This soup enables me to use cheaper cuts of chicken and the plethora of tomatoes coming out of the garden at this time of year...yum! Thanks to a friend who asked for the recipe...here it is!
1 dried ancho chile (can be found almost anywhere, especially at a Mexican grocery store)
1/2 c. boiling water
2 T. olive oil
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large onion (I use half), diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch coins
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch slices
3 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
2 t. ground cumin
6 c. chicken broth
6-8 roma tomatoes, diced (or 2-14.5 oz. cans chopped tomatoes)
1/2 c. loosely packed cilantro leaves
6 corn tortillas (I use white corn tortillas)
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For garnish (all optional): Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, salsa, lime, and/or cilantro, crispy tortilla strips (made by frying sliced tortillas)
Place chile in bowl, pour boiling water over and let soak 30 minutes. Drain, remove stem and seeds. Slice into 1/2 inch strips and set aside.
In a heavy Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add chicken; season with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Add onion, carrots and celery. Continue to cook about 8 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cumin and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add broth, reserved chile, tomatoes and cilantro and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes. Tear 3 tortillas into strips and add to soup. Continue to simmer about 15 more minutes.
With a slotted spoon, remove chicken to a cutting board. Remove soup from heat and puree with an immersion blender (or in small batches in a food processor). With two forks, shred chicken and return to pureed soup. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Homemade Granola
I adapted a recipe I found online from Better Homes and Gardens (a magazine I never knew I would enjoy reading). I love some granola with my yogurt & berries or just with milk...great any time of year and posted here by request! I make lots of different varieties with nuts and dried fruit and sometimes without cinnamon; but, this one is my favorite.
2 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. coconut
1/3 c. sunflower seeds
1/2 c. toasted wheat germ
1/2 c. flaxseed meal
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. honey
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1 t. cinnamon
1 c. sliced almonds (or more!)
1 c. dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 300 degree F. Lightly butter the inside of a large roasting pan. Add oatmeal, coconut, sunflower seeds, wheat germ and flaxseed meal. Spread evenly. Bake for 20-45 minutes (original recipe says 20 minutes...I always toast it longer!), stirring often.
In small saucepan, mix butter, brown sugar and honey. Stir occasionally over medium heat until mixture is combined. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and cinnamon.
Remove roasting pan from oven. Turn up the heat to 350 degrees F. Pour warm brown sugar mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir thoroughly with a fork. Bake for 1o minutes more.
Remove from oven and stir in cranberries and almonds. Firmly press granola mixture into pan, making an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes more or until golden brown. Remove pan from oven and place on cooling rack. Remove granola with a spatula and place on foil to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!!!!
2 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. coconut
1/3 c. sunflower seeds
1/2 c. toasted wheat germ
1/2 c. flaxseed meal
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. honey
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1 t. cinnamon
1 c. sliced almonds (or more!)
1 c. dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 300 degree F. Lightly butter the inside of a large roasting pan. Add oatmeal, coconut, sunflower seeds, wheat germ and flaxseed meal. Spread evenly. Bake for 20-45 minutes (original recipe says 20 minutes...I always toast it longer!), stirring often.
In small saucepan, mix butter, brown sugar and honey. Stir occasionally over medium heat until mixture is combined. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and cinnamon.
Remove roasting pan from oven. Turn up the heat to 350 degrees F. Pour warm brown sugar mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir thoroughly with a fork. Bake for 1o minutes more.
Remove from oven and stir in cranberries and almonds. Firmly press granola mixture into pan, making an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes more or until golden brown. Remove pan from oven and place on cooling rack. Remove granola with a spatula and place on foil to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!!!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Pride
As my children grow and learn new skills, I notice things that increase their budding self-esteem. I love that my 3 year old has learned to ride a tricycle and races along on the sidewalk and just beams with pride when he looks up as he passes me. His happiness shows more when he is proud of himself.
Of course, we are still working through the agony and frustration (and tantrums) that occur while we are learning new skills. This is a new skill in and of itself--to control our emotions. I have come to find this is a skill I am still learning as well. But, when we are both able to remain calm, we take time to recognize that and take pride in that moment.
My 3 month old is a charmer and learning to communicate his needs with sounds other than crying. He is visibly proud when he is able to control his hands enough to reach out and touch his toy to make a noise. I love this. I love watching my boys grow and learn and be proud of themselves.
Of course, we are still working through the agony and frustration (and tantrums) that occur while we are learning new skills. This is a new skill in and of itself--to control our emotions. I have come to find this is a skill I am still learning as well. But, when we are both able to remain calm, we take time to recognize that and take pride in that moment.
My 3 month old is a charmer and learning to communicate his needs with sounds other than crying. He is visibly proud when he is able to control his hands enough to reach out and touch his toy to make a noise. I love this. I love watching my boys grow and learn and be proud of themselves.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Renaissance Perfect Storm
I am an optimist. But, I am also a realist. I take delight in focusing on the good things; but, it does not mean I do not see the bad things.
