Hey Mr. 7! You asked for a birthday party, I felt like I had about two minutes to put it together but we all pulled together and had a great time. Mr. First Grader, Mr. Cub Scout, Mr. How Did You Grow Up So Fast?
Love you Eli!!
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Fall is Here! Muffins
Archer walked into the room and said, "It smells like Fall in here." And thus was born my new favorite muffin. Not overly sweet. A little spicy. Enough said, let's get baking!
Fall is Here! Muffins
Original recipe from the Kitchn.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 stick butter, softened
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
2 to 2 1/2 cups diced pears - 2 pears (or mix of pears and apples, 1 each)
1/4 cup candied ginger, diced small, but not TOO small, you want to taste those little chunks of ginger like treasures in every other bite...
mixture of cinnamon and sugar for topping
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 425. Place paper muffin cups in muffin pan.
2. In large bowl, cream sugars and eggs until well blended. Add eggs one at a time and ensure all well mixed. Add vanilla extract.
3. In separate bowl, mix flour and all dry ingredients.
4. While mixing egg/sugar mixture, add about 1/3 of flour mixture to egg/sugar mixture. Once incorporated, add 1/3 of milk. Continue alternating adding flour and milk until everything is blended. Don't over-mix!
5. Add pears/apples and ginger, gently fold in with rubber spatula until fruit is evenly distributed within the batter.
6. Scoop batter into muffin cups, this should make about 12 medium sized muffins. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture onto muffins.
7. Place muffin pan into oven and reduce heat to 400. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating after 10 minutes, until browned and toothpick inserted into muffins come out clean.
8. Place muffins on wire rack to cool before enjoying.
Why We Love It
Because they taste good? Because they're not overly sugary so you don't feel like you're eating dessert for breakfast? Just because!
Just 3 stars because 2 of us don't really like the chunks of fruit.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Genius, Fails & Rants
I've found a new podcast. I cannot stop listening. Sometimes I listen at work on my earbuds and start laughing. I try to keep it quiet, but someone always catches me giggling to myself and then we have to discuss what was so funny, etc. It's the best. These two Mothers talk about real Raising Kids Stuff and they're funny and serious and so very encouraging. My favorite part comes when the Genius Fail Rant segment comes on. Other parents call in to brag on their latest Genius innovation in Child Raising. And confess their Fails as a Parent. And Rant about whatever injustice just happened in their lives. You can hear the joy and pride in their voices, sometimes you hear these poor moms sobbing as they lay out their Fail and how disappointed they are in what just happened. And at the end of each call, the two Mothers tell the moms what Geniuses they are. And tell the moms what Failures they are, laughing all the way through, but also tell everyone just what a wonderful job they are all doing. They tell even the Fail moms that they're doing their very best, and tell them why they're NOT failures at all. They never go through a show without telling us, "You're doing a GREAT job. You're doing great. Keep up the good work!"
And the reason why I love this thing so much is that almost every single Genius is something I've discovered myself or WISH I had discovered, it would have made things so much better! And those Genius things that I discovered, DID make our lives better for at least five minutes, while they still worked with the kids. And those Fails - most of them I can relate to. I've DONE those things.
Dog got into the diaper pail and shredded everything and spread it evenly over the entire floor of the living room. Someone had a leaky diaper and... Driving down the highway and I looked in the back seat to see Shelly standing up in her car seat so she can see out the window. Forgot to buckle her. Missed the bus in the morning and had to rush everyone out of the house at the last second. Got the pickup time wrong and Shelly was still at the art lesson long after everyone else's moms had picked them up. Forgot to pick up Archer from school when I promised him I'd be there. Winter has arrived and no one has boots or coats that fit them. Summer has arrived and no one has a swimsuit. Failed to wake them up on time for school, failed to have the right flavor of jelly for PB&J sandwiches, failed to have the right kind of berries for snack, failed to get all the laundry done on time for the favorite shirt to be available today and on and on. I've yelled at my kids too often. I can see myself in all those frustrated, exasperated parents that call in to share their stories.
