Happiness in my mouth

I've always wanted to post recipes on a regular basis. Partially to force myself to try new recipes, partially to be more like Julie from the movie.

So here goes. Some recipes will be new (to me), others old standbys. First on the list is Carbonara. This is Rachel Ray's recipe that I pulled from Good Housekeeping. I like it because there isn't any cream. That and because it is DELICIOUS.

I make two variations--first, I have never used pancetta because I live in Medford and don't want to take out a loan to be able to afford to cook dinner. Second, I generally use a mix of Parmesan and Romano cheese. The shredded one from Costco. Sometimes just Parmesan.

This is really easy to make and definitely qualifies as comfort food. Bonus: I always have all these ingredients on hand, even when I haven't been to the grocery store for a few weeks.

He's talking. I'm listening.

"Read Isaiah."

I've shared before about times when I know definitively that God is talking to me. I enjoy hearing other people's moments and I hope you are encouraged by mine.

This time, however, I am ashamed to say it took me a lot longer to pick up. It started about two (maybe even three) months ago. I was sitting on a balcony with friends when one of them casually mentioned how Isaiah was her favorite book of the Bible. The statement seemed significantly more emphatic than the conversation warranted. But, like the foolish human I am, I let the moment go.

"Read Isaiah."

The second time was after a Bible study. People were hanging out, talking, the room was anything but quiet, but suddenly a conversation taking place in the next room became perfectly audible to me. "I'm so glad you mentioned that passage from Isaiah tonight, God has been taking me to that book a lot lately."

"Read Isaiah."

And it continued. Sermons, tangents in Bible studies, random conversations and then of course the Christmas prophecies...Isaiah, Isaiah, Isaiah.

But I wasn't getting it.

Then last night I got into my car. The windshield was a little frosty, but not bad. I tried a little washer fluid hoping it would help and it just froze instantly to the windshield. I could barely see. (And if you think this is random, you're right.) And in that moment, while I was waiting for my car to warm the ice so I could see well enough to drive home...BAM. I'm supposed to read Isaiah. Duh.

Thank you for being persistent in trying to get your message through to me Lord. I'm starting now.

Since last we talked...

OK, so blogging used to be a regular part of life. Then life fell apart and I pretty much quit. So here's a nutshell of the past two years. We closed both branches of my business and lost the battle with the bank to keep our house. Since then, we are in our third rental. (Fourth if you count the post-eviction month we lived in our friend's garage apartment). Each move purges more stuff, but the things from two stories plus a barn plus the remains of two businesses take a while to whittle down.

At the urging of God I went back to school to pursue nursing. That has been an amazing journey so far. I love it! However this year I feel He has called me to take some time off to add some income to our family and work on repairing some of the emotional damage done during these challenging post-prosperity years.

With just two exceptions, the circle of friends I had then have seemingly disappeared. I recognize that oftentimes friendships are seasonal, but losing that sense of belonging to a group hurt nonetheless. The friends who have come into my life more recently are amazing and I am so thankful for each and every one of them.

My children are an (almost) daily joy. They are brilliant and wonderful and only occasionally make me want to yank my hair from its roots. They love Jesus. They do well in school and are well liked. I love watching them grow.

My job--packing gift baskets for Harry & David--is perfect for me. I didn't expect to like it, but I really do. It's nice to not be in charge.

I have much to be thankful for. Certainly more than I could have anticipated two years ago when the, um, stuff hit the fan. God is faithful and has already caused much of what has happened to work together for good. I look forward to continuing the journey. Stay tuned!

Seeking Answers

I have always enjoyed the Pauline epistles and 1 Corinthians is a favorite among them. For some reason upon this reading, the passages that I had previously skimmed over seem laden with importance. It is time for me to figure them out. I could certainly read them literally, but it seems in our times no one does. Some of these are things I struggle to interpret, others are things I don’t see taught or applied and question why. I mean no offense to those who fall into some of these areas. In fact you might be able to offer the best answers.

Women speaking in church
1 Corinthians 14:34-35 (NIV) “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.”

Yes, you read that correctly. I talked to people at church today. I asked a question at church today. Sometimes I speak in front of a group of High School students. Sometimes I teach these same students.

