Paleo Chicken Casserole

Every 6 weeks or so I head over to Costco and purchase the bulk items I need.  Then I pick up a roasted chicken so that dinner can be a little easier but we always have chicken leftovers.  And that is how this recipe came about ~ how to use leftover chicken.  This recipe can be used with any meat though but it tasted really great with chicken.

Using leftover chicken makes this a very simple and easy recipe along with the fact that it uses ingredients that most people already have in their homes.

Ingredients for Paleo Chicken Casserole
Ingredients for Paleo Chicken Casserole

I used Trader Joe’s Chicken Broth ~ just open and pour what you need out.

Trader Joe's Chicken Broth
Trader Joe’s Chicken Broth

And to thicken the sauce I use Arrowroot Powder instead of flour ~

Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot Powder

Then of course there’s your shredded chicken ~

Shredded Cooked Chicken
Shredded Cooked Chicken

Looks like a lot of chicken, doesn’t it?  This recipe is so good though that it will be gone in a heartbeat.  Alright, alright, not that quickly or you’ll choke.  hehe

You’ll basically saute the veggies, toss the tapioca flour over them, add the broth and stir  ~

Saute Vegetables
Saute Vegetables

Then add the chicken and whala!!!!   (You’ll notice the whala doesn’t apply to how wonderful the picture came out ~ not sure what happened there.)

Paleo Chicken Casserole
Paleo Chicken Casserole

But, that’s pretty much what you’ll be doing. I served this dish on a bed of mashed garlic sweet potatoes with a side of avocado.  Scrumptious!

Ready to see the recipe?

Paleo Chicken Casserole

 

Almost Strangled By A Leaf Blower

Autumn Trees, Minnesota
Autumn Trees, Minnesota

On a cool Sunday morning while leaves were still falling, I decided to head out and leaf blow to gather all the leaves in one area of our yard.  Putting on a hat, a flannel lined shirt and wrapping a scarf around my neck, I grabbed the leaf blower and plugged it in.

Leaf Blower
Leaf Blower

Turning the leaf blower on, I did the back of our property and headed closer to the garage to work on the front.  From the corner of my eye, I could see my husband was also outside working with earphones on listening to music on his iPod.

“So many leaves,” I muttered to myself. “And this leaf blower is so heavy.”  We use an electric one so we don’t have to bother with purchasing gas.

All of a sudden, I felt my neck being pulled towards the leaf blower.  Looking down, I noticed that the end of my scarf had gotten sucked into the bottom of the blower. Holding down the leaf blower with one hand and the scarf with the other, I looked around and yelled at my husband who was behind me to unplug the leaf blower.  Alas!  He couldn’t hear me.

Unable to move without letting go of my scarf, I kept yelling and yelling for what felt like many minutes. I didn’t want to panic but fear was starting to creep up in my thoughts.

Yelling even louder, I finally got my husband’s attention and he went and unplugged the leaf blower.

Gathering my composure, I looked at the bottom of the blower to see why my scarf was able to get sucked in.  It had a cover on it but there were holes where the scarf was able to penetrate.

Leaf Blower
Leaf Blower

It’s interesting to me how I viewed this situation versus how my husband viewed it.  He was nonchalant about the whole thing whereas I look back and see that I could have been strangled by a leaf blower.  Not the way I wish to die ~ well, there really isn’t any way I really want to die.

A friend suggested next time I tuck my scarf inside my shirt or jacket.  Good idea ~

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Autumn Flowers, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Autumn Flowers, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is an amazing place to visit.  I was awed by the 1137 acres of beautiful plants and trees which includes a hosta garden and a Japanese garden which is quite spectacular!  Of course, I love Japanese gardens so I may have a slanted view.

There were very few people when we visited which made for a peaceful walk throughout the arboretum.

One of the places we spent a goodly amount of time at was the “tree” section. They had all varieties of tree ~ both small and large.

Northern Catalpa Tree, Minnesota
Northern Catalpa Tree, Minnesota

For some reason, trees seem to “talk” to me.  I know that sounds kind’ve odd but when I look at a tree my brain usually relates it to people and their journeys in life.

This tamarack really did a lot of “talking.”  (No, I’m not going nuts …)  It reminded me of how our lives branch out into different areas and yet each branch is connected to the main trunk.

