I have a terrible issue. I, apparently, am incapable of eating a meal, (particularly while wearing a white top and eating something red), without spilling on myself. It’s truly a miracle that I didn’t spill steak sauce on my wedding dress! I don’t own one white t-shirt, tank top, or blouse without some sort of spot on the mid-chestal region. The main culprit of this? I drip. I manage to drip food between my bowl and my mouth, or I spill food down the side of my bowl then bump myself against said bowl.
Enter: CaliBowls. I first heard of these on KERF and immediately sought them out. I originally wanted the red set that Kath had, but upon further research, I found that they offered a gorgeous retro turquoise color. Into my shopping cart they went, click and purchased!
Much to my surprise, when they arrived, there were 4 other bowls in the box as well! There were two adorable white ones and two yellow. I promptly gave one of each to my mom, and have been enjoying spill-free meals ever since. They have this cool inward turned lip that allows food to fall back onto a spoon or fork rather than onto the edge of my bowl or, more importantly, onto my white shirts! I seriously LOVE these bowls.
Enough gushing, tonight’s non-spill meal was Tomato-stewed chicken and it couldn’t be easier.
Tomato-Stewed Chicken
Ingredients
1 lb. skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 large can (32 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 small (14 oz) can Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes
1 small can diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried basil
S&P to taste
Directions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil with the garlic. Add the chicken and lightly brown. Pour cans of tomatoes over the chicken, then add seasoning. Lower heat to low, cover, and simmer about 45 minutes until chicken is tender. Shred chicken, stir well, serve over pasta (or not!)
I was quite impressed with how delicious this simple recipe was. I think it had a similar feel as a crockpot recipe without the waiting. I found the pasta to be extraneous, because I really just wanted more shredded chicken!
Did you know? Vinegar added to slowly-cooked meat (in stews, crock pot, etc) will help break down the connective fibers in the meat to make it more tender and “fally-aparty”? Try it!
I’m debating a baking project later in the week, so I’ll be sure to update you all on it… I’m not a baker… I hate measuring!
Have a great night all!
Technorati Tags: chicken, dinner, Italian, pasta, simple, simple recipe, vegetables
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I love that turquoise color! It’s one of my favorite colors.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is´s last blog ..Guilt + Full Body Workout.
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I need some of these bowls. I am a complete mess in the kitchen and at the table. When I was little, I use to make the biggest mess while eating spaghetti, so somehome I earned the nickname “messy marvine.” I never really grew out of it.
Glad you are enjoying the bowls and still making some tasty dinners! Great tip about the vinegar.
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Great bowls and recipe!!
And yes, please bake this week
VeggieGirl´s last blog ..Thanksgiving 2009, Part 2: The Sweet Endings
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these bowls are so cute!! and good tip to make meat tender! I’ll have to remember this next time that I cook meat!
coco´s last blog ..Beauty Indulgence!
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I love those bowls! That’s my favorite color!
Estela @ weekly bite´s last blog ..How Late Should We Really Stop Eating?
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Baking project are fun!! After all, tis the season
K´s last blog ..Rockin Around the Christmas Tree
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Your recipe looks delicious! I use vinegar in a lot of my meat dishes, it works beautifully.
I look forward to following your blog…looks great!
Nicole
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I need to get these for my sanity – J is the same way! He has junk shirts he wears around the house and to bed, so he usually has switched into those by the time dinner rolls around. But, there’s always the times he doesn’t switch, so it’s his nice shirts – and SPLAT!
I love the Shout gel, I’ve actually written them a letter of thanks for help w/ all the stains and they sent me a coupon for a free bottle. hehe
Christina´s last blog ..Honey Mustard Chicken Nuggets
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A certain lobster lady (with the same spilling issues) needs to get herself some of those bowls. Let me know what you think of them after a few uses!
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Hey married woman.
I’m a total dripper – ruin EVERY white top. So, I think I really need those bowls.
Thanks for the vinegar tip. Did not know that, and I love my slow cooker meals!
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my mom would totally love that dish…going to have to give her the recipe!!
Melissa S.´s last blog ..Tis the Cold Morning…
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oh yeah, and you’re like my brother…he can never wear white or any sort, in any form, when he eats anything with tomato, even ketchup. yep, he’s that bad. he gets it from my mom, he’s the same way.
Melissa S.´s last blog ..Tis the Cold Morning…
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who knew you were my sister in spillage as well?
my husband used to laugh—-now he rolls his eyes.
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by marafaye, marafaye. marafaye said: Look! New blog post! …On Not Spilling http://bit.ly/4wz3r5 [...]
Love the bowls! I like marinating steak tips (for hubby) in balsamic, garlic, lemon, and rosemary. It really breaks the meat down as you said and makes tougher cuts of meat melt in your mouth good!
Meghan@traveleatlove´s last blog ..A Bowl of Autumn
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Mara – you’ll love one of my recipes I am posting tonight – its pulled chicken! I’ve made pulled pork for years, but never thought to sub in chicken breasts!
It’s done in the crockpot – I made skinny coleslaw to go with it too. I love vinegar!!
Biz´s last blog ..Ding Fries Are Done
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That is so interesting about vinegar breaking down the toughness of meat… I’ll have to try it! This recipe look delish.
Good luck with the baking project!
Lauren´s last blog ..Spiced Maple Walnuts
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I am so going to test out that vinegar theory next time we do something that will tolerate vinegar!
Those bowls look awesome, and I always go for the red because they match my kitchen but I’d sure be tempted by the pretty turquoise. I have the same problem, and though it’s not THE reason, but one of the reasons I own so few white/light colored clothing (I also look much better in jewel tones, being dark haired/blue eyed/light skinned, pastels just wash me out) is my penchant for spillage.
Quix´s last blog ..Second Half Marathon Training: Week 3
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I hadn’t understood what was so special about these bowls, but this makes sense! Now I want some!
Karla´s last blog ..December Recipe Challenge: Quinoa Mediterraneana
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Hi Mara,
I’m a regular reader, and I wanted to tell you that I tried your tomatoey-chicken for dinner tonight. I used your basic recipe, but added all kinds of veggies to make it a hearty stew–SO DELICIOUS! Thanks for giving me the idea!
Mazel tov on your recent wedding!
Tracy
Tracy´s last blog ..The Last 4 Weeks
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