On The Lighter Side - Southwest Apricot Chicken

I have posted a lot of recipes that would be considered waistline splurges rather than waistline helpers. However, when I was searching for a chicken recipe, I came across this oldie-but-goodie and it's very much on the lighter side--and also VERY easy!

Southwest Apricot Chicken

8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
10 oz. jar apricot preserves
10 oz. jar mild salsa
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken in bottom of pan, mix together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Serve over rice.

Note: For smaller families, prepare in two 8 x 8 square pans and freeze one before cooking.

Three Ingredients + Almost No Prep = Winning Recipe

I found the following recipe in the Kraft Food & Family magazine. It is so easy it’s scary. Prep time is 10 minutes at the most. Cook time is 45 minutes. I made it for the first time two weeks ago and we liked it so much I made it last week, too. Both times my husband raved about how this recipe is a “keeper.” We’re not big pork eaters, but this can be our exception. The first time I made it, I only had four pork chops, and they were a little thinner than the ¾” called for in the recipe. We didn’t have any leftovers. The second time, the chops were thicker, and turned out a little juicier. I also used six chops so it served our family of three (2 adults and 22 mos. old son) for a dinner and then my husband and I were able to make one more dinner for ourselves from the leftovers.

1 can (21 oz.) Apple Pie Filling
1 package (6 oz.) Stove Top Stuffing (chicken flavor)
6 boneless porkchops (¾” thickness)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare stuffing as directed on box (only involves boiling water & butter or margarine and stirring into stuffing). Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the apple pie filling over the bottom. Place pork chops in single layer on top of filling. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread stuffing evenly over chops. Cover with foil. Cook for 35 minutes. Remove foil and cook for 10 more minutes. Done!

Matching Christmas PJs

Matching PJs 2009

Matching PJs 2008

A new Christmas tradition--matching PJs for Drew and Mommy. Last year I purchased some matching PJs for Drew and me to wear Christmas morning. Thus, when this year rolled around and I was able to make the matching-PJ-purchase, despite much procrastination, it officially became tradition. Repeat. Ritual. They make the adult PJs pretty big, but I didn't force hubby into the mix. Next year there will be three of us with matching PJs. Now, if I were really on-the-ball, I would check out the Children's Place website or outlet store and buy next year's sets! However, with a big move coming, I'm not sure that I'll be able to keep up with all our stuff, let alone something that I'm not supposed to use for an entire year :)

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas holiday and a Happy New Year!