After the kids went down for a nap this morning I started my usual Thursday morning regimen. I took my shower, made the bed, and emptied the excess coffee from the coffee maker. I had to go into my closet to search for something to wear. These days it isn't the lack of tops that don't fit it's the lack of jeans. Now now, I know most women that have had 2 children have trouble finding pants that fit so I don't feel as bad as I used to. I did however save about a third of my pre Alex clothes just in case I ever was able to squeeze my mommy butt back into any of them. Jon kept telling me to save them, so I did. Well I pull out a pair of my old khakis (5/6.. yes I just said that.. but let me repeat it.... 5/6.) and thought just for kicks lets try these babies on.
To my shock and dismay they fit! A little snug but not that.... I can see EVERYTHING snug. Just a little snugger than what I had been wearing. So I say to myself, "huh.... what about these size 4 American eagle jeans that I loved?" And to even MORE shock THEY FIT. a size 4. I am very proud of myself. I didn't want to post sizes on facebook just because I know how I get when one of my stick skinny friends says she's rockin a 2 or a 0. It makes me hate her. lol. But now since I'm on my own blog I think I'm allowed to post sizes. Afterall only a handful of people read this right?
Onto other news! Here are the recipes from last night. I will tell you that the main course and biscuits are the ONLY recipes I'm posting. The Candy Bar Apple Salad wasn't very good. I got it from my recipe magazine so I was hoping for the best! But Jon refused to even touch it and I tried some but was very disappointed. The only good thing I could glean from the recipe was that the snicker bar peanuts counter acted the apples as if a peanut butter/apple accompaniment might? But that's it. zilch in the way of deliciousness.
Here is the first recipe! Bacon- Swiss Penne!! Vote of confidence from Jon? CHECK!
12 ounces uncooked penne pasta 13 bacon strips 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 3 tablespoons butter 6 green onions, chopped 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 cups 2% milk 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese 1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese 1-1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed 3/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
TOPPING: 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs 2 tablespoons butter, melted
1. First I prepared the pasta per box instructions (you guys know how to boil pasta!! Bring water to a boil and pop those babies in there)2. While you're waiting for this wonderous pasta to boil, take a skillet and heat it to medium and fry your bacon in batches. The most I could fit in the pan at a time was 4... and I hate bacon. I'm talkin LOATHE it. But I was lucky to get the bacon in the casserole any way... jon kept eating it!
YUCK BACON BLECK!
3. Save 4 tsp of "bacon drippings" to saute the chicken in. disgusting. But I did it. Add the butter and saute until chicken is no longer pink.
4. Add onions and cook one minute longer. Stir in the flour and gradually at the milk. Here's what THAT looks like.
Still I know it looks a little weird but it's getting there. I used whole milk instead of 2% since whole milk is only 4% anyway. did you guys know that? I did!
5. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the cheeses, peas, pepper, thyme and bacon. Now... as a side note I would like to say that I totally did not add peas to my version. Jon hates peas and the last time I used them when the recipe called for it he picked every single one out of my poor tuna noodle casserole. *sigh* No more peas.
6. Next the recipe tells you to add the drained penne to the dish but as you can see my saute pan was too small for all that pasta.... so I went ahead and transfered the penne to a greased 9 by 13 baking dish and poured the mixture you see above (It condenses and becomes thicker) on top. So much easier. But... if you have a big enough pan then by all means have at it!
here's what the topping that goes on top looks like.
Very simple but this recipe is definately not for someone watching their calories. Here's what the casserole looked like pre bake.
Sorry that's blurry but at least you have a visual.
7. Sprinkle topping on top and bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. My oven is pretty strong so I only baked mine for around 20 minutes. Here's what the end product looks like!!!
Next is the recipe for the cheddar biscuits I made that got a STELLAR approval from Jon. He had 4 I think. I must admit they were so freaking good!! I've made biscuits before but I never had that "secret ingredient" that made them better than anyone elses. These have mayo in them. Here's the recipe.
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1-1/4 cups 2% milk
- 3 tablespoons of mayo
1. Mix the dry ingredients together in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another bowl.
2. Mix until moistened and put into 12 greased muffin cups. Picture? Ok. These are my dry ingredients mixed together.
- Quite simple right???? Here is the end result. They literally taste like pieces of a cheddar rosemary puffy cloud. So delish.
The Spread?
Jon's verdict?
Mmm Mmmm!!! All right all! that is all for now!!! Enjoy! xoxo
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