Allyson, Recipe Ranger: A dash of the classic, a splash of the new

Greetings to you all. I'm sure you're with me when you think, "Seriously, Thanksgiving already?" And Christmas is nipping at Turkey Day's heels. Just the other weekend I met my friend Kate at Crabtree Valley Mall, and I couldn't believe all the Christmas decorations. I remember adults (I know I'm one now, but I still like to think of myself as not quite there) saying that the holidays come faster every year, and I guess this is one way I know I am an adult. They DO come faster every year.

I digress. I think that's another sign of adulthood.

Let's chat food. I returned to an oldie but goodie last week. One of the local restaurants in my hometown of Knoxville has a soup that does that whole "warm your soul" thing. A bowl of Calhoun's White Chili will literally transport you to a cozy window seat complete with blanket, roaring fire, window with snow falling outside, and general serenity. At least that's where my mind went as I spooned up this soup for lunch in my window-less workroom at school (a far cry from that cozy window seat). The flavors are great, but what satisfies me most about the chili is its economic value. All ingredients totaled approximately $14.00, and I ate this soup approximately ten times. That's money well spent, particularly for someone who loves leftovers as much as I do. Topped with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream (I hear that Daisy commercial singing in my head as I type), this bowl of goodness can take you to your own version of a cozy window seat.

The next dish I made this week is a combination of a recipe I found online and the remnants of my pantry. Pinch My Salt is one of the food blogs I follow, and when it posted a savory recipe for sweet potatoes, I knew the destiny of some I had bought the other weekend at my neighborhood's farmer's market. Cumin-scented Sweet Potato Hash seemed like a fun way to use one of my favorite starches. Since the upcoming holiday usually defers to their sweeter side, I was glad to break out the salt grinder. But that's not all I broke out. In an effort to utilize some more items in my pantry and fridge, I added fresh garlic (one clove, minced), a can of black beans (drained and rinsed), a can of diced green chiles, and chopped cilantro. Basically, I wanted to add some protein and use up the rest of my cilantro from the white chili. Mission accomplished. The only other element I think I needed was a good squeeze of fresh lime juice; otherwise, this mish mash was a success.

And before I sign off, allow me to share a bit of my weekend with you.

The happy couple at another wedding back in August

Aren't they cute? Last night my friends Correy and Chancey became Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe, and I can honestly say this wedding was one of the most beautiful I have been to. Held outside at Duke Gardens, a truly gorgeous site, there were so many thoughtful fall touches, from caramel covered apples for wedding favors to the persimmon pashmina shawls worn by the bridesmaids, but that's not where the beauty of this wedding came from. The beauty on display had everything to do with Christ, for He has done such a work of mercy and redemption in Correy and Chancey's lives. The Lord's glory was on brilliant display throughout the evening. It has been my distinct privilege to witness their relationship, and I am confident in how the Lord will continue displaying His beauty through their marriage.