LIFE SCRIPTS

HOPE

...the confident expectation of good

Psalm 25:5
guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are
God my Savior, and my HOPE is in you all day long.

Psalm 33:22
May your unfailing love rest upon us,
O LORD, even as we put our HOPE in you.

Psalm 65:5
You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness,
O God our Savior, the HOPE of all the ends of
the earth and of the farthest seas,

Proverbs 23:18
There is surely a future HOPE for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Love~In~A~Bowl

...for those days that you are under the weather

...for those days that you want to feel warm and cozy

...for those days that someone you love is not doing their best

...for those days that you want to treat your children to something extra-special

...then it is a day for this yummy for your tummy soup of soups!!!

The bowl that cures all...sumptuous pieces of chicken, tender vegetables and delicate noodles simmered in a savory broth...you will love this soup...yum!

Hearty Chicken & Potato Stew

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

2-3 c prepared chicken

8-10 c chicken stock

2 chicken bouillon cubes

3 carrots (diced or shredded)

3 celery stalks (diced)

1 onion (diced)

1 t basil

1 t oregano

1 t marjoram

1 bay leaf

salt & pepper to taste

1 pkg. wide egg noodles

fresh parsley

Prepared Chicken

You can do this a variety of ways - I like to roast my chicken first and then shred meat in chunky pieces. I place my chicken (6-8 pieces) on a baking sheet - drizzle with olive oil and season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper - roast @ 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. You may also poach your chicken in simmering stock or even use a rotisserie chicken for this delectable soup.

In a large dutch oven saute onions, carrots and celery in butter until tender. Add chicken stock, bouillon cubes, spices and seasonings - bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Stir in chicken and simmer for 30-45 minutes allowing all of the flavors to blend. Bring soup up to a boil again and add the egg noodles - cook until al dente and remove from heat. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

For Homemade Chicken Stock see my post under Concetta's Recipes.

For a delicious twist on this soup try adding cubed potatoes and corn instead of the egg noodles making a hearty stew!

Favorite Things Friday

Look what arrived at my front door! A fantastic food processor from my husband!! He used every one of his rewards points from work to get me this little beauty. I love that man! I have used the same food processor for all 20 years of our marriage and I have just worn it out! It is so old that I will not keep it out on my counter - I hide it in the cupboards - it is a shame, I know - it has been so faithful - but it would stick out and be an eyesore displayed on my counter top.

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have received this - now I must reward my sweetheart with culinary delights! I love this kitchen tool - you can do everything with it - including making bread and pizza doughs - and I personally think that Cuisinart is superior!



Here is the other gem of my kitchen - my KitchenAide Stand Mixer - oh definitely one of my favorite things! My parents bought this for me many years ago - I love it so much! My Mom is a fabulous cook and has passed all her talents and tricks over to me. Thank you Mom!

My favorite kitchen appliance!

Look ~ Kindred Spirits!

Thanksgiving Thursday

Savannah Marie Colon-Feliciano

Please say hello to my beautiful great-niece, Savannah. Isn't she a doll? I am so thankful for this new little baby in our family - she has already brought so much joy to all of us! The last couple of months have been difficult for our family after our beloved Nanny went to be with the Lord - sometimes the moments of missing her are very intense. Now, the Lord has given us another gift to love - our little Savannah - the precious baby from heaven.

Savannah

Peaceful Spirit

rest ~ harmony ~ wholeness
calmness ~ perfect well-being

Proverbs 3:17

Savannah's ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
Isaiah 32:18
Savannah will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

Psalm 29:11

The LORD gives strength to Savannah; the LORD blesses her with peace.

This Scripture is for Savannah's Mommy ~ I love you Ashley!

Psalm 4:8

Ashley, will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make her dwell in safety.

January Kitchenettes

Birthday Girls

Jordan & Victoria

Magnificent Mini Party

Our January Kitchenettes' meeting was all about giving HONOR.

Proverbs 11:16a

A gracious woman retains honor...

Proverbs 21:21

He who follows righteousness and mercy

finds life, righteousness, and honor.

