Long Lost Food Blogger

 Did you think your friendly neighborhood everyday mom abandoned you? I promise I haven't. Life is just crazy busy right now, and while I'm still in the kitchen cooking, most days I am relying on go-to recipes, quick stuff, and not even considering developing anything new for you. 

Let's see, the oldest graduated in May, summer came, we vacationed for 2 weeks on the beach, by the time we got home we had a month left before we had to move him to college. There was dorm shopping, school supply shopping, uniform shopping for the little guy, more dorm room shopping, and of course trips to the zoo, pool and library thrown in for fun. Oh, and a big 7 birthday in there too with three weekends of parties!

Then August came and it was time to pack up the car, set up the college freshman's dorm room and then drive away! Leave my baby! I won't lie, walking out of that room was the hardest thing I've ever done. Part of my heart is now two hours away. For almost 19 years, every moment of every day has been planned around him (and of course his baby brother too). My entire existence has been wrapped up in being his mom. It's a weird feeling to be bursting withe pride, and so excited for him all at the same time as feeling lost and a little heart broken. But you know what helps? His smile in every picture. His voice in every call. He is settling in and we can't wait to see what this year holds for him.

Here at home, we are learning to be a threesome. It still feels weird, and yes there are days when I cry because I miss him, but God knew what He was doing spreading my kids 12 years apart, because I am blessed to have a little boy who depends on and needs me. I have thrown myself into his world...I am  room mom for his 1st grade class, I just took on a Vice President role in PTL at his school, and I will be substituting aide in Kindergarten this year again. 

I am staying as busy as I can so I don't have to focus on missing my boy. I have taken on multiple projects for school and our annual fundraiser auction. Plus, I am busy with my work over on Parade.com as well. 

But guess what? Even with all of this I found time to come up with a little something new to share with all of you and I think you're going to love it!

Easy Orange Chicken only has a short ingredient list, starts with a bag of frozen chicken and is ready in almost no time! It is perfect or a busy weeknight and can easily be doubled for a bigger crowd! 

I am truly sorry I have been so absent lately; and I wish I could tell you things will get back to normal around here soon, but I think we are in a new normal, and I have to figure out exactly what that means. But I promise to keep coming up with yummy stuff to share, even if it comes a little more sporadically than before!

 

What kind of chicken to use?

This recipe is great because it uses a bag of frozen boneless chicken wings. It would be delicious with chicken nuggets or tenders too! 

Do I have to use sesame oil?

I understand not wanting to buy an ingredient you might not use a lot, but if you love cooking Asian food at home, I highly recommend investing in a bottle. It adds so much flavor to so many dishes! 

Can I use orange juice instead of orange marmalade?

No. The marmalade is thick and helps to coat the chicken. Juice will make the sauce way too thin. 

Can I air fry the chicken?

Sure! Check the directions on the bag and any way they recommend to prepare it, go for it!

What kind of barbecue sauce should I use? 

Use whatever you have on hand or is your favorite. I always have a "normal" flavor to use in recipes that I can add other flavors too. With the sweetness of the marmalade something smoky/savory is perfect. 

Can I make this spicy?

You sure can! Add some red pepper flakes or chili crisp for extra heat!

Best Tips:

Cook your chicken for a few extra minutes for extra crispy bites.

Frozen chicken tenders could be baked, cut up and then sauced. 

Be sure to whisk sauce while cooking to avoid scorching.

Serve this with white rice, fried rice, steamed broccoli, edamame, stir-fry veggies, mandarin oranges. 

If you have leftovers, keep in a covered dish in the fridge for 2 days. 

Easy Orange Chicken

1 (24 oz.) bag frozen boneless chicken wings

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

1 1/4 cups orange marmalade

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. sesame oil 

Cook chicken according to package directions, adding a few extra minutes. In a medium sauce pan combine barbecue sauce, marmalade, garlic powder and sesame oil. Whisk well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thick and smooth, whisking often.  When chicken is cooked, transfer to a large bowl. Pour sauce over and toss to coat. Serve immediately with rice, veggies, etc.

 

 

Summer Time Comfort Food

 Hello! Did you think I disappeared? Fell off the face of the earth? It's been over a month since my last new recipe, so I wouldn't blame you!

When I posted the last time I mentioned how crazy things were because of the oldest graduating high school. It had been a while since I shared a recipe then too. After the end of school I thought maybe we could get back to our regularly scheduled programming; but guess what? Life just got busier!

However, this hiatus was for a fantastic reason. For the first time in four years, we were able to get away for two weeks to the beach and have tons of family time in the sun, sand and surf. This trip was our graduation gift to Alex and we sucked every last drop of fun out of the 14 days we could. We were blessed with amazing weather, had some fun adventures, including holding a live baby alligator, and we even discovered the wonder that is Buc-ee's travel plazas. (You can read all about our experience here in the article I wrote for Parade.com!)

We've been home for a week now and I am still trying to get back into the swing of things, all while being crazy busy. There is less than a month until Alex heads off to college, we have VBS, Max's birthday and his first day of 1st grade....so much to plan and keep straight. But in all the chaos, I do have a new recipe for all of you.

Chicken Noodle Casserole is pure comfort food for those nights when you need to sink your teeth into something that will feed your soul. It is a great use for leftover chicken and uses my favorite store-bought noodles, Reames brand found in the frozen aisle. (That isn't a paid advertisement. I just love their noodles, and they are the closest thing to homemade I've ever tasted.)

If you are watching summer zoom by like us, wishing you could stop time in its tracks, take a little breather with a delicious casserole supper this week!

What kind of chicken should I use? 

This recipe is perfect with leftover, shredded chicken, a deli rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken. 

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! I think frozen corn, green beans or even broccoli would be delicious in this as well.

Can I use chicken broth instead of stock?

Sure! I happened to have stock on hand but broth will work just fine.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

This homemade cream sauce really needs the richness of the cream. Half-and-half might work, but I haven't tried it. 

Why the cracker topping?

The buttery crackers give the casserole an extra layer of flavor and texture. If you don't have Ritz on hand, Club crackers would be a great swap.  

 Best Tips:

Save some time and prepare the chicken ahead of time. I roasted some fresh tenders in the oven, shredded the meat, and had it in the fridge waiting on me. 

