What's for Dinner Wednesday~

This is a tasty dish we made last night.  I had picked up a copy of Thinner Dinners for Two, by Cuisine Tonight while shopping at Whole Foods.  We doubled the recipe as #2 was eating with us.

Cajun Jambalaya

Not the best picture, as it was taken from a quickly grabbed Iphone, but it tasted good nonetheless.

Combine:
1 3/4 C water
1/2 C dry brown rice
1/2 C diced onion
1 dried bay leaf

Stir in:
6 oz. Cajun-style link chicken sausage, sliced (such as Johnsonville) *we used andouille as they were out of chicken sausage
1/2 C diced celery
1/2 C diced green bell pepper
1 Tbsp. tomato paste (such as Hunt's) (despite my slight allergy to tomatoes, this little amount I had no issues with)
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. minced fresh garlic
1/2 tsp. hot chili powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Garnish:
Sliced scallions (we omitted as #2 cannot eat them)

Combine water, rice, onion, and bay leaf in saucepan; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, 20 minutes.
Stir in sausage, celery, bell pepper, tomato paste, thyme, garlic, chili powder, and cayenne; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes.
Off heat, let jambalaya stand, covered, until remaining liquid is absorbed, 5-10 minutes.
Garnish servings with scallions.

Tasty, hearty bowl of comfort food for a cold winter's night.

Christmas 2014 and the New Year~

When you are empty nesters, like the hubby and I, nothing brings you more joy during the holidays than to have your children back in the nest.  We enjoyed several days of the girls being home leading up to and then after Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve is full of tradition for our family.  Attending Christmas service at our church, coming home to take pictures before changing into more comfy clothes for the evening, hot oil fondue, the girls finding their pickles in the tree so they can open the boxes containing their new Christmas PJs, and then getting messy and a little carried away decorating gingerbread houses.

Our #1

and #2

Our biggest blessings...

Very proud mom...

and dad...

 Traditional hot oil fondue Christmas Eve dinner~

Let the mess fun begin...

and, the princess, of course (she loves her pjs but not so sure about the hair bow)

and lastly,  our traditional sour cream coffee cake waiting to be devoured on Christmas morning.

I wanted to take a moment to thank each of you (those who take the time to comment and those who just pop in for a look around) for making this a special place for me.   I cherish the friendships I have made blogging, but more than that I am beyond thankful for those who prayed for and with me this past year.  In a world where things aren't always so pleasant, people are hurting or in need, or facing a health crisis, it is comforting to know there are those out there who do truly care, aren't afraid to share as someone else may have or is going through what you are,  and willing to pray for one another.

I will be back in the next couple days with my thoughts on the New Year, and the word I have chosen for the year as well.

Many Blessings to each of you my friends!!

Final Reflection of 2014~

My sweet uncle shared this quote with me.  How very true!!