I have heard it said that this means a woman should not be a head pastor--huh? That isn’t what is said. Also as an unmarried man, does Paul have enough experience with women to know that they are actually capable of understanding spiritual things? I’ve heard it said that this was cultural and no longer applies...ok, who makes that call?

Covered Heads
This could be another cultural issue, but nonetheless it is not being adhered to in church.
1 Corinthians 11:4 “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.” This seems really clear--no man should pray or prophesy with a hat on. Got it. But it happens. I’ve been in settings where men are asked to remove hats before prayer, but it has been a long time. This seems like a simple thing to adhere to--why don’t we?

Verses 5-6 “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.” Totally confused here. Do I need to wear a hat? Or one of those lace mantles? Is my long hair considered my covering? How much hair can I cut off before it is a disgrace?

On that note, Verses 14-15 ”Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.” The very nature of what things? How long is long for a man? Is being disgraced by a man’s long hair or a woman’s cut hair sin?

Marriage
In this area I question Paul--he states this as opinion, but it seems contrary to other scripture 1 Corinthians 7:8 “Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.” Verse 28 “But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.”

I agree--marriage brings many troubles in this life HOWEVER in Genesis 2:18 “The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” So v 22 “Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.”

Then in Matthew 19:11-12(NIV) “Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” Which never seemed to make any sense at all, that is until I read it in The Message “But Jesus said, "Not everyone is mature enough to live a married life. It requires a certain aptitude and grace. Marriage isn't for everyone. Some, from birth seemingly, never give marriage a thought. Others never get asked—or accepted. And some decide not to get married for kingdom reasons. But if you're capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it." So Paul, God says get married, Jesus says (my paraphrase) if you’re man enough...get married. But you don’t.

Paul gets weird
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

What? Yes, the world is temporary. Things pass, our minds should be focused on God. Is Paul just finally pulling out some literary technique for emphasis. Paul is usually pretty literal, so that doesn’t really fit.

The big one: Divorce and Remarriage
This is an issue on which Paul is totally clear and this is reiterated in several books of the New Testament. It is also a teaching the church and its members seem to ignore completely. Cultural? Maybe. Choosing their battles? Probably. But it doesn’t sit well.

First of all 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 “To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.” Yep. That one gets ignored. But let’s go further--why remain unmarried? Because in Matthew 19:9 Jesus said, “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” SO--if I’m reading this right, and honestly I’m hoping I am not, because I don’t like to believe that my church is blatantly ignoring the commands of scripture--a divorced then remarried person is an adulterer aka a sexually immoral person. And this is why that is such a big deal: 1 Corinthians 5:11 “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” These people with whom we are not even supposed to eat are an integral part of our church.

Often when I blog I am just sharing my life. This time I am looking for feedback, guidance and truth. If I am to follow the scripture, I want to understand it and follow it.

Formula for Peace

Do not worry about anything (HAHAHAHA).
Instead, pray about EVERYTHING. (That, I can do)
Tell God what you need. (Hope he has a paper and pen)
And thank Him for all he has done.

Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

This is MY passage. MY formula for coping with stress. In HS Group at TRF on Thursday's the pastors have been preaching through Philippians and I've eagerly awaited this passage. It was there waiting for me last night. I even got to preview it with my friend Lauren who needed a little peace that night.

So, two weeks ago we were given a 30 day notice on our rental. Slightly expected, but with a significantly shorter time frame that what I had been led to believe we would be given. With Jason's landscaping company comes a LOT of stuff. Two trucks, two trailers and about a garage and a half full of things that seem never to be accessed but are somehow imperative to retain. On top of that we have two dogs and a cat. (We actually have two cats, but one will be disappearing to the good people of the humane society before my daughter comes home from Gram's house.) And it should really be in Central Point, so we can be close to the place where Jason dumps debris.

These factors make it difficult (understatement) to find an appropriate rental house. Additionally, our experience of owning and subsequently closing a failing business has left us with unfathomable debt and a FICA score to be scorned.

