Open Your Heart

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."~ Proverbs 3:5-6



     I was fortunate enough to attend a sewing retreat at My Girlfriend's Quilt Shoppe in Logan, Utah last week.  It was specifically for new owners of Baby Lock Crescendo sewing machines.  Yes, I recently bought a new sewing machine and I love it.  It threads the needle, cuts the thread and has a laser light that shows the seam line to sew on.  I have noticed that I can get projects finished up a little faster than previously.  This is the project that we made at the retreat.  We learned a lot of new things that our machines were capable of while sewing this table runner.  I was so glad I went.  It was a nice break from everyday grind and I met a lot of nice ladies.

      Nothing says love like a big bowl of homemade chicken soup.  I saw this recipe on Pinterest one day and had to try it out.

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

                  From A Spicy Perspective

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 onion, peeled and chopped

½ red pepper, seeded and chopped

2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 large chicken breasts

8 cups chicken broth

8 oz. cheese tortellini

¼ -1/3 cup cream

½- 1 cup baby spinach

2 tsp. dried parsley

1 ½ tsp. dried thyme leaves

¼ tsp. crushed red pepper

Salt and pepper

Place a large pot over medium heat.  Add the olive oil and chopped onions.  Saute for 3 minutes to soften. Then add the red bell pepper, carrots and garlic.  Saute for another 3 minutes.

Add whole chicken breasts, chicken broth, thyme, crushed red pepper, 1 tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. ground pepper.  Bring to a simmer.  Cover and lower the heat a little and simmer 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.  Remove the chicken and place on a cutting board.

Turn the heat back to medium.  Add the tortellini and stir often to keep from sticking together.  Chop or shred the chicken and add back to the soup.

When the tortellini is cooked through, about 12-14 minutes, turn off the heat.  Stir in the cream, the spinach and the parsley.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Makes 6 servings.

     Every February I like to read a nice love story.  This book by Jennifer Moore fit the bill nicely.  The story takes place in 19th Century Australia.  I loved learning about the people and the politics of that time.