Register for the Fine China

In October, my husband and I will celebrate nine years of marriage. October 29 to be exact. October 29 happens to also be my dad's birthday and the day my mom died. It's a weird, feely, don't really know what to do with it kind of day. 

My mom was a floater, a nomad, an afraid to put down roots kind of gal. I'm pretty sure this is why I am the complete opposite. I crave what some see as mundane. I like having dinner on the table for my family. I like working in the garden on Saturdays. I try to nurture my relationships- many of my friends have been in my life since I was a girl, and I try to love more recently found friends with the same appreciation. I love routine, traditions, roots. 

Ten years ago, when many of my friends were getting married, we started wedding gift registries- toaster, the go to Kitchenaid Mixer, a random cheese board for ALL of the cheeses we so often snack on, fine china and crystal goblets... By the time the blessed day rolled around, the we could totally host High Tea for all of our buddies. Thousands of dollars worth of fine dinner plates, bread plates, saucers and gravy boats. That most of us will probably leave in the boxes or use once a year at Thanksgiving. 

Fast forward to this morning. My 4 year old daughter was watching me dust the china and crystal... And she asked what it was... And I got to tell her stories about mommy and daddy's wedding and stories about the people we love who gifted these things to us. And my heart was full, because in these saucers and goblets are the stories of US. 

One day I will give it all to her, and I hope she feels her roots in them wherever she may be in life. If something were to happen, and it were all gone, no problem. I get it. They are things. But for now, as a girl who wasn't  given many opportunities to plant roots, I'm so very glad I registered for the Fine China. 

It's September 16th...

And our Halloween decor is out. Judge if you must. The girl looked at it and said, "Oh, Mommy! All of these decorations sure make my heart smile!". Mine too. Glitter runs through our veins. My poor husband. 

Oh! And this morning, right after I put the Halloween wreathe on the door? A black cat trotted up to my front porch. He knew. But then Myles almost ate his head off, so I'm pretty sure he won't be back. But he was totally sensing my holiday spirit for about 10 seconds. Sorry, black cat. 

Coming Out of Retirement- Souper Sunday 2013

So, I had a bazillion (handful) of requests for Souper Sunday recipes. You kids like your soup! As a result, I am pulling the ol' blog out of retirement, because I am lazy and will probably forget to email those of you who asked for the recipe. 

Our first Souper Sunday of 2013 is my take on Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana. I'm not an O.G. fan, but by golly I enjoy their soup and salad. You may hate my recipes, because I make up most of them and my measurements aren't exact. Just go with it, and I'm sure it will all be just fine. Happy Souper Sunday, players!

1lb ground sausage (I used Jimmy Dean reduced fat)

3 slices of bacon, coarsely chopped

1 chopped white onion

3 medium russet potatoes cubed

2 cans chicken broth

Minced garlic- I like a lot. You may not!

1 c chopped kale

Handful of sliced mushrooms

1 quart water

1 c (ish) heavy cream

Salt and pepper

Cook sausage, bacon and onion until thoroughly browned and onions are translucent. Bacon should not be crispy. Drain fat and put the meat and onion to the side. 

In a stock pot, cook potatoes in broth, garlic and water on medium heat until tender. 

Add meat, onions, mushrooms and kale. Simmer until the kale is cooked, but not mushy. About 7 minutes. Kale is gross mushy. Stir in cream before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste. I garnished with fresh Parmesan. 

Y'all. This was so good. So easy. So better than the O.G. version. 

Do it. 

He Sees You When You're Sleeping!

Sidney saw Santa!  She didn't cry, but she sure wasn't smiling.  She had her arms rigidly pressed to her sides with her fists clenched.  Her face was priceless.  I love my baby bird!

Souper Sunday- Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 chopped onion (Have you tried using frozen chopped onion? Life changing easy!)
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms
• 3/4 cup flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup rice (use your favorite!)
• 1 lb. chicken, cooked and cubed (I like using a rotisserie chicken.)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp. dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 can evaporated milk

Cook rice according to package directions. Melt butter in a dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in onion, celery and carrots and saute for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and saute for 2 more minutes. Next add the flour and stir well. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring constantly, until it has all been added. Bring just to a boil, reduce heat to low and let simmer.
Next add the cooked rice, chicken, salt, curry powder, mustard powder, parsley, and ground black pepper. Allow to simmer for 1 to 2 hours to blend flavor. Add milk about 15 minutes before serving, just to heat. Do not boil, just keep warm.

 

After adding flour to make a roux, stir in broth.

 

After adding rice, simmer on low heat to allow the yumminess to incorporate!

When we woke up this morning, it was 13 degrees... perfect Souper Sunday weather!

Souper Sunday- Taco Soup

Taco Soup

1 lbs. ground beef or turkey

1 large onion, chopped

1 can pinto beans with jalapenos {I used Ranch Style}

1 can red kidney beans

1 {8 0z.} can diced green chiles

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

1 can stewed tomatoes, Mexican style

1 can Rotel {I used HOT}

1 can beef broth

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1 pkg. Hidden Valley ranch dressing {dry}

Brown meat & onion together and drain.  Transfer to large pot and add beans, corn, chiles, tomatoes, Rotel, broth, seasoning, & dressing.

Let me tell you, so easy and so good!  We are still enjoying leftovers!  Yum!

I'll Have What She's Having

I wish I could bottle her joy.  I'm pretty sure that we would be monetarily set for life.  Oh, and the joy she brings... well, that is just icing on the cake.