Saturday, November 5, 2011

Roommates & Recipes

Today, I am grateful for my sweet roommates.  I don't think any of them read this, but I feel as though I should express my gratitude for them.  :)

Shenay
In da middle.  :)

is an example of patience, positivity, love and humility.  She has some pretty rough challenges in her life, and they all seem to be happening around the same time, yet she faces them without fear and continues trucking on in the worst of situations.  She's always so willing to listen to my silly rants about music, love, health and whatever else I endlessly talk about.  She is so reliant on the Savior and knows that He has her best interest.  Such flawless faith...  I wish I were more like her!

 Lauren
On da left.  :)

is always a fun girl to talk with.  :)  She and I share some of the same passions in politics and certain opinions about life, love, movies, books, etc. and I have loved getting to know her little-by-little whilst living here and I look forward to getting to know her much more.  She was the first of my roommates that I met, and we stayed up for a long time my first night of being here just chatting.  She is so committed to her schooling and knows a lot of cool, useful information.  She is also very giving.  Of her time, her knowledge, her possessions and more.  I wish I were more like her!

Tyla
That's her.  :)

is like the glue around here.  She's the one who is always pulling us together to watch movies, suggesting fun things to do, inviting us to go places and most of all, encouraging positivity around the apartment.  She came to me today wanting me to understand that if I needed to talk about anything, especially regarding confusion in my love-life, she is here for me, offering support in very confusing times.  I wish I were more like her!

 I am so very lucky to be living with these sweet ladies.  Already in our short time I have come to appreciate them, and I can't wait to get to know and love them even more over the next while.

The Ladies of D102.  :)
 

Now, about this recipe...  This is a dish that I've seen often and enjoyed over the years, but have never really had the desire to make until now.  Tyla loves the stuff and seeing her make it a couple times made me want to.  I did the other day and MAN it is SO good.  I am NOT a casserole person.  AT ALL.  But I ate half of the dish at one sitting.  If you haven't tried it (or if you HAVE) I definitely recommend it.  It is extremely simple and very yummy.  :) 

Ritz and Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
**Disclaimer**: I make this for one (myself) and it fits perfectly in a 15cm by 23cm Pyrex dish lasting me a few meals.  I THINK if you double it, it will fit perfectly in the standard 9" by 13" casserole dish which is better for families/larger groups.  
  •  2-4 Chicken breasts, cooked (boiled is easiest) and shredded or cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup 
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 2 tsp. Poppy Seeds (Leave out if you don't have floss...  Just adds texture)
  • 1 roll "Ritz" crackers (I use the Walmart Great Value brand called "Buttery Rounds") crushed into crumbs
  • 1/4 cup butter (unsalted if at all possible, soup & crackers=HIGH sodium!)
  1.  Mix the Cream of Chicken soup and Sour Cream in a mixing bowl then add shredded or cut chicken and Poppy Seeds. 
  2. In a large pan melt butter and add cracker crumbs, stir constantly making sure butter is incorporated throughout and toast until nicely golden.
  3. Pour (or plop... :P) chicken mixture into baking dish (see disclaimer above for sizing) and cover evenly with toasted crumbs.
  4. Bake at 350 F for 35 minutes.  
YUM AND A HALF!  :) 

 Next week I'm going to post my recipe for Rolls or Bread...  Which one??  I home-make my bread, because that NASTY store-bought stuff is, well... Nasty.  :)  In many ways.  My dinner rolls are equally amazing.  My roommates enjoy both.  Comment and let me know what you'd like to read about!  If you have recipes or stories about ANYTHING (I especially love stories about love, adoption, charity, The Gospel, happy religion, missionaries, food, MUSIC, etc.) please just contact me.  I'd love to read and help in any way that I can.  Remember to follow.  :)

 I'll be seeing you.  :)