Garden Harvest Chicken Stew {It's a Keeper}

Today I wanted to share a simple recipe for Chicken Stew. Now that the cold weather is here, there's nothing more comforting than a big bowl of soup or stew.

This recipe is a new to me, but quickly has become a favorite. I can't believe I haven't tried chicken stew until now. Especially since it's really common in the south.

This stew is packed full of vegetables which I love and the sauce is a tomato based sauce and it's so tasty. I originally found this recipe back in September at the Sunday Baker.

If you live in Texas than you know that September is still hot, so on that back burner this recipe went. As soon as we had our first cold snap I couldn't wait to pull out the crock pot and make this stew.

I did adapt the recipe slightly because I couldn't find the Swanson's Concentrated Flavor Boost Chicken Broth. I just substituted with regular chicken broth and added a chicken bouillon cube instead. I also sauteed the chicken and added a few extra vegetables that I had on hand.

Just toss everything into the crock pot, cover and let it do it's magic.

This chicken stew is rich in flavor and defiantly a keeper. I hope you will give it a try.

Garden Harvest Chicken Stew

3 -4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
6 - medium regular or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 - large carrots, peeled and sliced thin
1 - cup fresh or frozen green beans
1 - zucchini squash, cut
1/2 - medium onion, chopped
3 - cups chicken broth
1 - chicken bouillon cube
1 - 6 oz can tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 - cup cold water
3 - tablespoons cornstarch
2 - tablespoons olive oil

Cut the chicken into bite size pieces. In a large skillet add the olive oil. Add the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Saute the chicken until lightly browned. Set aside when done.

In a large slow cooker, combine the rest of the ingredients except for the zucchini, cold water and cornstarch. Mix well and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or high for 4 hours). The last two hours of cooking add the zucchini.

When all the vegetables are all soft, in a separate bowl mix together the cold water and cornstarch, stirring until smooth. Stir into the stew and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

adapted from: Sunday Baker

Don't miss a single recipe from Mommy's Kitchen.
Click here to become an Email Subscriber.

Click here to continue reading and get recipe.

Pecan Chewies {A New Favorite}

Today I wanted to share a yummy cookie bar recipe with everyone. Maybe you have seen them or maybe you haven't. All I can say is you've got to make these. I found these Pecan Chewies a couple months back on Southern Bite. Then they popped up again on Southern Plate. They received great reviews on both blogs, so I knew I had to make them.

These cookie bars remind me of a pecan pie just in bar form. The edges are crispy and the middle is soft and chewy just like the name. I can also bet that you have all the ingredients right in your pantry. I have made these cookies twice already because they're so addicting. I also plan on baking up a batch to take up to our families next week for Thanksgiving.

Enjoy

Pecan Chewies

2 - sticks butter, melted
1 - cup granulated sugar
1 - cup light brown sugar, packed
2 - eggs, beaten
2 - cups self-rising flour (make your own)
1 - cup pecans pieces
2 - teaspoons vanilla

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Melt butter, add sugars, and blend well by hand. Add beaten eggs, stir well. Add flour and stir until all lumps are gone. Add pecans and vanilla. Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake approximately 40 to 50 minutes watch closely so they don't over cook. You want them to remain their chewiness.

Recipe source: Southern bite

Don't miss a single recipe from Mommy's Kitchen.
Click here to become an Email Subscriber.

Click here to continue reading and get recipe.

Crock Pot Hash Brown Casserole {Great Thanksgiving Side Dish}

This Hash Brown Casserole is a holiday must-have dish in our home. I don't know about you, but for me all those yummy side dishes gracing the holiday table have to be my absolute favorite.

I know the turkey is the star of the show, but it's side dishes all the way for me. I can't help myself it's the one time of the year that I can get all of my favorite sides at the same time.

I know this casserole isn't anything new, but I wanted to share this easy crock pot version with y'all. During the holidays there are so many side dishes to be made that you eventually run out of room in oven.

Why not let your crock pot do some of the work. Just toss all the ingredients inside and let it do it's magic for 4-5 hours. When it's done you will have a creamy dreamy hash brown casserole that everyone will love. This is my daughters absolute favorite dinner.

This casserole pairs perfectly with just about any kind of meat. As you can see by the photo above we had sausage on that particular night, but it's also great served with ham, turkey or pork. If you're worried about the calories you can substitute with light sour cream and a fat free soup to make this delicious casserole a bit lighter. Enjoy.

Crock Pot Hash Brown Casserole

1 - 26 - 32 ounce bag frozen hash browns
1 - 8 oz container sour cream
1 - 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
1/4 - cup onion, chopped fine
1 1/2 - cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 - cup butter, melted
salt and pepper, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon each)

In a large bowl add the hash browns thawed or frozen, sour cream, soup, onion, shredded cheese and melted butter. Mix to combine. Spoon mixture in a 4 quart slow cooker that has been sprayed with non stick spray. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until done. The casserole should be crispy on the sides and bubbly throughout.

