Thursday, July 21, 2011

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore & The Power of Words...

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"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body"
~Proverbs 16:24

As I was thinking more on the topic of listening this past week,
I couldn't help but contemplate the other side of the coin...our speech, and the power of those words.

Do you know someone who will often speak before they think? Someone who has no filter in their speech whatsoever, they just blurt out whatever whenever without a second thought? Have you ever been hurt by their words, whether directly or indirectly?

Or perhaps YOU have been that person, knowingly or unknowingly.

I think it's easy for us to shift our thinking to others we know guilty of such, but what about ourselves?
Have you ever said something to someone that you instantly regretted? Why? Was it retaliation? Pride? Frustration?
Maybe you've never intentionally meant to hurt another with your words, but it happened.
The good news? It's never to late to make a change!

Words.
Simple words.
In the time it takes to speak them,
those words have the power
to build someone up,
or tear someone down.

Consider for just a moment the sweet effect of gracious words.
They can rescue people from despair, bring encouragement, life.
Gracious words can bring comfort, they can compliment, show our attentiveness,
bring positivity, be helpful, bring laughter, express gratitude, and be a blessing.
No eloquence required.

Sweet Bellas, let your words be a gift.
Let each and every one of us make every effort
to keep the law of kindness on our lips
now and always.

And while your at it, bring a dish over to someone who could use break.
Are there any tired mommies you know?
If not you can bring it to me :)
How about making this...

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Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Need a fantastic meal that literally cooks itself while you're at work or busy at home, with only 5 minutes prep time...this is it!
The chicken is so juicy it just falls apart. No frills...No fuss...Fabulous flavor!

Ingredients:
4 frozen chicken breasts (bone in has that extra flavor, but boneless is fine)
1 28 oz. can of Crushed Tomatoes with basil
1 Teaspoon of Chile Pequin (a.k.a. crushed red pepper flakes)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Green Bell Pepper, sliced and chopped
A large handful of baby carrots
a handful of mushrooms, sliced (I used cremini)
salt and pepper to taste

Layer in the crock pot in order of ingredients listed above, starting with frozen chicken breasts.
close the lid
cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Serve over rice or pasta, sprinkle with parmiggano reggiano on top. A green salad and some garlic bread are the perfect accompaniment.

Mangia!

20 comments:

  1. This was such a sweet post, Bella! I loved what you said. It's so true.

    Man, I love my crockpot but I am always doing the same old stuff. Thank you for something new and fresh!!

    How's that baby belly? I pray you are makin' it through with loads of joy. Loves.

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  2. Oh so true, sis! "Set a Guard over my heart, O Lord; Keep watch over the door of my lips"! It's no co-incidence that I am reading a book/bible study about the power of women's words.
    The power of words alone can alter another person's life! Let kindness rule our speech and let us always see each other through the eyes of God.
    Thank you for this delicious recipe ....this is the perfect time for crockpot meals during this heatwave! xo

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  3. Yes congratulations from me too.Keep up th great work:) Chicken looks amazingly good;)

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  4. Crock Pot meals are just the greatest, and this is no exception...yes I know a few hungry mommies, you and I included :)
    As always a lovely post with thoughts that need to be shared...
    Hugs sweet

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  5. Beautiful post, delicous recipe. Thanks for sharing :)

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  6. What a delicious recipe - I love your flavorings. I just found your blog and I'm so glad I did - I'm signing up to follow you.
    Mary

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  7. I definitely should have read this a few minutes ago....BEFORE my conversation with my teenage son. ~sigh~ I think I did okay but I hate confrontation like that. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I am in need of something yummy that doesn't heat up my kitchen. It looks delicious! Stay cool and take care. Blessings!

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  8. "words have the power
    to build someone up,
    or tear someone down."
    It's always such a pleasure to see your words of wisdom, sweet Bella!
    Yes, words do have the power to build someone up...mainly for their ego, but certain words can destroy a person's "self-esteem" if they buy into the bitter and harsh words that most often come from anger, resentment, and jealousy.
    It's sometimes best to leave "words" unspoken!
    I would be more than happy to cook for you bella in your condition...no fun being pregnant in the middle of summer.
    Your chicken cacciatore cooked in the crockpot is so delicious, haven't made it in years, and yet it's so easy in the slow cooker! Wish I lived closer to you:D
    xoxo

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  9. Beautiful post! And that cacciatore looks really delicious! Love the flavors... Thanks for sharing :)

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  10. Complimenti per il tuo premio, per questa favolosa ricetta, e per il grande contenuto di questo post. Buona settimana Daniela.

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  11. I definitely have moments when I don't have a filter and other times when I pay attention to the Spirit and there's a clamp over my mouth!

    ~Mimi visiting from SITS

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  12. Thanks for the recipe....
    This looks so good and I love cooking in the crockpot...especially when the weather is warm.

    Have a beautiful day.

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  13. What a wonderful post. Great words and then the delicious recipe.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday. COngrats on your third pregnancy. I am going to join you in the journey :).

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  14. This sounds amazing, now I am definitely going to have to follow for lots more yumminess!

    Thanks for stopping by on my SITS day!

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  15. This is so true!! I find that I love to spend time around people who are so uplifting and kind. Those who know what is appropriate to say and when. :) I work to be a better person like that!

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  16. As I've grown older, I've realized again and again the importance of using my words to bring life, not death. Thank you for sharing with me. Your words always uplift me!

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  17. So true. I think that part of that is thinking positive and happy thoughts, then you wouldn't blurt out negative ones 'cause you wouldn't have then in your thoughts.
    The dish looks amazing!

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  18. So true! if we have nothing nice to say, better keep quiet:D Words are a two way swords!

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  19. I love the pairing of your writing and recipes. Food for thought and food for life.

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