Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole!

My grandma use to make this all the time! This brings back one specific memory from when I was little and I lived in New Mexico. One day is was just me and my dad at home. We were going to go on a bike ride with some neighbors but I got hurt, so we stayed home and he made me this. That's what I think of every time I make this.

INGREDIENTS:

1. 2 cups of Rice. (you can use minute rice, wild rice..any kind you want)
2. 2 cans of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup. (I use the 98% less fat kind)
3. 1 cup of Milk and 1 cup of Water. (These are my families measurements but I use 3/4 milk and 1/3 water because its too soupy if I do it the other way when it is just the two of us)
4. 3-4 Chicken Breasts, boneless.
5. A Casserole Dish or a 13x9 dish.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Put the 2 cans of soup, milk, water, and 2 cups of rice into the dish and mix together well. (I use a whisk)
2. Put in your chicken. Place them to where it starts to be covered by the other ingredients.
3. Preheat your oven to 350. Cook for 30 minutes.

This is really good with steamed broccoli and melted cheese. We also steam Asparagus with it too at times. If you want to know how to steam fresh Asparagus Click--> HERE <--

TWITTER: @haleymarie1991

INSTAGRAM: @haleymarie1991

Crock Pot Chicken n' Dumplings!

Crock Pot Chicken n' Dumplings!

I love Chicken n' Dumplings! They remind me of the south! This is really easy to make! 

If I can make something in a crock pot I do it! haha! It's nice to be able to just stick everything 

in there and leave it until its done! 

INGREDIENTS:

1. 3-5 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces.
2. 2 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces.(about 2 cups)
3. 2 cups of whole baby carrots.(you can cut those in half if you want)
4. 2 stalks of celery, sliced. (about 1 cup)
5. 2 cans of Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup,10 3/4oz each. (I use the 98% fat free)
6. 1 cup of water.
7. 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves, crushed.
8. 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
9. 2 cups of all-purpose baking mix.(also known as bisquick or jiffy. I use jiffy)
10. 2/3 cup of milk.

NOTE: 9 and 10 are for the dumplings. You will make these 45 minuets before eating!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place the chicken, potatoes, carrots and celery into a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Stir the soup, water, thyme and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours* or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. FOR THE DUMPLINGS: Stir the baking mix and milk in a medium bowl. Drop the batter by spoonfuls onto the chicken mixture. Increase the heat to HIGH. Tilt the lid to vent and cook for 30-45 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked in the center.

NOTE: If you need to have these cooked in a shorter amount of time, you can cook on HIGH 4 or 5 hours!

Salmon Recipe!

Salmon!

Last night I made Salmon for dinner! I have to come up with ways to cook things that are normally cooked on a grill haha! This was pretty easy to figure out! Josh and I love this Salmon! We went Whale Watching this past weekend and ever since then I have wanted some seafood for dinner! haha! 

INGREDIENTS:

1. Salmon.(This time I had almost 2 lbs of salmon, normally I just get 1)
2. Salt and Pepper to taste.
3. Butter.(cut a few slices)
4. A Lemon or two.(optional)

You will also need a cookie sheet and 2 pieces of foil. The foil needs to be a little longer then the length of your Salmon. Pre-heat your oven to 375

DIRECTIONS:

1. Put the first piece of foil down onto your cookie sheet and then your salmon, skin down.(you can take the skin off if you like)
2. Cut your lemon in to thin slices and place underneath the slab of fish.(if you want to with the left over end pieces of lemon, you can squeeze a little bit on the top of the salmon, too)
   
3. Salt and pepper the top of the salmon to your liking and then slice up some butter and lay across evenly.
   
4. Take you second piece of foil and put it onto. Fold pieces of foil together so the juices don't spill out. On all sides. On each end leave a little unfolded so theres a little room for air.
5. Put in your oven for 20-30 minutes. Because I had such a big fillet this time I had to put it in for longer and check it once or twice. For smaller pieces it should only take around 20-25 minutes.

TADA!

I also made Asparagus and mashed potatoes for the side dishes. Here is how I cook my asparagus!

---> How to Steam Fresh Asparagus | tender just like the canned kind <---

 My mashed potatoes, unfortunately, were from an instant mix. I did not have potatoes on hand nor did I feel like making anything extra! haha, but they were all natural and gluten free! haha! Not that I needed them to be but wherever I can have the healthier option I like to make it! Here are some pictures from our whale watching adventure from saturday!

Humpback Whales!

HUGE!! Jellyfish!

More Humpbacks!

Out in the Monterey Bay!

