Seasonal Recipe
This time of year, cherry tomatoes are quite plentiful. If you have basil, it’s going bonkers, too. This recipe uses both. I’ve substituted pesto and it’s just as wonderful, if not more. It’s a forgiving recipe so play with the portions and make it your own. I’ve not tried making this in an InstantPot but I’m sure you could and it would keep the kitchen cooler.
Tomato Basil Oven Risotto
2 T butter
2.5 c chicken broth
1 c uncooked Arborio Rice
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 t salt (more if using homemade broth)
1/2 c baby bella mushrooms, chopped (I used the entire package)
2 c (or more) chopped cooked chicken (use a deli chicken to save time)
1-2 c shredded mozzarella
1 c (or more) cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 c shredded basil or 4 heaping Tablespoons of pesto
To prepare:
Pour broth and butter in a 9x13 pan. Place in a cold oven then preheat oven to 400. Once preheated, stir in the next 4 ingredients and pesto if using it.
Bake, covered for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and fluff with a fork. Stir in chicken, cheese, tomatoes and basil (if not using pesto).
I like to cover again for 5 minutes so that tomatoes wilt a bit. Garnish with more tomatoes and basil if desired.
Changed Life Changing Lives
At the Weekend to Remember marriage conference, there’s a video the first night, where couples share why they have come. Some are very serious. Others comical. One of my favorite vignettes is when a guy says, “I thought if I submitted to my wife and came, at least I’d get some!” <crowd roars>
That couple’s marriage was transformed at that very 3-day conference. The next year they began volunteering at the Weekend to Remember. It was fun to meet Rodney and Annetta two years ago when John and I spoke at a Weekend to Remember in Houston.
A few weeks ago we received a handwritten note from Annetta, saying they were moving to Orlando, Florida. They left their jobs and are moving to work full time as missionaries with FamilyLife. I’m excited for this giant step of faith they are taking with their 3 children.
What’s also very exciting is they are the first African American couple to raise support and report to FamilyLife.
In the first newsletter of the month I highlighting a charity that I’m donating to from the revenue of my work. It’s difficult to raise support as a Caucasian family but even more so as a minority family. Would you consider joining me and encourage the Whitneys with a gift?
Deodorant
I have been on a winding road with natural deodorants. My reason for abandoning ship with store bought brands is because of the aluminum in antiperspirants. Any thing applied to the skin is absorbed into the bloodstream (think about nicotine or birth control patches.)
Aluminum has been found in the brains of Alzheimer cadavers. Both of my grandmothers suffered from dementia and I’m scared spitless of losing my marbles.
I started making deodorant several years ago but I’m always on the lookout for one to recommend to people who don’t want to make it. A friend in my neighborhood makes it and sells on etsy. I bought some and really like it. Highly recommended. I also really liked her magnesium body butter. Not sure if coincidence or if it is genuinely helping my sleep but the last 3 nights have been improved. It smells and feels divine.
Let me know if you make the tomato basil risotto. Share this recipe to a friend who has extra tomatoes and basil. Maybe they will share with you!
Julie