Quick and Easy Dinner

Mom and Dad Cowart came over for the weekend to see my brother and sister-in-law and my niece and nephew for Halloween. They stayed with us, and after a crazy Sunday which included a speaking engagement at the local Kappa Chapter, we didn't quite know what we were going to do for dinner... So, being the crazy person I am, and wanting to be a good hostess...

I went to Publix... :-) I grabbed a rotisserie Chicken for $7.39 plus tax, and a 16 oz package of mushrooms... I had some red potatoes and onions at home, and this is what I did...

Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions:

Crispy-ish Red Potatoes:

And then the meal itself... a little bit of the sides and some chicken... quick and easy!

To make the mushrooms and onions I did the following:
- used 2 thinly sliced onions
- 16 oz of sliced mushrooms
- 1 clove of garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp of olive oil

Let the olive oil heat up, add the mushrooms, onions, and garlic... let them saute down and hopefully get a little carmelization going :-) Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve!

For the crispy-ish potatoes:
- 8 small red potatoes, diced (I'm sure you could use frozen diced potatoes)
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- a little bit of water...

Let the olive oil heat up. Add the diced potatoes, garlic, salt and pepper. Let them brown... tossing frequently to avoid burning them on the bottom of the pan (I forgot to do this and had potatoes stuck... oh well)... once they are slightly browned on the outside, add a little bit of water to create steam and cover them for a few minutes... they should be crispy on the outside and nice and fluffy on the outside!!!!

For the chicken:
- Richie took it out of the bag
- Richie carved it
- Richie put it on plates :-) Thanks hubby!!!!

Potato and Canadian Bacon Slow Cooker Chowder *Untested*

Potato and Canadian Bacon Slow Cooker Chowder Servings: 8

2 cup potato(es), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large carrot(s), diced
1 cup leek(s), chopped, white part only
1 medium garlic clove(s), minced
4 cup fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked barley, pearl
1 piece bay leaf
1/4 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 oz cooked Canadian-style bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
2 fl oz fat-free creamer, such as fat-free half-and-half

In a slow cooker, combine potatoes, carrots, leek, garlic, chicken broth, barley, bay leaf, thyme, pepper and Canadian bacon. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until vegetables and barley are tender.

Stir in evaporated milk and half-and-half and heat through uncovered, about 10 minutes. Yields about 1 1/4 cups per serving.

*Courtesy of the WW boards and WW...

Thanksgiving: Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole

My mom decided to make this as one of our side dishes this year for Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed it and hope you will too. Sorry it's not exact - it is what it is...

Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole
4-5 Apples (Granny Smith, Gala, etc will work) peeled and diced
6-7 Sweet Potatoes - slightly cooked in the microwave and peeled, and diced
butter - a couple tablespoons
brown sugar - a couple tablespoons
1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans...

Melt butter and combine with brown sugar. Toss with the peeled and diced sweet potatoes and apples. Cook covered at about 350 for 30-45 minutes until slightly browned. Put the pecans on top.

Thanksgiving: Mashed Potatoes

I do love Mashed Potatoes, and there's nothing better than the ones my mom makes... While I am giving you the regular recipe, it can be "litened" by using fat-free milk, and reduced fat or fat free sour cream and cream cheese... These are super yummy and everyone who tries them loves them... Try them and you'll understand.

MASHED POTATOES

6 medium potatoes
½ tsp. salt and pepper
¼ stick butter
¼ cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. cream cheese (optional, but really good)
milk to thin to right consistency

Peel potatoes and cut into ¾” slices. Put in pot and cover with water. Boil, covered until tender (about 20 minutes). Add all other ingredients and beat with electric mixer until fluffy. Add milk to thin if necessary.