Food and Snow

Dallas and Rebecca's family went on a getaway vacation to Zion National Park over Presidents' Day weekend. 

The children LOVED swimming in the hotel swimming pool. The hikes and other things they did sounded fun, also. I was so glad to hear they had a really great time. 

Of course I wanted to hear every detail because I have to live vicariously through other people's vacations these days. 

Jan came over to bring us some super delicious heart-shaped fruit tarts on Valentine's Day. She's the friend that keeps on giving!! Mmmmm!!

This has been such a light-snow winter. It almost felt like spring was right around the corner. But then it snowed. I love the winter wonderland look of freshly-fallen snow, especially after the clouds clear and the blue sky makes the snow even more beautiful. 

It makes my heart happy to look out our kitchen window and see this view.

With the snow days we've had this week, it has been a good time to try out some new recipes.

I heard "chicken kiev" said in one of the many Hallmark movies we have watched over the past year when we've spent so much time alone at home.

It prompted an investigation of what that dish actually is. I found out it is breaded chicken breast that has garlic-parsley-spiced butter stuffed in the middle. 

Unfortunately, I was unable to seal the chicken edges enough to keep the butter inside until the first cut.

Never fear! After scooping up the butter and dripping it over the top of the chicken, we were able to get the full taste of the dish. It was pretty good.

I need to learn how to be a food photographer to make my meals more appealing to the eye. Although, if the meals are appealing to the palate, isn't that what really matters??

Leftovers the second day weren't nearly as moist (and Glen even used the word "rubbery" to describe the chicken). IF I ever make this again, I would not bake the leftover portion until the next day.

Another new recipe was crockpot Beef and Barley Soup. It seemed more like a stew than soup to me. It was pretty tasty. 

Glen declared it much better than the canned Campbell's Chunky Steak and Potato Soup that he eats sometimes for lunch. What a compliment...?!? 

ANOTHER SNOWSTORM!! HURRAH!! Grant continues to clear our driveway and sidewalks and we so appreciate him!!

So thankful for the moisture! Let's hope this last dumping helps prevent a summer of drought.