Quick and Easy Chicken Marsala begins with chicken breast fillets. That is chicken breast cut into half inch slices the full length of the chicken breast. If you can't find them in the frozen food area or the butcher shop in the grocery store, you can cut them yourself from chicken breasts. The even thickness allows for more even cooking and result in a tender, juicy finished product. Another essential is Marsala wine simmered together with heavy cream to make the sauce. And, of course, sliced mushrooms. Even Bytes eats the mushrooms in this dish without grumbling about "fungi". Dredge the chicken in flour lightly and add to preheated skillet with 2-3 tablespoons of oil -- enough to coat the entire bottom. Saute each piece 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. I check to ... [Read More]
Busy Monday 379
Trying to catch up with all the "little" chores that have been put off for far too long. Like going through all the clothing to make sure it all fits and is in good repair, etc. Took two BIG bags to charity. Makes the closet feel lighter! Sewed for two days straight, taking in tops, pajamas and the like so they'll fit since I am once again between sizes. Wheels has three shirts he really likes -- but hates that they don't have pockets so guess who promised to make shirt pockets this week. Thanks for sharing your new projects, recipes and great ideas! Featured from last week: Penny's Vintage Home -- Corrugated Metal Back Splash DIY Party Mom -- Harry Potter Back to Hogwarts Dinner Party Little Frugal Homestead -- Old Fashioned Corncob Jelly Paper Seedlings -- ... [Read More]
Busy Monday 378
It's been almost four years since we packed our belongings in Ohio in a neighborhood with zillions of old trees. We moved 1000 miles to the Great Plains to a new subdivision surrounded by corn fields with a few tiny trees here and there. The newest house, finished last year, is setting the best example and with a high bar. It sports TEN new trees! We added a gorgeous red leafed crab and a miniature Japanese willow in the back and are planning to put in two city approved trees in front this fall. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in everyday life that we forget what simple things make it better. A tree is essential -- look at it to enjoy its ever changing beauty, spend time enjoying the shade, breathe cleaner air, notice the birds flitting in and out, mute traffic noise and so much ... [Read More]
Busy Monday 377
Well -- that was really dumb! Somehow the code for the linky last week went AWOL. We had several major issues one right after another last week at Chez Charlene so I wasn't checking in as usual. My deepest apologies to everyone who didn't find the links where they should have been. My horoscope on Sunday warned me to double check technology -- "the once in a lifetime" it was right! I will insert a new linky code so everyone can post . . . Features are the same ones from two weeks ago -- new ones next week. Thanks for your understanding! Charlene Eight year old Short Stuff spent ten days with us while Mommy traveled for business. He practiced riding his bike every day. The best time was when the sprinklers kicked on just as he started. Around and around and around the cul de ... [Read More]
Busy Monday 376
Flood recovery continues. One of the groups to which I belong will be serving 200 lunches to workers this week -- two weeks after the main hotel district was totally flooded. Tourism dropped to almost nothing for the rest of the summer. Workers lost their jobs and brides lost their venue, homes were damaged, gardens ruined, possessions lost, lives changed. I am amazed and humbled at the human spirit and the power of hope. And the willingness of total strangers to grasp that hope and fan it to a flame that gets things done. Also amazed at all the wonderful ideas, projects and recipe that are shared freely on Busy Monday! Thanks for stopping by! Featured from last week: Cincy Shopper -- Copy Cat Chick Fil A Frosted Lemonade Jessie Fearon -- 6 Budgeting challenges and How to ... [Read More]
Sparkling Fruit Salad
Sparkling Fruit Salad is delightfully refreshing. Especially in the hot summer, it’s fruity flavors straight from the refrigerator are wonderful. It is colorful addition to a party menu any time of year – great for a shower, a potluck or any other get together. And so easy to make! The sparkling dressing is a light combination of your choice of white wine or grape juice mixed with club soda or a lemon lime diet soda. We had grape juice from Short Stuff’s last visit in the refrigerator. And a mini can of Sprite Zero (no carbs). So that became the dressing. I used canned pineapple because I had it on hand and the pineapples at the market looked a little too firm to be used immediately. I have a thing about grapes – they MUST be sweet or my face just folds up in a “wow, that ... [Read More]
