Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Simple Veggie Chili


Who doesn't like an easy recipe?
As much as I love to cook and bake, some days I'm just not in the mood.
This chili recipe is perfect for those cool Autumn days ahead.





Do you follow recipes? 
 When I cook I usually use a recipe the first time and after that I adapt the dish to my taste. 

Simple Veggie Chili

1-28 oz. can Hunt's Crushed Tomatoes
2 cups V-8 Vegetable Juice
1 cup Morning Star Farms Grillers Crumbles* (found in frozen food section)
1-15.5 oz. can Goya Black Beans, rinsed
1-15.5 oz. can Goya Small White Beans, rinsed
1-15.5 oz. can Goya Red Kidney Beans, rinsed
1 small can diced green chili's
1 large onion, diced
3 large celery stalks, chopped
2 frying peppers, sliced
Cumin
Chili Powder
Red Pepper Flakes or Powder
Kosher Salt

*If you don't want to use the veggie crumbles, replace with ground beef or whatever you choose.

In a medium stock pot add tomatoes, vegetable juice, rinsed beans and chili's.
In a medium saute pan add diced onion, chopped celery and sliced frying peppers. Add a bit of water or olive oil to quickly fry up your veggies until slightly soft. Drain and add to stock pot. In same pan heat crumbles thoroughly (see package instructions) add to stock pot. Season with desired amount of cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes or powder and kosher salt. I didn't give amounts because I add until I like the taste.  I tend to load my food with hot spices-we like hot!
Cook over medium heat, stir and bring to a light boil. Turn to medium-low and continue cooking for about 2 hours, stir occasionally. I cook the chili down to the consistency I like. If it gets too thick, add a little more V-8 juice. 

Hope this keeps you warm.
Enjoy!


Friday, October 4, 2013

Adirondack Autumn

To me there's nothing more beautiful than the mountains.
I was lucky to get a quick trip to the Adirondack's this week
where the foliage is at peak.
Hope you enjoy the tour! 










Have a great weekend!
-Lynn





Saturday, September 28, 2013

Spaghetti Squash With Parmesan

Autumn has arrived and with it comes a few menu changes at my house.
I always incorporate the veggies of the season into our meals.
One of our favorites is spaghetti squash with parmesan.
It's an easy dish to prepare and can be served as a side or an entree.


Spaghetti Squash With Parmesan

1 Large Spaghetti Squash
Water
Salt & Pepper
Fresh Shaved Parmesan
Nutmeg (optional)

Wash spaghetti squash, cut in half lengthwise, scrape seeds from center and discard. Place squash face down in baking dish, add water-about 1".  Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes turn squash over, cover and bake 15 more minutes. When tender remove squash and scrape into dish, discard the outer skin. Gently shred squash with fork, add desired salt, pepper, parmesan and nutmeg (optional).

Serve and enjoy.


Hope you're having a great weekend!

-Lynn

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Nature's Secret

 Adopt the pace of nature:
her secret is patience.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson





Words to live by.
Have a peaceful week.

-Lynn

Sunday, September 1, 2013

A Walk In The Vanderbilt Gardens


My daughter left for college last week  :( 
Before she left we planned a few activities we enjoy.
We both like to take photos, so we decided to visit
the Italian Gardens at the Vanderbilt.



We looked forward to our day,
 but as we got out of the car we noticed the sky north of us was quite dark!
Then we heard thunder-really?
And, it was pretty hot and humid!
We walked to the gardens anyway-hoping the rain would stay away.


The sun kept shining over the gardens.


No rain here!








We did take a lot of photos, but didn't stay too long.
After a few more rumbles of thunder in the distance we rushed to the car
and fled to Dairy Queen!
What's better on a hot day?!

Hope you enjoyed the visit.
Enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Late Summer Garden

Hello.
It has been a loooong time since I've done a blog post,
April 17th to be exact.
I hope everyone is well, 
I've missed reading your blogs.
Time to start catching up!

I thought I'd jump back in with a few photos from my garden.





Luckily some of the perennials have flourished this summer.
I didn't spend time in my garden this year
 and was happy that the rudbeckia took over-
and the purple cone flower.





 The marigolds this year were from seed
 and they look great!
I just love their deep contrasting colors.


Hope you enjoyed the flowers.
I look forward to catching up with everyone's blogs!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Inspired By Nature


Finally, a few flowers have bloomed
and the buds are starting to Pop! on the trees and bushes.
Boy am I ready for Spring!





I have been working on a few little projects-
another set of planters, this set has green leaves.


A set of blossom hair pins...




and a pencil holder for my desk.


I'm also working on a mixed-media piece-to be posted when finished.

Seems like most of my projects are inspired by nature.
I love taking photos while hiking.
Most of my paintings are seascapes or gardens. 
 I make a lot of flowers for mixed-media pieces and for accessories.
And, I like to incorporate branches, leaves, moss, etc. into my work.

Nature gives me a feeling of peace and renewal.

What inspires you?

Hope you're having a great week!

-Lynn

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Pretty Pink Blossoms



Ah, there's nothing like a warm spring day!
Little buds and blossoms greeting the sunshine.

We were a bit south of New York this weekend
and there were actually blossoms on the tree's!

Now, I can't complain today, it is 75 degrees here-perfect weather.
  Mother Nature is teasing us!


Hope you're enjoying some nice spring weather where you are today!

-Lynn



Thursday, March 14, 2013

Winter Wildflower


Beauty can be found in all seasons.


Here in the northeast it's still chilly.
 I see daffodil leaves peeking out of the ground in my front yard.
While waiting for spring flowers to arrive,
I thought I'd share a photo I took at Lake Minnewaska.
To me this winter wildflower is just as pretty as any spring bloom.
I love the textures.

Sometimes we just need to take the time to look a little closer.

Hope you're having a good week!