Tasty Tuesday: Chicken and Dumplings

Today has been lame... Car problems, a million more stinky diapers than usual, and a whole ton of laundry...

But, we're breathing, have plentiful food, and running water... and today is Tasty Tuesday!

So, it can't be thattttt lame right?

I absolutely love a hearty chicken noodle soup, but there's something so warming about chicken and dumplings. 

I made this on our first snow this year and it warmed us right up!

I love creamy soups and this one is just that!

As much as I love summer, I think I may like soup season more ;)

Ingredients:

-3 cans chicken broth

-1 cup water

-1 cube chicken bouillon

-1 dried bay leaf

-1/2 cup cream

-2 cups shredded chicken

-1 package frozen peas and carrots

-salt

-pepper

Dumplings:

-1-1/3 cups flour

-2 teaspoons baking powder

-3/4 teaspoon salt

-2/3 cup milk

-1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions:

1) Pour chicken broth, water, bay leaf, and bouillon in a medium/large pot over medium high heat and bring to a boil.

2) In the mean time prepare your dumplings. Whisk together dry ingredients and form a hole in the middle like a volcano. Whisk together melted butter and milk then pour into the hole. Fold the dry mixture into the hole until everything is combined.

3) Drop dough by the spoonfuls into boiling soup. Cover and let simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes. 

4) Take out your bay leaf and add in your shredded chicken. I cheated and used a rotisserie chicken from Costco but feel free to cook and shred your own chicken. Add in the frozen peas and carrots as well as about a tbsp salt and tsp pepper. Give it a good stir and let simmer covered for another 15 minutes. 

5) Mix in your cream and salt and pepper to taste. I always add more ;) You can serve immediately or let it sit for a few more minutes. Enjoy!

I have a few cookie recipes I'm excited to share with you guys!

However, I also have some fun healthier recipes I'm excited to share too. 

Those will probably come after the new year though ;)

Countdown til Christmas is on!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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My Favorite Christmas Tradition

I don't have much of anything against fake trees. 

I mean they're pretty convenient actually, especially of you get the pre lit ones and just pull it out of the box all ready to decorate.

However, my heart is set on real trees.

We have gotten a real tree for as long as I can remember.

My absolute favorite part of it is going with my dad to pick "the one" out.

We usually get hot chocolate or apple cider and shop around until the most perfect tree catches our eye.

We judge every pine needle and spin it around to make sure there aren't any awkward holes.

We try to picture it in our living room with shiny packages underneath.

Once it passes all the tests, we're sold.

I love the smells it brings into our home, the way the lights twinkle among the ornaments, and the fact that it is my job to water it.

I love this tradition, and I love real trees

I hope your holiday season is spectacular!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Merry and Bright

I've had my Christmas decorations up since the middle of November, but since its now legal I figured I would post some pictures!

Since I don't have a house to decorate, I did all I could with my room.

Turning the lights on my mini tree, changing my countdown, and smelling my candles make me feel so happy and warm. 

Christmas really is the best time. 

(side note: that precious snow globe is a family heirloom from my grandma. It's also a music box. Apparently I used to go around her house turning on every music box and I would play with every snow globe, hence the reason it is now mine! I love it!) 

1

Street Ball

I woke up this Saturday to a family room full of teenage boys snoring.

Trying my best to tip toe through the kitchen so I didn't wake them I stopped and had to laugh for a second at the crazy positions they were in.

If that wasn't enough to convince me that teenage boys are a different breed I later hear screaming and laughter coming from outside.

I look outside to see my brother and his friends playing street ball with their shirts off.

Oh and keep in mind, it's absolutely pouring rain.

I giggled and watched from my window until I decided to put my rain boots on, grab my umbrella, and my camera and head out there to get some action shots. 

It was hilarious and made me feel so happy for whatever reason.

Boys will be boys :)

That is all for now!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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