Honey Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs

This is a super simple recipe for baked chicken thighs. It features just a few ingredients which you probably already have on hand and it can definitely be whipped up on a week night. The glaze could be used on any cut of chicken but for us broke twenty-somethings, chicken thighs are a cheap protein source. I found these on sale for $2.49 a pound; you really can't beat that! I served these with a steamed vegetable medley, steamed baby spinach and oven roasted potatoes. 

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds of chicken thighs (breasts or legs would also work)

3 tbsp of soy sauce

1 tbsp of rice vinegar

1 tbsp of sesame oil

4 tbsp of honey 

1 tbsp of brown sugar

1 tsp of ground ginger

1 tsp of ground black pepper

2 tsp of crushed red pepper

5 cloves of fresh garlic 

Directions:

1.) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a glass baking dish with foil (optional for easy clean-up). 

2.) Mince 4-6 cloves of fresh garlic. In a small bowl, measure out oil followed by honey and then the rest of the listed ingredients. By measuring out the oil before the honey, you will have an easier time getting it out of the measuring spoon. Whisk well. 

3.) Lay the chicken thighs out in the dish. You can trim up the extra fat or leave it on. 

4.) Pour the mixture over the chicken and flip the pieces to ensure a generous coating of your glaze. 

5.) Bake for 30 minutes at 425 degrees or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Plate the chicken and pour some of the juices from the pan over top before you serve it. The excess glaze is super flavorful with all the chicken drippings.

6.) Serve and enjoy!

Chicken Apple Sausage with Curried Apple Couscous

"To be a good cook, you have to have a love of the good, a love of 

hard work and a love of creating." 

-Julia Child

This dish is a totally do-able weeknight dinner but it has levels of complexity in flavor which make it appear as if it were a slaved-over Sunday night dinner. What's not to love about that? The cayenne pepper gives this sweet dish a perfect pinch of heat and the water chestnuts give it an unexpected, fresh crunch. I served this with an additional side of roasted cauliflower. That is my go-to side dish year round. Take a raw head of cauliflower, chop it up, spray it with cooking spray, sprinkle it with your favorite spices and roast it for approximately 30-40 minutes on 400 degrees, turning occasionally. 

Also, I must mention that my non-vegetable/fruit eating sister even ate the couscous! That speaks volumes on behalf of this dish for those who know her. 

Ingredients: 

1 package of Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage
1 medium yellow onion 
1 large shallot
3 cloves of fresh garlic 
4 handfuls of fresh kale
1 apple (I used a pink lady)
1 pear (I used a green anjou)
1 can of water chestnuts 
1 cup of dry couscous
1 box of your choice of broth (I used Trader Joes Miso Ginger)
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon 
1 teaspoon of garam masala
2-3 teaspoons of curry powder
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Salt and Pepper to taste where appropriate 

Directions:

1.) Prepare couscous according to box directions. I used Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Couscous and it required 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of "water" which I subbed out for the miso broth. You bring the butter and broth to a boil, add the couscous and take it off the heat. Let it stand for 5-10 mins and then just fluff it with a fork. This my first time making it and it was super simple! 

2.) First, cook the kale. You don't have to do this but I will share a tip I learned from my boyfriend's mom. She freezes fresh herbs so that they are easier to chop (and always available!). I tried this out with the kale and it made it so easy to chop. So, chop the kale into bite sized pieces and add it to a pan over medium heat with one clove of chopped garlic and 1/2 cup of broth. 

3.) When the kale reaches the desired tenderness, drain it if there is excess liquid and set it aside in a small bowl. 

4.) Just wipe out the pan and over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 sliced shallot, 1/2 rough chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onions begin to become translucent and fragrant. 

4.) Peel and chop the water chestnuts, pear and apple. Next, add them to the onion, garlic, shallot butter mix. 

5.) Add in the garlic salt, curry, garam masala, ginger and cayenne pepper.

6.) Add 1/4 cup of broth at a time. Depending on how long you cook your mix, it may take 3/4 of a cup. Simmer the mixture until the apples and pears are fork tender. 

