8. Kate's Chicken Noodle Soup

I'm having some real issues here people. Let me tell you why.

First, I started this post and had it almost finished. Then my crazy hand aparently hit an extra button, created some magical shortcut (I still can't figure out how to make it happen again) and deleted my ENTIRE POST. I was already feeling a little cranky and stressed anyway, so that didn't help.

Second, as an earlier post states, my camera vs computer vs photo hosting site is being muy difficult. I can't get my weekend cooking pictures uploaded. Lame. However, I did find pictures I didn't think were on my photo hosting site, on my photo hosting site. Hence this post.

Alright. I feel a little better now.  Let's move on.

Last weekend I asked the lovely Kate to share her homemade chicken noodle soup recipe. I asked and I swiftly received. Kate is lovely, have I mentioned this before? I find her lovely and I find her beautiful, beautiful daughter Annika quite lovely too. If you haven't checked out her blog, please do. She's a doll.

Kate's Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

6 cups chicken broth

Onion

Carrots

Celery

2 chicken breasts

Egg noodles

Salt

Pepper

Garlic & Onion Powder

Maggi Soup Seasoning

Directions

Dice onions, carrots and celery. Cook with a little olive oil over medium heat until veggies are tender. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and Maggi Soup Seasoning.

Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the chicken breasts. Once chicken is cooked (about 15 minutes), remove, dice then return to the soup. Add noodles and cook for an additional 15 minutes.

And your soup is ready!

My recipe was modified based on what I had in the house. I don't think I strayed far from Kate's recipe and the soup turned out amazing. I was awesome and aparently only took 3 whole photos during this cooking session. So I'll post two, because I've deemed the third useless.

Ingredients: Chicken broth, 2 chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, McCormick Season All, garlic salt, sea salt & pepper.

I've never heard of Maggi Soup Seasoning, and perhaps that's because Kate lives in Canada and I don't. (Now listen here Canada, I don't think it's fair that you don't share some of your cool stuff. Like pickle chips, ketchup chips, Kinder Surprise and Maggi Soup Seasoning. But that's just my personal opinion). So I substituted Maggi for McCormick Season All.

I didn't have garlic or onion powder so I used a little sprinkle of garlic salt. But I did add chopped garlic in with my veggies to add that garlic kick. It's one of the things I cook the most with, so I probably would have added it even if I had garlic powder. That's just how I am.

I found these whole wheat egg noodles and was tickled pink. I have the hardest time finding whole wheat pasta in every variety in our local grocery store (just like mascarpone cheese, thanks a lot Safeway), but was very happy they had these. I figured these would be a bit healthier, and I like the slightly sweet flavor wheat pasta tends to have. They were a delicious addition!

This soup was made for work week lunches. I loved it, my husband loved it and I will definitely make it again. It's so incredibly easy and I think this next time around I'll have husband grill up a few chicken breasts and I'll shred them in to the soup for a nice smoky flavor. I'm beginning to think we're "smoke" happy around here.

Thanks again, Kate! I appreciate you sharing your delicious recipe!

5k! Here we come!

A year ago this month I started running. I didn't have any hobbies (that I thought were hobbies anyway), and wanted to do something that had a purpose. I decided I wanted to run as long as I could without stopping. Ok, no - that doesn't have a purpose, but at least I was doing something.

I did well to run most of the year and even completed a 10k. Then I slacked off. For months. And I'm still slacking. Now, if you've read back to the beginning and about my objectives for the year, you'd know running was one of them. Mark that as a royal fail so far this year. FAIL.

I randomly came across a new race in my area on April 24th. It's a 5k, so that's nothing I can't accomplish with the tiniest bit of conditioning. The best part was, the race supports an awesome cause! I was doing the happy dance knowing I could be a part of something so cool. Even if no one else noticed my contribution, it makes me feel good inside. So I committed.

I'll be participating in the Fun with the Fuzz 5k. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Behind the Badge Foundation.  The mission of the Behind the Badge Foundation is to honor the sacrifices of officers who have suffered a line of duty death or catastrophic injury. Memorial services are put on by the Behind the Badge Foundation, as taxpayer money can not be used to facilitate these large services. Our law enforcement community is closely woven, and the links to one another can stretch forever. It would be more comforting to know if their foundation ever found a reason to help me, that I knew I had once helped other families by supporting them financially.

