Sunday, February 5, 2017
Meals as a Mrs. ~ One Pot Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice (Gluten Free)
This is another new recipe, One Pot Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice, as I needed to make another gluten free meal for a family who requested gluten free meals via their meal train as they welcomed their new daughter home. It was a good dish although I thought the lemon flavor would be stronger than it was!
Something that surprised me about this recipe was that it says "Chicken and Marinade" under the Ingredients list but there was no liquid as this dish cooked in the pot. I suppose because it was soaked up by everything?? The dish was not dry though, far from it, and was very flavorful!
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Meals as a Mrs. ~ Cinnamon Banana Cake
Lately, I've been craving sweets (even more so than usual). Maybe it's due to the stress of teaching five classes this semester. Perhaps it is because I've got Charlotte Ann's upcoming first birthday party on the brain. Or it might be due to thinking about this sweet dessert, the Cinnamon Banana Cake, that I made last year. This cake was incredibly good (loved the surprise filling in each bite) and will definitely be made again!!
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4 8:10
What a powerful piece of scripture to meditate on tonight. It doesn't get any clearer than this in terms of how we should treat one another, inside and outside marriage, does it!?
 | |||
| I enjoyed eating this cake cold, at room temperature, or warmed up in the microwave for the chocolate chips to melt! |
What a powerful piece of scripture to meditate on tonight. It doesn't get any clearer than this in terms of how we should treat one another, inside and outside marriage, does it!?
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Meals as a Mrs. ~ Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
Adam's favorite dish is Chicken Marsala. He enjoys this dinner so much that when we find ourselves in an Italian restaurant, that is his meal of choice. Sadly, more often than not, he is disappointed with the restaurant's version as it doesn't compare to his father's recipe he remembers enjoying as a child and growing up in California. So, when I discovered this version of Chicken Marsala that comes to us from the crock pot, I eagerly tried it. Adam actually liked it!! It was juicy, bursting with flavor, and so easy!! Thank you, crock pot, for doing all the work! Here is the recipe I followed but I did add a note that next time, I will want to add more wine! :)
Today is the feast day of The Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas since it has been 40 days since Christmas Day. This is why some Catholics have a tradition of leaving the Nativity creche or other Christmas decorations out until today.
( Taken from www.CatholicCulture.org. )
The Readings
Today's first reading gives us an important insight to understand profoundly the mystery of the Lord’s Presentation in the Temple by Mary and Joseph, in accordance with the canons of Mosaic Law. The text, taken from the Prophet Malachi says, ‘I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord who you seek’ (Mal 3:1). From all the Gospels, we know that it is the Precursor, St John the Baptist who was born 6 months before Jesus, that God sent to prepare His way. Putting these evangelical facts together, we can comprehend the words of the Prophet Malachi. The Lord God promised that He would send a Precursor to prepare His way. Since there are only six months between the birth of St John the Baptist and Jesus it is clear that the prophecy meant that suddenly after the Precursor, the Lord Himself will come. So, soon after the Baptist’s birth, God entered His temple. Jesus’ presentation signifies God’s entrance to His temple. God made man entered His temple, presenting Himself to those who were really searching for Him.
Today’s Gospel introduces us to different people and events that in themselves provide numerous lessons and themes for further reflection. First of all, Mary and Joseph respect the Mosaic Law by offering the sacrifice prescribed for the poor: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
Simeon and Anna were two venerable elderly people dedicated to prayer and fasting and so their strong religious spirit rendered them able to recognize the Messiah. In this sense we can see in the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple an extension of the ‘Pro Orantibus Day’ (For those who pray) that is celebrated on the feast of the Presentation of Mary (21 November). On this day, the Church demonstrates its gratitude to all those in the community that dedicate themselves in a privileged way to prayer, to those who have a particular religious vocation to the contemplative life. In the figure of the venerable Simeon, Jesus’ presentation in the temple, also reminds us that prayer and contemplation are not just a waste of time or an obstacle to charity. On the contrary, time could not be better spent than in prayer as true Christian charity is a consequence of a solid interior life. Only those who pray and offer penance, like Simeon and Anna, are open to the breath of the Spirit. They know how to recognize the Lord in the circumstances in which He manifests Himself because they possess an ample interior vision, and they have learned how to love with the heart of the One whose very name is Charity.
At the end of the Gospel Simeon’s prophecy of Mary’s sufferings is emphasized. Pope John Paul II taught that, ‘Simeon's
words seem like a second Annunciation to Mary, for they tell her of the
actual historical situation in which the Son is to accomplish his
mission, namely, in misunderstanding and sorrow.’ (Redemptoris Mater,
n16) The archangel’s announcement was a fount of incredible joy because
it pertained to Jesus’ messianic royalty and the supernatural character
of His virginal conception. The announcement of the elderly in the
temple instead spoke of the Lord’s work of redemption that He would
complete associating Himself through suffering to His Mother. Therefore,
there is a strong Marian dimension to this feast and so in the
Liturgical Calendar of the Extraordinary Form it is called the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This refers to the other aspect of the presentation that consists of
the ritual purification of Jewish women after they had given birth. In
Mary’s case this purification was not necessary, but it indicates the
renewal of her total offering of herself to God for the accomplishment
of His Divine Plan.
Reflecting on all this tonight, I seek to model myself after Mary all the more. She provides such an example of selfless sacrificial love and offering to her family and God. I also admire Joseph's parenting style too. I hope that our little family can strive to follow in the Holy Family's footsteps. Today, while fighting a cold and plans falling through because of being sick, found me planning for Charlotte's first birthday party for family next month. Planning out the details for this celebration reminded me of the time spent preparing for Charlotte's sacrament of Baptism when Adam and I presented her to the church. I hope she grows to be strong in her faith, loving and kind to all, charitable with her time and talent, and engages in life with a servant's heart. Hopefully Adam and I can model all those characteristics through not only our marriage but family and also in our everyday interactions with others.
( Taken from www.CatholicCulture.org. )
The Readings
Today's first reading gives us an important insight to understand profoundly the mystery of the Lord’s Presentation in the Temple by Mary and Joseph, in accordance with the canons of Mosaic Law. The text, taken from the Prophet Malachi says, ‘I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord who you seek’ (Mal 3:1). From all the Gospels, we know that it is the Precursor, St John the Baptist who was born 6 months before Jesus, that God sent to prepare His way. Putting these evangelical facts together, we can comprehend the words of the Prophet Malachi. The Lord God promised that He would send a Precursor to prepare His way. Since there are only six months between the birth of St John the Baptist and Jesus it is clear that the prophecy meant that suddenly after the Precursor, the Lord Himself will come. So, soon after the Baptist’s birth, God entered His temple. Jesus’ presentation signifies God’s entrance to His temple. God made man entered His temple, presenting Himself to those who were really searching for Him.
Today’s Gospel introduces us to different people and events that in themselves provide numerous lessons and themes for further reflection. First of all, Mary and Joseph respect the Mosaic Law by offering the sacrifice prescribed for the poor: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
Simeon and Anna were two venerable elderly people dedicated to prayer and fasting and so their strong religious spirit rendered them able to recognize the Messiah. In this sense we can see in the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple an extension of the ‘Pro Orantibus Day’ (For those who pray) that is celebrated on the feast of the Presentation of Mary (21 November). On this day, the Church demonstrates its gratitude to all those in the community that dedicate themselves in a privileged way to prayer, to those who have a particular religious vocation to the contemplative life. In the figure of the venerable Simeon, Jesus’ presentation in the temple, also reminds us that prayer and contemplation are not just a waste of time or an obstacle to charity. On the contrary, time could not be better spent than in prayer as true Christian charity is a consequence of a solid interior life. Only those who pray and offer penance, like Simeon and Anna, are open to the breath of the Spirit. They know how to recognize the Lord in the circumstances in which He manifests Himself because they possess an ample interior vision, and they have learned how to love with the heart of the One whose very name is Charity.
