Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

My sister made this dish for me and her when I was visiting in California and I wanted to try them out at home with a few modifications. It’s a messy process with a tasty result.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, rough chopped
  • 1 pound tomatillos, husks removed, washed and rough chopped
  • 1 Poblano chile, seeded and rough chopped
  • 1 Anaheim or Jalapeno chile, seeded and rough chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups fresh cilantro
  • 1-1/2 cups Mexican Crema or sour cream
  • 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1-1/2 cups or more grated Mexican cheese blend, or Monterey Jack.
  • 10-12 corn tortillas

Tomatillos are also called “tomate verde” in Mexico (which means green tomato) and are considered a staple in Mexican cooking.  Tomatillo is a member of the nightshade family, related to tomatoes.They grow in a husk.

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the onion and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionaly.
  4. Add the chiles, tomatillos, garlic, and seasonings to the onions and cook for 8-10 minutes.
  5. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a food processor, add the cilantro, and pulse to a rough chop.
  6. Add the crema and puree until smooth.
  7. Taste sauce and add more salt if needed.
  8. Spread 1-1/4 cups of this sauce in bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.
  9. Transfer the remaining sauce to a medium sized bowl.
  10. In a large bowl combine chicken and 3/4 cup of the sauce.
  11. Add the corn and 3/4 shredded cheese to the chicken mixture.
  12. Wrap the tortillas in double layer of damp paper towels; microwave on high until soft, about 1 minute.
  13. Working with one tortilla at a time, dip in the remaining sauce in medium bowl shaking off any excess.
  14. Place on a work surface like a large plate or cutting board (this is the messy part!).
  15. Add about 1/2 cup of the chicken filling, roll up and place in baking dish seam side down.
  16. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, I had enough filling for 10 tortillas.
  17. Spoon any remaining sauce on top of the rolled tortillas.
  18. Sprinkle remaining grated cheese evenly on top, cheese lovers can add more cheese if desired.
  19. Bake until the cheese begins to brown, 12-15 minutes.
  20. Serves 4-6 people.

Although there are many steps to making these creamy Suiza style enchiladas the effort is worth it. If you like heat add one or two jalapeno chiles instead of the Anaheim chile.

I
I found that with all the sauce and the melted cheese it was hard to distinguish each enchilada. Just split up the pan in even portions for your family or friends.

Puzzle Highlight

Our kids left a puzzle for me last weekend. This was a fun one to put together and it came together quickly. I was happy to see the puzzle poster included.

A trip to the seashore would be lovely.

One last weekend ahead in March. It has been a good relational month for us. What was a highlight of March in your corner?

Truth for Today #137

Thursday March 27th

On Thursdays my posts will include verses that stood out in my readings from the Bible during week. One, two, three or maybe more. If you have a verse/verses that you read during the week and would like to share, leave it/them in the comments and I will add it/them to the post. Let’s dig deep in God’s Truth again this year!

The verses that you share are appreciated and so encouraging, I’m thankful for them and for each of you! 

Hebrews 7:23-28

 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,  but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.  For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

From Vera:

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

From Karen:

Romans 5:8.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Moving Into Spring Hodgepodge

Joyce is rolling out some fresh Hodgepodge Questions for us. 

1. Spring has officially sprung (in the northern hemisphere anyway)…did she roll in more like a lion or more like a lamb in your neck of the woods? What needs more of your attention in terms of a good spring clean this year-your house or your garden/yard? 

It rolled in more like a lamb.

I’m going with garden/yard. There will be a scheduling of window washing inside and out, soon.

The great thing about Spring is the fact that both Addy and JJ were born in Spring and we get to have family celebrations for them and then the ultimate celebration in Spring is Easter when we celebrate the new life available to us because of what Jesus accomplished on the Cross and his Resurrection.

2. What’s put a spring in your step lately? 

Family love always puts a spring in my step. Along with that, Spring blooms lighten my heart.

3. When you were a kid, what was the best snack to find in your lunchbox? If you didn’t do the lunchbox thing, tell us what was your favorite after school snack. 

We took sack lunches to school growing up. I’m trying to remember if there was ever an added snack and I don’t think so. I think milk was provided by the school for a small amount of money.

4. In what area of your life are you planting seeds ? 

In my Spiritual life through God’s Truth, the Bible, and hopefully the fruit it produces in my life is evident to everyone in my life, especially my grandkids!

Hosea 10:12 ~ Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

Galatians 6:8 ~ For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

5. Why do you live where you do? Would you consider living somewhere else? Why or why not? 

We were on the verge of Greg’s retirement and our first grandchild was born so it was a no brainer to move to a more affordable area of our state within a few miles from where our grandchildren would grow up. At this stage moving again is not on our radar.

The only reason I’d want to move elsewhere is the crazy legislation our state is trying to pass to tax us more and more and make life harder for the common person.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We had so much fun celebrating Addy this past weekend. She requested a Hardy Boys Mystery Theme for her party and it was a hoot! My full birthday post is here.

