Recipe Review - Greek Chicken and Potatoes

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Today I tried a new Pinterest crock pot recipe for Greek Chicken.  It was easy and yummy!

Greek Chicken

1 Small Whole Chicken (3-5 lbs.), skin removed
1 Red Onion, diced
2 Cups Vegetable Broth
1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
Juice of 1 Lemon
1 Tbs. Oregano
1 Tbs. Basil

Place all ingredients except chicken in crock pot and stir well. Add in chicken (you can keep it whole or break it into breast, thigh, leg, wing etc. This recipe also works with frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts... just defrost first). Cook on low for 6+ hours. Use a thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees (F).

garnish with sliced black or kalmata olives and cucumber slices.

I needed a side dish and my favorite local Greek restaurant serves the best potatoes.  I went on the lookout for a recipe and found this one.  However, I was out of lemons and I didn't feel like messing with making chicken broth...so I diced some potatoes, coated them with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil...then I poured some of the juices from the chicken in the crock pot over the potatoes!  Covered them and baked them as the recipe instructed...they were delish!

 Greek Potatoes

 Ingredients

1/3 cup olive oil

1 1/2 cups water

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 Tbsp dried oregano

2 pkgs of chicken bouillon

6 or 7 potatoes, peeled and quartered

Directions

Preheat oven to 350.

Whisk together first 6 ingredients.

Place quartered potatoes in large casserole dish, pour mixture over them.

Cook, covered, at 350 until tender. (About 1 hour)

To crisp up outside of potatoes – uncover and place under broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Watch carefully so they don’t burn!

Recipe Review

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Tonight I tried a new recipe from Pinterest, called Bourbon Chicken.

It was easy, tasty, and the whole family gave it two thumbs up.  We added broccoli to our rice and topped with with the chicken and extra sauce.  Yummo!

CLICK HERE for step by step directions.

Bourbon Chicken

Time: 15 min. prep + 30-40 min. cooking time
Yield: 5 servings
Recipe from Big Oven via Pinterest

5 chicken breasts
2 T oil
1 t garlic
1/4 C apple or pineapple juice
1/3 C brown sugar
2 T ketchup
1 T apple cider vinegar
1/2 C water
1/3 C soy sauce
pinch red pepper flakes
1 T cornstarch

1. Cut your chicken into small 1-2 inch pieces with some kitchen scissors. 
2. Heat up a large skillet over medium high heat. Once it is hot, pour 2 T Olive Oil into it. 
3. Add your chicken pieces to the pan and let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
4. The chicken will start to get a bit juicy and bubbly. Put the lid on the pan, slightly tilted and drain the juices out into the sink. Return the pan to the stove top and continue cooking over medium high heat. 
5. Into a medium sized mixing bowl combine 1 t garlic, 1/4 C apple or pineapple juice, 1/3 C brown sugar, 2 T ketchup, 1 T apple cider vinegar, 1/2 C water, 1/3 C soy sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes and 1 T cornstarch. Whisk it all together until the cornstarch is dissolved and all ingredients are well combined. 
6. When your chicken has a nice brown sear on some of the pieces...
pour the sauce into the pan. Stir it around to cover all the chicken pieces. 
7. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the pan with the lid at an angle to allow some of the steam to escape. Let this baby simmer away for about 20 minutes, stirring a couple of times during the cooking period. 
8. Serve over white or brown rice. 

Homemade Fries - Recipe Review

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 I am not ashamed to admit, I love frozen fries.  In particular frozen fries from Trader Joes.  The problem is that Trader Joes is on the other side of town and I don't make it there often.

Last night we were having shredded pork sandwiches and I wanted some fries to go along with them.

What's a girl to do?  Check Pinterest of course! 

I found this recipe and gave it a try.

It was definitely not as easy as throwing fries from a bag into the oven.  However, it wasn't too difficult and the kids thought they were tasty.

Here's a poor phone photo of how mine turned out.  They were just out of the oven when I snapped this photo so I think they look a little greasier than they actually were.

 

You can find more of my recipe reviews HERE

Welcome September

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I hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend!

Our day has consisted of laundry, Storage Wars reruns, and cleaning the garage.  The garage was the last room that really needed some more attention in the unpacking department.

