Yummmmm

There are two recipes I've been meaning to try. I'm hoping by the end of this week, I'll have made these two delicious looking creations. I'll share:

Spinach Tortellini Soup

3 small red potatoes
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 celery rib, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 Tbsp. plus 1-1/2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules
2 qt. water
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 pkg (10oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
2 pkg (9oz each) refrigerated cheese tortellini

In a Dutch oven , combine the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, bouillon and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in chicken, spinach, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, pepper and salt; return to a boil. Add tortellini; cook, uncovered, for 7-9 minutes or until tortellini is tender.



Herb Bubble Bread

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1/4 tsp. dill weed
1/8 tsp. each: dried thyme, basil, and rosemary, crushed
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 loaf (1 lb) frozen bread dough, thawed

In a small bowl, combine cheese and seasonings. In another bowl, combine butter and garlic; set aside. Divide dough into 16 pieces. Roll into balls. Coat balls in butter mixture, then dip in cheese mixture. Place in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Bake at 350 for 22-26 minutes or until golden brown. (Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.) Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.


I now subscribe to about 4 different foody magazines, so I am always finding new recipes that I want to try. I can't wait to try this one. Maybe this weekend?

Thanksgiving... What I'm Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving (a few days late). If you know me and my family, we don't do anything on time. :)

As our friends would say, here is my "Glad List for 2010".

1 The two loves of my life. I would be nowhere without the support and love of my husband. He is my everything and I don't know what I would do without him. He gave me Bella. I cannot remember a time without her. I believe I was put on this Earth to be her mom and she is my whole world. I am thankful for my little family (and the puppies). :)

2. Family. I hate to brag, but I think I have an awesome family. That includes my family and my in laws. When Bella was born they have been SO MUCH HELP and I couldn't have done any of it without their help. I love the love they have for her, and I am very thankful for that.

3. Friends... both old and new. Over the past 2 years I have formed a bond with two wives of Dan's coworkers. We have a lot in common and I love the times we spend together at Ladies Nights just gossiping, venting, and laughing. I love the support system we all share. 2010 was also a year for rebuilding friendships that were lost in the past. I am thankful for all of our friends this Thanksgiving.

4. Food! Ha ha! I do love food, and I am thankful for the new recipes that I've found this year. ;)

5. My life. When I was a freshman in high school I didn't expect my life to be like what it is. I thought I would be married (check), have a kid (check), have a house (check), a new car, a steady elementary teaching job, and money in the bank to live comfortably. Well 50% ain't bad. Although I don't have money or a new car or my "dream job" I am happy. It turns out that I didn't know what my dream job was until Bella was born. I was never meant to teach a class full of elementary school kids, I was meant to be a mom and to teach my child/ren the difference between right and wrong and how to grow up and be strong independent people who care about others. I think I can handle that job. Maybe some day I'll have that new car and money in the bank, but this year, I am just thankful for what I do have. :)