Half Assed Kitchen

Chicken and dumplings

We aren't exaggerating the slightest when we say chicken and dumplings makes it all better. Heartbreak: chicken and dumplings. Money stress: chicken and dumplings. Broken down car: chicken and dumplings. This is the ultimate comfort food. Warm and hearty, nothing makes us happier.

Chicken and dumplings are also extremely inexpensive and easy to make. There are a few steps involved, but they are simple and quick.

Effort required: 1/2 assed

Here's what you need and how you do it

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Olive oil

4 cups chicken broth

1 medium sized onion, chopped

3 large carrots, peeled and chopped

2 cups flour

1 cup milk or water

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt + 3/4 teaspoon salt or to taste

Lots of ground black pepper

Fresh Italian parsley (optional)

In large pot, sauté chicken in olive oil until juices run clear. Remove chicken from pot and, using two forks, shred. Set aside.

In more olive oil in same pot, sauté onion and carrot until onion is transparent. Add chicken and chicken broth. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Bring to a low boil.

Meanwhile, mix flour, milk or water, 4 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in bowl. Consistency should be thicker than waffle batter. Spoon into boiling chicken mixture, cover, and let simmer untouched for 10 to 15 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

For a printable version of this recipe, click here.

Beet salad

We've been seeing beet salad in every little uppity, yuppity restaurant we frequent lately. It ranges from unbalanced (too many beets, not enough green and savory), to nicely proportioned tableaus of ingredients. We used fresh beets just because our weekly box of vegetables had some (they're a pain in the ass, though). But you could just as easily use pre-prepared beets (ie, canned or Trader Joes has some that are refrigerated).

This effort rating assumes you are not peeling, chopping, and steaming beets.

Rating: 1/2 assed

Here's what you need and how you do it

Several cups of greens, washed and torn

1/2 cup pine nuts

1 cup gorgonzola or feta

Shredded carrots

1.5 cups beets

Layer all ingredients and serve with your favorite vinaigrette. This citrus vinaigrette looks particularly good.

Makes 4 salads.

For a printable version of this recipe, click here.