In Kelly’s Kitchen, sometimes it’s not so much about the recipe it’s what’s behind it. This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in a few weeks on October 20^th we’ll join together in the fight against this disease that takes such a toll on ourselves, our loved ones and so many more. My good friend and former husband Read lost his mom (dear Millie) to breast cancer, and it was my former father in law Shep (okay, it’s really Morris, but I can’t remember if I ever hear anyone call him that!) who was her caretaker from her diagnosis in ’82 up until her death in ‘93. Read has this simple recipe from his Dad, and as Read said, it’s one of the things that Shep made up himself when he was the only on there to handle things and the ingredients were in the house. Shep took care of Millie at home, and was stronger than many of us. He was a great man himself, and passed away a little over a year ago. But he left us the legacy of many fine pieces of handmade furniture that I’m lucky enough to have one of, and the Cheesy Chicken recipe that warmed our hearts and my tummy last week while on vacation with Read and Lorie in Albany. More on the glories on northeastern cuisine later! The recipe for the Cheesy Chicken is simply four good size boneless chicken breasts that are cut into one inch cube size pieces and sautéed in a little butter or olive oil in a large skillet until slightly browned. Add those to a casserole dish that had been sprayed with non-stick coating. Combine one can of cream of mushroom soup with one cup of sour cream, and season to taste with garlic, salt and pepper. Then Read and Shep’s favorite topping of approximately one cup of crushed Cheez-It crackers, and slide into a preheated 400 degree oven for approximately 30 minutes. Combine that with a salad for a simple, quick dinner and when you do enjoy it, think of those thousands of caregivers who can use a helping hand and make an extra for them.

   We need you, your friends, your coworkers and anyone else who would like to put on that pink bra on Saturday, October 20^th in Tampa, St Peter and in Pasco County. Please go to putonyourpinkbra.com now and register for a very empowering morning. I’ll see you there.  And on behalf of those who carry on the fight, thank you.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

“If a blade of grass can grow in a concrete walk and a fig tree in the side of a mountain cliff, a human being empowered with an invincible faith can survive all odds the world can throw against his tortured soul.” –Robert Schuller