Family Favorites - January 2019: White Chicken Chili (Soy, Nut, Fish, Wheat and Egg-Free, Can Be Milk-Free)

I decided to keep posting a family favorite recipe from the blog (with any adaptions that we use regularly, if applicable) on the fourth Friday or Saturday of every month this year.  This recipe will be one that we make quite often and that we all enjoy greatly.  This post is the first Family Favorites recipe of 2019.

If you have a recipe on your blog that you consider a family favorite that you'd like to share, please comment below with a link to the recipe, and I'll make sure to pop on over and visit your site to check it out (and leave a comment), and hopefully some of my other readers will, too.

This month's Family Favorite recipe is White Chicken Chili.  This is just a re-posting of the original recipe with a few tips and tricks added in.  

When it comes to cold weather, soups and chili are a must.  This chili is hands-downs the favorite chili that I make with the family.  It is hardy, warm, a little spicy, and a whole lot yum.  It is a breeze to make, and can be completely top 8 free (if all your ingredients are).  I highly recommend it, especially if you are a fan of White Chicken Chili!

White Chicken Chili

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

(Our favorite brand is O-Live.)

1 Tablespoon full-fat, salted butter

1 to 3 raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
(We always use the chicken that is labeled as just retaining water, not ones injected with broth.  You can use any chicken breast that fits your allergen needs that you prefer.)

1 bottle (24 or 48 oz.) allergy-friendly Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
(We use Randall's.)

1 can/box (14.5 to 32 oz.) allergy-friendly chicken broth or stock 
(We normally use Pacific Brand.)

1 to 2 cans (4.5 oz.) allergy-friendly chopped green chilies
(We normally use La Victoria Fire Roasted Green Chiles.  We normally get mild heat, but you can get any heat you prefer.)

1 teaspoon allergy-friendly onion salt
(We normally use McCormick's.)

1 teaspoon allergy-friendly garlic salt
(We normally use McCormick's.)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
(We have used both white and black pepper, but generally use the black pepper.)

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
(We normally use the 1/8 teaspoon, but use whichever amount you prefer.)

1 to 2 Cups soy-free sour cream (optional)
(We use Daisy brand, and I normally just top individual bowls with the sour cream vs. adding it in.)

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat; add chicken (amount based on preference) and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 10 to 15 minutes.
     
2. Mix Great Northern beans (amount based on preference), chicken broth/stock (amount based on preference), green chilies (amount based on preference), onion salt, garlic salt, cumin, oregano, pepper and red pepper flakes (amount based on preference or you can leave it out entirely) into the chicken mixture; stir well and bring mixture to a boil.
     
3. Reduce the heat and allow the chili to simmer until the flavors have blended, about 30 minutes.
     
4. Remove the chili from the heat and, if desired, stir in the sour cream (amount based on preference) until well incorporated before serving or dollop the tops of individual bowls with sour cream before serving.

Makes about 8 servings.

Variation (Please keep individual allergen needs in mind when using variations):

• Milk-Free: Either leave out the butter and the sour cream or replace them with dairy-free butter (such as Earth Balance) and dairy-free plain yogurt (such as SoDelicious).
    
• More Veggies: If you prefer to use onion and garlic vs. onion salt and garlic salt, you can do so.  I would recommend cooking them down with the chicken until the onions are translucent.  I'd use about one small onion (diced) and a couple of cloves of garlic (diced) or whatever your personal preference.  You may need to add some regular salt if you do this if you find the chili too bland - about a teaspoon or so.  You can also add diced, raw potatoes (red, yellow, white or Idaho - peel on or off based on preference) to the soup when you add the stock (they will need about 20 to 30 minutes to cook, so the timing works out wonderfully).  This makes the soup hardier and cuts some of the spice/heat.  Adding in potatoes is one of our favorite adaptions!  I suppose that makes it more like a bean soup vs. a chili by adding potatoes, but either way, it is still delicious.
    