At the end of the Gospel Simeon’s prophecy of Mary’s sufferings is emphasized. Pope John Paul II taught that, ‘Simeon's
words seem like a second Annunciation to Mary, for they tell her of the
actual historical situation in which the Son is to accomplish his
mission, namely, in misunderstanding and sorrow.’ (Redemptoris Mater,
n16) The archangel’s announcement was a fount of incredible joy because
it pertained to Jesus’ messianic royalty and the supernatural character
of His virginal conception. The announcement of the elderly in the
temple instead spoke of the Lord’s work of redemption that He would
complete associating Himself through suffering to His Mother. Therefore,
there is a strong Marian dimension to this feast and so in the
Liturgical Calendar of the Extraordinary Form it is called the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This refers to the other aspect of the presentation that consists of
the ritual purification of Jewish women after they had given birth. In
Mary’s case this purification was not necessary, but it indicates the
renewal of her total offering of herself to God for the accomplishment
of His Divine Plan.Reflecting on all this tonight, I seek to model myself after Mary all the more. She provides such an example of selfless sacrificial love and offering to her family and God. I also admire Joseph's parenting style too. I hope that our little family can strive to follow in the Holy Family's footsteps. Today, while fighting a cold and plans falling through because of being sick, found me planning for Charlotte's first birthday party for family next month. Planning out the details for this celebration reminded me of the time spent preparing for Charlotte's sacrament of Baptism when Adam and I presented her to the church. I hope she grows to be strong in her faith, loving and kind to all, charitable with her time and talent, and engages in life with a servant's heart. Hopefully Adam and I can model all those characteristics through not only our marriage but family and also in our everyday interactions with others.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Meals as a Mrs. ~ Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops (Gluten Free)
This savory dish has been my go to recipe when I need to make a gluten-free meal for a mom through a meal train. I've lost count of how many times I have made this since stumbling upon it in late April 2016. Each time I do, the pork chops are juicy, the topping is sweet and thick, and the house smells amazing thanks to the apple cinnamon-y concoction.
Here is the link for the Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops (gluten free) recipe!
Yes, this sweet and almost spicy due to the pepper seasoning pork chop is one of my new favorite dishes. I wish I could capture the smell of the sauce simmering on the oven and bottle it up to spray in the house as a room spray..ha!
Today is the feast day of Saint Brigid of Ireland who is one of the patron saints of traveling. While I haven't been able to travel as much as I used to or would like to these days, I'm thankful for having a life partner who will travel future (and current) roads I take. I wouldn't want any other man to do it with and am thankful to have both Adam and Jesus as reminders that I'm never really alone even when at times it feels as if I am the only one on the journey.
Here is the link for the Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops (gluten free) recipe!
 |
| The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of apple cider but you could definitely add more if you would like. I'm so glad I read over the recipe a second time the first time I made it because I almost added apple cider vinegar....that would definitely not have yielded the sweet taste this recipe calls for that's for sure! |
 |
You could add a little extra apple to be sure you get the taste of the apples in the final product and in the times since the first time of following this recipe, I opted to use half of one large onion rather than the whole onion as called for in the recipe. |
Today is the feast day of Saint Brigid of Ireland who is one of the patron saints of traveling. While I haven't been able to travel as much as I used to or would like to these days, I'm thankful for having a life partner who will travel future (and current) roads I take. I wouldn't want any other man to do it with and am thankful to have both Adam and Jesus as reminders that I'm never really alone even when at times it feels as if I am the only one on the journey.
Meals as a Mrs. ~ 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Every now and then I find a recipe that is so simple yet so delicious! This is one of those recipes!! It is so easy to make and oh so good!! This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken really does have a sauce that requires just three ingredients. You know what the best part was? Adam thought that I actually used a fresh orange and grated it. No sirree...It was Smucker's Sweet Orange Marmalade!!
Tonight's scripture had me scratching my head at first. It comes from: Galations 6:2 - Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Hmm, bear someone else's burdens? There are times I would rather bear the burdens of others rather than mine. I guess this is similar to the grass is greener effect. We look at others and think, "Oh, they don't have it as bad as I do" or "How can that person possibly understand my cross?" The truth of the matter is, we don't know what others are going through and we shouldn't judge or be quick to assume. Even looking at people who are going through the same trials or hardships can show that we all deal with these events in different ways. It may seem as if the event is not bothering a person as much as it affects someone else going through the exact same thing but does that mean we shouldn't care? We shouldn't still try to lift one another up in life? Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. Help to carry someone else's load and get your mind out of your own problems. Maybe by doing that, you may find your burden is just a bit lighter to carry.
