Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Luckiest Chicken Enchiladas Ever

chicken enchiladas Stumbled upon a fabulous recipe for White Chicken Enchiladas by Ree over at The Pioneer Woman blog. If you have never read her blog you must start. It’s a great source of recipes, photography, insights, and just plain common sense.

In one of my other parallel lives I cook for a race team. This past weekend I made the enchiladas and put them on the BBQ’s top shelf to bake. Then I had to go off and photograph a press conference our team was involved in that took way longer than I had anticipated. By the time I had rushed back to the BBQ I knew I had 3 pans of burnt up enchiladas and a lot of hungry people. I threw open the lid and low and behold the propane tank had run out at just the exactly right moment. I had 3 pans of the most perfectly cooked, still warm enchiladas you could imagine.

I just love it when the gods smile on you!

White Chicken Enchiladas

Prep Time: 45 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6

Ingredients
  • 2-½ cups Cooked, Shredded Chicken
  • 2 cups Reserved Broth From Chicken
  • 3 Tablespoons Canola Oil
  • 12 whole Corn Tortillas
  • 1 whole Large Onion, Diced
  • 3 whole 4 Oz Cans Whole Green Chilies, Diced
  • 1 whole Jalapeno, Seeded And Finely Diced
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • ½ cups Heavy Cream
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons Flour
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 2-½ cups Monterey Jack Cheese, Grated
  • Salt And Pepper (to Taste)
  • Picante Sauce (optional)
  • Cilantro, Chopped
Preparation Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons canola oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortillas for no longer than 20 seconds, just to soften (do not allow to become crisp.) Place tortillas on a large towel or stack of paper towels to drain.

Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in separate skillet over medium heat. Add onions and jalapenos and sauté for 1 minute, just to start the cooking process. Add chicken, half of the green chilies, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Stir together. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and stir. Add cream and stir, allowing mixture to bubble and get hot. Turn off heat and set aside.

In a separate large skillet, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk together and cook over medium heat for one minute. Pour in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Whisk together and cook for another minute or two. Stir in the other half of the chilies. Reduce heat, then stir in sour cream. Add 1 1/2 cups grated cheese and stir to melt. Add 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Check seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed.

To assemble, spoon chicken mixture on top of tortillas, one by one. Top with plenty of cheese and roll up. Place seam side down in a 9 x 13 casserole dish.

Pour cheese mixture all over the top of the tortillas. Top with extra cheese if you’d like, then bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro.

Serve with picante sauce, if desired.

Faint. Repeat as needed.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I’ve Found My Holiday Cards Already!!

Usually I procrastinate until the last minute to create or buy my Christmas cards. I know that most people don’t send cards anymore but I’m old school enough to really enjoy taking the time to send and receive beautiful individual cards.

Which brings us to the very cool work of  Atlanta based graphic artist Lexie Sullivan. I found her shop today on Etsy and she is now my favorite! Check these cards out:

Lexie Sullivan Holiday Cards

She creates modern, clean, contemporary designs that are very retro stylish.  Her website is www.lexiesullivan.com. Her Etsy store is accessible through her site or directly at  www.lexiesullivan.etsy.com.

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In addition to  her cards she also sells prints, boxed note sets, and note pads. I love this print!

image Check out Lexie Sullivan for all of your card and paper needs for the upcoming season.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

New Christmas Decor Wall Art!

I have just listed the first of many new holiday vinyl wall art decorations in my Etsy store. I just love the simplicity and modern feel of this scene.

Furniture on a white background

This scene contains 6 trees, 3 presents and 10 snowflakes of various sizes that can be placed as your imagination dictates. Just cut the vinyl sheet apart into the individual elements and arrange them to your liking. Choose as many colors as you like. I kept the look simple with just 3 colors.

For another modern take on the holidays, these evergreens on a snow bank would look fantastic above the mantle, over the couch, on the sliding glass door or outside on the front door.  Again, choose as many colors as you like or go completely monochromatic for a very stunning look.

The best thing about these decorations? No storage required during the rest of the year! More to come tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

It’s Snowing Vinyl!!

Xmas 4 tree 3 presents 10 flakes sm

Just a preview of the Holiday designs coming out next week in my Etsy store. The trees, snowflakes, and presents will look great above my fireplace instead of the usual wreath . The vinyl will come with each element separate for placement versatility.  Choose the colors that work best with your space.

Something a little different and contemporary. I have a problem using the same Holiday decorations year after year. Sure, I have my touchstones from childhood that are always displayed, but I need to change up the whole look year to year. Vinyl is a great way to do this without breaking the bank.

Say tuned for more Holiday wall art this week!

Monday, November 2, 2009

How Much Talent Can One Person Have?

If you want to make yourself insanely jealous, check out the work and home of Jenn Ski.  As a rabid Mid-Century Modern person, I am all over anything from that era.

She is not only a fantastic artist, she seems to be a wonderful interior decorator as well. Holly Becker over at Simply Stated posted a photo shoot of her home done by Bob O’Connor. Jenn sells her prints on Etsy as well as her website, so take a look.

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Photo by Bob O’Connor

This photo illustrates another great way to use vinyl decals.  Check out the “PUSH” lettering on the door. Not only is it fun and funky but informative as well.

I  have lettering on the wall in my bathroom hidden behind a bath towel hanging on the towel rack. Says “Hang Up The Bathmat”. Worked like a charm.