White Bean and Chicken Chili

For the last few weeks I’ve been all about the comfort food. Like many of you, I’ve been hunkering down in my kitchen, testing recipes and trying to figure out what the “new normal” is going to look like. So far it looks like me eating a lot of bread and yummy soups, pasta, and chili. I’m into it. These are the days to reach for whatever brings you comfort, while also cooking healthy, nutritious meals without having to run to the grocery store every few days. I’m trying to hold out for at least two weeks and so far, so good. Having a well-stocked (but not hoarding!) pantry of canned beans, chicken broth, and other essentials, means dinner can come together easily, and taste mighty delicious. 

Braised Chicken Thighs in a Mushroom Lemon Cream Sauce

It's a cold day across most parts of Canada - I know I had to throw an extra blanket on the bed last night and I don't dare go anywhere in my house without slippers on my feet.  It's a day for staying in and being cozy with your favourite people.  And, two words:  comfort food.  There's nothing better than curling up with a steaming bowl of something gorgeous and I've got just the right recipe for you.  The kind folks at Mushrooms Canada asked me to be a guest in their kitchen again, and I knew right away I wanted to use chicken thighs because 1) They're super economical right now.  2) Bone-in and skin-on thighs have loads of flavour, perfect for braising.  And 3) Chicken + Mushrooms = Together 4 Eva.  It's a great combo, especially when you throw cream and lemon juice into the mix. The meat just falls off the bone after 40 minutes of braising and the sauce, oh man, the sauce is delicious, great served over pasta or mashed potatoes.  If you are staying in and cooking for your love bug this Valentine's weekend, you'll find the recipe here.  Light some candles, pour the wine, and let love rule.     

 

Braised Chicken and Kale with Paprika & White Wine

 

You know you are having a good day when a box of gorgeous cookware arrives on your doorstep.  What makes it even better is when the cookware is complimentary.   See, in a few short days I'll be on my way to the first ever Food Bloggers of Canada conference, and the kind people at Nordic Ware are one of the generous sponsors.  So generous they sent each attendee 3 pieces of their prime stuff.  Pretty cool, hey?  I can't tell you how excited I am to go to this conference!  Finally meeting fellow food-obsessed bloggers, face to face, is going to be nothing short of mind-blowing.  Plus I'll get to reconnect with those I've met before, and have a good ol' catch up.  It's going to be all kinds of awesome.  This conference couldn't come at a better time - I'm ready to be inspired, entertained, and educated.  I'm ready to shake out the winter cobwebs, see another part of this great country, and make new friends.  This is the breather I've been waiting for.  And seeing as there is still a massive amount of snow (yes, in April!) in the yard, I think if I don't see green soon I may just scream.