Weekend Delights

I had a great weekend.  I attended a great baby shower for an old friend, spent time reading Pioneer Woman, had quality time with my mom on Sunday and did some laundry.  All and all, it was very enjoyable weekend.  It is still hard for me to believe that one of my best friends is having a baby and going to begin a whole new chapter of her life... Especially since the word baby is so not in my vocabulary right now.  I am so happy for her and cannot wait to meet the newest addition to her little family.  

 Below are a few pictures from the shower.... 

 My gift was a hit! I wrote all the advice my students gave on small pieces 

of paper and tied them to the basket handle.

  Lots of gifts for the new baby...he's already spoiled!

Nice center pieces that doubled as cute prizes for table games.  Very clever.

On another note I am completely falling in love with Pioneer Woman.  You MUST read this love story.  I can't wait to finish and then gossip about the book with my friends!  I suggest you find a bookstore that has copies left or download it to your electronic reader....it is too good to miss.  You could even start a book club with your girlfriends like we did.  It gives us a great excuse to spend time together, drink wine, eat tasty treats, and talk about a great book.

I have been getting a lot of blog ideas from followers (all 6 of you) and friends and decided to add a recipe to my blog every once in a while.  I love cooking.  I love baking.  I find them both very relaxing.  I turn on a good CD, either an old favorite or new obsession, and whip up something delicious.  Although I really like to spend time in the kitchen, it seems like a lot of people, especially younger adults, don't look forward to cooking up a feast following a long day at work.  I've decided to post easy meal recipes that require little or no culinary skill.  Please give me feedback, good and bad, and try out these easy meal ideas yourself.  For those who loathe cooking, I hope I can help you begin to enjoy cooking as much as I do.  For those who already enjoy the culinary arts, here's hoping I can give you some new recipes to add to your cookbook.  Enjoy!

Turn on some music...I am listening to Cee Lo Green "The Lady Killer"

PASTA with CHICKEN & BROCCOLI

Boil water and add pasta and salt.

In a frying pan heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.  Add chicken (cut into bite sized pieces), salt and pepper to taste, and Parmesan cheese, cook until chicken is golden brown (about 8 minutes). 

2 minutes before the pasta is cooked through add in a cup of chopped broccoli to the boiling water.  

Drain pasta and broccoli.

Finally mix together chicken, pasta, and broccoli.  Add Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

 All together this takes about 20 minutes to cook and needs very little "baby-sitting."  It is hard to mess up and tastes great.  Also, it is easy to make for only one or eight.  Try it out!

I hope you all had a great weekend.