tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26077950311616802592024-03-13T15:37:28.540-07:00COOKING AND LIVING LIFE!Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-50652288806176025862011-03-07T10:54:00.000-08:002011-03-07T10:54:47.007-08:001ST BIRTHDAY PARTY SUCCESS!<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Good Monday to all! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia;">So this past Saturday was Chloe's 1st birthday-where has the year gone??!! Needless to say it was a great party attended by wonderful friends and family! Craig's Mom & Gram drove down from Canada to partake in the festivities! </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia;">I decided on Friday to prep as much food as I could, reserving a few hours before the party for final prep and cooking of the hot foods-timing wise it all worked out.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia;">Thanks to our early rising daughter, we were able to get the house decorated Saturday morning. I know that a few weeks back I shared Chloe's decorations-well I took one of the napkins to our supermarket to have them put the design on her cake and here it is! </span></strong><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="213" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/200115_10150153245590726_735460725_8483297_7954027_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cute right?! We loved it and it tasted good! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And they even made her a "baby cake"</span></strong><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="213" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189218_10150153247700726_735460725_8483347_7534253_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>She had fun tearing into it-she was kind of dainty about it, but once she figured out that is was cake and okay to eat she tore into it!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>I has so much fun planning the party, and didn't skimp on the food. Now I know that I shared my menu a few weeks back, but working and hosting guests etc. I decided to scrap a few items on the menu and get help from the super market deli. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>So here is what the final menu consisted of.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Bacon Wrapped Shrimp</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Mini-Twice baked potatoes</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Veggie tray</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fruit Tray</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Stuffed cucumbers</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Cheese and crackers</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Mini Pita Sandwiches</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Cake & Ice Cream</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>I made everything except for the pita sandwiches and the cake.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>So I was asked by a few of our friends if I could share the recipes and or course I said I can-just check my blog!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>So here they are.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Bacon Wrapped Shrimp</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Bacon (I LOVE fully cooked bacon)</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fully cooked shrimp-peeled & deveined</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Garlic Powder</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sprinkle Garlic Powder over the shrimp, then wrap each in a single piece of bacon. Place the wrapped single layer on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5 minutes. Serve with toothpicks and enjoy! Easy Peasy! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Mini-Twice Baked Potatoes</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Mini new Potatoes(Red skinned potatoes)</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>1/2 c Milk</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>1/2 cup sour cream</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>1/2 cup chopped bacon</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Salt & Pepper to taste</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Chives for garnish</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>1/4 cup Olive Oil</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Pre-Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl combine the olive oil and salt & pepper along with the potatoes. Coat with the oil mixture and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes. Once baked turn the temp down on the oven to 350. Remove the potatoes and once cool cut in half and scoop out the insides-leaving a layer around the inside to hold the potatoes "up" once filled. Put the potatoes in the bowl with the remaining ingredients. Fill each potatoe skin with the filling and place single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the 350 degree oven for 5 mintues or until the cheese has melted. Take out place on a serving dish and garnish with the chives! YUMMY!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Everything was yummy and filling since this was a party happening during the dinner hour! I would say that my little Monkey enjoyed her first birthday! She not remember it but we have made memories that we can share with her later in life!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="213" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/197932_10150153248905726_735460725_8483388_4013397_n.jpg" width="320" />Like this one! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="213" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190628_10150153246020726_735460725_8483307_356958_n.jpg" width="320" /> And this one! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Cheers! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Erica </strong></span>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-2032692185817018122011-03-02T07:56:00.000-08:002011-03-02T07:56:43.785-08:00BLAH!!! Wednesday!<strong>So yeah..it's Wednesday! YIPPEE...throw a party-NOT! I was up wayyyy to late last night cleaning for the in-laws visit. They roll into town this evening, and while they don't pull the white glove treatment when they come to visit I feel the need to have my house SPOTLESS! So yeah that's the reason for the blahs today. Upside to the day it's nice outside so I will be able to get out during lunch and walk and breathe in the clean Colorado air (no not a cliche-it really is clean).</strong><br />
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<strong>As it stands right now I should be working-but clearly I find this to be a more enjoyable way of getting through my morning, but seriously I need to finish this blog up, drink my coffee in silence and work my little booty off!</strong><br />
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<strong>I will post dinner tomorrow-I am cooking tonight, and I know you are dying to know if Craig got chili in a can last night-well he didn't I did what I do best second to cooking-I dialed Pizza Hut!</strong><br />
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<strong>Happy <strike>Friday</strike> Wednesday (see already trying to fast forward the week)!</strong><br />
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<strong>Cheers ~</strong><br />
<strong>Erica </strong><br />
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<strong>PS-Little gossip to get you through the day! U R WC!</strong><br />
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<strong><a data-bk="8.1" data-bns="API.YAlgo" href="http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0PDoS.0Z25NQmwAA1aJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBwcjUxY2E1BHBvcwMyBHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkA0kxMzZfODY-/SIG=1jd2bii0c/EXP=1299109940/**http%3a//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Ddancing%252Bwith%252Bthe%252Bstars%252B2011%2526ei%253DUTF-8%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-701%26w=535%26h=652%26imgurl=www.impawards.com%252Ftv%252Fposters%252Fdancing_with_the_stars.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.impawards.com%252Ftv%252Fdancing_with_the_stars.html%26size=83KB%26name=Dancing%2bWith%2bthe...%26p=dancing%2bwith%2bthe%2bstars%2b2011%26oid=f41d2294da84d6308bfb40a71bcd1376%26fr2=%26no=2%26tt=79300%26sigr=11neinhi1%26sigi=11ng7cu10%26sigb=130vdl6uq%26.crumb=AChl8LA2llV"><img alt="Go to fullsize image" height="160" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=636039272269&id=4284f02be966a38885a8a9a9d14fd622" title="http://www.impawards.com/tv/dancing_with_the_stars.html" width="131" /></a></strong><br />
<strong>Dancing with the "stars"-yeah this cast is a little light in the stars category!</strong><br />
