What's for Dinner?- One Pan Chicken, Potatoes and Veggies

This is one my favorite go to meals for an easy nights dinner. And it's a family pleaser. Everyone eats it, without complaints and always asks for seconds. 

Even the three year old.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and can be adjusted according to taste without taking away from the delicious end result.

The ingredients are pretty basic:

Potatoes- typically one medium potato per person hat will be eating.

Frozen Veggies- Pick a bag of whatever pleases you. For this time I used a bag of spring mix veggies but I've also used broccoli or cauliflower and green beans and even zucchini. The Spring Mix Veggies were a combo of squashes.

Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken- We typically use either thighs or drumsticks as I can usually find these on sale at our local grocery store.

Salt and Pepper

Now to the cooking! Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 X 13 baking dish with spray.

Wash and cut your potatoes into bite sized pieces. Skin is optional. I leave the skins on to make prep faster. After chopping place potatoes in pan. Lightly salt potatoes.

Layer desired veggies over potatoes and salt.

Right here is my secret ingredients: Garlic Salt and Lemon Pepper. I use this to season my chicken.

Place chicken skin side up (I used thighs) on top of potatoes and veggies. Season with Garlic Salt and Lemon Pepper as desired. Put in oven and leave there to roast for about an hour or until skin begins to crisp and chicken is cooked through.

As the chicken cooks, its juices will cook the potatoes and veggies softening them up and adding flavor.

And what's left is a delicious meal that had minimal prep and is what I consider a dinner success.

Enjoy! If you try it and like it I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment letting me know how your dinner turned out.

Bible Journaling: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In a world full of negative everything to have a reminder to look for the good in life is a great thing. It's so easy to be caught up in where everything is wrong or unfair or awful. When we do this we miss out on all the good that is around.

To find at least one good thing every single day has been a goal that I've had for myself for 2016. I started on January 1st and every single morning I have reflected on the day before and picked out at least one good thing that happened the day before. I too easily will focus on anything that makes me unhappy or my life difficult  but to take a moment to find at least one good thing has helped change my perspective this year. That, even in moments of difficulty or frustration, there is something good in each and everyday. And that one thing is something to be thankful for.

Doing this has also enabled me to view life in a more positive way. And for me that's the best part, to be able to see things in a better light and realize it's not all so bad.

Which brings me to this verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The verse states: "Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances; for that is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

There will always be difficult times. There will always be reasons to be upset and angry. But more so, there are always things to be thankful for, to rejoice over. How wonderful is it to be able to pray to God and be thankful for something everyday instead of lamenting about what is not right! 

And now I'm grateful for my list. It has nearly 11 months of good things that I can look back on to remind me that there is good in everyday. It's exactly what I need.

Bible Journaling: Deuteronomy 30:19

The choices we make in life do not just effect us. That seems to be something we don't always realize. Our choices stretch out beyond us and into our friends and family. It can even carry on as it expands out from person to person. So, how do we make good choices that can effect ourselves and others in positive ways? 

Looking at Deuteronomy 30, Moses has been talking for multiple chapters to the people of Israel. He is preparing for his death and knows that soon the people will be heading into the Promised Land. Living with these people for the 40 years he has seen how finicky people are. He is letting them know how important it is to be obedient to God. He wants them to see that their choices today can have an effect on generations to come. And throughout history there was a lot of emphasis on the next generation, on descendants and keeping bloodlines alive. 

Here in Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses is  keeping very simple. You can choose life or death for you and your family. It says. "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children will live." (emphasis mine)

Choosing life means choosing God. And when we make healthy choices we teach healthy choices to our children. It carries down. So if I choose God and am continually obedient to him, I'm showing that to my kids, my future generation, how to. And hopefully, they will see and make healthy choices for themselves. My hope is that they will choose God for themselves. And this love of God will carry down through my family, generation after generation.

So, I will choose life. I choose God. I choose life over death for me and my children. 

Deuteronomy 30:20 says "and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."

God promises life when we choose Him.

Bible Journaling: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything. 

In Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 it says:

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

And there are perfect moments for each of these things, they can not be rushed or avoided. And the truth is people rarely have perfect timing. But there is a time for everything. And we just have to let it happen.

Bible Journaling: 1 John 3:18

This is one of my favorite verses. 1 John 3:18 states: Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with action and in truth.

Saying you love something or someone is easy. Words are easy. They may not always seem that way because sometimes I feel myself without any words to say.

But words require no commitment to them. Words can be said and be gone like wind. But really it's action that shows love. It's in what you do and where time is spent and how it's spent. 

