Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Favorite Recipe: Chicken & Dumplings


This recipe has catapulted to the very top of my comfort foods list, and it is the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold winter day.  I give this recipe extra points for being easy to prepare, child friendly, and easily modified in order to reduce calories.  If counting calories is part of your New Year's resolution, just substitute the Campbell's Healthy Request Cream of Celery and Cream of Chicken for the original.  You can also save time by using a rotisserie chicken from your grocer's deli or just add two large chicken breasts to a crock pot with a 1/2 cup of chicken broth and cook.  Enjoy!


Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:
1- 32 ounce container of chicken broth or stock
3 cups of shredded cooked chicken
1 can cream of celery
1 can cream of chicken
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1- 10.2 ounce can of refrigerated jumbo buttermilk biscuits

Directions:
1) Stir together chicken broth, shredded cooked chicken, cream of celery, cream of chicken, and poultry seasoning in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
2) Place biscuits on a floured surface and pat to 1/8-inch thickness.  Cut biscuit dough into small 1/2-inch wide strips.
3) Return broth to a low boil over medium-high heat.  Drop strips into broth one at a time to prevent sticking.  Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.   

Monday, January 12, 2009

It Takes A Whole Village...


Most of us are familiar with the adage, "It takes a whole village to raise a child."  I am realizing the truth in that proverb now more than ever.  After receiving my clinical assignment at the end of last week, I was extremely discouraged.  The assignment makes me feel guilty for having to be away from my children during time that I am used to spending with them, and it is sometimes difficult to figure out ways to maintain a balance.


Thank goodness for the overwhelming support that I have received from friends and family.  Whether it was a good laugh, some encouraging words, an offer to help with the kids, or a hug, I appreciate it more than you know, and it makes me realize that only with the help of the "village," can we really raise our children to be the best they can possibly be.