An Old Easel

First things first!

This last Wednesday, I spent the day with my twinsie and with my parents. It seems as though there is never the time to just meander out for the day, but sometimes, you just have to go and leave things!

Over lunch, I reminded my momma of a devotional she had read to me awhile back. For those of you who know my momma, she loves to share letters she has read, funny stories, Bible verses, a chapter of a book she is reading etc. When she read this one to me awhile back, it just stuck with me and I wanted to share it with YOU today.

It is a reading from JESUS CALLING {December 18}

"When you are plagued by a persistent problem---one that goes on and on---view it as a rich opportunity. An ongoing problem is like a tutor who is always by your side. The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable. In faith, thank Me for your problem. Ask Me to open your eyes and your heart to all that I am accomplishing through this difficulty. Once you have become grateful for a problem, it looses its power to drag you down. On the contrary, your thankful attitude will lift you up into heavenly places with Me. From this perspective, your difficulty can be seen as a slight temporary distress that is producing for you a transcendent Glory never to cease!" {Isaiah 30:20-21 & 2 Corinthians 4:17}

How encouraging is that for a MONDAY morning? Perfect way to start off the week, don't you think?

********************************************************************************************************************************

Okay, on to my "dumpster diving" hubby. It really wasn't a dumpster, but it wasn't the most pleasant place to dig through either. Let's just say it was a far cry from POTTERY BARN and leave it at THAT.

We were going to make our own easel, but when he found this one, we decided we could give it an easy makeover with one package of beadboard and some to spare. :}

The old chalkboard from one side was taken off and the white board from the other was also removed.

He put new supports across the back and then decided that we really didn't need them. POOR thing...

The beadboard was put on to measure for size...and because I could NOT wait to see what it was going to look like! {usually, you would just measure the width and not put the board up!!}

The end pieces were cut off...and saved for mini easels that I will use for menu boards!

Then, we put the cut pieces of beadboard up and screwed them in. For less than $12, we have a one-of-a-kind easel...and fun memories, too. We are nerdy like that...I guess, since We LOVE doing projects together!

I think my favorite thing about the easel is the boxes below...for the baby shower this weekend, they will house the party favor boxes and some birch branches to go along with the birdie and flower theme.

There are so many more ideas for the boxes, though...mason jars filled with candles, fresh flowers in canning jars, markers and crayons for signing one BIG card and the list goes on...what would you put in the boxes?

I still need to decide if I am going to paint the whole thing white or leave it a bit shabby...leaving the frame black. It really comes down to time and laziness!
The beadboard was put on to measure for size...and because I could NOT wait to see what it was going to look like!


there are so many more ideas for the boxes, though...mason jars filled with candles, fresh flowers in canning jars, markers and crayons for signing one BIG card and the list goes on...what would you put in the boxes?

I still need to decide if I am going to paint the whole thing white or leave it a bit shabby...leaving the frame black. It really comes down to time and laziness!

Pat-a-Cake {Quick D.I.Y.Cake}

No need for spendy cakes. I can't think of much else I would rather do than to widdle the morning away making a birthday cake with a little helper...{BTW, Trader Joes has THE.MOST.ADORABLE packaged cake mix boxes that TASTE amazing and the graphics are to.die.for! I think they could sell it to me with pickled pigs feet and I'd still buy it for the box!!}

Here is what you need:

A sweet.fun.energetic.little helper

A cake mix and a few ingredients

Your favorite frosting

Bake Your Cake.

Let it cool.

Wrap it and freeze it. This makes it sooooo easy to frost!

Unwrap the frozen cake and set 1st layer on a serving plate, waxed paper boars, cake plate...

Frost a bit.

Set 2nd layer on top of frosting.

Get a knife or spoon and pat the frosting on the cake in an upward motion, creating little peakes or waves. This takes no skill whatsoever.

Take two lollipop sticks and stick 'em into the cake. Tie twine, ribbon, string or whatever you have {twisties, dental floss :) on one end. Add paper punches of leaves, different shapes, candy corn, Froot Loops etc. Tie to other pole. That is it. Just think. No lines, no ordering, a fun baking day, memory making, and the satisfaction of having saved a bit of money.

Now, I really want to hear from you? Do you bake from scratch or are you okay with buying a box mix? Be honest!!! :) It took me awhile to not hide the box mix under the organic sugar, butter, milk and oats. BUT it saves so much time!



