Prepping For The Year
By Michelle McFarland
As summer comes to an end, moms everywhere have an extra pep in their step for they know that in the very near future their children will be returning to school and some semblance of normalcy will return to their home. However, with the start of school also comes a long list of must do’s such as back to school shopping, haircuts, doctor’s appointments, and establishing a morning routine.
In order for moms to keep their sanity and for their children to start their days off successfully it is absolutely necessary to establish a morning routine. Not only will it keep you, the parent, on track but establishing structure within their daily routine is what kids everywhere crave! And, it will set a positive tone for day.
Sit down and create a list of what needs to be accomplished each morning. Then depending on the age of your children you can include them on creating the schedule. This allows all parties to have ownership rather than feel as if they are being dictated too. Post your schedule or daily routine in a high traffic area where it will be readily visible. In making the routine known and visible all parties will be aware of what role each plays within the family. Thus, easing the transition from the lazy days of summer to everyday routine of what will surely be a successful school year.
As many of you know, I’m not just a blogger and television sensation 🙂 I am also a teacher with 23 years of experience. Last Monday morning, I had to say goodbye to summer and return to the halls of my K-8 building where I am a 7th and 8th grade science teacher. Your eye probably started twitching and you possibly shed a tear for me just knowing I teach the “hormonally challenged”. Yes, there is a special place for me in heaven. In an effort to go out with a bang, last Sunday Paige, Brooke, and I prepared some of our favorite summer dishes.
Fried Chicken, Bacon Deviled Eggs, and Roasted Corn With Old Bay….
Not to toot my own horn, but I will toot on…I decided to try mixing some corn starch with my flour.
I am here to testify, this was FABULOUS.
Fried Chicken
Ingredients
– 2 lbs. fresh chicken wings
– 4 cups of all-purpose flour (divided)
– 3-4 beaten eggs
– 1/2 cup corn starch
– old bay seasoning
– vegetable oil for frying
– Ziploc bags (gallon size)
Directions
1. Rinse chicken and pat completely dry with paper towel. Remove all feathers and hairs. Season chicken with old bay seasoning.
2. In large heavy bottomed skillet, pre heat oil to 350 degrees.
3. Set up dredging station. The first bag two cups of flour, shallow dish with eggs, the second bag put two cups of flour and 1/2 cup of corn starch season with old bay.
4. Dredge chicken. Flour, eggs, flour/starch mixture. Let chicken rest.
5. Fry chicken for 13-15 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towel. Season lightly with salt.
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
– 8 hard-boiled eggs ( I love the store-bought version)
– 4 pieces of bacon
– 1/2 cup salad dressing
– 1/4-1/3 cups dill relish
– 2 tbsp. bacon grease
– paprika
Directions
1. Fry bacon until crisp. Reserve bacon grease.
2. Cut boiled eggs in half. Scoop out yolk into small bowl.
3. Smash yolk with fork. Add salad dressing, dill relish, and bacon grease.
4. Take a large Ziploc and scoop in mixture. Clip the bottom corner of the bag. Pipe back into egg whites.
5. Top with bacon pieces.
6. Sprinkle with paprika
Remember……Who Do You Want In Your Kitchen On Game Day!!
Cooking With The Pros! 