10 Random Things About Me

Just for fun....
1. Purple is my favorite color
2. I don't leave the house w/o water
3. Ironing is by far my most dreaded house chore
4. Every Monday I plan out my meals for the entire week and go grocery shopping
5. I know hardly anything about computers
6. My dream vacation= Italy
7. I was engaged to be married at age 20
8. Oldies is my favorite type of music but I also like Christian, Country & Classic rock
9. I have a major sweet tooth- but try not to indulge as much as Id like
10. Whatever season we are currently in I'm dying for the next to come. Ex: I am so ready for white snow and crisp air

Butternut squash Risotto

Butternut Squash Risotto
4 c. chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp. vanilla 
3 c. peeled cubed butternut squash, about 12 ounces
2 tbsp. butter, divided
1/2 c. finely chopped green or white onion
1 1/2 c. Arborio rice (Risotto rice)
1/2 c. dry white wine
1/2 c. frozen peas, asparagus, broccoli or green veggie of your choice, Cooked
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 tsp. salt


Directions:
In a medium saucepan, warm the broth and vanilla. When the broth comes to a simmer reduce the heat to low. Add the butternut squash to the simmering broth and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon remove the butternut squash to a side dish. Turn the heat on the broth down to very low and cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the onion and saute until tender. Add the rice and stir to coat with the butter. Add the wine and simmer until the wine has almost completely evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the simmering broth and stir until almost completely absorbed, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to of the broth to absorb before adding the next, until the rice is tender but still firm to the bite and the mixture is creamy, about 30 minutes total. Gently stir in the butternut squash, green veggie of your choice, Parmesan, the remaining tablespoon of butter, and salt. Serve immediately.

Here I am again...

Uhhh, here I am again. Months later. Certain I was going to be better w this blog. Its a work in progress!
Here's the latest w/ the Stoners:
~We recently started attending a new church, New Life in Morton. Wow its been great. We've known for some time that we needed to leave our old church it just took time for it to happen. Well it did and we are so happy. Everyone we've met so far has been so welcoming, friendly and interesting. Its amazing how God truly hears our prayers & acts on our behalf! Our new house is coming along. Feeling very homey :)

~ Kenny recently took a new position. Still at CAT but a different plant. Day shift, thank Goodness. We are thankful for such opportunities.

~Me, Ive been busy recently. Started attending woman's bible study at New Life. We are doing a Beth Moore study, Breaking Free, its great! I also started attending a Mom's group through the church. We do fun things like have speakers and go on fun outings. (Pictures posted on FB) I am loving this whole stay at home mom job. Its great. Spending all day w Sweet Pea is so much fun. Our days are filled w errands, cleaning and cooking. Oh yes, I'm still cooking. This week on the menu: Butternut squash Risotto, Chicken quesadillas & Tamale pie...just to name a few! I plan on sharing pictures & recipes w you all soon....

~Sweet Pea is growing and changing every day. She recently got her 1st tooth. It bothered her some & we had some sleepless nights. She also has had reactions to dairy :( Total bummer. We have to do more testing to find out how serious. We will consider ourselves blessed if a dairy allergy is the worst of her health.
Love until next time.....

             

Its been way too long!

So here I am again- Almost a year later posting on my blog site. I don't know if I'll ever be one that posts once a week or even once a month. I just got to thinking that this might be a great way to share information and ideas w each other.
Since my last post our little girl was born. Sweet Pea, oh she is just perfect in every way. I get the privledge of staying home with her. I am loving every minute of it.
Also, we bought a house in the Peoria are!! Its so cute and feels so homey. Its a work in progress though.
Until next time (hopefully not a year) may our Lord fill you with peace & hope!!!