MEMES & LINK PARTIES – Page 111 – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

BAKED PINEAPPLE ORANGE CHICKEN

BAKED PINEAPPLE ORANGE CHICKEN serves 6
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into large bite sized pieces
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 egg whites, beaten until foamy
1 cup FINELY GROUND Panko crumbs
1 cup Wondra flour
1 cup orange pineapple juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Buttered rice (I use chicken broth and scallion whites while cooking)
1/2 cup sliced scallions

Preheat oven to 400°.
Line a shallow roasting pan with foil and spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.
Use 3 shallow prep dishes – 1 for the cornstarch, 1 for the egg whites and 1 for the Panko Wondra combination.
Coat chicken pieces 1st in cornstarch, then in egg whites and finally in bread crumb mixture.
Place chicken pieces on baking sheet.
Bake 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

While chicken is baking, prepare sauce.
In a medium sauce pan combine, 3/4 cup of the juice, se sugar, liquid aminos, ginger, garlic, sesame oil and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
In a small bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/4 cup juice until smooth.
Stir into sauce pan and simmer until thickened.
Transfer chicken pieces to a large bowl, pour sauce over and GENTLY toss until chicken pieces are well coated.
Serve over rice and top with scallions.

Linking up with Julie over at Back to My Southern Roots.

Save

FIVE ON FRIDAY

A lot of my friends have done Five of Friday for quite some time, but I’m new to this meme. I’ll start with something simple, the 5 most favorite recipes I’ve recently developed TO OR TASTES this year.

MAGIC DUST HOT WINGS These are PERFECT for tailgating, race days or backyard picnics.

INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES

These are perfect for a cool fall or winter evening.

BANANAS FOSTERS BREAD

I have used the same Banana Bread recipe for 20 years, but NO more! This is my new go to recipe!

BRUSSELS BISQUE

Another perfect fall or winter evening bowl of yumminess.

FONTINA STUFFED PORK CHOPS with SWEET PEPPER SAUCE

It was really hard to narrow this down to 5!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 45 of 2017

I hope EVERYONE had a GREAT week. Ours was busy with several days of traveling while we explored where to go from here. We’re pretty sure we have decided on our future home town, there are just a few things that need to fall into place first!

It’s really hard to make a move, but it’s even harder when you’re trying to check everything off your list to meet your needs. We’ve been struggling with this decision. One of the things I finally ended up asking hubby in every new place we have looked is “If we won the lottery tomorrow would you still want to live here?”. We both have some bucket list places we’d LIKE to live, but when reality shines in we use a more practical check list, things like churches, grocery stores, restaurants, weather… So, we’re still pulling it all together, but pending any major changes are 90% decided.

We have to get through my surgery and recovery, sell the house, finish packing… but have faith everything will fall into place the way it is supposed to.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Unfortunately, we are starting the week out miserable here – high 80’s and humid. It is supposed to be in the 70’s after Wednesday and the humidity will go down a bit. Have I mentioned I HATE heat AND humidity!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Apples and blueberries with coffee

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
LIVING AREAS… plan on doing a deep clean later this week
KITCHEN… right now is pretty clean
STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there. I do have some correspondence to catch up on along with some cathartic letter writing.
YARD… nothing much
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning
ERRANDS… blood work and EKG for surgery

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I’m still reading the Bridge to a Better Life by Ava Miles in her Dare Valley Series. Just can’t seem to stay awake long enough to finish a book.

The Holiday Baking Championship STARTS ON THE 9th.

