#2 Recipes: chicken tetrazzini and pancakes

Chicken Tetrazzini

(Modified from Marthastewart.com)

• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound white mushrooms, trimmed and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 pound linguine, broken in half (I used whole wheat egg noodles... I couldnt find linguine at my Target...)
• 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed, meat shredded (about 4 cups)
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed and drained

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (for pasta). In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over high heat. Add mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, until tender and browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, and set aside.
2. Make sauce: In same saucepan, melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add flour; cook, whisking, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, gradually add milk, broth, and wine. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, and add 2 cups Parmesan and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente; drain and return to pot. Add sauce, chicken, peas, and mushrooms. Toss well to combine. Divide between two shallow 2-quart baking dishes; sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Freeze or bake until browned, about 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
4. Okay! If you are baking from frozen here is what Martha says... baking from frozen 400 degrees bake covered with foil for 2 hours and an additional 20 minutes uncovered until top is browned.  Baking from freezer to refridgerator thawed, bake covered 30 minutes and then uncovered an additional 20 minutes.

Fruit Buttermilk Pancakes

(modified from shabbyblogs.com)

- 2 cups all purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon baking power

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 2 cups buttermilk

- 1/4 cup sour cream

- 2 large eggs

- 3 tablespoons butter, melted

- 1 cup fresh fruit: blueberries, strawberries, bananas, apples, etc

- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

1. combine all dry ingrediants in a bowl, blend together with a whisk
2. combine the remaining ingrediants (except fruit) in an additional bowl and mix
3. Stir the wet mixture into the dry, don't over mix, it's okay for it be slightly lumpy
4. Heat your griddle to 350 degrees and use cooking spray
5. I used an ice cream scoop to make each pancake.  Wait until there are bubbles around the edges are lightly golden, while waiting add pieces of fruit.  Then flip (fruit will not burn). 
6. If freezing, let them freeze separately before putting them in one bag.  It is easier to separate.

More Cooking... and Everybody Poops (sometimes)

Can I just say how much TV volume bothers me?  I feel like I am alone in this battle and most people have a hard time hearing the TV... perhaps I have super hearing, or maybe it's when it's something I am not interested in watching, but goodness I always feel like the TV is 3x louder than it needs to be.  (Chris is watching Harold and Kumar...)

Alright, down to business.  I've really enjoyed the feedback that I've gotten from my first two blogs - some great ideas and fun feedback!

Today I want to focus on a few more recipes and pooping :) (toddler pooping).  Let's start with the gross stuff.  Which was the most exciting!  Jackson is just a week away from preschool and we are trying so hard to get him to go "#2" in the toilet.  He just holds back, doesnt go at all and then once or twice a week goes in his pull up at night... well Friday morning I had him sitting on the toilet - I took Billy outside, switched the laundry and made my way back upstairs.  He was sitting in our bathroom and I sighed and said ... "did you poop buddy?" (expecting no) and he said "Yeah I did!" and moved to show me.  He sure did!! I don't know what came over me, but I was filled with excitement - I swept him off the toilet turned him in a circle told him how proud of him I was and he exclaimed "mommy, stop! you have to wipe my butt!" :) hahaha - oh how I love that kid.   (he was right).   Anyways, that brings me to any tips on potty training?  I know it's such a challenge for a lot of moms.  Looking for positive feedback - it's hard when it's overly constructive or slamming others, so only kind words please. 

Onto cooking - we struggled with the chicken pot pie and cooking it - turns out the way to cook it is a lot longer than planned.  Thaw over night, cook covered with tin foil for 30 minutes and then an additional 20 uncovered, watch so you don't burn the biscuits.  And that should do it!

On Saturday night I made Chicken Tetrazini and pancakes!  I also purchased the goods for a beef enchilada that Ashlee recommended.  I am also intrigued by the Tackmann recipe of Taco Ring that Megan introduced to me.  (Which reminds me... a friendly shout out to Alicia!).

