Some Kitchen Details

  I love this look, but I don't think DH would go for it.

We Call Them Won Ton Stars

Super Snack-a-roonies:

  From Less Cake More Frosting

Sausage Stars

They look kinda fancy, they taste like cheezy heaven

• 2c. cooked sausage (I like the plain kind, but you could do them spicy, if you're kinda spicy like that)
• 1 1/2 c. cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 c. monterey jack cheese
• 1 c. prepared ranch dressing (i use a light version, and can't taste any difference. i don't love the completely fat free in this recipe though)
• sliced olives to taste (i just throw in a tiny can of the ones already cut into tiny pieces, drained)
• 1/2 c. finely chopped red bell pepper
• Stir all that goodness into a bowl

Next you'll need a package of Won Ton wrappers. Easy to find. Usually in the refrigerated section of the produce department. They have to be refrigerated.

• Take your Won Ton wrapper and press it down into a muffin tin. As shown above.
• The recipe says to spray the pan with a non-stick spray, but I've never had them stick
• They won't cover the whole thing, but make sure they have a definite 'bottom'

Pre-heat your oven to 350

• cook the formed Won Ton wrappers for 5 minutes
• then fill with a couple tablespoons of filling. Enough. But don't over fill.
• cook again for about another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is all melt-ee

TA DA!!!!!!!!

(recipe note: the filling WILL save for a few days in the fridge, so if you don't use it all, you can use the leftovers the next day.  These are pretty much fantastic straight out of the oven. So just keep making them as demand requires. Anticipate LOTS of demand!)

Pray for Amy

Things to do this weekend (and the weekend starts now)

1. Pray for Amy.
2. Load the buckets up for transport to Joplin, make labels for the outside of the bucket of it's contents.  
3. Get DS to tennis tournament.  
4. Check on garden's progress, repot the flowers and start new seedlings.
5. load of laundry
6. empty dishwasher
7. work out
8. find stakes for garden
9. pay bills
10. work in studio
11. move more out of pantry closet
12. get hair cut  
13. feed fish
14. work in yard while DS mows grass
15. fertilize tanks  
16. take vitamins
17. change sheets
18. box up stuff in kitchen/start seasonal change out

Staycation Links: Fun & Thrifty Things To Do Everywhere!

Check This Out! Awesome recommendations for family things to do on vacation throughout the United States.
 'Year Of The Staycation' project hosted by The Happy Housewife and Springs Bargains.

The purpose is to provide you with lots of inexpensive ideas for activities near where you live to help ease the crunch of the economy. So today you will find links to all of the blogs that shared their favorite activities and places to visit as part of the Staycation project- and almost every state is represented, so no matter where you live there should be a post about some place near you to explore this summer!

Pacific
San Diego, California - Life As Mom
Yosemite National Park, California -Handbook of Nature Study
Seattle, Washington - Queen Bee Coupons & Savings
Whidbey Island, Washington - Manning the Homefront
Olympia, Washington The Coupon Savant
Portland, Oregon - Frugal Living NW
Willamette Valley, Oregon - An Oregon Cottage

Mountain
Tucson, Arizona - Saving with Pam
Phoenix, Arizona - Mom Endeavors
Albuquerque, New Mexico - The Chou Life
Kalispell, Montana - Our Family Adventures
Salt Lake City, Utah - Just the 2 of Us
Thermopolis, Wyoming - The McDonald Family
Denver, Colorado - Denver Bargains
Colorado Springs, Colorado - Colorado Springs Bargains

