Pretzel Crusted Chicken Fingers

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Fingers

6 ounces thin pretzel sticks
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins, trimmed
Salt and pepper
6 tablespoons vegetable oil

Process the pretzel sticks in a food processor until they are finely ground, about 20 seconds. you should end up with about 1 1/2 cups of pretzel crumbs. Transfer the pretzel crumbs to a shallow dish. Spread the all-purpose flour in a second shallow dish. Beat the eggs and the Dijon mustard in a third shallow dish.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season it well with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dip the chicken pieces in the pretzel crumbs, pressing on the chicken gently in the crumbs so the crumbs adhere well.

Heat 3 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Cook half of the breaded chicken tenderloins until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Adjust the heat along the way if the crust seems like it is beginning to burn. Transfer the chicken fingers to a paper towel-lined plate, discard the oil, and wipe out the skillet with paper towels. Repeat the process with the remaining 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and the remaining chicken tenderloins. Serve the chicken fingers with your favorite dipping sauces.

You want to make sure you use the thin pretzel sticks for this recipe and not the thick pretzel rods. The thin pretzels will grind easier and are not as dense and hard as the rods, giving you better crumbs for the crust. You get a really nice flavor from the pretzel crust and just a hint of the Dijon mustard along the way to give them great flavor. This is a great recipe to offer up for the kids who love chicken fingers with a different twist

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Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole

lb frozen potatos
2 stick butter
2 can mushroom soup
2 c sour cream
2 lb shredded cheese
2 c cornflakes, crumbled
4 t butter, melted

Mix first 5 and spread in casserole. Mix the last 2 and pour over top. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees
Quick and easy and oooohhhh so good

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Pizza Boats

2 6-inch French rolls
3/4 cup pizza sauce
1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup green pepper, gently rubbed under cold running water, chopped*
1/4 cup onion, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water and chopped*

Wash hands with soap and water.
Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.
Cut French rolls in half as you would to make a sandwich. Place each half on a baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce over each half.
Top each half with Mozzarella cheese, green pepper, and onion.
Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Notes: 

*Add variety to your pizzas with other vegetables and toppings, such as black olives, pineapple, tomato and mushrooms.

recipe resource

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Awareness --- Oral, Head, Neck Cancer

Oral, head and neck cancer awareness occurs in 2020 during the week of April 13-19 The week is headed by the Head and Neck cancer alliance and is supported by the American Academy of Otolaryngology However, in some areas where cancer screenings would take place have been pushed back til a later date due to the COVID 19 scare. 

Oral, Head and Neck Cancer are normally found in the tongue, throat, and voice box. Head and neck cancer are not limited to those areas and also found in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or voice box. Moreover, there is an average of 550,000 new cases or oral, head and neck cancers found each year,  with around 110,000 individuals being diagnosed here in the United States. 

Sadly over 1/2 of all cases that are diagnosed will be found in later stages of the disease. 

Individuals more suspectible to this type of cancer include:

• men who account for two times more of those that have oral, head and neck cancer than women
• tobacco and alcohol uses are often plagued with mouth and voice box cancers The risk gains if one uses both.
• If you smoke cigarettes your risk of head and neck cancer are ten times the chance of getting this type of cancer compared to non smoker
• Chewing tobacco has been proved to cause mouth cancer. In fact the area where the tobacco and / or alcohol use had the most contact is where there is more of a chance for cancer. 
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) leads to 10,000 new cases of oral, head and neck cancer annually. This particular cause may contribute to half of tonsil cancers as well as cancer at the base of the tongue. 
• Race can play a role in Head and neck cancer. Caucasians are more likely to develop this type of cancer but African Americans are more likely to die from it. 
• Jobs that see a lot of dust, chemicals etc... in their workforce also see an increased chance of this type of cancer. 

Signs of Cancer include: 

1. A red or white patch in the mouth or a sore throat can be the first signs of cancers of the mouth and throat.
2. Hoarseness or a change in the voice can be the first sign of cancer of the voice box.
3. Signs of oral, head and neck cancer include a sore in your mouth that doesn’t heal; sore throat; lumps or patches in your mouth; trouble swallowing; changes in your voice; and/or a lump in your neck.

Head and neck cancers can be prevented. However, once cancer reaches the lymph nodes it will be more likely to spread through the body. The most common way of treating include surgery and radiation therapy which will also stop the stpread of cancer by killing or removing the cancerous cells. 