The pancakes were amazing!  It calls for blueberries or any other fresh or frozen fruit.  I used our remaining fresh blueberries and then sliced up some apples.  I cooked them on our electric skillet.  (I cleaned it with actual cleaner one time and ruined a good part of it, so I can only cook three at a time - but they were delicious).  Jackson and Chris agreed.  I then put them in the freezer and we were able to toast then lightly nuke them.  I recommend freezing them separately then storing together so you can get the apart.  The whole batter was from scratch: flour, sugar, powder, soda, yadda yadda - good stuff.

Next the Chicken Tetrazini also seemed to go over well.  Oh that Martha Stewart ... she can be quite amazing.  In fact, Jennifer Garner thought as much and named her dog Martha Stewart.  If you have a celebrity naming her dog after you, you know you're awesome (except that whole jail time thing).   Anyways, so my wonderful inlaws were over today helping with some tedious outdoor tasks, which is so appreciated, and they gave good reviews on the CT as well.   The recipe made SO much food!  It was enough for 5 separate loaf pans.  We ate one for lunch (serving 4 adults and a toddler), sent one with them and I have two in the oven and one frozen!  This is the recipe that also helped me figure out how to cook things from frozen.

I also redid the garlic bread with Italian loaves and cut them into slices - it was perfect.  I froze some as well - I much prefered it that way.

I have six pork chops that need to be cooked very soon - So I might do a Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop recipe that I found.  I also need to expand to some roasted and freezable vegetables.  I really do love cooked zuchini.  I have also been thinking about breads; pumpkin, spice, zuchini, banana ... mmm mmm mmm.  The BBQ cups that Mary recommeded have been added to my to-do as well as this soup/chili suggesting from Ashlee.

I can't wait to check out different instructions on pictures from Pinterest and YouTube.  Thanks, Aud.

Oh, and although we missed church today - Jackson (all on his own) was such to make sure we go there.  He stood in one of the doorways with pieces of paper from Clue and welcomed Paul, Patti, Chris and I - handed us our program and had us have a seat.  Then he said we needed to be quiet because the music was starting.  I've never played "Church" before - but I sure loved that he wanted to!   Until next time.

Recipes & Results: Weekend One

Weekend One Recipes:

Chicken Enchiladas:

This amount made 16 Enchiladas

-          1 pkg (16) whole wheat or white flour tortillas – fajita size

-          6 boneless skinless chicken breast cubed

-          2 pkgs 8 oz cream cheese

-          8-10 oz sour cream

-          1 can Old El Peso Mild Enchilada Sauce

-          1 bag shredded cheese – Mexican or 4 cheese blend

1. Brown the chicken in a frying pan, drain.
2. Add softened cream cheese and sour cream until well blended
3. Spoon approximately ¼ cup into a tortilla shell and seal tortilla with a bit of the mixture.
4. Place in pan 13x9 in pan if making immediately
   (I chose to store mine in three separate 8x8 tins with parchment paper lining)
5. Drizzle enchilada sauce evenly over the 16 enchiladas
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top.

If making immediately bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

If making from frozen thaw in fridge the night before - cook at 350 degrees until heated through, probably about 20 minutes.

Chicken Pot Pie (made from memory as told to me from my friend Marlo)

This made 5 loaf size pans

-          6 boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed

-          1 large can cream of chicken soup

-          2 small cans cream of potato soup

-          3 bags frozen vegetables – I used both mixed vegetables and California mix

-          2 cans (8 ct) Pillsbury Homestyle biscuits.

1.      Brown the chicken in a frying pain and drain.

2.      Stir in all three soup cans, mix until creamy.

3.      Use ~2 cups of soup/chicken combo and mix in a bowl with about 2 cups of vegetables – stir well

4.      I decided a loaf size pan was good enough, it will be at least 5 servings each pan.

5.      Take 3 biscuits and place on top of the mixture.

6.      To seal and freeze this – I put wax paper on top and then wrapped with plastic wrap.  Finally (I’m so paranoid of ruining the food) I sealed in a gallon size freezer bag.

If cooking immediately; cook at 350 degrees for 18 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and warm all the way through.   If cooking from frozen; thaw the night before then cook for 20+ minutes or heated all the way through.

