREE is a campaign that highlights artisan groups that include women who are at high risk for human trafficking. I did some research this year on the subject of human trafficking and was astounded at the number of victims that fall prey to traffickers every year. Certain items in the WorldCrafts product line are marked with this symbol.
The sale of one of these items directly affects the life of the at-risk woman who made it.
To see the full line of WorldCrafts products, visit their website. www.worldcraftsvillage.com Because of the charitable nature of this organization, there are seldom discount codes available. Right now if you make a purchase of $30, you can receive free shipping by using this code, W01564 (Expires November 15). There are some great stocking stuffers, and some really pretty jewelry this season. So, as you begin making your Christmas lists, think about making your purchase count for something more.
If you would like to learn more about the plight of women around the world, True Grit is a good resource. I am sorry to report that the editing in this book is shoddy, but the information included is eye-opening to say the least.
Their current catalog states, "Operating under Fair Trade Federation standards, WorldCrafts embodies values that move local artisans from poverty to self-sufficiency. WorldCrafts pays its artisans a fair price up front and is committed to working with them on a long-term, sustainable basis."
There are items available from around the world, all handmade. I have purchased from WorldCrafts several times over the years and the quality has always been excellent.
This year there is a new facet to this ministry. SET 1 FREE is a campaign that highlights artisan groups that include women who are at high risk for human trafficking. I did some research this year on the subject of human trafficking and was astounded at the number of victims that fall prey to traffickers every year. Certain items in the WorldCrafts product line are marked with this symbol.
The sale of one of these items directly affects the life of the at-risk woman who made it.
To see the full line of WorldCrafts products, visit their website. www.worldcraftsvillage.com Because of the charitable nature of this organization, there are seldom discount codes available. Right now if you make a purchase of $30, you can receive free shipping by using this code, W01564 (Expires November 15). There are some great stocking stuffers, and some really pretty jewelry this season. So, as you begin making your Christmas lists, think about making your purchase count for something more.
If you would like to learn more about the plight of women around the world, True Grit is a good resource. I am sorry to report that the editing in this book is shoddy, but the information included is eye-opening to say the least.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
A Few of My Favorite Things
I seldom make a splurge purchase without considering it for a while. By splurge I do not mean ultra expensive, just something that I feel I could live easily without. Last year I splurged on a "butter bell". I prefer using real butter for cooking and as a spread. A friend once told me, "If you leave margarine sitting outside, the bugs won't even eat it because it's not real food." That stuck with me. So, we use butter in our house. I had heard of butter bells years ago, but had never gone looking for one. I had a little birthday money and thought, why not?
Have you ever tried to spread cold butter on bread? Of course, we all have, it just doesn't work well. What is a butter lover to do? Enter the butter bell. It allows you to keep butter at room temperature without spoiling.
Room temperature butter spreads easily, and is so nice to have around. Yes, I know that you can soften it in the microwave, but I always overdo it. And, I'm not a fan of waiting for an hour or more for it to come to room temperature on it's own.
The Butter Bell comes in two pieces. The bottom is simply a jar that holds a couple of inches of cool water. The lid, when lifted, reveals an upside-down container that you pack the softened butter into. When the lid is placed on the jar, the water creates an airtight seal around the lip of the butter container, which keeps it from spoiling.
I'm sure Alton Brown of "Good Eats" fame (I love that show!) could give you the scientific reasons for this. I can't, but I can tell you that butter kept this way will stay fresh on the counter for several weeks, as long as you change the water every few days. Here is information from the experts. This site also happens to have a special going right now, if you buy 2 they will send you a Christmas themed bell for free. Just a thought for any butter lovers on you Christmas list.
The Butter Bell can be elusive, although a Google search just revealed more sources than I found last year. Mine is hand-made, purchased from ebay. There are a lot of antique versions available, because these were common in kitchens before refrigeration became readily available. I guess that adds to the appeal for me. I love history, and this keeps a little piece of it alive in my every day life.
