I hope you’re having a great summer so far. I’m working more hours than ever but that just means that I am making time with my family and even bigger priority, which kind of evens it out. It’s amazing how little time we spend with those around us, even though we may be in the same house or even the same room. I’ve found that unless I make it a point, spend time with a purpose, I’m not really connecting with the kids.
I was reminded of that this morning when I was trying to take a quick shower and both kids kept coming into the bathroom to talk to me. I got a little frustrated for a moment and thought “Isn’t anything sacred?” and then that voice in my head answered “Yes, every moment of your time with them is sacred, so enjoy it now.”
It hit me in that moment how wonderful my life is that I have these two kids who want to talk to me so much that they can’t seem to go fifteen minutes without telling me about something, showing me something they drew, or giving me a hug. These are sacred moments. We may feel a little stressed by them from time to time but whenever I do I try to take a moment to step back and imagine how awful it would be were any one of my blessings taken away. That job you complain about- What if you lost it today? Your mother who calls too much – one day you’d give anything to hear her voice one last time so savor it now. The dirty dishes in the kitchen – what if you didn’t have food to feed your family?
It all puts it in perspective. So if you find yourself, in the course of your busy day riddled with interruptions, thinking “Is nothing sacred?” , just answer yourself right off “Yes, it sure is. So enjoy it.”
To give you more of that sacred time, and avoid heating up your house, here is one of my favorite summer supper recipes. It uses a microwave, which always surprises people when they taste it. I think folks expect a microwaved casserole to be tough and chewy, but you’ll find this one is cooked just right. I came upon this recipe in one of those little checkout cookbooks right after Ricky and I got married. Every recipe in that cookbook was good and wouldn’t you know, I lost it within the year ~laughs at her own disorganization~. Fortunately, I had this one memorized because I had made it so much! My husband and I love it and it also reheats well. Packed with flavor and ready to go from start to finish in under ten minutes.
Now let’s get cooking so we can get back enjoying all of those sacred moments!
You’ll need: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, two flour tortillas, chopped green chilies, taco seasoning, shredded chicken, and some french fried onions.
I like to pick up a rotisserie chicken for a quick lunch on those crazy days. I can usually get one for the same price of an uncooked fryer so it’s like someone did the work for me. I just have some for lunch and save the rest for this casserole! Another great way to get chicken on the cheap is to buy leg quarters in ten pound bags. I boil all of the leg quarters in a large stock pot, shred and bag the chicken, and then use the stock for chicken noodle soup or chicken stew.
You’ll also need some fresh cilantro.
This really makes the dish for me so I splurge and spend the dollar or so that it costs. You can also grow cilantro on your own if you like.
This year I’m growing basil and parsley out in my sunroom. I figure I’ll dip my toes in the water before going for an all out herb garden.
Now lets get started. This is SUPER easy and it’s gonna go fast so stay with me here :).
Chop your fresh cilantro…
Then dump all of your ingredients into a large mixing bowl
Note: We’re saving half of the cheese and half of the onions for the topping. Exact measurements are at the bottom, of course.
Stir that all up until well combined – or close enough 🙂
It’s not like the world is gonna end if we don’t stir it just right.
Now take one of your tortillas and tear it into small pieces and add that to the bowl also.
Now stir it up again.
Place a tortilla in a microwave safe pie plate.
Spoon your mixture into it.
I love this tablecloth. I got it on clearance after Christmas at Target for under five dollars. I wash this thing several times a week and keep putting it right back on the table. I’m going to hate it when it finally suffers a stain I can’t wash out!
Microwave for five minutes.
Remove from Microwave and top with remaining french fried onions…
and cheese.
Return to the microwave for another minute or until cheese is melted.
Enjoy a flavor packed supper in a cool kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken give or take, just use however much you have
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup french fried onion divided
- 4 ounce chopped green chilies
- 1 pkg taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 -10 inch flour tortillas
Instructions
- Place chicken, sour cream, half of cheese, half of onions, chopped green chilies, taco seasoning, and chopped cilantro in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to combine. Tear one tortilla into small pieces and add to bowl, stirring again until well incorporated.
- Line a pie plate with remaining tortilla and spoon mixture into it. Place in microwave for five minutes.* Remove and top with remaining onions and cheese. Microwave for one minute more, or until cheese is melted. Enjoy!
- *Note: Microwave ovens vary widely in temperature so you may need to alter the cooking time to suit your microwave. Since the chicken is fully cooked, there isn't a danger of undercooking this meal so you can just go with these guidelines and give or take a minute or so if you feel it needs it. This is a VERY flavorful casserole and leftovers heat up really well.
Nutrition
Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless, remain that way.
Say nothing, and listen as heaven whispers, “Do you like it? I did it just for you.”
– Max Lucado
Yum
