Alright, if I must be totally and completely honest, I am a fledgling chef.  Chef even seems a little too much so maybe I should say “cook” but even that sounds too professional so let’s just say that I’m a mom that loves to cook but I really, for the love of God, just want to make something that everyone will eat.  Which, of course, is just a big HA because my children do not have the most sophisticated palates unless you count chicken nuggets, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and ham as sophisticated.   In that case,  they would be VERY sophisticated eaters.

Whenever I have a foodie-type question, my dear friend Jennifer, who has been my BFF since we were both 12 and met at Craig Middle School (Go Cougars!), is my girl. She is one knowledgeable lady on all things cooking. In fact, she used to spend most of her time doing restaurant PR which entails writing press releases for restaurants and had the privilege to work with a real chef or two. In other words, the girl knows her food and she can write.

So we are starting something called MMMM Monday – a new tasty and EASY recipe will be shared so you can put it on the week’s menu if you feel so inclined. Jennifer will usually write it though when she is swamped with her other jobs, you will be stuck with yours truly. Sorry. I will do my best.
Like I said – I am learning…After you get a taste of her, there will be a groan that will summon in your inner being though you won’t want to admit it to me. That’s OK. I know.

We also believe in serving those in need. This includes mamas with new babies, surgeries in the family, and God forbid, illness or tragedies. We know life happens. Sometimes the only thing you can do is to make some food for the afflicted family to simply say “I’m here for you and want to do one thing that will make your life easier – at least for tonight.” We will include “Meals for Mamas” ideas in which you will be able to simply go to a recipe and see other sides, etc. that could be made for an easy but thoughtful meal for a family in need.

Without further ado, here’s today’s recipe that you will LOVE LOVE LOVE:

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

1-2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts

1-2 bottles of buffalo sauce

(I use Kroger’s Mild but it still has a zing to it!  If you like arse-kickin’ you could go with other brands)

1 packet of ranch dressing mix

Combine buffalo sauce and ranch dressing mix together in a slow cooker (start with one bottle and add more if needed – will depend on how much chicken you use!)

Add chicken and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.  Shred chicken finely with two forks. Cook for another hour or so.

Serve on buns topped with shredded cheddar and ranch dressing.  YUM!!!

I have to swat JJ away from these like the Dad from “The Christmas Story” and his turkey.

They are phenom!

We actually had these for dinner tonight.  I took photos.  I had dreams of a “Food and Wine” photo.  Yeah.  Not so much. They’re hilarious because I am a bigger fledgling photographer than a fledgling chef.  Not to mention that Jennifer told me food is the hardest subject to shoot.  Lovely.  The pictures are not.  Here is one:

Now doesn’t this delicious photo make you want to sink your teeth into that sandwich?

Whew – luckily, they taste better than my photos and I have learned that I know more about cooking than I do photography.

However, I was greeted by two little people who tried on my boots while whipping up dinner this evening so of course, I must share with the masses…

Like our get-ups?

“Meals for Mamas” Idea:

Serve above with chips (Sun Chips rule – as my friend, Jennifer from “Playgroups Are No Place For Children” said – “Sun Chips are laced with crack” or something along those lines.  They are.  I can’t stop eating them once I start.  Dangerous stuff.  By the way, if you haven’t read Jennifer’s blog, you must.  Click on the link and go visit her!  She’s hilarious!), broccoli or some other green veggie, and chocolate chip cookies.  I always throw in a Crystal Light mix, too.  Voila!  Meal for a Mama that is easy, healthy and communicates that you care. Ahhh….