Midwest
Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Indoor Garden Musings
Mansfield, Ohio - Live the Adventure
Cincinnati, Ohio - Savings Lifestyle~Cincinnati
Mount Vernon, Ohio - Living Better One Day at a Time
Dayton, Ohio - Savings Lifestyle~Dayton
Grand Rapids, Michigan - Kitchen Stewardship
Metro Detroit, Michigan - 'Cents'able Momma
Oakland County, Michigan - Bargain Shopper Mom
Warren, Michigan - Saving Dollars and Sense
Grand Forks, North Dakota - Frugal Front Porch
Indianapolis, Indiana - Bargain Briana
South Bend, Indiana - Excuse The Mess
Kansas City, Kansas/Missouri - Kansas City Mamas
St. Louis, Missouri - The Pickledpigsfeet
Branson, Missouri - Getting Freedom from Debt
Springfield, Missouri - I Think I Can
Rochester, Minnesota - Everyday Notions
York, Nebraska - Heavenly Homemakers
Omaha, Nebraska - Mom Endeavors
Madison, Wisconsin - Many Little Blessings
Oshkosh, Wisconsin - A Little Bit of This and That
Chicago, Illinois - Chicagoland Homeschool Network
Champaign, Illinois - Chambanamoms
Black Hills, South Dakota - Little House on the Prairie Living

South Central
Checotah, Oklahoma - Blessed With One Income
Tulsa, Oklahoma - Lynn's Kitchen Adventures
Gadsden, Alabama - Aint Mimi
Dallas, Texas - Funky Faith Girl
Dallas, Texas - Grocery Shop For FREE
East Dallas, Texas - Surviving The Stores
Fort Worth, Texas - Smockity Frocks
Austin, Texas - Stetted
Houston, Texas - Moms Travel Tales
McKinney, Texas - Wisdom Begun
East Texas - The Full Pantry
Murfreesboro, Tennessee - Life in a Barn
Nashville, Tennessee - The Country Chic Cottage
Mobile, Alabama - A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
Birmingham, Alabama - iGoBOGO
Brunswick & the Golden Isles, Georgia - Teri Lynne Underwood
Alpharetta, Georgia - Cuponeando
Atlanta, Georgia - See Jamie Blog
Augusta, Georgia - Hyperactive Lu
Athens, Georgia and Mississippi - Tractors and Tire Swings
Little Rock, Arkansas - It's Real Life

South Atlantic
Ft. Bragg, North Carolina - Military Wives Saving
Charlotte, North Carolina - The Carolina Clipper
Charleston, South Carolina - The Tween & Me
Greensboro, North Carolina - Mrs. Happy Homemaker
Jacksonville, Florida - Saving The Family Money
Orlando, Florida - Orlando's Best Deals
Virginia Beach, Virginia - The Singley Fam Blog
Richmond, Virginia - Daily Dwelling
Hampton Roads, Virginia - A Home Made by Kiki
Charlottesville, Virginia - How to Have it All
Blackwater Falls State Park/Davis, West Virginia - Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling
Treasure Coast, Florida - The Cardamom's Pod
Saint Augustine, Florida - Jypsie Visions
Lake Norman, North Carolina - Stretching Pennies Saving Dollars
Washington, DC - The WiC Project
Baltimore, Maryland - The Happy Housewife
Brunswick & the Golden Isles, Georgia, Teri Lynne Underwood

New England
Connecticut - Parenting Miracles
Boston, Massachusetts - ‎ Maven of Savin'
Manchester, New Hampshire - Common Sense with Money
Western Maine - Bubblegum and Lollipops

Mid-Atlantic
Erie, Pennsylvania - Growing Kids Ministry
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - Somewhat Crunchy
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - Family Balance Sheet
Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York - Coupons, Deals and More
New Jersey - Oh! Diane

Frugal Vacation Tips
Vacation or Stay-cation: Eating without Busting the Budget - Eat at Home

Thank you for subscribing to An Oregon Cottage!

