Category Archives: Chicken & Turkey Entrees

A Moniker that Honors

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In the culinary arts, the word “Florentine” refers to a recipe that is prepared with spinach and cream in combination with a main ingredient such as poultry, fish, or eggs. Such recipes are named in honor of the city of Florence, Italy, where this culinary art was created, for example, Chicken Florentine, Fish Florentine, Eggs Florentine. The moniker honors the place of creation! Today we will honor the city of Florence by preparing a wonderfully delicious Chicken Florentine!

Chicken Florentine
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz. each)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 and 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup minced shallots
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup of quality dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups baby spinach (about 3 oz.)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat (#5 or at the half-way point on your burner dial). Sprinkle the chicken with the pepper and 2 teaspoons of the salt. Dredge in the flour, shaking off any excess. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook, turning once, for approximately 8 minutes per side until golden brown on both sides and a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F. Transfer to a plate to cool and set aside.

With the heat still on medium, melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced shallots and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring often until just softened. Add the wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet, and turn the heat down to a simmer. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the cream and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the mixture can coat the back of a spoon.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the spinach and remaining 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the spinach is wilted.

Cut the chicken against the grain into diagonal strips, 1 inch wide and 2 to 3 inches long, and return it to the skillet, lightly mixing it with the other ingredients. Simmer for another 5 minutes or so. 

Garnish with parsley and serve.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

As followers of Jesus Christ, we also carry a moniker, don’t we? It is “Christian” and its purpose is to honor Jesus Christ, our Creator, Redeemer, Savior, and Lord. Similarly to the recipe’s title, if you place your name before this mighty moniker, it becomes a powerful, influential signature as to who we are, who we represent, and who we honor, doesn’t it? In my case, it is “Cheri Christian”. While we don’t identify ourselves in this way in the natural (though perhaps it would be a good reminder to us and a statement to the world if we did), it is completely accurate in the spiritual, isn’t it? As such, let us try to remember to bring glory to Jesus in all we do and never besmirch the precious Name we carry!

— Cheri Henderson

Feeling Fried

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At the end of a long day when you are beyond exhausted and unable to process another thought, have you ever used the phrase “I am completely fried”? If you have, then you probably know the word “fried” is slang for “tired, worn out, or exhausted”. (It’s also slang for drunk or intoxicated, so be careful that your listeners understand what you mean if you describe yourself in this manner! Lol!)

In this case, I promise you the “fried” chicken presented here is neither exhausted nor stoned, and it is, in fact, one of the most delicious fried chicken recipes you will ever prepare! The last thing you need when you’re feeling “fried”, is a complicated recipe that requires more energy than you have to offer and puts you in a “fowl” mood. This is not one!

So let’s get frying!

Fried Boneless Chicken Breasts
Serves: 2-4

Ingredients:

4-6 thinly cut boneless skinless chicken breasts
1-1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
3-4 dashes of hot sauce
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup of milk stirred with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar and let sit for 15 minutes)
Canola cooking oil – enough for frying (about ½” in a large skillet)

Directions:

Combine hot sauce and buttermilk. In a separate bowl (or a zip-loc gallon bag), combine the flour, seasonings, and herbs together. Heat the cooking oil over medium heat until heated. Dip the chicken into the buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and add to the hot skillet. Fry on each side, turning every 3 minutes until cooked (cooking time is 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken).Serve with warmed barbecue sauce and buttered corn on the cob, or some mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

So, are you feeling a little “fried”? I hope that your times of exhaustion are few and far between or, even better, non-existent. But I know that life, at times, can simply wear us out … as we’re busy doing life, juggling responsibilities, facing deadlines, pressure, and stress, and trying to get it all done. If you are battling exhaustion or weariness, it is in those times that Jesus says “Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.” (Mark 6:31)

Your world won’t end if you take a break. The Lord is fully in control and “in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17) … even your little piece of the world. If you stop and catch your breath for a minute, everything is not going to fall apart. In fact, this is where faith comes in. Even though you may be completely exhausted, if you refuse to take a break, could it be you lack the faith to believe God is in charge and He can handle things without you?

Come away with Jesus to a quiet place and rest for a while. He will refresh and restore you because He loves you. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) “I give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)

– Cheri Henderson

Thanksgiving: An All-Year Event!

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As you consider preparing this recipe, it is likely Thanksgiving Day, a time when this meal is most typically enjoyed. I’ve never been one who necessarily follows every dot and tittle of holiday menu protocol. For example, there have been years when I’ve been known to prepare cabbage rolls, chicken spaghetti, or pizza for Thanksgiving! Today, over 6 months away from Turkey Day, my husband and I were able to happily savor every morsel of this wonderful feast. And rather than wait months down the road to share this great recipe with you, I wanted you to have it now so you could also relish it whenever you wish throughout the year! Regardless of what day it is, this is a meal to be enjoyed all year long!