The part of this race I'm the most exicted about is that my mother is going to run it with me. This will be her first race ever and I'm so happy for her! She's been working hard on her training program to get ready for race day and I trust she'll give me a run for my money. My mother has struggled with weight issues throughout her adult life, but now lives a healthy, active life at a healthy weight. Even with a previous leg injury, I know she'll be successful at this race.

My mom and I at a family wedding in April 2007

She's been using the Couch to 5k Running Program and has positive things to say about it. She's just started her fourth week of training. I love how she sends me a text to update me on her progress. I'm so proud of her every time I get one of her messages. It's very motivating and inspiring to know in just 9 weeks she'll be ready to run with me. She found their online resource all on her own, and has downloaded their C25k App to her iPhone. The app has really helped her with her interval training.

My mom and I will start training one or two days a week together next weekend. I'm really excited to see the skill she's gained and spend a little one on one time with her. This is a big thing for us, and I'm excited about the special memory we'll get to keep. 5k here we come!

Technical difficulties

I'm beyond frustrated right now. My computer tends to not agree with me often, causing me to have no interest in using it. I've been struggling to get pictures uploaded, then transferred to my photo hosting site. I've done plenty of stuff over the last week to post, but haven't been able to access my pictures. I've had nothing but problems with my lap top since I bought it last year, and part of the reason I don't send it in on it's warranty, is because I wouldn't have a computer for an extended period of time. Not fun.

I've tried my new Yoga Meltdown dvd by Jillian Michaels. You'd think she'd make a terrible yoga instructor, but she's actual really mellow and supportive through the whole video. It was a great workout, I felt absolutely amazing. I'm looking forward to alternating it with running. I've got a 5k coming up with my Mom (her first race ever!), April 24th. She's been training for over 3 weeks now, so I should probably work on catching up.

We're half way through our weekend, and tonight we're heading to my parent's church for a new couples group. Their first meeting was last week, but we were feeling well and didn't make it. I'm hoping tonight we'll be able to catch up with what they've already gone over and I'm hoping it's something we really like. We enjoy church, but with our schedule it's so hard to make it Sundays.

I'm enjoying the sunshine right now, but only after some freak snow we had for 30 minutes this morning. It's March in Washington. It's always bound to snow. I think today is going to be our last day of sunshine for a while before some good rain over the next week, so I'll work on taking advantage of it.

Hope everyone enjoys their week! I'll hopefully have things sorted out and get my new recipes and such up soon.

Dear Yoga, Our relationship starts today

About a month ago I saw that Jillian Michaels was coming out with a new workout dvd. This time it was yoga. And my first thought was, Jillian Michaels instructing yoga? That has to be an oxymoron. I mean, I've never heard of a nice drill instructor. But I like her, so I waited for March 2nd to roll around.

It came out on Tuesday, in which I promptly ordered it from Amazon and it arrived in the mail yesterday.

Boasting two levels, 1 &2. Burn mega calories for a total body workout.

This equals the Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown.

Dear Yoga,

Our relationship starts today. We don't know each other, but we will soon. I hope I like you. I'm trying to go in to this open minded, because well, I don't really like most (exercise) right off the bat. Let's see where this takes us. And remember, please be kind.

Sincerely,

Me

I'll be sure to report back on how it went. And I'm honestly hoping well. I've gotta get something done.

I have a slight jealousy problem

On Sunday my husband had on this shirt that looked way too big on him. I told him he should consider putting on something else, and out of his closet came a shirt I haven't seen him wear in forever. Boy did he fill that shirt out well, it looked great on him. And that's when it hit me.

He has lost weight!

Ok, yes. I do look at my husband everday. And it's not like this wasn't news to me. I know he's been working out regularly and I've noticed the changes, but this was the first time I realized that he's really slimmed down and has started gaining a lot of really attractive definition (I'm taking this moment to sigh over his oh-so-handsome self).

When he found out he was gonig to be attending SWAT class in March 2010, he started buckling down. He changed his eating habits and started working out more regularly. The SWAT physical is a little more strenuous than regular law enforcement physicals and he wanted to be sure he was ready. He's been wanting to drop weight for a while over all, but it also helps him with his run. Less weight to haul for his 1.5 miles. He's been wanting to increase his upper body strength and definition, and he has to accomplish pushups, pullups (oh.my.god), and lastly situps.

