Sometimes I Use Bad Words in My Kitchen; Or How I Made Mussel-Chorizo Goodness...

I remember watching Gordon Ramsey almost have cardiac arrest during the dinner rush at a restaurant he was trying to help. I also remember thinking- Yikes!

Then, I started cooking.

Beautiful Mussels and Chorizo!

I found this recipe from one of my favorites- Sunny Anderson!

She always has really delicious, flavorful dishes that are simple and quick to bring together.

I cut the recipe in half, so I need 1/2 lb of Mexican Chorizo.

I browned the Chorizo in 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once browned, I removed it from the Dutch oven.

My new Dutch oven!

I then chopped 1/2 a sweet onion and added it to the Chorizo drippings. I added a little salt and pepper and began to sweat the onions. I then added 2 cloves of minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds.

I deglazed the pan with 1/2  bottle of wine!!! 

I then dumped 5 lbs of clean, rinsed, live mussels into this wonderful broth, and then poured the Chorizo over the the top. I put the lid on the Dutch oven and let it simmer and steam for 10 minutes.

So, you see this bowl of mussel-Chorizo goodness?

When I opened the lid to the Dutch oven the mussels opened and the smell of the broth was amazing. I then needed to transfer the mussel-Chorizo mixture along with the broth into my serving bowl.

I put by oven mitts on, grabbed both handles of the Dutch oven, and began to pour the contents into my serving bowl. I hear the "sssss" and "pop" of my beautiful onion, garlic, wine broth spilling over the Dutch oven and covering the stove top...and that's when I use bad words...with gusto...in my kitchen.

Yes- I hate losing that amazing, tangy sauce...but its more than that. 

Reflecting on this has made me take notice of the perfectionism that I seek in my kitchen. I hate it when I mess up. I want the perfect dish, perfectly created. I want it easy, simple, clean...It's kind of like a reflection on life.

I sometimes use those same words in other areas of my life, and if I stop and think about it...frequently, it is related to me being angry at myself for not living up to my standards.

Enter: GRACE.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked mussels...even with my spill.

Grace- getting what we don't deserve.

What if I "lighten up"? What if I give myself some grace? What if I relax into the Grace I already have in Jesus?

I might still be sad to lose some broth, but let's be honest...I ended up with way more than the Hubs and I would ever be able to eat!

The Mussels & Chorizo- perfection!

The broth spilled on the stove- came right up.

The perfectionism with the cavalcade of words that go along with it...Thank God- covered by grace.

Maybe I take a deep breath and enjoy this dish- and God's grace for me!

La Bonne Vie Y'all!

The Best Chili...in 20 Minutes!

I'm not sure if you remember the Bone-Warming Chili from our Halloween Party, but here is the recipe!

Brown 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef (I used ground turkey), 3 Tbsp of chili powder, 1/2 tsp seasoned salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/2 an onion (chopped) on medium-high heat.

Add 1 (10.75oz) can condensed tomato soup, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with onions and garlic, 1 (10oz can) mild rotel, 1 (16 oz) can chili beans in mild sauce (undrained), 1 (15oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed), and the other half of the the onion (chopped) to the browned meat mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to low. Continue cooking and stirring for 10 minutes.

We served ours with tortilla chips, shredded cheddar, sour cream and Franks Red Hot Sauce. You could add olives, tomatillo sauce, fresh sliced avocado...whatever you like!


This recipe comes from Publix Aprons Recipes. I did switch turkey for beef, and the can of tomatoes with onion and garlic for tomatoes with sweet onion ( I just like it better). We have always gotten great review with this chili...and the fact that it can be ready in 20 minutes is a big plus for us!

Stay warm on on winter nights with this quick and hearty chili!

La Bonne Vie Y'all!

PS- Be sure to get your tickets for the Wally's Friends fundraiser soon! The event is February 7th.  Click Here for tickets! 

Dinner in Less Than 25 Minutes- Spicy Shrimp & Grits!

This is a Southern Living recipe from 2004. It is a keeper- its ready in less than 25 minutes and makes a heaping 4 servings! 

This is another easy one- Spicy Shrimp & Grits!!!

Ingredients:

1.5 cups quick-cook grits, 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1.5 Tbsp butter, 4 Tbsp hot sauce (we use Frank's Red Hot), 1 lb peeled medium sized shrimp, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 bacon slices, 1/2 cup chopped green onions, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 Tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley

I tossed the shrimp with the salt and 1 Tbsp of hot sauce. Cook bacon until crisp. Add shrimp and onions and cook in the reserved drippings from the bacon. Saute' until shrimp just turn pink. Add lemon juice.

