Sunday, December 14, 2008

Reason for the Season



I started to post this a few weeks ago but decided it was way too sappy! Just decided tonight to go ahead anyway after I saw Jen's nativity on her blog.
Mother bought me the blue creche at an art festival the first Christmas in our other house. The lady that painted it was handicapped and couldn't walk but did this beautiful ceramic work. The detail is just amazing. Their faces look so holy! Phyllis bought the Fontanini one for us about the same time. They are permanent fixtures in my Christmas decorations and seem to be all I really want.
When the children were small I would always try to get the nativity scenes out first before any of the other decorations in hopes to make an impression on them as "the reason for the season". In my hope to make an impression on them I think I was the one that the tradition became a such a time of reflection and love. I always put on my Christmas music and amazingly at just the time I am ready to put it altogether on the shelf, Vince Gill's Breath of Heaven has come on. "Hold me together, be forever near me, Breath of Heaven! Breath of Heaven lighten my darkness, pour over me your holiness for you are holy!" I can't explain the feeling but I know God has spoken to me in those times reminding me that he is all we need to face whatever comes our way and He is the reason for the season!
Okay, so I am looking for something to post that will make us all laugh! I am way too serious!
Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Vicki's Chicken Riggie's

Last summer when we visited Vicki she served many delicious meals but one which I loved was Chicken Riggie's. I understand they are native to Central New York especially the Utica area. Anyway, I knew my family would love them so instead of making them have turkey and dressing at least twice since they visited both parents, on Friday I fixed the riggie's. They were a hit! The girls wanted me to post the recipe but I failed to remember to photograph my food! Ha! Vicki had the beautiful Gail Pittman Southern Living pasta bowl which made them look great! I just had a flat clear glass bowl which worked okay. A good salad, some french bread and what a meal!

Vicki's Chicken Riggie's

Saute' the following:
1 stick real butter
1 red onion, minced (white is fine)
3 garlic cloves, minced

24 oz jar roasted red peppers in olive oil
5 sliced cherry peppers mild or hot

Then add the following:
1 cup parmesan cheese (Optional)
2 lbs. boneless cooked chicken, cubed
1 can chicken broth
1 can tomato sauce (she uses the ones with Italian seasoning)
1 jar Alfredo sauce

Add cooked rigatoni before serving and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
(I actually doubled the recipe and used two bags of noodles. )
May be prepared in advance then just heat and add cooked rigatoni.

Enjoy!

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