Blueberry Scones

This morning my husband and I made breakfast together and sat on the back porch and drank coffee and ate our peaceful meal together…..okay maybe it wasn’t as peaceful as he had hoped. We have officially reached that stage with our son where he is realizing he cannot control everything and cannot always have his way. Boy is this a challenge and really tests our patience from time to time. His biggest struggle right now is eating. He longs to play 24/hr a day without breaking to eat. It’s odd, he really has no love for food. So when meal time comes, he fights for his life to not sit down and eat with us. Mealtime has been a dreaded part of our day this past week.

This morning we had a “timeout” in the highchair for a few minutes to get him to calm down and come sit with us. This highchair has become our miracle; the key is consistency. Although, he did not eat a lot afterwards, he did listen and came and sat with us.

Meanwhile, my husband devoured his SPAM and eggs. NASTY! I literally hate spam. He received this from work as a joke but what’s funny, he loves Spam and he could hardly wait til this morning to make it. I ate a blueberry scone while my egg was cooked in the same pan as the spam and I could not bring myself to eat it. Something about it does not sit right with me. So…he ate and fell in love. I ate my scone as sat peacefully watching our son finally sit down without resisting. :) The scones are really good and made my morning with along with a great cup o’ joe.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup cold butter (1 stick)
  • 1½ cups blueberries ( I used our frozen berries from our tree)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups unbleached flour, plus more for dusting the work surface
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Preheat to 425˚. Whisk together milk and sour cream in a small bowl, set aside. In a larger bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Combine well with a spatula.

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Grate cold butter directly into the flour mixture.

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Toss with fingers until thoroughly coated.

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Will be slightly lumpy. 
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Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and fold with a spatula just until combined, dough will be shaggy.  

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Transfer the dough to a generously floured work surface.

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Dust the top of the dough with flour, and knead with well floured hands, 6-8 times, just until the dough holds together in a ragged ball.  Add small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking (be sure to not over flour). 

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Use your hands (or rolling pin) and knead the dough into a rectangle. Top with frozen blueberries. 

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Using your hands (or a dough scraper) roll the dough up to form a tight log.

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Lightly press dough to make your rectangle wider and longer. Keeping the ends together and blueberries tucked nicely inside. Length should be about 14 inches long by 4 inches wide.

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Before cutting your dough, sprinkle a generous amount of sugar on top and lightly press into dough.

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Cut into triangles.

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Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet or cookie sheet.

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**If freezing ahead of time, flash freeze the scones on the baking sheet for 20 minutes, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag until needed.  Bake straight from the freezer, adding on a few minutes of baking time as necessary.)  

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Bake until the tops and bottoms are golden brown, 18-25 minutes.  Transfer to a wire rack and let cool at least 10 minutes before serving. 
IMG_5841I sliced my scone open and spread with butter to add a little more “umph” and had no regrets. :) 

Adapted from Annie’s Eats, who adapted it from Entertaining for Cook’s Illustrated, Spring 2009

Strawberry Cookie Cake

While I was up visiting my parents this past week, my mom (and I) made this DELICIOUS dessert. Well… my mom made it and I took pictures. I am not typically a fan of fruit with chocolate but this literally was AMAZING.

She wanted to share this delicious recipe with me and I was so thankful she did. I couldn’t stop eating it the second day. Mmmm it was good.

Ingredients: 

  • 2 package of 40 chocolate chip cookies (or homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies)
  • 1 1/2 lb strawberries, chopped
  • 1 1/8 cup heavy cream, divided
  • 1- 8oz cream cheese (room temp)
  • 2/3 cup sugar

For the whipped cream:

In a stand mixer add 1 cup heavy cream. Beat until stiff.

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese til smooth. Add sugar and 1/8 cup cream. Beat until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.

Place cookies on a pedestal plate and layer on whipped cream.

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Add strawberries

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And cookies yet again

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More whipped cream…

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More Strawberries

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Is your mouth watering yet?

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And pile way up high…6 layers to be exact.

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On your 6th layer, leave strawberries off and refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving. 
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Doesn’t this look incredible???

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Cover and refrigerate 2-4 hours. The longer you refrigerate the better it is. The whipped cream molds into the cookies leaving the dessert to be easily cut.

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When serving, top with strawberries and take a picture as you will devour this dessert immediately.

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Summer won’t last long…better hurry and make this amazing treat!

Bacon Wrapped Sausage

These bacon wrapped sausage dogs are making my mouth water as I simply sit to write out this recipe for all of you gracious people. This recipe even first thing in the morning will bring satisfaction to my palette. It’s a great meal for the warm summer heat surrounding your backyard and your barbecue with good family conversation while the kiddos play.

