Sunday, December 10, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Chicken and Dumplings

Today's Main Dish Monday recipe comes from our dear friend, Kristen.  We've been best friends with Kristen for many, many years now, and one of the things she is most famous for is her cooking!  The girl can make the tastiest meals and the prettiest cakes you've ever seen!  She even hunts for her own meat!  What can't she do?!  Anyway, when I was marrying Christopher, I had a bridal shower and all of the ladies brought me their favorite recipes so that I could keep my man happy once married.  Kristen gave me the recipe for her simple and delicious chicken and dumplings.  She knows what a picky eater he is, so she kept this one basic!  I added a few extra spices while I was making it this time, but trust me, it's good as is!!





I can remember the first time I ever spent time in the kitchen with Kristen.  We were in high school and decided we wanted to cook a meal for our boyfriends.  Up until this point, I specialized in grilled cheese and tomato soup, spaghetti, and occasionally pancakes and scrambled eggs.  Kristen, however, cooked fancy and delicious meals!  She put me in charge of dessert, so I set out to follow her recipe for peanut butter pie.  I got it all done and put it in the fridge so it could cool.  That was about the time that Kristen discovered that I forgot to add in the powdered sugar!  HAHAHA!  Don't worry, it was still tasty!  When it was time to sit down and eat, Kristen asked me to grab the wine opener so we could enjoy a glass of nonalcoholic wine (we were teenagers!).  I happily obliged and brought her what I thought was the corkscrew.  My parents never drank wine, so I don't think we even owned one!  She died laughing when I handed her a GARLIC PRESS to open our "wine!"  We still crack up at that story and Michelle and I love to tell it at our cooking classes!  I've come a long way in the kitchen since those days, and am happy to report that I know the difference between a corkscrew and a garlic press, and I haven't forgotten the sugar in my peanut butter pie since that day!  The three of us often say that we are so very grateful for our friendship and we thank the Lord for stories like those!  We've been friends for about 13 years and even though we live in different states now, we still talk via text message every single day!  It is a wonderful and special thing to have friends that teach you new things, make memories with you, and pray for you on a daily basis. 

Alright - Back to the dumplins'!!

I started off by boiling the chicken breasts, but you could definitely bake them if you prefer. 
                            See the source image
Once boiled, go ahead and chop them up and set aside.

Next, mix the flour and Crisco with your hands until it gets crumbly.  Add water until is a dough consistency.  Roll out and cut into strips to form the dumplings.
  

                                   See the source image 

Warm up your cream of chicken soup in a pan and then add your dumplings.  Stir this up, then add your chicken chunks.  Add salt and pepper to taste. 

This is where you can add whatever spices you'd like.  I added some parsley and garlic powder (who doesn't love garlic?!), and threw in some cooked carrots as well.


Attachments area

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Holiday Diet Damage Control

It’s Main Dish Monday

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  These are three easy salads you can make to lighten up the calories after Thanksgiving!   The next month will be full of tempting sweets - remember to only have one and pull yourself away from more to keep from gaining the December Ten!  Enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipeChicken Club Salad

Link to video:  Easy Main Dish Salads


Shopping List:
Baby spring mix
Apple cider vinegar
Extra virgin olive oil
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Garbanzo beans
Grilled chicken
Cilantro
Salsa
Various cheeses
Various vegetables
Various toppings





Sunday, November 5, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Velvety Cheesy Quiche

It’s Main Dish Monday

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from both Marah and Michelle.  This is our family recipe for velvety cheese quiche and it sure is delicious!    With this as a main dish, we like to serve a light salad to complete the meal – enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Velvety Cheesy Quiche Recipe

Shopping List:
Butter - salted
Flour
Eggs
Quart of whole milk
Pint of heavy whipping cream
Smoked Gouda cheese -  1lb
White cheddar cheese – ½ lb
Salt, pepper, dry mustard, smoked chipotle pepper




Monday, October 30, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Cream of Potato Soup

It’s Main Dish Monday!  

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  This is her recipe for Cream of Potato Soup that she has been making for the last thirty years.  (Still no heart attack although this is heart attack worthy!) 