On the flip side, I cannot list all the Genius moments that we've had as a family, there are too many to count. Every time a vacation goes well, or most of us like the meal that I've cooked, or we get back into the School Swing once again, year after year. The kids are awake and dressed on time 364 days out of the year, we have SOME food in the house even if it's not the RIGHT kind of berries, most of the laundry is caught up. The kids get tons of time with their grandparents and cousins. They're pretty responsible because (I think) David and I have pushed them in that direction every chance we get. I laugh and dance and sing and read with my kids. And every little one of those is a victory, our own Genius moments one by one.
Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the list of Fails that stick in our minds. But if we can just stop reading down that list, if we could toss it into the trash and instead start thinking about those Genius moments, wouldn't we all be a bit happier? Or maybe, if we can take that list of Fails and just laugh it off as these Mothers do with every single call? Something didn't go quite right, maybe we learned a lesson from it, and can we laugh at it as a past hiccup? Anyway. What's so great about this podcast is that it leaves me feeling Not Alone, we're all travelling through this Parenting thing one step at a time and just trying to make it through the best that we can. And that's the end of my Rant for today. Feel free to add your own. We're in this together, right?
And the reason why I love this thing so much is that almost every single Genius is something I've discovered myself or WISH I had discovered, it would have made things so much better! And those Genius things that I discovered, DID make our lives better for at least five minutes, while they still worked with the kids. And those Fails - most of them I can relate to. I've DONE those things.
Dog got into the diaper pail and shredded everything and spread it evenly over the entire floor of the living room. Someone had a leaky diaper and... Driving down the highway and I looked in the back seat to see Shelly standing up in her car seat so she can see out the window. Forgot to buckle her. Missed the bus in the morning and had to rush everyone out of the house at the last second. Got the pickup time wrong and Shelly was still at the art lesson long after everyone else's moms had picked them up. Forgot to pick up Archer from school when I promised him I'd be there. Winter has arrived and no one has boots or coats that fit them. Summer has arrived and no one has a swimsuit. Failed to wake them up on time for school, failed to have the right flavor of jelly for PB&J sandwiches, failed to have the right kind of berries for snack, failed to get all the laundry done on time for the favorite shirt to be available today and on and on. I've yelled at my kids too often. I can see myself in all those frustrated, exasperated parents that call in to share their stories.
On the flip side, I cannot list all the Genius moments that we've had as a family, there are too many to count. Every time a vacation goes well, or most of us like the meal that I've cooked, or we get back into the School Swing once again, year after year. The kids are awake and dressed on time 364 days out of the year, we have SOME food in the house even if it's not the RIGHT kind of berries, most of the laundry is caught up. The kids get tons of time with their grandparents and cousins. They're pretty responsible because (I think) David and I have pushed them in that direction every chance we get. I laugh and dance and sing and read with my kids. And every little one of those is a victory, our own Genius moments one by one.
Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the list of Fails that stick in our minds. But if we can just stop reading down that list, if we could toss it into the trash and instead start thinking about those Genius moments, wouldn't we all be a bit happier? Or maybe, if we can take that list of Fails and just laugh it off as these Mothers do with every single call? Something didn't go quite right, maybe we learned a lesson from it, and can we laugh at it as a past hiccup? Anyway. What's so great about this podcast is that it leaves me feeling Not Alone, we're all travelling through this Parenting thing one step at a time and just trying to make it through the best that we can. And that's the end of my Rant for today. Feel free to add your own. We're in this together, right?
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Scout Weekend at Devil's Lake State Park
For the second year in a row, I've taken the kids to join Archer's Boy Scout Troop camping at Devil's Lake. Those kids always amaze me. The Scouts are wonderful hosts (thanks Archer!). The rest of us are just along for the adventure. Incredibly, Eli hiked the entire trail both morning and afternoon with no complaints, no major injuries, etc. etc. There really isn't much more to say than that. We all had such a great time that I'm pretty much speechless.
