Hang in There

Hang in there

and it's not even Friday yet.

One of those days,

where you can't wait for the day to be over

and the next to begin.

One of those days where vehicle trouble doesn't want to end

and kids are being kids.

Where heat is unbearable and you have places to go

and things to do

and you'd rather be home.

We took the family out to eat at an Asian restaurant for supper, and my fortune cookie told me

"Luck is with you today"

Hmm, really? lol, because I today if I had any good luck I didn't see it.

But I am grateful for yesterday, because it was great,

and tomorrow will be a great day also!

Last night I went on my walk, and the little frog above was stuck to the side of my house.  He was so darned cute!  And he was asleep; he woke up a little bit and his eyes came a little open when I snapped my 5th photo of him.  Then, he snuggled back down and closed his eyes and went back to sleep.  I love it's little suction cup toes Ü 

 I didn't see it tonight, so I'm wondering if he has made a home in my flowers underneath where it was hanging.  I suppose with the heat coming down a bit in the evening, even frogs need to get out of their hiding spots and get some fresh air!

Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi CopyCat Soup

Have you ever been to The Olive Garden? 

 Whenever I go there, I have always gotten their Chicken Gnocchi Soup, I LOVE that soup!

Since I don't live that close to their restaurant, however, I decided to try to make their soup using a copycat recipe.  And guess what?  It tastes exactly the same!  Just as good, AND I had leftovers! 

It was very easy to make.  I bought a rotisserie chicken, a small bag of shredded carrots, a bag of already made gnocchi, and some fresh spinach. 

 

Here is the recipe I used from

http://www.copycat.com/

Ingredients

1 tablespoons extra virgin oil
4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

1 quart half and half

1/2 cup celery, finely diced
1 cup onion, finely diced
2 minced garlic cloves
2 -14 ounce cans of chicken broth if you enjoy thick soup, use one can
1 cup carrots, finely shredded
1 cup chicken breasts, cooked and diced (you can use a rotisserie chicken)
1 package gnocchi, cooked  (you can find these in gourmet/pasta section of the grocery store - you may want to cut the gnocchi in half if it is large, or purchase the mini size if available)
1 cup of fresh spinach coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

Saute the onion, celery, and garlic in the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent. Add the flour and make a roux. Let the butter and flour mixture cook for about a minute before adding 1 quart of half and half.
Cook gnocchi according to package directions.
Into the roux, add in the carrots and chicken. Once the mixture becomes thick, add the chicken broth. Once the mixture thickens again, add the cooked gnocchi, spinach, and seasoning; simmer until soup is heated through.  Before serving season to taste by adding additional salt.

I would definitely suggest using the sprinkle of nutmeg on top before serving, it adds that little special something to make it even more delicious!!

I served this with some homemade garlic bread, and chunky salad!!

YUMMY!!

Enjoy Ü