Recipe Swap!

Good morning! It's such a beautiful day here today! I hope your weather is fine too.

What are you planning for your Tuesday?

One thing I'm planning?

Recipe exchange!

One of my bloggy idols, Casey Wiegand, is hosting a Tuesday recipe swap and I'm joining in!

Even though it's about a million degrees outside, I just haaave to post this cozy recipe. I waited my entire life to cook homey meals for my husband, and then started running out of ideas pretty quickly. After one epic chicken 'n' dumplings fail, I got my girlfriend to give me her recipe, and it rocks! In fact, it tastes just like my sweet, late, Granny's recipe. Obviously, I can't be greedy with gold like this, so here you go!

"Granny's" Chicken 'n' Dumplings...

Ingredients:

• 1 4-5 lb. chicken (this recipe is for two, plus leftovers, but you could easily make it for more)


• 2 cups flour


• 2 1/4 Tablespoons shortening


• 1 cup ice water


• 1 Tablespoon butter


• 1/4 cup milk

1. Wash the chicken and boil over medium-high heat in 5-7 cups of water, and simmer for one hour.


2. Take out the chicken and shred (caution: that chicken will be boiling hot! If you want, the recipe can be followed up until this point and refrigerated for up to a few days). Set aside.


3. Knead together flour and shortening until doughy. Add ice water. Using two spoons, drop dumpling dough by rough tablespoons into boiling broth. Be sure to "mash" the dumplings often (after every five or so) so they don't get dense.


4. Add chicken back to dumpling broth and add butter and milk, to make it creamy. Simmer for 15 minutes on low.


5. Salt to taste and enjoy!

Good luck and happy cooking!

Saturday Snipets

Happy Saturday!

Bama Man and I joined the gym this week.

As the wife of very dedicated man, it should go without

saying that we have been there everyday since

signing up (which I love),

and I think it's finally catching up with me.

That, coupled with a morning of service projects

(with basically the coolest church peeps around),

yard work, and washing the car,

has left this girl pooped.

But proud of her hard work.

Now Bama Man is watching the Masters, leaving

me plenty of time to catch up on my blog reading

and recipe/coupon searching.

There are exactly two things I enjoy about the Masters:

1. Watching Tiger mess up (is that a little bitter?)

2. Hearing Mister say "Called it" when shots

go the way he predicted (which is pretty often)

Other than that it's a bit of yawn.

After living here in Alabama for almost seven years

I shouldn't be at all suprised that Spring

completely passed us by again

and just gave up and surrendered to summer.

Honestly though, I'm not complaining.

It's MUCH better than Winter.

Plus, I vowed to myself

(and now to you which means there's no way out)

that I would be a good sport about the heat this year.

I do not do heat.

I am a Seattle Native.

But, this year, I will be a good sport.

Big news around these parts:

Walker (the cat) actually wounded his very first living thing!

Actually, make that "attacked something not a twisty tie"

for the very first time.

It's just a fly, but it's a big deal.

"Daddy" is very proud.

Made some yummy chicken tacos for lunch.

Getting a little bored with all my recipes.

I remember when Mister and I were engaged

he told me all I really needed to know

was five ways to make a chicken casserole.

It sounded like a good plan to me at the time.

But I think, after two years of marriage

we've both changed our minds.

Don't get me wrong, I've certainly branched out,

but I'm sill in a rut.

Any suggestions?

Well, that's about all I've got.

How are you spending your Saturday?

Hope it's fab!

Thank You Pioneer Woman...

For giving me the perfect recipe for my new dutch oven!

It was a pleasure to make and even better to eat! Most importantly, it left Bama Man smiling.

I strongly suggest you try The Pioneer Woman's perfectpotroast, but I'm warning you - you'll be hooked!

Stick it with mashed potatoes and yeast rolls for even less resistable supper.

I DID IT!

After many (oh so many) failed attempts at the perfect southern style biscuits, I have emerged victorious! (yes it is dramatic!)

Look! They look like real biscuits and everything! Bama Man coudln't keep his hands off'm.

Thank you Alton Brown, you're my hero

Ode to Bacon

So, I have a confession. I have this little thing going on the side...with bacon. It's like a foodie love affair. I know you probably think I sound nuts, but that would be fairly hypocritical of you. I mean, really, ask yourself, is there anything more divine than bacon? Is there anything with bacon on it that is not delicious? In the movie "Julie and Julia," Julie blogs that when you eat something and you wonder what makes it so amazing, the answer is always going to be butter. Well, that is how I feel about bacon. Dare I say it...bacon is better than butter. Can you eat butter by itself? Well, yes I suppose, but that would be gross.