• Using Pre-Cooked Chicken: If you want to use pre-cooked chicken vs. raw, you most certainly can!  What I do when I use pre-cooked chicken is dice it into bite-sized pieces or shred it and heat it in the butter and oil until it is heated through or just slightly browned, and then finish making the chili as directed.  If you wanted to leave out the butter and oil, you could skip 1 and just add the cooked chicken in with step 2 and finish making the chili as directed.  Simple!

So simple, so delicious, and just the right amount of spice to warm you up from the inside out on a cold, wintry day!

I hope you will give this recipe a try soon and that it becomes a family favorite for you, too!

Recent Reflections - January 2019: Resolutions...

This is the first Recent Reflections post of 2019.  Recent Reflections goes live the third Friday or Saturday of each month.  Each Recent Reflections post covers something that I'm reflecting on.  If you'd like to share a post with a similar theme, feel free to leave a comment with a link to your post, and I'll hop on over and leave a comment (and maybe some other readers will, too).

This month, I will be reflecting on resolutions.

"The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy." - Corrie ten Boom

I am not really one to make official New Year's Resolutions, but I am one who constantly seeks to change for the better.  In that sense, you could say that I make resolutions at various points throughout the entire year.  I think most people are this way, honestly, and I got thinking about why we, as a whole, find ourselves making the same resolutions, striving to meet the same goals, etc. over and over again.  I think the answer lies in not knowing our enemy.

I think we downplay the truth in our struggles because it is embarrassing to face facts.  I know that's true in my life.  I am ok with admitting I am overweight, but struggle to admit just how much, and I definitely let myself think that some eating habits are ok that really aren't for me (like eating more sugar than I know is good for me or eating two slices of toast when one will do and justifying that it will be "just this once" when I know it won't be).  I think we try and fail at budgeting because we just don't like to tell ourselves no when we really want something or justify buying this or that because it was "only $25" even though it didn't fit into our budget.  We justify our bad behaviors because we rationalize that they aren't that bad.  

Here's the problem:

As long as we justify the bad, we fail at doing the good.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty tired of that cycle.

  

This year, I'd like to be honest with myself more.  That's really the only true resolution I am making.  Why?  Because I think honesty is the key to all success.  My enemy is my lack of honesty in facing my problems, and I'm ready to own that truth.  I'm ready to be blunt with myself and say things like, "You are eating because you're bored, not because you're hungry - walk away from the chocolate," or "You were unfair in that decision - go apologize," or "You haven't spent enough time in prayer - make time now," or "You haven't had any true exercise today - go get some!"  I am hopeful that being that honest with myself and making changes based on that honesty will start to make some big differences in my daily life for the better!

Are you facing the same enemy that I am?  Do you struggle with being honest with what your true problems are?  If so, know that I am praying for you.  If not, know that I am also praying for you.  We all need a cheerleader in our corner, and I am happy to be yours. :)  I want you to see God do marvelous things in your life this year, so that you can "...taste and see that the LORD is good..." (Psalm 34:8 KJV).

I truly hope this post has been a blessing to your heart, or at the least made you stop and think a little.  What has God done in your life lately to bless you?  What are you reflecting on?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Gluten-Free Andes Mint Brownies (Wheat, Fish and Nut-Free, Can Be Soy, Egg and Milk-Free)

I don't know about you, but the cold weather always makes me crave minty things (I blame candy canes at Christmastime).  I also adore most things mint and chocolate.  The idea of a mint chocolate brownie just really appealed to me, so I had to try making one.  The result?  YUM!  Gooey, sweet, minty, fudgy chocolate brownies - heaven in a pan!  The recipe is essentially my original brownie recipe with Andes Mint baking chips mixed in and melted on top.  So good!  If you love mint and chocolate like I do, you'll have to give these a try!  You won't regret it!

These brownies are wheat, fish and nut-free (if all your ingredients are), and can be soy, egg and milk-free (see variations).

Note: The gluten-free flour I recommend does not technically contain soy, but it does contain guar gum (see "Soy-Free" under variations for more details) which can cause issues for people with soy sensitivities or allergies, and the Andes Mint baking chips contain soy lecithin.  For these reasons, I will not claim that this recipe is soy-free.  I will share a soy-free alternative in variations, though.