Recipe yields: 8 servings

Don't miss a single recipe from Mommy's Kitchen.
Click here to become an Email Subscriber.

Click here to continue reading and get recipe.

Stress Free Thanksgiving Tips & {A Butterball Turkey Giveaway}

Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away. I can't believe that November is already starting to pass us by. I'm pretty sure that everyone is already thinking about Thanksgiving and what dishes you will be serving.

I know that Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for everyone, but it doesn't have to be. I recently teamed up with Butterball to share a few of my own helpful tips for a Stress Free Thanksgiving. Before we get started I wanted to share a few tasty turkey recipes that I highly recommend.

Brown Bag Roasted Turkey
Alton Browns Deep Fried Turkey
The Pioneer Woman's Turkey Brine

Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey
The Pioneer Woman's Roasted Turkey
Grizzly's Smoked Turkey

Also since we're on the turkey topic if you run into a snag while preparing or cooking your turkey don't panic. Butterball has a Turkey Talk-Line with professionals that will be available to answer every question on how to prepare a holiday turkey.

Staffed with more than 50 home economists and turkey experts now through December, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is available to help first-time cooks and seasoned pros alike. No question is too big or too small. I have included a link to their Frequently Asked Questions. If still need help just give them a call.

Call: 1-800-288-8372
Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CST (Central Standard Time)
Now through December
You can also send them an Email at:
talkline@butterball.com


My Tips for a Stress Free Thanksgiving:

• Menu: First and foremost plan your Thanksgiving Menu ahead of time. This way you know exactly what you will serving. Plus you can purchase your items in advance.

• Potluck Style: If planning a potluck style Thanksgiving get with family and friends at least 3 -4 weeks before Thanksgiving. This will allow plenty of time to find out what dish everyone is bringing or wants to contribute. After you have compiled your list give everyone a copy. That way folks can bring extra or missing items if they wish to.

• Time Saver: Prepare as much food as possible ahead of time. This way you are not preparing everything on the big day. Rolls can prepared and shaped weeks before. Just flash freeze them on a baking sheet after shaping and toss in a freezer bag. Remove, rise and bake on Thanksgiving day.

• Freezer Friendly: Pies, cheesecakes, cookies and quick breads can also be prepared and baked ahead of time and than frozen. Prepare the dressing or stuffing and freeze uncooked. This is a huge time saver. Remove from the freezer, let thaw and bake.

• Clean Up: If I cannot stress anything more it's "clean as you go" this will save a huge headache in the end.

• Kids: Have a few fun activities planned for the kids. (work sheets, coloring pages, activities and games). This will keep little ones from being underfoot while you're busy in the kitchen. We make Tom the Turkey every year and it's always a big hit.
  

It's all about planning ahead so you can spend more time where it matters. Less time in the kitchen means more time to with family and friends.


THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!
WINNERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN CHOSEN & CONTACTED

I'm giving away 2 turkeys thanks to Butterball. I have two turkey coupons to giveaway here at Mommy's Kitchen. Each coupon is good for $15 off any Butterball fresh or frozen whole turkey. If you need a bigger turkey you can just use it towards your purchase and save $15.

For your chance to win one of two Butterball Turkey Coupons please leave a comment below letting me know your favorite tips for making Thanksgiving better for you and your family.

I will choose two random winners on Friday November 11Th. Winners chosen by Random.org and will be notified by email on Saturday, November 12Th. This will give me plenty of time to make sure you get your turkey coupons in time to purchase your Thanksgiving turkey.

Good Luck to everyone!

Disclosure: All Coupons provided by Butterball.

Don't miss a single recipe from Mommy's Kitchen. Click here to become an Email Subscriber.

Click here to continue reading and get recipe.

November Menu & Our Thanksgiving Meal

I know Novembers Menu should of been posted last week, but as usual life and chores got in the way. I promise I have been working on it, but getting it typed up and posted was the hard part. Another month is gone and a new one has arrived. I have to say November is one of my favorite months for eats. All those Thanksgiving dishes to be enjoyed as well as visiting with family.

Along with my regular November Dinner Menu I have included our Thanksgiving Meal as well. We will be heading out to my husbands family for the holiday, but I like to have our own little thanksgiving dinner as well. I can't resist because the leftovers are just as good as the big meal. When we go to our families we never get all that. So without further delay here is our menu. I hope everyone finds something to their liking.


