Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Project List

Praising God this week for getting me through my last class at Cedarville! I've been here since 1999 - had two years as a full time student, took two years off, and I've been doing part time for the past eight. I think it still hasn't really sunk in that I'm done and I won't have any more homework to worry about.

I'm already thinking about the list of projects that has been growing in my mind though - stuff I want to do around the apartment for which I haven't had a lot of time. And it would be great to get many of them done before tiny Titus #2 gets here in December! Maybe I'll blog about completing each one and include pictures when applicable, I don't know. Also, this doesn't include ongoing goals like keeping up with Bible reading, eating better, etc. I'll probably think of more to add, but here's what I have so far, in no particular order:

1. Finish Eva's baby book. I actually did pretty well recording milestones, etc. for Eva's first year, mostly because I knew that I would never remember them if I didn't write them down right away. I just have a few things left to write in it and a few pictures to add.

2. Roll pennies. After my grandma passed away when I was thirteen, at some point I got a cool-looking old, tall, brown glass jug from her old house that I started saving pennies in. I haven't added any since high school, but it's almost full and just sitting there in our study. I want to take the time to put them in rolls and cash them in. I think there's quite a bit in there!

3. Cross-stitch. I enjoy cross-stitching but haven't had time to do it for awhile. I got a baby announcement one for Eva and have barely done anything with it. I'd like to finish that one and start on one for the new baby.

4. Organize recipes. For the past several years, I have been jotting down or printing out recipes of interest and simply throwing them on a stack that sits on top of the cookbooks. It's kind of an embarrassing mess.

5. Re-decorate the bathroom. We've had the same decor in our bathroom since we got married almost eight years ago. I don't hate it, but my taste has definitely changed. I already got the new shower curtain but I'm having the hardest time finding matching toothbrush holder, trash can, artwork, etc.

6. Scrub kitchen sink. This sounds kinda dumb, but does anyone else deal with the scummy hard water gunk building up? It's been awhile since I've been able to give it a good scrubbing, like with a toothbrush and heavy duty cleaner like the stuff we use in the custodial dept at work. I want my sink to shine again.

7. Centerpieces. My brother is getting married October 22nd, and I told my mom I'd help with decorations for the rehearsal dinner, specifically the centerpieces. The bridesmaids' dresses are dark purple, so I want to use that with other fall colors. I'd also like to stay away from flowers, real or fake, because my future sister-in-law's family owns a florist shop and I don't want to try to compete with that because it would probably be rather pitiful. If anyone has ideas let me know.

8. Find soy-free recipes. Damon's dad found out that he's soy intolerant. They don't get to visit super often, but when they do I'd like to be able to have more stuff around that he can eat. They're coming out for my graduation in a couple weeks.

It's a start. Ready, set, go! :)

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Scott McIntosh's Chicken Sandwiches

Scott & Jen McIntosh hosted our community group for awhile, and they made these sandwiches for us quite often. This is pretty much the best hot chicken sandwich filling ever and it's wicked easy. I made it tonight. You should make it too. Your taste buds will love you and maybe even write a song about you.

Scott McIntosh's Chicken Sandwiches

canned chicken (Jen said they use a 1 lb. 12 oz can)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup milk
5 toast slices, crumbled or cut up
salt & pepper to taste

Mix everything together and bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Apple Curry Chicken

This is from the Slow Cooker, Casseroles & More cookbook I have. This is not a slow cooker recipe. Tried it for the first time a few weeks ago and I'm probably going to make it tonight; it's pretty delish.


Apple Curry Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup apple juice, divided
1/4 tsp. salt
dash black pepper
1 1/2 cups plain croutons
1 medium apple, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
2 tsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. curry powder
3/4 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
2 apple slices and fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 1 quart round baking dish (I used a bigger one; it wouldn't have fit in a 1 qt.). Arrange chicken breasts in single layer in prepared dish.

Combine 1/4 cup apple juice, salt and pepper in small bowl. Brush juice mixture over chicken.

Combine croutons, apple, onion, raisins, brown sugar, curry, poultry seasoning and garlic powder in large bowl. Toss with remaining 3/4 cup apple juice.

Spread crouton mixture over chicken. Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes or until chicken is tender. Garnish, if desired. Makes 4 servings.