Chicken and Dumplings February 8, 2008

I think I’ve had true Chicken and Dumplings once before in my life. If I’m remembering correctly, I was young and well, at that age I could care less if my soup had dumplings in it.

A lot of people I know consider chicken and dumplings to be an ultimate comfort food. I decided to give it a shot when I saw this recipe pop up on Smitten Kitchen. I’ve lately been on the hunt for recipes that were both filling and relatively cheap. I also look for meal that are relatively simple to make. While it meets the first two criteria, the third… not so much.

It is officially a “weekend” meal. It basically took me all day to make it, though it was done before 8pm when Lost came on. For someone who can go through the whole recipe at once it wouldn’t be so bad, but between all the joys associated with two toddlers and a newborn I’m glad I started at 9am.

But it’s mouthwatering as can be.

Chicken and Dumplings with Leeks and Fresh Tarragon, from Smitten Kitchen.

Notes: Don’t use low-fat or fat-free milk in this recipe. Start the dumpling dough only when you’re ready to top the stew with the dumplings.

Stew

• 5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Meatball Soup February 6, 2008

We’re all still sick here. As a matter of fact, my migraine is making me feel extremely nauseous and I want to crawl back in bed.

BUT – I thought I should post some stuff. Not much new is happening and no good pictures, as I’m really beginning to detest the loaner. Maybe it’s me but I can’t get it to work for nothing.

Meatball Soup
Source: Adapted from BH&G Cookbook

Ingredients

Ugh February 2, 2008

Everyone is sick here.

I feel like I have arthritis in every joint and marshmallows stuffed in my sinus cavities. My whole face hurts.

Rowan is leaking from everywhere – his eyes, his nose, his nose. I think he might have an eye infection and I praying his not teething, but he’s drooling up a storm. Listening to a body this little cough is just heart-wrenching. He’s been very mellow but just wants to be held. And he has this tiny little pathetic mew, like a newborn kitten.

Declan is same old Declan – just add a scratchy voice, tons of boogies and a hacking cough. Doesn’t he know you’re supposed to chill out on the couch all day when you’re sick? Seriously.

Matt says he feels yucky too, but I don’t have any yummy specifics to share with you guys.

That said I managed to make some meatball soup last night. It was a low-fat recipe and turned out kinda bland, but it was good and made a ton. I’ll probably end up freezing some even, which is a feat in this house.

I have a couple craft projects that I’d like to start soon, including menu magnets for the fridge and a clothespin hanger bag thingy. I’m getting tired of the cold and drear so I’ve got lots of brights and prints dancing in my head.  I’m trying to work it into the budget as well, but it’s tight. Once again, if you know anyone who needs daycare in my neck of the woods, can you send them this way?

Pork and Hominy Stew January 29, 2008

To be honest, I’m not even sure what Hominy is. To me it’s kinda like corn but more of a grain. It was hard to try and explain it to Matt. Actually I just looked it up and it is corn, it’s just been treated in a certain fashion. Check it out. It actually sounds kinda… scary?

Anyway I made this up tonight and it’s got a few of my favorite things, such as cilantro and hominy. The Cumin is really what makes it though. Matt would like me to try it with chicken but I think pork is part of the magic and it goes much better with Cumin. We served it tonight along with my Light Oat Bread which came out lighter and fluffier than normal – must be because of the cold humid air tonight. Either way, they were both delicious.

Matt states that I may add it to the rotation.

Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches January 26, 2008

Okay, so there’s not much to say about this recipe. There’s not much you can say because well, your mouth fills up with drool too quickly.

My mom got an awesome deal on a huge pork shoulder so we decided to cook it up on her birthday weekend. We used an 8 pound roast and doubled this recipe. Sadly there was little to no leftovers. Again, no pictures. I’m getting really frustrated with the loaner camera I have borrowed hence the lack of pictures. Sorry Guys. I should start a donation fund for a new camera, huh?