New recipes: crock pot chicken and drop biscuits

Slow-Cooker Creamy Chicken With Biscuits

Makes: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
• 3/4 pound carrots (about 4), cut into 1-inch lengths
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8)
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (needs more!! Next time I may compeletly change this step for a different/ stronger flavor profile.)
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 6 (store-bought or Easy Drop Biscuits; see recipe), split
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (I omitted this)

Directions:
1. In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, toss together the carrots, celery, onion, and flour. Place the chicken on top and season with the poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the wine and broth. (I’d also S&P the veggies, add the liquid first and then season the chicken with more than is called for!!)

2. Cover and cook until the chicken and vegetables are tender, on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1⁄2 to 3 hours (this will shorten total cooking time).

3. Thirty minutes before serving, prepare the Easy Drop Biscuits (if using). (I did this way ahead, there’s no special reason it has to be immediately before eating)

4. Ten minutes before serving, add the peas, cream (optional), and ½ teaspoon salt to the chicken and stir to combine. Cover and cook until heated through, 5 to 10 minutes more.

5. To serve, place the bottom halves of the biscuits in shallow bowls, then top with the chicken mixture and the remaining biscuit halves.

Nutritional Info:  Calories 616 Fat 33 g Sat Fat 18 g Cholesterol 146 mg Sodium 1255 mg Protein 29 g Carbohydrate 49 g Sugar 7 g Fiber 4 g Iron 4 mg Calcium 161 mg



Easy Drop Biscuits

Makes: 6 biscuits | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup whole milk

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400° F. In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, baking powder, and salt; pulse until pea-size clumps form. Add the milk and pulse just until moistened.

2. Drop 6 large mounds of the dough (about ½ cup each) onto a baking sheet. Bake until golden, 18 to 20 minutes.

Nutritional Info:  Calories 315 Fat 17 g Sat Fat 10 g Cholesterol 44 mg Sodium 614 mg Protein 6 g Carbohydrate 35 g Sugar 2 g Fiber 1 g Iron 2 mg Calcium 106 mg

Fabric Bunting Tutorial

A few weeks ago I posted a sneak peek of this project in the form of pretty piles of fabric. The top fabric collection became birthday bunting for MJ. I’m about halfway done with C’s. But since MJ’s birthday is a month sooner and has to be mailed I had to get that one done first thing.



I worked with precut 10 inch squares from Moda. You could use any size square for this project with the same techniques.

Step number one: Fold each square in half, line up a ruler diagonally corner to corner (it doesn’t much matter which corners unless there is a pattern on your fabric you need oriented a specific direction) and make a cut along the length of the ruler with a rotary cutter.

You’re left with your large pennant, flag or triangle (whatever you prefer to call it, I’ll continue to call it a triangle), and two oddly shaped smaller triangles. You will need 2 large triangles to make 1 completed triangle for your bunting/banner; a front and back.   Step number two is optional, but I had each triangle embroidered. I didn’t do the embroidery, I have a friend (two actually) who does this and I sent my fabric away to her. One letter on each triangle.

Step three is to sew the triangles together. Place two triangles right sides together. Pin. Sew up two sides being careful to backstitch near the top. I cut off the point at the bottom so when you turn it right side out it’s easier to get the bottom point. Just be careful you do not cut any stitches down there.

Step four is to iron! Never a sewing project without ironing. You need to iron your seems flat. Then take your ruler and rotary cutter and trim the two little extra flaps you will have at the top of each triangle.

Step five and final is to attach the bias tape. You can make your own, but I bought mine to save time. Mine was extra wide, double fold bias tape at 1/2 inch.

You will place and pin each triangle inside the seam of your bias tape. I placed my triangles right next to one another because I was spelling out words. You can choose the spacing you like best. 

Then, with a thread that matched the color of my bias tape I sewed shut the bias tape, which also attached each triangle. I left 6.5 inches of bias tape on either end of my banner to allow for hanging. 

You could chose contrasting thread or a decretive stitch for this part. I thought I had enough color and pattern happening and wanted my stitching here to disappear.

This is MJs bunting taped up on my wall.  