In marriage, we often think this is a team effort; the husband and wife will work together and tackle everything that comes their way as a united front. Yet, the smaller everyday day in and day out occurrences are often handled by either the husband or the wife. I see this happening in our home when Adam spontaneously fills the gas tank on the way home from the grocery store or when I empty and refill the dishwasher. We do these small chores or tasks without checking in with one another but in a way by engaging in these activities, we are bearing a small burden to help live out the call to be kind to one another. If we, as a society, get in the practice of doing these acts of kindness on a smaller scale, perhaps we would be more prone to do the same for the large crosses or burdens others face in their lives. Perhaps we can all strive to do better at bearing not only our burdens but also taking on some of another's burden and doing so with a joyous heart rather than a complaining and whining one. Who knows...if you do this, maybe as a thank you, you might end up with some yummy homemade Chinese chicken from a grateful friend! ; )
 |
| 1 cup BBQ Sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's) + 1 cup Sweet Orange Marmalade (Smucker's) + 2 TBSP soy sauce = YUMMY GOODNESS!! The recipe does say to turn the heat on low when letting the sauce simmer for 20 minutes but I had it on medium low. |
 |
| I made this one day shortly after Charlotte was born. It was one of those workdays when she fussed and fussed and would only be calmed down if she was being held. So, carried her and wear her I did as I tried to keep her satisfied and somewhat quiet as Adam worked in the office and I set out to clean and do meal prep. This was actually one of the first times I wore her and I can't believe how itty bitty small she looks in this photo compared to how big she looks now! |
 |
| The recipe calls for 1 cup flour/1 cup cornstarch and says you can use both or either. I opted to use both but had too much mixture so I cut in half the next time I made this and only used 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch. You can always add more as needed. |
 |
| This was my favorite part...tossing the chicken in the sauce! No, scratch that, my favorite part was eating this savory chicken! ; ) This dish also froze well when I made extra and saved it for another night after letting it thaw. |
Tonight's scripture had me scratching my head at first. It comes from: Galations 6:2 - Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Hmm, bear someone else's burdens? There are times I would rather bear the burdens of others rather than mine. I guess this is similar to the grass is greener effect. We look at others and think, "Oh, they don't have it as bad as I do" or "How can that person possibly understand my cross?" The truth of the matter is, we don't know what others are going through and we shouldn't judge or be quick to assume. Even looking at people who are going through the same trials or hardships can show that we all deal with these events in different ways. It may seem as if the event is not bothering a person as much as it affects someone else going through the exact same thing but does that mean we shouldn't care? We shouldn't still try to lift one another up in life? Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. Help to carry someone else's load and get your mind out of your own problems. Maybe by doing that, you may find your burden is just a bit lighter to carry.
In marriage, we often think this is a team effort; the husband and wife will work together and tackle everything that comes their way as a united front. Yet, the smaller everyday day in and day out occurrences are often handled by either the husband or the wife. I see this happening in our home when Adam spontaneously fills the gas tank on the way home from the grocery store or when I empty and refill the dishwasher. We do these small chores or tasks without checking in with one another but in a way by engaging in these activities, we are bearing a small burden to help live out the call to be kind to one another. If we, as a society, get in the practice of doing these acts of kindness on a smaller scale, perhaps we would be more prone to do the same for the large crosses or burdens others face in their lives. Perhaps we can all strive to do better at bearing not only our burdens but also taking on some of another's burden and doing so with a joyous heart rather than a complaining and whining one. Who knows...if you do this, maybe as a thank you, you might end up with some yummy homemade Chinese chicken from a grateful friend! ; )
Monday, January 30, 2017
Meals as a Mrs. ~ Low Carb Egg Breakfast Muffins
I made these a couple weeks before Charlotte was born and froze them so that we would have these handy in the days following her birthday for company and as quick breakfasts for Adam and me. It's only fitting this breakfast recipe is from Charlotte's grand entrance to the world given that I craved breakfast foods during the early part of the pregnancy. :)
The recipe was supposed to yield a dozen but I wound up with 18 muffins. Below is copied and pasted from the source: www.hurrythefoodup.com.
Tonight's scripture reading is Proverbs 24:5:
The wise are more powerful than the strong,
The recipe was supposed to yield a dozen but I wound up with 18 muffins. Below is copied and pasted from the source: www.hurrythefoodup.com.
Low Carb Egg Breakfast Muffins (25 Minutes, Vegetarian)
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Author: Hurry The Food Up
Recipe type: Vegetarian
Serves: 6 muffins
Ingredients
- (To go 12 muffin full throttle, just double the batch)
- 1 bell pepper (your favourite colour)
- 3 spring onions
- 4 little cherry tomatoes/one normal tomato
- 6 Eggs
- A good pinch of salt (about ¼ to ½ tsp)
- 12 slot muffin tin
- Optional - these all go great. Add whatever you fancy!
- 2 slices cheese; around 50g (eg. cheddar)
- Handful spinach/green leaves
- 2-3 splashes of hot sauce or curry powder
- 2 tsp of sambal oelek
- Baking paper or muffin cups (only if you don't have a nonstick muffin tin)
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 390°F.
2. Wash and dice the pepper, onions and tomatoes and put them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the eggs and salt and mix well. Pro tip - crack the eggs separately before adding. That way if you get a dodgy one, it won’t ruin the whole meal.
