I’M STEPPIN’…

 

Stepping into July with a grateful heart and brave steps. New Days

New Chances - New Memories - Good Things Ahead

I wish you all a very happy July

and thanks for visiting.

HORSES - POETRY IN MOTION - OLD FAVORITES

Ask me to show you poetry in motion, 

and I will show you a horse.

~Author Unknown~

I took my photos on Dartmoor (UK) in 2015. 

MONDAY MORNING RECIPE POST - THAI CHICKEN SALAD WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE

One of those weeks of no fixing new recipes so I am relying on my archives. I found this one which I remember liking very much. Not the prettiest presentation but if you care to look at the food blog where I got it from, the link is below and it will give you a better idea of what it should look like. Everything else on here is from June 2014.

I felt it was time for a main dish salad and found this delicious recipe at My Kitchen Escapades, recipe index at this link.  You can click here to go to see the original recipe.  If you enjoy food sites there are other wonderful dishes for you browse through.

Thai Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Serves 8

Chicken Marinade:

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons vinegar

1/4 cup sugar or 2 tablespoons Truvia or sweetener you prefer in equivalent measure

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

1 lime, juiced

Dash of salt and pepper

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 2-1/2 pounds total

Salad:

2 hearts of romaine, chopped

1/2 large head of Napa cabbage, chopped

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

2 carrots, shredded

1 red bell pepper, chopped

5 green onions, chopped

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

1 cup salted peanuts

Dressing:

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup Thai sweet red chili sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon sugar or Truvia

Pinch of salt and pepper

Peanut Sauce

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon Thai sweet red chili sauce

2 tablespoon water

In a Ziploc bag combine all the ingredients for the chicken marinade. Squeeze the bag a few times to blend together really well. Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours.  

Cook the chicken either on a hot grill, 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes. Allow it to cool a bit, then chop up all the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl, except for the peanuts, then add the chicken.  

Combine all the dressing ingredients then pour over the salad. Toss until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Put into individual salad bowls to serve.

Stir together the ingredients for the peanut sauce in a small bowl. If the sauce is too thick to drizzle, add a little more water.  Generously drizzle peanut sauce over each serving of salad, then top with the peanuts.  

What did we think of this dish?  Very much enjoyed. The flavors in this recipe are subtle and delicious.

I always use a hot-house cucumber, the kind you don't have to seed.  I prefer it to regular cucumbers.  

There was quite a bit of preparation but I started early. It helps to get all the ingredients chopped up and everything measured out before you start putting the recipe together. I learned this late in life!  

Lots of leftovers.  We will be eating this again tomorrow, and probably the next day.  

I thought of halving all the ingredients next time as there is just the two of us, unless we are having people over.  But my dear other half feels confident that he can eat this for the next three days.  I guess we have a winner.

I wish you all a great week and

thanks for stopping by.

Bon Appetit!

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - A FEW JIGSAW PUZZLES FROM MY IPAD

My favorite time to do these is at the end of the day when I am ready to put my feet up. I will take maybe 20 minutes to half an hour, depending on how tired I am. When the puzzle pieces refuse to show themselves to me, then I know it’s time to put it down.  

I am a very visual person as you have probably guessed, and love the ones with animals and birds and bright, cheery colors. I also enjoy the scenic ones, and flowers of course. 

I have put these puzzles together over the last few months and am sharing my favorites. I am about to clear a space on our dining room table to do a regular 1,000 piece. 

How is your weather where you are? After hearing about the high temperatures in Europe, we are now following suit. It is going to be hot and humid. I will not be going out in it, if I can help it. I do have an eye appointment mid week, just to see how my eyes are doing with my new glasses. Quite well I will be able to tell her.

Thanks for dropping in and I hope your week ahead will be great.

Stay safe, stay cool. 

Don’t forget to hydrate🥵

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER

Froggy3 the 1st was worried about where he had parked his lily pad. Froggy3 the 3rd was also worried and thought F3 the1st should move it to be safe. Froggy3 the 2nd, who is in a perpetual state of not knowing, decided to say nothing, as did their visiting Black-capped Chickadee friend because she was already confused.

In the meantime, when Froggy3 the 1st decided to move his lily pad, he found that it was missing and went into his problem-solving mode. 

And that's how it goes on

A Saturday Morning at the Birdfeeder, 

where they are still searching for

the missing Lily Pad. I really do think

it was 'toad'. Groan if you wish but...

Thank you for flying in and...

For our overseas friends to translate photos by using the translation widget on my side-bar. There are several plays on words today.

Photo 1: 

"What happens to illegally parked frogs?" "They get 'toad'."

Photo 2:

Another play on words. "I need someone to help me 'quack' the case and find out who has been 'robin' me. 

Photo 3:

"Why are they groaning. It wasn't that bad."

Photo 4: 

"That bird joke flew right over my head."

Signature Bird says

"Stay Chirpy!"

ODDS AND BODS FOR 6-26-26

Good Morning 

I hope your week has been peaceful. 

I thought I would start off with pretty artwork that appeals to me, with the hope that it does to you too. You can enlarge the images for more detail if needed.

Keep the music of life in your heart.

Even the fairies enjoy getting snail-mail.

Fairy Mail - Snail Mail

My dream cottage for today. Come through the gate and knock on the door. I will put the kettle on.

