Monday, September 5, 2011

Lazy Labor Day...

Well the point of today is to not labor, right?  But I feel if you are doing something that you LOVE to do, even though it's work, it's  really not labor...

Today was supposed to involve family fun at the farm and some Apple picking.  Looking outside this morning, we had to change gears and so we switched to hug time, reading, cooking and eating....

oh and a little Ebaying too....

I thought I would write today and share with you the Pasta we made using mostly organic ingredients. It is Chicken, Bacon, Ranch pasta. The recipe calls for Dry Ranch Salad Mix (like Hidden Valley in the packet). I made my own:

Dry Ranch Salad Mix - Use organic spices if you can!
1/2 cup dry buttermilk (can use regular powdered milk, but I'm not sure how that would affect taste/texture)
1 T. dried parsley flakes
1 tsp. instant minced onions
1 tsp. dill weed
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

If you have a small food processor, process all together. If not, mix very well! Store in air tight bag or container.

Now onto the recipe...

Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Pasta

  • 6 slices Organic Nitrate and Nitrite Free Bacon
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 Tbsp. Organic all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp. ranch dry salad dressing mix
  • 1-1/4 cups Organic whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cups dried medium noodles - I used 3C from a box of Organic Shells
  • 1 Tbsp. finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
  • Cut bacon into small pieces.
  • In a large skillet cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
  • Drain bacon on paper towels
  • Discard all but 2 Tb drippings.
  • In the same skillet cook chicken in reserved drippings until tender and no longer pink, turning to brown evenly.
  • Sprinkle flour and salad dressing mix over the chicken in the skillet; stir well.
  • Stir in milk.
  • Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. This will take about 8-10 mins on med high heat. It should come to a boil then simmer.
  • Stir in bacon and black pepper
  • Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions.
  • Serve chicken mixture over noodles; sprinkle with Parmesan.
This was excellent! Enjoy and let me know how yours turns out! Happy Labor Day!