I’ve mentioned before that cheesy dishes tend to be hits in my house. This easy-to-prepare one is no exception. Ingredients 32 oz. chicken broth 1 1/2 cups water 16 oz. small shell pasta 2 garlic cloves, minced 2-3 cups frozen broccoli, partially thawed and chopped 2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces … [Read more...] about Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Shells
Keeping the Home
Why Do Fruits Ripen so Quickly When Placed in Paper Bags?
I’ve always heard that you can accelerate the ripening of fruits by placing them in paper sacks. I know from personal experience that this works quite well, but why is this? The curious side of me can’t help but wonder what is so special about paper sacks. According to this cooking website, paper sacks trap a gas around fruits that … [Read more...] about Why Do Fruits Ripen so Quickly When Placed in Paper Bags?
Revisions and Customizations to My Cleaning Schedule
After sharing back in October of 2013 about my inability to find an effective cleaning schedule, I quickly learned that many of you shared the same struggle! My solution was to develop a cleaning schedule that was unique to my needs. My biggest quibble with the cleaning schedules I had seen previously was that they had various cleaning … [Read more...] about Revisions and Customizations to My Cleaning Schedule
Nacho Soup
Traditional favorites like chicken noodle soup will always be popular in my house. On occasion we like eating soups that are a little less predictable, though, including this zesty Nacho Soup. Ingredients 1 pound lean ground meat (I use turkey) 1 medium onion, chopped 2 tablespoons spicy taco seasoning mix 2 cups cheese sauce or 1 … [Read more...] about Nacho Soup
Healthy, Easy-to-Prepare Breakfast Options
You, the readers who comprise the community here at Of The Hearth, often ask thought-provoking questions in your comments and emails. It’s likely that these questions are shared by many readers, so I’ve decided to answer some in posts. I hope you will contribute by adding your input in the comments! Leslie in Florida asked the … [Read more...] about Healthy, Easy-to-Prepare Breakfast Options
Routines Can Make or Break Your Day
As my family’s typical routine has been disrupted for many weeks because of moving and visiting with loved ones for the holidays, I’ve become increasingly convinced that routines are critical for having a peaceful, productive home. When I talk about routines, I’m not talking about schedules (rigid agendas where specific activities occur … [Read more...] about Routines Can Make or Break Your Day
A Basic Tool Primer
Though a toolbox is sometimes viewed as a grown man’s toy box, the reality is that women also need to be able to identify and use basic tools. I was blessed with a father who imparted much of this knowledge to me as I was growing up, but I know many women who didn’t have this experience. They sometimes feel tentative when sorting through … [Read more...] about A Basic Tool Primer
Chicken Noodle Casserole
I love serving warm casseroles for dinner on cold winter evenings. This hearty one is always a favorite in my house. Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 14 ounces egg noodles 2 cups homemade cream of mushroom soup or 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 cup sour … [Read more...] about Chicken Noodle Casserole