Keep as much spring as possible in your steps dear people!

It’s No Mystery…

…we love her to pieces!

On Saturday we gathered to celebrate Addy turning eight. She requested a Hardy Boys Mystery Themed party. We were each given a character from the books to be on this day. Wigs, scarves, and other costume choices were made.

Mr. Hardy, Mrs. Hardy, Frank, Joe, Iola, Calli, Belinda, Biff, Ethel, Chief Collig, were all present and accounted for. A few more characters were due to arrive.

Eight is Great!

Mysteries were solved and clues were followed. Which shoe made what print?

I’m sorry I didn’t take a photo of the 3×5 treasure hunt clues we found all over the house that Addy’s dad wrote out for us to follow to find the treasure!

When all the characters arrived, we enjoyed baked potatoes with many toppings for lunch.

Orange Creme soda and root beer right out of a bottle will be a fun memory.

After lunch it was time for presents before we enjoyed the cake.

It’s getting easier each year for Addy to read the cards on her own.

The last present to open was her new scooter and she was thrilled! Uncle Andrew, the aeronautical engineer, was given the task to put it together!

Time for Cake!

 

The cake was another masterpiece by Addy’s mom. It was a delicious S’mores cake!

When you are eight, you get to light the candle on the cake!

 

Another great birthday celebration in the books.

And for the record this wasn’t the only celebration on this day. After Addy’s party was done, we gathered again at Gramps and Baba’s for a Chinese themed dinner of Hot and Sour Soup (homemade). Our kids put this meal together while Baba watched a movie with Addy and JJ. We gather the moments when our kids from the Westside are in town! After dinner we introduced SKYJO to everyone.

Our family highly recommends this game and it can entertain a wide range of ages! Tested at our home for 8 year olds and up!

On Sunday we all gathered at church for the early service and we were surprised with a special number by Addy on the piano. Our country church includes from time to time special numbers that anyone from the congregation can share with the church. Addy chose to play It is Well with My Soul as a special gift for me. Yes, there were tears.

Thank you, Addy. Baba loves you and is so happy that you love Jesus. Baba and Gramps pray that you will grow closer and closer to Our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ each new year of your life.

Because of Jesus, It is Well With My Soul.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms ~ Hymn

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

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.

Refrain

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

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

Refrain

What have I to dread? What have I to fear?
Leaning on the ev­er­last­ing arms;
I have bless­èd peace
With my Lord so near,
Leaning on the ev­er­last­ing arms.

Refrain

Words: Elisha A. Hoffman, 1887.

Brisket Chili

I was intrigued when I saw a chili recipe using brisket and decided to adapt it to our liking. The meat was so nice and tender at the end. This is a recipe that will feed a group of 20 easily. My photo at the end shows the chili with more of the toppings we had available to add. As usual you should adjust the seasonings to your own liking or tolerance of spices.

Ingredients:

  • 5 pounds of brisket, cubed. (I had the butcher chop it up for me)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large sweet onion chopped
  • 3-6 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 2 red peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 – 28oz. cans of chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 12oz. bottle of dark sweet beer (Imperial Russian Stout) optional
  • 2 (approx. 15 oz.) cans beans of your choice (I used pinto)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

Suggested toppings:

  • Chopped fresh tomatoes
  • Grated cheese
  • Chopped avocado
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Chopped green onions (scallions)
  • Sour Cream

Method:

  1. Heat oil in heavy bottomed large dutch oven pot and brown meat in batches.
  2. Remove the meat and keep separately in another container.
  3. In the meantime saute the onion and garlic in the same large pot over medium heat till softened.
  4. Add the chili powder, cumin, pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper and saute for 1 minute.
  5. Add the red peppers, bay leaf, tomatoes with juice and return the meat to the pot.
  6. Add the salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
  7. Reduce heat and cover pot tightly and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste and add more seasonings if needed.
  8. Add the beer, cover pot and simmer for another hour or more.
  9. Add the beans and cilantro and heat through.
  10. Serve with suggested toppings or your favorites.

A salad, saltines, or cornbread would be nice along with the chili.

Birthday Getaway

First things first…Happy Spring everyone!!

The Roosevelt Inn on Wallace in Coeur d’Alene.

Our room included the bell tower with beautiful views. The three windows on the right side of the building on the third floor were part of our room and then there was a flight of stairs to get up to the bell tower sitting area with telescope and great views of the area.

Welcome to The Roosevelt Inn,  a stunning Coeur d’Alene inn.  This grand brick building was the first permanent schoolhouse established in 1905. Now, experience historic elegance at The Roosevelt Inn a romantic and relaxing bed and breakfast located in the heart of beautiful downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

The above is the webpage write up for the Inn. The last time we spent the night at the Inn was for my 70th birthday and at that time they had ‘sold the Inn’. We found out that that sale fell through and they’ve had 7 subsequent sales that all fell through. This time, 4 years later, it is sold again and will be final by May. It is a relaxing environment and the rooms are nice but the elegance is waning  and stunning as a description is a stretch. We enjoyed our stay and the owners are welcoming.