Gluten-Free Andes Mint Brownies

3/4 Cup salted, full-fat butter

1 1/2 Cups sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract

1 Cup gluten-free flour blend 
(I recommend Pamela's Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour)

3/4 Cup gluten-free cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 bag (10 oz.) Andes Creme De Menthe Baking Chips

1. Preheat oven to 350^o F.

2. Mix butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla together, until blended.
  

3. Add to mixture, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, until well blended.
4. Stir in 1/2 of the Andes baking chips into the batter.

5. Pour into a greased pan (9"x13"), and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until desired doneness.  (Note: For more fudge-like brownies, bake closer to 20 minutes.  For more cake-like brownies, back closer to 30 minutes.  I like to bake these to about 25 minutes because of the added Andes baking chips which make them more gooey by default.)

6.  Immediately after removing the brownies from the oven, cover the brownies evenly with the remaining Andes baking chips.

7. Once the baking chips have melted (this normally takes less than a minute), spread the melted chips evenly and carefully over the surface of the brownies.  (Note: A metal spoon is best used here vs. a spatula.  You're least likely to tear the surface of the brownies with a metal spoon.)

8.  Enjoy the brownies hot, warm or cold - whatever your preference!

Makes 12 large to 24 average-sized portions.

Variations (Please keep your individual dietary needs in mind when using variations):

• Milk-Free: Use non-dairy butter of your choice, coconut oil or lard in place of the butter in this recipe. I am not sure how these would turn out if you used oil, but you are welcome to try it if you've used oil in homemade brownies in the past and like them made with oil.  My guess is that they'd be a lot more dense/fudge-y with the oil.  Also, you will have to substitute a dairy-free chocolate (I highly recommend Enjoy Life) for the Andes Mint baking chips and use a dairy-free mint-extract to get the mint flavor  (I'd use 1 teaspoon, but you could use up to 2 teaspoons if you really want them minty).  You could either choose to keep the vanilla in the batter or remove it, as well.
    
• Egg-Free: Use an egg replacer in place of the eggs.  For ideas on what to use in place of the eggs, check out my ingredient substitutions page.  The flax seed "egg" replacement would be a good fit with this recipe.
   
• Soy-Free: Pamela's Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour does not claim to contain soy, but it does contain guar gum, which can cause issues with people who have soy sensitivities and allergies, and the Andes Mint baking chips contain soy lecithin.  For these reasons, I will not claim that this recipe is soy-free.  You can use regular flour (if you can have it) or a soy-free, gluten-free flour of your choice.  Keep in mind that if your blend doesn't contain guar gum or xanthan gum, you may need to add between 1/4 to 1 teaspoons of ground flax seed, guar gum or xanthan gum to help with textural issues, too.  Also, you will have to substitute a soy-free chocolate (I highly recommend Enjoy Life) for the Andes Mint baking chips and use a soy-free mint-extract to get the mint flavor  (I'd use 1 teaspoon, but you could use up to 2 teaspoons if you really want them minty).  You could either choose to keep the vanilla in the batter or remove it, as well.  You'll have to make sure all of your ingredients are soy-free, too.
    
• No "Frosting" or All "Frosting" and Other Alternatives:  If you don't like the idea of a chocolate coating on top, just stir all the baking chips into the batter and bake as directed.  If you want all the mint chips on top vs. in the batter, you can do that, too.  You can also use more than 1 bag of Andes baking chips if you desire, and use one full bag in the brownies and part to all of a bag on top.  You could also make your own frosting to put on top of these brownies, too, or even use a mix of regular chocolate chips and Andes baking chips.  The choice is yours!

Don't these look delicious!?!?!

I promise they are DIVINE!  Give them a try today - you won't regret it!

Have a great weekend!

My Quarterly Report: First Quarter 2019

It is time for my first quarterly report of 2019.  On the first Saturday in January, April, August and December, I will be posting a quarterly report of how I am doing in regards to meeting my goals, and what my goals for the upcoming quarter will be.

