Spice of Life

Appetizer- Chicken Dumplings
Main Course - Mojo 'Spicy' Chicken, Sweet Cinnamon & Butter Yams w/ Asian Apple Green Salad
Featured Book - "Life is Short But Wide" by J. California Cooper
Spoonful Rating - 5 Spoons
Beverage - Raspberry Lemonade
Dessert - Double Chocolate Fudge Cake w/ Café Latte


Life is short, and often times not as you would design it---- but wide. I'd tell you that once you plan and prepare for things you'd like to achieve, then it simply is waiting on the precious return. The reality in most cases is, what you plan rarely is the absolute desire you dreamt. As Joseph Campbell cautiously points out, "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."

In this wonderful journey called life we encounter a myriad of feelings, emotions, people, and circumstances that call on us to be more. In some cases, more generous of ourselves, gifts, time, talent; and, in other times, we are pulled in one direction we would not have chosen, if honest; and, all the while, we are encouraged to challenge and be changed.

The author pulls the reader in every direction mentioned, challenging one's values and true self. The heroine takes on two (2) powerful yet life-changing elements in life ---- that is, family and fortune. The challenge to love and be loved, while learning to cherish the moments least expected is a treasure worth securing.

What a fitting title and moving account of true sacrifice --- why waist what you are given only once? In the eyes of a mother, daughter, wife, sister, widow, and far- too-soon loner, the author pushes the reader to acknowledge the emotions that lie deep below the surface and compels one to be better.

If you are traveling on this road called family, love, sacrifice, then may I suggest a traveling thought, "We will often find compensation if we think more of what life has given us and less about what life has taken away," says William Barclay.

Bon Appetit !

Mojo 'Spicy' Chicken, Sweet Cinnamon & Butter Yams w/ Asian Salad

6-8 oz chicken quarters
1 jar or bottle of Mojo Seasoning
Nonsalted butter
Olive oil
Ginger
Cinnamon
Allspice
Lettuce
1 sm cabbage
2 carrots
1 cucumber
1 green/ yellow/orange pepper
3-4 Asian apples
1 red onion
2-3 handful grapes and craisins

Clean and separate chicken quarters in a bowl. Gently rub Mojo seasoning on chicken, place in baking dish, sprinkling a dash of ginger, cinnamon, and allspice. Top with 8 slices of nonsalted butter and cover to bake for approximately 1 hour at 350 degrees. Wash sweet potatoes and rub olive oil around potatoes, placing in oven to bake for 1 hour at 400 degrees. Next prepare Asian salad as directed, slicing lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, green peppers, apples, and onions. Top with craisins, sesame seeds, grapes, and your favorite lite dressing. Serve for 4-6 people.






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Location:Davis Kitchen