Sunday Chicken Roast

Right about the time that fall rolls around, I have the sudden urge to begin cooking lots of homey comfort foods, usually something with gravy that's also accompanied with buttered dinner rolls. Today was no exception. If you prepare all of the ingredients ahead of time, this easy crock pot lunch will take about 5 minutes to throw together in the morning, and it will be ready in 3-1/2 hours. This recipe is for 2 people. Double, triple, etc. as needed!

"Night before" prep:

2 frozen chicken breasts--in a tupperware container, cover with water and add 1 tbsp of chicken bouillon powder.
2 baking potatoes--peel, cube, and cover in salted water in a separate tupperware container
1, 12-oz bag frozen green beans--remove from the freezer and place in the refrigerator overnight.

"Morning of" prep:

Drain potatoes and place in crock pot. Add 2 tbsp olive, add salt, pepper, garlic, and 1 tbsp of dried herbs, then stir to coat. Rinse the green beans and pour on top of potatoes. Then, remove the chicken breasts from the water and place on top. Next, add salt/pepper/additional dried herbs to the top of the meat, and add 1 tbsp of bouillon granules to the pot with 1/2 cup of water. Lastly pour 12 oz additional SEASONED liquid over top. This can be chicken broth, etc. Today I used a small jar of chicken gravy. Cook for 3-1/2 hours on HIGH.

If desired, you can thicken the liquid from the finished crock pot meal to make gravy. Strain it into a small pot over medium-low heat and add 2 tbsp of corn starch (dissolved in about 1/3 cup of cold water!) Cook about 5 minutes, until thickened.

Georgia Road Trip

The past week has been an extremely full one. Last Monday, Rich started a great new job, and Thursday we took our first road trip in our SUV. It's only 8 hours drive to GA, and so we buckled the dog in his car seat and took off. We really enjoyed spending time with his family. Also the cotton was in full "bloom," and it is so pretty! I cajoled Rich into pulling over by a cotton field so I could take a couple of photos and also steal a piece of cotton. :) 

 Just leaving for our road trip. Rich is a very serious driver!!! 

The best little road tripper, looking out the window from his car seat. hehe. :)

The reason I bought an SUV: to avoid an awkward little tray of belongings on the back of my car. 

We finally found some hills in FL!!! I know, my CA friends, it's nothing. But you just don't understand how exciting these small rolling hills are when the place you live in is generally like the Kansas prairie. :)

On our way to the rehearsal. Did I mention that this is the time Apple maps failed us??? We drove 50 miles out of our way because apparently, Apple doesn't do country. 

Gorgeous cotton fields!

Fluffy cotton! 

The house where the wedding was held. So much property, here we call it a town. 

Bad lighting, I know--but see the cows? Somehow black and white cows seem friendlier than brown cows. Just sayin. 

My perfect little stolen fluff of cotton.

The "handsomest"best man ever! 

Dan and the minister waiting for the bride! 

Rich's Aunt Sylvia and cousins.

Someone is a little exhausted from our long vacation!