Southern Hospitality
I realize it’s a bold move to claim I’m a Southerner on the blog of a born and raised Virginian. But as a fourth generation Texan, I’m claiming braggin’ rights to my southern heritage.
As such, I’m doing what all good southern women do for a friend in need. I come bearing food. Babies, new neighbors, illness, or job promotions…there isn’t an occasion known to man that doesn’t merit the southern interpretation of the Golden Rule:
Love thy neighbor, with a casserole topped with cheese.
My friend Brooke could use a little help this week. As you know, she’s headed to the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference with her book proposal in hand, a major casserole-worthy event. When she invited me to guest post, I knew I wanted to share a recipe, but it seemed like such a small offering to someone who shares so much with me through her daily writings here at A Life in Need of Change. No doubt you feel blessed by her ministry too. So, I have an idea. Will you join me?
You see, our heritage extends beyond the borders of the south. You, Brooke, and I are all sisters (and brothers!) in Christ. And, with or without a casserole topped with cheese, we are called to the Greatest Commandment:
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 23: 37 – 40
I’m sharing my family’s favorite Chicken Enchilada recipe with you today. Make it for your family, but let’s try something — double the recipe and share the supper with a neighbor.
Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
• Invite friends over to share the meal together (the ones you’ve said for months ‘let’s get together soon’)
• Deliver the meal to the elderly couple or widow down the street who has no family in town
• Take the enchiladas to the single, working mother who sits near you each week at church
Pray about with whom you should share this supper. Ask the Lord to open the eyes of your heart and show you who He would have you love as your neighbor. While you are cooking, pray this supper would be a blessing to those who receive. Pray for Brooke as she travels to this important conference. And, it’s ok to pray you don’t burn the enchiladas too!
Chicken Enchiladas
2 cups chicken, cooked & shredded
2 (4-oz) cans chopped green chilis
1/4 cup salsa verde
1/2 tsp salt
12 corn tortillas
1 cup whipping cream, whipped until thick, but not firm
8 oz Monterrey Jack cheese, grated
1. Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, chilies, salsa, and salt. Stir until combined.
3. In a saucepan, warm the cream over low heat. With tongs, dip a tortilla in warm cream until soft and easy to roll.
4. Fill the center of the tortilla with a scoop of the chicken mixture. Roll the tortilla and place seam-side down in a 2- quart glass baking dish. Proceed with the remaining eleven tortillas.
5. Pour remaining cream over tortillas.
6. Top with grated cheese. Bake for 10 -15 minutes until warm and bubbly.
It’s easy to double this recipe. Just make two pans side by side. Serve the enchiladas with guacamole (here’s our family recipe) or a green salad and tostada chips. If you are feeling extra neighborly vanilla ice cream seals the deal.
Have fun and let us know how you share your love (and cheese!) with someone in need this week.
Blessings,
Kristin
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Blogging at The Schell Cafe’
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s posts like this that keep me coming back and checking this site regularly, thanks for the info!
I did share this with someone who could use a little help this week. It is just perfect! Thank you.
The Chicken Enchiladas were great! A big hit. Thanks Kristin!