Ta-Da! It’s honestly a very easy project. It also has endless possibilities for various holidays and special occasions. What I love about this being fabric is that you can reuse it yearly. A new tradition is born! My sister got it and immediately declared that the banner with MJs name would be staying up permanently in her room!

I’ll make sure picture’s of C’s make it onto the blog eventually as well. :-)

The Good Luck of Right Now

"A struggling priest, a shy “Girlbrarian,” her feline-loving, foul-mouthed (tourettes syndrome) brother, and the spirit of Richard Gere join the quest to help Bartholomew (Aspergers syndrome). In a rented Ford Focus, they travel to Canada to see the cat Parliament and find his biological father . . . and discover so much more." 

Had I not previously read The Silver Linings Playbook by this same author I would have never picked up this book based on the synopsis. I really liked parts of this book, but overall it wasn't as good as his first one. Warning; there is a lot of foul language in both books. This time it's mainly due to the character with tourette's syndrome. Eventually I just mentally blocked the F-word and it read much better. 

The thing I liked about this book was the glimpse into the minds of characters struggling with mental health issues. It seems very real and raw. It made me stop and consider how I think about and act towards these folks. Because of the character's vulnerable states they were very easy to connect with. The ending was great. It's hard to review; like his first book they're things you just have to read for yourself. 

Note; I loved Bartholomew's notebook in which he writes interesting things. I've said a hundreds times that I'd like to start journaling. This gave me yet another push to do so.  I'd say 3.5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it hesitantly (because of the language). You should try The Silver Linings Playbook however!  

Book Reviews

Although the Lord of the Rings is not in fact a trilogy, but written as a single book in three parts, I'm reading it as three separate books. And this is part two; The Two Towers. I didn't like it as well as the first installment. It seemed more segmented; the story line of the one ring and that of the majority of the company who originally set out with it diverges and it is difficult to go between the two. More places and people with several names apiece make pauses in the story of the company hazardous. I found myself wondering exactly who was being discussed and where they were at times. And the progress of Frodo, Sam and the ring is slow and disheartening. 

I didn't read this as quickly or as eagerly as the first part. But that said it was still excellent. I kept reading and wanting to know what would happen next. As a good author should I was drawn back in and sad to see the story line end, despite counting down pages early in the book. It's long, but I suppose that goes without saying. 

I need a bit of a breather from this epic story, but I will finish the last part this year. Hopefully before summer. I'd recommend this book, and I'll probably even re-read it, but not for some time to come.

   I purchased this book last year and am finally getting around to reading it. I had high hopes, but this was not one of the better books I've read. Despite wanting to like it, I'd give it 2.5-3 stars out of 5. Definitely not a read-read for me. 

I remember about 90 pages in that I liked it better. The pace picked up, the writing smoothed out, flowed better and made more sense. And then the end was unsatisfying. The start of the book draws you in, almost like a good, but long, paper introduction. And then the author drops the very riveting story and begins something else. It seemed an abrupt and disconnected transition; and much more of that was to follow. She was at her best with personal stories. But her "religious" sections (for lack of a better term) seemed to lack... direction, definition, complete sentences? I question because I'm truly not sure. 

I was vaguely reminded of the writing of Ann Voskamp. It's a different meter and at first disconcerting. But you settle into Voskamps writing and get comfortable. Not so with Weber. It just never fell into place and meshed for me. 

I am glad I read this before I picked up her 400+ page memoir about her conversion while studying at Oxford. That's been on my to-read list for quite some time, but not after this book! No way I can handle 400 more pages from this author. Such a pity, but they can't all be winners.   

catching up on February

Here’s a bit of what happened at our house in February. Non-baby picture version. The highlight of the month was my Momma visiting. After the fact I realized that I never took a picture with her. I have to remember to do that and not just get pictures of C with everyone.

On to February…

I've occasionally been ordering Bountiful Baskets. It’s a CSA type program, though not local to ND, (obviously at this time of year) for produce. We got a lot of purple potatoes near the first of the month. I didn't realize they were also purple inside! It made for quite interesting mashed potatoes. But I’m happy to report they taste and cook just like russets. Apparently the main different is the extra antioxidants contained in their skin. You learn something new all the time.  