He's been religiously using the 30 Day Shred, and has been on level 3 for the last two weeks now. Can I just mention, that he does this while I'm getting ready for work and I can hear the dvd going while I'm in the bathroom. I can't help but giggle every time Jillian says something along the lines of, "ok, ladies". This guy of mine is working out with the ladies! I can't really give him too hard of a time about it, he's got other guys he knows and works with turned on to using it too.

For dedicating 30-60 minutes a day to fitness, he's gotten some awesome results. Most days he's performing the SWAT physical (running, pushups, pullups, situps) and shreds in addition to that. He never takes off more than 1 day and he's always so happy with how he feels when he's finished. For the first time, I have to admit that my husband looks better than I do physically, and I'm a little jealous right now. I'm pretty competitive with him and I'm so far behind him now! The one thing I'm thankful for in all of this is that we truly share the same problem areas (stomach & love handles) and I love his results. It's encouraging to know what kind of results I'd get if I could just buckle down and get it done.

I know you read this loves. You're doing a great job, and I'm so proud of you. I wish I had just half of the commitment, motivation and determination you have for so many of the things you keep together in our life. I know you'll pass your physical, and I know you're going to continue to improve your physical appearance and change it in to what you want it to be. Just know at the end of the day I'm slightly jealous.

7. Chicken Marsala

Tonight I picked a recipe I knew would appeal to my husband's taste. He likes anything cheesy & creamy. After watching Mrs. F's Monday Mingle, she piqued my interest with her mention of Giada's Chicken Marsala. After looking at the recipe, I was sold. Off I went to the grocery store to acquire the needed ingredients to whip up a tasty meal for my love.

Chicken with Mustard Mascarpone Marsala Sauce

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, each breast cut crosswise into 3 pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 tablespoons butter, divided
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup dry Marsala wine
1 cup (8 ounces) mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves, plus whole sprigs, for garnish
12 ounces dried fettuccine


I took the opportunity to snap a few photos of my previously mentioned apron & whisk I bought at Maison et Jardin. Both were just too cute to pass up, and every time I pull them out I love them more.

The pattern of lollipops actually hide pockets! I loved that.

 I think the detail of the waist band is adorable.

A bird inside a whisk. Seriously, who thinks of this stuff? Way cute.

On to the recipe. I had to improvise with a couple of changes simply because I couldn't for the life of me find mascarpone cheese at my local grocery store. They have a reasonable sized section of different cheeses, but I was having a hard time finding it this time around. I was sure they'd had it before, but alas I stood in the deli with phone in hand Googling alternatives to mascarpone. The most relevant post I came up with was actually making this same recipe and they suggested sour cream or yogurt. I picked up sour cream, and threw in some soft fontina cheese I had in the fridge at home. It was still very good.

Chicken brest sliced then seasoned with salt & pepper.

In to my new Circulon skillet to brown.

Whole grain linguine on to boil while the onions, mushrooms & garlic simmer away in the Marsala wine.

Sour cream, dijon mustard & fontina cheese have been added and is reducing away while the noodles are strained. The browned chicken is also in here finishing up it's cooking time.

And here it is ready to serve. A pile of linguine with a generous topping of marsala sauce with chicken and chopped italian parsley. The taste was heavenly. Very easy to put together. I plan on making it again. Enjoy!

Chicken with Mustard Mascarpone Marsala Sauce

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, each breast cut crosswise into 3 pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 tablespoons butter, divided
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup dry Marsala wine
1 cup (8 ounces) mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves, plus whole sprigs, for garnish
12 ounces dried fettuccine

Directions

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook just until brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cool slightly.

While the chicken cools, melt 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet over medium-high heat, then add the onion and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and saute until the mushrooms are tender and the juices evaporate, about 12 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until it is reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Stir in the mascarpone and mustard. Cut the chicken breasts crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat until the chicken is just cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley. Season the sauce, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain. Toss the fettuccine with 3 tablespoons of butter and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Swirl the fettuccine onto serving plates. Spoon the chicken mixture over top. Garnish with parsley sprigs and serve.

