Honey Glazed Tarragon Chicken and Gravy (Freezer/Batch Recipe)

Honey glazed tarragon chicken is a great meal to have stocked in your freezer for a quick and easy meal.  In just about the time it takes to warm through, dinner is ready.  You can serve this chicken and gravy over rice or noodles or for an even quicker and easier meal, over toasted bread for a hot open face sandwich.  Add a side vegetable (you always have frozen veggies on hand, right?) and dinner is served!

Honey Glazed Tarragon Chicken

The recipe below makes 4 servings but its easy to make up a big batch for the freezer.

1 pound bone-in chicken breast, skin removed

1 tsp dried tarragon leaves or 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

1 tsp chicken base or 1 chicken bullion cube

1/4 cup honey

3 tbsp flour

1 cup water

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper and tarragon and cook the chicken until done.  You can bake the chicken in a covered baking dish or you can use a pressure cooker.  Follow all the manufacturers directions when using a pressure cooker.  Once the chicken is cooked, remove it to a dish to cool.  Reserve all the cooking liquids.  When cool enough to handle, remove the bones and break the chicken meat into chunks.
2. Add the chicken, chicken base and the honey to the reserved cooking liquid.
1. Cool, package and freeze the chicken with the cooking liquid.  Be sure to label, date and include the remaining instructions for finishing the recipe
3. Bring the chicken and liquid to a simmer in a large saucepan.  Make a slurry of the flour and water and add it to the saucepan while stirring continually.  Simmer for 5 minutes more until the gravy is thickened and everything is warmed through.
4. Serve over rice, noodles or toasted bread. 

Daisy Bonnet Crochet Pattern

Its been snowing nearly everyday and everyone is sick of the winter weather.  Soon enough spring will arrive and all the flowers will be blooming.  If you can't wait for the real flowers, the cheerful daisy on this bonnet may help.  I made this bonnet in the bright funky colors of a gerbera daisy but you could make the petals white for the classic shasta daisy.

This pattern uses US crochet terms.  If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will do my best to help you.  This pattern fits on my large 6 month old but for an average size baby I would say this is a size 9-12 months.  Using a smaller crochet hook will result in a smaller bonnet.

The materials needed are about 2 ounces of main color worsted weight yarn, scraps yarn for the flower center and petals, a size H crochet hook, a blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends and scissors.

To make the flower center:

Foundation : ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook to form a ring

Round 1: ch 3, 7 dc into the ring, sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join, fasten off

To make the petals:

Round 2: Join petal color to any stitch of the flower center, ch 3 (this acts as dc here and throughout), 1 tr, then 1 dc in the same stitch, *dc, tr, dc (petal cluster made) in the next stitch repeat from * around, sl st to top of beginning stitch to join, fasten off. You should have 8 petals.

With main color:

Round 3: Join main color to the space between any two petals, ch 3, dc, ch 1 2 dc in same stitch, *2dc, ch1 2dc (split cluster made) in next space between petals, repeat from * around, sl st to top of beginning stitch to join. You should have 8 split clusters.

Row 1: Sl st in next st and into the ch 1 space of split cluster, ch 3, 2 dc in same space, *3dc in next space, (the space may be between two clusters or the ch 1 space within the cluster), repeat from * around. You should have 16 clusters. Do not join the round.

Row 2: Ch 3, turn the work, skip the first cluster and *3 dc in next space between clusters, repeat from * around. Place 1 dc in the top of the last stitch. You will have 15 clusters.

Row 3: Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in the first space (ch 3 + 2dc make the first cluster), *3 dc in next space between clusters, repeat from * around to the last space. You will have 16 clusters.

Repeat rows 2 & 3 6 more times for a total of 15 rows.

Finishing: ch 1 to ease around the corner, sc evenly around the lower edge placing 2 sc in the end of each row. At the 4th row from the front edge you will place 1 sc, then ch 45, then skip the first ch from the hook and sl st into each chain back up to the bonnet (tie made), then place the 2nd sc into the 4th row and continue the sc border. Once you reach the center back you will skip the 2 slip stitches of round 3 and continue the sc border down the other side. Once you come to the 4th row from the front edge make the second tie in the same way as previously described. Once the tie is made you will continue the sc border in the last 3 rows to the front edge. Ch 1 to ease around the corner then place *1 sc in each of the first 2 dc then 1 sc into the space between the clusters, repeat all the way across the front edge. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Please link back to this original pattern when sharing.

