Are you ready to embark on a delicious trip down memory lane? We're diving into the heart of home-style cooking with recipes inspired by the classic Better Homes and Gardens cookbooks – those treasured volumes filled with heartwarming dishes and family favorites. This isn't just about recreating old recipes; it's about experiencing the comfort and simplicity of classic homemade cooking that’s both delicious and easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these easy recipes are sure to become staples in your culinary repertoire.
Grandma's Secret: Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
This recipe evokes the warmth and comfort of a classic chicken and dumplings dish, just like Grandma used to make. It's a perfect example of healthy meals done right, a quick dinner idea that's surprisingly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Make the Dumplings: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add milk to the flour mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Drop the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings:
- Don't overmix the dumpling dough: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings.
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer: A rolling boil will cause the dumplings to break apart.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme adds a brighter flavor than dried thyme.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, green beans, or potatoes.
- Use different protein: Substitute chicken with turkey or beef.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
This recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic comfort food. It's a delicious dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or any occasion where you want to serve something truly heartwarming and satisfying. These Better Homes and Gardens inspired recipes are a delightful way to reconnect with simpler times and appreciate the beauty of homemade cooking. They're easy recipes for busy weeknights, and yet, elegant enough to impress guests. Enjoy this culinary journey and happy cooking!