Loving the fence that comes with it. 

And the gateway to my secret garden. 

Breakfast? They were being very hygienic and careful when writing this one out. Please let me know if you make any of these recipes. I have not.

Veggie Omelet in a Mug - What you need: 2 eggs - 2 tablespoons 1%  low-fat milk

(or 1% nonfat/skim milk) - 1 pinch salt - 1 pinch pepper - 1/4 cup finely chopped 

mushrooms (or your favorite vegetables) - 2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese

(or your favorite cheese) - What to do: Clean kitchen surface before, during and

Immediately after use when preparing food. Wash hands with soap and water for

At least 20 seconds. Lightly grease the inside of a 12 ounce microwave-safe-mug.

Use a fork to combine the eggs, milk, salt and pepper 

Bread in a bag - don’t lose this recipe. All-purpose flour, divided (3 cups) 

sugar (3 teaspoons) - Rapid-rise yeast (1 package) - Warm water, 110 degrees 

Fahrenheit (1 cup) - Olive oil (3 tablespoons) - Salt (1-1/4 teaspoons) - 

STEPS: 1. In a resealable bag, mix 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and warm water.

 Let sit 10 minutes. 2. Add olive oil, salt and remaining flour to the bag. Knead in 

the bag until dough forms. 3. Turn out, knead briefly and place in a greased loaf 

pan. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Dessert?

Dangerous Cake in a Mug - Five minutes away from Chocolate Cake

Any Time of Day or Night! - Ingredients: 1 large coffee mug (the

biggest one you have) 4 tablespoons cake flour - 4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa - 1 egg - 3 tablespoons milk - 3 tablespoons oil

Vanilla (a small splash) - 3 tablespoons chocolate chips, optional 

Preparation: add dry ingredients to mug. Mix well with a fork. Add

egg and mix thoroughly. Add milk, oil, vanilla, mix well. Add chips,

if using. Place mug in microwave and cook 3 minutes in 1000 watt

microwave. If yours is smaller, it may take an extra minute.

A word?

Fika (fee-kah) - noun - a cherished Swedish ritual; a pause in the day to

Savor the simple joys of life, share a moment with loved ones and find

peace in togetherness.

Are you a…

Opacararophile (n.) someone who finds deep comfort, solace and profound 

peace in sunsets. For an opacarophile, a sunset is more than just a visual 

experience - it is a quiet introspective moment that reminds them of beauty in 

Endings, cherishing the way sky transforms into a fleeting masterpiece with

Each setting sun.

Quatervois - noun / French Origin - A pivotal moment; a crossroads

or critical decision point where you must choose a path forward that

will significantly impact the rest of your life.

A few wise words

It's okay if your life is messy and comfortable and has

that lived-in look. It's okay if no one else gets it. Make

a life that you love.

Let them judge you. Let them misunderstand you. Let them gossip

about you. Their opinions aren't your problems. You stay kind

committed to love, and free in your authenticity. No matter what 

they do or say, don't you dare doubt your worth or the beauty of

your truth. Just keep shining like you do.

and …

Keep shining your light - the world needs your warmth.

for…and I have said it before...

Sometimes amazing people forget how amazing

they are. This is your reminder.

And always remember because I will never stop reminding you…you are brave…and I am in your corner.

"I don't feel brave said the boy." "That was a brave thing to say."

Butterflies rest when it rains because it damages their wings.

It's okay to rest during the storms of life. You will fly again

when it's over. - @thinkpositivealways.com

Be that butterfly!

Old Times - I often think of bye gone days and joys which we once knew. 

Of good old ways, of dear old friends, of things we used to do. And each

thought brings some happiness my heart shall ever hold. So here's a health 

to you my friend and here's to days of old.

Ralph Waldo Emerson - He said, "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day

 in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to 

be invaded with fret and anxiety. Finish every day and be done with it. You have 

done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them

 as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a 

spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This new day is too dear, with its hopes 

and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.'

"Give time, time." - Not everything can be rushed. Healing, growth and change unfold at their

pace - patience allows them to blossom - ikigai

Don’t forget to encourage someone who needs 

encouragement, especially in difficult times.

Sending Sunshine

…but never forget…

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced

in the rain - author unknown-

Words from friends: From those who have eaten at his table: 

Frodo Baggins: I have walked far and carried heavy burdens, yet no comfort 

has stayed with me like Sam’s cooking. It tastes of home, even when home is far 

away. Meriadoc Brandybuck: I once thought myself a good judge of meals. Sam

proved me wrong, again and again, usually just before second helpings.

Peregrin Cook: There is a moment, just before the plate is empty, when you

wish the meal might never end. Sam causes this.  Gandalf: He understands 

something many do not. Food is a form of hope, and hope should be

offered freely.  Rose Cotton: He cooks the way he lives. With care,

patience, and more heart than he ever admits.

Perhaps this kitty would disagree. Where’s Sam when you need him?

Cat Haiku - Forever waiting…The empty food bowl taunts me.

Well? Where’s my dinner?

May today bring you quiet strength, unexpected kindness, and little moments 

that make life feel worth it.

And on that note thanks for visiting, and…

Have a great day! Hugs from Denise

(With my thanks to Pinterest for today’s inspiration)