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Wonderful Wednesday

Tomatillos What are They and an Bonus Recipe

The tomatillo is a small spherical husked tomato. Normally green in color but may be green and purple. This plant originated in Mexico and were used prior to Columbus sailing to the Americas. In fact scientist have dated a fossilized tomatillo found in the Argentina area to 52 million years BP. 

Tomatillos can be eaten raw or cooked in a grand variety of dishes. The Mayans and Aztecs would use the tomatillo in a great variety of ways. Tomatillo's offer a green color and tart flavor due to their high pectin content. 

Storing tomatillos is easy as well. Simply refrigerate the entire ripe tomatillo for about 2 weeks. Removing their husks and placing the tomatillo in a sealed plastic bag will prolong their lives even longer. In addition, you can freeze the entire or sliced tomatillo. 

The tomatillo is a great food source and can be harvested at different stages of development to gather in that sour taste. Picked early the fruit is sour with light flavor. Later in season the fruit is  seedier more like a tomato. Drying the fruit offers a sweetened enhancement that similar to dried cranberries. The tomatillo is commonly used in stews, soups, salads, stirfries, baked, cooked with meat, marmalades and even desserts.

Chicken Tomatillo Salad

DRESSING

• 1 cup husked and quartered tomatillos
• 3 tablespoons light Italian dressing
• 1 fresh Anaheim chili, seeded and chopped
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

SALAD

• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken or turkey
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 4 green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

In a blender or food processor container, purée tomatillos with dressing, Anaheim chili, and ground black pepper; set aside.
Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss.
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well to coat.
Cover and chill for 20 minutes or make a day ahead to allow flavors to blend.
Serve on lettuce-lined plates or bowls.

Makes 6 servings - 1 cup per serving.

recipe source

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Gooseberries +++ Jam Recipe

Gooseberries are low in both calories and fat but are a great nutrient source for the body. Adding to the diet not only protein and carbs but also great source of nutrients and vitamins. In addition because gooseberries are high in fiber one can eat a great amount of them without taking in to many calories. In fact... eating berries has proved to aid in weight loss.

Other areas where berries including gooseberries are thought to help the body are:

• help control blood sugar
• help reduce blood pressure
• may help to protect the brain
• may possess anti cancer effects
• good for the heart

Gooseberries can be digested raw after being washed. Many prefer to cut the tiny tops and bottom areas off. Gooseberries may be added to fruit salads, baked in pies, cooked into jams, However, many of the nutrients may be lost thru the cooking process. 

Gooseberry Jam

2 quarts gooseberries, stems and dried blossom ends removed (otherwise known as topped and tailed)
¾ cup water
4 cups sugar
1 tsp. butter (optional)

1. Fill a water-bath canning pot with water and bring to a boil.
2. Heat six, eight-ounce jars and warm the lids in a saucepan of simmering water.
3. Combine the gooseberries and water in a large, deep saucepan.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, crushing the berries slightly with a potato masher if they do not break
down naturally.
5. Once the berries are boiling, add the sugar all at once and stir to dissolve.
6. If desired, add the butter to the pot to reduce foaming.
7. Return the jam to a boil and then turn the heat down to medium and boil until the jam is thickened, 30-45
minutes. (I used the wrinkle test to determine when my jam was done. That is, I placed several saucers in the
freezer and when I thought the jam was close to set, I added a dollop of jam to the plate and put in back in the
freezer for one minute. If the jam wrinkled when I pushed it with my finger, it was done.)
8. Ladle the jam into the warm jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace, remove any air bubbles and wipe the rims.
9. Add warm lids and rings and tighten until you feel resistance.
10. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for ten minutes. Allow to cool in the pot with the heat off for five minutes
and then remove to a clean towel placed on the count
recipe source

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Use up those Eggs --- Egg Salad #recipe

8 large hard boiled eggs
1 large dill pickle , diced small
2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 teaspoons yellow mustard
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
paprika , optional

Start with perfect hard boiled eggs that have cooled.
Peel and chop the eggs small.
Whisk together all the other ingredients in a large bowl until combined. Gently fold in the chopped eggs. Dust with some paprika, if desired.
Serve as a side or on rolls and enjoy!

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Dog Bite Prevention

I belong to the club that many other adults belong to. The name of the club is the "dog bite" club. I was bitten by a friends house as I was walking down the street. The dog was running lose and I simply was walking by at the time and the dog nipped my leg. There may have been a few things to do but to tell you the truth the dog thought he was playing but did break the skin so some could of called him violent.

