Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

by writerredtriOctober 1, 2023

Jennifer Tyler Lee, Bay Area mom and author of The 52 New Foods Challenge, shared with us one of her favorite healthy lunch ideas: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. She tells us, “My kids love a hot lunch, and this recipe is an easy way for me to send a cozy meal that I know they’ll enjoy.” Her pro tip? When packing soup, only fill the thermos part way to the top with liquid to avoid spills.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves 6

Ingredients for homemade chicken noodle soup:

1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup dry pasta (macaroni or rotini work best)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken in the mixture until well coated. Spread out on the lined baking sheet as flat as possible and roast 23-25 minutes, until cooked through. When done, remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Then chop into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Reserve any cooking juices.

Tip: If you’re in a pinch, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and skip to Step 3. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and then the onions and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the carrots and celery and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

4. Add the broth, 1 cup water, and the bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked.

5. Add the chicken to the pot and simmer for 2 minutes more.

6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Reprinted from THE 52 NEW FOODS CHALLENGE: A Family Cooking Adventure for Each Week of the Year, with 150 recipes. Reprinted by arrangement with Avery, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2014 by Jennifer Tyler Lee.

Featured image: iStock

An Easy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe You Can Make in One Pot

by Claire SchillingsSeptember 9, 2023

This one-pot recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser

We couldn’t resist this simple Tomato Basil Pasta recipe from Apron Strings—it’s literally made in one pot! Even better, it’s got tons of healthy veggies, making sure your little ones get the nutrition they need. Sounds like a dinner winner. For even more easy dinner ideas, check out our collection of 30-minute meals.

Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Ingredients:

12 ounces linguine pasta
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid
1 large sweet onion, cut in julienne strips
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 large sprigs basil, chopped
4 1/2 cups vegetable broth (regular broth, not low sodium)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Cooking Method:

1. Place pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil in a large stock pot. Pour in vegetable broth. Sprinkle on top of the pepper flakes and oregano. Drizzle top with olive oil.

2. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer, keep covered, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes or so. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated – leave about an inch of liquid in the bottom of the pot–but you can reduce as desired.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stirring pasta several times to distribute the liquid in the bottom of the pot. Serve garnished with parmesan cheese.

Recipe courtesy Apron Strings

A Hearty Harvest Pumpkin Soup Perfect for Fall

by Erin LemAugust 25, 2023

This hearty pumpkin soup recipe takes advantage of a key fresh ingredient this time of year: pumpkin!

Nothing goes with all those cozy sweaters and falling leaves like a hearty pumpkin soup recipe. This is the best time of year to make a batch from scratch since you can use the abundance of fresh pumpkins in the supermarket or use up your Halloween decorations to create it. Add a nice hunk of bread and a salad on the side, or top with fresh asparagus and potatoes, and you have a warm and balanced meal to usher in the season.

Pumpkin Soup Recipe Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 pound pumpkin, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 cups chicken stock

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Optional: asparagus (lightly steamed) and/or diced potatoes (steamed or roasted)

Method:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring.

2. Add pumpkin and cook 3 minutes, until lightly softened.

3. Add stock and paste and stir to mix. Bring to a boil over high heat, lower to a simmer, and cover. Cook 20 minutes, until the pumpkin is very tender.

4. Transfer to a food processor and puree until smooth. Add cheese, salt, and pepper; mix and serve warm.

5. If serving with asparagus, lightly steam and add two or three spears diced to add a punch of color.

Recipe adapted from pumpkinrecipes.org

Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

by Leah R. SingerJune 22, 2023

Take advantage of the seasonal fresh tomatoes and basil with this easy recipe from Leah’s Thoughts that encourages you to toss any ingredients you have in the fridge. We suggest adding veggies or chicken to this tomato basil pasta recipe to make it a little heartier.

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe:

Olive oil, roughly 1/4 cup
Fresh tomatoes, roughly 2 cups, chopped
Fresh basil, roughly 1/2 cup, chopped
Fresh garlic, roughly 2 tablespoons, chopped
Salt and pepper
Cheese (Parmesan or fresh mozzarella if you’ve got it)
Pasta (whatever you want, though Penne works well)

Method:

1. Cook your choice of pasta according to the directions on the package and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil (roughly 1/4 a cup) in a large pan over medium heat.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes, simmer for a few minutes, then add the garlic, salt and pepper.