Doing what I do--reading, observing, experiencing--I have sensed a renaissance of sorts coming upon us. In fact, it has already begun. I feel like people are more "in tune"--to themselves, their families, nature. I feel like more people are paying attention. I feel like more people are taking responsibility for their lives. I feel like no one can stop it.
There are many factors that have enabled this "perfect storm". For one, the media bonanza about all things "green" in the last few years has placed a microscope over our everyday tasks. Thank goodness! It was about time! I love learning new ways to be "green"...which, to me means being more frugal, reusing more, and, becoming more aware of where things come from and where they go.
Another recent development is the downturn in the economy. This has forced us to focus on what is most important to us and pay attention to how we spend our money. This has forced us to make smarter and more informed choices (hopefully).
Besides these things, based solely on observation, I have noticed that the "lost" generation is now "found." And, the next generation is smarter and more worldly than I will ever be (thanks to the internet).
I look forward to embracing this renaissance. I want to continue to pare down and live a simpler life with my husband and sons. I enjoy focusing on what is most important.
I want to leave this world a little better than I found it for the sake of our children and grandchildren . I want to take responsibility and do my part.
I like recalling a Native American proverb that hits home every time, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
Doing what I do--reading, observing, experiencing--I have sensed a renaissance of sorts coming upon us. In fact, it has already begun. I feel like people are more "in tune"--to themselves, their families, nature. I feel like more people are paying attention. I feel like more people are taking responsibility for their lives. I feel like no one can stop it.
There are many factors that have enabled this "perfect storm". For one, the media bonanza about all things "green" in the last few years has placed a microscope over our everyday tasks. Thank goodness! It was about time! I love learning new ways to be "green"...which, to me means being more frugal, reusing more, and, becoming more aware of where things come from and where they go.
Another recent development is the downturn in the economy. This has forced us to focus on what is most important to us and pay attention to how we spend our money. This has forced us to make smarter and more informed choices (hopefully).
Besides these things, based solely on observation, I have noticed that the "lost" generation is now "found." And, the next generation is smarter and more worldly than I will ever be (thanks to the internet).
I look forward to embracing this renaissance. I want to continue to pare down and live a simpler life with my husband and sons. I enjoy focusing on what is most important.
I want to leave this world a little better than I found it for the sake of our children and grandchildren . I want to take responsibility and do my part.
I like recalling a Native American proverb that hits home every time, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Be One with Nature
Many articles I have been reading lately have been advising us to get back to nature to enhance our inner well being and boost our overall health. If you couldn't think of another reason to put cut flowers in a vase in your home, grow flowers or vegetables in a garden, go for a walk outside, or any of the many other things you can do with and in nature, then just do it to relax!
Everyone in my family loves the outdoors. We sometimes just sit on the front porch (or fall asleep there) and listen to the trees and the birds and feel the wind blow us the sweet and earthy smells of nature.
I love watching our oldest son explore our world--all the bugs, rocks, trees, animals and birds that he discovers on our walks. Now that he can better describe and remember the places we go, I can see and appreciate our wonderful world even more through his eyes and words.
We should be so grateful that we live among such beauty. We should enjoy it, respect it and leave it better than we found it.
Everyone in my family loves the outdoors. We sometimes just sit on the front porch (or fall asleep there) and listen to the trees and the birds and feel the wind blow us the sweet and earthy smells of nature.
I love watching our oldest son explore our world--all the bugs, rocks, trees, animals and birds that he discovers on our walks. Now that he can better describe and remember the places we go, I can see and appreciate our wonderful world even more through his eyes and words.
We should be so grateful that we live among such beauty. We should enjoy it, respect it and leave it better than we found it.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Zucchini Bread Recipe
All of my friends are harvesting zucchini from their gardens...we, unfortately, are not. But, I still LOVE zucchini! Enjoy this in-season vegetable on the grill, roasted in the oven (with some garden fresh tomatoes, too!) or in this quickbread.
I altered a Betty Crocker recipe for this one. I often make 3 or more breads at a time…because one cup of zucchini is like 1/3 of a medium large zucchini. I LOVE this bread and it always turns out well…no matter what I substitute…except the sugar (but, I have been known to lessen the amount to ½ or ¾ cups)…the reason it stays moist is because the sugar brings out the juices in the zucchini. I LOVE the lemon zest in here…but, it is optional as are the chocolate chips I add for the kiddies (and me!). This bread freezes very well!
½ c. butter (I sometimes use canola oil)
1 c. sugar
1 c. shredded, unpeeled zucchini
1 egg
¼ t. finely shredded lemon peel
½ c. whole wheat flour*
¼ c. flax seed meal*
¼ c. wheat germ*
½ c. all purpose flour*
1 t. ground cinnamon
½ t. baking soda
¼ t. baking powder
¼ t. salt
¼ t. ground nutmeg
*I vary these amounts based on what I have and how much I am making…always to equal 1 ½ cups.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and half inch up sides of loaf pan/s (works just as well in an 8x8, too…but, I shorten the cooking time).
