Jessica

Weekend Links

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Well I am an buried with wedding stuff this weekend. Part of that being taking a break form my own wedding to attend some really great friends wedding. I totally stoked!

Since I still have a few hours left of work and you probably do to here is a round up of cool links that I found interesting around the interwebz recently. Enjoy!

3 Americans took down a gunman on a train in Europe. Also another man also stepped up. No second thoughts, just action. One word: Proud.

This whole dress code thing is getting out of hand. I totally understand that a dress code is necessary, but not allowing girls to show their collarbones is a little insane for US Standards. Read further.

I never realized how many people registered to be a candidate in a presidential election 585 to be exact. Right now my vote is between Deez Nuts and Sydneys Voluptuous Buttocks for obvious reasons.

I am in love with this color scheme….. many ideas are forthcoming.

This totally cracked me up. Oh the internet.

One of my absolute favorite instagram feeds #radgirlslife

This trailer was recently released….all the feels.

ISIS is destroying historical artifacts and antiquities, because murder, torture, and rape aren’t enough for them.

I like to end on a happy note, so let’s talk about Amy Schumer and Jennifer Lawrence writing a movie that they can both star in! And I just school girl screeched.

Bruschetta Chicken Salad with Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing

By Jessica

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Bruschetta Chicken has taken on a whole new form with this Salad recipe that combines Creamy Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing with crunchy garlic croutons.

Tomato season is a much loved season in our home. I love picking sun warmed tomatoes from the vine and eating them right away or chopping them up and tossing them in basically everything.

Unfortunately the whole moving/wedding thing has pushed my garden down on the priority list this summer, so my tomatoes are not what they could have been, but I’m still getting a few. I’ve been enjoying my fair share of BLT’s (this one is my favorite), and fresh tomato sauce. I’ve been forced to buy a few from the farm stands that surround our house to support my cravings. I seriously think we hit the jackpot with those, they are everywhere and everything is so fresh!

Typically when I make brushetta chicken I put it over alfredo, or pesto pasta, however since we are trying desperately here to keep ourselves in shape for the last few weeks before the wedding I thought a salad might be a better idea. Not that it stopped me from making the best Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing ever and dreamy garlic croutons. I stick by the idea that there is spinach so it’s still healthy.

This salad is very reminiscent of the usual Chicken Caesar that you would order in a restaurant. You know the type; romaine lettuce and croutons drenched in a creamy thick dressing. Oh yes, it’s so good right? Now just take that image and toss some warm juicy chicken on top with some good balsamic and fresh in season tomatoes. The tangy, fresh tasting balsamic drips its way down to the creamy and cheesy dressing, it’s like a happy dance is happening in your mouth. It’s like crack and you can’t stop until every last drop is gone. It’s a good thing you saved that bread heal from the croutons to soak up the last little bit.

When did I start talking in the third person? Whatever. You get my point here. This might just be my favorite salad ever. I love it, and you should definitely try it immediately.

Creamy Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons fresh cracked pepper

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

Pinch of salt

Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Let stand for 10 minutes to overnight before serving. Can remain in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Bruschetta Chicken Salad with Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Total time: 30 mins

Serves: 2-3 Servings

Ingredients

1 to 2 cups of day old bread, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt & pepper to taste
2 roma tomatoes, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon basil, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
¼ cup Creamy Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. On a baking sheet toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and parsley. Place in the oven and cook for 6 minutes, or until the bread begins to turn golden brown. Remove from heat and toss carefully. Set aside.
Season the chicken well and place it on a preheated grill. Cook for 4 minutes, flip and cook for another 4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a small bowl combine the tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, and balsamic. Set aside.
In a large bowl combine the lettuce, spinach, and croutons with the dressing and toss well to coat.
On each plate place a layer of coated lettuce and croutons. Add chicken and top with tomato mixture and serve.

21 Easy and Super Satisfying Weeknight Dinners

By Jessica

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This is a great list of recipes that are both Easy and Super Satisfying, which makes them perfect for Weeknight Dinners.

Back to school season is well underway around here. I know this because every store I go into has a multitude of signs hanging everywhere trying to get me to buy just one more pencil or note book. Eee gatz I hate shopping this time of year. I avoid it at all costs, but unfortunately for many of you it is unavoidable, and for that I am sorry.

