Call Me Paula Dean

Hello, everyone! If you are a faithful reader you have probably realized that I have been practicing a little bit of "blog neglect." I have not had ample time lately to make posts about the happenings in our newlywed world. I did promise myself when I created this blog that I would not give up on it if I fell behind. So, here I am at the brink of fall break. I plan to pass a few school assignments to the side in order to update friends and family on all that has marked our calendars during the past four weeks. The posts in the coming days will be random in topic, but each will serve as an update nonetheless.

As an Early Childhood/Elementary Education major I am required to take the same classes that a Physical Education major would take in order to graduate. This semester I am taking a course that is designed to provide prospective educators with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their quality of life and that of their future students. One assignment requires me to record everything that I eat- proportion size, calories, and serving amounts. Through this assignment my eyes have been truly opened to how unhealthy foods affect my mental and physical abilities, as well as health. Now, just because I am in a class for physical education majors does not mean that I am about to become all fit and thin. I wish! I will admit that I am not one to put forth the effort, time, or money to exercise and eat lean. I will exercise on occasion, but I am not one to diet because of my love for baking. Unfortunately, I no longer have time to bake. Instead I have started to experiment with actual cooking in order to complete my semester assignment for this particular class.

                                                   

Recently, to go along with my fitness class Tony has implemented a workout plan into his evenings. I guess you can say we are both benefiting from this semester only in different ways. Tony is an extremely picky eater, but I have started to change that a bit. Unfortunately I understand that change takes time, but I have no fear he will adapt eventually.... or starve (just kidding). I have him help me pick out recipes because I think if he sees what the meal should look like he will be more open to want to try new things (keeping my fingers crossed!). Most of the recipes we have tried I found on pinterest or from fellow blogger websites. They may not look healthy or difficult to make for most who are pros in the kitchen, but I am proud to have actually attempted something that does not come in a box! I am going to list a few recipes we have tried below. If you are interested in trying a specific recipe click the link included for ingredients needed and prep directions.

                           

Chicken and Rice-  It was almost like a downgraded version of poppy seed chicken. We agreed to opt for it instead next time.

http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2011/07/chicken-rice.html?showComment=1311041454978

 

                                                          

Baked Shrimp- We love the Japanese restaurant, Kobe. I replicated their shrimp sauce and skillet fried rice. However, instead of fried shrimp, I used this recipe below to bake the shrimp. I am not a fan of fried food nor do I care to have our kitchen smelling awful after frying shrimp.
 

http://pinterests-food.blogspot.com/

                                                         

Sour Cream Chicken- In Tony's words "This dish is like a Chicken Surprise." We did not like anything about this recipe. It went straight from the crock pot to the trash can. 

http://momswithcrockpots.com/2012/01/sour-cream-and-bacon-crockpot-chicken/

 

                                                          

Crackle Barrel Chicken and Dumplings- They were delicious! No questions asked!

http://tastykitchen.com/blog/2011/11/homemade-chicken-and-dumplings/

 

 

This is our absolute favorite recipe thus far! There is not guided instruction but it is fairly simple. Mix together chicken breasts, corn, green beans, and potatoes. Add a package of italian seasoning or garlic lemon seasoning (this was our favorite), Melt one stick of butter over the top. Bake at 375' for 1 hour. 

 

We have not tried any of the recipes listed below. If you notice, a lot of the recipes above are slow cooker meals. As a full time student, let me just say-- whoever invented the crock pot is my hero! I am certainly not trying to be lazy, but it is so helpful to have meals prepared in freezer storage, pull out to defrost the night before, and allow to cook all afternoon in our slow cooker.

Also, I realize a lot of the recipes above include chicken. When we first got married we were eating A LOT of beef and many forms of pasta. Since I started the physical fitness class I am bound and determined to find an alternative to beef. I feel as though once I master chicken I will move on to other types of meats. For now, I am taking baby steps and learning to buy the right types of meat. I would love to try soups, roast, beef stew, or even cajun dishes. Once again, I married an amazing man who is a picker eater. Unfortunately these types of food are more than likely not happening anytime soon. As we try new recipes look out for future posts from our kitchen to yours! Until next time, happy blogging, y'all!  

 

 

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wrapped Bacon

http://diaryofarecipeaddict.blogspot.com/2011/07/sweet-spicy-bacon-chicken.html?m=1



Brown Sugar Chicken

http://foodforahungrysoul.blogspot.com/2009/10/simply-great-chicken.html



Boston Butt Sandwiches