7.) Add the apple mix to the kale on the side. Wipe out the pan and place it back over medium heat.

8.) Take the sausage and slice into diagonal, bite sized pieces. Slice the last 1/4 of your onion. 

9.) Add 1/4 cup of broth to the pan along with the sausage and onions. Continually add splashes of broth to deglaze the pan as your sausage cooks. When they get a nice golden outside, take them off the heat and set aside. 

10.) Do not wipe out the pan. Just splash some broth into it and add your kale and apple mix back into it. Add the cooked couscous and mix thoroughly. Heat through and serve! 

11.) I kept the sausage and couscous separate because I didn't think my sister would eat it with the kale in it but to my surprise, she did! Next time I make this, I will add the sausage into the couscous at the end. 

Check out the finished products:

Feature Story and Upcoming Changes

If you're a local to the county, you might find yourself stumbling across my blog after picking up the latest copy of the Leonardtown Life magazine. The March issue featured my personal stuffed ham journey and gave you this web address to learn more about crafting your very own ham. I've made it super simple for you to find this information.

Here is a link to the story:

 The Story of Stuffed Ham

Here is a link to the play-by-play of ham stuffing: 

Stuffed Ham How-To

In other news, there are changes coming to the blog! I am going to be launching a new series called "My Grandmother's Box" where I will feature short narratives of my experiences cooking my way through a box of original family recipes that have been handed down to me by her. They range from down home classics to strange concoctions so I promise this series will not disappoint!  

You may notice that I will be writing less and less about thrifty fashion but in the coming weeks I will be able to announce an exciting opportunity that explains my lack of this said thrifty fashion writing on County Meanderings. Stay tuned for lots of hearty, wholesome family recipes, though. Oh and of course the occasion burst of creative passion in the realm of community.  

I can't thank you all enough for coming by and reading my blog. In the last six months, my readership has really blossomed and I am so appreciative that you have come by to see what I am up to down in the County. 

Peace and Blessins'

-Karen 

Thrift Haul #8

If you keep up with the blog, you know I am definitely slackin' on my thrifty posting! Due in part to the craziness of the holiday season and coupled with the general fast pace of life right now, I haven't been thrifting like I used to.

 But alas, I am back with some amazing find from my coveted DC Goodwill stores. We are approaching prime thrift season, folks. So, keep your eyes peeled in the coming months for some wonderful finds because your spring cleaning always warrants me with awesome stuff! Until then, here's what I've found the past few weeks. 

Before I jump into the nitty gritty, I have some important news to share from this haul. I was checking out at Goodwill last week and used my Foursquare check-in special to get shoes BUY ONE GET ONE FREE. This is the BEST special I've seen yet for a shoe lover like myself. I scored four new pairs for the price of two! I peaked the interest of the three ladies behind me in line, too. I helped them download the app and check-in at the store so they could see what types of specials that DC Goodwill stores offer each month. I didn't realize that I was one of the few people who actually use these specials. The cashier said that he doesn't see them often. But, fellow thrifters, these specials are always fantastic!

Do you have Foursquare? If not, stop what you're doing and download it. Then, get on twitter and follow @DCGoodwill and @DCGF. They announce monthly "check-in" specials. When you get to the store, check-in with the app and you will unlock the special! 

The Goods:

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Silk Top: $4.98

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

This looks like the most unflattering top on the hanger but it is surprisingly well fitting. I plan to pair it with skinnies and heels for a night out or under a cardigan for work. Double-duty pieces are always a win-win! Not to mention, Cynthia Vincent's shopbop line retails tops like this retail in the neighborhood of $149-$220! 

 Sheer Top from the Limited: $4.98

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

The Limited is my absolute favorite store for pieces that serve what I call double-duty. This shirt would pair well with slacks but also would be a great match to dark denim and nude shoe. I loved the mother of pearl buttons; they add such a fun and feminine touch. 

Ann Taylor Silk  Shell: $1.98

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

This piece will look fabulous with a pair of grey dress pants and light colored cardi. What a steal for Ann Taylor! 