If you want to share a post that has to do with meeting personal goals, just leave a comment below with a link to your goal-related post, and I'll pop over and visit it and leave a comment, and hopefully some of my other readers will, too. :)  

Here is my first quarterly report:

How I did on last quarter's goals:

Goal #1: Lose some weight by January 5, 2019.

I didn't meet this goal, but I didn't gain weight either, so I'll take it!  Hopefully next time I will have a weight loss to share with you.

Goal #2: Be honest about my diet.

I found that I did meet this goal.  It was something I really had to focus on, but I did it!  That doesn't mean I didn't stress eat at all, but a lot less than normal.  I worked harder on not turning to food when I was bored, too.  I am definitely glad I decided to focus on this, and hope to continue the trend I started.

 Goal #3: Drink 9+ Cups of water per day.

I did accomplish this, but some days were harder than others.  You'd think it would be easy to accomplish this goal with the dry air from the heat being on, because dry air = drier mouth, but it wasn't as easy as when it is hot outside.  Go figure.

Goal #4: Drink some green and herbal teas daily.

I mostly met this goal.  I don't always drink herbal teas and green tea in the same day, but I normally drink one or the other.  I do drink black tea or decaf coffee at times, but would much rather avoid those more often than not.  I am hopeful that I will be able to get in a routine of drinking green and herbal teas daily soon.

Goal #5: Get some form of physical activity daily.

I mostly met this goal.  Whenever the weather allows, my hubby and I go out for a walk.  When it doesn't, I do my best to make the most of the housework.  This means that when I put the clothes away, I leave the basket in the living room and put one article of clothing away at a time, so that I have to take multiple trips vs. one or two.  I also do my best to walk around as much as possible vs. sitting around, even if I'm not going anywhere.  I guess you could say I volunteer to be the errand runner vs. having my kids do it. :)

Goal #6: Focus on getting more quality sleep.

I still haven't transitioned to reading before bed, but I do feel like I am getting more quality sleep overall!  I still struggle with insomnia occasionally, but a lot less than I was.  Being active when possible definitely helps with this!


This Quarter's Goals:

1. I want to lose some weight.  I didn't set a weight loss amount again, but I do want to at least start losing vs. gaining or staying at the same weight.  I know it will take more effort on my part, but I am confident I will get there!
     
2. I want to eat more foods that benefit.  By this I mean that I want to eat more things that benefit me personally.  For example, I know chocolate is not my BFF, so I want to avoid it most of the time.  I also know that carbs do not help me in the weight loss area, so I want to focus on eating more proteins and whole fruits and veggies.  I have also recently noticed that I have digestive issues with some foods, and I'm trying to pin down what exactly it is about them that is causing the issue.  I'm leaning towards yeast extract being the issue (it is a natural form of MSG), but I'm not 100% certain on that.  I am going to continue to monitor it, and be cautious around it.  I am also going to work on limiting foods with huge ingredient lists and artificial stuff.  That should help a lot, too. :)
     
3. I want to continue to drink 9+ Cups of water per day.  Because I've been struggling to do this recently, I want to keep this as a goal.  It is very important for me to get enough water because I struggle with water retention, and I know drinking enough water is key to health in general.
     
4. I want to drink some green tea and herbal tea daily.  I want to keep this as a goal for the same reasons as before - because I think it will actually help curb my appetite along with bringing me other health benefits.
     
5. I want to find a way to do some form of physical activity daily.  I want to keep this as a goal because it is hard for me to keep this up this time of year.  Because I injured my arm last year (tennis elbow) during our freak April ice/snowstorm, I am not able to shovel much when it snows which was my main form of exercise in the winter.  We'll see what I come up with, but for now it looks like putting-one-article-of-clothing-away-at-a-time-type housework will be my go-to when I can't get outside and enjoy the outdoors.
     