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<a data-bk="6.1" data-bns="API.YAlgo" href="http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0PDoS.0Z25NQmwAAlaJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBwY2Y4ZTVhBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkA0kxMzZfODY-/SIG=1ln50iea5/EXP=1299109940/**http%3a//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Ddancing%252Bwith%252Bthe%252Bstars%252B2011%2526ei%253DUTF-8%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-701%26w=800%26h=1089%26imgurl=lindsaylohanphotos.net%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2011%252F01%252Fkendra-wilkinson-dancing-stars-25987-0.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Flindsaylohanphotos.net%252Fkendra-wilkinson-to-go-dancing-with-the-stars-25987%252F%26size=100KB%26name=Dancing%2bWith%2bthe...%26p=dancing%2bwith%2bthe%2bstars%2b2011%26oid=aa06d7d669c1d9c8af8e94fcee9a4692%26fr2=%26no=1%26tt=79300%26sigr=12i12g91j%26sigi=12scvb9oh%26sigb=130vdl6uq%26.crumb=AChl8LA2llV"><img alt="Go to fullsize image" height="160" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=561194739916&id=ba42d5c159b43703d425395100103005" title="http://lindsaylohanphotos.net/kendra-wilkinson-to-go-dancing-with-the-stars-25987/" width="117" /></a><br />
Kendra Wilkinson-Known for dating Hugh Hefner and posing for Playboy. <br />
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<a data-bk="34.1" data-bns="API" href="http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0PDoX4oaG5NEWYALQGJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBxcjhlazZmBHBvcwMxNQRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANJMTM2Xzg2/SIG=1libgls2q/EXP=1299110056/**http%3a//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Dralph%252Bmacchio%2526ei%253Dutf-8%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-701%26w=640%26h=480%26imgurl=www.accesshollywood.com%252Fcontent%252Fimages%252F121%252Foriginals%252F121676_ralph-macchio-on-karate-kid-remake-i-had-mixed-feelings.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.accesshollywood.com%252Fralph-macchio-on-karate-kid-remake-i-had-mixed-feelings_video_1232793%26size=184KB%26name=Ralph%2bMacchio%2bOn...%26p=ralph%2bmacchio%26oid=4ab8f6cf062c11b59178d08109b71982%26fr2=%26no=15%26tt=17900%26sigr=134b23uid%26sigi=13n6ti5ru%26sigb=12ina0thk%26.crumb=AChl8LA2llV"><img alt="Go to fullsize image" height="120" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=646735735291&id=51fc5a1495acabc747e773d0cf351df9" title="http://www.accesshollywood.com/ralph-macchio-on-karate-kid-remake-i-had-mixed-feelings_video_1232793" width="160" /></a><br />
THE KARATE KID!! Ralph Macchio-I had a poster of Ralph taped to the back of my bedroom door when I was like 11! <br />
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<a data-bk="36.1" data-bns="API.YAlgo" href="http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0PDoX5kaG5NXmMASsuJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBxZThpZmZrBHBvcwMxNgRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANJMTM2Xzg2/SIG=1lmiksbnu/EXP=1299110116/**http%3a//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Dkirsit%252Balley%2526ei%253Dutf-8%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-701%26w=535%26h=716%26imgurl=www.kirstiealley.com%252Fblog%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2010%252F03%252Fkirstie-alley-big-life.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.kirstiealley.com%252Fblog%252F2010%252F03%252Fkirsite-alley-big-life-premiere-one-week%252F%26size=104KB%26name=Kirstie%2bAlley%25E2%2580%2599s%2b...%26p=kirsit%2balley%26oid=854a99e3c2d43799494fbd4647667ab0%26fr2=%26spell_query=kirstie%2balley%26no=16%26tt=26500%26sigr=12i66l91h%26sigi=12f1lim1u%26sigb=12hmpq5f3%26.crumb=AChl8LA2llV"><img alt="Go to fullsize image" height="160" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=545485432292&id=b746a8180157f40b2701ac0383d50229" title="http://www.kirstiealley.com/blog/2010/03/kirsite-alley-big-life-premiere-one-week/" width="119" /></a><br />
Kirstie Alley-Cheers, Look Who's Talking, Veronica's Closet-that's about it for her!<br />
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There are more "stars" this season but I don't know who they are, why they are on this show so I think this one will be a snore fest!Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-80067493114736518092011-03-01T10:38:00.000-08:002011-03-01T10:38:10.986-08:00Tuesday Mash-Up<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So it's Tuesday, and with my week being crazy I figured it was only fitting that my blog followed suit!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia;">This blog is about everything and maybe a little bit of nothing! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia;">First up dinner last night.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia;">Now with a busy week at work and getting prepared for my in-laws to be here tomorrow I knew there was absolutley no way I was cooking last night-first I informed Craig that dinner would be chili in a can. Once we got home that plan changed. I managed to go beyond cracking open a can! Proud of me I know right...!?</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia;">We did have a "meal" that I made quite a bit when I was single-I give you rotini with mushromm basil sauce! Don't be fooled by the name I dolled it up-it's box of rotini noodles and a jar of mushroom with basil sauce! That's it..I won't go into the instructions for this one-I think it's self explanatory! Nonetheless-it was yummy! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia;">Tonight-well tonight really will be chilie in a can-I have stuff to do in preparation of the in-law's coming into town tomorrow night! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia;">I anticipate cooking so I will be able to share that with you! </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia;">Other stuff on my radar-well the Oscars, The Bachelor and the new cast of Dancing with the "Stars". Yup, you got me I like boring awards shows and reality TV!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia;">While I enjoyed watching those awards being handled-even though I watching the entire show on fast forward-THANK YOU DVR! I really watch the show for the fashions! Here are some of my hits and misses! IMO</span></strong><br />
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<a data-bk="8.1" data-bns="API.YAlgo" href="http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A2KJkK4EOm1NKUkA.HeJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBwcjUxY2E1BHBvcwMyBHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkA0kxMzZfODY-/SIG=1l8vcmsl3/EXP=1299032708/**http%3a//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253F_adv_prop%253Dimage%2526va%253Doscar%252Bred%252Bcarpet%252Bfashions%252B2011%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-701%26w=300%26h=450%26imgurl=www.latimes.com%252Fmedia%252Fphoto%252F2011-02%252F59737231.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Ftheenvelope.latimes.com%252Fawards%252Foscars%252Fla-et-oscar-fashion-20110228%252C0%252C6096074.story%26size=35KB%26name=Oscars%253A%2bRed%2bcarp...%26p=oscar%2bred%2bcarpet%2bfashions%2b2011%26oid=1d07a657653201e8d3493a903be9ecf8%26fr2=%26no=2%26tt=324%26sigr=12p2c7oh4%26sigi=11g2qg4om%26sigb=13b7p66po%26.crumb=AChl8LA2llV"><img alt="Go to fullsize image" height="160" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=720551411714&id=985a37f6fd1d0a55c7730013ff3a2b43" title="http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/oscars/la-et-oscar-fashion-20110228,0,6096074.story" width="106" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Loved this simple, yet elegant look on Jennifer Lawerence! </strong></span><br />
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<a data-bk="12.1" data-bns="API.YAlgo" href="http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A2KJkK4EOm1NKUkA.neJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBwNW44MTcxBHBvcwM0BHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkA0kxMzZfODY-/SIG=1kl9mlkug/EXP=1299032708/**http%3a//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253F_adv_prop%253Dimage%2526va%253Doscar%252Bred%252Bcarpet%252Bfashions%252B2011%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-701%26w=380%26h=575%26imgurl=media.pennlive.com%252Fpatriot-news%252Fphoto%252F9331740-large.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fblog.pennlive.com%252Fgo%252F2011%252F02%252Fmelissa_leo_supporting_actress.html%26size=43KB%26name=...%2bPhoto%252FMatt%2bS...%26p=oscar%2bred%2bcarpet%2bfashions%2b2011%26oid=a03747100163e4d28701a682085611cf%26fr2=%26no=4%26tt=324%26sigr=127hml8ch%26sigi=11n8o81rq%26sigb=13b7p66po%26.crumb=AChl8LA2llV"><img alt="Go to fullsize image" height="160" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=720522838187&id=5f04a399b05ff03c24c5d4545841c658" title="http://blog.pennlive.com/go/2011/02/melissa_leo_supporting_actress.html" width="105" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Keeping with the red theme-I am BEYOND loving this look on Sandy B. honestly this is my fave of the night! Eat your heart out Jesse James</strong></span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_12990039456977984"><img alt="" class="imgSrc-http://static.wonderwall.com/photos/Original/47627_Original.jpg inited" id="yui_3_2_0_1_12990039456978134" src="http://static.wonderwall.com/photos/Original/47627_Original.jpg" /></span><br />
<span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Reese Witherspoon-simple and classy! She is a favorite!</strong></span></span><br />