At this point I am sure you are wondering what in the name of Rachael Ray got me going on this bacon thing...well, I will tell you. And lucky for you it's a recipe.

For those of you who know me, or have been following this blog for awhile, you know that when I try to take culinary matters into my own hands, it tends to be a messy affair. I fin my best bet is to slightly alter recipes I trust already. So the other night, I looked in my fridge and noticed two poor, lonely slices of bacon, and I couldn't possibly let them go to waste. So I put them to good use, and it was fantastic! I apologize for not having a picture. I didn't realize I was creating a little piece of comfort food heaven. So you'll just have to make it to see what it looks like. Like I often say, you'll thank me later.

Amazing, Nameless, Chicken, Bacon, Cheesy Pasta

6 oz. short pasta (macaroni, penne, etc.)
2 chicken breasts, cubed
Pinch Salt
3/4 cup shredded cheese
Garlic salt
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 or 3 slices of bacon, diced

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Fry bacon in large skillet until almost crispy. Remove bacon from skillet to plate with paper towel to catch grease. Brown Chicken in remaining bacon grease.

2. When chicken is cooked through, add soup and garlic salt to skillet and mix well. Add cooked pasta and bacon and stir until flavors are incorporated. Pour into baking dish and top with cheese.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes and, most importantly, eat!


A Couple Notes:

a) This recipe was just for BamaMan and me, so be sure to increase the ingredients for more than two people.

b) I never pretended to be offering you recipes that will trim your waste line - I just told you to put all the ingredients in bacon grease to pick up every little shred of fat - but this I do promise: it will be worth the calories.

Enjoy!

June's Fab Five

Welcome to our new segment (which will be featured completely randomly - as often as my fancies change) detailing the things I simply ADORE at the moment!

1. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Yes, the novel. I have heard some fans of Miss Austen's work are less than in love with this particular book, but I disagree. It's charming, clever, and romantic! Austen's subtle humor made giggly inside while reading. I had seen two different film adaptations of the book but, as much respect as I have for Emma Thompson and as much as I adore the new BBC version, neither really do justice to the complex characters and intricate story lines of the book. I absolutely recommend it as a summer read....on a cloudy day...with some tea and scones perhaps? And then go watch the movies if you haven't already.......Alan Rickman makes a wonderful Colonel Brandon....

2. Long Cardigans!

I lucked out and found a couple on sale at Old Navy, and have been living in them ever since (I'm actually wearing my black one right this second!) They're cozy, stylish, sophisticated, and just light enough for the air conditioned spaces of summer. Do I really need to convince you further?

3. Vitamin Water

I got hooked on these a couple months ago after my bout with food poisoning. These babies contain water, a ton of vitamins and nutrients your body needs with an emphasis on some key element, plus electrolytes, all for about half the calories of typical sports drinks. LOVE IT! My favorite at the moment is "Power-C" but they're all fantastic. Feeling droopy or in need of refreshment? Grab an "Energy"...you'll thank me later

4. Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Supplies

It's aromatherapy cleaning supplies. AROMATHERAPY CLEANING SUPPLIES! I'm really not sure why someone didn't think of his sooner, but it's deserving of a noble prize of some sort. I don't know about you, but just with Bama Man and myself in the house I spend about 85% of my day washing dishes. And all it takes is a little lavender dish soap for all my worries to wash right down the drain with all that icky stuff that was left on the dished last night. Can you say Domestic Diva?

You can order from the website http://www.mrsmeyers.com/ (and pay a hefty shipping price) or strike it lucky at a local store (like Fresh Market!)

5. ZEPPOLES!

I'm not sure we've discussed this before, but I have this thing for doughnuts. Just thinking

about it make me feel like there's a hole in my mouth, just waiting for some airy, sugary thing to fill it. So I thought I'd try my hand at making some myself. I used Giada's recipe for Zeppoles (Italian Doughnuts) and they turned out really nicely. Now I'm going to pass it onto you. A couple things to know: There's not yeast so they're not as light as a traditional doughnut, that being said they are best fresh. I recommend tossing them in powdered sugar but granulated sugar and/or cinnamon would probably be fantastic as well. Enjoy!

Zeopploe (Italian Doughnuts)

1 stick of unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup flour

3 eggs

1 egg yolk

vegetable oil for frying

*Vanilla or almond extract would probably be Delicious add-ins*

1. In medium saucepan mix butter, water, sugar, and salt over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for ten seconds.

2. Remove from heat and add flour. Use a wooden spoon to quickly stir the mixture until flour is fully incorporated. The dough will be thick. Return the pan over heat for two minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Place mixture in a bowl (or kitchen aid if you've got it) and add eggs and yolk, one at a time until mixed well. Beat the mixture or 4 to 5 minutes (with wooden spoon or paddle attachment if using a mixer). Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

4. In a large, heavy bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill almost a third of the way up. Heat over medium. (An easy way to test when it's ready is that a cube of bread will brown in about a minute) Use two spoons to carefully drop dough into the oil, about a tablespoon at a time. Turn when one side gets golden brown and starts to puff. It should be fairly obvious when they are finished.

5. Drop carefully in a paper lunch sack, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and shake!

Saturday Snipets

1. Well, my computer has pretty much decided to go on strike. Apparently I'm not a very good boss? Anyway, my battery has been off it's game for awhile, but my laptop stayed alive when it was plugged in (which, by the way, totally defeats the purpose of a laptop). Well, then a virus got opened, but I was luckily able to get it to a computer geek friend who fixed it. Then, when I got it home, my charger decided it had enough, rendering my laptop completely useless. Luckily, Bama Man is gracious with his computer, and I can also use my laptop at work, by borrowing another charger. Didn't necessarily want to whine, just to explain why I haven't been my compulsively blogging self. Luckily, Bama Man is a firm believer in Ebay, and my brand new charger is heading this way from Hong Kong.

2. Speaking of work, it is time for you to meet Little Girl. Little Girl is the one and a half-year-old I nanny. Little Girl has blue eyes, and brown hair that grows directly into her face. I try to keep it pulled back in one of her many bows, but that tends to be futile. Interests include electrical outlets, "My Friends Tiger and Pooh," singing, playing with the cords that hang down from the blinds, using the dog as a jungle gym, balls, bubbles, and running down the driveway. Little Girl is not a very good listener. She is, however, cute enough to get away with it. Most importantly, she seems to like me, and does at least one thing a day that makes me smile. That being said, I figured it was time for all of you to meet because I am quite certain she will be making an occasional appearance.

3. I realize this is not an entertainment blog, but I would be remiss to let the eve of the LOST series finale pass without a blip. I don't know if any of you have that love hate relationship that is watching Lost, but I do. Tomorrow, it will all be a distant memory, and I am quite sure I will have something to say about it - so brace yourselves.

4. I went to the grocery store yesterday to buy buns last minute for grilled chicken Bama Man was cookin' up. I had before me two options: I could buy regular, generic hamburger buns for price A, or freshly baked French bread buns from the bakery for price B, which is about a dollar more than price A. despite my better judgement, I went with the latter. I couldn't help myself. Now, I know what you're thinking, "It's just a buck!" and you're right, but it got me lying awake thinking (Listen, we've been through this, I'm a little obsessed with food) about how often, lately, I have chosen the slightly expensive, while seemingly gourmet options at the grocery store. Would the generic buns been as amazing as the french bread? No. But it would have been just fine! It's not really a big deal in and of itself, but I realized that between this blog and all the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks I've been reading at work, that I have somehow begun to think that I have to turn every single meal into a gourmet experience to be a good cook. That isn't even what I started this blog for! I started it to prove that a newlywed could be a domestic diva while dealing with reality, financial or otherwise, even if that means making chicken casserole every night. It's the little things that make seemingly ordinary meals special, and that shouldn't have to mean going out of budget. I could have bought those painfully normal buns and toasted them up with some butter. So I am starting fresh. Shopping sales, planning menus, and finding little ways to make ordinary extraordinary. I'm not sure if this makes sense, and it's not exactly a "snipet," but I am through accidental overspending at the grocery store. Anyone else know what I mean?

Whew!

Saturday Snipets

Well, it seems to me that so many blogs have some weekly series that I though I should do the same. So here we go, every Saturday I will subject you to the random thoughts of my semi-deranged mind. Ready? Here we go...

1. While I generally do not condone those people who make a huge deal of parading their illness around their social networks, generating sympathy from their friends, allow me to parade mine around for a second.

The truth is, for the last three days I have been fighting to keep my throat from closing up on itself (no, not literally, but that's what it feels like). Luckily, the ibuprofen and I have been winning. In an effort to end the war altogether I did something I hate - I took vitamin C.

Look, I know it doesn't sound like an accomplishment, but if you are at all familiar with vitamins in general you know what I'm talking about. I mean, really, with all the technological advancements in the world, can they not make a vitamin that is smaller than a football stadium? So, long story short, here is what I subjected myself to in the name of the cause

Thank you, I know. Luckily, vitamin water was on sales at Publix, so I have been drowning my sorrows in "Power-C." And of course it can't keep me out of the kitchen - I even made homemade pancakes for breakfast (and yes, I washed my hands - a lot).

