Bena Mae’s Kitchen: Pass it on

I wish that everyone has a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year filled with light and love.  
I just heard of this from a friend and thought you might want to pass it along.  I cannot take advantage of it because I’m no longer taking chemo but you may know someone who is. Also, your civic or church group may want to take it up as a worthy cause.
CLEANING FOR A REASON
If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning – once per month for four months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment.
Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.
This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It’s our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there who care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.
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In this new year when I reflect upon the past 20 years as a columnist with the News Journal, I wonder at the miracle that I kept at it so long. I have never been a person that  has a stick-to it gene and usually burned out in a short time, I think it’s called ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder.
But with the thought of  “wait and see if it works,” Don took me on as a fledgling who he believed would one day learn how to fly despite my lack of experience.  And it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever endeavored. Also, working with the staff of News Journal employees has been a total pleasure.
For 20 years I have shared my life with you. There have been high peaks and low peaks, many happy times and some that were traumatic. Thankfully, you, the readers have shared my weekly chats — some comic, others that may have been thought -provoking, and simply others that took up space because the words would not come. And you kept on reading.
I have often said I have the best readers in the world, and I mean that sincerely.  You have sustained me over the years, giving me a soft place to land when I felt I had nothing left to give. I am truly blessed by your loyalty and faithfulness. I don’t want to appear maudlin but you really  are The Wind Beneath My Wings.

Thank you and HAPPY NEW YEAR,

Slow Cooker recipe.

Chicken Chili

Nonstick cooking spray
8  ounces  skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
1  15-ounce can  white kidney beans (cannellini beans) or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/4  cups  reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4  cup  chopped onion
1/3  cup  chopped green sweet pepper
1/2  of a small  fresh jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped*
1/4  teaspoon  ground cumin
1/4  teaspoon  dried oregano, crushed
1/8  teaspoon  ground white pepper
1  clove  garlic, minced
2  tablespoons  chopped tomato (optional)
2  tablespoons  sliced green onion (optional)
2  tablespoons  shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 ounce) (optional)

Lightly coat an unheated medium skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in hot skillet; drain off fat.
In a 1-1/2-quart slow cooker, combine chicken, drained beans, broth, onion, sweet pepper, chile pepper, cumin, oregano, white pepper, and garlic.
 Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. If no heat setting is available, cook for 4 to 5 hours.
If desired, sprinkle individual servings with tomato, green onion, and cheese. Makes 2 servings.
Tip: Because chile peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes, avoid direct contact with them as much as possible. When working with chile peppers, wear plastic or rubber gloves. If your bare hands do touch the peppers, wash your hands and nails well with soap and warm water.