Archive for March, 2010

yumtastic

March 28, 2010

I try to make a new recipe at least every couple of weeks when Bryan is home. Yes, “when Bryan is home”, you caught that, huh? I don’t cook much when it is just Jacey and I. I never have gotten that making food for 1 down very well (she doesn’t eat much and I can’t eat much). Anyway, I digress. I made this last night and it was a HUGE hit with all 3 of us.

 

Creamed Chicken with Gnocchi

1 pound potato gnocchi
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, roughly chopped and then minced in a food processor
1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped and then minced in a food processor
4 cups fresh baby spinach
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup fat free half-and-half
1 cup chicken broth
Pam cooking spray, butter flavor

Cook gnocchi according to package directions, drain and set aside.

Saute spinach in a large skillet with a spray of Pam until tender. Squeeze out excess liquid and set aside.

In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, cook, stirring often for about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 3-4 minutes. Whisk in half-and-half and chicken broth, bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until thickened. Whisk into chicken mixture, then add spinach and gnocchi. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

About 6, 3/4-1 cup servings at about 300 calories per serving.

Inspired by Rachael Ray.

Lacey

Grateful Friday

March 26, 2010

1. Bryan is on leave through the 5th!

2. One file drawer is purged and the other will be today. So close to my goal of a paperless office!

3. I didn’t pass out on the table yesterday during my surgery, although I came pretty close to it…LOL!

4. Naps.

5. I survived all the prep for the Palm Sunday worship concert at work even with everything else going on in my life lately. This was my last concert prep here…sort of bittersweet.

Lacey

Relay For Life 2010

March 20, 2010

*This is going to stay up at the top of my blog until after Relay, please scroll down for new posts.*

Many, if not all of you know that I was diagnosed with CLL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia at age 28 in February 2008. Many of you also know my dedication to cancer research and Relay for Life. If all this is news to you, you can read my story here.

While I am currently doing wonderfully with my cancer, numbers are remaining fairly stable and I am not in any immediate need of treatments, it is not the time to slack off of cancer research support. This year, I am once again the Niceville/Valparaiso Relay for Life Steering Committee (this year as event vice chair) and it has been an awe-inspiring experience to say the least. Relay this year is being held at the Niceville HS track and starts on April 30 at 6pm. 18 hours of fun and triumphant dedication to one cause, eradicating cancer. 18 hours of survivors, caregivers and supporters, trying to change the face of cancer, one lap at a time.

While Bryan will unfortunately not be able to participate this year, I would love if you could come out and join Jacey and I in walking or would be willing to make a monetary donation, every dollar helps to find a cure to this horrendous disease. There are online and offline donation opportunities on my ACS Relay page.

 

My 2010 Relay For Life Page

 

There is also a spot to donate on my facebook page if you would prefer to go that route.

Lacey

1. Bryan made it home safe and sound.

2. Laundry is done and the house is clean (or was until Bryan unloaded his car…LOL).

3. Pantry and refrigerator are stocked (which means the menu is done and I survived the commissary trip).

4. Lunches out with friends.

5. Ice cream.

Lacey

new specs

March 16, 2010

I have worn glasses/contacts for oh, gracious, 15 years now (wow, I feel really old). We “discovered” the need when I went for my learner’s permit eye exam. Let me tell you, such fun to suddenly have to start wearing glasses in high school. Thankfully I only *really* needed them when I was driving/reading and for a long time that was the only time I would wear them. Later, wearing them just became habit and then I moved to contacts. The last 2 years, I have solely worn contacts (love my 30 day extended wear ones). The last pair of glasses I even bought, were bought when we still lived in the UK (we have been back in the states almost 4 years now). My eyes hadn’t changed enough to justify buying new ones for the one day a month I wore them. Recently though, I have toyed with the idea of wearing them more again. Glasses are stylish and fashionable and something different. Mind you, I am not giving up my contacts, I’ll still interchange them for glasses but it is nice to have a change, especially on days when my allergies are bugging me.

This is the result.

Lacey