So, it was a splurge, yes. I had kept a relatively normal household for over 14 years sans butter bell. But, it is a purchase that I do not regret. In fact, it is one of my favorite things.
Have you ever tried to spread cold butter on bread? Of course, we all have, it just doesn't work well. What is a butter lover to do? Enter the butter bell. It allows you to keep butter at room temperature without spoiling.
Room temperature butter spreads easily, and is so nice to have around. Yes, I know that you can soften it in the microwave, but I always overdo it. And, I'm not a fan of waiting for an hour or more for it to come to room temperature on it's own.
The Butter Bell comes in two pieces. The bottom is simply a jar that holds a couple of inches of cool water. The lid, when lifted, reveals an upside-down container that you pack the softened butter into. When the lid is placed on the jar, the water creates an airtight seal around the lip of the butter container, which keeps it from spoiling.
I'm sure Alton Brown of "Good Eats" fame (I love that show!) could give you the scientific reasons for this. I can't, but I can tell you that butter kept this way will stay fresh on the counter for several weeks, as long as you change the water every few days. Here is information from the experts. This site also happens to have a special going right now, if you buy 2 they will send you a Christmas themed bell for free. Just a thought for any butter lovers on you Christmas list.The Butter Bell can be elusive, although a Google search just revealed more sources than I found last year. Mine is hand-made, purchased from ebay. There are a lot of antique versions available, because these were common in kitchens before refrigeration became readily available. I guess that adds to the appeal for me. I love history, and this keeps a little piece of it alive in my every day life.
So, it was a splurge, yes. I had kept a relatively normal household for over 14 years sans butter bell. But, it is a purchase that I do not regret. In fact, it is one of my favorite things.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Crock-Pot Chicken & Dressing
I just have to share one of my new favorite recipes. It fits this time of year so well. And, I am happy to report that the entire family really likes it. I found it on cooks.com, which is not my normal recipe site, but a google search brought it up. Boy, am I glad it did! If you keep chicken broth and cream of chicken soup on hand, it can be made up with leftovers. I keep a gallon ziplock in the freezer for leftover cornbread and biscuits, then thaw and crumble as needed. I like to round out the menu with sweet potatoes, baked or mashed, and green beans. This is comfort food at it's best!
Crock-Pot Chicken and Dressing
1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken (cooked and pulled apart)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 c. chicken broth
1 stick butter, melted
1 T. sage
2 eggs, boiled & chopped (I break them into a pyrex bowl, cover and microwave)
2 1/2 c. corn bread, crumbled
1 c. white bread or biscuits, crumbled
1 onion, chopped (I use dehydrated)
Spread 1/2 can of chicken soup in bottom of crock pot. Reserve remaining 1/2 can for topping. Combine all other ingredients except chicken. Alternate layers of the dressing mixture with chicken, ending with chicken. Spread reserved chicken soup on top. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Enjoy!
*This recipe is linked to the Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life As Mom.
Crock-Pot Chicken and Dressing
1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken (cooked and pulled apart)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 c. chicken broth
1 stick butter, melted
1 T. sage
2 eggs, boiled & chopped (I break them into a pyrex bowl, cover and microwave)
2 1/2 c. corn bread, crumbled
1 c. white bread or biscuits, crumbled
1 onion, chopped (I use dehydrated)
Spread 1/2 can of chicken soup in bottom of crock pot. Reserve remaining 1/2 can for topping. Combine all other ingredients except chicken. Alternate layers of the dressing mixture with chicken, ending with chicken. Spread reserved chicken soup on top. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Enjoy!
