Close to Home~

In lieu of What's for Dinner Wednesday, I am asking for prayers for those in my home state effected by the storms today. Lives have been changed.  I know many were effected across the southeast today.

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Difficult Days...

Sorry for the lack of posts.  Good intentions are sometimes side-tracked by God's plan.  I don't know if I have mentioned this or not, but I have gone back to teaching the "littles"...those I affectionately love and adore for their innocence.  I am a part of a CBS group in my area and am truly blessed to teach the young 2s every Wednesday.  Oh, to be young and innocent again?!!!   On top of that, my mother has been experiencing some painful side effects from a vein procedure and now may be facing treatments due to spinal degenerative disc disease. Life is unpredictable, but God is always in control and knows what is best.  If only we are willing to stop, be still, and listen.  I had hoped to be blogging on a regular basis this new year, but God has other plans.  And, truth be told...they come first and foremost!  Please pray for clarity as I teach the little ones each week, and pray for my mother and dad ( bless his heart he is at his wits end).  God is in control, and the plan has already been written.   We just need to just follow him.  Sometimes easier said then done!

What's for Dinner Wednesday~

Winter...cold, dry, dreary=Comfort Food!  And, what better than two cold weather favorites combined?  Chili and Mac-n-Cheese?

This recipe comes from the Best of Cooking Light 2013 magazine.

Chili-Cheese Mac

Hands-on time: 20 min.
Total time: 20 min.

1 tsp canola oil
3/4 lb ground round
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground corriander
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
2 C fat-free, lower-sodium beef broth
1 C water
1 (10 oz) can mild diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 C fat-free milk
4 oz 1/3 -less-fat cream cheese
4.5 oz finely shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil. Add beef and next 4 ingredients (through chili powder); cook 3 minutes. Add broth, 1 cup water, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni; cover and cook 10 minutes or until macaroni is done.  Heat milk and cream cheese in a saucepan over medium high heart. Cook 4 minutes or until cheese melts, stirring frequently.  Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar.  Add cheese sauce to macaroni mixture; toss well to coat.

***side note-we found it to be a bit thin in consistency, so we put it in the oven for a few minutes to thicken up (worked like a charm).

It was delicious.  The green chiles give it just a bit of a kick.  Hubby and I reminisced and said it reminded us of a "healthier, grown-up version of Hamburger Helper"...LOL