On My Mind Today

This recipe for Chicken Francese is from  www.saltandlavender.com  and  has golden  pan-fried  chicken in a delicious buttery lemon sauce. I recently made it when my  granddaughter  was here, and she can be a bit of a picky eater, and not much of a lemon lover. It was a big hit with her, and we loved it too. You can make this restaurant favorite at home in about half an hour! Chicken Francese 2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise Salt & pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 cup flour + 1 tablespoon flour divided use 2 eggs lightly beaten 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup chicken broth or 50/50 chicken broth and dry white wine 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 lemon sliced into thin rings For serving: chopped parsley, freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, to taste Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner cutlets. Place them between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and then pound thin (to about 1/4...

 Whether times in our life are good or bad, I do believe that there is always a lesson we are supposed to learn. The question is, are we open to receiving the message? Too often we are caught up in whatever is going on to see what is right in front of us. When wonderful things happen like getting married or having a child, we sometimes are so wrapped up in making plans, or caring for a fussy baby, that we don't fully appreciate these blessings. The days filled with sunshine and fun with family and friends pass far too quickly. An exciting new job, promotions at work, traveling to new places, and so many more great moments in our life. Perhaps we have fleeting moments of appreciation, but are we receiving the message? These wonderful times are ones we need to never forget, as we will need these memories and lessons later in life. Even in difficult times, there is a lesson for us to learn. We may not always understand why we are given stress, struggle or sadness, but if we are o...

We are children of the 60's and changing times. Witness to an escalation of the Vietnam war, anti-war protests, the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and sexual revolution. We were the love generation, the hippie generation, and the counterculture movement. Psychedelic colors, drugs, and rock music were an integral part of our world. We saw the assassination of President Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King's March on Washington. We all believed when he spoke so eloquently, about having a dream for a better tomorrow. We challenged our government, and brought great change politically and socially. We were young Americans rebelling against tradition, men wore long hair and women miniskirts. We embraced Mother Nature, and became environmentalists. Demanding change and protection, through political activism. We saw the Soviet Luna 9 land on the moon, and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk on the moon. The FDA approved the first birth control pill, changing how we looked...

It's that time of year when zucchini is plentiful. There are many options available for finding new recipes, and I found this one on social media. I thought it was worth trying and I'm glad I did as it is amazing! I love zucchini and find that there are always new ways to prepare this versatile vegetable. Give it a try - I'm sure it will become a favorite for you too. Zucchini Boats 2 medium zucchini, stem end cut off and sliced in half lengthwise olive oil minced garlic salt and pepper grape tomatoes plain or seasoned breadcrumbs small mozzarella balls grated Parmesan fresh basil 1. Scoop out center of zucchini halves. Mix olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper, and brush on the zucchini. 2. Cut grape tomatoes in half and place on the zucchini, then sprinkle breadcrumbs over the tomatoes. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until just turning tender. 3. Remove from oven and place mozzarella balls on top of each zucchini half, then broil until melted. Brush with a ...

Spirituality: the quality or state of being spiritual. of or relating to religion or religious beliefs of or relating to a person's spirit When I think of spirituality, the second definition is the one I relate to. I do believe in God, but I do not think of myself as a highly religious person; one who follows a specific religion. However, I am a very spiritual person. Spiritual in the sense that I feel very connected to the earth and nature. I do believe we are linked far more than many may think. Those outside the Native American culture often confuse religion with spirituality. Native American spirituality includes a strong reverence for animal life, the environment and each other. Although many tribes practice different spiritual ceremonies and rituals, the main feature is the relationship of man with the land. There are times in my life when I have felt that I was losing my way, or when outside forces have easily overwhelmed me. These times have also coincided with periods when...

My old-fashioned traditional Whoopie Pie recipe is great; they are always delicious and other Whoopie Pies never seem to compare. I recently decided that I would like to make adjustments to my recipe for a new flavor. Since I am a fan of Mexican chocolate cake, I came up with some changes and additions. I added chili powder and cinnamon in the cake and substituted some cold brewed coffee and cocoa powder in the filling. Not only did they smell amazing while they were in the oven, but the results were outstanding! Mexican Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Mocha Filling 1-1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 1/2 cup sour milk* 1/2 cup cocoa and 1/2 cup hot water (I used dark cocoa powder) 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 cup mini chocolate chips * To sour milk, add 1-1/2 teaspoons vinegar  or  lemon juice and enough milk to make 1/2 cup) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 1. In a me...