My Favorite Chicken Pot Pie

NOTE: This recipe makes two pot pies! I double the recipe to make 4 and share/freeze them for us and family or friends.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (I do carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
• ⅓ cup butter or margarine
• ½ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole or evaporated milk 
• 2 cups roasted chicken, chopped
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked and chopped russet potatoes 
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. pepper
• 4 unbaked pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

INSTRUCTIONS

To Make the Filling

1. Sauté butter and onion in large skillet

2. Boil chopped russet potatoes for 12 -15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Roast (or buy) a chicken using herbs and spices that are soft (Rosemary, thyme, etc)

4. Go back to skillet and add flour and stir until mixed and smooth.

5. Add broth and milk. Keep on medium and stir with whisk slowly until it bubbles and is thick (about 10-15 minutes). 

6. Mix in chicken, frozen veggies, salt, and pepper, and potatoes.

7. Let cool completely 

8. Place pie crust in pans. Fill and then top with a second crust. Fold edges under and crimp. Poke slits in the top. 

To bake now: 375 degrees for 30

Minutes; then let cool for 10.

To freeze: prepare same as above- cover with foil and place in freezer. When ready to cook it can go straight to the oven from frozen. Bake at 375 for 75 minutes. 

Sensory Activities .. Round 2

There are hundreds and thousands of pins showing great sensory activities. I tried sensory bags as tummy time when my LO was younger, but he wasn't totally on board. 

Well, I figured why not try again? First we tried the water bottled with glitter (maybe glitter overload - whoops mommy) and shape buttons. He is mildly interested at first. Later, he found it in the ground and decided it was a good chew you and slightly intriguing. 

Next up: ribbon box, so he could chew and pull in various ribbons. This one was a little more fascinating and has a longer play life. I will definitely keep bringing it out, as he can figure out a few new skills with this one. 

It was easy to make, as I had plenty of ribbon around and a shoe box. I just tied the ribbons at different lengths, so they couldn't come through the box completely. I also used various textures. 

Last up for this week: sensory bag (again), except I used water instead of hair gel. It makes a much better noise and would be easier to clean up if he broke into it. He is enjoying it much more now! 

I will definitely keep trying sensory activities. I feel they will become more interesting as he gets older and will come in handy during cold winter months! Plus, I normally have everything in the house already (like this time).