Chicken & Dill Recipe: Old Polish Family Recipe

Hey Y'all (In the Paula Dean voice.. hehe!!) 

I thought I would post a recipe that is dear to my heart:) I am proud to say I'm mostly Polish! I come from a family that is pretty much imported from Poland. My both of my Great Grandparents came to America as young children. They resided in a Polish neighborhood in the town I'm from and grew families there. My Great Grandparents were hard working people with a strong family base. Ever since I can remember my family getting together for every holiday, birthday, or just a cookout. Yes, we sing "Sto lot" (Happy Birthday in Polish) to everyone on their birthdays and Polka at the Polish Festival. We are very proud of our heritage and this is a way to show my pride. 

My Great Bushia (Grandma in Polish) would make Chicken & Dill for her 5 children and would eventually pass it down to her future generations. She would grow the Dill in her garden by the bunches and now my whole family grows Dill and saves the seeds for the next summer's harvest. I have had great memories as a kid having this dish for dinner. It is such a cool story and can't wait to pass it to my children and so on.. Not only is it delicious but easy. It is an amazing dish with an amazing story.. So I hope you enjoy!

Chicken & Dill

You'll need:

1) Chicken- Breast, Thighs, Legs, really any is good. I use Breast because it's white meat and boneless. It all depends how much you'll need by what size of roaster you'll use. I used 5 Breast this time around to feed 3 mouths and had no left overs. When my family makes it they normally fill the bottom on a roaster with Chicken and it feeds many. 

2) Dill- Yumm! You can find dill in the produce side of your grocery store. I found it by the Basil. You will need 1 packet of Dill unless you are making a lot. 

3) Butter or Margarine- If you are making as much as I did then you will only need 1 stick (Cut it in half) but if you will be filling the bottom of your roaster then you will need 2 sticks. My Bushia would make with 1 stick of Butter and 1 stick of Margarine. I never could tell a difference so I just used one or the other.

4) Salt & Pepper- Just to add flavor. It is REALLY important that you do.. You can tell a difference when you don't..

5) Roaster- If you are cooking a lot you will want to cook in a roaster.. You will want to fill the whole bottom of the pan with chicken where it is almost over lapping. The closer together your chicken is the better taste. If you don't have one or if you are making a smaller amount then your roaster you will want to wrap the Chicken, Dill and Butter in aluminum foil. That's what I did. You need to keep it covered no matter what so the Dill's aromas soak in the Chicken.

For a side:

Rice- My mom always uses wild rice because it is WAY better for you then bleached rice. It also taste really good with the Chicken. You really can use any kind if you would like. I just got Rice A Roni because it was a faster cooking rice.

French Bread- I totally forgot about it this shopping trip so I didn't have it this time around.. But it is AMAZING with the left over butter... BUUUUTTTTERRRR!!

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Directions:

Clean the Chicken

1) First if you are like me you hate the fat, blood or veins in your chicken.. Or maybe I'm just weird. Ekk. Anyways, I cut my chicken in smaller pieces. It cooks faster and you can get more flavor. If you are using legs you don't need to cut off pieces. 

Salt & Pepper your Chicken

2) Once you are done cleaning your Chicken you will want to sprinkle it with Salt & Pepper. It adds amazing flavor believe it or not.. Just make sure you don't use to much.

Lay your Dill on Bottom of Pan

3) Make sure you lay your Dill down on the bottom of the Roaster, Pan or Aluminum. So the Chicken can have Dill soaking in from Top and Bottom. I used Aluminum because I wasn't making a big serving. If you are using a roaster you don't need to use Aluminum..

Lay Chicken on top of Dill

4) Just as easy as it says.. Just lay the Chicken on top of the Dill. Remember!! Make sure you Salt & Peppered!! 

Lay Dill on top of Chicken

5) Again, very easy step.. I hope I haven't lost you yet;) Juuuuusssttt Kidding!

Put Butter on top of Chicken and Dill

6) BUUUUUUUUUUTTER!! I'm channeling my inner Paula Dean! HAHA Like I said earlier if you are making a lot you'll need 2 sticks. My family likes having a lot of butter to be able to put on top of your rice! It taste as amazing as it sounds;) I only used 1 stick ( I cut it in half and put each half in my Aluminum wrap of Chicken & Dill)

Wrap up your Aluminum!

