Lazy (?) Sunday

On what might be our last baby-less Sunday, we decided to take it fairly easy today.  We went for our usual walk at the Loveland bike trail this morning (though I couldn't make it as far as we normally do), picked up our smoothies, and headed home to nest for the rest of the day.  While Stephen studied for school and watched the football game, I tried out a new recipe to add to our collection of frozen foods for when the baby comes.

Bobby Flay's Chicken and Dumpling Soup

6 cups of chicken broth
Cooked, shredded chicken breast
Carrots
Celery
Onion
Corn
Fresh green beans
2 bay leaves
Celery salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of pearled barley
Pre-made biscuit dough

I cooked the chicken separately, shredded it, and put it aside while I softened the celery, carrots, and onion in the soup pot (with a little cooking oil).  Then I added the broth to the vegetables, adding in the corn and green beans.  Next went the chicken and the barley, until the barley was tender.  When the soup was spiced (bay leaves added, salt/pepper/etc), I dropped spoon-size balls of dough into the pot, covered it, and let it simmer for a few hours.

My only issue with this recipe is that the broth all but disappeared -- but after reading the recipe reviews, apparently that's a pretty common issue.  I'll just add some broth when I'm ready to serve the soup.  Either way, it smells delicious and we have plenty to eat for dinner tonight AND freeze for later.

So far, our collection of frozen foods includes:
- Chili
- Lasagna
- Seasoned taco meat (for taco salads)
- Marinated chicken breasts
- Chicken and dumplings
- Shrimp (for pasta)
- Turkey burgers
- Ravioli
- Meatballs
- Vegetables, rice, and other sides

I feel pretty good that we have home-cooked meals prepared and that we won't have to eat Skyline out of a can every night once the baby gets here.  I know people will probably bring us food the first few days we're home, but it feels nice to be prepared for when the home visits slow down and we're left to fend for ourselves.  :)

My due date is in FIVE DAYS, but I'm saying right now...my prediction is December 1.