Well, it's not HOT in my neck of the woods in temperature (not today anyway) but it's sure been a HOT minute since I last posted. For that I am so sorry but it seems my life has been consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and MORE tests, biopsies, surgery and so much more. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all that any of us can ask for. Wanted to pop in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share a little about what I've been up too. Marty and I enjoyed a weekend at the beach before I had breast cancer surgery and took advantage of the time I had in between so many doctor appointments and testing. It was sure a good little getaway. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary in September. WOW! Just babies! LOL! We were high school sweethearts. Started dating at age 16. Married at age 18 and started a family at age 20. We celebrated Marty's birthday in October. He says that he's feeling his age these days. LOL! He still works 4 days a week and has a long commu...
Dear friends I have not forgotten about sharing my recipe with you for Chicken Alfredo and my new favorite, Spaghetti Squash Noodles.
You can pin this post if you want to try this recipe.
As most of you know this was our main course for our romantic dinner outside for two for Valentine's. You can see the post here if you missed it. http://creationsbycindyphotography.blogspot.com/2017/02/romantic-dinner-for-two.html
So for starters I picked a few fresh herbs from my little herb garden, washed and I pat them dry with a paper towel. Then I just pick off what I think I might use.
I'm a fan of fresh herbs and I like variety in most anything I cook. So, I have picked parsley, oregano, and a little sage. You can use whatever spices you like. This is what I had so this is what I used. And I just used a few sprigs of each.
I went ahead and mixed up my toppings.
1 1/2 cups of Panko bread crumbs
3 tablespoons of dried parley
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt ( I used Morton's lite salt) I tried the NO-SALT! NOPE.......Though I FAIL I am trying to eat a little healthier.
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Then I made my sauce and here is the recipe: Now you can use Alfredo in a jar but I like to make mine and this time I made it a little differently to cut back on fats. I usually make my sauce with heavy whipping cream or at least half and half and oh it's so good. But this actually turned out better than I thought it would.
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or butter (I used olive oil)
3 cloves garlic, finely-minced
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock ( I used canned chicken broth)
1 cup of milk (I used 2%)
3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Heat olive oil (or melt butter) in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute one minute, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with flour, and stir to combine.I used a whisk. Saute for an additional minute to cook the flour, stirring occasionally.
Slowly add chicken broth, whisking to combine until smooth. Whisk in milk, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for an additional minute until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until the cheese melted. GOOD GRIEF that cheese looked good!
Chicken breast: I used 4 large breasts and cut them in half. Pour your sauce in casserole dish and then place your chicken on top. Toss some fresh herbs on top of sauce.Needless to say we had leftovers but we love leftovers so it worked for us.
Then add your Panko mixture to top and I had a few herbs left so I just tossed them on top.
Set aside and make your spaghetti squash and while it cools bake your casserole.
Now you are ready to make your Spaghetti Squash for the noodles.
Buy one Spaghetti Squash (found at grocery store where veggies are) Wash your squash and pat dry.
Cut in half and scrape the seeds out. It will remind you of a cantaloupe.
Place your squash in a casserole dish flesh side down and add 1/2 cup of water. Bake at 375 preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Drain water out of dish and turn flesh side up and let cool completely.
Once it has cooled take a fork and just scrape the noodles out!
Bake your Chicken Alfredo casserole in a preheated oven (350) for 50-55 minutes uncovered. Let cool for 5 minutes.
And then my friends toss yourself a few noodles on your plate and a good scoop of your chicken and sauce and then sprinkle with a little more Parmesan and you will be a happy camper!
I will be sharing a cookie recipe I tried for the first time soon. And YES...GOOD and NOT healthy! But, I was smart enough to GET THOSE THINGS out of my house the next day! Go ahead and pop me on the hand.....I've got my big girl panties on. LOL!
And...I enjoyed watching my grandson play a little basketball....
And my little room now has the 2nd coat of paint! YAY!!!
Designer white will be the new color. I am going for a bright, fresh and clean look!