4. Optionally add some hot sauce, curry powder...whatever you like. Hot sauce is great!
5. Grease the muffin tin with oil and kitchen paper/baking brush and pour the egg mixture evenly into the muffin slots. (If you think they might still stick to the pan use some muffin cups or cut out some baking paper and to use as cups - definitely saves time on doing the washing up.
- If you’re so inclined then layering some cheese over the top of each muffin before they go into the oven is a delicious addition! You can also mix in the cheese to the batter.
- Pop the tray into the oven for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are firm to the touch.
- Bon Appetit!!
Notes
EQUIPMENT:
Please make sure to use a non-stick muffin tin. That way you won't have to scrape around after your baking session. You can get a good one for around 10 bucks, easy.
IF YOU LIKED THIS RECIPE: Try out one of our other recipes - if you’re in an eggy mood then this Perfect Omelette is ideal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This Quick Eggy Bread is a real time-saver too!
Please make sure to use a non-stick muffin tin. That way you won't have to scrape around after your baking session. You can get a good one for around 10 bucks, easy.
IF YOU LIKED THIS RECIPE: Try out one of our other recipes - if you’re in an eggy mood then this Perfect Omelette is ideal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This Quick Eggy Bread is a real time-saver too!
 |
| I would recommend using the food processor rather than chopping by hand since my veggies I chopped by hand were a bit too big for this recipe. |
 |
| Look at that yummy goodness! |
 |
| I wound up baking these for 37 minutes at 200 degrees then an additional 20 minutes at 400 degrees which was a far cry from the 18 minutes cook time as outlined on the recipe. Again, I think had I used the food processor to create smaller pieces of vegetables I don't think I would have run into the long baking time. |
Tonight's scripture reading is Proverbs 24:5:
The wise are more powerful than the strong,
and the learned, than the mighty.
Reflecting on this scripture and applying it to marriage makes me think of how it takes time to learn about one another and to grow in wisdom in our interactions with our spouses. I love that we are working to learn more about each other with each passing day of our marriage and still embrace one another in spite of our flaws. Last night, Adam made a comment about my sensitivity to which I replied, "Yes, folks have said I take things too personally since I was a child....but you already know this about me." He said, "Yes, and I love you for it." Thank God for that! I hope I never grow tired learning more about my husband. What can you learn about your spouse or others with whom you come into daily contact in your lives today?
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Meals as a Mrs. ~ Bacon-Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese
With February right around the corner, I can't help but reflect on how excited we were when last February rolled around in 2016. There was something almost magical about the start of the last full month before we would meet our baby in early March. Heading into the home stretch of pregnancy, we knew the next time we flipped the calendar that it would be our child's birth month!! So it was with anticipation and excitement that we said farewell to January and embarked on February and all the fun that comes with that month. Below is a picture with Ashley, my best friend from young adulthood and former roommate from my YoPa days, who had come to visit us with her boyfriend in mid January. I think this was one of the last photos taken of me pregnant.
In this photo, I was 33 weeks along with 7 more to go until
Charlotte's birthday! I remember, at the time, feeling ginormous and
thinking I looked so huge when I saw the picture we snapped before Ash and Vaughn departed....now I would give
anything to be able to experience pregnancy one more time especially
after seeing some glowing gorgeous pregnant mamas at church this
morning.
It's so easy to go down the road of wishing that can lead to the road of pitying but each day I am constantly trying to get off at the fork in the road and deliberately place myself on the path of being present and working to joyfully embrace reality and "what is". As we heard in the homily this morning, blessed are they who mourn, but I am choosing to tweak that and also say, "Blessed are they who pick themselves up and keep attempting to embrace the good with the bad". Speaking of embracing the good, I would give this out of this world delicious Bacon-Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese a hug if I could.
Seriously. It. is. that. good.
Then again, how could it not be when it comes to us from none other than chef extraordinaire Emily Stimpson Chapman?! When she shared this recipe on her blog, I knew I just HAD to try this for myself. Doing so required me to experiment with ingredients I had not tried before and took more time than I am used to when it comes to mac and cheese but oh was it so worth it!!! Visiting Emily's blog is reminding me that I want to get her new book that shares the title with her blog. Hmm...future birthday gift perhaps?!
