Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

James made a run to the new Sprouts today and brought home tons of veggies, chocolate-toffee covered almonds, and other yummy goodies.  When I came in from work he had a smile on his face and told me he brought home my favorite part of the chicken....THIGHS!!

He prefers the breast because he says it's tastier, but I COMPLETELY disagree.  The thigh is the juiciest and tastiest part of the bird for sure!!  Tonight I wanted to make something tasty and easy and I think my concoction has won him over to the dark side...pun intended.

My husband loves food, and I'm a pretty decent cook, so when I ask him how dinner was he usually tells me, "Good," or "I liked it."  Occasionally I get an, "I liked it a lot," or, "Really good," but tonight he gave these chicken thighs an, "Awesome," rating....always makes my heart happy to get a good review from my favorite food critic.  ;)

The recipe is VERY easy, super simple, very little prep, and doesn't take long for total dinner time.  This is a very basic recipe and you could always amp it up by stuffing the thighs before rolling them up if you wanted something fancier.  Some suggestions for stuffing could include Cream cheese and jalapeño, stuffing mix and apples, spinach and feta cheese, or cooked wild rice and herbs.  Experiment and let me know how yours turn out!

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

What you'll need:

4  Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

4  Strips of Bacon

½ C Worcestershire Sauce

¼ C Brown Sugar

2 T Brown Sugar (separate)

2 T Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

Gallon Zip Lock Bag

Glass Baking Dish

To make:

You'll want to marinate your chicken thighs for the best flavor.  To do this you'll mix the worcestershire sauce and the ¼ C. of brown sugar together in a zip lock bag.  Add your chicken thighs to the bag, press out the air, and seal.  Massage the bag for a few minutes to make sure all the chicken is coated thoroughly.  Let them sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour.  I suggest a few hours for best flavor.

Preheat your oven to 400°F.  Add prepare your glass pan by coating a thin layer of olive oil in the bottom to keep the thighs from sticking. 

Take your chicken thighs out of the bag and season on both sides with salt and pepper.  If you're stuffing the thighs with something this is the point to add it.  Roll the thighs up as you would a cinnamon roll.  Wrap one strip of bacon around the thigh and if necessary secure with a toothpick.  I didn't need any tooth picks.  I just tucked the ends of the bacon under the bottom of the chicken thighs when I added them to the pan.  If you stuff them I would suggest using a tooth pick to keep the stuffing secure.  

Place the chicken thighs in the greased pan and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top.  Cook in the oven, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes or until they reach 170°F on the inside.  

I really think this is a fool proof chicken recipe.  After trying it you can start experimenting.  Try marinating in Soy sauce and Pineapple juice for a teriyaki flair, lime juice and chopped cilantro for a Mexican craving, or a simple worcestershire and BBQ sauce.  I also think these would be great on the grill as long as you watch out for flair ups as they'll drip a lot of fat.  

Good luck with your cooking and I hope you get an "Awesome" rating from your Honeys!!!

Italian Soup and a Cup of Tea

So here in Missouri the weather has changed....just like it did last week, and the week before that.  It's ridiculous, really.  Somehow we went from single digits, to upper 60's, back to single digits, and then back to the 60's in the space of four weeks.

Unfortunately, along with that comes aches, pains, and migraines!!!  Thankfully there are things that help with that.

1. I've just recently started trying essential oils.  I've been trying for a more natural resort than the ibuprofen and migraine pills.  Peppermint oil seems to help a lot with the migraines and Clove has been great for the aches and pains.  I am convinced there is some Clove in the Tiger Balm that I'm always reaching for to soothe my back.


2.  Tea always makes me feel better.  There's something about a hot, steamy cup Cranberry Orange Harvest that just relaxes a person.  My newest Tea Charm is just Gorgeous!!  Don't you think??

If you want one of these babies you'll have to check out the Etsy store GlisteningTruth.  She has something for everyone!!

3. Lastly, soup.  Soup of choice for the night Zuppe Toscana!!! And my special gift to you is the recipe!!  Found below!!

2 lbs Italian Sausage
1 large onion chopped
3 cloves garlic chopped
8-10 medium red potatoes sliced
1Tablespoon red pepper flakes
Chicken base or bullion and water or Chicken Stock
1 Quart half and half cream
3-4 cups chopped Kale
olive oil

In a large soup pot, over medium heat, add oil, onions, and garlic and cook until onions are translucent.  Add sausage and red pepper flakes and cook until meat is browned.  When meat is thoroughly browned add potato slices and a half cup of water and cover, stirring often.  This helps the potatoes to steam.  After 5 minutes or so, add the stock or bullion and water until potatoes are covered under an inch of liquid.  Bring to boil and cook until potatoes are tender.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Bring heat down to low.  When temperature in the pot has dropped so that it is no longer simmering, add half and half to the pot.  Season again with salt and pepper to taste.  You can also grate some fresh nutmeg over the soup to taste if you like the flavor.  While soup is still hot but not simmering, add the kale and submerge it.  It will cause the kale to wilt slightly.

Ladle into bowls and add parmesan cheese to garnish, it's also really great with buttered french bread.

Enjoy guys!!!!   Hope the soup helps you handle the next CRAZY weather swing!!!  I heard it's supposed to get cold again.  Love ya'll!!