Monday, October 19

Homecoming Queen

ECU Homecoming 09 005 A few weeks ago my little sister, Sara called me with the fantastic news that she was nominated for ECU’s Homecoming Court.  Not wanting to miss this chance we made plans to go to Greenville for the weekend regardless if she made the top 5 or not.  We knew it would be a fun weekend of tailgating and a great football game anyways. October 2009 100  October 2009 103October 2009 110October 2009 112ECU Homecoming 09October 2009 088October 2009 104

Being that Ben is a student at ECU in their distance program he was able to vote for Sara.  His vote definitely counted since she made it to the top 5.  After a panel of interviews and a week full of parties and appearances she rode in the Homecoming Parade and was introduced during half-time on the field.  We all held our breath as Sara was announced ECU’s 2009 Homecoming Queen representing Kappa Delta.  I think everyone had a few tears in their eyes. 

ECU Homecoming 09 001October 2009 151October 2009 154 ECU Homecoming 09 004After half-time we ran down to meet her for pictures, and watched by the end zone where she and Tremaine , the Homecoming King, raised the No Quarter flag at the beginning on 4th Quarter.  ECU Homecoming 09 006What a wonderful weekend full of good food, friends, family and wonderful memories!  Congratulations Sara…Ben and I are so proud of you!ECU Homecoming 09 007

Fall Chicken and Cider

The chilly weekend got both Ben and I in the mood for fall.  Our menu for the week has already included Taco Soup, which was perfect for a lazy Sunday.  I knew we would have chicken tonight, but I was in the mood for something quick, easy with a fall flavor…I stumbled upon Chicken with Cider and Bacon Sauce and it was perfect with 5 ingredients! 

By cooking the chicken in the bacon renderings, it gave it wonderful flavor.  The bacon and cider complemented one another too.  Our sides included wild rice and maple roasted brussel sprouts.  This will definitely become one of our favorite week night meals. 

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Chicken with Cider and Bacon Sauce (Cooking Light)

  • 4  (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1/4  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
  • 2  bacon slices, chopped
  • 1/4  cup  minced fresh onion
  • 3/4  cup  unsweetened apple cider
  • 1/2  cup  fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt and pepper.

Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan. Add chicken to drippings in pan; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan; keep warm.

Add onion to pan; cook 2 minutes or until tender, stirring constantly. Add cider and broth; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Cook until broth mixture is reduced to 1/2 cup (about 5 minutes). Stir in cooked bacon; serve sauce over chicken.