HENRY!

First off, I believe it is necessary to begin this blog by expressing that it is only 11:00 A.M. in Arizona right now, and I feel like I have successfully completed an entire day. Secondly, anyone reading this who knows me--that is, if anyone is even reading this at all--knows that I name every single pet-animal-creature-alien-anything really...Henry. So, naturally, I had to name the whole chicken stewing in my crock pot Henry. As a former vegetarian, now turned carnivore again, I feel as though poor Henry is screaming at me trying to escape his inevitable third death/slaughter. Either way, let's just put it this way--after having to move the "young chicken" from it's packaging, clean the bird, and throw it in its dungeon, I washed my hands clean of the job. Actually, I scrubbed them clean with lots of antibacterial products. Anyway, enough of my ranting, let's get to the yummy part--the end result!

But first-Just in case anyone who is reading this and does not know me--once again, if anyone is even reading this at all--I feel compelled to give a brief biography.

Full Name: Elizabeth Stowe (last name revoked for stalking purposes)
Interesting Fact: I was named after Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin--which everyone should have learned about in 7th grade History class--and as an avid reader, I'm ashamed to say I have not read it, but have a copy on my ghetto bookcase (another story, another time)
Hometown: Dear old Rumson, New Jersey. Born a city gal in Manhattan, but always a Jersey girl. You should definitely listen to the song Jersey Girl by Bruce Springsteen (the Boss)--it is the song I have tortured men with in the past. Also, to toot my own horn right now, I was lucky enough to live a few doors down from the Boss himself. Yes, be jealous.
Age: I was born just short of being a Valentine's Day baby--February 15th. I am twenty two, and yes, very confused.
Currently: Well, in a nutshell, I am currently living with two fools in Arizona, and finishing up my last semester of undergrad at ASU for Religious Studies. I am avoiding the real world at all costs--Grad school it is! I live in a very whimsical fantasy world where Joey, my baby girl Roxie-not a baby, a cockapoo-my family, and my savvy girlfriends, could all peacefully live and drink vino all day and eat lots of cheese and crackers. Yum. Oh, and have all of the money in the world...preferably so I can buy myself a ring and slip it to Joey to give it to me.

...However, I can't give everything away quite yet, I mean, if I DO have readers, I want you all to come back!

So, back to Henry it is!

What's in store for din din--Chicken Enchiladas with "Usable Chicken" a la Regina Murphy and a fabulous bottle of Pinot Grigio--but, probably beer for my man, because I don't share the goods...

AND YOU TOO CAN NOW MAKE USABLE CHICKEN FOR CHICKEN ENCHILADAS!

(IN A SCREECHING MOTIVATIONAL TONE)

DINNER A LA HENRY

Usable Chicken a la Slow Cooker

1 Whole Chicken or Package of your favorite parts (gross)
4 cups of water
2 tbsp parsley
2 tsp garlic salt
1-2 bay leaves
1 tbsp minced onion
1 tsp Lawry's seasoning salt

Place all the ingredients in crockery to create a magical/scrumptious Henry

Cook on low for 6-8 hours
Cook on high for 3-4 hours

**Gina, my second mother/idol says that this recipe is a great one to do the night before & that you can use the chicken in any sort of casseroles-soups-etc. And believe me, take her advice, because she raised five Irish screaming boys. Meggy, the youngest and only daughter, was the last of the litter, and a saint. I honestly could boast about Meggy and Gina forever so I'll stop there--but hmm, there's an idea for another post**

Chicken Enchiladas a la Henry

One crockery of Usable Chicken (the name makes me laugh)
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chiles
1 onion-diced
1 batch Mexican gravy, AKA Enchilada sauce--Gina says store bought is perfect
4 oz of each: Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese-grated
1 can chopped olives
1 dozen corn tortillas

Filling: Skin, debone, and cut-up Henry (see, now it's his fourth slaughter) Stir in chiles, onion, and one cup of gravy

Assembly: Dip tortilla in gravy and lie flat. Fill the center with 3 tbsp. of filling and roll tightly. Place seam side down in a 9X13 pan. Pour any extra sauce of the top. Cover with cheese & top with olives.

Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with sour cream and erase all notions of Henry said here from your mind!

Thank you Gina and Henry.

Well ladies and gents, back to my semi-real world, I have tons of photos that need editing.

Bon Appetit!