While I may not be in school anymore I can still appreciate the craziness that ensues this time of year for many people. I thought you might enjoy a nice list of some of my favorite weeknight meals to help you get through the strain. All the recipes listed here are ready in 30 minutes or less. They are all hearty and filling, which are guaranteed crowd pleasers as well as mostly healthy which should make all the mom’s happy right?

Penne Con Finochietto

20 Minute Chicken Noodle Soup

Foil Chicken Fajitas

Ground Turkey Fried Rice

One Pan Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

15 Minute Lo Mein

Evelyn’s Favorite Pasta

Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

25 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Chicken & Rice

One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

30 Minute Beef Stew

6 Ingredient Creamy Sausage Gnocchi

Minestrone Soup

Maple Chipotle Leftover Turkey Chili

Sausage Tomato & Bean Stew with Spinach

Orange Chipotle Chicken Stir Fry

Tuscan Bean soup

Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken & Peppers

No Boil Taco Ravioli Casserole

If you are looking for something to make ahead check out my list of 100 Healthy Crock Pot Recipes. It’s a really comprehensive list of easy and healthy recipes that you can make and forget.

Wedding To Do List (1 Month)

By Jessica

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Within the home stretch of wedding planning, this is the wedding to do list at 1 month to go.

2012 – Dingle, Ireland

We are now within the home stretch of this whole wedding thing, and we are down to just a few things left on the list to do, and they are getting checked off left and right. Remember how long the list was just last month? We got a lot done. A few things we can’t really do until we get all of our RSVP’s back (**hint, hint, we need those asap!**).

Since the house is pretty well in order for the time being, there’s no real reason that we can’t get these things done pretty quickly, and many of them in the same afternoon.

What is left to be done:

Website designed(Yup I decided it’s as good as it’s gonna get. The necessary info is on there so that really matters)
Dress Altered. And outfit details configured. (we are working on this now)
Men’s wear chosen.
Centerpieces designed.
Final flower arrangements designed (this is just a meeting with my Aunt next week)
Ceremony & reception signage designed.
Guest book designed. (I decided to skip this. I was never really into the idea, and no one really signed any of them at the recent weddings that we have been to so I don’t feel bad about skipping it)
Favors created. (Everything is in house, I just need a craft night… it will probably involve some wine and company)
Meet with Snake about ceremony details
Figure out music, including ceremony & itinerary (Just need to type up the itinerary)
Have a hair trial run
Seating Chart
Get a crate from Momma Chuck for cards
Make a Thank You banner for pictures (I decided to edit photos for the thank yous instead)
Make/get outdoor games
Get a Marriage License

In case the list above is a little too long to follow here is the list of what’s left to do:

Dress Altered. And outfit details configured.
Centerpieces designed.
Ceremony & reception signage designed.
Favors created.
Figure out music, including ceremony & itinerary
Seating Chart
Get a crate from Momma Chuck for cards
Make/get outdoor games (Chucks on this one)
Get a Marriage License

Anything that you think I am missing? Let me know!!

Interested in other wedding stuff? Check out my Wedding page!

Roasted Potatoes with Greens & Eggs

By Jessica

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

A simple meal that takes barely any effort at all, so it’s perfect for a single person.

I have been a part time vegetarian for over a year now. At first I talked about it a lot, like all the time, but that has faded. A lot of people questioned this decision, including my close family, since in the U.S. meat is considered a necessity at every single meal. Now they don’t seem to notice my dietary choices so much and have laid off telling me I need to get more protein (fyi: I still get more than I need).

One thing I have noticed is that I crave way more vegetarian food than before. I’m pretty sure I could live on veggie sandwiches and wraps and never get sick of them. Greek food and I have become really close friends, while vegetables that I used to shy away from (eggplant, zucchini, acorn squash, etc.) are becoming regular parts of my diet, and things I savor. This egg plant parmesan recipe might just be my new favorite meal ever, even usurping my usual Chicken Parmesan.

Another change in my preferences is the desire for simple meals. I don’t need everything all dressed up for it to be the best thing I ate all week. This meal is one of those.

Simply roasted potatoes, lightly seasoned, a pile of greens with flavored olive oil and a soft boiled egg make a gloriously simple and satisfying meal. It takes barely any effort at all, so it’s the perfect meal for a single person.

You can find the recipe for garlic roasted potatoes here.

Learn how to make a 7 Minute Egg here.

And if you need directions on how to toss salad greens with flavored oil, well I’m not sure what to say to that.

Now tell me what is your favorite simple meal?

Jessica

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