This is a sponsored post and I was compensated. However, all opinions are 100% mine. Everyone knows that home is where the heart is and the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So some good old southern comfort food must be the ultimate symbol of love. That’s exactly the idea behind Amy Nelson Hannon’s new cookbook, Love Welcome Serve ($25). Amy Nelson Hannon is the wife of a preacher and hospitality holds an important place in her heart. She believes that people who are cooked for feel cared for.
Amy Nelson Hannon has a reputation for hospitality and service. In 2013, Amy gathered several goods and treasures and set up at a regional holiday shopping event. She created Euna Mae’s (who was her grandmother) Heirloom Kitchen Boutique booth. People responded overwhelmingly to her products as well as her warmth. She sold out of every item in less than two days and had to create a waiting list for people who wanted more when they came in. Not only did Amy find a market for her carefully curated products, but she discovered there was a growing demand for them.
She went on to launch a permanent location for Euna Mae’s in Springdale, Arkansas. From her store to her online presence, Amy’s message ignited a passion in young cooks, just learning how to be hospitable. She also reignited the same passion in seasoned cooks who had forgotten how much joy comes from serving others. I know this was true for me. I love Amy’s perfect blend of family, friends and food. Her message that welcoming others into your home can be reasonable and lovely offers a refreshing voice in the foodie world.
Amy has shown you don’t need complicated recipes, expensive ingredients or spending all day working in the kitchen! For Amy it always goes back to the heart-a heart to love, welcome and serve. Love Welcome Serve by Amy Hannon is the perfect gift for foodies! Love is in each of the recipes and that love continues on to your family when you make them the dishes found in this book. With recipes like Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas and Hello Dolly Brownies, you’re sure to find the love. Love Welcome Serve, Amy’s first cookbook, will encourage you to embrace hospitality so you can enjoy the life that happens when you make and serve food for your people.
Here is one of the recipes from Amy’s cookbook, WHITE CHICKEN CHILI WITH CILANTRO AND LIME:
{serves 6-8}
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ – 2 cups yellow onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, chopped
3 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
3-4 cups chicken stock
½ cup dry white wine like Chardonnay (optional)
1 bay leaf, broken in half
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
3 cans white beans of your choice, drained
3 jalapeno peppers, minced
3 cups fresh grated Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
Salt to taste
3 Tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped (plus more for topping)
The juice of 3 limes
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (around 5-6qts). Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until they’re tender and just starting to get color. Add the garlic oregano, cumin, and ginger, cooking for one more minute. Stir continuously so the garlic doesn’t burn! Add stock, wine (if using) and bay leaf. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes over medium heat until somewhat reduced. Add chicken, beans, and jalapenos. Simmer uncovered for ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Over low heat add a little cheese at a time, stirring until melted. Add pepper, and taste for salt; add if needed. Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve! Garnish with fresh chopped tomatoes, green onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced avocado.
Do you have a foodie on your list who would love Amy’s book Love Welcome Serve? Who is it? I would love to know!
