Nancy Lee Badger's Blog, page 15

Creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole & a Book by Nancy Lee Badger

My Aunt Almeda shared several recipes with family members before she passed away. As I searched through my recipe box (yep, I still have two actual boxes) I wanted to make something quick and easy with the chicken breast I had just thawed for dinner. The following is a delicious casserole I pared down to feed four.

Nancy's Version of Almeda's Creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole

2 chicken breasts, sliced in half longways

4 to 6 square Swiss Cheese slices

1 can undiluted Cream of Chicken soup (I used Campbell's)

1/4 Cup milk

3/4 Cup Pepperidge Farm or Stove Top stuffing (dry)

1/4 Cup butter or margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and pull out a 9" square baking dish. Flatten chicken with a mallet until about 1/2" thick. Line pan. Place cheese slices on top to cover chicken. Stir soup and milk together and pour into casserole. Crumble stuffing mix over top. Pour butter evenly over top.

Cook uncovered for 50 to 55 minutes until browned and bubbly. Let stand 5-10 minutes so liquids absorb. Serve hot with mashed potatoes. 

This casserole is packed with protein from the chicken and cheese. The soup makes a delicious 'gravy' and the stuffing adds a nice crunch. Making food from scratch with as few preservatives as possible is a healthy alternative to store-bought or delivered pre-packaged meals. Entertainment during this pandemic is also healthy to a person's well-being so remember to 

READ BOOKS

For a quick, romantic, and adventurous time-travel story taking place in 16th century Scotland and present-day New England, please check out 

MY RELUCTANT HIGHLANDER

IS THE 3RD BOOK IN MY

KILTED HIGHLANDERS THROUGH TIME SERIES

It is available in ebook and print all around the world

Find Buy Links HERE

Keep safe and enjoy Spring!

Nancy Lee Badger

Oatmeal Cookies and a book from Nancy Lee Badger

Spring has sprung and my front yard is alive with all sorts of flowers that came with the place. We have lived here since I retired from my job as a 911 Dispatcher for the State of New Hampshire back in 2007 and bought this house in Raleigh, North Carolina in June 2008. We only have a few tulips and they are here one day and gone the next, but they do promise us a colorful spring. .Since the tulips have done their 'raisin' for 2021, here is a favorite sweet treat.

Nancy's Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and place parchment paper on cookie sheets for easy clean-up (I am all about the easy part!)

1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 Cup white sugar (I used Splenda)

1 Cup packed light brown sugar

1 Cup shortening (such as Crisco)

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

2 Cups old-fashion rolled oats

1/2 to 1 Cup raisins (sometimes I change it up and add semi-sweet morsels instead of raisins)

In a bowl combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside. In mixer cream together both sugars and the shortening and vanilla. Once mixed, add eggs one at a time and beat until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in flour mixture and then add the rolled oats. Scrap the bowl. Add the raisins by hand until well incorporated. 

Drop by a well-rounded spoonful onto the cookie sheets, spaced at least two inches apart. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until light brown. Remove from oven and let sit until partially cooled, then place on rack to fully cool. Makes about two-dozen to three-dozen depending on size. . 

(My thanks to son Rob & his hubby Joe for the mug)

These cookies are delicious and go well with a big glass of milk, too. Making food from scratch with no preservatives is a healthy alternative to store-bought cookies. The raisins are a good fruit, too. Entertainment during this pandemic is also healthy to a person's well-being so remember to 

READ BOOKS

For a quick, romantic, and adventurous paranormal story with an evil witch, a cursed dragon-shifter on an uninhabited Scottish island, please check out 

(Yes, that is Jimmy Thomas the cover model!)

DRAGON'S CURSE

was the 2nd book I ever had published

(by an actual publisher)

It is available in ebook only all around the world

Find Buy Links HERE

Keep safe and enjoy Spring!

Nancy Lee Badger

Easy Chicken Marsala & a Book from Nancy Lee Badger

Easter is the season of resurrection (and chocolate, but I digress). I found a recipe for this dish years ago, but it had at least 15 steps! By trial and error, I RESURRECTED it and created a simpler recipe that tastes fabulous. More importantly, everyone I share the meal with loves it. A side of mashed potatoes is a 'must'.

Nancy's Easy Chicken Marsala.

You will need a 10 in. or 12; diameter covered skillet. 