Honey & Spice Glazed Pork Chops

(modified from: http://joelens.blogspot.com/)

This was for Six Servings

Now to preface – I thought this turned out dry and not my favorite, my husband, who is very honest about my cooking – sometimes too honest – told me it was one of the best things I’ve ever made – so I correct the mistakes and you can adjust – and hopefully it will be delicious:

I served this with garlic bread and a side salad J

-          Cooking spray

-          6 (4-ounce) boneless center-cut loin pork chops

-          salt

-          ground black pepper

-          1/4 cup honey

-          2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

-          1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

-          1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

-          1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat.
2. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned.
3. Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Place browned pork chops in crock pot and pour mixture over top, cook on Low for 4-5 hours (until done).

Three Cheese Garlic Bread:
(modified from: http://joelens.blogspot.com/)

-          The recipe calls for 1 large French loaf, but I recommend a thicker bread that you can cut into slices and cook as if it were more like Texas Toast.  I doubled the amount of bread and still had remaining mixture left over.

-          1 stick unsalted butter

-          ½ tsp garlic powder

-          1 tablespoon minced garlic

-          1 tablespoon minced parsley leaves

-          1 package of Italian shredded cheese

1.      Combine together the butter, garlic power, garlic, and parsley to make a thick spread.  Spread on each slice of bread (one side).  Top with the shredded cheese.

2.      When ready to cook – preheat oven to 400 degrees and cook 8-10 minutes until heated and cheese is melted.

3.      When I put it in the freezer (before cooking) I placed the halves facing each other so that the butter and cheese would stay in place.  I then wrapped them in tinfoil then put them in a freezer gallon bag and taped it shut (trying to keep it fresh).

Pulled Pork

So I found 2 packages of pork shoulder roast in our freezer - I've never cooked with it before - but both my moms suggested pulled pork!  Easy enough!

1 pork shoulder roast
BBQ Sauce

Place pork in a deep baking dish and cover in tin foil.  Cook at 350 for 3-4 hours until done.  Let cool slightly, then use a fork to "shred".  I separated it into three separate bowls and sealed the tight for freezer storage.  I would imagine when it is time to cook I will thaw and put it in a stove top pan and add the bbq sauce (maybe I could find a good recipe for making it myself?) and then heat through.   Add it to wheat buns! :)

Weekend Overload

So I did it! I got started!
Let's check out my before mess:

So there it is ... there it was.   I worked my tushi off getting things cleaned up.  My little lady went shopping with me to Trader Joe's and Super Target.  We got things for Chicken Enchiladas, Pulled Pork, Garlic Bread, Chicken Pot Pie, Honey Spice Pork Chops.   I decided to start there - it was a lot of work; storage bags, storage tins, spices, cleaning out cupboards and the freezer ... oh my!  Luckily when I got home from the grocery store Jackson was ready to take a break from playing Octonauts and TMNT with Chris and he helped me unload - he loved it!

I'm embarrassed to say that I am writing this on a Thursday - 4 days after the project got under way.  So we'll make this more of a summary:  During one point in my cooking process Billy was playing outside, Jackson and Sophia were napping and Chris had fallen asleep in the toy room - I turned off the TV and just enjoyed getting things prepared.

I called my mom numerous times and I called my mother in law Patti too! I had no idea what to do with all the pork chops and pork shoulder roast in my freezer - luckily it didnt go to waste - pulled pork in the oven (who knew?) and then the pork chops in the crock pot for the Spice Pork chops.

While everyone was napping I was also able to make 3 pans of chicken enchiladas.  On Sunday I finished up all the extra chicken and made 5 things of chicken pot pie - some with mixed vegetables (chris' favorite) and then california mix (my favorite).

I will attach a post with all of the recipes posted.  but as a result:   Chris loved the honey spice pork chops - I did not.  I cooked them WAY WAY too long in the crock pot (hours upon hours) and they were dry.  The garlic bread was a hit - next time, I would not buy french bread - i would choose a thicker bread that I could slice and make more in the style of texas toast - too much crust makes it hard to eat.  Chris tried to heat up a chicken pot pie straight from the freezer ... my suggestion ... "my bad" .. definitely thaw it in the fridge over night.  Tonight he heated up a chicken enchilada dish (that was thawed) and that turned out just fine.