Beautiful Rag Quilt

"

10 Things I Learned By Reading Blogs This Week

1. Did you know that you can boil eggs overnight in a crock pot?  Apparently you can.  I will give this a try and report back.  This info came from the Grocery Shrink.
2. At the blog Happy in Dole Valley she is doing a muffin series, a new muffin for each week for 52 weeks.  I love muffins.
3. You can make your own chalkboard labels with chalkboard paint, who would have thought?  
4. I don't like plastic.  I like clear glass jars. Glass jars don't break down, unless, of course you break them.  I can see what is in them.  I use jars to store leftover's in, to drink out of, to store dry goods in but I never knew that you could freeze food in them.  Now I know.
5. I knew you could make you own vanilla and I've seen tutorials on it before, but this one really caught my eye.  I love the bottle, the label and that it is all homemade.
6. Crockpot love again, you can apparently make mac and cheese in one!
7. If I want pancakes, now that I am trying to eat less gluten,  I can try this recipe.
8. I would really like to get a rain barrel, or two, and I need to remind myself to talk to DH about it.  I have seen several posts about them, this being the most recent.  Just found another one here.
9. I can make my on potting soil see Chiots Run and also the Square Foot Gardener book.
10. Should we want to travel this summer, we only have to head here to get great vacation information.

This post is linked to oh amanda top ten.

2011 Kansas City Farmers' Markets Guide

Some of the markets I will be getting to this summer/fall.

Kansas

Blue Valley Farmers' Market
Open May 28 thru October 1, 2011
Every Saturday, rain or shine!
8 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Blue Valley Recreation Complex (East Parking Lot)
9701 W. 137th Street (one block south of 135th and Antioch)

Merriam Farmers’ Market
Merriam Marketplace
Saturdays beginning in May 2011 - second week of October 2011
7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
5740 Merriam Drive
Merriam, KS

Merriam Organic Farmers’ Market
No plans to open for 2011 season. Still in search of new facility.

Olathe Farmers’ Market
Saturdays April 23, 2011 - October 22, 2011 (Market closed Saturday September 10, due to Johnson County's Old Settlers)
8 a.m. till sold out
Wednesdays June 1, 2011 - September 28, 2011
3 p.m. till sold out
City Hall West Annex Building Parking Lot
200 W. Santa Fe - Poplar & Kansas (downtown)
Olathe, KS

One Nineteen Green Market
2011 market dates not yet published/confirmed.
One Nineteen is an outdoor shopping center at the intersection of 119th and Roe in Leawood, Kansas

Overland Park Farmers’ Market

Saturdays April 9, 2011 - October 29, 2011

Wednesdays June 1, 2011 - September 28, 2011
Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – till sold out. Various special events throughout the season. Download special event/entertainment schedule here.

On Marty between 79th and 80th Street
Overland Park, KS

Park Place Leawood - Weekly Fresh Market
May 1, 2011 - October 16, 2011

Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Featuring fresh organic produce, baked goods, meats and more.

Barkley Square, 117th & Nall in Leawood, KS (just north of Town Center Plaza)

Shawnee Farmers’ Market

May 2011 - October 2011
Saturdays 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
City Hall Parking Lot
11110 Johnson Dr.
Shawnee, KS

Spring Hill Farmers’ Market

Saturdays May 7, 2011 - September 24, 2011
Hours: Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 12 noon
South Webster, near 215th Street, approximately 500 South Webster in the Elementary school parking lot in Spring Hill, KS

Missouri

Belton Farmers’ Market
June 23, 2011 - September 15, 2011
Thursdays 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Loop Rd. behind Main St.
Belton, MO

Brookside Farmers’ Market

Saturdays April 23, 2011 - October 22, 2011

8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Border Star Montessori School
63rd & Wornall Rd.
Kansas City, MO

City Market

Saturdays & Sundays March 2011 - October 2011

Saturdays 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sundays 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

20 E. 5th Street
Kansas City, MO

Grand Court Four Seasons Farmers Market

Open year-round on Saturdays

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

107th St and Wornall Rd.
Kansas City, MO

Kansas City Organics Farmers’ Market

May 1, 2011 - October 16, 2011
Saturdays 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Minor Park - Just East of Holmes on Red Bridge Road (111th Street)

Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Barkley Square at 117th and Nall Leawood, Kansas

Martin City Farm & Outdoor Market
2011 market dates not yet published/confirmed.

