Tasty Thursday - Cajun Chicken Pasta

Good morning lovelies!

My camera is in the shop this week. Yes, the one I just got for Christmas. The lens won't open. Totally bummed. But Canon says I will have it back in a week's time and it will work like new. So I could not take pictures on my cuisine this week. Another bummer!

I did make one of the Pioneer Woman's recipes on Monday and lucky for ya'll, she takes pictures and gives instruction! I made her Cajun Chicken Pasta and, hmmmmm, loved it! The only thing I modified was the heavy cream and the sauce. (Are ya'll seeing a trend here? no cream, no cheese, etc. Blame in on CAT.) Because the sauce won't really thicken up without the cream, I only used 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1/8 cup of wine. This was enough sauce to coat the noodles and give them a little flavor. And it passed CAT's test. He loved it as well!

Get the recipes and instructions here.

Up next week - Sauteed Scallops. yum.

Tasty Thursday - Cornbread Chicken

Okay, let me start by saying that this was a total experiment.  Start to finish.  Luckily, it turned out pretty good! 

What you need:
boneless skinless chicken breasts (i used 3 for this recipe)
Jiffy cornbread mix (1/2 box per 3 chicken breasts)
3 tbsp paprika
1 tsp salt (feel free to add more, but we try to do low sodium 'round these parts)
2 tbsp black pepper
eggs (for dipping - 2 was enough for 3 breasts)
3 tbsp Oil for pan frying (i used olive oil)
1 tbsp minced garlic (2 gloves)
about 15 minutes of time

Here's how to do it:

Combine cornbread mix, paprika, salt, and pepper in a pie pan or shallow dish. set aside.  Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat.

 

Crack eggs into a dipping bowl and whisk lightly.

 

Coat chicken breasts in cornbread mixture.

Heat oil in a large skillet.  Add the garlic when the oil is warm and cook about 2 minutes.

 

Dip the breaded chicken in the egg...

 

And place in skillet.   Cook on each side about 5 or 6 minutes.  The outside will be a nice golden brown color.

 

Enjoy the nice cornbread-y crunchiness!

Martini Paper Cut

I know I promised to tell you more about Scoutie's Girls 52 weeks of blogging your passion today, but I think we could all use a break on this dreary rainy day.  I'll be here tomorrow to fill you in on what I have been learning.  Until then, I leave you with this cheerful new paper cut design :

Handmade Craft Parties?!?

So, I have been thinking recently about hosting/sponsoring an in-home handmade craft party.   Think Mary Kay, Arbonne, Silpada, etc.  Expect all items would be handmade.  I would like to include artists from different techniques - such as paper goods and fabric(me), jewelry, clothing, art, and perhaps furniture.  

I would love to hear ya'lls thoughts, ideas, and suggestions on this topic!  Post any feedback below or email me at marian(at)perfectchancememories(dot)com.

Happy Saturday Lovelies!

NC Wine Festival

This past Saturday was the NC Wine Festival in Clemmons. Chance planned to do the 3 Mountain Madness up Pilot Mountain, so of course that gave me a great excuse to go the Wine Festival. It was so much fun! 37 wineries, all different wines, and plenty of Scuppernong & Muscadine - my favorite! Here's a list of my favorites:

1. McRitchie Winery - the Hard Cider is truly awesome. James like the Ring of Fire Red, I believe. It was very tasty:)
2. Thistle Meadow - Bonny Black & Sweet Holler White. They also have a sweet Orange wine, but I can't find the exact name on their website. Check it out if you go to their winery - it was unusual & delicious!
3. Duplin - Sunset Red. I have always been a big Duplin fan, so I tried something I had never had. It was a good choice!
4. Chateau Laurinda - This is the only stop where we actually purchased a bottle. Or, two actually:) Roman Delight (a semi-sweet green apple) to go & Jessie & I split a bottle of Sangria over Chicken Salad in the shade. The Perfect compliment to a perfect day!

And some pictures from the festival:

That is about how much of a taste you get of each wine -


People lined up at the wine tents:


Me & James


Absolutely worth the $20 ticket - check it out next year!