Submitted to Hookin on Hump Day on Moogly
Submitted to Link & Share Wednesday Party at Oombawka Design Crochet
Submitted to Craft Frenzy Friday
Submitted to Hookin On Hump Day on Moogly 

See some of my other patterns

Football Coaster

Starburst Motif

Green Coaster

Baseball Coaster
Posey Coaster
Clover Coaster

Tetracuspid Hypocycloid Crochet Pattern

This pattern makes tetracuspid hypocycloids.  Ah, What?!  You know the little star-like symbols on the Pittsburgh Steelers logo?  Those are tetracuspids hypocycloids, also known as astroids, also known as paracycles, also known as those little colored stars on the Pittsburgh Steelers logo.  There is even a mathematical calculation to that funny little shape.  Alas, you are not here for me to explain mathematics, you are here for crochet patterns.

This pattern can used to make appliques to add to another project but what I have in mind is for these to be a set of coasters.  I made these in the Pittsburgh Steelers logo colors but these could be made in any color.  You need something to set your Yuengling down on when you are watching football, right?


This pattern uses US crochet terms.  I used worsted weight yarn and size G crochet hook.   If you have any questions about this pattern, leave me a comment and I will do my best to help.

Tetracuspid Hypocycloid Pattern

For this pattern cluster = [sc, hdc, dc, ch1, dc, hdc, sc]

1. Ch 3 , sl st in 3rd ch from hook to form a ring
2. ch 2, 12 hdc in ring, sl st to top of beginning ch 2 to join
3. ch 2, 1hdc in the first st, 2 hdc in the next 11 st around, sl st to top of beginning ch to join
4. ch 1, *skip 1 st, cluster in the next st, skip 1 st, 1 sc in next 3 st,  repeat from * 3 more times, sl st to beginning ch1 to join.
5. Ch1, *skip 1 st sc2tog, cluster in next ch 1 space, sc2tog [see note], skip 1 st, 1 sc in next 3 st, repeat from * 3 more times, sl st to beginning ch1 to join
6. ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 sc, *sc2tog,  cluster in ch 1 space, sc2tog, 1 sc, skip 1 st, 1 sc in next 3 st, skip 1 st, repeat from * 3 more times, sl st to beginning ch1 to join.
7. Weave in ends and block lightly with steam iron,
    [note] Since the cluster is so many stitches in a single stitch it will most likely be covering the first stitch of the sc2tog.  Be sure to pull the cluster back to expose that hidden stitch.
   
   
   Feel free to make this pattern for yourself or as a gift, please link to the original pattern when sharing.
   

   

   
   

[pattern edited 8/19/15]

Bass Clef Applique Pattern

Looking for a crocheted bass clef pattern?  Look no further.  This pattern uses US crochet terms.  I used worsted weight yarn and size G crochet hook.

1. ch 2 , turn, 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook
2. ch 11, turn
3. skip 1st chain from hook, sl st in next 4 ch, 1 sc in next ch, 2 sc in next ch, 2 hdc in next 4 ch, sl st to join disc made in step 1. weave in ends.

for the spots

1. ch 2 turn
2. 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to first sc to join. weave in ends or use them to attach the spots to your finished project.

enjoy.

Are you looking for a pattern for something specific?  I'm always open to requests.  Leave me a comment and I will see what I can whip up!

Leprechaun or Pilgrim Hat Coaster Pattern

Make this coaster in green for a St Patrick's day leprechaun hat or make it in black for a pilgrim hat for thanksgiving.  This pattern uses only single crochet and chain but because the band and buckle are done in tapestry crochet I would say this is an advanced beginner pattern.

Tapestry crochet is done by carrying 2 or more colors of yarn along the work as you go.  You pick up and drop the yarn you need but the stitch is only made in one color at a time.  It can easily become a tangled mess so I suggest using small segments of each color.

To get a nice clean design you have to keep an even tension which can be hard when you are switching between colors.  It can take some practice.  Tapestry crochet can be very detailed but the tapestry crochet in this pattern is very minor.  It would be a good project for anyone new to tapestry crochet.

When switching colors its best to yarn over and pull through with the new color on the stitch before the color change.  It's also best if you can pick one side to be the "wrong" side and always carry your yarn on that side.  As you turn your work the "wrong" side may be facing you or facing away from you.  A final tip I have for you regarding tapestry crochet is to leave long tails.  When you weave these tails into your work you can sometimes use them to cover areas where the hidden color is showing a bit.

This pattern uses US crochet terms.  The band and buckle on this pattern are done using tapestry crochet.  It may be worthwhile to find a tapestry crochet tutorial before attempting this pattern.  You could also make this pattern with just the band and add a buckle made from felt.  I used worsted weight yarn and a size G hook.  You will also need a blunt tapestry needle to weave in ends.