Located in Martin City at 135th Street & Roe
Martin City, MO

Patron Saint Generator

Some Catholics follow a tradition of picking a patron saint for the year. Jennifer at Conversion Diary created a program that will generate a saints' name for you. I'd like to think, with a little prayer, that the choice will be guided by the Holy Spirit rather than random. The site includes links explaining who patron saints are, why they pray for us, and information about individual saints. Here is a bracelet I made to remind us of the "cloud of witnesses" who intercede for us in Heaven. You can find it the etsy shop.  This post is from the Thrifty Mystic's blog.

"

10 Things I Learned By Reading Blogs This Week

1. Did you know that you can boil eggs overnight in a crock pot?  Apparently you can.  I will give this a try and report back.  This info came from the Grocery Shrink.
2. At the blog Happy in Dole Valley she is doing a muffin series, a new muffin for each week for 52 weeks.  I love muffins.
3. You can make your own chalkboard labels with chalkboard paint, who would have thought?  
4. I don't like plastic.  I like clear glass jars. Glass jars don't break down, unless, of course you break them.  I can see what is in them.  I use jars to store leftover's in, to drink out of, to store dry goods in but I never knew that you could freeze food in them.  Now I know.
5. I knew you could make you own vanilla and I've seen tutorials on it before, but this one really caught my eye.  I love the bottle, the label and that it is all homemade.
6. Crockpot love again, you can apparently make mac and cheese in one!
7. If I want pancakes, now that I am trying to eat less gluten,  I can try this recipe.
8. I would really like to get a rain barrel, or two, and I need to remind myself to talk to DH about it.  I have seen several posts about them, this being the most recent.
9. IPAD apps like this.
10. Those little annoying stickers on  produce actually mean something,  if the number is five digits and starts with a 9 then the produce was grown organically.  If it has five digits and starts with an 8 then the produce is genetically modified.  A four digit number means the item was grown conventionally.  I learned this at Wellness Mama's blog.

Making Broth and Cream of Soups

How to Make Vegetable Broth Using Your Slow Cooker

Yum! A big bowl of brown liquid!





Here is a recipe for vegetable broth that I want to share. It's free, it's easy, and it's healthy

 vegetable broth and vegetable stock are the same thing. 

The Ingredients.

makes about 4 quarts

thoroughly washed vegetable peels

thoroughly washed vegetable ends and parts

water

salt (I do not add salt now, but prefer to salt to taste when using in a recipe)

The Directions.

Use a 6-quart slow cooker. This is a "free" recipe! When cooking, save your vegetable ends and peels. 

Many people have a large Tupperware container in their freezer that they use for just this purpose. In order for this to be safe, you'll need to wash your vegetables well and scrub off all of the dirt. I'd highly highly highly (three highlies!) recommend using certified organic produce when making broth/stock---or better yet, organic vegetables that you've grown in your own garden.

Some great veggie-broth-making candidates are: carrot peels, onion skin, celery ends, bell pepper stems, and garlic skins. Don't bother with potato skin, it's too starchy and has an overwhelming earthy (dirt) flavor.

Put the (washed) vegetable skins and pieces into your slow cooker and add a bunch of water. I don't measure, I just make sure the skins and pieces are submerged (you may need to poke them down a bit with a wooden spoon). Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours. Place a colander in a large stock pot, and carefully strain the vegetable pieces from your broth.

Cool completely and freeze in containers until you are ready to use in your favorite recipe.