NO need for a cake? What about freezing some cupcakes and frosting them as needed? I think they might just be a darling little four pack that just might be packaged with a white doilie or some crinkle fabric and a tag that says, "Hugs and Kisses", "Sweet One", "XOXOXO", or "Happy Valentine's Day"!

Happy SWEET Saturday!


Shared with: comfy in the kitchen

Birch Frame

{My version}

{Their version}



This is more like a little telephone call or text message you may send off to your bff...just short and SWEET!

The other day we were in PB kids looking for deals...there was one "deal" that you may call a deal, but by no means a screaming deal!!!

As I was planning a baby shower for a friend, I remembered the cute birch frames they had hanging throughout the store. My hubby called to see how much they were and of course, they were only for display...NOT for SALE...no biggie, they probably would have been close to the price of our daughter's college tuition anyway...sooo, with rubber polka dotted rainboots, my rain jacket and garden cutteres, I went out to our swampland {backyard} and gathered enough branches to make our own version of a rustic birch frame. I still have a few more to make...but I am so excited they didn't cost one single sparkly dime! Sometimes it is fun to have to be creative when a price tag is not an option!!

OH HAPPY DAY!!


UPDATE: My version is still in the rough...but I will be mounting my bird picture onto foam core board with spray adhesive and then tying it to the frame with light pink divine twine...the pink bird will be attached with light green twine to bring in the two colors. I know...blah blah blah. That is the plan! I would LOVE to know if you go branch gathering in a swamp near YOU. OOPS...I did give the branches a nice warm bath to clean them off a bit and so that they look nice and clean!

Shared with: Debbie Doo, freckled laundry, inspiration friday, how to nest for less

No Peel Beef Stew

When it is cold, rainy, wet and maybe even snowing outside...nothing beats a crock pot dinner that fills your home with diliciousness all.day.long...especially on a day where other things need to be done aside from standing at the stove and the kitchen sink for hours on end!

This soup took less than 10 minutes to throw together and go get laundry done amongst everything else that was screaming for my attention on Monday morning. And, yes, even the doggie was swaddled in her blankie and toted around for part of the morning! That is how much I miss carrying around babes while doing housework...although there is absolutely NO real comparison!

There was still time for a family and friend walk in the freezing cold and a bit of time to work on projects that really don't take as much time to do as the motivation to start on them and finish them!

I hope you enjoy this easy peasy stew as much as we did! Nothing about this soup is exact. Leaving the skins on the veggies gives it a more rustic taste and more vitamins and minerals for housework energy! No need to make sure all veggies look perfect...just chop, throw and GO!!!

No Peel Beef Stew
Lisa Pearson

1 yellow onion, cut into wedges {OOPS, the onion does need to be peeled!}

4 carrots, washed and cut into about 1 inch rounds

4 potatoes, scrubbed and cut into larger chunks

4 heaping tsps. of Better Than Bouillion Vegetable Base

4 cups water

1 lb. chuck roast beef chunks or stew meat

Directions:

*Place all ingredients into a crock pot {I used my smaller crock pot since I wasn't feeding an ARMY!}

*Let it cook on high for about six hours. You may want to check on it and turn it down to low depending on what time you are eating.

You might want to add freshly ground pepper to your hot stew, too!

This recipe may easily be doubled. Add more broth if desired!


FIRESIDE EVENING MENU:

Hot Cider

Beef Stew

TALL and FLUFFY Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits with Homemade Whipped Butter

If you are looking for small little biscuits, this is not going to be your cup of tea, BUUUUT, if you are looking for tall, fluffy biscuits that might just remind you of a birthday cake minus the fluffy, sweet frosting, you are not going to want to leave quite, yet!

How the perfect biscuit is to taste is a HUGE debate...maybe as big of a deal as if cornbread should have sugar in in t or not, but thanks to the internet and a bit o' searching, you will most likely be able to find exactly what you are looking for.

I prefer the BOB biscuits {BIG OL'BISCUITS} They have to be big and they have to be fluffy and flakey, soft, golden, warm and able to be smothered with homemade whipped butter. That is one tall order. ANNNDDD, they need to look as pretty as a birthday cake.

Thanks to BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS...the biscuit recipe meets every single criteria. I have had biscuits that I am sure would hold up on any ice rink as hockey pucks and those may be fine for dunking in soup, but these biscuits are AMAZING!

