Chicken and Biscuit Bake

I have always had a thing for chicken and dumplings.  It's just one of those warm, comforting dishes that satisfies like no other.  And, I adore pot pie!  This recipe is a collision of the two. This Chicken and Biscuit Bake is, basically, a cross between chicken and dumplings and a pot pie.  In any case, it's fabulously good and comes together in a convenient casserole!

It might not be the prettiest dish to photograph, but this has become a favorite with my own family and something that I love to serve throughout the cooler months of the year when comfort food is what everyone is craving.

Serves 4 - 6.

 

Savory Meatballs in Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Sauce

If you're craving tender, savory meatballs simmered in a from-scratch, creamy mushroom gravy, you've come to the right place. My simple recipe shows you how to create a cream of mushroom soup style of sauce that is completely homemade (no canned soup here), yet is easy and uncomplicated. I've, also, included the recipe for my favorite meatballs. Paired together, you've got a dinner dish that I'm sure you'll want to make again and again ... and one that will make your family want to lick their plates clean.

This is really a two-for-one recipe post.  First, you'll find the meatball recipe with the cream of mushroom soup recipe to follow.  The meatballs can be made on their own and used in any recipe ... as can the soup!

I am in love with this homemade mushroom soup.  It is seriously beyond amazing and way better than the canned stuff.  It is ultra-luxurious and has a deep, rich flavor.  It can be eaten by itself just as a simple, comforting soup, but it really is a show-stopper matched up with meatballs and served over fluffy egg noodles.

You'll find instructions below, too, for making the meatballs in advance and freezing.  (Major time-saver for those busy weeknights.)

Puff Pastry Twists with Tart Cherry Preserves

Ya know what kind of days I love?

Weekend days such as this.  Lazy, chilly, no-where-to-go days.

For me, there is nothing more lovely than spending a day at home with my family. 

We sleep in a bit.  We cook a big breakfast.  We often stay in our jammies and slippers way past noon.  We watch movies and play games.

And, sometimes nap.  (Did I mention how much I love the weekends?)

There's usually a big pot of something simmering away on the stove ... or something cooking in the slow cooker and filling the house with insane smells of deliciousness.

Oh, and it's often a day that we spend time in the kitchen together (which I adore).

My girls and I were inspired to do something with the puff pastry we had in the freezer.  (They especially love helping me with recipes that they know will end up on my blog ... makes them feel a part of what I do!)

Puff pastry is super simple to work with.  Don't be afraid of it.  And, although we made these today just to munch on here at home for ourselves, these would really wow at a party! 

Gratitude Turkey - A Lesson in Thankfulness (Craft Project)

 

One of the phrases I use often with my children is "have an attitude of gratitude."  I want my children to understand the concept and importance of thankfulness.  We are blessed on so many levels in our household.  Sometimes it's hard for kids to keep that in mind when mom or dad may say "no" to the newest Lego set or an expensive pair of jeans.

This project is a perfect way to allow them to pause for a few moments each day to really think about all that we have to be thankful for.  The month of November seemed like a wonderful time to really incorporate a project like this into the lesson of what Thanksgiving is all about!

The idea is to draw and cut out the body of a turkey on a large piece of paper.  Glue or tape it to a poster board or larger piece of paper and then, cut out a bunch of feathers from card stock or construction paper.  Each day during the month leading up to Thanksgiving, have your child think of something they are thankful for and write it on a feather to be added to the turkey.

By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, they will have created a beautiful turkey art project.

My plan is to have my children show off their turkeys to our family during our Thanksgiving dinner and read through the things that they have written on the feathers.

Quick and Easy Mini Pizzas

I recently posted a really yummy recipe for Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Mini Pizzas.  In case you missed it, here is the main photo from the post:

My sister stopped over the night I had first made these.  She was as in love with them as I was!  The following day, I warmed the one, lone leftover mini pizza up in the oven for a few minutes (the recipe makes 8 total) and was sad when I had taken the very last bite!  They were that phenomenal!  And, guess what happened the day after that?  I was craving those little babies big time and wishing I had doubled the recipe two days prior! 

So, the ingredients went back on my grocery list so I could make them all over again this week!

But, since Mr. Joyously Domestic and two of my kids don't care for buffalo chicken, I decided to pick up some items to make their mini pizzas more traditional.

I wanted to share just how quick these are to throw together no matter what toppings or route you choose to go with this method. 

Seriously.  This is one of the quickest and simplest ways I've ever done pizzas.  And, I think probably the tastiest!

This is truly just a method here.  Use whatever sauce, toppings or cheeses you prefer or have on hand. 

Broken Glass Jello

My five-year old was on the snack committee for the Halloween party at school this week.  To ensure that a bunch of kids didn't bring in the same or similar snacks, we were assigned a specific snack to bring.

I have to admit that I was a little disappointed when I read on our paper the words "Finger Jello."

I have never been a huge fan of eating Jello.  And, I had only attempted finger jello once years ago and it was a flop!

