Winter. 2012. I love that time right after Christmas, when you un-decorate your home, put all the shiny baubles and glittery ornaments away. Dust everything off, rearrange your décor. Just seems like everything looks new again. And clean. For a minute or two anyway.
Since Christmas, we’ve had some company (Tony and Carrie and kids) gone back to work, rearranged the furniture, and attended the best wedding reception/New Year’s Eve party evah! I’ve started back on my treadmill, though not religiously yet. Trying folks. Trying! I’ve become obsessed with Pinterest, and I’m determined to try new crafts and projects that I find there, not just pin them. The winter garden is producing a bit, some carrots and lettuces. Especially arugula. I’m now obsessed with Arugula. LOVE IT!
I’ve also read the entire Hunger Games series of books. Tore right through them from the comfort of my throne, I mean chair, on my handy dandy ipad. Have to say it’s nice not having to trot off to the bookstore. I love the ease, and let’s face it, laziness of just downloading a book!
There are sure to be lots of changes for us this year. Last year was a downer. We’re determined to roll with the changes this year. Keep us in your prayers. All of us, Schwartzes and Players. We’ll be needing them. Prayers for patience, and peace, and wisdom and strength.
So here’s a few pics from this month. The wedding reception, a bit of Valentine’s and spring décor. A few of Tony and Carrie’s visit. And a few of a fabulous chicken dinner I made a few nights ago.
This chair is my royal throne. I read, relax, watch tv and pin, pin, pin, all from the comfort of my throne!
The following recipe is courtesy of Coolio!
Coolio’s Fall Off the Bone Chicken
(adapted by me)
4 lbs Chicken thighs and drumsticks
1tsp seasoned salt
½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper
¾ cup balsamic vinegar
4 cloves garlic, diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 (4.5oz) can chopped green chilis
1 can condensed cream of chicken & mushroom soup
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
Preheat oven to 400.
Place chicken in a large bowl with chopped onion and peppers. Sprinkled with the seasoned salt and pepper. In another bowl, mix together the vinegar, garlic, green chilis, and soup. Pour over the chicken and mix well. Pour all into a large 9x13 baking dish, making sure the the chicken is well coated with the soup mixture. Bake all for 50 to 60 minutes, until the chicken is almost falling off the bone.
I served this with quinoa, and used the juices from the chicken as gravy. Holy cow! It’s yummy!
I’m thinking this would be easy to do in the crock pot as well.
