Comfort Food

I love to bake and cook, something I inherited from my mom, who inherited it from her mom, my Nannie. I actually have a few recipes and cookbook or two that have Nannie's handwriting. It is something that I have of hers that keeps her close to my heart. I like to picture her in her kitchen, in the little house in Norwalk. Sitting at the table, writing down her recipes with the pen held in her petite hand, gold rings and bracelets on and nails polished with a metallic dark mauve color (painted with polish she kept on the door of the refrigerator because she thought that gave them a longer shelf life:).

Recipes come with memories. I hope my own brood looks back with fond memories, not just the food I made them, out of love, but also the memories of us sitting down, sharing the "best & most frustrating part" of our day at dinner time.

The other night I tried 2 new recipes, both simple, delicious and fairly healthy considering they both might fall into the "comfort food" category. 

        Quinoa chicken chili (made in the crockpot) 

                           

*I used organic chicken and believe it or not, found organic canned items it calls for at Fresh & Easy.

I also substituted the can of corn for frozen roasted corn from Trader Joe's. The chili recipe made a ton! Enough for our family of 5, plus a toddler (who didn't really eat it, though she does like quinoa by itself) to get 2 meals out of it.

                          Cornbread muffins

2 years ago

So much has happened in the past 2 years, almost feels like a lifetime when I really think about it.

It just donned on me yesterday that around this time, 2 years back, in October 2011, I began a new chapter that I never foresaw being written. I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and we simultaneously decided to relocate 5+ hours away to San Diego, to follow Jason's call to ministry there. What an emotionally/spiritually stretching and exciting time that was...and continues to be!

God has shown Himself in a new way to me, that probably otherwise wouldn't have happened if I hadn't had cancer, or had stayed put in our comfortable, predictable life. NOT to say that He wouldn't have been the same amazing big God, but rather, that I would not have realized aspects of His unchanging character because I wouldn't have "needed" to. 

I am currently in a sweet season of having a heart so so full of gratitude. Trying hard to thank Him in all circumstances, remembering where He has brought me, but mostly for who He is. I change, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I am weak, He is Strong. I am a sinner, He saved me by grace. The list could go on. It's very mood changing( you know how us girls can be moody;), you should try it. 

Here are a whole bunch of other things I am thankful for...