Cooking with Ashley

Ok, so this post is purely to toot my own horn. I made like the best dinner. It wasn't really out of the ordinary, just good home cooking. Plus, I haven't been cooking all that often, it comes in spurts. I made a pan of barbecue chicken, a pan of oven fry chicken tenders, garlic mashed potatoes, and fresh broccoli with cheese sauce. And, the sad thing is- we ate it ALL. I think there is one chicken breast left! I also think I dirtied a good chunk of every dish we own not to mention so many pots and pans. And, thanks to Miss Erica, I have been craving apple pie or actually any apple dessert for the last few months but have only given in three times, and twice was tonight.... I made apple dumplings (with Mountain Dew as the odd ingredient) and OH MY GOSH were they ever good. I believe Erica found the recipe on The Pioneer Woman Cooks and after browsing through all the recipes on there I am thinking I may be cooking more often. So many yummy sounding recipes with awesome pictures (taken during each step of the cooking/baking process) to boot. If you are in need of cooking inspiration or just some yummy comfort food, you should check her site out. And, if you must know, yes I had to un-button my offensive non-maternity jeans so I could finish chowing down. But, it was totally worth it.

I need cooking help!

This morning Jon and I were in the mood for French toast. So I made some up. I make mine with lots of vanilla and cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. I also sprinkle cinnamon on each slice as they are cooking in the pan. Here is my dilemma and I suspect I am not alone: soggy bread. I have only ever cooked it the way my mom did, just in a skillet or on the griddle with butter. I rarely make it, just because it seems like we never have time for a big breakfast and frankly- making French toast for 6 people seems exhausting... Anyway to keep it from getting soggy I have considered: toasting the bread first, making it in the oven, brushing the egg/milk mixture on instead of dipping the bread, and lastly- using less butter. Now, keep in mind that I have never tried any other way. But, I am looking for some tips so I can make it more often. It sure was good, even if it was a little soggy. So, lend me some tips please!

A little help from my "friends"

I had a lazy day today since I stayed up so late last night crafting. It was after 3:45 when I went to bed and after I finally dozed off around 4, Chloe woke me up freaked out by a shadow. Which ended up being the ceiling fan...
So, needless to say I was super tired today. I napped off/on all day and caught up on several shows that I had taped. I finally showered and brushed my teeth at 4:30, (oh you know you've done it too, wait all day to freshen up) after I got all the kids home safe and sound. After that it was a mad dash to get my chores done (breakfast dishes and beds made) before Jon got home. I really wasn't in the mood to cook, so I ordered Chili's To Go*. I felt guilty for not cooking, so I enlisted the help of my BFF Betty Crocker* and we made chocolate chip cookies for dessert and muffins for tomorrow's breakfast. And, while I am not into the homemade thing like my friend Erica, everything tastes great. Or at least I think they do, I would never sample dough or baked goods... I'm on a diet, remember? Anyway- I just wanted to give a shout out to my two pals Betty and Chili, thanks for helping a girl out.

*2 of my "friends"