TWITTER: @haleymarie1991

INSTAGRAM: haleymarie1991

Basil Shrimp Pasta

Basil Shrimp Pasta!

This is a side dish. Well, I guess you could just eat it by itself haha! We like this with steak! I made this one up too! I wanted something with steak and had some bow tie pasta and tomatoes lying around and made this! My husband says it's one of his favorites!

INGREDIENTS:

1. 2 pounds or less of Shrimp, peeled and deveined. 
2. 3 cloves of Garlic, minced.
3. 1 tablespoon of Dried Basil. (fresh sprigs, or the dried crushed kind)
4. 16oz of Pasta. (I've used spaghetti, and even whole wheat pasta too)
5. 2 cups of Roma Tomatoes, chopped.
6. 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil.

DIRECTIONS:

     Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. Saute the shrimp with the garlic in the olive oil until they loose their transparency.(2-3 minutes) Add basil and tomatoes. Let simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve with warm pasta!

Now that I think about it, this would probably taste really good with spaghetti squash too! haha! For those that don't want all that pasta haha! (I LOVE PASTA!)

Hibachi Dinner: Rice, Meat, Zucchini, and Soup.

Hibachi Dinner!

Yesterday, I made Steak and Shrimp Hibachi for Josh's birthday dinner! It still smells like a Hibachi restaurant in our apartment! haha! This actually pretty easy to make, but it is time consuming! I will show you how and what you need to make all that is part of this tasty dinner! I also made Miso soup. Most Hibachi restaurants I've been to give you the onion and mushroom soup; but the ones I have been to out here have given us Miso. For those who don't know what it is, it's a soup with tofu soup. That might sound gross, and I thought that at once, but its pretty good. So starting with the rice heres how you make a Hibachi Dinner.

Fried Rice!

INGREDIENTS:

1. 2 cups cooked Rice, cooled. (I used minute rice)
2. 1/2 cup of Onion, chopped in tiny, thin pieces.
3. 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil.
4. 1/4 cup of frozen Peas.
5. 1/4 cup of frozen Carrots.
6. 1 Egg.
7. 2 tablespoons of Butter.
8. 2 tablespoons of Soy Sauce.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Put your oil in a skillet with the heat on medium.
2. Put your peas, carrots, and onion in the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes.
3. Move you vegetables to the side of the skillet and add you egg. Scramble with your cooking utensil.
4. Add your rice and butter, mix with vegetables and egg. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until butter is melted.
5. Add soy sauce and stir in.

EXTRAS FOR THE RICE:

    You can remove the rice from the skillet and put in a pan with a lid on it to keep it warm. The closer you get done with the rest of the food you can put the pan on the stove on low. Also, if you buy just one really large onion thats all you will need for then entire meal. For the rice 1/2 cup onion is usually only 1/4 of the extra large onion.

Zucchini! 

INGREDIENTS:

1. 2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil.
2. 1 medium Onion, chopped thinly.(or just use the rest of the extra large onion.)
3. 2 medium Zucchinis cut into thin strips. (i cut them in half, then the halves in halves.)
4. 2 tablespoons of Teriyaki Sauce. 
5. Black Pepper to taste.

DIRECTIONS:

     Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, and cook 5 minutes. Add zucchini, and cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Stir in teriyaki sauce and soy sauce. Cook until zucchini are tender. Stir in ground pepper.

EXTRAS FOR ZUCCHINI:

     I cover them with lid so they get all the moisture needed and to not let the liquids spit all over the stove. Once they are tender you can just keep the heat on low until ready to eat. Also, you can add sesame seeds if you want to. I usually don't unless I have some around.

                                                                     

                                             Hibachi Meat!      

                                            you can do this with steak, chicken, and shrimp.

INGREDIENTS:

1. Chicken, Meat, Shrimp, or all of the above!
2. Soy Sauce.
3. Teriyaki Sauce.
4. 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat your oil in a skillet on medium heat.
2. Cut your meat into 1 inch cubes. If you have shrimp, de-tail.
3. Put your meat in the skillet. Add the Soy Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce. Put enough to fill and small layer to fill the bottom of the skillet. Cook until done.

Miso Soup!  

I found this at Whole Foods. Before you think, "ew..vegan? Organic?.." haha! It was the probably the best I had. Plus I couldn't find it anywhere else. All you need was 8oz of hot water!

EXTRAS FOR THE MEAL:

You can use any kind of Soy and Teriyaki Sauce but I use a specific kinds. I've tried many types these two are the best:

INSTAGRAM: @haleymarie1991

TWITTER: @haleymarie1991

Spaghetti Sauce

Spaghetti Sauce!