Leprechaun/Pilgrim Hat Coaster Pattern

1.  with main color: ch 21
2. turn, skip 1 ch and sc in each ch across, ch 1 turn
3. 1 sc in each sc across, ch 1 turn
4. 1 sc in each of the next 6 sc, join buckle color, carry main color and work in buckle color, 1 sc in next 8 sc, drop buckle color, work in main color, 1 sc in each of the next 6 sc, fasten off main color, turn.
5. skip 3 sc, join band color in next sc, 1 sc in next 3 sc, carry band color, pick up and work in buckle color, 1 sc in next 8 sc ,drop buckle color and work in band color, 1 sc in next 3 sc, ch 1 turn
6.  1 sc in next 3 sc, carry band color and pick up and work in buckle color, 1 sc in next 2 sc, carry buckle color and work in band color, 1 sc in next 4 sc, carry band color and work in buckle color, 1 sc in next 2 sc, drop buckle color and work in band color, 1 sc in next 3 sc, ch 1 turn
7. repeat row 6, fasten off band color
8. rejoin main hat color, 1 sc in next 6 sc, carry main color, pick up and work in buckle color, 1 sc in next 8 sc, drop buckle color, work in main color, 1 sc in next 6 sc, ch 1, turn
9. 1 sc in each st across
10. row 10-16, repeat row 

To finish, sc around outer edge placing 1 sc in each st or end of each row.  Place 1 ch in each outside corner to ease around corners.  Weave in ends.  Block lightly with a steam iron.


Please link to this original pattern when sharing.



Check out some of my other patterns
Football Coaster

Conversation Heart Coaster

Green Coaster

Baseball Coaster
Posey Coaster

Read more at http://www.mooglyblog.com/moogly-buttons-and-extras/#lQYbrwAIr1qFjuwl.99

Sand Dollar Coaster Pattern

I have another coaster pattern.  This one was made in buff colored yarn and the design sort of reminds me of a sand dollar.  As much as I love multi-colored motif coasters, using 1 color means the stitches themselves take center stage.  It also means less ends to weave in at the end. :)

This pattern uses US crochet terms.  I used worsted weight cotton yarn and a size H hook but a similar sized hook can be used.

If you have any questions about this pattern, leave a comment and I will do my best to help you out.

1. Ch 3, sl st into 3rd ch from hook to form a ring
2. ch 1, 11 hdc in ring, sl st into first hdc to join
3. ch 2, 2dc in same st, *skip 1 st, 3dc in next st, repeat from * 4 more times, sl st into beginning dc to join
4. sl st in next dc, sl st into space between clusters, ch 2, 2hdc in same space, *1 hdc in each of the next 2 dc, 3 hdc in space between clusters, repeat from * 4 more times, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sl st, sl st into beginning hdc to join
5. *ch 6, skip 4 hdc, 1 sc in next hdc, repeat from * 4 more times, ch 6, sl st into last st of row 4
6. *12 sc in ch 6 space, repeat from * 5 more times, sl st into beginning sc, fasten off, weave ends.
   
   
   
   
   Feel free to make this pattern for yourself, as a gift or to sell but please link to the original pattern when sharing.
   
   
   Check out some of my other patterns
   Football Coaster
   
   Conversation Heart Coaster

   Green Coaster

   Baseball Coaster
   Posey Coaster

Dirty Rice - Freezer Cooking Recipe

I love dirty rice. It's a true comfort food. Warm and spicy, perfect on these cold winter days. When you have the time, there is nothing better than a simmering pot on the stove filling your house with the delicious aroma.

 Make a double or triple batch and freeze it for when time is short. You can freeze this once its completely finished for a heat & eat meal or stop just before adding the rice. Then you when you are ready to eat just add the rice and a cup of water to the prepared base and simmer until the rice is done.

This is the kind of recipe that works great for batch cooking.  The peppers, onion and celery give this dish a rich flavor but it takes some time to chop all those vegetables. You can chop the vegetables for three batches in just about the same amount of time as for one batch. The simmering takes some times too. So you might as well simmer 3 batches all at once. In the end you have dinner for tonight and 2 in the freezer for later.

Ingredients (4 servings):
1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks of celery with leaves, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, mined
1 TBSP worcestershire sauce
1 cup homemade chicken stock or beef stock
2 TSP bacon fat or vegetable oil
salt and pepper
cayenne pepper powder (to taste)

Heat the bacon fat in a cast iron dutch over or other large pot.  Season the ground beef with salt and pepper and fry in the fat for about 5 minutes until it is mostly cooked.  As you are frying, break the beef up into small pieces.

Add the vegetables and stir to combine.  Cook on medium for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Stir in the chicken stock and worcestershire sauce.  You can stop at this point, cool, and freeze the base.  To continue the recipe add 1 cup uncooked rice and 1 cup water and simmer at medium heat for 20 -30 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Garnish with fresh parsley and Louisiana style hot sauce.

**To continue this recipe from the freezer, add the uncooked rice and water to the thawed base and simmer until the rice is tender and everything is warmed through.  If needed you can use the base directly from the freezer but it may take a bit longer to cook.


This recipe was submitted to the MaMade Blog Hop