For breakfast we welcomed September with pumpkin pancakes.  Nothing fancy, I just added 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to my regular Bisquick pancakes.  I know Bisquik has something bad for you in it, but it's ok with me.  I have tried several brands of baking mix, including organic and homemade, I simply like the way Bisquik pancakes taste the best.

Bring on September and October, definitely my favorite time of year!  I have been pinning like crazy to my fall food and harvest decor boards.  There are too many yummy recipes and cute decorating ideas, I know I will not even be able to scratch the surface in the few short months of autumn.

While it was not cold today, it was overcast and drizzly so for dinner we had a fall/winter staple, Crockpot Beef Stew.  I found this recipe several years ago and modified it to fit my needs.  It could not be easier!

Crockpot Beef Stew

Beef Stew Meat - about 1 pound

Can of tomato soup

Can of water - more for thinner stew

Salt

Pepper

Onion & garlic flakes

3 potatoes

Vegetables (whatever you have on hand)

Sear the stew meat like you would a beef roast.  Throw all the ingredients together in the crockpot and cook on high for about 5-6 hours.  This recipe allows me to use up whatever veggies I have in the fridge! Today I used frozen corn and baby carrots.

Recipe Reviews

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Today I tried two new recipes.  

We love going to Ohana for dinner when we are in Disney World and one of their menu items is sesame noodles.  Tonight I tried the Pioneer Woman recipe for simply sesame noodles and they tasted exactly like Ohana!  (I left out the raw garlic, just not fans here)

Pioneer Woman Simply Sesame Noodles

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons sugar

4 garlic cloves minced

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

3 tablespoons pure sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon hot chili oil (or to taste)

4 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons hot water

4 whole green onions, Sliced Thin

12 ounces Asian noodles or 12 ounces other thin noodles

Directions: 1 Whisk together first 8 ingredients. 2 Cook the noodles as directed on package and drain. 3 Mix together sauce and warm noodles, making sure that all the noodles get well covered (or saute noodles with sauce in a skillet on medium heat). 4 Serve topped with green onions.

I also tried this vanilla pudding chocolate chip cookie recipe I saw on Pinterest.  They are the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever made!  In the past, my chocolate chip cookies always seem to flatten out and lose that soft thick texture.  These cookies did not flatten and are very moist.

Vanilla Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3.4 oz. package vanilla instant pudding mix
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat and set aside.
2. Using a mixer, beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Add in pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Drop cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until slight golden and set. Remove cookies from oven and let cool on baking sheet for two minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.

Saturday

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This past Saturday was the first time since March that we were able to just hang out at our own home with nothing major to accomplish.  It was heaven!  It also definitely made me stop and remember to appreciate that "our lives are made in these small hours"

There was a lot of making messes in the kitchen:

 Playing in pajamas:

 

Dinner in the dining room, this was the best picture he would give me:

Plus, several new Pinterest recipes:

On Sunday, I found this buffet for $25 on Craigslist.  The lady lived on my side of town and I called her almost right after she listed it.  Todd and I joked that she was either saying to herself  "I can't believe someone gave me $25 for this piece of junk or it sold so fast I should have charged more!"

  It's a little gnarly in a few spots, but overall it is in pretty good shape...and hello...$25!!  I am trying to decide if I should keep it as is and try to restore the wood or paint it in some fashion. There are a few spots where someone sanded off the inlay.  Right now it's going to hang out in the garage while I think it over.

I hope your weekend was as lovely as mine!

Friday Fun

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This week Evie has been doing a little music program everyday at church so McKinley and I have been hanging out.  Today we ventured to the neatest antique mall in town.  It's in a huge old warehouse which they pretty much left untouched before they opened the antique mall.

Thanks to American Pickers and Barry from Storage Wars...my kids think antiques are cool!  McKinley and I scoured all the items, looking them over and talking about them.  I only ended up getting a $10 screen that I am hoping to put in my workroom.  I can clip pictures on it and it's also magnetic.  I had envisioned a crib spring mattress or something more "wiry" like that, but wanted something smaller.

We also hit Edwards drive-in restaurant.  It's been featured on Man Vs. Food and they have huge tenderloin sandwiches, root beer floats, and fried mushrooms...YUM!

What's for Dinner

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Tonight I tried two recipes that Pioneer Woman posted a few days ago.  Her Food Network cooking show premiers on Saturday morning and I cannot wait to watch!