Ingredients:

  • 4 Italian Sausages
  • 8 slices of bacon
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • Garlic butter

Turn your barbecue on and allow the heat to begin to smell your backyard and all across town making a statement that it is barbecue season and we are making delicious grub.

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Wrap each sausage with two slices of bacon. Hold together with a toothpick if needed.

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Meanwhile, saute mushrooms, onions and garlic until nice and tender. Set aside.

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Prepare to grill the goodness.

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Allow the juices to run off and sizzle the grill. Ohhh the smell of barbecue, oh how I love it.

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My bacon was a bit juicy as you can tell. :)

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When sausage is done, butter your buns with garlic butter and lightly toast on the grill.

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Top each sausage with a portion of the mushroom mixture.

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Served with grilled romaine hearts.

Fish Tacos

Today was an absolutely beautiful day filled with church, relaxation and good eats. My husband and I had some great conversations while enjoying the sun. Typically we spend every weekend busy with chores or out traveling around. Today we sat and had great conversations with some yummy iced coffee and delicious food.

Fish tacos were not on the menu for tonight’s dinner, but as the night progressed it simply turned into that as we both decided we had been talking about fish tacos for awhile.

They were so incredible, we were thankful we succumbed to the desire. After eating dinner we went on a nice long walk through the forest as it’s basically in our backyard. Quiet and peaceful was the remainder of our day topped off with a Cherry Turnover from my Aunt’s berry store in Salem. Woo-hoo!

Ingredients:

  • 4 fillets of Mahi (any kind works great)
  • ¼ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp chipotle seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic salt
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp garlic butter, melted

Toppings:

  • Grilled Corn
  • Kidney Beans
  • Cheese
  • Rice
  • Tomato
  • Avocado
  • Ranch

In a small bowl mix together chili powder, chipotle, garlic and sea salt together. Sprinkle over fish.

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Grill the fish on the BBQ and while cooking, baste the fish with melted garlic butter.

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Once cooked, allow to cool and shred fish.

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Toast tortillas on the grill.

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Grill the corn on the barbecue with garlic butter and salt.

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Once tortillas are cooked, serve warm with all the toppings you enjoy.

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Assemble with cheese, rice, beans, tomatoes, corn, ranch and avocado.

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So delicious! Yummy!

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Hope you enjoy as much as we did! :)

Is My Boy a Farmer?

My little man is overjoyed with tractors, planes and trains. He has a deep love for such machinery that I can’t fulfill within him. As we came to visit my parents this past week, I knew my dad, Coopers papa could fulfill his tiny little dream…and boy was he ecstatic.

Papa took him for rides in his BIG ford pickup…

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So high up, he could see the whole world before him! :)

Up at Papa’s work, he got to test drive some tractors… this tractor was quite large.

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“Look at me go!”

Trying to figure out if he can shift this puppy into a faster gear??

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Looking quite content even though this tractor towers above him, no fear resides.

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And yet another tractor. Maybe he likes this one better?

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And off to the airport by Papa’s work. This tiny little sucker was such a hit for my little boy. He loves airplanes and was thrilled to be able to experience it all within a few hours. :)

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And lastly, Papa decides to reward him with a cake pop before heading back to the house. These amazing little treats are by far a treasure to his little heart.

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A long night of looking and riding tractors followed by a delicious little cake pop was not the end of his journey. On a nightly basis Papa would drive him out past their house to see the combines as well as many deer that wanted to be his friend.

Moment of Truth: This sweet little boy has won the hearts of many. I can’t fathom my life without him and his sweet little personality that is growing quite quickly.

Drop Your Grocery Budget

Many of us spend too much money grocery shopping. Whether a family of 2 or a family of 6, your budget can be tamed.

Thanks to www.leconcertinvisible.com

Tip #1: Know what you have.

Make a list and scrounge your cupboards for items you are running low on or are completely out of.

Walking into the store with an idea of what you need always leads to trouble. My husband and I made this mistake this past weekend. It was thunderstorms all day Sunday and we had to resort to plan B as walking along the waterfront would not be a safe option now. So, I needed some groceries and ideas on what to make for the week as I was leaving town. I wanted to leave him with some meal options as I would be gone four days prior to him leaving.

While we were at Costco, my mental list of 2 items quickly turned to 14 or so. Although, I tend to spend a lot of money at Costco because I really like their deals, this time was solely my husband. He doesn’t go grocery shopping often as Cooper and I tend to do it during the week; he became a kid in a candy store while sampling all the food and looking at all the books, clothes and frozen snack food. As you know I tend to not purchase a lot of boxed snack foods because I can typically do it for cheaper and healthier. So, needless to say, it’s critical to make your list and stick to your list.