Reames noodles can be found in the frozen food aisle, usually near the other frozen pastas or breads.

If you need to double the recipe, be sure to use two different baking dishes. This casserole filled my deep dish 9x13. 

Serve with a side salad, fresh fruit or crusty bread.

I haven't tried to freeze this casserole, but I think if you prepared it, without the cracker topping, cooled it completely, then froze it, you could add the crackers and bake off when ready.

Chicken Noodle Casserole 

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen egg noodles, such as Reames

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen peas and carrots

2 cups chicken stock

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup + 1 TBS butter

1/4 cup flour

15 butter crackers, like Ritz, crushed

 2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 tsp onion powder

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Salt and Pepper 

Preheat oven to 350. Cook noodles according to package directions. In a large skillet with high sides or Dutch oven, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium high heat. Cook garlic for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes. Slowly pour in stock and cream, whisking constantly. Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Add cooked chicken and frozen vegetables. Stir well. Cook until warmed through. When noodles are cooked, drain well. Add to skillet and stir to combine. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.

Melt 1 TBS butter and mix with crushed crackers. Sprinkle over top of casserole. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown on top. 

Inspired by The Recipe Rebel

Not Really A Recipe

 If your schedule is as out of control busy as ours, a meal you can truly assemble more than actually cook might just save your week! 

Sure each component of this copycat recipe has to be cooked, steamed or heated up, but they all be done at the same time and in almost no time at all. 

Copycat KFC Famous Bowls are comfort food perfect for a hectic weeknight. Plus, the kids can help with them, they are great if everyone is eating at different times and everyone can customize theirs. 

The famous bowl at KFC has been a huge hit for years, but they aren't always available in every area. So now you can make them at home whenever that craving hits! 

A complete meal in one bowl, every bite has some protein, veg, starch and of course gravy. Quick, simple and on the table in about the time it takes to bake some frozen popcorn chicken! 

Don't let supper time stress you out! Assemble some KFC bowls and dinner is done! 

What Is In A KFC Famous Bowl

These bowls are filled with individual portions of their famous mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, gravy, corn gravy and cheese. 

Can I Get A KFC Famous Bowl Without Corn

I am pretty sure most KFC locations will leave the corn off if you wish, but if you're making them at home, you can make them any way you want!

What Kind Of Chicken For Copycat KFC Bowls

I used frozen popcorn chicken for the size and convenience factor. Chicken nuggets and tenders would work too, just chop them up. You could even use some leftover fried chicken, or lighten it up with shredded rotisserie chicken.

Why Beef Gravy

Simple. It is what KFC serves. They don't have chicken gravy, but I think it would be great in this. Or even some white country gravy could be swapped. 

Instant Potatoes vs Homemade

No, I am not a fan of instant potatoes either, so if you want to make some homemade and use those, go for it. Or if you have some leftover, this would be a great way to keep from throwing them out. But KFC does use instant ones, so this is authentic. And, the quality of them have come a long way since I was a kid, and adding the butter, salt and pepper really does help.

 

Best Tips

Have all the ingredients warming/cooking at the same time so you can assemble everything when done.

Popcorn chicken, nuggets or tenders can all be used.

Chicken or white gravy can be used in place of beef.

Shredded triple cheddar would be delicious too.

Serve with a salad on the side for a complete meal.

 

 

Copycat KFC Famous Bowls 

3 (4 oz.) pouches butter instant mashed potatoes

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen steamable corn

2 lbs. frozen popcorn chicken

1 (18 oz.) jar beef gravy

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 TBS butter

4-6 cups water

Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400. Place chicken on a baking sheet. Only make the amount you need for each bowl, about 7 pieces each. Bake 10 minutes, or according to package directions. Prepare potatoes according to directions, add butter and season with salt and pepper. In a small saucepan, warm gravy on stove over medium-low heat. Steam corn in microwave according to directions. When chicken is done, gather all ingredients and build each bowl: potatoes, gravy, corn, chicken and sprinkle with cheese.

More Copycat Recipes To Try

Copycat Bob Evans Chicken and Noodles

Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo

Copycat Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad

Copycat Pizza Hut Cavatini

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

Copycat Dole Whip

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Copycat Wendy's Chili

 

 Shared at Weekend Potluck

Not a TikTok Fan

 So let me clarify that title. I am not here to bash anyone who loves TikTok, it just isn't something I get into. I'm not saying I never see anything from there- I don't live under a rock- but I don't have the app, and I don't seek TikTok videos out. If others share them with me, or I happen to see them in my social feeds, that's fine. 

In fact, that is exactly how I stumbled upon this recipe, which went viral on TikTok, and after eating it I know why. 

Raise your hand if you can always use new chicken recipes! Yep, me too! Even now that chicken can be pricey at the store, I want to be ready when it goes on sale because I'm going to stock up, and if I'm going to be cooking with it from the freezer for a while, I want some new dishes to play with. 

This is one of those dinners that looks fancy, but is super easy. Boneless chicken breasts in a creamy sauce flavored with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and Parmesan cheese. It is so delicious, the rumor is if you make it for a date, you might just get proposed to-hence the "marry me" title. 

We love this served with some buttered pasta on the side to soak up the extra sauce from the chicken, but it would be just as yummy with rice or mashed potatoes too. 

Marry Me Chicken is simple enough for a weeknight supper, but if you are hosting a dinner party during this holiday season, this will wow your guests; and can be doubled pretty easily if you've got a crowd coming. 

The lesson here? Just because you don't enjoy something that seems to be all the rage, that doesn't mean you can't still take something away from it and learn something new! I won't be a TikTok subscriber any time soon, but if you see a great recipe over there, send it my way!

Marry Me Chicken

4 boneless chicken breasts

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 chicken bouillon cube

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 (8 oz.) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 cup grated Parmesan/Romano cheese

2 TBS olive oil

Salt and Pepper  

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Brown chicken well on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken to plate. In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, stirring the entire time. Add cream, bouillon, broth, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, cheese, salt and pepper. Stir well until combined. Add chicken back to pan. Spoon some sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium and cook until internal temp of chicken is 165, about 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with pasta, potatoes or rice.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Welcome Soup Season With A New Copycat Recipe

 How has your September been going? It's been so busy around here, the month kind of flashed before my eyes. We celebrated an 18th birthday, our first school-related illness resulting in the little guy missing two days, attended our homecoming football game, took Max's very first field trip to an apple orchard (which Bubbie took the day off school to join us), I went to my first PTL (think PTA) meeting, and more I can't even remember right now. You can understand why I blinked and now it's almost October. 

