life in my empty nest

Monday, February 13, 2017

White Chicken Chili - Recipe Redo

We are on a roller coaster of weather this winter here in Michigan, with very little snow and temperatures even climbing into the fourties on some days. But, even without the snow, we still have experienced our usual cold days where a warming dish like chili is very welcome.

This recipe is one I have only made a few times, because I tend to forget about how quick and easy it is to put together. The flavor is delicious and the thing I love most about it is the light and fresh taste. The green onions sprinkled on top are the perfect garnish too.

The recipe calls for rotisserie chicken and that makes things easy, but I always poach my chicken breasts and that takes very little time as well. This is one you will want to try before winter is over. My original post and recipe can be found here.

Happy Monday!

{Linking with these friends}

French Country Cottage

A Stroll Thru Life

Savvy Southern Style

Have a Daily Cup

Between Naps on the Porch

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Back to My Yoga Mat

We are very close to the house officially being on the market and there are a lot of thoughts and questions swirling around in my head. As we get closer to selling, I'm feeling the immediacy of the move and wondering how all the plans will shake out. How fast will the house sell, where will we go if the sale goes through before our new house in Florida is ready (likely), all the packing required - you know, those kinds of questions.
I'm being drawn back to my yoga mat to help bring a sense of calm, in the middle of all the change. For that 30 minutes that I practice yoga, my breathing slows, my mind becomes clear and life slows down. There is soothing music and the instructor's calming voice. On gloomy days, I light a candle or two, which adds to the calm atmosphere. And, once done, the feeling lingers. The pace of my day is just a little more relaxed and my mind and body feel in tune.
Because of my diabetes, I fight mightily to avoid stress, but it's not always possible. Especially when you are in the middle of a move. Yoga for me, is the best medicine I have found.
Happy Wednesday!

Friday, February 3, 2017

Cranberry Apple Crockpot Oatmeal

A cold morning and hot oatmeal is really the perfect combination. Here in Michigan, we are back in a big chill with single digit temperatures and what a great decision is was to put this delicious oatmeal recipe in my crockpot last night, before going to sleep. When I walked in my kitchen this morning, the scents of cinnamon, apples and cranberries let me know I was in for a special treat.

After cooking all night on the low setting, the oatmeal was soft, creamy and perfect with a splash of milk. The fresh cranberries and apple chunks were abundant in every bite and so much better than the dried fruit that comes in instant oatmeal packets.

This took maybe five minutes to put together last night and I will definately be adding this to my oatmeal loving repertoire. I think it would be delicious with almost any kind of fruit too; blueberries, peaches, plums, whatever you have on hand really - fresh or frozen. And, the best part - there is plenty left over to warm up and enjoy over the weekend.

Cranberry Apple Crockpot Oatmeal

4 cups water

2 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup cranberries ( I used fresh, but dried would work equally well)

2 apples, peeled and diced

1/4 cup brown sugar ( I used Splenda brown sugar)

2 T butter

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

Spray a crockpot generously with cooking spray. Add all ingredients. Stir to combine. Cook on low setting overnight ( 6 hours is perfect, so if your crockpot has a timer, set for 6 hours, then leave on warm until you are up and ready to eat). Fluff with spoon before serving. Enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend!