New Year

New Year.  I'm awful at posting things, but DH has told me to start writing again because I keep forgetting recipes.  We went out with friends to celebrate New Years Eve last night.




















2014 was hectic.  Since DH moved in, I published my first paper and went to 3 conferences for work.  DH was accepted to his first choice of med school and was asked to write (and completed his first draft of) a chapter for a text book!  My brother had an adorable baby girl.  DH's sister got married. And sadly, my grandmother passed away.  I am quite excited to not travel very much this next semester.  Classes start on Monday.  I am taking my last required graduate class and TA-ing my first undergrad class.  The teacher asked me if I would like to help teach a couple of lectures which is exciting.  I'm exhausted and need to grocery shop, do laundry, and prepare for next semester to start.

For my future reference, these were the recipes that we thought were worth repeating:

Sweet Potato Hash 

Pie-less Chicken Pot Pie:

2-3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (frozen or not)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can water
1 bag frozen peas
1 bag frozen corn
some diced onion (optional)
salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Put everything in the crock-pot and cook on high for ~ 4 hours or low for ~ 7 hours.  It's done when it shreds easily with 2 forks.  Shred chicken and stir.  Season to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  If too thin add a little flour or cook with top off to thicken sauce.  Serve over rice.


Polish Heritage Recipe (lol):

1/2 package Polska Kielbasa
1/2 bag Sauerkraut
2 tbsp butter

Melt butter in cast iron pan (Med-low heat).  Cut kielbasa into 1/4 inch pieces.  Cook kielbasa in butter, flipping over occasionally, until slightly brown and curving into concave shapes.  Add drained, unwashed sauerkraut (some liquid can be added for a stronger taste).  Cook while stirring until the sauerkraut starts to cook down like onions before they caramelize.

Update

I was chosen today by the College of Engineering to go on a fully funded trip to Los Angeles in order to represent them at a conference and help recruit potential female graduate students.  I am pretty excited to have been chosen.  I am also presenting my research at a conference in Miami and a conference in Atlanta this semester.

DH has a  med school interview this week.  We are very busy.  Fingers crossed.

Stress

Random Note:  I watched this Ted Talk recently and found it very interesting and relevant.  I think it's worth a watch.

http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend

Fast Sourdough-ish Bread

To be updated with recipe.  For now FOOD PICTURES : )

 

Ranch Buffalo Shredded Chicken

To be updated with recipe.  For now FOOD PICTURES : )

Pasta Salad

To be updated with recipe.  For now FOOD PICTURES : )

The littlest and cutest baby C joined the world this past weekend and I got to meet her.  

It was a very long weekend filled with driving and sitting in waiting rooms, but it was worth it.  She is absolutely adorable and it was very special to get to see and hold her just hours after she was born. Congrats to the new Mom and Dad.  We can't wait to spoil her in the years to come.