Chicken Salad: One Mix with Soooo Many Uses!

When my little Kimmie went off to "big school" this year, we decided that she would bring her lunch daily. I'm a little skeptical of school lunches. I ate them and survived but I think they have gone down hill since my school days.

I've worked hard to come up with diverse options besides sandwiches for her lunch. More often than not though, the sandwich is my go-to easy lunch. Until recently when my little Kimmie has stated that "she doesn't like sandwiches for lunch anymore." I love how she has these grand epiphanies about her food. She's thinking about food which is great but really, a sandwich is the easiest thing to prepare so now I've got to start thinking of something else for the lunchtime meals.

So with that information, I'm gonna have to whip up the old standard--chicken salad. This weekend I'm planning to make another big batch of chicken salad. It is truly so easy to make and once you have the basic salad, you can do so many different things with it besides, you know, eat it!

You start with cooked chicken--grilled, fried, boiled, baked. However you want and whatever might be easy access. This is a great way to use up leftover chicken. I often times can find some chicken on clearance and will grab that up if I'm going to cook it that day or so.

Dice it up and throw it in a bowl. The size of the chunks really depends on the texture you like in your salad. Remember that as you mix it, the chunks will break down smaller.

I like to add diced celery to mine. It gives it a little crunch without being overbearing.

Now let's talk about mayo. I'm a true Southern girl and to me, there is no other mayo but Dukes. This stuff is seriously the best stuff on the mayo planet.

Put a heaping amount of mayo into the salad. Again, the amount depends on your likes. If you don't put enough, you'll end up with a dry salad. Too much and it gets soggy. I always start with a little and add more to get the right consistency.

 

Mix well and you're done! You can eat it immediately but it's even better once it's been in the frig for a few hours.

 

There are endless amounts of yummies you can make with this salad. Kimmie likes it as a heaping spoonful on some lettuce served with some pretzel crackers for her lunch. My sister, Stephanie likes it when I tuck it into some crescent rolls and bake. And, for an easy go-to lunch, it always makes a good sandwich!

With Love,

Reynie

Around Here

I love the calm and peace that January seems to bring to my household after the mad-rush of the Christmas season. It's too cold to go outside so my family stays inside, hunkered-down in the house, snuggled-up and relaxing. Ahhh... Makes Momma happy!

Here's what we've been up to during this down time.

Around My Garden: After the "blizzard" of last weekend, we had some warmer temperatures this week that got me excited about the thoughts of spring. Spring=Garden! So why not start planning for my spring garden?

During the winter months I have been engrossed in conditioning my garden soil. My make-shift composite pile is looking good! I went out to the garden to turn the soil and found all these happy earth worms! Yeah for my soil. Read here why these fellas are great soil conditioners. 

Every year I try to add one new veggie to my garden that I have not grown before. This year it will be purple potatoes. I started these guys from purple potatoes that had started to seed in my pantry. They grew very fashionably in their red Solo cups on my kitchen window sill. Once they got some size to them, I transplanted them to these larger pots. They'll stay inside for a bit longer before moving outside. 

Around the house: We have a wood burning stove in our house and absolutely love it during the winter months! It supplies great heat and sets a warm and inviting tone around our house. Come, sit by the fire with me.

Around Pinterest: Spending some much time in your house gives you amply opportunity to asses what needs to be changed. And this winter, I've been doing that. One sore point for me is the area in my kitchen that is designated for my kids space. They have a table with little people chairs, cabinets for their toys, and baskets for craft supplies. I feel like it is in continual chaos. I'm committed to making it more functional! I've been pinning some great ideas on how to set up a space as a homework/craft/eating spot. Multifunctional! Check out my board to see what the people of Pinterest have come up with for me! 

Around the porch: And last but not least... Our cat, Mittens (aka "Country Cat" affectionately called by my son) has been doing a lot of huntin' lately. He loves us and brings us nice "gifts" all the time. 

Be prepared... this could be graphic... It's a half a squirrel. Yep. A gift from the cat left on my front door mat that I almost stepped on. Nothing says, "I love you!" like a half dead squirrel. #woodlandcreaturealert

Nothing too exciting--but then again, that's the luxury of the winter months! Stay warm, friends!

With Love,

Reynie

Snow Day

Sometimes God knows when you need some down time... some family time... and He sends you... SNOW. Even to the little old Southern state of Georgia.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

My two littles were thrilled with the small dusting of snow we got on Friday night. First thing Saturday morning they were up and at it to play with the small amount we got. Their smiles and fascination of it took me back to when I was a child and my own fond memories of snow days.

I went outside about long enough to get a few pictures and I headed back inside. I'm not a cold weather kinda girl. When the temps go below 72, I'm bundling up.

Back inside, with my warm coffee, I had to thank God for this day as I knew already it was gonna be a great one. To my standards anyway.

Psalm 143: Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

The morning was begging for a big, warm home cooked breakfast and of course, an extended pajama day! I remember as a kid my Dad would fry doughnuts from time-to-time for breakfast and it was always such a cool thing to me as a kid because the process was awesome to watch and the end product was incredible! I have been tossing this adventure around in my mind but have been a little nervous about it because of the entire hot grease thing with active kids around. But today was my day... Doughnuts were going to be concurred!

