Does anyone else love to cook? Bake? Do you have any recipes you'd like to share, something you think people just HAVE to try? I am always up for new things to switch up our menu planning!

My favorite recipe to share is one for Ranch Chicken. It is shockingly easy, and disgustingly good.

Slap some chicken in a crock pot.
If you've used boneless/skinless breast, add a little bit of water.
Pour on some ranch dressing/dip powder.
Cook on 'high' for 4+ hours, or 'low' for 8+ hours.

That's really it. It does not come out tasting like ranch dressing, but the seasoning is so delicious, and the meat will be fall-apart tender.

I prefer to use boneless thighs, myself, but have tried it with every cut of chicken imaginable and they all work out beautifully. Our "usual" is to use leg quarters because they're sooooo cheap (49c a pound) and the meat literally falls off the bone, so it's not a huge chore to debone the meat for the kids. I also like to pour off some of the 'drippings' into my water when I make rice, it flavors it amazingly. Steam a little veggie on the side, and bam! Instant family favorite.

That sounds good, Faye. I'll have to try it out.

This is my oldest daughters' favorite recipe. It's not fat free by ANY means, so I mostly just make it for special occasions or when we have company.

Chicken Scampi
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• juice of 3 small lemons
• 4 boneless chicken breast halves, sliced lengthwise into thirds
• 1- 2 cups heavy cream
• Italian blend of cheese –about 3 large T- (or just some parmesan if you don’t have the Italian blend)

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a skillet heat the butter or margarine over medium high until the butter/margarine melts. Add the parsley, basil, oregano and garlic and salt and mix together in the skillet. Stir in half of the lemon juice.
2. Add the chicken and saute for about 3 minutes or until white. Lower the heat and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
3. Remove chicken and cover to keep warm. More butter can be added if needed. Add remaining lemon juice. Add heavy cream and cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Serve over pasta …yummy!