November Menu Plan

Crock Pot Sneaky Spaghetti Sauce, TX Toast & Salad (New)
Pot Roast W/Gravy, Potato's & Vegetables
Crock Pot Pork Carnitas & Cilantro Lime Rice (New)
Tyson Steak Fingers, Mashed Potatoes & Cream Gravy

Orange Chicken & Vegetables & Steamed Rice
Baked Potato Soup & Honey Rolls
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders, Br. Rice & Peas
Dorito Chicken (New)
Crispy Cheddar Chicken Mashed Pot. Gr. Beans & Cranberry Sauce
Corn & Potato Chowder & Cornmeal Rolls (New)

Comfort Meatballs, Baked Sweet Potatoes & Steamed Green Beans
Beef Tips, Noodles, Roasted Broccoli (New)
Saucy Pan Fried Steak (New), Roasted Root Vegetables, & Salad
Homemade Pizza Night - Margherita Pizza (New)
Homemade Pizza Night - Deep Dish Sausage Pizza (New)
Easy Peasy Chicken Legs, Macaroni/Cheese & Fruit
Pot Roast Chicken & Vegetables

Crock Pot Beef Stew & Bishops Sweet Corn cake
Pork Pozole & Flour Tortillas
Creamed Turkey W/Brown Rice, Fried Stuffing Balls & Glazed Acorn Squash (Turkey & Dressing Leftovers)

Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole (New)
Beef & Bean Enchilada Casserole (New) & Spanish Rice
Ground Turkey Soft Taco's & Cheese Quesadillas


Thanksgiving Dinner Menu


Relish & Cheese Tray
Deviled Eggs
Jalapeno Popper Dip
Brown Bag Roasted Turkey & Turkey Gravy
Country Cornbread Dressing
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole or Candied Yams
Sweet & Sour Green Beans
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Cake Mix Dinner Rolls
Holiday Strawberry Salad
Pumpkin Cheesecake W/Dulce De Leche Topping
Southern Pecan Pie

Don't miss a single recipe from Mommy's Kitchen. Click here to become an Email Subscriber.

Click here to continue reading and get recipe.

Chicken Alfredo Pizza {Delicious & Easy}

Today I'm sharing a recipe that combines two of my favorite things, Chicken Alfredo and Pizza! I wanted to get back into pizza night on a regular basis and we have been doing really good.

If it were up to me every Friday would be pizza night, but not everyone in my house is on board with that idea. It used to be that way, but since we moved back in April it hasn't been the same.

One thing I like to do is change things up a bit, so we don't get board with the same old pizza. The younger ones pretty much like pepperoni and cheese, but once in a while the rest of us enjoy something a little different. That is where this yummy pizza comes in play.

I know I'm not the first person to come up with a Chicken Alfredo Pizza, but I can tell you I love this version that I made. This pizza also uses a homemade pizza crust versus a store bought crust. I prefer a thicker crust over a thinner one, so my recipe is perfect to handle all these toppings.

I sauteed the chicken in some butter, garlic, salt and pepper before adding to the pizza. Another perk on my part is that instead of using all mozzarella I added some non smoke provolone and a shredded Italian cheese blend. All in all I think the the flavors came together quite nicely.

I did use a store bought Alfredo sauce and prepared grilled chicken. Yes folks even I like to cheat sometimes. In my opinion pizza night should be easy not fussy and complicated. I usually use the Bertolli Alfredo Sauce, but the store was out so I went with Ragu. If you prefer a true homemade white sauce than I recommend the recipe below that I adapted from online.

I find that jar sauce is just as good and so much easier than homemade. My favorite grilled chicken is the Foster Farms Grilled Chicken Strips from Costco. I use them in my BBQ Chicken & Bacon Pizza and our favorite Chicken, Bacon & Veggie Pizza. You can also use them in enchiladas and salads. Well I think I have gone on long enough about pizza don't ya think? Lets get to the recipe.

Here are some step by step photos of how it all came together (complete recipe & directions below). Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare and pre bake the pizza crust. Remove crust from oven and set aside. In a large pan melt the butter and then add the garlic.

Cook the garlic for about 2 minutes and then add the cubed chicken. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and saute' the chicken for about 5- 10 minutes on med-low. Remove from heat and set aside.

To assemble the pizza spread one cup of prepared Alfredo sauce evenly on the pre baked pizza crust. Add the sliced provolone and mozzarella cheese (alternating every other cheese). Add half of the cooked chicken and then the Italian cheese blend.

Top pizza with remaining cooked chicken and sprinkle on a bit more pepper. Place finished pizza in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes, or until bottom crust is lightly browned.

This one was defiantly a keeper.

Chicken Alfredo Pizza

1 - recipe no fail pizza crust, prepared
1 - cup prepared Alfredo sauce, or homemade
3 - tablespoon real butter
1 - clove garlic, finely chopped
2 - cups grilled chicken breast strips, cubed
salt and pepper to taste
4 - provolone cheese slices
4 - mozzarella cheese slices
1 1/2 - cups shredded Italian Style cheese blend

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare pizza crust. Spray your pizza pan with non stick baking spray or brush with olive oil. Press the pizza dough into the pan and pre bake for 7 - 10 minutes. Remove crust from oven and set aside.

