 An Inspired Soul Food Menu
by LaShanda R. Thomas
This month as we celebrate our rich heritage, let us not forget to celebrate with a Soul Food dinner. There’s something about Soul Food that brings everyone together. Over fried chicken, cornbread, greens, and yams, you find yourself forgetting about your troubles and enjoying what matters most – family.
Before indulging, let us recreate our favorite dishes into healthier dishes. This can be as simple as adding smoked turkey parts or using whole-wheat products. In these recipes, the traditional ingredients have been substituted with a healthier ingredients. Become Inspired to make each recipe your own and share with family and friends.
Now that’s Inspired Living...
The Menu
Smothered Chicken Breast
Collard Greens and Smoked Turkey
Macaroni and Cheese
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Smothered Chicken Breast
Serves 4-6
6 skinless chicken breast
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
½ cup of extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons of whole wheat flour
1 medium onion
1 medium celery onion
3 cups of chicken broth
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Heat the olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. After the oil has heated, add the chicken breast. Cook each side for 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Drain the oil from the skillet and add 4 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. After the oil has heated, add the onion and celery. Cook until tender.
- Add the flour and stir well.
- Slowly add the chicken broth and cook on medium. Season the sauce with salt and pepper
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 30 minutes.
- Serve the chicken with sauce.
Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Serves 4- 6
4 pounds of collard greens
1 ½ pound smoked turkey wing
1 medium onion, chopped
¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
2 cups of chicken broth or water
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
Salt and Pepper to taste
- Wash greens well in a sink. Discard yellow leaves and thick stems. Rinse thoroughly in several changes of water. One small bunch at a time
- Place turkey wing, onion, extra virgin olive oil, water or chicken broth in a large stock pan. Bring to a boil
- Add greens and season. Reduce heat and simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until greens are tender.
- Serve the greens with sliced tomatoes
Macaroni and Cheese
Serves 4-6
1 pound of whole wheat elbow macaroni
8 tablespoons of light butter
½ cup low-fat shredded mild cheddar cheese
½ cup low-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup velvetta cheese cut in small pieces
2 cups of skim milk
2 large eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat the over to 350 degrees
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until tender. Drain and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the butter, salt and pepper to the large mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Add the cheddar cheese and velvetta cheese to the mixture.
- Add the skim milk to the mixture
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs and add to the mixture
- Pour mixture into a casserole and bake for 30 minutes.
Copyright ©2006 by LaShanda R. Thomas. All rights reserved.
12 Entertaining Ideas
by LaShanda R. Thomas
Okay, this year I’m making a vow to take hold of my busy schedule and reclaim my title as Ms. Entertainment. No more excuses for not planning the near perfect party. No excuses for placing six candles on a birthday cake when in fact it’s birthday number five. And there is no reason not to entertain family and/or friends at least twice this year.
With pencil and paper in hand, I take on the project of brainstorming a potential entertaining event for each month of year. Each celebration is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Here are 12 simple ideas that you can make your own and expand to meet your desired level of entertainment.
January
What better way to enjoy the month of January than by spending an evening in the house with your family? This is the time of year that I enjoy having movie night or game night dinners with my husband and children. A simple menu could include chili hot dogs, chili cheese French fries and an ultimate “make your own” sundae bar.
February
When I think of the month of February, I think of intimate entertaining. You can enjoy an intimate dinner that includes candles and a roaring fire. A simple menu includes a warm salad, soup, main entrée that includes beef Wellington, fresh vegetable and rice pilaf. Round the dinner off with a chocolate soufflé for desert
March
Let’s celebrate our girlfriends! Why not? Between Christmas, New Years and Valentine’s Day, you haven’t had the opportunity to slow down and spend time with your girlfriends. A girlfriend evening is sure to be stress free and relaxing. A simple menu includes fondue fun and a variety of desserts with coffee and tea.
April
The highlight of April is celebrating Resurrection Day. A simple menu could include a leg of lamb and fresh asparagus.
May
Become inspired to celebrate the women in your life by hosting a mother-daughter tea. This could be given on Mother’s day or any other day in the year. A simple and elegant tea menu should consist of a variety of petite pastries and a variety of teas.
June
This is great time to host an end of the school celebration for your children and their friends. Invite the children and their families over for an afternoon of playing and eating the finest grilled foods.
July
A fourth of July celebration is a must. One great way to celebrate Fourth of July is with a family picnic. The picnic could be hosted at a local park or at your home. A simple menu could include grilled meats, a variety of cold salads, fresh fruits and a variety of desserts.
August
Enjoy hosting a back to school celebration for your children. My husband and I make the first day of school meaningful for our children. Our tradition consists of a special breakfast and dinner. A simple breakfast menu includes pancakes with fresh blueberries and turkey maple sausages. For dinner, include at least one of your child’s favorite dishes.
September
Are you creative? Do you have a craft that others enjoy? Well, this month could be the month to host a craft party for your children or friends. My seven year-old loves baking. As such, we shared her love for baking by inviting seven school friends over for a baking party. Each guest received an apron, a tin of cookies and a set of cookie cutters. Whatever your craft is, you can host an afternoon that will be remembered by you and your child for years to come.
October
I absolutely love October. October reminds me of a fresh start in life. I enjoy outdoor entertaining. This is great time to host a harvest celebration. A simple menu includes a variety of soups, an array of breads and an assortment of apple inspired desserts. Don’t forget hot apple cider and warm donuts.
November
Let’s celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. Everyone has a traditional menu that has been passed down from your grandmother to your mother and to you. This year dare to think outside of the box and add one nontraditional dish to the menu. Some suggestions are spinach sauté with cranberries and pine nuts, carrot soufflé or add pecans to traditional sweet potatoes. Any one of those dishes is sure to be a hit!
December
Christmas is such a special time of year. This is the time that you rekindle family relationships. You have the opportunity to visit with family and friends that you haven’t seen since last Christmas. This year try hosting a Christmas brunch. As a guest gift, place two packets of hot chocolate, tea and a package of coffee along with a miniature loaf of homemade bread in a Christmas stocking or bag with a personalized Christmas note. A simple menu includes at least two to three breakfast dishes and two or three lunch/dinner entrées.
I’m pray that these 12 simple entertaining ideas will inspire you to find pleasure and ease in entertaining. Entertaining is a ministry that allows you the opportunity to share your love for God with family and friends. Yes, entertaining does require a lot of work and time, but you have God’s anointing inside you and upon you to get the job done. Grab hold of these ideas and make them your own. Become Inspired to make a New Year’s resolution to entertain friends and family at least twice during the year 2006.
Now that’s Inspired Living…
My favorite party resources:
JoAnn Fabrics— http://joann.com
Michaels— http://Michaels.com
Oriental Trading Company – www.orientaltrading.com
Iparty – www.iparty.com
My favorite on-line recipe resources:
B. Smith – www.bsmithwithstyle.com
Martha Stewart – www.marthastewart.com
Food Network – www.foodnetwork.com
Epicurious – www.epicurious.com
Copyright ©2006 by LaShanda R. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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