{This is another recipe I always always always double!}


BUTTERMILK BISCUITS
Adapted a tad from BH&G

2 cups flour

1 TBSP. baking powder

2 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup buttermilk {If you don't have buttermilk on hand simply put a bit of lemon juice or vinegar in the bottom of your measuring cup and add milk to the 2/3 cup line. Let it sit for a minute to sour the milk.}

Preheat oven to 450*

Directions:


*In a bowl stir together dry ingredients.

*Using flat beater for Kitchen Aid, add in butter

*Add in buttermilk and stir until dough comes together.

*On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to about 1" thickness. I used my Grammy's three inch biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits.

*Place biscuits on to a SILPAT or to a baking sheet.

*Brush tops of biscuits with a bit of whipping cream and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

NOTE: You could re-roll and cut and re-roll and cut using up all of the dough until the moo cows come home. resist the temptation and bake up the scraps to snack on. The more you work the dough, the tougher it gets. REMEMBER< THESE ARE TALL BIRTHDAY-CAKE-TYPE BISCUITS! Also, you will not want to over bake them, so keep an eye on them. HOMEMADE BUTTER Take one cup of cold heavy whipping cream and a cold bowl. You could set them in the freezer for a few minutes if you like. Shared with: picket fence, comfy in the kitchen

Beat the whipping cream until it gets solid and you are past the soft peak stage. Add a dash of salt and enjoy.

Want to know how I first made butter? I forgot about it in my kitchen Aid as I was changing a diaper! Never underestimate the power of a Kitchen AID! They are power tools in their own right. It happened on more than one occasion. Even after setting the kitchen timer...I churned my own butter. Maybe that's why my hubby bought me a fancy schmancy whipping cream maker??? There is no making butter with those whipper machine babies. NO SIR-EE!

We served these biscuits on Diana's handmade bread boards. We use them all of the time and are they are such a treat to share with our company! People love having their very own authentic bread boards. They are quite the topic of conversation! Best of all, they will always remind me of our 21st wedding anniversary picnic! Be sure to visit her beautiful blog!


Shared with:  comfy in the kitchen

Valentine Packaging

Well, hello little lovelies! Hope you are all enjoying the start to your new week!

I have been trying to lay a bit low on the heavy-laden sweets and confections, but when VALENTINES rolls around, it is a hard habit to break...so, to keep the flour from dusting the countertops and the batches and batches of cookies and sweet treats to a minimum, I thought I might share a few packaging ideas instead. What do you think?

RE-packing is a really fun thing to do and requires very little time if you decide on one Valentine project.

I bought a package of cookies {yes, it almost KILLLED me!}, a package of dark chocolate covered almonds from Trader Joe's and the last package of candy cane Joe's OREO cookies I specifically bought to save for Valentines. The baby pink filling is the perfect addition of color and TASTE...or so I have been told by my family.

The best part about this project is that you package it up, seal it and give them away so that temptation does not start to lurk under your work space! It is just a little sweet treat to let your sweetie pies know that they are being thought of and are LOVED!

So here are a few ideas: {My favorite is the mini "paint can" from my bff! She gave it to me with a bracelt in it! I decided to call it my prayer bracelet, because I wore it during an MRI... and I took comfort in knowing she and others were praying for me!}

These chocolate covered graham crackers were stacked into groupings of three, wrapped with doilie paper punched with a punch and embelished:

I used a straight-sided jar and punched out a white and pink striped piece of paper to line the bottom and to add a bit of color. Four little OREO cookies fit perfectly and then DIVINE TWINE in PINK just had to be added along with a Valentiney heart.

These would be great little favors to add to your dinner place settings or perfect to bag up and deliver!


THIS AND THAT:

ADORABLE doggie hand-stitched napkins we will be using on Valentines {My Christmas gift from my bff! You have no idea how special these are since she is not exactly on "speaking terms" with our baby!} :}

Saturday Date in our favorite part of town: My hubby knew exactly what the DR. ordered...

Before going home we went into Trader Joe's and my hubby bought me the most beautiful bouquet of champagne=colored tulips that are now opened, drooping and beauteeFULL!

Thank YOU, honey for still dating me after 23 years and for making me feel like I am the most special girl in the world. Holding hands and kissing in the rain and always believing that everything "will be okay" and praying for me all.of.the.time are amongst the miliions of memories I will never tire of! You are simply THE BEST! I love you MOSTEST!

