Greek Chicken and Rice by Sandra Lee

Greek Chicken and Rice

I made my first money saving meal out of Sandra's cookbook.  

Now, plated.

Cook Review

* Easy directions and assembly.

* Ingredients were inexpensive.  I bought generic brands to lower the cost further.

* You can brown the chicken ahead, then make the rice mixture and bake the casserole when you're ready to make dinner.

* Very flavorful.  There are so many full flavored ingredients in this one dish that

your taste buds will sing & dance or run away screaming.  Mine sang & danced.

* The Process:  I seasoned and browned the chicken before soccer practice.  I also drained the spinach, artichokes and diced tomatoes as the chicken was browning.  Basically, all the prep work was done before soccer practice.

After soccer practice, I made the rice combination with the spinach and such, covered in it with foil and popped it in the oven.  As the casserole baked, I cleaned up my work station and mopped the sticky floor up from an earlier spill.  In other words, You have about 40 minutes of free time.

Family Review

* Presentation was a success... initially.  My sons saw the onions in it and quickly complained.  

* Taste:  Each person gave me their honest opinion, so I think it's only fair that I be honest with you.  I got Mixed Reviews.  No surprise there.  Remember I mentioned that everyone seems to have opposing taste buds in my family.

Alas, this was not deemed a "keeper" by most.  Now, I know, that I know that

my family is picky.  After hearing everyone's tell like it is comments, I decided to use the rating scale that I have so often used during therapy sessions.

*Rating Scale:  I asked each person to rate the dish from 1 to 10.  One meaning that it was gross, never make it again.  Ten meaning, I loved it.  It's a keeper.

I figured this will keep their unkind comments to themselves and I will get an

accurate rating of their like or dislike of the meal.  On a post-it, I jotted down each person's rating for the chicken, then for the rice.  I placed the post-it on that recipe page.  This will allow me to remember how that recipe was received.   It'll also help out in future dinner planning. 

Just to give you an example of how different my family's taste buds are.  The 

chicken received a 9 from one individual and a 1 from another.  Opposites, I tell ya! The rice received the same polar opposite scores.  

Tonight I am making Sandra's Enchilada Lasagna.  I think, I'll be happy :)

This little piggy already went to the market so today she'll stay home.  I wonder if the piggy will have roast beef tomorrow?

Cooking with Sandra Lee

Preparing tasty meals that won't break the bank have always been a goal and challenge for me.  My kids have opposing taste buds and they just can't seem to agree on a "keeper" recipe.  This adds to the challenge and frustration.  Dinner has become Russian Ru let:  Who will like the meal, who will shoot it down or simply refuse to eat? 

My new attempt is to make meals out of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade, Money Saving Meals cookbook.  Thanks sissy for gifting me this book for my birthday.

Sandra wrote an opening letter to the user.  That be me.  I love her message about food being a physical representation of love to our family.  I have to quote her.

"Food is a warm hug on a plate... in a bowl... in a cup.  Ladle it generously and everyone in your life will drink it in."  This opening letter set my heart in the right place before even opening a jar or can.  My attitude was adjusted, and feelings of inadequacy tossed.

Sandra also spells out what she considers pantry essentials,  produce must-haves, freezer staples, go to seasonings & spices, and refrigerated essentials.  

Now, this little piggy went to the market.   Chat some more later.

Thank You

I just wanted to say a quick and sincere

Thank You

to all my family and friends that have checked in on us

after the loss of Chase.

I know he touched your lives too.  We grieve and laugh together at the wonderful memories he had with us, our spouses and children.

I also want to thank my "Coms" for sending me all those great pix of Chase.  The pix will be added to a collage we plan on making (hopefully this weekend).

Our Beloved Chase 1997-2009

On August 16th, 2009 our beloved Chase left us.  He was a part of our family for 12 adventurous years.  Although all of us are heart broken and missing him terribly already, we began looking back at pictures of Chasey.  I am unable to share all of them on this blog.  I picked the ones that showed his character.

