Day 49-52 February 20 - 22

We have been bad this weekend.
Friday night we were at Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe
Saturday we went out to eat
Sunday I did not have to make anything! It was my family's party for my birthday! Mom brought chicken spaghetti! I love her Chicken Spaghetti! Mom and Dad, Wendy Matthew and Joseph all came. It would have been perfect if JD had been there but he had to work! Happy Birthday to me!

Monday night I made Chicken Stuffing Casserole.
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped.
1 package (8oz) crushed corn bread stuffing
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 can condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1 cup chicken broth

Place 1 in of water in a saucepan; add potatoes and carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until crisp-tender, Drain and set aside.
Toss the stuffing and butter; spread half in a greased 13X9 pan. Top with chicken. In a large bowl, combine the soups, broth, potatoes and carrots; spread evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle with remaining stuffing mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.

Last night I made a really good meal.

Lemon chicken risotto!

1 cup Arborio rice
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
6 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 rotisserie chicken, skin discarded, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup chipped fresh basil
2 t graded zest and 2 T juice from 1 lemon
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
salt and pepper

Combine rice, 2 cups broth and t T butter in a large bowl. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and microwave until rice is softened and most of the liquid is absorbed. 10 t 16 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt additional 2 T butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in hot rice mixture and remaining broth and simmer, stirring constantly, until rice is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in chicken and cook until through, about 1 minute.

Off heat, stir in basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan and remaining butter. Season with salt and pepper. Serve, passing additional Parmesan at table.