Cinnamon Fruit Oatmeal with Walnuts

I spend so much time focusing on dinner creations. Well I thought I would remind all the young cooks, cooks on budgets, and hungry cooks like myself that breakfast is delicious too. Somehow eating something delicious to start the day just makes my day that much better. And on a cold day like today, oatmeal was the warm delight that I was craving. P.S. never underestimate throwing things into oatmeal (or grits). Just about anything can be thrown in. In this case I added a handful of fresh Blueberries, a handful of walnuts, and a tablespoon of apple butter (one day I'll make my own). So simple. So healthy. So delicious. Remember everyone deserves to start each day with something they enjoy!

Gumbo Chili

After many, and I mean MANY, failed attempts at making chili (how I fail at making chili I'll never understand) I finally did it. I made chili. I made chili that was so good, that not only did my boyfriend get seconds, but he requested that I pack up some so he could take it to work for lunch. Now that is some supreme chili if i do say so myself. (Keep in mind this is not a spicy chili- if you want it spicy you can substitute the can of tomato sauce with a tomato sauce with jalapenos, you can add fresh jalapenos, you can use a Hot Chili Seasonings packet, etc).

Time to prep: 5 min

Time to cook: 20 min

Servings: 5-6

Ingredients:

• 1/2lb of ground beef
• 4 chicken tenderloins: diced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1tbsp of olive oil
• 1 tbsp of minced garlic in olive oil
• 1 can of dark red kidney beans
• 1 can of great northern beans
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1/2 jar of 6 cheese spaghetti sauce
• 1 bag of frozen gumbo medly: okra, celery, onions, corn, and red peppers
• 1 packet of Original Chili Seasonings
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a pot place the chicken, ground beef, garlic, and tbsp of olive oil
2. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the beef is browned
3. Drain the excess fat and oil from the pan
   ***REMEMBER NOT DOWN THE DRAIN- THIS WILL CLOG YOUR SINK!!!***
4. Add the two cans of beans, the can of tomato sauce, and the vegetables cook until heated all the way through
5. Add the spaghetti sauce and the Original Chili Seasonings packet
6. Season to taste, (Top with cheese, add Hot Sauce, add saltines)
7. Enjoy!!!!

Danielle's Biscuit Crusted Chicken Pot Pie

That's right. I claim this recipe. It's my new favorite. It's easy, amazingly delicious, and my boyfriend asked for seconds. There, that last statement. That's my proof. My boyfriend asked for seconds and took like half of the 3 servings that remained. It's that good. My pictures don't do it justice, try it and test it out for yourself - let me know what you think.

As you can see, this was also baked in the stoneware dish of my Crock-Pot. WHO KNEW RIGHT?!?! Ok, on to the important information. 

Time to prep: 20 min
Time to cook: 15 min- or until crust is golden brown
Servings: 4-6 depending on serving size (we ate like hogs that night, so ours only made 4 servings)

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken tenderloins: cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 1lb bag of frozen carrots, peas, and corn (thawed)
• 1/2 can of mushrooms
• 1 can of Kroger - Chicken Pot Pie soup
• 1 bag of Cheddar Garlic biscuit mix
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp of minced garlic in olive oil
• Salt; Pepper; Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a pot add olive oil, chicken, mushrooms, and garlic and cook until the chicken is cooked all the way through
3. Add the mixed vegetables, can of Chicken Pot Pie soup, and spices 
4. Cook the pot pie innards until simmering (just about to boil)
5. Pour into baking container (I used the stoneware from my crock pot)
6. In a seperate bowl, mix the package of biscuit mix according to the directions on the packet (I believe it was add 1/2 cup of water and stir. Frustratingly simple.) 
7. Once its mixed (should be a thick dough) drop spoonfuls of the dough across the top of the pot pie innards using a wooden spoon, and attempt to spread out and cover as much of the top as possible
   **If you can't get it to spread all over-it's ok. Mine didn't either. It will spread as it bakes. Trust me**
8. Sprinkle seasonings across the top of the dough
9. Bake for 15-20min or until the biscuit crust is golden brown
10. Enjoy!!