First a winner recipe that takes a little more time, but is worth it sometimes, too.
Chicken Parmesan with a wonderful red sauce
Marinara Sauce:
1 T olive oil
1-2 cloves minced garlic
1 14 oz can tomato sauce
1 14 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
1 t dried basil
½ t dried oregano
½ t salt
Pepper to taste
sugar (white or brown) to taste (neutralizes the acidic tomatoes)-works wonders!
Heat oil over low heat, add the garlic, saute for about a 30 seconds (don’t let the garlic brown). Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and spices. Simmer for 20-30 minutes while preparing the chicken.
8 or so chicken tenders
1 ½ T olive oil
1 t dried rosemary
1t dried thyme
½ t salt
¼ t pepper
½ c mozzarella cheese
¼ c parmesan cheese
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Mix olive oil and seasonings. Brush one side of the tenders with the oil mixture. Place in hot pan, oil side down. Brush oil on the top of the tenders while they brown, then flip them. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes on each side until done.
Heat the oven to 450. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken . Top each tender with about a tablespoon of mozzarella and a teaspoon of parmesan cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is brown and bubbly.
I love this meal! We had this recipe for the first time the night we brought Guy home from the hospital thanks to my visiting teachers. Granted, everything tastes better than hospital food, but really, that meal was wonderful.
SIMPLIFIED
Now we always keep the canned tomatoes and sauce in the house, and I cook this meal sometimes as often as once a week. While simplifying, I made it healthier, too (cut out the chees). Usually now I just put the herbs that would go on the chicken (rosemary and thyme) in the red sauce. Then I grill the chicken, cut it up, and throw it into the sauce--used to top whole wheat pasta. It takes about 25 minutes to throw it all together (just about as long as it takes water to boil then cook the noodles). Enjoy!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
work, work, work! when do we play?
Holy cow, between the usual seemingly 80 hours it takes to prep for class (okay, it's probably only 25 per week, and I'm not kidding about that) and the insanity of the rest of the normal life happenings, I feel like I can't get done with anything. What better time to make goals, right? Or at least just one.
Two weeks ago Rob and I took the second road trip ever (together). I know, we haven't gotten out much in the last three years. He hates vacations. Our first was to Toronto the first Easter after we were married, and I had to pull teeth to get there. Okay, really I just said, "It's fine if you don't want to go, but I do. So if you don't want to, I'll find a friend or go by myself, I really want to go." Good thing he didn't call my bluff. Toronto was fun, but it was COLD.
This last trip we went to Mesa and hung out with my brother's family (mostly my sis-in-law and the kids, he's SO busy all the time), and it was a great time. I loved the 70-75 degree highs, and it was a fun time.
While I got smarter by going warmer, a 10+ hour one way drive is hard--especially on Guy (he was a champ, both ways, thankfully!). In his whole life, Rob's never been to Vegas. I want to show him around places I was surrounded by in my youth - like Red Rock and even the Strip (everyone should see it at least once, right?).
Between the job hunting, interviewing, class teaching, church responsibilities, and finding time to eat (yes, that's been a problem of late - I never would have thought), we WILL get to Vegas soon . . . I hope.
Two weeks ago Rob and I took the second road trip ever (together). I know, we haven't gotten out much in the last three years. He hates vacations. Our first was to Toronto the first Easter after we were married, and I had to pull teeth to get there. Okay, really I just said, "It's fine if you don't want to go, but I do. So if you don't want to, I'll find a friend or go by myself, I really want to go." Good thing he didn't call my bluff. Toronto was fun, but it was COLD.
This last trip we went to Mesa and hung out with my brother's family (mostly my sis-in-law and the kids, he's SO busy all the time), and it was a great time. I loved the 70-75 degree highs, and it was a fun time.
While I got smarter by going warmer, a 10+ hour one way drive is hard--especially on Guy (he was a champ, both ways, thankfully!). In his whole life, Rob's never been to Vegas. I want to show him around places I was surrounded by in my youth - like Red Rock and even the Strip (everyone should see it at least once, right?).
