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!

Monday Night Chicken

Sadie1 Comment

My mom and I are both radio fanatics.  She has a long commute to work, so she has a couple regular talk shows.  One day she heard about this chicken recipe that sounded really easy, and the radio hosts were raving about it.  She was out of ideas for dinner that week so she gave it a try.  The concept from the person who provided the recipe is that it’s Monday night and you have leftover uncooked chicken from the weekend that you need to cook.  The solution?  Monday night chicken.  It’s a simple dish, that tastes delicious.  Even though we’ve only known about it for a year or so, I believe it’s not my mom’s go-to dinner when she’s lacking ideas.  The crazy thing is that it’s easy enough for me to make by myself as well.  Give it a try!

Monday Night Chicken

From: WOR (disregard the picture on that site, that’s not what it looks like)

Ingredients

  • raw chicken (as much as you have/need)
  • French salad dressing
  • Apricot preserves
  • seasoning for chicken (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, etc.)

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Season chicken and place in foil lined baking pan.  Bake in oven at 350 for an hour.
  3. Meanwhile combine equal parts of the salad dressing and preserves.  The quantity depends on the amount of chicken you are using, but original recipe suggests 4 Tbs of each.
  4. After the chicken bakes for an hour, crank the oven up to 500, and remove the chicken to smother with the dressing and preserve combination.
  5. Bake chicken 10 more minutes at 500.  Remove and allow to cool.  The chicken might look a little burnt on top but that’s just some delicious caramelization, so don’t worry!

Apple Pie Cake

Carrie1 Comment

Think you’ve had the best cake in your life…wait until you try this recipe. Eat a slice at 8am and call it breakfast; eat it at 1pm and call it a midday snack; eat it after dinner with some ice cream and call it dessert.  Whatever you call it, you can always count on it to be deliciously satisfying.  This recipe was featured in a church booklet of apple recipes.  It came from my best friend’s late grandmother, Janet Whiteside.  She was one of the sweetest older women I have ever met.  I can always remember going to her house and playing with my friend and her brother and cousins.  It was usually in the summer after a long day at the beach.  Every time I eat a slice of this cake, it brings back wonderful memories.  Hopefully, you will be able to make your own memories too.

Apple Pie Cake
Ingredients
3 c. apples peeled and diced
2 1/2 c sifted flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
2 c sugar
1 c vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 c chopped nuts
Directions
Sift dry ingredients together.  In large bowl, beat eggs well.  Add sugar, oil and vanilla. Mix well. Add the dry ingredients, stirring until well blended.  Fold in apples and nuts.  Batter will be thick.  Place in greased tube pan and bake at 350 for 55-60 minutes.  Make sure the tester comes out dry.