The weather has turned chilly and tiny bits of snowflakes were seen yesterday when I was walking to Marah's house.  While she is in Daytona with her two favorite fellas on the planet, I am dog-sitting my grandpup, Lucy Girl.  The leaves are falling even before they've turned much color and the wind carries that first bite that says it won't be long until winter arrives.  I love it!  Fur coat weather is on the way, Baby! 

I didn't have any potatoes and Marah didn't have any I could "borrow" so I made homemade butternut squash soup....so delicious.  I will have to post that recipe.  It's made with rosemary and just a little bit of nutmeg...MMM! 

However, this soup is perfect for fall weather!  As a main dish, you may want to serve this with some French baguette, tangy cheese, and  a light salad to complete your meal – enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Cream of Potato Soup Recipe
Link to video:  The Classy Pearl - What We're All About

Shopping List:
Butter - salted
Flour
Quart of whole milk
Pint of heavy whipping cream
Smoked Gouda cheese -  1lb
White cheddar cheese – ½ lb
Salt, pepper, dry mustard, smoked chipotle pepper

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Upcoming Cooking Classes!

We are so excited about our upcoming November cooking classes!  Thanksgiving is one of our favorite family holidays and we go all out on the meal preparation.  

We will offer one class in early November (the date is still not quite fixed) which will be completely focused on Thanksgiving dinner recipes.  For the last 20 years I have used Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving Day Planner.  I generally stick to the same recipes but sometimes I do mix it up.  I love to set the table the night before Thanksgiving - the tablecloth and dinner napkins are starched and ironed...yeah, I'm THAT person!  Marah and I are happy to share our favorite recipes and help you choose a menu that will be sure to impress your loved ones!  My personal challenge each year is making sure the slurry for the homemade gravy smooths out and the lumps disappear - sometimes I get there and other times we have lumpy, yet tasty, turkey gravy!  Marah has THE best pumpkin cheesecake recipe and we'll beg her to include that!

P.S.  It is time to order your fresh, free-range, gourmet turkey!  We have ordered ours from Bowman & Landes for thirty years.....you just can't settle for less once you buy the best!

Memories....last year we all played a hilarious charade-like game!  We love our family!!!  

The other class we are going to offer is a one for the kids!  Our last kids' cooking class was a ton of fun cooking the entire meal outdoors.  This class will focus on a sugar cookie that is sturdy enough for cut-outs and perfect for adding icing! 
 
We're still working on the details but we'll get the information posted as soon as we can!  

Meanwhile....

These three headed to Florida for Ivan's 7th birthday!

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

t’s Main Dish Monday!

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from both Marah and Michelle - the smokin’ hot, cheesy mess of Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese!    .  One of us usually makes this recipe for special events when we are going whole-hog-wild anyway!  This dish can be your main event or a hearty side dish.  There is enough cheese in this to satisfy some protein seekers but perhaps a huge salad with grilled chicken breast would help to complete your meal– enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese

Link to videoSmoked Gouda Mac & Cheese Tutorial


Shopping List:
16 oz pasta - wagon wheel, farfalle, orzo, penne, elbow - any will work
butter
whole milk
heavy whipping cream
flour
Smoked Gouda cheese
aged cheddar cheese
dry mustard
Panko crumbs
smoked chipotle pepper
onion powder



Sunday, October 15, 2017

It’s Main Dish Monday

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  This is her recipe for homemade chicken pot pie that she has been making for her family for the last thirty years.  In fact, her son, Michael, said it is so good she ought to sell it!  If you want a comfort food dish to take to new moms or any other families in need, this is a good one.  We had this Saturday for our family Sabbath dinner along with a leafy green salad and grapes.  Enjoy your time around the table with your family!


Topped with some "acorns" - perfect for October!

Link to recipeHomemade Chicken Pot Pie



Shopping List:

Whole chicken breast
Chicken bullion
Flour
Butter
Half and half
Carrots
Frozen peas
Onion or onion powder

Monday, October 9, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Grandma's Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her Grandma Riegel’s recipe for Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken that she made for Marah’s family when they were growing up.  All the family loves this dish and enjoys the sweet memories they are still making around the table at Grandma’s house!  This is great with a light salad and potatoes or rice!  Enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Everybody loves Grandma Riegel


Link to recipe:  The Classy Pearl Recipes

Link to video:  Grandma's Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Tutorial


Shopping List:

Whole chicken breast
Apple cider vinegar
Soy sauce
Ketchup
Brown sugar


Monday, September 25, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Orange Chicken


It’s Main Dish Monday!