Happy TUESDAY!

Next POST: The EASIEST beef stew ever, TALL buttermilk biscuits and HOMEMADE butter!





Shared with: It's overflowing, picket fence

Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Happy Happy Friday!

Do you ever remember taking a short-cut on the way home only to find out that the short-cut actually took longer?

Well, these little raspberry bars should be called short-cut bars, but if you are looking for a super fast cookie-type bar thingy, these little short-cut bars are just for YOU! This is going to take way less time than cookies because they are all made at one time. No waiting for the batches to finish unless you double or triple the recipe!

The directions sound way longer, but once you make 'em once, they will most likely be a go-to quickie.

Don't you think they are just so pretty for VALENTINES?

Now, if taking short-cuts in real life really were shorter...even the ones we think just.might.be!


Raspberry Short-cut Bars

1/3 cup sugar

5 Tbsp. butter, softened

1 1/2 tsp. almond extract...the PURE kind

1 egg white

1 cup flour

2 TBSP. cornstarch

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1/3 cup YUMMY RASPBERRY JAM


{GLAZE}

1/2 cup pwd. sugar

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp. pure almond extract

Combine all ingredients and stir until drizzly.


{Directions}

Preheat oven to 375*

*Beat sugar and butter with a mixer until well-blended
*Add 1 1/2 tsp. almond extract and egg white and beat well.

*Combine dry ingredients and add to sugar mixture and mix until well-blended. This dough will be a bit stiff.

*Divide dough in half and roll each portion into a 12-inch log.
*Place logs on to prepared baking sheet or onto SILPAT.


*Using your hand, make a dent down the middle of each log and spoon jam into identation.

*Bake at 375* for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

*Drizzle glaze onto warm bars and cut each log diagonally into 8 bars. Let cool and then seperate and move.

ENJOY!

*

The HOPE Chest {of Verses}

{Verse HOPE CHEST re-gifted from my bff!}



The month of December, as we all know, can get a bit hectic...so, when we were thinking about attending Sunday night service at our Church, I honestly was thinking about all of the other things I could get done at home in that time slot.

As we sat through the service I knew that this was exactly where God wanted me to be. The sermon title was "How Can A Good God Permit Evil and Suffering". The pastor started off answering the question by "I'm not sure." As he listed those who suffered in the Bible...he made it quite clear that we can rest assured because God is in control. BUUUT, if you are like me, it doesn't hurt to see and hear real examples from real people who have hope despite the worst of circumstances...

At the end of the sermon, a video interview was played of a wife who takes care of her husband.
She and her husband used to attend church, but as his body weakened, they were no longer able to come.
She shared with such JOY and HOPE that I kept waiting for the tears to start, and maybe a bit of resentment hidden in the shadows of her words. But as I kept listening…I was reassured that IT IS indeed possible to live out a life with gratitude despite unbelievable pain and suffering!

As she finished her story and told of her husband’s faith and how he encouraged her…she smiled as she expressed his love to pray. As he ended the interview with prayer, I started to sob. I was so moved to tears that there are those who have so little to be happy for and yet they are the ones who seem to have a well of encouragement for others that never goes dry. I am sure they have those days, but it was evident that they live a life that is overflowing with gratefulness.

It is truly a life of gratitude that we strive to live. We want to instill in our children that despite life’s evil and suffering… GOD IS GOOD!

That night I could not stop thinking about what an amazing legacy these parents are leaving for their children and for grandchildren.

As I had started a list of what I wanted to include in our children’s HOPE CHESTS…I knew that what really offered them HOPE needed to be included FIRST.


They need verses to go to when life is tough.

Verses to cling to in time of fear.

Verses to offer friends who are hurting and who feel like giving up.

These handwritten and sometimes typed-out verses are something my momma made for me. Though the stickers and stamps are no longer “in” and the country rose color from one of my favorites has faded…it is still on my fridge and has offered such comfort to me over the years!

Sooo, as much as I look forward to icluding charts, recipes, bird bowls, linens, dishes and baby clothes…I am cherishing writing down verses that will outlast any earthly possession, so that when life’s storms roll in, they will be able to live a life of JOY and HOPE.

{Thank YOU SANDERS FAMILY for sharing your life of GRATITUDE!}

Hope Chest details to come!