Valentine’s day was bitterly cold this year and I spend most of it curled up in fuzzy socks, sweaters and hot tea.

Jared wrapped my birthday present (Ugg boots. I was so excited since my fake Ugg boots have worn a hole in the bottoms.) this year! It’s usually in the bag or plain box of whatever store it came from. To his credit this was multi-papered because he used the very last happy birthday paper we had. Which incidentally, don’t ask me how I remember, I bought for Luke’s birthday when we were stationed in Delaware. 

I decided I had to have ice cream despite the subarctic weather one night. And there is no point in having ice cream without sprinkles. 

I got inspired in the kitchen and tried a new recipe. J didn’t love it; and I agree the seasoning needs tweaking. However it was easy (crock-pot) and will probably make future appearances despite it not being a big favorite. One of the best parts were these easy drop biscuits. 3 ingredients and they were soooo delicious. J isn’t a big biscuit fan (what?! I know) and he even ate one.

A few shots from baking my birthday cake. My apron was made by my talented mother-in-law and it’s so pretty. I usually make an angel food cake for myself. Most of the it is time plain. Once I did funfetti (sprinkles), but this year I decided to go big and try a new recipe. Lemon meringue angel food cake. It was somewhat of a process; cake one day, meringue the next day. But it was delicious.

Momma arrived in ND on my birthday, which was also a Friday and our regular homemade pizza night. That was fine with me because I could eat pizza every day. It’s a favorite. We had a bottle of Mumm’s pink champagne (which inevitably makes me think of the movie An Affair to Remember) and cut into my birthday cake which turned out really well. Abbie gave me the idea to dig out J’s heat gun, used for polishing boots once upon a time, and brown the sides of the cake with it since I lack the “essential” piece of kitchen equipment known as a torch. Anyway! Yummy. 

Birthday flowers from dear friends Mike and Lynn.

Sunday night dinner Momma made beef stew and I made bread. It was perfect. Until C decided that something (tomatoes?) didn’t agree with her and spent the evening throwing up dinner… 

One of mom’s birthday presents was the book on the right. I’ve already read it (book review forthcoming). It was wonderful!  And that’s about all the pictures I took when Momma visited. We drank buckets of tea, watched copious amounts of Masterpiece (I introduced her to the miniseries Endeavour), talked, had Andy over for taco Tuesday and pizza night. Mom babysat so I could run away and get a massage. It was a lovely visit; and as always too short.

One of the consolations after Momma’s departure was drinking tea while watching Downton Abbey. The season finale only took me three sittings (thank you C) to watch. It was probably one of the best seasons, aside from the very first one, that I’ve watched.

The other news from February is that my step-dad’s brother and mother passed away within about two weeks of one another. It’s been a long and difficult few weeks, especially for my Mom and Dan. Although I suppose that was the very tail end of February and really more the start of March. But that ends the month and catches things up for the most part.

Now I have a stack of book reviews to write up and a few recipes I want to put down here as well. Oh! And after my little niece gets her birthday surprise in the mail this week, I’ll put together a sewing tutorial on the project I did for the girls birthdays this year. How is it possible that they’re almost a year old?

10 months

Weight: 16 pounds 8 ounces (home scale)

Length:

Head Circumference:

Eyes: Blue; those beautiful eyes still haven’t changed one bit.  

Hair:   Dark blonde, light brown, maybe even redish? We need more of it to see!!

Firsts: Steps while holding the furniture. Waving. Not nursing at night.  

Other fun stuff:

We started the month with her top middle, left tooth finally breaking through! Hallelujah. Her top middle right tooth appeared the first of March as well. Seriously, Praise God!!

So we are up to 4 teeth. She’s in size 3 diapers and wearing size 6-9 month clothes. Her primary mode of transportation is crawling, however she is pulling to a stand and just starting to take a tentative step sideways. She waves at everything and loves to play peek a boo. She is babbling a lot; everything is "Dada" with an occasional "Hi!" She has also started to give kisses. Usually to herself in mirrors, but also to her books and to Mumma!

