Recipe for Chicken and Dumplings

My son Paul, 15 years old, loves to cook. He thinks he may want to be a chef and restaurant owner some day. He occasionally cooks dinner for the family. I love it as I as a mom get a break and I am NOT allowed in the kitchen while he cooks. He is good, neat and his food is always great. He made this last night and we all loved it. Many have requested the recipe so here it is.
Not sure of the caloric content but it sure is good. We had some fresh cut up fruit along side but you could also make a wonderful green salad for a side.
Enjoy.
Picture is Paul and me a few years ago....





Chicken and Dumplings

For the Soup:
2 T olive oil
1 3 pound chicken, cut into pieces. ( we used 3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut up )
1/4 c. flour, season ed with salt and pepper to taste
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut in chunks
2 carrots, peeled and cut in chucks
1 bay leaf
1 sprig thyme
1/4 tsp turmeric
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4 c. low sodium chicken broth

For Dumplings:
1 1/2 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 c. coarsely ground cornmeal
1 T sugar
1 teas. kosher salt
1 3/4 c. heavy cream

In a wide, heavy pot with a tight fitting lid, heat the olive oil.
Dredge the chicken piece in the seasoned flour then brown in oil over medium heat., about 2 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside
Add the onion to the pot and cook for 1 minutes
Add the carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, turmeric, salt and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in the broth.
Return the chicken to the pot, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the first 5 dumpling ingredients.
Add the cream and mix until just combined.
Drop about 12 heaping tablespoons of the dumpling mixture into the pot.
Cover and simmer 12 minutes more.
To serve, scoop the dumplings and chicken into bowls then cover with broth.
Garnish with some fresh parsley if you like.

Back to school

It is here. The start of another school year. It is hard to believe. I am both happy and a little sad.
We had a wonderful summer albeit very busy. Trips, construction, camp, hockey, pool and friends. Now back to a routine and that is sure what I love. We get out calenders out and fill them up. It's all great and a little overwhelming at times. But what I always hope for is that my kids will have a great year...their best year ever. We start talking about healthy snacks, what is a 'good lunch' , washing hands, getting to bed early and building up our army of defense with good supplements.
Shaklee has some great choices for childrens nutrition that do not contain harmful ingredients or anything artificial. They are packed full of nutrients to keep our children healthy, alert and ready for learning.
Children: Preschool-Elementary school
1. Incredivites: The worlds best chewable Multi-vitamin
* packed with 600IU vitamin D and other critical bone-building nutrients.
* loaded with 23 essential nutrients for healthy development.
* sweetened with xylitol and contains no artificial colors

2. Mighty Smarts: chewable Omega 3
*100% natural, ultra pure DHA--essential for early brain development.
* gluten free
* taste like orange starburst candies.

3. Meal Shakes: yummy meal replacement shakes
* cocoa or french vanilla
* they provide 19 essential vitamins and mineral and are a rich course of calcium and protein when mixed with milk.
* Low-fat and low glycemic
These are great to serve to the picky eater in the morning or to the soccer player who has to run off to practice at 5pm or so and you don't have dinner ready.


My all time favorite snack for kids of any age:

Peanut butter balls
These are yummy and chewy little snack balls that taste like peanut butter cup candy but are good and healthy for you. They do not need to be refrigerated but I do keep a container of them in the fridge at all time.
1 cup soy protein powder; Shaklee energizing soy protein in either vanilla or chocolate.
1 c natural peanut butter: use one with nothing but peanuts and no added sugar. I like Trader Joes the best. so creamy
1/2 c. honey.
Mix it all together in a bowl until the powder is incorporated. Then break off some and form them into little balls. Yummy.....great after school snack, before an early morning workout or just about anytime....

My kids are getting home now so I will close now. Next time some good nutrients for the teenage years.
So let's hope for perfect attendance and the best year ever.