My goal is for the things that I do to show the love that I feel. That's words won't even be needed because I've put in time and effort to show love. 

And I want this in all things. I can show God love by doing the work he has asked me to do. I can show my family love by giving them my time and undivided attention. I can show others love by being kind. Always striving to be kind.

There are plenty of ways to let the world know who you love.

What ways do you show love without using words?

What Have I Been Reading Lately

Every year I make goals for myself. And those goals always include reading. Because I love to read. But over the last few years I have lost some concentration when it comes to reading.

I can't read like I used to before. Books that I used to be able to read in a day take me much longer. And I have a harder time picking it back up and getting back into stories when I've taken a break.

But this year I'm making more of an effort.

I've made two sets of goals:
1. Read one book a month or 12 books for the year
2. Read two books a month or 24 books for the year

And so far this year I have read 12 books. So I am well on my way to reading 24.

I know it doesn't seem like much, especially since I used to read closer to 50-70 books a year, but I am well on my way.

And I also find myself really enjoying reading again. And I love it! And if I am reading it encourages my kids to also read. And Michael too. Reading books and visiting the library has become a family adventure!

So, on to what I've been reading so far this year.

I received The 5th Wave: The First Book of the 5th Wave Series for my birthday but I didn't start reading it until the start of the new year. This book follows Cassie through what happens to her and her family after aliens begin to terrorize the world. I really enjoyed this book. It had moments of great adventure. I liked it so much I had Michael read it and then we passed it along to his dad to read as well.

I began reading The Maze of Bones (39 Clues, No. 1) to the kids in the car when we had long waits. They really enjoyed this story about a family secret and the contest to find out what it is. Me, not so much. I was slightly disappointed with Rick Riordan because I have really enjoyed his other series. But Sidda enjoyed it enough that she has continued reading the series.

The Infinite Sea: The Second Book of the 5th Wave is a great sequel. It started pretty slow but picked up. I don't want to give too much away but I really enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book soon.

Ready Player One: A Novel  This was a book that surprised me at how much I enjoyed it. Michael had received a recommendation and read it and when he finished he passed it on to me. The world has basically fallen apart, but people don't really worry about it because they are all connected to a virtual world OASIS all the time. When the creator of OASIS dies a contest begins to find his secret to be able to collect his fortune. Read it. It's good.

The Hunger Games Trilogy: The Hunger Games / Catching Fire / Mockingjay I realized that I hadn't read The Hunger Games Trilogy in about 5 years and decided to pick it up again. I had forgotten how much I really liked them. Most people have read them. If it's been awhile, read the again. It's worth it.

I started reading the Divergent Trilogy (3 Book Series) because Michael started reading it. I never had a big interest in it, but after finishing The Hunger Games I needed something new to read. And we had the books, so I picked them up. I had seen the first two movies, so I had a general idea of what the story was but I was mistaken. The movies barely match the books. I did enjoy the first two books but the third was terrible. I had to force myself to read it because I want to finish the story. It felt like there wasn't a solid plan in mind in it and it's almost a repeat of the same problems in the first two books. But they are worth a shot to read.

I am fully aware that Good Eats: Volume 1, The Early Years is a cookbook. But it's not just a cookbook. It has background about the show that it's based off of and lot's of information about the history of food that it talks about. This is more than a cookbook and I read it from cover to cover. I loved it. And I plan on trying out a few of the recipes found in it.

My Perfect Pantry: 150 Easy Recipes from 50 Essential Ingredients by Iron Chef Geoffrrey Zakarian was a fun read. Another cookbook that is more than a cookbook. Also, another one that I read cover to cover. It's full of recipes and information on food and tips and tricks. It was worth the read and has many recipes that I plan on trying out.

And that's it. Those are what I have been reading lately. I seem to be in a dystopian type of mood for my preferred fiction reading so far this year. But that's ok. It has gotten me reading again and that makes me happy.

This post contains affiliate links.

Picture source goodreads.com

Bible Journaling: Gensis 1:1-2:3

This was one of the more fun Bible Journaling pages that I have done.

I liked the idea of of going through and working on each day of creation. Now, since I can't really draw things besides tress and words I had to look up how to draw animals in the most simple form possible. But I love how they turned out. Looks pretty cool to me. Because I have never in my life been able to draw an animal that actually resembles an animal.

It's amazing all the things that God created. That he thought them into existence. And he planned it all. Every single grain of sand, every leaf, every star, fish, elephant. He planned every single one. And then to top it all off, he created man. He created us, to love us and for us to love him and each other.

God really is just absolutely and completely awesome!

