Crockpot Sunday

I absolutely love crockpots. So much so, that I own 3 crockpots. My husband thinks that 3 are unneccessary but when you are cooking for all of your family at Christmas time, 3 is never enough. The only advantage to a rainy, dreary day like today, is that it inspires me to be lazy and let my crockpot do all the work.

So what's on today's menu? White Chicken Chili.

Here is where I would like to point out that I am not a huge chili fan. Most times, I do my best to avoid chili. I don't care for the taste, it's too spicy or not spicy enough, gives me awful heartburn, and gives my husband awful gas. And I have to share a bed with him, so I try to make him avoid chili as much as I do.

But when it comes to White Chicken Chili, there is no competition. It's not spicy at all. In fact, I would go as far as to say it is sweet and mild. Instead of all the tomato products (which contribute to my awful heart burn) White Chicken Chili is made with whipping cream and chicken broth.

I have to give the credit for this recipe to my mother. Although I don't think she created this recipe herself, I do know that she perfected this recipe and I never make changes to this recipe...unless I add some marjoram. But I add marjoram to just about everything.

White Chicken Chili

1lb chicken breast, cubed
1 tsp. salt
1 medium onion, chopped
1Tbsp vegtable oil (I use olive oil)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups chicken stock or chicken broth ( I prefer leftover chicken stock made from putting a whole
                                                            chicken in the crockpot with an abundance of spices and herbs)
3 cans of great northern beans, rinsed and drained
2 (4oz) cans green chiles, diced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cayenne pepper
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whipping cream

In a large pan, saute chicken, onion, garlic powder and oil until chicken is cooked through. Transfer to crockpot. Add in remaining ingredients and cook for 4 hours or until done.

I like to serve mine with rice. But it is amazing all by itself.

ENJOY!

If it's free... it fits!

This has become my motto over the past year and a half. Being a first time home-owner and our primary income coming from a painter and a nanny, we often find that free is fabulous. For example, last summer while on a routine trip to grandma's house to take a dip in the pool, we noticed some rather nice couches sitting out on the curb. Let me take this moment to clarify. I live in Granite City Illinois. Some people put couches on their front lawns as actual furniture to be used, not something they are simply giving away. However, if said furniture in on the easement property, it is most likely fair game. But you should still check with the home-owner before you up and decide to haul it away. Back to the couches from last summer, we checked them out. No stains, no odors, no cat or dog hair and in perfectly good condition. We politely knocked on the door and after a short conversation with the home-owners we drove off with new (new to us) couches.

 

Today Chris called me at 2 o'clock to tell me he had good news. Chris has been working on this job site for about a year and now knows the owner of the house he does work on very well. When Chris saw today that he was getting rid of an extremely nice (and expensive looking) sectional, Chris asked where it was going. It was going to the dumpster. So Chris very kindly took it off his hands and put it into our living room. It's not in perfect condition. The man's son has drawn on some of the pillows and cushions, but nothing that can't be hidden or turned over. We were just talking about how our couches were beginning to look a little shabby and we turn around to find ourselves being given a new couch. Can't say that God wasn't looking out for us. So now we have a nice, LARGE sectional and we all enjoyed snuggling on it tonight while watching Rise of the Guardians.

 

Today's lesson. If it is free, it fits. We can't afford all the luxuries that some people have, but we are not about to turn down a free couch, rug, lamp, etc. We are proud to provide a good life for our daughter and for ourselves. And if that means going to the thrift shop to buy clothes and doll houses, or finding a couch on the side of the road, we are not to proud to say that we live on a modest budget. Because it's much easier to live on the modest budget when you spend it wisely



Monday Madness and Tuesday Truth

We are proud to be announcing that as of Monday April 22nd we were officially informed that we would be the parents of a baby due December 25th 2013. Our road has not been a long one but one filled with many great life experiences and challenges. I met my husband in 2011. Just 2 short years ago. In that time, we have gotten married, bought a house, adpoted 2 more dogs, and have just discovered our latest bundle of good news. I am a proud step-mother to my daughter Hannah. So much so, that I never refer to myself as her step mother unless we are in a medical emergency and they need to know her biological mother's health records or if necessary in another situation. So it is safe to say that I am going to be a mother again. Although this is definitely my first preganany and there is so little that I know. I am waist deep through 3 different pregnancy books and still feel that there is so much I have to learn.