At the same time, cook grits according to package directions. (Note- I think when I make this next time, I will add a bit of cream to make them smoother!)

Pretty pink shrimp!

This is our Go-To hot sauce!!!

I removed the grits from the heat and added the cheese, butter and 3 Tbsp of hot sauce and blended until smooth.

I sprinkled the shrimp with parsley and placed it on a bed of cheesy, spicy grits.

Cheesy! Spicy! Delicious!

La Bonne Vie Y'all!

Still need those tickets to support Wally's Friends? Click Here!

Clams with Beer, Bacon & Fennel

Wow- isn't this pretty!!!

I found this recipe in the last volume of Coastal Living. 

I've cut this recipe in half for just the Hubs and me.

This was the first time I used my new, bright red Dutch Oven!
My Parents gave it to me for my birthday- I was so excited!

I sauted the about 3/4 cups of chopped fennel in 2 Tbsp of butter on medium-high until it was tender.

I added a little over 1/4 cup of beer & 2 more Tbsp of butter to the fennel, reduced the heat to medium...
and added 1 1/2 lbs of clams!

I placed the beautiful red lid on and let it cook for 10 mins! 

Look at how beautifully they opened up!
*Be sure to discard any that do not open.

I sprinkled them with chopped, fresh parsley. (Add crumbled cooked bacon- can you believe that I forgot mine?!)

We served ours over a bed of Far East Garlic and Olive Oil Cous Cous, and added a side of Vision Health Green Giant Steamed Veggies!

This was such a beautiful...and healthy meal!

Can you tell our table is decorated for Valentines?

The flower bouquet is made of wooden flowers. I added red place-mats...and of course Mickey & Minnie salt and pepper shakers!

La Bonne Vie Y'all!

PS- Mason volunteered at Wally's Friends- a low cost (sometimes no cost) spay and neuter clinic in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She dearly loved animals (particularly- dogs...very particularly- Golden Retrievers). Wally's annual fundraiser- Spay-ghetti No Meatballs- is Saturday, February 7th.

Tickets are only $35 (seated dinner, wine/ beer). There is also a silent auction.

Please consider going. I have provided a link for tickets.

Click Here For Tickets!

If you don't live near this event, why not consider helping at your local shelter?

Animals are just one more blessing that make it La Bonne Vie Y'all!

Coconut-Almond French Toast Casserole!

You don't even need syrup...seriously! I added a little drizzle for the picture, but it just doesn't need it. It is so delicious...maybe my favorite French Toast Bake yet!!!

I found this recipe on the Food Network App and thought I would give it a try...Definitely give this one a try!!!! YUM!

You can use Texas Toast, but I like Challah. 

Toast bread on both sides in a 350 degree oven (6 minutes a side). Then set aside to cool.

Whisk 6 larges eggs, 3 1/2 cups of half-and-half, 5 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. 

Dunk each slice of bread in mixture and arrange in a 13 x 9, greased baking dish. Pour remaining mixture over the bread and refrigerate overnight.

I used my new Ninja food processor. I love this thing! Thanks Mom & Dad- it is a great Christmas present!

In the morning, put 1/2 cup of coconut flakes, 1/3 cup of sliced almonds, 5 Tbsp of sugar, 5 Tbsp of all purpose flour, and a pinch of salt in a food processor and process until very fine. Add 6 Tbsp of softened butter, 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk and process until it is a smooth paste.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the almond mixture over the casserole.

Top with 1/4 cup of sliced almonds and 3 Tbsp of flaked coconut (I might have used more...I like coconut!).

Bake until puffed and lightly golden and the custard topping is set. The center shouldn't shake when it is finished baking (about 45 to 50 minutes).

Cool for 1 hour and serve warm or at room temperature.

This recipe can feed a large crowd.

I made it on a weekend. The Hubs and I had a great brunch and then I cut it into squares and had a breakfast for a week!

I hope you all are having a wonderful week.

My thoughts today are on peace and resting in God's love. At the start of a New Year, things feel busy. There is an anticipation of Spring...so much to do...

Take some time today to breathe....................

Stretch...............

Close your eyes and picture your peaceful place......................

Then, bring yourself back to you, present, wherever you are, and picture God covering you, clothing you, hugging you, snuggling you with His love..................