*This recipe is linked to the Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life As Mom.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Luther
Last night we watched the movie "Luther" in honor of Reformation Day. Many are not aware that October 31st has significance beyond Halloween. It is a Christian holiday which marks the anniversary of Martin Luther's nailing of his 95 Theses on the door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany in 1517. This one act of tremendous courage was the catalyst for reform within the church which released the faithful from the shackles of legalism and corruption that pervaded it. Only clergy at the highest levels were allowed the privilege of learning Greek so that they could personally read scripture. The Bible was not made available in the common languages because the common man, including lower level clergy, were considered too simple-minded to understand it. Translation was prohibited. People were made to believe that their money was the answer to securing their own salvation and that of their loved ones, even those already dead.
Martin Luther, as a young monk, was sent by his mentor to Wittenburg to study theology. In his study, and through a visit to Rome where he witnessed the corruption first-hand, he came to the conviction that Christ alone was necessary for salvation. He very nearly paid for these convictions with his life. At the Augsburg Diet of Worms (pronounced Vorms, rhyming with forms) in 1521 Luther was ordered to recant his teachings and his writings or be condemned to death. His response was, "Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."
Many Christians gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel during the Reformation. Martin Luther did not. By God's grace, and the quick thinking of supporters in positions of influence, including Prince Frederick, he survived until 1546 when he died of natural causes. There is no doubt that he fully believed the closing words of one of his most famous hymns, "The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever." A good, albeit brief, synopsis of Luther's life can be found here.
I am so very thankful for the courage with which these men faced inestimable odds. They believed, as I do, that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth as a man. He is the only person who will ever walk the earth and live a sinless life. He willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice, dying on a cross, to pay the penalty for my sin and yours. Sin, the the act of rejecting God and His law, separates us from God because He is Holy and can only be in relationship with those who are holy. Jesus conquered death on the third day after his burial and came back to life. He now stands as mediator between us and His Father, the holiness of His sinless life covering our imperfections. Christ's work is complete. Salvation is a free gift to all who seek it. Our only task is to ask God's forgiveness for our sin and entrust our lives to Christ and His finished work. Luther shared this opportunity for forgiveness with the people and taught them that no amount of money or good deeds could ever be enough to reconcile a sinner to God.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Salvation is a gift of God's grace to all who will repent and believe. Martin Luther realized this and set the church on a trajectory toward freedom in Christ alone. Because, after all, that is what salvation is...FREEDOM.
Martin Luther, as a young monk, was sent by his mentor to Wittenburg to study theology. In his study, and through a visit to Rome where he witnessed the corruption first-hand, he came to the conviction that Christ alone was necessary for salvation. He very nearly paid for these convictions with his life. At the Augsburg Diet of Worms (pronounced Vorms, rhyming with forms) in 1521 Luther was ordered to recant his teachings and his writings or be condemned to death. His response was, "Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."
Many Christians gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel during the Reformation. Martin Luther did not. By God's grace, and the quick thinking of supporters in positions of influence, including Prince Frederick, he survived until 1546 when he died of natural causes. There is no doubt that he fully believed the closing words of one of his most famous hymns, "The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever." A good, albeit brief, synopsis of Luther's life can be found here.
I am so very thankful for the courage with which these men faced inestimable odds. They believed, as I do, that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth as a man. He is the only person who will ever walk the earth and live a sinless life. He willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice, dying on a cross, to pay the penalty for my sin and yours. Sin, the the act of rejecting God and His law, separates us from God because He is Holy and can only be in relationship with those who are holy. Jesus conquered death on the third day after his burial and came back to life. He now stands as mediator between us and His Father, the holiness of His sinless life covering our imperfections. Christ's work is complete. Salvation is a free gift to all who seek it. Our only task is to ask God's forgiveness for our sin and entrust our lives to Christ and His finished work. Luther shared this opportunity for forgiveness with the people and taught them that no amount of money or good deeds could ever be enough to reconcile a sinner to God.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Salvation is a gift of God's grace to all who will repent and believe. Martin Luther realized this and set the church on a trajectory toward freedom in Christ alone. Because, after all, that is what salvation is...FREEDOM.
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