Today, being Tuesday April 23rd, we are now out of our initial shock and now on to plan how we are going to be able to make all of this work. How will my pregnancy work with my current job? How will we afford to make our mortgage payment and still be able to buy diapers? How will this affect our relationship as a husband and wife...as partners? I know that this journey is going to be incredible. Incredibly hard at times. And incredibly wonderful at other times.

So please stay tuned. This blog just got a little more interesting!

Day with the In-Laws and Family

It was a fantastic day. I was so glad to see Hannah with her family. We all sat and ate at the same table, shared laughter together, and spent time together as a family. Family is so imortant to Chris and myself. We are very family oriented people.

Chris, Hannah, Great Great Grandma Abrams, and myself.

Julie, Dave, and Great Great Grandma Abrams

Grandma and Grandpa Holt with Great Great Grandma Abrams

 

What an amazing day, with great food, great conversations, and great company. Hannah is exhausted and already sleeping with piggie and her puppy Missy. I am not far behind her. I am exhausted and ready to lay down. I have never been more anxious about a Monday than I am about tomorrow. Only time will tell.

 

 

 

 

Memorable Sunday

Chris, Hannah, and I will all be going to my mother-in-law's house this afternoon for a party. But this is no ordinary party. Christopher's Grandma Holt was diagnosed with cancer last November and she has fought and battled her way to the end. Hannah and I have not seen her since November and today we are all going to celebrate her health and amazing recovery. Hannah is so thrilled to be going to see her. So often people disappear from her life without a reason and that is very diffucult for her. She understood that grandma was sick but could understand why she couldn't see her. Hannah's mind, like most children's, assumed that she has had a cold and still got to see her friends, so why can't grandma? It is very hard to explain to a child the differences between a cold and cancer without revealing too much information. She is only 6 years old and already too aware of the horrors in this world. I'm not about to start explaining deadly diseases, murder, war, famine, etc. But today is a day of happiness. We will all be able to spend some quality time together and Hannah will once again be surrounded by family.

Here are just a few, and I mean few, of Hannah's family that we will be excited to spend time with today.

Hannah's Great Grandma and Grandpa Holt

Hannah's Great Great Grandma Abrams

Hannah's Grandma "Juju" and Grandpa "Papa"

And, of course, Mom and Dad will be there!

 

 

Friday April 19th

Nothing makes me happier today getting my daughter. I missed her so much all week and I can't wait to see her. We are also going to visit with Chris's grandma who was diagnosed with cancer last November and is stronger now that she ever was. I am so proud of her and I'm so ready for Hannah's to see her great grandma. They haven't seen each other over 5 months and Hannah misses her terribly. This weekend is going to be a very memorable weekend.

 

I haven't had the chance to cook these past few days because I worked later than usual. My goal is to cook tonight but the only recipe I will be using is a marinated steak recipe.

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday and a wonderful weekend.

We were both very tired when this picture was taken. But that didn't stop us from smiling!

Doggie Days

I always knew that owning a dog would be a responisibility. You have to walk them, feed them, bathe them, care for them, love them, pick up their poop, potty train them, teach them commands, etc. So I thought that four dogs would be simple. I am living proof it is not. I love all of my dogs as my children. I scold them, reward them, and when daddy yells at them, I make the excuse that they are just too little to understand. But I've had my fair share of moments when I thought life without my dogs would be easier. For example, yesterday while Chris and I were at work, Kali managed to escape the kennel ( for the 100th time) and continued to poop 3 times in our basement and chew up the dogs nail clippers, some of Hannah's toys, part of Chris's tool box, a part that goes to my iron, a box of baking soda, and my personal favorite... SUPER GLUE! How does a dog eat super glue and not get her lips stuck together? Beats me, but she makes the impossible seem very possible most days. And on to my dog Duke, if he was given the chance, he would run away and never come back. He is defiant, stubborn, bull headed, and above all annoying. No matter how many times you tell him no, his head is constantly in the toilet, trash can, or kitchen sink. Gigi drives us nuts because she always wants the toy that is out of reach and will bark, whine and beg until another dog or one of us comes to free the toy from the deep dark place behind the couch. And lastly Missy, oh Missy. If that dog peed in my house anymore than she already does, we would have to turn all of the flooring into a giant toilet bowl. Most days you can't pet her for fear that she will get too excited and pee. I've been told that this goes away in time. But I thought they meant in a few months to a year... not 3 years and counting.

