October! Comfort Food and Sweaters!

October is PACKED full of amazing causes, national days, pumpkin spice EVERYTHING and gearing up for the holidays. I am EXCITED, are you?????

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The month of October is near and dear to me because it acknowledges and brings focus to topics that affect us all. Here is just a SMALL list:

● I’m Just Me Because (Entire month of October) https://www.imjustmemovement.org

● Domestic Violence (Entire month of October) https://nnedv.org/content/week-action-2022/

● National Do Something Nice Day (October 5) https://natonaltoday.com/national-something-nice-day

● World Mental Health Day (October 10) https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2022

● National Stop Bullying Day (Second Wednesday in October) https://www.stompoutbullying.org

● Black Poetry Day (October 17) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-national-black-poetry-day-tickets-41440263307

● National LGBT Center Awareness Day (October 19) https://www.centerawarenessday.org

National Get Smart About Credit Day – (Third Thursday in October) https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/get-smart-about-credit

Holiday Catering Menu is Available!

I know … I know … it’s October. But that means Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day is AROUND THE CORNER! Stores started stocking pumpkin spiced everything in September. By the way … I’m going to TRY and not give you any pumpkin recipes since we are bombarded with them until December 31st. I did say try right?

Refer a friend and get TWO free sides added to your order! Purchase has to be made in order to redeem this offer

What I Am LOVING This Month

● First and foremost … COMFORT FOOD SEASON!!!!!!

● My meat thermometer! If you follow me, you know that I talk about you needing one ALL THE TIME. There are other fancier ones out there, but the reason why I love this one is because you don’t have to open your oven to check the temperature. Just insert it into whatever protein you’re cooking, set the temperature and walk away. https://amzn.to/3DNdObS

● I was dragged into the air fryer world kicking and screaming but honestly, it has its place in the kitchen. Super easy to use, convenient for heating up leftovers or cooking those frozen foods you have in your freezer lol. This is the one I use https://amzn.to/3LC3jd7

● My sleek and sexy toothbrushes from Coral Oral! Black is my favorite color so these fit me to a TEE! AND it’s from a black owned company … win win in my book https://wbbtoo.com/

● COOLER WEATHER!!!!!!!!!!!!

● These silicon muffin baking pans ARE BOMB! I am a self proclaimed non baker, and they were easy even for me lol. The holidays are coming up and you KNOW you’re going to be baking those muffins and cupcakes. GET THIS NOW! https://amzn.to/3xIouEw

Recipes

Chicken and Dumplings

Comfort food at it's finest

This recipe is PERFECT for a family, does not heat up your kitchen, is freezer friendly and can be used in so many different ways. Quesadillas, over nachos, burritos, tacos, over salad … the list is ENDLESS.

Ingredients

● 2 tablespoons of oil (to start. May need a total of 4)

● 6 skinless chicken thighs (can be bone=in or boneless)

● 3 stalks of celery, diced

● 1-½ cups of carrots, diced

● ¾ cup of frozen peas

● 2 onions, diced

● 4 cloves of garlic, chopped

● ½ tablespoon of thyme (dried or fresh)

● ½ tablespoon of parsley (dried)

● 1 teaspoons oregano (dried)

● 2 bay leaves (if they are small), 1 bay leaf (if it is large)

● 2 teaspoons salt (total)

● 2 teaspoons black pepper (total)

● 1 teaspoon garlic powder

● 1 teaspoon onion powder

● 1 teaspoon paprika

● 3 cups chicken stock or water

● 2 cups heavy cream

● 3 teaspoons cornstarch

● Heavy stockpot

Dumplings

● 2 cups all purpose flour

● 1 cup of milk

● 4 teaspoons of baking powder

● ½ teaspoon of salt

● ½ teaspoon of black pepper

Preparation

● Season your chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, the garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Set aside.

● Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in your stock pot on medium heat. Once hot, sear your chicken thighs on both sides for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

● If necessary add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pot. Toss in ALL of the veggies and herbs (even the bay leaves) and the remaining salt and pepper, Saute for 4 to 5 minutes.

● Snuggle the chicken thighs back into the pot, on top of the veggies. Pour in the 3 cups of chicken stock or water. Stir around the chicken to loosen any bits that may be stuck on the bottom of the pot. That’s FLAVOR right there! Turn the flame to low, cover and cook until the chicken is soft enough to pull apart (about 20 minutes).

● Remove chicken from the pot and set aside for it to cool enough to handle.

● Whisk the cornstarch into the heavy cream. Once it is incorporated, pour into the pot.

● Pull your chicken apart and place all of it back into the pot. Stir.

Dumplings

2 pounds ground beef
1 can kidney or black beans, drained
1 15oz can of tomato sauce
1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
2 onions, diced
3 cloves of garlic, chopped or minced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon each: dried thyme, oregano and parsley
½ teaspoon each: allspice and cinnamon
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Mix all of the dry ingredients together
Add the milk and stir. It should be thick enough to spoon into the broth. Let it chill out for a few minutes.
Drop spoonfuls of the batter on top of the stew, cover and let cook for about 7 minutes. DO NOT REMOVE THE LID WHILE COOKING! After 7 minutes remove the lid, turn the dumplings over, replace the lid and cook for an additional 6 to 7 minutes.