2 Meals in 1: Chicken and Potatoes

You will need to add to this meal to make it two in one but it is still so much nicer to have a meal that’s already partially done for you.

Day 1:

Baked chicken
Mashed potatoes
Favorite vegetable

Make 2 extra pieces of chicken, a few extra potatoes, and double the veggie!

After dinner, cut or tear up the chicken and put it in the crockpot.
Throw the mashed potatoes in.
Throw the vegetable in or chop it a little smaller.

If you want the meal ready to go, add –

Chop 1 medium – large onion
Dice 3 cloves garlic
Throw in some fresh or frozen veggies – peas, corn, carrots, celery, beans, green beans, etc.
Add 6 cups water and any seasonings you like.
Stick in the refrigerator overnight or cook overnight on low to reheat tomorrow evening.

Day 2:

Chicken Vegetable Soup

Either cook in the crockpot on low all day or cook through the night and refrigerate for the day.

Serve with a loaf of Italian bread, cornbread, or rolls.

 

Valentine’s Day Ideas: Easy Biscuits

This recipe comes from my cookbook Don’t Panic–More Dinner’s in the Freezer: A Second Helping of Tasty Meals You Can Make Ahead, which is one of my favorite buys.  I never actually ended up putting any in the freezer and instead of making them thick enough to roll I make drop biscuits. However, for a very simple Valentine’s Day dinner accent(or strawberry shortcake),  make them and cut them out in a heart shape before baking.

This recipe would be great to get your kids in the kitchen with you. It is never too early to learn how to cook and bake. Ok, maybe under 18 months is pushing it.

2 cup flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (I have skipped this with no problem)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
2/3 cup milk

 

Stir together dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in milk. Stir just until dough clings together.  Knead gently on floured surface for 10-12 strokes. Do not over knead.

Roll dough 1/2 inch thick and cut. Bake in preheated oven at 450 for 10-12 minutes on un-greased baking sheet.

Also absolutely perfect for strawberry shortcake!

Want to freeze them? Wrap the cut, unbaked rolls in plastic wrap, with a layer of plastic wrap between each biscuit. Freeze in freezer bags.  Bake as per the directions above, frozen.

May be frozen 2-3 months.
Makes 10-12 biscuits.