Sunday, November 30, 2008

comfort foods


My nose is nearly running off of my face yet still, I cook. There is plenty left to put away from our trip, laundry yet undone, a house not particularly clean and the looming holiday decorating and shopping yet I choose...to cook.


I borrowed this photo but since the recipe that followed mirrored mine exactly, I feel it is OK to show you! I use a recipe from the Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust box and it is the best:

Classic Pot Pie

Filling:
1-15 oz. Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust
1/3 c. butter or margarine
1/3 c. chopped onion
1/3 c. flour
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 ½ c. chicken broth
2/3 c. milk
2 ½ cups cooked chopped chicken or chicken breasts (you can buy this pre-cooked in the refrigerated case)
1- 10 oz. bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed (one with corn, beans, and peas etc.)

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare pie crusts as directed on package for a two-crust pie using a 9 inch pie pan.
In medium saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat. Add onion; cook 2 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until blended well. Gradually stir in broth and milk; cook, stirring constantly until bubbly and thickened.
Add chicken and mixed vegetables; remove from heat. Spoon chicken mixture into pie crust. Top with second crust and flute; cut slits in several places.
Bake at 425 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until crust is golden. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

I place the pie pan on a baking sheet covered with foil b/c this inevitable cooks over making a big mess!

***My super Mom and sister visited yesterday and brought me Thanksgiving leftovers so I used turkey breast instead of chicken tonight. Yum.

I had also thawed out some ground beef so I made super quick vegetable soup:

30 minute vegetable soup

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 c. chopped onion
1 tsp. garlic
1 jar 20-30 oz. chunky garden style pasta sauce (I used Ragu, about ¾ of a jar)
water to taste (start with 1 soup can) (I actually omitted this, I like thick soup)
2 cans beef broth
1 can 10 oz chopped tomatoes and chilies
1 bag 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables, thawed if you have time

Sauté meat, onion and garlic together in stockpot. Drain any fat. Next, add everything else. Remember to add only part of the pasta sauce. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Toss in fresh spinach if you’d like (I did not) until wilted, about 1 minute. Serve with grated cheddar or parmesan for garnish.

I was so sick of eating out, and particularly eating fried food, that some home cooking should be exactly what I need to get me on track for life in the real world. And for snow :)

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

christmas card photo


The one that did not make it! I had a few really cute choices from last week and I totally love this tree on the beach in Captiva but I had a better shot of my girls and I chose it. In the interest of saving time (and money!) I actually ordered a ready made photo card from Costco. I have designed my own for the past few years but sometimes, a girl has to do, what a girl has to do. I am soooo behind this year so I am happy to check one thing off of my list and they had some super cute choices. Maybe this will free me up to do a few more crafty things I had in mind.
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Friday, November 28, 2008

a vacation recap




No better way to start the weekend than with BEACH pictures! And my sweet little beach babes. Florida in November is much different than going for a summer vacation. The days are shorter, the nights crisp, the water cool! But it was a very relaxing and fun break. Once I come up from under the laundry and tackle the homework from 4 days of missed school, I hope to get into the spirit of Christmas. Could it be just around the corner? I am in total denial.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

the view from here...


My two girls looking out at two very near dolphins! A definite highlight of our trip: a boat ride through the Florida Keys and some fabulous dolphin sightings!
I have a laptop but very spotty service so I just stole an hour in a computer room with wi-fi and the quiet has been wonderful but went by in a flash. I am looking forward to our very non-traditional Thanksgiving, and then a plane ride back to HOME and FAMILY.
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

forecast: mostly sunny



I am going to say very little but this sun might be a hint. I may be scarce, or missing for about one week and I might be in a warm, sunny place.

When I return, I am going to be hitting the crafting, shopping, gift making, and gift wrapping like a fool so be warned!

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