Tuesday, July 26, 2011

New Kitchen, New Desire




While I was gone on my absolutely AMAZING trip to Oklahoma, my parents finished the "renovations" on our kitchen...I wish I'd taken "before" pics, but it slipped my mind. Anyways, our floor has been re-tiled, our walls have been painted, new light fixtures have been put in place, and a new paper towel dispenser and new silverware have been purchased (yes, silverware and paper towels do make a difference).

under cabinet lighting
new light fixture
green walls & new tile :)
And, *BAM* suddenly, a refreshed desire to use the kitchen. Tonight, I made Basil Chicken over Angel Hair (AllRecipes.com), but I doubled & added to the original recipe. Below is the recipe I used:

Here's what you'll need:
16 ounces Angel Hair
1 tablespoon & 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
1 large Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, chopped
5 cups Tomatoes, chopped
3 cups Mushrooms, quartered
32 oz. Chicken Breast, cooked & cubed
1/2 cup Basil
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Hot Sauce (optional)

Here's what you do:
1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook angel hair pasta about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. 
3. Saute the onions, mushrooms, and garlic. 
4. When the onions begin to appear translucent, stir in the tomatoes, chicken, basil, salt and hot sauce.
5. Reduce heat to medium, and cover skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture is hot and tomatoes are soft.
6. Toss sauce with hot cooked angel hair to coat. 

Serve alongside a nice Italian salad & topped with Parmesan cheese :)

Thursday, July 7, 2011

A new little one to love :)

Welcome to the world, Clara Jane Patnode!

Photo cred: Lauren Pyles. I had to steal it:)

Yes, I know, I'm 2 weeks late. But I had to meet her before I could fully justify gushing about JUST how much I LOVE this little girl. Seriously, all you have to do is look at her and she'll steal your heart. I've been absolutely dying to see her from the moment I found out her mama was pregnant with her and I can't wait to watch her grow up to be stunning just like the rest of her family :)