If you find yourself in a position where a dog bite may be possible there are a few things you can do. First and foremost the dog belongs to the owner and it is their responsibility to ensure that he can not attack those that may just be walking past. The individual that is visiting, walking past or enjoys visiting the dog needs to understand a dog's language.

• Aggression --- dogs who may be aggressive may appear to making their self larger than they are, their ears may be up, the fur and tail may stand on end. Watch for straight leg stance, growling, and barking An aggressive dog should be avoided. 
• A dog that is scared may try to look smaller by shrinking to the ground, putting their tail between their legs. A scared dog may try to escape but if unable may growl, snarl or possibly bite. 

Being aware of how the dog feels may just save us from getting bit



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Cookie Mix Pecan Cookies

While many may have to much time on their hands I have little to none left. I work in the health care field and as you can imagine there is not a little down time. When I found this recipe I was actually cheering because the best part is that it begins with a cookie mix. So here goes:

15.25 oz. Betty Crocker Butter Pecan Cake Mix {1 box.}
2 eggs
1/2 cup Canola or Vegetable Oil
48 Pecan Halves {approx. 1 cup – see notes}*

Mix Cake Mix, Eggs, and oil together in medium sized mixing bowl.
Chill dough in refrigerator for 1 hour.
Line cookie sheets with Parchment Paper.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
After dough has chilled, roll into small tablespoon sized balls and place on parchment-lined cookie sheets approx. 3 inches apart.
Bake for 7 – 8 minutes, or until done.
Immediately after removing from oven, carefully place pecan in the center of each cookie, and very gently push down.
Allow to cool slightly, then transfer to cooling rack to finish cooling. ENJOY!

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Breaded Tender Loins

Here in Illinois a weeknight supper may simply consist of a sandwich and some chips. However, if you want it to be changed and dressed up a bit then try these breaded tenderloins along some some taters. 

1 Lb pork tenderloin (sliced ½ inch thick)

1 Egg (beaten)

3 Tbsp Milk

1 Sleeve saltine crackers (crushed fine)

¾ Cup All purpose flour

1 Tsp Salt

½ Tsp pepper

Oil for frying

1. Flatten pork with a meat mallet

2. Place egg and milk in a small bowl and blend well

3. Combine crackers, flour, and seasonings in another bowl

4. Dip pork in egg mixture, and then in crumb mixture until well coated

5. Heat oil in large skillet

6. Fry pork until deep golden brown on both sides

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Happy Birthday Mr. Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, the third United States president was born on April 13, 1743. On March 21st , 1938 President Roosevelt designated Jefferson's birthday to be celebrated each April 13th. On April 11th, 2007 President George W. Bush proclaimed that Aperil 13th be known as Thomas Jefferson Day. 

This being a food blog I thought I would share with you that one of Thomas Jefferson's favorite foods was Parmesan cheese. This mac n cheese recipe I share with you as a tribute to Thomas Jefferson. 

2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
3 tbsp flour
2 cups of milk (for thinning)
1 cup of cheese
⅓ of Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 pound of pasta noodles
salt and pepper to taste

Place a pot of salted water on to boil for pasta.
When water comes to boil add in pasta until just al dente.
Drain pasta from water and set aside.
To make the roux: Equal parts butter and/or oil and flour to make a roux.
Let the roux cook for 1-2 min to cook out raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid any lumps.
Once you have the mixture to desired thickness add in cheese.
Gently fold in pasta to the sauce and place in oven safe dish and cook at 400 degrees until golden on top and bubbly.

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Peach Season ==== Peach Cobbler Recipe

Here in Southern Illinois there are many peach orchards to be found. April 13th helps celebrate the orchards by sharing the national day of peach crisps. So what will the peach crop be like this spring?? It is a wait to be seen type of game with the weather and mother nature at the head position. Depending on what temps are present, how much rain , etc... will depend on how many peaches as well as if they are juicy or not.

The farmers start to figure out how well the crop will do in February. The weather in Southern Illinois can be quite challenging to years with freezing temps that lat to days to warmer months. This year the weather has been rather nice while there were cold temps it was not a severe freeze. Yet, the worry is not over as farmers and orchard workers have seen years where cold temps were severe and many buds were lost due to a freeze.  What can be even worst is when severe cold temps are backed up by a fast warm up

Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate and there will be large beautiful peaches that will go great in old fashioned peach cobbler

5 peaches , peeled, cored and sliced (about 4 cups)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the batter:
6 Tablespoons butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
ground cinnamon

If you are using fresh peaches
Add the sliced peaches, sugar and salt to a saucepan and stir to combine. 

