My goodness January is over - and February seems to be coming in on a storm! I have this involved (12 pies to make) dinner planned for Wednesday night and I am worried that the weather may dictate that we don't risk our older members and young people be out in the cold, cold weather and the Elders and ministers cancel services for Wednesday night. In their wisdom - they will decide what is best for our congregation -- BUT I NEED TO KNOW - before I make the Corn Bread Salad and start the 12 pies. I trust they will make a decision early tomorrow and be kind enough to let me know. If they decide at the last minute - I will try and travel to our older shut ins and others and take them meals! That would not be bad either! GOD is in control and I will do whatever HE says!
Tonight I really thought about copping out and saying we had to get something at Little Italy or somewhere - but common sense over-ruled and I cooked. I boiled some chicken and then pulled it into big bites. I made my version of White Bean Chicken Chili. I had a recipe that seemed bland, bland, bland -- and it was a Betty Crocker recipe, and to be fair during her time -- they didn't use much spice. Two cloves of garlic was very "forward!" So I am going to try and give you the recipe I made up as the soup progressed. IT really was delicious!!
WHITE BEAN CHICKEN CHILI - JC's version!
4 Skinless and Boneless chicken breast - thawed
4 or 5 chicken thighs or legs
2 cans Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chiles
3 Cans Northern White Beans or White Navy Beans (what I used)
2 Tbls. Olive oil or butter
1 Large onion - chopped
4 Cloves garlic - Pressed
3 Cups Cut up Cooked Chicken
1 Tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 pkg. shells or Heart Heathy Whole Wheat Penne (what I used)
2 Tablespoons Penzey's Chili 2009 seasoning (or any chili seasoning you have - or get me to bring you some 2009!!!)
In 4-1/2 to 5 qt. pan, get olive oil hot and add onion and garlic - add salt and pepper and cook until onion is tender - making sure to not burn garlic
After chicken is cooked, cut into bite size pieces and add chicken, onion, garlic, and rest of ingredients - including spices,except Penne. Bring to a boil and add Penne - cook until Penne is tender, Add more salt, pepper or ground red pepper to taste!
Serve with sour cream, cilantro and Mexican cheese, if desired- and definitely chips. I bought some Chipotle flavored chips at the Mexican Food store on the West Loop. They were wonderful with this soup!!
This was very spicy and very good. What I want you to learn from this - is don't be afraid to add flavor, spice, or whatever it takes to make your dish POP - and everyone call for more!!
It seems everyone at the Bank (my branch) watched the skating show last night - while old fashion me watched the most awesome romantic movie - Hallmark's production of "The Lost Valentine!" Yes it was emotional, romantic and sad. Yes I cried - but it was a story of love and how some people hold onto that love for life. IT starred Betty White and I can't wait to buy it and watch it often - to be reminded how true love never goes away - no matter what happens!
I have to admit some people have looked at me like I was from a foreign planet when I said I was making Buttermilk Pies. Now I may have joined them -- had I not grown up - ocassionally having Buttermilk Pies and realising they don't taste like buttermilk - but are very good - so I hope they are adventurous enough to try one! If they just rebel - then they have the choice of a piece of Fudge Pie. Just hope the weather permits! I actually spent a fortune for decorations - and no - I won't charge the church for those!! It is my gift to my brothers and sisters!! I just think a pretty place to eat somehow improves the food! I have to have something special on my table at home - yes I love flowers best but sometimes cost prohibits my choice!!!
Ok - I've given you a recipe to try and begged you to come eat with us Wednesday night (unless services are cancelled in order to keep our brothers and sister's
safe.
Have a great night and please, please be careful tomorrow! Take it slow and easy and May God take care of you!!!
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