4. Let the sauce simmer until tasty (try it). Then add the fresh basil, and pasta and top with your choice of cheese.

Leah Singer is a freelance writer and a practicing speechwriter. She shares many family-friendly recipes, as well as stories of motherhood, craft ideas, writing, and other such topics at Leah’s Thoughts. Read more about Leah at: leahsthoughts.com.

Kid Friendly Pasta with Peas and Bacon

by Erin LemMay 1, 2023

This is a simple and delicious recipe the kids can help make

30-minute meals are the best. This recipe comes together quickly, which means you can spend your evenings doing things that matter like building forts and playing hide-and-seek. In fact, we found that the longest part of the prep work for this pasta dish was getting our water to boil. Tell us below what you think of this pasta with peas and bacon dish!

Ingredients for Pasta with Peas and Bacon:

16 ounces fettuccine (or whatever pasta you prefer)
3 strips of thick-cut bacon
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced

Method:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

2. Meanwhile, saute bacon in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and break up into small pieces.

3. In the same pan, saute onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add peas and garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, pasta, and bacon.

4. Moisten pasta with some of the reserved pasta water. Toss to incorporate, season with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve, sprinkled with lemon juice.

recipe adapted from the Food Network

Pasta Jambalaya

by writerredtriApril 3, 2023

Getting kids to eat their veggies may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The trick, according to recipe creator Leah Singer of Leah’s Thoughts is simple: add a veggie puree to your dish. This recipe for jambalaya also swaps the traditional rice for pasta, making it extra hearty.

Ingredients for Pasta Jambalaya Recipe:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
1 kielbasa sausage, sliced
2 cups of shrimp (we use frozen)
1 chopped onion
1 – 2 teaspoons of garlic
2 cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
Pinch of chili flakes
Cajon/Creole seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound penne pasta (or whatever you have around)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup carrot, spinach, or other veggie puree (optional)

Method
1. Saute the kielbasa with olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Remove sausage from the pan and replace with chicken. Do not empty the oil–it gives the chicken great flavor. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet.

2. Add a bit more olive oil and add onion and garlic. Saute until cooked through. (If you’re a fan of peppers, you could add chunks of peppers at this point.) Add cans of diced tomatoes, spices, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Add back into the pot the chicken and sausage. If you’re adding a hidden veggie, do it now!

3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, and add to the meat and tomato mixture. Taste of seasonings. At this point, add the frozen shrimp and let them steam cook for a few minutes. Stir and add the cream.

Leah Singer is a freelance writer and editor. She shares many family-friendly recipes, as well as stories of motherhood, craft ideas, writing, and other such topics at Leah’s Thoughts.

20 Minute Pasta With Cream and Ham

by scott wardellMarch 10, 2023

Some days it feels as if all our kids will eat is pasta. To save you from another night of plain, buttery pasta, we humbly suggest this pasta with cream and ham that also has major grown-up appeal. Marta at Travel For Taste says this recipe is so simple, all you need are two major ingredients–ham and cream! An added bonus: it only takes 20 minutes to prepare, and that even includes cooking the pasta. We’re pretty confident you’ll be making this recipe on more than one occasion, so be sure to print it out and save it in your recipe book.

Ingredients for Pasta with Cream and Ham:

– 5 cups pasta
– 1 3/4 cream
– 1/2 lb ham
– salt to taste
– 1/2 tsp pepper
– 1 flat teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, if you want the cream thicker)
– parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Method:

1. Put the water for pasta to boil, salt it a bit, and add pasta. Follow the instructions on your package.

2. Pour cream into a deep frying pan and bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Keep cooking for 5-7 minutes, while stirring all the time, in order to reduce it a little bit.

3. If you like the sauce even thicker you might mix cornstarch with some cold water and add it to the cream (while stirring constantly).