In between all the cooking, I continued to pursue my passion for pictures.  I only spent about 15-20 minutes trying to snap some shots of Sophia and Little man.  They turned out all right.  I just wanted to get one good picture of her with her 3 balloons - I think it worked :)  I will definitely need to keep practicing.  My frustration is that I have a book about DSL for dummies - But I need a How to Read "DSL for Dummies" for dummies... it's so confusing. CAN SOMEONE JUST SHOW ME WHAT THE BUTTONS DO!? i just want to know how to have the professional touch at the end of the pictures - is it about where you print them? where should I print them? Shutterfly takes the liberty to crop all DSL photos - doesnt make me too happy.  Ahh, but it sure is fun!

What's next - well it's been a week full of work, a house that gets away from me - so grateful to chris who emptied/loaded the dishwasher and scrubbed the crock pot, laundry is always going - but my kids are bathed, smiling and happy!  Well they are sleeping right now (I am determined not to spend much time away from them, these are my naptime and evening projects).   But for the weekend I have two more recipes to try:   Some Chicken Pasta bake & My sister in law, Ashlee's, Beef Enchiladas _ I have all that I need for both, besides the meat.  Then I will take a breather, stay stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables and eat from my fresh frozen meals :)

I do promise to try to keep up better with the blogging as it goes - I've talked about it so much, I have to follow through!  Again, if you're still hanging in there - thanks!  and now you can enjoy the finished product below:

Here Goes Nothing!

Some people blog.  Some people cook.  Some people take pictures.  Some people make crafty things and sell it on Etsy and pin it on Pinterest.  Some people save and make money from these things.  I plan to do it all.

I am not one to take to the internet to post my thoughts, well not most of them anyways.  Typically I turn to my "besties" and go about my day.  Well with two very amazing children, a husband, a dog and a full time job (that takes up an additional 2.5 hours of commuting in my 24 hour day) I am going to focus on sorting my thoughts and laying out my plans.   In this way I will be committed - I do an awful lot of talking - So I better take some action.  This will make my life easier and my family happier and ease the stressors.  Because, after all, I talk to people about relieving their daily stress, I should do it too.

One thing at a time, people.  What does my wonderful life look like in a painted picture?  Well imperfection, of course.

But I see a very a colorful canvas with room for more colors:  organized kitchen, a freezer full of home cooked meals, clean counter tops and my family at the dinner table saying grace.

I see a fit and happy family.  You can't make us go inside, we were just about to go on our second walk of the day!

Beautiful pictures that I have taken (or Jackson or Chris) thoughtfully framed and displayed in our home.  A stack of pictures of others that I took (others who couldn't afford a photographer) and I am about to deliver them.

A look and see quilt that I sewed myself!  I should probably start saving for a sewing machine.

There is music in the back ground.  Music from the likes of Fun, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Janis Joplin and of course some Old McDonald and Amazing Grace mixed in.

My life is blessed.  More blessed that I feel I deserve sometimes.  So I am going to take advantage of what I've got and build off of what I think I'm capable of and "just blog about it."  If I'm the only one reading ... maybe Chris will check it out occasionally ... then that's okay, but if you're reading this too - then thanks for reading so far - and I hope you enjoy what I have to say.  I am kind of actually very excited.

Where can we start?  Well a very happy shout out to Melissa Grzesiak who told me to sign up for Pinterest.  And then after a very serious and important conversation about life she was ready to help me jump on board for FREEZER MEALS!  I am going to stock up my (yet to be purchased ...Chris??) deep freezer.  Breast Milk and unidentified frozen meat have taken over our pull out freezer - this must be organized.  I don't like putting a box of mac and cheese on the counter and hope that Chris has time to make that for Jackson at night as well as thinking of a fruit or vegetable that could go with it.  Yes, it is a must.  Jen McCarthy would be so disappointed in me.  You can rest easy my friend, I will not be buying boxed mac and cheese unless the Octonaut characters suddenly grace the box, because, well, how could I tell Jackson no? :)

First step - organize pantry, purchase freezer bags and storage containers, clean out freezer and get cooking.   I will hopefully amuse you with my wonderful recipes, reactions from the family, pictures of the befores and afters and involve my family as much as possible!

Before I get started, I have to ask Chris to turn down the tv - he is sleeping on the couch and the kids are upstairs tucked in bed and I'm about to turn my kitchen upside down!