Life. Family. Love.: 2014

12.30.2014

Wild Mushroom & Herb Chicken & Rice

With Christmas this past week and my entire family recovering from the flu, it's been pretty hectic around here the past few days, and I'd be lying if I told you I'd been to the grocery store any time within the past two weeks. We're down to pretty slim pickings around here, and I've been surviving off of PB & J sandwiches for the past few days as I get the house cleaned up from the holiday tornado that came through it, disinfecting, and getting all of our stuff put away.

With dinner looming over my head tonight and little desire to hit the grocery store, I knew I didn't have many options and needed to throw something together with the very few ingredients on hand. I grabbed a box of Near East Wild Mushroom & Herb Rice Pilaf from the back of the pantry and some chicken and this recipe was born. It was quick, easy, and really hit the spot. What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is - I look forward to throwing in some fresh mushrooms, some peas, and other goodies in the future to change it up a bit.

Add a bit of oil to your skillet and get it nice and hot (I use about a TBSP. of either Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Coconut Oil). Dice up the chicken, and brown it up nice and good until cooked through. I like to season mine with pepper, Trader Joes' Everyday Seasoning (it's my favorite, I put it on EVERYTHING) and a bit of Mrs. Dash Italian Seasoning Blend. Even though we're going to cook the chicken with the seasoning packet from the rice, I think seasoning the chicken itself gives it a nice depth of flavor you wouldn't get otherwise.

Now grab your second (and only other) ingredient (I love saying that - it's the simple things in life)

Toss in your water, seasoning packet, and rice...

Now bring that sucker up to a boil, stirring occasionally.

This is my favorite part: pour yourself a nice glass of wine...

and turn the burner down to LOW, cover, and simmer until all of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Meanwhile, have a seat and sip that lovely wine of yours - you deserve it.

Once all of the liquid is absorbed, fluff up your rice and ~~chow down~~ serve it up.

See all that mushroomy, herby goodness? Mmmhmm.

Wild Mushroom & Herb Chicken & Rice

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 in. cubes
1 TBSP. Oil (Organic EVOO or Coconut is best)
1 box Near East brand Wild Mushroom & Herb Rice Pilaf
1 3/4 cups water
Seasonings to taste (for chicken)

Directions:

1) In a medium skillet, brown chicken and chosen seasonings until fully cooked through.
2) Add water, seasonings, and rice to the skillet
3) Bring contents to a boil. stirring occasionally.
4) Cover; reduce heat to low. Simmer 18-20 minutes, until water is absorbed and rice is tender and fully cooked.
5) Fluff rice with fork before serving.

12.01.2014

10 Inspired Ideas for a Very Country Christmas

There's something about an old-fashioned country Christmas that just warms my heart. I grew up in south Texas and then moved to what feels like the arctic circle (aka Vermont) when I was thirteen. After six long ~~winters~~ years living in what can only be described as the North Pole of New England, I moved back to the south at nineteen and eventually settled down and married me a good ol' country boy here in North Carolina. Country is in my roots. It's nostalgia reminds me of my childhood yet seamlessly merges with my present. With Christmas officially just around the corner, I'm happy to share with you 10 Inspired Ideas for a Very Country Christmas.