Shared with: Titus Tuesday, WLW, raising homemakers

THE GROCERY LIST

Yes. It is that important that it deserves its very own post and all caps at that!

We had an itemized grocery list for ions and once WINCO re-arraged it's floor plan and messed up our little system...it no longer worked. It took forever to scribble down our new store route, listing the major aisles according to what aisle housed what.

Do you have a store route? I think most people do, but everybody does it differently. I have friends who start with pre-packaged and end with the freezer/refrigerated section. We just start at one end and zig zag back to the front of the store!! ANYHOO, however you do it...it might be helpful for you to make out a list of aisles and make up a list accordingly. Just be pretty specific so that every item fits well into a category. It will take much less time to figure out where to list the items.

Our grocery list hangs on a clear clip board {I can't handle the wood look against my white cabinets!!!} on the inside of our kitchen cabinets where it is super easy to access when an ingredient needs to be replaced. There are a few things I keep stocked, so even if I still have a few left, I will add it to the grocery list so that I don't run out!

How many times have you run out of an important ingredient...thinking full well that you will "remember" what it is next time you are at the grocery store...because it is ridiculously obvious that it is needed? Well, it may still work great for you, but my brain is shot and I need as many helps along the way as possible. This is why THE GROCERY LIST needs to be in a convenient spot, so as to write it down right then and there. The work is half done before you start your grocery list for the week.

You may want to think of a couple of dinner menus that you keep on hand at all times. One for company and one for a "MOMMY CRISIS NIGHT". It could be a loaf of bread in the freezer for PB and J or Kraft Mac-n-Cheese. Just be sure you have it where it can be substituted for the cordon bleu you were planning on making before the crisis. ALTHOUGH, POUNDING out the meat may still be a great idea!


EVEN if you are a lucky little ducky and are fortunate enough to have your groceries delivered to your front door {KRISTIN, I know you are stalking our bloggy!!! :} }...a grocery list will certainly help you only have to enter the ingredients all at one time.

We have a bunch of extra grocery list copies printed up at once, so that they are easy to access. It takes very little time to push "print" so that you are well-prepared for months at a time.

If you are planning on making your own, I would suggest allowing space to write down the menu for the week and a section for notes. Sometimes I don't necessarily need something, but I like to look ahead and if something is on sale and will still be good when it is needed, I will go ahead and purchase it. Also, if I see something that is on sale, I will write a note to myself on the "NOTES" section and include it on the menu for the following week. I have saved so much money doing it this way WITHOUT COUPONS! I don't clip coupons anymore and I only buy things our family really loves and will use. I do stock-pile toilet paper and paper towels and a few other things, but our house will not be the first house on our block being raided in case of a national disaster. I have a son that is a complete survivalist. So, it will be up to him to gather the wild edibles and convert rain water {ANOTHER BENEFIT TO LIVING IN THE NORTHWEST!} into drinking water for us!

Okay. I think that just about covers it.

I hope this idea sparks some interest in YOU and that it will take alot of the work and dread out of grocery shopping and menu planning.

Using this system has saved us so much money and has allowed us to be able to bless others with the savings!

Maybe you already have a system in place, if you do, I would love to hear about it. I love getting new ideas from how YOU do things.

HAPPY THURSDAY!!







Shared with: women living well

Entertaining Children

I know this is going to be a bit controversial...but it is something I have had on my heart for a long time, so here it goes.

We are not talking about entertaining our children: Playing cruise director as we peruse family friendly blogs and magazine articles on how to entertain our children with the latest and greatest projects and field trips, family games to occupy "dead" time while developing fine motor skills and brain memory...

We are talking about teaching our childen the blessing of entertaining! Teaching the
m the value of having people into their home is an honor! Teaching them at a very young age is best! It is easy to ask them who they might like to have over for a snack or for dinner! Go over manners and what their job will be while friends are over. Our children were taught to offer something to drink. That is it. Easy peasy...one little job that will be simple enough for them to remember.

Our children were encouraged to invite friends over...even if it meant more mouths to feed. It was worth a hgher grocery bill and less spending in other areas to have them learn how to entertain.

Years ago, while my hubby and I were dating in college, I remember Scott calling his momma after a basketball game ...alerting his parents that he was bringing about 20 friends home in "about a half hour". This was normal. She never once said "NO!" She welcomed every single friend which meant that their night at home alone was shot and the clean house would shortly be filled with sweaty bodies, backpacks, shoes and hungry basketball guys. To some this would be looked upon as ridiculous. "RUDE" might be another adjective to describe a child to expect his mom to drop her plans for the night. Maybe even selfish for a child to assume that he could show up with the crew to just hang out and entertain his friends at his parent's home.

