life in my empty nest

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Spinach Enchiladas

A lot of people do Meatless Mondays and I think it's a great idea. In fact, I would love to try to do meatless dinners two or three times a week. It seems like a heathy habit to strive for and there are many ways to substitute for a healthy protein. And, with Lent approaching, meatless Fridays will be on the plan too.

I am an enchilada lover and when we eat Mexican food out at a restaurant, I almost always order some variety of enchiladas ( and a margarita too). I love to try Spinach Enchiladas, if they are on the menu and this recipe is one I made up to recreate this favorite dish at home and also help keep my meatless goal.

Definitely take the extra step and make your own enchilada sauce. I tried it with canned sauce and the difference is striking. You could really tell the difference. Also, I used corn tortillas, but have also tried this recipe using small flour tortillas and it was just as delicious, so whichever you prefer.

Spinach Enchiladas

1 can chicken broth (14 1/2 ounces)

1 can tomato paste (6 ounces)

4 tsp chili powder

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

6 green onions, chopped

1/3 cup sour cream

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese, divided

8 corn tortillas

To make sauce: whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste and chili powder in a medium saucepan. Simmer for 8 - 10 minutes.

For filling: Combine spinach, onions, sour cream and ricotta cheese in a medium bowl. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese.

To assemble: Spoon 1/2 cup sauce into a 11 x 7 baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Dip tortillas in sauce and spoon about 1/4 cup spinach mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in the baking dish. Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Top with sliced black olives if desired. Enjoy!

{Linking with these friends}

French Country Cottage

A Stroll Thru Life

Savvy Southern Style

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Between Naps on the Porch

Monday, February 1, 2016

January Ends

What a strange January it has been. First, it is a month that usually seems to drag on forever, but this year, seemed to fly by. And then there was our weather. No significant snow to speak of and warmer than normal temperatures made for an unusual start to our winter. We are usually in a deep freeze, surrounded by piles of snow and barely able to poke our noses outside, except to scurry to the car and back. Yesterday, on the last day of January, it was raining and close to fifty degrees. I went out in a light jacket and tennis shoes and any snow we had is long gone. Is this our new normal?

I am looking forward to February, because it always feels like a harbinger of spring, even though I know there is still a lot of winter still to survive. I look forward to the start of Lent and my 40 bags in 40 days project where I will be making big strides this year to get ready for a future move. It's time to let everything go and my mantra will be - is this something I want to move? That should be a good motivator.

Easter is early this year and that always makes it feel as if spring will be here before we know it. Valentine's Day will run into St Patrick's Day which will run into Easter. I even got a touch of spring fever yesterday and treated myself to a small bunch of daffodils, featured at the front entrance of the grocery store. They might look a little mixed up with my winter decor, but they fit my mood this week.

So, welcome to February. It will be a busy month, a hopeful month and as always, one step closer to spring.

Happy Monday!

P.S. Did anyone watch Grease Live last night? I thought it was the best live TV musical production yet and had a fantastic cast with lots of energy. Having the live audience and bows at the end made it seem more like live theatre and this musical theatre geek loved it!

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Friday, January 29, 2016

Valentine's Day {Pink}

With January winding down (Yay!) and Valentine's Day fast approaching, my thoughts are turning to all things red and pink. It's such a sweet holiday and while I don't go all out with decor, I do like a few touches here and there. I also like to make a sweet treat or two to get us into the Valentine's spirit.

These Chewy Strawberry Cookies are such a sweet Valentine's Day treat and are delicious too. You will be very surprised when you read the recipe and the ingredient list. It's kind of wacky, but it works. The texture and taste are very similar to the expensive macarons I bought from the bakery at Christmas time, so they are really something special.

What could be sweeter than a mini Button and Burlap Valentine's Banner with touches of red and pink. This is something I made several years ago, but it is the first thing I grab out of the Valentine's storage box. It is so easy to make; any heart shaped buttons will work. Over the years it has hung from my fireplace mantel, my kitchen baker's rack and a dining room hanging shelf. Where will I hang it this year?

Have a wonderful weekend!