7) That's pretty much what you do.. Unless you have a roaster then all you'll need to do is cover it!

Bake at 350* for 1 hour

8) Unless you cut your pieces smaller then it will be less time. About 45 minutes seems good. Just make sure you keep checking on your Chicken to see how done it is..

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While cooking...

Mommy Time!

If you had a crazy day like mine then just a good taste in your mouth will do the trick;) Take a breather while dinner is cooking.. Relax you deserve it!

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Can't forget about me!

Oh yes, you might have to cook rice while you relax like I did.. It's relaxing right? REMEMBER DON'T FORGET TO PUT THE LEFT OVER BUTTER ON ME :)

Dig in!!!

YUM!

Well I hope you enjoy this GREAT meal.. It really is very easy to make with a few things. Something you can just pop in the oven and eat. Not only is it delicious but it's very healthy.. Besides all the butter;) LOVE ME SOME BUTTER!! 

BUTTER AND OIL!! < Darn that inner Paula Dean!! Comin out while I'm cookin'!!!

Well.... Go enjoy!!! Until next time;) May God Bless!

Hillary

DIY: Button & Burlap Monogram Plaque

I'm back! I know it's been a couple weeks since I posted last.. My mind has been a creative mess and I have been jumping project to project.. So I finally took the time to make a cute, fun, and easy project:) I really like personal Crafts and Decor around my house just to make it more "homey" and personal. So I put a few ideas together and here's what I got:) So here is all you need:

(Only few of the things you need)

1. Plaque- You can pick one up at any craft store (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann's) and there are a bunch of different sizes to choose. Like I said in my last post I went "Treasure Hunting" at the Goodwill and found a bunch of odds and ends. This plaque was like a '70s portrait of a bird that I soaked and sanded. Only paid $2.00!

2. Acrylic paint- I have so many that I didn't need to go out to get any.. I guess you can call me an Acrylic Hoarder;) But they can be also found at all Craft Stores.. They only cost about $1 each.. 

3. Permanent Marker- So you can trace the Monogram/Letter on the Burlap. Make sure the marker isn't a thick one.

4. Scissors- Obviously you'll need these. As long as they cut through Burlap nice and clean your good!

5. Paint Brush- I somehow lost the Paint Brush I bought so I had to use my Hair Coloring Brush again. This is just one of my many LOL moments.

6. Burlap- You can find Burlap pretty cheap around this time of the year because of the Autumn looking style. I got .33yards for only $1 at Jo Ann's and it was more then enough! Just to warn you it gets a little messy while you cut it..

7. Hot Glue Gun- My favorite weapon! Every Crafter should have one.. You can find one for around $6 at any Craft Store. 

8. Buttons- Ohh buttons.. I would be lying if I said I loved them. I spilled them ALL over my wood floor and trying to pick them up before your 1yo -who eats everything he sees- gets them.. It's not fun. I got them at Michael's in a bulk amount for about $5. I do love the bright colors though!

9. A Monogram or a Printed letter- My printer is broken (like I said last post) so I like to work with what I have.. I (again) traced a letter on a piece of paper. I'm crazy I know.. It works!Make sure that the letter is not to big and not to small for the Plaque. The font I used was Lobster 1.3.

So here's all the things you need! If you already have some of the items then this will be a very cheap project! So you'll still have $$ in your pocket and a new piece to your home:) Now since you have all the things you'll need let's start!!

Step 1: Paint Your Plaque

Just as easy as it says. Make sure you give the paint time to dry. I painted mine the night before so I could put on my second coat in the morning. Depending on the color you will most likely want to put on two coats.

Step 2: Cut the Burlap

This can be a little tricky.. Depending on the Burlap that you get and how stretched out it is you will want to plan out carefully. It tends to fray easy. You'll see when you start cutting. I cut mine in between the lines as you can see in the picture so I had a little room to play with. I just cleaned up what I needed to after I glued it on the plaque. Just to make sure you don't cut to much.

Step 3: Glue Burlap on Plaque

Like I said in the step before make sure you don't cut to much off. I laid the glue all over the Plaque while it was hot and laid the Burlap down. *Be careful to not BURN yourself! The glue will seep through the holes in the fabric* So you might need a book to help push it down. Then once you glued all the Burlap down you can clean the sides up. Saves from having oopies! 

