Chicken ala Nancy

By accident I stumbled upon a show on Lifetime called "Mom's Cooking" in which the participants that have signed up with the show want to learn favorite dishes their mother has made and they, along with the host, ambush Mom and recruit her to show her offspring how to make some of their favorite dishes from childhood.

I love the idea of the show as it not only creates a memorable moment, but the opportunity to pass on a family tradition.  Unfortunately, my Mom passed over a dozen years ago and there are many of her recipes I wish I now have or had bothered to learn.  As far as passing on to my own son, I told him when he is hankering for home cooking when he grows up, all he had to do is head to Fazoli's (we went there many a Tuesday night for Kid's night for the 99 cent kids meal and kids craft).   I know right now it would be nearly impossible to get him to take time to show him how to cook anything, but maybe I will put together a recipe book of some his favorites to give to him for when he graduates from technical school as the only thing he knows how to make on his own is Koolaid pie.

But, to get back to the point, as Kyle loves chicken I like to try new ways to prepare it and Chicken ala Nancy, (Nancy being the name of the mom in the episode) sounds like a good option to try as it is different and sounds quick (10-12 minutes) and easy (only a few ingredients) to make.

You prepare 4-6 cutlets using an electric skillet at around 350 degrees for even cooking.  First you dredge it in flour, then in egg and then in flour and she advises the flour in it helps to create a gravy in the pan.  You brown it in 2 TBSP of butter along with 1 TBSP of olive oil (the butter gives it flavor and the olive oil keeps the butter from burning) and you brown the pieces on each side for a few minutes then add a cup of sherry and the juice of a lemon, then cover  and simmer for five or six minutes, then turn off and let set for a minute for the "gravy" to thicken then spoon it into a serving dish and on the show they garnished with lemon pinwheels.


Photo: source

• Edit 2015 - original link dead - found copy of recipe on Sharecipe.com Ingredients: 4 – 6 thin or medium chicken cutlets Flour for dredging 2 eggs Milk Bread crumbs 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup cooking sherry 2 tablespoons lemon juice

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Gothic Inspired Laced Up Nails

I am always on the lookout for new nail looks and looking forward to trying this fun and flirty look is by Totally Cool Nails and uses the blunt end of a Q-Tip and a hairpin to create. 

For the tutorial, watch the above video.

20 Minute Dress

Source: designfixation.blogspot.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

I love simple dresses and this design at Design Fixation that can be done in 20 minutes using a yard or two of stretch fabric, elastic and a sewing machine - no pattern required!

For instructions visit: Design Fixation

Vegetarian Stuffed Dumplings + Caraway Cabbage

Although I have not been a practicing vegetarian for several years,  I am always on the lookout for vegetarian dishes as they are a healthier and more socially responsible alternative.

I was pleased to find recipes for the above posted by The Chubby Vegetarian featuring dumplings made with tofu, carrots, celery, green peas and spices in wonton wrappers served with cooked cabbage with red pepper, garlic, caraway, and Apple Cider vinegar sounds like a flavorful and filling meal intend to try some time.

For the recipe, visit The Chubby Vegetarian.

Photo:  The Chubby Vegetarian  

Paper Flowers

Source: weddingchicks.com via wedding chicks on Pinterest

I saw this project weddingchicks.com on Pinterest on their DIY Board.   Although these would be an economical decoration for a wedding, the project looks fun and simple using card stock, glue gun, scissor, round paper punch and glitter and would make a fun Spring centerpiece or desk decoration.

If you do have a wedding in the near future you might want to check out their wedding boards on Pinterest here

Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas

I spotted this recipe for Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas over at Budget Bytes 
and I want to try them sometime as they are a vegetarian and economical at around $6.66 for 10 for around .66 cents a piece. 

FLOWERY FLEECE HEADBAND

Photo:  Cheap Crafty Mama

I like the sort of retro-flapper look of this fleece headband by Cheap Crafty Mama and will have to pick up a remnant of fleece from the fabric store some time and give it a try.

For the tutorial, click here.

Anthropologie Inspired Book Stack Necklace

I love Vermin Jerky's version of this on Cut Out And Keep although the original tutorial on Craftster
by user malmow and going to try to make this some time.

SIX MINUTE CARAMELS

I spotted a recipe for Six Minute Caramels 
over at Two Butterflies and adding this to my list as I want to try making this around next Christmas and if all goes, well, gift it as gifts.   I have never had any luck trying to make caramels before, but this sounds so easy as it is made using butter, white and brown sugar, Karo syrup and sweetened condensed milk and nuke it the microwave, stirring every 2 minutes.

For the recipe, click here



Photo:  Two Butterflies

CHINESE LAUNDRY GISENNA FLATS

It might be because it has been a (thankfully) a warmer winter than normal that I find these breezy shoes so appealing. Although the $59.99 is not a bad price, it is way over what my budget allows so think I want to give these a DIY try with a pair of flats, some pretty ribbon and sturdy glue.  Not sure if I want to  make the shape of the flats on fabric, sew on the flowers and then glue the piece to the shoes, or just glue the ribbon to the shoes directly.

As it could go very wrong as they are very detailed, will try to find a cheap pair of plain flats on sale.

Ballerina Bun Remix **ACCOMPLISHED**

Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

One of the reasons I grew my hair long was that there would be more hairstyling options.

Unfortunately, I don't like how it gets into everything and countless times have ended up slamming it in the car door and not realizing it until I would go to move my head, so most of the time I just end up wadding it up in some sort of bun but at least with this style, it will be creatively wadded.

For the full tutorial, click HERE

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**Accomplished**

I made a version of the bun, but ended up twisting two strands of hair together instead of braiding the back.<