Seeing green even as our hearts break

Almost a week ago we watched with horror as Japan is dealt with multiple disasters, even today, I can hardly tear myself away from news coverage, just like with Haiti, hoping that more survivors will be found.  I cannot imagine dealing with the challenges both countries have before them, and I say a silent prayer that God will sustain those who survive to rebuild.  My problems, my worries pale in comparison, and I am humbled by the contrast of our comfortable lives against the suffering that is served up each day as reported on the news.  I hope the world will open their hearts and help where they can. For now, prayer, but more practical requests will follow.

We hit a high of 67 degress today on St. Patty's day, unveiling the promise of our flower bulbs; unheard of in our town, where we mark this day with full winter regalia!  Just a few days ago we saw this sight, (again)

and now the sun shines and promises to tease us for a day at least, seeing green...peeking out of the ground!

I left a corned beef in the crock pot today, saw a recipe that called for a bottle of regular Guiness over the spices, cooking slow all day, with the addition of the veggies half way through. It was very tender and the meat held together nicely. 

I found the following recipe to use after tonight's dinner, on Allrecipes.com.  It says: "use leftover corned beef from St. Paddy's day or canned, combined with macaroni, cheese, cream of chicken soup, and vegetables. The assembled dish should be refrigerated overnight  or in the morning before cooking due to the fact of using uncooked macaroni."



Corned Beef Casserole  serves 4
Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni

1/2 pound processed American cheese, diced

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 (12 ounce) can corned beef or 1 cup of corned beef brisket, chopped
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup

2 cups milk

1 (10 ounce) package green peas

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the macaroni, cheese, onion, green bell pepper, corned beef, soup, milk and peas.


2. Place this in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish and refrigerate overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

4. Allow dish to come up to room temperature.


5. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour.


Comment here if you try this recipe, using uncooked pasta sounds a bit like a lasagna recipe I have.  Usually I only post tried and true recipes, but I am projecting using this within a day or two, unless hubby fights me to use the leftovers the way they are. completed pic is of a casserole made by the recipe contributor.

My next post will show a repurpose of a thrift store silk dress.  I bought it without trying it on, but I was mainly eyeing the beautiful silk wrap bottom for its fabric, or at the very least a skirt.  I will post what I came up with on my next post.  Here is the dress before...  Watch for the after!