Thanks*giving

Thanksgiving.  This year, I'm really wrestling with which part of that word should be emphasized.  Is it the THANKS or the GIVING?  I suppose a case could be made for each to have its moment in the sun, so to speak.

Let's talk about THANKS.  There are plenty of reasons to be thankful.  No, really.  In 2020.  I promise.  Maybe the idea is about finding the smaller, simpler things we're thankful for.  

The smell of freshly-cut grass, the idea that we're cutting grass in November in Pittsburgh.  And even the lawnmower--I mean, it's pretty great to have a self-propelled machine (and Mark!) that does the work, right?  Or the random warm days that meant extra time outside?  Or the window washers?  Or the washing machine and dryer?  

How about technology?  Sure, there are moments when it's maddening, but let's focus on the gift of being able to FaceTime a family member who isn't with you for Thanksgiving.  Or the phone that doubles as a camera, helping you capture soccer moments, jump-in-the-leaves moments and silly sister snuggle moments.  Even computers--for blogging, working, keeping in touch, shopping, streaming music or shows.

Can we pause to be grateful for the food we have?  I know we may not be sharing it with as many people as we might in a normal year.  But if you have food on your table, count yourself blessed.  If you have the means to prepare that food and the ability to eat and enjoy it, be glad.

And why not be thankful for the people God put in your life.  Family, friends, colleagues, partners, anyone who provides a service to you from mail delivery to garbage pick up and all the ones in between.  Imagine your life without them.  Tough, right?  So take a moment today to say THANK YOU to someone--someoneS--who makes your life better, richer, fuller.  

That brings me to the GIVING part.  What are you giving?  Are you giving yourself a break?  At least once a day, take a moment to close your eyes, put your hand on your heart and take a few deep breaths.  This time of year is hectic and exciting---and your body doesn't always know the difference.  It just knows it's in "Go Mode" a bit more than normal.  So pause and give yourself a second to breathe. 

Can you give someone a hand?  Yes, we're all busy.  But if you find yourself with a spare moment, an extra skill or something you can offer to help someone else, please do it.  It may make all the difference. 

Give to those who need.  If you have kiddos, involve them in a food drive or collecting items for those who are homeless. Check local nursing homes to see what their residents might need.  Think about your local police or ambulance services; what might they need?  Round up coats that you're no longer wearing and find a place to donate them.  In this crazy time, it may be wise to call places first to understand what parameters are in place.  

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving later in the week, our Gratitude Tree* is nearly full, our This or That** menu is prepared, the food is all purchased and the table is ready to be set, I'm making a conscious effort to practice the THANKS and the GIVING, and hope you'll join me.

Wishing you more blessings than you can possibly count.

xo,
Amy

The start of one of our more creative Gratitude Trees

Who's around the table is better than what's on it.

*Each year, beginning on November 1, we fill a Gratitude Tree that we've drawn on poster board, with reasons we're grateful.  One reason, per person, per day.  And everyone who comes to our home during the month of November is invited to add to it.  This year, since visitors have been limited, we're inviting people to call or text if they'd like to add to it!  Running out of room is my favorite---well, that and watching my girls' writing evolve over the years!

**In an attempt to embrace the curveball that is 2020, our guests were presented with several This or That options for the Thanksgiving dinner menu.  Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy and cranberry salad were non-negotiable.  The rest was chosen by the guests.  Green beans OR brussels sprouts.  Sweet potatoes OR butternut squash soup.  It was a fun twist and offered an opportunity to try some new dishes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Last year, for Christmas dinner, my Mom made chicken cordon bleu and both of my girls asked for seconds.  And that was with full knowledge of the cookies that were waiting for them.  Impressive!  Mom's was a lovely version, all rolled together and served with a fancy sauce---it was Christmas after all. 

A few weeks later, they asked if I would make it for dinner.  Blessedly, I found this simpler version on Pinterest (thanks, melskitchencafe.com) and immediately set to getting what we needed to throw this together.  Yeah, I said throw.  It's really easy, it takes mere minutes to assemble, and the reactions from my girls are the same as they were on Christmas!  Win!!  This has become a pretty regular menu item, and Abby swears she's going to make it for us next time--start to finish!

A couple notes on the recipe below.  We don't usually make the sauce.  No one was a huge fan, so we skip that element.  I've included the recipe, though, in case you're feeling saucy!  I usually have a dollop of Dijon with mine--a little goes a long way!!

We've also had great success using the thin sliced chicken breasts rather than cutting thicker ones.  If you do slice the thicker ones, you might consider pounding them out a bit even after you've sliced them. 

And finally, the original recipe didn't specify Panko breadcrumbs, but they really do hold up better than regular every day breadcrumbs.  So treat yo'self...get the Panko!

Add a veggie and a starch along side this chicken and you've got a yummy dinner.  This kind of got me thinking---could we do another version?  Maybe swap ham and swiss for pepperoni and mozzarella--kind of a quick and easy chicken parm?  Or maybe ham with a spicy cheese and add a little red pepper to the breadcrumbs?  Bleu cheese, no ham and hot sauce over the breadcrumbs.....okay, before I get too carried away, here's the scoop!

What You'll Need:

• 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half length-wise to form two thinner chicken breasts
• Salt & Pepper
• 12 slices deli ham
• 6-8 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons of butter melted

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon chicken boullion granules (or one boullion cube crushed)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

What You'll Do:

• Preheat your oven to 350* and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish
• Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer in the dish
• Sprinkle both sides with salt & pepper
• Layer each chicken breast with 2 pieces of ham, then top with 2 slices of cheese on each
• Toss the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until golden brown
• Spread the breadcrumbs over each piece of chicken
• Bake for 30-35 minutes

While the chicken is baking, whip up the sauce!  Simply melt the butter and stir in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes.  Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously.  Stir in the boullion, and keep whisking, 3-5 minutes.  Once it's thickened and bubbling, stir in the remaining ingredients and stir until the cheese is melted.  Keep the sauce warm over low heat until the chicken is finished, adding salt & pepper as needed.

Serve by either adding a healthy spoonful of the sauce onto a plate and resting the chicken on top, or by spooning the sauce over top of the chicken.

Cheers and enjoy!  Let me know what you think!!