Hallmark!
Today is International Dance Day which is a celebration of an unique art form. Dancing has been a part of human culture since the beginning of our history.
Through the ages, people have used dance for artistic expression, celebration, prayer, and entertainment.
An NGO called International Theatre Institute founded this holiday in 1982. Every year on April 29th, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, the creator of modern ballet, the organization promotes the importance of dance education.
To celebrate today, share your favorite dance pictures or break out your best dance moves.
If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.
William W. Purkey
I haven’t done much dancing recently. I think the last time I danced was at a nephews wedding. I danced with my sister. When I was young, I went to a lot of dances . We learned dancing in Junior High School gym classes. All through high school and into adult hood I enjoyed dancing. I never had any formal ballroom dancing lessons except for on roller skates. Roller skating was very popular and one of my friends and I took dance lessons at the local Roller Arena. It was a lot of fun! These days I’m moving slowly and rocking to the Oldies.
It’s my day to cook for the weekend and on the menu for today is:
Slow Cooked Ranch Chicken and Vegetables
Makes 6 servings
2 onions cut into thin wedges
1 Tbsp. dried minced onion
2 tsp dried parsley flakes, crushed
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1/2 tsp dried dill
5 lbs. skinless chicken thighs.
2 10.75 oz cans cream of chicken soup
8 oz. sour cream
2 to 3 finely chopped chipotle chile peppers in adobo sauce
2 green sweet peppers, cut into 1/2 inch thick strips
2 zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 3 lb. spaghetti squash
1/2 cup snipped fresh parsley, optional
Place onion wedges in a slow cooker. In a small bowl combine dried onion, parsley flakes, garlic power, black pepper, thyme and dill. Place 1/3 of the chicken thighs in an even layer in slow cooker atop onions. Sprinkle chicken with 1/3 of the spice mixture. Repeat layers twice using the remaining thighs and spice mixture.
In a medium bowl stir together condensed soup, sour cream, and chili peppers. Pour over chicken in cooker.
Cover and cook on low heat for 7 hours. Then turn the cooker to high heat setting. Add sweet pepper strips and squash slices to cooker. Cover and cook 45 minutes longer.
Meanwhile cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, remove seeds and strings. Place one half cut side down in a Microwave safe baking dish. Using a fork, prick the skin all over. Microwave 10 to 12 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork, carefully remove from baking dish. Repeat with the other half of squash. Cool slightly. Using a fork, shred and separate the squash pulp into strands.
Remove the chicken thighs from slow cooker. Place 6 of the thighs on a plate, cover to keep warm. Allow vegetables and sauce two cool cool slightly, While it cooks remove meat from chicken thighs and using two forks pull meat apart into shreds. Place shredded chicken in a large bowl; set aside.
To serve divide spaghetti squash among 6 serving plates. Place one of the whole thighs atop squash on each plate. Stir the vegetable sauce mixture in slow cooker. Spoon about 1/2 cup vegetable sauce over each serving. If desired sprinkle with fresh parsley.
I omitted the chiles from this recipe and also cut the recipe in half. I will try to freeze the leftover half of the squash in the freezer. I’ve not done that before so don’t know how well that will do. I suppose you could use regular spaghetti instead of the squash if you wanted to.
We’re expecting more rain today, but if we get a break, my grandson will be coming over to mow the grass for the first time this year, however it is not looking promising at all. Meanwhile it will have to wait until a sunny day.
The pictures today are of DS#5’s daughters at their Dance recital.
I hope you all have a SUPER Saturday!
COUNTING MY BLESSINGS
Dance is the hidden language of the soul.
Martha Graham
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
11,257 for dancing that is fun!
11,258.for another healthy recipe
11,259. for music to dance to
