Crockpot and Crafting

I'm up to my neck in a bunch of projects right now!  And of course I'm loving it!  I love how energized and excited I feel when I have a new project going.  I have a hard time spacing things out so want to get it all done at once!  Yesterday was one of those days.  I drove to NH and back again on Sunday helping a friend stage a house on Lake Winnipesauke to sell or rent this summer.  We brought and set up a dining room table and chairs, a couch and coffee table and side table and two twin beds along with a set of 3 nesting side tables.  We also measured, planned and talked about what we would do before the next trip.   On the way home we stopped at a friends house and filled up his truck again with a couch, love seat, ottoman and tv console (thanks Steph and Jeff!)  I'm also making another photo wall for my friend's daughter (shhhh!  Don't tell her..it's a surprise!)

So Monday I could have taken it easy and done laundry and just relaxed.  Instead I got up and with the colors of the NH house fresh in my head I headed off to do a little shopping and perusing for things we need.  Of course if we can get anything for free I will return the things I bought.  I shopped at Christmas tree shops and looked at all the sale racks.  And scored a few deals.  I also have been shopping for frames etc. for my friend's daughter's wall.

I came home and threw dinner in the crock pot in five minutes and then with no dinner preparations  I was free for the afternoon.   I decided to paint a bedside table and chair  for NH.  One we got on freecycle and the other I found covered in dust in the attic in NH and had to take it home.  A little chalk paint goes a long way.  When the chalk paint was drying I painted a few frames for the photo wall.  Here's a sneak peak...

I had a little helper who finished her homework and couldn't wait to join in the fun.  The photo wall is coming together nicely.  The pictures that are not framed are one's that she picked out already and  has the frames for at home.  I still have to paint the flower with chalk paint and add a quote.  And I painted the surfboard frame today and tried to make it look like hers.

My family loved dinner and I got to craft.  A perfect afternoon!  In case you're looking for a night off from dinner this is a big hit with several families I know (and all the kids like it too!)

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2011/09/honey-garlic-chicken-slow-cooker-recipe.html

Honey Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

This is a quick, easy, and super-tasty chicken recipe. I'd highly recommend using thighs--- they hold up better in the slow cooker and dark meat just tastes better. :-) I use boneless, skinless thighs. If your thighs have bones and skin, fish them out of the pot before serving (the chicken will separate from the bone and it'll be pretty easy).

The Ingredients.

serves 4

1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (4 or one thigh per family member)
3 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 cup  soy sauce (La Choy or Tamari wheat-free are gluten free)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup honey


The Directions.

Use a 4-quart slow cooker (if using a 6-quart, this will cook faster. Check after 3 hours on high, 5 hours on low).
Put the chicken into your cooker. In a small bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients, then pour evenly over the top.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 (I'd go with low---).
Serve with basmati rice and steamed or roasted vegetables.

The Verdict.

My kids adore this chicken. The ketchup and honey taste a bit like barbecue sauce, but slightly more tart. The basil gives it a different, herby flavor which I like a lot. If you are into freezer meals, this is a great candidate--- load all the ingredients into a freezer bag (raw chicken, the sauce ingredients) and then freeze. Thaw the bag overnight in the fridge, then plop the ingredients into your cooker for a fast morning plug-in.

Enjoy!