14 Sep 2015

Creamy Roasted Jalapeno Soup

by | posted in: food, The Charming South Kitchen | 0
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Creamy Roasted Jalapeno Soup

the charming south kitchen

Fall has (not quite officially) begun,

but when I bring out the old youth group (yay Anastasia) tshirts that I’ve had for some 15 years,

I can make roasted jalapeno soup and call it Fall.

Back in August I attended my family reunion over in Northern Alabama.  Southern cooking and fried chicken and pies and pound cakes are the name of the game.  Woodworking and quilting.  What I also received this year was a giant bag of jalapenos.  Can life really get much better?  Fresh grown jalapenos.  Yes, from people who really know what they are doing in the vegetable garden arena (not me, I kill basil).  What was I going to do with all of these tiny peppers that tasted so good with just a subtle amount of heat?

Make soup of course.  And anything you can put cheese, bacon, and avocado on has got to be a good soup, right?

This has just the right amount of heat.  You may want a glass of milk nearby, but most of you will probably be able to handle it.  I just downed a bowl of it.  My husband will have it tonight alongside a full-loaded baked potato.  Not too shabby for a Monday night.

Print
Creamy Roasted Jalapeno Soup
Author: 
Recipe type: soup
Cuisine: comfort food
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4-6 servings
 
Bit of heat, delciously cream, fresh soup for the start of fall
Ingredients
  • 6 jalapenos, no seeds
  • 5 carrots, diced
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 2 T olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2½ cup chicken broth (homemade is best so you control the ingredients)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 T unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • ¾ cup mexican shredded cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Slice and seed jalapenos.
  2. Place them cut side down on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast at 400 for 15 minutes
  4. Chop onion and carrots.
  5. Saute in olive oil over medium heat (in a dutch oven) for about 4 minutes.
  6. Add roasted jalapenos (chop them) and garlic powder
  7. Add in butter and as it melts, stir in the flour.
  8. Once combined, add in chicken broth.
  9. Bring to a simmer.
  10. Add in milk and simmer for another 3-5 minutes
  11. Transfer to a blender to puree (or use immersion blender.
  12. Put back in dutch oven.
  13. Add tomatoes and cheese and heat through until cheese is melted.
  14. Top your bowl of soup with more tomatoes, cheese, avocado slices, bacon.
  15. Enjoy
 

13 Sep 2015

Sundays in the South

by | posted in: Sundays in the South | 1

Sunday naps

Truth be told, doing some extended childcare today – I may have eaten half my weight in animal crackers.  Hey, whatever it takes to get 4 kids through nap times without naps.  And speaking of naps – this was taken last night before bed time – it had been a long week for all of us and my e gets so snuggly – and because he turns 3 in 6 days!

So, first I thought you might be encouraged to go read three posts that I’ve written that are spread throughout internet land:

This one on what the best types of shoes each woman needs to succeed in marriage.

This one on blessing others because we have been blessed in Christ.

and finally this one about putting our faith into action.

And now for some link love from around my fave blogs:

I’m already thinking of simple Christmas gifts I can give to other foodies in my life – this salt may be perfect in little mason jars wrapped up in pretty string.

Because I love pumpkin everything this time of year.

But, I don’t want to give up summer and all its glorious berries just yet and because I love scones.

And because I’m not in college and can cook more than microwaveable ramen and because I love bacon. Who doesn’t, right?

 

 

12 Sep 2015

My Favorite Pen(s) Giveaway

by | posted in: creatives | 19

My Favorite Pens Giveaway

Admitting you have a problem is always the first step in recovery, right?

I have a pen problem.  I have TONS of them.  Most of them are ball point click pens that come from church, organizations, medical supplies, previous jobs, conferences, etc.  But I’m hear to tell you about some pens that should be near the top of your list as well.  And head on to the bottom for a giveaway!

So, I’m going to talk about some pens here – and my thoughts.  You might not agree with my thoughts – because pens are like kitchen knives: you have to know what you are going to use them for, and grip them in your hands, then you will know which ones are right for you.

My fave pen for every day writing: Poppin Pens.  I had a free coupon and got a box of these.  Love the bright colors and the medium tip.  They are fun.  They write smooth.  I’m glad I got them free because they range about 1$ a pen.

My fave pen for everything else: Staedtler.  Oh my.  These write smooth and help me to write like I want to write.  Its that easy.  They are heavier pigmented so they can be seen from the other side of my Journaling Bible – but that’s ok for me. (And if anyone needs a gift idea for me for Christmas or birthday or just because, the pen set I have linked here would be marvelous)

Runner-ups:

Frixion: a friend of mine gave me some of these.  They didn’t write smooth enough for me – but I loved their fine tips and there erasability.