<span><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_12990039456978196"><img alt="" class="imgSrc-http://static.wonderwall.com/photos/Original/47630_Original.jpg inited" id="yui_3_2_0_1_12990039456978343" src="http://static.wonderwall.com/photos/Original/47630_Original.jpg" /></span></span><br />
<span><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Celine Dion-making new mother's this world over jealous! Think she's wearing spanx under the dress? </strong></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_12990039456978720"><img alt="" class="imgSrc-http://static.wonderwall.com/photos/Original/47636_Original.jpg inited" id="yui_3_2_0_1_12990039456978883" src="http://static.wonderwall.com/photos/Original/47636_Original.jpg" /></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Can you say-"Hello, Old Hollywood!"-Amy Adams nailed the look! </strong></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_12990039456978807"><img alt="" class="imgSrc-http://static.wonderwall.com/photos/Original/47626_Original.jpg inited" id="yui_3_2_0_1_12990039456978997" src="http://static.wonderwall.com/photos/Original/47626_Original.jpg" /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Natalie Portman-Making pregnant women look good! </strong></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span><span><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_12990039456979138"><img alt="" class="imgSrc-http://static.wonderwall.com/photos/Original/47633_Original.jpg inited" id="yui_3_2_0_1_12990039456979289" src="http://static.wonderwall.com/photos/Original/47633_Original.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Cate Blanchett-I just don't get it! </strong></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>All in all I think everybody played it safe in the fashion arena-but they were great to look at an commentate on nonetheless!</strong></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Well-I gotta get off my rear and get outside!</strong></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Cheers</strong></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Erica </strong></span></span></span></span></span></span>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-91507684014348761472011-02-23T09:50:00.000-08:002011-02-23T09:52:33.745-08:00DIET!!! AHHHHH!!!!!!!!<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have uttered the one word that I never thought I would ever have to utter-DIET!! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">AHHH!! Say it isn't so-but sadly it is. Chloe will be 1 next weekend and I still need to lose another 30 lbs. of baby weight. The baby weighs 20 lbs now, so I can't keep up this facade! Enter the diet! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Step 1: Getting off my butt on my lunch hour and getting outside(weather premitting)or on the treadmill in our office gym.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Step 2: Giving up my beloved-that's right I gotta say bye-bye to my love Dr. Pepper! We've been through thick and thin-but I think you are keeping me thick so sayonara!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Step 3: Changing the way I eat. Now I don't eat horribly, I have the occassional fries from McDonald's, or have a piece of pie-but I gotta think heathlier. Enter the dinner that I "made" last night. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Now I warned Craig that I wasn't sure how it would taste. We had Chicken Tostadas-yeah they were okay but since I didn't put sour cream on them they were a little dry-and I forgot the black beans! But if you are brave, I am going to share this recipe with you. Maybe you can tweak it and let me know how it works for you!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Chicken Tostadas</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Whole Wheat Tortillas</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Black Beans-cooked</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Brown Rice</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Avocado-Chopped</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Fire Roasted Tomatoes(heated if you like)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Chicken-chopped( I used a rotisserie chicken from my local deli)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Baby Lettuce</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Greek yogurt</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Cilantro-chopped</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Place the tortillas in a hot oven-I went for 450. Bake until crisp about 3-5 minutes.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Top your tortilla with 2 cups lettuce, 1/4 cup rice, 1/4 cup beans, 1/4 cup tomatoes, 1/4 cup chicken, 1/3 cup avocado, 2 tbsp cilantro and 3 tbsp yogurt.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Now yours might taste better since you won't forget to add the beans-I will attempt this recipe again sometime maybe with the beans mine will be better 2nd time around!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">let me know what you think!!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">I am known for having a sweet tooth-so to satisfy those after dinner cookie cravings I like to have this little "treat" simple, easy and yummy.</span></strong><br />
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<br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Fruit "Parfait"</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Granola</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Blueberries</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Strawberries-chopped</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Spoon 1/2 cup of your yogurt into your favorite bowl top with 1/4 cup granola, and 1/4 cup of the berries and enjoy!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">I have served this one for breakfast as well as dessert.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">So off I go on my quest to lose my baby belly!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Wish me luck! </span></strong>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-73111619274548635092011-02-21T09:23:00.000-08:002011-02-21T09:23:57.276-08:00Party Time Preparation!<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I cannot believe that my baby will be 1 in less than 2 weeks!!! Where did the time go???</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">She's toddling around and drinking whole milk out of a sippy cup!! Soon we can potty train and ditch those nasty diapers!! But first I must plan-and I am just about done!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">First off I had to come up with a theme-taking from Chloe's nickname of Monkey I found a really cute 1st birthday website that had the perfect little girl Money themed decor. I highly recommend this website for all of your planning needs <a href="http://www.birthdayexpress.com/">http://www.birthdayexpress.com/</a></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They sent me a catalog with coupons and when I placed the order online I had forgotten the coupon codes, so I got on the live chat and was able to get the codes! They shipped out the package with an anticipated delivery date for this week-but I got the box last Friday WOO!HOO! </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Check out the theme! </span></strong><br />
<img alt="Pink+Mod+Monkey+1st+Birthday+Party+Supplies" border="0" id="sim5619" name="mainImage" src="http://images.celebrateexpress.com/mgen/merchandiser/67568.jpg?zm=365,365,1,0,0" /><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cute right??!! </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I picked up the streamers and extra plates in the pink color from Wal-Mart just in case. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now I have been told the 1st birthday party is more for the parents than the child-a celebration of her turning 1 in 1 piece and Mommy & Daddy still functioning at 100%! So bring on the party!!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We decided not to invite kiddos to this party-it will be close friends and Craig's Mom & Gram are coming down from Canada-so 10 people total! It will be a nice time with Chloe as the center of attention!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I just have to order her cake, get balloons and wrap up her presents! I just keep thinking back to this time last year and March 5th couldn't get here fast enough, and now here we are a year later!! It flew by!! Sometimes I wish that I could just stop time!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lasts stop on the party planning train will be food-I love a good party and enjoy making the food and planning out all the yummy nummy stuff.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here is what I have planned so far-keeping in mind that 98% of the guests are adults!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Veggie & Dip Tray</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Fruit with Fruit dip( I will share my yummy fruit dip recipe the closer we get to the party-it's not chocolate!)