Good morning buttercup! It's so lovely getting to see the sunrise over these beautiful colorful trees and mountains. I had thought that peak weekend was last weekend BUT it seems like even though many leaves have fallen, the ones that are left are GORGEOUS! Plus, there are so many things to do this weekend that I just can't even make decisions about what I want to do! It's a real problem! Tonight, some of my friends are playing music at a local establishment where there will be a food truck and a lovely outdoor party atmosphere. I want to go but I don't have anyone to go with. My usual set of friends are working or busy. Should I go anyway? I might. Then tomorrow my friend and I have to make a choice between a chicken stew and a bingo fundraiser. How do you even make that choice? Sunday is trick or treating in my daughters neighborhood. I had a lot of fun scaring children last year but for whatever reason, I'm just not into scaring them this year and I don't know if I will even go. I have to see where my youngest grandson is going. I need to see him in his costume! But, you didn't come here to hear about my social life weekend dilemmas. You came to talk about FOOD! So, let's get to it! This week at Loaves and Dishes, I did this FAST and DELICIOUS (great for a hot weeknight meal when you've only got about 30 mins to get something on the table). Italian Chicken Pasta. EASY and GOOD! I gave the whole thing to a friend because my own tummy can't handle cheese and she said that they gobbled it up (even the kids and her husband who are somewhat picky). Then, these Dutch Oven Chicken Thighs are OUT OF THIS WORLD delicious (Plus very affordable and FEW ingredients). So tender that they literally melt in your mouth. Easy too! You COULD make this in a crockpot set on low, just do the same directions. It will take about 12 hours. They are done when the thighs are tender and about to fall apart. If you visit later today, I'll have my smoked olives recipe up and ready for viewing. It's done now, I just have to make the video and that requires daylight. So.... waiting and writing to you while I wait. __________________________ HOT COOKING TIP OF THE WEEK This might not really be a cooking tip, but perhaps it is. This week, I was helping a friend and ended up digging in the freezer for some food to cook. I found a nice ribeye that had been in there for about a year and needed to be cooked or thrown out soon. When seasoning the steak, I couldn't find any salt in the house. My friend said, "I don't keep salt because I worry about my sodium intake. Instead I season with these things" and opened the seasoning cabinet. Inside I found all kinds of seasonings and some of them have very high sodium content. But... you need to consider the sodium that is in those seasonings. For example, a single packet of chicken gravy has more than 1200 grams of sodium PLUS sugar and other unknown chemicals. It's the same thing with Ranch Dressing packets and Old Bay. Sometimes you have to weigh out a tiny pinch of actual salt versus the sodium plus chemicals plus sugar in the flavorings. Just be careful and know what you are adding, that's all I'm saying. If you look at my chicken thighs recipe above, you'll see that it has three packets of flavorings. That said, I am not touting it as a healthy recipe, but it IS a flavorful one. ___________________________ THREE LITTLE THINGS As you know, if you read this section, I am trying to be grateful for the little things in life. I'm finding that the more that I notice these small things, the more grateful I am for the bigger things too. Having some humility is a good thing as is finding the wonder in the world. I hope these remind you to look for the little things too.
_________________________ A FINAL WORD I don't really have anything to say. Let's just share a moment of silence shall we? Maybe you have something to say? Just shoot me an email back by hitting "reply" to this email. Not only will I listen, I'll answer back. It might take me a bit but I promise to write back. Today I have to tackle getting the correct email password on my phone because right now, I can only answer you from my laptop. That isn't a good situation since I stay on the go a right smart. Anyway, I appreciate you and celebrate you! Thank you for all that you do for me! Because you share the recipes found over on my website, Loaves and Dishes and because .you forward this newsletter along to others, I get to keep doing what I love. You are the best!!! I love you bunches and look forward to speaking with you again next week! Much love, Wendi jo Unsubscribe | Update your profile | PO Box 82 , Danbury, NC 27016  |
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