Sharpie Pens: these really are stellar – they just don’t come in enough colors for me (so that’s why they aren’t my fave pens)

LePen: I remember writing with these in my younger days. The only reason they aren’t my favorite (because I love their colors and their writing size) is because they seem to be delicate.  I find myself writing with a lighter hand when I write with these.

PaperFlair: These are really good too, but just are too generic for me and don’t come in enough colors.  But, I really like them for every day lettering.

So, to win this giveaway (which is for all you weekend people – ending Sunday night at 9pm) – all you have to do is leave a comment telling me what your favorite pen is  How simple is that?  Winner will be chosen and get some of my favorite pens!

Oh, and this lovely print in the above photo is from Kristin Schmucker

12 Sep 2015

Blogtember: Saturday Chillin’

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 0

Pink Flowers

I’m hearing many great things from yall – how you are enjoying these random posts.  So thankful for BraveLoveBlog for putting it together – opening up community, helping us all get to know each other a little better.

So, here we go – these lists are fun and let’s you peak into my world a bit:

Reading… Deuteronomy and The Mark of a Man by E Elliot (for praying for my mister) 
Playing… “talls” with my little misters (mega blocks) and my new Canon 6D – gotta learn the new toy
Watching… NCIS Season 11 and 12 (to get ready for premiere).  Gotta catch my mister up.  And West Wing.
Trying… to get photo shoots lined up for the fall
Cooking… pumpkin muffins for a new member class tomorrow at church
Eating… Tonight will be a grapefruit and avocado salad (but I just split some nuggets and fries with my boys).
Drinking… Water and diet coke
Calling… I don’t like to talk on the phone, but I did just chat with a sweet NC friend who asked me to letter her wedding vows for her upcoming 2nd anniversary.  
Texting… with Bekah about using Heart Hope Justice to help her raise funds to buy a home to house women trying to leave abusive situations.
Pinning… Oh, I’m trying to revamp and relabel my Pinterest page.  Head on over there and give me some ideas of what you would like to see.
Tweeting… last night I was tweeting with my bestie about Friday nights, popcorn, and headshots
Going… to Publix this afternoon…again..they truly do make shopping a pleasure when I have littles.
Loving… lettering hymns – it helps me meditate on them in the morning
Hating… whining littles and my husband’s long hours and road trips (he doesn’t have them very much, but I’d rather have him at home than away)
Discovering… that I have an amazing husband who cleans up dead roaches and takes out the trash immediately after coming in the door from being gone for three days
Thinking… about all the places that I would love to travel to including NYC for Christmas next year – I can dream right?
Feeling…very weary
Hoping (for)… my mister to be able to get off work for a few days around new years so we can hit Jekyll with the boys..
Listening (to)… Come Weary Saints by Sov Grace
Celebrating… my older little mister’s three year birthday one week from today – a minion party at the park we love so much
Smelling… Pumpkin baking in my kitchen
Ordering… More diapers.  Potty training was going to start this week but I think I will postpone just a bit
Thanking… My bestie for listening to me much this week in all of my mommy-mess
Considering… how to make income with all my creative juices flowing
Starting… to love the early mornings – when most days I go to my nearest McDs to have some quiet time and drink some diet coke, especially now that it is getting hoodie weather.
Finishing…maybe cleaning off my desk – I stop and start, stop and start.  I know it would be a blessing to my mister!

11 Sep 2015

Blogtember Challenge: TGIF

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 0

TGIF

How life has changed.  I remember in high school it was close to a sin to sit home on a Friday night.  Our high school (at the time) didn’t have football, but soccer was the big sport and then in the winter it was basketball – then in the spring it was baseball or the beach or a movie.  You just weren’t cool if you were at home.

Then in college, it was pretty much the same way, just with different activities.

Seminary, well, most people had dates or ministry events or were home with their families.

Now…I love love love to stay home on a Friday night.  Even when we didn’t have any children, I always thought after a long week without my husband, all I wanted to do was eat dinner at home (or bring in something) and sit and chill.  So, that’s normally what we did.

Now, our schedules are very different.  He doesn’t get a weekend, so Fridays are just a normal day. He usually works till about 9pm on Fridays.  I put the boys to bed and watch something, read, take a bath, bake cookies, and wait until he comes home.  We never go out on Friday nights (and that’s ok because ATL traffic on a Friday is awful and every place is packed that you would want to go.

