Monthly Archives: November 2011

handmade christmas

  November 30, 2011 - 10:39 am | ,
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We are gearing up for a wonderful holiday season at the Chino House. I haven’t pulled the decorations out yet but I am doing a lot of preparing on paper and in my heart.  We’re so excited this year because our church theme for this Christmas is the Advent Conspiracy.  Since we already love an upside down Christmas at our house, we are excited to jump in and enjoy this adventure with our church family. Our women’s holiday event is participating by doing something a little different this year.  We’re having a brunch this Saturday where you can shop for … Continue reading →

happy thanksgiving + helpful holiday links

  November 22, 2011 - 12:09 pm | , , ,
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We’re in a frenzy around here getting ready for the holidays!  We head to my sister’s house on odd years. The picture below is from 2005.  The sweatshirt Cole is wearing is in Simon’s suitcase this time…sigh. In between packing the car, I’ve been bookmarking links and pinning pictures like crazy, so here are a couple I think are MOST helpful. Getting ready for a big holiday dinner? Heidi at 101 Cookbooks listed her favorite past Thanksgiving dishes.  They all look so yum to me! Getting ready for Advent? Here are 20 handmade Advent calendars!  The Christmas season will be … Continue reading →

chilaquiles

  November 11, 2011 - 3:37 pm |
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  Chilaquiles are the Mexican equivalent of lasagna, according to Crescent Dragonwagon. This casserole is similar to making a pan of enchiladas, only easier since you just layer the tortillas like pasta. Since this version is vegetarian, if you can open cans, you can make it.  Easy peasy. I served with it chips and extra salsa. Vegetarian Chilaquiles from The Passionate Vegetarian by Crescent Dragonwagon Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, drained 1 can black beans, drained 1 can red kidney beans 1 large can (28oz) diced tomatoes 1/2 cup salsa (homemade or your favorite jar) 4-8 tablespoons chili powder 1 10 … Continue reading →

tara

  November 8, 2011 - 2:50 pm | ,
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Somehow in the busy, busy, busy of the fall, I neglected to mention here on the blog that through a whirlwind of emails, phone calls, conversations and prayers, the Chino House added another member to our family for the school year. Vitara (we call her Tara, for short) came to us at the end of August from Indonesia. This past weekend was her homecoming dance at eStem High.  While the boys were off camping, Mary Polly and I got to help her get ready and add the finishing touches to her ensemble.  I personally get to take credit for those … Continue reading →

Curried Lentil Potato Pot Pie with Pumpkin and Tomatoes

  November 4, 2011 - 8:07 am |
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Conversation overheard at this week’s football game: My mom: What did y’all eat for dinner tonight? Ben: Lentil Pot Pie My mom: Hmmm, how was that? Ben: no answer Mary Polly: Interesting. Translation: I am a filo dough amateur.  My filo crust top on this dish never crisped. I went with it because it seemed easy, but I wish I had just made a regular pie crust.  The result was that everyone decided they loved the filling to this dish, but would rather have had it served over rice instead of baked in a crust. However, the dish was scraped … Continue reading →