Thanks Kids!
Abridged Summary of Events...
- Practically a dance party in the van on the way up to camp, great music, only a few wrong turns along the way
- No Rain
- No Rain Fly (left at home! oops!)
- No UPD (Universal Pounding Device, Scout speak for mallet/hammer/beat up old bowling pin) for pounding stakes into the ground
- Used IPD instead (Improvised Pounding Device, Mom speak for a ROCK)
- Amy, Mary, and kids arrived at camp well before the Boys, set up camp and then waited for many many hours for the Boys to catch up
- Picked a site across the street from the pit toilets, good I guess?
- 3 air mattress completely covered with mold, luckily the kids are small enough to share the remaining 3 good mattresses
- So many stars. Visible thanks to the lack of rain fly over the tent
- So much good food. Thanks to the Boys for all their planning and cooking
- Fun at the dance and around the campfire and on the ferry on the way home, new stuff (boys at the dance and who's dancing and who's not), repeat stuff (boys at the dance? a story for another time), great memories for all
- So many wonderful miles hiking around the lake, enjoying the company and laughter of friends and family. Let's do this again sometime!
Thanks Kids!
Abridged Summary of Events...
- Practically a dance party in the van on the way up to camp, great music, only a few wrong turns along the way
- No Rain
- No Rain Fly (left at home! oops!)
- No UPD (Universal Pounding Device, Scout speak for mallet/hammer/beat up old bowling pin) for pounding stakes into the ground
- Used IPD instead (Improvised Pounding Device, Mom speak for a ROCK)
- Amy, Mary, and kids arrived at camp well before the Boys, set up camp and then waited for many many hours for the Boys to catch up
- Picked a site across the street from the pit toilets, good I guess?
- 3 air mattress completely covered with mold, luckily the kids are small enough to share the remaining 3 good mattresses
- So many stars. Visible thanks to the lack of rain fly over the tent
- So much good food. Thanks to the Boys for all their planning and cooking
- Fun at the dance and around the campfire and on the ferry on the way home, new stuff (boys at the dance and who's dancing and who's not), repeat stuff (boys at the dance? a story for another time), great memories for all
- So many wonderful miles hiking around the lake, enjoying the company and laughter of friends and family. Let's do this again sometime!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Friend Time
We ordered pizzas for the kids, hopped in the Party Bus (aka Family Van) and went out for a a few hours without the kids. All the inside jokes and teasing each other for past indiscretions and complimenting the outfits and it was just a wonderful evening. Thanks Girls! And also thanks Husbands. :)
The next day David treated me to a Brewer's game. We're at the end of September but it's practically 100 degrees so we roasted our way through a great afternoon. Thanks honey! And thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for one last Pool Day before the season ends.
The next day David treated me to a Brewer's game. We're at the end of September but it's practically 100 degrees so we roasted our way through a great afternoon. Thanks honey! And thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for one last Pool Day before the season ends.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Easy Eggs on Wednesday
As part of my master plan for the rest of my life... Or anyway, Wednesdays for the next 9 months... Wednesdays are for eggs. Super EGGciting, right? That was so cheesy, sorry, couldn't help myself.
Anyway, my recipe turned out looking JUST like the pictures on this recipe!
1 cup chopped red and green bell pepper
some chopped yellow onion
1 cup diced cooked ham
12 eggs
1/2 cup milk or cream
1/2 cup to 1 cup shredded cheese
salt and pepper
~ all ingredients listed above are totally flexible, use more or less as you like it
Instructions
1. Spray the pan with non-stick spray. Evenly spread bell pepper, onion and cooked ham on bottom of pan. Spread cheese over the top of the veggies.
2. Whisk eggs and milk/cream together until combined. Pour eggs over veggies and cheese. Add salt and pepper (salt not really very necessary as the ham adds plenty of salt to the dish). Refrigerate until ready to cook.
