Queso Smothered Chicken!

Found this recipe for Queso Smothered Chicken on ziplist.  Ever heard of it?
Neither had I, but hoping to find some more tried & true recipes from this site!

While I pretty much made everything to a "T"...I dismissed the oil and used some of the leftover marinade to cook the chicken.  Worked great.
I was also unable to find the marinade this recipe called for, so used a bottle of Santa Fe Chili Lime, which was really great too.

My Ingredients:
1 bottle Lawry's Santa Fe Chili Lime 30 minute marinade
6 chicken tenders

1 cup orzo
2 cups chicken broth
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp chili powder
8 oz Velveeta, diced
1 can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies

Directions are from Plain Chicken:

Pour Baja Chipotle Marinade over chicken and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight. When ready, grill chicken until done (165 degrees).

While the chicken is grilling prepare the orzo.

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add orzo. Cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned.  Stir in Southwestern Seasoning or chili powder, tomato paste and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Combine Ro-tel and Velveeta in a medium bowl.  Heat on HIGH in the microwave in 30 second intervals until cheese is melted.

To assemble the Queso Smothered Chicken - place 1/4 of the orzo on a plate, top with grilled chicken. Pour 3-4 Tbsp cheese dip over chicken and orzo. 

Muy Delicioso

Holiday's Homemade

The time has come to say Good Bye.  Not forever, but until the next Christmas season arrives!

I personally wanted to thank all of you who who shared with us your stories and traditions on Holiday's Homemade Facebook page, and lead us through our 1st Christmas season with flying colors!

If there is any particular projects, recipes, or traditional aspects you'd like us to share with you this coming season, please feel free to post below or visit us anytime of the year, as we'll be making our list, and checking it twice ;)

We're all looking forward to sharing more ideas with you next Christmas season, but until then, enjoy the New Year! It's going to be a great one!!

Kids Valentine's Day - Art work

Our newest project was a lot of fun.  I was able to use my new cricut that I got for Christmas (Woot!) and Charlotte was able to use the big kid markers, she has desperately wanted to use and her all time favorite - glue!  All around 2 very happy girls!!

We started off with a big piece of poster board.  I drew on there several hearts for her to (or not to) color in, gave her some markers, crayons, and set her free on a coloring spree.

When she was done coloring, I cut out each each heart (along with my saying) we glued them on, and viola! Entry artwork at it's finest!

Cool People Care

I saw this message floating around and I thought it was quite appropriate for all of those trying to make themselves anew for the new year. 

So, what resolutions did you make for yourself this year?  Did you take the plunge?

I personally used to never make resolutions.  That is until my daughter came along.  

Since then, I seem to always make some type of resolution that has to do with self improvement.  They're mostly along the lines of...

 - Don't be so hard on yourself.  You're doing the best you can! Don't take others 2 cents to heart.  YOUR opinion and beliefs matter most!!

- Organize, Organize, Organize!  It is absolutely insane how much beautiful chaos (especially Toys and Clothes!) enters the household once you have a child.  I feel I'm always swiping out clothes sizes and trying to find a new spot for the grand toy item of the week.

This year, I'm going to continue my 1st two resolutions, as I have for the past 2 years.  

I still battle with the "Don't be so hard on yourself"  I think every Mother comes across this at some point in time.  We all only want what's best for our children and sometimes it can be an inner battle with yourself.  Am I doing the right thing?  What would my Mom have done? Was I too hard on her/him/them?

Organize!  Good grief.  I think this *might* be the year I let go.  My daughter is 2.5 and I still have EVERYTHING from her baby years.  Clothes, sippy cups, bottles, shoes, bibs, blankets, toys, you name it.  Instead of hoarding these things in my basement, why not give them away to someone who can really use them.  Again, this is an inner battle with myself, but I'm going to try.  I always go back n' forth on "Well what if we have another...then I have to start all over" but ya know...if and when we do have another, they will get a fresh start.  Besides, if we have a boy next go round, he wouldn't exactly look like the hunky bubby he should in a frilly pink dress.  Just sayin'. 

This years resolution is to print more pictures and put them in photo albums.  I have a MASSIVE photo storage outlet, thanks to Shutterfly, but sometimes it's nice to flip through a book to see and feel those memories again.  Part 2, is to keep recreating memories.  I feel I have done a very good job with this, thus far, but I want to instil the importance of travel, the earth, and culture into my daughters veins.  The world is a beautiful thing.  Why not start with our own city?!  Yep.

So go ahead and share with me your tips, tricks, and resolutions.  2013 is going to be a great year! 

All aboard!