6. I want to read more.  This may seem like an odd goal, but I really want to get back to reading for enjoyment more.  I love mysteries (Mary Higgins Clark is my FAVE!) and I have a lot of them, but I haven't been reading them like I used to.  I'd like to get back to that.  Less screen time, more page time.  I think that would be very good for me!

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will leave a comment sharing your thoughts and/or goals (with a link to your post, if you wish).  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)

Essential Oils 101 with Jess - January 2019: Raven

Awhile ago, I got curious about essential oils.  A lot of people I know that either prefer natural/herbal medicines or cannot take or use a lot of modern antibiotics due to allergies or other health issues use essential oils.  Because of this, I asked a friend of mine, Jessica, who is an essential oil guru in my opinion, if she'd be willing to do a monthly feature on here for me about essential oils, and she said she'd be delighted to! :)  "Essential Oils 101 with Jess" will go live the first day of every month, and I hope you find the information helpful!  If you're curious about essential oils, this information will be a great starting point for you! (See the disclaimer at the bottom of the post for further information.)

Without further adieu, I give you Jess!

~*~*~*~*~

As a wife to a husband who works hard at 50+ hours a week and a stay-at-home Mommy of 2 very busy littles, I simply say, "Hello!  My name is Jess!"  I've been faithfully using my Young Living kit and oils for 2 years now.  I thought that they were just over priced bottles of smelly oils, and it took me a year before I actually USED them in 2016 after my daughter was born and she fell ill.  After a few failed attempts of medicines and research, I made the choice to turn to oils.  The difference within 24 hours sold me out, and now they've become a daily part of my family's lives!  I love to do research upon research to find just what different oils are, what they do, and how I can use them.  My passion to share and teach others continues to grow daily.  Unfortunately, we aren't born with vast amounts of wisdom and knowledge, so that's why I'm here!  I want to make that road a little easier for each of you! 

 (For more information about Jess, click here.)

~*~*~*~*~
January's Oil of the Month:
Raven 15mL

Wholesale (15mL): $35.75  Retail (15mL): $47.04

“Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore...” the mystery of Essential Oils!

Ahhh...Nothing like putting a little twist on Poe’s Raven quote!!  

Well, all…. Can you believe it’s 2019!?  It doesn’t even see possible that 2018 is gone!  I sure hope you all had a beautiful holiday season with friends and family or just those you love.  Among my several presents, I was also gifted with a head/sinus cold (YAAAYY)!  So, I decided what better oil to share about than Raven!  It’s in my front line weapons against bug attacks!

What is Raven?  A refreshing and cooling little bottle full of respiratory support!

• Lemon: Bug destroyer, body booster and uplifts the mind during dreary cold winter
    
• Ravinstara: Opens up airway and encourages natural decongesting with stubborn coughs
    
• Wintergreen: Great for aching pains in the body and chest
    
• Peppermint: Sharp and refreshing mint to encourage sinus drainage and chest opening
    
• Eucalyptus Radiata: Supports full respiratory function and chest relief

Did you ever notice there are several Eucalyptus names that I use?  They are NOT all the same!

• Radiata: Sharp/cooling/citrusy/Australia
    
• Globulus: Bold/Rich/Penetrating/China
    
• Blue: Herbal/Spicey/Warm/Ecuador

This bad boy has so many other benefits as well, but, hey….I’m sick, so I just want to focus on my top benefits as I bask in its riches!  No matter what it is you’re fighting off, this should be a top go-to bottle!  

Flu?  GRAB IT!  

Pneumonia?  GRAB IT!  

Bronchitis?  GRAB IT!  

Upper or lower respiratory infections?  GRAB IT!  

Let us just assume that if you’re sick then GRAB IT!

One of my fave DIYs are shower steamers!  Nothing is quite so wonderful as dropping one in the shower and just breathing in relief!  But these may be a bit strong for our little kiddos, so as a special Christmas gift to you, I am sharing TWO recipes!  Steamers for us, and a rub for them!!