You can pin this post if you want to try this recipe.
As most of you know this was our main course for our romantic dinner outside for two for Valentine's. You can see the post here if you missed it. http://creationsbycindyphotography.blogspot.com/2017/02/romantic-dinner-for-two.html
So for starters I picked a few fresh herbs from my little herb garden, washed and I pat them dry with a paper towel. Then I just pick off what I think I might use.
I went ahead and mixed up my toppings.
1 1/2 cups of Panko bread crumbs
3 tablespoons of dried parley
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt ( I used Morton's lite salt) I tried the NO-SALT! NOPE.......Though I FAIL I am trying to eat a little healthier.
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Then I made my sauce and here is the recipe: Now you can use Alfredo in a jar but I like to make mine and this time I made it a little differently to cut back on fats. I usually make my sauce with heavy whipping cream or at least half and half and oh it's so good. But this actually turned out better than I thought it would.
Heat olive oil (or melt butter) in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute one minute, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with flour, and stir to combine.I used a whisk. Saute for an additional minute to cook the flour, stirring occasionally.
Slowly add chicken broth, whisking to combine until smooth. Whisk in milk, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for an additional minute until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until the cheese melted. GOOD GRIEF that cheese looked good!
Chicken breast: I used 4 large breasts and cut them in half. Pour your sauce in casserole dish and then place your chicken on top. Toss some fresh herbs on top of sauce.Needless to say we had leftovers but we love leftovers so it worked for us.
Now you are ready to make your Spaghetti Squash for the noodles.
Buy one Spaghetti Squash (found at grocery store where veggies are) Wash your squash and pat dry.
Cut in half and scrape the seeds out. It will remind you of a cantaloupe.
Place your squash in a casserole dish flesh side down and add 1/2 cup of water. Bake at 375 preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Drain water out of dish and turn flesh side up and let cool completely.
Once it has cooled take a fork and just scrape the noodles out!
Bake your Chicken Alfredo casserole in a preheated oven (350) for 50-55 minutes uncovered. Let cool for 5 minutes.
And then my friends toss yourself a few noodles on your plate and a good scoop of your chicken and sauce and then sprinkle with a little more Parmesan and you will be a happy camper!
I will be sharing a cookie recipe I tried for the first time soon. And YES...GOOD and NOT healthy! But, I was smart enough to GET THOSE THINGS out of my house the next day! Go ahead and pop me on the hand.....I've got my big girl panties on. LOL!
And my little room now has the 2nd coat of paint! YAY!!!
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Everyone has his own little niche no matter how great or small
For every life has a purpose or we wouldn't be here at all.
The Lord has made everything for its purpose. Proverbs 16:4
You look great Cindy!! The room is coming along. Can't wait to see it in all its designer white glory!! I love spaghetti squash!!! I always microwave it these days, just prick it and cook in a dish with a little water for about 10 minutes. So much easier to cut and scoop the seeds out. This dish looks yummy!
ReplyDeleteAwe thanks Heather Lou. I feel better. Now if I can just get this medication straight and hopefully and eventually get off of it I will be HAPPY! Ooh I will have to try the microwave version. I have made it again and sprinkled a little lemon juice on it, added some steamed broccoli and carrots with some pepper and a little salt and it was really good! I like anything I can zap in the microwave or cook in the crock pot! Thanks for the tip.
DeleteOh my...that recipe looks and sounds wonderful. I do remember it from when you posted about your valentine's dinner for two and have been looking forward to the recipe! Now I have it! YAY!
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to see your grandson's ball game! I am sure he was happy to have you there!
Looking forward to that new room when you have the redo completed. I love white because it just brightens everything up!
Dianna, I love the bright white too. That room is small and it just brightened it up so much to me. One step at a time but the flooring is next. And...my grandson made two baskets! LOL!
DeleteCindy, you're making me hungry now with that dish of food. Awe, your grandson is so cute. You didn't embarrass him by hollering now did you? LOL! So funny Cindy about colors now. I remember it wasn't too many years ago that everyone was going with these dark colored walls and now everyone is going back to white. I can't wait to see what you do in that room.