Olive oil

3 or 4 boneless chicken breasts, cubed (smaller cooks quicker, so your choice)

8-to-16oz package sliced mushrooms

onion, chopped (shallot, yellow, red, whatever)

1/2 Cup flour or Bisquick

1 Tablespoon cornstarch (optional, but will thicken sauce nicely)

Pinch of salt & pepper

1/2 stick butter

4-to--6 oz. Marsala cooking wine

(I had to borrow the above photo because we ate it all before I remembered to take a photo! Thanks, Pixabay.com)

Drizzle olive oil in the large frying pan. Sauté onions and mushrooms until soften and slightly darkened. Ladle onto a plate. 

In a big bowl, toss chicken with flour, salt and pepper, and optional cornstarch. Dump into hot pan with all the flour mixture and keep turning until all sides of each cube are lightly browned. Add cooked veggies, sliced pats of butter, and Marsala wine. Stir well, and cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer until chicken is cooked through, stirring every 10 minutes. Let sit so it absorbs the wine.

This recipe can be refrigerate then reheated in the microwave. Yo can add extra wine if the broth is too thick. It is YUMMY!

Although this recipe has been stripped down from the one I found years earlier, it is easier while giving you protein and veggies galore. Making food from scratch with no preservatives is a healthy alternative to store-bought. 

Entertainment during this pandemic is also healthy to a person's well-being so remember to READ BOOKS. 

For a quick, romantic, hot, and adventurous story check out

MY BANISHED HIGHLANDER

a Time-Travel Romances set in 16th Centruy Scotland and present-day New England. 

LOVE THOSE KILTS!

Find all ebook & Print Buy Links HERE

Stay Safe & get Vaccinated like I did!

Nancy Lee Badger

Chocolate Chip Cookies from Author Nancy Lee Badger

Life is getting super busy and I keep praying I am up to the task. Scheduling the vaccine for me, hubby, and mom was tougher than it should have been, but I am thrilled we are vaccinated. Assisting my adult son in moving out of his apartment has strained many muscles but I consider it a way to get ready to go back to the gym. I am hard at work finishing up my second book in my Treasure Tales series, a historical romance set in northern England and Scotland. I will get the edits done on The Duke's Diamond after I finalize a fantastic ending, so it can join The Earl's Treasure. Coffee and cookies are my secret to getting through it all!

Nancy's Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Otherwise use ungreased cookie sheets.

2 1/4 Cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon Crisco or similar shortening

3/4 Cup sugar ( I use Splenda)

3/4 Cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 Cups chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet)

Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt and set aside. Cream together Crisco, sugars, vanilla. Add eggs one at a time. Mix to make sure all are blended. Add dry ingredients, slowly. Fold in chocolate chips and drop by heaping teaspoons onto cookie sheets, leaving about two inches between for spread. Bake about 8 minutes, or until lightly browned on edges. Do not overbake! Let cool on cookie sheets about 5 minutes then slide onto a rack. Repeat and enjoy!

These cookies are delicious and go well with a big glass of milk, too. Making food from scratch with no preservatives is a healthy alternative to store-bought cookies. 

Entertainment during this pandemic is also healthy to a person's well-being so remember to READ BOOKS. 

For a quick, romantic, hot, and adventurous time-travel story set in Scotland, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Cape Hatteras, please check out 

HEAVEN-SENT HIGHLANDER

the 2nd book in my Warriors in Bronze series.

It is available in ebook and print from many sources

Find Buy Links HERE

Keep safe and enjoy Spring!

Nancy Lee Badger

Easy Zesty Seafood Dip from Author Nancy Lee Badger

 

I miss the ocean. I grew up on the north shore of Long Island in Huntington, NY and we could walk to the beach. On the weekends, we would pile into a station wagon with the neighbor's kids and the adults took us to Jones Beach or Fire Island on the south shore. We grew up enjoying fresh seafood, so today's recipe relives it in an easy way that can be shared once this pandemic is over and we can brings everyone closer again.

Nancy's easy Zesty Seafood Dip

Grab a bowl and mix together:

1/2 pound Chopped Seafood Mix (the white and red chunks)

3 Tablespoons ketchup

1 Tablespoon horseradish

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

Crackers

Although this recipe can be made without actual seafood, it is a great source of protein when you do, not to mention dairy plus veggies from the ketchup. Making food from scratch with no preservatives is a healthy alternative to store-bought. 