BIG BANG THEORY and the new YOUNG SHELDON when it returns later this week
NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T. starts this week
MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED later this season
BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, GUY’S BIG PROJECT

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	QUICHE LORRAINE	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	TOMATO BOURBON SOUP	BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN SKEWERS	7 LAYER SALAD	CHICKEN PARMESAN CASSEROLE	BAKED ORANGE CHICKEN	PORK MARSALA	CHICKEN POT PIES
DESSERT			GOOEY CARAMEL GINGERSNAPS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

STUFFED MARSALA CHICKEN
HASH BROWN HAM & CHEESE QUICHE
ITALIAN STUFFED CHICKEN
CHILI DOG CASSEROLE
MAGIC DUST SLAM DUNK HOT WINGS
CHILI MAC CASSEROLE
CARAMEL STUFFED AUTUMN SNICKERDOODLES

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I was very excited when the doctor and scheduler told me surgery would be in 2-3 weeks, probably November 17th. So, I was VERY disappointed when the scheduler called back last Tuesday and said that because of the length of the surgery scheduling was proving difficult with the hospital and doctor’s schedules and that surgery was now December 6th. So on the one hand I won’t miss Thanksgiving, but now I will miss Christmas dinner.

The worst part is that I have to avoid crowds and children especially between now and surgery and then again after for a couple months because of my compromised immunity and too high a risk for infection. I’m sick now and going in to see the doctor later today as it is and can’t even tell you where I picked it up. It really sucks when you have a compromised immunity and have to fight so hard just to make it day to day without getting sick. My neighbor, a nurse, has the theory that my body just wasn’t built for humidity and that things will get better after we leave here. I pray she’s right.

We have a super old dog and I recently had to start grinding his dry portion of food into smaller pieces so he could eat better. At first it was weird and made me think of that old Charlton Heston movie, Soylent Green as I ground the chunks into powder, but then a light bulb dawned over me and I realized my NINJA is about to be my best friend as I recover. After I am allowed to eat semi soft foods I will still be able to cook for hubby and get my flavor too by running my meals through the NINJA!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I took several photos while we were gone, but many didn’t turn out as well as I’d liked. This first one was the sky when we got home.

These Oklahoma cotton fields called to me A LOT. I didn’t even realize cotton grew in Oklahoma.

I just LOVE old architecture and this old building on the town square was really neat. I just wish the sun had been shining.

I did get one for Sandra though 😀

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday, Terri at Darling Downs Diaries and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

Save

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 44 of 2017

How was your weekend? Mine was productive and quite pleasant weather wise. I went to my first craft festival of the season on Saturday where I ran into a couple friends and received a wonderful Christmas Eve party invitation.

I am working on a 2 year update on the HOUSE FROM HELL that will be up in a few days. Other than that I am just doing EVERYTHING I can to prepare for selling the house and move on ASAP which we are hoping to do just after the doctor gives me the ALL clear after surgery.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We appear to be having a few days of fall weather finally with cool evenings and pleasant days, but they are going to be short lived it appears.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

English muffin with Peanut Butter and coffee

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY… just a couple loads
LIVING AREAS… mostly tidy, but need to do floors like always
KITCHEN… quite clean actually
STUDIO… now a storage room
YARD… nothing as we head into November
BLOG… still doing some recipe updating and planning for future posts

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I’m still reading the Bridge to a Better Life by Ava Miles. Just can’t seem to stay awake long enough to finish a book.

The Holiday Baking Championship(11/9) and Guy’s BIG Project(11/5) both start in the next couple weeks.

BIG BANG THEORY and the new YOUNG SHELDON when it returns later this week
NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T. starts this week
MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED later this season
BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

I’m saving this category for recuperation time!

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	ENGLISH MUFFIN with PEANUT BUTTER & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRENCH TOAST	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	BROWN SUGAR PORK CHOPS	C.O.R.N.	OUT	OUT	OUT	OUT	LOADED GARLIC BREAD
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

We are FINALLY moving forward!!! Looks like surgery will be in the next 2-3 weeks (they are working out a schedule with the hospital which I should know later today hopefully) and will only limit Thanksgiving! DR. said that I can do Christmas as long as everything is in teeny tiny bites! YAY Christmas is my favorite. The biggest drawback will be that it is a 6 hour surgery to fix what the previous doctor had done, I’ll be in the hospital for 2 days and ZERO lifting or straining of ANY kind for 8 weeks or so. I am so not a sit around girl, but am amassing a list of sit still projects to TRY and keep me occupied.

