Welcome to the weekend, my friends! Thanks to a working furnace at last, it’s been a whole lot warmer around here this week. Life in Ohio sure isn’t boring in the winter. From frozen pipes to furnaces that just don’t want to heat the house, this weather is keeping me on my frozen toes this year. You’re never going to hear me say I miss the desert, but man, it sure was less dramatic in the winter.
ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK: Crispy browned hash browns and crisp-tender asparagus with plenty of bacon and a fried egg on top add up to the hashbrown breakfast bowls of my dreams.
Sweet, deeply caramelized onions meld with chicken and gooey cheese in this caramelized onion chicken quesadilla, creating an irresistible balance of flavors. I can’t get over how much this combination exceeded my expectations.
Ready in just 15 minutes, classic egg drop soup is loaded with feathery wisps of egg in a classic, savory broth. The first time I made it, my kids devoured every single sip. And, they requested it again the very next day for lunch. Now, it’s one of my favorite low effort, high reward recipes for a midday meal or last-minute craving.
Warm, smoky, and with just the right amount of heat, southwest chicken bites are lightning quick to make. I love this chicken because it is super easy to throw together, and my family loves it because it goes well with so many of our favorite meals.
While the ingredient list for this sausage potato and kale soup may not sound the most exciting, it is packed with tons of flavor. This is the ultimate bowl of comfort food. Made popular by the Zuppa Toscana served at Olive Garden, this soup has become an instant favorite with everyone who has tried it over the years.
Have you heard of a Pig Pickin’ Cake?? THANK YOU to the reader who pointed me to this one, because it has blown my mind. Bursting with sweet bits of orange and pineapple, this is a dessert that tastes like a ray of sunshine.
Last but never the least, I stirred together yet another batch of these chewy peanut butter cookies yesterday. With just an egg, a scant cup of peanut butter, and a cup of sugar, they’re the answer to almost every sweet craving I have and can be satisfied in minutes. (6 minutes in the air fryer, my friends, it doesn’t get easier than THAT shortcut!)
My FAVORITE THING this week is my Kindle paperwhite. I’m on my second paperwhite and it’s going into its 6th year now. And if I’m honest, it’s getting a little glitchy. I’m a heavy Kindle user and they typically last 6-8 years for me before they require charging every day or two. (Though I’ve just read that I may be able to replace the battery?!?! Has anyone tried that??)
What I’m WATCHING: surprise, surprise (or should I say, no surprise at all?) Stargate SG-1 remains on repeat. I’m up to Season 5, streaming the seasons as I edit photos and catch up on data entry tasks throughout the day and the show just never gets old.
What I’m READING: I started the Kate Fox series by Shannon Baker at the recommendation of a friend (thanks, Sandra!) and they’ve been a fun, light read. I’m on the 4th book now, and while they’re admittedly a bit predictable, I’m still enjoying them. Kate’s family never fails to make me smile, while her ex-husband tends to do the opposite. Like most series, the books improve as the storyline progresses and the characters develop. (The books are a free download on Kindle unlimited, so it’s worth checking out if that’s a subscription you already have.)
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NIV
Wishing you a beautiful week filled with little things that make you smile!
Mary
The post The Little Things Newsletter #504 – Life, laughter, and lots of great food! appeared first on Barefeet in the Kitchen.