When does soup season begin in your house? For us, the minute Labor Day was over, I started putting more soups on our weekly menu. Even though we had some summer-like hot days, it was time! Now that the temps have indeed fallen to more autumn like highs, and October knocking on the door, I'm sure more families are ready to celebrate all things soup, chowder and stew. 

I'm sure this will be the first of many new soup recipes over the next several months, as we enter into even colder weather, but I wanted this to be the debut because it has quickly become one of our favorites.

A copycat of an Olive Garden classic, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be on your table in about 30 minutes! Perfect during the crazy busy week when you're exhausted and just need to eat before heading out the door again. 

Let's stop here for a minute and talk about the chicken in this soup. I can't believe the price of fresh chicken these days at the store, so I decided to use canned instead. Leftover rotisserie or roasted would be great too, but I didn't have any on hand, and didn't want to spend the $$$ on a package of boneless breasts. Sure, canned chicken won't work in certain recipes that call for cooked chicken, but I have found that in many soups, it's perfect and much easier on the budget. 

This creamy, hearty soup will fill you up and thaw you out at the same time. It is filled with so much flavor, it tastes like it cooked all day, and not quickly on the stove top. Add a big bowl of copycat Olive Garden Salad and you have a complete meal; and don't forget some crusty bread too! 

However you decide to welcome fall, and with it, soup season, I hope you're finding ways to put some fun into your busy days and yummy things to come home to after!

 

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

2 (12 oz.) cans chicken, drained and broken up

1 (16 oz.) package gnocchi

1 TBS olive oil

1/4 cup butter

1 quart half-and-half

3 1/2 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup flour

1 cup matchstick carrots, rough chopped

2 stalks celery, diced

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

1 heaping cup spinach, rough chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper  

In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium high heat. Sauté onion, celery and garlic for 5 minutes until soft. Sprinkle with flour and cook 1-2 minutes more. Whisk in half-and-half and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Whisk in chicken broth and simmer 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add carrots, chicken, thyme, parsley, and gnocchi. Simmer until gnocchi float to the top. Season with salt and pepper. Add spinach and cook 5-10 minutes to heat through. Serve immediately. 

 

Second Week Busy Week

 Have you settled back into the school year routine? Are you struggling to find your groove? Either way, I see you. I feel you. I would say we are somewhere in the middle. 

Having one entering his senior year and all that comes with that, and the other beginning Kindergarten and the immense changes that brings has made the past two weeks especially busy and hectic.

For those wondering, the little guy rocked his first week of Kindergarten, and was more brave than we could have ever imagines. Yes, there were some tears (from both him and mommy) but at the end of every single day when I picked him up, he was smiling and full of stories. We couldn't be more proud of him!

His big brother is filling his days with classes, studying, theater and working. I keep telling him to try to savor as much of senior year as he can because it will go at the speed of light. 

This week we add in two meetings at the school, picture day, and a few other things. Like I've said before, I don't anticipate our schedules slowing down any time soon. 

Enter a simple, hearty pasta bake supper that can be on the table in about an hour. It is filled with cooked chicken (use some leftover or make it the day before!) Alfredo sauce, and broccoli. Yep, making sure the kids get some green stuff on their plate for that brain food they need! Oh, and let me make your day even more! The pasta and broccoli both go in the casserole frozen, saving you even more time on a busy day.

Baked Chicken Tortellini Alfredo will be one of those meals you make now because it's quick, and then again and again during the fall and winter months for comfort food on a cold day. 

If your back to school schedule has you pulling your hair out, stop stressing when it comes to dinner time. Take a breath and know you can still get a delicious meal on the table to enjoy while listening to all those stories from their day!

  

Baked Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

1 (19 oz.) bag frozen cheese tortellini

2 (15 oz.) jars Alfredo

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen broccoli florets

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. dried parsley

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425. Lightly grease 9x13 baking dish. In a large bowl combine chicken, frozen pasta and frozen broccoli. Add Alfredo sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and stir well. Transfer to baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove cover, top with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with dried parsley. Bake 10 minutes until cheese melted and top is lightly browned.

Back To School

As much as I have tried to ignore it for weeks, the joy that is summer vacation is coming to an end and back to school time is officially here. For our family, it's actually a two week process, and mommy is not handling any of it well.

This week my first baby embarks on his Senior year of high school. I'm pretty sure we just went to freshman orientation last week, so it's not quite clear how that happened.

The next day my little baby turns 6! Again, we just brought him home from the hospital, so that went quickly. Then the following week, he is off to Kindergarten, which is going to be a huge adjustment for both of us. 

We are so happy with our school choice, his teacher is amazing, and I get the joy of being classroom mom. All of these things make sending him off a little easier, but the fact that my sidekick won't be here every day is a bit hard to swallow. For him too. During his check up at the doctor last week, when asked if he was excited about school, he replied with "Not really. I don't want to leave mommy." 

That sums it up for Max. He has spent the last 6 years with me, all day, every day, for the most part. We can tell him how much fun he's going to have, how much he is going to learn, and how awesome Kindergarten will be; but right now he can't see past having to leave my side. 

Like all hard things, this too shall past. We will get him through the anxiety of the first few days, or even weeks, but for now, I'm going to keep snuggling, hugging and enjoying these last few moments of just us time. 

And don't think for one minute by going on and on about the little one, seeing the 17 year old leave for his last year of high school is any easier on this mommy's heart. Oh, and did I mention he turns 18 next month? Seriously, it is a lot, all at once. I burst with pride for the man he is becoming, but melt inside knowing he is getting closer and closer to leaving the nest. 

Anyway, enough blubbering on, the whole point of me diving into the back to school saga was to share this super simple, 3 ingredient, Crock Pot recipe that is perfect for those busy school nights filled with sports, meetings, activities and more. 