Tip #2: Make your meal plan.

Before you run off to the store, make your meal plan. Know what you have in your house and what you are lacking. Make your meal plan for 7 days. Knowing what you will be making saves on costs as you will not be running back and forth to the store to get last minute items. It will save you time and money.

Tip #3: Look at whats on sale.

Look for what’s on sale when shopping. If you need a couple dinner ideas for the week, use the sale items to become your next meal. IE If hamburger is on sale, purchase hamburger for the versatility of a meal that same week. Many things can be made with hamburger. Again, know what you have for side dishes.

Shopping with sale items will keep your budget lower.

Tip #4: Pantry Items.

I’m big on having a stocked pantry. This has helped keep me from running to-and-fro to purchase little items. Here’s some ideas for stocking up:

Tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black beans, cream of chicken/mushroom, green chilies, olives, chocolate chips, and any baking items on hand.

By doing so, when you go to make your meal plan for the week, you wont have to worry about the small pantry items as you will already have them.


While you are shopping, if you find a product that is such a great deal, buy it. Do not just buy one, stock up. This will help grow your pantry for items as well. If you see a good deal, follow through and keep pantry stocked. (Read more about pantry deals here)

Tip #5: Know which stores to shop.

Before you head to the store, know which stores have the best deal going on. If Safeway as their sales, than maybe consider going there over Fred Meyers. Follow the sale. You can typically find the 1 one get one free or 50% off. It’s important to follow the sale when you head out to conquer your list.

Tip #6: Coupons or Price Match.

If you have local coupons, take them in. Don’t be shy about your coupons, walk with pride knowing you don’t need to pay full price for anything. Couponing can take time, but is worth saving money as well. My best advice with coupons…… DO NOT buy something unless you need it. That’s where coupons become a disaster. You find a coupon for a Gillette shaver, buy one full price shaver and get $2 off. Do you really need a shaver or is the deal so good you can’t resist? These are the questions you must ask yourself. So remember, when couponing, only look for the coupons that match your grocery list or stock your pantry on.

Price match. Most stores will price match for you. If you know Safeway has a deal on milk and you are at Fred Meyers or Walmart, typically they will price match for you if you know what the cost of the milk is at Safeway. You simply have to ask. Something I used to be fearful of but realized it saves me from driving to five different stores just for their deal.

Tip #7 Do not shop while hungry.

This may bring laughter to your soul but there is a sad truth in this. When we are hungry and isle after isle portray a longing of sweets, chocolates, carbs and so on, our brains tell us to purchase items we do not need. There is scientific proof to hungry shopping and purchasing items you typically wouldn’t give a second look had you not been hungry. The other battle is grocery stores strategically place items at eye level to grab your attention. Subconsciously you take in thousands of items that look incredible but are oh so unhealthy for you. Be aware of your own state and take a snack with you before you shop if needed.

If you follow these tips you will tame your grocery budget. It’s worth a try and it’s worth making your own products as well. They are healthier and cheaper!

Mini Pizza

I used to be a horrible morning person. All growing up I could never get up in time for school. My dad would come in on a bright sunny morning with extreme excitement in his voice. “Honey, it snowed last night!” I would try and process which season we were in, whether I should be excited or simply the sad reality that what my dad just shared was absurd. It was summer, 70 degrees by 7 am and my dad is trying to get me out of bed with snowflakes.

When that approach turned out to be anything but successful, he would often take a running shot at my bed and plummet down directly on me. “Wake up, isn’t it a beautiful day?!” This would often make me so mad that this grown man is jumping on my sleeping, lifeless body to somehow muster up some excitement to come running from the room? It made no sense to me, what was to wonderful to quickly wake up when sleeping was my number one friend.

Oh my poor dad. I look back and contemplate how he survived with three daughters, not how we survived. We were blessed and taken care of immensely with a wonderful Father who even though couldn’t get his girls up in the morning, taught us everything else we needed to know about life. :)

As I’ve grown, the morning side hasn’t really left me. Loving my sleep and late nights was a usual for me until I had my son……boy was that an eye opener for me. I have adapted extremely well which requires me to be in bed by 9:30. :) Although he’s a great sleeper, I can’t seem to catch up on years of lost sleep while chasing a toddler around.

So with the early morning routine, I am often up by 6:30 and not because little man is up by then, but because it allows me to get some stuff done before the day truly begins. Which is an easy prompt for early bedtime. Never sitting until touching foot in bed to read and let my mind rest, is a long awaited pleasure all day long.

This night in particular, Michael was out with some buddies and I was watching a movie. My tummy began to rumble and even though I had dinner (an hour ago), I was hungry. I decided to make a yummy little pizza on english muffins. It was probably 9:30 when I turned the oven on. My mind was telling me this would be great, while my tummy was telling me don’t even think about it….my mind won that battle.

