Tastes change. It’s sad, but true. A couple weeks ago I remembered an old recipe that I had made, and loved, years ago. I was longing for it— chicken, simmered in tomatoes, onions, and peas. Warm, comforting, easy to prepare and as I recall, very good. It was one of the first meals I made when I was out on my own and newly married and I made it often. I could not erase the cravings and knew I had to make it again.
The tattered and stained recipe confirmed that it was the one, yet I was stumped. Something was very wrong. This recipe was so plain. Where were the seasonings? Surely this was not THAT recipe. I had made it in my dreams so many times last week—and it was thick and rich and packed with flavor. Cruel trick! Not all recipes withstand the test of time.
I was still craving chicken in tomatoes. So, out with the old – and in with the new. This version is the comforting, easy dish I was longing for. It is a recipe that you can easily adapt to your own tastes. I love baked dishes, because it seems I always have things to do while dinner bakes. I love recipes that I can add more zip and flavor to—when I am longing for spiciness. I love dishes that I can add peas to—just because I love peas.
This time, I split the whole chicken—which is surprising easy to do and makes for a fun presentation—but the dish would be really good with any of your favorite, bone-in chicken pieces. I served it on rice, but next time, I just may serve it with mashed potatoes, cooked pasta or just, as is. I will have to see what I am longing for that night.
So, here is my new version of that chicken recipe. Give it a try, as it just might be the perfect dish for your family tonight.
Spanish-Style Chicken in Garlic-Tomato Sauce Recipe
Creamy Vegetable Soup
It has definitely been a winter to remember…..or not? While we haven’t had any snowfall accumulation and for the most part the weather has been mild, it still seems bone chilling cold to me on many days. What is the best cure for bone chilling cold? Soup, of course.
My family adores the old standbys such as chicken noodle and vegetable beef, but we enjoy soup of all kinds and it is a terrific way to “hide” vegetables from our 14 year old. While she is not a picky eater, it is always a great day when she eats vegetables cheerfully.
Recently, my dear friend, Karen Adler (aka BBQ Queens) served Celebration Soup at a fireside dinner in her home. It was a great change of pace and it was delicious. This recipe comes from a wonderful book she wrote, A Kansas City Christmas: Traditions and Recipes from the Heartland. She inspired my version of Creamy Vegetable Soup. I hope it becomes your family favorite too.
Don’t forget to enter our contest for the 175 Best Babycakes Cake Pops Recipes giveaway. There are only a few days left to enter, so do it now. Follow this link back to the announcement of the book and learn how. It will be out at stores and available on web sites soon, but enter before January 31 and you just might win a copy now.
Creamy Vegetable Soup
3 tablespoons butter
3 carrots, thinly sliced
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small zucchini, diced
2 cans (14.5 oz. each) low sodium chicken broth
2 cans (10 3/4 oz. each) cream of potato soup
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream
2 jars (5 oz. each) Old English Cheese Sauce
Heat butter in large saucepan over medium high heat. Add carrots, celery, onions, and zucchini. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Add chicken broth and simmer for 30 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and stir until cheese melts and soup simmers. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Makes 6 servings.
175 Best Babycakes Cake Pops Recipes
It’s here! Our newest book, 175 Best Babycakes Cake Pops Recipes is out and we are thrilled.
Packed inside the new cookbook are recipes for cake pops of all kinds and flavors, plus muffins, biscuits, meatballs, appetizers, ebelskivers, doughnuts, scones, bread bites and more. You will find recipes that will inspire you to use your Babycakes Cake Pop maker every day—from morning to night. Most of all, when cake pops are just the right treat, you will discover the perfect flavor, plus awesome decorating and gift suggestions so your cake pops will steal the show. Weddings, showers, holidays, teacher gifts, thank you gifts, elegant affairs, simple gestures, big graduation parties, and even a dog treat are just a few of the special occasions that are described in detail so you can easily make and serve fantastic cake pops.
Winter Salad
We are still trying to stay focused on increasing the amount of vegetables in our family meals. Winter is the perfect time to add soup and salad to the menu. While the weather doesn’t make me yearn for the grilled salads of summer, I still turn to leafy greens as often as possible. This Winter Salad has been a favorite for years. The ingredients provide a heartier profile that suits these winter days perfectly.
I served this hearty salad with a bowl of Cheesy Vegetable soup over the weekend and everyone clamored for more. It’s a great recipe to warm your soul during these gloomier winter months. I would love to know if you give this salad a try.
Winter Salad
6 cups salad greens, such as spring mix with arugula
2 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
3 tablespoons toasted, coarsely chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons dried sweetened cranberries
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
Dressing
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon coarse grain mustard
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
In a large salad bowl, toss all the salad ingredients.
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Drizzle desired amount of dressing and toss gently.
