Chicken Cacciatore

 

I have been having so much fun going to the Farmer's Markets and picking out fresh fruits and veggies on the weekends. Last weekend I bought the most delicious berries, they were huge! I also bought some other things and decided to make my version of Chicken Cacciatore. This is one of those, "throw in what veggies you like add a few seasonings and it's done!"   Plus I feel like it's pretty healthy with all those vegetables!               

Here's what you need:  

• 3 boneless skinless thighs, or 2 large breasts, cut up or left whole
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 medium onion, I like the sweet yellow ones
• 1 c chicken stock or broth
• 1 14oz can diced tomatoes, or you can use fresh, I just like to use the ones in the can with the liquid because they are already ripe and cut up 
• 1/2 pound of penne pasta, or what you like OR you can omit the pasta
• optional seasonings to taste, red pepper flakes, celery salt, salt, pepper, rosemary, basil, oregano

I start by cutting the chicken up into pieces and cooking in a little olive oil. While the chicken is cooking, chop the veggies, into chunks. Then add the broth, tomatoes with the juice, veggies and pasta into the same skillet as the chicken, along with seasonings you like. Cook until the pasta and vegetables done.
***If you want to hurry it along, you can boil pasta water and partially cook the pasta while the chicken is cooking, then add to the mixture. Sometimes I do it that way, but you have to be careful not to overcook the pasta, it will cook in the liquid with the chicken and vegetables too.
Bon Appétit!
~Simply Angie

Vanilla Almonds

I got this recipe a couple years ago from the Kelsey's Essentials on the cooking channel. I have made it for gifts, it also makes a yummy sweet and crunchy treat to have around. They are easy to make and it makes 4 cups, so it makes quite a bit. Especially if you divide it up and put it in those cute little cello bags with a ribbon.
Here's what you need:

• 4 cups almonds, I usually buy them either at Costco or in the bulk food section at the grocery store where they are cheaper. You can get roasted, salted or unsalted. I get half of each unless one of them is on sale, then I buy the cheap ones.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, store bought or make your own homemade vanilla extract
• 1 egg white beaten
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Beat the egg white with the vanilla extract, add the almonds and stir to coat. Combine the sugar, salt, and cinnamon with mixture. Place in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 20-25 minutes. I always mix them around a little about halfway through baking. Remove and cool on wax paper. They will get more flavorful and crunchy as they cool.
~Simply Angie

Cleaning Your Wood Floor

Searching, searching, searching...for a good way to clean wood floors. After 4 years of carpet in our home, my husband took out the carpet and installed wood floors due to my not so subtle hints about my carpet "phobia" issues. The wood floor was not a problem because my husband and son-in-law are both carpenters, however this also means that my options for cleaning the wood floors are limited. No machines, no excess water, no fancy equipment, nothing with pads and liquids squirting out the ends, I did try a chemically infused mop type device a few times (icky!!), so the search went on and on.
And being true to what I already knew was the best way to clean my floors, just as in the "old days" and keeping it simple, we ended up with a hands and knees approach (thankfully most of the time my husband or daughter do this for me). In the beginning we used vinegar and water, it works pretty well but it is now my second choice.

I found the ultimate product! You may already know that my sister and I love Dr. Bronner's products, well let me tell you about Sal Suds. It's the best! It is my first choice for the wood floors, counter tops, laundry, fruits, veggies, windows and more!! For the wood floors, I mix 1-2 Tablespoons of Sal Suds per 4 gallons of warm water. Don't use more! No streaks and a beautiful finish on the floor. For an added touch or for a quick clean-up, I use this recipe from Lisa Bronner's web site. Here is the link to her web site and a very helpful Sal Suds Cheat Sheet.

Wood Floor Spray: 
2 tsp olive oil
20 drops essential oil, I used lemon
1/4 cup white vinegar
Mix the above ingredients in a large spray bottle then fill rest of spray bottle with water, then spray on your clean wood floor and use a microfiber or cotton cloth to shine. Shake the mixture each time before using it.

Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Grandma's Sunflower Seed Cookies

Our grandmas were great bakers! Breads, cookies, cakes and pies were my favorite baked goods from the grandmas! I have pictures of me even as a toddler in the kitchen "helping". There were other things I remember like canning, making jam and jellies and who could forget lefse at holiday time? This is still one of my favorite cookie recipes and my family loves them. Grandma would sometimes use salted peanuts instead of sunflower seeds, so feel free to substitute, either way....always yummy!
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1/2 cup crushed corn flakes
3/4 cup sunflower seeds or salted peanuts
1 1/4 cups oatmeal (I use old fashioned rolled oats)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Directions:
Cream together the butter, sugar, egg and vanilla. Don't over mix. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix together. I used a medium cookie scoop for the dough and placed on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes depending on your oven. We like ours a little on the chewy side, so when they are not shiny anymore on the top, I take them out of the oven and let them cool on parchment paper on the counter top.
Enjoy!
Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi