Blue Ribbon Chili!

We had our annual chili cook-off at work and guess who won?! Yay! There were about 10 different entries and I won first prize. 2 tickets on Spirit Air any where they fly. Now to just figure out where to go! Everyone has always loved my chili, but I didn't really expect this. I was pretty excited.
They also had a costume contest, but I didn't enter that. Maybe next year. Well, it's late and I have to get up early for mass and work. Have a wonderful day!

Coincidence?

"Coincidence is God's vain attempt at remaining anonymous"

Just yesterday I went to send my sister a birthday card and went to get my address book, but it wasn't in the drawer where I keep it. I looked all around with no luck. The only thing I could think of was that my ex had taken it to get addresses and numbers of mutual friends and family. I couldn't get a hold of him. I thought to myself if he didn't take it the only other place it could be would be a post office where I may have left it. Anyway, this morning I get a call from the local post office asking if I had lost an address book! They had called a number from my book to try and track down who it belonged to and it happened to be a friend of mine who gave them my ph#. It seems I left it there 2 months ago. I just haven't needed it since then so had no reason to notice it missing. I told her she was an angel for going to the trouble to find me. Amazing, huh? I just don't believe in coincidences.

Souper Tuesday

There are many reasons I love Autumn - the colors of nature, jeans and sweat shirts, cool crisp air - but it also means I can start making my winter dishes. I love soups and chowders and gumbo's but only in cool weather. I am surprised I hadn't shared this one in the past. It's one of my kids favorites! I hope you enjoy. I usually double the recipe.

Southwest White Chili

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lb boneless chicken breast; cut into small cubes
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 c. chicken broth
1 can (4oz) chopped green chilies
1 can (19oz) white kidney beans (Cannellini beans)
2 green onions; sliced
Montery Jack cheese; shredded (optional)

Southwest Spice Blend

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cilantro
1/8 tsp ground red pepper

Heat oil in large saucepan over med-high heat. Add chicken and onion; Cook 4-5 minutes.
Stir in broth, green chilies and Spice Blend; Simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in beans; simmer 5 minutes. Top with green onion and Montery Jack cheese if desired.

Martha vs Maxine

Martha Stewart vs Maxine










Martha - Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of an ice cream cone to prevent ice cream drips.

Maxine - Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for Pete’s sake! You are probably lying on the couch with your feet up eating it, anyway!


Martha - To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

Maxine - Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix. Keeps in the pantry for up to a year.


Martha - When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won’t be any white mess on the outside of the cake.

Maxine - Go to the bakery! Hell, they’ll even decorate it for you!


Martha - If you accidentally over salt a dish while it’s still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant ’fix-me-up.’

Maxine - If you over salt a dish while you are cooking, that’s too bad. Please recite with me the real woman’s motto: ‘I made it, you will eat it and I don’t care how bad it tastes!’


Martha - Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

Maxine - Celery? Never heard of it!


Martha - Brush some beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.

Maxine - The Mrs. Smith frozen pie directions do not include brushing egg whites over the crust, so I don’t.


Martha - Cure for headaches: take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

Maxine - Take a lime, mix it with tequila, chill and drink! ALL your pains will go away!


Martha - If you have a problem opening jars, try using latex dish washing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.

Maxine - Go ask that very cute neighbor if he can open it for you.


Martha - Don’t throw out all that leftover wine. Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

Maxine - Leftover wine???????????HELLO!!!!!!!

Maxine Monday

I have developed a true appreciation for Maxine. She is my hero! I am going to dedicate my Mondays to her and this will also give me at least one thing to post each week. This cartoon seemed perfect to begin this theme....I'm sure you'll agree.



Have a wonderful week!