Easy meatloaf

Another recipe today - I've been a cooking machine lately. I had been on the search for a new meatloaf recipe for a while because my old recipe never seemed to stay together after cooking. I tend to make a lot of chicken, and Ryan tends to be a red meat guy, so I thought it was time to try again.

I used this high-rated recipe via All Recipes, and made a few changes for my own taste. I highly recommend it for a moist and tasty meatloaf, and I particularly liked the addition of the parmesan cheese.

Easy meatloaf
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup milk
1 cup dried bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan

1 tablespoon Worcestershire

salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup ketchup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, milk, bread crumbs, parmesan and Worcestershire. Season with salt and pepper to taste and place in a lightly greased 5x9 inch loaf pan.
Pour ketchup over loaf.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour.

I didn't take a photo, but take my word for it. It's quite delicious and reheated nicely.

Do you have a favorite meatloaf recipe?

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The wife's January goals - how'd I do?

It's hard to believe that January is already over. Just like every other month, it seemed to race by.

The wife's January goals
Read at least two books.
The Girlfriend's Guide to Baby Gear, The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, and Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering 
Try a new recipe.
We tried chicken and dumplings this month, along with other new recipes 
Make upcycled mittens for myself.
I'll share soon.
Purge and donate excess stuff.
I've been working on this with the basement organization. Definitely making good progress.
Organize craft stuff and fabric.
In progress... it's looking better already.
Get to the gym.
Fail! This is what I would call an epic fail!
Install open shelves in the kitchen.
They are finally up!


And, now... onto February.

The wife's February goals
Read at least two books.
Host one of my favorite bloggers (with the help of one of my other favorite bloggers) in my hometown.
Soak up some Vitamin D in Arizona.
Try a new recipe.
Start nursery plan.
Confirm and order nursery fabric.
Make curtains for basement windows.
Make monthly half-square triangles.
Piece together Christmas quilt.

What are your goals for the month?

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Open kitchen shelving with Fiestaware and Pyrex

Well, I was able to get a few pretties up on our new shelves in the kitchen.

It's quite cheerful, right?

I especially love that I can display my Pyrex dishes. Plus, the Fiestaware blends into the kitchen quite nicely.

Luckily, these shelves seem to be quite sturdy. I've already loaded them up more than Ryan would like. I have a tendency to overfill shelves.

What do you think?

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Slow cooker chicken and dumplings

My mom made the most delicious chicken and dumplings when I was growing up. To this day, it's one of my favorite comfort foods. But, until last week, I'd never made it myself. It just seemed a bit too "involved" for me. But, when I found this recipe for easy slow-cooked chicken and dumplings, I had to try it. And, it was really quite delicious. And, incredibly simple! You should try it yourself - perfect for a cold, winter night.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (I put them in frozen)
2 tbsp. butter
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 onion finely chopped
1 package of refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces
Chicken stock

Place the chicken, butter, soup and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with just enough chicken stock (or water) to cover.
Cover and cook for 5-6 hours on high (or 8-9 hours on low). About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker on high. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.

Almost as good as the recipe my mom makes. The dumplings are even better than I expected from refrigerated dough. It's always better when someone else makes it for you. =)

Do you have a favorite winter comfort food?

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