Favorites: In the Kitchen

I haven't had a lot of time in the last couple weeks to cook up a ton of new recipes and I kind of miss my kitchen. Thinking of what I might do with myself today as my husband will be gone for the day instructing a training class for work, I decided finding a couple new recipes to make up while I'm home alone would be a good choice.

When it comes to the kitchen I have a few things that reach my all time favorites list. Things I use all the time. Most of these things aren't items I would have ever considered having in my kitchen 3 or 4 years ago, and it's such a shame I didn't know better way back then (especially since I had a gas stove to cook on). I'm glad to say I've broadened my horizons.

1. Lodge 3-qt. Cast-Iron Covered Chicken Fryer

This cast-iron skillet was bought as a wedding gift by my mother-in-law. I had found the Pioneer Woman earlier in the year and was excited for my new skillet as she used hers for so many of the recipes she made. As "country" as this skillet may have been to me at the time, I've never cooked in a better pan. This thing can do it all. I love that it can go from the stove top to the oven, and how well the pan conducts heat. This will turn out the best pork chops and chicken you've ever had. I use this pan more than anything else in my kitchen.

2. Lodge 5-qt. Cast-Iron Covered Dutch Oven

I received this dutch oven with my skillet and I love it too. It doesn't get used as frequently as the skillet for this reason only: if had had bought it myself, I would have chosen to purchase the 7-qt. size. Almost every recipe for soup or chili I've made in this dutch oven has required me to split it between this and the skillet. It just doesn't fit the quanity of most recipes. I use this to turn out incredible homemade french onion soup, white chicken chili, cranberry beef stew, drip beef and pot roast. Like the skillet, it goes from the stove top to the oven, conducts heat better than any regular soup pot and turns out the most tender roasts.

3. KONCIS Thickening/Sauce Whisk

This whisk is awesome. I love anything silicone coated, it makes the world better. A flat whisk works perfectly for getting in to the corners of a pan while you're thickening your enchilada sauce, country gravy or stew. This is one of the best purchases I've made yet for the kitchen.

4. OXO Red Silicone Spatula

I use this for everything but flipping burgers and pancakes (I'm still trying to find that perfect spatula). I've loved this particular item for a long time, I've had it for years. But I'll tell you why I started using it so much now: my husband hates the sound of metal utensils clanking on the pans while I'm cooking. I think it's an OCD thing for me and I must tap tap tap my spoon on the side of the pan way more often than I realize, and it drives him crazy. However, this thing works like a charm. It gets everything scraped off the bottom of a pan or all of the cake batter from the bowl. It's heat resistant up to 600 degrees so you can stir any soup you're cooking. And for my very most favorite part, it turns out perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs. Yum!

5. KitchenAid 5-Qt. Artisan Stand Mixer

This KitchenAid mixer was a gift for my birthday last year from my husband. And though he didn't exactly surprise me with it (he took me to pick out the color) I was excited and surprised. I had been wanting one for a very long time. I haven't used the mixer a ton, but it's fun to use. I've made pizza dough, bread, muffins and cakes with it. It's so easy to just throw the indgredients in and let it go to work. Bread is very intimidating for me, but hopefully I get up the nerve to use it for bread again soon. I do have a few recipes saved to try. This mixer is what began defining the color of my kitchen. I didn't realize that it was Martha Stewart Blue until we had left the store (I don't really love Martha) but I eventually got over it.

6. Keurig B70 Platinum Brewing System

Even though I don't cook with this, it's a coffee revolution in our household. This is a single cup brewing system with 5 cup sizes available. You buy the cute little K-cups that come in so many different flavors and roasts that there is surely something for everyone. They even make hot chocolate, tea and iced tea K-cups! We're both coffee drinkers (I could potentially classify as coffee adict) but have struggled with agreeing on coffee roasts. He prefers a bold roast, I prefer more of a medium. I also like to waste half my cup of coffee many days, and this is helpful as I'm only wasting half a cup versus half a cup and 3/4 of the pot left. I would consider this success.

Do you have any favorite kitchen gadgets? Do you enjoy cooking? Anthing you love that you think I should add to my own kitchen? Let me know!