Cook on medium heat for just a few minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and helps to bring out juices from the peaches. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice butter into pieces and add to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the pan in the oven while it preheats, to allow the butter to melt. Once melted, remove the pan from the oven.

In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, just until combined. Pour the mixture into the pan, over the melted butter and smooth it into an even layer.
Spoon the peaches and juice (or canned peaches, if using) over the batter. Sprinkle cinnamon generously over the top.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 38-40 minutes. Serve warm, with a scoop of ice cream, if desired.

recipe resource here

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Happy Resurection Day

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Moment in History

https://www.facebook.com/groups/601756553258552/permalink/2557150441052477/On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson made history by signing the 1968 Civil Rights Act into law.

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 is commonly known as the Fair Housing Act and was meant as a follow‑up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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History of the BLT

Many might recall that BLT day occurs in July but for the entire month of April the BLT is celebrated as a National Month event. Made up of bread that is often toasted, lettuce, tomato, bacon and mayo the BLT is a favorite of many. But how did all of this come together??

Bread or toast is found at the base as well as the top of the BLT. The ancient Egyptians had long enjoyed flatbread but eventually they would prepare loaves of bread that were made with yeast and offered a chance to create different items and taste.

Ancient Egyptians have also been credited with cultivating lettuce which was first commonly thought of as a weed into food. Early on many types of lettuce were grown by both Greeks and Romans.

Wild boar meat was smoked, salted, and dried as early as the stone ages common to the manner in which early bacon was made. Wild boars became domesticated and pigs were raised by farmers aprox 13,000 B.C It would not be until the 1700s that bacon as we know it began to come on scene. Even then "bacon" was titled to only the back part of porks and later to all cured pork. Eventually "bacon" would become distinguished as the side of pork, cured with salt.

Whether it be fruit or vegetable tomatoes came from Europe to the new world during the 16th century. They did not appear as large or even red rather they were yellow cherry tomatoes that were thought to be poison. These early tomatoes were raised as houseplants and would not be eaten until the great famine in Italy during the 1800s.

Mayonnaise was invented in 1756. It like other parts of the BLT was nothing like the topping that is prepared for the BLT today. The great chef from France Marie Antoine Careme would change the first early recipe for mayo sauce by blending veggie oil and egg yolks into an emulsion that would lead to the creation of the mayonnaise that is popular today.

With all parts of the BLT present now how would they all come together??

The act of forming a sandwich came out of necessity. The fourth Earl of Sandwich who was also a great gambler refused to leave the table to eat. So in 1762 during a game he asked for his meat and bread to be put together and brought to him so he could continue the game this way he could eat without any utensils. For more than 100 years this new way of eating the "sandwich" would continue before someone would take the next step and create a club sandwich.

The romance of the Victorian ear would find tea sandwiches made with bacon, lettuce and tomato. Most possibly created in the USA at the Saratoga Club in Saratoga New York this club sandwich would begin to spread to other clubs Eventually a printed recipe in 1903 would appear in the Good Housekeeping Everyday Cook Book calling for bacon, lettuce, mayo and a slice of turkey that was put together in the form of a sandwich

Today BLT's are created in a number of different ways with the same common principles in mind. Whether you serve it

• with different breads that are toasted or not, serve it on a croissant or in a wrap is your choice. 
• make your BLT with bacon, bacon jam, canadian bacon, jowl bacon, pancetta, pepper bacon, or pork belly is your choice as well. 
• lettuce as well comes in a variety ranging from bibb, romaine, watercress or perhaps just a few sprouts
• tomatoes are still present but maybe as easy as cherry tomatoes, fried green, heirloom tomatoes, sundried, or another of different ways

The BLT has become a very versatile sandwich and one loved by many. How do you enjoy your BLT??

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Grapefruit and Pistachio vinaigrette

2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice from ½ grapefruit
1 teaspoon cider viner
½ teaspoon honey
Salt, to taste
2 tablespoon toasted pistachios

This Grapefruit Pistachio Vinaigrette is so easy and so delicious. It really brightens up and salad, and it’s also perfect on salmon. Adding citrus to any meal will bring out its flavor.

Preparation
Whisk all ingredients until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.