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cheese and crackers</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Mini twice baked ptoatoes</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Chicken skewers with a sesame ginger dipping sauce</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bacon wrapped shrimp</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Chive stuffed cucumbers</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I might come up with a few more-but I think that is plenty along with cake and ice cream!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So more to come later!!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">CHEERS!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Erica </span></strong>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-81185432879452625632011-02-20T17:32:00.000-08:002011-02-20T17:32:51.430-08:00Ahhh...the weekend!<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So here I am on a Sunday night doing my usual....laundry, chasing after Chloe and attempting to cook something yummy-yet healthy for dinner. I think I have accomplished that goal tonight-true test will be in about 40 minutes when everything is cooked. </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So tonight is my last night to eat and drink WHATEVER I want. Tomorrow I start eating super clean, no sodas and I intend on running starting tomorrow WISH ME LUCK-I'm gonna need it! So tonight even though I should be eating something fatty and greasy I am going for yummy and healthy. Join me won't you??!!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Tonight is lemon-herb roasted chicken with zucchini and squash saute with a side salad and cresent rolls(there's the fat & carbs).</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So first the bird!!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 roasting chicken</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 lemon</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1tbsp mixed herbs(I used oregano, parsley, thyme and a little garlic with pepper)</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tbsp olive oil</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Pre-Heat oven to 375. While oven is heating prepare the bird. Remove the giblets, neck all the gross innards. Throw them out, use them for gravy whatever you want-just get them out of that bird.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Slice the lemon in half and place one half in the cavity of the bird. Squeeze the other half of the lemon into a bowl, mix in the olive oil and herbs. Brush the bird with the lemon and herb mixture. Place the bird breast side up into a roasting pan and bake for 90 minutes or until your meat thermometer reads 185 when placed in the thickest part of the thigh. Also make sure all juices run clear-not pink.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Once cooked take out and place a tin foil tent over and let the bird rest before cutting into it-this allows for all of the juices to re-distribute back into the meat-thereby preventing a dry chicken. I would suggest removing the skin before serving to cut down on some of the fat. YUMMY!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Zucchini & Squash Saute</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3 medium zucchini sliced</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3 medium squash sliced</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tbsp olive oil</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1tsp parsley</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp oregano</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp thyme</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp pepper and salt</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp onion powder</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tbsp minced garlic</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/3 cup part skim mozzarella cheese</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Saute the sliced veggies and garlic on a pan with the oil. Cook until crisp-tender. Stir in the hersb and reduce heat to med-low for 2 minutes. Remove from heat add cheese and cover until the cheese metls. Serve with your favorite main dish!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">ENJOY-let me know what you think!!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">CHEERS!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Erica </span></strong></div>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-80591744496543156592011-02-15T15:08:00.000-08:002011-02-15T15:25:36.681-08:00VALENTINE'S DAY AT HOME<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Happy Belated Valentine's Day!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>So let me set this up for you. Even before the weekend we had already planned to have Valentine's Dinner at home, but without me cooking it!!! There is this fabulous catering company here in town that I use exclusively for work, and who also catered our wedding last! I knew they would have yummy food-so lucky for me they were running Valentine's dinner specials-take and eat at home. They were offering 3 different packages and after looking at the selections we went with the mouthwatering Tri-Tip and all the sides! We have had this Tri-Tip 2 other times so we knew what to expect and we weren't disappointed! So, funny enough Sunday Craig started feeling pretty lousy and was walking around in a Ny-Quil induced coma of sorts, so having this dinner at home worked out!!! </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">I went after work and picked up our full meal. They had it packaged nicely, along with re-heating instructions and even provided a taper candle for our table! </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">I was fully prepared and went out an bought a Valentine's Day table runner, nice candle holders and heart shaped floating candles! Along with the dozen red roses that Craig got for me our table looked great! I heated everything up, poured us each a glass of red wine and pulled the high chair up to the table while Craig threw a log into the fireplace! </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">Now it wasn't as romantic as I am making it sound. For one I had a husband who felt like crap, I had a headache and Chloe was sooo fussy that we spent more time entertaining her than talking, but we did toast to the meal so there is that!!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">Craig bought a dozen roses for me, and a dozen pink roses for Chloe-very sweet right??!!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">This year we went the sentimental route for gifts(no jewelry here!) Craig got for me a really beautiful Willow Tree figurine decpicting our family, and a nice pen with my name on it. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">I went a different route for him. I bought a simple glass jar with a top and found 31 different love quotes, thoughts about marriage and love printed them on red and white paper, folded them and put them into the jar and tied it with ribbon. He took his first one last night and assured me the gift wasn't corny-it was sweet and very unique! But I did give him a picture of me from 2 years ago in a nice heart frame.</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">Chloe was a little harder to buy for-but I got slightly creative. I purchased a heart shaped basket and got a sweet little stuffed animal, a small Valentine's themed snow globe, a new rubby ducky with kisses written on it and a stretchy necklace and bracelet since she is obsessed with mine-she liked her gifts as much as an 11 month old can!! </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">All in all it was a nice Valentine's Day at home!! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">How was your day of love??!!</span></strong>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-34283292332663029112011-02-13T17:39:00.000-08:002011-02-13T17:39:40.991-08:00A Simply Devine Sunday!!<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here we are Sunday.....ugh! Only because tomorrow is Monday, but Monday is Valentine's Day and we have something great planned here at the house! But more to come on that later.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">First we tackle Sunday!!! So this is normally our easy, lazy day but it was soooo beautiful here in Colorado Springs-unseasonably warm in fact it was in the 70's-so warm I had the sliding glass door open-CRAZY!!!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Craig looks to be coming down with the flu, and what started out as a trip out to walk in the beautiful weather with our new all-terrain child carrier ended with Craig & I sitting in our family room eating popcorn and watching stuff on the DVR while Chloe napped. As I write this entry he is asleep on the bed-and it's not even 6:30. He assures me that once dinner is ready he will come back downstairs-we shall see.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So since I am folding laundry, finishing up for tomorrow and keeping an eye on my little monkey I have dinner "cooking" in the oven. This is something I haven't tried before but when I found the recipe I thought it sounded yummy and bonus easy to prepare...did I mention it takes one bowl and a casserols dish-even better less dishes that I have to load into the dishwasher. I HATE DOING DISHES!! In case I hadn't mentioned it...that is why when our 20+ year old dishwasher recently made it's hasty retreat to appliance I immediately had to get another one-VOILA less than a week later and my new love was in the house!! