Monday, August 20, 2012

Chicken "Stroganoff"

Ingredients

4 tbsp. butter or margarine (divided)
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. white pepper
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. dried basil
splash of Worcestershire sauce 
1 lb. shredded or cubed chicken
1/2-1 c. (your preference) sliced mushrooms
1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. all-purpose flour
1 c. chicken broth
3/4 c. (6 oz) sour cream
8 oz. egg noodles

Directions

In a large pot, prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain.

In large skillet, over medium-low heat, melt 3 tbsp. of butter. Add in onion powder, pepper, salt, garlic, oregano, basil and Worcestershire. Place chicken in pan. Fry until browned (if not using precooked chicken, cook thoroughly). Remove chicken from pan. Add in remaining 1 tbsp. of butter and let melt. Add in flour, cook, while stirring for one minute. Add in mushrooms and 1/2 of chicken broth. Stir until mixture begins to thicken. Add in remaining chicken broth. Allow to thicken slightly, while bringing to a low boil. Reduce heat, and add chicken back to pan. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in sour cream. Stir well.

In large serving bowl, mix drained noodles and sauce. Makes 4 servings.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Tuna Pop-Overs

I found the recipe for the pop-over breads below in a box of recipe cards that my Mom gave me. The brand on the recipes says that they are by 'Easy Everyday Cooking' but that's the only copyright info that I can find. If anyone knows more, let me know and I will be much obliged to add credit where its due.

I do believe that these pop-overs could be very versatile, and since they are so easy to make, I may have to try a few things with them (I'm thinking chicken salad, or perhaps a chili/cheese combo). The only problem that I found with mine was that the center was a little chewier than I would have liked them to be. That could have been because my oven is not the greatest, or perhaps I didn't bake them quite long enough. These were a huge hit with my 3 year old son for lunch today, so at least I know I've found something else to add to our quick lunch menu. Enjoy!

Sorry for the poor quality of the photo, I have a crap phone for the next few months, and can't seem to find my charger for my good camera....sigh.....

Ingredients

(Pop-Overs)
3 eggs
1 c. skim milk (I used whole, its what I had)
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. butter--melted

(Tuna Salad)
2 (5 oz.) cans chunk light tuna in water
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. white or black pepper (I prefer white)
2 tbsp. sweet relish
2 tbsp. mayonnaise 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 475F. Grease 12 muffin cups. Combine eggs, milk, flour and salt in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer, set at medium speed for 1 1/2 minutes.
  2. Add melted butter to bowl. Beat for 30 seconds longer.
  3. Fill muffin cups halfway with batter. 
  4. Bake pop-overs for 10 minutes. Reduce oven to 350F, bake for 15 minutes longer. Prick tops of popovers gently with a fork to release steam. f
  5. While pop-overs are baking, combine all ingredients for tuna salad in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until needed. 
  6. When pop-overs are finished, add a tablespoon or two of tuna salad to the top of each pop-over and serve immediately. 

Saturday, August 11, 2012

DIY Wine Glass Candleholders

As I was browsing on Pinterest last night, I came across these gorgeous candle holders. I knew I wanted to make them, but I didn't want them just for the Autumn season, I wanted to be able to use them year round. Gosh knows I have enough pumpkin decor! So, I set out this morning to make these happen. One stop by Goodwill and I was set. I picked up 3 different stemmed glasses for only $0.49 a piece. Jackpot!
And yes, I did set the pic up with an Autumn vibe, because I wanted to make doubly sure they went well with some of my other decor.