When we met with the doctor we discussed all the pros and cons of both surgeries and determined the best course of action. There are always concerns and risks, but after talking it all over with the doctor I’m feeling pretty good about the decisions. I never thought I’d be a statistic for late night lawyer commercials, but apparently I now am. Evidently the “BIO MESH” previously used is now being routinely found to be faulty. The surgeon was wonderfully explicit and even drew easy to follow diagrams about how he was going to do a permanent fix. I’m all for NEVER going through this again. I’m going with the adage that third time is a charm. Originally, pretesting, the surgeon didn’t think he’d be able to do a 3rd fix, but after testing he found that the bio mesh is all but missing, or so he suspects from what he saw on the EGD. I’m very happy my surgeon has gotten rave reviews from patients and doctors alike and what he has to say about this more permanent fix. The only drawback is that it will be a lengthy surgery so he can make sure it’s all done right.

Here’s how it this all started. In 2011 I had my cancer surgery which went wonderful and I began the long trek back to health and fitness. All in all, I was already pretty healthy and fit – I mean I cook from scratch, perimeter shop without the junk food and eat extremely little fast food. I don’t really drink, have never smoked or done drugs. The oncologist said that those things probably helped save my life as the cancer had nothing to feed on in my body.

But, the length of surgery caused another problem. Turns out I had a Hiatal hernia that my cancer doctor didn’t fix while she was in there and the stomach acid seeped up and started eroding my esophagus as I laid on the operating table for such a lengthy surgery. So, a year later I had to have another operation to remove part of the shredded esophagus and rebuild the valve. Then 9 months later an allergic reaction to a prescription they gave me for my Fibromyalgia started lowering my potassium levels and shutting down my heart. I collapsed, literally close to death. Fortunately, hubby insisted they take me to the hospital despite the idiot ambulance driver who was convinced I’d been drinking (strongest thing I EVER drink is iced tea) and tried to get me to sign a waiver so he didn’t have to transport me. The hospital staff worked quickly to revive my potassium to a safe level and life went on. When I came to though out on the street I became violently ill. A few weeks later I knew something was wrong (I had torn open the repair) and several weeks after that, I had surgery to repair my stomach and esophagus, AGAIN.

Fast forward a few years later and guess what? Here we are again. Turns out I appear to be a statistic, a part of those late night commercials for the class action suits against products that fail. I have been doing research and it appears from the last article I read that the type of mesh used to previously repair my stomach failed 17 out of 24 times – not very good odds in my opinion. I cannot eat most foods, I cannot sleep flat in a bed and I’m still having issues with syncope/balance so I’m going to do what is necessary to get back to a regular life. I know this ALL happens for a reason, but I’m READY for it to be over!!!

We do know I will be a liquid diet for quite a few weeks , but now know that I will only miss Thanksgiving and Christmas will be an extremely small meal, but real food. Have I mentioned that I’m looking forward to 2018 and the start of a new season of life?

I have begun again amassing cooking magazines and simple projects like changing over the address book, password book, etc… for when I’m laid up. Unfortunately, this surgery will leave me with ZERO lifting, stretching or straining for 8 weeks – literally cannot lift anything heavier than a bag of flour. I will be unable to do much more than walk, MAYBE LIMITED SLOW TREADMILL – ABSOLUTELY no lifting, no stretching, etc… I figured I would use the time to read, develop some ideas for new recipes and work on updating the blog compilation. I might be able to do a few simple craft projects too.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We did take a little adventure last week…

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday, Terri at Darling Downs Diaries and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

Save

STUFFED MARSALA CHICKEN

STUFFED MARSALA CHICKEN

4 chicken breasts
6 slices of mozzarella (about 1/4 inch thick)
16 sun-dried tomatoes (I use the ones packed in olive oil and Italian herbs)*
1/2 cup baby spinach (optional)
2 tablespoons avocado oil
8 mushrooms, sliced thin
1 large shallot, sliced thin
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup sweet Marsala wine
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced thin (optional)

Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium high heat.
Add mushrooms and shallots, sweating until caramelized.
Cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast being careful not to go all the way through.
Stuff each breast with one slice of mozzarella, 4 sun dried tomatoes and a spoonful of mushrooms and shallots.
Secure with baking bands or toothpicks.
Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in the same large skillet.
Brown chicken breasts on both sides.
Move to casserole dish and bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes depending on size of your chicken breasts.
Meanwhile using the same skillet heat remaining tablespoon avocado oil over low heat.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant; less than 1 minute.
Add sweet Marsala wine and reduce by half.
Add chicken broth and cook on high for 1 minute.
Reduce heat to low.
Add cream and simmer until slightly thickened approximately 5-7 minutes; whisking frequently.
Salt & pepper to taste.
Top chicken breast with 1/2 mozzarella slice and allow to melt.
Spoon sauce over warm chicken.
Top with optional green onions.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

Save

HASH BROWN HAM & CHEESE QUICHE

I found this recipe in an old Taste of Home magazine that I bought at a library book sale – best book sale I’ve been too in a long, long time. I spent $9.80 at the sale and then calculated the retail prices of all the books and magazines plus tax ($309.73) and found I saved $299.93 when all was said and done!

I did make a few changes to the original recipe. I have to tell you this was one of the easiest brunch items I’ve ever made. Crisp and tasty too!

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

Save

ITALIAN STUFFED CHICKEN

Coating the chicken breast with homemade Italian dressing inside and out helps keep this chicken juicy and adds so much flavor as the dressing combined with the marinade from the sun dried tomatoes constantly bastes the chicken as it bakes.

ITALIAN STUFFED CHICKEN
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup sun dried tomato tapenade
2 slices Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup spinach leaves, washed and dried
2 tablespoons Avocado or olive oil

DRESSING
1 tablespoon mayonnaise*
1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1/4 teaspoon Basil
1/4 teaspoon Parsley
1/2 teaspoon Thyme
1/4 teaspoon Marjoram
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350°.
Whisk together dressing ingredients until well blended (it will not be pourable, but that’s what you want).
Cut a slit in each breast to create a pocket, but not all the way through.
Stir together the ricotta cheese and sun-dried tomato tapenade.
Coat the inside of the pocket with the dressing.
Add ricotta sun-dried tomato mixture, spinach leaves and a slice of cheese.
Coat outside of chicken with dressing on both sides.
Seal with toothpicks.
Heat oil in cast iron pan over high heat.
Add chicken and sear both sides quickly until golden.
Transfer pan to oven and bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked through.
Rest for 5 minutes.
Drizzle with any juices that leaked out.

NOTE*: Most people would use a Dijon mustard, but I’m allergic to mustard so substitute mayonnaise and make up the flavor in herbs.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

Save

MAGIC DUST SLAM DUNK HOT WINGS

MAGIC DUST SLAM DUNK HOT WINGS from Chris at NibbleMeThis He originally ran this recipe over at OUR Krazy Kitchen when I hosted that food blog.

36 chicken wing pieces (wingettes and drummettes)
CHRIS’ DRY RUB (I use my MAGIC DUST instead of Chris’ rub though – recipe below)
1 1/2 teaspoon Lawry’s Season Salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano

TOSS SAUCE
1/2 cup hot sauce (I use Frank’s Original)
1/3 cup butter
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

DUNK SAUCE
3/4 cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoon diced roasted red pepper
2 tablespoon cilantro, finely minced

Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix the “dunk sauce” together and refrigerate.
Wash and dry the wing pieces REALLY well* and season with the dry rub.
Cook the wings for 25 minutes and then flip the wings. Cook another 25 minutes or until crisp and cooked through.
Meanwhile, whisk together the “toss sauce” over medium heat.
Toss the wings in the toss sauce and put back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
Serve with the Dunk Sauce and enjoy

NOTE* This helps get a crisp skin.