ReplyDeleteConnie Royals
Thanks Connie. Well, I am past the stage of worrying about embarrassing the daughters or grands. I try not too but hey...I am Mama and I am Nana and no telling what I might do or say when it comes to my kids! YES so funny about the color schemes. I can remember if you even thought about painting something different than WHITE it was almost like you were possessed or something. LOL! Then the next thing I knew COLOR came on the scene. My man still thinks EVERYTHING needs to be WHITE! I like variety and I must say that my pink and white marbled walls was VARIETY and lasted a long time. Now back to good old white!
DeleteHum Hum Hum, your step by step, Chicken Alfredo with Spaghetti Squash noodles!!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks delicious!
Look out Grandma! Your grandson will be taller then you soon.
Christine , being taller than me doesn't take much ! Lol . Yes that dish was good . I was honestly surprised at how good the sauce was .
DeleteThat looks so yummy!! Maybe one day I'll give it a try, I don't do much cooking anymore. I know, I'm bad! Anxious to see pictures when your room is finished, the white is going to make it lite and airy!!
ReplyDeleteMiss Mary , I don't blame you at all . If you don't need to cook sister then I say don't . Yep I think white walls this time is the way to go .
DeleteI'm one to prepare spaghetti squash a lot. Love all squashes! Cute pic of you and your grandson, Cindy. So exciting to work on that laundry room. I got a new window shade for my master bath and got the decorating bug to fix it up in there. Thanks so much for the potato soup advice. First I've heard of it and another girl told me to get some potatoes, too. I appreciate it. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeletePotato soup is our go to soup for sure and especially when we are feeling puny. I also make sausage and potato soup that my bunch loves. Have a good day Mary.
DeleteGood Morning!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this delicious recipe, I enjoyed the detailed instructions too. You know we eat so many varieties of squash but I have never tried the spaghetti squash and I have always wondered how one went about getting the "spaghetti," out of it! Now I know!
Love that shirt you have on and your cute red nails!
Oh and those refreshed walls are amazing!
Hugs to you sweet lady,
Jemma
Thanks Jemma. I love those little plaid shirts. Don't feel bad about the "spaghetti" squash because the first time I heard of it I could not for the life of me figure out how they got noodles out of a squash! LOL! Then I saw it on TV on one of the cooking shows. Thanks or stopping by dear Jemma.
DeleteThanks so much for the recipe. I told J about your meal with the spaghetti squash and Alfredo sauce and he was very interested. I'll be getting my squash today! I'm so glad you're feeling better, been keeping you In my prayers, Lady!
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend. So glad things are going well for you. I've been keeping up with you, you know. LOL!
DeleteYou are too cute for words, Cindy, and I love reading your posts. I am going to try this wonderful recipe of yours and I have everything but the spaghetti squash. Can you believe that I've never tried spaghetti squash??!! Thanks for sharing your recipe and for showing us the paint color...so nice and bright. Your grandson is adorable!
ReplyDeleteAwe Kitty, you are so sweet. I first want to say that I got your sweet birthday card and tea yesterday in the mail. I cannot wait to try the tea out. That was so sweet of you. Hoping the flooring will be next Kitty. Can't wait to show you pictures. Hugs to you.
DeleteThat recipe is hearty! Looks really good. I do love spaghetti squash and alfredo sauce is my favorite. This is a must try. Thanks for the recipe!
ReplyDeleteAnn Marie, I am a new fan of spaghetti squash now. It started out with trying to eat a little healthier and cleaner as they say....but I really like it.
DeleteRecently, my family gathered for a spaghetti and meatball supper. It was delicious, but one grandson refused the sauce. His mother told me that he would not have refused Alfredo sauce. Someday, I may have to make this and have both available.
ReplyDeleteI am more of a white sauce fan myself Vee and so is my man. Thanks for stopping by today.
