I decided to update my banner, I figured with it being a new year, we needed a new one :) Please update your banners when participating ok???

Welcome to my weekly Crockpot Recipes Exchange. It's such a great way to share your favorite dishes or to learn some new ones to make for your family.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

1 whole chicken, cooked, skinned, deboned
and cut into bite size pieces
1 can cream of celery soup
1 c. sour cream
3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/3 c. green chiles, chopped
1/3 c. jalapenos, chopped (if desired)
Dash of nutmeg
6 to 8 thick flour tortillas
1 (10 oz.) can green chile sauce
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Dash of chili powder

Mix together soup, sour cream, cream cheese, dash of nutmeg, dash of chili powder, green chiles and jalapenos. Add chicken and toss.

Spread filling on tortillas and roll up. Place in lightly greased rectangular baking dish, side by side. Cover with green chile sauce and top with shredded cheese. Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.

I just realized that I completely forgot to add the Crockpot Enchilada Version.......where is my head today???

I decided to give you 2 recipes, the one above because its' OH SO GOOD....and then a crockpot one. Here it is:

CROCKPOT ENCHILADAS

l lb. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 pkg. super sized corn tortillas (10 in a pack)
1 med. sized can mild enchilada sauce
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 can corn, drained

Cook ground beef and onion together and drain off the fat. Stir together enchilada sauce and cream of chicken soup. Cut tortillas in half. Place some sauce in the bottom of your cp. Layer 3 tortillas (6 halves) around cp and cover center. Spread out half of the beef, top with half of the corn, pour sauce on to cover and then sprinkle with one third of the cheese. Do another layer the same way then top with the rest of the tortillas, cover with sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. You can also toss in some sliced olives in you'd like. I cooked mine on 5 1/2 hours low and then the another 45 minutes on high and it was perfect. (I think my cp is a 5 qt. one and it is round).

And the sun shines through.........

how I missed it, I have to tell you I'm so ready for spring and summer to come. I do like all 4 seasons but spring and summer are such a nice welcome after the dreary long and cold winter season.

I'm running kinda late today, hence my blog post not being up first thing in the morning. Since I have some time before General Hospital starts, I figured I would come and say hi.

Jasmine is enjoying being home today but Jimminy Cricket, do kids EVER stop bickering??? It's about everything, one looks at the other, one picked the same kind of cereal, one wants to watch tv but the other wants to play video games...never ends.

I'm hoping *fingers crossed* that I can start my Spring Cleaning tomorrow, I think my house really desperately needs it, and actually so do I. Isn't it amazing how much better it feels around you when things are clean and orderly and you don't have to look around to find toys on the living room floor (though I doubt that ever dissipates while they're young), paperwork waiting to be filed, closets needing to be reorganized.....so yep, I've set my mind to it and I'm hoping to start tomorrow.


Sometimes I wonder if I obsess about these things a bit too much....but then I remember that my home is my sanctuary, it's MY little corner of the universe and my ONE spot where it's up to me to make it welcome and cozy and comfortable. I want my family to look forward to coming home at the end of a school or work day.

Me, well, I'm already here, taking care of the family, cooking meals, doing laundry and cleaning the house, decorating (or trying to), paying bills and just taking care of everything and everyone in general. I LOVE doing it, I think from a very young age I knew I wanted to be a mommy and wife, so I'm living my dream. BUT, there are days like today that I just want to sit and relax and not lift a finger and that's acceptable too.

Now before I go on, I have to tell you run on over to my dear friend Sarah's new blog....she always has the BEST ones, and this one is sure to have me jumping up and down with joy. It's called A Bend in the Road and it's all things Anne of Green Gables.....*GASP*
Are you kidding me??? I will sleep, eat and breathe Sarah's blog, which could be a good thing and a bad thing at the same time. But anyway, just go and say hi and see what she's got up.