3. On your way home from work, call home and ask someone to pre-heat oven to 400. Upon arrival at home, immediately put the dish into the oven, bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until eggs are set.
Why we love it
Four of us liked it. Then one of us decided he only liked it a little bit and asked for something else to eat, so I guess that's only three of us. I love the easy prep, the saving it for the next day, the way leftovers reheat and taste just as good (even frozen leftovers).
Anyway, my recipe turned out looking JUST like the pictures on this recipe!
Omelet Bake
Ingredients1 cup chopped red and green bell pepper
some chopped yellow onion
1 cup diced cooked ham
12 eggs
1/2 cup milk or cream
1/2 cup to 1 cup shredded cheese
salt and pepper
~ all ingredients listed above are totally flexible, use more or less as you like it
Instructions
1. Spray the pan with non-stick spray. Evenly spread bell pepper, onion and cooked ham on bottom of pan. Spread cheese over the top of the veggies.
2. Whisk eggs and milk/cream together until combined. Pour eggs over veggies and cheese. Add salt and pepper (salt not really very necessary as the ham adds plenty of salt to the dish). Refrigerate until ready to cook.
3. On your way home from work, call home and ask someone to pre-heat oven to 400. Upon arrival at home, immediately put the dish into the oven, bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until eggs are set.
Why we love it
Four of us liked it. Then one of us decided he only liked it a little bit and asked for something else to eat, so I guess that's only three of us. I love the easy prep, the saving it for the next day, the way leftovers reheat and taste just as good (even frozen leftovers).
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Best Meal Ever! aka Slow Cooker Roast
Oh my gosh is there any meal ever that got FIVE STARS???
The original recipe is here. I don't drink beer but beer in recipes is ok, so I thought I'd give it a try.
1 2-3 lb chuck roast
1 bottle dark beer
1-2 cups beef broth
1 yellow onion, sliced/chopped
salt and pepper
hoagie rolls
cheese and whatever other toppings you like
Instructions
1. The night before cooking day, coat the roast with salt and pepper. Sear all the sides of the roast in a very hot pan. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerate.
2. Cooking day - set cooker on low and cook for 8-9 hours
3. Butter and toast the rolls.
4. Shred the roast, it will fall apart with every touch.
Why we love it
Warm, tender, crusty rolls... All five of us loved it so much!! We each had our own version, topped with different kinds of cheese, and a couple of us even put french onion dip on the rolls.
Next time I'm going to try using something other than beer (the beer was fine, but I think we can do better). I'll cook only one 3 pound roast instead of two (lots of leftovers!). And I'll try some other seasonings. But seriously. This is the first time we've EVER had a 5 star meal. And it was so easy. Can't wait to do this again!!
The original recipe is here. I don't drink beer but beer in recipes is ok, so I thought I'd give it a try.
Five Star Roast Beef
Ingredients1 2-3 lb chuck roast
1 bottle dark beer
1-2 cups beef broth
1 yellow onion, sliced/chopped
salt and pepper
hoagie rolls
cheese and whatever other toppings you like
Instructions
1. The night before cooking day, coat the roast with salt and pepper. Sear all the sides of the roast in a very hot pan. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerate.
2. Cooking day - set cooker on low and cook for 8-9 hours
3. Butter and toast the rolls.
4. Shred the roast, it will fall apart with every touch.
Why we love it
Warm, tender, crusty rolls... All five of us loved it so much!! We each had our own version, topped with different kinds of cheese, and a couple of us even put french onion dip on the rolls.
Next time I'm going to try using something other than beer (the beer was fine, but I think we can do better). I'll cook only one 3 pound roast instead of two (lots of leftovers!). And I'll try some other seasonings. But seriously. This is the first time we've EVER had a 5 star meal. And it was so easy. Can't wait to do this again!!
