Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew1 1/2 pounds chicken (I used breasts that were frozen and I cut them into strips)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 T olive oil
3 med sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
1 medium onion, sliced
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes in juice
3 T natural peanut butter (I used reduced fat natural peanut butter)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (I used a bit more)
2 garlic cloves, peeled (I used diced)
1/4 C packed fresh cilantro leaves, plus some for garnish
1. Rub chicken with cumin and cinnamon; set aside.
2. In nonstick 12 inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sweet potatoes and onion and cook until onion is tender, 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer sweet potato mixture to plate.
3. Increase heat to medium high. Add seasoned chicken, and cook 5 minutes or until chicken is lightly browned on both sides.
4. Meanwhile, drain tomatoes, reserving juice. In blender (or food processor) blend tomato juice, peanut butter, salt, crushed red pepper, garlice and 1/4 C of cilantro and blend.
5. Add sweet potato mixture, peanut butter sauce, and chopped tomatoes to skillet with chicken; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft. We served over brown rice.
I'm taking a Bible study all about the essentials of discipline. I'm trying to stay ahead of the game a little bit so I can have a plan when stuff happens. Boy, I get so nervous hearing about other children misbehaving. I am realizing more and more how much parents influence their children. It is a huge task that God has given us. There was this one story about how James Dobson said he was in a grocery store with his wife grabbing something quick and he saw a kid throwing a fit over something he wanted. The mother handled it well and James Dobson praised her for being a good mom. I told the class that if I ever was in Aldi's with a kid throwing a fit and I look up to see James Dobson rounding the corner we are running to the exit.
I came home and (Ben's working from home today) was telling him about the study. The topic today was the difference between childish irresponsibility and defiance. I told him "yeah... it's like the difference between when a kid leaves his bike out in the rain and.." and then Ben interjects, "and when he sets his bike on fire." I laughed and said "yeah... I think that's it."
The book "the no cry sleep solution" that I've been reading says that parenting is like a dance. I agree.... two steps forward, one back, one sideways, and then sometimes.... just sometimes... an air guitar solo.
2 comments:
Honestly, consistent discipline is one of the hardest things about parenting. At least for me it is. But-the rewards are great. Not that my kids behave!! You might be in luck, because Gwen is pretty easy. That usually carries over from their personalities. You know my stubborn baby......he is still a stubborn little boy! My carefree, do whatever with no regard child, is still a jump off the roof, have a party kind of girl. You will figure it out as you go. The big thing I have learned is to decide what the rules are and NEVER, EVER change your mind. If there is no eating in the living room, then never eat in the living room. They will try you, but if they believe that is the rule, they cave pretty quick.....and here we are having this conversation about that sweet 6 month old! Wait till she is two :-) Is she crawling yet? I can't believe how fast she grows. I was telling someone today how she laughed at Bonnie this Christmas. Love you!
I think the thing I'm realizing about discipline is how much I have to remember the end goal and not get discouraged by the day to day. In general I think Caleb is reasonably well behaved, but it's clearer all the time that what I need to teach him is a desire to do what's right and that is much harder than just getting him to mind.
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