Alright now, I'm going to put up this week's menu on my food blog later, and I'll link it to Laura's "Menu Plan Monday", though I'm wondering what is going on, I think ever since she got all those people participating my link seems to get lost LOL
I mean, I got 2 comments on it last week...yeah two comments from the almost 100 participating...hmmmmm maybe I wasn't making yummy food, hopefully this new menu appeals to more LOL

One thing I've been missing out on is having more time to sit down and read. I'm a bookaholic, and I'm not happy unless I have a good book sitting on my bedside table, just waiting to be read. There's something about picking up the book and smelling the pages....wait, you DO all smell the book pages too don't you???
It's not just me right???

Anyway, if you like Christian books I think you would love reading Lori Wick, she is just amazing. I am busy with her English Garden Series and I'm just loving them. Wonderful wonderful books about romance and finding the love of your life but also finding the wonderful relationship with God.

See my bookshelf to the left??? The bottom shelf is just cookbooks and the next 3 shelves are full of books I have yet to read, but don't think it means i don't grab others at the library or the bookstore....*snort*

Well ladies, I need to get going, I have kids to deal with, the constant fighting is giving me a huge headache. I also need to get dinner started soon and finish off the laundry so I can get it all put away before my shows tonight....speaking of shows....I usually watch Wife Swap but seriously tonight's previews make me want to hurl *GAG*, not sure if I can stomach watching that.

Have yourselves a wonderful night,

Can I send some Rain your way????

It's one of those great long weekends!!!

I know a lot of people usually make big plans and go somewhere fun, but we usually stay home instead of going out into traffic and confusion. Nothing like staying home and relaxing while the rain pours outside.

I don't think I've seen this much rain in a long time.....you wake up and it's raining, you go to sleep hearing the lull of the raindrops hitting the roof while you lay snug in bed. I LOVE that!!!

Did you guys watch Grey's Anatomy on thursday night???
OH.MY.GOODNESS!!! I have yet to find a show that is so heartbreaking, I've actually starting keeping my Kleenex nearby when I watch it. The cast is amazing and the stories are so good, I just can't wait for next week.

I've been getting my Spring Cleaning list ready so that this week I can start on it. I have to get it done around dentist and WIC appointments, school functions etc. Does it ever stop???
Gone are the days where I can look around and think "boy I'm bored is there NOTHING to do?"...now it's more like "boy I could really use a nap".

I'm happy that my laundry is caught up though, not exactly put away, but it's clean and folded, some of it ready to be ironed and then I guess I'll spend the day tomorrow putting it away. Glad hubby is home so I can do it without little hands coming in behind me and unfolding all the laundry.

There's something wonderful about the smell of clean laundry isn't there???
Those warm fluffy towels straight out of the dryer, though I have to tell you, one thing I truly miss about home is hanging the clothes out to dry.
To me there is something unbeatable about that smell of crisp clean sheets drying in the warm sun....it's like a special scent to it, one you can't quite recreate using dryer sheets and an inside dryer.

But enough about towels and sheets, right now I'm sitting here while waiting for my Pork Roast to finish cooking, it's been sitting on the stove for 2 hours and the smell permeating the air is amazing. Every once in a while I hear from one of the kids or hubby "mmmm is it ready yet?".....though I think that last time it was actually me asking the question. Roast is a comfort food for me and perfect for a dark cloudy rainy day.
For dessert we're having some fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Oh I almost forgot to tell you, for dinner last night I decided to keep it light and made Warm Ham and Swiss Wraps. They were SO SO good, just perfect with warm ham and gooey cheese together with lettuce, cucumber and green onions and a dressing made of mayonnaise, mustard and celery seed....the kids loved them and it was a pretty healthy meal too. It didn't take too long to make and everyone was satisfied.

I'll post the recipe for you on my food blog tomorrow, I'm hoping to have an hour or so to completely update it and throw in a couple of new recipes.

Remember I've been telling you I was coming by to visit?? Well I ended up not doing so, but I'm sure I don't have to tell you that, you must have noticed the lack of comments on my part. My computer has been going haywire and doing weird things, like shutting itself down in the middle of something, lagging like crazy, or crashing and restarting while trying to get into my bloglines.