So, the doughnut making began...

I pulled one of my cookbooks out and referenced a apple-spice doughnut recipe (Thanks Junior League of Atlanta cookbook!). Sounds perfect for a cold winter morning. Started mixing... Wet ingredients and then alternate dry ingredients with milk. Kimmie loved running the mixer (and she loved licking the mixer blade in the end!).

After a good mixing, add the vanilla and applesauce.

Warm the grease. I love my mini cast iron dutch oven pan. It's perfect for this adventure.

Why the grease slowly heats to 350, drink coffee... Slowly... And enjoy the fact that the kids are watching cartoons and hubs is tending to the fire. And you have two seconds to enjoy the morning--by yourself.

Drop the dough in by heaping spoonfuls and let them fry up!

When they are done, let them dry for a moment on a paper towel lined plate. While they are still hot, transfer them to a paper bag with powdered sugar. Shack... vigorously... sorta like you're mad... but you just had your coffee and it's still morning so you are really not ready to be angry.

And pile them on a plate because a small mountain of home cooked doughnuts looks awesome to a four-year old! And then fry up some sausage on the side. I always have deer sausage in the freezer (aka "venison" to proper folks).

Make sure you sneak one for yourself before everyone else runs in demanding one... or two.

After I cleaned the dishes from breakfast, it wasn't long before the littles wanted lunch... and then I started a pot of chili for dinner. I was in the kitchen most the day but it's my happy place so no complaints. It was only after my son got shipped off to Grandma's for a sleep over with his cousin and the other girl cousin joined my daughter here at our house did I have a moment to sit down and reflect. I reflected that it was a good day. Thank you, Lord for I feel rested!

I hope you enjoyed your snow day as much as I did!!

With Love,

Reynie

Snackers Need Granola Bars

My kids are the eternal snackers. I’m forever hearing, “Mommy, can I have a snack?” They can live on endless supplies of goldfish, crackers, smoothies, fruit slices… you name it.

As I’ve started exploring healthier food options for my family I’ve turned a lot of focus on the snacks that we consume (because you know whatever they are snacking on, Mommy is, too!). My first goal was to cut out anything processed and that contained artificial colors. This included me taking a hard look at what my go-to snacks are and possible alternative replacements.

One of the snacking options I love because of the portability is the snack bar. They are often times loaded with sugars and other ingredients I can’t pronounce so in an effort to cut the processing out, I’ve opted to make my own. I did a little research and found several viable recipes but went down the path to modifying them to fit my family.

I have to start by saying—THIS HAS A LOT OF BUTTER! I hope on my next run of these I can figure out how to cut the butter amount and up the nutritional value. But it is also full of other wonderful ingredients that my kids love such as nuts, berries, and oats. The honey adds the sweetness. I tossed in a small amount of chocolate chips to keep them interested.

Kimmie jumped right in to help me in the kitchen while whipping these up. Start by mixing the wet ingredients.

One of my new ingredients I’m testing out is a peanut butter-coconut spread. This one might need a little more research but the kids seem to like it. I added in a small amount to give it a little more of a earthy, robust flavor.

Add oats and wheat flour and give it a good mixing. #workout! Lastly, add the assortment of extras your family likes. Press the mixture firmly into a pan and bake.

When it comes out, it will need to cool for about 15 minutes before cutting. I suggest letting it cool completely prior to chowing down. If they are still warm (albeit totally yummy that way) they will crumble. The cooling process allows for them to really “set” into form.

I gave my minis a half a bar each for an after school snack and they both gave them the “yum” smile!

I’m a big believer in homemade—you control the ingredients and less processing! And besides, anything made with love will be received with love!

Suggestions on butter substitutes? I’m all ears in growing this into a healthier version.

With Love,

Reynie

Snack "Granola" Bars

Ingredients

• 4 cups Oatmeal
• 1 cup Wheat Flour
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 2 tsp Vanilla
• 1 cup Butter, softened
• 1 cup Honey
• 1 tbsp Peanut-coconut spread
• 1 tbsp Flax seeds
• 1/2 cup Almonds
• 1/4 cup Walnuts
• 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup Chocolate chips

Cooking Directions

1. Mix wet ingredients until well blended.
2. Add oats, flour and baking soda; mix well.
3. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
4. Spread firmly into 9X13 pan
5. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes
6. Cool 15 minutes before cutting. Completely cool before eating.

Sunday Reflections

Sundays are good for several things: gettin' some Word, guilt-free naps, and a filling Sunday Southern dinner! I like to take a little time at some point in the day and reflect upon my blessings from the weekend. It helps me get my mind right for the coming weekend (although I'm lucky enough to have another "weekend" day thrown into this one as MLK is tomorrow and the kiddos and I have the day OFF!)

I started the weekend with my husband leaving me for his other girlfriend--the boat and the fish (that's multiple loves, isn't it...). I got the kids to bed for a "sleepover" and then cooked myself up a nice little dinner. Whenever hubs is gone I try something that I know he won't like. This weekends special was a tuna marinaded in soy sauce, brown sugar, and EVOO. Hubs highly opposes fish or meat with a sweet sauce. Me, not so much. 