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken is filled with flavor and can be used for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, nachos or just served over some cooked rice! On those evenings when everyone has to eat at different times, it is as good for the last person as the first. 

If you are dreading sending your kids back to school like me, I send you love and hugs. We can get through this...one day at a time...and count the days until fall break! 

 

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

4 boneless chicken breasts

2 cups mild, chunky salsa, divided use

2 1/2 tsp. taco seasoning

Fresh parsley, if desired, for garnish

Grease Crock Pot insert with nonstick spray. Lay chicken inside and sprinkle with seasoning. Pour 1 cup of salsa over top. Cook on LOW 6-8 hours. Shred chicken and mix with remaining cup of salsa. Cook 10 minutes until heated through. Serve or keep on warm. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Summer Time Sandwich

 I can not tell you how happy our house is that summer has arrived! School has been out for almost 2 weeks, the pool opened last week and I have tan lines on my feet from my flip flops, earned from trips to the zoo and air show! I am in my happy place! 

With the warmer temperatures, I am always looking for meals that keep us cool, can be eaten outside on our backyard deck or be packed in a picnic basket for a trip to a local park. Nothing screams all of these more than a terrific sandwich! 

The options are endless when it comes to a simple summer sandwich supper, but at the top of my favorites list has to be a great chicken salad; and one of my go-to versions is this simple copycat version of Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad.

The crunchy pecans, apples and celery with the sweetness of red grapes give this chicken salad a flavor like no other. It has been my most sough after version for years. When it disappeared from the menu at our local Arby's I almost rioted. Hence why I had to learn to make it at home! 

Now it's been back for a while now, but let's face it, like everything else, whew that price has gone up! Yet another great reason to make a big batch at home for a summer supper or lunches all week long!

Let's talk canned chicken. I used it in this recipe because I had some on hand, but leftover chicken or rotisserie style would work well too! However, canned chicken has become something I am using more and more of in certain recipes because it's more economical than fresh sometimes. It works well in soups, salads and some casseroles. So, don't overlook it when you have a recipe that calls for cooked chicken. 

Summer time is here, and we are rejoicing. We intend to suck every last drop of fun, and deliciousness out of it! 

 Copycat Arby's Chicken Salad 

2 (12 oz.) cans chicken, drained well

1 cup red grapes, halved

1 cup pecans, chopped

2 gala apples, finely chopped

3 ribs celery, finely chopped

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 TBS lemon juice

Salt and  Pepper

In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, lemon juice, salt and pepper. In a large bowl combine chicken, grapes, apples, celery and pecans. Stir well to combine. Add dressing and stir again. Chill for at least an hour before serving. Serve on bread, toast, rolls, crackers, croissants, etc. *NOTE* Chill the cans of chicken before making to be able to serve right away.

Happy May!

 The calendar says May, but I'm not sure if Mother Nature has gotten the memo yet. Sure, some days it's sunny and sitting on the edge of warm, but I think it's been one of the chilliest, cloudy, wet springs we've had in a while; and the WIND! Oy vey! 

I made the comment the other day waking up every morning to more clouds and gloom can really start to mess with your mood. My complaint must have been heard because the next day I woke up to sunshine, thank goodness. Mama needs her Vitamin D! 

All I can say is I hope with the arrival of this new month, the weather starts to get her act together and over the next 4 weeks we can truly start to believe summer is coming. 

But until then, it's still spring, and to me the official flavor of springtime is lemon. It is so bright, so refreshing- it is exactly what we need to wake up our taste buds!

One of my favorite chicken dishes to order out is Chicken Piccata, so it was about time I made it at home. With its simple sauce made of butter, lemon and another favorite of mine, capers, every bite is a burst of flavor in your mouth. 

Let's talk about the chicken you're going to use. Look for "thin cut" chicken breasts to make this extra easy on yourself. You will need 8 pieces total, depending on the size. You want a decent portion of chicken for each plate of pasta, sometimes that's one large one, or a couple smaller ones. (This recipe makes 4 plates!) I wasn't lucky enough to find the thin ones, so I bought a pack of 4 large breasts, split them open like a book, sliced into 2 pieces, laid them between layers of plastic wrap, and pounded them thin with a meat tenderizer. 

While not hard, it is a little time consuming, so if you can find the thin cut ones, half the work is already done for you! Lucky! 

If you've never used capers, I always tell people they are like a tiny olive. It's the only way I can think to describe them to someone who has never tasted them. They are briny, salty and delicious! They pair perfectly with the lemon too! 

If you are looking for a spring inspired meal or maybe you want to treat mom to something special next weekend, Chicken Piccata would be perfect! Make it now before the summer weather is finally here, and we are all grilling out as much as we can!

 

 Chicken Piccata 

4 boneless chicken breasts,  split and pounded thin OR 8 thin cut 

4 TBS olive oil

Juice and zest of 1 lemon, then sliced

1/2 cup + 1 1/2 TBS flour

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

4 TBS butter

1 (3 oz.) jar capers, drained

1 TBS dried parsley

cooked linguine pasta

salt and pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions. Combine 1/2 cup flour, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of chicken and shake off excess. Heat 2 TBS oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sauté chicken in batches until brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Add extra oil as needed. Remove from skillet and cover to keep warm. In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add remaining flour, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 1 cup broth, whisking constantly. Add lemon juice and remaining broth. Continue to cook on medium or medium low, whisking until slightly thickened. Add capers and chicken back to sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken, add lemon slices and simmer 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Drain pasta. Serve chicken and sauce over pasta, garnished with parsley.

 Shared at Weekend Potluck

 

 

 

 

50 Cent Inspiration

 I have never been one of those people who complain about grocery shopping. It's actually something I've always enjoyed. Sure, part of it is the fact that since 2004 when I became a full time SAHM, the weekly trip to the grocery store was a little bit of "me" time and many times included a drive-thru sandwich or Starbucks stop! 

But I truly do find happiness in meal planning and making my grocery list every week. New recipes, old recipes, finding the best price on things we need, saving money...all of these things make me smile.

 Lately though, my joy has been taken from me. With all the empty shelves, and every single thing on my list being more expensive, I tend to get a little grumpy while shopping. I grumble under my breath and get annoyed because I have to replan meals or my budget is blown. 