I feel so much more at peace when I meditate on God's love for me. I find that I'm even more productive- not out of striving, but ease...

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

- Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

"But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love."

- Psalms 52:8 NLT

La Bonne Vie Y'all!

Some Thoughts On The New Year...And Some Food!

I thought I would recap the food we had on New Year's Eve. These little bites would be great for Valentines Day as well!

One-Bite Baked Brie with Grape-Pecan Compote

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake 2 cups of small red grapes and 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil for 25 to 30 minutes, until they burst and are very soft.

Combine grapes with 1 tsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp of lemon zest...and a pinch of Kosher salt.

Cut brie into cubes and place in phyllo tart cups.

Bake 5 minutes.

Mix toasted pecans into grape mixture. Top brie with grape compote!

We love our appetizers for these special get togethers!

Roasted Shrimp!

Fresh Granny Smith apples and Bosc pears for the Gouda-Beer Fondue.

Gouda-Beer Fondue, fresh fruite, pimento cheese, chicken salad, Savory crackers, homemade cocktail sauce and  roasted shrimp. And The Veggie Tray!

Can you tell that we are a cooking family? Mom's counter-top is full of spices, oils and  tea bags in case someone calls for a quick pitcher of Sweet Tea!

And here is a good idea...

This pic is from Christmas. I thought this was an interesting idea. My sister-in-law used a strip of festive wrapping paper as a table runner! Fun idea!

Well, friends, we are well on our way into 2015. 

The Lord is bringing healing and peace to me as I seek His Face in the New Year. I'm not necessarily asking: what does He want me to do, or wondering: what do I feel I should be doing...but rather, just Him...just seeking Him.

I was working with a group of teens last Spring and asked them: What would change (if anything) if you knew that you were completely loved? One student said: Everything. 

The group talked about how they would be more generous, more gracious to themselves and others. 

This makes me think...What would change in me if I believed that I was completely loved by Someone (big "S")? How would I be changed, when I believe that God loves me?

Generous, gracious, patient, kind...all the fruits of the Spirit!

I'm praying "That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!" 

Ephesians 3:18-19 AMP

Feasting on the Love of God...that is La Bonne Vie Y'all!

Quick & Easy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Honestly...I'm not sure this could be any easier!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup flour, 2 cups low sodium chicken broth, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar, 4 cups medium broccoli florets, 3 cups frozen brown rice (thawed), 1 rotisserie chicken (skinned, white and dark meat shredded), 1/2 cup Parmesan

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whisk flour and broth in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it comes to a boil. Continue whisking and boiling until mixture is thick and coats the back of a spoon.

Remove from heat and whisk 1 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper. Add the cheddar and whisk until melted.

Add broccoli florets and stir to coat.

Mix shredded chicken and thawed rice in a large bowl. Pour broccoli mixture into chicken mixture and mix well.

Spray a 3 quart casserole dish with cooking spray and pour mixture into dish.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the mixture.
Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until browned, 2 to 5 minutes.

Oh My! Look at all of that cheesy goodness!!!

This was so easy to make! It had protein, brown rice and a veggie all in one!

I hope you are all having great year so far.

I think I mentioned that I don't make New Year's resolutions. I keep feeling like I need to stay "present", to stay "with myself"...not running ahead or looking over my shoulder at the way things used to be. The Lord has provision and blessing for today, at this moment. What a joy to receive those gifts in the present.

La Bonne Vie Y'all!

Reflecting on Christmas...

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year season!

It was a great time of cooking, enjoying good food and cocktails with friends and family...

...and this...our cat Minnie hanging out with the shepherds in our manger scene!

What is it with cats and Nativity scenes?!

Additionally, I was able to try some dishes that I had never tried before. This got great reviews...

Christmas Crack!

There are several recipes for this delicious stuff on Pinterest, but I combined two and it worked out well.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line your baking sheet with foil and cover with cooking spray.
Cover with saltines.

Meanwhile, melt 1 cup brown sugar and 1 cup butter over medium low heat, stirring constantly.

Bring to a gentle boil (stirring constantly) for about 6 minutes.

Pour over saltines. Bake for 5 minutes.

Allow to cool slightly and sprinkle with chocolate. We only did half chocolate (The Hubs is allergic to chocolate).

As chocolate starts to melt, use a spatula to spread over the toffee covered saltines.

I top mine with sea salt, but you can use chopped nuts if you wish!

Delicious!!!!

I have some great ideas for the coming months, so stay tuned!

La Bonne Vie Y'all!