Happy Birthday Ruth!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful mother-in-law!  I'm so so so blessed with amazing in-laws. 

You have made me feel so loved and welcomed as I joined your family.  Thank you for loving me and caring for me so well.  I admire your creativity, your compassion for others and the way you are such a servant.  You are an incredible woman and raised a wonderful son.  I am thankful for you!

I hope your day is fabulous.  So happy to get to celebrate you in person this year! 

Have a happy happy day! Love you!

Happy Birthday Blake!

Happy birthday to my sweet husband, Blake.  

Hoping your day is simply as wonderful as you are. 

You are the best husband I could ask for you.  You never stop making me laugh, thinking deeply with purpose, or guding and leading me with grace and humility. 

I love every moment I get to spend with you, laughing, eating, loving, walking, running, biking, sleeping, praying, talking, driving, cooking or being goofy together.  I can't wait to see the way the Lord will continue to shape you and shape us together this year.  

Happy Birthday!  I love you! 

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner: Mushroom Risotto (Part II)

I had felt really intimidated by risotto before I had ever made it before, but then read Jenna's blog and got some encouragement up to give it a shot.  It's a suprisingly simple preparation, just takes a bit of time and elbow grease to make it all come together.  Stir, Stir, Stir.  Thankfully, cooking is my way to decompress at the end of a day and this recipe worked like a charm.  Just as good as any glass of wine or hot bath :) 

In the spirit of having more vegetarian meals during our week I picked Portobellos for the mushrooms to have a hearty and "meaty" component.  You could add chicken, shrimp, etc.  if you wanted a protien. This would be satisfying as either entree or side dish.  It's pretty affordable, yet indulgent too.  Have I sold you on this one yet? 

This dish was inspired from a Bride and Groom cookbook we recieved from a wedding shower.  Here's my version below. 

2 T Olive Oil

1 diced yellow onion
1 pound Portobello mushrooms - bite sized
1 T minced garlic
1 T thyme
1 cup Arborio rice

4 C broth (I used chicken)

1/2 C White Wine

2 C Spinach

1 T butter

1/4 C grated parmesan cheese

Saute the onions in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until soft. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook a couple minutes then add and sauté the mushrooms with the onions. Stir in the rice and cook with vegetables and seasonings.  Add the wine and stir until it has reduced and soaked into the wine.  In another sauce pan, heat the broth until it simmers.  Start adding the broth quarter cup at a time. Stir well and adjust your burner so the broth simmers. Each time the broth cooks down to a thick sauce, stir in another half cup, until the broth is gone and the rice is soft.  Stir in 2 C of fresh spinach until wilted.  When the rice is done, stir in the cheese and butter. Salt and pepper the risotto to taste. Serve with grated Parmesan on top.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner: Stuffed Chicken (Part I)

This week we had two big winners that turned out pretty darn good (if I say so myself).  I couldn't decide on which one to share, so I thought I would share both.

The stuffed chicken that we have come up with is a really simple prep and is somewhat of a flexible recipe that you can change up, depending on what is in your fridge or pantry.  It can be a bit tricky if you aren't a very patient person (I lack skills in that department) because it can take a while to bake since it's stuffed with yummy goodness. Besides patience, this recipe doesn't take too much skill and can be a crowd pleaser that's almost guaranteed to impress. This is another one that's mostly kept in my head - so here's my best effort at writing it out.

Ingredients:
2 Chicken Breast  - Boneless & Skinless
1/4 C (ish) of a creamy herbed cheese (I like boursin - you could also use some cream cheese if that's all you had and add some of your favorite seasonings)
Small handful of diced onion
1 C Frozen or Fresh Spinach Chopped
4-6 Sundried Tomatoes chopped
Small handful of shredded cheese (I like mozzarella or Parmesan)
Salt & Pepper

Directions:
The most important part of this recipe is to POUND OUT your chicken breast!  I like to sandwich the breasts in between 2 pieces of saran wrap and give it a go with my meat mallet.  Such a good way to de-stress after a long day!  In a small mixing bowl, combine the cheeses, vegetables and seasonings.  Stir together until slightly creamy, but not too dry.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper and spread half of the mixture on top of the breast.  Roll up breasts and secure with toothpicks.  Season the outside of the chicken. Bake at 400 for approximately 30 minutes in a foil lined baking dish.  Ensure that it's cooked all the way through - it will take longer than you think!

You could add sliced mushrooms, artichoke, olives, fresh basil, tomatoes, different kinds of cheeses, etc. to switch it up.  A surprisingly easy, yet gourmet tasting, weeknight meal!

Recipe #2 of the week coming soon!

My Forever Valentine

Valentines Day 2009 - Scottsdale, AZ

Is the person I trust the most in this world. 

Is someone who I can be totally me with. 

Makes me feel beautiful everyday.  

Is the person I always want to be around and it never gets old.  

Encourages me, respects me and constantly lifts me up.  

Has been the best thing that ever happened to me, becoming his wife this year.

Is truly my best friend and confidant, as trite as it sounds.  

Points me towards Jesus day after day. 

Is going to be enjoying a home cooked candle-lit meal tonight with his forever date.  

No frills, just him and me. 

Isn't going anywhere.  And that's the best part. 

Disclaimer:  Thanks for letting me love vomit all over this page.  I realize Valentines can be such a silly day and I'm really not a huge fan.  That said, this is what the day is supposed to mean, not roses, chocolates and teddy bears.  I'm blessed by Blake and thankful each day that the Lord has brought us together.  He's more than I deserve. My heart is full and happy.  Thanks again (wink).