chicken tetrazzini and halloween treats

Before tonight, the most I knew about Chicken Tetrazzini came from this Maury clip I once saw Joel McHale making fun of on The Soup.



But after tonight, my Chicken Tetrazzini knowledge has expanded, and I can say that I have now baked and eaten Chicken Tetrazzini. I'd say it was good, but certainly not so incredibly delicious it would have the power to steal a man away from his woman, but there are some craaaaazy people out there. I have been searching around online, however, and have found some recipes I think I would like a lot more. Like this one...yum! Here is the recipe I used:

• 1 whole chicken, boiled and de-boned (I bought a cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.)
• 4 oz. mushrooms, chopped
• 10 oz. spaghetti, cooked
• 1/2 lb. Velveeta, cubed
• 1 can Rotel
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
• 1/4 c. Chicken Broth

1. Boil chicken and de-bone
2. Cook spaghetti in remaining broth (Since I didn't have broth from the chicken, I just cooked the spaghetti in chicken broth.)
3. Mix everything together and place in a greased 9" x 13" dish
4. Bake at 325F for 40 minutes or until bubbly

I think the thing I didn't like about this dish was the Rotel, but I'm also not big on spice of any degree. For instance when I go to get Thai, I order with a spice level of ZERO. When I buy hot sauce, it's mild. Chicken wings? Honey Glazed please. You get the picture. So the spice of the Rotel threw off me enjoying the tastiness o the chicken, spaghetti and cheese. I'm definitely not shelving this recipe, and I'll actually eat the leftovers (unlike chicken n' ritz,) but I think next time I'll try a different variation of the recipe.

I definitely feel like I am finding my way around the kitchen more and more every day. And I love the time I spend making dinner for three reasons

1. It's kind of my alone time for the day. Even though I work for myself, and am alone most of the day, my mind is on work during those hours. My time in the evening cooking dinner is my time to think about whatever my I want or need to think about and process.
2. I know that when I'm cooking, even if it doesn't turn out amazingly, the Mr. is going to like it, and be thankful he has me to cook for him. Plus, it's kind of like my special little thing I can do for him every day, and food really is the way to his heart.
3. I learn more and more every time I cook. Whether it's about what certain ingredients do, or what I do and don't like, or even doing things for the first time (i.e. de-boning a chicken.)

To get in the halloween spirit, I made orange rice krispie treats yesterday. They are delish! Make a little Halloween inspired treat for you, your friends, your family or your co-workers! Not only is it fun, but they will love you for it. Here's a website to get you started. Last year, my sister and I made a Halloween cupcake graveyard. They were a blast to make, and yummy too! I'm eying those Daddy Long Legs Cupcakes for this year if I can figure out somewhere to take them!

Beyond what I've been up to in the kitchen, I have to share this link my mom sent my way. How gorgeous is this cottage? The inside reminds me of a cute, little antique store, and I love those vintage settees. After seeing more and more photos from home remodels, I've decided I really am partial to gorgeous white kitchen cabinets with stainless steel appliances. I can't wait to have a cute cottage the Mr. and I can rip to shreds and make our own. Someday, I hope :)