Reader's Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie for the Whole Family

My friend Amy told me about this recipe last week, and I couldn't wait for her to send it to me! Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food. It's one of those meals that just makes you feel like you've been wrapped in a warm blanket after eating it (at least that's how I feel ha!). You can puree this for little one's 7+ months, or serve as is for older babies eating finger foods. This recipe is doubled for leftovers, so you can enjoy pot pies the next day too!

Here's what you need:

1 small onion chopped

2 medium carrots

1/2 cup of diced and peeled potato

1/2 cup of diced and peeled sweet potato (optional)

1/4 cup of celery

1/4 cup of butter, cubed

1/3 cup of all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes

1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary, crushed

1/4 teaspoon of rubbed sage

1 cup of milk

1 cup of chicken broth

2 cups of cubed cooked turkey

1/2 cup of frozen peas

1 sheet of refrigerated pie pastry

In large saucepan, saute onion, carrot, potatoes, and celery in butter until tender. Add flour and seasonings until blended; gradually add in milk and broth. bring to a boil. cook and stir for 2 min or until it thickens. Stir in turkey and peas; divide mixture among 4 ungreased 5 inch pie pans OR use large greased ramekins.

Divide pastry into quarters. On lightly floured surface, roll each quarter into 6 inch circle and place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits to vent.

Bake at 375 for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 min before serving.

Reader's Recipe: Chicken Heaven for Mommy and Daddy

This week's Reader's Recipe is one of my friend Wendi's favorites. She originally found it in a post from another mom on Golden Gate Mother's Group. It's a crock pot recipe for Mommy and Daddy. I love crock pot dinners, they're so easy! You put the ingredients in, turn it on and go. I am planning on making this later this week or over the weekend. Can't wait, it's sounds AMAZING! Thanks for sending it my way Wendi :)

 ingredients:

 1 onion

2-3 lbs of chicken thigh

1 1/2 c of whole foods organicville orginial BBQ sauce w agave nectar

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp dijon mustard

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 c cider vinegar

1/2 c chicken broth

1 tbsp honey

Put onions in crock pot and chicken on top.

Mix rest of ingredients and cook on high for 4-5 hrs or low 6-8 hrs.

Reader's Recipe: Okra (Bhindi)

This week's Reader's Recipe comes form my dear friend Molly. I've never made Okra before so I'm excited to try this! Thanks Molly :)

Okra -- called "Bhindi" in Hindi 

This recipe can be made with either fresh or frozen okra.  Fresh okra is more flavorful, but both work well.  This is fast, easy and healthy. This is for 2 cups okra.

1. Wash and cut okra lengthwise 

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil on medium/high

3. When the oil is hot (give it at least 5 minutes), add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds

4. If you are using frozen okra, add one small chopped onion and saute for about 5-7 minutes.  If you are using fresh okra, you can skip this step. 

5. Add the sliced okra to the oil and cumin seeds

6. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder (called "haldi" in Hindi), one teaspoon of "garam masala," and half a teaspoon of salt.  (Turmeric power and garam masala are easily found in any Indian grocery story, and in some regular grocery stores; they are also available at Williams Sonoma and other kitchen specialty shops).

7. Saute for about 5 minutes on medium/low 

8. Add another half teaspoon of salt (to your liking) and stir for another 1-2 minutes.

Serve with basmati rice or "roti" (flat round Indian bread).  Enjoy!