Steppin' Out!

I am stepping out of my comfort zone! I am NOT the world's great cook. I don't even enjoy cooking that much--I'd rather be crafting or reading! But...I had a few friends over yesterday for lunch. One of my sweet little friends is down in the dumps, and we wanted to show her our love--through food and fellowship! (Proverbs 17:17) So, we decided to have a "Cheer You Up Snowman Lunch!" We had no snow--only rain and some of these!

Aren't these snowmen plates adorable? I just loved them! I found these on sale BEFORE Christmas at Kohl's! I love those 70% off deals! I have the red mugs and little dessert plates too!
Then, I picked these from my lovely winter garden!! Just kidding! They were from Publix! But they just brightened the table! I rarely buy flowers...I just grow many varieties just so I can pick them and add pops of color to my house! I do have the tips of my daffodils peeping out in the front bed! But it's not time yet!

I made some chicken chili, another friend brought dessert(y'all-T. dipped strawberries in dark and white chocolate!!), and another sweetie brought chips for the chili. It was economical, very laid back, and it gave me a reason to clean my house--at least the downstairs! We shared ups and downs laced with laughter. We actually solved some problems! After lunch, we were full and happy! Mission accomplished!

I wanted to share this recipe with y'all. A precious friend made this delicious soup/chili for our Bible study before Christmas, and boy, was it good! I am surrounded by wonderful cooks--Praise God!--who will lovingly share their recipes with me! This is Anne's recipe--cut and pasted from an email!!

I start with Bear Creek Tortilla Soup Mix @ Wal-Mart: you will save a dollar or more if you purchase it there. I bring 9 cups of water to a boil w/ my 6 thawed chicken tenderloins. When they are semi-boiled, I remove them and set aside for chopping later. I then add about 1/2 cup of Swanson's Chicken Broth to the mixture and the soup mix. Whisk well--this is important. Add 2 cans (small) of Great Northern Beans (drained and rinsed). Also add 2 cans of chili style tomatoes. I also add 1/2 cup of chopped black olives--(Susan--we don't eat olives, so I left out this ingredient) and either 3-4 jalapenos, chopped, or a can of green chopped chilies for a milder taste. Add chopped/diced chicken to the mix and boil until thickened. Garnish with sour cream and sprinkle cheese and tostito chips. (Susan--I poured/spooned the chili into my crock pot--on low--while I was at Bible Study. I do not leave pots cooking on the stove while I'm gone.)

Y'all, this was easy and very delicious! Even my picky boys ate it for supper! I feel like we get into a rut with our meals. So, I am trying to step out and try new recipes! I hope that you enjoy it! Let me know if you make it and how it goes over at your house!

Many Blessings!