Spaghetti is probably one of my favorite meals! When I was little I use to eat it if cold for breakfast!

Gross I know, haha! I use to even eat soup cold, right out of the can! Don't get me wrong, the store bought kind can be good, but homemade is so much better and better for you! This recipe you actually have to use your hands and squeeze the tomatoes! It's fun! haha!

INGREDIENTS:

1. 3 Medium, finely chopped Onions.
2. 8 cloves of, finely chopped Garlic. 
3. 3-4 tablespoons of Olive Oil.
4. 2 cans of 28oz. Whole Peeled Tomatoes.
5. 2 cans of 28oz. Tomato Sauce.
6. 1 can of 6oz. Tomato Paste.
7. 2 tablespoons of Parsley.
8. 4 tablespoons of Basil.
9. 4 tablespoons of Oregano.
10. 2 teaspoons of Salt.
11. 1/2 teaspoons of Pepper.

DIRECTIONS:

    Saute the onions in the oil until nicely browned. Add the garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients. Reach into your pot and mash the Whole Peeled Tomatoes with your hand. (you can turn the heat down if needed, but its never that hot when I do so) Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours and stir occasionally. Cook the next day for 2 hours. (the reason for the two days is because all the ingredients mix and taste better if done this way. as my grandma use to say, "It tastes better once it's been married!")

EXTRAS:

   You can add ground beef or sausage to your sauce, but i usually cook that in a separate skillet and just add the sauce to it. Because, the meat will go bad before the sauce does if you just add it into the pot. You can also freeze it better if you just cook you meat when needed. Mushrooms taste great added in with the meat as well!! Also, if your not a big onion person you can always do 1 and 1/2 onions. I do sometimes.

INSTAGRAM: @haleymarie1991

TWITTER: @haleymarie1991

Chicken Bow Tie Pasta

Chicken Bow Tie Pasta

To say I love pasta is a understatement! This is something new to me. I have had several versions of this sort of dish, but I think I like this one the best. The others were too dry, too many onions, not enough chicken, etc. We just had this last night. Its easy to make. You can even make it a few hours before and just reheat it and it's still good, as well as for left overs the next day!

INGREDIENTS:

1. 2 tablespoons Olive Oil.
2. 1 clove minced Garlic.
3. 4 cups Baby Spinach Leaves.
4. 2 cups cooked shredded or cubed Chicken Breast.
5. 1/2 teaspoon Salt.
6. 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper.
7. About 1 1/2 to 2 cups of Philadelphia Cooking Cream. (I used italian herb flavor because there wasn't a regular flavor. It seems to be tasty so I am going to stick with it.)
8. 1 Box of Bow Tie Pasta.
9. 1 1/2 cups of shredded Mozzarella Cheese, or to your liking.
10. 9x13 inch pan.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350F.
2. Put oil in a pan the stove to medium. Add the garlic and let it come to a sizzle, then turn the heat down to 3 or 4.
3. Add the spinach. Stir and let cook until the leaves look wilted.
4. Add and stir in the chicken, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the philadelphia cooking cream.
6. Cook the bow tie pasta as it says so on the box.
7. Pour the pasta into the 9x13 pan and mix in the other ingredients.
8. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of it all and put it in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

INSTAGRAM: haleymarie1991

TWITTER: @haleymarie1991

Moroccan Chicken with Couscous

Moroccan Chicken with Couscous

My husband Josh LOVES Moroccan Chicken! We even had it on our wedding day! Now I'm not really sure if this is the real moroccan chicken but hey, its SO tasty! The recipe I have is from my 

mother-in-law, but I have changed it just a tad. 

INGREDIENTS:

1. 2 tablespoons of Curry. (I use Hot Curry but there is just regular)
2. 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon.
3. 2-4 Boneless, Skinless, Chicken breasts. (I cut them in half. It started as just to make the amount in the chicken that was in the freezer to last and I just stuck with it)
4. 1 Box of Couscous. (the directions for the amount of people is on the back)
5. Salt and Pepper to taste.
6. 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Put salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken.
2. Take a small bowl and put your 2 tablespoons of curry and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the bowl. Mix it together so it becomes a paste. (I make it a little more watery looking then a paste so I may put more then a 1 tablespoon)
3. Spread the paste onto both sides of the chicken.
4. Put in the oven on 350F for 30 minutes.
5. Make your Couscous when you have 15-10 minutes left on the oven.
   