Tamarack Tree, Minnesota
Tamarack Tree, Minnesota

Whether alone or grouped together as in a “family,” the trees all spoke of their journey in this world.

Trees, Minnesota
Trees, Minnesota

This vibrant crabapple tree with its branches full of berries reminded me how much we as individuals are able to give to each other from the experiences that we have.  Empathy, joy, compassion ~ so many things humans have to offer.

Trees, Minnesota
Trees, Minnesota

As in a deep color red, some of us have experiences that go far back in time ~ many of us can’t even understand why we do certain things in our lives yet ~ yes, yet, an old experience creeps in our daily lives unnoticed.

Crabapple Tree, Minnesota
Crab Apple Tree, Minnesota

I was surprised when we came around the bend and ran into a sculpture garden.  Although I enjoy looking at sculptures, many times they confuse me and I can’t wrap my head around what the artist was trying to convey.  I am definitely a tree person.

Harrison Sculpture Garden, Minnesota
Harrison Sculpture Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Harrison Sculpture, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Harrison Sculpture, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

So ~ what do you think the artist was trying to portray in the sculpture below?

Harrison Sculpture, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Harrison Sculpture, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Harrison Sculpture Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Harrison Sculpture Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Lastly (although there was much more to see) we walked through the Japanese and hosta gardens.  I could have stayed here for a long long time as it is such a peaceful atmosphere.

Japanese Garden Entrance, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden Entrance, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

I really believe that my genes are misplaced ~ I’m really Japanese instead of Puerto Rican.  hehe

Japanese Garden Gate, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden Gate, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Although “rock” seems cold to me, whenever they are placed in a pathway, they always make me feel “at one” with them ~ as if we are journeying together.

Japanese Garden Walkway, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden Walkway, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The fountain in this garden is one I’d like to replicate in my own yard.  The sound of moving water is supposed to keep deer away also.  Interesting, no?

Japanese Garden Water Fountain, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden Water Fountain, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

More “falling” water …

Japanese Garden Waterfalls, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden Waterfalls, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Japanese Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

From the Japanese Garden we went straight into the Hosta Garden.  We have so many hostas in our own yard that they don’t excite me as much as they should, however, I do like the walkway on the path.

Hosta Walkway, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Hosta Walkway, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Such a beautiful arboretum ~ calm and thought encouraging.

Cucumber Tree Magnolia Pods

We recently walked through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen, Minnesota which was quite a beautiful place.  The leaves on the trees here had just started changing colors and I noticed one tree in particular had large pods on it.  The name of the tree was a Cucumber Tree Magnolia and it also had pods on the ground that had fallen.

I had never heard of this type of tree ~ have you?

It was a beautiful tree with large leaves and, of course, these large pods. The tree can grow 60-80 feet tall with a 35-60 foot span.  That’s quite a large tree!

This magnolia prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade and needs deep, moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.

Being adventurous, I bent over and picked up a pod thinking that perhaps I could plant the seeds when I returned home.

These trees obviously need a large open space to grow, but I wondered if it can be grown as a bonsai. That’s what I’m hoping although I’m going to try growing it both indoors and out.

After doing some internet research, I learned that these pods require a lot of patience to grow ~ even as much as a few months before seeing a seedling.  Well, why not?, I asked myself.

The first thing I had to do was let the pod sit on the table until it started to “pop” out these red seeds.  This requires the pod to get very very dry.  Not a hard thing to accomplish in Minnesota but I waited 2 weeks for the red/orange-ish seeds to start popping through.

Cucumber Tree Magnolia Pod
Cucumber Tree Magnolia Pod

After most of the red-orangish seeds start to pop out, I carefully pulled them out.  Then I had to remove this orangish cover to get to the actual seed which is a dark brown ~ almost looks like a coffee bean to me.

I took a paper towel and simply rubbed the outer cover off of the seed.  It didn’t take long at all.

Cucumber Tree Magnolia Seeds
Cucumber Tree Magnolia Seeds

Here’s a closer look at the seed.

Cucumber Tree Magnolia Seed
Cucumber Tree Magnolia Seed

Next I had to make a choice on how I wanted to get the seed to “hibernate” for the winter.  They need to be at around 40° Fahrenheit.

I decided to go the “refrigerator” route which required I put some wet dirt in a plastic bag, add the seeds and refrigerate.  The seeds should not get dry.