This recipe comes from A Year of Slow Cooking

Cream of Chicken Soup
Makes approximately 1 can
1 C chicken broth1/2 C finely diced onions (I use minced)
1/2 C milk
1 T cornstarch

In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and onions to a boil. Mix 1/2 c milk with cornstarch until well mixed, and add to the boiling mixture, stirring frequently until thick (about 1 minute). Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

This recipe comes from Finding Joy In My Kitchen

Collecting Recipes for Dinner Menu

Meatloaf Recipe

photo credit: epicurious

Meatloaf loaded with veggies (use what you like)

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lb ground meat
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large zucchini, shredded
• 1 large celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 medium carrots, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup broccoli slaw, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Melt your coconut oil or other preferred oil then saute the onion until softened, add in the carrots, celery, and bell pepper, and cook for another 3-5 minutes to soften the veggies. Remove most of the sauted veggies and add in the zucchini, broccoli slaw and garlic and saute about 3 more minutes. Let it cool a bit.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, oats, egg substitute, applesauce, tomato paste, paprika, salt and pepper. Fold in the veggies. Really mix it up well, get your hands into it
4. Empty the mixture into your baking pan, and shape mixture into a loaf form with your hands.
5. Bake until browned and meat inside is thoroughly cooked – 45 to 50 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and let stand about 10-15 minutes. Cut into 6 equally sized slices.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)
Cooking time: 1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 6

Recipe by LaaLoosh.com., modified by me

Serving size is 1 slice of meatloaf

PER SERVING: 185 calories; 3g fat; 18 g carbohydrates; 27 g protein; 4 g fiber






Meatloaf2 pounds ground beef3/4 cup uncooked quick-cooking oats1 medium onion, finely chopped1/2 cup ketchup1/4 cup milk2 large eggs, lightly beaten1 tsp salt1/2 tsp pepper
Glaze1/2 cup ketchup3 Tb brown sugar2 tsp mustard

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.) Combine the 8 meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl

3.) Shape into 2 (7-1/2 x 4") loaves.

4.) Place on a lightly greased rack in a broiler pan, (or if you don't have one, use a cookie sheet, like me!)

5.) Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, and THEN...

6.) Combine glaze ingredients and spoon over meatloaf

7.) Bake 15 more minutes

From Cutting Coupons in KC:

I have been making eggs with this method for several years now and they always come out perfect, never rubbery or with that gray color yolk.

Basic Hard-Boiled Eggs

1. Place the eggs in a single layer in a sauce pan.  Add cold water to cover the eggs by 1 inch.Heat over high heat until boiling for 2 minutes.
2. Remove the pan from heat and cover.  Let the eggs sit for 15 minutes. 
3. Drain and place the eggs in a cold water bath and chill in the refrigerator. 

Deviled Eggs

• 8 Large Hard-Boiled Eggs
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 Teaspoons Yellow Mustard
• 1/4 cup Pickle Relish (Sweet or Dill)
• 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
• Salt & Pepper to Taste
• Paprika

Cut the hard-boiled eggs in half and place the yolks in a bowl.  Use a fork to mash the yolks and mix in mayo, mustard, onion powder, relish, salt & pepper until smooth.  Spoon the mixture back into the eggs and sprinkle with paprika.

EASY FAMILY ROAST BEEF

Heat oven to 450 degrees

1 Beef roast, any size and type

1 packet Lipton Onion Soup mix (or other such mix)

Water to cover the roast

Place the above in a large roasting pan.  Cook at 450 degrees for one hour then lower temperature to 325 degrees and cook for three to four hours.  Add water to the pan as needed.  If you are wanting to add vegetables for a complete meal, add the last 60 to 90 minutes of cooking time.  Yummy!

Easy Chili

This fast chili recipe is a simple and delicious treat on a cool day. It can be made as spicy (or not) as you like and kids love it!

You need:
• 2 lbs ground turkey or beef, scrambled and seasoned with cumin and other desired seasonings
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 small can tomato sauce
• 1 can tomato paste
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 large red pepper, chopped (optional)
• cumin, chili powder, garlic and other desired seasonings

Add water as desired

What to do:
1. Scramble the meat until browned, season as desired with cumin, chili powder, garlic, etc
2. Dice onions and sauté in same pan until slightly tender
3. Do the same with pepper if using it
4. Add all to larger pot
5. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste and more seasonings to taste
6. Simmer 10-15 minutes until well warmed.
7. Serve with sour cream and cheese if desired

BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER SALAD

Cauliflower, chopped in small pieces

Broccoli, chopped in small pieces

Red onion, chopped in small pieces

8 slices fried bacon, chopped in small pieces

1 cup Miracle Whip dressing

½ cup sugar

¼ cup white vinegar

Blend well.   Add bacon just before serving.