Step 4: Cut out Monogram or Letter

My Tracing skills are getting perfected by not having a working printer! So for you normal people out there who have printed out your Monogram or Letter just cut it out! Make sure it fits your Plaque before you do so.

Step 5: Trace your Monogram or Letter

This part you really need to make sure you don't mess up. Since the Permanent Marker is very visible. I saved this part till my little one was occupied so I had a steady hand:)

Step 6: Lay your Buttons out then start Glueing 

Your almost done!! All you have to do is make sure that you lay the Buttons out so you can see where they will be and rearrange if you need to. Then once your ready to start glueing go ahead! This part might take longer then any of the other steps if you want to make it look perfect:) Then once your done step back and enjoy your new piece of art!!

And there you go!! I told you it is quick and easy (unless you have kiddies and then it always takes long!) With your project you can always somehow make it your own also. Like changing the Buttons to Beads or Painting the Burlap. Anything that makes it your own.. I love when I see what other people have done with the projects I post! Don't feel weird or that your copying at all! I made this Blog to share my Ideas to everyone:) I'm honored. So if you have tried out this craft please send me a picture! I would love to see! 

I hope you all enjoyed as I did making it! I really love doing these kinds of things to put my mind at ease and just let my creative side of me take over. It's my way of getting away from it all. There is a creative side to everyone. Once you find that art in you, your unstoppable. May God bless!

-Hillary

DIY: "Home is where the You are" Places you Love/ have Lived ♥

I couldn't resist doing a DIY post and this one was the winner! I had went to Goodwill with my Mama when I was visiting her house recently and grabbed a few things that caught my eye. Pretty random I know but that's me! All at great prices and thought I could add spunk to the poor things.. I had an idea previously to make maps of States we (as a Military family) have lived together in. Something to have on the wall to bring back memories.. I originally thought of using actual maps of the States but my Oldest painted with Water Colors at Bushie's House.. Then the idea just came to me! Why not make the States out of Little Man's art work?! Hello?! Awesome! So here's what I did...

WARNING! I will tell you that I didn't have much to work with so I just worked with what I had.. Bare with me please:)

Things you will need:

1. Wooden Plaque- You can get one at any Crafts Store (Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Joann Fabrics, etc.) I just got mine from Goodwill for $3.50. 
2. Acrylic Paint- I will say this is PERFECT if you mess up (I did- not gonna lie) and it just wipes off while it's wet! You can also pick them up at your local Craft Store for normally less then a dollar per bottle when on sale.
3. Mod Podge (Gloss)- This is a must in every Craft Room anyways but this will make sure your Paint is on (doesn't wash off). Also, makes the paint look even and shiny. This will also be used for making your State Map that you have created stick on the plaque.
4. Paint Brushes (not pictured)- Obviously you'll need something to put on the Paint and Mod Podge.. I used a Round Acrylic Paint Brush for the little things and a Hair Coloring Brush (Gotta work with what ya got!) I would recommend to use a Actual Paint Brush you use to paint walls with.. 
5. Map of State(s) (not pictured)- So... My Printer does work so I wasn't able to do this.. So i took a piece of paper and traced over my Laptop... I know.. But normal people would get a map or print one off. I'm clearly not normal..
6. Heart Shaped Item- You can use anything for this really. I had Heart Shaped Buttons and thought they would do.
7. Hot Glue Gun- This is to apply your heart shaped items. You also can use a strong glue. I would recommend this though.

Random's (not pictured): Scissors and Pencil

Optional For State Map: Art, Pictures, Music notes, Fabric, Anything you would like!! Like I said I used my Son's Water Color Painting and thought it would be a nice way to display it rather then on the Fridge..  

Step 1: Paint Plaque

Since I used a plaque that was already painted I didn't need to sand or prime it.. Not sure really what you'll be doing but make sure that the surface is even and not rough.. So when you paint your plaque make sure the paint goes on even. You may or may not need to add a few coats depending on the color. This also should be done the night before so you can let dry. After you are done you can reward yourself with a Chocolate bar like I did:)

Step 2: Apply a coat of Mod Podge

MOD PODGE!!! Oh do I love my Mod Podge:) After your plaque has dried you will want to put a even coat on. It is VERY important that you do so. Otherwise it will come out streaky and smudgy. It will have this white glossy look to it until it starts to dry so don't be alarmed! 

