Spring Fever

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." - Doug Larson

How can you not love that quote? Now that we have set the mood for our “Spring Fever” post, I want to share with my Entertaining Escapaders the top five reasons why I love spring!

1. This is quite obvious -- but the warmer weather kicks off my list of favorite things about spring. The warm weather also comes with green grass, spring flowers and a little bit more daylight every day.
2. A fresh new start. Spring offers a feeling of new beginnings. Whether it’s planting a new garden, getting back on track with your exercise routine or a recommitment to a personal goal, spring is the perfect time to start over and have a fresh new outlook on life. 
3. Nothing says spring more than Spring Training! How I enjoy the Philadelphia Phillies coming back from Clearwater to start a new season. Go Phils!
4. I love having the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors more often. Whether I take my little doggie for a long walk or simply enjoy sitting outside on our deck, the fresh air is purely rejuvenating.
5. Delicious fresh food such as asparagus, apricots, spinach and fennel are all in season during the springtime. We just love visiting the local farmer’s market to pick the freshest fruit and veggies!

Best, and until next time, Kaitlin!

It’s Time for March Madness

I have never really bought into the hype of March Madness (probably because I’m not much of a basketball fan!).  As you know from my previous posts, I really enjoy entertaining during the football season. My sports enthusiasm pretty much ends at the Big Game and starts back up during baseball season. Despite this, so many people around me get excited about March Madness, today I wanted to share with you the perfect recipe to serve during any sports party!

This recipe comes from our Ultimate Football Challenge winner, Laura Powell from Real Mom Kitchen.  We had the pleasure of meeting Laura in January when she visited the Campbell’s Kitchen to compete in our cook-off. The result of the exciting competition was her amazing and popular recipe for Quick Chicken Enchilada Nachos.  You can see her winning recipe on Campbell’s Kitchen, or you can visit her blog for more yummy and delicious creations.

Quick Chicken Enchilada Nachos 

Campbell’s Kitchen and Real Mom Kitchen

Source: Campbell's Community
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Makes: 14 servings

Ingredients:

1 can (12.5 ounces) Swanson® Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (about 15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained

1 jar (16 ounces) Pace® Picante Sauce

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)

1 can (4.5 ounces) chopped green chiles

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 bag (12- to 14-ounces) tortilla chips

Assorted Toppings (shredded Cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend, sliced ripe olives, chopped green onion, diced avocado, sliced jalapeño peppers and/or chopped fresh cilantro leaves)

Directions:

1.     Heat the chicken, beans, corn, picante sauce, soup, chiles and chili powder in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is hot and bubbling, stirring occasionally.

2.     Arrange the tortilla chips on a large serving platter.  Top with the chicken mixture and Assorted Toppings, if desired.

Best and until next time, Kaitlin.

A Case of the End-of-Winter Blues

Nothing seems to get me down more than the very end of these winter months. At this point of the season, I drag my feet and get a little case of the end-of-winter blues.

And there is nothing better to heal my sluggish behavior than delicious comfort food!

Today, I would like to share my winter blues dinner cure: Homestyle Chicken & Biscuits. This yummy dish will taste just like what your grandmother made -- in half the time and less the cost of most of today’s Chicken & Biscuit recipes!

Homestyle Chicken & Biscuits
From Campbell’s Kitchen
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
¼ cup milk
¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 bag (16 ounces) frozen vegetable combination (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots), thawed
2 cans (4.5 ounces each) Swanson® Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained
1 package (7.5 ounces) refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits)

Directions:
1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Stir the soup, milk, cheese and black pepper in a 3-quart shallow baking dish. Stir in the vegetables and chicken.
2. Bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the chicken mixture. Top the chicken mixture with the biscuits.
3. Bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown.

Best, and until next time, Kaitlin!