[ Good Eats ] rootbeer chicken and potato chips

I do love to cook.  Sometimes I can get a little carried away.  BUT as of late it seems the quicker, easier and tastier it is...is good enough for me.  This recipe is one that is super easy and tasty.  Now there are a few different variations that can be done, and I've tried.  It can be turned into a Weight Watchers meal by using a diet soda (cola or rootbeer), but since I didn't have that on hand we settled for regular rootbeer.  Ok, ready for the ingredients? Here it is:

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts

1 c. catchup

12 oz. soda

1 medium onion (optional)

Simple right? YES. I know the ingredients seem a bit odd...but stay with me, it's yummy...promise.

Place the chicken in a pan on medium/high heat.  put catchup on top of chicken and pour 12 oz of rootbeer (or whatever soda you choose) over catchup and chicken.


Let that simmer covered for about 8 mins.
Turn over chicken, and then leave it uncovered until the liquid resembles a BBQ sauce and chicken is cooked through.



Now for a few sides.
We love fries, but they're not exactly the best choice for healthy eating SO we make our own potato chips. They're not fried but baked.   Here's what you need

Ingredients

3-4 potatoes (1-2/person)

Olive Oil

Sea Salt (or whatever you have)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Prick the potatoes and put them in the microwave for 5-8 mins.  They're "ready" when the surface of the potato is soft and not hard (DON'T OVERCOOK).

Slice them about 1/4" thick.  If they fall apart, they're probably overcooked BUT you can still use them.  They'll just be trickier to work with. 

Place them all on a sheet (we use our cooling rack. Works the best)

Spray with Olive oil.  Spray you say? Yes, spray.

Let me take a second to introduce to you one of my favorite new finds. the MISTO.

TAA  DAA!

This little bottle is a-mazing.  We bought it at JCPenny I believe for $10.  You just pour your oil, vinegar,

water, or whatever you want "sprayed" in and then pump the top 10-18 times.  That then pumps air into the bottle and when you push the nozzle it releases a fine mist of, in our case, olive oil. No chemical aresole can.  It's awesome. 

Ok, enough about my a-mazing MISTO.

Spray both sides with olive oil and then lightly sprinkle with salt.

Put in the oven for 15-20 mins until lightly golden and crisp.

You can get creative and use sweet potatoes and other root vegatables with this method too! YUMMY!

One more side that we enjoy are green beans.  Instead of loading them up with butter and salt we like to put a little minced garlic right on the beans before they're cooked.  So D-lish!

Now plate all this yummy goodness up, sit down with loved ones, eat & enjoy!



Easter

A little bit of Easter with Baleigh

Best. Dad. Ever.

Being new to this whole parent thing, Kaleb and I have been tested and challenged throughout our short "go" at it.  We've had countless laughs, a few cries (well, at least I have...), and what seems like many puzzled moments.  The other day we both came to a conclusion that we can't believe that Baleigh has thrived so much with our so limited (or should I say no) experience. 

But through it all Baleigh has found such a special place in her Daddy's heart.  I love seeing the two of them together.  The way that she recognizes him and how she ALWAYS lights up when he comes home from work.  These past [almost] 9 months have brought such a joyous change in our life and I wanted to dedicate this posting to my wonderful hubby and his little girl.

Best. Daddy. Ever.

A taste of summer

There's something about that first real taste of summer to start cranking ideas of all of the " fun " things that are to come.  Long walks, running, swings in the park, open windows, planting the garden, cooking on the grill, beach days, bare feet, "girls only" Shipsy day(s), bonfires, s'mores (YUM!), crickets (outside only please), picnics on a blanket, family, the squeals of children playing, and best of all...naps in a hammock. 

Yesterday we were able to enjoy that "taste of summer" and I don't think I've ever been so ready for it to come!  Little b was able enjoy her first "real" summer and I think she's a fan.  So many things to put in her mouth and new textures to feel, plus who doesn't like to go barefoot? Well...This girl does!  Here's a glimpse of our backyard, first of the year, sit in the grass, day. 



Who doesn't like cute pink baby toes? 





A sign of life Kaleb found in our garden...




Love summer hats.