A Really Fun Lunch ~ Chicken Baked in Cream and other simple wonders

Finally, this super easy, delicious and simple chicken recipe is being blogged!

I keep forgetting to do so,

then look for it in my recipe page to no avail!

So here it is, at least for me :) 

***

So my friend who lives in upstate NY (about 1.5 hours from me) came down to see me today!

She has known me since she was a life guard at camp and I was a

young camp counselor, 18 years old, 21 years ago.

It's nice to reconnect with friends who knew me so long ago...

***

I got tea ready first,

with wonderful black with lavender and rose tea,

various cookies (that I forgot to picture!)...

then I got busy making the chicken... 

so easy...

the only variation to the recipe is that I use a whole small onion, 

chopped up.  I add the ingredients as they are listed.

I brown the chicken in butter first in the same pan and then 

add things in order; I opened the new carton of cream not by

the little 'screw cap' but wide open, like an old milk carton

and poured it all in; perfect.

There was enough to make a cream gravy without having to add anything.

Used chicken breast tenders I think they were called, organic by Coleman. 

About 2 pieces of this were just perfect per person.

Enough for perhaps a 4 person meal,

if one is hosting and wants to be sure about amounts. 

***

Rice, baby spinach salad, fruit salad with sour cream dressing.

***

We had a really nice time touring my home,

seeing fun details of our home,

I was surprised at being complemented for my home

organization and something I really appreciate about my friend is

how curious she is about things; we had a nice conversation about the 

differences between Protestant and Orthodox churches;

I always feel that while we have a difference in opinion, that she

still respects me and I really enjoy our friendship,

which always seems to continue right where it was before...

A real delight!

***

I gave my friend soap and handmade knitted wash cloths. 

As per usual for me :)  

She gave me wonderful vanilla scented votive candles 

and the Christmas dish shown above!

Perfect for me,

I am already thinking of Christmas and making plans!

How could I not,

when it's such a beautiful time of year?

:) Not that I am not enjoying summer, I am and plan on

savouring August....

But here's two Christmas pictures that I am dreaming of recreating....

Something to look forward to,

while still seeking to appreciate what is here,

right now, in the present!