simplicity. turkey tortellini.

I've been working toward my goal of Simplicity (my word of the year), intentional living... a big part of this for me includes making as many meals as I can. Ok, that didn't sound simple. To rephrase --> I am simplifying in other areas, in order to make it easier for me to give time to what I feel is important.

I don't consider myself to be much of a cook { ie cookbooks still need pictures and step by step directions for me - don't just say "blanch" without explaining what it means...} So that's my level of cooking ability.

Instead of reaching for the cardboard box and pushing "Start" on the microwave, I've been on the hunt for easy meals and today, with the help of Simple Mom's Basic Guide to Menu Planning, I've got a month of meal's planned, printed out and on the fridge. It is so freeing! and it was easy...

I'm sharing one, we've had it twice and it is easy-peasy. All it needs is Olive Garden breadsticks to take it to the next level...

This recipe serves 6 generously... my crockpot it small and threatens spillage - I will be upgrading to a larger one, just keep this in mind - it will go right to the top on the small crockpots.

R E C I P E

Turkey Tortellini Soup

Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 on high, plus an extra 30 minutes on high

• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups of water
• 4 cups coursely chopped roasted turkey breast (1 pound)
• 1 - 14.5 ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 - tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
• 1 - 9-ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 - cups fresh baby spinach
• Shredded Parmesan cheese

1. In a 5- to 6- quart slow cooker combine broth, the water, chopped turkey, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3-4 hours. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting at the end of 6 to 8 hours. Stir in tortellini. Cover and cook for 30 more minutes or until tortellini is tender. Stir in spinach. If desired, sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese.

Per Serving: 240 cal., 3 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), 63 mg chol., 656 mg sodium, 25 g carb. (3 g fiber, 4 g sugars), 28 g pro. I was not able to find this recipe online - SOURCE: Better Homes and Gardens Diabetic Slow Cooker magazine 2012.

word of the year. simplify.

I thought my word was going to be healthy. I had already started writing...

But then I picked up a book on Friday that has so motivated me, so much so that I cleaned out my pantry { <-- this is serious }. Organized Simplicity, The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider.

My word for 2012 is Simplify {  to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier }. I am not sure if I was just really ready, or if she said it in such a way that I can see it, taste it, almost touch it. What it means to me? Stop wasting time on things that don't matter. Get rid of stuff that keeps me from having more time with friends and family. I want to make fresh almond butter and jelly sandwiches and eat homemade chocolate chip cookies my friends*. Sip coffee and enjoy a magazine.

Some of my goals for living more simply...

Become a better cook. I really desire to cook as much as I can for my family. In the last year, we've moved away a lot from processed foods, this is a bit of a natural progression, but I need to go that last mile and actually cook more { from scratch }. Simplifying is a means for me to create more intentional time to learn. I want to use my fancy dehydrator for more than a place for my foam paint brushes to sit.

Throw out half my house. Not really, just the closets full of STUFF. Stuff I can't enjoy or wouldn't miss... { like the tea in my pantry from 2008 }. Too much laundry, I'm great at washing it, but not so much at getting it folded - my laundry room will probably be one of my greatest de-clutter challenges. I threw out 4 large garbage bags of worthless stuff / old food from my pantry and cupboards the last 2 days... pictures soon.

Read. Never enough time to pick up a good book. Make time each morning for the One who gives me this talent...

Making time for quality downtime. Quit over-scheduling. Say no occasionally. Hang out with my husband. Play with my kids without looking at the clock. Cut back on the tube time.

Work a little less. 4 days a week instead of 5. Give myself one day of downtime to try something new, be creative, or take a nap... dehydrate something.

--> and going to bed on time. A huge problem for me, the night owl. But I have to...

* I have a girlfriend I've known since first grade. We don't get to see each other that much these days. I love going to her home. It's so clutter free and well... simple. So warm and easy, clean, always something homemade to offer me - the best - almond butter sandwiches and almost always, chocolate chip cookies from scratch. I want to be her when I grow up. 


What's your word?