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Last Moments of Summer
School year has started, but the warm weather is sticking around and I couldn't resist picking up a dozen ears of corn from the roadside stand this weekend.
First, there was the kayaking. Thanks so much to Dad for inviting me out, it was very nice to spend some time on the water telling fishing tales and enjoying the sunshine. Feels like it's been way too long since I had a day like that.
I picked up the corn on the way home - I've driven past that stand at least a dozen times in the last month or two and always think I should stop. Finally I stopped.
We picked up a saxophone for Shelly. Every single one of us tried it out. This is going to be a great new thing in our house this year, more music, I can't wait to see where she takes it...
We came upon a movie night solution that made everyone happy. Some of us watched on the small screen with headphones, the rest watched the big screen. Thanks to wi-fi movie streaming and a headphone jack splitter, we all got our way. I'm sure glad that Archer was sitting close so I could grab his arm at every scary moment as we watched, there were more than a few of those!
Archer helped host a Court of Honor where all the scouts in his troop were presented with the merit badges they've earned over the last few months. He had no trouble standing in front of the crowd and telling about his camp experiences, along with performing in a couple of skits for the parents' entertainment.Way to go Archer, you've got 4 more badges to your name!
Finally, we got around to that corn. Eli and I went after that sweet corn and I just listened while he told me his strategy for the best way to get the leaves off. And identified the good ears and the bad. And talked about every single thing that came into his head during those 20 minutes that we sat out on the porch together. Priceless.
The kids finished out the day with tons of chasing around outside. They came in hot and hungry and tired. So summer continues, even as the school year marches on.
First, there was the kayaking. Thanks so much to Dad for inviting me out, it was very nice to spend some time on the water telling fishing tales and enjoying the sunshine. Feels like it's been way too long since I had a day like that.
I picked up the corn on the way home - I've driven past that stand at least a dozen times in the last month or two and always think I should stop. Finally I stopped.
We picked up a saxophone for Shelly. Every single one of us tried it out. This is going to be a great new thing in our house this year, more music, I can't wait to see where she takes it...
We came upon a movie night solution that made everyone happy. Some of us watched on the small screen with headphones, the rest watched the big screen. Thanks to wi-fi movie streaming and a headphone jack splitter, we all got our way. I'm sure glad that Archer was sitting close so I could grab his arm at every scary moment as we watched, there were more than a few of those!
Archer helped host a Court of Honor where all the scouts in his troop were presented with the merit badges they've earned over the last few months. He had no trouble standing in front of the crowd and telling about his camp experiences, along with performing in a couple of skits for the parents' entertainment.Way to go Archer, you've got 4 more badges to your name!
Finally, we got around to that corn. Eli and I went after that sweet corn and I just listened while he told me his strategy for the best way to get the leaves off. And identified the good ears and the bad. And talked about every single thing that came into his head during those 20 minutes that we sat out on the porch together. Priceless.
The kids finished out the day with tons of chasing around outside. They came in hot and hungry and tired. So summer continues, even as the school year marches on.
Brand New Favorite - Mini Chicken Pies
I ordered a little calzone dough press and got busy looking up recipes. When the little dough press arrived, I realized just how very small it is. It would make a dumpling sized pasta about three inches tall. Too small for any plans I had. Returned.
Still, I was anxious to try one of the recipes I'd found, kind of. I actually took a recipe I found online, modified it a bit, bought some pie crusts from the store and today, went to town.
Ingredients (From Betty Crocker, plus some extra seasonings)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup all purposed flower
2 cups carrots, onion and celery
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
a few shakes of Italian seasoning, oregano and a pinch or two of nutmeg
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
2/3 cup cream or milk
1 lb cooked chicken
2 packages refrigerated pie crusts
1-2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
1. Butterfly the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, oregano. Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes, or until done. After cooled, dice or shred chicken into small pieces.
2. Heat oven to 425. Place pie crusts on counter to allow to wam to room temperature.
3. In a saucepan or large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Stir in flour, veggies, salt, pepper and spices. Stir constantly until mixture is bubbly and veggies are soft.
