Apology for not posting lately

I know I haven't posted any recipes for sometime, and I apology.  I had knee surgery the first part of January, and what was supposed to be a couple weeks of recovery turned into months of recovery and a total of 4 surgeries and a pic line, (which required home health care for 7 weeks and physical therapy to learn how to walk and retain most of my range of motion).  Once I was released from PT, my dear husband took me on a wonderful 28 day cruise of the Mediterranean and Orient, (sailing from Rome to Singapore).  And as luck would have it, I returned home, to come down one week later with a new internal infection of my intestines, (called C-Diff).  Another 2 months of antibiotics and misery.  But I can happily report that I have now surpassed one month completely free of infections.  I am ready to get back to a semi normal life and sharing a few tips on cooking good, delicious food without breaking your budget.  It maybe slow to start, but I'm back.  So to those who have stuck with me, THANK YOU !  I really appreciate you all.  Now let's get cooking for our families.

Baked Honey Pears

Most people have sworn off desserts the first part of the year, in an attempt to drop a few of their holiday pounds.  But sometimes you still want a little something sweet.  Baked pears are just the treat.  And when you add some nuts, (for protein), and a little honey, (for sweetness), they are yummy.  Let me show you how easy, and quickly 2 pears can be transformed into a simple for delicious dessert for 4 people.

You will need:
2 large sized ripe pears
2 Tabs. honey
1/4 cup pecans, (or walnuts), chopped finely
1/3 teas. ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Wash and slice the pears in half.  Then slice off a sliver from the bottom to create a level surface for the pears.

Turn the pears over, and scoop out the seeds and remove the stems.

 Place the pears on a baking sheet.  Add the walnuts in the scooped out center.

Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon over each pear.

Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon honey over each pear.

 Bake the pears for 30 minutes, until fork soft.  Allow to cool for a couple of minutes.

Your wonderfully sweet dessert is now ready.

Yummy.  You have the crunch of the nuts, the sweetness from the pear and the honey.  If you want to fancy up the pear, you can add a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream on top.  We like to eat our baked pears plain.  So good.  Reminds you of a baked apple.  And pears are usually plentiful this time of year.

Enjoy !

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Sometimes you want a dish that's kid approved, easy, quick, and tasty.  If you have some leftover chicken - then this dish is the dish.  With a few ingredients, you can easily feed 6 to 8 people.

You will need:
1 can, (10.5 oz), cream of chicken soup
milk (1/2 of the empty can)
1 can, (4 oz), chilies, chopped
1/4 cup chopped black olives
2 cups shredded chicken
1 1/2 cup Mexican style, (or Jack blend) cheese
6 to 8 tortilla

 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Lightly spray coat a 9 X 9 inch baking dish with baking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of the cheese, the can of cream of chicken soup, and 1/2 of the can filled with milk.  Stir well to combine.  Sit aside, this will become your sauce.

In another bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped chilies, chopped onions, and remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.  Mix well to incorporate.

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto a tortilla shell, (about 1 or 2 tablespoons).

Roll up the tortilla shell, making sure to tuck in the filling.

Place the rolled filled tortilla into the sprayed baking dish, seam side down.

Continue until all the mixture and tortillas are used up.  Depending on how much filling you place in the tortillas, you will get 6 to 8 enchiladas.

Pour the cheesy sauce over the rolled tortillas.

Smooth out, making sure all the tortillas are covered well.  Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and nice and sauce is nice and smooth.

 Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Garnish as desired.  Tonight I am serving my enchiladas with my homemade refried beans, and a dollop of sour cream and some cilantro.

Notice how wonderful cheesy the inside is, as well as the outside.  The kids as well as adults love this, and it's a good way to use up leftover chicken.

Enjoy !