Preparation of Cucumber Tree Magnolia Seeds
Preparation of Cucumber Tree Magnolia Seeds

And now ~ the waiting begins. In March I hope to plant the seeds in small containers ~ one to try to grow as a bonsai and the other ~ well, I’m not sure yet as we have so many trees on our property that finding a perfect place for it will be tough.  But, who knows, some of our trees might be felled by the time this seedling is ready to be placed outside.

Wish me luck!

UPDATE:

It’s been 3 years since I tried this experiment and a reader asked if the experiment worked.  Unfortunately, it did not.

When I took the seeds/dirt out of the refrigerator in the spring of 2017, I allowed them to come to room temperature on a table.

I then planted them and left them in the sunniest spot I could find indoors on a windowsill.  They never sprouted.

If I’m fortunate to find them again, perhaps I can try now that I live in a house that has plenty of sunshine.

Of Simpler Times and Laura Ingalls Wilder

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum

Not too long ago, we drove past a small town in Wisconsin called Pepin that had a museum in memory of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Do you remember her from the TV show Little House On the Prairie with Michael Landon?  Well, if you don’t recall, the show was about the life of a family who lived in the 1870’s and 1880’s.

The show covered topics such as adoption, blindness and alcoholism ~ just to name a few.  It portrayed what might be considered a “simpler” time in life.

We decided to pay the fee to go inside the museum.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Minnesota
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Minnesota

Once inside, we learned that the town was Laura’s place of birth.  It was a fairly small museum but had interesting stories and items.

The below is called a “prairie dress” and is typical of the dresses worn in her day.  I kind’ve like it.

Prairie Dress
Prairie Dress

One thing I didn’t know was that they had sewing machines “back in the day.”  No special stitches on these older models like the fancy ones nowadays that have 150 various stitches.  A more simpler time …

Champion Treadle Sewing Machine
Champion Treadle Sewing Machine

I’m not sure I would want to use one of these older stoves.  I really do like the convenience that mine has to offer ~ mainly electronic.

Old Stove
Old Stove

The quilt below is hand sewn although not from the period that Laura Ingalls lived in.  It’s a reproduction though.  As a fairly new quilter, I know it takes a lot of time to hand quilt these which is why I make mine via sewing machine.

Hand Sewn Quilt
Hand Sewn Quilt

The covered wagon below was built in the late 19th or early 20th century by the Rock Island Plow Company in Rockford, Illinois.  It’s typical of a farm wagon of that era.  In Laura’s stories (books that were written by her), the farm wagon was used as a temporary home as the family journeyed from one home to another.

Can you picture yourself in one of these?

Covered Farm Wagon, Rock Island Plow Company
Covered Farm Wagon, Rock Island Plow Company

Below is a picture of Laura in her older days.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Photo
Laura Ingalls Wilder Photo

And here’s a picture of Laura when she was 17 along with her husband Almanzo.

Young Laura Ingalls Wilder
Young Laura Ingalls Wilder

And here’s a photo of Laura and Almanzo’s Golden Wedding anniversary …

Laura Ingalls Wilder Golden Wedding Anniversary
Laura Ingalls Wilder Golden Wedding Anniversary

Laura wrote a series of “Little House” books that the TV show was kind’ve based on. As with all movies, they don’t always follow the book’s plot.

And there you have it.

A trip down memory lane with Laura.  It was interesting to go to this museum and read about her “real” life.

The TV show always ended on a positive note which is what I liked about it.  I know life is not always that way but sometimes how we look at things can make a huge difference.

Minnesota Clouds

Minnesota Clouds
Minnesota Clouds

There are few places I’ve visited where I have really really admired the clouds.   Minnesota is one of the top places for clouds.  Yes, I know I may be prejudiced since I live here now but some days they appear so spectacularly in the sky.

Here’s a few I’d like to share with you ~

Minnesota Clouds
Minnesota Clouds
Minnesota Clouds
Minnesota Clouds
Minnesota Clouds
Minnesota Clouds
Minnesota Clouds
Minnesota Clouds
Minnesota Clouds
Minnesota Clouds

Reminds me of a Bible verse I read:  “Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?”  Job 37:16

Any places you’d like to share with great looking clouds?

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, Fergus Falls, Minnesota

On a recent trip home traveling through Fergus Falls, Minnesota, we saw a sign for the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center and decided to stop “where people and wildlife come together.”