TAMY’S MAGIC DUST (my go to dry rub that I keep on hand)

1/2 cup sweet paprika
1/4 cup finely ground sea salt
1/3 cup superfine sugar
1/4 cup chipotle chili powder
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix all ingredients together until well blended.
Store in an airtight container.
Shake before each use.

MAGIC DUST NOTE: I can’t use it because of allergies, but a great addition to this recipe is 2 tablespoons of Colemna’s dry mustard.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

Save

CARAMEL STUFFED AUTUMN SNICKERDOODLES

Another fun find on facebook that I altered to out taste. I mean who doesn’t like a snickerdoodle? and caramel? and cinnamon sugar? Put them all together and you have something really special for the fall season.

CARAMEL STUFFED AUTUMN SNICKERDOODLES yields 12 cookies adapted from DELISH
3/4 cup spiced apple cider
1 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon molasses
1 egg
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
Cinnamon sugar, for rolling
12 unwrapped caramel candies, cut into 4 pieces each

Preheat oven to 350° and line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the apple cider to a simmer, cooking until reduced to about 2 tablespoons. Let cool.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat together butter and brown sugar.
Add egg, vanilla, molasses and apple cider mixing until well blended.
Add flour and mix JUST until combined.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into a ball then flatten it slightly with your hand.
Press 4 caramel pieces into the center of the dough, covering and sealing the caramel entirely with dough.
Reshape it into a ball and roll in cinnamon-sugar.
Place on cookie sheet and repeat with remaining dough and caramels.
Freeze for 20 minutes.
Bake until the cookies are golden around the edges and set in the middle, 10-14 minutes.
Let cool for on pan for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

Save

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 43 of 2017

WOW is this year moving fast! We had a nice weekend that ended way too fast. Saturday was an uncle’s 75th birthday party and we went and picked up my aunt’s caretaker from year’s past that can no longer drive and lives 45 minutes away to bring her to the party and take her home after the party so Saturday was pretty full. I was able to see 3 cousins that I don’t normally get to see often as we all live in 4 different cities in 2 different states. We had a great visit full of love and laughter accompanied by 2 of my cousin’s munchkins stealing the show as they had fun.

We woke up Sunday to a storm whose wind was rivaling hurricane Harvey and heavy rain so the day quickly turned into a do nothing day where we made brunch, watched football and racing while really doing nothing at all.

~~The long awaited day is finally here.~~ WRONG – 12:05 UPDATE -doctor’s office just called and rescheduled for Thursday saying he was in an emergency surgery that was taking longer than expected. I know this ALL happens for a reason and I don’t want to be unreasonable, but this ALL began LAST November 2016!!!! I’m READY for it to be over!!!

All of my testing is done and my follow up appointment with the doctor for all the test results and to set a surgery schedule is ~~later today~~ Thursday so I’m a bit apprehensive until I know more. We do know I will be a liquid diet for quite a few weeks and will more than likely be missing both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners so I will be doing a combo holiday meal for hubby, myself and the good uncle just before surgery and then freezing meals for hubby.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re supposed to be down in the 80’s all week and sunny. As long as the humidity stays low, that’s okay by me. I’d prefer a proper fall, but I’ll settle for a mild Indian summer since we haven’t had a proper frost here.

The term Indian summer usually means warm and dry with above normal temperatures after the first cold spell or frost of the season, but just for trivia’s sake it does not have a positive origin. It refers to a period of time after the settlers had experienced the first frost of the season and were preparing for a long winter. The settlers had let their guard down and the Indians had taken advantage of the settlers being unprepared according to farmer’s almanac.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Fruit smoothie and coffee

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
LIVING AREAS… plan on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow
KITCHEN… pretty clean
STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I’m reading the Bridge to a Better Life by Ava Miles.

The Holiday Baking Championship(11/9) and Guy’s BIG Project(11/5) both start in the next couple weeks.