4. Remove from heat, stir in broth and cream/milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Stir in chicken, remove from heat.
5. Roll pie crust on well floured counter, until thinned as much as possible without creating holes/tears. Use medium sized bowl to trace circles on the pie crust. Use a spatula to transfer circles from counter to baking pan (line baking pan with parchment paper).
6. Place about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each circle. If it's very runny, wait a few minutes - as the filling cools, it will thicken. Fold the circles in half and press the edges together. Make two slits in each pie.
7. Generously brush egg wash over each pie, do this 2-3 times per pie as the egg soaks into the crust. Dust each pie with a few pinches of salt (sea salt is even better!).
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until pies are golden and crusty.
9. Wait a few minutes before serving, they're super hot!!
Side Note - Make lots and bake only the ones you'll eat today. The rest can be individually wrapped in foil (spray the foil with non-stick spray first) and then freeze. Heat in the oven at 400 for 25-30 minutes at some future date.
This was a LOT more involved than I expected, even with the purchased pie crusts. It took forever. But, it was SO worth it. I only purchased 1 package of pie crusts so halfway through I had to come up with some homemade pie crusts (I've never made pie crust before). Half of the pies were baked immediately. The other half were placed in the freezer to enjoy at some future date.
Still, I was anxious to try one of the recipes I'd found, kind of. I actually took a recipe I found online, modified it a bit, bought some pie crusts from the store and today, went to town.
Ingredients (From Betty Crocker, plus some extra seasonings)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup all purposed flower
2 cups carrots, onion and celery
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
a few shakes of Italian seasoning, oregano and a pinch or two of nutmeg
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
2/3 cup cream or milk
1 lb cooked chicken
2 packages refrigerated pie crusts
1-2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
1. Butterfly the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, oregano. Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes, or until done. After cooled, dice or shred chicken into small pieces.
2. Heat oven to 425. Place pie crusts on counter to allow to wam to room temperature.
3. In a saucepan or large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Stir in flour, veggies, salt, pepper and spices. Stir constantly until mixture is bubbly and veggies are soft.
4. Remove from heat, stir in broth and cream/milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Stir in chicken, remove from heat.
5. Roll pie crust on well floured counter, until thinned as much as possible without creating holes/tears. Use medium sized bowl to trace circles on the pie crust. Use a spatula to transfer circles from counter to baking pan (line baking pan with parchment paper).
6. Place about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each circle. If it's very runny, wait a few minutes - as the filling cools, it will thicken. Fold the circles in half and press the edges together. Make two slits in each pie.
7. Generously brush egg wash over each pie, do this 2-3 times per pie as the egg soaks into the crust. Dust each pie with a few pinches of salt (sea salt is even better!).
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until pies are golden and crusty.
9. Wait a few minutes before serving, they're super hot!!
Side Note - Make lots and bake only the ones you'll eat today. The rest can be individually wrapped in foil (spray the foil with non-stick spray first) and then freeze. Heat in the oven at 400 for 25-30 minutes at some future date.
This was a LOT more involved than I expected, even with the purchased pie crusts. It took forever. But, it was SO worth it. I only purchased 1 package of pie crusts so halfway through I had to come up with some homemade pie crusts (I've never made pie crust before). Half of the pies were baked immediately. The other half were placed in the freezer to enjoy at some future date.
Why we love it
These were so crispy and warm and wonderful, what's not to love? Eli said "This is actually good. It's like chicken gnocchi soup, but with a crust." And David says it's gourmet restaurant level of cooking. So that's a resounding good review! Archer didn't eat one (he's not hungry) and Shelly's not interested in anything resembling soup. So 3 stars for now. The good news is that we have a few leftovers in the fridge to enjoy for the next couple days.
*Updated - Archer just walked up to me with a pie in his hand raving about how good it is. 4 stars!