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Life In Southern Illinois

Ways to help protect the earth

• Conserve water when a drought is possible You can do this by by turning the sink off when brushing your teeth, shorten showers, and let the car go dirty on the outside avoiding car washes
• Avoid build up of greenhouse gas emissions by walking or biking. Not only will you be exercising but helping the planet as well. 
• Recycle glass, plastic, paper and tinfoil there are many ways to do this and you may make a bit of money by recycling as well. Take that extra step and recycle batteries and electronics as well by taking them to recycling center near you.
• Planning a garden?? Perhaps it is a a great time to start composting as well. Composting offers your garden great nutrients and also lessens space taken up by landfills.
• Use recyclable bags and go without paper or plastic bags. 
• Donate unused but good clothing and shoes to charitable organizations. 
• When cleaning choose "green" cleaning products rather than toxic products. Vinegar, lemon and baking soda are common ingredients that can help you make your own cleaners. 
• Plant flowers and trees to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, clean pollution and provide shade for your self as well as animals. 
• Find other ways to help you curbside waste

What are some ways you help take care of your planet??

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Rhubarb Coffee Cake #Recipe

April 7th is National Coffee Cake Day. The coffee cake is intended to be eaten while enjoying a cup of coffee. With no mention at all of what time of day the cake is to be eaten as many enjoy coffee all day long. Coffee cake can be enjoyed during breakfast or at any time a coffee break is needed. However, another way to think of this cake is to serve it to guest around your coffee table. 

While the name of the cake does contain the word coffee the cake itself does not contain any coffee. Coffee cakes are normally single layer cakes made in a square, rectangle or ring shape. Spices such as cinnamon are often included in the cake. However, seeds, nuts or fruit may help complete the flavor of the cake that often is topped with a glaze drizzle or crumb topping. 

3 c. all-purpose flour

1 c. sugar

1 t. baking soda

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. Salt

1 c. butter or margarine

1 c. buttermilk

2 slightly beaten eggs

1/2 t vanilla

1 recipe Rhubarb filling

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 c. butter or margarine

3 c. fresh rhubarb or 13 oz. pkg. frozen unsweetened rhubarb thawed

16 oz. pkg. frozen sliced strawberries, thawed

1 T. Lemon juice

3/4 c. sugar

1/3 c. cornstarch

INSTRUCTIONS

For filling: Cut rhubarb into 1-inch pieces. In saucepan, combine rhubarb and thawed strawberries. Cook fruit, covered about 5 minutes.

Add lemon juice. Combine sugar and cornstarch; add to rhubarb mixture.

Cook and stir 4-5 minutes until bubbly; cool.

For coffee cake: In mixing bowl, stir together 3 c. flour, 1 c. sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Cut in the butter or margarine to fine crumbs.

In another bowl, beat together buttermilk, eggs and vanilla; add to dry ingredients. Stir to moisten.

Spread 2/3 of the batter in a 13x9-inch baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray.

Spread cooled filling over batter in pan.

Spoon remaining batter in small mounds on top of filling.

Combine remaining sugar and flour; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle crumbs over batter in pan.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes or until done in center.

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Prepare Chicken Quesadillas for your Family

                         Chicken Quesadilla:

1 1/2 Chicken breast cubed
1 large red onion
Cilantro
Large tomato
Avocados
Baby Spring Mix
Sour Cream
16 oz of cheese
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper

1) Season your chicken and drizzle olive oil over it and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Next, you can cook your chicken two ways. The first way is to cut up your chicken and toss in pan till cook through. Or you can grill your chicken breast on the grill and set aside for 5 minutes and then cut into thin slices. I cook my chicken both ways, but today I did the first method.

2) Next chop up your red onion, drizzle olive oil and cook onion till translucent.

 3) Place tortillas on the grill or pan till lightly golden.

4) To assemble place chicken, cheese, onions, tomato and any other sides you like to your tortilla and then place the other tortilla on top and grill till the cheese melts.

5) Plate up quesadilla with a side of sour cream, salsa and side salad. Enjoy!

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Autism Awareness

What is Autism?? 

Autism and ASD or Autism Spectrum disorder are characterized by a broad range of conditions and challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Approximately 1 in every 54 children are affected by autism according to CDC. Both genetic and environmental factors influence individuals that are considered to have autism. Thus challenging the way individuals with autism learn, think and problem solve. 

Autism may develop in individuals in many different ways. Factors that often involve sensitivities to sensory issues as well as medical issues are both looked at. Gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, sleep disorders as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues are often present in the lives of those who suffer with autistic tendencies.     

Autistic indicators appear early around the age of 2-3. Developmental delays often appear earlier and may be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Early intervention leads to more positive outcomes that help individuals that suffer from autism. Therefore one of the most important tools to helping those with autism is Early Intervention.

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