Week 32 Wednesday (8/20/14)

Recipe Review              

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Simple, Perfect Enchiladas

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl

                           Pages  142 - 145     Copyright:  2009  Harper Collins

I figured out that there are 328 calories per serving, if 16 single enchilada  servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

You can totally see the black olives, chilies and melted cheese

It sure did make a lot of servings

         These enchiladas were amazing. It did take some time to make them, but I made 16 and put them in a 9 x 13 pans to cook. When they cooled, I separated them into 16 individual servings. I did modify one item (because I had it in my basement). The recipe calls for 1 large can of enchilada or Mexican red sauce. I substituted enchilada sauce with green chilis in it, because I love those little chilis.  I also garnished with sour cream because that just takes these right over the top, man!

      

Gabbin’ About Gratitude

         There are several teachers who I admired during my school career. Ray Rogina, the current mayor of St. Charles, was one of my favorite high school teachers. Ray taught economics and made it come alive to this 17 year old. He was dynamic and so good that I actually subscribed to Consumer Reports as a kid.

         A second high school teacher that influenced me was John Stoffel. Mr. Stoffel was the St. Charles Choir Director. I love to sing and he made every day wonderful.

         Unfortunately, no middle or elementary teacher is standing out to me now, but I did love Dr. Danvers at Western Illinois University. He taught Social Studies methods and really helped me to develop a love for American history.  Today, American History is one of my favorite subjects to teach.

         Teachers have a huge responsibility to their students. We can either me a memorable positive teacher or a negative experience to a child. I have tried to always remember that each and every year.

Memory Musings

         One of the benefits of growing up in Rainbow Hills is the freedom we had each day. I have already described many of the things we did, but I just remembered how we played in the new houses under construction, in the area we called the New Addition. The wonderful thing is that we never damaged any of the homes, but we played in them and jumped from floor to floor. I am sure our parents never knew what we did or even where we were each day. They didn’t have to worry because we were pretty isolated and definitely safe. The worst thing that happened in those houses was that someone always seemed to step on a nail. Oh well, we all lived.