Category: In the Kitchen

Octoberfest Beer-Braised Chicken Thighs

Carrie2 Comments

Today I made dinner for the first time in months.  I must say that in the summer I am super busy and either pick something up for dinner or stop by my parents on the way home for a quick bite to eat.  Now that the fall has arrived, I am able to be back in the kitchen once again. I tried one of Rachel Ray’s recipes as I was inspired by the Octoberfest beer I had in the fridge.  I made a few of my own alterations to the recipe to make it my own.

Ingredients

8 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 package of your favorite kielbasa, 1 chopped onion, 1 bulb fennel thinly sliced, 1 chopped red pepper, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp flour, 1 bottle Sam Adams Octoberfest beer, 1 14oz can diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken stock, 2 tbsp hot sauce

Directions

1. Heat a dutch oven with one tbsp olive oil.  Then brown the chicken thighs in two batches.  Remove chicken thighs to a plate and then brown the kielbasa.

2.  Add the onion, fennel, pepper, garlic, and thyme and cook until the vegetables are softened (about 10 minutes).

3. Add the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.  Then pour in the beer and let the foam subside.  Stir in the tomatoes, chicken stock, and hot sauce.  Let the sauce thicken and return the chicken to the dutch oven.  Simmer covered for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.  Let the flavors meld and your meal is ready.

It’s an easy recipe and satisfyingly delicious!  I’ll give you the recipe for the apple cheddar buttermilk biscuits that I served along with it in my next post.  Happy Hump Day everyone!

There’s a Ninja in the Kitchen

Carrie1 Comment

I must say that I am always flipping to QVC when there are commercial breaks.  One of my favorite shows to watch on QVC is In the Kitchen with David (I admit I am a fan on Facebook).  David Venable is the host and he is on every Sunday afternoon and every Wednesday night.  I love watching the demonstrations on QVC, especially with my mom because we can always get a good laugh at the over-exaggerated demos that David and his guest give.  I always got a kick out of the Ninja blender demo in particular because David tries to convince people that it is a gazillion appliances in one tiny machine.  A few examples that they give are cookie dough maker, ice cream maker, and food processor.  While I can understand the food processor, I’m a little unsure of the first two that I listed.  Let’s just say that my prayers have been answered and I no longer have to wonder.  My mom got sucked into David’s seductive ways and decided to buy a Ninja blender for me.

Here’s what I can tell you after using the Ninja for two days now.  I simple love it!  If you decide to purchase one appliance in the near future it should be the Ninja.  QVC has the best prices on most items that they sell.  My mom got me the 40 oz. model that has the two travel drink cups that are included.  That is the best part about that machine because it is the ultimate Magic Bullet.  I plan on making a smoothie everyday before work for my breakfast on the go.  What a great way to start the day!

I could go on and on about this product but fortunately for you (and me) I have a St. Patrick’s Day block party to get to.  Check the Ninja blender out.  You can watch the demo yourself!