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What's for Dinner Tonight? Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole

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From Taste of Home contributor, Janet McCormick of Proctorville, Ohio, this rich and tasty dish is a blend of all the Tex-Mex dishes molded into one casserole. The simplicity of it makes it a great choice for nights when time is short as it is ready in only half an hour. Add a side salad for a complete meal. Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1 cup sour cream 1-1/2 cups salsa verde, divided 8 corn (or flour) tortillas (6 inches) 2 cups chopped tomatoes 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro (or 1 tablespoon dried) 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese Optional toppings: Avocado slices, thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro leaves In a small bowl, combine the chicken, sour cream and 3/4 cup salsa. Spread 1/4 cup salsa on the bottom of a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Layer with half of the tortillas and chicken mixture; sprinkle with half the tomatoes, minced cilantro and half of the cheese. Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, tomatoes ...
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My Favorite Time of Year

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September has arrived and with it my favorite time of year in New England. In a few short weeks fall will arrive, but for now I will enjoy the bright, warm sunny days of September and the cool nights. Still a hint of summer with a preview of what's to come. I don't think there is anything more beautiful than New England in the fall. As the days grow shorter, we awaken each day to see the color on the trees grow more and more vibrant. Eventually the colors explode on the mountains and hillsides to the most breathtaking views you will ever see. I have watched this for more years than I care to admit, but I am still in awe each year when I see what Mother Nature has provided. The cool nights provide for great sleeping after the hot summer days. Leaving the windows open to enjoy the smells of fall; snuggling deep under the covers as the cool, crisp air slips in. Puts you into a nice deep sleep that you want to stay in for as long as possible. Swimming and boating on the lake are sl...
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Another Year

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Today, another year has passed, and all I can think of is how fast it has gone. When I started this blog in 2012, I could not imagine that I would still be writing it fourteen years later. I guess it has become a way to escape, and to share the joy, sadness, and thoughts on life and events that have occurred along the way. When I look at my grandchildren, I am quickly reminded how many years have passed; it seems like only yesterday that they were young children, and now all of them are young adults. So many wonderful memories have been made along the way, and I hope that these memories will stay with them and bring a smile to their face in the years to come. There have been many wonderful vacations, and I have seen things that I never thought I would. Some places have been closer to home than others, but all were wonderful adventures. The trips to England and Scotland, and later to Austria, Italy and Sicily opened my eyes to a part of the world filled with ancient history. We enjoyed ...
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Let's Have Brunch - Overnight Oatmeal

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There is nothing better on a cool morning than a nice hot bowl of oatmeal. Even as a child I liked oatmeal - especially when it was topped with brown sugar or raisins. This recipe makes having "real" oatmeal easy since it is cooked overnight in a slow cooker. Great for all those busy working mothers who want to give their children a good start to their day. Overnight Oatmeal   Vegetable shortening. for the slow cooker 1 cup whole milk, plus more for serving 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup steel-cut oats 2 apples peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces Toppings such as almonds, pecans, chocolate chips, maple syrup, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, dried cranberries, fresh berries or your child's favorite toppings, for serving   1. Generously grease a 5–6-quart slow cooker with the shortening.   2. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and 4 cups water. Gently stir in the oats, apples and butter. Cook...
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I Remember Who You Were

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Although it is not always a perfect life, it has been filled with love, hopes and dreams. Places we have gone and things we have seen, forever memories that can be recalled. Years go by giving time no thought, with so much in our future to do. We take for granted the life we have, never imagining what road lies ahead. One day things begin to slowly change, a memory lapse from time to time. Written off as not paying attention, or listening to what has been said. As time passes it is too much to ignore, and a search for an answer ensues. The words they speak too difficult to absorb, will overwhelm and take your breath away. Far too young for this to be true, disbelief at what you have been told. The only thing that can be done, is to try and slow it down. The long goodbye they call it, you have no understanding of what this means. The journey you are about to embark on, is far more than you could ever surmise. At first the changes are minor, everyday life remains much the same. We go and...
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Dog Days of Summer

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Sirius, the Dog Star, has risen with the sun, bringing July's hot, sultry, summer days. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed these times, could drive dogs and men mad from the heat. The Dog Days of Summer bring to mind, extreme heat with air like pea soup. Some days it is almost impossible, to find the energy to get up and move. Children seem to be impervious to this heat, running and jumping without a care. Give them the ocean, a lake or pool, and they can withstand the sun all day. Dogs and cats will spend their time, lounging for most of the day. Give them a beautiful, shaded spot, and this is where they will choose to remain. With age we become wiser and slower, taking our time to accomplish one thing. Moving too quickly in this extreme heat, will only exhaust us far too soon. July and August will bring much more heat, and will test our endurance and spirit. If we just take our time and slow down a bit, the Dog Days of Summer will not drive us mad.
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Coffee and Dessert - Homemade Crunch Bars

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From Jamielyn Nye at https://www.iheartnaptime.net , this recipe for homemade crunch bars could not be any easier. Made with only 3 ingredients, they can be ready within 30 minutes. With the crispy chocolate and peanut butter taste that you love, they are sure to be a big hit with you family. Homemade Crunch Bars 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips 1/3 cup peanut butter 1 cup Rice Krispies flaked sea salt, optional Line an 8x8 square baking dish with parchment paper. Place 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips and 1/3 cup peanut butter in a medium sized microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. When the chocolate is smooth and melted, add 1 cup Rice Krispies and stir well. Spread into prepared baking dish, dust with flaked sea salt if desired. Freeze for 15-20 minutes. Cut into 8 bars. Place in a freezer safe container and store in the freezer until ready to serve.
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