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So back to dinner-yes I need medication for this self-diagnosis of ADD <J/K></span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I present Busy Day Chicken Casserole</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 (10.75 oz) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 (10.75 oz) can of condensed cream of celery soup</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 cup water</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 cup uncooked white rice</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 (4.5 oz) can mushrooms-drained</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 pinch garlic powder</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">ground black pepper to tasts</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 (1 oz) pgk dry onion soup mix</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">8 skinless bonless chicken breasts</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Preheat oven to 325</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In a large bowl combine the soups, mushrooms, rice, water, garlic & black pepper</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Pour mixture into a 9x13 baking dish and spread on the bottom</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lay chicken pieces over soup/rice mixture and top with the dry soup.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cover with time foil and place in the oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until done and chicken is cooked through.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yummy!! I am making cresents roll and a light salad to go with our dinner!!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cheers!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Erica</span></strong>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-40255404155273530372011-02-12T17:45:00.001-08:002011-02-12T18:02:02.998-08:00Sooo Yummy Saturday Night!<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So hello all....Sorry again for being silent the last few days! Sadly, I haven't had much to share beyond the fact that for most of the week I was sick!! I truly figured none of you would be interested in my hospital like menu! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But I am back and cooking up a storm!!! So after running around all day-literally we are home and settling in for the night. I am making something, yummy, easy and good for you!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So tonight's dinner is Chicken Parmesan-but if you are like me I burn just about anything that I fry in my skillet-this one is baked in the overn. So it's easy, and better for you since you are cutting out the fat-greasy yuck!!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here ya go!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Chicken Parmesan:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/13 cup bread crumbs(I like the Italian Style crumbs)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp dried oregano</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 tsp garlic powder</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">4 tsp paprika</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 tsp salt</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 tsp pepper</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 egg whites</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup milk(we use soy and it tastes great!)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup all purpose flour</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">4 boneless, skinless chicken bresasts pounded to 1/2 in. thickness</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Olive Oil cooking spray</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 jar good quality marinara sauce(3 1/2 cups)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 tbsp parmesan cheese</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 box of your favorite pasta</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">pre-heat oven to 350 degrees</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Please the bread crumbs on a baking sheet and brown for 12 minutes</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In a medium bowl toss the crumbs, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">in another bowl whisk the egg whites and milk</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In a third bowl combine the flour, remaining salt & pepper</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Dip each piece of chicken 1 piece at a time 1. into flour mixture 2. into milk & egg mixture 3. into crumbs shaking off the excess</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Increase your oven temp to 400 degrees, place the breaded chicken into a glass baking dish and spray each side with the cooking spray.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bake about 15 minutes until cooked through and the crumbs are browned.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Top with the marinara sauce and cheeses, bake an additional 10 minutes minutes until the cheese is bubbling.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Serve with your favorite pasta-tonight we are having a whole wheat linguine.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Top your pasta with a breast-spoon the excess sauce on top and enjoy!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Tonight we are enjoying our's with some cheesy garlic bread and a great Red Wine from S. America!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Until tomorrow!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cheers</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Erica </span></strong>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-29217786838690753352011-02-05T19:58:00.000-08:002011-02-05T19:58:32.803-08:00Are you Ready for some Football??!!<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN-SUPER BOWL!!!!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">We are hosting a small gathering here at the house, and I knew that I had to feed everybody something yummy, and filling since they will be here during the dinner hour! SOLUTION-Chili-YUM-O! Chili in the crock-pot, even better!!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">I also came up with some light appetizers and snacks to keep everybody happy! First up-Veggies with an easy ranch dip-this is just a packet of ranch flavoring mixed with a tub of your basic sour cream-easy right?!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Next I bought 3 different kinds of cheese, in a block and a summer sausage. I cut the cheese up into little cube, sliced the summer sausage into discs and added some Triscuit Rosemary & Olive Oil crackers and voila-and easy and tasty appetizer!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">To accompany all of this yumminess I am putting out a bowl of olives, salted peanuts and pub mix. Nothing fancy here folks it is after all the Super Bowl!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">But you can't eat all of that and not have dessert, so I am making 2 different desserts. trust me they are easy peasy!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Keep in mind all of this will work for any day of the week!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Enjoy!!!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Chunky Beef Chili</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4 lbs of your favorite cut of beef-cut into 1/2 inch pieces</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">2 tbps chili powder</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">2 cans tomato paste</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 container beef broth</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">2 cans tomoato sauce</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">2 tsp granulated garlic</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp salt</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp ground oregano</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp ground cumin</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp paprika</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp onion powder</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1/2 tsp pepper</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1/4 tsp ground red pepper</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 can black beans</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 green bell pepper cut into chunks</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Couldn't be any easier then this are you ready???</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Throw it ALL into your crock pot! That's it-turn that puppy on low and slow for 4-6 hours and get ready to enjoy!! </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">We like our with a little shredded cheese on top, Craig likes to scoop it all up onto a saltine cracker! However you like it I know you will enjoy this one!