Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Crock Pot Wednesday--A tradition


I am addicted to my crock pot. It has become my best friend! Is that wrong?

It seems like I can always get a lot of things accomplished in one day each week. For me, this is Wednesday, For example, after picking up the kids from school, it's homework, maybe an appointment, and then soccer practice. Then the 3 boys arrive and are finishing homework while hanging out with dad, but they're growing kids so it's hungry time. Then, we get home from soccer and it's bathtime, girl's dinner, clean up and since not all of our kids eat at the same time, I like to have something healthy and tasty and ready to go whenever they decide to eat!

Well, my crock pot Wednesday tradition has become a favorite and friends are always begging me for the recipes I use. I am kind of a one pot, 5 ingredient kind of girl. Anything that can be served simply, but beautifully...I'm all about it.

So, I am preparing Tuscan Chicken in the pot...crock pot that is.

Tuscan Chicken
4 chicken breasts
1 green bell pepper
1 small onion
1 can/jar prepared spaghetti sauce (or homemade if that's your thing)
1 package of italian herbs (oregano, basil, pepper, etc.)
Fresh Garlic (I love Christopher Ranch organic minced garlic in olive oil...saves me some prep time)
Mozzarella Cheese
pasta (your pick)

I recommend the crock pot liners! start with your onion and pepper, then top with your chicken. Add your spaghetti sauce, herbs, and garlic.

Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred chicken and serve with prepared pasta (per package directions), top with your chicken and cheese and voila! Dinner is ready and you're tongue vacations in Tuscany!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Domestic

So all of a sudden...not really...I have become domestic...again. Making things for people, getting crafty, and all with little to no time to get things done.

As a mother of 2 and sort of step-mom to 3, a full time love to a great man, I work during the morning, spend my afternoons running errands, and my evenings dedicated to my family. That only leaves my night time to make plans. Here is my no brainer solution that I will blog about.....a busy mom's life and how to stay organized in my disconnected world.

Tip 1: always have a notebook to jot down you guessed it....notes.
--I have a terrible memory and sometimes I just have to write things down. This is so true when someone mentions a recipe that sounds good...I write it down so I can google it later.

A note about something that happened. A church sign that gives me a good laugh. Something I might want to craft. If I notice something is on sale and I need to pick it up later....I write it down.

I love to prepare dinners that taste like I slaved all day, but in fact, there were only a few key ingredients that made the meal in 30 minutes.

Time is precious and I hope you'll see that as I give you my household tips that make my time well spent!

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