He loved affection and Eli was always willing to give it.  Chase soaked it up all the time.

Every one that knew Chase, remembers his gentleman manners.  He was always willing to shake hands with you.  He would sit in a proper position, lift his left paw and shake hands with any willing person.  

Not a fan of outside showers, but he was so mild mannered that he allowed the 

kids to make him shiny.  I think he secretly liked being massaged during the shampooing.

This was his last bath.

Even in his old age, Chase was a runner.  He would always dart and bark at any outsiders coming near our/his territory.  He protected us very well.  I miss his barks right now as a matter of fact.  He usually barks at the neighbor's gardener.

Always majestic, even when he was just sitting.

Yesterday was horrible, and instead of memorializing how he left us, I'd rather remember how he lived and brought joy to our family.  

Good Boy Chasey.

All Choked Up-Give Away.

I needed to make something simple and happy to get me back into jewelry making.  Life has kept me busy, and I missed tinkering in the "bead lab" (that's what I call my work station).  In fact, I'm thinking about opening a new etsy shop just for my handmade beads and callin it just that, The Bead Lab.

The chocolate,embossed beads were handmade (by me), and I used colorful glass beads for happy popping color.  I loved the idea of putting the toggle clasp to the side.  I'm always wanting to find easier ways to put on necklaces.  I don't like needing an extra pair of hands in order to wear jewelry.  

I believe jewelry should be no fuss and all joy.

I started using leather for the neck strap some time ago, and it has proven to be comfortable, so I will use it to my hearts content.

The best part of this choker is that I've decided to give it away.  Yup, this is a Give Away. 

How to Enter:

1.  Click on over to my Etsy shop:  Goya Designs and check it out

2.  Come back to the blog and tell me what you liked best or what you would like to see in the shop

(ie. color combos, size, style, etc.)

Rules:

1. One entry per person

2.  Share the opportunity w/family and friends

3.  Be kind in your comments

4. All entries must be with in the U.S.A. and submitted by August 28th 8:00pm P.T.

Winner

1.  Will be announced on August 31st.

2. The winner has two weeks to claim prize by providing me their mailing info.

3.  If winner doesn't claim this delightful choker, then I will re-raffle it.

Good Fortune One and All

I'm still playing with the lights in my home in order to produce pictures with 

clear, consistent lighting.  Excuse the poor lighting.

More Crystal Cove Pix

We were nearly done with our downward hike to the ocean below.  Can you tell how rocky it was?  Nothing could be removed from the state park.  Everything (even a rock) is protected, and I am grateful.  The last thing my little guy needs is another rock sovereign.

Dad and son checking out pelicans flying above us.  Notice, my honey is so captivated he forgot to film.

Nothing could be taken, so there was a huge collection of shells and I think that is dead coral at the bottom right.  

Another breath taking view.  I still have lots more pix, but I won't bore you with them all.  I recommend a visit to Crystal Cove if you are near enough to the LA area.

Crystal Cove State Park

We took a visit to the coast with our long time friends the Estepas.  

Our visit to Crystal Cove was a visit that included all senses.  There was plenty to see. The boys were hands on with the water, crabs, snails, abalone shells, plants and more.  We could taste the salty air. Our hears were full of crashing waves, birds and our own "aahhs".  The smell of the ocean's fresh air cleared my sinuses right up.  There was plenty of fishy seaweed too.  That was very unpleasant to be honest, and it attracted these flys or gnats that would attack us.  Although the guys seemed to enjoyed to hear me and my friend scream through these attacks.

Before getting to the water, we had to take this path, then take a short hike down some rocky terrain.  Doesn't it look like father and son are having some deep conversation.  They weren't.  They are guys after all.

A wave took my guys by surprise.

My honey and I.  What a scene!  

The rock formations were just as breathe taking as the ocean.  

The Estepa & Perez boys gazing at the deep.  No, not really.  They threw rocks and were checkin out how far they landed.  I went picture happy and will share more photos later.  We ended our trip with a delicious meal at El Ranchito restaurant.