Boxes

Olivia's doll house

Reading spot

We love it when Fed Ex brings us a delivery (for Tommy) in a large box (fun for the kids) :)

Our new thing

Our new thing. 

Duct Tape. 

Did you know that you can find all kinds of patterns and colors of duct tape?  We have been Duct Taping EVERYTHING.  Old coffee cans (for banks and crayon holders), paper towel rolls, wrapping pencils, making bookmarks, etc.

Its been fun to see what the kids will come up with.  Could be some Christmas gift ideas in there somewhere...  :)

Hugs and happy crafting!  :)

Chicken Piccata

Tommy and I recently had dinner at Capri Italian Restaurant at 62nd and Keystone.  A very authentic family-owned gem in the city.  Tommy ordered Veal Piccata and it was to-die-for! So I decided to try to re-create the recipe with chicken.  I found this recipe online at www.simplyrecipes.com.  It was my first time buying capers.  What a unique and interesting flavor!

Chicken Piccata Recipe

2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (1 1/2 pound total)

2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup flour

Salt and pepper

4 Tbsp olive oil

4 Tbsp butter

1/2 cup chicken stock or dry white wine

3 Tbsp lemon juice

1/4 cup brined capers

1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

 Cut the chicken breast halves horizontally, butterflying them open. If the pieces are still thick after butterflying, put them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat hammer to 1/4-inch thickness.

 Mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Rinse the chicken pieces in water. Dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture, until well coated.

 Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add half of the chicken pieces, do not crowd the pan. Brown well on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and reserve to a plate. Cook the other breasts in the same manner, remove from pan. Cover with aluminum foil and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the sauce.

 Add the chicken stock (or white wine), lemon juice, and capers to the pan. Use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits. Reduce the sauce by half. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Plate the chicken and serve with the sauce poured over the chicken. Sprinkle with parsley.

Hugs and happy re-creating a restaurant dinners so you can save money eating at home :)

Water unit - tin foil boats

Celebrating

We have alot to celebrate at our house today. 

- It's FRIDAY! 

 - It's allowance day (for the kids)

 - There seems to be some commotion downtown, so its a big weekend around here :)

AND my favorite:

 - 108 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!  (I could be off on my numbers, but whose counting.)

To celeberate we made Lemonade slushies after lunch for dessert. 

1 cup sugar

1cup water

1 cup lemon juice (I used fresh lemons)

Make a simple syrup out of the sugar and water, cool, add lemon juice and blend with lots of ice (and a little water to dilute if too sweet). 

Simple, yummy, summery.

Hugs and happy 108 days until summer!