When Hubby and I were first married, his mother reached out to me as the Holidays drew near. She wanted to get her new daughter-in-law something nice for Christmas. We were strangers, having never met. When it came right down to it, her son and I were strangers.
A three-week-five-date courtship hardly makes for close ties. Two of those weeks were as co-workers. Or rather he was my immediate supervisor at a new job, so there was no personal interaction between us. Only stolen glances and an undeniable attraction gave any hint of a future. It was on the third week that things changed. As my supervisor, I knew he’d never cross the line so I asked him out for drinks on Monday, and that Friday I proposed. We were married the very next day. So in reality our courtship was all of five days before we tied the knot. That was 40 years ago. What can I say, it was love at first sight.
When my mother-in-law asked what I wanted for Christmas, I said things for the kitchen. She called her son, asking him if that was really what I would want. He said yes. To this day Hubby gets me things for the kitchen every Christmas. This year I got a Wizzy new can opener and a coffee cup that keeps my coffee at a consistent temperature. It’s more than just insulated, it has a built-in warmer. And then there’s Katie O’Grady, my stuffed Highland Calf.
A few years back Hubby gave me an Instant Pot for Christmas. Oh my word, I love that thing. It’s not just the pressure-cooker feature that makes my life easier, but all the other applications. I can’t remember when I got one of my many slow-cookers down from the storage cabinets. (Yes, I have more than one). Another BIG difference between the Instant Pot and a traditional slow-cooker is the insert. It’s a metal pot that can go directly onto the stove-top to make quick work out of transforming pan drippings to a thick gravy or finishing sauce. I love trying new recipes. Especially on winter nights, when all I want to do is snuggle up with the man of my dreams and enjoy a simple supper.
The Lord has truly blessed me. I don’t know how we managed to find one another, but we did. Together, our faith as grown stronger. I could not imagine this journey with any one else at my side.
Slow-Cooker Chicken with Red Potatoes
1/2 Red Onion
1-1/2 lbs small Red Potatoes
1 large Lemon
Olive Oil as needed
4 boneless Chicken Breasts
Garlic Powder to taste
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
4 sprigs Rosemary
Note: Plain olive oil is fine in this recipe. However; an Italian Herb infused oil will intensify the flavors.
Peel and coarsely chop the onion. Clean potatoes, slice in half. Slice lemon into rounds.
In a slow-cooker, toss onion, potatoes, and lemon slices together with olive oil. Spread into an even layer.
Place 2 chicken breasts in a large bowl. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Place remaining chicken on top, season as before. Toss the breasts to coat well, set aside
Place a little olive oil in a skillet. Brown chicken for about 3 or 4 minutes per side, just to color the outside and create a toasted coating of spice.
Arrange chicken in a single layer over the oniony mixture; then top with rosemary sprigs. Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are fork tender.
Arrange breasts on a serving platter. With a slotted spoon, remove potatoes and place in a serving bowl. Top chicken breasts with the reminisce of the lemons, pour any remaining liquid in the slow cooker over the chicken. Serve with green beans for a delicious and simple supper.
For our souls are bowed down to the dust,
our bodies are pressed to the earth.
Redeem us, Lord, because of Your mercy.
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