C loves to eat! 3 meals a day + nursing 3 times a day. I think she gave up nursing in the middle of the night! She continues to love reading; favorite books this month are Eric Carl's ABC book, Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice. She still loves music. And she likes “dancing” (jumping and wiggling) to it. The favorite toy this month seems to be her John Deere tool set, despite inflicting a small wound to her right eye with the hammer. She lives "helping" with the dishwasher!

Naps are twice a day usually an hour, sometimes two. Her night sleep has been the worst she's had most of the month. But with the breakthrough of her two top teeth I think things may be heading in a better direction. The past few nights she’s gone down and stayed down for the most part. She talks herself back to sleep a lot or if she’s up in the middle of the night she goes back down without nursing. I hope we’re turning a sleep corner!

Grammy came to visit for a week. It went by way too quickly (it always does) Everyone loved the visit!

Photos…

Sunday, February 8th  It’s hard to get a picture of her that isn’t blurry now; she’s always on the move. And she’s always standing up.

Monday, February 9th  I bought some foam bath letters for $5. She loved them! Great for teething.

Tuesday, February 10th  Playing with her lion. He used to hang on her baby gym, which she’s since outgrown, and was her favorite. Still a favorite toy! (And those blue eyes!! Beautiful)

Wednesday, February 11th  She was “helping” me to unload the dishwasher. I really hope she’s taking notes on how to do all this housework. I also hope this does not signify a future affinity for percussive instruments.  I found a John Deere play tool set (I think it was a gag gift for J several years ago). She loves it! And I love her eyes in this picture.

Thursday, February 12th  Another rough night. But she was happy to be awake and ready for a bath at 8am! She adores her baths.

Friday, February 13th  I took a lot of pictures today! Aunty Abbie was requesting them to be sent to her, so… :-)  The first picture was divine timing. She got this Veggie Tales book for Christmas from Aunt Sara and Uncle Luke and she just loves it. It plays music and she likes to kiss herself in the mirror.

Saturday, February 14th  C’s first Valentine’s Day. She had a rare cat nap on my lap that afternoon. Thankfully she’s still napping well in her rock and play.

Sunday, February 15th  It was a bitterly cold day! We had fun inside taking some selfies. She loves seeing herself on my phone screen.

Tuesday, February 17th  Some morning snuggles in Mumma’s bed. The pictures are a little blurry, but that face of hers!!    Later that day. This is her thousand yard stare; aka. it’s nap time.

Thursday, February 19th  Giving Mumma a backrub

Friday, February 20th  My birthday, and the day Grammy arrived for a visit! The best day of the month by far!! C was so excited she just couldn’t sleep the night before (yawn) but she was up and ready to go that morning.

Sunday, February 22nd Got some pictures with Grammy Hanging out with Dada while dinner was being finished up.

Wednesday, February 25th  A series of funny faces after nap time.

Thursday, February 26th  I snapped this first picture just at the right moment. It looks like she’s meditating and doing yoga. The rest are just her being goofy and playing that day around lunch time.

Friday, February 27th  Grammy’s last day of her visit. It just went by too fast!

Saturday, February 28th  I got up early to take Momma to the airport and when I got home a little girl was chatting away in her crib and ready to wake up!

Sunday, March 1st  She was up early and looking a little tired while we played after breakfast. She was showing her bear about the oh so important remote!  Mid- peek-a-boo later that afternoon.

Monday, March 2nd  Playing with her elephant; still a favorite toy.  
Later I put in Easter Parade and she was mesmerized. It just might be up there with The Sound of Music as a favorite for her. I love that she loved it because it’s one of my favorites!

Wednesday, March 4th  It’s difficult to do things in the kitchen with this little monkey always hanging on my legs. Chasing the cats per usual later that day. And waving. She just loves to wave right now.  
Friday, March 6th C is 10 months old. Why does that sound and seem so much older than 9 months? She was up early, but after only fussing and going back down easily at 8:30 and 9:30 the night before she’d slept the rest of the night! Her “official” monthly photots.