Willow Tree Farm: Chicken Pie!

For some reason, chicken pot pies are never something I think of making, or even buying for that matter.   I don't know why though, they are the epitome of comfort food, and it let's you have "pie" for dinner!

Recently, the nice people at Willow Tree Farm asked if I'd like to try out their chicken pot pies to review, and I gladly accepted.  Willow Tree is a local family owned and operated company out of Attleboro, MA specializing in chicken...especially chicken pies and chicken salad.

In most grocery stores around New England you can find their chicken pies in the freezer section and their chicken salad at the deli.

I selected their Chicken Pie with vegetables which had carrots, peas, and green beans.

With the heat we've been experiencing around here this summer, I was holding out for a "cooler" day to turn the oven on for this meal.  My wish finally came true this past Sunday when we had a nice day in the 70's ;)

Preparation is simple, place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 1hr 15min.  I took the suggestion on the box to brush the crust with milk first to give it a nice golden brown finish.

Before we knew it, dinner was ready.  We had simple side salads to go with our meal.  The pie technically has 3 servings but if it's your main course I would say it feeds 2...we had no problem eating the whole thing.

Unlike some chicken pot pies this one only has a top crust which I really like!  Most of the time I feel like the bottom crust is just a filler and gets soggy anyways...this also keeps the calories down a bit.

I really enjoyed the big hunks of white meat, and the filling was nice and salty...in a good way, at least I thought so.  The crust was crisp and golden brown..good, but not as tender and flaky as it could of been.

I'd love to see them make a pie with just real butter and/or olive oil, instead of the shortening and soy or palm oils, but that would be my only gripe.

This would be a perfect meal for a brisk fall or winter day when you want something homemade but don't have the time.  Throw one of these pies in the oven, go do your other tasks around the house, and dinner's ready!

If you live in the area you can also check the Willow Tree Farm retail store  in Attleboro where they that pies, chicken salad and so much more!  I love their seafood salad and wish I could eat it more often, and they also make an awesome buffalo chicken dip which I ate copious amounts of at a friends house on Superbowl Sunday :)

They also have fresh turkeys you can order for the holidays...my "house Thanksgiving" 2 years ago used a Willow Tree bird and it was delicious.

Big thanks to Willow Tree Farm for providing me with the chicken pie!

Disclaimer: I received a coupon for a free chicken pie, but all opinions are always my own.

Do you rely on frozen meals sometimes??  As much as I love cooking everything homemade as often as I can…I also have to be realistic in that I keep my schedule pretty jam packed which leaves very little time for dinner some nights.  However, when I do by frozen foods I always makes sure the ingredient list is good and not filled with crap or chemicals :) 

Who's a slacker?

This girl! Wow I can't believe how neglectful I've been lately with blogging and even reading blogs for that matter!!

Although my mind has been a constant to-do list that keeps running over and over again, and driving me crazy!!

So in less than a week we already have a nice amount of RSVPs! FUN!! My mom even has a little basket to keep them all in haha.

Ok ok, back to a little re-cap in food.

Starting with a new yummy product I picked up at, you guessed it, Trader Joes:I also whipped up a little kick ass salad last week:

• Mixed Greens
• Cucumber
• Red Onion
• Tomato
• Shredded Carrots
• Feta!
• Dressing of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Pita and Lemon hummus on the side
• small piece of bread on the side as well leftover from a restaurant

Another delicious salad was eaten on Sunday. This was from one of my favorite restaurants in the North End of Boston...Antico Forno.

This is my absolute FAVORITE salad, and it's also extra special because it was this salad that got me to try goat cheese a few years ago and now I am OBSESSED! I give you the Focacinna con Caprino

FOCACCINA CON CAPRINO

Flat aromatic bread topped with mixed green salad, goat cheese, fresh roasted cherry tomatoes and grilled zucchini

My favorite part is smearing the soft goat cheese on the warm flat bread...mmmmmmOther weekend activities included the ever popular selection of paint colors...We have "Hopsack" on the left, and "Oatbran" on the right. Oh the joys of home ownership :)

We went with the Oatbran...actually Brian painted the room yesterday and I am going to check it out after work today! This is for the guest bedroom.

For our bedroom we were choosing between a blue and green
I liked the blue better, but I think we are still going to go with something a little lighter than this. I want the bedroom to be a relaxing oasis...lots of white and soft walls :)

We even ordered a new bathroom Vanity and picked out a new toilet!! Haha!

