Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Make It Monday!

Chow Down Chicken 'n Dumplings
Here's a hearty, thick, and filling meal especially good for those of us that live in b-r-r-r winter climates!

Ingredients
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into chunky or bite size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 onion, diced finely
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tubes refrigerated biscuit dough cut into pieces -  These will not go in until the very end, so do not prepare them until you need them.  I use a pizza cutter to cut the biscuit dough - it makes it go zip, zip, very quick!  I cut the round dough pieces into thirds.  Then, I cut the thirds in half.  You can cut these into any size you’d like, but keep in mind these little suckers puff up when cooking!  The first time I made it I quartered the biscuit dough and it was a tad too big.
  • 1 16 oz. frozen bag of mixed veggies - I use the bag that has peas, corn, lima beans, and carrots, but use whatever veggies you like.  If you want less veggies, don’t use the whole bag.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • Poultry seasoning – use just a tad because you’ll be using chicken broth too and too much of either will make it too salty.  I use Wyler’s instant bouillon granules and only use 1 teaspoon. 
  • Pepper
Directions
  1. Place all ingredients in slow cooker EXCEPT FOR THE BISCUITS. 
  2. Fill the slow cooker with chicken broth to cover all the ingredients.  I keep a carton of this in my fridge to add to many dishes when I’m sauteing veggies or chicken dishes.  A little bit goes a long way!  I also use the low sodium/low fat chicken broth.
  3. Cover and cook 5-6 hours on high.  Of course, peek in every now and again to stir it up so the flavorings seep through.  
  4. 2 hours before you’d like to eat, prepare the biscuits and add them to the slow cooker.  Cook until the dough is no longer raw.  Pop back every  now and then once you add the biscuits because they rise to the top, which is fine, but sink them back down a few times during the time they are cooking so they don’t stick to the side of your slow cooker and over cook. 
Is your broth too thin?  Perhaps you accidentally added too much broth.  If so, add very small amounts of sifted flour & give it a stir to thicken it back up.

NOTE: My slow cooker seems to cook very hot on high.  You may have to adjust your times with your slow cooker. 

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Whimsical Wednesday

Etsy is loaded with gorgeous, well made, hand made items. It's always the whimsy that makes my eyes widen & my mouse click. 

Here are this week's trifecta of
whimsical wonders!




Newborn Infant Handknit Stripe Hat

Black and Gold Team Sport

This shop reads like a story book - photo after photo
of adorable-ness!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/deusprovidebit?ref=top_trail
 


Half Past Owl O-Clock - Steampunk OWL - ACEO Print -
Signed Limited Edition by Allison Stein

Want whimsy? Want delightful? Your eyes will thank you.  She does not limit herself to these oh so sweet owls.  You'll find bunnies, frogs and dragons and more.  
allisonstein's shop
http://www.etsy.com/listing/64203758/half-past-owl-o-clock-steampunk-owl-aceo
 



Doggy Bobby, DreamsKingdom, adorable pet

Yep, this is an adorable dachshund but they make custom made portraits on any of their dolls too.
DreamsKingdom's shop



Monday, December 20, 2010

Going Round in Circles!

I'm finding Etsy's new Activity Feed feature addicting!
Etsy has recently rolled out two new features: Circles and Activity Feeds.  This is a speedy visual snapshot of what you have in common with others who have similar tastes as you do.  What I enjoy the most is that it’s current.  Up to speed.  Right now.  And, it’s got a whole ‘one click’ kind of vibe going for it.  It has your Treasury lists, others who have used you in Treasuries, & those who have hearted you right in front of your peepers.  Easy to maneuver, convenience at your fingertips.
Here's a treasury I curated from many in my 'Circle'.