In a medium bowl, combine flours, flax seed meal, wheat germ, baking soda, salt, baking powder , nutmeg and cinnamon; set aside.
In another medium bowl, combine zucchini and butter, then add sugar and lemon peel and egg. Combine with dry ingredients. Stir until moistened.
Spoon batter into prepared pan/s. Bake 55-60 minutes (depends on your pan and your oven) until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on rack.
I altered a Betty Crocker recipe for this one. I often make 3 or more breads at a time…because one cup of zucchini is like 1/3 of a medium large zucchini. I LOVE this bread and it always turns out well…no matter what I substitute…except the sugar (but, I have been known to lessen the amount to ½ or ¾ cups)…the reason it stays moist is because the sugar brings out the juices in the zucchini. I LOVE the lemon zest in here…but, it is optional as are the chocolate chips I add for the kiddies (and me!). This bread freezes very well!
½ c. butter (I sometimes use canola oil)
1 c. sugar
1 c. shredded, unpeeled zucchini
1 egg
¼ t. finely shredded lemon peel
½ c. whole wheat flour*
¼ c. flax seed meal*
¼ c. wheat germ*
½ c. all purpose flour*
1 t. ground cinnamon
½ t. baking soda
¼ t. baking powder
¼ t. salt
¼ t. ground nutmeg
*I vary these amounts based on what I have and how much I am making…always to equal 1 ½ cups.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and half inch up sides of loaf pan/s (works just as well in an 8x8, too…but, I shorten the cooking time).
In a medium bowl, combine flours, flax seed meal, wheat germ, baking soda, salt, baking powder , nutmeg and cinnamon; set aside.
In another medium bowl, combine zucchini and butter, then add sugar and lemon peel and egg. Combine with dry ingredients. Stir until moistened.
Spoon batter into prepared pan/s. Bake 55-60 minutes (depends on your pan and your oven) until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on rack.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Theory behind consumerism
Did you know in order for my cloth diapers to be effectively absorbent, the detergent has to be clean rinsing (no residue)? So, I use Charlie's Soap, http://www.charliesoap.com/ (at the recommendation of my friends and many cloth diaper websites). Because there is no residue, you DON'T NEED fabric softener in the washer or the dryer (leaving more residue to "soften" what was left of the detergent). I honestly did not know that many other detergents leave a residue. Without the need for fabric softener, there is less to buy.
With two young kids and my growing knowledge of all things green, we have begun using a more natural shampoo (98.6% natural ingredients). The first time I used it, it left my hair so soft, I DID NOT NEED conditioner. Hmmm... I tried it again on another day, same thing. My hair had body and was not left limp with the apparent residue intended to be covered (?) by conditioner. So, now, we can soon stop buying fabric softener and conditioner (after we use up what we have...I really don't like to waste!).
Oddly, these things got me thinking about WHY we are buying ever more stuff...and why we think we NEED it all. Mind you, I am not a conspiracy theorist; but, I can't stop thinking about this.
I believe some things were invented to be able to produce enough to have enough jobs for our growing population. I believe it got out of control (when things seemed to be "working" in the gluttenous '80s and people wanted it to continue) and now the "system" is pulling back the reins. I believe there will be new jobs created for things we KNOW we NEED right now instead of producing things we THINK we WANT.
We need better infrastructure in this country and people to build it...not just our roads and bridges and railways (we are so far behind!); but, also our homes. Homes should be built to last centuries not decades...! I definitely don't have all the answers. This is just my humble theory based on knowing a little and observing a lot.
With two young kids and my growing knowledge of all things green, we have begun using a more natural shampoo (98.6% natural ingredients). The first time I used it, it left my hair so soft, I DID NOT NEED conditioner. Hmmm... I tried it again on another day, same thing. My hair had body and was not left limp with the apparent residue intended to be covered (?) by conditioner. So, now, we can soon stop buying fabric softener and conditioner (after we use up what we have...I really don't like to waste!).
Oddly, these things got me thinking about WHY we are buying ever more stuff...and why we think we NEED it all. Mind you, I am not a conspiracy theorist; but, I can't stop thinking about this.
I believe some things were invented to be able to produce enough to have enough jobs for our growing population. I believe it got out of control (when things seemed to be "working" in the gluttenous '80s and people wanted it to continue) and now the "system" is pulling back the reins. I believe there will be new jobs created for things we KNOW we NEED right now instead of producing things we THINK we WANT.
We need better infrastructure in this country and people to build it...not just our roads and bridges and railways (we are so far behind!); but, also our homes. Homes should be built to last centuries not decades...! I definitely don't have all the answers. This is just my humble theory based on knowing a little and observing a lot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)