My contribution to the blog world....

Okay, I admit it...I like reading people's blogs--people I know, people I don't. My husband teases me about being a people watcher/observer, so this I suppose is just another way for me to engage in this favorite past-time. I enjoy blogs about peoples' families and I enjoy those that teach me things (eg. parenting, craft ideas, organization tips, etc. etc.). Today I thought about what helpful topics might make someone want to read my blog. I like to cook, and if I do say so myself - it's one thing I'm actually pretty good at. I certainly have my mishaps (ask me about "fruited BBQ chicken" sometime), but most of my meals are pretty tasty. So, perhaps on occasion I will share them with you. Most are fairly simple; others are more elaborate. Unfortunately (or not), most of the time I don't use recipes so my directions are never going to be exact. Just go with your gut! :) Today I made my crock pot honey BBQ chicken. It's one of our favorite quick and easy meals. Maybe you would like it too.

Blair's Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken: (it'll make you clap your hands, hence the adorable Sadie Beth).

Ingredients: Frozen boneless chicken tenders, ginger, chicken broth, Kraft Honey BBQ sauce, honey, cornstarch (if needed)

- Spray inside of crock pot with fat free cooking spray.

- Thaw 7-10 frozen tenders by soaking in hot water for 5-10 minutes.

- Place tenders in crockpot and pour several ounces of chicken broth in crockpot.

- Cook on low 1-1 1/2 hours.

- Break up chicken using large wooden spoon.

- Sprinkle a little ground ginger on chicken and mix around to spread.

- Drain 2/3 of chicken broth.

- Pour on Kraft Honey BBQ sauce. For 7 tenders, I use about half a bottle.

- Add about 1/4 cup of honey, more or less to your taste preferences.

- Add some extra chicken broth if you need more moisture.

- Cook on high for 3-4 hours.

- Use wooden spoon to mash chicken more. It should come apart easily and look like pulled pork.

- BBQ sauce mixture should be more of a thicker consistency than soupy. If it is too runny, mix a spoonful of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until it is dissolved and then add to crockpot. Let cook with top off for a few minutes.

- Enjoy delightfully tender chicken!

*We like this as sandwiches or just by itself.

**It goes great with mac and cheese and greenbeans!

Shopping Tip: Buying Chicken.

Meat is expensive! One of the best prices we have found on chicken is at Meijer. They sell 4lb bags of frozen chicken breast tenders for $14.98. Every few weeks they have a buy one, get one free sale. That means 8 lbs of chicken for $15.00. It used to be only $13, but recently the prices went up. I like cooking with these because it is easy to portion out the chicken for meals. I think we have 6 bags in our freezer because they went on sale this week! If you know the Balzers, this shouldn't suprise you. :)

10 Months!

Sadie Beth is 10 months old now!

More to come later!

I couldn't resist...

David found this picture on a Yahoo news story a few days ago and I thought it was so precious. I can't remember the details but this is a cat that has "adopted" a baby panda bear. Here the baby bear is nursing on the cat. Unbelievable huh?

Not too much new to report from the Balzers. Sadie Beth is into everything now. I really believe that if she could talk and you asked her what her name is she would probably respond, "My name is Sadie-Beth-No-Don't-Touch-That!" I'm working on making our home kid-friendly but that is easier said than done with the setup of my dad's condo. She understands what "No" means and often when I say "Sadie Beth..." with a hint of warning in my voice she looks back at me with this ridiculously mischieveous grin that indicates she knows exactly what I'm talking about.

These aren't quite the face I'm talking about, but are a little mischieveous....

We have been spending as much time as possible outside. Sadie Beth LOVES going to the pool which of course makes this mommy very happy. She is the star there and eats up all the attention she gets from all our neighbors. Hopefully I will have more pictures of the pool soon but usually can't take pictures since I am by myself with her. Heather and Elijah have been over a few times to swim and the babies are fun together. This was before heading over...
When it isn't super hot, I take Sadie Beth outside to play under the tree on our picnic blanket. She likes exploring around the grass and leaves.......and eating them.

If you've been around Sadie Beth for at least 5 minutes, you've probably heard her growl. I think this is her favorite way of communicating. This morning I was trying to get her to wear a straw hat that her Aunt Darla picked out and I think she was afraid of it. She would fling it off her head across the floor and then growl at it very intensely. She did this probably 10 times...with this face...
If only I could read her mind...