But God has provided in the past. Twice, actually. The first time was a home with a barn and a view of the Table Rocks. Then, when the owners decided they were ready to demo that house and build their dream home on the property God brought us to the home we are in now. This time the view had shifted to Mt. McLaughlin and Roxy Ann.

This time, after just a few days of looking we found a home that was perfect. Good parking. In town (there are some negatives to living in the country--ticks, poison oak, no place to ride bikes, limited internet). A pool. Good price. "Pet friendly"-ish. But when we were shown the house, I got the distinct feeling the owner didn't like us, our children, or the fact that we had pets. He was polite, but was as discouraging as possible. We applied nonetheless and despite the encouraging words of friends, today is the day we were supposed to have heard, and as of yet, we have heard nothing. It could still happen, but I don't expect it.

Meanwhile, I have been vigilantly checking craigslist for potential homes. We have been offered scams three times (I'll post some of those letters in a future blog...amusing). We have lowered our standards to "we can park everything on the street and have our neighbors hate us." Even at that, nothing has come available.

For those of you who used to read my blog--remember I go on and on and on. For those of you who are new to this. I'm sorry. Blame my high school writing teacher who constantly wanted "more details."

Yesterday, on my way back from Eugene I decided to stop by a house I had seen listed in Gold Hill and hated. From the pictures it was an older trailer house in the middle of nowhere. I really felt like we were supposed to be in town so I had been ignoring it. But, out of desperation, I drove by. It is actually a really nice house. Parking is good. And, it is really a beautiful setting. Still has poison oak, still has ticks and I'm pretty sure they have never heard of the internet out there. But it could work.

Then this morning, a home which was a decent fit but at the very top of our price range, dropped in price. It is in town, in a very good bike-riding neighborhood. It's really near to good friends, the church where the kids go to AWANA , my favorite sushi restaurant, and a school. There is absolutely NO poison oak. There's also no pool, but I'm okay with that. We have an appointment to look at it tomorrow morning. Parking could be better, but it's a neighborhood where if we park on the street, no one is going to mind.

I have hope again. Dare I say peace? These may not be wish list material, but both will fit our family's needs. Please be praying...we will still need to apply and be approved for a house and have only 16 days to be out of our current one. Four of those days I will be rafting with the HS group.

Tell God what you need: We need to be approved for one of these houses and have you direct us in our forthcoming decisions.
Thank him: Thank you for restoring my hope. Thank you for providing so well in the past. Thank you for the opportunity to get on the river for a few days next week. Thank you for my parents keeping the kids so I can pack. Thank you for dying on the cross so that we can even have this formula. Thank you in advance for your peace.

Friendship

Good day today. I haven't caught up on blogs in quite awhile and I've been blessed with a little extra time this evening. I even found a few new ones that are inspiring enough to add to my blogroll...soon. One step at a time, after all.

I moved to Medford about the same time as a friend of mine. Within a year or so. I've often posted about being bad at staying in touch, but my goodness, this woman lives within a single-digit number of miles of me. In the 6 years I've lived here I've seen her twice. Once at a mutual acquaintance's party and once at Costco.

Both times we've exchanged phone numbers and promises to "get together soon." Finally, this morning, we met at Starbucks. I left feeling so refreshed. She is one of those people that I feel instantly at ease with. Why have I waited so long to pick up this friendship again? Pray that I don't let it go.

Subject Line

Do you ever go to start an email and get the subject line and just freeze. I do it often. If I have a purpose other than just catching up or saying "hi" it is no problem. But if I just want to send an email to a friend and share something cool I am doomed to the subject line "hi."
From: myemail@hotmail
Subject: HI
or
Subject: hey
Sometimes I try to be creative and "fun" but I feel like I come off looking like a dork.
Subject: The red turtle flies at midnight.
Subject: The grass could be greener.
For now, I'm going to leave the subject line blank. I don't need the pressure.

My cell phone.

I want to throw my phone out the window. No I don't. It is my lifeline, but it connects me to the good AND the bad! I love it when my friends call, I HATE it when people who want money call. Can I have the phone learn to ignore and not even notify me when people I don't want to talk to call?

Clarity

I've had some bad days this week...definitly in the "bottom" 10. More on that later. For now, go right to Baby Reece's blog and read it. God is faithful even in th storm.

