January in Wisconsin

It's been a little cold and snowy...great weather for staying in and working on projects. Although a did get a few pictures of the snow the other day.

My thoughts have been on spring and warmer weather. I am starting to think bird baths and wind chimes.

I continue to play with powders and inclusions after a trip to the Science and Surplus store. I found different sheets of mica and a textured one I really like...creates lot's of bubbles though.

My husband is really getting into e-cycling and I am finding all sorts of neat little do dad's for jewelry, stuff for great tools, and stainless steel rods for making large hole beads. I think I am going to take them to a shop, get them cut into small sections and welded on regular bead mandrels. They are rather heavy as they are now. Also to buy them it's about $10.00 a piece, so hopefully I will save myself some money.

I am still working on healthier living and my healthier version of my favorite enchillada casserole was a hit :) Thought I would share the recipe...very easy and inexpensive.

ENCHILLADA CASSEROLE-LITE

1 lb. ground turkey

1 Lg. onion

1/2 c. chopped green pepper or mix of chilli peppers.

2 - 15 oz cans tomato sauce.

1 cup shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar.

2- 15 oz can black beans, or other pinto and kidney work well.

1 -15 oz. can whole corn

1 sm. can sliced black olives.

1-2 Tbl. chilli powder

1- 2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. garlic powder.

med size pkg. corn tortillas

2 tsp. olive oil... or any light oil

salt/ pepper

In a large skillet over medium high heat brown turkey with onion, salt, and pepper. Add spices, tomato sauce, corn, beans, and black olives. Cook on medium low heat till heated through, set aside. * mixture should be the consistency of chilli .

Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray then layer a thin layer of sauce mixture, 3 layers of tortillas another layer of sauce, then a thin layer of cheese, another layer of tortillas, repeat layers. Cover with tin foil.

Bake at 350 degrees 45 min to 1 hr.

Great served with lettuce, tomato, avacado slices, and reduced fat sour cream.

The kids and hubby are good.. and so is the dog...life goes on...as I patiently wait for spring!