This is a quick, simple recipe and can be thrown together quickly. The Caesar dressing really adds a lot of flavor to this dish and it doesn't really need any other seasonings besides the dressing. It warms up well too. Everyone in the family just told me that we need to eat this more often!
Creamy Chicken Pasta
INGREDIENTS:
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fully cooked and cubed (I usually just use what I have, so sometimes I am using left over cooked chicken. Sometimes I use more than 3 breasts and other times it is less.)
1 lb package of penne pasta, fully cooked and drained
1 bag frozen broccoli and cauliflower mix (I use the kind you can steam in the bag, but any kind would work)
1 (15 oz) container cottage cheese
1 c creamy Caesar salad dressing
1/2 to 1 c grated Parmesan cheese
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, stir together cottage cheese and salad dressing. Add in chicken pieces and pasta.
Cook veggies according to the package (since I use the Steam Fresh ones, I just nuke them in the microwave until cooked). Add cooked veggies to the chicken/pasta mixture and mix well to cover each pasta and veggie with the cheese/dressing.
Pour this into a greased 13x9x2 casserole dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until completely heated through (because everything is already cooked and mostly warmed it sometimes doesn't take as long as 20 minutes, so I start checking in on it after about 15 and go from there).
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ornament Swap
I participated in the Secret Ornament Swap with Its a Wonderful Life and I received my package already! I was so excited to come home to not one, but two boxes sitting on my front porch! YAY! Then when I went to take pictures... no batteries! ACK!
So after making it to the store to get some batteries then I was able to unpack the boxes! I wouldn't open the boxes until I could take pictures - do you know how hard it was to leave the boxes unopened next to the couch? It was haaaarrrrdddd I tell you!
Here is what I got:
All in all I got a total of 9 ornaments, a cranberry candle, a very cute card and a wonderful wreath for my door!
Here is a close up of the ornaments:
**I got alllllllllll this wonderful stuff from Lovemy2dogs! Thanks girl!!
We usually put up our Christmas decorations on or around Thanksgiving so these will be proudly displayed next week! I will take more pictures after I get them hung up and post here again!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thoughts...
Spirit has a girl in his class that has seizures. She wears a helmet for protection and she also has an aide that is with her at all times in case she has a seizure.
The first time it happened Spirit came home very concerned for her. Asking us why she would have those, what does it feel like to her and what does it do to her. He also admitted to being a little scared, not OF her but scared FOR her. I could see it in his eyes that first time that he was genuinely concerned for her.
Since that first time, the girl has had seizures in class probably 4 or 5 more times. Every time, Spirit comes home concerned. He wants to know if there is anything we can do for her, etc, etc etc.
The teacher has done some explaining to the class, which has eased Spirit's mind on it, but he still tells us every time she has a seizure. He knows now she has a medical condition that causes this, he knows they should turn her on her side so she doesn't choke, and he thinks it is really nice that two girls in his class hold the girls hand after the seizure to make her feel better.
For some reason last night he was really thinking about her (and wouldn't be because he wants to marry her... click here to see why!). He wanted to get online to find out more about seizures and what causes them. He also described to me what it looks when she has one. He told me how the teachers are always calm about it so he realizes he should be calm too, but he told me that he just wants to help her.
It occured to me, at that very moment, as I was looking into those big brown eyes that I might be looking at the next great doctor. Maybe that is what he will aspire to be when he goes off to college.
Have you ever read the below poem, which is for teachers, but totally applies to being a parent in so many ways as well.... I just love the poem and actually have a copy in my house that I look at often!
The first time it happened Spirit came home very concerned for her. Asking us why she would have those, what does it feel like to her and what does it do to her. He also admitted to being a little scared, not OF her but scared FOR her. I could see it in his eyes that first time that he was genuinely concerned for her.
Since that first time, the girl has had seizures in class probably 4 or 5 more times. Every time, Spirit comes home concerned. He wants to know if there is anything we can do for her, etc, etc etc.
The teacher has done some explaining to the class, which has eased Spirit's mind on it, but he still tells us every time she has a seizure. He knows now she has a medical condition that causes this, he knows they should turn her on her side so she doesn't choke, and he thinks it is really nice that two girls in his class hold the girls hand after the seizure to make her feel better.
For some reason last night he was really thinking about her (and wouldn't be because he wants to marry her... click here to see why!). He wanted to get online to find out more about seizures and what causes them. He also described to me what it looks when she has one. He told me how the teachers are always calm about it so he realizes he should be calm too, but he told me that he just wants to help her.
It occured to me, at that very moment, as I was looking into those big brown eyes that I might be looking at the next great doctor. Maybe that is what he will aspire to be when he goes off to college.
Have you ever read the below poem, which is for teachers, but totally applies to being a parent in so many ways as well.... I just love the poem and actually have a copy in my house that I look at often!
WITH APOLOGIES TO NONE
~Author unknown~
When I am introduced as a teacher, I am usually asked what I teach.
I reply, "I teach the little ones." So often the response is a flat "oh."
I have never been certain whether it is an expression of
sympathy or disinterest. I wish I had the time to say something like this:
Where else would life look as bright to me as it does having an
energetic group to whom nothing is impossible?
Where else could I walk into a room and see so many
eager faces turn to greet me?
Where else could I wear the same thing day after day and
still be told I look pretty?
Where else could I guide the first letter formations of a chubby little hand
and think that someday it might write a book or sign
an important document?