After eating these delicious little pizza snacks, my tummy paid for it all night long. 

Ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Garlic salt
  • Pepperoni
  • Cheese
  • Fresh Basil

I reverted to a heaping hand of butter with a generous amount of garlic salt. Topping with pepperoni and cheese and then toasting them lightly in the oven.

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Using a generous portion of garlic and butter creates something worth devouring. This late night snack was incredible with a nice touch of basil to flow with the flavors, but my advice would be…”Do not eat it too late!” :)

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Something so simple but so garlicy and buttery was a wonderful moment to devour.

Pan Fried Mahi

In desperate need of a last minute meal idea??? Here’s a quick, healthy option.

I decided the other night I had waited to long to begin dinner and BBQ’ing was out of the question. My son need to eat and eat now, as it was his bedtime. Opps, I was slacking on my bedtime routine with him and let us play outside for way longer than recommended. :)

Tonight’s menu: Pan fried Mahi, sausage, salad and rice. Easy, simple and good for you!

Ingredients:

  • Mahi (Or any fish you prefer)
  • Dill
  • Butter
  • EVOO
  • Garlic Salt
  • Sea Salt

In a skillet, add butter and a titch of EVOO. Begin to heat on medium-low heat. Add Mahi

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Sprinkle Mahi with seasoning and cook for 3-5 minutes than flip.

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When fish flakes apart, your mahi is finished cooking. Do not over cook. You want your fish to be flaky for best results.

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Serve with salad and rice with the option of delicious sausage as a side.

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Enjoy this meal as a GREAT last minute meal idea. :)

Movies in the Park

If you want a cheap date night or family night, look for your local movies in the park. In Oregon, you will find them all throughout the Portland-metropolitan area. In our own neighborhood we have them every Friday night, and just one stop further, we have them every Thursday night.

This has been a great past time memory that we have participated in since Cooper was born. And although Cooper hasn’t been old enough to enjoy the movies, he has enjoyed playing in the park and having a picnic. Last night was fabulous. The weather was perfect, overcast skies, and an over zealous baby! He was beyond happy and content pushing his little truck around, playing in the water and most of all…playing with his mama. ;)

We went 2 hours early to the park to enjoy some time playing around and also because I wasn’t sure if Cooper could manage that late of an evening. We got home at 9:30 about 45 minutes after the movie was set to begin. Cooper had a blast and so did I.

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This is a great water park

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Ready-Set-Go

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And he’s off…

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Playing in the Water

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And out of the water

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Trying to wear mama’s shoes

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Taking a breather from playing

Mommy and me

Mommy and me

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Adorable

Getting ready for the show.

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Making himself comfortable

Oh what a night… so many activities took place just while hanging out in the park for one night. Tired little boy slept extremely well! 

Cilantro Lemon Chicken

The other night I was in a rush to make dinner as the remainder of the week was a bit hectic for me. Trying to prep for visiting my aunt and picking berries on their farm as well as leaving town for a week the following day was a chore in and of itself. It becomes a bit chaotic when trying to plan for the week with a little one who has had medical needs as of recent. Hoping and praying he has a good trip without coming down with anything or being hospitalized is all I can ask for right now.

I’ve realized how much energy I’ve lacked since our hospital visits and extreme amount of doctors appointments and the stress that all brings. It’s been exhausting and really wearing on my body. I had no clue how tired I was until I finally got away from home. Leaving town can sometimes lift the burden as the house chores aren’t hanging over my head as well as cooking three meals a day for the fam.

So, the other night I decided to make Cilantro Lemon Chicken with rice and grilled romaine. I was in need of using the chicken in the fridge as I hate letting food go to waste while on vacation. This was a great 30 minute meal and is versatile for many different things. :)

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken, cooked
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 lemon slices, squeezed
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro
  • 1 handful fresh chives
  • Avocado (optional)
  • Rice (optional)

Cook chicken and shred into medium size pieces. (I used rotisserie chicken) Toss in a medium skillet with EVOO and begin to heat through. 
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Add in cumin, cayenne, garlic salt and thyme.

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Squeeze in lemon juice and turn heat to low.

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Chop a handful of chives and cilantro. I must admit this was my first picking of chives and cilantro for the year out of my beautiful garden. :)

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Stir into chicken and turn the heat off.
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Mix and serve.

Great for chicken burritos, on rice, or as is.

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Tonight I served this on a bed of rice with some teriyaki sauce and grilled romaine hearts.
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This meal was even great for leftovers. My sister enjoyed this the following night after a long day of driving and berry picking. I fed her and my niece while they avoided rush hour traffic. :)