Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes

Our family loves Ranch dressing.  When I came across this recipe on Pinterest I thought maybe this was something we would like.  Originally this recipe is for pork chops, but since I didn't have any I used chicken instead.   

Ingredients (printable recipe)

4-6 frozen chicken breasts

6-8 medium potatoes, chopped into large pieces

2 cans cream of chicken soup

2 packages dry Ranch dressing mix

1 cup milk

Dried parsley to sprinkle on top (optional) 

Directions

Use at least a 6 qt. slow cooker to hold all the ingredients.  Whisk together the condensed soups, Ranch dressing mix and milk in a separate bowl.  Set aside.  Wash and cut potatoes. Original recipe suggests spraying your slow cooker with a non-stick cooking spray---I forgot.  Put potatoes* on the bottom of your slow cooker  Place the frozen chicken breasts on top of the potatoes.  Pour the soup/Ranch mixture on top of the chicken and cook on LOW for 7 hours or on HIGH for 5 hours.

Use the extra sauce in the slow cooker as a gravy for the potatoes and chicken. Sprinkle with dried parsley if you want.

*The potatoes didn't cook evenly.  Next time I would occasionally stir the potatoes while cooking and cut them slightly smaller.

Adapted from Six Sisters' Stuff

The Results...
Not bad, but not really good, either.  We thought this turned out pretty bland.  Whenever I make a bland dinner my little 4 yr. old loves it!  She was the only one that finished her plate and loved this meal.  If you ask her she says this is a 10 star (out of 5 stars) recipe.  The rest of us thought it was only worthy of 2 1/2 stars.  At least it was super easy to put together and one of us loved it.

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Ouch Outrageous Obnoxious and Odd: Funny Video: Flying Pig, No Wings Necessary

Ouch Outrageous Obnoxious and Odd: Funny Video: Flying Pig, No Wings Necessary: From Denny:  This is one of those unexpected videos from real life that catches you off guard.

The piglets and Momma pig were being filmed and discussed as to weaning time for the little guys.  Well, get a shocker as to how Big Pig quickly convinces her piglets to wean themselves.  Now you know where the children's books got the idea for flying pigs.  Watch closely as it happens so fast you might miss it.

Sort of reminds you of Wall Street Bankers where you sure would like to thump them all out, weaning them off corporate welfare and federal bailouts.

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Overnight Fridge Berry Oatmeal

I'm not really a morning person.  The idea of breakfast already made and waiting for us sounds good to me.  One of my favorite things for breakfast is oatmeal.  I've tried making oatmeal before in the slow cooker (oatmeal experiment #1) and found that it doesn't work well with old-fashioned oats which is what I usually have on hand.  Here goes oatmeal experiment #2.  This time I'm putting old-fashioned oats in the fridge overnight.  Will we all like cold oatmeal in the morning?

Ingredients (printable recipe)

3 cups Old Fashioned Oats

2 cups Vanilla Yogurt (you could try any flavor)

1-2 cups *frozen mixed berries (I used frozen blueberries)

1/2 cup fruit juice (use any juice you like--apple juice is more subtle)

Directions

Mix all ingredients in medium sized tupperware container with lid or glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Keep in the fridge overnight. Top oatmeal with a drizzle of honey, cinnamon, granola, roasted nuts, coconut, whatever you like. Serve cold.

*Using frozen berries is important because as they melt overnight, they create a wonderful juice that you just can’t get with fresh berries.

Source  busy mommy

The Results...
This was definitely something different for breakfast.  Overnight the berries thawed and the oatmeal softened.  We topped this with a drizzle of honey and granola.  It needed the granola on top for some crunch and extra flavor.  I heard from everyone here that this is a 3 star recipe.  It was good, but not outstanding.

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Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food: Fun St. Patricks Day Facts To Ponder While You Swill Green Beer

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food: Fun St. Patricks Day Facts To Ponder While You Swill Green Beer: From Denny:  Mardi Gras just happened last month, and, well, Lent can be a dull affair while we are waiting for Easter.  So, why not spice it up with some St. Patrick's Day frivolity and celebration?

South Louisiana is primarily Catholic and we like our champion demon-chasing warrior saints. Honoring him is serious business.

Here in Louisiana we celebrate with none other than a St. Patrick's Day Parade, complete with official bead-throwing and green beer freely flowing.