Tonight is a little different.  My mister is coming back from being gone for a few days.  I’m going to put our younger boy to bed at his normal time (after Friday Friyay) and keep the older one awake.  We will have popcorn together and watch a movie – probably the Penguins of Madagascar or a Pooh movie or something and see if he makes it up to see his daddy tonight.  That will be a special treat for both him and his daddy.

 

10 Sep 2015

Blogtember: Travel Bucket List

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 4

Travel Bucket List

My mister and I love to do everything together, but really here are the top two:

  1.  Do nothing.  That’s what he said early on in our marriage when someone asked him what he liked to do with me.  He said “we like to do nothing.”  That speaks of the busyness of our lives and how when we do get a chance to be together, we like to do nothing.  Sitting on the couch is our fave way to spend the evening.
  2. Travel.  We started traveling when we we were dating: the NC coast, Williamsburg.  Our honeymoon was a two week road trip up the East Coast visiting all the major cities and then the turn around spot was the number one thing on my bucket list: PEI.  I am a huge Anne fan, so that was a must.  And he fulfilled it.  It was awesome.

So, here are ten places that I still want to go with my mister sometime in our lives.  I figure if we do one every anniversary (not going to happen), we can knock it out in ten years, then move on to the rest of the world.

  1.  Spend a week in Paris with him.  He’s been to Paris, but it was with a missionary buddy of his – not his wife.  So, I need to go with him this time.
  2. Visit, photograph, and or climb every USA lighthouse.  I love the coast and I love lighthouses.  So, I figure why not.
  3. Hike Acadia.  He has been to Acadia National Park with a family member, but I want to go with him.
  4. One of this that I want to make happen is a rafting trip through the Canyon with the boys.
  5. Take a mediterranean cruise. See Greece and Italy.  Eat the food – experience the culture
  6. Take him back to Alaska.  I went on a cruise with my parents shortly before my Mister and I were engaged, but talking to him via phone was not the same as him experiencing what I think is the prettiest part of America.
  7. Napa.  I want to eat at Big Sur and travel the pacific highway and take my camera through the vineyards.
  8. Go to the Keys. My brother goes all the time, but even though I grew up in Florida, I’ve never been.  We did drive to the southern most tip of US 1 together (and the northenmost tip), but we turned around.
  9. Spend a few days hiking the AT.  Camping, roughing it, etc.
  10. See the castles of St. Petersburg.  Russia that is.  I’ve been to Moscow and I’d love to see it again, but I’d rather see some place new.

There you have it – now everyone knows what to get me for gifts (airline miles) and we need to be independently wealthy.

9 Sep 2015

Blogtember Challenge: Back to the Future

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 4

I am 16, going on 17

I was a whole different person when I was 16.  The year was 1993.  Danny Wuerffel played for the Gators.  My brother was a senior and started driving us to school.  I sang in a traveling musical group for my high school.  I switched churches and went out on my own in that arena.

Dearest me:

First of all – love Jesus more.  It is not about all these games that you are playing, not about getting the cutest boyfriend, or being the most popular – all of that will fade even before the yearbook comes out at the end of the year.

Second, when it comes time to pick a major in a few years: pick something that you are passionate about – not just something that will pay the bills.  You love photography – even when you capture it with that little yellow and black throw away.  The world is going more digital – learn it

Third, make relationships work.  I’m not talking about the guy you will date or the guys you wanna date – but make sure relationships are important to you.  Community and friendships and mentoring – all those centered in Jesus – will stick with you and make you a much better person.

Last: travel.  I know you love to go on little trips to the coast or just like to hang out – but travel as much as you can.  Don’t just read about it in books or watch the world from television.  You will have many opportunities in the coming years to travel the world – don’t say no.  Traveling opens your mind and heart to the world God created to reflect His glory.  Go.

And most of all – love.  This life is not about you.  Live well and love often.  Cook more.  Capture moments.

Love – your 38 year old self.

8 Sep 2015

Blogtember Challenge: My Favorite Season

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 0

Danny @ Southern

We are only a few weeks out from the official start of Fall, but I think the PSL craze has made Fall come a bit earlier every year.  Fall is definitely my favorite season – and always has been (with Spring coming in a somewhat distant second).  I grew up in Florida so we really didn’t have seasons, but when I moved to North Carolina to start seminary in the winter – I knew Fall has to be pretty and not so cold.

Why is Fall my favorite season?