Product Plug

I know it is still 70 plus degrees out, but I know it is officially heading towards fall because the kids had colds and now I have a cold. Whoopie!

However, let me tell you about my latest discovery (and if y'all knew about this before and didn't tell me...shame on you). Puffs...plus lotion...PLUS VICKS! It's a little unnerving at first. You think "a tissue shouldn't smell like that!" But then you realize that in order to smell it, you had to breathe. And if you can breathe, you know it, it works!

Even better--you don't have to smear greasy stuff on yourself. Or maybe you like that. Who am I to judge?

***Melinda is not being paid for this endorsement because for some reason, 40 readers aren't enough for Puffs to fork over the big money***

Do Not Vote

The following is a letter to the editor of the Mail Tribune published on October 20, 2008. I thought it was quite apt.

Do Not Vote
Let me pass on a bad rumor to you. You probably hear this one each election season. It goes like this: Everyone should participate and vote in our elections. This rumor is repeated so often that many of us have come to believe it is true.
Good government flows from the combined wisdom and intelligence of informed voters. If you are reading this letter in the back page of the newspaper, you are probably one of these smart voters. Efforts to increase the raw number of voters actually harm the quality of our government. We should not encourage apathetic, ill-informed people to dilute our measured judgments.
Elected officials spend staggering amounts of money each year just to get the attention of voters who are too busy to watch debates, attend events, or read intelligent reporting. How many inane political ads have you seen so far this year? Candidates successfully pander to the shallow voter with odd tax schemes, catch-phrases, and personal stories. Casual voters prefer charismatic candidates who are like them. Instead, we should elect upstanding, experienced, and exceptional people.
Voting is not cool. The vote does not rock. Please do not vote. — Jason Spies, Medford

Oh the Places We Go

This was the fourth weekend in a row of being out of town for at least part of the weekend. We were in Portland for the Run Like Hell half-marathon. Next weekend, I GET TO STAY HOME! Jason is going on a retreat, but I'll be home.

I had been looking forward to this trip for awhile. The kids would stay in Eugene with my parents and it would just be Jason and me. Last year we had a great time together, so I really had my hopes up for the weekend. About a week ago, Jason wasn't sure if he would run. He has been running on an injury for awhile and it seemed to really be hurting him. Selfishly (because I wanted the weekend in Portland), I pushed him towards running and praise God, he did really well in the race despite the injury. We are also low on money (who isn't) but decided to go anyway. Cheap hotel, cheap food, free baby/dog-sitting = acceptable expense.

We drove up on Friday and were pleasantly surprised by the hotel. It was actually quite nice. Saturday morning we slept late, had breakfast and were on our way to go pick up the registration packet for Sunday's race and as Jason walked around the car to get in I heard "uh-oh." Our back corner window was smashed. Again, PRAISE GOD, we did not have anything of real value in the car but the violation of theft hits deep in one's soul. Our easy, relaxing morning became phone calls to insurance, glass repair, police, hotel managers and expedia people. From there we had to track down some way to cover the window (it won't be fixed until tomorrow). Our "morning" plans didn't start until afternoon so being a mental plan person, I felt off all day.

Everyone was as helpful as they could be. The hotel agreed to comp our room and even though insurance can't help with payment because it is under the deductable they were helpful in getting the repair set up. The event cast a shadow over my weekend. We continued our plans and had a nice time together. That afternoon we had agreed that Jason would nap/football at the hotel while I went to IKEA. I can spend hours at that store, but in my current state I could barely get through the short list of things I had come prepared to buy. I had a total meltdown in the warehouse section. I went back to my car to bawl in private for about an hour, then I went back to the hotel and crashed.

The bright spot of the weekend was taking Jason to Uptown Billiards. Stacie and I had been there on our trip to Portland in March and I couldn't wait to show it off to Jason. He enjoyed it as much as I had hoped he would. Sunday's race was great for Jason, but I never really was able to shake the shadow.

God knew all this would happen. He knew about the break-in. He knew that would send me over the emotional edge where I've been residing lately. I think He was trying to tell me not to go...but I blatantly ignored Him. I know I will pay more attention in the future. Everything has a spiritual aspect to it and when I ignore that, things tend to crumble around me. Remember, Melinda, Remember!

