Susan, Author at The Sparrow's Home

Super Quick Weeknight Chipotle Chicken Fajitas

March 6, 2017 by Susan 7 Comments

These chipotle seasoned chicken fajitas are one of the quickest meals to put together on a weeknight. It’s so easy, it’s a stretch to even call it a recipe.

I always have onions and butter. Always. So when 4:30 came around and and I went to the kitchen to start making the jambalaya I had planned, I was kind of put out to find neither.

Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s found myself in this situation.

These chicken fajitas are one of the quickest recipes I keep in my ‘back-pocket’ to pull out on nights like this one.

Food for Thought #16

March 2, 2017 by Susan Leave a Comment

I love it when friends share good articles they’ve come across. That’s why this segment was started.

I would love to hear what you think, and see what you’ve had open on your desktop this week.

Here’s what I’ve been reading:

Easy King Cake for Mardi Gras

February 28, 2017 by Susan 7 Comments

I’ve made some delicious, but labor intensive king cakes. This recipe for an easy king cake will hit the spot this Mardi Gras without taking forever.

Do you know about king cakes? Growing up Yankee, I had never heard of them. One of my college roommates was from Louisiana and introduced me to them. They’re a food and party game in one.

You see, traditional king cakes have a plastic baby hidden inside of them. Yup, you heard me right. A plastic baby. Tradition says that the person who finds the baby in their slice of cake brings the cake to the next party. Nowadays, it’s just a fun addition, and many homemade cakes don’t have them (some recipes say you can use a coin or a dried bean instead). If you want to read about the history of the plastic baby in the king cake you can find it here and here.

Take a Meal to a Friend in Need

February 27, 2017 by Susan 32 Comments

Tips for when you want to take a meal to a friend in need. I’ve collected suggestions from all over to help you be a blessing. Meal ideas, too!

People are in need all around us. Moms with new babies, friends with health issues, families facing all kinds of challenges and struggles.

Sometimes it’s something big, like a cancer diagnosis. Other times it may simply be that you notice that your friend has been overwhelmed lately.

Do you ever feel at a loss for how to help? Enter: Food.

I am my mother’s daughter, and I show love through food. And clearly I’m not the only one, as I found lots of resources online giving tips and suggestions for meal ministry.

I’d like to share some of the best ones I’ve found.

Trader Joe’s Best Products (Or, My Love Letter to Trader Joe’s)

February 22, 2017 by Susan 12 Comments

Have you met my friend, Joe? I think you’re gonna like him.

The nearest Trader Joe’s is about a half hour from us, which is probably a good thing. I alternate my regular grocery shopping between Aldi (do you love Aldi as much as I do?!?!) and the Super Walmart, with an occasional trip to other local groceries.

I also hit Costco about once a month or every other month to stock up, and Trader Joe’s about the same. I don’t usually do my main shopping at either of these places, but at each, have items that I always pick up.

If you’re not familiar with them, Trader Joe’s is different from other grocery stores. It’s pretty much made up of all ‘store’ brands, and they pretty much have one of each product. What that means is that instead of 6 brands of chicken broth, there is one.

Vegetable Lasagna: Summer on a Plate

February 21, 2017 by Susan 10 Comments

A vegetable lasagna packed with loads of fresh veggies, creamy ricotta, tender pasta and gooey cheese. Customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

The snow is melting, the temperature is rising. Spring is most definitely right around the corner. I can almost remember that summer once existed. It was nice, if I’m remembering correctly.

And then, while tidying up my computer’s desktop, I came across some pictures of this bursting-with-freshness summer vegetable lasagna. Suddenly, summer felt real to me. I could remember not feeling cold, the smell of grilling meats, and bright green grass.