2. Bama Man and I have been taking Spring Cleaning to the max by doing our very first home improvement projects together. We have now re-vamped over half the house, and I am loving it!

It all started when we painted the kitchen - a beautiful shade of silver (I call it blue when Bama Man is not listening, even though it really does look silver everywhere else in the house) but we have now moved onto the bedroom, living room, and hallway. It is an amazing feeling to me making the house so intensely personal and fresh.

Here's the thing: When we painted to kitchen I (for some insane reason I honestly cannot recall) stripped the photos and magnets off the refrigerator. That's right. Stripped. As in, removed every single thing off of the fridge. It's like I completely forgot the memories of the agonizing hours I spent perfecting it the first time.

Refrigerator placement is an art. There is a very fine line between cozy and cluttered. Unfortunately, now that I got them off, I cannot find one single way I like them back on. I have tried just about everything. Wish me luck.

3. Listen carefully, because I am about to let you in on something that may change your life! At least in a culinary sense. I was given a book for my wedding that I never really got around to digging into - until today. It is amazing!

It has everything you could possibly imagine inside it's deceptively quaint frame - and a lot of things you didn't even think of. It certainly referenced many of the foodie thoughts that have occupied my mind recently; What sort of roasting pan should one buy? How to make homemade pasta? How to buy pork? Which herbs to use and when? And, possibly the most revolutionary, how to store butter. Which, by the way, is cold, otherwise it becomes oily in the food you add it to instead of creamy. Who knew?

I was so very excited that Bama Man even pretended to care. This is the sort of thing that make our relationship work: I get excited about the Cubs, he gets excited about butter.

Anyway, check the book out! You're welcome.

Comfort and Cheesy Chicken and Rice

There are a lot of advantages to being a nanny. Like being "part of the family." One of the disadvantages is that when the family is sick, you are "part of the family."

So I have some mysterious virus, and after a day of working on a sore throat, all I wanted was something creamy, and gooey, and warm. So I came home and made Cheesy Chicken and Rice for dinner.....and it was everything I hoped it would be!

So I thought I would share it with you! It may not be gourmet, but it is the absolutely perfect thing on those days when you need a true comfort food that takes more unattended time than effort, and gives you exactly that warm gooey feeling you lacked before.......

Cheesy Chicken and Rice

2 Chicken breasts, uncooked and halved
3/4 Cup rice
1 Can cream of mushroom(or chicken)soup
1 1/3 Cup water
1 Cup cheese
Garlic salt
Pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Mix soup, rice, water, half of the cheese, salt, and pepper. Lay the chicken on top. Cover and cook for 50 minutes.

Cover with remaining cheese, and let sit for 10 minutes until thick (and creamy, and gooey, and...you get the point)

Serve and enjoy!

*Add veggies to the mix to incorporate even more goodness!

Try it, you'll thank me later :)

Fried-Day

That's right. This last Friday I home-fried chicken. All by myself! I mean, I have done it before, but not without, what you might call, "adult supervision." Sure, the homemade macaroni I made to go on the side was a complete failure (word of advice: do not confuse "corn starch," "with corn meal") but even that could not qualsh my triumph.

My Mammaw would be proud.

"Just Like Taco Bell" Quesadillas

Okay, so I wouldn't give something I cooked myself that sort of endorsement (I try to hold on to some shred of modesty), I am merely passing on BamaMan's opinions. Also a favorite with my Daddy, but he still has an obligation to say stuff like that. I am so incredibly blessed by the men in my life! You can make them yourself and see if you agree. (The quesadillas. Not the men. Sorry.)

My recipe was just for the two of us, so you will probably want to double it, in fact the whole recipe is pretty much up to interpretation (I'm almost positive you really can't go wrong) but this is what I used....

1 large (about 1/2 pound) chicken breast
4 8-inch flour tortillas
2 cups of shredded cheese
Taco Seasoning
Water
Salsa, for dipping

1. Boil the chicken breast until cooked through (this would actually be an ideal recipe to use for leftover chicken of some kind - just use whatever you have). When chicken is cooked through use two forks to shred it. Place in medium skillet and follow directions on taco seasoning package to flavor chicken.

2. Heat griddle or skillet and butter surface. When butter is melted, lay first tortilla on top. Layer 1/2 cup cheese, half of chicken, 1/2 cup cheese, and second tortilla. When cheese is starting to melt and the bottom tortilla is browned - flip. When both sides are browned, and cheese is melted, remove from heat and slice however you see fit.

3. Repeat for second Quesadilla!

Admittedly, ridiculously easy. So easy, it was almost difficult to write you a recipe for it :) Perfect for any guys in the house who are biting there manly nails over the College Basketball tournaments.

