Hungry Anyone?

I can't say that I did any organizing today. Not even 15 minutes worth. I had thoughts about going through my daughter's toys but I took a bath instead! How about if I do the toy thing tomorrow?

We did everything else that we needed to do today. We did our schoolwork. We went to the gym. I cooked three meals for my family and none of them were pizza! That's a big deal for us. We've been eating out so much since I've been pregnant. Now that I'm feeling so much better, I'm back on my cooking spree. I'm making all those recipes that I've been wanting to try for so long. The mess I have to clean up after every meal is horrendous but I guess it's worth it. We're eating healthier and saving a ton of money. I'll have to pass along any recipes I try that are keepers.

Here's one we had this week that everyone inhaled as fast as they could. I added the mushrooms with the half and half since I don't like them over-cooked.

Chicken, Pasta and Mushrooms

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 boneless skinless chicken breast
salt and pepper
1/2 onion -- chopped
2 cups fresh mushrooms -- thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic -- minced
2 bay leaves
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons fresh thyme -- snipped
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup half and half
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
8 ounces penne pasta -- uncooked
fresh thyme sprigs

Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large saucepan heat the oil. Add chicken; brown 3-4 minutes on each side. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Add onion, mushrooms and garlic to pan. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return chicken to pan. Add bay leaves, broth, wine, thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Remove chicken; cover and keep warm. Remove bay leaves and discard.

In small bowl whisk half and half and flour together until smooth. Add to liquid in pan. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir 1 minute more. Add additional pepper to taste, if desired. To serve, drain pasta; place in a serving dish and top with chicken. Spoon sauce over chicken and pasta. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.