My Desire for Everything Betsey.

I have such an admiration for Betsey Johnson's designs... 

Betsey is a whimsical fashion fairy God mother bringing her creative colorful, hip and genius concepts to life. Her artistic designs are gorgeous. 

Betsey brings on the Wow factor every time!  

I can't stop wanting every thing Betsey.  

Chicken w/ Rice and Peas

I've been cooking this flavorful soup dish for years.  My family gobbles it up and rushes back to the pot for seconds thirds.  HaHa Enjoy!

Ingredients:

One whole chicken chopped (without skin) Or 3-4 large pieces of breast meat.
5 cups water
1 1/2 cups long grain rice
2-3 tbsp red cooking wine to taste
1 lrg and 1 sm can of campbells cream of chicken soup
1 can peas or 1 cup of frozen peas
Salt or goya adobo seasoning salt to taste
Grind peppercorn medley to taste
2 cubes chicken broth or 2 tbsp chicken granules

This is my cooking wine of choice it adds just the right amount of flavor to the dish.

My favorite! I use this pepper medley in almost every dish I make. (Grind it baby)


Directions:

*In large quarter pot add liquid, chicken and chicken broth to med heat, let simmer for 20 mins.
*Add rice, cream of chicken soup, red wine and peas. 
*Season with salt and peppercorn to taste.
*Thoroughly mix all the ingredients.  Close lid and let it simmer for 10-15 mins.
*The broth should have a nice and creamy texture to it.
*Serves 4-6 people with enough for seconds.

This photo is not mine it's one I found online but  it's the closest to what the dish looks like.  Mine however would have specs of cracked black peppercorn and would be a tad bit colorful with the added red cooking wine.  When I get a chance to make my own Queens Chicken w/rice & peas I'll delete this pix and add mine... 

Puerto Rican Rice

Future Cooks Taking Over The Kitchen.

By request of my Children:

Starting this recipe blog with a family fave; "Puerto Rican Rice." This rice dish is packed with tons of wonderful flavors and aromas... it's truly a meal within itself.  Enjoy

Ingredients:

1 cup -long grain white rice

1 1/2 cups -hot boiling water (or subsitute 1 cup water for chicken broth)  *you will be using 1/2cup liquid from the can of pigeon peas to even it out to two cups of liquid.

Oil about 3 tbls

Goya adobo seasoning to taste

3 big spoonfuls - Recaito (Sofrito)

1 packet -goya sazón (con cilantro y achiote)

2 cubes -chicken bouillon or 2 tsp -chicken bouillon granules (wylers or knorrs)

1 can -Goya pigeon peas (*important; remember to save the juice to add to the liquids. It measures out to ½ cup liquid)

1 or 2 cups -Beef Polish sausage cut 1/2" thick

Cumin powder to taste (optional)

Cilantro for garnish (optional)

You can find these ingredients at most hispanic stores, check your local area for the nearest one.

Directions:

Preheat skillet on high heat

Add oil reducing heat to a med level

Add the rice to the skillet, stirring occasionally till golden brown. 

After the rice is browned add 1 pk. sazon (achiote.)

Mix the rice till it turns a lovely orange color

Mix in the recaito (sofrito) stir gently throughout until fragrant.   

Add the can of pigeon peas and cut sausage…

Add your hot liquids then seasonings - adobo, cumin, chicken bouillon cube or granules. (*note if you chose to add 1 cup of chicken broth you do not need to add the chicken bouillon it will make your dish too salty.)

Stir all ingrediants then quickly cover the pan securely.

Cook for approximately 10 min on low heat.  (*Set a timer if needed.)

Place in serving bowl, garnish with cilantro.  This dish serves 4-5 people.

  

Tips:

Make sure the lid is closed tightly so the rice can cook properly.  Sometimes I use aluminum foil to cover the pan then put the lid over the foil for added pressure.
 

While rice is cooking do not uncover lid.
 

After the rice is cooked let it sit for at least 3 mins. before serving. 

Money, Fame, Fashion, Glamour...

It's All About FASHION!

Here's my list of favorite stores I love to visit... I discovered some real cool thrifty stores to shop at if your like me (on a really tight budget.)

Knee Deep, Chicago IL.

This place is totally old school. I simply love everything in this store! "Knee Deep" happens to be located in the heart of Pilsen in Chicago, IL. @ 1425 W 18th st.
                                                

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Maria's Closet, Dallas, TX

Maria's Closet, Dallas, TX.

I love going to Maria's closet, in the Bishop arts District in Dallas, TX.  You never know what great finds you'll snatch up and at such great prices too. Come see for yourself... Maria's Closet is Located @ 420 W Davis St.

    ***        

Swag City Gifts, South Beach Miami, FL

Swag City Gifts, South Beach Miami, FL

Swag City Gifts is the place to go if you're in South Beach Miami, they carry a wide selection of Body Piercings, Hats, T-Shirts, Belts and much more...

Swag City Gifts is located at  710 Washington Ave. Suite #12. 
or visit their online store @  http://www.swagcitygifts.com/     
Check it Out.