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup cold butter</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 pouch Betty Crocker oatmeal chocolate chip cookie mix</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">3 eggs</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">2 pkgs(8oz ea) cream cheese softened</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 cup sugar</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp vanilla</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Heat over to 35o degrees. Spray bottom of a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">In a large bowl, cut the butter into the cookie mix using a fork and stir in the egg-stir until the mixture is crumbly. Spoon 3 cups of the mixture in the bottom of the pan and press. Bake for 15 minutes</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">In a small bowl beat the cream cheese mixture with the 2 eggs, sugar and vanille until smooth. Pour over the baked cookie crust and spoon the remaining cookie mixture on top.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cool for 30 minutes and refrigerate at least 2 hours or until chilled. Cut into bars and store in the refrigerator! ENJOY!!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Lemon Creme Bars</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup cold butter</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 pouch Betty Crocker Oatmeal Cookie mix</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 egg</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 can sweetened condensed milk(do not use evaporated)</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">2 tsp lemon peel</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1/4 cup lemon juice</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Heat oven to 350. Spray bottom of an 8 inch backing dish with cooking spray</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">In a large bowl combine the butter, cookie mix and 1 egg. Mix until crumbly.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Press half of the cookie mixture into the bottom of pan, and back 15 minutes</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">In a samll bowl combine the condensed milk with the lemon peel and lemon juice. Stir until smooth. Spread over the baked crust and crumble the remaining cookie mix on top. Bake an additional 25 minutes or until golden brown. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set. Cut into bars!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">YUMMY!!!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">CHEERS!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Erica </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-53831367160949627402011-02-05T19:37:00.000-08:002011-02-05T19:37:16.738-08:00SATURDAY NIGHT-SWEITZER STYLE!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Well it's Saturday night in the Sweitzer house-and man did we have a B-U-S-Y day...all while trying to stay warm and dry while the snow was falling! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">We did manage to get a few errands done before the biggest part of the snowfall started! We did get Chloe's ears pierced today, it was tough to know that we were causing that pain, but I did give her some Motrin before we went in, and the girls pierced both ears simultaneously-she cried but not for very long! She looks even cuter than before!!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">So we are hosting a small Super Bowl party tomorrow night and we had to get all the fixins to feed our friends during the big game!! Mission Accomplished!! </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">One the menu tomorrow will be a big serving of chili from the crock-pot with all the fixins'!</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Also, veggies and ranch dip, cheese and sausage with crackers, chips and guacamole, all kinds of little snacks and to finish it all off 2 different desserts! 1 is a lemon cookie bar, the other is an oatmeal-chocolate chip w/cream cheese brownie!!! </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">I knew that I would be busy tomorrow getting the house cleaned up soo I did all the prep this evening, and have the second dessert in the oven as I am typing this!! Of course I will provide the recipes in my next post! </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">But tonight's post is what I made for dinner-it's super yummy, is a teeny bit spicy but it is sooo easy to make you just can't resist! </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas. Now I am a diehard cheese with red sauce enchilada kind of girl-but this is sooo good you can't help but change! </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">So without further adieu!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken(I get a savory flavor one from the deli and take the skin off before I shred it)</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1/12 cup shredded cheese(your choice) divided</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup ranch dressing</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1/4 cup sour cream</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">1 can (19oz) green chili enchilada sauce</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">4 10-in flour tortillas, warmed</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">In a bowl combine the chicken, 3/4 cup of the cheese, ranch dressing, and sour cream.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Stir until well blended. Divide the mixture evenly into the tortillas and place seam side down in an oiled 9 inch baking dish. Pour the sauce around and on top of the tortillas and top with the remaining cheese.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese ifmelted and bubbly. Once cooked let set for a few minutes before serving.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Accompaniments:</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Spanish, Mexican Rice. Re fried black beans and OLE!!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">CHEERS!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;">Erica </span>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-19095923993091520802011-01-30T09:14:00.001-08:002011-01-30T09:26:18.980-08:00I'm back!!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello to everybody!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sorry that I have been silent on here for the past few days. Honestly, when Craig is out of town cooking comes to a complete halt. But yippee-Craig will be home this afternoon. I knew that I had a ton of stuff today(laundry, dusting, floors-you get the point) so when I planned out my grocery shopping yesterday I took that into account! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So tonight dinner is in the crock-pot! It's already in there!!! Tonight is Chicken Cacciatore! Here's the low down on this super simple meal!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">BTW-I am still cranking the tunes cause along with not be able to cook without music, I also cannot clean without some beats! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've dragged out my iPod-so the selection is ALL over the place!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Anywho, here is what you are really here for(I know you!)</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/4 cup zesty italian dressing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1lb chicken breast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 lb fresh mushrooms-sliced makes about 2 cups</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 medium onon-coarsely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 each. red & green bell pepper sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 1/4 tbsp garlic minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 can(14.5) ozs crushed tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp dried thyme leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">3 cups instant rice</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><u>Directions:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Put the igredients listed above into the slow-cooker on low-6-8 hours or high for 5 hours. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Once the chicken is cooked through, cooked rice as directed on the package. Serve the chicken mixture over the rice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">SEE I TOLD YOU-SUPER SIMPLE!!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hints: Becuase I know I will be making pepper steak tomorrow night while I was cutting the pepper up for this dinner, I cut the other halves of the peppers and put them into baggies for tomorrow night!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Also, I used the already minced jar of garlic that you can find in the produce section of your grocery store!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Off to get chores done, and all the while I will be able to smell this yummy dinner cooking in the slow cooker!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Enjoy & of course CHEERS!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Erica </em></span>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-51695388154412399492011-01-21T07:40:00.000-08:002011-01-21T07:40:00.704-08:00It's Friday!!! Hip!Hip!Hooray!!!!