An Oldie But Goodie

I actually despise that phrase "oldie but goodie", but with the lack of brain power I'm possessing at the moment that's as good as it's gonna get.

It stands true, however. Today I'm sharing an old classic recipe that still warms the soul on chilly nights like the ones we've recently been enjoying having.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Go ahead... "Mmmmm". Yes, I agree.

Although I love to share some of my favorite meals, I'm pretty awful at sharing the recipe [as you may know]. But it's not always because there's a secret. It's more because I've taken after my grandmother and don't measure properly aka I cook in measurements that "just feel right". That's what she taught me.

But here's my attempt at sharing my homemade recipe:

48oz Chicken Stock

1/2c Carrots

1/2c Celery

1 Onion

2 Garlic cloves

3 Chicken Bouillon cubes

1lb Chicken Breast

1 Tbsp Parsley

1/2 Tbsp Bay Leaves, minced

3/4 bag Egg Noodles

Water, for consistency

First step, I pour some chicken stock into a pot and cook the chicken. Meanwhile, I chop all vegetables so they're ready to saute.

Next I get a separate pot [the soup pot] ready with some oil and begin sauteing the veggies. Mmmm the smell is delightful.

After they're softened, add the rest of the chicken stock, and bouillon cubes.

While the flavors begin to blend, start shredding your chicken [to your liking]. I prefer it like this.

Next, throw in your noodles and add water as needed. This is where my measurements are never accurate. This photo is the pre-water view.

Bring it all to a boil, add your chicken, then simmer on low. I like mine to sit for an hour at LEAST to make sure the flavors are all blended well together.

When it's ready, grab your spoons, bowls [my daughter likes to keep it festive] and some crackers! I wouldn't normally add crackers to mine unless I were sick, but oyster crackers are the ultimate and I just couldn't pass them up.

So there ya have it. 

Bon appetit!!! 

Twenty-Seven Going on Six

With my birthday around the corner I'm realizing I haven't grown up in certain aspects. I'm a serious kid at heart, and after having children of my own that's been brought to light even more so. Here are a few things that can validate this discovery.

Fun cereals. As much as I strive to grab for my equally delicious grain cereals, this is a serious weakness.

Disneyworld. But not in a cheesy "omgosh MICKEY" kind of way. I just love everything about the place. When I'm there, I always feel happy [even in the mornings, which is a rarity any other day of the year]. Oh and vintage Disney is the only way to go. Classic.

Animated movies. Children sometimes introduce you to great animated films; entertaining with a little sarcasm for us adults. That's where movies [like this guy] come into play in my life.

Coloring Books. "Oh you don't want to color this page? Here I'll show you...". Every time.

[keeping all language PG, and 16th century for that matter]

Icees. This is not an everyday, or even an every week/month indulgence... but that one day when I shared one with my daughter [angels singing] it was glorious to the taste buds.

I sleep with my husband's shirt when he's out of town. Does this necessarily make me a child? In a way I think of it like a "need to be comforted", so I would say so. Audriana has her stuffed dog, and I have my husband's t-shirt.

Snow days. During my own school days it meant something to be snowed out of school, and today it doesn't feel any different. The other day I learned my daughter didn't have school due to current weather conditions, and it was a celebration. I turned off the alarm clock and slept until she woke up; usually another hour. Victorious.

So that's that. If I had time to really rack my brain on other things that kept me young at heart we'd probably be here for days.

I doubt any of the above will change in my 28th year of life.

December Bucket List UPDATE

With just a week into it, I've managed to check a few things off the list! Although, being checked doesn't mean it ends there. There's going to be plenty more Elf watching, peppermint indulging, and Christmas caroling throughout the end of the year. 

At my recent doctor's appointment, I was told I'm right on track with my pregnancy weight = up 17 lbs. At [almost] 36 weeks, that's not bad! However, that's pre-cookie-baking and pre-Christmas dinner feast(s). 

We shall see how this weight holds off in the next 4 weeks.

Oh my, 4 weeks........

Tis The Season For Chili Weather

Obviously by the spelling, I'm not talking about temperature here. It's that time of year where the only thing to cure those cold weather chills is a nice bowl of chili!! Mmmm.

Recently, the hubs went out and grabbed the necessities for "The Recipe" and I whipped us up a nice bit pot. The reason for the quotations is because it's a recipe my dad has passed down to me, and it's been called that for as long as I can remember.

Essentials: tomato juice, chili beans, chili tomatoes, mexene powder, ground beef, noodles

Obviously, we are a noodle-chili family. I know there are some who don't do that, but we do. I really can't enjoy it any other way. The only thing I do differently than dad is add MORE noodles.

The Recipe was always a secret, but once I was older and learned it for myself I realized the secret ingredient is simple TLC. There's steps to making it just right. If you're a first time chili maker, then my apologies for the lack of measurements, but I have to keep some of it to myself due to its history in the family. ;)

BUT! I won't leave you astray. There are many, many recipes here that will suite any one of your taste buds.

Just don't forget the most important part of any chili dinner event... the peanut butter sandwich. Yessir.

Although, after a recent convo with the bestie..."I've never had that with my chili", she says... I thought maybe it was another one of my weird quirks [never shocking]. But it was hard to believe I was the only one who enjoyed such a combo. That was until good ol google assured me I was not alone.

So to anyone who hasn't tried this combination, you haven't lived. Do it, just once. You won't regret it.

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It's not a #backthatazzup type of jam, but it's a classic, one of my favorites, AND totally necessary. There's about a million versions of this jingle, but I've always loved this one. Not to mention they used to be America's sweethearts. 

This Girl Right Here...

With such a diverse group of girlfriends, I recently reflected on what keeps some of us still kicking it [if that's still an acceptable term] after 10+ years.

The first victim person on my list, is my best friend. This list could go on forever, but here's a few highlights as to what keeps her and I so close.

Say hello to, Jessica.

We have a habit of making really attractive faces.

We dress alike... on accident.

Intelligent conversations is among one of our best qualities. 

We eat healthy.

She's an artist.

[I still don't know what this is]

And she spends quality time with my daughter.

I mean, really... what's not to love about this face?

 

December Bucket List

We all have a list of things we plan to do every season, or every month for that matter. But Christmas time is no joke. There's an infinite list of things I try to accomplish each year! Sadly, I come up short most of the time. But by that, I mean I didn't see the giant tree in New York, or skip down NYC singing "You Make Me Feel So Young" [my first of many references to Elf]. Pretty impractical wishes. Although, I can mark off the Rockefeller tree, since I indeed have seen it. I just can't make it happen every year. Pity.

To shorten my ongoing list of things to do this winter was nearly impossible, but I did it. The following is my current, more practical, bucket list of December 2013! Not including having a baby. But he better not make his appearance by Christmas, or we're in trouble.   

Plain and simple, you see.

Hand me a cup of hot chocolate overflowing with marshmallows, some Nsync [yes, I said it] Christmas carols, and the movie "Elf" on repeat [because I don't have to watch it to enjoy it; a simple Christmas back drop in my home]... and you'll have yourself one happy girl. Even letting my four year old decorate the tree is a sweet accomplishment, not caring that I have to redo it later. It's all about the little things my friends. I cannot wait for this season to begin!!! WELCOME DECEMBER!!!!!!!

I didn't even add my birthday on that list. That's how much everything else is more important. But what the heck...

14. Celebrate my birthday!
15. and my aunt's birthday...
16. and my dad's birthday...
17. and my best friend's mom's birthday...
18. and my mother-in-law's birthday...

The list actually goes further on, but we'll leave it at that.