  1.  Football. No, it definitely isn’t the most important reason, but its probably been the longest running reason why I love fall so much!
  2. Start of school.  No, i’m not in school anymore, but I always loved getting the school supply list then going to buy them.  I could buy school supplies every trip to Target and never get tired of them.
  3. Cooler Weather.  I love a medium temperature.  I’m not one for sweltering heat, but I would love it if everyday was 60-85 with blue skies and a thunderstorm.  That’s what I’d like to live in.
  4. Fall leaves.  Call me crazy, but when I think about the turning of leaves, I think of the beauty of death.  As a believer, I know that all creation is groaning to be restored to its Maker.  And we can’t have life without first having death.  That’s why fall and winter have to come before spring.  But, I love the sound of walking through leaves.  I’m glad though I never had to rake them in Florida though.
  5. My anniversary.  My mister and I got married in the fall.  It was a perfect blue clear sky day one which I will always remember.
  6. My boys birthdays.  The next two most important days in my life are the days I gave birth to our sons.  Ones birthday is in September and ones is in October.  Both Fall blessings.  I can’t wait to celebrate them every year with pumpkin pictures!

What’s your favorite season?

8 Sep 2015

Transformation Tuesday: Healthy Recipes

by | posted in: food, The Charming South Kitchen, weight loss | 1

Transformation Tuesday

Cooking and I go way back.  I had to start cooking and grocery shopping when I was in grade school but I didn’t know anything about healthy eating back then.  I came into my love of cooking in college.  And as I’ve gotten out on my own, I love baking, sharing my table with others, and I’ve loved eating healthier too.

What you put in your body is just as important as how much you move your body when wanting to lose weight (or just to stay healthy).  And nowadays, everyone has specific diets: gluten free, no dairy, vegetarian, no carbs, vegan, fat free, etc.  Whatever way you is up to you and your doctor, but here are some of my favorite healthy recipes from over the years.

Enjoy – and please share your fave healthy recipes in the comments so others can see them.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus – perfect, creamy, and definitely packed with protein with the chickpeas.  Eat it with a spoon or with some raw veggies for a perfectly nutritious appetizer or small plate.

Black Bean Salsa – I usually make this several times a year.  Raw, whole ingredients.  Can’t get better than that.  And it is perfect for a topping on meats or salads, and you gotta have this to go with your standard Taco Tuesday.

Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls – most people do allow for some bread – and what better way than to use whole wheat flour and just imagine the smell of yeast in your home – I think it is an amazing smell.

Black Bean and Chicken Chilaquiles – quite possibly my favorite Cooking Light recipe.  I love mexican food and this for breakfast is a huge treat

Homemade Granola Bars – yes, you can buy granola bars, but when you make them you can control how much sugar and fat and preservatives you put in.  So much better for you!

Spinach Casserole – I know this doesn’t sound like much but it is simple comfort food.

There are so many others – and tons of salads and smoothies!  Fresh foods and colors in your food are two helpful things to remember when going healthy.  More color usually means more vitamins!

 

7 Sep 2015

Blogtember: How’d I Name My Blog

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 1

Hydrangeas

I skipped yesterday, not because I was meaning to, but sometimes you just need to put down the computer, grab some chipotle, and watch an NCIS marathon with my mister.  That’s what I did last night instead of blogging.  I hope yall don’t mind.

So, today is Labor Day – but for the Blogtember Challenge the question is how’d you name your blog.

I’ve had several, because I’ve been blogging for ten years, I don’t always keep the same emphasis.  It is ever evolving

My Thoughts on the Word was just that.  It was my first blog – and really a blog, a personal journal on my thoughts from my quiet time.  That was about it.

Kims State of Food: that was my first food blog.  I started it to share recipes for the college girls I hung out with.

For the Love of NC was a blog dedicated to my travels around my lovely state of NC.

This Whole Life was the first time I attempted to connect all the blogs together.

Applesause and Grenadine was another food blog attempt.

Now, I’ve had kd316 since 2011.  I love it.  It has everything: my photography, my recipes, my health journey, my book reviews and resources, and my random every day thoughts.  I named it that because kd (my initials, and now that I’m married, my middle initial is still d, so it works.  Also, its my favorite verse: Colossians 3:16 “Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly…”  I want the gospel to permeate every bit of my life – just not my “Bible” time.

kcreatives is the subtitle for the blog.  Intention: Creative.  Because life has a lot of mundane moments and I don’t want to live in the mundane.  I want to be creative with my time and talents and let that part of God’s character come out in me.