Wagon Train rides again

Yesterday I received a very fun letter from one of my crazy friends from the wagon train of 1997, John Lodefink. John is very good about keeping me updated on current or future reenactments. There's actually going to be a reenactment this year from Nauvoo to Winter Quarters May 31-June 28. I really, really wish I could go but it is just not feasible this year. The flier says that the wagon train will be completed in three stages ending in Salt Lake in 2010. So, all you trail lovers out there, get ready for 2010 because we're going baby! Check out the website www.vanfleetwagontrain.com.

Salsa Chicken and Rice Recipe

I decided to post one of my favorite recipes. It is soooooo easy yet very flavorful and a little spicy. I love it! This is easily converted to a vegan/vegetarian-friendly recipe- simply omit the chicken. I actually don't even end up eating the chicken, I only add it for Adam.
Ingredients:
1 can (10oz) Old El Paso enchilada sauce
1 cup uncooked converted white rice
1 cup Old El Paso Thick n' Chunky salsa
2 cans (10oz) condensed cream of celery soup
1 can (15oz) black beans, drained, rinsed
5 chicken breast halves

1. Heat oven to 350. Spray 13x9 glass baking dish with cooking spray. Reserve 2 tablespoons enchilada sauce for brushing on chicken. In large bowl, mix remaining enchilada sauce, the uncooked rice, salsa, soup and beans; pour into baking dish.
2.Arrange chicken over rice mixture. Cover tightly with foil. (I use frozen solid breasts and it works great)
3. Bake 1 hour. Uncover; brush chicken with reserved 2T enchilada sauce. Bake uncovered 1 hour longer or until chicken is fork-tender, its juices run clear.
I sometimes add a little grated cheese on top as well (gotta love cheese).

Be sure to use converted rice in this recipe and not regular white rice. The acidity in the salsa and enchilada sauce prevents the non-converted rice from becoming tender.

I like food that's a little on the spicy side, so I use medium temp salsa and enchilada sauce to give a kick. I love this recipe. I hope some of you try it. If you do, let me know what you honestly think, even if you hate it. Prep time is only 15 minutes. I would love to have some of your favorite recipes that are quick and easy. I'm all about convenience and simplicity.

Young women's swap meet

I am the Young Women's president in my ward. I am responsible for about eighteen girls every Wednesday night between 7:00 and 8:30. Last night for our activity, everyone brought stuff that they don't use or wear anymore or just simply don't want anymore. We had an interesting hodgepodge of things. Possibly the most random item was something that I had brought hoping to get rid of but not really expecting that anyone would actually want it. It was a six foot tall inflatable easter bunny. I was surprised when one of the girls clung on to it and wouldn't let it go. She said it was 'so awesome' and had plans to put it in her yard. I told her she should put in front of her sister's door in the middle of the night so that when she opened the door in the morning she would find Mr. Cottontail waiting to greet her. I hope she does it; that would be 'so awesome.'