In a large pan melt the butter and then add the garlic. Cook the garlic for about 2 minutes and then add the cubed chicken. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and saute' the chicken for about 5- 10 minutes on med-low. Remove from heat and set aside.

Pizza Assembly: Spread one cup of prepared Alfredo sauce evenly on the pre baked pizza crust. Add the sliced provolone and mozzarella cheese (alternating every other cheese). Add half of the cooked chicken and then the Italian cheese blend.

Top pizza with remaining cooked chicken and sprinkle on a bit more pepper. Place finished pizza in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes, or until bottom crust is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let set for 2 to 3 minutes before cutting.

Homemade White Sauce:

2 - teaspoons butter
3 - tablespoons flour
1 - cup milk or heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup Parmesan, Romano or Italian cheese blend, shredded

Heat butter and stir in flour. Mix up to slightly to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk or cream, adding gradually to make a sauce. Stir in spices and cheese.If sauce is too thick add a bit more milk.

Don't miss a single recipe from Mommy's Kitchen. Click here to become an Email Subscriber.

Click here to continue reading and get recipe.

It's Here! The Frigidaire Gallery Range with Symmetry Double Ovens

Well everyone my new Frigidaire Gallery Range with Double Ovens has arrived and I couldn't be more tickled. Isn't she a beautiful? I still can't believe that I have a new double oven gracing my kitchen. This is something I have only ever dreamed of owning, so it's hard to believe it's actually a reality.

It's been about 3 weeks since she arrived, so I thought it was time to do my first test drive report. Believe when I tell you I'm still figuring everything out and everyday certainly is an adventure. There are new things I find out sometimes purely by accident that just put a smile : ) on my face.

Lets start with some of the Signature Features of the Frigidaire Symmetry Double Oven.

• Fits-More™ Cook Top: With five elements including two Space Wise® Expandable elements and a Warming Zone so you can cook more at once.
  
  
• Symmetry Double Ovens: Two large ovens, each big enough to cook a 28-pound turkey, provide the flexibility to cook multiple dishes at the same time at different temperatures.
  
  
• Precision Set™ Controls: Adjust heat levels more precisely, providing exceptional temperature control. (I was excited that the controls were digital)
  
  
• Quick Preheat: Preheat in just four minutes. (This is one of my favorite features)

• Quick Boil: Boils Water Faster (Love this too)

• True Convection: Multi-rack baking is faster and more even with True Convection

When the range arrived I was surprised at just how big each oven was. I assumed they would be smaller, but each oven is big enough to cook a 28lb turkey. It took a bit of getting used to when I wanted to cook in the oven because you have to start by choosing upper or lower ovens.

This range also has a "lock" feature that I love. Not only is it a safety feature, but I can also lock the door as I bake something (very cool). I was so excited the day my new Symmetry Double Oven arrived that I totally forgot to take something out for dinner.

That is so not like me, but honestly all I had on my mind was this new stove getting here. I told myself I guess it can just be a chicken tenders kind of night. (Don't you have those kinds of days?)

Later on for dinner I went to preheat the stove and was shocked to see that this range had a "Chicken Nuggets" setting. How cool is that! Unsure of what that was I went to my manual and it stated the following. The chicken nuggets setting was designed to give optimum cooking performance when cooking your favorite chicken nuggets.

In the lower oven, the chicken nuggets pad is preset for (Convection Bake) 400 F. With a bake time of 18 minutes, ending with an automatic keep warm setting. If needed a different target temperature or bake time can be preset or adjusted.

I popped the chicken tenders in the oven without preheating

and adjusted the oven for the chicken nuggets setting and pressed start. I was like a kid in a candy store just waiting for the results.

And 18 minutes later I had perfectly golden chicken tenders that were cooked though. This has got to be the coolest feature. I didn't stop at at chicken nuggets.

The next day I used the Symmetry Double Oven and had homemade yeast rolls rising in the upper oven and a pizza cooking in the lower one. Yes folks life is good in the Butler house and I cannot wait to get started on our Thanksgiving meal.


Speaking of Thanksgiving don't forget to visit Make Time for a Change where Jenifer Garner shares her top tips for turkey time. Check them out and Frigidaire will donate $1 and a turkey to Save the Children to help a family in need. Plus, you'll be entered for a chance to win the new range.

I am participating in a Test Drive Campaign through Frigidaire. I received a Frigidaire Gallery Range with Symmetry Double Ovens to keep and to facilitate me in my review. Opinions stated above are entirely my own. I would like to thank Food buzz and Frigidaire for choosing Mommy's Kitchen.

Click here to continue reading and get recipe.