I know we are all in the same boat when it comes to the state of the world today, so I'm not looking for sympathy...just typing it allows me to vent a little! But this story also comes with a silver lining and a moment of joy!

A couple weeks ago as I was walking through Walmart, a sign reading "2 for $1" caught my eye. A deal like that I had to check out and was so glad I did. Pepperidge Farm bagged stuffing mix!? Seriously? Those are usually almost $3! I guess they had gobs of them leftover from Thanksgiving, but the expiration date wasn't until June, so score! 

I immediately knew what I was going to do with this 50 cent bargain. I have been wanting to make chicken and stuffing casserole for eons, but just never got around to it. No more. Now was the time! 

So, the stuffing was dirt cheap, but the chicken, not so much. But in today's world it's a give and take. Since the rest of the ingredients for this are mostly inexpensive pantry items, it ended up being rather budget friendly. 

We DEVOURED this! Seriously, one of the Top 5 casseroles I have ever made. Simple flavors but so, so delicious. Comfort food at its very best. Perfect for a simple weeknight meal! (Especially since you can make the chicken ahead of time!)

I know many, many families are like ours and will be enjoying a big glazed ham on Easter, but if you are making chicken or turkey...remember this for the leftovers. Or, if by the middle of the next week when you've eaten as many ham leftovers as you can stand, this would be a great way to mix it up. 

Oh, and if you can't find the awesome deal on stuffing like I did- any brand will do- just make sure you have the correct amount. I think a box is 6 ounces, so this is how I would handle it. I would buy 2 boxes and use a full and half for 9 ounces or if you don't want to waste, only use the 6 ounce box and I bet you won't miss the other 2 ounces. But still use the entire stick of butter! 

Grocery shopping is very interesting these days. I hope having a meal with simple ingredients, that you might even find on sale, helps to take just a little stress out of your weekly trip and meal planning!

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts, about 3-4

8 oz. dry stuffing mix 

2 celery stalks

1 small yellow onion, quartered

4 chicken bouillon cubes

1 cup milk

1 stick butter, melted

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

Salt and Pepper

Fresh Parsley

Place chicken in a large pot with celery, onion, salt and pepper. Cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium for a gentle boil and cook about 20 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and celery. Discard onion. Save broth for another use, if desired. 

Allow chicken to cool to handle. Shred with hands, two forks or mixer with paddle attachment. Chop cooked celery. 

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. In a large bowl whisk together both soups and milk. Add shredded chicken and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Transfer to baking dish. 

In another bowl mix dry stuffing mix with melted butter until moist. Top chicken mixture with stuffing mix. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and cook for additional 15 minutes, or browned on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Shared at Weekend Potluck
 

A Little Down On The Farm At Home

The days are getting dark before 5pm here in Indiana, which is no doubt one of the things I dislike most about winter. The others being freezing, snow, ice...I don't even try to hide the fact I'm not a fan. Besides Christmas and then my birthday in February, I don't really have many nice things to say about Old Man Winter. 

But I live in northern Indiana, and haven't won the lottery this week, so that beach mansion isn't happening anytime soon, so time to focus on the positive! Winter in our neck of the woods means it is also soup season, stew season, chowder season and comfort food season! Yep, while I don't enjoy the cold days, I do love the food. 

Most of you know I worked at Bob Evans all through high school and college; but what some might not realize is now my oldest is carrying on the family tradition and is now working at the same location for the same general manager that hired me 24 years ago! How cool is that? It has become a true family to us, and we are so thankful he loves his job, and the people he works with/for as much as I did. It warms this mama's heart to see him thriving in the same way as a young person about customer service, food service and how good earning your own money feels! 

To this day one of Bob Evans' most popular recipes continues to be their Chicken and Noodles. It was a favorite back in the day when I was serving tables and it remains so today. After all these years I knew it was time to recreate it at home in my own kitchen.

This is what you want to come home to after a very long, cold day when you've been out in the kind of cold that makes your face hurt. Oh, I forgot to mention, my version happens to be a slow cooker meal too! Talk about putting the icing on the cake! 

If you've never used the frozen Reames noodles they are the closest thing to homemade I've ever had and absolutely perfect in this recipe. They are the thicker, chewy style like my grandma used to make and remind me of the ones they use at the restaurant both in flavor and texture. 

Did you happen to freeze some leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, or maybe you will have some come December 26th? You could easily make this with turkey instead of chicken! Oh, that would be so yummy! 

Winter might not be my favorite time of year, but warm, hearty, comfort food meals help to make it better! Turn on the Christmas tree, grab a blanket, and enjoy a big bowl of this deliciousness!

 

Copycat Bob Evans Chicken and Noodles

3 boneless chicken breasts, about 2 lbs.

2 (32 oz.) cartons chicken stock

1 (16 oz.) bag frozen home style noodles, like Reames

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

4 carrots, finely chopped

3 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 TBS butter

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. dried parsley 

Salt and pepper 

Place all ingredients, except noodles, in slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours until chicken cooked. Remove chicken and shred. Return to slow cooker and cook 1 hour. Add noodles and cook 30-45 minutes until tender. Serve.

Stress Free Sandwich Night

Sandwiches. We all have our favorites. From Philly Cheese Steaks to Reubens and everything in between, there are so many to love. I think for a lot of us, sandwiches are something quick you can grab at lunch time, an on-the-go meal to eat while driving or sitting at your desk. But I am here to tell you when done right, sandwiches can open up a whole new world when it comes to your weeknight menu plan!

 If you aren't planning a sandwich night for one of your weeknight meals, you are missing out on a great opportunity for taking a little stress out of your life. A simple sandwich supper can be filling, delicious but still so easy on the cook after a long day. 

When I do a sandwich supper I am sure to plan a couple side dishes to help round out the meal, so it's a great time for fries, cottage cheese, fresh fruit, salad or a bowl of a favorite soup. But even with the addition of a couple other dishes, sandwich night is still one of the easiest ways to get a meal on the table your family will love and you won't be exhausted with a sink full of dishes to clean up after. 

I've been making these Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches for years. They are easy, inexpensive thanks to using boneless chicken thighs, and can even be prepped ahead of time if you want to save even more effort when supper time rolls around. (See the note below)

Boneless chicken thighs sometimes get a bad wrap. I know the boneless breasts are the most popular, but for certain recipes, thighs can easily be swapped out and save you some major dough! Plus, dark meat has so much flavor too! 

