Happy Reading

Look what arrived for me today at the library!!!

Double Yay!! I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for these beauties! All patient waiting definately pays off. Now I just need to decide which one to read first . . . such a hard decision!

“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8

Football and Gumbo

In honor of the first football game of the season for our team - New England Patriots - I am making a slow-cooker chicken gumbo. We have never had gumbo, but know it's a popular southern food especially during football season. I found this recipe and decided to give it a whirl.

I gathered up all my spices . . .

. . . and veggies.
Then I tossed it all into my favorite cooking applicance, the crockpot. I also put the chicken and sausage in as well. I didn't get a picture of those earlier.

I mixed up all the ingrediants, covered it and am cooking it on low for six hours. I will serve it with rice. This is currently cooking as I type. But, I got a free second to whip up a post, so I had to take advantage!! I sure hope this tastes as delicious as it smells!

Kitchen Tour

So much time is spent in the kitchen of a home. It truly can be referred to as the heart of the home. Meals are prepared within these walls. Conversations are spoken between loved ones. In our home when you enter you walk into the kitchen, so many greetings are exchanged in this room as well. I love my kitchen and make it a warm and inviting place at all times.

I try to keep it tidy and a candle lit at all times for warmth and pretty scents.
Our kitchen connects to our dining room, living room and office. I choose to paint it a wamr golden biege because it has a "happy" feel to it.

I also like to have family photos displayed throughout the room as a reminder of what is most important in my life. I never was a fan of having photos on the refrigerator, but recently began to display some because they put a smile on my face when I see them.

We got this distressed green table as a gift to ourselves for our wedding. I love it so much. It has such a country feel to it.

In the corner I placed a small dresser to hold Gunner's treats and food as well as kitchen supplies.

I am a big fan of hanging beautiful sayings around my home because they keep me focused on my values. I love glancing up, reading and being reminded of what is most important to my heart and my family.

My 3 F's - Faith, Family and Friends - LOVE this one. I have a larger one in the living room, which will be on tour next week.

I am in love with baking, so I just had to have this "Baked Goods" sign. As my children get older I want them always know Mama will have something yummy in the kitchen for them to snack on! There is nothing more comforting than a yummy cookie.

I love my kitchen and spend lots of time here. It's simple and a work of heart where creation takes place with lots of love.

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

Proverbs 24:3-4

Chicken Lasagna and Garlic Cheese Biscuits

This chicken lasagna is delicious! It's a must try . . . so quick and simple to prep and make!

Here's what you need:

1 box of lasagna noodles, uncooked

1 15 oz ricotta cheese

2 cups mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup of parmesan cheese

2 jars of sauce - I use Ragu

and 3 chicken breasts cooked and cut/shredded into small pieces

Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan. I used my favorite red one.

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom and then put a layer of noodles. Top that with the ricotta cheese, about a cup of mozzarella cheese and the parmesan cheese. Then spread the chicken on top.

Cover the chicken with another layer of sauce. On top of the sauce put another layer of noodles then another layer of sauce.
Pop it into the oven at 375 degrees for an hour then remove it and spread the remaining mozzarella cheese on top to melt up nicely.

Doesn't it look delicious?

To go with the lasagna a whipped up some garlic cheese biscuits. I used 1 cup of Bisquick, 1/4 cup of milk, about a half cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt. I mixed that together and dropped them onto a greased baking sheet then popped those into the oven for about 10 minutes. It only made 8 biscuits, so you may need to increase the recipe if you want more. I only had a cup of Bisquick so I had to make do with what was in the cupboard!

This is such a delicious and simple meal! It's a regular on our menu plan.