Later we opted to fire up the grill back at my apt. We went for the pre-marinated meats at Whole Foods, and boy were those steak tips delicious!! I also grilled a chicken breast, a chicken sausage, veggies, and corn!
My plate:A little of everything. Unfortunately the corn just was NOT good...no flavor, off texture :( Boo! So we didn't finish that.

Since the coals were still nice and hot, I dug some old marshmallows out of the cupboard and we made some s'mores!

Now you may notice something odd about the marshmallows:No your screen is fine, it really is purple
and green :)

Ok ok, so all I had were these leftover from Easter time heheHahha multi colored Bunny Mallows!!

Still enjoying eating a lot of this lately too...LOVING the berries lately...Raspberries AND Strawberries were 2 for $5 this week at Whole Foods. Can't beat that! Plus homemade granola = happy face!

Weekly Wedding Tidbits:

• Panickly working on finalizing a rehearsal dinner location
• Ordered a potential Flower Girl dress online today! Nordstrom.com carries the Us Angles brand in case anyone's looking!
• Going shopping tonight for a dress to wear to my friend's wedding THIS Saturday! I swear I didn't slack on that one, I just really haven't seen anything I'm loving anywhere!?
• Heading up to NH Friday for the weekend for my friends wedding!!! So excited because Brian and I are both good friends with the bride and groom and lots of college friends will be there!!
• SUNDAY IS MY BRIDAL SHOWER hehehehhe!!!!!!!! Not gonna lie, I check my registries like 3 times a day...whatever, you would too!
  

I'm going to bring Brian's computer up to NH, so I will be blogging from there this weekend :)

New Chocolate Obsession

Speaking of Chocolate, if you haven't already entered...My Fiber One Chocolate/Spa giveaway is still going on!!

Recently I was a VERY lucky recipient of a giveaway myself! Through the Food Buzz Tastemakers program I was able to be part of a product review for Recchiuti Confections out of San Fransisco!

As soon as I saw the word "Confections" I was excited. Then I visited their website...WOW. There were so many different combinations of chocolate, fruits, and nuts, as well as chocolate bars, boxed chocolates, SAUCES!...I could not wait to see what I was going to receive.This made me excited...and that was before I read what was inside!
I don't know if you can read that so let me clear things up...this was the:

Asphalt Jungle Mix - A riot of Burnt Caramel Hazelnuts & Almonds, Cherries Two Ways and Peanut Butter Pearls.

Ummm YES PLEASE!! I was almost in disbelief of the combination of chocolate covered goodies in this package.

All I can really say to this is HOLY YUM!! The nuts were delicious...with the dark chocolate and hint of burnt caramel. There were two different types of cherries. One seemed to be like the usual dried cherries I am used to and the other were a more plump not as chewy version! The peanut butter pearls are AMAZING. Little spheres of crispy PB covered in silky dark chocolate.

I will be SAD when this is all gone...LUCKILY the wonderful Recchiuti people are offering 15% off all orders from now until April 11th. Just use the promo code : "buzz"More Weekend Eats

Obviously I've eaten more than this, but to save time I'll just mention a couple of blog worthy treats I've enjoyed thus far.

Friday night I was OVERLY excited to get home and make a Boboli pizza haha. Don't know why I was so excited, but I was...I had a Whole Wheat Boboli Crust, ham, pineapple, cheese, and sauce.

HAWAIIAN PIZZA!

Oh yes! I haven't had this in AGES, so I was excited.
I probably ate 1/3 of the pizza but it's definitely not as big as a normal pizza and it tasted SO much healthier than the kind you order. Much less grease!! Mmmm.Smoothie Time!

I've been so intrigued of all the "green" smoothie type things I've seen all around the Blog World lately that I wanted to try my own. I had Kale on hand so gave it a shot.

• 1 cup Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Breeze
• 1/2 Banana
• 5 frozen strawberries
• 3 Kale leaves
• 1 T Almond Butter
• 1/2 scoop Vanilla protein powder

So mine wasn't very green but it was delicious!Probably could of added more Kale but this tasted great!! Next time I will add more Kale, and this kept me full all morning.
Now that the weather is getting (ever so slightly) warmer...I will be enjoying more smoothies and protein shakes! Yay!

Restaurant Week

It's Restaurant Week (weeks) here in Boston. Numerous Restaurants in and around the City (including most of the high end places) offer a prix fix three course menu for $33.09 per person for dinner and $20.09 for lunch!