Pork Chops with Apples & Creamy Bacon Cheese Grits

Oh my heck....it was delicious!!  I didn't make too many changes...I substituted apple juice for the white wine and half & half for the heavy cream.  Overall the recipes were easy to make and easy to follow....the only thing I should have done better is cut my bacon into smaller pieces.

I didn't even borrow the picture!  lol

OOOOOhhhhh....I forgot!  I did use quick cooking grits, simply because that is all I could find at the store.  Because of that the grits only needed to simmer for about 7 minutes before I added the cream and shredded cheese.

Two New Recipes

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In the last few days I have tried several new recipes and I wanted to share them with you.

Last night I made this coconut chicken with apricot sauce.

 

(I borrowed the picture)  I also added a little cayenne pepper to my dredging mixture...oh and I added a little soy sauce and water to the apricot sauce to thin it down, I then warmed it before putting it over the chicken.

It was a HIT!!  Everyone loved it and cleaned their plates...the yummy sauce even prompted McKinley to eat rice which he usually does not care to eat.

Yield: 4 servings
1 egg
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Preheat the oven to 400˚F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly beat the egg in a medium bowl; set aside.  Mix the coconut, flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.  Working with one chicken breast at a time, dip the chicken in the bowl with the beaten egg and then coat with the coconut mixture.  Place on the baking sheet.  Once all chicken breasts are coated and on the baking sheet, evenly drizzle with the melted butter.  Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping once halfway.
To prepare the apricot sauce, mix the apricot preserves and the Dijon mustard in a small bowl.  Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

I also tried grilled sweet potatoes with a maple butter sauce from Sunny Anderson on Food Network.   I prefer my sweet potatoes really soft and this version left them still a little firm, next time I will bake them in the oven.  The maple butter was out of this world!!  I licked the spoon a few....dozen times.  lol

Ingredients

• 3 sweet potatoes, each cut into 8 lengthwise wedges
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Maple Butter, recipe follows
• Flaked sea salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Directions

Heat grill to medium-high heat.

Place the wedges in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Place on the grill, cooking on all sides until cooked through, about 10 minutes total. Remove and drizzle or brush with a bit of maple butter, sprinkle with salt and parsley to finish.

Maple Butter:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice

In a bowl, blend the butter, maple syrup and allspice together until light and smooth. Refrigerate and use as a spread or melt and drizzle over pancakes, grilled sweet potatoes or popcorn. Yield: 1/2 cup

Sweet & Tangy Pork

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While we were on vacation we ate the most amazing pulled pork! Ever since then I have been trying to replicate the taste...I stumbled upon this recipe and gave it a try today. I think it was pretty close!

Here is what you need, along with a pork loin roast.

In a bowl mix:

Jar of apricot preserves
Minced onion (or chopped fresh onion)
2 Tbs dijon mustard
2 Tbs Soy Sauce

I threw in some salt, pepper, and minced garlic because I figured why not?!

Cook in your slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours, shred and allow it to cook in the juices for another 30 minutes or so...

Here is the final result! This would also be great with cole slaw or thin sliced cucumbers on the sandwich. Tomorrow night we will be having leftovers...pork nachos with cheese and salsa!

Squash Carbonara

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Yesterday at the store I picked up a butternut squash...I have never cooked with this before so this morning I went on the hunt for a recipe.

I decided to try this one: CLICK HERE

Butternut Squash Carbonara

(makes 2 servings)
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1/2 pound pasta
6 slices bacon (cut into 1 inch slices)
2 cups squash (cut into small pieces)
1 clove garlic (chopped)
1 tablespoon sage (chopped)
pepper to taste
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano

Directions:
1. Start cooking the pasta.
2. Fry the bacon in a pan.
3. Drain most of the fat from the pan but reserve some to cook the squash.
4. Add the squash, garlic, sage and pepper and toss to coat in the bacon grease.
5. Mix the egg yolk, heavy cream and parmigiano reggiano in a bowl.
6. Drain the cooked pasta reserving some of the water.
7. Add the pasta to the pan and toss.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and wait for the sizzling to stop.
9. Add the egg mixture and toss to coat.
10. Add a bit of the pasta water and toss to mix and coat.
11. Garnish with more sage & serve.

I made a few modifications...

I substituted milk for heavy cream because I did not have cream on hand...I also used a little more pasta and added more milk to make a little more sauce. I also added cubed chicken in with the squash. I sprinkled the chicken and squash with minced onion, garlic, salt, pepper and italian seasoning...I did not have sage or fresh garlic on hand. I cooked them in the bacon drippings until the squash was soft and the chicken was cooked through.