The Best Baked Turkey
(Serves 20-25)

Ingredients:
23-25 lb. turkey
½ cup and 1 tablespoon of garlic-flavored olive oil
12 oz. beer
½ tsp. and a pinch of cayenne pepper
4 crushed garlic cloves
1 tablespoon coarse-ground black pepper
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 cups chicken stock or broth
¼ cup corn oil
1 cup water

• Injection Liquid: Mix ½ cup garlic-flavored olive oil, 4 oz. beer, and ½ tsp. of cayenne pepper

• Paste: Mix 4 mashed garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon coarse-ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, pinch of cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon garlic-flavored olive oil

• Baste: Mix 2 cups chicken stock or broth, 1 cup water, 8 oz. beer, and ¼ cup corn oil

The day before baking, empty the turkey cavity (saving and refrigerating the giblets in a zip-lock plastic bag), rinse and pat dry with paper towel, tuck wing tips under the back and tie legs together. Inject “Injection Liquid” with a kitchen syringe the turkey in a half-dozen places, moving needle around in each spot to shoot liquid in several directions. Massage “Paste” inside and out and under the skin. (Do not tear.) Place turkey in plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.

The day of baking, remove turkey from the plastic bag and insert meat thermometer into thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone). Bake at 325 degrees. Cover with aluminum foil tent after turkey begins to turn golden. Baste bird every 30 minutes with “Baste”. Turkey is done when thermometer reads 180 degrees or leg moves easily in joint.

Remove from oven. Let stand for 15-20 minutes. Slice.

The Best Turkey Gravy
(Serves 20-25)

Ingredients:
Turkey neck and giblets
2 onions, copped
2 carrots chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped
4 bay leaves
Few sprigs of fresh thyme
9 tablespoons of fatty juices from the turkey
9 tablespoons of plain flour
6 cups whole milk
3 teaspoons sea salt
1 envelope Pioneer Brand Country Gravy mix

While the turkey is baking, place the turkey neck and giblets in a saucepan with the vegetables, herbs, and 5 cups of water. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 30 minutes. Save 3 cups of the giblet broth, drain the rest, dispose of the vegetables, and chop and reserve the giblet meat. (Refrigerate if early in the day.)

To make the gravy, siphon 9 tablespoons of fatty juices from the turkey roasting pan into a saucepan and stir in 9 tablespoons of flour. Cook, stirring for about 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.

Stir in the chopped giblets, 3 cups of giblet broth, 6 cups of whole milk, 3 teaspoons of seasoning salt, and 1 envelope of Pioneer Brand Country Gravy mix. Bring to a boil, stirring and then reduce to medium high heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Season to taste.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Serves 16-20

Ingredients:
10 lbs. red potatoes, cut into chunks (peeled if you prefer)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
4 cubes chicken bouillon
16 oz. sour cream
16 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, garlic and chicken bouillon cubes. Cook potatoes until tender, but still firm about 15 minutes. Drain, reserving some of the cooking water.

Mash or rice the potatoes and mix with the sour cream and cream cheese, adding reserved cooking water to reach desired consistency. Transfer to a large crockpot, cover, and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Just before serving, stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

For followers of Jesus Christ, thanksgiving is more than an eating extravaganza . . . and it’s more than a one-year event, isn’t it? Every day should be a day of thanksgiving for us because, as Psalm 92:1 tell us, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.” Psalm 118:24 goes on to say, “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Notice, it doesn’t say we only rejoice and give thanks to the Lord when things are going well, the sun is shining, and it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. It has nothing to do with a particular day, a happy celebration, or a wonderful life. It has everything to do with who He is and who we are in Him. It’s a life-long celebration of thankfulness that will continue into eternity.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

–Cheri Henderson

The Covering Makes All the Difference!

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Baked chicken, spinach, and mushrooms … edible enough on their own .. but taken to a whole other level in this recipe with a covering of herbed cream cheese and melted mozzarella! The covering makes all the difference!

                                                                                        Mozzarella Chicken, Mushrooms & Spinach
Serves 6

Ingredients:
6 thin sliced chicken breasts
1 container of green onion cream cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 Large package of sliced mushrooms
1 small bag fresh baby spinach
Sprinkle of herb & garlic seasoning (Mrs. Dash or Weber or similar)
Sprinkle of pepper
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
In a 9×13 baking dish, lay the chicken out in a single layer, top with spinach and mushrooms. Sprinkle the seasonings over the top. Soften cream cheese and whisk in olive oil and chicken broth. Pour over mixture. Lay a piece of foil over the top, but do not seal. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until starting to brown. Let cool for 10 minutes and serve with a side salad and perhaps some buttered garlic bread!

