D-Day and World Peace

Today is a lot of different things – Applesauce Cake Day and Taco Tuesday are the first that spring to mind on the Foodie Front. More on those later. Today is also the 6th day of June – D-Day. Whatever else today might mean, D-Day cannot pass without a mention, and a moment of silence.

The mission behind Operation Overlord, better known as D-Day, was to gain a foothold into Western Europe in order to defeat Nazi Germany. Normandy was chosen because of its close proximity to the British coast and because the German defenses along that stretch of coastline were less formidable than those in the north. Despite this, D-Day was an ugly, bloody battle. From a military standpoint, the Allied Forces were victorious. From the perspective of mothers, wives, girlfriends and children who would suffer immense losses, that was no victory. They knew only the pain of a loss beyond words and an empty place that could never be filled.

While the words of General Eisenhower are etched in the analogs of history, they did little to comfort those who knew all too well the price of war.

“The eyes of the world are upon you.” The General said. “The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security of ourselves in a free world.” Free – 2,400 Americans were killed that day. Countless more Allies also paid the price. Freedom is rarely free.

Let us take a moment to pray for those lives lost on D-Day and every day that war rages in the world, and at times on our streets. Most of all, let us Pray for Peace.

Lord Jesus Christ,
You alone are the true King of peace
Give wisdom to world leaders.
Free them for selfish ambitions.
Eliminate all violence and bloodshed
Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart.
Amen.

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On a more uplifting note, we have two yummy things to celebrate today. The first is Taco Tuesday. The second is Applesauce Cake Day. While the two might not be enjoyed together, both are delicious. Enjoy!

Taco Tuesday

Shredded Chicken Thigh Tacos
Shredded Chicken Filling
8 boneless Chicken Thighs
Salt to taste
8 oz Chicken Stock
1 Yellow Onion, finely diced
1 Celery Rib, minced
1 (4 oz) can Diced Green Chilies or Hot Jalapeno Peppers
2 teaspoons Chipotle Seasoning
2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning

Thinly slice chicken thighs. Sprinkle with salt and set aside.

Heat a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Place seasoned chicken into the pot with a little stock to moisten, cook until very tender and the meat is easy to shred, about 20 minutes. As the meat cooks, add more liquid as necessary to keep moist. Remove chicken from the skillet, set aside to cool slightly.

While the chicken meat cooks, finely chop the yellow onion and celery. Set aside.

Heat about 3/4 cup of chicken stock to the empty skillet. Add onions and celery. Simmer over low heat.

Either by hand or using the two-fork method, shred chicken meat, add to the skillet with the onion mixture. Top with diced peppers. Season with Chipotles and taco seasonings. Stir to blend, taste and adjust seasonings.

Simmer over low heat until most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving the meat mixture moist but not wet, about 15 minutes or so.

While the chicken filling cooks, prepare the toppings.

Taco Toppings
1 cup Lettuce, shredded
1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
2 Roma Tomatoes, finely diced
1 cup Mexican Cheese Blend
1/2 cup Sour Cream
Taco Sauce, optional

Stack lettuce leaves together, tightly roll, then slice into thin strips. Set aside. Cut onion in half from root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose, peel and thinly slice remaining half into slivers. Set aside. Set tomatoes, finely dice and set aside.

Have cheese, sour cream and taco sauce at the ready for serving. Prepare shells.

Taco Shells
12 Taco Size Corn Tortillas
Cooking Spray as needed

Heat a flat-bottom skillet or tortilla warmer over medium heat. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Spray tortillas light with cooking spray on both sides. Warm tortillas in the skillet until soft. Set aside and keep warm until ready to fill.

To Serve: Transfer chicken filling to a large serving bowl or platter. Pass taco shells, filling and toppings tableside to build tacos as desired. Serve and enjoy with a side of Mexican Rice or Refried Beans.

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National Applesauce Cake Day

Martha’s Applesauce Cake
1 cup Butter
3 cups Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Soda
1 teaspoons Salt
1-1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon
1-1/4 teaspoon Cardamom
2 cups lightly packed Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Honey
2 large Eggs
2 cups Applesauce
Nonstick Cooking Spray
Powdered Sugar, optional for dusting

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Generously coat a nonstick 9-inch tube pan with cooking spray, set aside. Let butter soften to room temperature.

To measure flour, spoon and level. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. Set aside.

In another bowl, with an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and honey until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture; beat just until combined. Beat in applesauce.

Spoon batter into pan; smooth top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean (yet slightly wet), about 50 minutes or so.

Remove cake from oven. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Turn out from pan onto a cutting board or baking sheet; invert cake onto rack, top side up. Cool completely.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

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The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.