But at the end of the day, when I get home from work, it's so nice to see those faces looking up at me. They remind me that I need them as much as they need me. Luckily I have 4 amazing dogs who know how to give love and most importantly, know how to comfort my little girl. It's not mom or dad she wants at night in her room, its a puppy to cuddle with her. And that is a great feeling.

Vodka Pasta and Spinach Salad

So the pasta recipe is titled "You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta" but seeing as I am happily married and I made additional changes, I shall now call this recipe "How to Stay Married Vodka Cream Pasta.

 

What you will need:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp butter

2 garlic cloves minced

2 shallots minced

1 cup vodka

1 cup chicken broth

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning

1 Tbsp. Thyme

12 oz penne rigate pasta

 

Put a large pot of water on to boil. Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add oil, butter, garlic, and shallots. Gently saute garlic and shallots, 3 to 5 minutes. Add vodka and reduce by half, 2-3 minutes. Add chicken stock and tomatoes. Bring sauce to a boil. Add cream, italian seasoning, and thyme. Drain cooked pasta and pour vodka cream sauce over the top. Serve with french bread!

  

 

Baby Spinach Salad

What you will need

8 oz baby spinach ( I got a mix of spinach and arugala)

1 cup mandarin oranges

1/2 cup chopped red onions

2 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1/3 cup olive oil

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

 

In a bowl, combine spinach, mandarin oranges, and onions. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over spinach! Bon Apetit!

Honey Teriyaki Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Sunday April 14th

Honey Teriyaki Chicken
What you will need:
6 boneless skinless chicken breat
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp. ginger
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup teriyaki sauce or marinade
1 Tbsp sesame seeds
4 green onions, chopped
1 ripe pinapple cubed

Cut chicken into strips and saute in a pan with olive oil until cooked.

While the chicken is cooking, make the teriyaki glaze. In a sauce pot, bring chicken broth to a boil, add honey, ginger, and teriyaki sauce.

In another sauce pan, combine pinapple with a splash of teriyaki sauce and a teaspoon of honey. Warm until pinapple is tender.

Once chicken is cooked, transfer to a serving dish. Pour the honey teriyaki sauce and pinapple over the chicken. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!

Now for the Mushroom Risotto
I must confess that I cheated and bought pre-packaged mushroom risotto. But I did add button mushrooms, olive oil, parmesan cheese, green onions, and butter to jazz it up.

And Voila! Dinner for 2!

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Beautiful Sunday Morning

The sun is just peeking out from behind some clouds. The birds are singing as they flutter past my window. The air feels so crisp and clean. I believe Spring has finally arrived. And I couldn't be more thrilled. I'm starting my morning relaxing on the couch after my rough day yesterday. I'm so glad that I got to spend some time with my daughter. She was in such a great mood. It seems like such a long time until Friday. But right now, I am going to enjoy the day with my husband who slept on the couch last night so that I could sleep with all 4 of my dogs curled up in my bed. Little did he know that at 3am, Duke would look out the window and start barking. So all the dogs were sent to their kennels and Chris was allowed to sleep in his own bed. Time to make some coffee and breakfast. Good Morning!

I got to pick up my baby girl for a few hours to take her to a birthday party! I'm so glad to see her smiling face!!!!!

Semi Accomplished

Well I am definitely not shaving my dog tonight. I am way too exhausted. But I did get my yard cut. Found someone to come and cut and trim my yard and I couldn't be more thrilled. Our yard is such a pain. It is very deceptive. It doesn't look like much, but it took the man close to 2 hours to cut, trim, and clean up our yard. I felt bad because it was so cold but I think he was very appreciative of the extra business. I plan to spend the rest of my evening curled up on the couch watching The Hunger Games. Good night to all!

Friday Morning Blues

I'll be dropping Hannah off at school shortly and won't see her again for a week. These Fridays are always the hardest. But it gives me a week to get my chores done so that when I see her again, I spend less time working and more time playing with her. Chores this weekend include shaving my dog Missy which is a 4 hour process and cutting my yard which is equally a long process due to the fact that we live on a corner lot and I cut more easement property than my own property. Chores begin in t-minus 10 hours. Operation Shave Missy is due to be completed tonight.

Living the life of a wife and mother

I am a 22 year old wife and mother. I'm a proud homeowner and a food lover. If I'm not running around trying to keep up with my 6 year old, I am busy updating my home and trying to new recipes.