Hello.
It’s me….
So, it’s been ages since I’ve written. The last few times y’all heard from me, my life was in a sort of state of limbo. I’m happy to announce that things have improved. I was able to escape that horribly toxic environment that I was working in. I started a new job about two months ago, and I love it. There is so much less drama. Though the work can be stressful, everyone is laid back, and we all get along very well. All around, I am so much happier. The Hubs’ work is still sporadic, but business is picking up. I am still trusting the Lord with all of it. We’ve had a few things happen with our home that almost sent me over the edge, but I am placing it all in His hands as well. Ah, the Joys of Home Ownership.
The other blogging project that I have been working on, has slowed down. Neither my friend nor I have had as much time to round up contributors. I really hope to get back into that. I truly found it rewarding. (If anyone has a story they’d like to contribute….hint hint hint……)
Did any of you make any New Years resolutions? I didn’t. I had decided a while back to make a conscious effort to be happy. Period. It wasn’t a New Years resolution. It was a life resolution. And, so far, so good! 🙂
We started a new reading challenge at the beginning of the year. I am ashamed to say that I did not successfully finish the 2017 challenge. **hangs head** But, it’s a new year and a new reading list. This go ’round should be fun. I came up with a new format that should be interesting. I think it has thrown some of the members off, but once they start putting books into categories, I think they will get into it. If anyone cares to join, you are more than welcome!
To all of those who are under a winter weather advisory….stay warm & fuzzy! For those of us who are not at all used to this level of cold….bless our hearts! 😉
Book of the day:
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter. Claire Scott thinks that she has a storybook life and marriage until her husband is murdered in front of her. After the funeral, she discovers that she did not know her husband AT ALL. This book is graphic and brutal, but is a very good read. 4 stars on Goodreads.
Song of the day:
&Run by Sir Sly.
Heavy as the setting sun / oh, I’m counting all the numbers between zero and one / happy but a little lost / well, I don’t know what I don’t know / so I’ll kick my shoes off and run.
Recipe of the day:
- 1 can (10 ounces) green enchilada sauce
- 1 can white beans
- 2 cans black beans
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cans (4 ounces EACH) diced fire-roasted green chiles
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) diced tomatoes optional
- 4 teaspoons ground chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh cilantro optional
- 2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese softened
- Pick your favorite add-ins: pepper-jack cheese, sour cream, fresh lime, additional cilantro
Instructions
- In a large crockpot, pour in the green enchilada sauce, drained and rinsed white beans, drained and rinsed black beans, and fat-trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
- Add the undrained diced fire-roasted green chiles, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, about 1 teaspoon salt, about 1/4 teaspoon pepper, coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, and chicken broth or stock.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours or high for 3-5 hours or until the chicken easily shreds.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place in another bowl. Add softened cream cheese into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes or until the cream cheese melts completely and is easily stirred into the soup. Remove the chicken and transfer to a bowl. Briskly whisk to get the cheese completely incorporated.
- Shred the chicken with 2 forks and then add back into the soup.
- Serve with desired toppings. I love a big handful of pepper-jack cheese, fat-free sour cream, a wedge of lime, and some cilantro!
Leone Kvetched 