Entertainment during this pandemic is also healthy to a person's well-being so remember to READ BOOKS. 

For a quick, romantic, hot, and adventurous story that brings you excitement and suspense surrounded by the chills of winter EVEN THOUGH SPRING STARTS TODAY please check out With Every Breath, part of my Opportunity Falls contemporary series.

Find all buy links HERE

Please keep warm & stay healthy!

Nancy Lee Badger

Nancy Lee Badger: Cinnamon Coffee Cake and a Book by HCRW

Spring is nearly here and what a better time to share the love of my adopted state, North Carolina. Today's recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. Eat it on a spring morning while reading the new anthology by the authors of the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.

Nancy's Low Sugar Cinnamon Coffee Cake

1/4 Cup salad oil

3/4 cup milk

1 egg

1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour

3/4 Cup Splenda 

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 Cup fresh or frozen blueberries (optional)

topping: 1/3 Cup brown sugar

1/4 Cup all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

3 Tablespoons cold butter cut into pieces

Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Grease or spray with nonstick spray a 9 inch round pan. By hand or with a mixer, combine salad oil, milk and egg. Blend together flour, Splenda, baking powder, and salt then slowly add to liquids for 1 minute. If including blueberries like I usually do, gently fold into the batter then spread into the pan. 

In another bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter. Using dough blender, fork, or your bare hand, crumble the topping then sprinkle onto the cake. 

Bake 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool.

The sweetness is lovely. Yes, you can use real sugar. I used to have sugar-free brown sugar but have not been able to find it in years. If you have some, use it in the topping. This coffee cake has healthy spices as well as fruit (if you add blueberries) and makes a good wake-up meal alongside a cup of tea or decaf coffee. Making food from scratch with no preservatives is a healthy alternative to store-bought. 

Entertainment during this pandemic is also healthy for a person's well-being so remember to READ BOOKS. 

For a fantastic collection of romance stories 

set in North Carolina, try 

HEARTS OF CAROLINA

AMAZON Ebook or PRINT

Sunshine Chicken and a book from Author Nancy Lee Badger

My mom, my sister, my husband, and even me received our 1st Covid-19 vaccine. Finally, I see sunshine at the end of the tunnel! Once we get our 2nd shot, we will relax and simply enjoy spring. Because of this hope on the horizon, I am sharing my 'sunny' recipe. And, yes...my daffodils have sprouted!

Nancy's Sunshine Chicken

Grab a big COVERED frypan at least 10 inch diameter

2-3 teaspoons curry powder (depends on how spicy you want it)

1 1/4 teaspoons salt (divided)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 Cups orange juice

4-6 boneless chicken breasts (I cut into 2 in. by 4" pieces, or smaller)

1 Cup uncooked Minute Rice or instant Brown Rice

3/4 Cup water

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon dry mustard

chopped parsley (optional)

Combine curry, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and pepper. Lay chicken on wax paper on counter. Sprinkle both sides with dry mixture. Set aside.

In a 10 in. or 12" covered skillet, combine orange juice, rice, water, brown sugar, mustard, and the remaining salt. Arrange chicken over rice mixture. Bring to a boil.

Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Don't lift lid! Remove from heat and let sit covered about 5 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with parsley. 

This tangy, sweet meal will feed four people. If only two of you, refrigerate the rest. Making food from scratch with no preservatives is a healthy alternative, not to mention the fruit and protein. Entertainment during this pandemic is also healthy to a person's well-being so remember to 

READ BOOKS

For a quick, romantic, hot, and adventurous story read Heaven-sent Warrior, available as a ebook or print book. This 1st book in my Warriors in Bronze series is a time-travel paranormal set mainly in present day North Carolina. Find all buy links 

HERE

Please keep warm & stay healthy!

Nancy Lee Badger

Easy Apple Crisp and a book by Nancy Lee Badger

 

This week's shared recipe might not be a low sugar treat, but it is quick and easy and devouring apples can help keep you young.

Nancy's Easy Apple Crisp

4 Cups peeled, sliced apples

3/4 Cup packed brown sugar

1/2 Cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cups rolled oats (I use quick oats)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon all spice or pie spice mix

1/3 Cup cold butter, cut into cubes

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place apple slices in an ungreased 8 inch baking dish.

