12.28.2011

Chicken Bacon Ranch quesadillas

1 1/2 chicken breasts, diced small, cooked
3-4 slices of bacon, crispy

1 tablespoon dried parsley, crushed
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon onion powder 
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon  garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/3 cup of sour cream

Cheddar cheese
Swiss cheese
3-4 tortillas 

Cook bacon first and set aside.
Cook chicken on medium heat until cooked and slightly brown. 
Place dry seasonings in clean coffee grinder to grind finer. 30 seconds or less should do.
Sprinkle seasonings on chicken. Stir. 
Add sour cream stir until heated. 

On medium high heat, place tortillas on cast iron or non-stick pan. 
Top half of tortilla with chicken, bacon, and cheese. Fold tortilla over chicken. Flip when slightly brown. Serve with sour cream and guacamole.

makeover

the room at the start of the day!
I started moving everything out that was either going to get in the way or was never coming back in the room.

I left the computer and the printer table. The cords were all hooked up and I know better than to undo cords. I can't remember where they go!
The end of the day. After a few hours the hubby and I got the desk done. and then he talked me into doing the shelf by myself. How hard could it be, right?? 
Some persuading later, it was together!



The reason I had my hubby help me with the desk was because I saw this and thought nope, there is no way!!
Who thought lots of little pieces would be fun?!?! Especially with no extras in case you lost something.


Oh well, today is the next day in this big project - here's to hoping my shoulder injury from yesterday will magically heal itself!

12.25.2011

next big project.

This is my next challenge. This half empty storage/ half part-time office is going to get a makeover!!!
Goals:
Find a desk for this wall (with adequate storage)


Give the round table a colorful makeover. Orange!





This room is going to get it.
The orange table will go in this corner for a fun pop!












My inspiration. Pops of orange and maybe a little lime green!












12.23.2011

Chicken Casserole Pie

I was trying to think of what to call this because it's kind of like a "Shepherd's Pie" or "Bishop's Pie" or whatever it's called where you come from. But it's also been called a casserole, you'll see when we get into it.

~Saute
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 mushroom finely chopped
1 large clove of garlic, finely chopped
1/4 of a medium onion, finely chopped

Start cooking on medium to medium high heat in a large pot.*

~Slice
1 carrot
1 celery stalk

Add to the large pot. Cook for 2 minutes then add 1 cup of water, Reduce heat to low.

~Cook
1 chicken breast, diced into pieces
1 tbsp of oil

In a medium skillet on medium-high heat, sear the chicken until the outsides turn brown. Stir into veggie mix.

~Pour in.
1 packet of French onion soup
2 more cups of water (or as the directions say- I went by taste)
1 tsp of italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley

Allow this to simmer on low for 2-3 hours.

~Add
2-3 cups of frozen vegetables (such as peas)

Simmer for 10 minutes

~Mix
1 tbsp of cornstarch
2 tbsp of water

Stir into veggie/chicken mixture for thickening. Stir for 3-4 minutes.

~Boil
3-4 medium potatoes, diced

In a separate pot, boil potatoes in water (enough to cover the potatoes) for 30 minutes. Drain and return to separate pot.

~Mash
1/4 cup of butter
1/4 cup of milk
Salt and Pepper to taste
Stir together until smooth.

In a large deep casserole dish, pour in veggie/chicken mixture. Using a large flat spoon or spatula, scoop mashed potatoes and gently drop them onto the mixture.

~Sprinkle on Potatoes
1/2 cup of cheese, (cheddar or mozzarella)

 ~Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Allow 5 minutes for cooling time - and Enjoy!


*Also adaptable for a crock pot. Start on high.
Cook chicken separately and then add to mixture. Turn to low.
Cook potatoes as per instructions. Gently drop on top of mixture about 20 minutes before dinnertime. Turn to warm.

12.04.2011

more crocheting!

 Ok. It's official! I love crocheting! 

It was so fun to learn how to do the flowers. So easy! 
Then, of course, shopping for a cute button to finish the look! 

12.01.2011

Christmas time. Part 2.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

 beautiful rustic angel..
the tree! (ignore the lovely blinds, specially picked for our entire street. bah humbug.)

 My $15 purchase at a little decor store called Trios.
 The white bead garland above and the red bead garland were $7 ea... I would pay it gladly again.