This is a great opportunity to try out some of the more expensive restaurants in Boston as a great price! I always try to go to at least 2 or 3 when this rolls around twice a year. I went last Wednesday with my mom to one, and going to another tonight...then Brian and I will go to a final restaurant Friday. I'll do a full Restaurant Week Post after Friday! Can't wait :)

On The Grill and Leftovers

First of all I just want to THANK YOU all for your sweet comments about the shower, its so rewarding and inspiring to hear those things after all the work we put in :) You guys are the BEST!!

Spring is sloooooowly creeping its way to Boston, and now even these 40 degree sunny days are feeling like heaven. It's funny too because as soon as the weather starts to shift people break out their flip flops and t-shirts haha...it's not THAT warm, but I'll admit sometimes you just want to force the Spring here!!

One thing I am LOVING about the milder weather is that we've used the grill TWICE!! Yay!! Last night the roomie and I cooked up a package of chicken, some zucchini, and red onion...all things bought for the Bridal Shower, but not used. This made for a spectacular dinner.Especially when I get to use my mom's BBQ sauce on the chicken...mmm.The other AWESOME thing about grilling food is...LEFTOVERS!! These items made for a spectacular salad for lunch today!!
I chopped up some leftover chicken (with BBQ sauce), zucchini, and red onion and threw it on top of some greens and carrots with a drizzle of Annie's Lite Honey Mustard Dressing!

SUCH a great lunch at work :)

Actually this week has been ALL about the leftovers....muffins, scones, fruit, yogurt, frittata...pretty much everything. The best part is definitely all the leftover cut fruit. I had some with my breakfast!
I also enjoyed some Jam from the Brunch as well...with toast and a mix of Almond Butter and Peanut Butter...its kind of smeared together (the darker stuff is the AB). I also had 1/3 piece of the toast with a little butter
One more time with some leftovers...Dinner Tonight!

Well I got to dance class tonight...YAY!! And on the way home had delicious visions dancing in my head of my dinner.

I had leftovers from lunch after the Spa Sunday...I had a Grilled Tenderloin Salad on Sunday:

"sliced tenderloin of beef, roasted potatoes, grilled red onions, marinated mushrooms and fried shallots, served on field greens tossed with Gorgonzola cheese and roasted red pepper tomato caper vinaigrette"

From this salad I had: 2 pieces of tenderloin, some red onion, Gorgonzola, and a potato (which I ate right away). From the fridge I had 3/4 of a Flat Out wrap, goat cheese, and this new spread I picked up at TJ's
This.Stuff.Is.Amazing...and only 15 calories per Tbsp! I made myself a kick ass personal pizza!!

• Flat Out
• Spread with Red Pepper Spread
• Topped with Tenderloin
• Red Onion
• Few pieces of Gorgonzola
• a little Goat Cheese
  

SO SO SO SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wowza!! And to top it off the "purple" onions match the plate!

Yay for Leftovers!!!!

There were also some Kale Chips tonight...although I was too full to finish themSuch great food days :)

In Other News:

Mark and Heather at Hangry Pants are giving away a SWEET juicer!!!

MIA!

So sorry I haven't been a good blogger the past couple days. Monday was super busy, didn't get home til late and just really wanted to go to bed. Then yesterday I woke up with a sore throat and feeling blah!! (NOOO!!!!)...plus only worked a half day because Brian and I had to head up to NH for a wedding of his friend from high school. Therefore no Internet for me once I left work :(

Ok, but I am back now with a mini re-cap.

A Few Things I've Tried Recently

FINALLY, saw these at WF's and had to pick up this flavor! I have been breaking little pieces off here and there (still have some left). WOW...I am LOVING this flavor. You can immediately taste the Almond flavor (extract!)...which just makes me think of delicious cookies and Almond macaroons. These are a new Favorite Fo Sho!!

I received a coupon for a free pack of these babies (plus some other fun stuff to give away...stay tuned!!).

I haven't had regular flavored yogurt in a LONG time (Greek all the way normally)...so this was a tad sweeter than I'm used to, but its sweetened with sugar not fake crap so that's good! I'd like these after lunch like a dessert! Or with a less sweet granola topping perhaps?? I don't really understand the added digestive properties...

Yo-Plus for Digestive Health
"With just one cup of Yo-Plus™ yogurt, you'll treat your body to our unique Optibalance™ blend of both probiotics and prebiotics — including three grams of fiber — to help your digestive system keep the balance nature intended."

Perhaps I eat a healthy enough diet with fiber already that this didn't make too much of a difference, but I want to give it a couple more tries first. The extra fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics can't hurt though!

