Preservative Free...and 100% Meat

As with all resolutions, some fall by the wayside, and others seem to change your life.  I must say the exercise resolution is on the horizon, and I have the greatest intentions, but have yet to get back into the swing of things.  I must find time for me, but am having a hard time getting everything accomplished! 

As for the eating healthier part, it is amazing how many things I have eliminated from our diet trying to eliminate preservatives and additives.  After the Taco Bell scandal, I have taken a closer look at the "convenience" foods my children love.  Chicken nuggets is at the very top of their list.  Who knew that they are full of things other than chicken.  So last night, we had homemade chicken nuggets and Pickles said they were the best ever.  They took a minute longer, but super easy. 

Yesterday, we had a potluck after church honoring a choir that performed for us. They were the Miracles and were a delightful group of intellectually disabled adults who glorify the Lord with their voices.  My heart was touched and spirit rejuvenated.  I made banana pudding to take, since I thought that might be a healthier dessert option.  Yes, I did make the vanilla wafers for this as well, but it was worth the extra effort. 

I am going to work on the layout of the blog, and hopefully will have a recipe archive that is user friendly.  Not sure it will happen today, but hopefully this week.  I am still amazed at the support from each of you.  I never knew that many people would want to read about my adventures.  I am curious what types of things you would like to read about and what would help you. I have had a request for turkey sausage, so I am going to work on that, as well as a well stocked kitchen...food and equipment.  On the equipment note, as I was writing this, Kitchen Aid called and said that my old faithful stand mixer need all the gears, housing, switches and a few other things. Good new is that they will fix the mixer for a fraction of the price of a new one!  Scott also bought me the smallest stand mixer for Christmas, and I love it for everyday tasks. Anyway, one of the must haves in my kitchen, and if you don't have one, make it a wish item. I love my mixer!!!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for Joy in the little details of life!

Sarah

Chicken Chunks

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup flour
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper
Oil for frying

Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes.  Mix together milk and egg in a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper.  In another shallow dish, I use a pie plate, mix flour and again season with salt and pepper.  Put oil into a sauce pan to a depth of 1 inch.  Heat oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees.  Place chicken in egg mixture and remove chicken. Place in flour mixture and toss gently until coated. Carefully place chicken in oil and fry until they are golden brown.  Serve with your favorite condiments, at our house everyone wants honey mustard.


Banana Pudding

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup corn starch
3 1/2 cups milk
3 eggs
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 box of Vanilla Wafers, or 1 recipe of homemade Vanilla Wafers
4 to 5 bananas, sliced

Whisk together sugar and cornstarch.  Slowly add milk while whisking.  Cook over medium heat until thickened.  Beat eggs in a medium bowl and add part of the cooked mixture while whisking constantly.  Return egg mix back to pan and stir well. Continue cooking over medium heat 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.  Allow to cool to room temperature.  Layer in a shallow dish, cookies, bananas, pudding. Repeat until dish is filled.  This is old fashioned pudding, and has a different taste than the instant variety, but I think you will love it!