Slow Cooker Asian Chicken

I got this recipe from my mommy friend, Lisa. It was delicious. This time, I served it with plain rice. Next time around, I think I'll stir fry some carrots and baby corns to serve with the rice.

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts2/3 c soy sauce1/4 c brown sugar1/4 c water2 cloves garlic, minced2 t ground ginger2 cans sliced water chestnuts1 bunch green onions, chopped

Place chicken in slow cooker. Mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic and ginger. Spread water chestnuts and green onions over chicken and pour soy sauce mixture over the top. Cook on low for approx. 5 hours.

Ginger-Lime Beef Stir Fry

This wasn't the best ever; however, it has potential because the sauce was good. Next time, I'll add a bunch of stir fry vegetables, triple the sauce, and serve over rice. Today, I served over rice noodles, which were good too.

1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 1/2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
12 ounces boneless sirloin steak, cut into thin strips

Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl; stir well with a whisk.

Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak; cook 4 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; drizzle evenly with ginger-lime mixture. Garnish with green onions and lime wedges, if desired.

Italian Chicken with Chickpeas

My mom would love this meal. It's got her favorite: chickpeas! I served it over rice.

1 pound chicken breast tenders
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/3 cups sliced onion
1 cup green bell pepper strips
1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can chickpeas, drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, chickpeas, and tomatoes; cover and cook 8 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

My Brave Little Girl

Today was a good day for Syd. Grandma came over and watched Cole while I took Syd to swimming lessons and then to get her flu shot.

Syd did great at swimming lessons - what a difference a summer of swimming makes! She was able to do all the different exercises and activities at class, including jumping in, blowing bubbles, kicking and paddling, and holding her breath. The instructor even let Sydney practice "swimming" from her to me!

After swimming lessons, we headed to the pharmacy to get our flu shots. Right before we got there, Syd and I talked about the word brave and what it means. We decided that she would be very brave for her flu shot. First, I got my shot, and then she got hers - without even one tear or cry! She was so brave, she got to pick out a lollipop. What a brave little girl - way to go Syd!

Fancy!

Nothing says romance like a new TV! That's what my handsome and handy husband got me for our ninth anniversary.

Every morning, Tom watches the kids while I get about 30 minutes to myself to take a shower and get dressed. I recently told Tom that the only thing that could make it any better was to have a television in the bathroom so I could watch the news while getting ready. Voila! This weekend, he installed a new TV, and it is AWESOME! I can't wait to get ready tomorrow morning.

The Bergeman Kids Are Pretty Darn Cute

My kids are adorable... I know, I know, I'm biased. But - I bet I could find several people who agree with me. Anyway, here are some cute moments from this week.

Cole's recently started napping in his jumperoo. Twice this week, I've turned around to find him passed out. And, it's not a slow process. I swear he's jumping, jumping, jumping one minute and out cold the next. Then, he wakes up about 15 minutes later happy go-lucky and jumping again.


As for Syd, anyone who knows me knows that we do not do sugar that often. Sydney does not receive candy, cookies, ice cream, even juice on a regular basis. We usually save those treats for birthday celebrations only. Anyway, she got her hair cut today, and the stylist gave her a lollipop. Here's a picture of her (with nap hair) enjoying the moment!

Taco Rice Bowls

This recipe is very versatile. I actually won a chili cook off with this recipe several years ago (in the most unusual category). Anyway, tonight we ate it like a rice bowl with guacamole and salsa on the side. You could use it as burrito or taco filling, dip, nacho filling - there are plenty of possibilities.

1/2 lb ground beef
Taco seasoning
1 1/4 c cooked instant rice
1 can diced tomatoes with chilis, drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn (the mini can), drained

Brown the ground beef and drain. Add the remaining ingredients and cook until warm.

If I were eating dairy right now, I'd definitely serve it with cheese and sour cream. However, tonight, like I said, we had it with guacamole and salsa. Sydney had two enormous helpings!