4. Add ham and mix everything well.

5. Mix with pasta and serve. Optional step: serve with copious amounts of parmesan cheese.

recipe and photo courtesy of Marta at Travel For Taste

As a world traveler, Marta has experienced culinary creations from all across the globe. Mementos of her travels often come in the form of food-related souvenirs. Using nothing more than a tiny studio kitchen, she creates recipes that span the globe as wide as her travels, with a special emphasis on foods from her childhood. Find all of her favorite recipes as well as check out her superstar photography skills on her website, Travel For Taste.

Chicken and Veggie Nuggets

by writerredtriFebruary 13, 2023

Chicken nuggets take on a whole new fun form in this recipe from Brooke McLay of Cheeky Kitchen. Use cookie cutters to transform these homemade nuggets that are baked and not fried. Fill us in below to tell us how your chicken and veggie nuggets turned out.

Ingredients for Chicken and Veggie Nuggets:

1/2 lb ground chicken
1 package thawed veggie
1 egg
2 c panko bread crumbs
1 tsp of onion salt
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Combine veggies and egg in a blender, and blend until pureed.

3. Combine puree, chicken, and onion salt into a large bowl and mix together with a fork.

4. Spread a thin layer of panko crumbs on a large cutting board.

5. Flatten the chicken mixture over the crumbs until it is 1/2 inch thick.

6. Sprinkle more crumbs, salt and pepper on top.

7. Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes.

8. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.

9. Place nuggets on a cookie sheet and bake for 14 to 16 minutes.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Brooke McLay of Cheeky Kitchen

Tortellini, Spinach, and Black Bean Soup

by writerredtriDecember 10, 2022

There’s nothing quite like the magic of throwing simple ingredients into a pot and ending up with a delicious and comforting soup. It’s a kind of kitchen magic that never gets old. If you need some inspiration for just such a concoction, we’ve got your back with this hearty tortellini soup recipe from Jen, of How To: Simplify. This comfort soup is sure to warm you up, fill you up, and even sneak some tasty spinach into your picky eater’s bowl.

Ingredients:

32 ounces of chicken stock
1 15-ounce can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tablespoon of dried basil
1 teaspoon cumin
1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 9-ounce package of Buitoni Sweet Italian Sausage Tortellini
1 cup fresh spinach

Method:

1. Pour the chicken stock and the entire can of diced tomatoes into a large pot. Add the black beans, basil, cumin, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add the tortellini and cook for 8-10 minutes (according to the package instructions).
3. Add the fresh spinach into the pot and cook for an additional minute.
4. Season with salt and pepper (to taste). Serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy Jen at How To: Simplify. By day, Jen is a Senior Account Executive and Project Manager at Mom It Forward. In her spare time, she can be found in her kitchen covered in either flour, sugar, or both. Her philosophy when it comes to cooking and baking is “the more from scratch, the better.” Her aim is to share tips and tricks, as well as simple recipes that require very few ingredients (many of which you probably already have in your kitchen) and only a small amount of prep and cook time. Check out the How To: Simplify blog for more great recipes!

17 Jolly Dollar Store Decor Ideas for Your Holiday Home

by Emily MyersDecember 1, 2021

Whether you’re actually putting on real clothes and entertaining this year or just want to up your holiday decoration game, with a little creativity you can make over simple, affordable objects into masterpieces. From clever ideas for hostess gifts to decorations you’ll treasure, scroll on for some seriously awesome #dollarstoredecor!

A Farmhouse Window

Amy at the Savvy Sparrow knows her way around a dollar store and this amazing farmhouse window is proof positive. It looks like the real thing! Find out how she did it over at thesavvysparrow.com.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gina, M.SpEd, CAGS Ed. (@aplayfilledlife)

An Upcycled Wreath

This genius wreath from Gina @aplayfilledlife is not only dollar-store gold, it uses some unexpected items—like upcycled plastic caps.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jennifer Whitney (@lets_create_and_celebrate)

A Customized Dollar Store Sign

Simple changes make all the difference. Jenni @Create and Celebrate is the queen of taking something basic like a dollar store holiday sign and adding just a few touches to make it her own.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW18OWcpjHb/

Festive Candles

How cute are these decorated tall votive candles? Not only are they from dollar-store candles, we love how @cassi_mills displayed them with her bottle brush trees.