The parking lot was practically empty (not a good sign) but we parked anyway and sauntered up to read an introduction sign.  After reading the sign we started walking towards the main building and were stopped by a couple coming out of the building.  They advised us that the building was closed today.  What???? On a Sunday? Yes, it’s only open Monday through Friday and some Saturdays for special events.  What a bummer.

We were told we could walk on the trail if we wanted to so we decided to so.  Why not since we were already there?

The Learning Center buildings are huge and appear to have classrooms.

Prairie Wetlands & Learning Center, Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Prairie Wetlands & Learning Center, Fergus Falls, Minnesota

There is hunting allowed during certain times of the year along with wildlife viewing (we didn’t see anything while we were there though).

“The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center offers environmental education programs for learners of all ages. The programs feature hands-on and minds-on activities that are conducted on 330 acres of native and restored prairie and wetlands by professional educators, college interns and highly trained volunteers.”

Prairie Wetlands Learning Trail, Fergus Falls, MN
Prairie Wetlands Learning Trail, Fergus Falls, MN

It was a beautiful sunny day.  Not much wildlife in sight though.

Prairie Wetlands Learning Trail, Fergus Falls, MN
Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Trail, Fergus Falls, MN

Definitely prairie …

Prairie Wetlands Learning Trail, Fergus Falls, MN
Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Trail, Fergus Falls, MN

The picture below is looking back at the buildings from the trail.

Prairie Wetlands Learning Trail, Fergus Falls, MN
Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Trail, Fergus Falls, MN

Towards the end of the trail we noticed a contemporary looking birdhouse, or should I say houses?. I wonder what kind of bird this is supposed to attract.  Thoughts?

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Birdhouses, Fergus Falls, MN
Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Birdhouses, Fergus Falls, MN

Not sure how I would rate this Learning Center since we weren’t able to go inside.  The trail was well taken care of though.

Of Children and Church

We attend a fairly large church in Minneapolis that has approximately 400+ people.  It’s quite different than the previous church I attended which has 25-30 members.

So ~ it’s no wonder that trying to adapt and fit into a “group” has been challenging, especially when these groups seem so tight knit.

One day it was announced that one of the members of the church was transferring to a smaller church which is closer to where we live. I hadn’t even know it was there ~ a new church plant.

So one day we decided to attend this church just to check it out.

This church plant rents space from another church but signs were visible as to where to go. The greeter was quite friendly and pointed us in the direction we should go along with handing us a church bulletin.

When we arrived at the entry to the sanctuary, there was a Bible study class in session so we decided to wait until that was finished.  That’s when we met the Pastor who was also friendly.  He told us that the church had mailed letters to the surrounding area inviting people to attend and he wasn’t sure why we hadn’t received one.

Soon enough the service started and everything went as planned per the bulletin handed to us.

Right after the closing song was sung, a child of about three came over to where we were sitting and handed me a handmade card.

Child's Handmade Card
Child’s Handmade Card

It brought such a huge smile to my face.

Child's Handmade Card
Child’s Handmade Card

Smaller churches certainly have a more personal feel to them.  Hmmm … wonder if we should continue attending “where everybody knows your name.”

Thoughts?

Separation Anxiety

Turtles, Pine Grove Zoo
Turtles, Pine Grove Zoo

On a recent trip to Fargo, North Dakota, we drove through a small town in Minnesota called Little Falls and decided to stop when we saw they had a zoo. The Pine Grove Zoo is small ~ big enough for a small town but still a little disappointing although from reading their history it seems like they’ve come a long way. (Donations are always appreciated.)

The animals appeared lethargic and listless.  I felt really sorry for a couple of them.  From what I recall, some of the areas for the animals to wander in didn’t give them much space.  Perhaps that’s part of the problem ~ although I’m not a zookeeper so it’s speculation on my part.

Let’s start with the cheerful part of this trip ~ the happier looking animals.

This alpaca was friendly.  He was donated to the zoo because he didn’t have goodly fur to donate anymore.

Alpaca, Pine Grove Zoo
Alpaca, Pine Grove Zoo

The Yaks weren’t overly friendly ~ staying at a distance.

Yak, Pine Grove Zoo
Yak, Pine Grove Zoo

The zebras looked healthy and were moving around ~ wandering wandering.  Can you tell if they are twins by their stripes?