 

Saturday started with having my little man help me make some chocolate-chip muffins from scratch. He loves to help in the kitchen. It adds a little stress but I try to work through it as I so want my kids to learn to cook and love it as I do!

What I love about January is the "nothing to do" season! December always feels so crazy that it is nice to have nothing going on. We took the time for a visit to the local library. Afterwards we fed the ducks and wondered around the surrounding park. Those fellas were hysterical--funny how tame these guys are and the ones at my house won't let you within a mile of them.

We ended the weekend with a great church visit, chili for lunch, and a nice nap. 

I love weekends like this. It just calms the soul to have close family time! #blessed

This is a hymn we sang in church this morning... always a favorite!

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
   
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

I wish you a peaceful and wonderful week!

With Love,

Reynie

Enchiladas

After trying to detox and cleanse for a number of days I was past ready for something rib-sticking and yummy! Mexican is one of my favorite foods so I grabbed a bag of my Mexican style shredded pork out of the freezer and went to cooking some enchiladas!

Anytime I can get a Boston butt on sale, I grab it up because it is so versatile in the kitchen. You can really use it in anything! The last one I made, I threw it in the crock pot with a diced onion, two cans of green chiles, and cumin spice. I often steal a good old Budweiser from my husband's beer stash and soak the butt down with that as well. I cook it on medium heat for 6-8 hours. When it's done, shred it with two forks and let it cool completely. Throw some in freezer bags and store in your freezer until your ready to use it.

I mixed the pork up with a can of green chiles, some cheese, enchilada sauce and more cumin. Pour about 1/4 can of enchilada sauce in a pan. Pile that mixer down the center of flour tortillas, roll up, and drop into a dish. 

Cover with the remaining enchilada sauce and some cheese. You're ready to bake! 

The enchiladas will come out warm and toasty. I like to let mine go a little extra long because I like the cheese crispy on the sides--but that's my own weird preference! You can top these with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and black olives if you want to go all out!

I serve it with black beans and Spanish rice.

Yum! This has definitely stuck to my ribs!

With Love,

Reynie

Enchiladas

Recipe by Reynie Banks

Prep time: 20 Minutes
Cook time: 30 Minutes
Ingredients

• 3 cups Mexican Pulled Pork
• 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese
• 1 4 oz can green chiles
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 28 oz can enchilada sauce
• 8-10 large flour tortillas

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix the meat, chiles, spice, enchilada sauce and cheese (reserving about a 1/4 portion to go on top) in a bowl.
3. Pour a little bit of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 pan, just enough to cover the bottom.
4. Lay out the flour tortillas and spoon in a few heaping spoonfuls of the meat mixture. Roll like a burrito and place in the baking dish. Repeat until all the tortillas are used.
5. Cover completely with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes.
7. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and diced black olives.

I Did It! Detox Complete

In general, my family eats pretty good year-round, but I admit, hit December and all healthy eating is over and this fat lady is singing! So, come January my sluggish, slow, bloated self is ready for something healthy so that I feel better about myself and what I'm providing my family to eat.

I always start my year with the Dr. Oz three-day cleanse. It's three days of veg and fruit packed drinks balanced with lots of water, detox baths, and probiotics. I also start back my regular exercise routine that inevitable has fallen aside for Christmas shopping and parties. 

This cleanse makes me take a trip to the store and fill my basket with lots of colorful fruits and veggies. So even though my husband and kids don't cleanse with me, they reap the benefits of good food in the house. 

The first day is great--I'm totally motivated and feel awesome!

The second day I start to crave food that I can actually chew... I need a crunch!

The third day I feel like I could chew off my arm!

Nonetheless, I survived and completed the three days with my arm in tact. 

I got all crazy this year and after the completion of the three-day cleanse, I decided to proceed the rest of the week with an additional cleansing diet: breakfast protein shake, a huge salad for lunch, and a detox soup for dinner. I can say I actually enjoyed it! And more importantly, I feel great!

Lunch looked a lot like this: spinach, 3-4 chopped veggies, and canned tuna (which I would sub with real fish any day but sometimes you close your eyes and move forward). I am not a huge fan of salad dressings as they pack fat, sugar and not a lot taste in general. I use flavored balsamic vinegars with additional spices. 

My soup that I enjoyed for dinner was made from a variation of various recipes. Basically, it included the following:

• Cabbage
• Carrotts
• Red onion
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Celery
• Garlic
• Turmic
• Veggie broth
• Water
• Salt and pepper

How much you use will depend on how much you want to make and what you like as far as the veggies go. Simply dice the veggies into small, bit-sized pieces and throw into a pot with stock and water. Allow to cook on a simmer for about an hour.  

The result? I lost two pounds but more importantly, I feel better! I'm not as tired, grouchy, irritable, and have more energy! As of Sunday, it was an entire seven days of cleanse and detox and I can honestly say that I feel 100 times better than I did before I started! If you've never done a detox, I highly recommend giving it a try. Dr. Oz has lots of good information on cleanse and detox to help you get started.

 

Here's to healthy eating!

With Love,

Reynie