It’s been slim pickin’s around here with no working oven, but a new one is on the way. It’s dumbfounding how often I’ve thought I might like to prepare a certain dish, only to remember “Oh, yea, I have no oven!” I’ve had to either get creative or do with out. I figured out how to bake a ham in our Big Green Egg without smoking it or drying it out, and scaled back other recipes to fit in the toaster oven. You do what you have to do.

There were a couple of stand out recipes that you might enjoy… Creamy Chicken Enchiladas and Tortellini, White Bean, and Spinach Soup.

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are decidedly decadent. The chicken is bathed in cream cheese, and sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, and whole milk, and shredded cheese! Not diet food. Substitute low-fat dairy products if you must! I think the next time, (and there will be a next time), I may double up on the green chiles. I served these enchiladas with a side of Mexican Rice and Beans.

Tortellini, White Bean, and Spinach Soup is considerably lighter, and healthier, without sacrificing satisfaction. With the beans and tortellini this soup is very filling.  The fresh baby spinach adds color and a bit more fiber.  As a bonus, this may be the easiest soup ever… all you do is open a few cans and packages and dump it all together.  It doesn’t get any easier than that!  I sprinkled mine with a bit of shredded Parmesan cheese right before serving.

Waiting for my new range to come is kind of like waiting for Santa or the Tooth Fairy! Maybe next week?
As always,

Be thankful for what life gives you.