So as promised, I’m writing today to recap this weekend’s wonderful events. Because Mitch and I work together (which by the way, I do not suggest for anyone else.) I decided it would be easiest for us to celebrate a week early, so it wouldn’t be so hard for us to get time off with everyone else wanting to celebrate as well. I wanted to do something extra special for my love, so I planned a surprise overnight stay in Knoxville for Saturday. After waking up and getting on the road by 11:30am, we arrived at The Oliver Hotel, a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the Market Square District by 1:30. I had called ahead of time and arranged for an early check-in, which the receptionists were more than happy to accommodate. Also, because of an online promotion I had participated in, we were upgraded to a king suite from a queen at no cost. Our room was beautiful. Simple, modern and classic design set in a vintage building. Shutter style windows directly overlooked Market Square and the bathroom was equipped with a large walk-in shower, subway tile and modern hardware on all the faucets.
We grabbed a quick nibble to tide us over until dinner at Trio Cafe, which was right around the corner from the hotel. Mitch opted for a turkey panini and Angry Orchard Cider, while I had a very grown up grilled cheese and tomato soup paired with a rich chocolate porter.
After lunch, Mitch relaxed with a nap while I spent the next two hours getting ready. (Typical.) Before I left I found the most perfect red and black rose print DKNY skinny jeans for $6.99 at Ross. I’m obsessed. I matched them with a simple black tank and blazer and my favorite black studded motorcycle boots. Smokey eyes and a nude lip finished the look. My gorgeous boyfriend was my best accessory, wearing classic dark jeans from the Gap and a simple black sweater.
Mitch had never been to Ye Olde Steakhouse before and I knew he would just love it, due to the 20oz steaks and casual atmosphere, so off we went for dinner. Everything was delicious, as usual. My filet was so tender, I could have eaten it even if I was toothless. Also, since it is BYOB, I splurged on a good bottle of wine I’ve been eyeing for about a month. I have a personal policy to not spend more than $15 on anything that is going to be passing through my body, however, “the prisoner” was an excellent choice. At $45/bottle it better be!
After filling up on dinner, wine and dessert, we went back and enjoyed the beautiful hotel room and let our food settle. Finally, we decided to venture out and explore Market Square. A quick stop at the Peter Kern Library, the speakeasy adjacent to our hotel was first on the list, with Preservation pub being our final watering hole. we really enjoyed the live music, beer selection and atmosphere.
As wonderful as our trip out of town was, I have to say my favorite part of the weekend was yesterday, Sunday, when we got to just lay around the house and be lazy together. It is a very rare day that I get to be home and not have to do dishes, laundry, bathe the dogs, etc. So it was just me and Mitch enjoying the quiet comforts of home. I made an awesome chicken dish in the crockpot that was too simple and delicious not to pass on. I’ll post it below.
I hope everyone has as great a Valentine’s Day as I did next weekend. For now, it’s back to the grind.
Recipe submitted by ORANGECOWCAT at http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1326428
Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken
Submitted by: ORANGECOWCAT
Introduction
Six ingredients, 5 minutes of hands-on cooking, and dinner is served!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 can 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups cooked long grain rice (white or brown)
Tips
Just to clarify for the questions below:
First, YES the cream cheese is figured into the totals…if you use FULL FAT cream cheese, the fat content will be considerably higher. But low fat cream cheese really takes the fat down.
Second, I haven’t ever tried it with regular Italian dressing…let me know how it turns out!
Third, I HIGHLY recommend using the low setting for cooking…it allows the juices from the chicken to really seep into the dressing.
Directions
*1. Place chicken in crock pot
*2. Mix together Italian dressing mix and water. Pour over chicken.
*3. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours OR low for 8 hours.
*4. Mix together cream cheese and soup in separate bowl.
*5. Carefully remove chicken from crock pot to plate.
*6. Pour cream cheese/soup mixture into crock pot and mix together with dressing in bottom.
*7. Return chicken to crock pot and mix gently to shred the chicken.
*8. Cook on LOW until heated through.
*Serve with rice or noodles.
**You may add skim or low fat milk in very small quantities to thin the sauce a little. It does not significantly affect the nutritional value if you use up to 2 tablespoons**
Makes 6 servings. Approximately 2/3 cup mixture with 1/2 cup rice.
This recipe can be made with FAT FREE cream cheese and it saves about 6 grams of fat. However, I feel that the dish benefits from the flavor of the low fat over the fat free.
Appalachian Barbie 