Simmered Chinese Chicken

Here is one of my favorite childhood dishes that I'm glad to share with you! It's a very simple main dish to prepare and goes with a variety of sides!

Even now, as the chicken simmers on my stove, memories of running around the house with my little sister while Mom made dinner surface in my mind. It's crazy how the smell of certain foods can recall memories so quickly!

This dish takes only a few ingredients and a few minutes to throw together yet it warms the body and soul.

 A few, simple ingredients make this dinner a WINNER!

Simmered Chinese Chicken

Ingredients:
1 whole fryer
1 Tbl oil
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 Tbl ketchup
1/4 cup apple juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 green onion, sliced

For sauce:
2 Tbl cornstarch
1 Tbl water
2 tsp. sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:
- Heat oil in large pan with a lid.
- Brown chicken on all sides in oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, ketchup, apple juice, garlic and green onion.
- Pour mixture over chicken.

- Cover and simmer approx. 45 minutes. (I like to flip the chicken over half-way through cooking, so that both sides get to simmer in the juices.)
- Remove chicken to platter when done cooking (reads 165 degrees on meat thermometer)

 

- Mix cornstarch and water in a small cup and add to sauce in pan.
- Cook, stirring constantly until thick (about 10 minutes).
- Serve chicken with sauce on rice,sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Enjoy!

Trust me, you will not be disappointed by this simple dish. It's a little sweet, a little salty and Oh. So. Good! We enjoy Simmered Chinese Chicken served with Jasmine rice and sauteed veggies. Leftovers make a wonderful meal the next day. Okay, I'm ready for dinner!

God bless you as you bless your family and those around you,

Crock Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Homemade Coleslaw

With fall in full swing, I love using my crock pot whenever I can. My favorite is to let a hunk of meat cook all day, walk into the house after being out for a while and the yummy smell of dinner has filled every room! Having dinner done and ready after a busy day is such a gift!

The first recipe was given to me by a friend and she calls it Bar-B-Que Coke Pork. I didn't have any coke on hand, but with our Soda Stream we usually have something in the fridge... and yesterday it was Dr. Pete (that's right... a make-it-yourself-off-brand). Even so, it turned out great!

The second recipe is a mix of a few coleslaw recipes that I found online and I added to. I love a light, slightly-sweet, slightly-tangy coleslaw that's not soupy, but crunchy. I tell you, THIS IS THE ONE! It was so very delicious! But, my husband wouldn't know that, as he despises any and all coleslaw. I just say, "Yeehaw! More for me!"  :o)

Here are two recipes that I tried for the first time just last night! Together they make a great, simple meal.

This is what was left over after my hubby and I ate dinner. PLENTY for another meal (or two)!

Bar-B-Que Coke Pork
(aka Pulled-Pork Sandwiches)

Ingredients:
1 pork roast (I used a 2 1/2 pounder and it was plenty for 4 hungry adults)
1 onion, sliced
garlic salt
pepper
1 can of Coke (or 1 1/2 cups of your favorite dark soda)
1 1/2 cups of your favorite bbq sauce

Directions:
Cut up the onion and lay in the bottom of the crock pot. 
Season pork and place on top of onions.
Mix up soda and bbq sauce in a small bowl and pour it over the pork.
Allow to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
Shred meat with two forks and mix in sauce from bottom of crock pot. 
Serve on toast or buns with coleslaw!

And finally, here is my own coleslaw creation...

Meg’s Homemade Coleslaw

 (4 servings)

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded green cabbage

1 cup shredded purple cabbage

1 large carrot - shredded

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tbl apple cider vinegar

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp white sugar

½ tsp powdered ground mustard

½ tsp celery seed

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Chop your veggies and place in a medium bowl.

Mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl until well blended.

Pour mixture over veggies and stir together.

Refrigerate coleslaw until served, or eat it right away!

As I type up these delicious recipes and remember all the family fun that we had yesterday, I can't help but think of this verse...

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

James 1:17

Have a wonderfully, blessed weekend,

Amazing Homemade Alfredo Sauce

I remember in my single years eating many meals at my dear friend's home. She and her husband welcomed me over often for movies, meals and just time to hang out together, and didn't mind that I enjoyed babysitting their 3 children (of course not!).

She would whip up an amazing alfredo sauce to top some fettuccini and her hubby's yummy grilled chicken. Paired with crusty garlic bread and a large green salad, nothing compares! There were usually leftovers for lunch the next day and it was the perfect meal to make for parties and guests.

When I became a wife, I wanted to make homemade fettuccine alfredo that tasted as good as K's. I called her and asked for the recipe and here it is!

