Thursday, August 5, 2010

Yummy!


Yesterday I searched for something yummy and quick to make for supper.

I came across this recipe on several sites so not sure whom to give credit,
but I believe recipezaar finally made me cave and make this.

I love that site, now known as cooks.com,
as you can check out recipes according to how others rate it...works for me!

As for the method, I changed it up due to time limitations
and it turned out fantastic!! The wonderful aroma had two hungry
boys questioning when it would be ready.

CROCK POT CHICKEN WITH BLACK BEANS AND CREAM CHEESE

4-5 boneless chicken breasts (I used 3 for the 3 of us)
1 (15 1/2 oz) can black beans, drained (I rinsed them)
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (I used frozen which I think tastes fresher)
1 (15 oz) jar salsa (I used medium heat)
1 (8 oz) pkg of cream cheese (I used 4 oz)

Put frozen chicken breasts into crock.
Add beans, corn and salsa on top and cook for 4-5 hours.
Add 1 package cream cheese on top for the last half hour. Stir.

D.O.N.E.


MY METHOD: I wanted this done within the hour so I used fresh chicken breasts
and browned them in a pan until almost done.

Meantime - in a separate saucepan I placed the beans, frozen corn
and salsa and let it simmer while the chicken was cooking.

When the chicken was ready, I placed it in
with the sauce ingredients and covered them up with the sauce.

Simmered for about 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally.
(when I found this getting a little dry I added about 1/2 cup chicken stock which
I happened to be cooking at the same time as well so it was good & hot)

Place cream cheese on top, cover and let heat through,
then stir well into the mix.
Add a little cream if you think it's too thick at this point, I did,
along with a touch more salsa.

I served mine with wild & white rice veggie pilaf.

This was so delicious, we all agreed! The only thing I would do differently next time
is break up the chicken just before serving,
which is what ends up happening anyway as it's so tender :)

Oh, and I plan to use the ample leftovers for chicken enchiladas...
that is if I can get to them before someone else does!

Enjoy~~



Monday, August 2, 2010

It's a Jungle!


No kidding...you should see my garden!

The plants are huge and they've all grown into each other
to the point that we no longer have rows...
just one big mass of leaves.
I have to pick my beans while standing in the cucumbers!

It's a little scary... I mean, first of all I never know what's lurking
under all that bush...
and secondly,
I'm getting tired just looking at it!

Hubby, on the other hand is excited as ever.
This is totally his element and he happily picks when I get chicken!

Don't get me wrong, I'm very thankful for the produce
and all the other yummy things to come,
but I'm also somewhat of a perfectionist (I know ...working on it)
and all these rows growing into each other's space
and not keeping orderly,

well...it doesn't sit well with me
and they better not show a hint of invading my perennial space, or....or

nevermind...
I'm going to make some bean soup now because we really do love it,
and then I have to figure out what to do with
today's crop of cucs
'cause they grew out of control when I specifically
requested they be smaller!

BTW...anyone need some cucs
or dill, or summer savory, or lettuce, or basil????
I actually can't remember what else is under there!