On Tuesday morning we were able to order our breakfast as we wanted it and it was prepared well. The other breakfast items stocked in the breakfast room gave you a great variety to choose from.

We enjoyed our shopping stops in CDA. On Monday after we had a nice lunch in Rathdrum, we stopped at the Union Gospel Mission Thrift store, a couple vintage shops and a local grocery store called Pilgrim’s Market. Pilgrim’s Market is a lot like Whole Foods. Home Depot was our first stop after breakfast on Tuesday and where I chose a shorter hedge trimmer and new blower for yard work coming up soon. The new Sierra store was our second stop and we made some purchases there. Sierra is part of the HomeGoods, TJMaxx, Marshalls group. On to Costco where we got gasoline for $2.89 WOW! A used book store was our last stop in CDA before heading back across the state line to Washington. Sales tax is only 6% in CDA so when we are visiting we like to make any purchases that we need to take advantage of that. In Washington we stopped at another Union Gospel Mission Thrift store and found some good books, tools and a clothing item.

We made it back home before dark. It was a good overnight. Our weather range over the two days was decent enough to glorious.

Today is Friday and sometime later today our ‘Westside’ kids will all be here along with our Colville kids to start the beginning of a birthday weekend. Addy will be celebrated on Saturday and there will also be one more family celebration for my birthday. The fun just keeps rolling in.

Truth for Today #136

Thursday March 20th

On Thursdays my posts will include verses that stood out in my readings from the Bible during week. One, two, three or maybe more. If you have a verse/verses that you read during the week and would like to share, leave it/them in the comments and I will add it/them to the post. Let’s dig deep in God’s Truth again this year!

The verses that you share are appreciated and so encouraging, I’m thankful for them and for each of you! 

John 14:21

Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.

From Vera:

‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭40‬-‭41‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:”

From Karen:

Job 22:21

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

From Cheryl:

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:7-8)

Green Without Envy Hodgepodge

It’s time once again for Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Many shades of green were enjoyed by our family on St. Patrick’s Day. Greg and I enjoyed a St. Patrick’s day lunch in Rathdrum, Idaho on our way to Coeur d’Alene. We ate at the Westwood Brewery on Main Street. Friendly staff and good food. My Mocktail was on their March specials. More about our getaway coming soon. Addy’s Irish Dance Group performed again at one of the elementary schools in town.

Thank you Joyce From This Side of the Pond for our Wednesday Hodgepodge Questions! 

1. I write the Hodgepodge questions so they’ll post on Sunday, which sometimes throws me off in terms of what day it is. St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated on Monday, March 17th. Did you mark the day in some way? Wear green? Make a special meal? Watch or participate in a parade? 

On Monday, St. Patrick’s Day, we had an overnight getaway to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for my birthday. We stayed at an old converted School house B&B for the night. Last Thursday we enjoyed Corn Beef and Cabbage at the Senior Hub in Colville with entertainment from Addy’s Irish Dance Group.

2. Do you think luck plays a part in your life? Explain. 

No I do not. My life lies in the hands of a Sovereign God and His Providence. Piper defines this Providence as “Purposeful Sovereignty”. God accomplishes His will on our behalf.

3. Of the 15 green foods listed, which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared?

Avocado is a favorite in any form; fresh out of the skin, on toast, chopped in salads, or fresh guacamole. Cucumbers are also a favorite.

Any on the list that are a hard no for you?

Nope

In general do you like fruits and veggies?

Yes

As a kid did you eat them willingly or did you hide peas in your napkin hoping your momma wouldn’t see? 

Many of these green items didn’t make it into my mom’s cooking when we were young. Cucumber and celery and pistachios and spinach were some common items in my mom’s cooking or snack foods. I didn’t meet the other green items until my college years and beyond!

Asparagus, avocado, broccoli, celery, cucumber, grape, green bean, kale, kiwi, lettuce, lime, 
pear, peas, pistachios, spinach

4. What’s something that makes you ‘turn green’? (with envy or with illness… whichever way you want to run with it)

It’s a mild green but I can be envious of those of you who have so many choices for good eateries in your own backyard. We joke around here in Colville about our slim pickins.

5. Did you spend a lot of time outdoors as a child? Doing what? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors now? Doing what? 

I did spend a lot of time outdoors as a child playing neighborhood games, jacks, going to the park, hide and seek, jump rope, tether ball. Nowadays winter finds us more housebound here. Later in Spring and Summer we start our yard work and we walk more.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This is the historical establishment we stayed at in Coeur d’Alene. More about our stay in a later post.

 

March is speeding along. Tomorrow is our granddaughter’s 8th birthday and we’ll be celebrating her with all our family this coming weekend. Tomorrow is also the first day of Spring!

Happy Spring, Hodgepodgers and all who find themselves here.