       Shower Steamers

1 Cup baking soda

1 Tablespoon cornstarch (can sub arrowroot for corn allergies)

1/3 Cup water

small candy molds

Raven* Essential Oil Blend

1. Mix the baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl.
  

2. SLOWLY add 1/3 cup water and stir slowly until smooth.
  

3. Pour into small candy molds and leave for 24 hours.
  

4. Pop them out and store in a glass container with a tight lid.
  

5. When it’s time to shower, take one out and pour 3-5 drops of Raven directly onto the disk and set in the corner of the shower floor.  As it slowly starts to break down, you’ll start feeling that chest and sinus relief!

Rub-A-Dub Baby

2 Tablespoons coconut oil, melted

1-2 drops Raven* Essential Oil Blend

1. Mix coconut oil and Raven together.

2. Once the mixture has cooled, you can apply the mixture in this way:

• Under 6 months: apply to toes and cover
• Under 2: Rub into spine and toes and cover
• 2+ : Rub into chest, spine and toes and cover

       

And let us not be selfish with these beauties!  Grab a strand of ribbon or a bow and give the gift of health and wellness all wrapped up in a jar!!  

Don’t have all of those ingredients?  No problem!  You can rub a drop of Raven* right into your throat or chest for an instant kick of relief while sipping a delicious hot cup of honey infused tea!  

And there we have it!  Raven to the rescue!!!!

*Click on the link to view the ingredient list to see if this product is right for you and fits your individual allergen needs.  You can search the other oils and blends here.

Ready to have your own bottle of Raven, make your own Shower Steamer or Rub-A-Dub Baby, or want to know more about how to get your own oils?

Click —>  https:yl.pe/58q8

For even more information on how you can get started with Young Living Essential Oils, click here.

Curious as to "Why Young Living?"  Click here.

Want to keep up with my latest oils, info and discovery?

Head over to my blog, Essentially Balanced.

You can also find me on Facebook.

I am available anytime for support, help and guidance, too!

Join the Essentially Balanced Community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/122630058357561/

(The information and photos found within this post was originally posted by Jessica on her blog, Essentially Balanced, and used with her permission.)

Disclaimer:  This post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of your doctor’s medical advice.  Though essential oils can be of great benefit for many people, they need to be used properly, and please be advised that some people cannot use essential oils due to allergies, sensitivities, etc.  I highly recommend that you discuss the use of essential oils with your allergist or physician prior to using them for the first time to see if essential oils are right for you.  All information shared here is based on the personal experiences of Jessica Pero and/or myself, and individual results can vary.  Neither of us are doctors, and we cannot treat, cure or diagnose any medical conditions.  

Neither Jessica nor I have been paid for our opinion of Young Living products, though free samples may have been sent to us at times (most products will have been purchased by at least Jessica for personal use vs. being given to her for free to try prior to it appearing on this page).  Our opinions are 100% our own without censor and reflect our personal feelings on the products and not that of the company/person that sent them to us.  If I do not have a comment on a particular product, it is because I have not personally tried it.  No product will be shown on this site that has not been tried by at least Jessica beforehand.

This post will also contain links (that were safe and valid at the time of posting) to outside sources to give you more information about the products listed and about how to purchase these products, including but not limited to the option to set up an account with Young Living.  You are not required nor obligated to set up an account with Young Living nor to purchase products from them by visiting these links.  If you choose to set up an account with Young Living or buy their products, you do so at your own discretion.  Furthermore, by using the information in this post, you expressly acknowledge and agree that Caring Foodie, its author (Julie Moore), Jessica and Caleb Pero, Essentially Balanced, Young Living, blogspot.com and wordpress.com are not responsible for the outcomes of your decisions resulting from the use of this information including, but not limited to, your choosing to purchase or not purchase products, to take (or not to take) a specific course of action based on the information shared herein or your seeking (or not seeking) professional medical care.

~*~*~*~*~
Thanks for being my guest, Jess!

I hope you all have enjoyed learning a little more about Raven Essential Oil Blend.  If you have further questions, please leave a comment below and Jess will respond as she is able or contact her via her "Contact" page.