Just a year ago Jackson applied for a part time job stocking and setting up the newly built Hobby Lobby. He missed most of the state fair last year because of that job, but he knew it was worth it. He hoped that he would get hired on to the regular staff, and he did - working in the frame shop, a perfect fit for him. Now, a year later, he is the new department manager of that frame shop! We sure are proud of him and his hard work. And if you have any framing needs, you should definitely drop by Hobby Lobby and visit with Jackson.
I really liked this recipe. And it was easy to put together. (love my Instant Pot!)
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Breast and breading ingredients
4 small chicken breast filets (or 2 regular sized cut in half)
1 egg
¼ cup flour
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (the kind in the green can)
¼ tsp. salt
⅛ tsp. pepper
¼ tsp. basil
½ tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. butter
Pasta ingredients
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 Tbsp. dried minced onion
1 tsp. garlic powder
½ pound linguine pasta broken into thirds
24 oz. jar marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce of your choice
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
Put egg into a ziplock bag and smush around to mix it up. Add the chicken and toss to coat with the egg. In a second ziplock bag, add the flour, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Transfer the egg coated chicken from the first ziplock bag to the second and shake to cover the chicken in the breading.
Heat the butter in the Instant Pot on Saute. Brown each side of the chicken breasts until golden and crispy. Set chicken aside on a plate.
Add the chicken broth to the Instant Pot along with the minced onion and garlic powder. Stir well with a spoon to deglaze the pan - making sure to scrape up any of the darkened places from the browned chicken. Press Cancel.
Break the linguine in thirds and add to the Instant Pot. Add in a crisscross fashion. Pour half of the marinara sauce over the pasta to create a bed to place the chicken on. Add chicken to the pot and then pour the rest of the marinara sauce over top of the chicken.
Put lid securely on IP and turn vent to seal. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 6 minutes. Allow for a 6 minute natural pressure release, then release any remaining pressure manually.
Remove the chicken to a plate and sprinkle with ¼ cup of the mozzarella cheese. Let it rest so the cheese will melt.
Stir the pasta in the Instant Pot and add the Parmesan and remaining Mozzarella cheese. Stir to break up any clumps and to allow the cheese to melt into the pasta. Serve the chicken on top of the pasta.
This was quick and tasty... along the same lines as Cheeseburger Macaroni. Definitely a go to recipe on a busy night.
Instant Pot Taco Pasta
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. worcestershire sauce
1-2 Tbsp. Taco seasoning (to your taste)
1 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup chunky salsa, medium
2 cups beef broth (I use Better Than Bouillon Beef with water)
8 oz. pasta, shell or rotini work well
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican Blend
Set Instant Pot on Saute. Add the oil and wait for it to simmer. Add beef and brown, breaking it up as it cooks. I drained the grease from the pot after the beef was browned. Then put the pan back into the IP. Add the onion and garlic; stir to cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add the salsa and beef broth and stir to combine. Make sure to scrape up any of the browned bits on the bottom of the instant pot pan. Add pasta and stir to combine. Secure the lid on the pot and set vent to seal. Cook at Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. Allow about 5 minutes natural pressure release then release any remaining pressure manually. Remove lid and stir. Add the 2 cups shredded cheese and stir to blend and melt the cheese. You can lay the lid loosely over the top again to keep some heat in and help the cheese to melt. You may serve this with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, avocado, fresh cilantro... or just serve it as is.
This was one of the dishes we made at the state fair. The Instant Pot is a great addition to the camper.
Chicken and Rice in the Instant Pot
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, or chicken breasts
1 Tbsp. oil
1 small onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
1 ½ cups chicken broth
2 tsp. dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
(I would add more seasonings next time... maybe some garlic powder and onion powder)
Heat the Instant Pot on Sauce. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the oil and then brown the chicken on each side for 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate. Add the onion and garlic and stir to cook for 1-2 minutes. Work to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the carrots and mushrooms and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Add the broth, the rice, and the thyme. Stir to combine. Place the chicken on top of the mixture. Secure the lid on the pan and set the vent to seal. Cook on manual high pressure for 9 minutes. Allow for for about an 8 minute natural pressure release, then release any remaining pressure manually. Remove the lid and shred the chicken. Serve immediately.
Hannah and Melina are the new occupants of the little house that served Anna and Matthew well for 5 years. (Since Anna and Matthew have now moved south for Matthew's teaching job, the little house was available!)
While we were all at the state fair, Hannah was ready to move into her new abode. Unfortunately, we had all the trucks and young moving help with us at the fair. We were so very thankful for this wonderful group of folks from church who came to the rescue and moved Hannah and all her things into the house. As Anne texted, "So you’ve heard of Two Men and a Truck movers...... in this case - Two Pastors and a Truck!🤣 Plus a few extras!🚛"
And here are a few updated photos... Hannah invited us over after church one Sunday. Melina wasn't there when we visited this time, so we will have to come again and get photos of her. But here is Hannah at the little house - all settled in. :)
Change is good even as change is hard. Matthew accepted a teaching job in south Missouri so Anna and Matthew moved away in early August. We are so proud of these two young people and are so happy for them as they have begun a new part of their journey together. We miss not seeing them at Sunday lunches and family dinners, but are thankful for facebook and the ways in which we can keep in touch across the miles. And we are so excited for all the new activities and adventures that they can now experience.
dear Anna and Matthew
Anna, Matthew, and Julie
The photos below came from Anna's facebook page. So glad she is keeping us all up to date!! :)
Matthew's 'first day of school'. :)
Matthew and Anna took a float trip on the James River over Labor Day weekend.
