Love, Love, Love and Love

One of the great things about belonging to a close knit community, whether it is the actual whole community or a small group of likeminded folks, is that when someone needs you, you are there for them. I belong to such a group and one of ours had surgery and we are taking meals by this week to help take a load off.

Now you know if I am taking a MEAL to anyone it must have been serious. Me, the noncook, made food, that people are supposed to eat. I made a favorite that my MIL makes for us. Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Tortellini. It's delish. When I make it at home, I try to use the "finer" ingredients, but when making for others I use items that are readily available for everyone. Not everyone will pay top dollar for organic products or something gourmet and since I like to include a recipe card with the dish, I write it using everyday items - nothing fancy. I tried pre-cooked chicken today and it worked out great.

Here are the "off the shelf" items that can be found at any grocery store. (not pictured - frozen broccoli)

The Recipe: (for the connoisseurs out there)

Fill a pot with water, crank up the heat. Fill your steamer with water and fresh broccoli, be generous - it's good for you!, and turn it on.

In a large skillet on medium high heat, pour in the cream and shake in organic garlic powder to taste. I like a lot! Stir often to prevent scorching. Once it comes to a boil, pour in a lot of freshly grated parmesan. Sorry but MIL didn't have a recipe and I don't really either. Take it from me, rely on your senses and it'll come out right everytime. Keep stirring so the parmesan melts and doesn't stick to the pan. Once melted, turn down the heat to a simmer.

During the stirring process, your pot of water should have come to a boil and you should have already dumped the freshly made tortellinis in and be bringing it back to a boil by now. It takes about 10 minutes to cook.

If you are grilling your organic chicken, you would have already beat the heck out it and tossed it on a hot grill. Go check it. But be fast about it cause the alfredo sauce is still simmering. Flip it.

Did you slather butter on your bread - fresh from the bakery and put it in the oven on a low broil? Well, get to it.

If you follow this "recipe" to a "T", the tortellini, chicken, broccoli and sauce should have finished at the same time. Sniff the air. CRAP! I burned the bread again. Get a butter knife and scrape off the burnt edges. Perfecto!

Since this was pre-cooked to be warmed up later and I had to carry it across town, presentation was not a top priority so I just mixed it all in together for even reheating. Serve with a loaf of warm, crusty bread, a side of salad. Yummy.

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And speaking of Love...

Kitten awarded me this fun award. I always try to promote folks as much as I can. I hope I always give due credit. If I don't get to your blog and show some love it's only because of two little boys and they do come first. So thanks, Katie, for the pretty for the sidebar. Now go on over and give her a hug. She needs one right now.

I'd like to pass this one on to Kaytabug, Janet, Dawn and Sirdar (you two can each have one, no need to share) :o)

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AOJ and the Lurchers awarded me a mighty fine award. It's a really nice thing to have someone say and between the two (and vitamins), my blog blahs are fading.

I'd like to pass this on to Ami, Amy, Jenni, Sandy and Linda.

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And finally, BN comes home tonight. Va-Va-Va-Voom!

~R