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's Friday-need I say anymore??? Well I guess I should since this is a blog and that would be a really short read!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sorry for the "silent" treatment the last few days. I haven't made anything earth shattering the last few days. Sadly, this is the norm when Craig is out of town. I will be glad when Chloe can start eating what we eat, then I can cook for the 2 of us when Craig is gone! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last night's dinner was pizza delievered to my door! I love delivery-my lazy self loves living close to places that deliver. Now I just need to find a chinese food restaturant that delivers. On second thought it's probably better that I don't!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In the next few weeks my menu choices will be changing, not that I cook a lot of fatty foods, but I need to lose more weight, and some of my choices in food aren't helping the situation!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">If it's helps I might even give you the calorie count on the meal that I prepare! I found a really great book that has yummy receipes in them, but are lowers in calories. In fact some of the recipes that I've made recently came out of this book! More on that later!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well gotta run-too much to do and not enough hours in the day!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cheers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Erica </span>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-8460318088979513982011-01-18T16:52:00.000-08:002011-01-18T16:52:35.133-08:00Reheat Tuesday night!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hellooooo Tuesday night! So today was almost identical to yesterday! Only difference, I'm not cooking tonight. Nope, you can't make me do it!!! LOL!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Craig is out of town for work, so I figured I made enough last night to just re-heat and eat tonight! I know, smart girl :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I knew I wasn't go to feel like cooking tonight. Whenever Craig is out of town, I have a hard time cooking. It's just not as enjoybale to cook for 1!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So sadly tonight I do not have a recipe to share with you fine folks out there! But fear not-I still have a glass of wine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Tonight the wine of choice is...(DRUMROLL PLEAASE!!!)....Cararra Semillion Chardonnay...yummy!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well party people off I go to enjoy my night with my little monkey!</span>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-61102262378139258082011-01-17T16:27:00.000-08:002011-01-17T17:47:34.981-08:00MMMM! Monday night!! Chicken Penne Pasta!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Evening all!!! So it's that dreaded day of the week-MONDAY! But I will say for a Monday, my day wasn't all that bad. It was long, but I had plenty to do-so Yay! for that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Craig is going out of town tomorrow for work, and has been stuck at the airport all day working on the camera install for the plane they have to use for the job. Needless to say, he is worn out and is looking forward to dinner! He said to call him when it's almost ready-so no can chili for him!!! Tonight's menu is Chicken Penne Pasta-it has become one of our favorites, and it's ready in 30 minutes! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Music: A little of the hard stuff tonight-some old skool tunes GNR(Guns N Roses!)-welcome to the our jungle indeed!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wine: I haven't even gotten that far-WTH??!! I will come back to that one! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So here it is-the main event.....</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Chicken Penne Pasta</span></strong><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></u></strong><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">8 ounces uncooked penne pasta</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1/2 in. pieces</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 small green pepper chopped</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup chopped onion</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 garlic clove minced</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tbsp olive oil</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 8oz jar marinara sauce</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 tsp Italian seasoning</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/3 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese</span></em><br />
<br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></u></strong><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cook pasta according to the package directions, drain. In a large non-stick skillet stir-fry the chicken, pepper, onion and garlic in the oil until the chicken is no longer pink. Add the pasta, mushrooms, sauce and italian seasoning. Heat through about 10 minutes on medium. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese-let stand until the cheeses is melted! MMMM!!!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This has become a favorite of mine-it's quick and easy. You can cut down on the cutting by buying pre-sliced mushrooms, and the jar of minced garlic that you can find in the produce section! </span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><u><strong>Recommended accompainments:</strong></u></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Garlic Bread. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We are also have in a small slice of key lime pie after cause it's Monday and I say why the heack not!!!!</span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYj_w2_s1VgsT9eDYVc8P4LLn0xaoajdRT3YuJzAO_d_h9O3L2lgcFPJdBYqxMgrlCRd78Xu9R5l-qCdUglvpB1NexYIpPtgCr2RYqQ8dDI97DgbHbfcuFcS0Eu_Pzas3EGWjrnZ-R0Ql8/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYj_w2_s1VgsT9eDYVc8P4LLn0xaoajdRT3YuJzAO_d_h9O3L2lgcFPJdBYqxMgrlCRd78Xu9R5l-qCdUglvpB1NexYIpPtgCr2RYqQ8dDI97DgbHbfcuFcS0Eu_Pzas3EGWjrnZ-R0Ql8/s200/IMG_0007.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBusgJwwH5ogIOC9T2FqUtdsy23IgHdIE-0RGjTR2Gtwzid4K_QbBtaSx3MDuzhTDGBt16kv9Mjp-dcuehcR2eKXbHvSGJwR1w4aY2ibAteqK9vnkjKtQUuO3SLxWFod1sTkSCb99Rinx/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBusgJwwH5ogIOC9T2FqUtdsy23IgHdIE-0RGjTR2Gtwzid4K_QbBtaSx3MDuzhTDGBt16kv9Mjp-dcuehcR2eKXbHvSGJwR1w4aY2ibAteqK9vnkjKtQUuO3SLxWFod1sTkSCb99Rinx/s200/IMG_0005.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">CHEERS!!!!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Erica </span></em>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-84857856641300707822011-01-16T17:54:00.000-08:002011-01-16T17:56:07.287-08:00Sunday night dinner!!! Sweitzer style!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Okay first of all I don't know how to define Sweitzer style-I guess if I had to define it would be easy??? So let's just go with that shall we??</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Anywho, Sunday night dinner in my house is always a little bit more involved but still quick and easy. I prefer to use Sunday to slow cook, or let something cook in the oven, These are things I tend to stay away from during the week for obvious reasons. But if you are new to this blog, then the reasons are as follows:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1. I just don't want to be chained to my stove after working all day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2. I have a 10 month old-enough said!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">3. Sometimes Craig travels for work, and I am not interested in making a big involved meal if he isn't going to be here to enjoy it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So there you go!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So where was I, oh yes dinner for tonight!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I am going old school with Meatloaf and Potatoes but with a little twist!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My meatloaf is far from dry-it's moist and full of flavor! As for the potatoes-well I try to stay away from mashed potatoes, not because I don't like them. 2 reasons they aren't at the top of my list-well I cooked them a lot before Craig, and I don't have a proper masher to make them true mashed potatoes. So I make something a little bit different, but still yummy!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Music: Tonight is a compliation of music that I put on CD's. 80's music and anything to get my toes tapping!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wine: I haven't opened the wine for tonight just yet. But since we are having beef, something a little bit heartier was in order. Tonight's will be Woodbridge Shiraz! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So without further ado-I give you Sunday night dinner-Sweitzer Style!