What You'll Need:

-Mixed shape/design clear wine glasses
-Acrylic paint (yes I know there are watercolors shown in the pic, but I changed my mind at the last second)
Here's the colors that I used:
  • Linen--Folk Art
  • Metallic Peridot--Folk Art
  • Metallic Antique Gold--Folk Art
  • Burnt Umber--Folk Art
  • Metallic Pearl White--Folk Art
  • Toffee--Apple Barrel Colors
  • Orange--Apple Barrel Colors
  • Christmas Green--Apple Barrel Colors
  • Berry Red--Apple Barrel Colors
  • Pineapple--Apple Barrel Colors




Yes, there is a lot of paint mixing, but its fun! 
-Assorted size paint brushes (softer bristles work best)
-Optional: Tacky Glue, Water
-Tealight Candles


Directions:

  1. Wash and dry glasses thoroughly.
  2. Paint the interior of each glass with Metallic Antique Gold. It will be a pale color (see photo on right), but will dry to a beautiful finish. If you are impatient like me, go ahead and use a blow dryer to speed up the process. I used mine on the lowest setting, and using cool air. It was all dry in about a minute and a half.  
  3. Mix acrylics to desired colors. Paint the insides of the glasses, over the gold. Let dry (or use the blow dryer again). Also, if you decide that you don't like the color or brushstrokes, the paint washes off simply with water. 
  4. Paint the stems of the glasses with the Metallic Peridot. I did not paint the area of the stem that the candle sits on. Once again, let dry. 
  5. (Optional) If you would like a matte/frosted finish, mix equal parts Tacky Glue and water. For a frosted finish, add a small amount of white paint to the glue/water. Paint the mixture as evenly as possible onto the outside of the glass. You may want to test the effect on another glass before painting the final product. This also washes off easily with water. 

Happy Crafting! 


Friday, August 10, 2012

Quick and Easy Garlic Bread

I originally made this to go with Ham and Onion Alfredo, but now that I think about it, this recipe could be adapted to so many more uses. I think it would lend itself quite well to a cinnamon/brown sugar/honey mix as as well. I'll have to give that a try in the next few days.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 c. self-rising flour
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. garlic powder (divided)
1/2 tsp. dried basil (divided)
1/2 tsp. dried oregano (divided)
1/8 tsp. salt
2/3 c. milk
3 tbsp. butter or margarine (melted)
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Non-stick cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450F.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and all but a pinch or two of basil, oregano and garlic. Mix thoroughly. Gradually add in milk, it may take more or less than what is listed. The dough should be pliable, but not too sticky. Lightly flour worksurface, turn dough out, knead and roll out. Dough can be cut into biscuits/sticks/whatever form desired, or twisted into sticks/small loaf. Place bread on baking sheet coated in non-stick spray. Add remaining herbs/seasonings to melted butter. Brush butter onto bread, making sure to coat well. Sprinkle tops with parmesan cheese if desired. 
Bake for 12 minutes, then turn on broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a careful watch that tops do not burn. 

Ham and Onion Alfredo


I made this last night for supper and it turned out so much better than expected! I had about a half of a package of leftover ham cubes (from salad night), so decided to get creative. It was super easy, quick, and so good!
I also made Quick and Easy Garlic Bread to go alongside this, give it a try too. I will never again buy freezer-case garlic bread or sticks! 

Ingredients:

1-2 cups precooked, cubed ham
1 large, sweet onion (sliced)
1/2 stick butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. sugar
pinch of salt
1 jar Bertolli extra mushroom alfredo sauce
1 8oz. package whole wheat linguine noodles
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

Directions:

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, salt and sugar. Reduce heat slightly, and slowly cook onions until translucent, stirring occasionally. While onions are cooking, prepare noodles (per package directions, adding Italian seasoning to water), drain and set aside (keep warm). When onions are translucent, cook a few moments more until golden brown. Reduce heat. Add cubed ham to onions and heat thoroughly. Add alfredo sauce and heat through. Toss sauce mixture with noodles and enjoy. Makes 6-7 servings. 

Here We Go.....


Dear Reader,

Let me take this moment to give a warm welcome and a big thank you for visiting!

Friends and family are in contact with me frequently for little tips and tricks I use around my home. I finally decided to take the time to make a blog showcasing all the little things that pop into my mind that makes life easier, more fun, and enjoyable. Here you'll find things such as quick recipes, decorating, crafts for adults and kids, tips for pets, funny stories, and last, but not least, Mommies!

My hope for Domestic Mommies is that it will grow into a place that Moms want to come to exchange information and fun stuff that we do on a daily basis. So please, comment, like, share, but most importantly, have fun!

Glad to have you here,
Jess