Food for ThoughtFOOD FOR THOUGHT
Just as a simple chicken dish can be changed and greatly enhanced by the application of a wonderfully rich covering, so too can a sinful human being. Jesus said, “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28)  “How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” (Psalm 32:1-2)

The covering makes all the difference. Praying you are abundantly blessed!

— Cheri Henderson

What Makes a Chicken Salad Mexican?

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Mexican Chicken Salad
                                                                                                      What makes a Chicken Salad Mexican? Ingredients like taco seasoning, chopped jalapenos, and shredded Mexican blend cheeses, that’s what, mis amigos! Not your typical chicken salad, this recipe is a quick and flavorful cold chicken salad with a Mexican flavor!  
                                                                                                                                                Mexican Chicken Salad
Serves 4
 
Ingredients:
 
2 cups cooked chicken breasts, chopped into 1/2″ squares 
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup Mexican shredded blend cheese
1/2 cup chopped tomato
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion tops
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp. finely chopped jalapeno peppers
1/2 tsp. taco seasoning mix
 
Directions:
 
In a small bowl, stir together chicken, celery, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, tomato, green onion, cilantro, jalapeno pepper and taco seasoning. Serve wrapped in a lettuce leaf or on a crisp bed of lettuce, a warm tortilla, or on a piece of flat bread! Muy deliciosa!  
 

Food for ThoughtFOOD FOR THOUGHT

 

Just as certain unique ingredients are the things that make a Chicken Salad Mexican, what unique ingredients make a human being Christian?
 
Followers of Jesus Christ were first called “Christians” in Antioch (Acts 11:26) because their behavior, activity, and speech were like Christ. What’s interesting is that Jesus himself never actually gave that name to His followers, and the early Church only a few times referred to themselves as Christians. In fact, the word “Christian” only appears three times in the entire Bible. The title which was most often used was “saints.” The Greek word for saints is hagios which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious”, and it is almost always used in the plural—“saints.” This reflects not just the individual, but the connection to a group of people set apart for the Lord and His Kingdom.
 
Unfortunately over time, even the word “Christian” has lost a great deal of its significance. Many people, in fact, consider themselves Christians simply because they go to church or they live in a “Christian” nation. However, going to church or living in America are not the “ingredients” that make people Christians any more than parking in a garage will make them automobiles. Outward action without inward change is simply a “slather of salsa on an empty taco shell”. 
 
The word “Christian” literally means, “belonging to the party of Christ” or “ambassador or follower of Christ.” So what are the specific “ingredients” that cause a human being to become a Christian?
 
Realize You Are a Sinner
Romans 3:23 tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No human being in his or her own strength can remain sinless. Why? Because God’s “mark” is absolute, total, complete, flawless perfection! Jesus said, “Be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). 
 
Repent of Your Sins
To repent means to “change” or to “turn.” It’s like driving down the highway, doing a complete 180 degree U-turn and heading the other direction. It’s more than simply being sorry; it is a word of action. Many people feel remorse for their sin, but never truly repent. Remorse is being sorry; repentance is being sorry enough to stop. 
 
Believe in and Receive Jesus Christ Into Your Life
The Bible says, “But as many as received Him [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). You believe in and receive Jesus Christ in your life because you realize that He is the very Son of God. He is the One who loves you so much that He died on a cross for you over 2,000 years ago to pay the penalty for your sin, and then rose from the dead three days later. 
 

That’s it in a taco shell, kiddos! Not only are these the ingredients that will help you recognize other Christians and be able to truly call yourself a Christian … it’s the complete recipe for eternal life!

 
— Cheri Henderson
 

Warning! Garlic Ahead!

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27331832_10214656203417048_5096134799804782722_nI LOVE any recipe that calls for garlic (and I’m sure many who have crossed my path at one time or another have come to a quick realization of that fact!) Not only is garlic a delicious addition to many recipes, it is good for you! Garlic contains vitamins C and B6, manganese, selenium and other antioxidants. Recent evidence-based research also suggests garlic may be effective against high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cholesterol, colds and some cancers. 

