The Definition of Cherish [cher-ish] – verb (used with object)
1. to hold or treat as dear; feel love for.
2. to care for tenderly; nurture.
3. to cling fondly to.

To cherish is to care for tenderly and to nurture; to be cherished is to be cared for tenderly and to nurture. To cherish is to cling fondly to; to be cherished is to be fondly clung to. Christ calls us to allow him to cherish our life through learning how He cherishes us. Christ also calls us to cherish the lives of those he places in our life. From Newkit Reflection

The first time I had Viva La Chicken, was when my dear friend Nelene brought this when my Grandpa George passed away. Being a native Californian, I love Mexican food. It’s one of my comfort foods. Amazing how food can comfort us when we miss a cherished one who has left us just temporarily here on earth. After eating Viva La Chicken, I had to have this recipe! Nelene being her gracious self shared it with me. Little did I know through the years I would make this same dish to comfort others in their time of need. It’s one of my many Cherished recipes, even more now that Nelene, who was my Matron of Honor in our wedding received her crown of glory after a battle with Breast cancer.

As Cindy writes in her *Newkit Reflections on Cherish Cherishing, “I’m learning that learning how to cherish those around us begins with learning that we are cherished.” Cindy reminds me I need to learn how to cherish those around me.

I experienced such joy this week with a cherished friend! She touches my heart, soul and spirit. In that profound moment of conversation she leaves me wanting to be back in her presence for more. Cherish those friends God gives, and making and eating Viva La Chicken.

Enjoy! Sharon

Viva La Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Empty Nester's Viva La Chicken

As you see by the picture that I improvised for we are empty nesters now!
And froze the rest in little freezer containers for future meals!:)
*Make Ahead!

4 whole Chicken Breasts or cook ahead
1 dozen corn tortillas
1 can cream of chicken soup
1can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 onion, grated
1-1/2 cans of Green Chile Salsa
1 lb. Cheddar Cheese, grated
1 tablespoonful or 2 of chicken stock/ broth/water
Wrap chicken breasts in foil and bake at 400 degrees for an hour or until tender.
Bone chicken and cut into large pieces.
Cut tortillas into 1-inch strips or squares.
Mix soups,milk, onion and salsa.
Grease a large shallow baking dish.
Place a tablespoonful or two of chicken stock or broth or water in bottom of baking dish.
Place a layer of tortillas in baking dish, then chicken, then soup mixture.
Continue layers until all ingredients are used, ending with soup mixture.
Top with cheese. Let stand in refrigerator 24 hours to allow flavors to blend.
Bake at 300 degrees for 1-1/2 hours.
Makes 8 GENEROUS servings