It's a keeper! It sure isn't a low-calorie food at all, but once in a while it's nice to have a hearty, delicious meal.

This recipe makes quite a big batch of sauce (great for taking to your neighbors who have 7 children). We usually use half of the sauce at one meal and I freeze the other half for a quick meal in the future, or I just halve the recipe to begin with. It's great to enjoy it again, without having to make it again. Cooking sauce from scratch takes a little time and effort. But what good food doesn't?


Amazing Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:
1 stick butter
2 tbl chopped garlic
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup parmesan/romano cheese (fresh or powdered)
2 cups chicken broth
32 oz 1/2 and 1/2
2 tsp Italian seasoning
salt to taste

Directions:
Melt butter in large pan on med/high heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until it begins to brown slightly.

Turn heat down to medium.
Whisk in flour. Add parmesan, stir until blended.

Quickly add all broth at once, whisking as you pour.
Let simmer for a minute or two and add the cream and seasoning.

Whisk away any lumps and let thicken.
Add more flour to thicken, or more broth to thin out sauce to desired consistency.

Salt to taste and enjoy!

We really enjoy this sauce with grilled chicken, fettuccine noodles and broccoli, just like my dear friends used to serve it to me.

I hope that you enjoy this with family and friends. Once you make your own alfredo sauce, you will never want to buy jarred cream sauce form the store again!


Blessings,

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Mama Leone's Chicken Soup - A Fall Favorite!

Here is a tasty little recipe for you, one of our family favorites!

It tastes great paired with some crunchy garlic bread. So, gather the ingredients, turn on the stove and get started on a delicious, healthy meal for you and your family. It's sure to warm their hearts and their toes.

 

Mama Leone's Chicken Soup

 

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken

2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 Tbl. oil

3 Tbl. butter

1 onion, diced

3 stalks celery, diced

1 Tbl minced garlic

1/2 tsp. dried tarragon

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. paprika

1/2 cup + 2 Tbl. flour

8 cups chicken broth

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

3/4 cup whipping cream or half 'n half

2 cups fresh spinach, sliced

Directions:

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Bake in oven (set at 375) for 15-20 min, or fry on the stove.

Dice chicken and set aside.

 

Heat oil and butter over medium heat in a large pot.

Sauté onion and celery until soft.

Add garlic, tarragon, oregano, paprika, 2tsp salt and pepper.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring.

 

Add flour until combined.

Slowly whisk in broth and bring to a boil.

Whisk until there are no lumps.

 

Add diced tomatoes and cream.

Simmer for 20 minutes.

 

Add chicken and simmer for 10 more minutes.

 

Stir is spinach before serving.

Enjoy!

Chicken Bacon Pasta

Here is a super tasty, FALLish recipe (I came across on Plain Chicken) that my family enjoyed last week! The last recipe I posted also called for bacon and chicken... hmmm, maybe I need to branch out a  little  ;o)
 
 
I accidentally doubled the amount of pasta it called for, but not the sauce. So the next day I just whipped up a batch of homemade alfredo sauce and mixed it in the remaining pasta and chicken. Oh my it was so good!

 
I will post my favorite alfredo recipe soon. A dear friend finally wrote out how she makes it and it beats EVERY other alfredo sauce recipe!
 
 
 

Make gourmet-tasting pasta at home!

 
 

Chicken Bacon Pasta
Found here

1/2 pound bacon, cooked and roughly chopped
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or less if you don't want the heat) 1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 pound penne pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 whole eggs
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 grilled chicken breast, sliced (I seasoned it with garlic powder, salt and pepper)

Directions:
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until done (according to package instructions).

Place cream and cream cheese in a small saucepan. Heat over low until cream cheese is melted, and whisk until smooth. Remove from heat. Add the parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and pepper and whisk until blended.

Drain pasta (reserving 1/2 cup of hot water) and return to pot. Immediately add the white sauce and toss to coat. The hot pasta will cook the eggs. Stir in the bacon, and add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Top with grilled chicken.

Go ahead.... try this recipe out! You will really enjoy it!

Have a blessed weekend!



In His GREAT Grace,

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Women Living Well

Bacon Wrapped Smoked Gouda Stuffed Chicken

HAPPY FALL!!!!

 

Here is a simple, yet OH SO TASTY, recipe for you! This is not an every-week-meal, as it's very rich and not so low-cal.

Just a quick post, as the day is getting away from me and I have quite a bit I want to get done during nap time (although I should probably be resting too).


How many ways can you prepare chicken for dinner? Thousands, I'm sure. Bet you haven't tried this way!