In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and spices. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.

Bake 30-35 minutes or until apples are tender. Let cool or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!

This recipe reminds me of when we went apple picking with our two boys in the orchard up on a hill in New Hampshire. Fresh and juicy! Since my second book in my Opportunity Falls series starts in New York City but ends up in New Hampshire's White Mountains, I thought this recipe and book would go well together.

Making food from scratch with no preservatives is a healthy alternative to store-bought. Entertainment during this pandemic is also healthy to a person's well-being so remember to READ BOOKS. 

The full-length novel is available at a fantastic low price. The print version is available as well. Find all buy links HERE

Please keep warm & stay healthy! Nancy Lee badger

Oven-Fried Pecan Chicken from Author Nancy Lee Badger

Romance might be in the air, but the weather across most of the United States is deplorable. For a little bit of southern comfort food to lift your spirits, please consider today's recipe...

Nancy's Oven-Fried Pecan Chicken & Honey

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F

You will need a cookie sheet with edges and a wire rack to set inside. Cover sheet with foil for easier clean-up. 

1 1/2 Cups crushed stuffing mix or plain bread crumbs

3/4 Cup pecans, chopped

1/3 Cup all-purpose flour

6 boneless chicken breasts cut into tenders

Nonstick cooking spray

3/4 teaspoon salt

whites from 3 large eggs, lightly beaten in a bowl

honey

Spray wire rack with nonstick spray. Mix crumbs and pecans on a plate or piece of waxed paper. Spread flour on another plate or waxed paper. Dip chicken pieces in flour to coat, then into eggs mixture, then roll in pecan mixture to coat well. Place on rack. Spray both sides of chicken with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt. Bake 20 minutes in a 450 degree oven, turning once at 10 minutes. Chicken should be lightly browned, juicy, and no longer pink.

Turn off oven and drizzle top with honey. Let remain in oven another 2 minutes. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or fries.

Yes, you can make this without honey, but the sweetness is lovely. This meal has lots of protein from the chicken and nuts. Making food from scratch with no preservatives is a healthy alternative to store-bought. 

Entertainment during this pandemic is also healthy to a person's well-being so remember to READ BOOKS. 

To match the flavor of my recipe and for a quick, romantic, hot, and adventurous story, please consider Southern Fried Dragon.

This novella is a quick read packed with a dragon looking for a new life, an evil dragon bent on bringing her home, and a young soldier that saves her on the eve of the American Civil War. Buy Links are HERE

Please keep warm & stay healthy! Nancy Lee badger

Lee's Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie shared by Author Nancy Lee Badger

Lee Lampe Puzzo was my cousin. She was also my Maid-of-Honor many moon's ago. She passed away in 2018 but her memory lives on every time I make her yummy pumpkin pie. Diabetics must watch their sugar intake while still eating a healthy 'sweet' dessert, and this hits the spot! Give it a try and you will find that you really do not miss the added sugar at all. 

Lee's Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie 💘

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (you will need to turn down the heat part way through baking)

Pastry for 9 inch pie (I use a frozen pie shell)

3/4 cup artificial sweetener like Splenda (Lee suggested 18 packets of Equal)

15 oz. can Libby's Pumpkin

12 oz. can Evaporated Skim Milk or 2% Evaporated Milk (I can never find skim)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

3 eggs, beaten

aluminum foil

💘Mix all ingredients and pour into a pie shell. Place pie pan on a cookie sheet with edges in case it spills over. Cover edges with three strips of two inch wide foil to prevent burning. Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 MINUTES. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for 40-45 minutes or until there is no wobble and an inserted knife comes out clean. Move to a rack and cool. Cover and refrigerate.💘

Slices can be heated in a microwave for about 20 seconds. Serve with sugar-free Cool-whip.  

This pie contains protein, calcium, fruit and is a healthy alternative to sugary desserts. Entertainment during this pandemic is also healthy to a person's well-being so remember to READ BOOKS. 

💘For a quick, romantic, hot, and adventurous story, in time for Valentine's Day, consider this book set in New York City and Long Island (where Lee & I grew up!)💘

Blurb: A starry-eyed romantic grows up fast when the man of her TV dreams comes to town. Lust, and secret glances, start to heat amid an enraged father and a kidnapped child.
💘Available in digital & PRINT💘Find all Buy Links HERE