Between the job hunting, interviewing, class teaching, church responsibilities, and finding time to eat (yes, that's been a problem of late - I never would have thought), we WILL get to Vegas soon . . . I hope.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
There's nothing like
cuddling up with a good book after a tremendously long day (after four hours of sleep the night before) to read for two hours before Rob gets home. That is, unless I fall asleep while reading. That would be pretty good, too. What crazy person besides me decides that in the middle of teaching a college course would be a good time to get re-hooked to Mary Higgins Clark? I read one on our road trip down to AZ last weekend, and now I'm a good way into a second. Tonight I should start prepping for my next lecture, but I'm not.
a
At least today's lecture went superbly well, whew! Good thing I have four days until the next one.
a
And yea for sleeping babies - especially this one. I'm kind of loving black and white, and will probably be posting more. :)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Do you ever . . . ?
Teaching this semester has been really enjoyable. I've felt pretty confident and enjoyed lots of different aspects. Until this week, I had lots of positives to share, and just positives, with the exception of how long it takes to prepare. Then there was Tuesday.
a
As recommended, I did a mid-course evaluation. Out of the 80 people that were in class that day, 17 reviews were flattering and complimentary ("love this class" type), most were pretty neutral and fine, but then there were a few (5 or 6) that weren't so nice (making it clear that they don't like the class). A couple were just rude and nit picky, actually.
a
So with the range and the proportions, why is it that I chose to focus on the smallest portion - the discontent? Three days later and I'm doing much better with it, but I still haven't completely let it go. It even really bugs me that I'm that irritated, and I wish I could just stop having thoughts about it come to mind. I'm on vacation and I'm kind of having a hard time taking a vacation from my problems. :(
Monday, February 8, 2010
He's One! . . . happy birthday Guy!
I can't believe how fast this year has gone! What a joy it's been to be a mom. Maybe because it's our first, or maybe because I have a super new camera, or maybe it's because I just love documenting all of it, but here are many photos of Guy's first birthday.
Starting with the top of his own little cake.
Of course, sometimes we wonder--why bother getting gifts? . . . wouldn't the paper and wrapping suffice? He loved playing with just the ribbons early this morning (starting too early at 6 am).
His first experience with helium balloons - loves them.
Except when he got stuck in the ribbons a few times (or more).
This morning he got to "talk" to Rob's folks on Skype (and his aunt and uncle on Rob's side on the phone)- and even open his present from them while they watched. Isn't technology great?
More of his little cake - I was pleased with how it turned out. 
I bought a star candle, but you can't even tell . . . oh well.
A little timid at first.
Starting in.
Getting dirty, and overwhelmed by the 14 people watching, I think.
Getting into it more 
You took it away? . . . but why? I like throwing it on the floor.
The "before" on the cake everyone else ate.
And the "after"--it was SOOO good! I did ganache for the first time. Then whipped the rest and piped it on.
He always loves playing with his cousins.
And Eden.
Playing with new toys.
Opening presents - he got way more into it this time (as opposed to Christmas).
And playing on one of his new toys.
What a year! But more on that later, maybe.
Starting with the top of his own little cake.
Of course, sometimes we wonder--why bother getting gifts? . . . wouldn't the paper and wrapping suffice? He loved playing with just the ribbons early this morning (starting too early at 6 am).His first experience with helium balloons - loves them. Except when he got stuck in the ribbons a few times (or more). This morning he got to "talk" to Rob's folks on Skype (and his aunt and uncle on Rob's side on the phone)- and even open his present from them while they watched. Isn't technology great? More of his little cake - I was pleased with how it turned out. I bought a star candle, but you can't even tell . . . oh well.A little timid at first.Starting in. Getting dirty, and overwhelmed by the 14 people watching, I think.
Getting into it more You took it away? . . . but why? I like throwing it on the floor. The "before" on the cake everyone else ate.
And the "after"--it was SOOO good! I did ganache for the first time. Then whipped the rest and piped it on. He always loves playing with his cousins.And Eden.Playing with new toys.Opening presents - he got way more into it this time (as opposed to Christmas). And playing on one of his new toys.What a year! But more on that later, maybe.
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