I reluctantly threw some boxes of purple and orange jello in the cart at the grocery store the other day (trying to keep with the Halloween theme and all) ... and figured I would just make a "two-colored Halloween layer jello thingy," then cut it into little cubes after it was set up. 

(Yes, that was what I was calling it in my mind ... sounded legit!)

But, I felt like I was copping out by not planning to put much effort into it, so I started looking online a few days before the dreaded "Finger Jello" had to be produced to my daughter's fellow goblins classmates. 

And, looky looky what I came up with! 

Aren't they boo!-tiful! (wink!)  Of course, you can adapt the colors/flavors to fit any holiday or special occasion.

I did have to run back to the store to pick up one additional color (green) and I needed some unflavored gelatin packets.  But, I am way super glad that I went this route and didn't just do regular jello cubes. 

I will mention (before you proceed full-steam ahead to make this) that you need two days (no exceptions) for this to turn out correctly.  The first day is when you'll make the individual flavors/colors of jello in little containers (I did three).  These will need to set up overnight.  The second day is when you will cut the jello into little cubes, place in a large dish and pour over the white mixture.  Then, it will need to set up another time overnight.

Also, please note that only one cup of water per jello packet is called for in this recipe ... do not use the two cups called for on the jello box!  You need the jello very firm.  And, using half of the water amount achieves this!

Now, on to the recipe.  (And, by the way ... this recipe is, also, sometimes called "Mosaic Jello.")

Laura Bush's Texas Governor's Mansion Cowboy Cookies

As I am beginning to write this post, the last batch of these cookies is finishing off in the oven. I just could not wait to share this amazing cookie recipe with you. Basically, these are an amped up version of oatmeal cookies. Chewy and hearty, they are loaded with oats, coconut, pecans and chocolate chips. So, so good.

 

 

I had found a link on Pinterest a while back for these and repinned it so that I wouldn't forget to try out this yummy-looking cookie recipe for myself.

I did some searching through different websites that have posted this recipe throughout the years (including The New York Times and Family Circle magazine) and it appears that most of the postings have been pretty much the same in terms of ingredients, quantities and directions.

In 2000, this recipe by Laura Bush beat out Tipper Gore's gingersnap cookie recipe in a magazine contest. The two potential first wives each submitted a cookie recipe in the months leading up to the election and readers voted for their favorite. This recipe certainly has my vote and will (undoubtedly) become a favorite in my household.

Yields approximately 4 1/2 dozen cookies.

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Mini Pizzas

 

I am a huge fan of the flavors of buffalo chicken.  I love the sauce, the bleu cheese dip, the celery ... all of it!

This mini pizza recipe satisfies my craving for buffalo chicken and pizza all in one!  Could there be anything better?

This seriously has to be one of the best recipes I've made in a while!

(If you are not a fan of buffalo chicken, check out my "note" below for a BBQ-style option.)

The recipe utilizes Rhodes™ frozen bread dough or their frozen dinner rolls.  It will yield 8 mini pizzas.  If you use frozen bread dough, you will cut the bread into 8 equal pieces once thawed.  (I find it easy to use kitchen scissors to do this!)  If you use frozen dinner rolls, you will need 8 rolls (thawed).  I pull my dough out of the freezer the night before, place it in a zip-top gallon bag and allow it to thaw out in the fridge.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Muffins

 

My dear sister is having surgery tomorrow.  I know that she can't eat after midnight this evening.  So, I feel guilty making these to take along for our mother and I to eat during the long (and extremely early) drive to the hospital ... all the while, she can't even have a crumb!  But, I wanted something that would hold my mom and I over until later in the day when we can make it to the hospital cafeteria for lunch.

Also, I had wanted to make something to leave behind for the kids when they come home after school tomorrow while I am with my sister.  I knew these would be perfect.

Turkey Tenderloins with Apple and Dried Cherry Stuffing

 

I know, I know ... Thanksgiving is just over a month away.  A full Thanksgiving feast will soon be before me in late-November and I'll be able to enjoy all of the tastes of said fabulous holiday soon enough!

If only I had patience.

'Tis not a virtue of mine.

I recently picked up the latest issues of EveryDay with Rachael Ray and Food Network magazines (my monthly indulgences) and I have been swooning over all of the Thanksgiving recipes. 

And, frankly, I didn't want to wait another month to have turkey and stuffing.  So, I went out and bought what I needed to throw together a quick(er) version of what will be on my Thanksgiving table next month!  And, we enjoyed it tonight ... here in October.  It was just what I was craving.  And, it reminded me that there need be no rules to cooking.  Why do we often think we have to wait until Thanksgiving to prepare turkey?  Who made that rule?  Well, rules are often made to be broken.  What a culinary rebel I am!  Ha!

And, just a little side note ... I'm thinking this would be perfect for someone only cooking for a few people at Thanksgiving, too.  Maybe a husband and wife.  All of the expected (and cherished) tastes and flavor components of Thanksgiving dinner without the hassle of a big bird!  Also, the turkey here is super inexpensive ... around four or five dollars for a three-pack of tenderloins.  This fed my family of five with enough leftover for two people the next day.