Zebras, Pine Grove Zoo
Zebras, Pine Grove Zoo

There were so many black tailed prairie dogs burrowing around in a field of dirt. I wondered out loud “Why can’t they burrow themselves out of here?”  Right?

Black Tailed Prairie Dogs, Pine Grove Zoo
Black Tailed Prairie Dogs, Pine Grove Zoo

These two donkeys, although in a small pen, looked happy as a lark.  Can you see the smile on the one on the left?

Donkeys, Pine Grove Zoo
Donkeys, Pine Grove Zoo

Now for the not so cheerful part of this trip …

Although this arctic wolf looks like he’s smiling (now, how would I know that?), he was pacing back and forth, and back and forth.  To me, he appeared anxious and his coat seemed unkept, scraggly.

Click here for some facts on this wolf.  They are adaptable to extreme cold so, unlike me, Minnesota winters wouldn’t bother them.

Arctic Wolf, Pine Grove Zoo
Arctic Wolf, Pine Grove Zoo

Next was the cougar who totally ignored me. Well, except for when he did his business right in front of me. I wonder … maybe he did it on purpose so I’d get out of his area.  Hmmmm …  The cougar was also listless and lethargic. Not much room for him to run around in, in my humble opinion.

Cougar, Pine Grove Zoo
Cougar, Pine Grove Zoo

Lastly, and this really broke my heart ~ the bears.

This bear stayed next to the wall the whole time I watched him which was quite awhile.

Bears, Pine Grove Zoo
Bears, Pine Grove Zoo

I just couldn’t figure out why he stayed in this spot.

Bears, Pine Grove Zoo
Bears, Pine Grove Zoo

Then he did this …

Bears, Pine Grove Zoo
Bears, Pine Grove Zoo

Hmmm … I walked a little ways to the right to see what was on the other side.  And now it made sense.  He is a she and this must be her cub ~ by why are they separated?  This bear appeared to be suffering from separation anxiety. I’m not sure why they would be separated like this.

Bears, Pine Grove Zoo
Bears, Pine Grove Zoo

And look who came to console Mama Bear …

Bears, Pine Grove Zoo
Bears, Pine Grove Zoo

It was a touching scene that took awhile to transpire and to understand.

My heart goes out to these caged animals ~ one day the animals will be able to roam free …  in heaven.

Chicken Fillets with Vegetables

Chicken Fillets with Vegetables ~ Paleo
Chicken Fillets with Vegetables ~ Paleo

Here’s another easy and tasty paleo meal ~ Chicken Fillets with Vegetables.

I should tell you upfront that I purposefully did not cook my vegetables all the way through as I wanted them to be crisp when bitten into.  Feel free to cook them first before adding them to the chicken if you prefer them well cooked.

What I like about this recipe is the ginger, Braggs liquid aminos and garlic taste.  It leaves a burst of flavor in your mouth.

Braggs Liquid Aminos
Braggs Liquid Aminos

But before you start prepping anything, you need to marinate your chicken once it’s cut up in bite sized pieces.  It’s a simple thing really ~ cut then add the chicken pieces to a bowl, sprinkle it with the liquid aminos, salt and pepper then set it aside for at least 20 minutes.

Marinated Chicken Tenders
Marinated Chicken Fillets

While the chicken is marinading, prep your vegetables and spices.  (The small glob of yellow is the grated ginger …)

Prep vegetables and spices
Prep vegetables and spices

Once the chicken is ready, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet set on medium then add the minced ginger and garlic.

Add garlic and ginger to skillet
Add garlic and ginger to skillet

Allow this to simmer for a minute or so before adding another tablespoon of olive oil then the chicken.

Add Chicken Fillets
Add Chicken Fillets

Next, and this is important, you need to make sure the chicken is cooked almost all the way through so toss it around ~ turning each piece to make sure it’s not going to be raw.  Raw is NOT good. The chicken below is only halfway cooked.

Stir Chicken Fillets until almost cooked
Stir Chicken Fillets until almost cooked

Next add your vegetables ~ broccoli and carrots ~ and stir.  When the chicken is thoroughly cooked, add a handful of cashews, stir and then …

Chicken Fillets with Vegetables ~ Paleo
Chicken Fillets with Vegetables ~ Paleo

Enjoy!

Here’s the recipe ~

Chicken Fillets with Vegetables ~ Paleo