Where else could I so quickly forget my own aches and pains because of
skinned knees, bumped heads, and broken hearts that need my consolation?
Where else could I feel so close to my Maker as I do each day,
when because of something I've done, little children learn and grow?
Yes, I teach the little ones and I love it!
~Author unknown~
When I am introduced as a teacher, I am usually asked what I teach.
I reply, "I teach the little ones." So often the response is a flat "oh."
I have never been certain whether it is an expression of
sympathy or disinterest. I wish I had the time to say something like this:
Where else would life look as bright to me as it does having an
energetic group to whom nothing is impossible?
Where else could I walk into a room and see so many
eager faces turn to greet me?
Where else could I wear the same thing day after day and
still be told I look pretty?
Where else could I guide the first letter formations of a chubby little hand
and think that someday it might write a book or sign
an important document?
Where else could I so quickly forget my own aches and pains because of
skinned knees, bumped heads, and broken hearts that need my consolation?
Where else could I feel so close to my Maker as I do each day,
when because of something I've done, little children learn and grow?
Yes, I teach the little ones and I love it!
Monday, November 16, 2009
And the winner is...
The winner, which was chosen using Random.org, of the Rachel Ray cookware is...
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Final Day to enter the Rachel Ray cookware giveaway
The giveaway ends tonight so please click here to enter to win this beauty! Winner will be announced sometime tomorrow.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday Recipe - Chicken with black beans and rice
I tried this recipe last week and it was super tasty! A quote from 7 year old, Lefty: "This chicken is the best. Ever!" He wanted it the next night too. When he saw me packing the left overs for Mr. Man's lunch he got a little disappointed that it was going to be all gone so I have promised to make this again! The rice turned out a little spicy for the kids, but even Spirit (pickiest of my kids) said as long as he ate a bite of chicken with the rice it wasn't bad. (And the only spicy thing I put in the rice was the Rotel tomatoes so I must have just had a spicy can or something)
Chicken with black beans and rice
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 c flour
1 -2 tsp chili powder (add to your taste)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 - 4 lbs meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks)
2 Tbls oil
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 oz) can RoTel tomatoes, undrained
1 c tomato juice
1 c frozen whole kernel corn
2/3 c long grain rice (not instant rice)
2 cloves garlic
In a large resealable plastic bag combine the flour, chili powder, salt, & pepper. Add the chicken pieces, half at a time, and shake bag to coat chicken.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown chicken on all sides in hot oil about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add beans, undrained tomatoes, tomato juice, corn, uncooked rice and garlic. Bring to boiling. Transfer rice mixture to a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Arrange chicken pieces on top of rice mixture. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake covered in a 375 degree oven for 45 - 50 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and rice is tender.
Serve with warm tortillas on the side.
**One note: We found this didn't warm up well. So, my point is that it wasn't as good as left overs, but it sure was tasty the first time around!**
*************************************************************************
PLEASE REMEMBER THE RACHEL RAY COOKWARE GIVEAWAY ENDS THIS WEEKEND SO IF YOU HAVEN'T ENTERED, PLEASE CLICK HERE AND ENTER NOW! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THIS ONE!
Chicken with black beans and rice
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 c flour
1 -2 tsp chili powder (add to your taste)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 - 4 lbs meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks)
2 Tbls oil
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 oz) can RoTel tomatoes, undrained
1 c tomato juice
1 c frozen whole kernel corn
2/3 c long grain rice (not instant rice)
2 cloves garlic
In a large resealable plastic bag combine the flour, chili powder, salt, & pepper. Add the chicken pieces, half at a time, and shake bag to coat chicken.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown chicken on all sides in hot oil about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add beans, undrained tomatoes, tomato juice, corn, uncooked rice and garlic. Bring to boiling. Transfer rice mixture to a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Arrange chicken pieces on top of rice mixture. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake covered in a 375 degree oven for 45 - 50 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and rice is tender.
Serve with warm tortillas on the side.
**One note: We found this didn't warm up well. So, my point is that it wasn't as good as left overs, but it sure was tasty the first time around!**
*************************************************************************
PLEASE REMEMBER THE RACHEL RAY COOKWARE GIVEAWAY ENDS THIS WEEKEND SO IF YOU HAVEN'T ENTERED, PLEASE CLICK HERE AND ENTER NOW! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THIS ONE!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Typical 8 year old boy
As I was putting Spirit to bed the other night he said "Why is it SO nasty to get married?"
Me: "I don't think it's nasty to get married. Why do you say that?"
Spirit: "It's just nasty. ick"
Me: "I'm sorry. I don't think it's nasty at all. Do you think that just because you have to kiss?"
Spirit: "That ANNDDDD you have to kiss a giiiirrrrllllll."
He is definitely at that age where he notices girls, but also thinks it is terribly gross to have to kiss, or touch. He gets so grossed out if he sees me and Mr. Man hugging/kissing. He also won't kiss me, he will hug me but no kissing!!! If I ask him to hug his sister he gets a little bothered, he'll do it (sometimes) but not without some complaining and eye rolling!
******************************************************
In other news, I am exhausted these days, I have been staying up late working on crafty things... mostly Christmas gifts. I can't wait to show you all what I've been doing, unfortunately some will not get posted until AFTER the holidays since people who will be receiving those gifts read this blog! But I do have some fun things I will get to post on here as soon as they are complete! YAY!! I am also gathering up some stuff to do a little re-decorating in each of the kids' rooms that I can't wait to show you all!
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