Monday I used some leftover Steel Cut Oats that I had made on Saturday!
Reheated with a little extra water, and added:

• strawberries and blueberries
• coconut
• Zoe's Honey Almond Granola
• Little piece of Almond Country Square
• small drop of German Chocolate PB Spread
• small spoon of White Choc. PB!
  

As I said Monday was BUSY! After work, Brian and I went to meet with a Loan Officer and got Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage!!! Now we can start looking for houses!!! So scary and exciting at the same time!

Well that meeting went looooonger than expected, then we quickly picked up a wedding gift at Crate and Barrel and then it was 8pm!! I hate eating late but what are you gonna do?

Cheesecake Factory was right there.

I got a chopped veggies salad with a piece of salmon on top!And, while he is usually a very healthy eater...the boy needs a good burger once in a while and I had to take its pic!

The Tons of Fun Burger - Yes, It's True! Double Patties, Double Cheese, Triple Sesame-Seed Bun with Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Pickles and Secret Sauce. Served with FriesI SO had to take a bite :)

Left work early for a wedding...pretty low key but fun! One of Brian's high school friends. They are Mormon (not super strict though...so I've heard). I don't know much about that religion, but it was definitely different than any wedding reception I've been to, but it was really nice!
Brian, his high school friends...and me :) Leave it to me to wear the brightest outfit of the evening haha!

Well my throat is still not great...but I don't feel crappy so that's good! I really hope to get to the gym tonight!!!

Danger Danger!!

Oh No She Didn't!!!! Oh yes she did. The roomie made a purchase that made my eyes open REALLY wide when I saw the bag:Dear Cadbury, how do you create the cutest, pastel, delicious, milky, chocolaty, melt in my mouth, candy coated little miracles known as Cadbury Mini Eggs???

Probably as means to torment with me. Now most of the time I am a Dark Chocolate lover...but this is one of those great exceptions...it just doesn't get much better that this. So far I have retained control packing only FOUR of these little babies up in plastic wrap to take to work with me (okay maybe 1 more while packing lunch this morning) :)

Screw Valentines Candy...Gimme the Easter shiz!!!

I also broke open a new bag of TJ's Tempting Trail Mix to grab a few goodies for my oats. The Mix du jour:

• 1/3 cup oats, 1/3 cup milk, 1/4 cup water, salt
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tsp Pumpkin butter
• 2 dried cherries, 3 choc. chips, 3 PB chips, 2 peanuts, 1 almond from Tempting Trail Mix
• Zoe's Granola
• unsweetened coconut
• White Choc. PB spoon
  

I just had an AMAZING revelation: Plot 1 of those gorgeous cadbury eggs in my oats!! Oh yes this is so on the menu this week :)

HOT...yoga that is

Because I missed Hot Yoga this past Saturday, I planned to go last night. MAN, these evening classes are SO much sweatier. There is a class right before ours so the room is already steaming away...although I LOVE the sweat!! The instructor seemed to like my dancer pose last night ( I don't think I've mentioned to her that I dance hehe).

Before yoga I ate an apple and some trail mix. After Hot Yoga I always crave 1 thing...CEREAL!
I had a mini bowl with PB Puffins and Kashi Go Lean Crunch! I think because I'm still hot from yoga this is nice and refreshing...plus I'm ALWAYS up for cereal.

Then even though it was getting late I wanted to roast a pan of veggies to eat this week!

I used:

• 2 carrots
• 1/2 head cauliflower
• 1/2 large head of broccoli
• 1 yellow pepper
• 1 red pepper
• 1 zucchini
• 1 summer squash
• 1/2 red onion

Chopped all up, tossed with some Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a splash of balsamic and a sprinkling of Nana Salt (a mixed herb/salt that my aunt makes...its kind of a family recipe that I NEED to get!!)

Beauties

Almost done...

These smelt heavenly roasting at 400 for about 45-50minutes! I split them all into three containers and had 1 with my lunch today...AMAZING! I love how roasting brings out a natural sweetness...mmmm.

Product Review - Quaker True Delights Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond

I didn't think I was going to like this one as much...I'm usually not a fan of berries in granola bars. However, this was my FAVORITE!! I still think these are more of a healthier sweet treat rather than a regular snack though.

The raspberry gave a delicious fresh tart berry pop of flavor which was complimented nicely by the dark chocolate! I also love the chewiness. Couldn't taste the Almond much, but they were still great!