Happy Friday my sweet Foodie friends!
Soups, soups, soups…
remember the Wonton Soup I shared last week? Well, I guess one bowl of soup was not enough! Mr. Bird has been chirping quite a bit lately about more soup! Wonton was good, but he wants Chicken! So after our morning ride we visited the local fresh market. Before long we were on our way home with 2 fresh organic chickens.
Our mission….Cherry Smoked Chicken!
Mr. Bird prepped the smoker and I prepared the hot and spicy rub….into the smoker and after just 2 ½ hours the Birds were ready! (Chicken too!)
After a few burned fingers
I managed to de-bone one of the chickens. We had amazing pulled chicken sandwiches that evening (I’ll share that one another time) Using cherry wood in a smoker creates such a light and slightly cherry smoky flavor. Pair it with barbeque sauce, its amazing! I know my friends at
would love this! In fact, I’m sure we have enough Smoked Chicken for the whole gang! Definitely Food-coma worthy! Come on over!
Soup was on the menu, but not just any soup! I had a few special treats under my wing!
Fresh veggies, oh yes please!
Organic carrots, onions, tiny new potatoes and celery all washed and chopped! Sauté all with fresh minced garlic, basil, rosemary, sea salt and Hungarian pepper. The smells were heavenly. I knew I was in trouble when Mr. Bird fluttered through the kitchen chirping something about starvation,lol I threw him a few chopped veggies and told him to hang on! Good things come to those who wait!
Cherry smoked chicken…
Added to the mix was amazing. Cooked on low until the veggies were just slightly soft, tasting just right! I love to add fresh spinach right at the end, stirred just until it wilts. Perfect!
Puff pastry to the rescue!
Puff pastry is great! I wasn’t in the mood to make my own today so good old Pepperidge Farm was a perfect stand in. Just roll it out, place chicken veggie filling down the middle and braid this sweet little bundle! I like to brush the top with egg; it added such a golden brown glow. Into the oven at 375 for 30 minutes.
Not done yet!
Dividing the second sheet of puff pastry, adding filling and folding into sweet little bundles! Baked as well for about 25 minutes!
And there you have it! Three meals in one!
Veggie Chicken Braid…great for the family!
Individual Chicken Puffs…lunch anyone?
And of course, Smoked Cherry Chicken Vegetable soup!
Needless to say, the Bird’s nest is a happy one! Mr. Bird is singing a happy tune with all of these choices. I love preparing more than one meal at a time, it makes future meal prep so easy! I hope you all have an amazing weekend! Thanks for visiting the Bird’s nest!
And as always, blessings to you all!