 
As we all know, however, along with the benefits of garlic, comes a lingering odor some people find offensive.  That’s because when minced or crushed garlic is ingested, it releases volatile sulfur compounds that can offend those with a sensitive sense of smell. The potent compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream and then become vaporized while going through the lungs. Furthermore, the garlic aroma is not limited to your breath; it is also excreted through your pores and is a lingering “fragrance” that can last for twenty-four hours or more after consumption. And if you eat it on a regular basis, you’ll like earn a reputation and notice some people purposefully dodging you because of the offensive fragrance that consistently emanates from you.  Still, it’s SO worth it!  And this recipe, in particular!
Chicken & Bacon Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce
Serves 4
Ingredients
6 bacon strips, cooked, drained, and crumbled
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
 2 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (drained)
7 oz. diced tomatoes with green chiles
3 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/3 cups Half & Half
1-1/3 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 tsp. salt
10 oz. penne rigate
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Directions:
In a small skillet, fry the bacon, drain, and crumble. Set aside on a paper towel,
In a separate, large skillet, heat olive oil on high heat until hot. Keeping the burner at high heat, add chicken breasts, sprinkle with paprika and italian seasoning, and cook on one side for 1 minute. Flip the chicken over and cook on the other side for 1 minute. Remove chicken and slice into thin strips. Reduce the heat to medium and place back into the pan for several minutes until no longer pink in the center. Remove 2/3 of the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
Add tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and half of the bacon and mix together. Add half & half and bring to a boil. After the half & half starts boiling, add grated Parmesan and immediately reduce to simmer and stir for 1-2 minutes (no more than 2 minutes) until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Then immediately remove from heat. 
Add the salt, stir in the pasta, the remaining bacon and strips of chicken. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and serve with a fresh, green salad! Wonderfully delicious!
 
Food for ThoughtFOOD FOR THOUGHT:
In a similar way, the reactions received by others to a consistent consumption of garlic is a good analogy for what we, as followers of Jesus Christ, will experience when we continually spend time in His presence, read His Word, worship, honor and live for Him. As we daily “taste and see that the Lord is good”, we will be filled with His presence and have the unmistakable “scent” of Christ.  2 Corinthians 2:14-16 says “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.“ The Message Bible quotes that verse this way: “In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma rich with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.” 
 
I LOVE Jesus! He is the Giver of Life and He is so very Good! I pray I am consistently emanating the exquisite fragrance of Jesus to everyone I encounter … and that the aroma is pleasing to you. If it isn’t, it can be! Taste and see, my friends!
 
-Cheri Henderson

Prepared in Advance!

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Here’s a delicious, new recipe I prepared night-before-last, so I could just put it in the crock pot and turn it on before leaving for work yesterday morning! Sometimes it takes a little advance preparation to be able to fully satisfy the hungry ones you’ll be feeding the next day, doesn’t it?

Red Beans, Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew
Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 15 – ounce can no-salt-added red beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
8 ounces boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
8 ounces boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
2 14 1/2 – ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 1/2 cups chopped green sweet peppers (2 large)
1 14 1/2 – ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 10 – ounce can tomatoes and chopped green chiles, undrained
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Sour cream to taste if desired

Directions:

In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker combine beans, sweet potatoes, chicken, broth, sweet peppers, diced tomatoes, tomatoes and green chiles, Cajun seasoning, and garlic. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 10 to 12 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours. Remove 1 cup hot liquid from cooker. Whisk in peanut butter. Stir into mixture in cooker. Add sour cream to individual serving if desired.

Food for Thought
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Sometimes it takes a little advance preparation to be able to fully satisfy the hungry ones you’ll be encountering the next day … and as followers of Jesus Christ, that same concept applies on a spiritual level. Will you be prepared to “feed” someone who God might put in your path tomorrow? “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15-16

Prepare in advance: Pray, study the Word, and spend time in the presence of the Lord. You might need to feed someone tomorrow!

— Cheri Henderson

Chicken Hunters!

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Another Henderson recipe favorite is Chicken Cacciatore! Did you know that Cacciatore means “hunter” in Italian? In cuisine, alla cacciatora refers to a meal prepared “hunter-style” with onions, herbs, usually tomatoes, and sometimes wine. So what do you say? Let’s go hunt us some chicken and make up a batch!

