Words to Think About

“When nothing is sure, everything is possible.”   Margaret Drabble


What hopeful words.   Sometimes I can feel the fear of not knowing creep around me, but if you just flip it around and think a different way, it becomes clear that no definition means no boundaries.  Sky's the limit kind of thing!  Nothing to stop you - just keep on to the top (or the side or stay still or whatever you want!!!)  That's the beauty!   Have a great day!

Comfort Food in No Time!

Image via Wikipedia

I'm sharing a couple of recipes here because I'd like to think that maybe someone somewhere actually reads my blog! And if so, they deserve a something for that!!!

In the summer we grill. (And we is kind of stretching it - its usually my husband technically operating and monitoring the grill.) This winter the crock pot has been my answer to his grill. I have been awed how I can cook two dinners but have four nights dinner (just a switch on the sides for two). In the winter, one of the favorite comfort dinners when the icy winds blow is Chicken & Noodles. Normally, I would make this using a whole chicken (boil, cool, skin and de-bone), then on to vegs, and simmering all day. I always used frozen egg noodles (as I never had the courage to try homemade!). This year I have modified the Chicken & Noodles so its easier and actually better for you!!! As well, I'm including a great cookie recipe that I won't say is Healthy or good for you....but its "better" for you in comparison with a regular chocolate chip cookie! Hope you enjoy!


Chicken And Noodles


Baby Carrots (1 bag) - chopped

Celery - two stocks - chopped

1/2 white onion - chopped

4-5 Chicken Breasts (can be frozen!!!)

1 can Corn

1 box Chicken Broth (I use 99% Fat Free - 32 oz)

Spices: Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Bay Leaf (I just 4 - we love the flavor); chicken bouillon or Better than Bouillon Chicken Paste

1 bag Egg Noodles (frozen)

• Combine all ingredients EXCEPT Egg Noodles. Cook all day on Low. 
• An hour before wanting to eat, boil the noodles. Take out chicken breasts, shred meat, and put back in. 
• Add cooked noodles, switch to high for about 1/2 hour or so. 

Blueberry and White Chocolate Cookies

1 cup all purpose flour

1/4 Cup wheat germ

1/2 Tsp baking soda

1/2 Tsp salt

1/4 Tsp ground ginger

1 egg

3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/3 cup canola oil

1 Tsp vanilla extract

1.2 cup oats, quick-cooking or old-fashioned (not instant)

2 ounces white chocolate, chopped ( I USED DARK CHOCOLATE)

1/3 cup dried blueberries (I made one batch with dried Cranberries - which I prefer)

1/4 crystallized ginger, chopped (I couldn't find so I omitted and they turned out fine!)

• Position racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 375°F.
• Whisk flour, wheat germ, baking soda, salt and ground ginger in a small bowl. Whisk egg, brown sugar, oil and vanilla in a large bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; stir to combine. Add oats, chocolate, blueberries and crystallized ginger; stir just to combine. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto 2 ungreased baking sheets, 1 1/2 inches apart.
• Bake the cookies until puffed and barely golden around the edges, switching the pans back to front and top to bottom halfway through, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on the pans for 2 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 

Miscellaneous Monday

Image by di_the_huntress via Flickr

We are seeing the first "significant" snow storm of the season in my town today!   All prepared and ready for a couple of quiet days.  If you are fortunate to have an unexpected snow day, do something fun with your kids:  have them cook breakfast, tell them about your snow days as a child, or play board games.   If no kids, catch up with friends via letters or email, read a book or watch an old movie.   I wonder if it isn't God's way of saying...."Hey, you need to chill and take some down time".   I know employers (non-school) don't really have snow days, but a vacation day or working from home might be the ticket!    Snow storms for me have always been a thing of both beauty and power.

My morning devotional book was on Proverbs 10.   The discussion centers around peoples names and asks the question, what will people remember when your name is mentioned after you die?, ending   with the advice to "leave a Godly legacy".   For anyone who has been reading this, they will know that this very topic was something that was troubling to me in my previous corporate life.  I can't say that I've done anything great by any means.  However, those closest will remember that I did take a chance; I risked security for a life with more purpose.   For now its only a start, a place to begin.   I am hopeful and prayerful that a direction and path will become more clear and that I will leave a legacy of example and hope.

Enjoy the week!