Thursday, January 29, 2009

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!

11 comments:

Yolanda said...

Girlfriend time, soup, fuit and chocolate...how can a Gal go wrong? What a blessing you are....to many of us and myself included!

Love,
Yolanda

Anonymous said...

When I see your comments... I always smile~

Edie said...

Mmmm that sound so delicious, and your time with friends sounds great too! So glad you all had a good time.

Joyful said...

Susan, how you must bless God's heart. Even though cooking isn't your 'thing' (it isn't mine either as you've probably read several times by now on my blog!), you didn't let that steal the joy of sharing lunch with some friends. Your lunch sounds wonderful! And, as good as the food sounds, I'm sure the fellowship was even sweeter.

One verse I have lived by is found in Proverbs 15:17 : "Better a bread crust shared in love than a slab of prime rib served in hate."

Your lunch was far from a "bread crust", but I think you get the meaning! My Mom used to say, "Better is a dinner of hotdogs where love is than roast beef served with hate".

Love ya,
Joy

Sharon Sloan said...

Garnish with sour cream and sprinkle with cheese....ahhhh...sounds delish!

Lunch with girlfriends is one of my favorite things. I am sure your friend's heart was so encouraged after her time with you and the girls!

And way to step out of that comfort zone!

Kelly said...

Sounds like wonderful comfort food and a great gathering of friends. A perfect cold day!

Run Mommy said...

Sounds yummy!

CMB said...

Sounds like a great day...it would definitely lift my spirits! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. This recipe sounds delicious, I will have to try it and I will be on the lookout for some flowers my next trip to Publix!

Cheri said...

Sounds good, girl. Good food is always a good excuse to get girlfriends together. Looking forward to our girls night soon.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Susan, thanks for stopping by! The shopping trip isn't until March & I'm sure it's going to be fun.

Rhoda

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I've spied those Christmas plates at Kohl's before. Too cute. Also,the chili sounds yummy, but I probably would have launched into the strawberries head first! The thing that blesses me most about this post is that you took the time to cheer up a friend in such lavish measure.

How I long to be a part of a group of sisters like this. I do have my "ancients" but it would be nice to have a group of contemporaries by my side.

You're a good friend with a real servant's heart. Thank you for being his hands and feet this week.

peace~elaine