DIY Christmas Car Ornament

This too-cute Christmas ornament is a cinch to make and calls for just a few creative materials you can grab at the Dollar Store. (Hint: nail polish is involved!) Best of all, this decoration could double as a toy if your elves need to get some emergency playtime in. Get the how-to over at The Things She Makes.

Reindeer Party Balloons

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer ... on to the Dollar Store! Make a balloon run and make your own ultra-creative holiday decorations that are sure to brighten up any party. Plus, your little ones can help give each balloon a smiling face! Learn more at A Subtle Revelry.

Snowmen Salt & Pepper Shakers

Who knew an inexpensive pair of salt and pepper shakers could turn into super cute snowmen? With a little paint and a friendly face, these little Frosty wannabes are just the thing for a quick gift or table addition. Get the instructions (along with more snowman inspiration) at 20 North Ora.

HI-CHEW Holiday Garland

Need a last-minute gift or a little something special to add to your tree? A Subtle Revelry has just the thing: a totally sweet garland! Colorful cellophane, string, and some HI-CHEWs (or other fave candy), and you're all set. Learn more here.

Paper Plate Snowman Garland

Greet your holiday guests with a cheerful snowman garland! It couldn't be easier to make since all you have to do is pick up some paper plates on the cheap. Then, enlist your holiday helpers to draw some smiling snowy faces and you're ready to go! Learn more at Real Life, One Day at a Time.

Handprint Oven Mitt

Customized oven gloves make the perfect hostess gift over the holiday period. Even better, you don't have to be particularly crafty, and you can still come up with a heartfelt homemade present. Head to Trish Sutton's blog for instructions and tips on the best dollar store gloves for the job.

Paper Wrapped Candles Centerpiece

These DIY paper wrapped candles will work as a gift as well as a dinner table centerpiece for any holiday get-together. Just customize the paper to your celebration, whether it's fall, winter or the new year. Pick up some winter wonderland gift wrap and dollar store sanctuary candles and head to Today's Creative Life for the details.

Personalized Candles

Ever wondered how to personalize a simple ivory candle? Well, here's one way of doing it with just packing tape! Head to It's Always Autumn for the instructions, and you'll have everything you need to give a beautiful personalized holiday gift to friends and family.

Bottle Brush Ornaments

Some metallic primer on the lid and top of a simple dollar store ornament and the effect is pure vintage. These snow globe ornaments make the perfect addition to a winter tree or would work well on a mantelpiece, depending on the size. Little House of Four has all the details.

Animal Magnet Gifts

A plastic dollar store hippo can get a festive magnet makeover and be put to use hanging holiday cards. Pick out more seasonal winter animals like deer or bears if you like, but we reckon even an upcycled dollar store dinosaur will be a welcome gift of gold. Sugar and Cloth has the instructions.

Clever Cocoa Mix

The gift of hot cocoa mix is always going to be well received, but if it's packaged in these cute mason jar snow globes, you'll earn extra smiles. Pick up your packaging supplies at the dollar store and the cocoa mix at the grocery and head to A Few Shortcuts for the instructions.

Tiered Party Plates

When you want to add a little seasonal flair to your party platters, some dollar store cake pans and candle holders can be crafted into a festive tiered appetizer tray. Get all the instructions at Southern State of Mind.

Pom Pom Stockings

Add some pizzazz to simple dollar store stockings with homemade pom poms! Head to Thistlewood Farms for the how-to and then deck the halls however you wish. If you have enough for every member of your party, they make clever silverware holders at the dinner table.

—Emily Myers & Abigail Matsumoto

29 Holiday Hacks That Will Change Your Life

20 Cookie & Baking Hacks to Save Your Holidays

10 Table Manners Your Kids Should Know by Age 10

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A Farmhouse Window

An Upcycled Wreath

A Customized Dollar Store Sign

Festive Candles

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Reindeer Party Balloons

Snowmen Salt & Pepper Shakers

HI-CHEW Holiday Garland

Paper Plate Snowman Garland

Handprint Oven Mitt

Paper Wrapped Candles Centerpiece

Personalized Candles

Bottle Brush Ornaments

Animal Magnet Gifts

Clever Cocoa Mix

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