Since all good holy days have a serious component along with the feasting here's some brain food to feed you too.  Be sure to check out my other St. Patrick's Day posts at the end of this post.  Lots of interesting historical trivia, quotes, poems, Irish blessings and funny thoughts too.

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Pistachio Muffins~Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I hope you remembered to wear green.  I've already been pinched this morning-ouch!  I made Pistachio Muffins for breakfast while listening to my kids scream as they pinched each other and ran around the house to find something green to wear---fun times.  The pistachio pudding mix in this recipe turns the muffins a pale green.  They may be green, but will they be good?

Ingredients (printable recipe)
3 cups all-purpose flour*
1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 box instant pistachio pudding 

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 cups milk

1/2 tsp almond extract

3/4 cup vegetable oil
Directions
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and dry pudding mix. In separate bowl combine eggs, milk, extract and oil; add to dry mixture and mix until just moistened. Fill baking cups full. Bake 20 to 25 minutes in preheated 375-degree oven, or until muffins test done.

* Can substitute 2 cups whole wheat flour/1 cup all purpose flour

Source hannahkeeley.com

The Results...
These were green and good!  Add some green grapes, dye your milk green and you have a delicious St. Patrick's Day breakfast or snack.  We would make these again on any day.

I share recipes at these linky parties.

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Buttercream and Chocolate Buttercream Icing

Who doesn't love a yummy cupcake?  I recently attended my daughter's preschool graduation and afterwards there was a party with cupcakes.  A friend of mine told me I had to try them because the icing was amazing!  So, I did and she was right.  Those cupcakes had light, fluffy, fabulous icing.  She got the recipe and passed it along to me.  I was already planning on making cupcakes and icing for a cupcake bar the following week at church.  So, this recipe came just in time.

Ingredients (Printable Recipe)

1/2 cup Crisco
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
Milk as needed (approximately 2-3 Tablespoons)
Directions 

Add 2 teaspoons vanilla into mixing bowl. Mix softened butter and Crisco.  Then, add powdered sugar slowly (1 cup at a time) until mixed.  Add milk until smooth.  Makes about 3 cups.
*In the picture I added yellow coloring

Source: Preschool friend

 

The Results...

We had this for our cupcake bar at church and it turned out delicious.  I made 3 batches in different colors.  I have to admit it wasn't quite as fluffy as the icing at the preschool graduation.  Adding the right amount of milk to get the right amount of fluffiness takes some practice.

For more variety at the cupcake bar I also made Chocolate Buttercream Icing.  I had never made chocolate buttercream before.  I went to Wilton's website and used their recipe.

Chocolate Buttercream Icing

Ingredients

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup cocoa or three 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate squares, melted (I used cocoa)

4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approximately 1 lb.)

3-4 tablespoons milk 

Makes: About 3 cups of icing.

Directions 

In large bowl, cream shortening and butter with electric mixer. Add cocoa and vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.

Adapted from Wilton

The Results...

This was very chocolatey and delicious.  I don't know why I hadn't tried this before, but I'm glad I finally did.  It's not only delicious, but has the right consistency for decorating your favorite cake, cupcakes or cookies.  My daughter's birthday is coming up and she wants to have a cupcake bar with her friends.  I know what icings I will make! 

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BLT Chicken Salad

With the sun shining outside and a warm breeze blowing through the open kitchen windows, I feel like making something a little lighter for dinner.  I really enjoy this time of year when the weather is turning warm and spring is just around the corner.  I've decided to make a salad for dinner.  It still needs to be hearty and filling.  Will BLT Chicken Salad be just what I'm looking for?

Ingredients (Printable Recipe)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 tablespoons barbecue sauce (we like Stubbs)

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon pepper

8 cups torn salad greens

2 large tomatoes, chopped

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (I baked the bacon)

2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients; mix well.

Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Place salad greens on a large serving platter. Sprinkle with tomatoes, chicken and bacon; garnish with eggs. Drizzle with dressing. Serves 8.

Source: Allrecipes

The Results...
Everyone enjoyed this salad.  The chicken, bacon and eggs helped make this salad hearty enough to serve for dinner.  The dressing was different, but good.  It was creamy and tangy.  The BBQ sauce and lemon juice gave the dressing a unique flavor.  Next time I will double the dressing.  We needed more.  BLT Chicken Salad was the lighter, but still hearty dinner I was looking for to end a beautiful, sunny, almost spring day!

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