Romans 12:10

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,

in honor giving preference to one another;

Jordan and Victoria were "Queens for the Day" as we celebrated and honored them for their birthdays! The girls were able to put so many of their skills and talents to work as we prepared for a sumptuous feast. They followed recipes, measured, chopped, diced, mixed, sauteed, baked, grated, prepared batter and then enjoyed the fruits of their labor by dining on some fabulous food!

The Menu

Smallest Shirley Temples

Itty-Bitty Rootbeer Floats

Baby Quiches

Mini Hamburgers

Tiny Tacos

Pigs-in-Blankets

Macaroni and Cheese Cups

Little Lemon Drop Cakes

Chocolate Baby Cakes

It was all so good! What a beautiful gift God has placed in each one of these girls. I am so honored to have them in my life.

Presents!!

What is inside this prize bag?

Name Legacies!
The meaning of their names ~
lovingly handcrafted by Aunt Connie!
Party Table

Table Centerpiece
Party Place Settings

Goody Box of Wonders

Peek inside the goody box.

Victoria sauteing meat for the Tiny Tacos.

Andrea~Bryn~Queenie~D'Lisa~Ashley~Jordan

Preparing Little Lemon Drop Cakes

D'Lisa mixing batter.

Ashley~Bryn~Victoria

Preparing Chocolate Baby Cakes

Ashley~Jordan

Grating cheese for our recipes!

Yum...Chocolate Baby Cakes

Little Lemon Drop Cakes

Homemade Goodness in the Oven!

Mini Hamburgers and Buns on the grill.

Adorable Mini Hamburgers

Macaroni & Cheese Cups

Pigs-In-Blankets

Baby Quiches

Tiny Tacos

Chocolate Baby Cakes

Itty-Bitty Root Beer Floats

The Kitchenettes toasting the party.

D'Lisa & Queenie

Andrea~Bryn~Ashley

The Kitchenettes

D'Lisa~Queenie~Victoria

Andrea~Ashley~Bryn~Jordan

Little Ettes

Gabriella~Giana

LIFE SCRIPTS

Job 8:7

Your beginnings will seem humble,

so prosperous will your future be!

FAVORITE THINGS FRIDAY

Vintage Kitchen Rack

One of my favorite things is this beautiful handmade kitchen rack. My beloved friend, Ronna Stanley, crafted this out of an old-fashioned wooden playpen. I love this vintage rack -

not only because it is beautiful in my kitchen and displays adorable collectibles - I love it because it was made especially for me by one of my most treasured friends. I love you Ronna!

Thank you for your lovely gift - and your gift of friendship.

THANKSGIVING THURSDAY

SISTERS

Mara ~ Concetta ~ Kimberly

Today I would like to share with you something I am so thankful for - one of the greatest joys of my life - my 2 sisters. I am the oldest of the three, Mara is monkey-in-the-middle and Kim is our little baby! Words can never express the love I have for them or how they make my world brighter by being part of my family. They are more than my sisters - they are my very best friends - apart from my husband - they are my closest and most intimate friends. I am so proud of them and what they have accomplished - these are fabulous women with vast talents and incredible qualities.

Growing up we did not have brothers - it was just us 3 girls - and that is the way our Dad liked it! Even our pets were always girls!!! Our Dad loved having his little "honeybees" swarming all around him - as well as the love of his life - our Mama. He would come home from work and say "You girls are the bees, and I am the honey - come and give me a hug and kiss!" We did! We had so much fun as little girls - but, I did always miss not having a brother. Well, one of the best perks of having sisters is that eventually you get to have some brothers! I adore my sister's husbands - I could not be closer to these men if they were my own blood! Mara is married to Eric and Kim is married to Keith - the most magnificent brothers any sister could ever hope for - and they are mine!! Thank you sisters! I love you Mara and Kim - you have my heart always!

What are you thankful for on this beautiful Thursday that the Lord has given to us?


Psalm 18:24
This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

LIFE SCRIPTS

HANDS
hand ~ yad (Strong's #3027)

means by which a work is accomplished

strength - power

Our Whole Life Is Yours

We Give It All

Surrendered To Your Name

And Forever We Will Pray

Have Your Way

Have Your Way

Psalm 90:16-17

Let Your work appear to Your servants,

And Your glory to their children.
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,

And establish the work of our hands for us;

Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Angel Biscuits

Rich...Decadent...Buttery...

