Courtney, Author at A Life From Scratch.

C’s picks – week of February 15.

February 15, 2015 / By Courtney / 4 Comments

Oh my! Fun in the sun has been our motto for the past few days here in Florida – that is for sure! Yet there is still planning to be done for the upcoming week. Do you have 20 minutes to devote to your weekly menu plan? That’s all it takes. Who’s with me?

Here’s our line up for the week, in case you need a little inspiration!

Tonight, Sunday, is our last night in Florida. I’m hoping to hit up our favorite joint for dinner.

On Monday we’re home. This oh so hearty winter soup will help our sun kissed skin adjust accordingly to the cold.

I’m such a sucker for one pot roasted chicken dishes. This spanish one looks amazing. Let’s give it a go on Tuesday.

Wednesday I’m driving around baseball studs so let’s go with some super quick t-ball tacos. M could eat these weekly.

Cheesy chicken pot pie sounds lovely for a Thursday evening. I just can’t get enough.

And that brings us to Friday. I’m hoping for a family date night out!

What’s cooking in your kitchen this week? I’d love for you to share some ideas in comments below!

On guard.

February 13, 2015 / By Courtney / 35 Comments

The other day I was casually strolling through Heinen’s, picking out the perfect bulb of garlic when BAM!

A woman – like, an adult! – sneezed ON B. I almost froze, like did this really just happen?

To top it off, she was wearing scrubs. Like, hospital scrubs. Thanks for infecting him with whatever crazy illnesses you were a part of today. Awesome.

Look, if you’re anything like me, you’ve had it with these germs. We had an awesome run, I really shouldn’t complain; but then too many weeks were filled with too many pediatrician visits, too many antibiotics (hate those things), too many sleepless nights (zzzzz), and too many of our dear friends sick. Not cool.

I decided to attempt another action plan for my family. I do my best to keep everyone healthy with proper sleep + food + exercise + vitamin + flu shot. It’s a great start, for sure. But the bugs this year are relentless, and obviously our basic plan is just not cutting it.

That’s when I did a little research and decided to come up with the healthiest chicken noodle soup I could possibly make. This one has it all: antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-parasitic ginger, vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium and manganese packed garlic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial packed lemongrass, and lastly, anti-inflammatory antioxidant packed turmeric. All brightened up in a freshly chopped parsley and big squeeze of zesty lemon juice package.

Convinced?

Hey, with the flu shot only being 20% effective this year (really? really?), I’m going to go out on a limb and say this might even protect you better. And if you still end up sick (I’m so sorry), nothing will appeal to you more then a big bubbling bowl of this. Tea, a fire, and pj’s on the side.

Be well!

Flu Season Chicken Noodle Soup

2015-02-11 14:54:54

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Ingredients

Extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onions (about 1/2 of a medium)
3/4 cup sliced leeks (about 1 medium, white and light green parts only)
2 sliced carrots
2 chopped celery
1 tablespoon freshly minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced lemongrass (or paste)
3 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
4 cups chicken stock (I ended up using a bit more, and increased seasonings as well)
8 ounces cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie chicken is great)
squeeze of 1 lemon
1 cup whole wheat egg noodles
salt and pepper
chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Heat a TBS of oil in a dutch oven/soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, leeks, carrots and celery and saute until softened, roughly 5-8 minutes.
Stir in the ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and turmeric and stir until fragrant. Season with salt & pepper.
Pour in your stock and chicken and simmer together to blend flavors. Squeeze in one lemon and taste to adjust seasonings accordingly. I used a good amount of salt and pepper and added a touch more lemongrass.
Right before serving, add noodles until soft. Pour into deep bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley.

A Life From Scratch. https://a-life-from-scratch.com/

Sweet nothing brownies.

February 11, 2015 / By Courtney / 4 Comments

Quick!

Want to be that oh so cool mom who comes up with a brilliant and festive idea for Valentine’s Day? You know the mom I’m talking about. The queen of Pinterest, the leader in crafts, the oh so creative and perfect yet completely exhausting mom?

Yea, let’s not be her. Instead, let’s keep it simple.

A box of Ghirardelli dark chocolate brownies + a box of conversation hearts is so my idea of something fun and festive for Valentine’s Day. Cute and crafty, yet totally attainable. Simply mix brownies according to package directions, place hearts on top, and bake away.

Genius, right? Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Think pink.

February 9, 2015 / By Courtney / 17 Comments

In celebration of Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought we’d get a shot of something oh so pretty and pink in our lives.

Meet roasted pink radishes.

Different – yes – but completely delicious and unexpected. A little off-course from your typical day to day vegetable routine, which is a good thing. Let’s shake things up a bit, shall we?

These roast up beautifully with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. While still warm, toss with minced garlic, parmesan, and shredded basil for a healthy and beautiful side dish to any meal.

That color. Gets me every time.

Roasted Pink Radishes

2015-02-05 16:47:56

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Ingredients

2 bunches radishes, cleaned and stems/leaves trimmed
olive oil
salt & pepper
garlic clove, minced
few TBS parmesan
few leaves of basil, shredded

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
Cut the prepared radishes in half and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut side down on a large baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until undersides are browned around the edges.
While still warm, toss with garlic, parmesan, and basil. Serve warm or cold for a snack later.

By A Life From Scratch

A Life From Scratch. https://a-life-from-scratch.com/

C’s picks – week of February 8th.

February 8, 2015 / By Courtney / 6 Comments

Yep. In the dead of winter, this seems to be the game of choice for B. Over and over and over again.

Alright! Time to plan. Carve out those 20 minutes to do this week’s menu plan, I know you have them!

Sunday I’m going to get this awesome Chinese dish going in the crockpot. One, because it’s utterly amazing and two, because I need to update that photo. Yikes!

I’ve had my eye on this chicken & lentil soup so will be making a big batch Monday during nap. I can already feel the health!

On Tuesday let’s get something going in a skillet. I absolutely love this skillet sausage dish. It has veggies, chicken sausage, and panko bread crumbs all warmed up to a browned perfection. Naan on the side.

Wednesday I’ll be driving around baseball studs so let’s go with something quick. Philly cheesesteak sandwiches are always a home run.

And that brings us to Thursday the 12th and my calendar reminded me – hey, I’m OUT OF HERE! This crew, B, and I are headed south to warm up a bit while M & L are off to ski the Rocky Mountains in Montana with my dad. I will miss them all oh so much but hey – I will be warm.

That’s our line up this week – what’s cooking in your kitchen?