Creamy Roasted Red Peppers & Chicken

"May He be like the fresh rain falling on a
mown field, like showers watering the earth."

Psalm 72:6

Food for the Palate

Ingredients:

6 chicken thighs-bone in, no skin

2 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 12oz jar of roasted red bell peppers-finely chopped

4 large cloves of garlic-minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 cup milk (or cream)

1/2 cup chicken stock

1 cup pecorino cheese-grated

Instructions:

Season your chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Add your butter and olive oil to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each side. Once you have browned your chicken on both sides, set aside on a dish. DO NOT clean your pan.

To your sauté pan add your peppers, garlic and chicken stock. Allow to cook for about 5 minutes on medium-high heat.  

Next you want to add your milk or cream and your cheese. Whisk together until well combined and creamy. This should only take a couple of minutes. Once your sauce is creamy add your chicken back into the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes. You're ready to plate. Tasty to the Palate!

Food for the Soul

As I was preparing this meal yesterday, I could sense that there was rain in the sky somewhere close by. Sure enough, as we sat down to enjoy our dinner I said, "I smell rain" and down it came.  There is such a sweet, soothing aroma that comes with fresh falling rain. I just love the way it smells. Something about fresh rain on grass or concrete reminds me to take a deep breath and exhale.

There is a scientific definition for that peasant, musky smell we experience after it rains called "Petrichor".  Although I am sure that there is a very complicated break down of what the definition means in technical terms, I believe that it is a gift for God.

Psalm 72:6 says; "May He be like the fresh rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth." Psalm 72:6  I am reminded through this verse that just like rain comes down from the heavens and renews the earth, so God's Spirit comes down with His grace and mercy and renews our souls. He

waters our dry parched spirit's and makes them fresh and new again.

On those days when I can smell the rain and actually take the time to stop and inhale like I did last night, I am reminded that God is with me and that the heavenly smell is the aroma of my eternal home. Just like the rain nourishes the earth, so God sends down refreshment, nourishment, healing and new life to His children. It is God's heaven-sent rain that causes all life to grow, and it is His heaven-sent Spirit that nourishes our weary and tired souls.

Refreshing rain reminds me of God's Spirit, pouring down from the heavens and covering our lives with His amazing faithfulness. His persistent love, mercy and grace nurtures and grows our faith in Him. God promises us this in Isaiah 44:3-4; "I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams."  This is beautiful promise from our God. 

As you journey in this day to day living and go about your daily routines, remember that God wants to 

'rain down' His blessings upon you through His Holy Spirit. His desire is for us to grow, flourish and produce fruit. He wants us to come to Him and be refreshed just as the rains promise growth to a dry and dreary land. In fact, it is a must if we want to walk in His Spirit, and so God promises a refreshed and fruitful soul to those who turn to Him. 

The next time it rains, don't forget to take a deep breath, exhale and praise God in heaven for the sweet aroma of His presence in our lives. I pray He sends you His rain!  Satisfying to the Soul.