Lunch Break Recreation

Most days of the work week I am at home with Max, all day. Well, besides having to pick Alex up from school. And that is exactly how I like it. It's what I signed up for. In fact, during these cold and dreary months, I LOVE not having to go anywhere. Comfy clothes, no make up, and me and my baby boy hanging out all day. I was the same way when Alex was a baby too. My favorite days were when we had no where to be and could just enjoy the day.

However, some days there is one thing that becomes a tad difficult; and I'm sure other stay at home parents would agree with me. Lunch. First off, most of the time I have to plan when I eat around when Max sleeps, so I'm usually eating lunch around 10:30 or 11:00 am. And that's fine. I'm up so early I'm starving by then. But then you have the days when it just doesn't happen because he doesn't nap, or he is fussy, or he wants to play or be rocked. And pretty soon it's 3pm and I'm sucking peanut butter off spoon! 

But even when I am able to eat, it's nothing exciting, believe me. We're talking either leftovers or a sandwich and chips. Simple. Fast. Again, that's fine...but here is where Mr. E comes in.

See, he works in the real world; and thank God for that. Better yet, he works in the medical field; and as I or anyone else who has ever worked in that field can tell you, depending on the job, there is usually some pretty yummy food around. Drug reps and companies are always having meals catered in, and he comes home telling us about what he had. All. The. Time. Sure, I'm happy he is so well fed, but when he's going on about his sushi lunch, or how one of my favorite restaurants brought in huge pans of pasta, and the highlight of my day was my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, well, let's just say it doesn't always go over well. Ha! 

Plus, even on days when there isn't any food brought it, which are few and far between, they have an excellent cafeteria where he can also go for some delicious lunch. And that is what inspired this recipe. He came home a few times raving about a chicken and rice soup, which sounded so good to me too, so I had to try to recreate it. 

This isn't your typical chicken and rice soup. This one is creamy, and thick. It's a stick to your ribs, come home to after a long cold day and thaw out kinda soup.

I love being a mommy, and all the perks that come with it. Even when I'm starving or having to eat fruit snacks and call it a meal; but if anyone out there wants to bring me a catered lunch, feel free to ask for my address!

Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup

2 TBS vegetable oil

4 boneless chicken breasts

2/3 c. long grain white rice

2 (32 oz. ) boxes chicken broth

1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

6 white button mushrooms, diced

1 medium white onion, diced

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp. dried basil

6 TBS flour

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cooking Spray

Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place chicken on it. Spray with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30-45 minutes until juices run clear. Allow to cool enough to handle, then shred. Set aside. In a large stock pot  heat oil over medium heat. Add carrots, onions, celery and mushrooms. Saute until tender, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, basil, salt, pepper, rice and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook about 15 minutes until rice is tender. In a small bowl, whisk together evaporated milk and flour until smooth. Add to soup. Bring back to a boil and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Add in chicken, stir and heat until warmed through.