I've spent the last hour and a half fixing my computer and everything seems to be in running order so I'll be grabbing a cup of hot tea and some cookies tonight, and coming to hang out with all of you. Can't wait to catch up and see what everyone has been up to.

Right now, my roast is done, so I'm off to set the table and get things ready for dinner. Wish I could have stayed longer but time doesn't permit and besides I would rather get things all done so I can get back here earlier. I'll probably update my book blog too, I have been reading Lori Wick and she is just amazing so I can't wait to tell you all about it.

See you soon,

Greatest Places on Earth!!!! GREEK ISLANDS

Good morning everyone, are you ready for our trip today????

Before we leave, I want to let you all know that I'm coming by to visit and check out all the great recipes you shared yesterday too, I honestly didn't have a minute to do it yesterday, but I do today so I'll be popping by. Hope you have some hot coffee for me :)

Alright, today we're going to the Greek Islands.....I can't wait!!!

GREEK ISLANDS

There are 1400 islands in Greece: isolated island, cosmopolitan Greece island full of luxury hotels, island with history, etc... You can also make island hopping in Greece.The most famous are Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Skiathos, Skopelos, Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Aegina...

Most adventures in the Greek Islands begin at the busy port of Piraeus. One of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports since classical times, it was linked with Athens by defensive walls. Now the two have melded and most people go to Piraeus just to catch a ferry or hydrofoil.

Piraeus

Usually, after visiting the must-see places of Athens, people are ready for some water and sun and head to one of the 169 inhabited islands amongst the 1400 sprinkled in the sea. There are islands for everyone — those wanting to escape, those wanting to explore the remains of old civilizations and those just wanting to enjoy the sand, sea, tavernas and Greek food while revelling in some of the 300 sunny days a year.

MYKONOS

Mykonos in the Cyclades group. It’s perhaps the best known and most expensive of the islands, with pretty villages and traditional Greek culture.


Once a peaceful fishing port, it became popular almost overnight after a visit by Aristotle and Jackie Onassis. Mykonos’ best known church, Panagia Paraportiani, is actually four little churches forming one beautiful, white, asymmetrical building. Its multifaceted structure is a magnet for photographers and a wonderful place for great views of the sunset.

NAXOS

Next stop Naxos, the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands lying almost at the centre of the Aegean. Legend has it that Ariadne was abandoned there by Theseus, but she was soon in the arms of Dionysos, the god of wine and ecstasy. Ever since, Naxian wine has been recommended as the cure for a broken heart. Meadows run down to vast beaches, cliffs sink into the sea and there are rocky mountains, fertile valleys and many springs and streams. The coastline is abrupt on the south side and sheltered to the west, with many inlets and sandy beaches.

Due to its abundance of fresh water, Naxos is self-sufficient and produces premium quality fruit and vegetables. Their olives, grapes, figs, citrus, corn and potatoes make their way to tables across the world.

SANTORINI

Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cycladic group and is regarded by many as the most spectacular of all. It was the site of the world’s biggest volcanic eruption, leaving a crater, or caldera, with high cliffs which is one of the world’s most dramatic geological sights. Archaeologists believe it was responsible for wiping out the entire Minoan civilisation. It has also been an inspiration to painters, writers, poets and mystics. Sparkling white houses with blue window shutters line the crater.



Santorini has a 3500-year tradition of vineyard cultivation and around 850 growers tend vines which cover around one third of the island. At SantoWines you can taste wines with biscuits and cheese and olives while taking in a spectacular sunset.


The best way to get around the islands is by moped, or scooter. They are available for hire everywhere, but always check the brakes before you take off and be extra careful, as the roads aren’t very well maintained.