This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her husband's recipe for homemade orange chicken and he is a very picky eater!    Marah made this for Christopher's birthday last week and he insisted that she follow his recipe to the letter; he's like that.  But it turned out perfectly.....of course, he was right!  Serving this as a main dish along with some rice and broccoli and carrots would complete your meal – enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Link to video:
Photos for step by step instruction:







Image result for orange chicken

Shopping List:
Chicken breast
orange juice
oranges for zest
red pepper flakes
corn starch
rice vinegar
sesame oil
salt

Image result for orange chicken

Monday, September 18, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce

It’s Main Dish Monday!

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  This is her recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce!    Serving this with pasta as a main dish, you may want to include a Cabernet wine along with spinach or a leafy green salad with Italian dressing and homemade bread to complete your meal – enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Link to video:   Come to a Cooking Class - So Much Fun!

Shopping List:
Ground chuck
Olive oil
Beef broth
Garlic
Jarred spaghetti sauce
Pasta – your favorite
Parmesan cheese - grated

Basil and thyme



Monday, September 11, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole

It’s Main Dish Monday!  

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her recipe for cheesy buffalo chicken casserole that is so easy and tastes just like the chicken buffalo dip everybody devours at parties!  This is an original recipe Marah created during her kitchen renovation – a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do and this turned out fantastically!   This is great with a hot vegetable like spinach or a light salad with ranch dressing!  Enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

Link to video:  Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole Tutorial



Shopping List:
Whole chicken breast
Potatoes
Sour cream
Cheddar cheese
Frank’s Hot Sauce
Croutons

Happy Birthday to my best friend, Marah!
Cheers, Sister!


Saturday, September 9, 2017

From the Heart - You Can't Change Without a Fallout

Last weekend I (Michelle) took some time for myself and headed to Emerald Isle, North Carolina. I stayed from dawn until dusk and just walked the beach talking it all out with the LORD.  

Emerald Isle September 4, 2017
For some time God has been asking me to let go of my anger and bitterness.  You know, you think you have and then there it is again, flaring up and growing.  A person cannot be an effective prayer warrior, giver, or encourager with that kind of darkness eating away at their soul.  It has to be burned away - can't run away when you're held to the flame; you've got to go all the way with God and let Him cut and burn it away.

I walked Emerald Isle Beach and cried and prayed and decided to let go of things I can't change - and stop picking them up again.  I am letting go of the hurt and the anger and resentment and going to live my life every day.  Learned a lot of lessons just sitting there observing.

For instance, there were two Jack Russell pups; cracked me up!  Their owners took them into the ocean and they loved it.  Then they put them on leashes tied to their pavilion tent (there were a lot of those!).  One of the dogs yipped and yapped the whole time the owners were swimming.  That has been me.  The other dog was rolling around on his back having a grand time scratching himself in the sand!  That is me now!

I realized that life is like the ocean - the waves just keep coming and coming and coming - that is just how life is.  But our Heavenly Father said that even though the waters come, they shall not overtake us and when walking through the fire, the flame shall not kindle upon us.  He is with us so calm the heck down!  He never said it was going to be easy, in fact, He said, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world!"

Then there was Canaan.  Oh my word.  The most adorable baby boy.  A nice family sat near me, three little daughters and a boy of about 10.  Canaan must have been their foster child.  Dad was really patient and mom was organized and calm, but not sweet.  So Canaan was about 14 months old and must have just learned to run.  He came running over to me and smiled this huge smile and we became instant friends.  Dear LORD, he was adorable!  He was so adventurous, fearless.  The foster dad took him out into the edge of the water and let the waves knock him over, watched him pick himself up, and encouraged him when he did.  He let him fall down and pick himself up, getting stronger each time.  And that is what God does for us.  He lets us fall down and He is right there but He is going to let us grow in our struggles and get stronger.  Then foster mom was out in the water with Canaan.  He was standing beside her and when the waves came, as they always do, Canaan moved himself to in front of her legs and sheltered there.  In the storms of life we are to move into the shelter of our Heavenly Father!  He will shield us.