Melt-In-Your-Mouth...Bites of Heaven!

Angel Biscuits

2 sticks butter, soft

2 c self-rising flour

8 oz. sour cream

Mix all together with a fork until blended.

Spoon into a 12-cup buttered muffin tin.

Bake @ 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Taco Chili Soup

This is one of my go-to meals and a favorite in our home. I love to have this simmering away on my stove when it is cold outside ~ and I love to hear "Mmmmm, something smells so good!" when the kids come bursting in the door after school! This is a wonderful soup to prepare because it is so versatile and there are so many topping options! It is great for big crowds - just double or triple the recipe - it is excellent for a fast week night meal - and it is the best dish to bring to pot-lucks! I hope you enjoy this delicious soup as much as we do!

Taco Chili Soup

2 lbs. chopped meat
1 onion (chopped fine)
1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cans Italian-style stewed tomatoes (I blend mine in the food processor)
1 can chili beans (with sauce)
1 can black beans (drain)
1 can white corn (drain)
1 pkg. taco seasoning
2 pkg. ranch dressing (dry)

Saute chopped meat with onions and garlic ~ season with Italian spices, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 1 hour.

Top soup with chopped cilantro, cheese, sour cream or oven-browned tortilla strips. It is also excellent served with tortilla scoops for dipping!

************

Come join Soup-a-Palooza
with TidyMom and Dine and Dish
sponsored by Bush’s Beans, Hip Hostess,
Pillsbury and Westminster Crackers.

November Kitchenettes & Recipe

Turkey Turnovers

These delectable treats are usually made with chicken - but, we adapted them to honor the star of a Thanksgiving table - the turkey! This delicious recipe is courtesy of Susan Garces - one of the Kitchenette Mamas!

2 c Turkey Meat - shredded
4 oz. Cream Cheese - softened (plain or w/ onions)
1 T Sour Cream
Salt, Pepper, Rosemary (to taste)
2 pkg. Crescent Rolls
2 c Stuffing Mix - coarsely crushed
Melted Butter

Mix together turkey, cream cheese, sour cream and seasonings.
Fill each crescent roll with 1 T mixture.
Fold up crescent rolls and pinch closed to seal.
Dip each turnover in melted butter and roll in stuffing mix.
Place on a cookie sheet and bake @ 375 for 12 minutes. (or until nicely golden brown)
Serve with gravy.

Gravy
Melt 1/2 stick butter in a saucepan - add 3-5 T flour and brown in butter. Slowly add 1-2 cans chicken broth, whisking continuously to melt away any lumps - simmer until thickened.

Thanksgiving Table

The theme for November's Hospitality Club Meeting was Thanksgiving! We celebrated the holiday by cooking a scrumptious feast and then enjoying the fruits of our labor gathered together around the table. This was a meal worthy of candlelight, my favorite harvest china, crystal, fine cutlery and cloth napkins.

Our menu was all homemade delights that each girl prepped, cooked, baked and presented to make our day very memorable.

Thanksgiving Menu
Turkey Turnovers w/ Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Buttered Corn
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Baby Pumpkin Pies w/ Whipped Cream

We spent time talking about the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon our club and how we are using what God has put inside of us to reach out to others. The Kitchenettes shared what they are thankful for and the importance of always having an attitude of gratitude.

The highlight of the day was making our "thank you" gift for Mr. Henry who so graciously treated us to the best day at his restaurant in October. We hand painted an apron with all of our names to present as appreciation for his generosity.

Psalm 107:1
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 100:4
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Victoria~Jordan~Ashley

Bryn~Charissa~Ashley~Andrea

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Turkey Turnovers

Homemade Mashed Potatoes & Buttered Corn

Thanksgiving Feast

Turkey Turnovers & Cranberry Sauce

The Kitchenettes

The Kitchenettes

Ashley~Bryn~Jordan~Charissa

Victoria~Andrea~D'Lisa~Arianah

Thanksgiving Toast

Jordan~Charissa~Victoria

D'Lisa~Arianah

I wish they would have liked the turnovers better...

Thanksgiving for Mr. Henry

Homemade Apron by The Kitchenettes

Thank You Present

Mr. Henry ~ We Love You!