SCENERY:

VIDEOS:

Rhodes and Santorini lie in the Cyclades Chain of Greek Islands, the town of Fira in Santorini is perched on top of the crater ( Caldera ). Best Viewed in small format, Music "Helithonaki" by Manos Takitos and His Bazoukis ... (more)


Have you ever imagined yourself lazing away in the Greek Islands on a sunny afternoon?



Shipwrech Beach on the Greek island of Zakynthos.
Stunning island that you can only get to by boat.
Beach is named for a stranded boat that crashed there in the early 80's and is still there today mostly buried by sand. One of the most photographed beaches in Europe if not the world.

RECIPES FROM GREECE

Spinach and Feta Salad / Spanako me Feta Salata

makes 8 servings

2 pounds fresh spinach
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 pound feta cheese, crumbled
2 green onions, chopped

Remove stems from spinach. Wash and drain leaves, cut into 1-inch wide strips, and place in a salad bowl. Shake together the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, cinnamon, mustard, salt, and pepper; pour half the dressing over the spinach and mix well. Thinly slice cucumbers and arrange in a ring across the top with the cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheese and onions. Pour remaining dressing over the salad.

SOUVLAKI

1 kilo OF pork or Lamb Meat

5 Cloves finely
chopped garlic

Olive oil

1 tbsp Oregano

Salt

Pepper

Onion

green pepper

Cut the meat into 2 x 2 inch cubes. Mix with the rest of the ingredients and marinate, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. Skewer with or without your favourite vegetables, like peppers, onions or tomatoes, and barbecue at medium heat. Baste with an olive oil, lemon juice and oregano brine

SERVE WITH fries and a salad

Baklavas

1 kilo (1 lb 2 oz) "phyllo" pastry

2 teacups almonds pounded into crumbs

1 ½ teacups butter

½ teacup sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

SYRUP
3 teacups sugar
1 teacup honey
2 teacups water
cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon clove sticks

In a bowl, mix the pounded almonds, the sugar and the cinnamon.
Butter a small pan and lay a few sheets of "fyllo" pastry onto it brushing each one with butter.

Next, spread a small amount of the almond mix over the "fyllo" layer.
Continue by making successive layers of "fyllo" and almond mix of about equal thickness.

Finish with a thicker layer of "phyllo" sheets (6-8 sheets) brushing each sheet with butter.
With a sharp knife cut the "baklava" into diamond-shaped pieces.

Sprinkle with water and bake in amedium oven for about 1 1/2 hour. In the meantime, prepare the syrup as follows :
In a pot , place the water, the honey, the sugar and the spices and boil them over a strong fir for about 15 minutes.

When the "baklava" is ready, remove from the oven and let it cool.
Pour the boiling syrup over it. Cut out the pieces, that were marked before baking.

And that is it for today, hope you all enjoyed your trip to the Greek Islands, I know I did and now more than ever I am hoping that one day I can have the pleasure of visiting them myself :)

Next week we're heading to Jerusalem so I hope you're ready to travel along with me....

I decided to update my banner, I figured with it being a new year, we needed a new one :) Please update your banners when participating ok???

Welcome to my weekly Crockpot Recipes Exchange. It's such a great way to share your favorite dishes or to learn some new ones to make for your family.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

Slow Cooker Cordon Bleu

INGREDIENTS:

* 6 chicken breast halves, boneless, skinless - pounded to flatten slightly
* 6 thin slices ham
* 6 thin slices Swiss cheese
* 1/4 to 1/2 cup flour, for coating
* 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (or use chicken broth)
* 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, crushed
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cool water
* salt and pepper to taste


PREPARATION:

Place a slice of ham and slice of cheese on each flattened chicken breast and roll up. Secure with toothpicks and roll each in flour to coat. Place mushrooms in the slow cooker, then the chicken breasts.

Whisk together the broth, wine (if using), and rosemary; pour over chicken. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. Just before serving, remove the chicken; keep warm. To juices in slow cooker, add cornstarch mixture; stir until thickened. Salt and pepper, then taste and adjust seasonings. Pour sauce over chicken rolls and serve.
Serves 6.