I know it’s been quite a while, and I’m truly sorry.  I know I mentioned a new job recently, and yes, that’s taken quite a bit of my time and energy – getting used to new faces and personalities, as well as what my day to day tasks are.  It’s all been a bit stressful, and instead of crafting, sewing, and cooking, I’ve been using enjoying my down time with MM, and going on trips with friends.

That being said, colleagues of MM will be coming into town this week!  Instead of doing the normal group meal out at a restaurant, MM asked if I would be willing to have the whole group of people that reside in the main office over to our house for dinner instead.

Because I’m mad with power and love the control (and am a bit masochistic), I agreed, and plans began to be made.

The original plan was to make the Slow Cooker Cheese Stuffed Meatballs, complete with Penne and green beans of the buttery garlic variety.  But then we found out that one of MM’s new colleagues eats pretty healthy, and as part of that, doesn’t eat red meat (thank goodness that MM’s thought that she was vegan was incorrect – I’m not sure what I would do about that).

Therefore, I’m adding Chicken Marsala to the menu.  It’s going to be a fair amount of cooking for me, but since the meatballs will be in the slow cooker, I’ll be saved a bit.  Still, I’m biting off a lot, and hopefully, I’ll be able to chew it!

Meanwhile, in a streak of non-conformity, I decided that despite the 80 degree weather we’re enjoying this weekend, I had a craving for soup.  So, I found an oldie but a goodie in a recipe I hadn’t made for at least a year and a half.  Went a little crazy with the modifications, to the point where I had to change up the pot along the way, but it turned out really good!  So, I’ve created a page for Veggie Chowder, just for you.  I hope you all enjoy!