Try this quick while the weather is still cool...

I have recently found a few food blogs that I have enjoyed following. Andy and I aren't picky eaters and like trying new things. Here is what we made tonight for dinner and we will certainly be making it again. I found the recipe at The Dish on Delish.

chicken and dumpling

3 Tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, large dice

5 medium carrots, large dice

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup (spooned and leveled) all-purpose flour

1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth - we used an additional cup

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces

3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons milk

1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas

In a Dutch oven (or a heavy 5-6 quart pot), heat butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and thyme. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup flour and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add broth and bring to a boil, stirring constantly; season with salt and pepper. Nestle chicken in pot; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining 3/4 cup flour, dill, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. With a fork, gradually stir in 1/2 cup milk to form a moist and soft batter. It should be just a little thicker than pancake batter and should easily drop from the tip of a spoon. (Add additional 2 tablespoons milk if too thick.) Set aside.

Stir peas into pot. Drop batter in simmering liquid in 10 heaping tablespoonfuls, keeping them spaced apart (dumplings will swell as they cook). Cover, and simmer until chicken is tender and dumplings are firm, 20 minutes. Serve.

Enjoy!

Spring is in the air

Today was one of the first days that spring really felt like it was in sight. Andy and I put together our new patio set that I brought back from my parents house and I didn't even need to wear a jacket or gloves! I told Andy that we need to perfect a few "patio recipes" so we can have friends and neighbors over and snack this summer. I can't wait!

Then I spent a few hours cleaning up the flower beds and raking more leaves from last fall. Five yard bags later, we were in good shape. I also saw a glimpse of a few flowers that are starting to pop up. I love that about spring.

And here are a few things that I made for a family that is going on a Disney cruise for spring break...And this is a cotton dress that the lady had, but had two stains on it and was getting a little short for one of her daughters. I added the starfish and crab to cover the stains and added the fabric and pom pom trim to the bottom. It feels good to recycle the dress to make it last for another summer. And I think it's pretty cute!
And it makes me wish I was going on vacation!!!

My sweet nephew

Desiree and Lou let me stay with them to help with the baby since Lou had to start work right away. That means Desiree and I have been busy holding and snuggling little Nico. The days are just flying by! I have an obsession with baby carriers and little knit hats. It's so fun to have a nephew to play with all the fun baby stuff!

I love this hat!

I'm an Aunt!

Desiree and Lou had their baby tonight. Isn't he the cutest?

For more pictures, go to www.desireeandlou.blogspot.com

Grilled Salmon

Vegetable Oil Spray
1 1/2 lb salmon filet (1-inch thick)
1 lime
1 TBSP mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried dill weed

Preheat grill to high heat. Make a tray out of a double-length of heavy-duty foil, spray the entire inside of the foil liberally with cooking spray.
Play the salmon filet in the foil skin side down (we used filets that were already skinned). Squeeze lime juice over salmon. Spread top of salmon with the mayonnaise.
In a small bowl, mix together all of the dried spices. Spinkle with mixture evenly over the top of the salmon. Cook in a hot covered grill for 10 minutes per inch of thickness of the fish filet.
Garnish with lime slices.

Andy found this recipe from North to Alaska and Smokey Joe online. It really is fabulous!

My first skirt

I am in the process of coming up with a few new things for SnugglyBaby for spring. I have actually never sewn clothes before, just lots of applique. Here is my first skirt. I know it's a little heavy on the polka dots, but that was kind of the idea. Only little kids can get away with wearing something so fun!

I am working on designing a pattern for a dress next. Keep your fingers crossed!

2 more weeks

Desiree and Lou will welcome their little boy in approximately two weeks. I can't wait!!

Here is a little onesie I made for him...

I have a few new things, but haven't updated the website yet. I am going to try to get to that later this week. Check back soon.