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Serves 4-8

Ingredients:
2-3 onions
2-4 pounds chicken (breasts or thighs, skinned and boneless)
1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, chopped
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine or broth
2 tablespoons capers
20 pitted Kalamata olives, chopped coarsely
1 bunch fresh parsley or basil, stemmed and coarsely chopped
Kosher salt and pepper
Cooked angel hair pasta

Directions:
Place sliced onion in the crockpot and cover with chicken. In a bowl, stir tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic, and white wine together. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is tender. Stir in capers, olives and herbs just before serving. Serve over cooked pasta.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Food for ThoughtFOOD FOR THOUGHT

Just like a “chicken hunter” goes after the main ingredient to create a wonderfully nutritious and appealing meal, so too, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be “soul hunters”, going after the lost ones so they can give their hearts to Jesus, experience new life, and become part of a spiritually nurturing, beautiful Body of Christ! And Jesus said unto them, “Go everywhere and announce the good news of Jesus Christ to every living person you meet. He who believes [in Me] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of God’s wrath and judgment]; but he who does not believe that I died in their place as the penalty for their sins and rose from the dead so that they, too, could do the same, will be condemned to an eternity of isolation, darkness, burning wind, and flames of unquenchable fire“. (Mark 16:15-16)

“I love them too much to see this happen! So get busy! Go hunting … and bring them to Me!”

— Cheri Henderson

A Birthday Blessing for my Husband

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A couple of weeks ago, my sweet husband celebrated a banner birthday, and so for each evening of his “Birthday Week”, I decided to prepare one of his favorite meals. This recipe was the first one I made for him because it is one of his very favorites! He was very pleased!

Parmesan Turkey & Rice Bake
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:
4 cups chopped cooked turkey (or chicken)
4 cups chopped celery
2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons finely chopped onion
4 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup slivered almonds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, combine turkey, celery, mayonnaise, rice, cheese, onion, lemon juice and salt. Spoon mixture into greased 9″ x 13″ pan. Top with almonds. Bake 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Great served with sliced tomatoes or a garden salad!

Food for ThoughtInstead of sharing a “Food for Thought” devotional this time, I just want to take a moment to honor my husband, and to say how VERY glad I am that he was born!!! He is such a blessing in my life and his birthday truly is MY gift! And so, this a blessing I want to speak over him for the rest of his days:

“The Lord continue to bless you and keep you; the Lord continue to make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord continue to turn his face toward you and give you peace!”

My partner, my love … he is so much a part of me that it’s impossible to imagine what my life would have been without him. Thank you, Lord, for the precious gift of my husband! Happy Birthday, my sweet Timothy! The adventure continues and I’m looking forward to all that is ahead! I love you so much!

–Cheri Henderson

It’s “Thyme” to Eat a Great Meal!

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The “thyme” has arrived to share one of the most incredibly delicious recipes I have ever tasted!

 

Cider-Braised Chicken, Sprouts and Apples
Serves 6

Ingredients:
5 slices of bacon, chopped
4 bone-in, skin-on on thighs
4 bone-in, skin-on split chicken breasts
2 red apples, cut into wedges
1 12-ounce bottle of hard cider
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, stripped from the stem
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups trimmed and halved brussel sprouts

Directions:

Strip 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme from the stem and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together the whole grain mustard, kosher salt and hard cider and set aside.

In a very large skillet, cook 5 chopped slices of bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove bacon, reserving drippings in pan. Add the thighs and chicken breasts, skin side down, and cook 8 minutes on each side or until browned; remove from pan. Add the apple wedges and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until browned on both sides and remove from pan. Discard the drippings. Add the mustard, salt, and cider mixture to the pan, scraping up the brown bits. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the halved brussel sprouts and cook covered for an additional 10 minutes. Add the apple wedges and cook uncovered for 5 minutes or more or until the chicken is done and tender. Sprinkle with bacon bits and serve.

Food for ThoughtFOOD FOR THOUGHT

Several herb guides suggest thyme has an earthiness that pairs well with pork, lamb, or chicken. This “earthy” description reminds me of a similar description for another kind of “time” … a lifetime. “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust (earth) you are and to dust (earth) you will return.” (Genesis 3:19)

How long do we have before such a thing will happen? “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14)

I saw a Facebook meme yesterday, written by Samuel Decker Thompson, that said “We are all just a car crash, a diagnosis, an unexpected phone call, a newfound love, or a broken heart away from becoming a completely different person. How beautifully fragile are we that so many things can take but a moment to alter who we are forever” … even ending this life as we know it, obliterating it in an instant as our spirit man enters into eternity. Life is fragile, time is short, and eternity is forever. We need to be ready for this eventuality because no one will escape it.

“For God so greatly loves and dearly prizes you, that He gave His One and only begotten Son, that if you would just believe and trust in Him as your Savior, you will not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) “And there is salvation in no one else (but Jesus Christ); for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” (Acts 4:12 Amp)

If you haven’t yet bowed your knee to the One who died on your behalf so you could spend eternity in heaven with Him, you need to … and soon! “Behold, now is the favorable Time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

And if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the time in which the Son of Man is coming.” (Matthew 25:13) “Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil. Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Time. It’s short. Use it wisely.

–Cheri Henderson