 -State Map Art-

Step 1: Trace States

While your waiting for the plaque to dry you will want to start on your State maps! Yeay! Here is my proof that I traced my maps.. I feel like a hillbilly. Anyways, If you choose to "jazz up" your States you  will want to start out by cutting them out. You really don't need to be perfect just get the shape down. I didn't include any of the States Islands.. You can if you would like! 

So here is my finished product.. Not bad right! Well now you have to trace your State on what ever you chose to use.. If you are just using normal maps you are taking the easy route my friend! Anyways, when you are done tracing you will want to cut out your traced map. Then you end up with this..

Step 2: More Mod Podge!

 Your almost done with the maps! Now all you have to do is Mod Podge your Maps. If you are using Fabric you won't need to do this step. 

Make sure your even again! VERY important! Also, with paper of any sorts you will need to make sure that you lift up your map so it doesn't stick to whatever it is on. After it dries it will be harder. 

Back to Original Steps..

Step 3: Finish Touch ups

I personally couldn't handle just having the plaque be black.. I had to add life to it:) So I just added a different color to every side.. If you do this you might have to add a couple layers (I had too). 

Step 4: Apply State Maps on Plaque

I know you might be getting sick of the Mod Podge... Your almost done. After your corners dry your going to put another layer on. While your plaque is still damp put down your States how ever you would like them. Make sure you put them down evenly and flat. Little Man's art was already wrinkled so it just added a little life to it. Then you will put your last coat of Mod Podge over the States. Make sure it's even! Then let it dry..

Step 5: Glue Buttons/ Heart shaped item(s) on Plaque

This is one of my favorite things to do... Hot Glue things! So fun! You will want to apply your heart shaped item where you would like it. That easy! Just make sure you don't burn yourself with the glue.. It hurts.

Optional:

Step 6: Add a cute quote or saying

I thought "Home is where you are" was perfect for us. Being away from each other for long periods of time has made me realize this. No matter where you are it's not home without your loved one. Okay enough of my mushy mushy.. I also used the Acrylic Paint. It is NOT easy writing with a paint brush so be prepared! You can also use a Vinyl some how! I'm sure there is something on Pinterest LOL. This is the last time you will have to Mod Podge. Then you, my friend, are finally finished.. 

Final Product:

If you haven't lived in different states you also could do favorite vacation spots, places your family or friends live, road trips! Anything you can think of:)

I hope you have enjoyed this post! It was a fun project and made my creative side of the brain work harder. I would LOVE to see any of your projects to see what everyone else comes up with! I really like doing the DIY post so I will make sure I come up with something soon! Thank you for taking your time to read. Love y'all!

God Bless,

Hillary

Ways I keep Precious Moments of Little Ones young

I thought this was the perfect time to write about this kind of topic because I feel like everyone of my Preggie Friends are having their little ones! Also, because my youngest will be turning 1 year old this month! (I still am in shock!) So I went in my Memory box that I have all different sorts of things I have kept of memories. Anyone but me would call it clutter. It's in a box so technically it's not;) I am ALL about memories.. I love to look at pictures from the past or papers I've kept that have meaning.. I'll make sure I save going into detail for another post..

So as I went through all my memories of my little ones I thought that maybe it would help out new Mommies or Future Mommies to think of ways of keeping their little ones young in that sort of way. I will be honest that with my First I kept a lot. Also, I will add that I have learned other ways of keeping memories as I have grown wiser;) So here are my ways of keeping my memories young of my Monkeys! 

Going Home clothes

One great way to keep a little memory of taking your Little one home is to keep their "Going Home" outfit. I know that you probably will have a hard time to part from a lot of their wardrobe like I did. I promise that as long as you have 1-2 outfits you will be fine.. I kept 6. Yes, I am crazy and I just can't let go (trying not to make excuses).. I want my Boys to see how little they were and pass it down to their little ones. So one day they can look at pictures and see what I have kept for them.  Some other memorable outfits you can keep are ones from First Baptism or Hospital Onesie you received from the hospital. Choose one that takes you back to that very moment you put it on him/her.