DeleteThank you for sharing your recipe. I tried spaghetti squash once and ate it with pasta sauce. I was not impressed but that was when veggies and I were not particularly friends. Now, I love them so I think it's time to give the spaghetti squash another chance!
ReplyDeleteWell it is a little bit more work to make rhsn boxed pasta too . But for something different I liked it . Thanks Melanie for stopping by .
DeleteCindy I was waiting for this recipe and you did not disappoint at all. In fact by making it low fat you have made me one happy camper! I'll be pinning this one. And the white is a perfect choice to brighten up the room.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary. The noodles are definitely something different to try and I like trying new things . I've had several friends tell me they did not like it and others have said they did . I Day you not gonna know til you try . Right ?
DeleteOh, yummy. That looks so good! I'm gonna try the spaghetti squash.
ReplyDeleteGive it a try Deb . One thing is fir sure , if you don't like it you dang sure don't have to cook them again right ? Lol !
DeleteThanks for sharing your recipe, that sure looks like some good eatin! Looking forward to seeing your room with the designer white walls :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen .
DeleteHi Cindy, I really enjoy your blog! Thanks for sharing your recipe. I am going to buy a spaghetti squash and try it. My grandson plays basketball too. He likes it better than soccer. I will be painting several rooms off white too. The house has this golden color I do not like and it is much to dark. My craft room gets a lot of sun so not to bad but the front of the house needs light! Have a nice week.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan . My grandson enjoys basketball . He loves all kinds of sports . Yes try the recipe . Susan I need to brighten up this room so white was the way to go for me . Thanks for stopping by .
DeleteHi Cindy! Oh, this looks so good and I'm sure it was most romantic at your house! :) Hope you're doing well and it's always great to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Sheila, I am loving your dollhouse with all the sweet things you are making! Thanks for stopping by to visit with me today.
DeleteThanks for some healthier choice tips. Using spaghetti squash is so much better than a plate full of pasta and I like it. Fresh herbs do make a difference too. Do you have luck with growing dill? It doesn't do well for me when I want it because it is so warm or rather hot here.
ReplyDeleteKeep the healthy tips coming. I need to improve in that area.
Glad "your room" is coming along.
Bonnie, summer before last I had dill growing like crazy. Last summer, not so much. I struggled with it. I LOVE using dill too.
DeleteYum, Cindy this looks and sounds delicious! The pic of you and your grandson is too cute...wishing you a great finish to the week, sweet friend'
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam . Our little grandson is our only grandson along with 4 grand girls. He is indeed pretty special . So glad you stopped by .
DeleteYou know you can use low fat cheese too, right? I've always made cream-based sauces with skim milk, and they turn out great. Cream would make them REALLY great, but like you I have to watch what I eat ;) This sounds delicious, and I'm definitely saving this to try! Thanks for sharing Cindy.
ReplyDeleteOh yes I have used the low fat cheese . But with this dish I used what I had on hand . It was good . Hope you will try it . Thanks for stopping by . Made my day .
DeleteSounds delicious, Cindy. We love spaghetti squash and would love to have new recipes for it.
ReplyDeleteYou look so cute in the pink top with your grandson. :)
Hi Cindy, I'm glad to hear you are doing well and working on the room! Thanks for your comment on my daughter's new website, I hope you enjoyed it. I have her hand done bible verses in most of my rooms in the house, makes for a sweet atmosphere and a good way to memorize bible verses.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Katherine
Thanks Katherine for popping in to see me!
DeleteHi Cindy, thank you for sharing your delicious recipe from your romantic dinner for two. It looks divine and very healthy. You and your grandson are adorable together in that dear photo. Have fun creating your new room!! Wishing you a blessed weekend ahead. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Celestina.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Cindy!! This looks so good!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Debbie
Enjoyed your winter Debbie .
DeleteCindy, I love the photo of you and your grandson. And the meal looks delicious! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda .
DeleteCute photos Cindy. The recipe looks so good and healthy with the spaghetti squash. Such a wonderful recipe from your romantic post. Happy Friday.
ReplyDeleteThanks lady .
Delete