I had to google how to peel a butternut squash...slightly embarassed about that, but never the less...a veggie peeler worked just fine.

Evie helped me crumble the bacon and only ate a little along the way! lol

I thought it was delicious! The kids did not care for the squash (of course...rolling eyes) but they tried a few pieces and ate up the pasta and chicken.

I would estimate that this meal was on the table in less than 30 minutes from start to finish!

Finally, for Stephanie...here is Marlon Brando screaming "Stelllllla" in A Streetcar Named Desire. I don't know why...but this is one of those stupid movie things that Todd and I say all the time. Don't ask...I already told you I don't know why! lol

FoodGawker

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My brother in law recently said... "never eat at a restaurant with pictures on the menu."

Hmm....well, I am not a great cook, but I like to look at food! lol This website I recently discovered is probably not new to a lot of you...FoodGawker

I like that you can save your favorites under your account. Here are a few that I have saved in my favorites. Happy food gawking!

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars


Chocolate Cheesecake with Peanut Butter Cream...hello?!!!

Graduation Pops

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I saw these on pinterest and thought...hey, those look easy enough! I bet even I can do them. Yeah..you all know where this is going, right?

Of course, they were NOT nearly as easy as they looked and mine did not come out looking like the ones I saw. However, we made a big mess, the kids had a little fun, and they will pass on the table at Evie's little graduation celebration.

I made these with Reeses cups, Ghiradelli squares, a little frosting...oh and M&M's.

Cream Cheese Chicken

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Remember...I am not a good cook and I don't really enjoy cooking. However, my family still needs to eat. Imagine that? Anyway, here is a recipe we have all enjoyed over the years.

You throw all these things in the crock pot:

Frozen chicken breast
One block of cream cheese
One package of Italian dressing mix
One can cream of chicken soup

Some people get all fancy with seasonings, butter, etc...not me. Just those four ingredients. (however, feel free to go nuts and get fancy of that works for you) Somehow it bakes down to this yummy chicken in white sauce that is awesome over rice or noodles with broccoli. I am so lazy I did not even take the picture on this post...but that is pretty much how my cream cheese chicken comes out looking.

This is where the super lazy me comes into play. I put a lot of chicken in there...because the leftover chicken works great in chicken and noodles and chicken enchiladas. Yes, that's right. 3 meals from one crock pot of chicken.

Chicken Enchiladas:

Flour Tortillas
Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese

Filling:
Leftover Chicken
1/2 tub of sour cream
Can fiesta nacho cheese soup
Taco seasoning

Think lasagna, and layer the tortillas, filling, and shredded cheese however you want...bake it for about 25 minutes.

If you are looking for gourmet recipes, you might want to check out a different blog! lol These recipes feed 'em and don't keep me in the kitchen long. If you have any similar recipes, I would love for you to share them!

Ischl Tartlets & Christmas Eve

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Ischl Tartlets are a cookie I started making for Christmas a few years ago...I love their flavor and elegant appearance. CLICK HERE for the recipe.

I swiped the cookie cutters I use from my mom...thanks mom! lol However, mine (hers) are getting a little worn out and I have been scoping out a new set on Amazon.



Christmas Eve is always a fun time at my Grandma's house...although I have no pictures to share! You will just have to take my word that the "cookie bar" is fabulous and the appetizer dinner spread will leave you so full you can barely get off the couch.

After we come home the kids always get new pj's...this year I added a book as well. It's a fun tradition that my mom did, and still does, for me and my sisters. You are never too old for new pajamas, right?

Here they are ready to hop in bed and here is our stash after Santa visited! Stay tuned for a few Christmas morning pictures.

Sugar Cookies

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I admit it, I don't enjoy making sugar cookies. Gasp! Maybe the mess it leaves behind has something to do with my scrooginess about it?

Today, I got myself up for the task and we forged ahead! You know what though, it turned out pretty nice! There were a few squabbles, but by the end of decorating...my "too cool" son was singing Christmas carols off key and they were taking turn with the sprinkles and icing.




Here is the finished product and a few of our other goodies we have baked...mint chocolate chip cookies and pistachio cranberry cookies. I remember dipping pretzels with my grandma, so I try to keep the tradition alive.