One funny story was a little four year old girl who walked past me on the walkway and just spit a mouthful of water on my arm on purpose!  Her grandmother was horrified and said, "Abbey, you will go to time out!"  I said, "Abbey, come here.  We don't spit on people; now say you're sorry."  She did!  And I told her I forgive her!  Then she gave me a hug and said, "I like you!  You have a fat, soft tummy and a pretty sparkly ring!"  Bahahahahaha!  By then her very pregnant mother had arrived and was mortified and I just laughed and told her I am a preschool teacher and hear those things all the time!  Abbey stuck by my side and wanted to be with me; finally her family had to pack up and go home!

I hope that I got my joy for life back!  I know it will be a struggle because I will have all the same battles.  It was like Day One of a diet - you have to keep walking in it daily!  And all the way there I just sang wonderful praise songs to the LORD and one of them was "Just Be Held".  Another song said, "You can't change without a fallout - it's gonna hurt but don't ya slow down; get back up 'cause it's a hard love!"  Changes that last come with a fallout - you gotta burn your old self away. Amen, it's not going to work unless you let God tear it out.  





This was my chair and umbrella.  It was pretty windy, not hot, but perfect...but windy - my umbrella blew down the beach and I had to run after it like a fool!  Oh my goodness!!!!  That little Abbey's grandma insisted that her cigar-chewing husband come over and help me!  Oh my word.  He tried and Abbey tried and finally they all insisted that Abbey's father, a muscle-bound US Marine, come and do it.  Oh, for heaven's sake!  He got it in and I tied it to my chair with my scarf!!  Ha ha ha ha ha ha!  And ironically, they were from Ohio!  I said, "What can't Buckeyes accomplish?!"  

I left Emerald Isle with such peace - thank the LORD for this peace!!!  If you are dealing with resentment and anger, it's just going to grow into bitterness....and no one wants to become some bitter old lady with a permanent frown!  

I have smiled all week and I have found ways to give to others, encourage others, do what Jesus said, "Feed My sheep."  Every time I feel resentment trying to creep back in, I choose to "Let it go."  I give it back to the LORD and know that He is working all things together for good.  

Hard Love by Nathaniel Rinehart / William Rinehart:
Trading punches with the heart of darkness
Going to blows with your fear incarnate
Never gone until it's stripped away
A part of you has gotta die today
In the morning you gon' need an answer
Ain't nobody gonna change the standard
It's not enough to just feel the flame
You've gotta burn your old self away
Hold on tight a little longer
What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You can't change without a fallout
It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You know the situation can't be right
And all you ever do is fight
But there's a reason that the road is long
It takes some time to make your courage strong
Hold on tight a little longer
What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You can't change without a fallout
It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
When the wolves come and hunt me down
I will face them all and stand my ground
'Cause there's a fire burnin' in me
They will see my strength in this love I found
Oh
Hold on tight a little longer
What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You can't change without a fallout
It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
It's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love
Oh, it's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love
Oh, it's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love
Hold on tight a little longer
What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You can't change without a fallout
It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love

'Cause it's a hard love

Monday, August 28, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Chicken Pot Pie

It’s Main Dish Monday

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  This is her recipe for chicken pot pie that she has been making for more than thirty years; it is a dish that the whole family loves!  Add a fresh salad with cranberries and feta and enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe

Link to videoSavory Pie Crust


Shopping List:
Whole chicken breast
Half and half
Butter
All-purpose flour
Chicken bouillon or broth
Carrots
Frozen peas
Onions or onion powder

Salt and pepper

Monday, August 21, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Chicken Parmesan Casserole

 
It’s Main Dish Monday!

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her recipe for the quick and easy, super cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole.  You may want to serve this with a light salad and some French baguette to complete your meal – enjoy your time around the table with your family!



  

Shopping List:
2 whole chicken breasts
1 jar of favorite pasta sauce
Shaved Parmesan cheese (8 oz or as much as you like)
Shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz or as much as you like)
1 bag of favorite croutons

Red pepper flakes
 
 

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Summer Salads

It's Main Dish Monday!