Every year while we are at the state fair we talk about driving up to Marshall to visit the church where our dear former pastor is currently preaching. We never seem to follow through... until this year. On the Sunday after the Society Horse Show, Mama, Daddy, Marvin and I were free to drive up and attend church where Mike has been preaching for several years. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to see him and hear him preach again. We were instantly taken back in our hearts and minds to a precious time in our lives when Mike was our pastor. Although it had been over 20 years since we last saw him, the connection was instantaneous. What a joy to be back in touch after so long a time.
Mike and Daddy
Mike greeting Mama
after the church service - in Mike's office
Mama, Daddy, Mike and Denise
Marvin, Laura, Denise and Mike
Happily we were also able to meet for dinner on the Monday night of the fair. We met at LeMaire's Cajun Seafood restaurant and enjoyed catfish and good conversation. :) (Marvin was feeling a bit under the weather and couldn't join us that night.) We look forward to more times with Mike and Denise.
This is a great method for making Butternut Squash in the Instant Pot. It works especially well in the 8 quart because of the size of most Butternut Squash.
Wash the squash well and trim the stem if needed. Pour 1½ cups water in the Instant Pot (only need 1 cup if using a 6 quart) and put the trivet in the pot. Place the whole washed squash on the trivet. Put the lid on and set the vent to seal. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. Then allow a FULL natural pressure release. (note - if you have a very large squash, you may want to cook for 6-7 minutes) Full natural pressure release will probably take about 25-30 minutes. When pressure has released, open lid and remove squash to cutting board. You can then either cut it immediately (you will need to be careful as it is hot) or you can let it cool before you cut it up. This is a great way to have squash ready for recipes in the week ahead. Chunk it up and use it for salads, soups, or just served with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon. So good!
I have also made Butternut Squash in the Instant Pot as pictured below...
I halved a couple squash and placed them in the IP on the trivet (with a cup of water) then pressure cooked for 12 minutes with a 5 minute natural pressure release. That worked well, but they were definitely on the mushier side. I prefer my squash to not be quite so mushy.
If serving for dinner, I may just cook it the old fashioned way - in the oven. But there are definitely times and situations that call for cooking Butternut Squash in the Instant Pot.
This post has been backdated to actual date of events...
Saturday was our last full day at the fair. After lunch at Trucks Place, we went to Mathewson Center to watch the pony pull - always a fun competition.
Mama and Liz
We still love Professor Farquar!
Jackson, Jonathan, Daddy, Zack
our last lunch at Trucks Place
this young man is going into 7th grade in the fall
bringing in his team
his team pulling the weight
he did a great job!
Saturday afternoon we were able to meet up with our friends Frank and Kitty who came over from Kansas City. What a treat! We met them at, you guessed it, Gerken Dairy Center. :) We sure enjoyed catching up with them over ice cream.
Frank, Kitty, Laura, Marvin
new warm up ring outside Mathewson Center
Jackson, Jonathan, and Zack had backstage passes to meet Raelynn and Cole Swindell before that evenings concert.
There is a funny story about the two photos below... :) And you really should hear the boys tell it, but I'll try to fill you in. Jackson, Jonathan, and Zack had already been backstage to meet Raelynn and were getting ready to meet Cole Swindell. Zack mentioned that maybe they should go in separately, but Jackson and Jonathan nixed that plan. Jackson decided, however, that he would move over to the side and let Jonathan and Zack be on either side of the star for this photo. So when the time came, Jonathan went first, then Jackson followed Jonathan and stood to his side. They expected Zack to be right behind them and stand on the other side of Cole Swindell. But nope! Zack held back! Thus the photo of Jonathan and Jackson with Cole where it appears that Jackson would rather stand by his brother than the star. :D :D :D My boys were actually worried that the photo would be of them looking off to the side incredulously as they realized Zack wasn't coming. Luckily, the photo worked out... except for the awkwardness. :) ha!
Then, to make the story even funnier/worse, when Zack got up to take his photo, Cole Swindell was chuckling a bit and said something about 'you were supposed to be with those other two guys, weren't you?'. :D :D :D :D ha!!!
Sidenote - this was the night that Zack almost lost his life. :D :D :D
Meanwhile we were at the second night of the draft horse hitch competition at Mathewson Center.
ride a draft bareback
youth driver cart class
I appreciated that the judge spoke to each youth individually
before turning in his judging card.
Unicorn hitch entering the arena
four horse hitch
state fair queen riding out with this four horse hitch team
Roby's 6 horse hitch - Belgians
Herschberger 6 horse hitch team
driver standing up. :)
look at all the reins in their hands - these drivers are talented!
10 six horse hitch teams again on Saturday night
This was a neat moment. Duane Herschberger, driver of the Hersch Belgians, won a special award for best driver. It was a surprise to him and was quite moving - and well deserved.
After the competition was over, the Herschberger hitch came back into the arena to do a driving demonstration. Very neat to watch.
these three telling us the story of the photo with Cole Swindell. :D
Sunday morning the boys went home in the morning - a bit ahead of the rest of us. Here the boys are saying goodbye to Grandpa.
We are almost packed up and ready to head for home. The end of another great fair.
Below is a video of snippets from the pony pull on Saturday afternoon.
And here are two videos from Saturday night at the draft horse hitches.
The first video is all the footage I took that night and is about 42 minutes long.
The 2nd video is only a few highlights of the evening and is under 7 minutes long.