"Birth Earth"

This is my absolute favorite. For my First Baby shower I got a little glass jar with a cork on top and a piece of paper that said "Birth Earth". My sweet Aunt told me to put the earth (dirt, sand, etc.) from where I had Monkey in the jar to keep. I had never heard of anything like it. So, with both Boys I have got the "Birth Earth" for each. I thought this would be cool that both were born in different states neither that were in our hometown. All you have to do is go get a small jar from Michael's or even the Dollar Tree and put a little in there. So one day you can give to your Little one and show them the Earth they were born on. I will tell you that I grabbed the "Birth Earth" on the day we moved from both states. I couldn't leave without getting it. I just think it is one of the coolest things and the is the most memorable to me.

Baby Objects they were attached to

I can honestly say that neither of my Boys had a certain object they were attached to. Nothing. No Binkies, Blankets, Pillows, Bottle or even Stuffed Animal. I put this on here because I had a Baby Pillow. I knew how much it meant to me. My Mom made it when I was a baby and I kept it. The reason I kept it was because I know my Mom worked hard on it and that made it even more special to me. I thought it was awesome to have something my childhood I could pass down. I became excessive when I saved my Barney, Baby Bop, and Lion King magnet nose kissing animals (They actually sell a newer version of the Simba and Nola now since they remade the movie) and a couple more. So one day when you do save that something they might be even more grateful then when they were little.

Hand & Foot Prints

This is a must do. You can put them on the Birth Certificate or in their Baby Book. Or you can get creative! I forgot to do both and I kicked myself for a long time. When my Youngest was born I decided it was going to change. That is the time that my life changed forever. Pinterest. It gave me more ideas then my brain could process so I went crazy and did more crafts then I normally did. I got this adorable idea to make Footprints into Butterflies. I had to try.. There are so many things you can do. You can make Salt Dough Ornaments, Stepping Stones for your garden, Trace or paint their hand on a Plate and more! There are so many ways! Go to your local craft store and let the ideas come to you..

Calendar/ Baby Books

Calendars and Baby Books have been around for awhile and are pretty common. It is a great way to keep track of milestones and firsts. There are some Mom's out there that are amazing at this and that is awesome! If your not don't feel bad. If it makes you feel better I have a Baby Book for my First and not one for my Second.. But I do have a Calendar and keep better track then I did with my First so it's a Win-Win! Baby Books are fun because you can add Family history, Facts about the time and year they were born (like the price of Gas or Milk) and a note from Mom and Dad. I added an Envelope in the front of my book and added all different kinds of things. Some of the things I put in there were:

• Hospital Bracelets 
• Birth Announcement
• First Baby Food wrapper
• $2 bill got from an Aunt (tradition)
• Stickers with Weight/Height from Check Ups
• Newborn Diaper-not used;)
• Baby Shower Invite/ Birthday Invites
• First Drawling

And more! I kept all the same memorable things for my Second also. You can do whatever you can think of. It will be fun one day going through it with them.

Birth Story

I will give my Amazing Mother credit for this one:) This is a great way to remember and for you to have it down on paper incase. The best reason for this is because when the feelings are fresh, it's nice to know every little detail. You can Write it, Type it, Embroider it, whatever! haha Embroider. That is a good challenge! I put it in their Baby Book/ Memory Box for them to always have. I will say that my Second had a way shorter story then my First. That's the best part about having more, it gets easier! The best results come when the feeling is raw. 

Those were a few of My ways.. I am sure that everyone is different or has different ways of doing things. Since you are starting your Family or are getting ready to then make your own traditions and memories. Those are always the best. I know one day my Boys will appreciate all the things I have done and saved of their childhood and so will yours. They grow to fast to not make records of the little things. One word of advice that I'm sure that all Mommies will give is that Time flies. Way to fast and just hold on to every moment you can. One minute they are smiling for the first time to crawling. Then they are walking and talking and telling you No! and asking Why? (If you haven't hit that stage here is one word of advice: Patients) So hold on to them tight because it will be gone fast. 

I'm not going to ask questions probably till someone comments or I have more followers. I kinda feel funny asking anyways. But if you would like to leave a comment on ways that you have kept memories of your Little ones young or maybe something that your Mother did for you that you were grateful she did. 

God Bless,

Hillary