Chicken and Gravy

 

A simple and budget friendly meal idea is chicken (or turkey), gravy and mashed potatoes. This is also a great way to use your leftover chicken or turkey. I make mine gluten free but you can substitute all purpose flour if you don't require gluten free. My family loves this!
Ingredients:
2 cups boneless, skinless chicken or turkey (I usually use thighs and breasts)
2 cups chicken stock (or water)
1 T oil (I use olive oil but any will work)
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
1/2 shallot, chopped or 1/4 onion , chopped  (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
Boil chicken in dutch oven or large pan on stove for about 45 minutes or until chicken is tender. Remove chicken from stock or water and set aside. When it cools, break it up into chunks. Now get ready to make your gravy. Heat your liquid stock so it boils then start to make your gravy.  
Gravy:
1/3 c white rice flour (gluten free) or all purpose flour
2/3-3/4 c milk (depending how thick you want your gravy)
Whisk flour and milk together (I use a large measuring cup) then slowly add to the chicken stock using a whisk and boil for a minute or until the gravy thickens, then reduce the heat. Add the chicken back to the large pan and let simmer until you are ready to serve.
I serve this over mashed potatoes but you could serve over rice, polenta, biscuits or noodles.
Enjoy!
Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Frame Gallery Wall

I wanted to do something to fill a awkward wall space. The ceiling is high and at an angle so I needed something fairly large. In my decluttering I found some picture frames I wasn't using so I decided to make an arrangement on my wall with empty picture frames. I also got a couple from a family member who had some old frames she wanted to get rid of. You can find them in thrift stores pretty cheap too. Ask people you know first...you might be surprised to find out what people have in basements and attics that they want to get rid of! I cleaned and painted them, then arranged them on my wall. You might want to lay them out on the floor or use painters tape on your wall with the sizes of the frames to be sure you like the arrangement...I'm not saying that I just randomly hung them or anything...but there might be a few more nail holes in the wall then there needed to be!
~Simply Angie

Using Everyday Items for Storage and Organizing

Welcome to our gallery of simple storage ideas!  We use glass containers for sugar, flour, oatmeal, pancake mix, granola or anything we use on a regular basis. Baskets are handy for dishtowels, recipe books, or magazines. Pitchers can be used for kitchen utensils. Ball jars are perfect for cupcake liners, straw holders and buttons. Vintage jars such as old sugar or syrup jars are great by the oven to keep toothpicks to check your baked goods. Pringles containers wrapped in contact paper make great pasta storage containers. Hope you get some tips and remember to share your simple storage ideas with us!
~ Simply Angie and Tammi

Stir Fry Chicken

A simple dinner idea is stir fry chicken. It only takes a few ingredients and if you don't have fresh veggies you can use frozen veggies. It's a healthy meal and it's another favorite at our house!
Ingredients:
2 T oil (I use olive oil)
1 bag frozen stir fry veggies or 3-4 cups of fresh veggies of your choice
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1/4 c chicken stock or broth
2 T soy sauce
2 cups cooked rice (or 1/2 per serving)
Directions:
Heat oil in a large skillet on medium heat on the stove. Slice your chicken in thin strips and add to the hot oil. Cook the chicken, about 8-10 minutes, then add chicken stock and soy sauce. Add veggies and stir. Cook for another 7-10 minutes. I like my veggies a little crunchy. Add cooked rice and mix together. (You can also leave the rice out serve as a side on your plate, then add the stir fry mixture over the top). This makes about 4 servings. Enjoy!
Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi