February 22, 1732-December 14th ,1779

Today is the birthday of an American general, commander in chief of colonial armies in American Revolution and first president of the U.S, George Washington. Two interesting facts about Washington is that he declined a third term of being president. With with exception of Franklin Roosevelt's three year term he set a precedence for a two year limit for presidency.

Perhaps a little known fact: Washington over time cracked so many Brazilian nuts with his teeth (that is according to John Adams, second president) he lost all but one of his real teeth. He then had dentures made from hippopotamus tusks.   

February 22, 1892-1951

Edna St. Vincent Millay was an American lyrical poet, playwright. and feminist. She received the American Pulitzer prize in 1923 for Ballad of Harp Weaver.  Her opera King's Henchman in 1927 was quite popular. She is well known for coining  the phrase, "My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah my foes, and oh my friends, give it a lovely light. 

Little known fact: Her middle name St. Vincent comes from the name of a New York hospital where her uncle had received care after an accident at sea and her parents thought this was a fitting tribute. 

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It was brought to my attention by a Texan living next door to us that I really needed to include King's Ranch Chicken Casserole in my blog. Especially since we visited the ranch last week. I am told this dish is quite popular with Texans. So here it is...Sounds quite good:)

King Ranch Chicken Casserole  

Ingredients: 

• 1 cooked large chicken fryer
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 green bell chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced and pressed
• 1 can of mushroom soup
• 1 can of chicken soup
• 1 cup of chicken broth 1 can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese an/or Monterey Jack Cheese
• 1 dozen corn or flour tortillas, sliced in 1 inch strips (6 inch size)

Directions:

• Cook and debone chicken and shred with fingers into bite size pieces set aside
• Saute onion, garlic,pepper till tender
• Combine soups, broth and tomatoes to make the sauce
• Grease a casserole dish, layer 1/2 chicken, 1/2 sauce,1/2 tortillas, 1/2 sauteed vegetables and 1/2 cheese and repeat with another layer ending with cheese
• Bake uncovered 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly
• Serves 6-8