midwest bronde

Category: Nourish

  • Protein-rich Chicken Parm in a Bowl

    If there’s anything about me, I’m a sucker for an easy, delicious meal. I’ve got a hubby that’s usually at sports practice with 1 or 2 of the kiddos, so my energy levels generally dictate how ‘gourmet’ our meals are, lol. An easy fan-fave at our house is Chicken Parm in a Bowl. It’s packed with protein, requires simple ingredients, and takes very minimal effort to prepare – not to mention, it’s delish.

    Chicken Parm in a Bowl

    Ingredients
    Frozen Breaded Chicken Patties
    Pasta / Tomato Sauce
    Cottage Cheese (we use the non-fat, but any will do)
    Italian Seasoning (premade or DIY)
    Garlic Powder
    Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
    Shredded or Flaked Parmesan Cheese

    How To Make
    1) Bake or airfry frozen chicken patties based upon instructions on bag.

    2) Remove cooked chicken patties from oven, dice into bite-sized pieces.

    3) In a bowl, add 1/2 to 1 cup of cottage cheese; top with desired amount of pasta sauce, diced chicken patty, and 3 tbsp of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place in microwave for 1 minute.

    4) Carefully remove bowl from microwave. Sprinkle Garlic Powder, Italian seasoning, and desired amount of shredded parmesan cheese. Stir to mix and enjoy!

    Now hear me out – I’m not a professional recipe girlie yet. I know my formatting is cringe-worthy for pro-recipe-istas or chefs or whatever. I hope you can look past the recipe format & take the opportunity to make this super easy + delicious meal. Drop a comment and let me know if you try it!

  • And So It Goes –

    Well friends, I wondered when it would happen, and the time has finally come – I am officially in my Sourdough Era.

    A nod to Taylor, I suppose. That’s another thing to know about me, I’ve enjoyed her music since probably my Freshman year of high school, but I’ve never referred to myself as a Swiftie until she released TTPD. That album did something for me that is really just beyond explanation. It like…..escorted me into and out of a depression, all at once, and I couldn’t have appreciated it more. Now that she’s all in with TK and the love story is end-game, my heart couldn’t be happier for her or them. The New Heights podcast launch of her new album news was nothing short of everything, and hearing her go on and on about her own sourdough creations seemingly escorted me into my own…

    I have had friends share their sourdough creations with me, and I’ve smelled & squished & purchased many a loaf from the local farmer’s market, but I never really felt the call to grow and feed something of my own. After all, I’ve grown & continue to feed three children (LOL) But just like it did this Spring when I gave in to the yearning for a garden, my heart said, ‘the time is now,’ so I listened.

    I could have probably chosen a more sustainable route, but Amazon offered a ‘starter kit’ with all the essentials (measuring jar, whisks, stamp-thingy, rattan bowls for proofing, cheese cloth) so I clicked the easy-button and had it shipped to me within 24 hours. A cup of whole-wheat flour and some water later, I had created my first sourdough starter. We’re officially……..22 hours in, so we’ll see how this pans out. My hope is to fill this page with recipes & the joy that comes from creating things for the ones I love – more to come later.

    If you’re a sourdough fan or artist yourself, drop your favorite recipe or creation in the comments! I have high hopes for this.

    xo