Mossimo Tunic: $4.98

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

I saw this when it was being sold in Target stores but couldn't justify paying $20.00 for it considering it is just a basic casual top. $5.00 was just enough for me spring for it. I love the empire waist on the tunic; definitely a flattering style for me. 

Michael Kors Button Down: $4.98

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

Anything cobalt blue- I'm usually sold. Pair that with a Michael Kors label and I'm definitely there. This is a great linen type of material. It will look fantastic with a pair of white shorts/capris in spring or with a pair of dress pants. Bonus: the sleeves roll up to 3/4! 

J Crew Button Down (NWT): $4.98

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

Ahhh, new with tags is always exciting! This shirt is brand spanking new and I was definitely drawn to the bright, bold emerald color. It will be a staple for work and still able to be worn casually with a sweater over top of it. 

Old Navy Peasant Top: $3.74

Goodwill on S. Glebe Road in Arlington, VA

I'm a sucker for two things… white cotton and anything black. This paired both of those together. I love a light, cotton shirt because it can literally be worn year round. 

 J Crew Chiffon Blouse: $3.74

Goodwill on S. Glebe Road in Arlington, VA

This is the ultimate date night top: flirty, sexy but still classy. J Crew rarely goes wrong in my book. I loved the cream and brown combo here… can't wait to wear this one. 

H&M Snakeskin Tunic: $3.74

Goodwill on S. Glebe Road in Arlington, VA

So the cashier and I had an argument over this piece… he seemed to think it was a dress and I begged to differ. I ended up getting my way after consulting the woman in line behind me. There is a lot of animal print in this haul… guess I have been feeling sassy here lately! 

Silk Shell from Gap: $1.98

Goodwill on S. Glebe Road in Arlington, VA

I couldn't pass up this color. It is the dead of winter and this coral makes my usual drab gray/black work outfits a little brighter. I loved the chiffon ribbons down the front of this top. 

MM Couture NWT Dress: $8.98

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

Another striking coral piece. This dress' shape is so insanely flattering. I loved the draped fabric details across the front bodice of the dress. Not to mention, this dress still had the $88.00 tag on it! It will be great for a summer wedding. 

Ellie Tahari Patent Pumps: $12.98 (I know it says $15 but I got charged $13... lucky!)

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

Ah, the perfect, professional, patent leather shoe. These have a totally manageable heel for running around but still flaunt the classic, refined style of Elie Tahari. 

Merona Strappy Espadrilles: FREE

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

These will be the perfect spring shoe. Definitely safe for the office but also will pair well with a sundress or jeans. I restocked my "classic blacks" in the shoe department this month!

Kate Spade Alligator Style Heels: FREE

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

So I may or may not have this same pair of shoes in a slingback with a pointed toe...I got these for free and since I am in love with all things Kate Spade, I am going to pay a little bit of money to get these babies resoled so they will give me a few more years of wear. 

Michael Kors Classic Platform Pumps: $20.00

Goodwill on S. Glebe Road in Arlington, VA

This is my absolute favorite find of this haul. These classic pumps are in pristine condition. They will be perfectly paired with a business suit but still able to worn on a night out. I found these in the glass display in the front of the store... Don't forget to check this out when you go to Goodwill! They stash all the best finds there. 

Forever 21 Striped: $8.98

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

My sister and I have a running joke that maxi dresses are the 21st century version of the house coat. I will be pairing this dress with my favorite jean jacket. I don't normally go for horizontal stripes but this fabric was so soft, I couldn't pass it up!

Loft Waterfall Cardi: $4.98

Goodwill on S. Glebe Road in Arlington, VA

I've been on the hunt for a cascading, open front cardigan and Goodwill checked that off my wish list. The metallic stripe makes this sweater dressy enough to wear to work but the shape makes it casual enough to pair with leggings and tunic around the house. 

That's all for now, y'all. Make sure you download Foursquare and follow DC Goodwill on Twitter so you can check out the awesome monthly specials!