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1.08.2009

How to Survive a Minnesota Winter

***Recipe Update*** Several of you have asked me about leaving the mushrooms out of the rice.  Here are my thoughts about that:  Don't do it!  I think they add great flavor...however, if you aren't a mushroom eater, then just pick around them and don't eat them!  That's how Travis enjoys this rice :) But seriously people, mushrooms are SOOO good!!  Embrace the fungus!!

Well my friends, it is just plain COLD here and about to get colder.  We are in the thick of a Minnesota winter and we are about to get a good old-fashioned snow storm overnight.  Ironically, I don't really mind the cold and I'm kind of excited about waking up to some fresh snow.  Especially since I went to the grocery store today and made a major list, so that we don't have to leave the house all day Friday or Saturday!  YAY for being snowed in :)  But, in honor of the winter blast we are experiencing, I thought I would share two of my favorite recipes with you that are GREAT for a cold, winter night.  And when it's 8 degrees out with a -10 degree wind chill,  it's very important to have a few "warm your heart and stick to your bones" kind of meals up your sleeve :)   This is what we had for dinner tonight...

Easy Teriyaki Chicken
My sister Stacie shared this recipe with me and we have quickly fallen in love with it!  She found it in a crockpot cookbook and I love it because it's quick and easy.  You just need the above ingredients.  Chicken breasts, KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki marinade ( do not try another brand, this one is the best!!), a can of drained pineapple chunks, and a dash of ground ginger.  
Put the chicken in the crock pot and then put pour the pineapple chunks, 1/2 the bottle of teriyaki, and a dash of ginger over it.  Since every crock pot is different, I won't even try to give you a setting or time to bake this, just let it marinade in there until the chicken is done and it smells heavenly.
I put my crock pot on high and this was done in 2 hours.  This is what it looks like when it's ready.  The flavor of this chicken is SOOOO good and it's very tender from being in liquid.  You will LOVE it, I promise!  This chicken goes so well with this rice...

My Aunt Bette's Rice
Here are the ingredients for the BEST rice you will ever eat!!  The best part is that it's also the easiest rice you've ever made!  You need long grain rice, about 1/2 cup or a small box like the one above (don't use the seasoning and don't buy the quick cook recipe); 1 can of chicken broth, 1 can of beef broth (the campbell's cans are great because they are small), a small can of sliced mushrooms, drained; 1/2 tsp. of garlic salt; and a stick of butter.  Yes, a stick.  I didn't say this was healthy, but I did say it was the BEST!
Next, just dump everything into a 9x13 pan and put the butter on top.  Bake it uncovered at 350 degrees for one hour.  See how easy???
And here is the wonderful final product...just stir and serve with the teriyaki chicken below.
And here is the what you will have for dinner!  A hot, savory and YUMMY meal.  After you make this one time, I know you will THANK me for a new, favorite recipe to put in the rotation :)  It is a cheap meal with almost no prep and one that will leave your mouth watering!  
So take it from 2 Minnesotans who know the value of a hot meal on a cold night....Enjoy!!

15 comments:

Erin said...

LOVE it !! going to try the chicken! I think i have had the rice! its good, you think you can skip out on the mushrooms? We are also in Minnesota :)

Sarah said...

Really? We're getting one of those snow storms we've been hearing about since we've moved here?! Glad I checked your blog to get the latest forecast. :)

His Doorkeeper said...

Stephanie, This recipe looks so easy and we love Teriyaki chicken! I will try it out soon! Enjoy reading your blog as you wait on your sweet baby girl!

How's the nursery coming along?
Blessings to you!

Faith said...

Yummmmmyyyy!!! Thanks for sharing! Hope y'all are staying warm ;-)

Amanda Hoyt said...

Looks yummy! Be safe in the snow storm!!
Hugs and prayers,
Amanda

Aspiemom said...

That really looks good! I'm going to have to give that a try!

Rebecca Jo said...

YUMMMMMM.... the chicken sounds heavenly....

WOOOOO - a WHOLE stick of butter... that's funny - but I bet tastes wonderful!

Unknown said...

Sounds yummy!! I can't wait to try it.

Rebecca said...

i think this looks like a perfect easy recipe for a tired pregnant lady with a toddler running around! and jeremy loves chicken terryaki and i love anything that can be made in the crock-pot! thanks for sharing!
wonder if the rice would be good without the mushrooms? i think i'll try it!
i wish we could have a little snow! have fun being snowed in together- sounds wonderful!

petrii said...

MMMMM I love me a new recipe to try. My son will love the chicken terraki recipe and the rice ~~ he loves him some mushrooms.

Thanks for these.

Have a Blessed day and stay warm,
Dawn

all up in each others bizness said...

yum looks divine!!!

Jesse and Stacie said...

Told you it was good! :) Glad you like it too!

Rebecca said...

haha! i'm not brave enough to embrace the fungus but jeremy loves them so i am going to leave them in!
i'm making this tomorrow night- if Lord willing I actually feel like cooking- but it looks easy!

Candice said...

Hi! I found your blog on "Kelly's Korner" - and it seems we have the same due date! Congrats!

I'm looking forward to following your progress - and trying out this awesome recipe.

Stay warm up there!

Anonymous said...

We tried the chicken and loved it! I liked that it was so easy. I linked your blog with this recipe on my blog and I've some readers try it too! Yum!