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Meatloaf with Potatoes w/ Green Beans, and Creamy Garlic Pasta</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Meatloaf</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><u>Ingredients:</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>1 Envelope of Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Soup Mix</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 Lbs. extra lean Ground Beef(I prefer a 96/4)</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3/4 cup plain bread crumbs</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 eggs</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3/4 cup water</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/3 cup ketchup</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><u>Directions:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Preheat over to 350. Combine all of the above ingredients in a large bowl.</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Shape into a loaf and put into a 13x9 in. baking or roasting pan</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bake uncovered 1 hour or until done.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Let stand 10 minutes before serving</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Potatoes w/Green Beans</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><u>Ingredients:</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>1 16oz can of cut green beans</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>1/3 cup water</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>6 potatoes cut into wedges(use whatever type of potatoe your prefer)</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>1 tbsp onion powder</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>1/2 cup fat-free Italian salad dressing </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><u>Directions:</u></span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Open the can of green beans place in a microwaveable bowl with the water and heat for 5 minutes in the microwave. Drain the potatoes and green beans and place in a bowl. Add the onion powder and dressing; toss to coat! Serve and enjoy!</span></em><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1KgS2bs6B9SGWoP4jQ5mU1QpV_PPKGqoNPvJMIfW5tqaBrFP17r7TY4XL9NrxGPXvngibEXD1ioOcptNXfcbZf1LLBaTFsVkArIku61pLcFrleZpSs_am_D_Wma5khgG31X8D206qEN1/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1KgS2bs6B9SGWoP4jQ5mU1QpV_PPKGqoNPvJMIfW5tqaBrFP17r7TY4XL9NrxGPXvngibEXD1ioOcptNXfcbZf1LLBaTFsVkArIku61pLcFrleZpSs_am_D_Wma5khgG31X8D206qEN1/s200/IMG_0004.JPG" width="200" /></a><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lastly, the Creamy Garlic Pasta-this one comes courtesy of the Lipton people! I am all about making something good, and taking a short cut here and there. This is one of them. This is a pouch of Lipton's Creamy Garlic Pasta. You can find these in the noodles aisle of your local grocery store.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A great accompainment for this one would be some French bread!!</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So there you go-easy, peasy!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cheers! </span>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-91228851465620366432011-01-16T13:57:00.000-08:002011-01-16T13:57:42.206-08:00So what Sunday!!!<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is what I'm saying so what to today! </span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><ul><li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So what if I don't feel like doing the laundry today-I'm still gonna do it because I'm almost out of clean underwear-but I'm not gonna like doing it!</span></div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So what if I look forward to what I'm going to be cooking for dinner later! Goals people-gotta have a goal! Mine is to have something yummy to eat! </span></div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So what if I'm also looking forward to a respectable time when I can start having my adult beverages! It's 5 o'clock somewhere right??!! CHEERS!</span></div></li>
<li><div align="center"> </div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So what if I kinda sorta look forward to work-it's not that bad of a job and it keeps me busy!</span></div></li>
</ul><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's Sunday-lazy day so what about you????</span></div>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-59558036916125214602011-01-16T13:04:00.000-08:002011-01-16T13:04:04.291-08:00Saturday Night is alright!!! CHICKEN PICATTA!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So here it is!! My first recipe post!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Saturday night in my house is slightly more relaxed, so dinner tends to be more relaxed as well!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Let me breakdown preparations and dinner as a whole!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Whenever I cook I HAVE to have music playing in the background. I cannot cook in complete and total silence. Additionally, I like to have a glass of wine while I am cooking!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So here is last night's dinner breakdown!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Music: A random shuffle of Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Def Leppard and The Little River band. I know it's a weird combination but it's keeps me hoppin while I'm choppin!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wine: Mondavi Pinot Grigio. This is a light, crisp wine that doesn't overpower the dish!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This one takes 15 minutes for prep, and 25 minutes of cook time!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So without further ado-Chicken Picatta!!!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Chicken Picatta</span></strong><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ingredients:</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>1 4-pack boneless, skinless chicken breasts</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Salt and Pepper</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 Cups All purpose flour-for dredging</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">6 tbsp. unsalted butter</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">5 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/3 cup fresh lemon juice</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup chicken stock or chicken broth</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/4 cup brined capers</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/3 cup parsley-chopped(optional)</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 package angel hair or spaghetti</span></em><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></u><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Season Chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In a large 10-12in skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp. butter with 3 tbsp of olive oil. Once the butter and oilve oil begin to sizzle add 2 pieces of the chicken and cook for 3 minutes. Once browned, flip over and cook for 3 minutes. Remove and transfer to a plate. Melta 2 more tbsp. of butter and another 3 tbsp of olive oil. When butter and oil being to sizzle add the other 2 pieces of chicken and brown both sides in the same manner. Remove pan from heat and add chicken to the plate.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In a large stockpot boil water with 1/4 tsp of salt. Once the water is to a rolling boil add your preferred pasta and cook until al dente.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Reduce heat to medium-low and add the lemon juice, stock and capers. Return to stove and bring to a boil scraping up bits from the pan for extra flavor. Check for seasoning. Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes-check that chicken if cooked all the way through. Remove chicken to platter. Add the remaining 2 tbsp. of butter to the sauce and whisk vigorously. Plate you pasta with chicken on top and pour the sauce on top. Garnish with parsley if desired!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Some accompainments to this dish!</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Light Caesar Salad</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Rustic Italian bread or Garlic bread.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Enjoy this light and yummy meal!!!!</span></em>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607795031161680259.post-20354926538043676192011-01-16T11:46:00.000-08:002011-01-16T11:46:24.137-08:00And so it begins!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here I am posting my first blog!!! Let me start out by saying that I am probably one of the LEAST creative people you will ever mmet, so for me to do a blog is something out of my league! BUT I have been asked by many of my friends to post the yummy and delicious recipes that I use to creat my dinners! So thus the reason for this blog!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hopefully I won't screw this things up tooo much! Please be patient with me as I figure out the world of blogging, and all that it entails!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now let the blogging begin!!!</span>Monkey's Momma!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10822634748653542906noreply@blogger.com0