These are great for a weeknight meal when everyone has to eat at different times too! They keep warm on the stove or even in the slow cooker beautifully. Or serve up a big batch for your next Game Day watch party! 

Dinner time can be so incredibly stressful, but it doesn't have to be! Between planning ahead and remembering our good friend, Mr. Sandwich, simple stress-free meals are sure to turn a bad day into a good one!

 Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs, trimmed

1 (8 oz.) bottle hot sauce, like Franks

4 TBS butter

1/4 c. olive oil

Garlic Powder

Salt and Pepper

Blue cheese dressing, optional

Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place chicken on foil. Baste with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Bake for 20-30 minutes until juices run clear. Cool enough to handle and shred with 2 forks. In a large pot melt butter over low heat. Add entire bottle of hot sauce and stir to combine. Add chicken and mix well. Put lid on and allow to warm through, about 15 minutes. Serve on buns with blue cheese dressing, and carrots and celery on side if desired.  *NOTE* The chicken can be baked ahead, cooled, shredded and refrigerated for 1-2 days. When you're ready, continue with rest of recipe.*

 Shared at Weekend Potluck

Copycat Lunch At Home Or Office

Do you ever think about something you used to eat often, out of nowhere, and wonder why you aren't anymore? You start to drool just thinking about it, and know you must have it ASAP. 

That's exactly what happened with this recipe. Applebee's used to be somewhere I ate lunch at quite a bit; and more times than not their Oriental Chicken Salad was my choice. 

I can't even tell you the last time I ate at Applebee's, let alone for lunch. I have no earthly idea why this salad popped into my head one day and would not leave until I satisfied the craving. 

Sure, I could have driven the 10 minutes down the road, grabbed a curbside to-go order and been happy, but lately I have found myself obsessed with creating these copycat recipes in my own kitchen.

I can't even blame the pandemic or not wanting to eat out, because we have continued to over the last 18 months. I just find it super satisfying to give my family a dish we usually have to go out for at home around our own table. We love comparing them to the original and seeing just how close mom got it. 

I don't want to pay myself on the back, but with this one I NAILED IT! (In the good way, not like the hilarious show we love to laugh with!) The flavors are spot on, and if I closed my eyes I would never be able to guess the difference. 

How did I come up with such a carbon copy? Well, I did a lot of reading online about what was in the dressing most of all. The actual salad ingredients were easy to remember, but that dressing was key! After seeing a slew of recipes online, I took the basic ideas of many and found something that suited my tastes. 

The number one ingredient to give the dressing the signature flavor is sesame oil. You can find it on the Asian aisle in the grocery store. Be careful, a little goes a long way, and it can be very overpowering. The amount in the recipe is perfect for us, but you could always start with less and add more to suit your taste buds. 

Yes, I used frozen breaded chicken tenders to make this a quick and simple meal, but you could certainly make your own. Grilled chicken would be delicious too! 

This salad makes a tasty, filling lunch year round rather you're still working from home or back in the office. You could easily pack the salad, dressing and toppings separately and assemble at lunch time. 

We even love this for a light supper on a busy day! The chicken makes it hearty enough to feed my hungry crowd. I add some crusty bread on the side and I've got some happy campers!

 

Copycat Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad

3 romaine hearts, chopped

1 medium head purple cabbage, finely chopped or shredded

1 cup shredded carrots

4 green onions, chopped

1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles

1/3 cup slivered almonds

1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained

8 frozen extra crispy chicken tenders

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup rice vinegar

6 TBS honey

1 TBS dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

Cook the chicken tenders according to package directions, adding a few minutes for extra crispiness. While the chicken cooks, in a large bowl combine lettuce, cabbage, green onions, almonds and carrots. Toss well to mix. In a small bowl whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, sesame oil and mustard. When chicken is cooked, allow to cool until it can be handles. Chop into bite sized chunks. Divide lettuce mixture among 4 large dinner plates. Top with chicken, crunchy noodles and oranges. Serve with dressing.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Hello School Lunch Boxes

When does the school year begin for you? I know so many that have already stepped back into the classroom and for us, this week is our time. As of Tuesday my first baby will be a JUNIOR in high school, and quite frankly, I am not that comfortable with it. I'm pretty sure we were buying his Kindergarten backpack yesterday. But here we are, another school year upon us. 

Oh, and let's not forget, the little guy also turns FIVE this week....on the second day of school actually, so it's going to be an emotional one for Mommy. Luckily, since he doesn't make the age cutoff, he is going to have another year of homeschool/preschool with Mommy. 

Alex's high school is once again in person this year (they were last year too) and he is ready to get back to more of a normal school day routine. They have been able to go back to a few pre-Covid things while still maintaining safety too. One thing will never change though, yummy lunches are a must! 

This copycat recipe is one I was super excited to share for an easy summer lunch for kids....but time got away from me. That's okay though! Many kids are still remote learning, or like my little guy, home schooled, so lunch time still needs to be easy and kid friendly. Or, maybe you are always looking for ways to jazz up that packed lunch! 

Do you remember when McDonald's value menu included the Chicken Snack Wrap? When Alex was little, it was one of our favorites! For a light lunch or a snack in the car they were absolutely perfect for him and I both! I actually had forgotten all about them, but am so happy to have them back! Made in my own kitchen, super easily with a little help from frozen chicken tenders. 

These would work so well in a packed lunch too since they are just as tasty cold. We actually prefer to let the chicken tenders cool down before assembling the wrap, so added to a lunchbox sounds good to me! 

If you still have some summer left, you're probably running out of fun ideas for the kids' lunch. Copycat McDonald's Chicken Snack Wraps to the rescue! Or grab the lunch box, add some fruit and yogurt on the side and know they are getting a treat in the middle of their school day!

 Copycat McDonald's Chicken Snack Wrap

6 fajita size flour tortillas

1 medium head leaf lettuce, chopped

1 cup finely shredded cheddar Jack cheese

 6 frozen extra crispy chicken tenders

Ranch Dressing

Cook chicken tenders on a baking sheet, according to package directions. Add a few minutes for extra crispiness. Once cooked, allow to cool until you can handle them. On each tortilla, add some lettuce, cheese, and one chicken tender. Drizzle with ranch dressing, wrap and serve!