Guess what? It was modeled and encouraged from a very young age...and I feel very blessed that he encouraged our children to do the same.

Several weeks ago, both Caleb and Laurissa were having their Biblestudies here at home in the same week...they usually alternate...anyhoo, I helped just a bit to get them ready and then went to my room. I heard them welcome their guests. A few of the children had shown up right after sports practice and they were offered a drink! They were asked about their day. I took a deep breath and whispered to myself..."it was worth it!". It was worth and is worth all of the noisy nights, messy kitchens, sticky floors, extra laundry from the overnighters,and the list goes on. I certainly do not do all the clean-up, but I do like to help them as it offers some great talk time!


There were times I felt like we needed a bigger home to entertain, a bonus room for sleepovers, a bigger dining room for dinner parties, and so much more, but how many priceless moments would we have robbed our children of experiencing had I insisted on waiting until__________?

I ran across a picture the other day of friends working on a craft project outside on the picnic table while our home was completely torn up. I had to smile...because the thought of our children entertainig in the middle of sheer and utter chaos was not even something that was considered an inconvenience!

It is these children that have been taught the blessing of entertaining that WILL be asking us as parents into their homes as they get older and have their own homes and families. It is these children that will not take notice of walkers or wheelchairs and the inconvenience of extra mouths to feed. They will know without a shadow of doubt that it has nothing to do with a perfect, large home but they will know the blessing of having had friends or even strangers into their home...and Lord willing they will know that their time with these dear ones will have encouraged them in ways they may never know!

Happy Wednesday!



Shared with: Titus Tuesday, women living well

Scott's Dump and Run Creamy Mexi Chicken

Scott's Firehouse recipes are tried and true...pretty much flop-proof. I figure if they are tasty enough to serve the firefighters and are requested by chiefs, and by his friends who call on their days off requesting "THE DINNER YOU MADE THE OTHER NIGHT", they are perfect for families on the go. Perfect for mommas who are nursing a baby and feeding a toodler while answering the phone and folding laundry! We need recipes that don't take alot of brain juice and that will turn out delicious no matter what our days have looked like!



My momma always makes her Creamy Chicken for our family gatherings, as it is loved by all the grandkiddies, but this one is a step up in heat...but kids still enjoy it!


I know that you will LOVE this recipe!


Scott's Dump and Run Creamy Mexi Chicken

6 frozen chicken breasts

1 bag Trader Joe's fire roasted corn {I have also seen this recipe use 1 can of corn}

1 can of ROTEL tomatoes {mexi blend}

1 can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

1 8oz. package of cream cheese {FULL FAT!!!} ****WHY NOT EVEN 33% less fat cream cheese? As tempted as some of you may be to save a few calories...this is not the place to skimp! ANYTHING LESS THAN FULL FAT CREAM CHEESE will leave you with this dilema..."Lisa, I HAD to taste the DUMP CHICKEN when I got home at 3:30 pm. BOY,oh boy, it is wonderful. Finger lickin' good. Only you have to add something to the recipe directions for people with a personality problem just like mine...we do stuff anyway if we don't know the reason not to. I just can't stop asking why! If I don't see an answer and none is provided, then many, many times I go ahead with what I think would work anyway. And get in trouble:>} So, you know that part about using FULL FAT cream cheese? Being me, I thought, 'Huh, I really prefer the 33% less fat kind. I'm just gonna use it.' Not knowing that the 33% less fat cheese doesn't melt nicely. It turns into weird little gobs of white. You think a recipe is simple AND foolproof, and then some idiot tries to make it. Yes, you can laugh at me." from a bloggy reader :}
SO, that is WHY you need FULL FAT CREAM CHEESE!



COOKED JASMINE RICE

{Directions:}

*Place frozen chicken in crockpot {At home, we let it soak overnight in salt water and rinse until water runs clear!}

*Dump the rest of the ingredients in to the crockpot.

*Let cook for about 8 hours and stir every once in awhile.

Serve over Jasmine rice and embellish away...like with sour cream, cilantro and avacado. Hubby serves this with a salad and LEMONADE!

Shared with:  comfy in the kitchen