My daughter thought we were having just bacon for dinner...

poor little dear  :o)

Bacon Wrapped Smoked Gouda Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Found on Food.com

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts 

4 slices bacon

3 -4 ounces smoked gouda cheese (my fave!)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Combine, cayenne, garlic powder, paprika and pepper.

Flatten chicken breasts to approx 1/4" thickness.

Season both sides of chicken with the cayenne mixture. Place small pieces of cheese on chicken and roll up, pressing firmly.

Wrap each stuffed breast with a bacon slice tightly and then brown over medium heat until bacon just begins to crisp.

Bake in a 350 oven for 20 minutes.

 

 

 

HOT from the oven!

 

We enjoyed them for dinner one evening and I had leftovers with a big green salad for lunch the next day.

YUMO!

 

 

 

Hope you get to enjoy this tasty meal with your family soon!

 

 

In His GREAT grace,

 

PS - Can't wait to share a simple bathroom makeover with you next week!

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Country Style Pork Ribs in the Crock Pot

If you are headed out for the day (7-8 hours) and want to let your crock pot cook dinner for you, here is an easy recipe for Country Style Pork Ribs. They turn out moist and oh so tasty!

Take 15 minutes to whip up some sides right before you sit down to eat and it makes dinner too easy.

I usually have everything, but the meat, on hand - makes for a quick-to-prepare meal. We enjoyed these for dinner a few nights ago, with Caesar salad, mashed taters and corn,  after a long day away from home. I hope you will get to enjoy them soon too!

Dinner is served!

Country Style Pork Ribs in the Crock Pot

Ingredients:
3 to 4 pounds boneless pork country-style ribs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, halved, thinly sliced
1/2 cup apple juice
1 bottle (16 - 18 oz) barbecue sauce - Sweet Baby Ray's is our favorite!


Directions:
Lightly grease the crock pot. Wash pork and trim fat. Pat dry with paper towel.
Put sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the pork on top.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, brown sugar and minced garlic.
Turn pork ribs to coat all pieces. Pour apple juice evenly over the pork.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Drain liquids from pork. Pour barbecue sauce over the pork and stir slightly.
Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour longer.
(I think I cooked mine only 30 min longer as it was time to EAT!)

Thank you About.com for a great recipe!

The sides for this meal are limitless. Just think Southern and you will be fine  ;o)


Have a blessed weekend!




And along the lines of thinking Southern... here are some pics of our Southern Summer Living!

We paint, shirtless (at least the kids do anyways :o)

We pick peppers in 100 degree weather.

Thanks AESL for letting us enjoy your garden delicacies!

We visit the animals at First Monday Trade Days.

(stinky goats!)

And when the heat gets TOO HOT,

we cool off with a fruit bar and a dip in the pool!

Who knew a water hose would provide hours of summer fun!

We cool off and clean off at the same time,

with shaving cream!!!

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Chicken Lettuce Wraps - just like the real deal!

What do you do when you want a tasty dish from P.F. Chang's, but the closest restaurant is an hour away? Look online!


Thanks to Kristin from Iowa Girl Eats, my husband and I enjoy this delicious, fresh meal that tastes just as good as the "real thing"! (and was budget friendly for sure!)


You may have to buy a few ingredients that you usually wouldn't have in your cupboard, but trust me - it's worth it! You will make this again and again!

Ready to serve!

P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps Re-Made

Serves 2-3
(I double this so that there are leftovers to enjoy the next day!)

Ingredients:

1lb ground chicken breast

1/2 medium onion, minced

salt and pepper, a dash of each

2 large cloves garlic, minced

1 inch nob fresh ginger, peeled and minced

1 Tablespoon sesame oil

2 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce

1/2 Tablespoon water

1 Tablespoon peanut butter

1/2 Tablespoon honey

1 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (or more if you like it hotter)

dash of fresh pepper

3 green onions, chopped

1/2-8oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

10-12 large outer lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry

Directions:

1. Heat a large, non-stick skillet on high. Add chicken, onion, salt, pepper, and cook until chicken is nearly done, stirring often to break up the meat. Add in minced garlic and ginger, and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink.

2. Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, water, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce and pepper. Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir until smooth. Add into the skillet and stir to combine.

3 Add green onion and water chestnuts into the skillet then cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions are soft and the water chestnuts are heated through.

4. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, and serve with cold lettuce leaves

YUMMO!

I hope you try this dish soon. It's fresh and filling and SO tasty!

I'm making this tonight for my parents, sister and brother-in-law when we gather for dinner. I look forward to getting them hooked on this delicious meal!


Have a blessed week,

For the Soul:
 

Here is a song of praise in response to remembering that God has blotted out

our transgressions and redeemed us!

"Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth; Break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, And glorified Himself in Israel." Isaiah 44:23 NKJV

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