Fresh Cooking=Happy People: Artisan Romaine Chicken Salad on the fly

Whew! It has been a whirlwind of a weekend and a crazy week so far. My home life is quite the hectic one at the moment! I guess I wouldn't want it any other way. Even though it is exhausting, I much prefer to be busy doing something worth while instead of feeling bored. I am one who likes to keep moving. (Unless its the middle of the night) Fortunately for me I have several sweet little ones who think the middle of the night is the perfect time for bottles, potty time, snuggles and all manner of non-sleeping activities. Me-oh-my it makes for one tired mommy! I keep telling myself its just a phase in which life wheedles out the weaklings. In other words, it forces the weaklings (me) to become strong. I must conquer this time in my life. When I start feeling overwhelmed, sick of household duties or just plain exhausted, that becomes my mantra. Conquer this phase! Be in charge of your own house. You get that privilege and you should be excited by this! Sometimes it works wonders....

I do love planning meals and cooking for my family. Especially when cooking includes fresh ingredients. It seems to make the cooking all worth the work. If only my 5 year old agreed! She is the pickiest eater on this earth I am certain. But when she does like something she will let you know it!

I was lucky enough to go meet my busy traveling hubby in Las Vegas over the weekend for some chill time. It was a slice of heaven! You never realize the ultimate awesomeness of an actual nights sleep and some breakfast someone else cooked for you until you are living it! It couldn't have come at a better time. We just ate yummy food, sat by the pool and shopped a little. Glorious! Sadly it had to end all too soon. Back into real life I flew leaving Mike behind to keep working away like the good man he is. When I came home I planned the meals I would make with the upcoming weeks Winder Farms produce basket. Its a fun challenge to come up with something to cook based on what is in the box. It forces me to think outside my normal recipe card regulars and find fresh exciting things to whip up! This week I decided on a roasted veggie pizza on thin crust, and a twist on a good old chicken salad! I am super happy with the way they turned out. I have been snacking on the Artisan Romaine Chicken Salad all week. I especially love it with Pita Chips. Nom Nom. :) Tonight I made the Pizza and got to enjoy it with my newly returned husband! Huzzah! Today was a good day. I hope these meals inspire you to be the conqueror of your kitchen and cook something fresh and new for your family! First I will share the Artisan Romaine Chicken Salad. Check back soon for the Pizza! You won't want to miss out on that baby.

I love chicken salad because it is so quick to throw together, and you can eat it over several days if you make a big enough batch! It is so versatile too. I have eaten over lettuce, in a sandwich, as a dip for pita chips or just alone too! All ways are yummy. After some convincing, this was even picky 5 year old approved. So that's saying something!

I usually use a rotisserie chicken for this kind of dish, so all you have to do is carve the meat off the chicken, chop your veggies and fruit, rough chop your nuts and coat it with the scrumptious creamy sauce! It comes together in a cinch. Its even better with fresh dill, so if you have it on hand toss some of that goodness in too!