Basic Grilled Chicken Recipe

This is a simple basic (but still delicious) recipe for grilling chicken breasts. If you'd like to use barbeque sauce on your chicken to add more flavor, follow this recipe but wait to add the sauce until just before it is cooked through to prevent the sauce from burning.

If you prefer to use a marinade, that should be done prior to cooking. After you've marinated the chicken breasts according to your recipe, (or bottle directions) you can cook the breasts as follows.

What You'll Need
Boneless Chicken Breasts
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

*A Hot Grill

Directions
Pre heat your charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat.
Rub Olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Place chicken breasts on the grill.
Grill until just cooked through, about 5 or 6 minutes per side- depending on thickness of breasts.
Remove from grill and serve.

 Tequila Lime Chicken

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup gold tequila
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (5 to 6 limes)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh jalapeno pepper (1 pepper seeded)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (3 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 whole (6 split) boneless chicken breasts, skin on

Directions

Combine the tequila, lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, jalapeno pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken breasts. Refrigerate overnight.

 Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, sprinkle well with salt and pepper, and grill them skin-side down for about 5 minutes, until nicely browned. Turn the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes, until just cooked through. Remove from the grill to a plate. Cover tightly and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Sweet Potatoes mash with pecans

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs of peeled sweet potatoes;
• ½ cup soften butter, clarified butter or other paleo fat;
• 2 green onions, chopped;
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon;
• ¼ cup toasted pecans;

Preparation

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook potatoes until soft enough to mash.
2. Strain the potatoes and return them to pot. Add the butter and mash until all butter is melted and potatoes are smooth.
3. Add onions and cinnamon and mix thoroughly to ensure the cinnamon is dispersed evenly.
4. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast pecans. Once finished, add to the potatoes.

Slow Cooker Spiced Whole Chicken

From: www.AnOregonCottage.com Slow Cooker Spiced Whole Chicken 4-5 lb. whole chicken 1 tsp. paprika 1/2 tsp. dried thyme  1/2 tsp. dried basil  1/2 tsp. garlic powder (or 1 tsp. minced fresh garlic) 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (or to taste) 1 TB. olive oil Combine and apply to chicken with a brush.  See An Oregon Cottage for the complete printable recipe. Chicken and Rice Casserole Ingredients 6 Tbsp butter, divided 1/3 cup gluten-free all purpose flour such as Bob’s Red Mill 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1-1/2 cups chicken stock (homemade is best) 1 cup whole milk 2-1/2 cups cooked chopped chicken 1 cup cooked brown rice 1/3 cup diced red or green pepper Instructions Prepare your rice according to the package. When you’re ready to assemble the casserole, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 4 Tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Then add the flour, salt and pepper, and stir until it’s nice and bubbly. Stir in the chicken stock and milk and keep stirring as it comes to a boil. Boil for one minute before removing it from the heat. Stir in the chopped chicken, the rice, and the diced pepper. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter, stir that in, and spread it into a buttered casserole dish. Bake for about 40 minutes, uncovered, until it’s bubbly and beginning to brown on top. Serve with a veggie or a salad, and you’ve got dinner! Roasted Red Pepper Hummus ROASTED RED PEPPER HUMMUS 2 cans drained chickpeas 1/3 cup lemon juice 2 heaping tablespoons sesame tahini 4-6 cloves of minced garlic 11/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon of ground cumin 1/4 or more of cayenne pepper 2 roasted red peppers from a can Approximately 1 tablespoon olive oil Blend in food processor or blender