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from both Marah and Michelle.  The video below demonstrates three easy salads you can build from some baby spring mix and ingredients most of us keep in stock on any given day.  If you follow the shopping list and recipes, you'll have dinner for half the work-week filled with delicious, healthy salads!  Remember, it is what you make it– enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipes:  Chicken Club Salad 
                             Taco Salad with Chicken
                             Mediterranean Salad
Link to video:  Main Dish Salads Tutorial



Shopping List:
*This list encompasses all three salads -

Baby Spring Mix
Chicken breast, grilled
Red onion
Vidalia Onion
Garbonzo beans
Artichoke hearts
Sun-dried tomatoes
Green and ripe olives
Tortilla strips
Sour cream
Mayo
Cilantro
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Cherry tomatoes
Plum tomatoes
Lime juice
Avocado
Fresh salsa
Sharp cheddar cheese
Penne pasta
Feta cheese
Hickory smoked turkey bacon
Celery
Apple cider vinegar



Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Lemon Crumb Breakfast Cake - Cake for breakfast?! Yes, please!

This is Marah's recipe for Lemon Crumb Breakfast Cake and it is perfect!  We had it for a pre-dinner snack!  And post dinner dessert!  Enjoy!!!

Best Lemon Crumb Breakfast Cake Video Tutorial

Best Lemon Crumb Breakfast Cake Recipe

And....I think it is time for a Kitchen Remodel update from Marah - :)

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Main Dish Monday! Perfect Mini Meatloaf

It’s Main Dish Monday

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her recipe for the delicious Perfect Meatloaf made in muffin tins for individual servings!   Both of her fellas really love this dish!  This meatloaf would be perfect along with The BEST Mashed Potatoes in the World and Cranberry Walnut & Feta Salad– enjoy your time around the table with your family!


Link to recipePerfect Meatloaf Recipe
Link to video:  Perfect Meatloaf Tutorial


Shopping List:

1.5 lbs ground chuck or ground beef
bread crumbs - seasoned or plain
sweet and spicy barbecue sauce 
eggs
cheddar cheese
milk
garlic salt
onion powder
salt 
pepper
brown sugar
Here is Marah's Recipe

Perfect Meatloaf
in 
Muffin Tins

Ingredients
1.5lbs ground beef
2/3 C milk
½ C breadcrumbs
1 ¼ C shredded cheddar
½ C BBQ sauce
1 egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

Topping
¼ C BBQ sauce
1T brown sugar
  1. 1)      Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. 2)      Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together with a         fork (or your hands!)
  3. 3)      Butter a muffin tin if you are baking as muffins, or a larger pan if         making a loaf
  4. 4)      Fill muffin tins almost all the way full
  5. 5)      Top with BBQ sauce and brown sugar mixture
  6. 6)      Bake for 30 mins
  7. 7)      Enjoy!

Good to be back!

Friday, July 28, 2017

We're Just Gonna Keep Going


Sometimes it is hard to sound like you're not complaining when you're going through the toughest days.  The disappointment is even greater when you planned that the toughest days were already behind you and smooth sailing (pun intended!) was all that awaited you.

I am so thankful for my family.  Each of them knows just what is needed from them.  Entirely blessed by their support and love.  And I have the best friends praying and sending words of constant encouragement.  Loved and blessed.  

Tuesday morning we head to the hospital so another surgeon can cut away more cancer from my pirate husband.  He had an 86% chance that the protocol he followed for the last two years would keep him cancer-free for the next five years; didn't work.  But of the 14% only 1% has the benefit of being operable and that is where we landed - thankfully in that 1%.  

So here we go.  




Monday, June 26, 2017

Make It Yourself - Strawberry Lemonade!

When life gives you lemons....make homemade strawberry lemonade!

This summer's roller coaster called life includes some pretty great blessings, too.  Our granddaughters are staying with us for several weeks and today this sweetie helped make the day even better by creating this video:


We had a hilarious time with all the bloopers and she is the one I have always called, "Bubbly" - as you can see she truly has an effervescent personality!







