Your sign of Strength

I know that many of us do not think we are very strong.
I doubt this for many of you. 

You just need to adjust your definition of strength.

When we remember that we have the power to be who we want to be and to show a kind of strength to everyone that we would hope would be shown to us, we have a force that will be forever the envy of all.

Let's decide today to start showing our strengths and start outshining the weakness and insecurity that is pervasive in our world.

As we go into the Labor Day weekend here in the States, let us have Strength and Self-esteem become our badges of honor.   

I hope to start seeing these badges more and more.

How about you?

Summer Creole Dinner

THIS looks AWESOME

I will definitely need to add this to our fun night meals.

Summer Creole in Smart Multi-Cooker by Tupperware 

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 3 red potatoes, cut into quarters
• 3 andouille sausage, about ½” thick
• 8 fresh okra, halved
• 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp. tomato sauce
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
• ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp. allspice
• 2 corn on the cobs, cut into 1″ rounds

DIRECTIONS

1. Fill base of Tupperware® Smart Multi-Cooker with water to max fill line for steaming. Place shielded colander inside the base.
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes, sausage, okra, shrimp and tomato sauce. 
3. Add paprika, salt, dry mustard, cayenne pepper and allspice and mix until fully coated. 
4. Transfer mixture to the shielded colander.
5. Place shallow colander on top of shielded colander, and add corn. 
6. Cover and microwave 15-18 minutes on high power or until fully cooked.

Positive thought on Negative words

I don't know about you, but I really get down when I hear so much negativity in the news, on Facebook or Twitter, or even in the grocery store.

When I saw this I just knew it was something I needed to add to my daily view.  So yes it will end up being a post on my wall someplace.

I love the meanings that are attached to these usually negative words.

I think it is something that everyone, no matter how old they are, need to take to heart and perhaps, just perhaps, some of the negativity that seems to be pervading our society will start to lessen.

Remember YOU are important too

As the summer is coming to an end (I know I know bite my tongue) and we are going to be hustling to get everyone ready for the start of a new season, a new school year and so many "other news" I want to remind you to take care of yourself too.

I know it is very very easy to forget about you when you are so busy making sure others are ready for the day, or something new.  Take a few minutes each day to remember this ... so that you will be able to be there for them.

Thank you tinybuddha.com for the reminder.

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Or maybe have it as a Sub ... so many possibilities.  
And with Chicken no less!

Yield: 5

Serving Size: 2 meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1" cubes
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• ½ medium onion, peeled quartered
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp. Italian Herb Seasoning
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Assemble Fusion Master™ with coarse mincer disc and place medium bowl underneath hopper.
2. Fill hopper with chicken and turn handle to process. 
3. Once there is room in the hopper add garlic and onion, followed by more chicken. 
4. Continue processing until all chicken, garlic and onion is processed.
5. Add breadcrumbs, seasoning, egg, and Parmesan to chicken mixture and stir to combine.
6. Once combined, use ice cream scoop to help form mixture into meatballs.
7. Place meatballs in base of Microwave Pressure Cooker. Cover with marinara sauce. 
8. Seal and microwave on high power 15 minutes.
9. Remove from microwave and allow pressure to release naturally until red pressure indicator fully lowers, about 6–8 minutes. 
10. Check to ensure internal temperature of meatballs has reached 165° F. 
11. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese.

I LOVE using the Fusion Master for so many things, but this is just another added benefit so you can know exactly what is in your ground chicken or beef or pork.  

When so much seems to be against you

and your dreams, there is something that you need to remember.

I love this reminder.  It just makes me realize that so many face adversities, just like me, to make their dreams come true.  

Nobody gets everything without some kind of problem or set back.

But when we trust what we hear from our soul, everything will work out as it should.  We just have to wait for the right time.

Strawberry Chantilly Cake

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1 slice

Ingredients

For the cake
• 1 lb./455 g fresh strawberries, tops removed
• 1/8 tsp. coarse kosher salt
• 12 tbsp. melted, salted butter
• 1¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 3 small egg
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 6 tbsp. plain yogurt
• 6 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 3/4 tsp. corn starch
• 1½ cup all-purpose flour
• Sliced strawberries for garnish

For the Vanilla Whipped Cream frosting
• 1 tsp. unflavored powdered gelatin
• 2 tbsp. cold water
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In the base of the Power Chef® System, add strawberries, ¼ cup of the sugar, and salt. Cover and pull cord until strawberries are roughly chopped. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Grease and flour the Stack Cooker 3-Qt. Casserole and the ¾-Qt. Casserole; set aside.
3. In the 2-cup Micro Pitcher add butter. Microwave on high power 25 seconds, or until melted. Remove from microwave, transfer to base of the Power Chef® with paddle attachment. Add remaining sugar, cover and pull cord until butter and sugar are well blended.
4. Remove cover, add egg, cream, yogurt, vanilla, baking soda, and baking powder. Cover and pull cord until well blended; about 20 pulls. Add flour, cover and pull cord until well blended; about 20 pulls.
5. Using a spatula, divide batter evenly between the two casseroles; stack and cover. Microwave on high power 11 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from microwave; let stand 30 seconds. Transfer cakes to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before frosting.
6. Meanwhile, make the frosting. In a small bowl, stir together gelatin and water; set aside. In the base of the Quick Chef® Pro System with whip attachment, add cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Turn handle until cream reaches the soft peak stage. Add gelatin, continue whipping cream until stiff peaks form (cream should be the consistency of stiff frosting). Remove whip attachment, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
7. Place first layer of cake on plate or cake stand; cover with strawberries. Spread 1/3 of the frosting over the strawberries. Add second layer of cake; Spread 1/3 of frosting over the top. Spread remaining frosting over the sides of the cake. Decorate cake with fresh strawberries. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.