   
   
   

       (I also use a knife to mix and to spread on the chicken. you can use your hands but mine smell like the paste even the day after if I do haha!)

(This is the kind of Couscous I use. I am told you can use Quinao{Keen-wah}..but why mess with a good thing haha!)

You will not be disappointed! It is SO GOOD! My husband says though its not good as left overs haha! It just looses a little bit of flavor. Its not near as good as it is right out of the oven. I am making this right now and my stomach is grumbling!! Today is the 22nd of August! Today it has been 8 months since our wedding day, so its the perfect dinner! This is really easy and quick to make too!

December 22nd, 2012! <3

INSTAGRAM: haleymarie1991
TWITTER: @haleymarie1991

Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Fajitas 

I am from New Mexico. I have been raised on the BEST mexican food there is. The closest you will find to actual food in Mexico. I have had both. I like both. They do have their differences but who cares! As long as its spicy, am I right? haha! This is my mom's recipe, and hers will always be better, but I like to think mine is pretty close!

INGREDIENTS:

1. 2 tablespoons of Lime Juice
2. 1 teaspoon of Salt
3. 1 medium Onion, cut into small slices
4. 1 Green Bell Pepper
5. 2-3 Boneless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1 inch strips.
6. 1 tablespoon of oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. I put all the onion and meat in a bowl and then add the Lime Juice and salt into the bowl and mix it up while your skillet is heating. Put your skillet on medium. Then pour all the contents that's in the bowl into the skillet.
2. Cook for 10 minutes, stir every few minutes.
3. Add the green bell peppers the last two minutes.
4. Cook until the meat is done and the peppers are some what tender.

EXTRAS:

      Tortillas: You can just eat with cold tortillas, but I like to get a separate, smaller skillet and put it on 3, then heat the tortillas for 5-10 seconds on each side. You could just microwave them but it changes the texture of the tortilla. It becomes harder to eat, almost stretchy.

     NOTES: I used a 2 eye skillet the last time I made this and it seemed to work pretty well also.

                    You can also use steak, same directions.

INSTAGRAM: haleymarie1991
TWITTER: @haleymarie1991

How to Steam Fresh Asparagus | Make like the Canned Kind

Asparagus! 

My Husband loves the canned Asparagus, but I love the fresh kind. He likes the canned kind because they are really tender; which I like to but I prefer the fresh tasting kind. So how do you go about getting that really tender taste without buying the canned. (canned is more money too) There is a way to do so. After all marriage is about compromise and meeting in the middle. So I had to find a way to make the fresh taste like the canned haha!

STEAM THEM!

Step One: Cut off the bottoms of the Asparagus. This is the part that starts to turn white and is very "stalk" like or hard. Cut it off! haha

Step Two: Peel from the middle to the bottom of the Asparagus. This takes of the very thin layer and allows it to become tender. (see picture below)

Step Three: Lay them in a skillet that has 1 cup of water in it. Put a few thin slices of butter on top of them.

Step Four: Cover them with a lid and turn your stove on medium heat. Let them come to a boil then to a low simmer until your ready to eat them!

We LOVE Asparagus! haha! We eat them with Steak, Chicken n' Rice, Moroccan Chicken, and many other things!

INSTAGRAM: haleymarie1991
TWITTER: @haleymarie1991

Tomato Chicken

I would like to share with you all a dinner I came up with all by myself! This was one of the first meals of many I came up with by myself a few months into marriage. It is now one our favorites! 

  INGREDIENTS:

1. 3-4 Boneless Chicken Breasts.
2. 2 Cans of Diced Tomatoes. (I use the Del Monte brand)
3. 1 Can of Chicken Broth
4. Salt (to taste)
5. Pepper (to taste)
6. Onion Powder (to taste)
7. Crushed Red Pepper (to taste)*optional
8. Minute Rice (for 2 servings is 1 cup of water and 1 cup of rice)
9. 1 Can Black Beans
10. 1 Cap full of Olive Oil

  DIRECTIONS:

1. Season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Heat skillet on medium and add 1 cap full of olive oil. Cook the chicken until white and almost golden on both sides. Add both cans of diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir, add crushed red pepper, and let come to a boil. Let boil for 5 minutes. (if you are wanting to let this marinate and eat the next day, this is where you want to put all the contents into a container and put in the fridge. just put in the skillet again the next day and reheat. bring to almost to a boil)
2. Cook rice.
3. Cook black beans.

* We like it better the second day! It tastes a whole lot better! But, be warned, the longer it sits the hotter it gets if you add the red pepper.

INSTAGRAM: haleymarie1991

TWITTER: @haleymarie1991