Jen's Adventures and Creative Projects

One of my best friends is a friend I met...who knows, 15+ years ago? Chancie Goodwin went to Murray State University, like I did, but we never crossed paths. I met her later though her sister-in-law, who was a friend of mine and also went to Murray State University, and ironically enough, another fellow student that I didn't know until I moved to Nashville. Chancie happens to have a beautiful voice, and while I've heard it in many car rides and sometimes at weddings and other local occassions, I've seldom heard that voice as part of a special performance. One of her friends reminded her that we should share the gifts God has provided, and I'm glad she was asked by that friend to perform a few songs at a Nashville-area church. I hope she continues sharing that gift. I'm also glad that she happened to sing this song, from Wicked, "For Good." She'll talk about it in the beginning, but to repeat briefly, it is amazing how God brings people into our li

So, I had some friends over last night for dinner, and made an easy meal and the recipes were requested. I've posted a painting of Bulls Gap, Tennessee where yes, my Jeep crossed right where that truck is traveling, and the hotel is still there. The hotel, originally The Smith Hotel built in late 1800s and then later bought and renamed to Gilleys Hotel, looked abandoned and in need of repair, however I understand it was recently donated to the Bulls Gap Railroad Museum and they're raising money to renovate it. So if you're in there area, stop by and pay an upfront admission to City Hall, donating to a good cause in tourism and preservation. Anyway, what does that have to do with dinner recipes? Well, I stopped at Yoder's Country Market in Bulls Gap, one of several Amish stores throughout Tennessee, known for their country ham, cheeses, breads, jams and jellies and so much more. They had every type of spice and flour imaginable, as well as homemade pasta. I bought the to

Wow, sorry it has been so long since I posted something. I have been on the road a lot with our exciting new tourism project, the Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways. The small town girl in me is loving this project, and let me explain why. We're producing trails state-wide that start in key areas like Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains area, producing self-guided driving tour loops, and pointing out all of the hidden gems. It may be pointing out the things in the heart of Gatlinburg, the history behind it all, that you never noticed. It's showcasing local favorites like Tipton's in Greeneville or Arnold's in Nashville, where you'll love southern cooking. Antique stores, historic attractions, stories behind the communities...it's connecting the dots and making it an adventure. I am really loving digging up stories like the history of Mountain Dew, which started in Knoxville or realizing that the French Broad River is the th

O.K., I know this isn't rocket science, but here's an easy lunch for you for the snowy weather. I bought the grocery's cheap brand of tomato soup, along with the same brand of petite diced tomatoes. I mixed together, along with Italian seasoning and salt and pepper and prepared this soup as directed. This soup was so much better than when I just make Campbell's tomato soup, who knew? With it, had reduced fat croissants, one with sprinkled reduced fat cheese; other with turkey pepperoni and reduced fat cheese. Sorry I didn't take a photo, couldn't wait to eat it. Good stuff, so easy, so cheap; and quick!

Yes, another healthy meal, what can I say? Turned out great, and it took less than 20 minutes. Potatoes on the photo are left-overs, recipe on earlier post. I also made 12 fruit smoothies (not shown...obviously) to place in the freezer for future consumption...yum. They included bananas, strawberries and pineapple, shot of V-8 Splash and ice. One way to get your fruits and veggies in...drink them. Recipe for pork chops and asparagus came from Weight Watchers 5 Ingredient 15 minute Cookbook , recipe for spinach came from the good ole internet after Google searched "Baby Spinach Recipes", after having some left-over baby spinach and could not eat one more spinach salad. In case you haven't noticed, I hate to waste anything. O.k., here we go with your recipes, hope you enjoy. Balsamic Pork Chops 4 (4-oz.) boneless center-cut pork loin chops (1/2" thick) 1 tsp salt-free lemon-herb seasoning (I used sf garlic-herb seasoning instead) 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup fat-fr

Sorry it's been a while since my last post...holidays and taking time to get things better organized. That's what we do at the New Year, isn't it? Clean out closets, organize desks, start working out, eat healthier, start routines maybe like going to church regularly, reading more or writing in a journal. Well...I'm trying to do all of that (if the blog counts for journal writing now). Let's see how long it lasts. I won't bore you with all of it, but I do want to share some of my latest healthy food discoveries. I had photos...so I thought...for this, but had forgotten that I took my memory card out of my camera for downloads; and lost the cord to hook up my camera to computer...so I only have one photo for you...that of this great dressing. Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Fat Free Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing It wasn't very experience ($2.19) and for that plus the FAT FREE in all caps, I didn't have high hopes that this would taste good. It only has 5 c