Grilled Cheese Egg Sandwich

 You really can't go wrong with an egg sandwich in the mornings before you start your day. And this grilled cheese egg sandwich is Michael's favorite and the most requested.

Lucky for me, it's fairly easy to make.

Ingredients:

Butter or margarine

2 slices of bread (whatever kind of bread you like or have on hand)

2 eggs

1-2 sliced of cheese (I used American but have used sliced of cheddar or mozzarella)

sliced ham

salt and pepper to taste

Heat a pan over medium high heat and melt some butter. While the butter is melting beat eggs with salt and pepper and butter one side of each slice of bread.

Once the butter melted add eggs to the pan and cook using a rubber spatula to fold eggs while cooking.

When eggs are nearly cooked add one slice of bread, butter side down to the pan.

Add cheese and meat on top of the bread. When the cheese begins to melt move eggs to bread slice.

Add second slice of bread to pan, butter side down.

Put the sides together and continue to grill until golden brown.

Move to a plate, slice in half and enjoy!

Do you have a favorite breakfast?

Bible Journaling: 1 Peter 5:7

This is a verse that I have to remind myself about a lot.

Because I am someone who holds on to everything. I carry it with me wherever I go. All those things that make me feel, especially the negative ones. Especially the ones that give me anxiety and bring me fear. I carry those ones. They are the hardest to let go of.

But then we have this letter from Peter. He is giving instructions on how to live. with caring for others and learning to submit to God and to others.

In 1 Peter 5:7 he states "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

It's a simple statement and reminder of God's love. He is a God that should be feared and respected. He could knock out the entirety of civilization with just one thought but instead He gave his son for my sins. And even on top of that he is willing to bear my burdens because he cares.

In his love he wants to free me of fear, and worry and the thoughts that ring through my mind that say that "I am not enough" and "I can't be loved".

He has proven over and over again that I am loved by him. God's actions have done nothing but show his love for those who are his. So I know that I can trust him with my fear. I can share it with him and he will still love me when the words are out. And then I don't have to hold on to it anymore because he is carrying it for me.

I'm going to leave you with a song.

It's one that I've been hearing a lot lately and I thinks it's beautiful. The video is long but I think this song is worth the listen.

Bible Journaling: Leviticus 6:13

I've been really enjoying my time Bible Journaling. It gives me time to focus on a specific verses and a way to creatively and actively meditate on God's Word.

This verse is from Leviticus 6:13 which says: "The Fire must be kept burning on the alter continuously; it must not go out."

In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions to give to the Israelites about the alter. It talks about the literal fire that is always burning where offerings are given. Each day the priest is to clear the ashes from the day before and add wood and keep the flame burning. It needs to be consistently renewed.

And I believe that this is true for our spiritual fire. It must be kept burning. There must be a daily connection to God to keep the fire going. A daily renewal. Just like the physical fire in the temple.

For me this means reading my Bible everyday. And talking to God. Some days have long conversations and other days it's just a quick check in. But there is always something to bring him in. I also will spend time, usually weekly, working on some kind of Bible journaling. And we also do some kind of weekly Bible study with the kids.

I want to do my best to feed the flame of my spirit. I never want it to go out.

What's for Dinner?: Chimichangas

A couple of months ago I made awesome giant chimichangas. I've been meaning to share them for so long. And it just slipped my mind.

These chimichangas were awesome. Let me share with you how I made it.

I started with a 2-3 pound pork roast and placed it in the slow cooker. I added a bag of frozen 3 peppers and onion veggie bag. And on top I added the spiced I like, cumin, chili powder, basil and minced garlic. Set to cook for 6 to 8 hours. This makes a ton of meat.

When the pork is fully cooked and tender, remove it and the veggies from the broth and through it in the stand mixer. Put in the paddle attachment and let the mixer do the shredding. Makes it so much easier than the two fork method. Two minutes in the mixer saves 20 minutes.

Throw the meat into a bowl and add some of the cooking broth until moist. Take a bite and add salt and pepper or more spices to taste.

Now, its time to roll up the meat in some giant tortillas. I used 12 inch tortillas. Add cheese, if desired.

Heat up oil in a skillet. I used a cast iron to keep an even fry.

Once oil is hot, add in chimichangas, and fry until golden and then flip.

This recipe makes a ton. But they freeze well. Just wrap each individually in foil and reheat in the oven when the craving for one hits.

You can eat these as is or topped with sour cream and guacamole. They can really be made to any preference you like.

If you try it out, let me know how you like it!