Enjoy, let me know how it goes!

Yes, I Know It's The 12th

Though I'm not a general believer in New Year's resolutions I am a firm believer in self-improvement. Sometimes self-imprvement is like stepping into a vat of ice water, but hey, it's good for you (the improvement, not the ice water) And so, as ambitious as this list has gotten, here are a few thoughts for my new year.....

1. Get my wedding album developed - It's been almost a year for goodness sake

2. Develop an organization/cleaning schedule, and stick to it - No matter how tired I am after work

3. Pick 12 deserving books from my over-crowded shelves and actually read them

4. Write to my Meme every-other Friday

5. Purge my wardrobe and other formerly-beloved things that could use a better home - As well as recirculate and put to god use the things I can't live without

6. Have a Yard Sale - That stuff's got to go somewhere

7. Set up my guestroom and put it to proper use at least once this year - It is currently serving as the scary room full of misplaced junk that you see on shows like "Clean House"

8. Become an expert on Irish history and culture - For a third generation immigrant, obsessed about her roots, I know embarrassingly little about the beautiful county I (partially) came from

9. Cook or Bake one new thing a week - Topping the list are homemade pasta, chocolate mouse, and pork chops

10. Lose 5 pounds - or tone it but it's got to go somewhere, by exercising portion control and..just exercising

11. Put things away when I am done with them - sounds elementary, I know, but when your parents tell you it's an important habit to get into before you grow up, they are not kidding!

12. Master the art of extreme couponing

13. Decrease my sugar intake - Possibly the hardest since I'm such a sweet tooth, but I'm starting small, with my morning coffee

14. Drink more water and start drinking green tea - my skin needs a little more love

15. Become a better student and a better teacher by remaining organized - as well as getting of my you-know-what and getting stuff done

16. Get my rings cleaned once every six months

And possibly the most important...

17. Talk less and listen more!

Sure, I've lost almost two weeks headstart, but better late than never. Wish me luck!

Concerning Autumn

It seems fiting to me to start a domestic centered blog in October. It seems that I always find myself with a particular yearning to nest in the Fall - okay and Summer and Winter, and Spring - but Autumn MOST of all. Perhaps it's the blatant changing of season, the cool breeze that encourages everyone to stay indoors, or perhaps it's because my Momma does Fall so well.

I'm pretty sure my Mom is the best person I know at letting you know exactly what season it is the moment you set foot in her house. There's always an open door letting in a warm breeze and a mason jar of wildflowers in the spring, fresh iced sweet tea and comfy outdoor seating in the summer, and in the winter, sweet smelling garlands accompanying the genuine, recently cut Christmas tree. But Autumn is my favorite. As if on cue, the house starts automatically smelling spicy and sweet; gourds so oddly shaped that no one else would understand them, find a home as a centerpiece on the kitchen table; and there's always some sort of calming instrumental music that recalls visions of Pilgrims or the Civil War or some other Americana Trademark. The oven is always on, the house is aromatic, and it's sheerly, unquestionably Fall.

And so, a newcomer to this keeping house thing, I have striven to mimic my Mom's Autumn house as much as possible. I am not having very much luck, of course, but I am trying. After a few failed attempts I finally found something that set me in the Fall spirit and made me feel as though I had accomplished some seasonally domestic thing: And I'm going to pass it onto you! Cinnamon Apple Crisp!

Peel and slice 4-5 medium apples and lay evenly(ish) in an 8inch pan.

Mix together:
3/4 cup Brown Sugar (Or one whole cup if, like me, the crisp is our favorite part)
1/2 cup Flour
1/2 cup Oats
1 tsp. cinnamon

Cube 1/3 cup of cold butter and cut into brown cugar mixture. Spread over apples and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, until bubbly! Top with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with Caramel for extra flair.

Happy Autumn!

Concerning This Blog

In a world of microwave dinners and over-priced produce, every old-fashioned-modern woman needs a moment to reflect on the charming (and not-so-charming) aspects of domestic life: keeping her kingdom, feeding her household,and keeping her bathroom shiny. I am such a woman. I happen to be tired of my own disorganization, apathy, and hit-and-miss culinary skills and it is time for change. I have launched myself on a course of cinnamon-scented self improvement, and I'm inviting you to join me. If you long for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipie, live for the occasional houseguest, or love the glow of a freshly organized linen closet, this is a place for you. My hope is to include recipes, tips, and (just to warn you) ramblings that should be a combination of Momma's tried and true wisdom with a Grace Kelly twist.

Here we go.

P.S. To contribute and connect check out our facebook group, As a Matter of Fact, I do Vacuum in Pearls!