I had some serious help from Archer and David on this one. So serious that Archer and I both ended up covered in flour by the time it was over. Kind of reminded me of last year's camping trip. Loved the bonding time with the kid who is now taller than me. Thanks gentlemen!
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi
I'm desperately trying to be a little more functional this year. Some people have New Year's Resolutions that start on January 1. I have School Year Resolutions that start on September 1. So I'm trying to get my act together and feed my family home cooked meals a little more often than the once-a-month schedule I fell into last year. Too many crackers and ramen noodles for us last year. Shelly helped me put together a meal plan for the school year, and now I'm trying to plan ahead a bit and cook a few times a week.
Enter: Tuesday Crock Pot Meals
First Tuesday was awful, the soup was tasteless, and although the chicken was cooked, the potatoes were not. None of us could eat it.
Don't give up, try again, etc.
Second Tuesday I picked something just a bit more familiar (chicken gnocchi! guaranteed to be a hit!), and it was pretty good. We'll make a few adjustments next time to improve it, but this is definitely a keeper.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts,
2 cups chopped onions, celery, carrots
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tsp dried basil
1-2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1-2 tsp pepper
4 cups chicken broth
3 Tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 Tbsp cold water
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
2 1 lb packages mini potato gnocchi
Instructions
1. In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat, cook onions, celery, carrots and garlic until almost softened.
2. Place veggies, chicken, seasonings, and broth into crock pot. Cook on low for approximately 6-8 hours.
3. Shred the chicken directly in the pot.
4. Add cornstarch mixture, milk, cream and gnocchi to crock pot, stir and cover. Cook another 45-60 minutes, until gnocchi is cooked through.
5. If desired, add more chicken broth as soup thickens. Salt and pepper to taste, enjoy!
Although this involves a bit of prep work, I can do that the night before, then just start up the crock pot on Tuesday morning before I leave for work. I don't really like having to add the gnocchi at the very end and then wait another hour (this makes dinner a little late for us), but maybe I'll explore another way to handle that in the future. (Can I put the gnocchi in the crock pot in the morning? Can I pre-cook it and then add it at the end, but just warm it up instead of waiting for it to cook?)
Why we love it
It's close enough to my tried and true Chicken Gnocchi that all four of us Soup Eaters liked it.
Enter: Tuesday Crock Pot Meals
First Tuesday was awful, the soup was tasteless, and although the chicken was cooked, the potatoes were not. None of us could eat it.
Don't give up, try again, etc.
Second Tuesday I picked something just a bit more familiar (chicken gnocchi! guaranteed to be a hit!), and it was pretty good. We'll make a few adjustments next time to improve it, but this is definitely a keeper.
Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi
originally from Pinch of YumIngredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts,
2 cups chopped onions, celery, carrots
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tsp dried basil
1-2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1-2 tsp pepper
4 cups chicken broth
3 Tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 Tbsp cold water
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
2 1 lb packages mini potato gnocchi
Instructions
1. In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat, cook onions, celery, carrots and garlic until almost softened.
2. Place veggies, chicken, seasonings, and broth into crock pot. Cook on low for approximately 6-8 hours.
3. Shred the chicken directly in the pot.
4. Add cornstarch mixture, milk, cream and gnocchi to crock pot, stir and cover. Cook another 45-60 minutes, until gnocchi is cooked through.
5. If desired, add more chicken broth as soup thickens. Salt and pepper to taste, enjoy!
Although this involves a bit of prep work, I can do that the night before, then just start up the crock pot on Tuesday morning before I leave for work. I don't really like having to add the gnocchi at the very end and then wait another hour (this makes dinner a little late for us), but maybe I'll explore another way to handle that in the future. (Can I put the gnocchi in the crock pot in the morning? Can I pre-cook it and then add it at the end, but just warm it up instead of waiting for it to cook?)
Why we love it
It's close enough to my tried and true Chicken Gnocchi that all four of us Soup Eaters liked it.
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