Bible Journaling: Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 is a verse that sticks with me all the time. Mainly because I have a hard time keeping my mind in a positive place. I am someone who will let things get to me and just pull me down into a hole that is hard to crawl out of. 

Because of this, I spend a lot of time fighting my own mind. I have to remember to take my runaway thoughts and let them go and think of better things.

And to help me with this I turn to Philippians 4:8 which says "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think of such things."

I know that I have to think on the good. Because there is so much good. And when I get into a thought funk I will miss it. It will just pass me by. And so I actively work on keeping my mind focused on the "true, right, noble, pure, lovely, excellent and praiseworthy"- it really helps make my days better. And it keeps me focused more on God and not myself.

Bible Journaling: Exodus 14:14

Bible journaling has become all the rage on Pinterest.

I've seen many pictures pop up as I would go through my Pinterest feed of beautifully made pictures to describe Bible verses.

As I looked more into it I became more and more intrigued. Because I love decorating with words. I love seeing words become pictures to give a visual expression of what is being said.

So I wanted to dive into it myself.

First things first: Pick a Bible that has wide margins and is in a translation that I like. I wanted it to be a hardcover binding so that it will lay flat and be sturdy when I work in it.

I chose this one:

It's not too big in size. Has readable print and wide margins. It's perfect for me.

And once I got it, I grabbed some colored pencils. I opted for pencils because I wanted to option of erasing if I needed and wanted to keep it as simple as possible for me. But I still wanted many color options and minimal fuss. Some people like to use paint or crayons, or painters pen. Some like stickers and glue and glitter. There is really no wrong way to do this.

And then I needed to choose my verse. I decided to stick with a verse instead of a big chunk of scripture. I wanted to be able to keep it simple and meditate while I created.

I chose Exodus 14:14- "The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still."

This is one of my favorite verses. That is why I chose it to start my Bible Journaling. You can read this chpater of Exodus here.

The Israelites were being pursued by Pharoah and his army after fleeing Egypt. They were at the shore of the Red Sea and could see the Egyptians approaching. They began to fear. They began to question what they were doing. They began to question God. And Moses tells them: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still."

And Moses then listened in obedience to God and lifted his staff and the Red Sea parted before them.

You see, this was not a time for battle. This was a time for obedience. The Lord was already prepared for the fight. They just needed to follow his instructions and he would take care of the rest.

For me, it's all about getting out of God's way. I don't have to prepare to fight. I don't have to be in the battle. Instead I can hang up my gloves and step aside and just listen to God. And he will take care of the rest.

Have you dabbled in Bible Journaling?

I'll share more as I continue to add in my study.

This post contains affiliate links.

Homemade Sub Bread

Lately we are busy! It seems almost every single night there is something to do and we are rushing through dinner. There are even nights we aren't even able to make it home. So what are our dinner options? Either some kind of fast food, which for this family of 5 could cost us around $30-$40, or bring something from home that is easy to take along.

And our preferred easy travel food are sub sandwiches.  Everyone can have just what they want on their sandwich so there is no complaining and it's filling with chips and fruit on the side. It makes a full meal and that makes this mom happy!

And I have completely embraced making our own Sub Sandwich Bread. I have found that the store sub bread just never quite makes the cut. It just lacks flavor, is typically too thick and makes sandwiches too dry. But this homemade bread can be as thick as you like and is soft and just plain yummy!

Give it a try and see how your family likes it. And it's super easy.

Homemade Sub Bread

2 cups all purpose flour

2 cups bread flour

2 tsp salt

2 Tbsp oil (I use olive oil)

2 tsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp yeast

1 1/3-1 1/2 cups warm water

1. Set the stand mixer with dough hook. In bowl add flours, salt, oil, sugar, yeast. Combine on lowest setting for 30-60 seconds.

2. Slowly add water to mix while mixer is on. (start with about a cup and if it looks too dry slowly add a little more at a time until dough is wet)

3. Once a dough has formed knead on medium low for about 5-7 minutes and the dough is no longer sticking to the sides of the bowl.

4. Dump dough on to a clean counter a knead until it forms a smooth ball.

5. Place in an oiled bowl and cover with dishcloth and let rise until double in size, about an hour.

6. Once dough has risen, remove from bowl and divide into 6-8 pieces and shape to desired size and length.

7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and let bread rise for about 30 minutes.

8. Bake in oven for 10-15 minutes. At 15 minutes, you'll have a crunchier crust and a soft inside and 10 minutes is soft all around bread.

9. Let cool, then slice through the middle and add your favorite sandwich fix ins!

I have found that this bread goes great with just about anything! Enjoy and let me know how your sandwiches turned out!