Meal Planning with Connie

Pecans are my favorite nuts! They are a member of the hickory family. Hickory trees are native to North America, growing easily in most areas. The wood is extremely strong and is a very versatile building material. Of course, it's the hickory's nuts that are this tree's great claim to fame. These edible delicacies of nature have a long history of use here in the South. American naturalist, William Bartram, documented in 1773 that he saw 100 bushels of hickory nuts that were stored at just a single Creek Indian family home in Georgia. Since pecans are a variety of hickory nut, it's entirely possible that what he saw was pecans. Speaking of the Creek Indians, I have heard this phase all my life and assumed it referred to a body of water. "God willing and the creek don’t rise” Around here most folks say, "Lord willing and the..." The other day I heard that the "Creek" in this phrase refers to the American Indian tribe, not a tributary...

Connie's Easy Tortilla Soup We love soup and have seized this unseasonably cool weather to get an early start on “soup season!” When I say Roan’s White Chili recipe , I knew we’d love it! When I got in the kitchen and started looking around the fridge, I noticed a half jar of salsa that needed using. So, I took a few liberties with Roan’s recipe and came up with the following recipe. We all thought it was very good! I've written the recipe as I would like to make it! I've noted how I did make it using low-fat options. I'm paying for all those fat laden meals I consumed over the summer!! :) I’m still going to make Roan’s White Chili - per her recipe, one day very soon! Connie’s Easy Tortilla Soup 1 chopped onion 1 tablespoons butter (I used a bit of butter-flavored cooking spray.) 2 (15oz.) cans Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained 2 (14oz.) cans chicken broth 1 cup salsa (You could use Ro*tel tomatoes, for a spicier soup.) 3 cups cooked, chopped chicken (I ...