First School's Out Lunch

After a few minor attitude adjustments, re-orientation to life without school, unpacking backpacks, and meltdowns from all kiddos (Mom included), I finally made it to the kitchen to make one of my kids' favorite meals...STIRFRY!!


I was excited to see PW's stirfry recipe because stirfry is always a hit at our house. The only change I made to her recipe was in the veggies. There is an awesome Oriental stirfry frozen veggie mix that I get at the grocery store which has a great mix of vegetables. So I used that instead. Obviously, since they are frozen, the cooking time is different than with the fresh veggies.

The flavor was great and there was not one baby corn left in the pan. I think they liked it. Now only 3 1/2 more months of lunches and dinners to prepare. HELP ME PW!!!!

Chicken with Tomatoes and Garlic

First of all, I think this is one of the easiest recipes with the most flavor that I have ever made. Seriously, it took me all of 12 minutes until this dude was in the oven baking. I did not have to chop one thing either. And to top it all off, the critics loved it! I WILL be making this recipe again and again.

Chicken with Tomatoes and Garlic can actually be made even healthier than as she states in the recipe. I used a few drumsticks in mine but opted to put a couple of chicken breasts in there also. The chicken breasts were delicious! Moist and all white meat--you can't go wrong with the chicken breasts! I also used whole wheat pasta to beef up the fiber and nutrient value. Steve and one of the critics thought it was "too grainy" and love the good 'ole traditional white pasta. But it did not stop them from chowing down. Therefore, the whole grain gets the win!

I did also add a bit of sugar to the tomato mixture as I always do. A lovely dish when served with a green salad. So easy people! Give it a try!

Coq Au Vin--Excuse me?

I mean really. What an odd name? I am sure it means something in like French perhaps? I'm gonna have to google that...


Ok, got it. It's a dish of chicken cooked in red wine. And that's right. It's exactly what it is. Coq au vin is a flavorful French dish---wow a French dish---never cooked a French dish!?!

Well judging from my critics from the oldest to the very youngest, we should maybe live in France. HA!

To begin with, I am not a huge fan of bacon (or pork, for that matter). But I really believe you would not attain the rich flavor of this dish without the peppered bacon. You render the fat basically and cook everything else with it. Then for the finale, you bake it all together for an hour and a half. What you are left with is flavor. Plain and simple, flavor. Red wine which has simmered with all of the bits left in your pan is poured over everything to even further enhance the pepper, garlic, onion, bacon, and chicken. I used only chicken breasts, although the recipe calls for a whole chicken. I also cooked penne pasta instead of linguine. You can adapt to what you have in your kitchen. And of course the fresh parsley was a very nice added touch.

This recipe is a keeper. Try it. You won't believe how easy it is to make a French dish!