September 9, 2015 by Positively Shelle

We Cook Baked Brie

September 9, 2015

WE COOK Baked Brie

This will be your Go To appetizer for the fall! It is so easy and so delicious and everyone LOVES it!

Ingredients

1 wheel of Brie or Camembert (about 14 ounces)
1 cup pecan pieces
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 TBSP Bourbon (optional)
crackers for serving

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix pecan pieces, maple syrup, and bourbon together in a bowl.

Thinly slice the top rind off of the brie. Place the brie on a rimmed baking sheet or in a pie plate; bake until softened, 10-15 minutes.

Remove from oven, pour pecan mixture into center of cheese, letting the pecans pile in the center and the syrup mixture drizzle over the sides.

Return to the oven and bake another 20-30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes. Serve with crackers.

PS Buy an extra wheel of Brie. You’ll want to make this again right away!

September 7, 2015 by Positively Shelle

Helping Others, The Good, The Bad, and The Guilty – 6 Ways to Freedom

Do you volunteer some of your time? Whether it’s helping kids, homeless, hungry, church, or family, it’s likely that you have a few commitments meant to help the world in one way or another. I have always volunteered. My mom used to tell me, “Do something for your family, do something for your church, and do something for your community.” I’ve attempted to follow that. Sometimes I might be an over achiever when it comes wanting to do it all! I insist that you refer to my post “All Plates are NOT Created Equal.”

Be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.

I think the approaching fall is a great time to examine how you want to commit yourself for the rest of the year. Somehow the fade of summer allows me to take a look at what’s ahead. It gives me a chance to breathe in the goodness from the past and breathe out what’s not working anymore. I exhale a long goodbye. Continue reading →

February 6, 2015 by Positively Shelle

BE KIND

In all of my wanderings throughout life, kindness has been such an important part of my journey. I have had examples of kindness throughout my life. From teachers to family members, kindness is always remembered. Not necessarily remembered by what they said but in how they made me feel. I can go back almost 50 years and feel the warmth created by those who made me feel like I was worth their time. Of course I can say the opposite about the neighbor lady who was never kind and always made me feel inferior to her children. We’ve all felt that way. Some like me, as children and some of you, even now. Continue reading →

February 4, 2015 by Positively Shelle

WE EAT RIBOLLITA SOUP

RIBOLLITA SOUP

This is a SIMPLE Italian veggie soup that I always have the ingredients in stock. I haven’t met a person yet who didn’t rave about it!

Ingredients

2 cans white beans, such as Great Northern or cannellini
Kosher salt
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus extra for serving
1/4 pound large diced pancetta or smoked bacon (optional)
2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
1 1/2 cup chopped carrots (5 carrots)

Continue reading →

February 2, 2015 by Positively Shelle

A DEFINING MOMENT

A defining moment can come at any time. My moment came in the early morning hours while a gentle snow fell from a dark sky. Oversized Chair. Warm Fire. Cozy Blanket. Bold Coffee. And Max Lucado’s book, Come Thirsty.

Continue reading →

January 14, 2015 by Positively Shelle

WE EAT THREE BEAN CHILI

THREE BEAN CHILI

Oh Yes! It’s winter and we love to eat something hearty that provides some leftovers for lunches.

1 medium zucchini,chopped

2 medium onions, chopped

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups frozen corn

2 cans (28 ounces each) Italian stewed tomatoes, cut up

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15-ounce) white (cannellini) beans, rinsed and drained

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1/4 cup each minced fresh cilantro and parsley

1/4 cup chili powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Continue reading →

January 11, 2015 by Positively Shelle

LOVE, ME

There’s something very palpable about a person who loves them self. There’s an energy that is real and is felt by those around. Their love is unconditional, their ego is set aside, and their thoughts and actions focus on others.`

“You, yourself, as much as anybody else in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” ~Buddha

Loving yourself is the first step toward loving the world and all that it offers. It’s a prerequisite to fully living your life. If you have doubt about your worth, baby steps are needed. Let me reassure you, we all want the same thing: To Love and To Be Loved. Continue reading →