Main Dish Monday! Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole

It’s Main Dish Monday

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her recipe for easy chicken parmesan casserole and our whole family loves this!  It is quite simple to create on the busiest of nights and even our little friend who is only seven years old was able to create it herself!  Add some spinach or fresh salad and enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Awesome Little Friend We Love

Made With Love by His Girl



Link to recipe:  Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Link to video:  Chicken Parmesan Casserole



Shopping List:
Whole chicken breast
Jarred spaghetti sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Garlic croutons
Red pepper flakes


Sunday, June 18, 2017

Somewhere between....

So, somewhere between Peachy Keen and Main Dish Monday - Fried Chicken, a PET scan took place, a doctor's appointment took place, and bad news was received.  And, well, that has left us somewhere between.

Somewhere between -
"What do we do now?" 
and
An oncologist's "perfect plan".
Somewhere between -
The five year guarantee 
and 
Only two years in to that warranty.
Somewhere between -
"Oh, shit."
and
"God, help."
Somewhere between -
"Don't tell the kids."
and
We need their prayers.
Somewhere between -
I am so angry, this isn't fair!
and 
"If today was your last day." 
Somewhere between -
You're doing it wrong; where's your grace and dignity?
and 
Does anybody understand the fear?
Somewhere between -
Can't do this again.
and
What's the first step?

Held

Tuesday morning we will go for the super-duper Tesla3 MRI.  Wednesday morning we pick up our granddaughters and will spend the next five weeks with house guests.   I just don't know.  


Main Dish Monday! Fried Chicken

It’s Main Dish Monday!  

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  This is her recipe for breaded fried chicken when there is nothing left in the house to make!  Since this chicken is heavily breaded a light salad with balsamic vinegar and olive oil is all that is needed to feel satisfied!  Remember that life is short– enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  This would be great along with!
Link to video:  Join us!!


I always use my trusty iron skillet and
this time I fried in olive oil on medium heat.

Shopping List:
Whole chicken breast
Sour cream
Panko bread crumbs
Onion powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt and pepper

And look how medium heat caused a crispy,
yummy, crunchy coating!


Monday, June 12, 2017

Peachy Keen - It Tastes Like Summer!

So we saw a Facebook post about fresh Georgia peaches being sold from The Peach Truck  all over the Dayton, Ohio area; and well, we just had to get some!



We piled kids, Lucy (Marah's black lab), and ourselves into the Fantastic Ford (for the fun, people, for the fun - the kids love to ride in the back and when Granny burns some rubber!) and headed 30 miles to the other side of Dayton.

18 year old Ford Taurus Wagon....they love it!


I would like to confess that it took me ten years to make pie crust that was any good.  I always ended up with hard as a cracker pie crust and there were several reasons why.  Pie crust is a tricky business.  You have to keep the fat (we always use real butter) very cold, you have to use ice water, and you must LIFT the dough, never mashing it; finally, you must keep the fat cold until it is absolutely ready to go into the oven.  All these instructions eluded me, however, the Finnish sisu (national "never give up" characteristic) part of me never quit trying!  One day I got it all right and since then my pie crust is pretty darn good....unless I burn it; which happens and I'd like to say rarely but I should be honest so - it happens!
Mix flour, salt, sugar - then cut in butter and add ice water.

I do use a fork for the lifting but then I dig in.
Is that a new age spot?!

It may look like I am clawing the dough but I am lifting.

I am not squeezing the dough - still lifting and
stirring by hand.

As you see, a ball starts to form and no smooshing
was necessary!

Place newborn dough ball on a floured surface
and roll around a bit to cover lightly with flour.

Start the rolling and roll to about an inch larger
than the circumference of your pie plate.
Or is it the radius?
Bigger than your pie plate!

Turn your pie plate upside down and cut
about an inch outside of the edge.

Once your crust is feeling homey, poke lots of holes
with a fork and then begin to form the edge.
Place your finger on the edge and use your thumb and
finger from your other hand to press around it.
Just keep going!

Slice your peaches, add your sugar, flour, and spices!

Then cover with the secret recipe topping!

Bake until you have a Golden Delicious Peach Pie!

You can find this recipe under the What's On The Table tab at theclassypearl.com