Anxiety & Thanksgiving

I went to the Women of Faith conference last weekend. I had a wonderful time with my friends and enjoyed the speakers very much.

The highlight for me was just a short snippet of what Jan Silvious said on Friday. Apparently recent brain mapping research has shown that anxiety and gratitude can not physically exist simultaneously in the brain. Philippians 4:6-7 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." It really is true! Not just in a spiritual realm, but in the physical world. With thanksgiving on your brain, anxiety disappears.

This is my cry this week, "THANK YOU LORD THANK YOU LORD THANK YOU LORD." I am finding the smallest things to be grateful for because my anxiety is enormous! So, what are you thankful for? What are you clinging to in order to ward off the anxiety of life?

Did you see?

I'm a semi-closeted Grey's fan. And thanks to the wonders of DVR, I was able to watch the two-hour season opener yesterday afternoon. Did you all see the first few minutes? I won't be a spoiler, but can I just say my heart almost stopped! Outrage, sadness....real tears (granted I was going on maybe 3 hours of sleep). I think I cry during every single episode.

In Weakness

I got to thinking about friendship this evening. One of my dearest friends and I had a great evening together catching up on all the stuff that you can't really discuss in a larger group setting. As we were talking I realized that I don't count her as a dear friend because she is shiny happy or because she's got it together, but rather because she doesn't.

In fact the friends who are truest, most trustworthy, my real go-to friends, are the ones who aren't afraid to let it all hang out. Maybe I am intimidated by those who've got their stuff together. Maybe I don't believe it is possible and my fake-o-meter starts spinning round.

I met my best friend in high school only because of her dorky vulnerability. She was walking around asking everyone to "be my friend." How can you say no to that?

It is much the same with Christ. In our weakness, he is strong. Isn't that wonderful! I certainly have plenty of weakness. I believe though, we must show some of that same vulnerability. Jesus save me. Be my friend. I need YOU.

Baby Reece

Please note the new link on my blog list. This is an amazing family I have come to be acquainted with through my friend Stacie. I won't try to explain their story, but please check out their blog and send your prayers as they face daily challenges most of us can't even imagine.

What does it mean?

How do you know the difference between a trial and a call to quit. In recent years I've been more willing to face trials because I have seen first hand how they help develop perseverance in my life. But this time things are harder, much harder.

Is God telling me to give up? I mean, He's the one who put me here in the first place. Did He intend it only for a season? God has still been faithful to meet the most critical of needs as they arise, but the big picture is looking more and more bleak. Maybe this the "big one." You know, that once in a lifetime trial that results in a passion for Christ beyond your wildest imagination.

I can't believe anymore that things just happen. God is the master orchestrator of life. He knew at the creation of the universe that today, September 22 at 11:36 am I would be wrestling with this AND he knew I would be chewing wintermint gum. HE KNOWS. He knows I am struggling with this. He knows I want answers. I know I'll get them...I just don't know when!

Found Her

Day 3 of 5...I'm on track so far! This, by the way, was my inspiration for catching up. I found Susan. In all honesty, she found me. For all the cyber-bullying, child-stalking and pornographic nonsence that is perpetuated on Facebook and MySpace, I will tell you this: These sites have made me a better person. Ok, that was too extreme. They have allowed me to be more like the person I want to be.

I've said it before. I want to be a good friend. I just get really lazy. These sites keep me in contact with my friends through status updates, birthday reminders, and just little notes(comments) here and there about what is going on. Very few people have the time to do 16 phone calls (or even emails) a week to say, "I'm feeling mopey." But through the wonders of social networking I can share that with people I know and they can respond as they are able. No pressure, no guilt.

So, Susan, thanks for adding me as your friend. This is how excited that made me--I've already told everyone I've been in contact with since Wednesday (including my students) how excited I am to know you again. Cheesy? Well, you already knew that about me.