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
 

 

Skip The Drive-Thru

For most of us, we have a good month before school begins again, maybe more! And before I go on, let me just state, I'm not ready. The kid isn't ready. His baby brother isn't ready. Summer vacation needs to be longer, summer itself needs to be longer. Okay- rant over. 

How many times have the kids asked to hit the drive-thru for lunch since being home? No shame in that! But you know I also love finding ways to make restaurant favorites at home, and I think today's is going to be a big hit...especially for all you Chick-fil-A fans! 

Did you hear anything about the Chick-fil-A sauce shortage back in the spring? There was a good week where this apocalyptic like event filled my newsfeed.  People were losing their minds because they were limiting the number of sauces you could get with an order. Now, I haven't hear about it lately, so apparently the supply shortage corrected itself. But with this simple recipe you can have as much sauce as you want, anytime you want! 

This is one of those sauces that I swear you could put on a flip flop and it would taste good! I know true Chick-fil-A fans put it on everything from their chicken to waffle fries, onion rings and more. Plus, I've heard it is a huge hit with kids too, which is a true compliment since most littles stick to ketchup or ranch! 

Just think- you can be a total lunch time rock star when they sit down to some nuggets and homemade sauce! For the adults, I think this would be amazing on a chicken sandwich too! 

Summer needs to slow down! We've got so much to do, so much to enjoy, and so much to eat!

 Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce

1/2 c. mayonnaise

1/4 c. honey

1/4 c. barbecue sauce

1 TBS lemon juice

1 TBS Dijon mustard

2 TBS yellow mustard

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk well. Chill until serving. Keep covered in fridge for 2-3 days. Serve with chicken tenders, nuggets, popcorn chicken, fries, onion rings, etc.

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
 

A Stop In The Frozen Food Aisle

I know I'm not the only one who relies on a few convenience and/or prepackaged foods here and there to make life easier.  Sometimes you just need to grab something from the freezer or store shelf to help your day be a little less stressful. There is absolutely no shame in doing so. Especially in the times we are living right now! 

A year ago, I don't know about you, but meal planning and grocery shopping brought me to tears more than once. We were already on edge, scared of this virus that had landed on our shores, and then there was a food shortage. I remember standing in the grocery aisles having to re-do my menu plan on the fly because they were out of everything. Not knowing from week to week what we could find was emotionally draining. At one point, I would have given anything to find a couple boxes of Hamburger Helper and some frozen pot pies! 

Convenience foods get a bad wrap, and I get it. We all want to give our families meals filled with fresh healthy, ingredients. But I also come from the real world. Let's face it, those prepackaged foods are still made because we keep buying them. Sometimes it's because they are cheaper. Sometimes it's because of time. Sometimes it's just simply because they are easier. Personally, I don't want any shame because of it, and I don't give any shame. I have been the lady at the grocery store with a cart filled with fresh meat, veggies and fruits. Standing behind the mom with 4 little ones that had tv dinners, frozen pizzas and cans of ravioli in her cart. I distinctly remember her looking at me, looking at my cart, and getting a look on her face that screamed shame. She assumed I was standing there judging her. Nope, not me lady. You are trying to feed your babies, and doing the best you can. 

This is one of our new favorite casseroles, and guess what? The part I love the best? It starts with a bag of frozen popcorn chicken! Yep, we are taking a terrific traditional recipe like Chicken Parmesan and turning it into a weeknight meal with the help of something from the frozen food aisle! 

Since there is no need to thaw the chicken first (BONUS!) you can come home and have this on the table in less than an hour. Throw on some sweats, toss a quick salad and dinner is done! It's a hearty, filling, perfect after a long, maybe chilly day, casserole the whole family will devour. 

I try really hard to use fresh ingredients in most of our meals. But I will be the first one to admit sometimes that blue box of macaroni and cheese is just easier (oh, and it happens to be yummy). And when those boxed au gratin potato mixes go on sale for $1 or even $.49, yep you can bet I'm going to buy a few to keep on hand for those nights when I just can't handle complicated. 

Taking a little help here and there from the grocery store is no reason to feel shame, or look down upon others for. I think we all appreciate the foods we do have a little more after living through this pandemic, and should be thankful we have the ability to make something from scratch, or pop a frozen lasagna in the oven. Many across this country and around the world would give anything to have that choice, so I will be grateful the next time I'm walking down the frozen food aisle to grab that box of fish sticks. 

 Chicken Parmesan Casserole

1 (25 oz.) bag frozen popcorn chicken, no need to thaw

1 lb. rotini pasta, cooked to al dente

1 (24 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce

1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 c. grated Parmesan/Romano cheese blend

1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

1 c. shredded pizza blend cheese

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 TBS Italian seasoning

Salt and Pepper

Dried Parsley

Preheat oven to 375. While pasta cooks, in a large bowl combine spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, seasonings, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Fold in popcorn chicken. When pasta is cooked, drain well. Mix into chicken mixture. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with pizza blend cheese. Bake for 50 minutes until browned and bubbly. Garnish with dried parsley. 

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

 

Snow Day

 We got our first "big" snow of the season this weekend. In fact, it was the biggest snow storm we've had here in 6 years! Our city of Fort Wayne is sometimes referred to by weathermen as "the city where storms come to die!" Many times snow storms, thunderstorms, etc will be raging our way, and then about the time they reach the city limits they fizzle out. It's the strangest thing!.

So last week when we started hearing about this snow storm that would be coming our way, most of us waited to see. Well, wouldn't you know, this time it held together, and by the time we woke up Sunday morning, we had almost 8 inches on the ground, and it continued snowing for most of the day. 

Sure, I realize for many reading this, 8 inches is nothing, but like I said, it was our biggest snow in 6 years, which for us means it was Max's 1st really big snow! And this was the fluffy, fun snow! Perfect for snow balls fights, snow angels, and if your a 16 year old Bubbie and a 4 year old Max, wrestling until you cry from laughing. Seriously, their dad and I stood there and laughed so hard watching them. They were having a ball and absolutely adorable together. Warmed this mommy's heart, that's for sure! 