If you are a regular reader of the Meals as a Mrs. blog postings, it is no secret I have fallen behind (the last one was posted in August - oy vey!) so for some of these meals, I have to blow the dust off the recipe and scroll through the pictures to remind myself of when I made the item, recall if we liked it, and are there any notes I need to share about it? Not this one though!! This meal was not only scrumptiously delicious but it was the last meal I cooked before going into labor! Yes, you read that right! At 10:15pm on Friday night before Charlotte was born on the following Monday, I had JUST taken a seat at the dining room table to relax after cleaning the house and putting things away, baking cookies for us to take to the hospital and give to the nurses, AND making this dish....when the contractions returned from a few days prior in full force!
This recipe yielded a LOT and we had plenty to share with my Mom and Dad who arrived the next night. In the chaos that was Charlotte's Birth Weekend, I didn't think to take an "after" photo of the Bacon-Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese scooped out on the plate but trust me, we all liked this creamy goodness! Guess I need to make this again to take the "after" picture. Who knows?! Maybe it will become a birthday tradition for Charlotte Annie...hmm!
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, like you
we are members of the Father's family. We pray that our family love may
reflect his love on its openness to all people. May we forgive even when
not forgiven, and be patient with others' weaknesses.
Jesus, give us peace, unit and strength to meet the difficulties of daily living. May we use our family resources to improve the quality of life for ourselves and all people. Let us show joy in serving, for whatever we do for others, we do for you.
Mary, inspire us, that our love may be strong but not possessive. Let our willingness to give depend on the needs of others rather than on the cost of giving.
Joseph, help us to be attentive to the Father's will. Let us be ready, as you were, to act whenever he calls us.
It's so easy to go down the road of wishing that can lead to the road of pitying but each day I am constantly trying to get off at the fork in the road and deliberately place myself on the path of being present and working to joyfully embrace reality and "what is". As we heard in the homily this morning, blessed are they who mourn, but I am choosing to tweak that and also say, "Blessed are they who pick themselves up and keep attempting to embrace the good with the bad". Speaking of embracing the good, I would give this out of this world delicious Bacon-Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese a hug if I could.
Seriously. It. is. that. good.
Then again, how could it not be when it comes to us from none other than chef extraordinaire Emily Stimpson Chapman?! When she shared this recipe on her blog, I knew I just HAD to try this for myself. Doing so required me to experiment with ingredients I had not tried before and took more time than I am used to when it comes to mac and cheese but oh was it so worth it!!! Visiting Emily's blog is reminding me that I want to get her new book that shares the title with her blog. Hmm...future birthday gift perhaps?!
If you are a regular reader of the Meals as a Mrs. blog postings, it is no secret I have fallen behind (the last one was posted in August - oy vey!) so for some of these meals, I have to blow the dust off the recipe and scroll through the pictures to remind myself of when I made the item, recall if we liked it, and are there any notes I need to share about it? Not this one though!! This meal was not only scrumptiously delicious but it was the last meal I cooked before going into labor! Yes, you read that right! At 10:15pm on Friday night before Charlotte was born on the following Monday, I had JUST taken a seat at the dining room table to relax after cleaning the house and putting things away, baking cookies for us to take to the hospital and give to the nurses, AND making this dish....when the contractions returned from a few days prior in full force!
This recipe yielded a LOT and we had plenty to share with my Mom and Dad who arrived the next night. In the chaos that was Charlotte's Birth Weekend, I didn't think to take an "after" photo of the Bacon-Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese scooped out on the plate but trust me, we all liked this creamy goodness! Guess I need to make this again to take the "after" picture. Who knows?! Maybe it will become a birthday tradition for Charlotte Annie...hmm!
 |
| Look at those fancy cheeses! |
 |
| This was my first time cooking with these noodles and they were delish! |
 |
| There was something strangely cathartic standing over the stove stirring this pot. Everything was still yet the moment was full of anticipation...not only for the cheese to melt and thicken in this mixture but also metaphorically speaking heading into the last weekend before we would meet baby!! |
 |
| This picture doesn't begin to do this dish justice. Go take a look at Emily's photos on her blog as they are much better! Better yet, make the dish and see for yourself! : ) |
My word for 2017 is "Family". Each night before going to bed, I reflect on the Holy Family and like to pray this prayer (see below). For all those reading this tonight, may you always have a place to lay your head, food to eat, and someone to call family. Pax!
Jesus, give us peace, unit and strength to meet the difficulties of daily living. May we use our family resources to improve the quality of life for ourselves and all people. Let us show joy in serving, for whatever we do for others, we do for you.
Mary, inspire us, that our love may be strong but not possessive. Let our willingness to give depend on the needs of others rather than on the cost of giving.
Joseph, help us to be attentive to the Father's will. Let us be ready, as you were, to act whenever he calls us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)