High School Students

I love high school students. I love their energy and enthusiasm. I love the malleability and I enjoy being someone who they can talk to like they should be talking with their parents, but there is no way they will. I am one of the few who came through high school unscathed by the "coming of age" phenomenon. I like being able to proclaim--yes you can get through high school without smoking, drinking, drugs, sex, and all that other crap that is so attractive to that age group.

So when I noticed God guiding and then eventually shoving me towards High School Ministry again, I was happy to respond. Then I was handed the application. I've filled out many a ministry application before. Different from a job application it asks questions like "Briefly describe how you came to know Jesus as you Savior." (Typo was intentional on my part, probably not on the part of whoever created the application). Then there are three and one-half lines on which to write the answer. How do you answer a question like that in 3 lines?

If that wasn't enough it is followed by a checklist of youth-related leadership roles you are supposed to check and explain your involvement in. OK--I've done youth ministry since I was 14 and now I'm a teacher. Hmmm. Let's see if I can fit over half my life onto...wait for it...2 1/2 lines.

Then we get to fun questions. "List any general skills, natural talents, spiritual gifts, or special abilities you possess." ARGHHH "What do you consider your strengths?" "What do you consider your weaknesses?" These I find much easier to answer briefly; I prefer not to answer at all! I find it difficult to naturally answer these questions without sounding cocky or artificially humble.

"Briefly explain why you desire to be a part of the youth staff at TRF." "Explain your preference for the age group you are interested in working with." OK--weeding out crazy people. I get it.

"Briefly summarize how you came to know Jesus Christ as your savior and what your faith means to you." Followed shortly by "How do you maintain a growing relationship with the Lord?" Again 3 lines per question!

One's faith is difficult to summarize. On Tuesday, I watched as the first "tour" of Focus on the Family's "Truth Project" spent over one hour just to say Truth=God. But it truly takes time to explain the why and the how of my faith journey and what that looks like and how that may have changed in the past weeks, months, years... If it is such a struggle for me to briefly answer these fundamental questions about my faith which I have lived by virtually all my life, it is no wonder that people struggle to comprehend and accept the truth after a short conversation on a plane.

Procrastination

Maybe you do this too. Oftentimes, I wake up and get the kids going in time to have some time to myself. I think "Oh, I should write that blog entry I was thinking about yesterday." Inevitably that's when the cereal spills or the crisis call from work happens and of course blogging is WAY down on the priority list, so it gets put off.

That's all well and good, but now that I have some uninterupted computer time I have lots that I want to share. So (because when I get behind in anything the only way I can catch up is if I have a system) I am going to attempt to catch up in chronological order. One entry a day for the next 5 days. I just ask that you limit any judgement if I fail, which I probably will.

First--the chicken recipe.

Our family ate at the Bella a few weeks back and one of the specials was called "Chicken Frescada." (I think). I ordered it and enjoyed it greatly. However my mother's genes reared their head and screamed into my mind "YOU CAN MAKE THIS AT HOME FOR SO MUCH LESS MONEY." We didn't eat out much as kids with the exception of occasional Taco Bell, Chinese Food on billing days and KFC when mom was sick.

So I made it at home. My garden is overflowing with tomatoes and basil, so most everything I am cooking right now has a bit of each. AND in case you haven't heard. Plant your basil and tomatoes right next to eachother. The basil wards off bugs. My tomatoes are completely pest free this year, which is more than I can say for the squash.

Chicken Frescada

Boneless skinless chicken (I like chicken tenders instead of breasts--thinner so quicker to cook)
Flour
Various Italian Seasonings
Olive Oil

Garlic
Diced Tomatoes (canned or peeled and seeded fresh)
Fresh chopped basil
Sliced Olives
Mozzarella
Pasta (For this I like penne)

Heat olive oil in pan over med-high heat. Mix flour and your favorite dried Italian Seasonings (I like 2 parts basil, 1 part marjorim, 1 pt oregano). Coat and shake off chicken and brown in pan. Set aside.

Crush and saute garlic in more olive oil then add tomatoes and basil. (And salt to taste if you use it). Cook just until basil is well wilted. Add olives and heat through.

To serve layer the pasta, chicken and tomato mixture. Top with sliced mozzarella and melt cheese briefly under broiler.

This could just as easily be served without the pasta. Very easy.