BIG BANG THEORY and the new YOUNG SHELDON when it returns in November
NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS
MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED
LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT
Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS
THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE,
THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME
GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

I’m beginning to work on Christmas cards. I’d like to have them finished and ready to mail just after Thanksgiving.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	KITCHEN SINK FRITTATA	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	MARRY ME CHAMPAGNE CHICKEN	SLAM DUNK WINGS & SALAD	INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES	PANZANELLA SALAD	CHILI CHEESE DOG CASSEROLE	GRILLED STEAKS AND SALAD	STUFFED CHICKEN MARSALA
DESSERT		BANANAS FOSTER BREAD

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

As always I’m praying for world peace, SERIOUSLY! I hate waking up to so much tragedy through the world more and more frequently.

I’m also praying that the doctor has great answers today in my follow up appointment.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I’m still moving right along on getting ALL but the essentials packed. We still don’t know when we will be moving, but at least we’ll be ready! I love bubble wrap.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday, Terri at Darling Downs Diaries and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

Save

INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES

Most of you know that I ONLY cook from scratch. I have to admit though that one of my favorite comfort meals from being a kid was SWANSON’S Chicken Pot Pie. I have tried for years to duplicate that exact recipe from scratch. Alas, I concede – scratch will have to wait! Here is the recipe I have come closest with. This particular sauce actually turns out more like a gravy and is perfect for this combo! Now I am trying a beef version tonight that will be scatch!

INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES
serves 4
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders, cut into bite sized pieces
1 small Vidalia onion, halved and sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
3 tablespoons butter
4-6 ounces cream cheese, softened
salt and pepper to taste
1 box Pepperidge Farm Puffed Pastry defrosted per package directions
1 package KNORR Hollandaise Sauce prepared per package
1 egg white + 1 tablespoon melted butter

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in large skillet.
Add celery and onion, sauteeing until almost carmelized.
Add remaining butter to melt.
Add chicken pieces, salt and pepper to taste, sauteeing until chicken is cooked through.
Add cream cheese and blend well.
Add peas and carrots, stirring to coat.

Preheat oven to 400°.
Cut pastry sheets in half.
Lay one half of each pastry sheet on cookie sheet.
Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture into the half of each sheet.
Fold the other half up and over, sealing the edges well.
Whisk together the egg white and melted butter and then brushing each pie with the mixture.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden and pastry is puffed.
Top each pie with a ladle full of sauce.
Enjoy.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

Save

BANANAS FOSTER BREAD adapted from DAMARIS PHILLIPS

BANANAS FOSTER BREAD adapted from DAMARIS PHILLIPS

BREAD
Cooking spray, for greasing
1 2/3 cups bananas, mashed (about 4 medium RIPE)
2 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon rum extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup toasted coconut
1/3 cup golden raisins (soaked in orange juice and rum and then drained WELL)

Preheat the oven to 350°.
Spray a 9-by-4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
Combine the bananas, eggs, sugar, coconut oil, yogurt, rum and vanilla extracts in a bowl.
In a separate larger bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir JUST until the flour is incorporated and batter is smooth.
Fold in the coconut, raisins and walnuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 1 hour.
Remove from the oven and set aside while you make the glaze.

GLAZE
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup spiced rum
1 teaspoon orange zest
Vanilla ice cream, for serving, optional

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the brown sugar and 1/2 cup water and stir, cooking until the sugar dissolves, and then continue cooking another 3 to 5 minutes over low heat until the mixture bubbles around the edges.
Turn off the heat and carefully stir in the rum and the orange zest.
Slowly pour half of the glaze over the banana bread, allowing it to seep into all the surfaces.
Wait until the glaze has been absorbed, about 30 minutes, and then turn the loaf out of the pan.
Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream, if using, and the remaining glaze.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.

Save

Miz Helen’s Country Cottage

Category: MEMES & LINK PARTIES