Thank You :)

Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my post below. :) It's funny, I had actually written this post out on Thursday and scheduled it to post on Friday morning. Thursday night I got to thinking and thought that it was just too negative and decided to delete it but I forgot and then woke up to several comments from my friends in other time zones that had already read it Friday morning. :) I guess it's a good thing though, it is healthy to be honest with how we are feeling versus pretending everything is peachy.

We are having a nice Saturday. I'd rather it not be filled with car shopping but alas, it is. We slept in a little, went to Panera (thought of you Melissa, ha ha) for breakfast, went and looked at some cars and now we're home. Ems is sleeping, I changed into my fleece pajama pants and slipper socks and am feeling cozy. I suspect we'll do a little more car shopping this evening. Normally it doesn't take us *this* long to make a decision but we're trying to take our time and make the wisest choice. I sure am tired of talking about it though. :)

Last night we went to the mall to pick up Toy Story 3 that my mom pre-ordered for us the last time she was out here (thank you MiMi!!!). While we were there, we had a coupon for $20 off a $40 purchase. I hate those kinds of coupons....I always feel the need to use them!!! We ended up buying the new "Beauty and the Beast" as well as some Toy Story figurines for E. We let her play with Rex but I think we'll put Buzz in her stocking.

Since this post is kinda boring, I will leave you with a repeat recipe from last year. It's a delicious soup that would be wonderful on a chilly fall or winter day. Enjoy!!

Mama Leone's Chicken Soup

(makes about 15 cups)

1/2 Pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Tenders

2 teaspoons kosher salt plus extra for chicken breasts (divided)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus extra for chicken breast (divided)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, diced

3 stalks celery, diced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons paprika

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour

8 cups chicken broth (can use low sodium)

1-14.5oz can diced tomatoes in juice

3/4 cup whipping cream

2 cups thinly sliced fresh spinach

Sprinkle salt and pepper on both side of the chicken breast and lightly sauté. When cool enough to handle, dice the meat and set aside until needed.

Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the butter and melt. Saute the onions and celery until the onions are translucent, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, tarragon, oregano, paprika and remaining 2 tablespoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring, for 3 or 4 minutes Add the flour and stir until well combined. Slowly whisk the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the tomatoes and cream. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the reserved chicken breast and simmer 10 minutes more. Just before serving, stir in the spinach.

As you see in the picture above, I didn't cut up the spinach....I had already served the soup to our guests and just wanted to get the spinach into the bowl.

I have served this to lots of different people and have yet to find anyone that doesn't think it is exceptionally good!

I discovered this soup at a deli downtown several years ago...before I was married even. I loved getting a cup of this for lunch with a roll. Then, by a stroke of good luck, I saw the recipe for this soup in the newspaper and I cut it out to be saved and cherished forever!

Bon Appetit!