I wish I could be really cool and say "look at this amazing stew I made for when we came in from playing in the snow." But that would be a lie. I actually made this a few weeks back. (I did make slow cooker chicken and noodles yesterday though!) I just figured with much of the country already under a blanket of snow, or still expecting more over the next day or so, today would be a terrific time to share. 

This hearty stew is filled with roasted chicken, chunky veggies and a rich, creamy broth that will thaw you out in no time! It's a little thicker than a soup, not quite as thick as a chowder, so I went with stew. No matter what name you give it, every bite will be delicious and satisfying! 

Winter isn't done with us, and we might have another snow day or two in our future. No doubt coming inside to a bowl of something warm and tasty makes all that shoveling worth it! 

 

 Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Stew

2 lbs. boneless chicken tenders

2 TBS olive oi

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 medium white onion, chopped

3 celery stalks, diced

4 large carrots, diced

2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 c. chicken broth

2 c. water

2 chicken bouillon cubes

1 cup half and half

3 TBS corn starch

2 cans cream of celery soup

12 oz. bag frozen peas 

12 oz. bag frozen corn 

1 TBS dried parsley

Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Lay chicken tenders on foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes until juices run clear. Place in a large bowl and allow to cool slightly. Shred with forks. In the slow cooker, add chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes corn, broth, water, bouillon, and cream of celery soup. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on LOW 5-6 hours. Mix corn starch with half and half. Add to slow cooker. Turn to HIGH and cook about 20 minutes until slightly thickened. Add frozen peas and parsley. Stir and cook 5-10 minutes just to warm peas through. 

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

New Casserole, Old Favorite

When I first made this recipe for my family well over a month ago, I knew I had to wait to post it. We will get to why in a minute, but when I tell you, you will appreciate it so much!

I love a good ol' fashion chicken pot pie. Warm, thick filling, flaky crust...we are talking the epitome of comfort food. A classic recipe that has truly withstood the test of time. 

And while I have a great recipe for the traditional version, I was in the mood for something a little easier. For years we've also enjoyed a short cut recipe that is topped with biscuits for busy weeknights. So I decided to take the pie version, cross it with the casserole one and wah-lah, something brand new and delicious.

 This even comes with a couple short cuts to make dinner time as stress free as possible. You can certainly use a homemade crust you love, but store bought work just fine. Plus, you can prepare the chicken and potatoes earlier in the day, or even the night before to save yourself some time. 

 I love using the boneless chicken thighs because the are inexpensive AND have great flavor, but if you are a fan of white mean, boneless breasts or tenders would work just as well.

Now, to the reason why I've left this sitting in my drafts folder for weeks? Leftovers. See, while I made this will roasted chicken, your leftover Thanksgiving turkey would be a great substitute. And if you bought extra potatoes and extra veggies for your holiday meal, those could be used up to. You could clean out the fridge post Turkey Day and have a terrific casserole supper all in one shot! 

 Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs

2 TBS olive oil

1/4 c. butter

1/4 c. flour

1 c. milk

1 1/2 c. chicken broth

2 potatoes, peeled, cubed

12 oz. bag frozen peas and carrots

2 frozen pie crusts, brought to room temp

1 egg, beaten

1 TBS water 

Dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

 Preheat oven to 350. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 30 minutes. Cool and dice. Set aside.  In a medium pot, cover potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until just fork tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet melt butter. Add flour and stir and cook for 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup broth, whisking continually while it comes to a boil. Add remaining broth and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil again. Lower heat to simmer and cook 5 minutes. Add cooked chicken, potatoes and frozen veggies. Stir well to combine. Grease 9x13 baking dish. Transfer chicken mixture to dish. Roll out pie crust and cut into 1/4 inch strips. Cover chicken with crust in a lattice pattern. Whisk egg and water together and baste top of crust. Sprinkle with dried parsley. Bake for 45 minutes or until top is golden brown.  *NOTE* I cooked both my chicken and potatoes earlier in the day to save steps!

 Shared at Weekend Potluck

Noodle Lovers

If you are a chicken lover. If you are a noodle/pasta lover. If you are a simple meal lover. Any or all of these are reasons why you are going to be so happy you logged on for this week's new recipe.

Well, new to me anyway. When I showed a preview pic of this on my personal and blog Facebook pages, I was kind of surprised how many people said "Oh I love Chicken Lazone!" I guess I've been living under a rock because I've only come to know about it the last year or so. And ever since I first saw a picture of it, I knew I had to try it! Chicken. Pasta. Cream sauce. Three of my favorite things in the world all on one plate!

So, if this isn't new for you, I'm sorry you won't be as excited as me. But OH. MY. GOSH. This is good. Like, I want to make it, eat it, make sure there are leftovers so I can eat it a few more times!

The chicken is seasoned to perfection, with just a little kick! And the sauce over the top of it and the noodles just brings it all together for dinner perfection.

This is a great meal at the end of the day when you need something delicious and filling, but not need a lot of hassle. (In fact, if you half this recipe, it will be even easier, since I had to cook my chicken in batches.) I think this would also be great to make on the weekend and simply use all week for packed lunches. I can tell you Mr. E and I both thought it heated up really well.

A complete stove top meal can be your BFF in the hot summer months. One that tastes this good will make you want to make it over, and over, and over...

Chicken Lazone

2 lbs. fresh chicken tenderloins

2 c. heavy cream

1.5 lbs. vermicelli pasta, cooked and drained well

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. pepper

8 TBS butter, divided use

 Dried Parsley

About 20 minutes before cooking, place chicken on a large platter and allow to come to room temp. In a small bowl combine garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Reserve 2 tsp seasoning mix. Sprinkle on both sides of chicken. Melt 3 TBS butter on medium heat in a large skillet. Brown half of the tenders in skillet. Add 1 TBS butter to skillet before flipping to other side. Cook chicken about 4 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet and cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat process with other half of chicken. In same skillet, add 2 cups heavy cream and remaining seasoning. Cook over medium heat until simmering. Continues cooking, stirring often, for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Serve chicken over pasta with sauce poured over, and sprinkled with dried parsley. 

Inspired by Plain Chicken

Shared at Weekend Potluck